Perineum Care After Birth
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

Perineum Care After Birth

Let's talk about this often overlooked aspect of childbirth, from what the perineum is to how to heal those tender tears. Plus, tips to reduce your risk of tearing in the first place!

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Natural Nausea Busters for Pregnancy (and Labor!)
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

Natural Nausea Busters for Pregnancy (and Labor!)

Feeling like a seasick sailor during pregnancy and even labor? You're not alone! But before you reach for the ginger ale (again), check out these natural scent heroes that can help quell the queasiness: The Big Three…

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Skin to Skin
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

Skin to Skin

What is skin-to-skin? Skin-to-skin, also known as kangaroo care, is simply placing your baby directly on your skin, without any clothes in between. It can happen immediately after birth, during feedings, or anytime your baby needs comfort. This primal practice goes beyond mere cuddling; it's a biological necessity for healthy development. Why is it so important? Research shows that skin-to-skin offers a cascade of benefits for both babies and parents.

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Postpartum Birth Control
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

Postpartum Birth Control

Postpartum birth control is important because getting pregnant shortly after having a baby can cause increased risks for the birthing person and pregnancy. What are the best options for birth control after having a baby? From hormonal to natural family planning, to medically administered, to what you can buy at a drugstore, there are so many options of birth control.

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Recovering From a Traumatic Birth
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

Recovering From a Traumatic Birth

Birth is an enormous and transformative life event, and honoring that your birthing experience may take time to process is valid. When things happen in birth are sudden, unexpecting or feel out of control, it can cause emotional distress or trauma.

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Diastasis Recti
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

Diastasis Recti

What is it? Can it be prevented? How can I treat it?

Every pregnant person experiences some form of diastasis recti, so why don't we talk about it more?

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Baby-Led Weaning
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

Baby-Led Weaning

What is baby lead weaning and how do I do it? Baby led weaning (BLW) is a feeding method where babies are fed solid foods first, as opposed to beginning with purees and mashes.

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Newborn Poop
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

Newborn Poop

As a new parent, you will find yourself talking and thinking A LOT about poop. Newborns poop pretty often! It's not uncommon for a baby to poop 2- 5 times a day, including after every feeding. Here’s what is normal for baby poop, and here are some red flags (aka calling your pediatrician).

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Support Person Tips for Labor
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

Support Person Tips for Labor

Is your partner having a baby? Not sure how to help? Don’t doubt yourself. Check out these 5 tips and let’s get going..

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Ways to reduce hospital-based adrenaline in labor
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

Ways to reduce hospital-based adrenaline in labor

You’re getting into the hospital in labor. And….you feel your heart almost pound out of your chest. So how do you reduce those spikes of adrenaline? And WHY does this matter? When our nervous system isn’t regulated, it can impact the fibers in the uterus and increase pain during contractions. Adrenaline can also literally stop contractions. Here are some ways to reduce that adrenaline...

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How to get what you need from a loved one…   without ruining your relationship
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

How to get what you need from a loved one… without ruining your relationship

Picture this: You’ve been at home all day with your 7-week-old. You need a solo walk outside after your partner comes home from work… but they want to make dinner together.

Or…your in-laws want to visit the new baby ASAP and stay for a week….you need more time before visitors show up.

SO HOW TO DO ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED? ESPECIALLY WHEN 99% of your day is caring for a new baby.

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5 things to know about the NICU
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

5 things to know about the NICU

Have a baby (or babies) in the NICU? We’ve got you. Kathleen, owner of Boston Area Doulas, was born at 8 weeks premature with her twin sister. We hold a special place in our hearts for premie babies and their families. Here are 5 things to know about the NICU:

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Infant Reflux: How to manage it?
Kathleen Stern Kathleen Stern

Infant Reflux: How to manage it?

Is reflux serious? As long as your baby is happy, growing at a good pace, and healthy, reflux should not be a concern. However, there’s also GERD— gastroesophageal reflux disease—which is what happens when reflux is more severe and longer lasting. GERD could impact your baby’s ability to gain weight and can be uncomfortable. Here is what to look for and when to reach out to your pediatrician or medical provider…

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