Recently, I learned about nesting parties, and I was blown away by the idea. I wish I had known about them earlier! A nesting party would have been brilliant for preparing for postpartum life. If you're pregnant right now and want to set yourself up for success, consider pairing a nesting party with a baby registry through Be Her Village.

I never knew I had anxiety until I became a mom. Looking back now, as my first baby is closer to leaving me than he is to diapers, I'm really angry that no one saw it. Instead of compassion and empathy, I was met with judgment. People judged the way I raised my baby and judged me for my inability to handle his crying.

It's important to recognize that your pregnancy and birth experience are not just isolated events. They are crucial moments that lay the foundation for your postpartum journey. The care provider you choose can have a significant impact on your overall experience, from the way your birth unfolds to the support you receive during your recovery. This is especially true for natural mamas who may be seeking a birth experience that doesn’t fall under what’s considered “normal” by mainstream obstetricians. By carefully choosing a care provider who supports your goals and wishes, you can set yourself up for a more positive and fulfilling postpartum experience.

As soon as you announce your pregnancy, you find yourself bombarded with advice from friends, family, and even strangers on the street. Some of it may be helpful, but most of it will leave you feeling confused, overwhelmed, and probably even annoyed.

Parenting is hard enough, but when you choose to approach it from a biological standpoint, it can feel even more challenging. Making choices that go against societal norms can leave you feeling isolated and unsupported. However, natural parenting can offer many benefits, including improved physical and emotional health for both caregiver and baby. It's important to be aware of the challenges you may face, so that you can be prepared to navigate them. In this post, we'll explore five ways that natural parenting choices can feel more difficult in today's society.

The United States is the only developed nation that doesn't have a guaranteed paid parental leave policy, with 72% of women returning to work after having a baby. This lack of support can lead to postpartum struggles such as depression and anxiety. According to a study by Lanisoh, 88% of women felt unprepared for motherhood, 95% felt unsupported after having their baby, and 66% were not prepared to deal with mental health issues. Proper planning and support during the postpartum period can make a significant difference in maternal health outcomes.

As a postpartum mindset coach with over a decade of experience in the perinatal community, I provide evidence-based information and support to help you make informed decisions about your care and feel empowered to advocate for yourself. Read on to discover five reasons why an informed and empowered perinatal experience is crucial and how it can benefit you and your baby. Don't miss out on the opportunity to create a personalized perinatal experience tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Sign up for my email list or book a free consult to learn more.

Sharing the story of my micro-preemie is a way for me to honor his memory and to continue to heal from the pain of his loss. It's not an easy story to tell, but each time I share it, I feel a little bit more at peace.

I want people to understand that it's essential to trust their instincts and to advocate for themselves when it comes to pregnancy and birth. I learned this lesson the hard way, but I hope that by sharing my story, others can avoid the pain and heartache that I went through.

Remember that your parenting journey is unique to you and your family, and it's okay to make choices that may differ from the mainstream. You are not alone, and there are others out there who understand and support you.

Looking for a thoughtful and practical Mother's Day gift for an expecting mom? Consider giving the gift of a postpartum strategy session. This personalized consultation with a postpartum planning specialist can help new moms prepare for the challenging fourth trimester and reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Learn why a postpartum planning session is the perfect Mother's Day gift and how to schedule one today.

I used to be an Attachment Parenting zealot. For real.

And as I now have some distance between me and the dirty diapers, I’ve pretty much kicked that label to the curb.