Recommendations

from previous clients!

What did you find most surprising or you didn't expect?

I did not expect that the more my pregnancy progressed, the more I would turn inward. Whether it was a result of COVID, the winter, hormones or all three, I found myself really turning inward as pregnancy progressed and that surprised me.
Surprising: my body actually felt amazing during pregnancy. I didn't experience any major symptoms and simply felt GOOD.
Pregnancy: That the interrupted sleep because of my bladder in the third trimester was just a tiny glimpse of the exhaustion with night feelings postpartum. But it's all worth it once baby comes!
Labor: Pushing was a welcome change of pace from the intensity of transition.
Postpartum: I thought my boobs were big and tender during pregnancy. Then Day 3 when my milk came in happened. Once the discomfort subsided it's been a little bonus for this previously small-chested woman. ;)
That I could eat while in labor!!!! With my first I was on a liquid diet, but with my second the times changed and I was able to eat as much or as little as I wanted. I ended up puking some of it up, but it was worth it!
This being my 4th baby and all my others coming early, him coming 4 days past his due date was a surprise and a good reminder that every baby and every birth is different
I didn’t expect to still be able to feel like myself throughout labor. There were moments (ok, probably hours) where I was extremely focused and in pain, but there was a lot of time where I could enjoy the process and have fun with you [my doula] and my husband.

What was the most helpful tip/piece of advice you received?

Knowing that birth preferences were preferences and being prepared for any outcome - knowing we had the support of a doula to help us process that.
find a practitioner that you trust and knows your preferences. (e.g. my provider knew skin-to-skin was so important to me immediately after birth and advocated for me in the OR post c-birth)
Ask for what you need from your provider. If you’re anxious, ask for an extra check up. Have them trust you, and you trust your gut!
Advice: (for labor) reminders that my body has done hard things before like climbing mountains. It was helpful to lessen the anxiety around labor by thinking about it in terms of a really hard hiking journey: focus on one step at a time. Breathe. Know that the moment won't last forever.
Pregnancy: Sleep while you can.
Labor: Rest when you can.
Postpartum: Nap when baby naps.
To keep things moving and change positions frequently during labor. Also, peanut balls during labor are amazing!
Listen to your body postpartum. We listen to it during pregnancy but tend to forget to pay attention after the baby is born.
It was really helpful to look at it as having birth preferences rather than a birth plan. It was helpful to be ready to adjust. Also, taking the time to own the decisions being made. Asking how much time before a decision needs to be made.

Pactioners:

Chiropractic care during pregnancy. Melissa Murphy helped me turn a breech baby at 36w and helped so much with the aches and pains of pregnancy. She’s also great PP and even adjusted our baby after a traumatic birth.
Adria Cannon - lactation support & therapy
Fave resource: obviously my doula team. And my midwife and partner
Dr. Julie Nyquist with New Moon Wellness for gentle chiropractic/myofascial release
Dr. Mallory and Wildwood Clinic [a game changer]
Midwife- Miranda Welsch and Ingrid Andersson
Acupuncture- Isthmus Wellness

Websites/books:

Website: Spinning Babies - optimal birth positioning
Book: Real Food for Pregnancy - Lily Nichols,
Book: Safe Infant Sleep - James McKenna
Book: Found it helpful to read The Birth Partner. It's a book for partners, but the info is presented in a way that is helpful for the birthing person too. Lots of details for all the many directions a birth journey can take--unplanned and planned. Read the sections that you may not think will apply to you (such as what happens during a c-section!)
Emily Oster’s books (Expecting Better, Cribsheet)

Products:

Pregnancy: Lusa organics belly balm
Labor: calming music playlist
Postpartum: Tubby Todd all over ointment -- worked for mama's cracked knuckles and baby's rough skin from the dry winter weather
ask for prune juice at the hospital instead of stool softeners
Honest Company "mama" belly oil [a game changer]

Best thing to bring/have at your birth (snack, type of music, comfort items, clothing to wear during labor)

Make a playlist! It will change your life, pick your favorite songs that make you feel good and empowered.
As far as clothes, definitely look into your own labor and delivery gown - they are so much comfier and I even got to wear mine during a c-section. Bring comfy things for PP that have easy access for breastfeeding if you’re planning to, along with your own pillow and blanket.
bring snacks - especially for the middle of the night after the hospital’s cafeteria closes and you’re starving from all of your hard work!
I had prayer flags with with written affirmations from my friends and family that my doula and partner hung up in the birthing suite, which brought a helpful energy. Other than that, I didn't notice my surroundings too much other than the hands I squeezed during contractions.
It was nice to have a big blanket from home in the postpartum room.
Bring your own maternity gown rather than the ones they provide
I highly recommend having someone outside of you or your support person/partner to take pictures if allowed
Having a white noise machine for after labor in the hospital.
Having your own hospital gown was nice.
Making a playlist of music was helpful.