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.
A Family Friendly Summer in Orange County
Memorial Day has come and gone which technically means it's Summer, right?
Maybe not quite, as most kiddos are still in school. But the weather is warming up (this weekend anyway!) and the Summer bug is hitting us big time. So in celebration of all things surf, sand, and sun, we've compiled some of our favorite family friendly events in Orange County!
Sleep Trainer or Sleep Consultant... which one is right for me?
Sleep Coaching, Sleep Training, Sleep Consulting... so many terms that essentially all mean the same thing, right?
Not always.
After extensive research and trainings to learn about the science of infant sleep, I've come to realize that while the terms may be intermixed, they don't always describe the same service. And because I believe in full transparency, I want to share a bit more about the differences in approach and what makes our in-home program so unique.
The Marathon of Birth: Part 2, Active Labor
Welcome back to the Marathon of Birth, an overview of the stages of labor plus tips & tricks from your favorite Birth Doulas! If you haven't already done so, review Part 1: Early Labor to get a good understanding of how to manage that phase of labor.
Remember that birth has 3 distinct stages: Labor, Pushing, & Birth of the Placenta. The first stage of labor is broken down into 3 parts: Early, Active, and Transition... I know, it's kind of confusing. Today, we'll share all about the Active Phase of labor to better prepare you for your own birth marathon. If you're interested in delving further into the stages of labor, we recommend registering for our Confident Birth series or Weekend Intensive, offered in group & private settings.
If you recall, we compared Early Labor to the first few miles of the marathon where you're finding your stride and own unique rhythm. When active labor hits, you'll begin to tap into your instincts and all the mental and physical training you've accomplished in pregnancy.
Essential Breastfeeding Education
Parents-to-be are often inundated with advice, unnecessary classes, and books upon books upon books about how to do this or that. Here at Doulas of Orange County our goal in providing classes is to support you without overwhelming you. Milk Mama 101 class is a great way to learn evidence-based information to set you up for success on your breastfeeding and bonding journey.