Get To Know Dina Piccioni, Birth & Postpartum Doula

Dina is a passionate, dedicated birth and postpartum doula. She believes strongly in a mother’s instinct and decision making process. She is non-jugemental and opened minded, supporting a mother’s choices 100%. Read on to learn more about Dina! Where were you born? Toronto, Ontario Canada How long have you lived in the DMV? Since July 1999 Tell me about the moment you wanted to be a doula.I knew it after the birth of my granddaughter. That was the first time …

Get to Know Danie Crofoot, Balanced Birth Support’s Traveling Doula!

Its so obvious that Danie has an immense, strong calling to supporting birthing families. They are a full-spectrum doula, and supports families in all circumstances and outcomes. Having moved away from their childhood home on an adventure to New York City, Danie is no stranger to uncertainty and unpredictability, and as a Traveling Doula, they will be there to your support you during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum wherever you are, near or far. Read on to learn more about Danie! …

Get To Know Angie Smith; Birth Doula, Lactation Consultant, and Childbirth Educator

Angie Smith has been a birth doula with Balanced Birth Support for nearly a year now, and in that time has exponentially increased not only her birth training, but significantly expanded her  services. In addition to comprehensive birth doula services, she also offers red tent ceremonies, placenta prints, and breastmilk jewelry. She is also a certified Reiki II practitioner.  As I write this, Angie is at The Farm in Tennessee training to be a midwife’s assistant.  She is incredibly passionate …

Want to Teach Lamaze? Take Jamie’s Teacher Educator Class This October!

Birthing Babies Virginia is the Seminar program and it is being taught by Jamie Mueller, a local Lamaze Educator and Doula who lives in Lovettsville, VA and is a contracted doula with Balanced Birth Support. The first step to becoming a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator is to take the 3 day educator seminar. This seminar also comes with a free year of membership to the Lamaze DC Chapter which will mentor you, provide you with CEUs, and advertise your classes …

Meet Stephanie! A Balanced Birth Support NC Doula & Birth Photographer

I am really loving getting to know the Balanced Birth Support doulas!  I continue to be in awe of their dedication not only to the birthing families that they work with, but also to their own families, community and the world around them. Stephanie Capps is one of our North Carolina team members, providing doula and photography services to the families of Raleigh and the surrounding areas.  As the mother of two young children, she left behind the corporate world …

Breastfeeding Resources & Where To Find Local Support

If you are planning to breastfeed, it’s important to have good, solid resources available to you both before and after the baby is born. Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn’t always come naturally and support is essential if you want to achieve your goals, no matter what those goals are.  I’ve listed several go-to resources below; check them out before you go into labor so you know what to expect in breastfeeding from the moment your baby is born.  Books*Links …

Partner Birth Affirmations! (Free Printable!)

Affirmations are not just for mothers! Partners and support people are so important to the birthing family, so its important to take care of them too! Birth partners can also experience fear and anxiety at the uncertainly of birth and parenting, and can sometimes let those feelings get the better of them! Partner affirmations can help birth partners stay stay calm and present during labor and birth so the entire family as a beautiful and positive experience.  Free Printable Partner …

How To Alleviate Common Pregnancy Complaints (Without Medication)

There are many unpleasant side effects that occur during pregnancy or are aggravated by being pregnant. Constipation, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, morning sickness, heartburn and indigestion, are normal and common ailments that have over the counter remdemies that are safe for pregnancy, but many woman would prefer for a more natural approach. Many ailments can be lessened or alleviated completely by reliving stress, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, being active, and drinking enough water. If you are suffering from a cold, …