Balancing Birth To Baby Blog
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 […]
When Your Baby Arrives Early: Support for Parents of a Premature Baby
By Bronwyn Addico |
You may have expected more time. More time to prepare for birth, finish work, attend a prenatal class, or simply settle into the idea that your baby would soon be here. When your baby arrives early, those expectations can change quickly. You are suddenly navigating parenthood while trying to understand what your baby needs—and what […]
Great Gifts for Expecting Families
By Jane Hammond |
Not sure what to get the expecting family in your life? Wanting something more useful or creative than another cute outfit for the baby? Look no further! Discover our curated list of thoughtful and memorable gifts for expecting and new families, featuring Canadian, local, and small businesses. All of these can work during the holiday […]
Safer Sleep for Real Nights: A Practical Guide for New Parents
By Bronwyn Addico |
It’s 3 a.m. Your baby has finally fallen asleep against you. You lower them into the bassinet, and their eyes open immediately. You try again, knowing you need sleep too. If this sounds familiar, you are not doing anything wrong. Newborns often want to be close, wake frequently, and need help settling. Safe sleep advice […]
Preparing for Labour When You’re Neurodivergent: Building a Toolkit That Works for You
By Bronwyn Addico |
Labour preparation for neurodivergent parents begins with understanding what already helps their brain and body feel safe. Explore practical sensory, communication and regulation tools that can be adapted for birth.
How to Feel Less Nervous When Supporting Your First Doula Clients
By Bronwyn Addico |
How to Feel Less Nervous When Supporting Your First Doula Clients You have completed your doula training. You have read the books, practised comfort measures, worked through client scenarios and learned about the many ways birth and postpartum experiences can unfold. Then your first client hires you—and suddenly, everything feels real. Feeling nervous before supporting […]
Grandparenting – 5 Things That Have Changed Since Having Your Babies
By Christina Iaboni |
I have always believed that knowledge is power. And how wonderful it would be for Grandparents to support and help their children blossom into amazing parents themselves, by already having the best, up to date advice to give. So here goes: