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.
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.
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.
Looking fabulous is important.
You still want to be your flawless self throughout pregnancy, but it seems like every time you hit the salon, someone is asking you whether or not it’s safe. You find yourself lost on Google, looking up ingredients and second-guessing everything you picked up on that Sephora shopping spree.
So, are your beauty treatments pregnancy safe?
Have you talked with your doctor about what you can expect during and after birth if you suspect you have Coronavirus, or test positive for COVID-19?
It’s an important discussion to have regardless of the stage of pregnancy you are in. Start an ongoing dialogue with your primary maternity care provider about how Coronavirus disease may affect you and your family, throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period.
Vitamins A, C, and K, and folate enhance your baby’s cell, brain, nervous system, and bone development, plus vitamin C boosts your immunity.
Bursting with vitamins and antioxidants, this green drink is an ideal way to start the day. Use any combination of fruits and/or vegetables. Some popular vegetables and greens include cucumbers, celery, avocado, baby spinach, and kale. Protein powders and powdered milk will give you extra nutrition. Don’t worry about making too much green drink. It’s delish the next day. Give it a stir and you’re good to go.
WE ARE SORRY. We are sorry you are having to navigate this troubled time while pregnant. We know it’s very overwhelming and that pregnant people around the globe are feeling incredibly uncertain and unsure how the Coronavirus will impact their health, their baby’s health and their birth and postpartum plans.
The news is shifting each hour and we are all being asked to shift with it. For some the shifts may be small, but for most (probably you!) this means drastic lifestyle changes, cancelled childbirth classes, and kiddos schooling at home. As the landscape changes daily and uncertainties grow, we want you to know that we are here for you and are continuing to show up for our clients and community.
It’s no secret that life as a new parent can be hectic. Thankfully, app developers have created some great solutions to help parents with a variety of tasks, from tracking developmental milestones to organizing meal plans. Gone are the days of rummaging through piles of notes and parenting books to keep track of your parenting responsibilities. Take advantage of these practical apps and make your life a little bit easier.
