Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming, especially with all the advice coming from every direction.

As a certified doula and lactation consultant, I’m here to help you navigate this journey with confidence. Whether you’re newly pregnant or trying to conceive, knowing the essential do's and don’ts of pregnancy can set you up for success.

Here’s a breakdown of the key things you should be doing (and avoiding!) to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.

The Do’s of Pregnancy

1. Take Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are non-negotiable during pregnancy. They provide essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium, which help support your baby’s development and prevent birth defects. If you haven’t started taking prenatal vitamins yet, now is the time to get on board!

2. Stay Active
It’s easy to feel tired during pregnancy, but staying active can actually help you feel more energized. Regular movement—like walking, prenatal ...

Breastfeeding can be one of the most beautiful yet challenging aspects of motherhood.

As a new or soon-to-be mom, you're likely filled with questions: Will I be able to breastfeed? What if I don’t produce enough milk? What if my baby won’t latch? These concerns are incredibly common, and it's totally normal to feel nervous. But with the right knowledge, you can tackle these challenges like a pro.

Hi, I’m Stephanie Poole, a certified lactation consultant and doula. I’ve helped countless pregnant moms confidently prepare for breastfeeding, and today I’m going to walk you through some of the most common breastfeeding challenges and how to overcome them. By the end of this post, you’ll feel more empowered and ready to take on your breastfeeding journey!

1. Latching Problems: The Most Common Issue

Latching issues are at the top of the list for many new moms. You've probably heard that if your baby doesn’t latch properly, breastfeeding can hurt—and that's true. An improper la...

 Are you pregnant and feeling anxious about breastfeeding?

Maybe you’re worried about low milk supply or latching issues—two of the most common concerns for new moms. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place! As a certified lactation consultant and doula, I help pregnant women, just like you, prepare for their breastfeeding journey even before the baby arrives. Today, we're diving into the two most common breastfeeding challenges and, more importantly, how to overcome them.

The Supply Dilemma: Why It’s Demand and Supply

One of the biggest concerns I hear from new moms, especially if you're pregnant and preparing for breastfeeding, is the fear of not making enough milk. I hear it day in and day out: "I don’t think I’m making enough milk." Let me clear this up: breastfeeding works on demand and supply. You demand milk by feeding your baby frequently, and your body responds by supplying that milk. It’s not the other way around.

The more your baby nurses, the more milk your...

Why didn't someone tell me this when I was pregnant?!

I’ll be honest—when I first launched my breastfeeding course, Teach Me How to Breastfeed! it felt like a massive undertaking. But I knew I was creating a valuable resource that could empower new mothers time and time again while providing consistent support as they navigated their breastfeeding journeys.

Fast forward to 2024, and that very same course has made a significant impact on countless families, helping them build confidence and achieve their breastfeeding goals!

I know that the reason I've impacted so many lives is because I created the exact course that I wished someone would have told me about when I was pregnant and interested in breastfeeding. 

This episode will give you all of the deets to find clarity around the decision you make when it comes to how you plan to feed your baby.

Tune in and take a listen!

Happy Birthing! 

As always, thank you so much for tuning in to this episode.

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Understanding that becoming a mom is more than an Instagram highlight reel is a must! 

It requires a very involved transition that's worth every challenge to be the best mom for your baby. 

You're pregnant, so I'm sure you know the importance of what it takes to give birth. But, are you aware of the common things that happen during postpartum?

 I'll be honest – when I gave birth, I really struggled with my transition into motherhood. I didn't know about baby blues, postpartum depression or self-care... and I made a lot of mistakes in those early days. But it doesn't have to be the same for you! 

Today, you're in the best hands to learn what really happens in the immediate postpartum - after you've given birth but before you're back to feelin' like your old yourself. In today's episode I talk about what the transition of becoming a mommy is actually like.

I'll outline the seven (less talked about but insightful) challenges for new moms. That's right, I cover everything from sl...

"...If I had a dollar for every piece of unsolicited advice I've received as a mom, I'd be in the financial company of Kylie and Rhianna." -Stephanie

#billionaireclub

I'll be honest - while most of it has been well-intended, a lot of it has been inaccurate and sometimes not true! (Just so we're clear: it's impossible to spoil a newborn)

The thing is, when you’re just starting out, you gotta learn how to be confident when tackling the tough issues — and the sooner you understand that the more time you'll have to spend on the important things, like creating special moments with the people who matter most and bonding with your baby.

That’s why I recorded this episode for you. In it, I share the simple yet specific tips for new moms to be confident even when the topics get sticky. 

How do I deal with that family member who insists on offering their opinion? I'm glad you asked my sweet friend.

Tune in to this episode to learn when and how to create healthy boundaries. Let's face ...

Here's what you need to know about your cervix and how it dilates.

Wait... before we jump in to today's topic let me start by explaining why it's important to listen to this episode in it's entirety.

Your cervix is quite literally the gateway to your baby's arrival!

Without the progressive dilation of your cervix, medical interventions will need to be made in order to have a successful delivery.

Needless to say, understanding what affects your cervix dilation is the KEY TO BIRTHING SUCCESS!!!

In this episode, I’m going to walk you through the 6 things that will comprehensively play a part in how you progress when dilating while you labor and during birth.

Whether you plan on having a home birth or if you plan to birth in a hospital or birth center  — this episode is for you! So grab a cool beverage and press play on this informative episode.

As always, thank you so much for tuning in to this episode.

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The Do's and Don'ts of umbilical cord care.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret — less is more...especially when we're talking about how to care for your sweet baby's umbilical cord.

Shortly after you give birth, your baby's umbilical cord is snipped, leaving behind a small stump that will fall off within a few weeks.

Before you're ready to leave the hospital with your newborn, it's important to know how to care for the umbilical cord stump. Your doctor or nurse will likely briefly go over basic tips, but you may feel so overwhelmed with information that you find yourself unclear on how to deal with the belly button area once you get home.

And that’s why I wanted to record this episode for you. In it, I share The DO's and DON'TS for umbilical cord care. 

This is a quick listen so press play and enjoy!

As always, thank you so much for tuning in to this episode.

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“I love the Oh Baybee! Podcast” <– If that sounds like you, pleas...

6 reasons why the water surrounding your baby is vitally important to their health.

Have you heard of amniotic fluid? 

During pregnancy, your baby develops inside a bag or sac called the amniotic sac. This sac contains a clear liquid called amniotic fluid. Your baby floats in it while resting in the womb. Amniotic fluid protects and nourishes your baby. 

Here’s why that’s important, mama. As with most things concerning your pregnancy, you heavily influence the amniotic ecosystem your baby lives in.

In this episode, you’ll hear where the fluid comes from and all of the functions it serves for your baby while in utero.

That's right!

Today I'm doing a deep dive on amniotic fluid, the silent hero. Cause let's face it - most of us have heard of it but don't have a clue what it actually does.

So, if you’re ready to hear the lowdown about your amniotic fluid, then grab something to take notes with and pay close attention to this episode!

As always, thank you so much for tuning in...