We work with a lot of expecting couples that are embarking on this journey for the first time and they usually have a lot of questions. Answering those questions is one of the best parts of our job, because we love helping educate people and connecting them to resources that they need. Most people these days know what a Birth Doula does or at the very least have heard the term. But more often not there are a lot of misconceptions about Postpartum Doulas. Many people think that a Postpartum Doula is there to help those with postpartum depression. Others might have heard that a Postpartum Doula is similar to a nanny. And while we do work with clients with postpartum depression and some of our Doulas have been nannies in the past, those definitions barely scratch the surface of what we do as Postpartum Doulas.
Saying Farewell to New Mama Cafe
In 2014 our doula agency was founded and with it came a regular gathering of new moms that we eventually named “New Mama Cafe”. This weekly meeting was a welcoming, safe space for moms to connect over coffee and conversation while their babies played in a safe environment. At its peak we had approximately 20 moms walking through our doors each week with their adorable babies in tow. What a joy it was to see familiar faces each Tuesday and get to great new moms and babies as well!
Breastfeeding Must Haves
When it comes to breastfeeding all you need is your boob and your baby, right?
Well, sort of. Obviously the mother and the baby are the two most important factors in making this breastfeeding thing work but having other supplies on hand can vastly improve your experience. And while we believe that nursing your baby is one of the most natural acts in the world, we also recognize that it doesn't always come naturally. We've chatted about this very thing in a previous blog, but to recap, breastfeeding is a learned behavior, much like learning how to play the piano. You need certain components in place to start off on the right foot, but success takes time, patience, and practice.
Thankfully, with new product conveniences we have lots of tricks and tools that can enhance your breastfeeding experience, taking some of the stress away and providing you a greater opportunity to bond with and focus on your baby. Here are just a few of the "must haves" that we recommend.
We Come to You! Private Prenatal Classes in Orange County
Now that the nausea and the newness of this pregnancy have subsided a bit, you're probably starting to think about what classes you want to take. There are so many options from childbirth preparation classes to breastfeeding classes to newborn care basics. The choices can be overwhelming an often times the dates or times offered don't fit into your busy schedule.
Enter Doulas of Orange County and our doula-led, private prenatal classes!
Picture this: You pre-select from a menu of topics to create a customized curriculum based on your needs and interests. You choose a time that works best with you and your husband's schedule. Prior to our visit, we send you a form to fill out that allows us to customize your private class to fit your learning style and your points of interest. We bring everything we need to guide you through an engaging, fun, and informative class in the comfort of your home.
You sip a cup of hot tea as you settle into your comfortable couch while you learn all about birth, breastfeeding, and baby care. You and your partner explore various comfort measures like massage, breathing, and relaxation techniques. You try out some essential oils, some different positions for labor, and together we have honest conversations about fears, nerves, and anything else you want to chat about freely. When your private class comes to an end finished, you feel calm and confident. You feel excited about your new knowledge and tools that will help you make informed decisions on this parenting journey.
Informed, prepared and confident. Isn't that exactly how you want to feel as you welcome your baby into this world? We can help you get there.
Do you have friends that are pregnant too? Wouldn't it be fun to put together a couples class in your home? Or maybe you want to invite your parents to your baby care class so they get a refresher on the basics! We can make it happen! Our customizable, professional, and private classes will meet you exactly where you're at. They are fun, practical, uncensored, and always judgment-free!
Here are just a glimpse at some of the most popular topics you can choose to include in your customized curriculums:
Birth 101: Local hospital options, recommended care providers, birth planning
Confident Birth: Stages of Labor, Hormones & Labor, Pain-Relief options (both natural and medicated), Comfort Measures, What to Expect, Interventions, Induction, and more!
Breastfeeding 101: Positions, What's Normal, Pumping, Overcoming Breastfeeding Hurdles
Baby Care Basics: Newborn Care, Swaddling, Soothing, Feeding, Bathing, Diapering
VBAC 101: Preparing With Confidence, Birth Options, Finding a Supportive Care Provider
Comfort Measures: Relaxation Techniques, Massage, Essential Oils, Rebozo
Grandparents Class: Refresher, Modern Parenting, How to Be the Greatest Grandparent!
These classes are all about YOU and what you want to learn. Each class provides ample time for honest discussion and plenty of questions - remember there are no silly questions!
Ready to get started?! Fill out our inquiry form and we’ll be in touch with more information!
5 Easy & Nutritious Breastfeeding Snacks
Any breastfeeding mother will tell you, the constant hunger is REAL. Experts say that your body requires 400-500 extra calories per day to have adequate energy to make milk for your baby and sustain your own body's needs. It may seem odd to some that they experience more hunger while breastfeeding than they ever did during pregnancy, but it's quite common.
Having nutritious snacks is crucial for keeping the hunger at bay and providing your body with the necessary fuel to keep producing quality milk. We at Doulas of OC have put together 5 Easy & Nutritious snacks to have on hand while breastfeeding. Bonus, you can eat them all with one hand! We hope you enjoy!