Balancing Birth To Baby Blog
Introducing a Furry Family Member to Your Baby
By Bronwyn Addico |
As a former Veterinary Technician, a Doula, and a beloved pet owner, Stephanie E. finds that clients often worry about how their furry members will feel about a new baby. This is a valid concern. Here are her top tips to prepare and introduce your pet to the new baby: First off, does your pet […]
Freezer Meals for Expecting Parents
By Christina Iaboni |
Taking time to prepare nutritious and comforting freezer meals before your baby arrives can be a huge advantage in those first few weeks of postpartum. Settling into a new routine with a baby is a time of great joy but it can also feel overwhelming. You probably won’t want to spend too much time thinking […]
Sibling and New Baby Tips
By Jane Hammond |
Bringing a new baby home brings many joys, but also many challenges. If you have older children, one of those challenges may be helping your toddler or older child accept the new baby. This is a tough transition for many families, so you are definitely not alone in the struggle! Here are all our doula-approved […]
Make more milk by eating cookies!
By Christina Iaboni |
Nutrition and breastmilk supply plus a tasty lactation cookie recipe Worrying about low milk supply is a common concern for new breastfeeding parents. You may have read lots of information about different foods that help increase breastmilk supply and are wondering if they really work. In today’s blog post, we are reviewing the evidence for […]
Common Discomforts of Pregnancy
By Jane Hammond |
Pregnancy is such an exciting time with so many changes happening within your body. Though many of these changes are welcome and thrilling, unfortunately, it is very common to experience some unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms. Though most women will experience something from this list, everyone is different and will have different symptoms. This list isn’t […]
You’re Pregnant! Now What?
By Jane Hammond |
Congratulations! What an exciting time for you! I’m sure there are a million thoughts and feelings running through your brain right now. Let us take care of some of the work for you – here’s a handy list of things you need to do in the first few weeks and months of pregnancy. First things […]
What Is a Doula (and Why You Might Want One)?
By Bronwyn Addico |
If you’ve ever heard someone mention their doula and found yourself wondering, “What exactly does a doula do?” you’re not alone. The word “doula” often conjures up an image of a mystical guide to all things birth and baby, but we’re here to set the record straight (and maybe add a sprinkle of magic along […]
Books for Babies
By Bronwyn Addico |
Books are a great way to help your baby develop and become a reader for life! At birth a baby has all the brain cells they need for life, but they need to develop the connections (or synapses) between these cells. These connections are the keys to learning. The brain’s ability to grow these connections […]
Collecting Colostrum During Pregnancy
By Bronwyn Addico |
If you’re expecting a baby, you may have heard about the benefits of collecting colostrum before birth, also known as antenatal colostrum harvesting. Colostrum is the first milk your body produces, often called “liquid gold” for its rich concentration of nutrients, antibodies, and protective properties. Collecting colostrum in the weeks leading up to your baby’s […]
Planning for your Postpartum
By Bronwyn Addico |
So much time, effort and energy goes into planning for pregnancy and planning for the birth of a baby. Often what is neglected is planning for the postpartum period. We get so caught up in waiting to have a baby that when they actually come there is an awful “Aha!” moment of “Well what do […]
Empowering Black Mothers: Overcoming the Barriers to Breastfeeding in the Black Community
By Christina Iaboni |
This post was written by Desiray Tynes, dietetic student and reviewed by Christina Iaboni, RD Black Breastfeeding Week 2024 runs from August 25-311. This annual event celebrates and supports Black mothers in their breastfeeding journeys. Despite the health benefits of breastfeeding, Black mothers often face unique challenges. To help, we need to address these barriers […]
Foods to Avoid during Pregnancy
By Christina Iaboni |
You probably know that food plays an important role in your pregnancy. You want the best for your baby, and that’s why you’re likely busy making sure you’re getting those extra calories from a well-balanced diet and taking all your prenatal vitamins. But did you know that there are foods you should avoid during your […]