Postpartum, Our Favorites, Motherhood, Newborns
Lauren Foster, Co-Owner
Postpartum Recovery After Twins: What You Need ...

So, you’ve brought two babies into this world. First of all, you’re a superhero—no doubt about it. But let’s get real for a second: postpartum recovery after twins is not the same as recovering from a single birth. It’s double the diapers, double the feedings, double the sleepless nights—and sometimes, double the discomfort. Your body just did an incredible, exhausting, miraculous thing. Now, it's time to heal, recover, and find yourself again in the whirlwind of having two newborns at home.

It’s important to remember, you’re not just healing from birth. You’re also adjusting to a new life with two precious babies. And while there’s a lot of joy, there’s also a lot of messiness that nobody really prepares you for. Let’s break down what you really need to know about postpartum recovery after twins!

Postpartum Recovery After Twins: What You Need to Know
Local OC Resources, Our Favorites, Pregnancy
Lauren Foster, Co-Owner
Our Favorite Spots For a Pre-Baby Date Night in ...

As your due date nears, the reality of impending parenthood can be both exciting and overwhelming. You may be getting nervous or have anxiety around when you’ll go into labor. You may be stressing about getting the nursery ready or finalizing details for your maternity leave. That’s why planning and enjoying a big night out can provide a special opportunity to unwind, connect, and relish your partner’s company before your baby’s arrival takes center stage. I always encourage clients to schedule a “no holds barred” date night around 37 or 38 weeks - it’s a chance to take a deep breath, enjoy some quality time together, and remind yourselves why you’re a great team. Orange County offers an array of high-end, memorable spots to make this final pre-baby date night one for the books.

Our Favorite Spots For a Pre-Baby Date Night in Orange County
Motherhood, Newborns, Postpartum, DOC Team, Birth Planning
Lauren Foster, Co-Owner
The Magical Golden Hour

In the quiet hush of the labor & delivery room, where the air is charged with anticipation and the scent of earthiness and birthyness, a new chapter in your life unfolds. The rhythmic cadence of your breath is mirrored by the gentle whispers of your doula, a reassuring presence in this oh so sacred moment. The culmination of nine months… maybe more, leads to this: the first hour with your newborn.

The Magical Golden Hour
Pregnancy, Parenting, Newborns, Our Favorites, Birth Planning
Lauren Foster, Co-Owner
A Doula's Eco Friendly Baby Registry

When I was selecting items for my baby registry, it was really important to me to not go overboard. As a doula of 14 years, I’ve seen families get overwhelmed with the amount of stuff in their homes and nurseries and I knew I wanted to keep things on the simpler side. I also wanted to be mindful of the impact on not only the environment, but also my baby’s microbiome - which meant finding a lot of eco-friendly products to keep waste down and keep our home as “low tox” as possible. Here you’ll find some of my favorite sustainable and most useful items that I registered for.

A Doula's Eco Friendly Baby Registry
Local OC Resources, DOC Team
Lauren Foster, Co-Owner
Calling all amazing Doulas & Newborn Care ...
Calling all amazing Doulas & Newborn Care Specialists!

costa mesa

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In The Spotlight: Lauren Slak, Orange County Midwife

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Orange County has the luxury of having a wide variety of birthing options. Based on your health & criteria you can have a hospital birth with an OB or a Midwife, a homebirth with an OB or a Midwife or a birth center birth with a Midwife. As Doulas, we don't take these options for granted and our team has the distinct privilege to be able to learn and support families at any number of these birthing locations with any number of care providers.

Call us biased, but one of our favorites in this group of esteemed care providers is Lauren Slak, owner of Wholistic Women's Healthcare and Licensed Midwife. Lauren sees her homebirth midwifery clients at our office in Costa Mesa, so we have the honor to collaborate with her and learn from her quite often. She provides compassionate midwifery care, pre-conception counseling, and nurturing support to families throughout Orange, San Diego, & Riverside counties. Her calm yet confident presence is so refreshing and her knowledge and passion for birth is inspiring. 

Beat the Heat in the OC

Summer has officially arrived and with the heat wave we had a few weeks ago, it's clear that it is here to stay! Luckily the options to beat the heat in Orange County are bountiful. Whether you prefer to be near the beach, be indoors, or go exploring, the OC has it.

Scores of people are looking to get out of the sun without spending too much money. But the moviescan get a bit crowded during the summer months, so here are some of OC Doula Collective's favorite places and activities to enjoy the sunny weather without overheating.

Museums

Add a little culture to your day while exploring the museums in Orange County, many of which are kid friendly! We have the Bowers and OCCCA in Santa Ana, The Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and the Laguna Art Museum in Laguna Beach, just to name a few. Long Beach has the MOLAA and The Long Beach Museum of Art which has stunning views of the ocean. If you're feeling adventurous, head to Los Angeles to visit the ever-popular LACMA or the Zimmer's Children's Museum. Most museums have discounted pricing on certain days of the week as well as kids pricing. 

Splash Parks & Outdoor Water Play

These amazing venues are popping up all over Orange County and are a great way to cool in the middle of teh day when the heat is most unbearable. The amazing people at Fun Orange County Parks have compiled and updated a wonderful list for the Summer of 2016. Keep in mind that the drought may affect the parks openings, so check with the venue first before planning your trip.  

Low Cost Family Fun

Sticking to a budget this summer? Get together with a few friends and go in on some fun water toys – a kiddie pool, sprinklers, water balloons, etc. Plan a play-date once a week (or more) at someone's home and go to town with all your toys! Water balloon fights aren't just for kids, you know! Try making one of these homemade popsicles as a special treat for your guests. 

Stay Indoors

Need to get out of the house but want to stay indoors? There are a plethora of businesses that offer a reprieve from the heat, sometimes you just need to think outside of the box. Most people resort to the movies, but we love going bowling or to an indoor playground. Just a short drive down the 405, Long Beach has the INCREDIBLE Aquarium of the Pacific. Keeping costs to a minimum? Go window shopping at South Coast Plaza and treat yourself to an iconic ice cream cone at Hans' Homemade Ice Cream, just a short walk across the street!

Beaches, Beaches, Beaches

This is Southern California, so the beaches are a given. They're in high demand for tourists and locals alike, but really are the epitome of an OC Summer. Our biggest tip here is to get there early... and overpack. Pack a lunch, sand toys, extra clothes, lots of sunscreen and water, and a big umbrella to keep you cool. Make a whole day of it with friends and family and enjoy the cooler coastal temps. Sea and sand are good for the soul, that's a fact!

Whatever you do to beat the heat, be safe. Remember to drink lots of fluids and to let your body rest after a long day of fun in (or out of) the sun! And if you have any favorite local spots we missed, let us know!