While understanding your rights as a birthing person is vital anytime, in the era of COVID-19, I found this topic especially apropos. I have heard horrible stories from doulas and moms alike about their birth preferences being completely thrown out of the window due to COVID-19, and new hospital regulations that seem to change daily. … Continue reading Knowing your rights as a birthing person
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Six holiday hangups that impact milk supply for breastfeeding moms
Breastfeeding can be difficult enough for many moms, but some aspects of the holiday season can make things even more so if she isn't prepared for them - such as her body's ability to produce breastmilk. Here are several things to keep a keen eye out for (while you're watching for Kris Kringle of course), … Continue reading Six holiday hangups that impact milk supply for breastfeeding moms
Can I drink alcohol and breastfeed?
As the holidays fill our homes and our lives, many new breastfeeding moms everywhere are probably asking – can I drink and breastfeed my baby? Alcohol and breastfeeding have often been seen as oil and water – the two just do not mix. Women for years have been told to “pump and dump” any breastmilk … Continue reading Can I drink alcohol and breastfeed?
Bariatric surgery and birth outcomes
In the US, 41.1% of women of childbearing age (over the age of 20) are obese. Women who are overweight or obese want the best for themselves and their children as much as any woman; and a good many women of childbearing age are considering bariatric surgery to help. Statistics report that of the amount … Continue reading Bariatric surgery and birth outcomes
7 things to know about your newborn’s first breastfeeding
The first breastfeeding of a newborn is often a magical, yet confusing experience for a new mom. If you are considering breastfeeding your baby, I love that you have stumbled across this blog post. As a doula and breastfeeding counselor, I want to share some of these little understood facts about newborns and their first … Continue reading 7 things to know about your newborn’s first breastfeeding
Importance of Vitamin D and Your Pregnancy
Here we are in the dead of winter, and I want to talk about the importance of Vitamin D during your pregnancy. Vitamin D is an essential chemical that in adults facilitates the absorption of bone and muscle strengthening ingredients like phosphorous and calcium. It's also necessary for helping your baby grow healthy teeth and … Continue reading Importance of Vitamin D and Your Pregnancy
Essential oils and doula support
Essential oils are a fantastic addition to any labor or birth support kit for a doula. From helping a birthing person to relax and release, or to give a tired birthing person the kick they need to keep up the work, they can do amazing things. My friend and Doterra essential oil salesperson Ruth Ann, a … Continue reading Essential oils and doula support
Fork Or Fiction: The fault in pairing your plate with technology
I was eating breakfast and settling down for a little light reading this past month when I came across this article in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics that grabbed my attention. I actually had to do a double take at the headline.
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Why healthy people don’t need to “juice”
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While juicing may still be all the rage in some circles, I can’t find it in my heart to fully get behind it as a well-person’s go-to health fix.
Here are some reasons why:
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Iron & Pregnancy
During a woman’s pregnancy, her blood volume increases by 50 percent.
That is why it is extremely vital that a woman gets enough iron in her diet, and has herself checked for anemia, to ensure enough oxygen is getting to baby and mom’s muscles, brain, etc.
These foods are some of the richest in iron.
But some things to keep in mind is that:
A) Caffeine can reduce a woman’s ability to absorb iron. If possible, and drink less or avoid caffeinated beverages such as teas and coffees.
B) Calcium rich foods or supplements can also inhibit iron absorption. Try to consume calcium supplements and iron rich foods at opposite ends of the day.
C) Iron supplements can be hard on the body and result in constipation. While getting from diet alone is recommended, sometimes supplementation is needed. If you can, look for supplements that also include a…
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Lindsey Gemme 