You might notice that New Parent Hangout isn’t advertised as a "breastfeeding group". That's an intentional choice. And, it's because Hangout is an extension of everything we do here at Emerald Doulas including one of our most guiding principles: non-judgmental care.
Read moreFearlessly Feeding the Family: An Interview with Deb Perelman
Whether you're a hobby chef or a parent attempting to get dinner on the table each night, you've likely heard of Smitten Kitchen and the genius behind it, Deb Perelman. Through her blog and in her book, The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, Deb offers beautiful, scrumptious recipes with stunning step-by-step photography and easily-followed instructions, peppered with humor throughout that inspires even the most entry-level cook to turn out something special. Emerald Doulas was recently able to chat with Deb about her life in the kitchen as both a food aficionado, and as a mother.
Read moreThe Magic of Midnight
Many families consider having a postpartum doula support after the birth of a new baby, but many are not quite sure how that looks within the privacy of their family home. In addition to day support, a popular choice among our families is to have their doula provide some overnight support. Today, Emerald Doula co-owner and Postpartum Expert, Suzanne Lee gives you a glimpse into what those wee hours look like, from your doula's perspective.
Read moreSupporting your partner with feeding your newborn ...
Breastfeeding can be hard on partners. I see it every day as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. It can be hard to feel out of the loop or out of control during the early days of bringing home a newborn. Cheering on your partner is so important, but sometimes doesn’t feel like enough.
Here are some of our favorite tips to help you feel the most helpful to your partner and baby during this important time ...
Read more5 Things (You can do to be a GREAT birth partner) ...
Childbirth class? Check. Reading completed? Check. Tennis balls, LED candles, and your hospital bag ready to go? Check. We're all set for the big day!
But wait, there's more.
Your relationship with your birthing partner is unique. No one knows her like you do, so she’ll rely on you more than she does on anyone else. Here are five things you can do to be a great birth partner ...
Read moreOur commitment to ALL families in the aftermath of Orlando
We had another post planned for this week. A post that is more in line with our monthly focus of fatherhood and partners, but then, Orlando. And with it, we feel the need to reiterate our commitment to being a supportive, safe and affirming place for all families.
Straight families. Gay families. Queer families. Adoptive families. Surrogacy families. Foster families. Transgender families. We welcome you all with loving, kind and compassionate support that meets you where you are. As Lin-Manuel Miranda said recently, “Love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love” and we firmly believe that love makes a family.
Read moreOn being the "Other Parent" (A guest post by a recently new father)
This is not another “top 10 things you need to know about parenting” blog post. If you want answers to logistical questions such as diapering, getting babies to sleep, etc., then I invite you to jump into an ocean of information online. Good luck! Instead, I focus on the emotional side of things, on how my sense of what this world is changed when I became a parent, and some of the issues that have come up for me throughout the process.
“We’re pregnant!” “We’re having a baby!”
Read moreBreast is Best (Except when it isn't) ...
Rarely does someone expect to develop a postpartum mood disorder, and often people are unprepared for how it affects their breastfeeding goals. Likewise, new parents are often ill-equipped for how their breastfeeding goals might impact their mental health.
This is where things can get tricky...
Read moreProviding Tangible Support For Families with PMADs
One in 7 women will suffer from a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, making it the most common complication of childbirth. Chances are that if you know a new mother, you likely know someone who is experiencing a PMAD right now. A struggling family often needs help… but, it can sometimes be hard for ask directly for that help. And, it's sometimes challenging to know exactly how you can provide support in a way that they need. So, what can you do? Emerald Doula, Carrie Banks, offers up a few of her top ideas ...
Read moreComing Full Circle: A PMAD Survivor's Story
Trigger Warning: The following blog post is a very personal account of a mother's experience with a Perinatal Mood Disorder, written by Emerald Doula Carrie Banks. This post may be triggering for some, and includes descriptions of her physical and emotional symptoms, as well as her path to recovery. If you are currently experiencing a PMAD, please reach out for support either by contacting us for resources and help, or by contacting your care provider.
Read moreMaternal Mental Health: Triangle, NC Resources for PMADs ...
For families experiencing a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, there never seems to be enough resources within any community. Either they’re non-existent or they’re very hard to find quickly and when you need them the most. Fortunately, for local Triangle families, we live in an area that is resource-rich, that work together to create a network of support for mothers and their families.
Below are our top resources for mothers or families who suspect they may benefit these various forms of treatment...
Read moreThe Great Lactation Cookie Throwdown ...
When I became a doula, I began collecting various recipes I came across on the internet. Many moms were hesitant to make these cookies themselves because of the (seemingly) weird and (often) expensive ingredients. The baker in me, however, was up for the challenge. Plus, I always wanted to complete a Lactation Cookie Throwdown.
Thankfully, our most recent New Moms Group provided the perfect opportunity to do just that!
Read moreSelf-care is not selfish (and why it's vital for mothering as an introvert) ...
It took a few months into motherhood before I figured out why I felt so depleted all of the time. That cooing, lovely baby of mine… she was attached at my hip (literally!) all. day. long. Suddenly, my days were spent in the company of someone else, and this someone demanded my full attention all of the time. It was draining me! I was “touched out” and “talked out” by a human who couldn’t even talk yet! What kind of mother needs time away from her own baby?!
Introverted mothers do. And as it turns out, most of us do.
As a doula, I see this a lot with new mothers, who are also introverts. They sometimes feel guilty when they ask to spend a little time by themselves, or ask their partners or family to take over for a bit.
Read moreFive reasons you should see an IBCLC before your baby arrives ...
You may not have known this, but today, March 2, is IBCLC Day! International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) play a critical role for supporting new families in reaching their breastfeeding goals. IBCLCs study and train very hard to become certified, and as a result, they have specialized knowledge about human milk production, breast anatomy and physiology and all things infant feeding (in all it's many forms).
At Emerald Doulas we are proud to offer in-office prenatal consults with Victoria Facelli, our board certified lactation consultant. If you like to plan ahead, this is a great way to get your breastfeeding journey off to a great, solid start.
So, in honor of IBCLC Day, here is Victoria's list of reasons why you should check-in with a lactation consultant before you have your baby.
Read more5 Things (To Eat in Durham on a Pre-Baby Date Night)
Sure, there will be date nights after a baby is born, but let's be honest here. The days of going out to eat at 10 p.m. will be few and far between.
So as you're preparing to cherish those last few spontaneous morsels, here are our suggestions for a few (kid-unfriendly) Durham-centric restaurants. These are so good, the memories will last you for a few months, or at least until Grandma comes to visit and you get your first post-baby Date Night away (but that's another post for another day).
Read moreThe Devil is in the details ...
The most common topic we’re asked about as doulas surround the idea of birth plans.
What style should it be written in? Bulleted lists or paragraphs? How long should it be? Single-spaced or double? Sections or pages? What should really, really (no really) be included on one?
My answer may surprise you a bit. Believe it or not, I don’t think that you actually need a birth plan at all.
There, I said it.
Instead, I argue that the value of a birth plan lies in the research that goes into creating one.
Read moreSharing Our Birth Stories
Our birth stories? They are important. We tell them over & over; sometimes aloud, often to ourselves. They stay with us. I can tell you about my son’s birth, in great detail, even after 31 years. I haven’t forgotten a thing.
I remember how I felt every moment; physically, emotionally, spiritually.
Who we share our stories with? That's also really important.
Read more5 Things (To Do With Your Newborn In Durham)
Ah, winter. For some it evokes visions of hot cocoa, warm fires, snuggling inside with your loved ones. For new parents, winter can feel like The Doldrums, as they look at life on the outside with wonder, awe... and desperation.
"I gotta get out of this house! But what do I DO with a newborn in the cold weather?"
Well thankfully dear readers, you're in (or around) the Bull City, one of the most family-friendly cities, and we've got some suggestions for you on today's 5 Things list.
Finding community within our communities…
The biggest post-baby change somehow sneaks up on you. You see, having a newborn can mean you’re always surrounded by people, and yet you also feel very isolated at the same time. A former client once said, “I’m never alone. I’m alone all the time.”
Read more