When preparing for the arrival of a new baby, one of the most obvious tasks on the checklist is packing your hospital bag. Many parents find themselves in the same boat, overwhelmed by the different recommendations, wondering if they are packing too much or too little, trying to pack for every scenario that might get …
There comes a moment in every expectant parent’s journey when the impending arrival of their baby suddenly feels all too real. That moment often involves a sudden surge of questions and a healthy dose of anxiety about the birthing process. Enter: birthing classes. Birthing classes are like your pre-game warm-up before the big day, preparing …
Let’s set the scene. After 9 months of carrying your baby, you’ve finally gone through delivery and met your new baby. You have likely felt a range of emotions deeper than you ever thought possible, but now what? The first week postpartum can feel super overwhelming. Your old definition of “normal” doesn’t exist anymore, and, …
Midwifery is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, but it isn’t as accessible here as it is in countries like South Korea or Taiwan. Doulas and midwives are trained birth workers who provide birthing people and infants with care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods. However, the role of Doulas can vary depending on …
The Role of Doulas and Midwives Around the World Read More »
Giving birth is one of the most magical moments in your life. Bringing your baby into the world is a wonderful experience, but it can also be an incredibly challenging time. While you’re pregnant, you’ll be regularly visiting your care provider. You will also have access to countless parental classes designed to help you. However, …
In the initial weeks after giving birth, new mothers will likely experience fatigue, anxiety, and frustration. This phase typically lasts the first two weeks after the birth but can also be on-going. After two weeks, some start to feel better, but some continue to experience stress and anxiety. Additionally, there is a chance that this …
Postpartum care is one area the US underappreciates in healthcare. New mothers and their newborns are our most vulnerable citizens, and giving them the proper care to allow them to flourish is crucial, but when it comes to postnatal care, the US is surpassed by many other countries. However, the US can improve postnatal care …
How Good Postpartum Care Can Prepare You for Life with a Newborn How often have you heard stories of women leaving maternity wards and immediately having to be responsible for their homes and families, with virtually no postpartum care to speak of? They come home with a new baby, a new body, and if they’re …
5 Things I Wish I Had Known About the Fourth Trimester Read More »
This is the beginning of the postpartum period, or the fourth trimester. Whether it’s your first or third time giving birth, it can feel daunting: you wish you could bring the hospital nurse home with you or hire an overnight doula or remember anything you learned during those prenatal baby classes—and there is a desire to sleep for days even though you know you will be up for nights for the foreseeable future.
Spending time at a postnatal retreat in the days and week after child birth is a new concept for many families in the US. Yet, in major cities across the world, it is a long-standing tradition and incredibly common practice. If you’re not sure why postnatal retreats are an essential step in the transition from pregnancy to postpartum, here’s a good place to start:
