Balancing Birth To Baby Blog
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 […]
Supporting Postpartum Mood Disorders
By Bronwyn Addico |
Welcoming a baby into the world is a life-changing experience filled with joy, excitement, and sometimes unexpected challenges. For some new parents, those challenges include navigating postpartum mood disorders, which are more common than many people realize. While the “baby blues” are short-lived, postpartum mood disorders like postpartum depression can last much longer and make […]
Postpartum Depression in Partners is Real
By Bronwyn Addico |
Postpartum mood disorders, such as postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety, can affect not only the birthing parent but also their partner. While postpartum mood disorders are often associated with mothers, it is important to recognize that fathers and partners can also experience emotional challenges during the postpartum period. Fathers and partners may not experience the […]
How to Troubleshoot Crying
By Bronwyn Addico |
Your baby knows how to cry from the moment they are born. Crying helps a newborn take in their first breaths and expand their lungs. The transition from the womb, where oxygen is received through the placenta, to breathing air is a significant change. Crying helps clear the airways and facilitates the exchange of oxygen […]
Top Pumping Tips from a Doula
By Bronwyn Addico |
Pumping can be a dire task sometimes. Finding extra time to sit and pump can be difficult. Even more so can be having enough milk in your body after feeding your baby to be able to extract anything more than a few drops. There are lots of things you can do to help boost your pumping efforts and make them more worthwhile.
Hospital Checklist: Preparing for the Big Day!
By Bronwyn Addico |
Feeling prepared and ready for your baby’s arrival can give you some peace of mind. Packing the hospital bag is one step to getting ready for your big day! For some expecting families, everything will be packed and ready before week 37, when you are considered “full-term”. If you normally like to procrastinate and fly […]
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: