Community, 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
Birth Plan, Doulas, Motherhood, Newborns, Postpartum
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
Decision Making, Pregnancy, Parenting, Newborns, Our Favorites
Lauren Foster, Co-Owner
A Doula's Eco Friendly Baby Registr

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 Registr
Community, Doulas, Doulas of Orange County, Local OC Resources, Our Team
Lauren Foster, Co-Owner
Calling all amazing Doulas & Newborn Care ...
Calling all amazing Doulas & Newborn Care Specialists!
Birth Plan, Decision Making, Newborns, Parenting, Postpartum, Pregnancy
National Baby Co
Early Signs That You are Pregnant with Twins ...
Early Signs That You are Pregnant with Twins or Multiples

vbac preparation

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Finding A Doula in Orange County: What Sets Us Apart

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When we first started considering phasing out our agency and transitioning to a doula matching service, we had a lot of questions about how it would work and if it would be sustainable. One of the biggest joys in running our doula agency was having the opportunity to get to know our clients and support them through their entire journey. And while we knew we weren’t the first doula agency to have to pivot after independent contractor laws changed (nor would we be the last!) ultimately it was important to us that we didn’t lose the opportunity to connect with those searching for a doula in Orange County.

One of the biggest things that sets us apart from referral services is that personal connection that makes finding a doula so important. That is why we strive to get to know you, not only because we love hearing about you and what you want out of your birth/postpartum experience, but because it helps us make those matches made in doula heaven. By learning more about you and your care needs we can confidently match you with doulas who’ll you have good chemistry with (‘cause let’s face it, finding a doula is kind of like dating) and who will be able to support you in the ways that you need and want.

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We Come to You! Private Prenatal Classes in Orange County

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Now that the nausea and the newness of this pregnancy have subsided a bit, you're probably starting to think about what classes you want to take. There are so many options from childbirth preparation classes to breastfeeding classes to newborn care basics. The choices can be overwhelming an often times the dates or times offered don't fit into your busy schedule. 

Enter Doulas of Orange County and our doula-led, private prenatal classes!

Picture this: You pre-select from a menu of topics to create a customized curriculum based on your needs and interests. You choose a time that works best with you and your husband's schedule. Prior to our visit, we send you a form to fill out that allows us to customize your private class to fit your learning style and your points of interest. We bring everything we need to guide you through an engaging, fun, and informative class in the comfort of your home.

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You sip a cup of hot tea as you settle into your comfortable couch while you learn all about birth, breastfeeding, and baby care. You and your partner explore various comfort measures like massage, breathing, and relaxation techniques. You try out some essential oils, some different positions for labor, and together we have honest conversations about fears, nerves, and anything else you want to chat about freely. When your private class comes to an end  finished, you feel calm and confident. You feel excited about your new knowledge and tools that will help you make informed decisions on this parenting journey. 

Informed, prepared and confident. Isn't that exactly how you want to feel as you welcome your baby into this world? We can help you get there. 

Do you have friends that are pregnant too? Wouldn't it be fun to put together a couples class in your home? Or maybe you want to invite your parents to your baby care class so they get a refresher on the basics! We can make it happen! Our customizable, professional, and private classes will meet you exactly where you're at. They are fun, practical, uncensored, and always judgment-free!

Here are just a glimpse at some of the most popular topics you can choose to include in your customized curriculums:

  • Birth 101: Local hospital options, recommended care providers, birth planning

  • Confident Birth: Stages of Labor, Hormones & Labor, Pain-Relief options (both natural and medicated), Comfort Measures, What to Expect, Interventions, Induction, and more!

  • Breastfeeding 101: Positions, What's Normal, Pumping, Overcoming Breastfeeding Hurdles

  • Baby Care Basics: Newborn Care, Swaddling, Soothing, Feeding, Bathing, Diapering

  • VBAC 101: Preparing With Confidence, Birth Options, Finding a Supportive Care Provider

  • Comfort Measures: Relaxation Techniques, Massage, Essential Oils, Rebozo

  • Grandparents Class: Refresher, Modern Parenting, How to Be the Greatest Grandparent!

    These classes are all about YOU and what you want to learn. Each class provides ample time for honest discussion and plenty of questions - remember there are no silly questions!

Ready to get started?! Fill out our inquiry form and we’ll be in touch with more information!

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January Events at Doulas of Orange County

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Now that the holidays are over, you may be feeling ready to tackle your birth classes and postpartum planning. Well, don't fret, Doulas of OC has all the best classes that are sure to bring you out of your holiday hangover and get you excited for the arrival of your baby. 

In addition to the popular classics like our 4-week Confident Birth series, Baby Care Basics, and Milk Mama 101, we have added a few new unique offerings to our 2018 calendar. With these new classes we seek to include the whole family in preparing for birth and postpartum. 

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The Greatest Grandparents

Becoming a Grandparent is an exciting time! It's been a long time since you've had a child and we know you want to be the best grandparent you can be. This private workshop will give a refresher on all the baby care basics - from diapering to swaddling to bottle-feeding and nap time.  We'll share up-to-date information regarding health and safety standards, along with the latest gear and gadgets.  You will learn all about today's birth choices, modern parenting and ways to support your child in their choices and bond with your grandchild.

Launching January 10th and held at our office in Irvine or the comfort of your own home!

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Confident Birth Weekend Intensive   

Added to our 2018 calendar by popular demand! You requested a weekend option for our popular Confident Birth childbirth education series and we answered!

This monthly class covers the same information as our 4-week series in a fun, engaging environment. Preparation is crucial for a positive, confident birth experience and this uncensored, unbiased class will do just that! 

Held every month, 9am-5pm in Irvine. Launches February 11th!

REGISTER ONLINE FOR A GROUP CLASS OR A PRIVATE CLASS!

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VBAC Preparation & Support

Planning a Vaginal Birth After a Cesarean requires lots of support, education, and preparation. Our team has put together two options to cheer you on in your VBAC birth choices with our private VBAC preparation consult. 

This workshop is designed to assist you in creating a strong vision for your birth as well as to educate you on your options, finding a supportive care provider, creating a strong birth support team, and more. The curriculum in this class will help you to build a plan to physically, mentally and emotionally prepare for your VBAC. We provide education and discussion on local and national resources, VBAC friendly care providers, and other wellness practitioners who can contribute to a positive pregnancy no matter how you choose to birth. Hosted by women with personal experience with VBACs as well as Doulas who are well-versed in supporting all births, we welcome you!

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DOC Open House

Join us on Saturday, January 20th as we celebrate the new year and our grand re-opening in Irvine! 

Refreshments, Raffles, Swag Bags, and Community. What more could you want?

Expecting parents, new parents, current clients, past clients, friends, and family are all welcome! We encourage you to pre-register online as well as pre-purchasing raffle tickets to save! Additional tickets are available for purchase at the event and 50% of the raffle proceeds benefit Postpartum Support International. 

We're still accepting sponsors, food vendors, & product giveaways to partner with us in making this an amazing event for OC families. If you're interested in collaborating with us, please visit our sponsorship page. 

A full list of all of our January & February events is listed on our website. Pre-registration for classes is always required. We look forward to seeing you at one of our classes or support groups soon!

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