You’re getting into the hospital in labor. And….you feel your heart almost pound out of your chest. So how do you reduce those spikes of adrenaline? And WHY does this matter? When our nervous system isn’t regulated, it can impact the fibers in the uterus and increase pain during contractions. Adrenaline can also literally stop contractions. Here are some ways to reduce that adrenaline...

Picture this: You’ve been at home all day with your 7-week-old. You need a solo walk outside after your partner comes home from work… but they want to make dinner together.

Or…your in-laws want to visit the new baby ASAP and stay for a week….you need more time before visitors show up.

SO HOW TO DO ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED? ESPECIALLY WHEN 99% of your day is caring for a new baby.

Have a baby (or babies) in the NICU? We’ve got you. Kathleen, owner of Boston Area Doulas, was born at 8 weeks premature with her twin sister. We hold a special place in our hearts for premie babies and their families. Here are 5 things to know about the NICU:

What is postpartum sweating? When does it occur and how long does it last? How can you cope with postpartum sweating?

Is reflux serious? As long as your baby is happy, growing at a good pace, and healthy, reflux should not be a concern. However, there’s also GERD— gastroesophageal reflux disease—which is what happens when reflux is more severe and longer lasting. GERD could impact your baby’s ability to gain weight and can be uncomfortable. Here is what to look for and when to reach out to your pediatrician or medical provider…

“Colic” — a dreaded 5-letter word to expecting and new parents. But what is it exactly? Colic is defined by intense crying or fussiness in a healthy baby that happens with frequency and regularity, typically in evening. It is not a diagnosis, but usually, a symptom of someth…

Traveling with a baby can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a little planning and preparation, you can make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

A situation that feels sudden, overwhelming, or dangerous can lead to a trauma response. Fight, fight or freeze. As doulas, we try our best to reduce and prevent trauma. It’s important to know one of the simplest ways to reduce the effects of birth trauma and vicarious trauma. IT’S CALLED BILATERAL STIMULATION. It regulates the nervous system. It encourages better communication between the two sides of the brain. This helps emotional processing and regulation. What does bilateral stimulation look like?

7 out of 10 people experience perinatal anxiety. 4 out of 10 people experience perinatal depression. 1 in 10 partners experience PMADs (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders). 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬: Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders do not go away on their own. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬: They are treatable! You have to first know what they look like.

For breastfeeding or chestfeeding parents: Since you don’t have ounce markers on your breasts, it can be hard to tell how much milk your baby is getting.

If you’d like more “data”, you can try a #weightedfeed with a lactation-trained doula! The weighted feed entails 3 steps…

Think back to a time you were exhausted…overtired…and fell into bed…but felt like your mind couldn’t turn off. You had a second wind …adrenaline and cortisol is spiking, making it tricky of fall asleep. Same thing happens to babies when they get overtired! Signs of OVERTIRED babies include:

★ Crying uncontrollably

★ Flailing arms and legs

★ Fussing

★ Making more jerky body movements

★ Being more easily startled

Yes you will sleep…but first let’s level set. Let’s talk about the realities of newborn sleep (what’s normal). Then a few tips for better parent sleep.

During pregnancy, it is common to experience heartburn, constipation, colds and other types of infections (yeast, urinary tract, gingivitis) as well as day to day symptoms like hay fever or seasonal allergies. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of these medication. Below is a list of medications that are approved for use in pregnancy. We also included a list of what is not “safe” in pregnancy.

Many pregnant people experience constipation and diarrhea while pregnant. There are some normal reasons for this, but definitely other reasons that are outside the range of normal. Learn more about what normal and what is not normal when it comes to your digestion during pregnancy. If you have concerns, please let your medical provider know— whether it’s your OB, midwife, PCP, or nutritionist.

I’m having a baby soon. What should I pack for the hospital?