bonding with baby: read together. snuggling up with baby and a good book is a great way to spend time together. when reading aloud, i use my best voice, i sing silly songs, i recite poems, i make animal noises and my favorite, i ask questions. i enjoy this time together. i make it a …
Author Archives: grammiedoula
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tips to navigate stormy emotions of pregnancy infant loss
share your loss. staying silent in your pain helps no one. helpful suggestions for friends and family during this time. i ache for each one that has suffered the loss of an infant. i share my story of pregnancy loss here. i was a guest writer for postpartum support virginia one year ago and i …
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postpartum doulas do what!
i believe in a world where expectant moms are supported all the way through pregnancy, birth, and especially the fourth trimester. that support can include postpartum doulas, family, neighbors, caregivers, and friends. before i knew what postpartum doulas were, i had no idea what to do with a tiny baby! i share the story of …
how will the newest family member respond?
how will the newest family member respond to meeting 13 family members at the same time? meeting the newest family member was such a thrill for me. my three children and their families arrived in pittsburgh,pa for a weekend of celebrating 4 generations. coming together, 14 of us, we were all super excited to meet …
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preparing baby for windy rain
preparing with baby for the storm coming this weekend. here are 12 steps to prepare for the wind and rain and possible power outage. preparing with babies, gather extra disposable diapers, powdered formula for bottle fed babies, and the baby wrap/carrier of choice. also pack extra clothing and blankets in case they get wet. i …
a rainbow baby is so much sweeter
it’s national rainbow baby day, august 22nd. i have a rainbow baby and here is her story. national rainbow baby day. this day of remembrance is always so hard for me, even after all these years. the empty place of loss in my heart is still present. but, it’s good to remember. there are all …
breastfeeding success
how do you measure breastfeeding success? breastfeeding success or failure cannot be measured. let’s rethink this. i feel that your breastfeeding journey is your story and success or failure is not relevant. if you nursed your baby for 1 feeding or 2 weeks or 3 years, you breastfed your baby. it was successful however long …
breastfeeding stories alli
“i always knew i wanted to breastfeed, but as a new mom i was never educated about what all comes with it, what to expect, or challenges that could arise. so when i had kai i nursed him, and it hurt! but i thought that was normal.” world breastfeeding week and we celebrate all month! …
nesting while pregnant
nesting is an extra burst of energy focused on cleaning and organizing the home to make things ready for the baby’s arrival. it happens in the third trimester. it does not mean labor is starting. nesting is a natural response of taking control over you and your baby’s environment. it becomes apparent in the third …
