There's a recent commercial I saw when watching my weekly (let’s be honest, more like daily) dose of reality tv to unwind. It was for Poise and featured Katherine Heigl of Grey’s Anatomy fame. Essentially it shows Katherine offering a mom with an elementary school aged child Poise pads to protect her from light bladder leakage in early menopause. On the one hand, I thought great - they are breaking the stigma of leakage a bit and making it easier to talk about. Considering this is something over 50% of women experience, why is it taboo to speak about!? On the other hand, I was irritated, because it also sends a message to women that we should just deal with it, accept the fact that we might leak when we laugh, or sneeze, or cough too hard for the rest of our lives, and just buy Poise to protect our clothes. I wish Poise followed up the commercial with a quick ad for Pelvic Floor PT - but clearly I am not an ad exec. 

What is an ECV?

ECV, or external cephalic version, is a procedure to turn a breech baby head-down before birth. A trained provider places their hands on the outside of your belly and gently guides your baby toward a head-down (cephalic) position. Whether to have one is always your choice.

Babies don’t come with manuals. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked to parents and they all describe the same feeling. Being discharged from the hospital with a mix of excitement, relief, and the feeling of “are you sure I’m qualified to take care of this tiny human?”. We all need support as we transition to parenthood.

One of the biggest concerns new parents have is: “Am I making enough milk?”

The good news?

1. Oftentimes it is “perceived low supply,” and not true low milk supply.

2. If there is a true low milk supply, it is often manageable once you understand what’s going on.

In some ways, the process of birth is straightforward. Once you are pregnant (yes that in itself can be a long and challenging road for many). But once you are pregnant, you yourself don’t have to do anything really for this baby to grow beyond taking care of yourself. You don’t have to figure out how to grow its heart, fingers or earlobes! And that’s a good thing, right? Because how would you find time for all that! It’s all part of a process that is happening in this amazing body of yours. When the body is ready (or actually when the baby is ready), the pituitary gland in the brain sends powerful messages in the form of oxytocin to the uterus and labor begins. "Typical" birth (the kind most are imagining) includes early labor, active labor, and pushing the baby out. Although there are variations and each birth is quite distinct and varied. It is the same process for hundreds and thousands of years. So what is the worry then? Whatever your answer is; pain, fear, the unknown… mindfulness is an approach that can hold all of those things.

One of the first big decisions you’ll make during pregnancy is choosing your provider. The good news? If you’re in the Boston area, you have an incredible range of high-quality options, and there truly is a provider out there who will feel like the right fit for you and your family.

We talk to many parents-to-be who know they want thoughtful, supportive care, but aren’t quite sure whether they’d prefer an OB/GYN or a midwife. Both are excellent choices, and both play a critical role in pregnancy and birth. Let’s break down the similarities, differences, and common misconceptions to help you decide what might work best for you.

“Colic” — a dreaded 5-letter word to expecting and new parents. But what is it exactly, and how do we manage it?

Colic doesn’t harm your baby but of course, hugely impacts parents. My first daughter, born in 2014, was colicky. I was exhausted and filled with self-doubt. Why was I unable to soothe her? I also received conflicting advice from well-meaning family and friends. That experience was the reason I became a doula!

Birth doulas are widely popular, so much so that people no longer give you a, “huh, wha…?” look when you tell them you’re working with a birth doula! Planning for a birth is very helpful, and the evidence around doulas is clear; they lead to better birth outcomes, and more satisfaction in the overall birthing process.

The first few weeks of breastfeeding your baby can feel like you’re the main character navigating the ups and downs in a romantic comedy.

...Sleepless in Seattle

…How to Lose [Your Confidence] in 10 Days

…While Your Were [Not] Sleeping

…10 Things I Hate About [Breastfeeding]

…About Last Night

Newborn acne is a harmless collection of small red or white bumps that spread across baby's face (nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead). About 20% of infants develop newborn acne anywhere from 2- 6 weeks of age. Although it's similar to adult acne, it does not have white heads or blackheads the way teenage/adult acne does.

Wondering what skincare products are safe during pregnancy? When it comes to skincare during pregnancy, things get a little tricky. With a tiny human growing inside, harsh chemicals and certain ingredients can be off-limits. Worry not, though! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to maintain your beautiful skin safely throughout your pregnancy.

Pack a bag with comfy clothes, undies, toiletries, phone chargers, snacks, and things that make you feel safe (ex: favorite pillow, music and bluetooth speaker, slippers, favorite robe, elastics to keep your hair back, a water bottle, as well as your birth preferences, some clothes for baby.

Is your baby’s scalp a snow globe? Cradle cap (or, medically known as 'infantile seborrheic dermatitis) is a collection of white or yellow scaly patches on a baby's scalp. The condition isn't harmful or itchy, but can cause buildup of thick scales that are difficult to remove.

Some physical and emotional changes are normal after having a baby. However, some of those changes are outside of the range of normal. Here are red flags to look for postpartum.