Balancing Birth To Baby Blog
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 […]
Emotional Changes During Pregnancy
By Jane Hammond |
Many people have some knowledge of the physical changes that occur with pregnancy but are caught off-guard by the emotional changes that they notice in themselves or their partner. Let’s look at the emotional shifts that can occur in each trimester and some helpful hints for emotional wellness during your pregnancy.
How To Swaddle Safely
By Jane Hammond |
Here are some researched-backed ways to ensure you are swaddling safely, while you enjoy some much-needed Z’s.
4 Tips for a Beautiful VBAC
By Jane Hammond |
Are you hoping for a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) but still having some lingering worries? Feeling overwhelmed by all the information and opinions out there on the world wide web? Check out this handy list of tips for having an awesome VBAC birth experience.
Exercise in Pregnancy: Guidelines and Top Tips
By Jane Hammond |
We all know that exercise is good for us – but do you know about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy? In the past, people were told not to start an exercise program in pregnancy if they weren’t already active, but we now know that it is usually safe to exercise during pregnancy, even if […]
Prenatal Class FAQs
By Bronwyn Addico |
We often hear from expecting families that they feel overwhelmed with all the information and aren’t sure if they need a prenatal class or which one to take. We aim to cut through the overwhelm and all the noise to give you the best and most relevant evidence -based information to help you make the […]
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy
By Christina Iaboni |
Written by: Christina Iaboni, MHSc, RD Healthy eating is important at any stage of life. During pregnancy, it is important because the food that you eat provides the nutrients that your baby needs to baby grow and develop. Healthy eating also helps reduce the risk of pregnancy related complications such as anemia or high blood […]