Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, excited, or both, itâs completely normal. This blog post will walk you through whatâs happening with your body, your baby, and how to set yourself up for a healthy pregnancy journey.
At four weeks, your body is starting to adapt to support your babyâs growth. Hereâs what you might notice:
Fun fact: Your body is producing a lot of HCG, the pregnancy hormone that causes many early pregnancy symptoms.
Your baby is the size of a poppy seed and officially an embryo! At this stage, they are made up of two layersâthe epiblast and hypobla...
Today, weâre taking a fun twist on birth prep by exploring the strategies I'd use to help Taylor Swift have a smooth, empowering birth â and the best part? These tips are perfect for ANY mom-to-be, not just celebrities!
1. Create a Flexible Birth Plan:
A customized birth plan is key, but flexibility is a must. Think about your pain relief options, who you want by your side, and your ideal birth environment, then share these details with your birth team. Having a plan that adapts gives you peace of mind, no matter how labor unfolds.
2. Embrace Natural Pain Management Techniques:
While it may seem like celebs have endless options, some of the best pain relief techniques are simple. Breathing exercises, visualizations, and water therapy are powerful tools that are accessible to all moms-to-be. Practice these in adva...
Labor is one of lifeâs biggest moments, and preparing for it can feel overwhelming. Knowing what not to do can be just as valuable as knowing what to do. Here are seven things to avoid for a smoother, more manageable birth experience.
When labor gets intense, the bodyâs instinct is often to tense up. However, this tension can actually slow labor. Focus on relaxing your shoulders and jaw with each contraction, allowing your body to open up and progress naturally.
Staying in one position may seem comforting, but movement can help labor progress and your baby get into the optimal position. Small movements like swaying, walking, or using a birthing ball make a big difference.
Watching the clock can make time drag, increasing stress. Labor progresses at its own pace, so focus on each contraction rather than obsessing over timing.
itâs also a journey that benefits from a little preparation! In this guide, weâll cover everything you need to know about breastfeeding basics, from why breastfeeding is so beneficial to practical tips for success. Whether youâre feeling excited, anxious, or somewhere in between, this article has got you covered.
Breastfeeding offers incredible benefits. Itâs packed with antibodies that boost your babyâs immune system, supports brain development, and provides a unique bonding experience. It also offers benefits for mom, such as faster postpartum recovery and long-term health advantages.
Breastfeeding isnât always easy right away â itâs a skill that takes time to develop. Some moms find it challenging at first, and thatâs okay. Knowing that it takes practice can help ease any anxiety and keep you focused on your progress.
Knowing the right moment can help you avoid an early trip or a late rush. Letâs cover the essential signs so youâll feel ready, confident, and prepared when the time comes.
1. Understanding the â5-1-1 Ruleâ
The â5-1-1 Ruleâ is a simple guideline to determine if your contractions mean itâs time to go:
These contractions should feel strong and consistent, even when you move around. If your contractions ease with movement or change, you may still be in early labor.
2. Signs Your Water Has Broken
For many, the water breaking signals the start of labor. If youâre over 37 weeks and feel a steady trickle or gush of fluid, itâs time to go to the hospital, even if contractions havenât started.
3. The Mucus Plug and Bloody Show
You might notice your mucus plug or experience a âbloody show.â While these indi...
sometimes, achieving the birth of your dreams is more about letting go than adding on. Here are five things to quit that will help you feel empowered, calm, and ready to step into the birth experience with confidence!
Between Google and countless online forums, itâs easy to feel overwhelmed by information. Instead of scrolling endlessly, choose a few trusted sources. Knowledge is power, but too much information can be confusing and stressful. Stick to what resonates, and donât hesitate to reach out to professionals.
Every pregnancy is different, and comparing yourself to others wonât serve you. Instead, focus on celebrating your body and your unique experience. When we stop comparing, we make space to appreciate our personal journey.
Itâs natural to feel unsure, especially if itâs y...
But if it feels like youâre just waiting and waiting, youâre definitely not alone. Many moms find themselves ready to go but wondering why labor hasn't started.
Here, weâll explore some reasons why labor might be delayed and offer some natural ways to encourage it safely.
Hormone Imbalance
Hormones, particularly oxytocin, are essential for starting labor. High stress or anxiety can raise adrenaline, which counters oxytocin. Try to relax, stay calm, and trust that your body knows what itâs doing.
Babyâs Position
Sometimes, a baby isnât positioned ideally, which can delay labor. Babyâs head needs to be pressing down on your cervix to help it open. Gentle exercises and movements can help get your baby in an optimal position for labor.
Physical Factors
Dehydration, lack of movement, and overall low energ
Today, weâre breaking down 8 signs that labor could be near so you know what to expect in the coming days. Letâs dive into what your body might be telling you!
As you approach labor, your mind and emotions often become more active. You may feel an energy boost or the urge to clean and organize. This nesting instinct is a common way for your body to prepare for labor. Feeling unusually calm, emotional, or impatient can also signal laborâs approach.
âLightningâ describes the sensation when your baby shifts lower into your pelvis. This can make it easier to breathe since thereâs less pressure on your lungs. However, you may feel increased pressure lower downâa sure sign that labor is drawing near!
Your body produces more mucus as your cervix softens...
Between fatigue, morning sickness, and mood swings, itâs a lot to take in. But donât worry; this guide has everything you need to make these early weeks a bit smoother. Letâs walk through the most essential survival tips for the first trimester and tackle some frequently asked questions, so you feel supported and ready for whatâs ahead.
Whatâs Happening in Your First Trimester?
From weeks 1 to 12, your body is hard at work growing a tiny human! As hormones rise, you might notice some classic symptoms, including:
 (respiratory syncytial virus), a virus that can lead to serious complications in infants. Thankfully, breastfeeding offers incredible immune support that can help reduce the risk. In this blog, letâs explore how breastfeeding can help prevent RSV and what you can do if your little one contracts it.
What is RSV?
RSV is a common virus that presents as cold-like symptoms in older children and adults. However, in babies under six months or those with weakened immune systems, RSV can become serious, potentially leading to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. With an RSV shot not always available, breastfeeding can be a natural way to boost your babyâs defenses.
How Breastfeeding Protects Against RSV
Breast milk is more than just nutrition â itâs packed with antibodies, white blood cells, and protective proteins like lactoferrin that help your baby fight off infections. Even a few months of breastfeeding (...
This FREE cheat sheet will walk you through 3 evidence-based strategies to boost your breastfeeding confidence and increase your milk supply.