Choosing a Prenatal Yoga Class

September 20, 2019 | by: Lamaze International

You've heard from your doctor or a friend that it's a good idea to take a prenatal yoga class when you are pregnant. There are some things you should know before you sign up for a class

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Knowing if You're in Labor Isn't an Exact Science

September 19, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

Recently, a mother in labor in Virginia was told to go back home when she showed up at the hospital in labor and she was asked to return when she couldn't "talk or walk during contractions." After driving back, 25 minutes away, she proceeded to give birth to her baby in the bathtub at home. Thankfully, mom and baby boy were both healthy after the birth. But it begs the question that alllll pregnant parents want to know: how will I know I'm in labor?! 

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What Does Birth *Feel* Like?

September 16, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

Intense. Joyous. Painful. Amazing. Overwhelming. Incredible. Indescribable. 

Yes, but what does birth feel like? You're pregnant, maybe a little anxious, and you want to know things. It's not enough to hear the vague catch-all words that people use when they talk about birth. We gotcha covered. We're going to share some real feelings from the physical and emotional sensations that people can experience during birth -- in this case, vaginal birth. Cesarean births are important too and will be covered in a later post. 

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The Largest Baby Show in the Country Is In LA - Are You Going??

September 11, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

The 2019 LA Baby Show, November 2-3 at Magic Box, is the largest show for new and expectant parents in the country. No other event offers a broader range of brands (100+), education, buying opportunities, and activities. This is a must-attend event if you are planning, expecting, or recently had a child! 

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5 Questions to Help You Get the Birth You Want

September 09, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri, LCCE, CD(DONA)

There's no "sure thing" in life -- or in birth. But planning, preparing, learning, and knowing which questions to ask can help make the birth you want more likely to happen.

There are so many variables that exist when a person goes into labor and gives birth; it's impossible to control them all. What you can control (for the most part) is how you participate in the process, which includes getting needed information at the right time. The following five questions can help you do just that. Be sure to share these questions with your birth support team, including your partner/spouse, support people, and doula. 

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Getting in Your Daily Servings of Fruits and Vegetables During Pregnancy

September 05, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri, LCCE, CD(DONA)

After decades (centuries, even!) of research on nutrition, eating fruits and vegetables is still the best way to get the nutrients your body needs. In pregnancy, those nutrients serve many purposes: provide energy, promote healthy digestion, boost immunity, fight disease, maintain/improve body and brain function, provide the the foundation for your baby's growth and development, and prevent birth defects.

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Co-parenting Survival Strategies for New Parents

August 28, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri, LCCE, CD(DONA)

If parenting was a sport, then parenting in the newborn days would be like running an ultramarathon (if you're unfamiliar, that's any running race longer than 26.2 miles). The near 24-7 care that new babies require in the early weeks and months is a true test of endurance and stamina. It's not that feeding and diapering a tiny baby is necessarily difficult, it's the sheer number of hours you spend doing those things in the span of a day -- every day -- while under the duress of extra hormones, necessary healing, and little-to-no sleep.  

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It's Black Breastfeeding Week! Celebrate and Learn

August 26, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

August 25 - 31 each year is Black Breastfeeding Week, a week designated to recognize, share, and celebrate the challenges and successes unique to Black parents who breastfeed. On top of the typical challenges all people can experience during breastfeeding, Black parents often have the odds stacked against them with serious issues that include higher mortality rates, higher rates of disease, lack of diversity in breastfeeding support professionals, a lack of peer role models and community support, and unique cultural barriers (Source: Black Breastfeeding Week) 

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Do This - Not That - During a Contraction

August 23, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri, LCCE, CD(DONA)

Your body's natural reaction to the pain caused by contractions in labor may not allow you to cope effectively. When it comes to labor and birth, there are "better ways" to deal with pain. When you learn how to spot typical pain responses, you can also learn how and what to do instead for better coping. This information is equally important for your birth support person(s), including your partner or family member or friend(s) who will be supporting you in labor.

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True Breastfeeding Support – What Does It Look Like?

August 21, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

A positive breastfeeding experience requires good support. But what exactly does that mean and what does it look like? A breastfeeding book and class are good places to start, but true support is so much more. It can impact how long you breastfeed and whether you merely “survive” the experience or enjoy it.

To better understand good breastfeeding support, read through the following specific examples. Your details may vary, of course, but these guidelines will help you understand what's needed for optimal breastfeeding support. When possible, set yourself up with as many good breastfeeding support systems as possible before your baby is born.

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