Balancing Birth To Baby Blog
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Is Cannabis Safe to use in Pregnancy?
By Maggie Hilton |
***This article was originally published in the Spring 2019 Issue of The Holistic Parent Magazine *** Is Cannabis Safe to use in Pregnancy? Is cannabis safe to use in pregnancy? A question that causes many to ponder. We know and have known for many years that alcohol use is strongly discouraged during pregnancy. Lots of […]
Healing a Tough Birth – Pt 2
By Bronwyn Addico |
Here are two other steps to help you heal from a difficult birth experience. The emotions that can surround your birth can be so hard to navigate and even more so if you feel hurt or disappointed by your birth. As you let yourself fully mourn what you had hoped for and start to renew […]
Healing a Tough Birth – Pt 1
By Bronwyn Addico |
The emotions that can surround your birth can be so hard to navigate and even more so if you feel hurt or disappointed by your experience. I applaud your bravery and courage in taking the steps to heal. As you gain a new perspective, your story will change. You will begin to see connections, understand […]
Affirmations for Birth
By Bronwyn Addico |
Affirmations can be a powerful and helpful tool to prepare for and during birth. They can keep you feeling positive, motivated, and resilient, especially during moments of uncertainty. I use them often with both my doula and COACHING clients. If using affirmations feels like it could be useful for you, I have some helpful guidelines that […]
Keep Your Baby Safe: Learn CPR
By Maggie Hilton |
Why not give yourself some peace of mind and learn what to do in an emergency to save your child’s life. Knowing what to do and how to act if your child is choking or stops breathing, is a skill that will pay you back 10 fold should you ever need to call upon that knowledge. CPR is a life saving skill that all new parents, caregivers and grandparents should all have tucked away in their tool belts in a break in case of emergency fashion.
