First things first: Pitocin is not oxytocin. Oxytocin is the "love hormone" generated in labor that primarily contracts the uterus, but as a brain-based hormone its influence spans the body. It's very active in the birth giver's brain, and plays a role in protecting certain receptors in the baby's brain, too.Pitocin is a synthetic form … Continue reading Pitocin & Postpartum Depression/Anxiety
Here are my suggestions for things a freshly postpartum person may find quite handy, in no particular order… Organic EVOO Apply organic extra-virgin olive oil to your newborn’s bottom; this keeps meconium from sticking to skin and makes for much easier cleanup. Peri Bottle If you birthed at a hospital, they will let you take … Continue reading Top 10 Things You Need Postpartum
It's a magical time of year... yet still, also a season that sees even the most laid-back of new parents preoccupied with planning around the weather and others' germs, among other relevant winter concerns. A FEW BASIC BABY CARE TIPS FOR WINTER MONTHS: First, resist the urge to overdress your baby as babies can overheat … Continue reading Winter Baby Care Tips
I'll start with this: baby-feeding questions tend to be high on a new parent’s priority list! Breastfeeding is an important part of the baby-making continuum that includes pregnancy and birth and is extended with the growing of baby outside the womb. Understanding how to feed your baby is crucial to learn during pregnancy, and knowing … Continue reading Book Review: “Breastfeeding Made Simple” by Kendall-Tacket & Mohrbacher
Having a good time in labor actually helps it progress. And why not be open to the possibility of enjoying yourself in labor? After all, it leads to the birth of your child -- a momentous event worth celebrating! Studies have shown laughter offers many health benefits, including: helps manage pain - when muscles are … Continue reading Laughter in Labor
