Paradis Doula Services

05/18/2022

If you’re local and can’t find formula, Alma is collecting and may be able to help you!

03/09/2022

There’s no shame in wanting or needing an epidural. And having a doula along with an epidural is still beneficial!

Epidural.
This is what it looks like - the pain relief, local anesthesia going into your spine. Blocking some/most of the pain from contractions and pushing.

Epidurals block nerve impulses in the lower spinal segments - from mid back down to feet. This results in decreased sensation in the lower half of the body.

Sometimes rest and relief are the things our body needs to dilate and work our baby out.
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Did you have an epidural for your births?

— I didn’t want one for either of mine, but after unexpected transfers and long labors - I got one both times. Birth is hard work, no matter how you do it. 🤍

02/26/2022

Such a great visual!! I’ve experienced this first hand! Don’t assume all nursing journeys will be the same just because the first experience wasn’t ideal, it doesn’t mean the next will be that way too. And if you encounter hurdles, seek out an IBCLC (I’m happy to recommend some!) they will be more than happy to help you along the way!

FUN FACT FRIDAY ABOUT MILK-MAKING. Did you know you grow more milk-making cells in your breasts with each pregnancy? So the more pregnancies you have, the more grapes (erhm.. I mean milk-making cells) you’ll have! 🍇
Were you a first time mom struggling with milk supply like me? I don’t think a day went by where I didn’t think about ways to at least keep up my supply.
Second time around? A BOUNTIFUL supply! Now there are many factors for this, but one is because the hormone changes that you go through in pregnancy help your body make more milk-making cells. So in addition to the ones you had from your last pregnancy, you’ll have some more!
Pretty neat huh? So if your breastfeeding journey didn’t work out the way you wanted to your first time, it likely won’t be the same the second time around (for many reasons, having more milk-making cells being one of them!) 🙌🏻
I’ll have way more information like this on my website, where the launch is coming in March. Be the first to know! Link in the bio or go to breastfeedingdietitian.com 🤱

02/20/2022

For those who need suggestions because of the Similac recall, here’s a great post!!

12/19/2021

There's a lot of talk about the importance of skin-to-skin contact in the "Golden Hour" after birth. But not everyone gets to enjoy holding their baby right away. Depending on the circumstances, the immediate health of either the baby or the birthing parent, might mean that there will be an initial period of separation.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If the reality of your birth doesn't match up with your expectations then this can feel like adding injury to insult! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What if your only birth preference was "to hold the baby immediately after delivery" - and that's not possible. How unfair it might seem to have missed out on this special time to bond with your little one.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Here's some GREAT news for anyone who might be worried about this: the benefits fo skin to skin contact with your babe are ongoing and, really, never end. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Even if your baby has to spend considerable time in the NICU, the nurses will work to help get your baby to you as soon as possible. And in the meantime being able to talk, sing and touch your baby are all ways that you can create a strong bond of connection right from the very start.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Don't ever think of the time when you were separated as "lost time." The benefits of holding your baby close can happen in the first hour, the first week, the first month, the first year and on and on and on. Bonding and attaching to your baby happens in so many different ways: skin-to-skin is just one of them.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you're lucky, when your kiddos return home from college, they might ask for a few more hugs, or sit super close on the couch for a little "snuggle time." And you'll remember that there's no expiration date on attachment and connection. XO⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

03/17/2021

Pregnancy during a pandemic is nothing short of a wild ride. Do you have the support you feel you need during this time? Our area hospitals are allowing certified doula attendance, so if you need help finding one that fits you I am more than happy to help connect you with some wonderful local doulas!

Reach out, let’s talk.

And for those who have asked, I will be booking for 2022 due dates, which will be coming up just around the corner!🤰🏼

12/06/2020

This is a great visual of how the position of your knees makes all the difference in your pelvic opening and making space for baby to move down and out! Thank you MamasteFit!

12/03/2020

Whether it’s your first or your fifth, it’s normal to ask, “is this normal?” when it comes to bleeding and discharge during your postpartum period. Thank you The Leaky B**b for this great diagram! Have questions or want reassurance, your doula is there postpartum to talk. If you find you’re passing large clots or something just seems off, your midwife or OB is always there to answer those unsure questions any time you need, just because you already had your baby doesn’t mean you still can’t call them when a medically related question arises. Best to call them than consult Dr Google! Here’s to your healthy and positive postpartum period!

Do you know what to expect with your post birth bleeding? Did you know before you had your baby? Bleeding after you have a baby is a normal part of the healing process.

The Leaky B**b New Baby Guide is full of information and tips that so many have told us they wish they had known. Like bleeding after you have a baby is normal for vaginal and c-section birth. Or that your bleeding can increase suddenly and go back to a previous stage if you overdo physical activity. Everything from common postpartum body changes to when to call your health care provider about your bleeding to product recommendations you can trust is included in our guide. Plus info on pregnancy, newborn care, feeding, sleep, and baby stuff.

This resources is our gift to you. We don't want anyone to feel like they weren't warned about essential information they needed to know before having a baby, our New Baby Guide is the answer with printable checklists, downloadable infographics, and more. Know someone having a new baby? Make sure they're not caught by surprise, this is a great baby gift! Find it here: https://wp.me/p5nM6Z-3IS

The Leaky B**b may not be here in the new year if we don't have more support from the community. If we've helped you in your baby feeding or parenting journey at all, consider partnering with us here: https://bit.ly/300FPrL or one-time here: https://bit.ly/39ygo6k

10/16/2020

Tonight is the wave of light for pregnancy and infant loss awareness. This candle burns for those who have lost babies they never got to hold and babies gone far too soon. This candle burns for our Francis (March 2012), our Gabrielle (October 2013), our little twin B (August 2015), and our Felicity (December 2016)... for our friends, our family, and all those who have endured the grief of pregnancy and infant loss. No matter how early, no matter how small, they matter, your feelings matter, you matter, and they are missed greatly. Tonight I am holding space for you🕯

09/26/2020

Did you suffer from morning sickness when you were pregnant? Did you know that having a higher protein intake can help reduce nausea? Eating stomach soothing foods like homemade chicken soup and nibbling on a protein bar around the clock can be beneficial.
What did you find that helped you?