Shining a Light on Domestic Violence
Domestic violence does not discriminate. Regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality, it can affect anyone.
Make Room in Your Routine for Exercise While You are Pregnant
While you’re pregnant, an exercise routine can help both your mind and your body feel good and have benefits for your growing baby.
4 Easy Skin Care Tips for Your Baby Bump
Taking care of your baby bump belly skin begins on day one when you find out you’re pregnant and continues until after your baby is born. Your body will change throughout your pregnancy journey, with your belly area experiencing the most significant changes.
Snug as a Bug – A Parent’s Guide to Safe Sleepwear for Newborns, Infants and Toddlers
The age-old saying goes, “Never wake a sleeping baby.” But, why? Because sleep is essential for your baby’s growth and development.
5 Ways of Communicating with Your Unborn Baby
Sarah Dickey is an author, APPPAH birth educator, and coach deeply devoted to honoring the evolving woman’s journey. Her latest book, Holding: The Conscious Art of Embracing, is out now.
Until the 1960s, we believed that the expecting mother’s placenta prohibited emotions, experiences, and situations from passing onto the baby. We have debunked this notion, and we now encourage mothers to practice special ways of communicating with their babies throughout pregnancy.
Mommas—your womb is a baby’s first nursery. You are the physical, psychological, and biological home for your child. Your baby is not only having their inherent experience but also your real-time experience. They are collecting their own experiences and relying on you for accurate reflection. Rather than let this knowledge overwhelm us, let’s take a breath and realize it’s not about doing it perfectly but seeking to do it well most of the time.
Imagine that you are six months pregnant, and you had a very stressful day at work. You can feel your blood pressure elevating and the tears stinging just right behind the corners of your eyes. You are irritated and frustrated. You feel overwhelmed. Your baby is doing summersaults in your womb. This is a perfect time to practice new ways of communication and connection with your little one.
When you experience strong emotion, the following small gestures can make a significant difference for you and your babe.
Name It. Take a breath—maybe bring a hand to your womb. Identify what is happening for you and say it out loud to your baby. “Little one, I had such a frustrating day and am feeling very overwhelmed right now.”
Create Safety. Voice assurances. “I want you to know that you are safe. I’ve got you. You don’t need to worry about a thing, little one.”
Accurately Reflect. Continue to communicate with your child as you process your emotions. “I had some really big physiological responses today, little one. I can feel my blood pressure rising, and I want you to know that I can feel you too. I feel you doing summersaults. I am here, and I feel you.”
Have Compassion. Give yourself some compassion, momma. You are doing the best you can. It’s not about being perfect.
Brush up on Your Babyproofing Safety Skills
The addition of a new baby into your family is an exciting time that also creates a laundry list of to-dos. A to-do that takes top priority is babyproofing your home, as babyproofing needs to begin before your baby is born.
Prenatal Massage: What’s Safe and What You Should Avoid
Massage is a relaxing experience, but it also boasts some important health benefits. While pregnancy is an entirely natural process, it also causes changes in the body that lead to temporary discomfort. Also, add in juggling high-stress careers and families, massage therapy is the perfect way to get some alone time and pampering.
To Circumcise or Not To Circumcise
If you’re about to have a baby, the subject of circumcision may have entered your mind if it’s a boy. Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue over the head of the penis. The surgery usually occurs around the second day of a child’s birth.
How to Know When is the Right Time to Become a Parent
Having a baby may be one of the best experiences of your life; however, it’s important to remember that parenthood also requires an enormous amount of time, effort, and responsibility. How do you know if you’re ready for parenthood? Some couples will wonder if now is the right time or if they should wait.
Three Stages of Labor: Baby, It’s Time!
Are you soon-to-be mama? Amazing feeling, right?