The short answer: YES! Eating fish has many benefits for you and the baby. Fish has omega-3 and omega-6 fats, iron, iodine and choline. Omega fats and choline help support the development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord. Iron supports increased red blood cell production for women. Other adult benefits include reduced risk of…
Tag: pregnancy
How to Practice Ice Holds to Prep For Labor and Birth Pain
One of the most common questions I get in clinic is “What does a contraction feel like?” Ask ten women what a contraction feels like and you’ll get ten different answers: “charlie horse”, “cramping”, “hot poker in the stomach”, “dying”… This is closely followed by “What childbirth classes do you recommend?” (These ones are FREE…
Desiree’s Birth Stories!
Happy day to you! I have a treat in store for you guys. During my first tour through Virginia, I met Desiree as a patient. I was there for her dating ultrasound but wasn’t there for her birth. And I still remember caring for her all these years later (midwives have memories like this). I…
A Home Birth: My Fourth Birth Story
Are you ready for a birth story? It took me a while to come to a place mentally to write my birth story of my fourth babe. There are a few reasons why it took a little longer to put everything down in black and white. One, I’m still processing the birth, but I think…
What happens at my visits during pregnancy?
This seems like a straightforward question – what happens at my pregnancy visits – but I spend a lot of time talking about the current and upcoming visit’s components. Common questions include: When can I find out the gender of my baby? When is my next ultrasound? When do I have to take that glucose…
“You’re cleared for exercise.” Now what?
Today we have a guest post from Megan, a physical therapist passionate about women’s health, pregnancy and postpartum care. I reached out to see if she would share some general background and knowledge about physical therapy in pregnancy and postpartum periods. She’s happy to chat more in person if you have additional questions and concerns…
New Tools and Tool Updates!
Hello hello! Today was a milestone. I submitted what I think is the LAST edited version of a manuscript that will hopefully be published in the fall (fingers crossed!). And my littles napped long enough for me to put the final touches on the 38 and 39-40 week templates. And then I was able to…
Behind the scenes lately…
Hey friends! Wow. If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been in the past 6 weeks, I’ll tell ya. It has all to do with this little one! We’re expecting baby #4 in the fall and goodness, gracious me – I have never been so nauseous my entire life. Does nausea get worse the more times…
What do you pack in your hospital bag for birth?
Hey there hey! I did some research a while back to see what was on the internet about what to pack in your hospital bag for birth. It’s a question that every first time mama asks during clinic. Less so for the seasoned crew. Overall, I wasn’t impressed with what was online. I mean, it’s…
What Happens At My 36 Week Visit?
36 weeks! You’re counting down the days now. This visit should be focused on labor education and prep for the hospital or birth plan. Most people see their OB provider every week from 36 to 41 weeks. That’s almost an hour of talking time to ask all your questions or concerns. But…as you guys know,…
What Happens At My 32 Week Visit?
32 weeks! The third trimester usually flies by from 28 to 34 weeks. Then the last few weeks seem to drag out. It’s the perfect time to to all the planning for birth and postpartum. And that’s the idea behind this template! In case you missed the other posts so far…here are the links! Overwhelmed…
What Happens At My 28 Week Visit?
The 28 week visit is a busy one – you need a checklist to guide the visit! Don’t miss a thing…get your checklist today. Overwhelmed by all the information about pregnancy? Looking for a checklist to guide to each pregnancy visit? Don’t expect your OB provider to do all the work – take control of…
Book Recommendation: Babies are Not Pizzas: They’re Born, Not Delivered! by Rebecca Dekker
Hello Monday! We’re starting off the week with a book recommendation that I’ve been so excited to share. Babies Are Not Pizzas: They’re Born, Not Delivered! by Rebecca Dekker was recommended to me sometime this year and I finally got around to reading it in the fall. It was a quick read – it only…
What Happens At My 24 Week Visit?
We’re continuing our series on routine prenatal care around here! With the bulk of the laboratory testing, physical exam and an established due date, routine obstetric care moves into a prevention, assessment and education cycle. In case you missed the other posts so far…here are the links! Overwhelmed by all the information about pregnancy? Looking…
Trish’s Birth Story!
Happy Monday! You guys are in for a treat today. One of my dear friends, colleagues and all around outstanding mamas is sharing her story. Trish is one of those people that fills up the room with laughter and warmth and easily makes you feel at home. When you meet Trish, you would have no…
Friday Five (#47)
My baby turns five this weekend! She did not smile at us for the first 4 months of her life. We literally didn’t think she could smile! But she has made up ground since and we are blessed to celebrate another year with her…. Are your ready for a packed Five?! Fasten your seatbelts…this one…
Friday Five (#47): Five Things I’ve Been Thinking Since Turning 35
Happy Thanksgiving! And good luck to all shopping Black Friday! I completed all of our Christmas and birthday shopping at the beginning of the month. It’s something I’ve learned over the past few years – early shopping equals more peace during the month of December for me. And along those lines, this Five is about…
Best Postpartum Apps for Mamas
Who doesn’t love a baby in an old man fishing hat? Happy Monday to you! How are you enjoying fall? The leaves in Virginia are spectacular. And so is the weather. I spend as much time outside as possible with the littles. The fresh air is good for EVERYONE. Today’s post is one that takes…
Midwife Monday: A COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy Reference Guide for Clinicians from the CMQCC
Hello, hello! And happy weekday to you! I caught some babies over the weekend and it was lovely. I even snuck in a mama that birthed on hands and knees and I did a hands off delivery! Very mid-wifey 🙂 I was checking email this weekend and got my monthly update from CMQCC (California Maternal…
Safe Over the Counter Medications in Pregnancy – New Handout!
Howdy! We spent Halloween as the Incredible family. When you have girl-boy-baby boy, it just makes sense. It was super fun to dress up with the kids – I think they got a kick out of mama and dad dressed up more than anything else. Well, that and the candy. Today’s handout comes via a…
Friday Five (#45)
Happy day! I’m recovering from a 24 hour shift today. Did you see the post from Monday about how to recover from a 24 hour shift? I had some great comments about other things you can do: make sure you’re resting during your shift, staying hydrated and eating during your shift and going home with…
Friday Five (#44)
Well hello! I promise I’m still here. I had two trips to see family in New York and Tennessee that were back to back…and I took the three kids on the road by myself…for both trips. Hence the lack of posts this month! But we’re back in the swing. It’s a great Five. This one…
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
Happy Wednesday friends! I had the privilege of meeting this sweet lady during my Alaska adventures. You can read all about her on her blog here: https://kristinsoult.com/. She’s just as lovely in person as she looks! I walked with her on her journey through loss. And it was heartbreaking. This spring, I read her blog…
What Happens At My 20 Week Visit?
What happens at my 20 week visit? With the bulk of the laboratory testing, physical exam and an established due date, routine obstetric care moves into a prevention, assessment and education cycle. Be sure to check out the other posts if you missed them! Overwhelmed by all the information about pregnancy? Looking for a checklist…
Friday Five (#43)
Ya’ll, this might be my favorite Five so far this year. First, I discovered Droplet. Their animations and pictures (see above) are some of my favorite that I have ever seen! And Droplet states off our Five today! 1. Droplet The mission of this group is great: too many women discontinue breastfeeding prematurely for reasons…
Women Ask Wednesday: How Your Placenta and Your Breastmilk Can Protect Your Baby Against COVID-19
Hey hey hey! Wednesday! I hope your week is going great. My two year old turned on my heat sometime today and it took me until 9pm to figure out why my house was 75 degrees….seriously. Once they find the step stool, there is no height they will not climb or things they will not…
Women Ask Wednesday Recap!
Happy middle of the week. I am seriously hoping to catch some babies this week as I venture back into the labor and delivery arena after a few months out of work. I can hear those little newborn cries already! When I set out to start the blog, I thought a lot (and still think…
16 Week Template is LIVE!
It’s kind of like Christmas in July…but it’s August. And this template took me the entire summer. But the 16 week template is LIVE! Check it out on TOOLS & HANDOUTS for free download and sharing. Sneak peaks are below… Just a reminder, these areas of emphasis are just themes of the 16 week visit….
Friday Five (#42)
Hello weekend, I am so glad you’re here! I spent the week in orientation for the new job. Does anyone else always feel a little mentally exhausted learning a new system’s way of doing things? I’m looking forward to some couch time this weekend. Onto the Five. It was a busy week in the news….
Friday Five (#41)
Hey hey hey! Hope your week was great! Our week was full of more potty training, unpacking and organizing (in between all the mothering!). And so much baby drooling. Bless this little man. So much drool, not a tooth in sight, and smiles all the day long. This Five was really fun to put together….
Friday Five (#40)
Today is the day, today is the day! We haven’t had our stuff from moving for TEN weeks. TEN WEEKS! Yes, other than hotel rooms, I have been sleeping on an air mattress that long. I am confident too that my little babe learned to sleep through the night because I did not hear him…
Women Ask Wednesday: What apps can I use to manage anxiety?
Happy hump day! Want to hear a little birth tradition? Have you ever heard of lighting a candle when a mama is in labor? The idea is that you see the light of the candle and send warm, encouraging thoughts or prayers to the mama through her labor and birth. Anyways, one of my friends…
Friday Five (#39)
FRIDAY! We are in full summer mode with littles. Kiddie pool time twice a day. Bug repellant and sun screen in equal amounts. And…my favorite, some homemade strawberry shortcake. Delish. The Five is full as usual! Let’s jump to it. 1. This article examining lower cesarean section rates in hospitals that have midwifery programs. The…
Reduce Allergies in Your Child During Pregnancy with Your Diet!
Hello! Our move to the east allowed us a little travel through the beautiful Inside Passage. I miss those mountains terribly. Alas, I’m holding out for the pretty fall of Virginia. Today we’re chatting allergy prevention in babies. Within the prenatal series happening around the blog is a focus on nutrition. Some women don’t realize…
What Happens At My 16 Week Visit?
We’re continuing the series on routine prenatal care. With the bulk of the laboratory testing, physical exam and an established due date, routine obstetric care moves into a prevention, assessment and education cycle. If you missed the first pregnancy visit, you can check out all the details here. Did you download the free template to…
Friday Five (#38)
Hello hello! Wow, what a whirlwind of a summer so far. We did a cross country move from Alaska to Virginia. With three littles, there was never a dull moment. We nearly lost the cat at a Panera. We definitely lost two crib mattresses somewhere in Wyoming. We drove 3,500 miles without a break down…
Happy Mother’s Day (2021)!
Hi mamas! This Friday post is for you. Just an early shout out to say Happy Mothers Day. And I mean that to all the mamas. Mamas with five babies. Mamas that have lost babies. Mamas that aren’t mamas yet. Mamas that adopted or fostered. To everyone, in every aspect they are a mother, take…
Friday Five (#36)
FRIDAY! FRIDAY! FRIDAY! We’re excited around here. The playgrounds have officially melted and they are ready for PLAY! My kids and I played hide and seek for 30 minutes straight this week because we were so happy to just run around. Did you see the IOB Visit tool launch this week? These tools are part…
It’s Live…the Initial OB Template!
Happy Wednesday to all! The snowpack is almost melted up here in the frontier and it has brought smiles to everyone’s face. Want to see a 4 year old do a happy dance? Pull out their bicycle that’s been in the shed for 6 months – pure joy! Today the initial OB template is live…
Friday Five (#35)
Yeaaahhh Friday! Alaska had a huge melt this week and it has been WONDEFUL. After being careful about walking on ice for 6 months, you can now run on pavement worry free. Come on summer! This Five is packed. There were so many good things to throw in and I couldn’t cap it – so…
5 Most Popular “Women Ask Wednesdays”
Well hello! On Wednesdays, we try to focus on some good ol’ education. I call these posts “Women Ask Wednesday” and the topics come from a variety of situations – a journal I read, a friend’s birth, a conversation with a patient – you name it, it can spark a post! But these also tend…
*NEW* series coming about preconception, prenatal and postpartum care!
Hey guys! I’m so excited to share about a project I’ve been working on. One of my frustrations about maternal-child health care is when women are rushed through their visit with their provider. I’ve seen it time and time again and it never fails to make me sad or disappointed. I’ve seen providers be lazy…
My third birth story!
Happy Monday and President’s Day! Today I am sharing the birth story of my third babe (second son) from this past December. His story is a little different than my other two babes because I chose to get an elective induction at 39 weeks 1 day (I’ll talk more about why I chose to do…
What to do for back pain during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is just hard on your back. There’s just no denying that fact! At 27 weeks of pregnancy, my lower back is feeling all the growing pains. I had lent my support belt out to another mama two years ago…and never got it back. Alas, I ordered one online and eagerly awaited its arrival in…