Blog

  • Why Breastfeeding Comes Naturally to Most Babies – But NOT to Their Mothers

    October 14, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized

    On the one hand, breastfeeding is, of course, natural. In some ways it’s amazing to see all of the babies who instinctively know what they’re doing. There’s even a term, “breast crawl,” that describes how babies, just minutes or hours old, will inch themselves from mother’s belly right up to the breast, even though babies can’t technically crawl until many months after birth. On the other hand, it no longer “comes naturally” to so many mothers in our society because while babies get their instincts from nature and biology, mothers receive much of their know-how from information and…

    Read more

  • Mom Guilt Part 1: A Getaway With the Husband

    October 5, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized

    This is where I’m sitting, right at this very moment while I write this. The view is spectacular. The “hotel,” (I almost can’t even call it that because of it’s size and grandeur) is luxurious. I’m working, but it’s work I love and care about. With so few interruptions because I’m not in my home office being beckoned by laundry or dishes… I’m not looking at the clock to see how much time until the kids get home. When cocktail hour comes, my food and drinks are paid for and I’m in the company of good people, including…

    Read more

  • Does Your Doctor Hate When You Google? (Guest Blog for Improving Birth)

    September 15, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized

    We were honored to be featured as a guest blogger for Improving Birth, where we talk about the role of a patient’s own knowledge about their condition and how it can impact the doctor-patient relationship. Take a look over at the Improving Birth Blog to read more!

    Read more

  • Pregnant in Summer? Here’s How to Cool Off!

    July 16, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized

    Pregnant women already have a higher blood volume and a slightly higher body temperature… so being pregnant during summer (especially in your third trimester) can be an extra challenge to your comfort and your energy level. Here in North County Coastal San Diego, many homes are without air conditioning because of how mild it is for so much of the year! We found a few tips (besides the obvious, like stay in the shade and stay hydrated) to help you keep your cool: When you’re ready to let us pamper you after your baby or babies finally arrive,…

    Read more

  • What to Expect When You CAN’T Know What to Expect: Planning for Life with a Newborn

    June 28, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized

    I was inspired to speak on this topic because I just got off the phone with three different expectant parents, inquiring about postpartum Doula services, who want to make sure they have adequate support in place after the birth of their baby or babies, but are overwhelmed with the prospect of planning for something they’ve never done before. Almost always the families that call me say, “How can I know what I need before I need it?” Some of them will have family members nearby or visiting, but don’t yet know how it will go to have those…

    Read more

  • Borrowing Sugar – Ahem, WINE – from the Neighbors

    June 3, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized

    Remember when borrowing sugar from the neighbors was a thing? I actually remember my mom sending me next door with a measuring cup to get ¼ cup of sugar. Once, it may have been vinegar. Well, I’m not ashamed to admit, in my version of adulthood, it was wine (come to think of it, that’s kind of like a sugary vinegar now, isn’t it?). Not only had it become less common, maybe less acceptable to show up at the neighbors asking for stuff (I think it is seen as too intrusive, at least in the NY neighborhood where…

    Read more

  • NOT Your Mother’s Mothers’ Day

    May 7, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized

    Do you feel it? I think the way we look at moms is shifting… I think there is greater recognition for what we do. For the parts that are tangible and the parts that are not. For what we sacrifice and don’t get back, even if yes, there are sweet rewards. For the costs – to our bodies, our careers, our psyches when we wonder if we are doing right by our children. (Approaching discipline in an age-appropriate way? Over scheduling or under scheduling them? Leaving them too much or helicopter parenting? Respecting their preferences or coddling???) I…

    Read more

  • 5 Reasons NOT to Join a Doula Agency

    April 15, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized

    I knew starting a postpartum doula agency might raise some eyebrows in the doula community. I wasn’t sure why, exactly, other than the fact that “new and different” tends to raise eyebrows. But wow did I come across a GOLDMINE of reasons just the other day, on a rant on social media from a well-respected doula in our area. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not taking her post as if it were directed at me. But she has quite the following (for good reason – she has worked long and hard supporting and educating doulas and…

    Read more

  • Childcare at Work: “It really is not just making a living, it really is making a life.”

    April 10, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized

    This is so important for all of us to watch. While paid leave is also an important part of the puzzle, HERE is an idea that doesn’t have to get government approval or cost taxpayer money. Parents are going to pay for childcare somewhere, why not 1) reduce their commute time by having it at the work location, 2) increase their access to their children 3) contribute to the success of breastfeeding with such access in many cases,… and the benefits go on an on as described in this video. In fact, many parents would likely pay a…

    Read more

  • Luna Cookies: A Healthy, One-handed Snack for Parents of Newborns – Courtesy of One Moon Doula Services

    March 28, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized

    One Moon Doula “Luna Cookies”recipe and photos courtesy of Megan Ameral Our Luna Cookies are the perfect, one-handed snack! Sweet oat cookies filled with dried blueberries (full of antioxidants such as vitamin A and C) and nutty cacao nibs packed with magnesium and calcium. Little bites of cinnamon and creamy coconut manna make these a decadent treat every family should have packed in their freezer. The perfect balance of healthy and delightful –pack a ziplock to throw in your diaper bag to go, or crumble on ice cream (dairy free if that’s your thing) for the rest of…

    Read more