As a new or soon-to-be mom, you're likely filled with questions: Will I be able to breastfeed? What if I donât produce enough milk? What if my baby wonât 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, Iâm Stephanie Poole, a certified lactation consultant and doula. Iâve helped countless pregnant moms confidently prepare for breastfeeding, and today Iâm going to walk you through some of the most common breastfeeding challenges and how to overcome them. By the end of this post, youâll feel more empowered and ready to take on your breastfeeding journey!
Latching issues are at the top of the list for many new moms. You've probably heard that if your baby doesnât latch properly, breastfeeding can hurtâand that's true. An improper la...
Maybe youâre worried about low milk supply or latching issuesâtwo of the most common concerns for new moms. If this sounds like you, youâre 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.
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 donât think Iâm 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. Itâs not the other way around.
The more your baby nurses, the more milk your...
Itâs completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmedâthatâs where this guide (and your support team) come in! In this blog post, weâre breaking down the basics of childbirth so that you can approach your big day with more confidence and less stress. And for an even deeper dive, make sure you check out the latest episode of the Oh Baybee! podcast, where we chat all things labor, delivery, and beyond!
Letâs start by debunking one of the biggest myths about childbirth: It doesnât always happen in one dramatic push! Labor can be slow, steady, or sometimes a bit unpredictable. Early labor might feel like mild cramping, and it can last hours (or even days). Knowing what to expect helps you feel more prepared and less anxious when things donât match the Hollywood version.
Tip: Itâs common for first-time moms to hav...
Youâre not alone! One of the most common questions I get from pregnant women is, "Should I choose a midwife or an OBGYN for my birth?" Itâs a valid question and one that deserves some serious consideration. Both professionals play vital roles in the birthing process, but they offer different approaches and philosophies. Letâs break it down so you can find your perfect match!
Midwives are trained healthcare providers who specialize in supporting women through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Their approach tends to be more holistic and personalized. Here are a few key things to know about midwives:
Philosophy: Midwives believe in the natural process of childbirth and typically focus on low-risk pregnancies. They often encourage minimal intervention unless absolutely necessary, which can lead to a more empowering birth experience.
Care Style:
...
Iâll be honestâwhen 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.Â
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!Â
As always, thank you so much for tuning in to this episode.
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It requires a very involved transition that's worth every challenge to be the best mom for your baby.Â
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 â 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!Â
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...
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 youâre just starting out, you gotta learn how to be confident when tackling the tough issues â 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.
Thatâs 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.Â
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 ...
Iâm going to let you in on a little secret â 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 thatâs why I wanted to record this episode for you. In it, I share The DO's and DON'TS for umbilical cord care.Â
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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âI love the Oh Baybee! Podcastâ <â If that sounds like you, pleas...
Have you heard of amniotic fluid?Â
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.Â
Hereâs why thatâs important, mama. As with most things concerning your pregnancy, you heavily influence the amniotic ecosystem your baby lives in.
In this episode, youâll 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 youâre 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...
If youâre considering ways to have a positive birth experience you should start by understanding, there are somethings you simply can't control.
That's why it's important to focus on the things you CAN control.
Think of it like this, you can't control the length of your labor. However, you can control how you choose to labor. You can determine your birth preferences based on what best aligns with your personality.
So thatâs why itâs so important to start preparing for your birth now.Â
Now hereâs the good news, sweet friend. preparing for your birth doesn't have to be some long, drawn-out affair! With time, effort, and the right strategies, your birth is sure to be a moment you won't forget (or regret).
In this episode, Iâm diving into what it means to have a positive birth environment, and how you can prepare yours. So, pop in your earbuds, grab a beverage of your ...
This FREE cheat sheet will walk you through 3 evidence-based strategies to boost your breastfeeding confidence and increase your milk supply.