Can I Have a VBAC? What Actually Matters (Evidence-Based Guide)
You’ve had a cesarean. Maybe it was planned, maybe it wasn’t. But you remember the moment things shifted. The conversation changed. The plan changed. And suddenly, a C-section became the safest way to bring your baby into the world. You did what was necessary. And now, as you think about your next birth, there’s a…
Twin Sleep: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Get Support
Are you currently managing twin sleep? Or pregnant with twins and wondering what a healthy twin bedtime routine really looks like? Whether you’re in the thick of it or just trying to be proactive, here’s what you need to know: Twin sleep is often harder, more chaotic, and more exhausting than singleton sleep. And it’s…
A Step-by-Step IVF Timeline: From First Consult to Pregnancy Test
The IVF process is overwhelming; there’s no way around it. So many steps, so much medical terminology, and so many unknowns. It’s a lot to take in—especially when you’re already carrying the emotional weight of infertility. We see you. Understanding the IVF timeline doesn’t make the process easier, but it can help you move through…
Third Trimester Anxiety: Why It Happens and What Actually Helps
You’re in your third trimester. You thought you’d feel excited and calm as you get close to meeting your baby. Instead, you’re anxious. Really anxious. Your mind races at night. You Google things you probably shouldn’t. Every kick makes you hyperaware. Every appointment brings new worries. And you wonder: why now? Why does anxiety feel…
The First 6 Weeks Postpartum: A Week-by-Week Emotional & Physical Overview
Postpartum recovery can be… a lot. And most of the time, it’s different for everyone. Your body is healing from pregnancy and birth while your hormones do wild things. Emotions are high. And you’re keeping a tiny human alive — all at once. Remember: postpartum recovery isn’t linear. You may experience unpredictable moments and unique…
Am I Pregnant? Early Pregnancy Signs to Look Out For
Early pregnancy symptoms can start as soon as a week or two after conception, though some people don’t notice anything until they’ve missed a period. And honestly, early pregnancy symptoms can be exciting, confusing, and even anxiety-inducing… Sometimes all at once. Here’s the thing: everybody is different. The early signs don’t always look the same…
How to Prevent & Treat Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
You’re getting dressed one morning, glance in the mirror, and—wait… were those little squiggly lines there yesterday? Pregnancy comes with its fair share of surprises, but stretch marks have a special way of showing up uninvited, like glitter after a toddler craft project. Stretch marks are one of pregnancy’s most common souvenirs — and also…
Newborn Lip Blisters: What They Mean and When to Get Feeding Support
Have you ever Googled, “What are newborn lip blisters?” Lip blisters in newborns are very common. Often, they’re just a sign of an eager little nurser learning how to latch and feed. Your baby’s lips are simply adjusting to the suction and friction that come with nursing or bottle-feeding. Sometimes, a small blister shows up…
From Baby Showers to Support Parties: A Better Way to Celebrate Parenthood
There was a time when “baby shower” meant pastel cakes, a diaper tower, and a room full of loved ones oohing and aahing over tiny onesies and swaddle blankets. I still love a classic baby shower — the joy, the excitement, the way everyone comes together to celebrate new life. But lately, there’s been a…
The Nursing Bra Guide for Modern Moms
We’re thrilled to welcome Katie Brooker from Cake Maternity to the blog today! She’s offering practical advice and expert guidance on what to look for in a great nursing bra. Welcoming a new baby changes everything, including your bra drawer. Suddenly, the stylish, underwired bras you once wore feel like a distant memory, replaced by a new set…
Sex and Pregnancy: What’s Normal — and How to Stay Connected
Your libido during pregnancy isn’t something you need to “fix,” “force,” or put on your to-do list between choosing baby registry items. It’s not a reflection of your relationship or your commitment to your partner. It’s your body responding to an extraordinary transformation — pregnancy. Pregnancy is a rollercoaster — and your libido might be…
Cholestasis in Pregnancy: What Your Severe Itching Could Actually Mean
Been feeling extra itchy lately? While some itchiness during pregnancy is normal, severe itching may be a cause for concern. So, if you’re experiencing severe itching, it could be a symptom of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), which is a temporary liver condition during pregnancy that can cause intense itching. This condition is more than…
What is Fetal Monitoring? What You Need to Know
“Why is fetal monitoring important?” “Is it safe for my baby?” Are these questions running through your head? If so, you’re not alone. Fetal monitoring is one of those medical terms that is frequently used, but many expecting parents don’t fully understand what it entails or their options. Understanding fetal monitoring can actually help you…
Making Peace with Pregnancy Weight Gain
Your body is changing faster than your closet can keep up. The scale might feel like your enemy—but it doesn’t have to. If you’re feeling anxious about the numbers creeping up, you’re not alone. Weight gain during pregnancy is normal, but that doesn’t make the emotional side any easier to navigate. Perhaps you’re concerned that…
What is Amniocentesis?: Understanding This Diagnostic Test
You’re sitting in your doctor’s office, and they just mentioned something called an amniocentesis. Your curiosity piques, and your heart may skip a beat. Maybe your recent screening showed higher-than-expected numbers. Maybe you’re over 35. Or perhaps there’s a family history that has everyone on edge. Whatever the reason, you’re probably feeling a swirl of…
My Twin Birth Story: Trusting My Body, My Prep, and My Plan
One of our clients, Celie Degasse, was gracious enough to share her twin birth story publicly on her Instagram page. She has given us permission to publish it below. We are so grateful to this family for choosing Buddha Belly Doulas to support them through this very special birth experience! Pregnancy is transformative in every…
Anatomy Scan Ultrasound – What to Expect
Your 20-week ultrasound is coming up! For many expectant parents, this appointment stirs up a lot of feelings. Excitement. Curiosity. Maybe some nervousness too. Understanding what this anatomy scan involves can help you feel more prepared. So let’s walk through it together. What is an Anatomy Scan? The anatomy scan ultrasound goes by a few…
Maternal Bonding In Pregnancy – And Why It Counts
You might be wondering… when can a fetus start to hear? And here’s your answer: the inner ear begins forming around 16 weeks… At this stage, your baby begins tuning into the symphony of your body: Your blood rushing, the steady beat of your heart, the rhythm of your digestion. By 23 weeks, babies can…
Hydration During Pregnancy: The Path to a Healthy Pregnancy
Between the belly and the blazing Florida sun, staying hydrated during pregnancy can feel like a full-time job. Here in Florida, our hot and humid climate makes hydration even more crucial when you’re expecting. Your body is working overtime to nourish your growing baby, so staying hydrated isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential for both your health and…
Bringing Baby Home from the NICU: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Bringing your baby home from the NICU is a moment you’ve probably dreamed about—but if your baby was born prematurely or needed medical support, it’s also a moment that comes with a swirl of emotions: joy, fear, overwhelm, and even grief. You are not alone in this. In fact, 1 in 10 babies worldwide is…
Understanding Diastasis Recti: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
If you’ve had a baby recently… You might be looking at your reflection, thinking: “I don’t look like I used to.” You’ve probably noticed quite a few changes. And when you think about it, it’s a bit overwhelming. But what if, instead of getting caught up in those thoughts, you focused on something else entirely—being…
Your Comprehensive List of Tools for Pain Management During Labor
You might be wondering about pain management during labor and … What does birth actually feel like? That’s a tough one—because the birthing experience is incredibly unique. For some, it feels like intense pressure or cramping. For others, it’s more of a wave-like rhythm of sensations. The truth? There’s no single way to describe it,…
3 Steps to Safeguard Your Postpartum Boundaries
You’ve heard the stories, right? People who are unwelcome in the delivery room somehow find themselves there. Even though you asked. Even though you just wanted your partner and the baby there for those first precious moments. But no. Your mother-in-law, your grandmother, your sister… Whoever it is decided they were going to join in…
Your 4th Trimester Checklist: 10 Must-Haves
Congratulations, your little one is finally here (or almost)! Welcome to the 4th trimester, the crucial period after birth where you and your baby will undergo many changes. You spent many months preparing for this moment… You endured pregnancy and birth, and now postpartum is at your doorstep. Typically, the 4th trimester doesn’t politely knock on…
Navigating PCOS and Pregnancy With Confidence: A Doula’s Guide
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a common condition that affects more women than you might realize. If you’re one of them, you’re likely familiar with the daily challenges it brings. When it comes to pregnancy, navigating PCOS is no small feat. It’s not your average pregnancy journey and comes with a unique set of obstacles. Let’s…
How Sex Can Help Induce Labor
Have you heard the saying “What gets the baby in there (sex) may help get the baby out?” Or maybe your doctor or midwife told you to have sex to help get labor started? You might be wondering what in the world this is all about. How does sex help get the baby out exactly? …
5 Important Questions to Ask About Labor Induction
The rate of labor induction in the United States has doubled in the last thirty years. Approximately 1 in 4 women are induced. You’ve probably heard mentions of induction from family and friends. And you may be questioning if induction will be necessary for you. So, here’s the most important thing to remember about induction: The more…
All the Baby Shower Ideas
If you’re pregnant and looking for some baby shower ideas… We’ve put together some great ones so you can have one less thing to worry about. As doulas, we know how important it is to celebrate these moments on your pregnancy journey. It might not feel like it right now, but pregnancy goes by in…
What No One Ever Talks About: Hormone Imbalance After IVF
You know that infertility is… Hard. You know that single parenthood is… Hard. IVF is hard too. We get it. However you arrived at undergoing IVF treatment… It isn’t for the faint of heart… and truly for people who want nothing more than to be a parent! We see you. So, if you’re reading this……
Why Infants Cry and How to Soothe Them
Oh, a crying infant… There’s nothing quite as heartbreaking. Or overwhelming. But… remember… Your baby doesn’t have very many ways to communicate yet. If something is wrong… Cue the tears. While it is part of the process, we know you want to find a way to make sure your baby is comfortable and not crying. …