Balancing Birth To Baby Blog
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 […]
Supporting Postpartum Mood Disorders
By Stephanie Evans |
Supporting someone who may be experiencing a postpartum mood disorder is crucial for their well-being. Postpartum Depression affects approximately 20% or more women after the birth of their baby. Unlike the baby blues, Postpartum Mood Disorder can be a long journey and may affect their ability to cope with a new baby. Early detection and […]
Postpartum Depression in Partners is Real
By Stephanie Evans |
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 Stephanie Evans |
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 […]
Newborn Massage : Good for the whole family!
By Bronwyn Addico |
You are at home with your new bundle of joy. Whether it is your first or fourth, incorporating this little person into your household is a challenge for parents and siblings. Infant massage can be a wonderful way to bond with your tiny human. There are many studies that show how infant massage can improve […]
Dads, Partners, and Labour
By Bronwyn Addico |
Gone are the days of dropping the labouring mom off at the hospital and Dad waiting for the news that all was well and his new baby was here. Not only are Dads and Partners expected to be in the birth room, but they are also expected to support moms during an experience that they […]
Birth Plans 101
By Bronwyn Addico |
I am often asked about birth plans by the couples in our classes and by my doula and coaching clients. If you don’t know, a birth plan is something that women and their partners write about what they hope will occur during their labour, what they hope to avoid, and anything else they feel is […]
How Painful is Labour?
By Bronwyn Addico |
Questions and fears about labour pain are what I hear most often from doula clients, coaching clients and couples in my childbirth classes. I am not going to lie. Labour can be painful. How painful? Well, that depends. There is a wide variety of pain perceptions and stories about pain levels in labour. Your baby’s […]
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:
6 Steps to Overcome Your Birth Fears
By Bronwyn Addico |
Because birth is such a transformative experience, some trepidation is normal and to be expected. However, in our current media culture, birth is portrayed as a medical emergency and used as a way to increase TV show ratings. This turns normal trepidation into fear, which is further exasperated when people tell you birth horror stories […]
