So what does this mean for the baby industry specifically? 

You'll find FRs in many items that have the potential to catch on fire: building materials, furniture, upholstry, cars parts, etc. The most unsettling part of this study was the fact that many small children have more exposure to these chemicals than their own parents do. HOW? Well, to meet the ASTM standards to pass into the US market, you have to meet their flammability standard. Baby products, especially, must meet it.

Unfortunately, instead of opting for the safe, but more expensive, naturally fire-resistant options, some companies cut costs and use cheaper materials that they then spray with toxic chemicals in order to meet the standard by coating car seats, foam mats, crib mattresses...even baby pajamas and clothes.

It was absolutely wild to find out that these chemicals are even present on some GREENGUARD Gold Certified products. The reason for this is GREENGUARD Gold tests for chemical emissions, but it isn't focusing on the actual components. So, as long as the fire retardant-soaked foam in a mattress is covered with chemical-free fabric and remains untorn, "you're great" - certified safe. They even state to "Keep existing infant car seats, foam mattress pads and furniture cushions completely encased in protective fabric that is not treated with flame retardants, as torn and exposed foam allows the chemicals to escape more quickly." We are not on board with this.

In order to gain a fire retardant free badge in our collection, the product must be completely clear and free of these unsafe chemicals. 

Further Reading

• CT.gov "Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection's Flame Retardant Fact Sheet"
• CNN.com "Flame retardants found in thousands of consumer products linked to cancer in people for first time"
• GreenSciencePolicy.org "Flame Retardants - Do they save lives or cause harm?"
• NYtimes.com "The Harmful Chemical Lurking in Your Children’s Toys"

At your most recent appointment, you were probably told by your midwife or OB the position of your baby. Most providers will use an ultrasound to determine your baby’s positioning, but skilled practitioners can also use palpation (feeling with their hands) to check with confidence!

The major possibilities are:

• Vertex/Head Down
• Breech/Head Up
• Transverse Lie/Sideways
• Oblique/Diagonal

Before 24-26 weeks, it is normal for the baby to be in the transverse lie position. Usually, by 24-29 weeks babies will turn to be either vertex or breech, ideally vertex. Most babies will flip their heads down on their own, even if they were previously breech, by 28-32 weeks, getting them ready for a descent into the pelvis! It is at this time that the baby’s head is heavy enough that gravity pulls them into a head-down position.

So why is your baby’s positioning such a big deal

• Safety of the birth for both mom and baby
• The breech, transverse, or oblique presentations can potentially (though not always) result in complications during birth.
• Ability to pursue a vaginal birth, if desired
• Due to concerns about possible complications during birth AND the lack of adequate training for most providers today in vaginal breech birth, most providers will consider a breech baby situation a necessary cesarean birth. For moms wanting to pursue a vaginal birth, it is essential to give the baby the best chance possible to flip their head down into a more optimal position.

What if you’ve been told your baby is breech?

If you’ve been told that your baby is breech (or transverse or oblique), the great news is that there are still things you can do to create room in the pelvis and encourage the baby to flip on his/her own!

What contributes to a baby being unable to turn its head down?

Multiple factors can contribute to a baby not turning its head down. One of the biggest contributing factors is imbalance and/or tightness within the mother’s body. While there are other possible contributors, this category is likely responsible for most breech situations.

Other possible contributing factors could include placenta positioning, the amount of amniotic fluid, and the length or positioning of the umbilical cord.

What can you do about it?

If you get to 35+ weeks and the baby is still breech, some midwives/OBs will suggest an external cephalic version. This procedure involves the practitioner using their hands on the mother’s abdomen to apply pressure in an effort to manually turn the baby. While it can help the baby turn and allow the mother to have a vaginal birth in some instances, it can also be a painful procedure and can carry risks.

There are other options that could potentially give the baby the room needed to move into a vertex position on his/her own. These options are all focused on improving the imbalances and/or tightness that may be preventing the baby from having enough room to move around and flip its head down.

Some other options to consider are:

• Chiropractic care with a Webster Technique certified chiropractor
• The Webster Technique is a special chiropractic technique designed for pregnancy. Misalignment and nervous system dysfunction in the pelvic/sacral area can contribute to the baby being unable to move into an ideal position for labor and a difficult labor for the mom. The goal of the Webster Technique is to improve both the biomechanics of the pelvis/sacrum AND improve the function of the nerves that supply the pelvis and reproductive organs, including the uterus. By doing this, chiropractic care can have a positive impact on the ability of the baby to move into a head-down position on their own, comfort for the mom during pregnancy, and potentially an easier labor.
  
  You can find a Webster Technique-certified chiropractor by looking at the ICPA directory at icp4kids.com

• Spinning Babies exercises
• Spinning Babies exercises were designed to prepare the body for labor and birth, keeping normal physiology in mind. When done properly, the Spinning Babies exercises can help balance the ligaments, fascia, and muscles of the pelvis to make it easier for the baby to move into a more ideal position for birth.
  
  Their website, is a wealth of information and provides details about the exercises and how to complete them properly.

• Moxibustion with an acupuncturist
• Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese technique that involves applying heat to certain points on the body. It is thought that this technique works by stimulating the release of prostaglandins that may increase fetal activity and uterine contraction.

Sometimes babies will go vertex and then at some point flip back into the breech position. I don’t come across this often in my chiropractic practice, but anecdotally it seems to be correlated with mom being under a lot of stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like there is a lot to do in preparation for the baby, take some time to relax, enjoy the last few weeks of pregnancy, and trust that everything will be okay!

Remember that babies are innately intelligent. If you do everything you can to support them having enough room to turn and they STILL don’t, perhaps they innately know they were meant not to go head down. For example, a baby with a short umbilical cord or a low-lying placenta may not be able to flip.

One thing to note: If the baby was born breech or spent a significant amount of time in the breech position before turning head down, there could be some physical signs of the way they were stuck in the uterus. Make sure to get their cranium and hips checked by a pediatrician and a pediatric chiropractor.

You’re almost there, Mama! You’re doing a great job!

FOLLOW @biohackingchiros

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

Two times, it seemed that our babe was super super grouchy and we speculated that it might be due to teething so we gave her a breast milk popsicle and she immediately calmed down.

One time, she fell and hurt her mouth, and her gums started to bleed, poor babe. She did the hurricane cry - does anyone else know what I mean when I say this? It’s when they cry so much that in the middle of the cry you just see a wide mouth but it’s completely silent! Anyway, thank goodness I remembered about the popsicles and gave her one as she pretty much calmed down straight away and was happy as a clam. It was the perfect way to soothe her and get something cold in her mouth to help with the pain / swelling!

We also loved having the popsicles in the middle of the hot hot summer, or when our baby had a little fever. Perfect for cooling our little babe down!

These are the food feeders I used to make the popsicles in my bio. I like them because they are easy for Willa to grip her little hands onto and are made of safe materials. I just fill the whole cap with breastmilk and then freeze it upside down, handle up. When taking out of freezer to use I just run it with the cap on under some warm water, and the cap comes off easily and then it’s ready to go!

Top tip: make sure that you’re using fresh breastmilk as you’re not meant to re-freeze breast milk that has been defrosted.

Another bonus - I loved learning about how naturally healing breastmilk is! You can use it to help with diaper rash and other skin issues baby might have, and it REALLY helps with healing sore nipples from breastfeeding!

FOLLOW @christinehanrutledge 

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine is a mother of two with a Master’s in Early Years Education. She has always been passionate about teaching and working with the tiniest humans. Her goal is to provide her family with healthy and sustainable choices at all times, and to share those tips with you!

Visit Christine's page

If this is your first time having a baby, I’m sure the thoughts you’re currently having about labor and delivery are varied. You might be scared, excited, nervous, overwhelmed, calm, or a combination of all of the above. One of the weirdest parts is that unless you’re having a planned induction or c-section, you really just have no idea when baby will make their appearance. You hit 37 weeks and suddenly it’s like… baby could come, like, tomorrow, or in 5 more weeks. So wild.

One of the best ways to fill your time as you wait is to prepare yourself for labor and delivery. I’ve heard plenty of mamas say, “Oh, there’s just so much that will be out of my control so I’m just going to see how it goes,” and to be frank, I don’t really agree with that statement.

Labor is a marathon. You wouldn’t run a marathon without any training, right? Sure, there are tons of things about a marathon that are out of your control, like the weather, who else is running the race, and what spectators will be shouting at you from the sidelines. But you would definitely be training your body and mind before that marathon, right? I think the same for labor and delivery.

Training your Body

It truly is incredible what the female body goes through during labor. I chose to experience labor and delivery with my daughter unmedicated, so I was really able to feel every sensation as I worked through many hours of contractions, and then pushed my baby out. But even if you go the epidural route and have less sensation, that really doesn’t take away from the fact that physiological birth is AMAZING. And so so so taxing on the body! For this reason, I find it imperative to train the body in advance to prepare yourself for successful labor. Here are some of the things I recommend all pregnant women do in preparation for labor and delivery:

• Pelvic tilts: this helps to strengthen your core, open your pelvis, help baby settle in head-down, and can relieve back and pelvic discomfort. Learn how to do it properly here.
• Pelvic floor exercises: these help to strengthen your pelvic floor, which can prevent tearing during delivery, help push baby out more comfortably, and prevent future incontinence. See which exercises are best here.
• Walking: no surprise here, walking is a great form of exercise during pregnancy and is helpful on many fronts. Try to fit in at least 1 2-minute walk each day as you prepare for the baby's arrival!
• Eating dates: studies show that eating dates during pregnancy helps women to have higher cervical dilation, intact membranes, and more spontaneous labor. 6 dates a day is recommended near the end of the third trimester.
• Contraction practice: yes, really! You might be having some Braxton Hicks contractions, but that’s not what I’m talking about. My husband and I took The Bradley Method birth course (which was 10/10) to prepare for labor and delivery, and one of the main aspects of the course is labor practice. For the last 12 weeks of my pregnancy, we would take 20 minutes before going to sleep to practice contractions. I highly suggest either taking the Bradley Method course, or reading the Bradley Method book, which you can find here.
• Taking a breastfeeding course: this is the part of immediate postpartum that I was *not* prepared for. I assumed that breastfeeding would just come naturally and we would figure it out as we go. Not at ALL how it went. I had soooo many issues, pain, tears, and almost gave up entirely after a few days. This is why I now always recommend to other pregnant mamas that they take a comprehensive breastfeeding course before giving birth. The course that completely saved my breastfeeding journey a few weeks postpartum is The Thompson Method.

Training Your Mind

Just like with a marathon, birth requires a certain level of mental preparedness! There are many ways to go about training your mind for labor, but I don’t recommend just avoiding the thought of labor and delivery until the moment it arrives. There are many excellent resources and birth courses out that that help you prepare yourself for the intensity, beauty, unexpected, and sometimes trauma that can come with labor and delivery. Here are some of my favorite resources:

• The Bradley Method Birth Course
• Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method
• The Christian Hypnobirthing App (amazing, beautiful soundtracks to listen to while you are pregnant and during labor)
• Bridget Tyler’s YouTube Channel (all of her videos for labor and delivery are FANTASTIC, and she has some meditation tracks you can listen to as well)
• Journaling about your expectations, excitements, fears, or hopes and prayers for your new baby

Labor and delivery can be VERY unpredictable. But there’s also a *lot* you can do to keep yourself grounded even when you don’t know what to exactly expect. You’ve got this mama.

Prepping for Postpartum

Eventually, labor and delivery will be over, and it’s on to the postpartum season! For many moms, this part is much harder. Your hormones come crashing down, you’re physically recovering, exhausted, and learning to take care of this new tiny human. It’s a lot. Here’s a list of some random things I recommend having on hand to make the postpartum season just a bit easier:

• Freezer meals: you can either start making these now during the end of your pregnancy, or you can ask family and friends to bring freezer meals for you after the baby arrives. But trust me, you will not want to spend an hour each night trying to figure out what to eat. Freezer meals are THE BEST.
• Organic cotton disposable underwear: the disposable underwear they give you at the hospital may be convenient, but it’s full of nasty toxins that I don’t want touching my sensitive lady parts as they are healing. I LOVED these disposable pairs from Rael.
• Period Underwear: another fantastic and non-toxic option for postpartum bleeding. I am obsessed with this brand - I literally own every kind of underwear they sell!
• High-quality protein powder: it is incredibly important that you are being well-fed and nourishing during the postpartum season. A lot of postpartum mood swings can be attributed to under-eating, as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies. A high quality protein powder can be a quick and easy way to pack in a filling, nutritious smoothie when you’re in a pinch. I love this grassfed beef protein powder from Equip (use code KVG for 15% off!)
• Organic cotton robe: I literally lived in this amazingly comfy and toxin-free robe for 2 months after giving birth. It’s absolutely the best thing in my wardrobe.
• A newborn wrap: for me, babywearing was one of the sweetest parts about that initial postpartum season. I wore my daughter in a newborn wrap pretty much all day long for several weeks. It was such a bonding experience for us, and I really loved these soft, beautiful wraps from Solly Baby.

FOLLOW @the.organimama

**Please note, nothing in this article is medical advice; it is purely educational. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristen is a Christ follower, wife, mama, and holistic living enthusiast, with a passion for birth photography. Kristen's journey from illness to wellness led her to embrace toxin-free living. She shares her expertise through photography services and valuable tips for holistic living.

Visit Kristen’s page

You’re in the third trimester and it’s time to start preparing for the baby to arrive! One of the most important things you’ll have to buy: DIAPERS. And from your research, you’ve probably realized that there are a million different options that all look like dollar signs leaving your wallet. You never thought you’d be spending so much of your time, money, and energy on someone’s poop, right? Trust me, you’ll be celebrating it way more than you expected too!

Let me (not so subtly) convince you that cloth diapers are a fantastic option that truly deserves your consideration. You’re probably thinking, “CLOTH diapers? You mean the type of diapers my grandmother used and that require pins to keep them closed?” No, no no. We’ve come a long way and cloth diapers are now the sustainable, non-toxic option for modern moms.

Why consider cloth diapers?

• Cost Savings
• It is estimated that disposable diapers will cost around 3000 per child from birth to potty training. This is especially true if you’re looking at higher-quality disposable diaper brands.
• Cloth diapers have a larger upfront cost, but less in the long run, totaling around 1250.
• If you plan to use your cloth diapers for future children, you’re saving tons of money!
• Better for the Environment
• It is estimated that a baby will use approximately 7,000 disposable diapers. According to the EPA, decomposing a single-use diaper requires 500 years!
• With cloth diapers, you need less than 50 diapers for your child and future children! These diapers are also made of more natural materials.
• Even if you only use cloth diapers part-time, you’re saving hundreds or thousands of diapers from being thrown in the trash!
• Non-Toxic & Less Irritating
• Many disposable diapers are filled with toxic chemicals, like chlorine, sodium polyacrylate, plastics, and phthalates, that are less than ideal to have sitting on your baby’s delicate bottom. Not only do these chemicals contribute to toxic load, but they also contribute to issues like diaper rash.
• Cloth diapers are often made of natural materials, like organic cotton, that are non-toxic and less irritating to the skin.
• Head Start on Potty Training
• Since cloth diapers will feel more moist to a child than disposable diapers (which are loaded with chemicals to keep a baby feeling dry), babies are more likely to start potty training at an earlier age. The feeling of being wet allows them to make the connection between peeing and the after-effects, thereby aiding the potty training process.

What brand do we love?

There are a bunch of cloth diapering brands on the market, but the one that we love and use is the Esembly cloth diapering system.

Why Esembly?

What separates Esembly from all the other brands? A few things:

1. It’s an entire cloth diapering system. You can easily purchase the inners, outers, liners, wet bags, cloth-safe washing detergent, etc. all in one place. You can even get cloth wipes if you want to go all in!
2. They use 100% certified organic cotton for their inners, which means only the best quality fabric is touching your baby’s most sensitive skin.
3. Their inners and outers function with a buttoning system. This is great because there are only two sizes of diapers that you’ll need to fit your baby until they are potty trained (Size 1= 7-17 lb, Size 2= 18-35 lb) AND no need for pins to keep them closed.
4. Maybe the least important, but most fun– their outer patterns are super cute. I mean… your baby is going to wear a diaper every day for a while. Why not choose something cute to put on their booty?

You’ve convinced me of the benefits! So… how does it work?

Cloth diapering is honestly very similar to using a disposable diaper. With a few small differences!

• When you’re changing diapers, you’ll put on both an inner and an outer. The inner is absorbent. The outer is waterproof so that their clothes (and your floors) don’t get wet! With the Esembly diapers, you can use the different button options to find the perfect fit for your baby as they grow!
• There are additional liners that you can place into the diaper when you need some extra absorbency overnight or when the baby starts to eat solid foods and their poops change!
• Instead of throwing the diapers out after a diaper change, put them into a wet bag (if you’re out of the house) or a pail pouch (if you’re at home) to be laundered later. We put our at-home pail pouch inside of a diaper pail to keep the smell contained!
• Run your cloth diapers in the laundry every 2-3 days. If you purchase the Esembly system, they provide clear laundering instructions to keep your diapers in good shape! Don’t worry, while the baby is on a breastmilk or formula-only diet, you can throw those poopy diapers right into the wash. Once they start eating solid foods, you can put in a liner that makes it easy to discard the poop before the diapers go in the wash.

I’ll admit, cloth diapering does take a little extra work and forethought. You’ve got to do a few extra loads of laundry in a week and you’ve got to make sure that the laundry gets done so that you don’t run out of diapers.

For our family, we were willing to do a little more laundry for all the benefits that cloth diapering offers! At the very least, give cloth diapers a fair chance and consider how they might work for your family too! Remember, you can always keep a few high-quality disposables on hand as a backup!

FOLLOW @biohackingchiros

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

Personally, I like to prep four different categories:

• Labor bag
• Moms Postpartum Necessities
• Dad’s Necessities
• Baby's Gear

As a person who loves packing and organizing - there is nothing that makes me more happy than having everything packed and ready to go. To me, a packed hospital bag is a love note to a future self about to have a baby. Every time you look at those bags, future you can thank current you for all you’ve done to make the birth process a simple and straightforward day.

So what should you pack in each of these categories anyways?

What to pack in your Labor Bag

Items to keep you comfortable during birth:

• Shoes or slippers you can slip in and out of easily - you will be taking them on and off throughout the day.
  
  
• Grippy Socks to keep you warm.
  
  
• Two or three nursing bras - many moms will ditch the bra when they change into a hospital gown, other moms opt out of the hospital gown and just wear leggings or shorts and a sports bra. Some moms will want a special bra so they can feel beautiful if they are laboring in the tub for a while and that they won’t worry about getting wet.
  
  
• A stroller fan that can clip to the side of the hospital bed: you may go from hot to cold to hot as your hormones change during labor, it can be so nice to have a small fan to clip to the side of your bed.
  
  
• Toiletries - Toothbrush,toothpaste, travel shampoo and conditioner, contact supplies and glasses, soap if you want a nice one, and don’t forget the chapstick. As a doula I’m constantly digging through the cosmetics bag for chapstick! Makeup is completely optional. If you want it, throw it in. But, you’ll look more radiant than ever when you give birth, so you can thank your body for you entering Goddess mode and leave the makeup at home if you prefer.
  
  
• Food - you can eat whatever you want during labor unless you get an epidural. Plus, a little food can make dealing with contractions less difficult, so pack a few light snacks that you enjoy. Date energy bars, yogurt, clementines, blueberries, cheesesticks, your favorite bread and hummus all make good labor snacks. For drinks, pack electrolyte drinks like Nuun tablets, coconut water, or gatorade.
  
  If you do opt for an epidural, you won’t be able to eat anything and everything, but you also don’t have to completely fast. You can still drink clear liquids.
  
  Some liquids that can help you keep your energy up are Kettle and Fire Bone Broth which is packed with energy giving protein. Another great option is teas, such as lemon, green tea, chamomile or peppermints, which are full of vitamins and minerals that can keep you feeling steady and even give you a boost of caffeine if you’re used to a daily cup of coffee.
  
  In fact, my all time favorite drink to grab for moms with an epidural is a Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea. The steamed lemonade, paired with vitamin C giving tea and honey gives energy and can be very grounding throughout the day.
  
  Want to know a really cool fact - your body uses vitamin C throughout labor to create oxytocin receptors. So whether you are laboring naturally, or supporting your labor with pitocin, which is a synthetic form of oxytocin, keeping yourself hydrated with drinks containing vit C can help your labor progress!
  
  
• A tens unit - a tens unit is a little device you use on your back that sends electronic signals through your body. It feels a bit like a massage chair tingle but is sent with electrodes. It can help interrupt the pain signals the contractions create from traveling to your brain effectively. These can be ordered from amazon and can really help keep pain in check. It’s even helpful for moms planning on getting an epidural to use until they get admitted.
  
  
• Aromatherapy - Some moms like to use aromatherapy during labor. The oils I see moms use are peppermint to help with nausea and the first post baby pee (put a drop or two in the toilet, it will help you go), Bergamot to help ease anxiety (grab a cup of ice water to keep a cool rag in and add a drop of bergamot. It will feel so good when the shakes of transition hit.) Clary Sage (get a diluted massage oil and massage on the lower back or temples, or drop on your hands and inhale. It helps dull aches and can even help contractions stay consistent. Don’t use this one before 38 weeks of pregnancy.)
  
  
• ID, Insurance, paperwork for work.
  
  
• Tech - Chargers for your phones, a laptop or ipad to watch a show, bluetooth speaker to play music, headphones if you like the privacy and help zoning out that headphones give.
  
  
• Your Birth Plan - The staff at the hospital are involved in multiple births at once. It’s a great idea to have a brief summary of who you are and what is important to you in your birth to help them customize their care to you. Make sure to check out week XX to learn more about creating a birth plan that works.
  
  
• A call list - if you have a long list of family and friends you want your partner to text a birth announcement to, it can be helpful to give him a list.
  
  
• Something soft from home - hospitals don’t always give the most warm and friendly vibes. Having a soft blanket, or your own pillow, can be nice to have for parts of labor. Although, keep in mind that labor can be a bit messy, so don’t bring anything you would be disappointed if it got a spot of blood or mucus on it.
  
  
• A water bottle with a straw - when you’re in a hospital bed or trying to grab a small sip between contractions, a drink with a straw is much easier to use and will help you stay hydrated better.

What To Pack In Your Postpartum Bag

• A Robe or Sweatshirt that opens in the front. Your baby will benefit from skin to skin throughout the first months of life. And letting them snuggle their body up against yours is a wonderful way to support your milk coming in and your baby latching properly if you are planning to breastfeed. It can feel much more comfortable to wear a simple robe or sweatshirt that you can wrap around you and baby than the hospital gown.
  
  
• Depends. The hospital will have gigantic pads and mesh underwear if you’d like to use it - but Depends are a much more comfortable option for those first days when you still may be bleeding quite a bit.
  
  
• Leggings for 2-5 days. You will likely spend one to two days in the hospital, or maybe even three or four if you have a surgical birth. Of course, you don’t have to wear any pants while you are there, but if you have visitors, or if you want to be up and moving at all, you may want pants or a maxi dress or nightgown that you feel cozy in.
  
  
• Another pair of grippy socks or two so you can walk around your room without slipping.
  
  
• Cute going home outfit.
  
  
• Breast pump + nipple cream. Your hospital should provide you with many essentials such as a peri bottle, and they will have breast pumps there, but I always recommend moms bring their own so that their nurse can help them learn to use the one they have and the one they will use when they get home. Taking it out of the box and putting it together is often the most difficult part of using a breast pump. Those things can seem intimidating! But trust me, they are pretty simple.
  
  
• Milk Tea to help your milk come in if you are breastfeeding.
  
  If you aren’t breastfeeding - look into what supplies you might want to help prevent your milk from coming in. Usually you want a super tight sports bra, ice compresses (which the hospital can provide) and sage tea.
  
  
• Colostrum if you expressed and saved any in the last weeks of pregnancy. Since this needs to be kept cool, it is a quick last minute grab if you plan on bringing it.

What To Pack In Your Partner’s Bag

Your partner won’t need as many supplies as you, but they don’t want to be running back and forth from the hospital every time they need something either. Here are a few things partners should have with them in their go bag.

• A few button up shirts or zip up hoodies so they can also do skin to skin. If you want your partner to do skin to skin right after you do, encourage them to wear a button down or zip up shirt to the birth. If you are giving birth via surgery, your partner can even do skin to skin with your little one in the OR if you aren’t going to.
• 3-5 days worth of clothing. Most births will be about a 12-18 hour process once you check in, with a day or two of recovery. But, inductions can last anywhere from one to three days, and surgery can add a day or two of time at the hospital as well. Most partners need a few more outfits than they anticipate.
• Something warm for night. You will be provided with many more blankets than your partner. Many of the hospitals I have been in are very cold, so it is nice when a birth partner has something warm they can easily access.
• Snacks + a water bottle. Whatever they like.
• Technology. Their phone, (which I assume is also their camera), charger, a tablet or computer for when you two are passing time in postpartum, headphones if they will watch anything while you are asleep

What To Pack In Your Baby Bag

The hospital will have almost everything your baby needs, from onsies and hats, to diapers, to diaper cream and formula if you are planning on supplementing or not breastfeeding. Literally, all you really need for your baby is a car seat to bring them home in.

• A car seat for going home
• Any outfits you want pictures of them wearing in the hospital
• Any blankets you want pictures of them snuggled up with in the hospital

The Best Hospital Bags

• Mommy + Daddy Bags
• These stylish Mommy + Daddy bags are such a fun way to commemorate the significance of your baby’s birthday. Practicality doesn’t have to come at the expense of fun. Like your wedding, your baby’s actual day of being born only happens once and marks a significant transformation in your life. Why not celebrate that with a hospital bag that helps you embrace the joy of the change? Not only do these have enough space to pack everything you need for labor and recovery, but they will look great in photos, and bring an extra spark of joy as you leave for the hospital.
  
  Plus, there is always a plus, did you notice the doctor's bag opening and pockets?! This means that no matter how much you pack in these bags, you will be able to find what you need quickly when you need it.
  
  
• Storksak Travel Cabin Carry On
• The Storksak Travel Cabin CarryOn is stylish and functional, making it perfect for a mama to take to the hospital for her baby’s birth day or on her first get away with her baby (better yet, both!) The compartments make it easy to organize essentials for labor, postpartum and baby all in one bag. Plus, it can be used again and again as you visit family, take a first roadtrip or escape to a beautiful getaway as a family +1.
  
  
• Petunia Pickle Bottom Intermix Live For The Weekend Bag
• If you love a bag that keeps you stylish and organized, the Petunia Pickle Bottom Intermix Live For the Weekend Bag is the hospital grab bag for you. Not only is the exterior chic, but it has plenty of pockets to organize all the little things you will need throughout your time at the hospital. After the hospital, you can use it as a diaper bag or a quick grab bag for weekend travel. Not to mention the design and details of this bag give glam mom vibes like nothing else. This is a bag that makes a statement in the best way possible.

Final Thoughts On Packing A Hospital Bag

You have worked so hard every day to create this baby. I hope you get the chance to celebrate and enjoy the significance of welcoming a new life. Thank you for all you are doing mama! You’ve got this! 

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzzie Vehrs is a mama of two vibrant and growing kids. As a certified doula she loves helping moms know how to prepare for birth and create beautiful beginnings. Her goal is to help moms dream about, align with and experience a healthy, happy birth.

FOLLOW @shebirthsbravely

For both of my pregnancies, I had an elected c-section planned so I was well aware and happy about my choice. The total opposite often happens to many - an unplanned c-section that you may not be so happy about, which is completely understandable as well! Whatever the situation, today I’ll be going through the prep that I did for my c-section in hopes that it may help you!

I am a complete over-planner so please do not feel like you need to do all of these things! The important thing is that you feel as healthy, happy, supported and as ready as possible for this transition into mama-hood! Take what you think might work for you, and leave the rest behind. Reach out to close family and friends who will be able to support you and provide you helpful tips and advice from their own experiences.

Alright, so here are the things I did to prepare for my c-section birth and recovery…

Physically, I wanted to be as strong as possible going into the surgery, as it is known that the recovery can be easier and faster if this is the case. I did a lot of prenatal yoga, prenatal massages, prenatal acupuncture and my favorite pregnancy friendly exercises. For my 2nd pregnancy, I was not as fit as I simply did not have the time or resources - or energy! I definitely felt that it was a longer recovery the second time around so I think being as physically strong as possible going into it is helpful for sure.

Mentally, I wanted to be as prepared as possible. I read a lot of books, but The First Forty Days was the most helpful with regards to focusing on recovery. I made and froze a lot of meals that were focused on birth recovery, including one that was specific to c-section recovery! Looking back, having nutritious meals frozen and ready was a huge win for us and our family. We also joined a prenatal circle which had meet-ups for partners which my husband found to be extremely useful. I loved having my partner be informed, on the same page and I liked that we entered this “having a baby” thing as a true team vs. me on my own and him coming along for the ride. Oh - and my wonderful doula sent me a playlist that I still sometimes listen to called 'You’ve Got This, Mama!' - very empowering!

It (ideally) takes a village!... to make things easier, smoother, better - that’s for sure! For us, we really embraced the idea that we would like to have as much support as possible, particularly as both of our families were in a different country. We hired a birth and postpartum doula who was also a chef and was set to bring us meals, chose doctors who we felt would take the very best care of us, hired a baby nurse who would be with us for the first 6-8 weeks, had our housekeeper lined up and ready to go, etc. etc. etc. We were really happy and excited about this village and team that we created to help us bring our 1st baby into the world…. And then enter COVID! Long long LONG story short, we ended up doing pretty much all of it on our own which was… what it was! We did it, we survived without the village, our beautiful baby girl was and is happy and healthy - but I definitely would recommend the village option if you can go for that!

Favorite C-Section Recovery Items:

• Silicone Scar Sheets: Once the incision healed, I started on these scar sheets recommended by my doctors. They help to further heal the scar, improve the color and texture of the scar and help make the skin smooth and soft.
• Belly Binder: I just felt a bit more stable with a belly binder on, especially for the first few weeks. There was a lot going on in my tummy area so this just helped to keep everything in place as I healed!
• Pure Synergy Superfood: I have been taking this regularly for years and recommend it to friends all the time but I definitely made sure to take this every day leading up to and after my c-section. I feel like it really helps heal all things in the body so of course recovering from surgery this was a staple in my diet!
• Disposable Mesh Underwear: They give you these at the hospital but I liked having them for the days following the c-section when we got home. They are just super stretchy and comfortable and you can just throw them away after which is not necessarily sustainable but definitely useful for those crazy first few days.
• High Waisted Underwear: After the mesh underwear stage, I liked having these high waisted underwear to wear. They are comfortable, roomy, and cover the incision / scar completely.
• Skin & Scar Balm: Very nourishing, all organic and all the ingredients you need to look after your scar / skin. Love this stuff!
• Stool Softener: You definitely want to be taking this after any birth - especially a c-section birth! It does what it says and is very helpful. Very common sense item to have - no one wants to be straining to poop whilst recovering from a c-section!

The more and more I learn about babies and births and pregnancies, the more I see that every single story is so vastly different. For me and my first pregnancy, I was completely “prepared” for my c-section birth and recovery and then a (COVID) bomb went off and we had to pivot, be flexible, adapt, deal. If that’s not a very accurate description for what becoming a parent is like, I don’t know what is! Whatever your story, however you welcome your baby, I wish you health and happiness and all the good things! I love sharing my story with others and I love to hear others’ stories, in hopes that we can all connect on this amazing and crazy thing called “having a baby!”

FOLLOW @christinehanrutledge

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine is a mother of two with a Master’s in Early Years Education. She has always been passionate about teaching and working with the tiniest humans. Her goal is to provide her family with healthy and sustainable choices at all times, and to share those tips with you!

Visit Christine's page 

As mentioned when talking about our favorite new sibling books earlier, nothing can really properly prepare any of us for a new baby to enter our lives. However, there are definitely helpful things that we did to prepare, and things that we still do daily (and will continue to do) to encourage a good and positive sibling relationship! Every child is very much their own individual person, so of course these are things that we decided to do based on who we know our daughter to be, and what we felt would work best with her. Always trust yourself - you know your babies best. Do the things you think will help your child, and if something doesn’t resonate with you, feel confident in leaving it behind or amending it to suit your family!

Don’t blame the new baby.

I read this tip in an Instagram post when I was pregnant with my 2nd baby and once I looked further into it, it made so much sense. It sounds like something you’d read and say to yourself, “of course, I’m not going to blame the baby!” but I think we can fall into it more easily than we’d imagine! One example is saying something like “we can’t go to the park right now, I have to feed the baby”. The new big brother or sister feels that the new baby is preventing them from doing something fun, and so understandably they might feel resentful towards the new baby! You can see where it can result in the older sibling eventually feeling like they don’t like the new baby at all! Of course, they feel that way if everything fun they want to do is being blocked because of the new baby! I’m really glad I saw the post before our 2nd baby was born because it made me reconsider and rephrase the way I explained things to my daughter when the new baby was here so that we were not ‘blaming’ the new baby. Some examples below:

Instead of “We can’t go to the park right now, I have to feed the baby”, try “We can go to the park after nap”.

Instead of “We can’t be so loud right now, the baby is sleeping”, try “Let’s have some quiet time together, shall we read a book?”

Our family is one team - we’re all in this together!

This idea kind of leads on from the tip above. An alternative to “let’s have some quiet time together, shall we read a book?” might be to just explain why we need to be quiet. With our daughter, we’d explain, “When you are taking a nap, we all try to be quiet - just like how we all try to be quiet when your brother is taking a nap!” If our daughter has to wait because of the new baby before doing something she wants to do, we then make it a point to vocalize a time when the new baby will have to wait for our daughter. This brings in the idea that our family is in this together and we all work to help each other out. Our daughter has always done really well with explanations so navigating the new baby together with her as part of our team was really helpful. If our new baby son was fussing, we’d bring our daughter into the conversation. We’d talk about how babies cry when they need something and we’d try different things to help the baby calm down. Eventually, our daughter would start suggesting things the baby might need to help calm down, and she continues to look out for him in this way today! The idea that our family is a team and that we are all trying to get to know this new family member together seemed to really help our daughter build her own connection.

We have TWO babies now!

We tried not to take the attitude of “you’re a big girl now, you’re not a baby anymore”. Instead, we introduced the idea that we have two babies now! I think this language helped our daughter to not feel replaced. She didn’t feel like, “Oh I used to be the baby but now this new baby has taken my place” which could feel quite jarring, I’m sure. In our family, we embrace the idea that we have two babies, and that our older daughter is just a bit of a bigger baby so has learned more things, and she can help our smaller baby to learn just like she did. I think this also helps her feel like not only can she help her younger brother with new things but they can also be babies together, they’re in the same boat - fostering a good and positive sibling relationship between them!

Independent play for the win!

We encouraged more and more independent play as the new baby’s due date approached! This might seem counterintuitive as you might be trying to get all your snuggles in before the new baby and yes, of course, please do cherish this special time! At the same time, try to encourage increasing amounts of independent play with your child as this will really help everyone once the baby is here. If your new big brother or sister is able to play independently, they won’t feel as much of a shock when you have to divide your attention, and it’s something you can schedule in throughout the day. Instead of, “I can’t play with you right now I have to breastfeed / change / rock the baby” you can try, “oh, it’s actually time for some independent play - look what I set up for you! After, we can play together!” If you’ve already introduced the concept of playing independently, your child will know what that looks like and what to expect - hopefully resulting in a happier version of everyone involved!

No pressure to love the new baby right away!

If a stranger walked into your home, and then everyone immediately descended on you to ask, “do you LOVE this new person? Do you? How much do you love this stranger? Tell me how much! Do you want to kiss this new person? Hold them? Come on, say hi, you love this person right?”, how would you feel? I’m laughing as I write this but it’s kind of how many people approach new older siblings and the new baby, isn’t it? With this in mind, we had more reasonable expectations when our daughter met our new son for the first time. We tried to avoid any pressure that she might feel, and allowed her to develop her own relationship with the new baby on her own time. We tried to narrate what she might be feeling and this seemed to help a lot as well. We let her know that it was okay to be unsure, and that with time she would get to know and love her little brother, but only when she was ready.

Positive attention for all!

My babies are 1 and 2.5 years old and I am still doing this as of 1 minute ago! At the moment, my 1 year old is starting to talk so we are all beyond smitten with him - as you can imagine it is VERY cute! Through all of this, we are very mindful to always give our 2 year old attention as well, giving them both kisses and giving them both cuddles. We are always reminding them that if ONE of them does something that we are so happy and proud of, they are BOTH loved. We’ve done this from day one and I really can see that it prevents a lot of those negative feelings like jealousy, negative competitiveness, resentfulness, etc.

As I read through the above tips, I realized a lot of it is a shift in the mindset of how we viewed the whole transition. A lot of it comes from a view of respectful parenting, seeing everyone in your family as a whole person with valid thoughts and emotions! Everything I mentioned above continues to be in effect in our household, and we really are so proud of the loving, caring and close bond our babies are developing. Hopefully, these tips resonate with you and help you and your family, too!

FOLLOW @christinehanrutledge 

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine is a mother of two with a Master’s in Early Years Education. She has always been passionate about teaching and working with the tiniest humans. Her goal is to provide her family with healthy and sustainable choices at all times, and to share those tips with you!

Visit Christine's page

Got sugar?

Usually sometime between 24 and 28 weeks, your healthcare provider will have you come in for a pregnancy glucose tolerance test. Glucose (sugar) screening is a blood test that is checking you for gestational diabetes, meaning diabetes that specifically appears during pregnancy. If you’re unfamiliar with diabetes, it is a condition where your body does not regulate sugar properly because it cannot make enough of the hormone insulin. Insulin is released from the pancreas to regulate the amount of sugar in your blood. If not enough of it is being produced, then the levels of sugar in your bloodstream will be too high, which can cause high blood pressure which is unsafe for both mama and baby. This can also lead to a pregnancy complication called pre-eclampsia (symptoms including high blood pressure, high levels of protein in your urine, significant swelling, and more) which can lead to serious issues for baby and potential organ damage for mama. If your doctor finds pre-eclampsia, they will most likely want to induce you early, which may lead to other interventions during labor and delivery.

Long story short, it’s important to prevent and check for gestational diabetes!

The Glucose Tolerance Test

So what is this test, exactly? You consume a sugary drink given to you by your care provider, wait for at least an hour, and then have your blood drawn. Sounds easy, right? When I was early in pregnancy I remember asking other women about their experience with the test, and I heard things like “it was horrible,” “I felt so sick,” “I almost passed out,” etc. So that led me to ask… why does it seem to be the worst thing ever?? So it seems to be boiled down to 2 main things:

1. The drink that you have to consume at the beginning of the test is disgusting, and
2. You consume a TON of sugar from this drink and then are not allowed to eat for at least an hour

… and it seems like for lots of women, this is a very problematic combination. The nasty sugar drink combined with not being able to eat anything afterwards leads many women to nausea, dizziness, headaches, and jitteriness.

Out of curiosity, I asked my care provider if I could see the label on the glucose test drink when I was near the start of the second trimester. The ingredient list said: purified water, 50g Dextrose (D-glucose derived from corn), Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate, 0.1%, FD&C Yellow #6.

Let’s break this ingredient list down a little, shall we?

• Purified water: no problems here!
• 50g Dextrose (derived from corn): First of all, 50 grams of sugar is double the recommended amount per day for a female. Second, dextrose is a highly processed form of sugar that is derived from GMO corn (as in, it is also highly processed and has unhealthy chemicals and pesticides added to it).
• Citric acid: a chemical that serves as a preservative and also gives an acidic flavor to foods and drinks; originally extracted from lemons but due to its high demand in processed foods, it is now usually derived from GMO corn (see above note).
• Natural and artificial flavors: there is absolutely nothing natural about these. These are chemicals derived in a lab to make things taste better. They have zero nutritional value and serve as an all-encompassing umbrella label that allows companies to use pretty much anything and everything (animals, plants, eggs, dairy, & more) to create these flavorant chemicals
• Sodium benzoate 0.1%: This chemical also serves as a preservative and is associated with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• 
  FD&C Yellow #6: This is artificial coloring. It is created as a byproduct of petroleum. Several different cancer-causing carcinogens have been found in food dyes, and these are also highly processed and created in a lab.

So what should we make of all that? The information about these ingredients might not personally bother you, and that’s okay! For me, I personally feel pretty strongly about avoiding unnecessary chemical exposures through food and drink, especially during pregnancy. So that’s why I started to figure out if there were any alternatives to this dreaded drink.

Glucose Test Alternatives

There’s 4 other options to this orange or lemon flavored “nasty drink.” They are:

• Check with your care provider to see if they offer another version of the glucose drink that does not contain preservatives or food dyes. My office did, and that drink only contained water and dextrose. Even if your office doesn’t have it in stock, they may be able to order it for you.
• Bring your own glucose drink! Yes, you can totally do this. I recommend The Fresh Test, a lemonade-like powder that you buy yourself, take to your glucose tolerance test, mix with water, and drink. The ingredients are: Non-GMO Dextrose, Crystalized Lemon, and Organic Peppermint Leaf Powder.
• Skip the test and monitor your glucose levels at home for about a week. This is much more time intensive as you will most likely be asked by your healthcare provider to prick your finger several times a day for several days to check your blood sugar levels with a glucometer. But, this method would also negate the need to drink a glucose drink.
• Skip the gestational diabetes screening altogether. Ultimately, it’s your choice! Even if your healthcare provider makes it seem mandatory, technically nothing is mandatory in pregnancy and birth – it’s your body, your baby, and your journey, so it’s up to you. If you don’t have a history of diabetes, it doesn’t run in your family, you’re at a healthy weight, don’t consume lots of junk food and sugar, then you probably have an extremely low risk for GD. Lots of women like to do the test anyway for peace of mind, but if you feel comfortable skipping it, you’re totally allowed to!

For my first pregnancy, I personally opted to use The Fresh Test for my glucose tolerance test. For future pregnancies I may opt out of the test since I am at very low risk for GD, but time will tell for sure on that decision! Whatever you decide to do, it’s probably a good idea to make a decision now, because your healthcare provider will likely schedule you for a screening in the next couple of weeks.

FOLLOW @the.organimama

**Please note, nothing in this article is medical advice; it is purely educational. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristen is a Christ follower, wife, mama, and holistic living enthusiast, with a passion for birth photography. Kristen's journey from illness to wellness led her to embrace toxin-free living. She shares her expertise through photography services and valuable tips for holistic living.

Visit Kristen’s page

Kombucha!

It’s a fermented drink that dates back thousands of years to China. It is made with tea, sugar and a bacterial culture called a SCOBY (that’s the big blob thing). We love to flavor ours with different types of fruit juice too!

Not only is it delicious, but Kombucha has many health benefits:

• It produces bacteria that are known to be good for your gut such as Komagataeilbacter, Acetobacter, and Gluconobacter. A depleted gut microbiome has been linked to obesity, diabetes, cancer and even depression and ADD, so replenishing it can decrease these symptoms.
• High in Antioxidants- these compounds are known to combat heart disease, cancer and the aging process!
• B Vitamins- It contains high levels of B vitamins which are good for your nerves and blood cells.
• Reduces Type 2 Diabetes- studies on rats showed kombucha reduced blood sugar levels.
• Digestive Health- the bacteria in kombucha is known to treat digestive issues.
• Reduces liver toxicity- Kombucha was shown to improve liver function when tested on rats.
• Antimicrobial- acetic acid (produced in kombucha) is known to kill harmful bacteria and may be effective in countering yeast infections.

Brewing your own “kombo” is really inexpensive! An entire batch costs us about 50 CENTS between the tea and the sugar and the fruit juice! In fact, according to a study at Asbury University in Kentucky (Analysis of the Antioxidants in Homemede vs Commercial Kombucha) home brewed kombucha has up to seven times more antioxidants than what you get in the store!  We estimated a savings of about 33 per batch to make these yummies at home!

Our Favorite Kombucha Recipe

1. Boil 6 cups of water in a stainless steel pot.
2. Pack the tea infuser with 1/2 oz of black or green tea leaves. (Eventually you can experiment with other flavors of tea- we use mostly all chamomile flowers and a pinch of black tea for the antioxidants.) Add it to the pot. Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes, stirring once or twice. Remove the tea leaves.
3. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature. This is important as water that is too hot can harm the SCOBY.
4. Add 8 cups of cold water to the tea.
5. Stir in one cup of organic cane sugar.
6. Pour all the liquid into the fermentation vessel.
7. With clean hands gently lay the SCOBY on the surface of the liquid in the vessel. (Don’t worry if it sinks!)
8. Cover the fermentation vessel with a clean cloth and leave it in a dark, warm spot and wait patiently for 7 days.
9. After 7 days, remove the SCOBY and place it in a clean bowl with one cup of your fresh kombucha. This will be the starter fluid for the next batch.
   
   
   
10. Take four 1 L glass fermentation bottles. Place one tbsp of organic cane sugar into each one using the stainless steel funnel.
11. Pour about 1/2 cup of your favorite organic fruit juice into each bottle using the funnel. The sweet juices work the best (i.e. Apple, pineapple, mango), but you can experiment with any.
12. Pour the fermented kombucha from the vessel into the bottles and seal the bottles. Shake them a little in order to dissolve the sugar.
13. Place the bottles in a dark, warm place for another 2-3 days. Be careful not to leave these for too long as the pressure from the gas can break the bottles. Open them after 2 days to see if you like the amount of carbonation that has built up. If you’d like more carbonation, then let them sit for another day or two.
14. When you are satisfied, put them in the refrigerator. Once chilled, serve them up and enjoy. Cheers!

Looking for a great organic kombucha starter kit?  Click here

They may make you feel like the barrier to entry in Montessori (or even being a good parent to begin with) is a million dollar replica of your house (sized adorably for your child) and about 27 hours in a day to endlessly thoughtfully interact with your babe. But fear not! We're here to gently guide you into the gray zone.

Here are our top five tips for introducing Montessori techniques into your busy schedule that don’t feel intimidating and will help you play the long game of raising an independent, self-sufficient, problem-solving little person.

1. (Inter)fear not: as long as your kiddo is safe, allow them to explore freely and without fearful verbal direction such as ‘be careful’ (this can actually be counter intuitive!). Montessori, as conceived by Dr Maria Montessori, highly values self-directed learning and hands-on experiences. Learning should be a dynamic and engaging experience and if you have a little faith, your child will lead you to their area of interest which can spark a whole new world of thoughts and ideas.
   
   
2. Declutter: children are highly intuitive and their physical environment can have a serious impact on their emotional state. A clutter-free zone not only fosters a more peaceful atmosphere but also allows your child to focus, explore, and engage with their surroundings (and with you!) in a meaningful way. Remember, a tidy space can contribute to a happy heart and a curious mind. Speaking more closely to our mamas & papas with kiddos on the spectrum, this is also one of the most valuable techniques to avoid overstimulation and help your child self-regulate.
   
   
3. Embrace the struggle: contrary to what highlight-reels of some influencers may lead you to believe, Montessori-practicing children aren’t born with built-in milestones, manners and mindfulness. The often-unseen reality involves sitting through the discomfort of allowing your child to problem-solve independently. Yes, it can be frustrating and time-consuming. Yet, persevering through those moments - perhaps enduring a Guinness record-worthy amount of time to put on a sock - instills the confidence needed for them to develop problem-solving skills and tackle more substantial tasks independently.
   
   
4. Feel the big feelings: being a parent is really hard. Being a toddler is really hard! You’re both on your first merry-go-round of this life and figuring out how to thrive in your coexistence. I know that I sometimes feel like the best solution to my problems is to stomp my feet and cry, so why would your toddler be immune? The key to helping your child weather a storm is to be present in it with them and allow them to feel it. It’s tough to see your child in distress and our most basic instinct is to fix whatever is troubling them, but what’s far more beneficial is to show them that their feelings don’t scare us; that we can see them through and that we will still be there afterwards. Getting down on eye level with them will help you coregulate, and physical touch (if welcomed) can be a healing force of its own.
   
   
5. Give yourself grace: nobody is a perfect parent 100% of the time. In the midst of wanting to patiently endure a tantrum in the grocery store to help your child regulate, reality might demand that you pick them up (kicking and screaming) to make it to daycare on time for work. What you consistently do, particularly most of the time, will leave the most profound impact on your child in the long run. Whether you're feeling burned out from work, touched-out by little hands, or grappling with PPD, it's okay. Everyone has a breaking point, and your child might witness you reaching yours. Don’t judge yourself harshly, and most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of communication - even if your child is not yet verbal - and the power of an apology. Modeling healthy expressions of frustration, grief, and burnout equips your child with lifelong tools, especially as they grow up and navigate their own interpersonal relationships, influencing what they recognize as acceptable or not.

Now is a good time to pause and reflect back on the pregnancy journey, embrace the moments you have left without a newborn in the toe and also take advantage of this time to “nest” and wrap up any loose ends so you can give your full mental, emotional and physical energy towards transitioning into the epic newborn-postpartum stage.

If you have not already, begin to strategize how to get through the labor and childbirth process as it does take both physical and emotional strength to navigate. I highly recommend hiring a birth doula (like myself!) and taking a childbirth class that covers a multitude of topics so you will learn what to expect and reduce your fear of the unknown. Check out this awesome, full-spectrum online class by Mama Natural.

Alternatively, if you have scheduled a cesarean section, take time with your medical provider in advance to go over what the surgery will be like, including pre-op and post-op, and then you can better prep on some cognitive strategies below to get into the right headspace for a calm, confident birth.

Let’s go over some labor comfort techniques, grouped into different methods and beginning in the order that I feel is most helpful!

COGNITIVE STRATEGIES

What will you think about during labor and how can you think about labor pain differently?

Firstly, remember pain has a purpose. Watch this video for perspective.

Secondly, I want you to contemplate a time in your life that you have done something physically taxing or extremely painful and reminisce on what tactics helped you get through the experience. For example, what gets you through running a marathon? Do you mentally break down the run into sections and keep telling yourself to make it just a couple more minutes to the next mental marker? Do you visualize somewhere you feel safe or envision yourself completing a difficult task? Do you stick with the present moment or focus on your breath (breathe in relaxation and breathe out the tension) to keep you distracted? Many of these methods of mental stamina or distraction also work wonderfully while experiencing labor.

I also suggest downloading a meditation/ hypnobirthing app to get yourself in a good headspace for labor.

BODY POSITIONING

Body movement during labor is crucial. Your body may want to tense and freeze up when feeling pain or uncomfortable sensations but moving through each contraction actually stimulates receptors in the brain that decrease pain perception. Additionally, using upright, forward-leaning, and hip-opening positions will help open up the pelvis and drop the baby down. If you try to instinctually listen to your body, you will be surprised at how much your body will help guide you into getting into particular positions that will facilitate a smoother, faster birth too.

Here are a couple of ideas to try out:

• Standing and leaning your weight onto a chair, table, birth ball or wall while you sway your hips,
• Slow dancing with your partner / wrapping your arms around their neck and leaning on them for support,
• Walking or going up and down stairs,
• Sitting on a birth ball and rolling back and forth, in circles or crazy 8s. Buy a birth ball here,
• Getting on your hands and knees and rocking or swaying your hips side to side,
• Double hip squeeze technique: Place hands on the roundest, “meatiest” parts of her buttocks. Press those hands inward, towards each other, and toward her belly button. Here is a YouTube video that might be helpful for practicing,
• Counter-pressure technique: Place a palm or massage ball onto her sacrum – press down firmly during the entire contraction.

BREATHING

Patterned breathing during labor is essential as it not only helps increase the oxygen flow in both yourself and your baby but also releases endorphins - the body's own natural pain reliever - which eases your discomfort. Additionally, it can help you generally feel more focused and in control. Remember there's no single right way for moms to breathe during labor and delivery, so experiment beforehand and see what works best for you.

• Diaphragmatic/abdominal/belly breathing (for early labor)
• Organizing breath - inhale deeply, and exhale with a big sigh. I call it a “cleansing breath” as you intentionally release the tension on the exhale at the end of a big contraction.
• Slow breathing - inhale slowly through the nose, and exhale through your mouth.
• Box/square breathing – deep breathing that can slow down your breath and calm your nervous system. inhale for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, then hold for 4 seconds.
• Variable/Pant-pant-blow breathing - breathe in lightly, taking shallow inhalations, and breathe out with long, relaxing exhalations.

GATE CONTROL THEORY

The theory is that your mind can only process so many sensations at once, so your brain will override the painful sensations if you focus your attention on other, more pleasant sensations. For example, when you hit your funny bone and immediately start rubbing the elbow and the new sensory input makes the pain suddenly go away.

When experimenting with this concept for labor, I tell my clients to use their five senses to plan what they will need or want within their birthing environment. Do you love scents? If so, make sure you bring an essential oil diffuser with your favorite oils to diffuse into the air or a favorite scented lotion or massage oil. Do you feel warm and fuzzy with a good ambiance? Plan to turn off those terrible fluorescent hospital lights and bring in some tea or string lights. Set up pictures of loved ones, crystals, and affirmation cards with mantras that give you mental strength. Also bring in things from home that make you feel comfortable such as your favorite sweatshirt, blanket, or pillow. Do you vibe well with some good music on? Create a couple of different playlists, such as upbeat music you would do cardio to, soft piano music to calm, or spa music to soothe your nerves. Do you crave physical touch? Be vocal to your partner or doula beforehand about desiring light touch and massage throughout. Also, consider cold packs and heating pads for potential pain relief. Hydrotherapy is another huge form of pain relief for childbirth, quite possibly one of the best, so try to plan on taking some showers or baths during early and active labor.

COUNTER IRRITANTS

The idea behind this is to create minor discomforts that you can control to distract you from the labor pain which you can’t control.

Here are some methods you could try:

• Birth Combs (clenching a cheap plastic comb in the palm of your hand so the teeth of the comb hit acupressure points in your hand)
• Acupressure points
• Sterile water injections
• TENS units

And remember, FIND YOUR RHYTHM! If that means using deep moans and vocal sounds during surges, rocking or swaying, using whatever tools that are working, repeating whatever affirmations or mantras in your head that are clicking best, use them! Good luck :)

FOLLOW @gentle_beginnings_doula

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Allison (“Aly”) Petrides is a married mother of three currently living in Fairfield County, Connecticut. She is a certified birth and postpartum doula who also works as a paralegal when not running to a birth! After experiencing three births within a five-year time span, Aly couldn’t help but recognize how overwhelming and difficult pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period can be. Once she discovered doula work, she dove in head-first and is extremely passionate about empowering, educating, and assisting families. When she isn’t busy with doula clients or spending time with her husband and children, she can be found snuggling with a pet on her lap reading a true crime novel, taking a nature walk, or doing pilates.

 Visit Aly’s Website

What if I told you that you could feel more prepared, more confident, and more supported during your pregnancy and birth just by taking the right childbirth education class for you? What if I told you that you could reduce or even eliminate birth trauma because you are simply informed of evidence-based information and can advocate your yourselves and your baby better knowing your rights and needs?

Yes, there are amazing providers and nurses out there but some only see birth as a pathology and something that needs intervention and needs to be “fixed”. They fear birth therefore, they present fear to their patients. It’s called the Nocebo Effect” When we look for something wrong, we can typically find it. Birth is natural and normal for mammals to experience and guess what?! We are mammals! We always forget that we have this whole other side to us and this is a function that the body knows how to do quite well without intervention outside of special circumstances.

Birth operates best with a patient, less is more attitude so only listening to your provider’s suggestions and desires to move things along, and speed things up can cause the “cascade of intervention.” For instance, it is normal for labor to slow or stop and it’s a sign you need rest, food, sleep. Doctors do not want things to stop so they will give you Pitocin (the artificial form of oxytocin) which makes things feel more intense and can cause distress in the baby, which then causes you to get an epidural, which then slows things down more and then you need more Pitocin, which causes the baby to get more distressed and sometimes cesarean is then “needed” to save the baby from distress. This is the perfect example of a cascade that happens most often in a hospital setting. It’s important to know your other options to avoid these unnecessary interventions that can derail your birth preference and effect how you feel about your birth for years to come.

Other benefits included:

• Feeling safe
• Feeling grounded
• Feeling calm and relaxed about the process
• Partners feel more confident and are more involved and know how to advocate better.

All these things create safety and calm in the body which allows birth hormones to flow more freely and there’s less fear. When we are less fearful, we are less tense therefore we feel less pain over all. Natural endorphins flow to aid the process and relax the body and heighten Oxytocin which is what the uterus and body need to make more endorphins. Some women even go into a euphoric state paired with the right circumstances, environment, knowledge base, mindset, and relaxation techniques. Many of my HypnoBirthing students report that they went into an “altered state” or “labor land” and that they moved through labor more relaxed.

And why is that?

1. First, they understood birth physiology so they understand what’s normal and needed for the body.
2. Second, they found a provider that supported their birth goals.
3. Thirdly, they know their rights and how to advocate for them.
4. They know the positions and movements that will help them move through the process.
5. Breathing techniques to relax the mind and body and use affirmations and audio to help them stay focused on the goal and the breath.

Since HypnoBirthing is a 5-week class broken into 2.5 hours each class, I usually suggest people start a HypnoBirthing class any time between 20 and 33 weeks so starting the process of finding the perfect class and teacher for you early is an important step. Some people like more time to practice relaxation techniques and some people want the info fresh in their minds so figuring out what your best learning time will be is important.

Other classes like the Bradley Method are 12 weeks, there are more data-driven classes like Evidence Based Birth that is sometimes broken into a few classes. Spinning babies which are mostly focused on position and supporting physiology is usually one day. I have a hard time with hospital-based classes because I find people do not learn much about what birth is and what it needs. They learn about how to be a good patient which should not be a point of a birth class.

Personally, I like families to have options so aside from teaching HypnoBirthing in a hybrid format (You can join online or in-person), I have a self-paced course that is called Birthing Bravely and I also teach it as a one-day in-person class for busy parents and a Partner Prep class that goes over advanced comfort measures like counter pressure, how to use the various birth tools and when to do what, how, and where. These options have made education more accessible to families so be sure to look in your area for your perfect class or reach out to me and see how we can work together to get you prepared and confident!

Just to recap.

• Childbirth Education is important! So important so don’t skip this step! You will feel more prepared, and more confident and will be able to make decisions based on fact and not from a place of fear or coercion.
• Find the right class for you! Do you need more relaxation techniques? Want to connect mind, body, and baby? HypnoBirthing and Gentle birth might be good for you. Do you prefer more data evidence-based info? Birthing Bravely or EBB might be for you. Do you want your partner to know positions and how to help birth physiology? Partner Prep or Spinning Babies might be best for you.
• Start your search early! Many classes fill quickly and also may run longer than you have time for. It breaks my heart when people come to me at 38 weeks pregnant wanting HypnoBirthing and we are either scrambling to double up classes or schedules don’t allow for it.
• Take a class from a privately owned business like a doula or birth consultant because they will give you unbiased, evidence-based information and are not beholden to a corporation such as a hospital. Just like everything, shop small business!

Reach out today if you need a consultation or need help planning your birth preferences or postpartum! It’s my life’s mission to help families during the prenatal and postpartum time!

FOLLOW @ailishlewis.com_

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ailish is a mother of a daughter and stepmom to 3 sons. She is a Certified Holistic Doula, Birth Consultant, & Educator as well as Reiki Master & Gentle Pediatric Sleep Coach. She has always been passionate about helping families in the perinatal time. Her goal is to provide her clients with the best education & support so they feel prepared & confident.

 Visit Ailish’s Website

As NIN expands its chapters across the nation, their Ambassadors play a pivotal role in providing targeted support and expertise. Through fundraising initiatives, collection events, and the dissemination of NIN's mission on social media and peer-to-peer networks, these ambassadors work tirelessly to ensure that every newborn receives the essential support they deserve.

By participating in our GIVE sale, you're not just getting a discount; you're becoming part of a compassionate movement that uplifts and supports the most vulnerable among us. Together, we're making a difference — because every newborn deserves a beautiful beginning. 

Donate directly to Newborns in Need here.

While it is common to register for all of the feeding gadgets - nursing bras, formula warmers, bottles, etc., something that many people miss is the education piece about HOW to feed the baby and what to expect during the early days and weeks.

If you are planning on breastfeeding, the first few weeks of the third trimester is a great time to start educating yourself. If you wait to start learning about breastfeeding while you are sleep deprived and sore from your delivery with a crying baby, you will feel more overwhelmed!

Ready to start learning? Let’s dive in! Here are my best tips to help you be as successful as possible during your first week of breastfeeding:

Know Your Anatomy and Physiology

Believe it or not, you started making milk early in the second trimester. That’s why the question that people often ask after delivery, “has your milk come in?” is a silly one- you already have milk! This first milk is called colostrum and it is jam-packed with nutrients for a brand new baby. The volume of this milk is small, but that is all baby needs. This small volume is normal!

Around 2-3 days postpartum is when your milk should start transitioning to “mature milk” and the volume will increase. You will notice that your breasts feel very full and it can be uncomfortable! While a lot of this fullness is milk, it is also swelling in the area. To manage the engorgement, you should feed frequently, apply cold compresses to the breasts for 20 minutes at a time, and do some gentle massage to move the inflammation out of the breast and into the lymph system. If your breast is so full that it is difficult for baby to latch on, you can soften it with hand expression and something called reverse pressure softening (ask your nurse or lactation consultant to show you how)!

Practice Hand Expression

Hand expression is an extremely valuable tool for the early hours and days after birth! Simply, it is using your hands to remove the milk. Hand expression is very effective for removing colostrum, and moms that hand express soon after delivery have been shown to have a better milk supply later on! Hand expression is something that you can do in addition to nursing your baby and you can offer the milk to them as an “appetizer” or “dessert” on a spoon before or after nursing. (BONUS TIP: Offering milk this way can be very helpful for babies that are having trouble latching, who are extra sleepy, or are having issues with their blood sugar!)

The best time to practice hand expression is late in your pregnancy, starting around 37 weeks (discuss with your provider). This way, you can get a feel for it and what techniques work for you. (Remember- learning things BEFORE delivery is more effective than trying to learn them after!) Head to firstdroplets.com for a great video about it!

Feed Early and Often

The more you feed your baby, the more milk you will be telling your body to make. And feeding at every opportunity you can helps baby to get all of the milk they need.

A newborn should be feeding at LEAST 8-12 times in 24 hours (often they will feed more than this!) Doing skin to skin with your baby can help you to catch their earliest feeding cues. Early feeding cues include things like baby opening their eyes, opening their mouth and/or moving their tongue, and moving their head. Crying is a late sign of hunger, baby is “hangry” at that point! The nursing session will be more successful and enjoyable if you offer the breast before baby is upset.

The best way to know if your newborn is getting enough milk is by counting their diapers. On their first day of life they should make one wet diaper, on day of life two they should make two wet diapers, three wet diapers on day three, and four on day four. Easy to remember! Each of these diapers should have about 3 tablespoons of urine in it. After day four, baby should be making at least 6 wet diapers per day, and should be having at least one large poop. Most babies will lose weight after delivery, but with appropriate milk intake, they will gain this weight back by 2 weeks of age.

It can be easy to doubt your supply if baby is cluster feeding or showing signs of fussiness at the breast, and many new moms start supplementing with formula when this happens. The best thing to do if you have concerns about your babies milk intake or hydration status is to get in touch with your pediatrician and an IBCLC who can assess your milk supply and baby’s breastfeeding ability and can help you make a plan for supplementation if necessary.

Focus on Positioning

Proper positioning helps baby to get the most milk possible and helps breastfeeding to be more comfortable for you. Positioning basics:

• Tummy to tummy: baby should have their tummy against yours. If their tummy is facing the ceiling and their head is turned towards you, their latch will likely be shallow (and painful!) and it is very difficult for them to swallow like that. Try bringing baby so close that you can’t even fit a piece of paper between your tummies.
• Nose to nipple: leaving your nipple at baby’s nose level helps them “look up” to get it into their mouth. By looking up, they will open up wider. Another way to think of it is that their chin should be leading the latch when they open up wide and tip their head slightly back.
• Lean back: when you lean your body back, this helps use gravity to your advantage to facilitate a deeper latch. This is often called “laid back breastfeeding” or “biological nurturing.” When you lean back, baby is laying more on top of you, on their tummy, which helps them get most of their body in contact with yours. This helps trigger the innate feeding instincts that they are born with! Somewhere you can put your feet up so you can get into this position is ideal, like a comfy spot on your couch with an ottoman, your bed, or a recliner. (Here is the reclining glider I have in my own nursery, it’s so comfortable!)

Some discomfort can be normal in the beginning, but breastfeeding should never, ever be painful or cause bleeding. If you’re in pain or noticing nipple damage, get some help from a lactation consultant who can help you troubleshoot. (PRO TIP: If you have nipple damage, Silverette is an amazing product that can aid in healing!)

Limit Visitors

I know this tip might seem random and not really related to breastfeeding! But hear me out: If you are entertaining visitors all day, it doesn’t allow you the freedom to feed your baby on demand and you might miss a lot of those early feeding cues we discussed earlier while baby is being passed from person to person. Not to mention, you probably won’t be comfortable being half-dressed in front of most visitors!

So try not to be shy and be honest about if you are up for having visitors and how long you’d like them to stay. You can even establish “visiting hours” and let people know the specific times you’re having people over. That way you don’t have to feel bad about kicking people out if they are overstaying their welcome! Not only will limiting visitors allow you to feed baby more freely and frequently, it will allow you to not feel like you need to entertain people and you can get more rest!

I hope those tips are helpful to you as you begin your breastfeeding journey! Remember, prenatal breastfeeding education is so important in helping you to increase your knowledge and confidence about feeding baby. If you have any questions or concerns as you and your baby are learning how to breastfeed, please reach out to an IBCLC lactation consultant for support.

Come say hi on my instagram page or join my email list at goodbabylactation.com. Take care!

FOLLOW @goodbabylactation

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica is a NICU Nurse, Lactation Consultant, and mother of three. She loves educating and supporting families so that they can feel more confident about taking care of their babies!

Visit Good Baby Lactation

That’s why we were thrilled to find Smiling Tree Toys. This is a children’s toy company that understands toys are most stimulating when they bring out a child’s natural curiosity, rather than doing the stimulating for them. Their beautiful hand-made wooden toys are specifically designed to put the child at the center of play and learning while providing some of the safest and most natural materials that we have found in any toys.

MONTESSORI-STYLE LEARNING

We love Montessori learning as it views children as naturally curious and looks to conduct learning by engaging the interests that they already have. Smiling Tree Toys gets this.

One of our favorite toys is their Picture Alphabet Block Set. The blocks are made in three distinct shades which allows for a Montessori-style discovery of categorization and color recognition. Children can stack the blocks according to color or create any other setup that comes into their little imaginations. On each of their 26 hand-cut wooden blocks is the lowercase and uppercase version of a letter, a word that starts with that letter, as well as a picture that the word represents. For example, the “K block” has “K”, “k”, the word “key”, along with the picture of a key. We have found these a helpful tool for teaching our baby the ABC’s and a great way to help him hear the sounds of letters as we pronounce them for him. Of course, we find that our little guy also likes to tap them on the floor to discover their unique sound as well as create little sculptures of blocks of his own creation. At this stage, playing is learning, and these beautiful wooden ABC blocks are a great way to do it!

shop abc blocks

ORGANIC WOOD FINISH

Commercial toys can contain synthetic materials that are harmful to the human body such as plasticizers, flame retardants, colorants and fragrances. As any parent knows, one of the ways babies learn about things is by putting them in their mouths. So, little humans are more prone to getting these toxic substances in their bodies than the rest of us. Since their bodies are rapidly developing, what they put into their bodies may be of concern to you.

Smiling Tree Toys designs their products to ensure that playtime and learning is safe for a growing child. They use a total of two ingredients (that’s right, only TWO ingredients!) to finish their wooden toys. Both of these are organic and as safe as the food in your kitchen: organic jojoba oil and organic beeswax. Also, all of the wood used in their products is raw, untreated and doesn’t splinter. This means that these toys are quite safe for babies to put in their mouths and can even be used as a teething aid. We love to see our little guy playing with his wooden abc blocks knowing that these materials are safe for his body and beneficial to his cognitive and emotional development.

smiling tree toys

Bringing a new baby into your home is a joyous occasion, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility, especially when it comes to their safety and well-being. One essential tool that can provide peace of mind for parents is a baby monitor. But how do you choose the right baby monitor?

5 reasons why the Bebcare Motion baby monitor will help you keep your little angels safe!

1. Low EMFs - The baby monitor was created with technology that reduces exposure to EMF radiation. Which are very harmful, especially to infants and children! Here's an article describing EMF radiation and its effects. See a recent study published by the National Institute for Health: Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Children
2. Battery life - With 20 hours of charge life for the camera and 16 hours for the parent unit, you’ll have more peace of mind. Both are conveniently charged with a USB-C cable (the same cable used for all android devices.)
3. Temperature sensor - The temperature sensor provides the current temperature of the baby's room and alerts you if the temperature is warmer or cooler than your preset thresholds. Which can help you limit the change of temperature allowing your little angel to sleep soundly.
4. White noise silencer - Gone are the days of hissing background noises all night long! If you have a white noise machine active in the baby’s room, you will not hear static or any noise. For those light sleepers out there- rest assured knowing that background noise is muted and the only noise you will hear coming through your parent unit is from your baby. You may adjust the sensitivity of the noise activation so that it suits the needs of your surroundings.
5. Motion Alerts - Adjust the monitor's motion sensitivity from 1-5 depending on how active your baby is while sleeping. Receive alerts on the parent unit when motion is detected.

A baby monitor is a valuable tool for parents, providing a sense of security, and allowing you to keep a close eye (and ear) on your little one. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the right baby monitor for your family, and you'll be better equipped to provide the best care for your precious bundle of joy.

PS: to discover more ways the Bebcare Monitor keeps your baby safe and sound, click here!

For me, I approached pregnancy and having a baby like I do with anything in my life - wanting to be as prepared as possible. I wanted to be ready, but I also did not want to buy things that we really did not need. I found shopping / creating a registry for a new baby to be so daunting - navigating all the different products and gear, wondering what was really necessary and what was just a company using amazing marketing to take my money!

I am often approached by friends and people in my community for recommendations on baby products - usually because people who know me know that I have done ALL the research, read all the reviews, looked at all the ingredients, so they don’t have to! I love it because I feel confident in the decisions I make for my family and am always beyond happy to pass along ideas and tips on things that we love!

I’ve created a short list of ‘my favorite things for a baby’. It could also be named ‘my favorite random things for a baby’ as I am not sure that it’s the typical things you’d find on this type of list. While making this list, I could have gone on and on, but I tried to focus on the items that I found the most helpful to have in those first few months. For some of these things, I went through so many different brands and types and felt so happy when I finally found baby essentials that worked really well for us - so I’m excited to share in hopes that I’m making it an easier journey and experience for other new parents!

FAVORITE NAIL FILE: Baby Blue Giraffe Nail File
It may seem random but I’m starting with this one because I think I bought almost every single baby nail file available before FINALLY getting this WINNER! It was actually effective in filing my baby’s nails pretty quickly while being gentle. I found I would have to file with the other ones for so long before actually seeing any progress, which is never fun with a tiny new squirmy baby.

FAVORITE NAIL CLIPPERS/ SCISSORS: Rubis Infant Nail Scissors
This was a recommendation from a friend who had gone through a similar nail clipper / scissor journey to me. We both bought so many different nail clippers and found most to be very tricky to use on our sweet new moving babies - cue one million heart attacks about possibly cutting our babies’ skin! She found these scissors and swears by them. I tried them and found them to be sooo much easier to use than clippers. I still use them regularly with both of my babes (1 year old and 2.5 years old) and really love them. They are on the pricier side but worth it - super high quality! The elephant case is also very cute.

FAVORITE VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENT: Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3
I’m super passionate about this one! When we were in the hospital having just delivered my first baby, the doctors recommended a vitamin D supplement and provided one on the spot that we agreed to give to our brand new baby without even thinking. After the whirlwind of bringing our babe home and settling in, I finally had a moment to look at the bottle and was so shocked to see that it had so many ingredients, many of which I’m sure were unnecessary. The long list included butterscotch flavoring, caramel color and methylparaben, along with many other things I have never heard of! I did a bit of research and found one that only had 2 ingredients - vitamin D3 and organic extra virgin olive oil - and feel so much better about giving this type of vitamin D to a brand new human.

FAVORITE HUMIDIFIER: Canopy Humidifier - this links to 10 off!
I bought a humidifier for my first baby but never used it because to me, the risk of mold was worse than having a dry room! It also had 3 million parts that I did not want to deal with, haha! Luckily, we lived in an apartment where the humidity was usually pretty good. Then we moved to the house we are currently in (had another baby in the midst of it all) and boy does it get dry here in the winter! I went on a hunt and was very excited to find the Canopy humidifier, and then loved it so much I purchased one for each baby plus one for my own bedroom! We really like it because it has an auto feature so it will adjust accordingly to the humidity of the room. It is easy to use and also has ZERO place for mold to grow so there is no worrying about that at all. It also has a filter that is super easy to replace so you don’t have to store gallons and gallons of distilled water (just me?), you just use tap water - v v v convenient. Those are the main reasons why I like it so much, but there are other things too - it’s dermatologist recommended, it has hydrated air that comes out instead of a wet mist, and you can use it as a diffuser too!

FAVORITE MULTI-PURPOSE OINTMENTS: Waxelene Multipurpose Ointment and Burt’s Bees Multipurpose Healing Ointment
Aquaphor, Aquaphor, Aquaphor! This was recommended to me by a lot of people, for any sort of skin issue my baby may have had. Not that I have anything against it, however it is not the most ‘clean’ product out there and I do not love some of the ingredients in it. I looked into some non-toxic options and Waxelene and Burt’s Bees are the ones that we have liked the most. They are nice to use and I like that they are made with safer ingredients!

FAVORITE BABY CLOTHING (rental) COMPANY: UpChoose
Cute, safe, organic baby clothes that are delivered at each phase of your babe’s growth, and you get to choose when you swap! For me - this was exactly what I was looking for, especially in a small apartment with no storage. Here’s an interview I did with UpChoose that provides a bit more information about why we chose to sign up and why love them, and if you’d like to try UpChoose out, the code FRIENDSOFCHRISTINEHANRUTLEDGE will get you 21 dollars off!

FAVORITE BABY FEEDING PILLOW: Holy Lamb Organics Nursing + Feeding Pillow
I own a few different feeding pillows and my favorite one has been this one. It is made of all organic materials (inside and out!) - this was important to me because my brand new babies were spending so much time in it! It also has a washable cover (you can purchase the covers separately too) so it’s easy to keep clean. I used it for breastfeeding, bottle feeding and it makes for the perfect nap pillow for a sleepy mama who has somehow, miraculously managed to lay down for a quick and rare rest. When my 1 year old is not using it for his bottles, my 2 year old will go get it to snuggle up in for stories or a movie - I love that it is really growing with us and not just something that is just for feeding!

FAVORITE BABY MONITOR: Bebcare Motion Digital Video Baby Monitor 
This baby monitor made the favorites list because it has the lowest possible EMF radiation levels, and it’s an easy plug and play monitor (you don’t need to connect it through wifi) which makes it great for travelling! I also like that it has a parent monitor unit so you don’t have to pull up the app on your phone if you want to check on your baby. I do a comparison video which features the Bebare baby monitor if you’d like to hear more! If you are going to opt for the Bebcare baby monitor, I would definitely recommend this universal baby monitor mount. It is a great tool to position your baby monitor so you can have the perfect angle, otherwise you’ll be stacking books on top of books on top of boxes like I did before I got this mount.

FAVORITE… SNOT SUCKER (odd item to have a favorite of, I know!): Fridababy NoseFrida Snotsucker
I know, it’s not the most loveliest of thoughts, but there were a few times where I was so happy I had this in the drawer because there is sometimes just NO OTHER WAY to clear a booger from your baby’s nose! Baby boogers are VERY slimy and sticky and hard to get out, and baby noses are teeny tiny. This snot sucker does the trick every time, and I assure you there is NO possibility of baby snot getting into your mouth, NONE. I promise!! There’s a filter, and the booger usually doesn’t even get anywhere near the filter. And then you have a lovely baby who can breathe easily!

FAVORITE DIAPER (and wipe!): Coterie
Hands down, best diaper ever! It’s always the one people end up raving about in the new parent group texts I’m on, so you know it’s tried, tested and true! You get less leaks and blowouts, they help keep diaper rashes away and you don’t need to buy separate overnight diapers because they hold up amazingly throughout the night! Coterie is also very much committed to sustainability, which I love, of course. They work to fund renewable energy initiatives which in turn helps to offset the environmental impact of disposable diapers and they donate returned unused diapers to those in need. No waste! My code COTERIECHRISTINEH will get you 20 off your first order. I also made a video about our diaper change set up if you’d like to check it out.

Favorites from Friends!

As we all know (and hear all the time), it takes a village! I am always asking friends and family for their thoughts, advice, favorites, etc. so when writing this list I naturally reached out to see if others had found their must have items that they are so happy they found after searching far and wide. See below!

FAVORITE SWADDLE: Pehr Organic Swaddle Blanket
“Best swaddles, perfect size and thickness!”

FAVORITE BURP CLOTHS: Burt’s Bee Burp Cloths
“Odd thing to be picky about, but these burp cloths were the best!”

There you have it, my list of baby stuff that you might find helpful in the first few months! Becoming a parent is insane enough as it is, so as I always say, I like to try to pass on what has worked for me in hopes that it will make someone else’s experience a little easier!

FOLLOW @christinehanrutledge

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine is a mother of two with a Master’s in Early Years Education. She has always been passionate about teaching and working with the tiniest humans. Her goal is to provide her family with healthy and sustainable choices at all times, and to share those tips with you!

Visit Christine's page 

This is also around the time most medical providers may schedule an anatomy scan to check baby’s size, growth, anatomy and placenta via ultrasound. Getting that seal of good health all while seeing your babe move around on the ultrasound monitor can be the exact kind of reassurance some need, especially for parents who have undergone fertility treatments and might be dealing with a heightened level of anxiety throughout the pregnancy. Hopefully by now you have kicked the first trimester nausea and have gained some energy back to get into the reel of big purchases, big decisions and plan making that you may have been previously putting off all while realizing that baby will be in your arms before you know it!

Self care can look different for many.

Some of my clients need to make checklists to feel like everything is coming together. If that’s the case, write out some lists and feel that accomplishment with each mark off!

Example lists:

• Baby names
• Birth plan (love this template as it’s an easy to read visual!)
• Baby registry
• Nursery room shopping list
• Newborn basics shopping list
• Postpartum recovery shopping list
• Work leave plans
• What to pack for the hospital
• Logistics while you are in the hospital
• Postpartum planning (include meal plans!)

All preggos need calm. Take time to step away and filter from the outside chaos going on in the world and tune inward to find your silence. Deep breathing, warm baths, meditation, journaling are all great methods of centering yourself. Try downloading a pregnancy/meditation/hypnobirthing app to support this necessity.

Exercise is an amazing tool regardless of how much or little you worked out prior to getting pregnant. Don’t get down on yourself if you feel the need to slow down from your usual flow as the weeks tick by, but do try to modify wherever possible to make sure you don’t become completely idle. Try implementing daily walks or daily stretching at the same time each day to quiet the mind and get the body warmed up and moving. Swimming is another great exercise that’s much easier on the joints. All this movement will also help you have an easier, smoother pregnancy and birth!

Here are some daily exercises that I recommend my clients do daily throughout pregnancy.

Stay hydrated and eat well. Despite whatever food cravings or food aversions you may be experiencing, aim for eating whole versus processed foods. You only need on average 300 extra calories per day during second trimester, but make sure to focus on nourishing rather than counting calories. And don’t forget your prenatal vitamins!

Relaxation. Sleeping can get tricky as your body starts shifting in size and weight. Here are a couple ideas to help you stay as comfortable as possible:

• Pregnancy pillow
• Sound machine
• Birth ball (amazing for the hips and pelvis to sit and rock on)
• 8 sheep organics lotion makes an excellent magnesium lotion that helps with those late night leg cramps and is a wonderful supplement to the magnesium you might already be taking orally in your prenatal vitamin. Interesting fact: Magnesium helps with pregnancy insomnia too!

• Belly Bump subscription boxes
• Sunflower Motherhood gift packages
• Element Mom skincare without any harmful chemicals and ingredients (checkout the moisturizing belly mask!)
• Earth Mama Organics products for both you and babe
• Spoiled Mama organic skincare kits
• Kindred Bravely offers the best, most comfortable maternity wear 

FOLLOW @gentle_beginnings_doula

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Allison (“Aly”) Petrides is a married mother of three currently living in Fairfield County, Connecticut. She is a certified birth and postpartum doula who also works as a paralegal when not running to a birth! After experiencing three births within a five-year time span, Aly couldn’t help but recognize how overwhelming and difficult pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period can be. Once she discovered doula work, she dove in head-first and is extremely passionate about empowering, educating, and assisting families. When she isn’t busy with doula clients or spending time with her husband and children, she can be found snuggling with a pet on her lap reading a true crime novel, taking a nature walk, or doing pilates.

 Visit Aly’s Website

If you’re thinking, “Huh? Like milking myself?” the answer is yes, exactly! While it takes a bit of practice and can feel strange at first while you’re getting used to it, the benefits of hand expression are many, and everyone should learn how to do it!

Antenatal Hand Expression

Hand expression can be done prenatally starting around 37 weeks (check in with your provider, as nipple stimulation is a technique sometimes used to help induce labor… though your fingers shouldn't be close to your nipple while you’re doing it- more on that later!).

The number one benefit to practicing hand expression before baby comes is that you can become more confident in your technique! It’s always easier to learn things in a relaxed environment, and if you wait to learn until after baby is born, you might feel a little overwhelmed. Some people are able to collect large amounts of colostrum (the first breastmilk that you’ve been making since the second trimester!) prenatally, and others are not. But don’t worry, the volume you collect is not an indication of what your milk supply will be when baby arrives. Even if you aren’t able to collect much milk, you will at least have practiced the technique, which will be beneficial when baby is born!

If you are able to collect some milk, you can freeze it in syringes or in these colostrum collectors from Haakaa and you can feed it to baby later on.

Hand Expression After Delivery

Now that you’ve had a chance to practice hand expression while pregnant, you’re ready for the main event!

Hand expression in the early hours (particularly the first hour!) and days after delivery is linked to a better milk supply and increased confidence in breastfeeding overall.

Feeding babies extra breastmilk in addition to latching can be beneficial for babies who are very sleepy, babies who need supplementation because they are not latching well, or babies who are having trouble with their blood sugar. You can offer them the milk you collected while pregnant or the milk that you express after delivery on a spoon, out of a medicine cup, or from a syringe (ask your nurse or lactation consultant for help!)

A question I often get is, “do I need to hand express even if baby is latching and everything is going well?” Even if none of the issues I mentioned above are present, think of hand expression like an insurance policy for your milk supply. The amount of milk you make is based on the amount you demand- the more milk you remove, the more your body will make. So hand expression before, after, or between feedings gives your body some extra stimulation for increased milk production.

How to Do It

• A big key to hand expression is to not pinch your nipple and to not be aggressive or rough with your breasts.
• Start out with some gentle massage. Tap your fingers along your breasts, massage from your armpits down towards your nipple using small circular motions, and lift your breasts up and move them around in all directions. You don’t need to spend a ton of time on this preparation- just a minute or two! It also helps to take a warm shower or apply a warm compress before you start.
• Place your fingers behind your areola.
• Gently push straight back towards your chest wall.
• Gently compress, slightly rolling your fingers towards your areola.
• Relax and repeat, rotating your fingers to different areas of your breast (picture your areola like a clock- put your fingers at the 9:00 and 3:00 position, 12:00 and 6:00, and all around).

Hand expression is a learned skill- the more you practice, the better you will get! There is a great video at firstdroplets.com if you want to learn more.

If you try hand expression, I would love to hear how it goes! Come say hi on my Instagram page or join my email list at goodbabylactation.com. Good luck!

FOLLOW @goodbabylactation

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica is a NICU Nurse, Lactation Consultant, and mother of three. She loves educating and supporting families so that they can feel more confident about taking care of their babies!

Visit Good Baby Lactation

First thing to note is that, as it is for any human (however young or old), nothing can really properly prepare any of us for a new baby to enter our lives. There are definitely things that can help of course, and one of the things we did was introduce books about becoming a sibling to our big sister to be! We liked reading books because they were a gentle way to start talking about the baby on the way, and we could reference them as we began to have chats about our new family member!

There are so many sibling books out there, and quite honestly I found it to be a bit daunting to navigate which ones might be most useful to us. Our first child was going to be 18 months old when our second was born, so I was looking for books that she could understand and relate to. We certainly went through our fair share of them! The first thing we did was to ask friends and family if they had any favorites. Then we chose some of our own from what was out there. We found some to be more helpful to us than others, and below are the ones we liked the most!

Little Miss, Big Sis by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Our daughter was 18 months old when our son was born - she’s 2.5 at the time of writing this and she still loves this book as much as she did when we first got it. The book has short, simple and sweet rhyming phrases about being a big sis and what sort of ‘big sis things’ she might do, and all the things she might expect to happen. Once the new baby was here, our daughter loved pointing out all the things in the book that she did / does in her big sis role! 

I Am a Big Sister by Caroline Jayne Church
I Am a Big Brother by Caroline Jayne Church

This was just a really nice, cute book with lovely and simple illustrations. It has simple rhyming phrases that detail the different things we might see with the new baby in a positive way!

Noelle The Best Big Sister by Mikaela Wilson
André The Best Big Brother by Mikaela Wilson

What we liked about this book was that it talks about perhaps not having the most positive of emotions when the baby comes, which is definitely something that could happen and is totally normal! We referenced this book a lot when we talked about forming a relationship with the new baby. We talked about how it’s okay to feel uneasy or unsure, and that we will all be getting to know the new baby and that it may take some time!

Hello in There!: A Big Sister's Book of Waiting By Jo Witek

Our daughter LOVED flipped through this one and still does! It is interactive (you can open the flaps to see where the baby in the belly is) and it is just a sweet book that shows the growing belly that your child may be familiar with!

I’ll be back in a few with more tips and ideas for helping to prepare for a new sibling on the way, but for now these books are a great start! Go take a moment to snuggle your baby (or babies!) on the outside of your belly. It is so wonderful to cherish these many lovely memories now, and so many lovely memories to be created as your family grows!

FOLLOW @christinehanrutledge 

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine is a mother of two with a Master’s in Early Years Education. She has always been passionate about teaching and working with the tiniest humans. Her goal is to provide her family with healthy and sustainable choices at all times, and to share those tips with you!

Visit Christine's page

Because they have to support the weight of your growing baby, pelvic floor muscles work harder during pregnancy than they normally do. Along with everything else in your body, pelvic floor muscles also soften during pregnancy because of ALL the pregnancy hormones that our bodies have to deal with! So whether you’re giving birth vaginally or through a cesarean, your pelvic floor muscles will definitely be affected during pregnancy. This is why even though I was feeling healthy in this area of my body, and even though I was not peeing when I coughed or laughed, I went to see a pelvic floor therapist just to get a baseline assessment. I’m really happy I did this as I now know that I was setting myself up for a better recovery!

I’ve really enjoyed working with my current pelvic floor therapist, Dr. Kat Castro, and I thought I would do a little Q & A with her to help you with any questions you might be having about this area of health!

Hi Kat! Thanks for doing this with me! What brought you to pelvic floor therapy?

I was introduced to this field in PT school - I have a history of midwifery in my family so working with women in their childbearing stages was of interest to me. This, along with my own experiences being in fitness, working with pregnant and postpartum women really drew me in. I also have experienced and worked through my own pelvic floor issues and really believe that everyone needs access to this type of therapy!

At which point in pregnancy is the best time to start pelvic floor therapy? Do you need to start working on pelvic floor before you give birth?

Any time! Actually, even before pregnancy would be great, just to get a sense of where you’re at and to learn exercises/ strategies to keep your personal pelvic floor healthy! I would recommend working on your pelvic floor before giving birth. You can do a lot of manual release work such as perineal massage, breathing techniques, exercises and stretches to help prepare this area for birth. It will help with recovery and can minimize tearing, making your birth experience more positive and empowered.

When and how long do you need to work on the pelvic floor postpartum?

It depends on what kind of birth and delivery you experienced. You can start working on your pelvic floor as early as the week you come home. For how long, again it depends. Women typically work on it for their first year postpartum, ranging from beginner to more advanced strengthening exercises. Pelvic floor health and strength is life long!

How is the work you do different with c sections vs. vaginal births?

In terms of the work and rehab program, the timeline is different in general. A c-section is a major abdominal surgery so we need to allow time for the scar to heal, which is usually 8-10 weeks and with OB clearance. With vaginal births, you can start exercise after being cleared by an OB at 6 weeks.

What would the 1st session with you look like?

We would get to know your birth and medical history, evaluate your posture, check for diastasis recti, check your hip mobility, hip strength, functional movement and pelvic floor. We would then work on simple and gentle pelvic floor and core re-training exercises. For c-section patients, you may receive scar massage.

What sort of advice would you give this mama?

When she was pregnant, she was peeing her pants during pregnancy as well as 6 months postpartum. It has since subsided but she would like to know how to prevent this from happening next time!

I would recommend that she see a pelvic floor therapist and be evaluated to learn what her baseline is in terms of her pelvic floor and core function, mobility and general strength. She could start on some pelvic floor and core centered workouts as well as progressive strength training. If she is planning on having another child, it would be important to treat this period as “pre-hab” where she can focus on getting body strong and build pelvic floor awareness . The stronger you are going into it, the more positive recovery will be.

Are there any common misconceptions or myths about pelvic floor therapy that you find yourself addressing regularly?

That everyone has to do Kegels! The fact is not everyone is a candidate or may need to do Kegel exercises because it depends on the state of your pelvic floor - which is why it’s recommended to see a pelvic floor therapist at pretty much any point in your life. It’s good to get a sense of how your muscles are functioning - some people can be more tight in their muscles vs. others who may struggle with pelvic floor strength.

What are some of the most asked questions you get from patients?

The biggest one I get is ‘when can I go back to running?’ Right now, it’s recommended by the research that women can start running again once they are 12 weeks postpartum. Again and as always, it depends on the person, what kind of birth they have experienced and their recovery process. However, in order to prepare, I would recommend women to do a strength training program that is focused on restoring their pelvic floor, core and hip strength and overall posture before they start a running program.

Are there alternative therapies that complement pelvic floor therapy/ prenatal/ postpartum that you love that people may not have heard about?

As you know I’m always interested in this!

Yes! I love Visceral Manipulation & Craniosacral Therapy. Both are really gentle therapies to get your body back in balance. Also - acupuncture! It really helps with the emotional side of recovery as well as digestion, fertility and hormones. Lastly, The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage - this is an ancient technique that works on rebalancing the womb - good for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum.

Any pelvic floor therapy related products that you have tried, tested and love?

Yes! For lubricants, Slippery Stuff and Maude. You use the lubricant with a pelvic floor wand. I like Intimate Rose for pelvic floor wands as it was developed by a physical therapist and is made of medical grade silicone. For pregnancy, I like the belly band from Bao Bei Maternity because it relieves pressure from pelvic floor. I also always recommend getting any pilates ball for exercises!

Are there any apps that people can use that you recommend?

I was recommended the Every Mother app by my wonderful OBs and really liked it… it was especially helpful in the first few weeks of recovering at the height of the pandemic!

Yes, I also recommend the Every Mother App! This is a great intro to all the things you would do in PT, and they have programs for pregnancy and postpartum. The app starts super slow and gentle with easy things you can do like breathing (which is really very important!). Moms are busy and you’re probably not thinking about leaving the house for the 1st 6 weeks. The app is safe enough that you can do it on your own, although you may get to a point where you want to see someone in person. But we get it, you just had a baby!

Where can people go to for more information or to connect with you?

You can find out more info at our website and feel free to follow me on Instagram!

FOLLOW @christinehanrutledge 

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine is a mother of two with a Master’s in Early Years Education. She has always been passionate about teaching and working with the tiniest humans. Her goal is to provide her family with healthy and sustainable choices at all times, and to share those tips with you!

Visit Christine's page

Not to mention, your baby is also practicing making facial expressions. Though the smiling, frowning and furrowed brows are completely random and not expressions of emotions yet, soon enough those little expressions will be reactions to your kisses, hugs and snuggles.

And… if you feel any feelings like butterfly wings in your belly - those are likely the first sensations of your baby kicking. Sometimes moms describe those first movements like tapping, bubbles popping, tiny spasms or flickering. If you haven’t felt it yet, be on the lookout, you will soon.

Now, at 16 weeks, other than looking for those first movements, what else should you be thinking about?

A birth plan! It may seem early, but getting ready for birth does take time, and the sooner you start understanding your options and making choices about what you want, the sooner you can start lining up the puzzle pieces to make your choices work.

Don’t worry, though it might feel like a big process to make a birth plan, I’ll show you how to make it really simple at the end of the article.

What is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a simple one page summary of what you would like your birth to be like. I know when I was pregnant the first time, I thought all births were pretty much the same. I was surprised to learn how many options I had and how many choices I had to make - or would be made for me if I didn’t make them. A birth plan simply states what you as an individual desire for your birth.

What Does A Birth Plan Do For You?

Many people believe that a birth plan is simply a document that you bring with you when you go into labor. And yes, it is great for that.

But, a birth plan is useful far before your due date. Creating a plan early on helps you understand your options and make educated decisions about your care during pregnancy and birth. It also helps you develop stronger and more trusting relationships with your care providers, as they can get to know you as an individual much better than they can a person who doesn’t really know what they want.

Of course, sometimes plans have to change. But it’s always easier to get where you are going if you know what the desired destination is from the beginning.

What Should I Include On A Birth Plan?

A birth plan should cover a few basic questions.

1. Introduce Yourself.

   Theres nothing worse than being interrupted during contractions for basic questions such as your name, birth date, or the name of your partner. Take a moment to introduce yourself. If you have a feeling or desire for your birth, sum it up in a simple sentence or two. This may look like saying ‘I am really intimidated by pain, please get my an epidural as soon as possible!” or it may look like “I am wanting as few interventions as possible. I’m trying to go drug free, please help me with this goal! Thank you!”
   
   You can also share any fear here, such as fears of needles, any allergies to medications or other unique aspects or needs you have that may set you apart.
   
   

2. What do you want for pain management while you are dilating?

   Take a moment to sum up what’s important to you while you are dilating. Do you want to have the freedom to move around as much as possible? Intermittent or continuous monitoring? An epidural as soon as possible or use it only as a last resort? Is there anything important to you about music? Lights? Do you have dreams of having a water birth or using the bath as your labor? The freedom to eat when and what you please? These are all little details that you can put on your birth plan. When you talk about these options with your doctor, you will get a good sense of which preferences are likely to be honored and if and when they would no longer be options for you.
   
   If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. There is a great tool to help you plan out the details at the end.
   
   

3. Do you have any preference about pushing?

   Surprisingly, you have a lot of options when it comes to pushing. Some women want to stay off their back. Others want a lot of verbal guidance, others want no counting. I’ve even had dads request to be the one to catch the baby. Make sure to ask about how hands-on your care provider is during the pushing stage. Some doctors will spend quite a bit of time with their fingers inside you while you push so they can feel exactly how much baby is moving, while others will remain completely hands off. Make sure that if you have preferences about this, you talk about it extensively before. It’s your body, and you have a big say in this.
   
   

4. What do you want the first hour after birth?

   The first hour after birth is called the golden hour. Ideally, you and baby shouldn’t be separated assuming everyone is healthy. Do you want skin to skin time, are you okay with baby being taken to a heater early on? Will they wait at least an hour to do any newborn shots? Which shots do you want or not want? Are you doing anything with the placenta? Having these questions answered in advance or easily referenced will give you freedom to bond with your baby and not be answering tons of questions when you are first meeting each other.
   
   

5. What is important to you about newborn care?

   This is a great place to note if you are bottle feeding or breastfeeding. And if there is anything unique you want help with when taking care of your baby. If you need help with anything post baby, this is a great place to ask. Can you show me how to swaddle? Do you want oil on baby’s butt to make the first poop easier to get off? Do you need help learning how to change a diaper? If so, just note it here so you don’t forget to ask and your nurse remembers to help!

Should You Have A Birth Plan If You Are Planning A C-section?

A scheduled c-section is usually a pretty straightforward surgery. But, do you need a birth plan? You can absolutely make one if you want. When you give birth by surgery, you still have a few options.

You may be able to make a few simple requests, such as having your baby brought to you immediately after birth, asking for support with breastfeeding and potentially having a clear drape so you can see your baby as soon as they are born.

You will also want to let your team know what care you want for your baby. Depending on the reasons for having a scheduled c-section, you may want to discuss what options are available to you and your baby before, during and after surgery.

What About An Emergency C-Section If Labor Doesn’t Go According To Plan

Sometimes birth doesn’t go the way we want. Emergency c-sections can happen. If you feel passionate about having a clear drape maybe note that on your original birth plan. In my experience, if you have any desires written out for skin to skin postpartum or help with breastfeeding, those wishes will be honored after the surgery if possible. A simple phrase or two on your birth plan can sum up that you still want as much of your plan as possible, especially after delivery, if you have to have a c-section.

How Do I Write A Birth Plan?

Once you know what you want, a birth plan can be summed up pretty quickly in one page. I know it seems like there are a lot of options, but midwives, doctors and nurses have worked with thousands of moms. If you sum up what you want, they will know what it means.

And don’t worry, if you feel overwhelmed with all of these options, I’ve got you covered. I made you a simple 5 day challenge called Make A Birth Plan That Works. Inside you will find done for you and editable birth plan templates plus tips on making birth plans of all kinds work.

It also teaches you the most common reasons birth plans go sideways and how to make sure that your team is supportive of your plan.

Are you ready to get your birth plan checked off your list? Let’s do it together. Join the challenge today! 

BIRTH PLAN CHALLENGE

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzzie Vehrs is a mama of two vibrant and growing kids. As a certified doula she loves helping moms know how to prepare for birth and create beautiful beginnings. Her goal is to help moms dream about, align with and experience a healthy, happy birth.

FOLLOW @shebirthsbravely

Around the beginning of my 2nd trimester, I was feeling pretty good in my body but really wanted to do anything I could to keep it that way! I remembered someone mentioning chiropractic care for pregnancy in one of my birth education classes and reached out to Dr. Randi Jaffe who came highly recommended. She looked after me for most of my first and second pregnancies as well as postpartum and I really loved her approach. When I mentioned going to see Randi to my pregnant/ postpartum friends, many were surprised to learn about it so I decided to ask her all the questions on behalf of all of my friends!

Here’s my chat with Dr. Jaffe below, hopefully it’s a helpful start for those who might be interested in looking into chiropractic care during, before or after pregnancy!

Why should someone consider getting chiropractic care during pregnancy?

There are so many changes going on in your body during pregnancy. Postural changes come with pregnancy, and the curves in your spine change and create pressure. Hormonal changes happen first and straight away. Relaxing starts straight away - your joints get looser and your body ends up with a less stable structure. Most people think of low back or low back pain but it can also be all over. What happens is that your muscles get tight because the ligaments get loose. During pregnancy, you can’t take much medication but you can do body work/ physical treatment. Chiropractic care can help to create a stable, symmetrical and balanced structure in your pelvis and spine.

Is it safe?

Absolutely. The key is finding someone who has experience, additional training and someone who specializes in prenatal care.

How did you decide to specialize in prenatal care?

I started in general practice. While treating a lawyer, they asked if I could help their pregnant daughter. I was not specialized at the time, but she was in a lot of pain and got better very quickly once she came to see me. It was really exciting to see the huge difference I could make in prenatal care. It was very rewarding to help make birth a better experience and be part of the prenatal care team.

Can you talk a little bit about preventative care?

Christine: "I did not necessarily have any pain or issues before coming to see you but I wanted to be proactive and focus on my wellness as much as possible…"

Prenatal chiropractic care is extremely beneficial on many levels. It can aid in the prevention of pain and dysfunction. Chiropractic care can not only keep you feeling good throughout your pregnancy, but it can also help to decrease pain in labor, as well as shorten labor times and prevent dystocia (difficulty during the labor). We work on creating better alignment and balance in the pelvis, allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for labor. Chiropractic adjustments can also aid in recovery for both vaginal and c-section births. So many of my patients state that they wish they had come in sooner. It is never too early to begin chiropractic care in pregnancy and it is safe to come in the first trimester.

Can you talk about using a massage gun safely during pregnancy?

Percussor guns or massagers can be used during pregnancy safely. I like the Hypervolt at the lowest setting. There are many other brands as well. Be sure to utilize them carefully, as some can be very intense. You can just hover over the muscle as you find the right amount of pressure. I like to have patients work on their hamstrings, quads, gluts and hips as well as the lower back and upper back muscles. You can have your partner help you with hard to reach areas but be sure they don't use excessive pressure and continue to give them feedback on how much pressure to utilize. You can also use the percussor to aid with leg cramps. Never use the massage gun on your abdomen.

Do you recommend a support belt?

A support belt is great for supporting your lower back, hips, pubic bone and round ligaments. If you have another child, it’s great to use during bath time. Also helpful during standing, cooking, long walks, big outings, errands, cleaning, etc.

What do you say to those who do not ‘believe’ in chiropractic care?

I would encourage them to do their research. Speak to friends and family members who have been to a prenatal chiropractor during their pregnancies and ask them about their experience. Why did they go? Did it help? Did they feel comfortable during their treatments? Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe and gentle. Many of my patients are a bit anxious at their first session and afterward they often report that it was much gentler than they had imagined and they feel significantly better as well. The anatomy makes sense. If areas of the spine and pelvis are misaligned and imbalanced and the chiropractor can correct that, our bodies will be feeling and functioning at a higher level. My goal is always to promote a healthy pregnancy and a better birth experience for the expectant mother.

Dr. Randi Jaffe’s website: https://www.kathygallaher.com/



FOLLOW @christinehanrutledge

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine is a mother of two with a Master’s in Early Years Education. She has always been passionate about teaching and working with the tiniest humans. Her goal is to provide her family with healthy and sustainable choices at all times, and to share those tips with you!

Visit Christine's page 

Jen and Derek Woodgate started cuddle+kind after watching a documentary about childhood hunger. As parents of three young children, they were devastated to learn that 66 million primary-school aged children attend classes hungry every day. With a background in health, they knew that nutrition plays a key role in a child’s development: children who receive proper nutrition are better able to fight disease, succeed in school, and more equipped to break the cycle of poverty.

After learning how hunger affects so many children around the world, the Woodgates were inspired to start a company whose purpose is to help improve the lives of children and to make a difference, with a business model that would create a sustainable stream of giving without relying on donations.

They developed a line of hand-knit dolls that would give meals with every purchase, and set a big goal: to donate one million meals per year. In order to achieve this dream, cuddle+kind partnered with several respected humanitarian organizations to ensure that these meals would be distributed where they were needed most. Many of the organizations that they partnered with focus on school meal programs, which give children the fuel they need to learn and develop cognitively. Additionally, statistics show that girls and young women are disproportionately affected by hunger, and are less likely to attend school. School meal programs provide an incentive for girls to attend school, giving them the opportunity to receive an education they might not otherwise get.

Armed with their convictions and their original collection of nine adorable, hand-knit dolls, Jen and Derek started a crowdfunding campaign to jumpstart their journey. To their joyful surprise, their message resonated with so many people and cuddle+kind reached their funding goal in just one day! Since launching in 2015, over 27 million meals have been provided to children in need in 63 countries around the world.

In 2018, The Woodgate family was invited by one of their Giving Partners to travel to Kenya to see firsthand the impact that cuddle+kind was making in the lives of children. It was deeply moving to meet so many of the bright, kind students in these remote villages of the Maasai Mara region, where more than 11,000 children receive school meals provided by cuddle+kind.

School meals are not the only way that cuddle+kind is supporting these communities in fighting hunger - it’s important to help establish self-sustaining solutions in areas where hunger is greatest. With a difficult climate and frequent droughts, farmers in Kenya often suffer from poor crop yields, which creates food insecurity for rural families.

To combat these barriers, cuddle+kind helps fund Oleleshwa Farm, a facility that focuses on the long-term goals of ending world hunger. Oleleshwa is a 60-acre working farm that provides fresh produce for the schools and communities in the Maasai Mara, and just as importantly, serves as an educational center.

Here, students can learn about modern agriculture and farming practices that will give them the tools to continue on a journey towards sustainable food production in the face of a challenging environment and changing climate. They benefit from 24 greenhouses, a diverse range of plants and fruit trees that provide healthy produce, and a pollinator garden that supports the growth of crops.

The mission to help feed children drives every decision at cuddle+kind, but Jen and Derek’s commitment to giving back extends even further. From the start, they were determined that cuddle+kind would be built on their deeply-held values of kindness and fairness. They chose to have their dolls handmade by incredible artisan knitters in Peru, where there is a rich history and culture of knitting that is passed down through generations. This partnership gives rural working mothers access to flexible hours and fair pay for their work. Over 1,000 artisan knitters have been empowered to care for their families, plan for their futures and for many, it brings meaningful change to their lives.

This World Hunger Day, we’re humbled to reflect on the ways we can make a difference in even the smallest ways. When you buy a handmade, heirloom-quality cuddle+kind doll from kathygallaher, you’re getting so much more than a beautiful gift for a special little one: you’re making a tangible difference in the life of a child and supporting ethical business practices that empower women. 

SHOP CUDDLE+KIND

Here is a Q & A I did with Brandi Ryans, covering everything I could think of related to fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum and baby! Just a reminder: everyone’s body is different and the following information is based on personal experience - always consult your medical professionals before taking any advice!

Hi Brandi! How did you get into essential oils and massage?

I got into essential oils when I was a teenager. I was a bit of a tomboy and essential oils were cooler than perfume. I started making shampoos after collage and was interested in what essential oils could do for my body and brain. This all led to using essential oils as a vehicle to support me as a massage therapist. I studied in a small department at a large acupuncture school. We learned about both Western and Eastern techniques, acupressure points, meridian theory, traditional Chinese medicine and how to use essential oils to heal.

When it comes to using essential oils, do you recommend organic?

As much as possible, yes. Especially for oils that come from peels such as lemons or oranges, it is crucial that they are organic.

What are the best carrier oils and how do they work?

It’s always a good idea to dilute as essential oils are powerful. For 1 oz of carrier oil, you can put around 15-20 drops. You can also adjust if you find it is too strong or too weak, you just don't want to irritate the skin. Grapeseed oil is a nice light carrier oil. If you don’t have a nut allergy, almond oil is also great. Coconut oil is particularly good for prenatal massage as it is cooling - helpful for swollen feet, etc.

You have your own line of oils - can you tell us more about it? Why did you decide to make them?

They are all pre-diluted which is useful because you don’t have to deal with the ratio. Working at a yoga studio, I learned a lot about chakras. There’s a set for chakras, moon, cleansers, calmers, coolers - it’s all about looking for balance.

Can you talk about the Baby Oil you formulated?

It’s for when you’re at the end of your pregnancy and ready for it to be done. Clary Sage has a very downward motion so it will ask your body to release towards your feet if you put the oil on them. Clary Sage is also antispasmodic so helps to release tension in uterus - it’s the number one oil for labor, and you can rub it on your back. Jasmine oil is good for being brave in vulnerable situations. Lavender balances the nervous system and helps to calm the body.

Are there essential oils you recommend for fertility?

For females, geranium oil! It helps with regulating hormones, supports kidneys, drops levels of cortisol so you’re not as stressed. It pushes into your brain’s limbic system and takes you out of your ‘thinking mind’ and puts you in your ‘feeling mind’ - help your mindset become less intellectual and more instinctive. Geranium is also a flower and flowers are aphrodisiacs!

For both partners together, neroli! It supports long relationships, sexually and intellectually. It helps stabilise the heart through the ups and the downs. It helps you find the connection, the idea that “we’re in this together”. Neroli is a great pre-labor massage oil and is good for relieving anxiety as well.

What essential oils do you like for pregnancy?

Vetiver oil. It is anti-inflammatory and everything is inflamed when you’re pregnant! Vetiver is also restorative - it helps support you to be a strong mama, supporting yourself and your baby.

Essential oils for belly birth/ c-section?

Frankincense is great for post surgery and scars. It supports the kidneys and lungs, helping you to breathe after a major loss of energy. You can also put frankincense on before a surgery, and it will ask your diaphragm to release and take in more air into lungs, enhancing your lung capacity.

Essential oils for postpartum recovery?

Orange. It’s uplifting in the case where you might be getting bluesy. It is really good for depression, promotes abundance and asks you to look at what parts of your life you are grateful for. It can also help get you out of a funk, and it also helps you ask for help so you don’t feel like you have to do it all alone.

Essential oils for new baby and parent?

Roman chamomile is amazing for calming sensitive hearts, headaches, muscle aches and is safe for baby’s room.

Cedarwood gives strength and a grounded presence, helping turn vulnerable situations into things you can learn from and love from. It’s great during any new experience not just parenting - traveling somewhere new or a starting a new job, etc.

When can a pregnant woman get a massage?

Some people not to get one until the end of your 1st trimester because the threat of a miscarriage goes down a lot then. Massage promotes circulation, and sometimes circulation is linked with miscarriage. It’s important to listen to your body (and consult with your medical professionals of course!).

How soon after giving birth can someone get a massage?

It depends. 3 weeks for vaginal delivery, 6 weeks for c-section but I have seen people before. Listening to your body is the main message.

Besides being super relaxing and a great self-care activity, what can massage do for all of the above?

When your body starts to expand, and you have the hormones that are helping release tension in your connective tissues - Relaxin makes it so your connective tissue loosens up. Then you also have areas of tension in your body from other things and this muscle tension is running up against the hormone that helps you relax. They are up against each other. Massage finds areas of resistance and releases them so it is easier to sleep, walk around, etc. Release of tension helps support healthy blood flow and calms the brain and nervous system.

What is your favorite song to massage to?

Générique - BOF “Ascenseur pour l’échafaud” by Miles Davis

Where can we find more information on you?

https://www.kathygallaher.com/

References

Gian, Marc J. Holistic Aromatherapy : Practical Self-Healing with Essential Oils. Ryland Peters & Small, 2017.

Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica : A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. London ; Philadelphia, Singing Dragon, 2016.

Mojay, Gabriel. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit : A Guide to Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance through Essential Oils. London, Gaia.

These are some of my favorite books on oils.
The last one by Mojay is a classic and is a great source for beginners to get into spiritual healing.

FOLLOW @christinehanrutledge

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine is a mother of two with a Master’s in Early Years Education. She has always been passionate about teaching and working with the tiniest humans. Her goal is to provide her family with healthy and sustainable choices at all times, and to share those tips with you!

Visit Christine's page 

What is a doula and how can having one benefit me and my partner?

A doula is a trained labor support professional that is educated and trained about birth and how to support the family during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They are skilled in comfort measures, relaxation techniques, and counter pressure during birth. They also know about different newborn care techniques and offer breast/chest feeding and formula feeding support.

A birth doula understands birth and its process and can guide & inform you and your partner in-person or virtually into positions that help facilitate comfort and a smoother birth, provide calming techniques, and teach your partner comfort measures to reduce pain. A doula should never take the place of a partner unless they are deployed or unable to attend so don’t worry about a doula stealing the show. A good doula always knows when to leave well enough alone and knows they are not the savior in your birth.

There are also postpartum doulas that may only work in the post-baby time. They come to your home and take care of your mother and baby, help prepare food, wipe up small messes, and help with dishes or folding laundry so that you can get the most rest. This allows you to heal faster and can help you focus on bonding with the baby and securing a good breastfeeding relationship. Be sure to ask friends and family for money towards a doula or sign up for “Be Her Village” which is a support registry people can put money towards doulas, lactation consultants and so much more! Having support, guidance, and plenty of rest to recover helps you to be the best parent and also helps your mental and emotional help on top of physical healing.

Many doulas have other certifications, trainings, and services as well like education, massage therapy, Reiki, placenta encapsulation, know spinning babies techniques or sleep coaching to name a few. They also usually are intertwined in a network of other trusted perinatal professionals so you can get referrals and have more well-rounded care. They help prenatally and in postpartum so make sure you feel connected with them because they become a big part of your life! A doula should also feel like you are reaching out to a trusted friend. Be sure to interview a few doulas to find the right fit.

Here are some ideas for questions to ask during a consultation:

• What are your feelings about birth?
• Do you support all types of birth?
• Do you work with a doula partner or have backup on-call in case something comes up?
• Do you advocate for your clients?
• How do you work with my birth partner?
• What other certifications or continued education have you taken?
• Do you support home birth? What if I have to transfer? Will you follow?
• Will you labor with me at home before the move to the center or hospital?

If a doula isn’t something you are looking for but you still want all the info a doula would give, there are people like me, who no longer attend births but do prenatal education and coaching so there’s always a way to get the support and education you need. Reach out to me or your local doulas to find the best fit for your needs in pregnancy or postpartum!

FOLLOW @ailishlewis.com_

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ailish is a mother of a daughter and stepmom to 3 sons. She is a Certified Holistic Doula, Birth Consultant, & Educator as well as Reiki Master & Gentle Pediatric Sleep Coach. She has always been passionate about helping families in the perinatal time. Her goal is to provide her clients with the best education & support so they feel prepared & confident.

 Visit Ailish’s Website

Hopefully you’re taking good care of yourself and showering regularly. But actually I’m not talking about personal hygiene, I’m talking about BABY SHOWERS! They can be oh so fun but also oh so stressful. If you haven’t already started a baby registry with all the items you think you’ll need for your little babe’s arrival (in about 16 short weeks, eek!!) then you may be starting to feel the pressure to get going! Family members and friends might already be asking you what they can buy for that sweet growing baby.

I don’t know about you, but I would consider myself pretty picky when it comes to things for my baby. When I was pregnant, I made it very clear to family and friends that I didn’t want to be gifted random colorful toys or baby clothes – I only wanted to receive the items that I had specifically curated and put onto our baby registry. And even at that, I still got several random pink outfits and hand-sewn or crocheted blankets, which hold great sentimental value, truly, but when you see a long list of registry essentials that have yet to be purchased, that can create some mixed feelings.

So maybe you’ve started your list, maybe you haven’t – and that’s ok! I’m bringing you all the knowledge I’ve accumulated as a holistic mama who recently went through the whole pregnancy/baby shower/newborn thing. I’ve curated for you the ultimate list of toxin-free baby registry must haves. Not the things that might be nice but will ultimately end up in a drawer, unused. Nope, none of that. These are the absolute essentials. And toxin-free, too! That was my #1 priority when it came to choosing things for my daughter, so you’re reaping the benefits of my hundreds of hours of painstaking research (you’re welcome ;)).

So here it is! The toxin-free things I *actually* used with my baby. I recommend using Babylist to create your registry. You can add links from ANY website!

The Ultimate Toxin-Free Baby Registry Of Total Essentials

Diapers: We chose to go the cloth diapering route. No regrets; absolutely none. It has been the best thing of all time. We fell in love with the Esembly cloth diapering system, and literally use all of their products - diapers, laundering, skincare, etc. It’s totally amazing, and totally toxin-free and so great for your little baby’s bum. Shop Esembly here.

If you decide that cloth diapering isn’t for you, I recommend HealthyBaby diapers, or Coterie.

Wipes: We use the cotton wipes that come with the Esembly diapering system. We just wash them with the cloth diapers and use the Esembly foaming wash that goes with them. It’s literally fool-proof.

If you want to go the disposable route for wipes, I recommend these organic cotton dry wipes. Just add a little spritz of water from a tiny spray bottle :)

Diaper Cream: I love to use this beef tallow-based cream for our daughter’s sensitive areas (look up the benefits of organic beef tallow: it’s AMAAAAZING), or we also use the Everyday Balm from Esembly.

Diaper Pail: We love the Ubbi Diaper Pail made from steel. It works with our cloth diapering bags and would also work with regular trash bags too for disposable diapers.

Changing Table Pad: Naturepedic Changing Pad. Doesn’t need a cover :)

Nursing Pillow: Personally I didn’t use a nursing pillow much (I birthed a 10.5lb baby so I didn’t need to prop her *quite large* head up much for nursing), but she liked to use this toxin-free nursing pillow as a support when she started to sit up on her own. I purchased a Boppy brand organic cotton cover for it since they are the same size pillow.

Diaper Bag: This organic cotton convertible tote is toxin-free and spacious (and totally cute!!).

Burp Cloths: If you have a baby that spits up (we did), then you will need WAY more burp cloths than you think. Like way way way more. We loved these.

Bibs: See above comment about burp cloths. Our baby went through 5-10 bibs per DAY because of all her spit up (cue the upside-down smile emoji). These were wonderful and came in multiple cute colors, and these white ones went well with any outfit.

Pacifiers: Pacifiers are pretty highly debated, especially in the holistic health world. We let our daughter use one until she started teething around 6 months, and then quickly weaned her off of it. We really loved these silicone pacifiers.

Baby Blanket: This is the first of many brags I will make about Parade Organics. I truly could not love a baby company more. They are based in Canada and truly have the softest, highest quality baby textiles (blankets, clothing, sleepers, etc.). We couldn’t have been more obsessed. We bought 2 of these organic cotton baby blankets for our daughter and she loved to be swaddled in them as a newborn and still loves to play with them and use them for warmth in her car seat and stroller. 10/10.

Baby Lounger: Although we didn’t use it much past the age of about 4 months, we did love the Snuggle Me Organic when our girl was a newborn. It’s not considered safe for overnight sleeping use, but we would let her nap in it while we kept an eye on her during the day. It’s super nice to have a comfy spot to place the baby so they can snooze while you get other things done (laundry, cooking, watching Netflix, etc.)

Bassinet: I suggest the Nuna Sena Aire. It's a bassinet that converts to a pack-n-play style travel crib that folds up into a super compact bag. It’s toxin free and totally stylish.

Bouncer: I preferred to avoid any electronic baby gear that plugged into the wall because I wanted to limit our daughter’s exposure to harmful EMF radiation, so we opted for this BabyBjorn Bouncer, which truly was amazing. Like honestly the baby loved it and loved the bouncing motion of the seat. We would put her in it while we cooked and ate dinner and she was 100% content to just look at us and smile from her bouncer.

Stroller: The main thing to look out for in baby gear is added flame retardants. There are lots of good stroller options out there that are relatively low in toxins, so feel free to do your own research! We chose the Vista V2 Stroller for our daughter because it has the option to convert to a double stroller (which felt important to us since we hope to have more kids in the future). Another great brand is Nuna - they do not use any added chemical flame retardants in any of their baby gear.

Car Seat: Again, we went with the UPPAbaby system and got the Mesa V2 Car seat… all three colors are flame-retardant free!! Nuna is also a great brand for non-toxic car seats. If you’d rather use a convertible car seat (one that stays in the car and cannot connect to a stroller base but can hold your child up to much heavier weights) then I suggest the Nuna Rava or Nuna Exec.

Jogging Stroller: This stroller is an investment, for sure, but a worthwhile one. It is free of flame retardants and PFAs, is made from recycled plastic bottles, and it brags the OEKO-TEX certification (meaning it has been tested for toxic substances and passed the test!). You can also add the organic cotton seat liner so that your baby’s skin is only touching the cleanest of materials.

Car Seat Cover: This muslin car seat canopy.

Clothing: You’ll need mostly full-body onesies at first (some brands call them sleep & plays). We love the 100% cotton ones (ideally organic cotton) from brands like Parade Organics, Little Plant by Carters, Old Navy, Rabbit + Bear, and O2 Baby (on Amazon). You’ll want to avoid polyester fabric as much as possible, as it contains chemicals that can be harmful to your baby’s hormones and lungs.

SleepSacs: Parade Organics. We got 2 of each size.

Swaddler: Our daughter hated having her arms confined, so we gave up on a swaddle for sleeping within about 10 days, but this one is great if your baby likes to have their arms held down.

Laundry Detergent: We use the washing powder that comes with our cloth diapering system to wash our clothes too, but I also recommend Branch Basics for a toxin-free laundry option for your sweet lil babe.

High Chair: We have loved the Stokke Tripp Trapp.

Baby floor seat/booster seat: The Upseat (code KRISTENVANGILSE10) is the only hip-safe baby floor seat on the market. Other brands (like Bumbo) can cause hip dysplasia. We love the Upseat!

Breast Pump: I got the Spectra S1 breast pump through my insurance, but I also recommend the Haaka silicone breast pump for collecting the letdown from the opposite breast to create a freezer stash of breast milk.

Breast Milk Storage Bags: I highly suggest silicone storage bags, because plastic can leach harmful chemicals into the breast milk. We have used these silicone bags as well as these silicone pouches, and both are wonderful. Another great option is to freeze your milk in glass Mason jars (just make sure to leave room at the top for the milk to expand as it freezes!).

Bottles: We wanted to avoid plastic bottles since plastic contains harmful chemicals that can transfer to liquids, especially when warmed. We opted for these glass and silicone bottles, which we started using with our baby around 6 weeks old. We love them!!

Bottle warmer: Some people say that a bottle warmer is unnecessary, but we personally use ours for every bottle and love it! We have this one.

Bathtub: I spent a lot of time researching baby bath tubs. There aren’t very many options that are plastic free, so I ended up choosing this one that is BPA, PVC, and phthalate free. We used this tub with our daughter until she was able to climb out of it around 7.5 months. Another option is this Puj tub that is used in a regular sized sink (our daughter was almost 11lbs at birth so even though we had this tub, she was almost too big for it from the beginning).

Baby Wash: Pipette Baby Shampoo and Body Wash - Fragrance Free.

Comb + Brush: Green Sprouts.

Wash Cloths: Any organic cotton washcloths will do, but we loved these from Carter’s.

Towel: Look for organic cotton. We love these animal towels.

Crib: I recommend choosing a wooden crib over a metal one. This crib from Dadada is a sturdy, beautiful, high-quality option that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified (an awesome certification for low-VOCs). If you’ve got an unlimited crib budget, then you might want to check out the Kalon Caravan crib - it’s the ultimate non-toxic, eco friendly crib on the market these days.

Crib Sheets: Again, organic cotton is the way to go. Honest Baby is a great company for organic cotton baby gear. We use these sheets!

Crib Mattress: I recommend Naturepedic or Kalon for a crib mattress. Avoid foam mattresses which are not certified GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard, organic latex) because of chemical off-gassing.

Sound Machine: A sound machine that uses rechargeable battery power is preferable over one that needs to be plugged in constantly because of “dirty electricity” (harmful EMF radiation) that comes from outlets. We like this one.

Baby monitor: Personally I am not a big fan of baby monitors because of the massive amount of EMF radiation that they put off in a baby’s room (near their bed while they are sleeping), especially ones that utilize bluetooth and/or WiFi. If you are keeping EMFs in mind, you’ll want to avoid wearable tech for babies, like bluetooth or Wifi-enabled devices. If you really want to have a monitor that uses video, I suggest this audio-only baby monitor. The safest option as far as radiation goes is to opt out of baby monitors entirely, which is what we decided to do after a couple of months.

Snot Sucker: The NoseFrida.

Nail Trimmer: This thing is awesome.

Teethers: Anything 100% food-grade silicone. We like the ones from Mushie.

Toys: We avoid plastic to the best of our ability, so we focus on toys that are 100% organic cotton, 100% food-grade silicone, and 100% natural wood. We love Apple Park for stuffed animals and loveys.

Play gym: Finn + Emma Play Gym.

Play Mat: We have absolutely loved the toxin-free play mats from Toki Mats.

Baby Carrier/Wrap: For a newborn/young baby, I practically lived in my baby wrap. For a more structured baby carrier, I recommend the Nuna CUDL for things like hiking/long walks.

Glider: We have had 2 different DaVinci Baby gliders (we currently have this one), and I honestly couldn’t be happier with them. None of their gliders use any chemical flame retardants which is a BIG WIN in my book. Another great low-VOC and low-tox brand is Babyletto.

Rolling baby station: Okay, this is a random find but I definitely suggest having a metal rolling cart full of baby supplies. I initially had this by my bedside with diapering supplies, pumping supplies, snacks, water, my charger and headphones, tissues, and burp cloths. After several weeks we moved it permanently to sit next to the glider in our daughter’s nursery and it became the home for my pump and some of her blankets and toys. It’s versatile and so helpful to have.

Clothing Hamper: We love this 100% cotton clothing hamper for the nursery. Great for laundry, blankets, or toys.

FOR MOM:

Pads: These organic cotton pads are amazing for postpartum recovery. I also loved their disposable underwear - I lived in these for the first 2 weeks postpartum.

Peri bottle: This thing is so much better than the one they gave me at the hospital.

Perineal Balm: This perineal balm feels like magic *down there.* I kid you not. You just GOTTA have this for your tender lady parts postpartum.

Nursing bras: I have to hand it to Bodily that they legitimately created my ideal postpartum nursing bra on all fronts. Comfortable, lightweight, no wire, strenchy, fits like a glove, and made from non-toxic materials. *Chef’s kiss*

Nursing pads: These organic bamboo nursing pads are perfect for stopping those annoying leaks.

Silver nipple cups: Sore nipples from breastfeeding? These are literally lifesavers. I cannot tell you how much I wish I would’ve ordered these sooner than 4 weeks postpartum.

Robe: Yep, go ahead and register for a robe for yourself, mama. You’ll be living in it for a couple weeks after baby gets here. I LOVE this organic cotton robe from Under the Canopy. So freaking soft and comfy.

Aaaaand that’s it! All my absolute essentials. And just a reminder, mama: what your baby needs more than anything else is YOU. Your love, your body, your heartbeat, your voice. You don’t need the fanciest gear or the most beautiful nursery or the best baby tech. In fact, you don’t need to buy everything 100% toxin free. You just need to give your baby YOU. It’s hard, it’s tiring, it’s painful, it’s tearful, but it’s also beautiful and fulfilling and heartwarming and amazing. You’ve got this mama.

Now get to work on that registry!

FOLLOW @the.organimama

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristen is a Christ follower, wife, mama, and holistic living enthusiast, with a passion for birth photography. Kristen's journey from illness to wellness led her to embrace toxin-free living. She shares her expertise through photography services and valuable tips for holistic living.

Visit Kristen’s page

And while there is much to celebrate with a new baby on the way - there’s also a new level of responsibility, an incredible list of to-dos and a lot of big changes. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement, joy, worry and yes, overwhelm. But, how do you know if what you are feeling is normal - or if it’s something you need help with.

Today, let’s take a minute to talk about mental health during pregnancy - because you deserve to feel good throughout pregnancy. And if you don’t, you need to know you are not alone. There is nothing wrong with you and there is support, options, tools and unending love available to you.

What Is Pregnancy Anxiety?

Anyone can experience anxiety during pregnancy. According to The American Institute of Stress, around a third of people report feeling extreme stress, and approximately three-quarters of people experience stress that impacts their physical and mental health – just in everyday life.

Add to the mix worries about a new baby, giving birth and becoming a parent and you can see that if you feel stressed out - you are not alone.

Many people don’t really know what pregnancy anxiety looks like. Here’s how it affects people day to day:

• Overthinking and rumination
• Difficulty focusing
• Panic attacks
• Increased tension
• Frequent Stress Eating
• Moodiness
• Irritability
• Lack of motivation
• Frustration
• Feeling a lack of control and apprehension
• Shortness of breath, or changes in your overall breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much

If you are reading these symptoms and thinking - oh yeah, that does sound like me. There’s one really great thing. Once you can name a difficulty, it can become much easier to manage. We’ll talk about how to work through these symptoms in just a minute.

What Is Prenatal Depression?

We can’t talk about mental health without also mentioning depression. It’s normal to feel worried and a bit anxious as you’re going through pregnancy and expanding your family. But depression is different from a healthy amount of worry.

You may be feeling depression if you feel:

• A sad or ‘empty’ mood that doesn’t seem to go away for long
• More irritable than normal
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness or helplessness
• No longer interested in hobbies or activities that used to bring you joy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• Trouble bonding or forming an emotional attachment with your new baby
• Persistent doubts about your ability to parent your baby appropriately
• Thoughts about harming yourself, baby or others

Most moms will have a period of baby blues, or a sense of fatigue the first couple weeks home with their baby. And it is normal to feel a range of emotions from overjoyed to overwhelmed through the childbearing year. But, the baby blues should only last a couple of weeks.

At 7 weeks, and throughout pregnancy, these symptoms are a sign of depression. Proper help can help you create a more fulfilling pregnancy experience.
If you feel an ongoing sense of any of these feelings before or after birth, reach out for help!

What to do if you’re experiencing these symptoms?

If you are in immediate danger because of these symptoms:

• Dial 911 in an emergency.
• Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential. To use the Lifeline Chat, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.
• Contact the Crisis Text Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by texting HELLO to 741741.

What Else Can You Do To Fight These Feelings Before And After Pregnancy?

I’ve spent years learning to understand and work through my own anxiety. And the process has been such a gift. One thing I want you to know is that you are not defined by the season you are in. Just because you are anxious or depressed right now, does not mean you have to feel that way forever. Feelings can and do change.

Here are a few ways to encourage yourself to move forward from a place of anxiety or depression.

1. There are so many life changes that take place when having a baby. One thing I wish I would have done sooner myself is talk to a therapist. You can look for someone local if you like being in person. You can also find a great therapist online at Mywellbeing.com with My Wellbeing, you can match with and meet 3 different therapists and then pick the one you connect with best. That way, you have someone that is really the right fit for you.
   
   
   
2. If the idea of giving birth is what is stressing you out - consider taking a childbirth course. A really high quality course will help you with these 3 things:
   • Understand the process of birth and demystify it. That way you can make educated decisions about your birth and understand what is happening. Education can take birth from something that is happening to you to a process you are actively engaged in and doing yourself. Birth can feel much more empowering this way.
   • A good childbirth class should teach the basics of nutrition and exercises for a healthy pregnancy. Nutrition absolutely affects mental health in the childbearing year and beyond. Knowing what foods can support your physical and mental health can help you feel healthier and cope more easily with the changes around pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
   • The best birth classes should provide a sense of community and help you connect with other moms. Often friendship circles shift as you enter a new stage of life. A childbirth course can help you connect in person or digitally with others making the same life changes.
   
   Of course I would love to support you within my own Childbirth Course. I strive to provide moms with all of these things. But, there are many high quality courses in person and online. Choose one that will give you the most confidence and clarity going into birth.
   
   
3. Change the way you think about your problem.
   It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when there are so many changes happening all at once. But remember, everything can be figured out. Slow down, take a deep breath and examine the way you are thinking about your problems.

I made you a simple feelings journal to help you recognize and move through emotions you don’t want. It is for moms-to-be that are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression or are simply in need of self care. It has useful daily, weekly and monthly prompts, exercises, affirmations and worksheets to help you tackle your stressors, build self confidence and boost your mood.

Go ahead and grab it as my gift to you.

Mental Health Spotlight Conclusion

Congratulations on your pregnancy. You are absolutely the right mom for this child. More than that, remember, you have everything you need to create a beautiful life with your little one.

We all struggle with different levels of anxiety and depression. If your mental health isn’t where you want it to be, there are ways to heal and grow. If you feel alone, make sure to reach out for help. You are never alone in this.

FOLLOW @shebirthsbravely

**Please note, nothing in this article is medical advice; it is purely educational. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzzie Vehrs is a mama of two vibrant and growing kids. As a certified doula she loves helping moms know how to prepare for birth and create beautiful beginnings. Her goal is to help moms dream about, align with and experience a healthy, happy birth.

Visit Suzzie’s website

At this point, you may (or may not!) be noticing a difference in your body so we thought it might be a good time to chat about maternity bra and clothing suggestions! Having had two babies, I have experienced two 1st trimesters and each one was totally different with regards to how my body was changing.

For my first pregnancy, I didn't really need to think about maternity clothes for a while. For my second, my belly popped out pretty much immediately - it’s like my body was like, “oh ya, we know what we’re doing here now!”. For me, being comfortable is the most important thing when it comes to clothing in general, so this of course carried into my pregnancy and postpartum wardrobe. I also try to be thoughtful in my purchases and try to stick to buying things that will last me a long time. The following recommendations are based on my experience as a pregnant person and what I felt best in. I hope it’s helpful for you!

Favorite Clothing Options for Pregnancy & Beyond!

There was definitely a little part of me that was very excited about being pregnant and getting to buy a whole new wardrobe of cute maternity clothes. However, when it came down to it I actually ended up trying to hold off on buying maternity specific clothing for as long as possible because I did not love the idea of buying something that I could only wear when I was pregnant.

Lululemon Super-High-Rise Leggings were already a staple in my closet pre-pregnancy and they were my favorite leggings until I finally accepted that I needed some maternity leggings in my 3rd trimester. I have girlfriends who just sized up in the lululemons and were okay with that, but I tried out these Everyday Maternity Belly Support ones from Blanqi and liked them a lot. They sell the same kind of legging in shorts which was great for summer or under dresses for a little support. The only thing about the Blanqi leggings is that they do pill, but if you have a fabric shaver then it is totally fine.

Free People has a lot of maternity friendly clothing (many of my oversized and flowy tops / dresses are from there) so this was a bonus as I could wear a lot of my regular clothes during pregnancy!

Ethical and sustainable slow fashion is always welcome in my life, and I love Oak Meadow and The Simple Folk for their beautiful clothes that can transition from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy to nursing to plain ol’ regular life!

Favorite Bra Options for Pregnancy and beyond!

A proud(ish) member of the small boob club, I was mostly concerned (again) with comfort when it came to my bras. For most of my pregnancy I lived in the Free People Happiness Runs Crop Tank as they were just easy to throw on under anything I was wearing.

Never got to try this next one myself but I’ve heard rave reviews from friends about this bra that is maternity/ nursing friendly.

Once breastfeeding started, I bought a million different bras but I found most to be too uncomfortable or tight or finicky. My fave nursing bra situation ended up being the Medela Nursing Bra and nursing pads. Bamboobies makes disposable and reusable ones and I found both to be useful in different situations.

Final thoughts!

In general, bras and clothing are such a personal thing and the same goes for when you’re pregnant! What I encountered in my search was that someone else’s ‘must-haves’ were not necessarily mine. The main advice here would be to stick to what works for you and try to find items that make you feel your best. If they can last beyond pregnancy - huge sustainability bonus!

FOLLOW @christinehanrutledge

Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?

Sign up here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine is a mother of two with a Master’s in Early Years Education. She has always been passionate about teaching and working with the tiniest humans. Her goal is to provide her family with healthy and sustainable choices at all times, and to share those tips with you!

Visit Christine's page