https://www.btbdoulaservices.com/

Beyond The Belly Doula Services, 118-245 Snowsell Street, Kelowna, BC (2025)

05/12/2024

"Happy Mother's Day to the incredible moms and moms-to-be! Your strength and courage through every step of motherhood inspire us. We're honored to be part of your journey, providing support and guidance along the way. Wishing you a day filled with love and cherished moments.

12/08/2023

LET'S DIVE INTO THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SNACKING DURING PREGNANCY

WHILE NAUSEA MIGHT MAKE YOU WANT TO AVOID FOOD, IT'S WORTH NOTING THAT HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS SNACKS CAN HELP MANAGE COMMON PREGNANCY DISCOMFORTS.
OPTING FOR THE RIGHT SNACKS CAN HELP ALLEVIATE NAUSEA AND MORNING SICKNESS, PROVIDE EXTRA NUTRIENTS TO YOUR DIET, AND SUSTAIN YOUR ENERGY LEVELS THROUGHOUT THE DAY

CONSIDER THESE 5 NUTRITIOUS PREGNANCY SNACK OPTIONS:

1. HUMMUS AND VEGETABLE STICKS - PROTEIN AND HEALTHY FAT-RICH HUMMUS COUPLED WITH YOUR FAVORITE VEGGIES CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO INCORPORATE FIBRE INTO YOUR DIET.

2. HARD-BOILED EGGS - A WONDERFUL SOURCE OF PROTEIN, HARD-BOILED EGGS MAKE FOR A QUICK AND CONVENIENT ON-THE-GO SNACK.

3. GREEK YOGHURT TOPPED WITH BERRIES AND NUTS - HIGH-PROTEIN GREEK YOGHURT COMBINED WITH ANTIOXIDANT-FILLED BERRIES AND FIBRE-PACKED NUTS RESULTS IN A DELIGHTFUL AND FULFILLING SNACK.

4. AVOCADO TOAST - AVOCADO, A FANTASTIC SOURCE OF HEALTHY FATS, ON WHOLE-GRAIN TOAST WITH A PINCH OF SEA SALT IS A FLAVORFUL WAY TO INCORPORATE EXTRA NUTRIENTS.

5. APPLE SLICES PAIRED WITH ALMOND BUTTER - FIBRE-RICH APPLES AND ALMOND BUTTER, FILLED WITH PROTEIN AND HEALTHY FATS, MAKE A SATIATING AND NUTRIENT-DENSE SNACK PERFECT FOR AN AFTERNOON BOOST.
REMEMBER, AN EMPTY STOMACH AND LONG INTERVALS BETWEEN MEALS CAN EXACERBATE SYMPTOMS LIKE MORNING SICKNESS, WHICH IS WHERE PREGNANCY SNACKS PROVE BENEFICIAL

12/07/2023

EMBRACING THE MATERNAL INSTINCT

PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM BRING ABOUT INCREDIBLE HORMONAL CHANGES. IT'S A TIME OF BEAUTIFUL TRANSFORMATIONS, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY. DURING THIS DELICATE PERIOD, A MOTHER'S INSTINCTS KICKS INTO THE HIGHEST GEAR. IT BECOMES HER COMPASS, GUIDING HER ACTIONS AND DECISIONS.

SOMETIMES, THIS MAY MEAN PARENTS SETTING RULES OR BOUNDARIES THAT OTHER PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND OR DEVELOPING A SET-IN-STONE ROUTINE.
WHY?
IT'S NOT ABOUT BEING "OVERPROTECTIVE"; IT'S ABOUT DOING WHAT'S BEST, AND ENSURING THEIR CHILD'S SAFETY AND WELL-BEING.
THIS IS A POWERFUL FEELING, BUT IT'S TEN TIMES MORE PRIMAL DURING PREGNANCY AND THE POSTPARTUM TRANSITION. (THANK YOU AMAZING SUPER HORMONES)

THIS INSTINCT IS OUT OF DEEP LOVE, AND A PRIMAL INSTINCT TO PROTECT THEIR CHILD. THE MOTHERLY INTUITION IS A POWERFUL FORCE. THE ANSWER IS EASY. TRUST IT. IT WAS BUILT INTO OUR BODIES FOR A REASON! NO IFS, NO BUTS!
ANY CHALLENGE IS AN AUTOMATIC THREAT - AND GUESS WHAT? THAT RESPONSE IS ALSO NORMAL TOO! IT'S A NATURAL INSTINCT. THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE. TRUST IT!
WE ARE ALL BIG MAMA BEARS, PROTECTING THEIR CUBS AND EACH OF US PARENTS DIFFERENTLY. BEING HUMAN DOESNT CHANGE WHAT IS BIOLOGICALLY NORMAL - AND BEING NORMAL IS SIMPLY PROTECTING OUR BABIES, HOWEVER THAT MIGHT LOOK
FOR THE SAKE OF PEACE AND FOR THE ABILITY TO THRIVE, LEARNING TO EMBRACE THE AMAZING ABILITY TO SAY
"NO" OR "YES" TO WHAT FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE, AND WHAT FEELS RIGHT WILL GIVE YOU FREEDOM TO THRIVE. (I KNOW, IT CAN BE TOUGH, RIGHT?)

MAYBE IN THE PAST, YOU'VE OFTEN GONE ALONG WITH WHAT EVERYONE ELSE WANTED, BUT BECOMING A MOTHER CHANGES ALL THAT-AND IT'S A TRULY BEAUTIFUL THING. SO, MAMA BEARS, HAVE FAITH IN THE NEW VERSION OF YOURSELF! HONOUR YOUR INSTINCTS AND CREATE A RAINBOW-FILLED HAVEN WHERE YOU AND YOUR KIDDOS CAN THRIVE.

YOU'VE GOT THIS! REMEMBER, I AM HERE TO SUPPORT AND ADVOCATE FOR YOU ALONG THE WAY!

12/06/2023

INTERESTED IN BABY CARRYING, BUT NO IDEA WHERE TO BEGIN? IT'S NOT JUST A CONVENIENT WAY TO KEEP YOUR LITTLE ONE CLOSE, IT ALSO BOOSTS BONDING, AIDS IN DEVELOPMENT, AND LET'S BE HONEST, IT'S PRETTY STYLISH TOO!

1. WRAP CARRIERS: THIS CLASSIC STYLE IS ALL ABOUT VERSATILITY AND CLOSENESS. A BIT OF PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT WITH THESE!
2. RING SLINGS: SIMPLE AND ELEGANT, THESE ARE QUICK TO PUT ON AND PERFECT FOR ALL AGES, FROM NEWBORN SNUGGLES TO HIP CARRIES WITH CURIOUS TODDLERS…
3. SOFT STRUCTURED CARRIERS: WITH THEIR PADDED STRAPS AND WAISTBANDS, THESE ARE LIKE THE HIKING BACKPACKS OF THE BABYWEARING WORLD. ADVENTUROUS PARENTS, THIS ONE'S FOR YOU!
4. MEH DAI CARRIERS: A BEAUTIFUL BLEND OF WRAP AND STRUCTURED CARRIER, OFFERING THE COMFORT OF BOTH. IT'S ALL ABOUT BALANCE HERE!

REMEMBER, THE BEST CARRIER IS THE ONE THAT FEELS COMFORTABLE AND SECURE FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR BABY.

HAPPY BABYWEARING!

12/06/2023

HEY THERE, BEAUTIFUL EXPECTANT PARENTS!

TODAY, LET'S TALK ABOUT SOMETHING YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD ABOUT - BIG BABIES.
FIRST OFF, EVERY BABY IS UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL IN THEIR OWN WAY, AND SIZE DOES NOT DETERMINE THEIR HEALTH OR YOUR ABILITY TO BIRTH.
HOWEVER, IT'S TRUE THAT IF YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER SUSPECTS YOUR LITTLE ONE MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY LARGER THAN AVERAGE (KNOWN AS MACROSOMIA), THEY OFTEN SUGGEST AN INDUCTION.

WHY? WELL, THE PRIMARY REASON IS TO ATTEMPT TO MITIGATE POTENTIAL RISKS DURING DELIVERY. ONE OF THOSE RISKS IS A CONDITION CALLED SHOULDER DYSTOCIA, WHERE THE BABY'S SHOULDER GETS STUCK BEHIND THE P***C BONE.
ALTHOUGH RARE, IT CAN COMPLICATE THE DELIVERY PROCESS.
INDUCTION, HOWEVER, ISN'T WITHOUT ITS OWN SET OF RISKS. THESE MIGHT INCLUDE A LONGER LABOR, NEED FOR ADDITIONAL PAIN RELIEF, AN INCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF NEEDING A C-SECTION, AND MORE STRESS FOR BOTH BIRTHING PERSON AND BABY.

SO, WHAT'S A PARENT TO DO?

FIRST, REMEMBER THAT ESTIMATED FETAL WEIGHT IS JUST THAT - AN ESTIMATE. ULTRASOUNDS CAN BE OFF BY A POUND OR MORE. ALSO, YOUR BODY IS INCREDIBLY WISE! IT'S DESIGNED TO BIRTH THE BABY YOU'RE CARRYING, BIG OR SMALL.
NEXT, KNOW THAT IT'S OKAY TO ASK QUESTIONS AND TO ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR BABY. IF AN INDUCTION IS RECOMMENDED, ASK WHY. DISCUSS THE RISKS AND BENEFITS. UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS AND SEE HOW IT FEELS IN YOUR GUT.
LASTLY, REMEMBER THAT YOU'RE NOT ALONE. REACH OUT TO YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK, YOUR DOULA, YOUR PARTNER, AND YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR JOURNEY IS UNIQUELY YOURS, BUT YOU'RE SURROUNDED BY LOVE AND SUPPORT.
TRUST YOUR BODY, TRUST YOUR BABY, TRUST YOUR INTUITION. YOU'VE GOT THIS,!

12/05/2023

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE

BREASTFEEDING IS A BEAUTIFUL AND NATURAL WAY TO NOURISH AND BOND WITH YOUR LITTLE ONE. WHETHER YOU'RE AN EXPECTANT MOTHER, A NEW MOM, OR A SEASONED PRO, HERE ARE A FEW TIPS AND EXPERT REFERRALS TO SUPPORT YOU ON YOUR BREASTFEEDING JOURNEY:

1)EDUCATE YOURSELF: TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING, DIFFERENT FEEDING POSITIONS, AND COMMON CHALLENGES YOU MAY ENCOUNTER. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

2)SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE: CONNECT WITH LACTATION CONSULTANTS, MIDWIVES, OR DOULAS WHO SPECIALIZE IN BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT. THEIR EXPERTISE CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IN OVERCOMING OBSTACLES AND ENSURING A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE.

3)SURROUND YOURSELF WITH A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY: JOIN LOCAL OR ONLINE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUPS WHERE YOU CAN SHARE YOUR JOYS, CONCERNS, AND QUESTIONS. REMEMBER, YOU'RE NOT ALONE ON THIS JOURNEY!
4) PRACTICE SELF-CARE: BREASTFEEDING CAN BE DEMANDING, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY. REMEMBER TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY STAYING HYDRATED, EATING NOURISHING FOODS, AND GETTING ENOUGH REST. YOUR WELL-BEING MATTERS TOO!

5 TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS: EVERY BREASTFEEDING JOURNEY IS UNIQUE, AND WHAT WORKS FOR ONE MAY NOT WORK FOR ANOTHER. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS AND LISTEN TO YOUR BABY'S CUES. YOU ARE THE EXPERT ON YOUR OWN CHILD!

TOGETHER, LET'S CELEBRATE THE POWER OF BREASTFEEDING, UPLIFT ONE ANOTHER, AND CREATE A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY WHERE EVERY MOTHER FEELS EMPOWERED ON HER UNIQUE JOURNEY. SHARE YOUR STORIES, ASK QUESTIONS, AND LET'S CONTINUE TO INSPIRE AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER. (

11/26/2023

Unveiling the Marvels of the Placenta!

Did you know that during pregnancy, your body forms an extraordinary organ known as the placenta? It's truly a unique life support system!

The placenta serves as the vital link between you and your baby, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and antibodies crucial for their growth and development.

But that's not all! This incredible organ also acts as a filter, shielding your little one from harmful substances and waste products.

As we marvel at the beauty of new life, let's take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable role of the placenta—an unsung hero in nature!

'sMiracle

11/26/2023

Embracing the Golden Hour:

The first hour of a baby's life, often referred to as the Golden Hour, is a magical time filled with precious moments and unparalleled connections.

For Moms:
1. **Bask in the Bliss:** Take this time to marvel at the miracle you've brought into the world.
2. **Skin-to-Skin Contact:** Foster bonding, regulate the baby's temperature, and promote breastfeeding.
3. **Rooting Reflex:** A sign that they're ready to start breastfeeding.
4. **Positioning and Holding:** Cradle your baby close, ensuring their head and body are aligned.

For Baby:
1. **Discovering the World:** As your baby transitions into this new environment, they may open their eyes wide, exploring the world around them.
2. **Rooting and Sucking:** Your baby will instinctively search for your breast, guided by their rooting reflex.
3. **Nurturing Bond:** Being held close to the mother's warm body creates a secure and comforting environment, allowing the baby to feel safe, loved, and protected.
4. **Latching and Feeding:** Breastfeeding during the Golden Hour provides numerous health benefits, including essential nutrients, antibodies, and a strong foundation for their immune system.
5. **Building Trust:** Establish a profound bond with mother and father that lays the groundwork for a lifetime of love, care, and support.

Why it's important:
The Golden Hour is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion that sets the stage for a strong mother-baby connection. It promotes successful breastfeeding, regulates the baby's body temperature, and kickstarts their emotional and physiological development. It's an irreplaceable time of uninterrupted bonding.

Cherish this remarkable hour, as it unfolds a world of love, growth, and endless possibilities. Embrace the Golden Hour, and let the journey begin!

11/25/2023

"Embrace your postpartum bubble, incredible mothers!
Take your time, mama, and soak in the beauty of this special phase. You're doing an amazing job!
Remember, it's perfectly okay to set boundaries and ask for help when you need it. You deserve all the love, support, and rest.
So, snuggle up with your precious little one, immerse yourself in this magical chapter, and let the world wait patiently. We're here cheering you on every step of the way!
"

11/24/2023

Embrace the remarkable journey of healing, growth, and transformation that awaits you. While the postpartum recovery period spans around 6 to 8 weeks, each woman's experience is unique, with healing occurring at its own pace.

Navigate the ebb and flow of hormone changes, from the initial drop post-pregnancy to the surge of prolactin for breastfeeding. Understand that emotional fluctuations and baby blues are part of your body's extraordinary adaptation to motherhood.

Experience the natural process of postpartum bleeding, known as lochia, which typically lasts a few weeks and gradually diminishes. Celebrate your body's resilience as it undergoes this incredible healing.

Address after pains and soreness as your uterus contracts to its pre-pregnancy size, signifying your body's healing. Sore muscles are par for the course as your body adjusts to the demands of motherhood.

Navigate the challenges of engorged breasts and cracked ni***es with the right support. Tend to sore muscles through gentle stretches, warm baths, and seeking help when needed. Embrace sleep deprivation as a badge of honor for new parents, prioritizing rest when your baby sleeps.

Acknowledge the extraordinary feat of growing and birthing a baby. This journey is a testament to your strength, resilience, and boundless love. Surround yourself with a supportive community, relishing in the beauty of this transformative process and cherishing these precious moments.

11/18/2023

* INTRODUCING THE 5-5-5 POSTPARTUM RULE, A VALUABLE GUIDELINE TO SUPPORT YOUR RECOVERY AND NURTURE YOUR BODY AND MIND.

FIVE DAYS IN BED: GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF REST FOR THE FIRST FIVE DAYS AFTER
CHILDBIRTH. EMBRACE THE COZY SANCTUARY OF YOUR BED, ALLOWING YOUR BODY TO HEAL, BOND WITH YOUR LITTLE ONE, AND ADJUST TO THE NEW RHYTHM OF MOTHERHOOD.
FOCUS ON SKIN TO SKIN AND RESPONSIVE FEEDING.

FIVE DAYS ON THE BED: DURING THE SUBSEQUENT FIVE DAYS, GRADUALLY TRANSITION TO A FEW TRIPS TO OTHER LIVING AREAS, WELCOME FEW GUESTS. ENGAGE IN GENTLE ACTIVITIES (NO CHORES), ENJOYING CUDDLES WITH YOUR BABY, OR PRACTICING LIGHT STRETCHING TO PROMOTE RECOVERY.

FIVE DAYS AROUND THE BED: AS YOU ENTER THE FINAL FIVE DAYS, VENTURE BEYOND
TOUR HOME. TAKE A SHORT 10 MINUTE WALK AND SAVOUR THE FRESH AIR. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY AND PACE YOURSELF, ALLOWING FOR A GRADUAL RETURN TO YOUR REGULAR ROUTINE. LET THE SUPPORT YOU HAVE HELP YOU WITH CHORES.

THIS 555 POSTPARTUM RULE, TOTALLING 15 DAYS OF INTENTIONAL SELF-CARE, PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK TO HONOR YOUR BODY'S NEED FOR REST, RECOVERY, AND ADJUSTMENT DURING THIS TRANSFORMATIVE TIME. REMEMBER, EVERY JOURNEY IS UNIQUE, SO EMBRACE YOUR OWN PACE AND ALLOW YOURSELF THE TIME AND SPACE TO HEAL AND FLOURISH.
YOU'RE DOING AN AMAZING JOB, SUPER MAMA!

11/16/2023

THIS OR THAT: DISPOSABLE DIAPERS VS. REUSABLE DIAPERS
DISPOSABLE DIAPERS:
* CONVENIENCE
* ABSORBENCY
* TIME-SAVING
* TRAVEL-FRIENDLY
* MODERN INNOVATIONS
• REUSABLE DIAPERS:
* ECO-FRIENDLY
* COST SAVINGS
* BREATHABLE
* CUSTOMIZABLE FIT
† ADORABLE DESIGNS
‡ BOTH OPTIONS HAVE THEIR PROS AND CONS. CONSIDER YOUR LIFESTYLE, VALUES, AND BABY'S NEEDS TO MAKE THE BEST CHOICE. HAPPY DIAPERING!

11/16/2023

LET'S GET COMFORTABLE!
LABOR DOESN'T HAVE TO BE ALL PAIN AND NO GAIN!
DOULAS CAN BE MASTERS OF RELAXATION TECHNIQUES, INCLUDING THE ART OF GENTLE MASSAGE. VA FROM SOOTHING STROKES TO TENSION-TAMING TOUCHES, WE'LL HELP YOU FIND YOUR ZEN AMIDST THE CHAOS OF CONTRACTIONS. SO, KICK OFF THOSE UNCOMFORTABLE SHOES, LAY BACK, AND LET OUR MAGICAL HANDS WORK THEIR WONDER!
REMEMBER, YOU DESERVE TO BE PAMPERED AND SUPPORTED DURING THIS INCREDIBLE JOURNEY. WE CAN ALSO TEACH YOUR BIRTH PARTNER TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE AS BLISSFUL AS POSSIBLE TOO!

11/15/2023

GOOD MORNING AND ! DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE MANY TYPES OF DOULAS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY?
& PREGNANCY (ANTEPARTUM) DOULA: PROVIDES SUPPORT DURING HIGH-RISK PREGNANCIES. A HELPS WITH EDUCATION, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, AND HOUSEHOLD TASKS.
& BIRTH (LABOR) DOULA: YOUR CHEERLEADER DURING LABOR AND DELIVERY. OFFERS COMFORT, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND HELPS YOU COMMUNICATE YOUR NEEDS TO THE MEDICAL STAFF.
POSTPARTUM DOULA: YOUR HELPING HAND AFTER THE BIRTH. ASSISTS WITH BREASTFEEDING, NEWBORN CARE, LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING, MEAL PREP, AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT.
BEREAVEMENT DOULA: OFFERS EMOTIONAL AND PRACTICAL SUPPORT DURING THE PAINFUL TIMES OF PREGNANCY LOSS, STILLBIRTH, OR INFANT DEATH.
QO SIBLING DOULA: HELPS THE OLDER KIDS ADJUST DURING MOM'S LABOR AND AFTER THE NEW BABY ARRIVES.
ADOPTION DOULA: GUIDES FAMILIES THROUGH THE ADOPTION PROCESS, PREPARING THE HOME FOR THE NEW BABY, AND PROVIDING RESOURCES AND EDUCATION.
SURROGATE DOULA: SUPPORTS SURROGATE MOTHERS, PROVIDING EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND ASSISTING IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE INTENDED PARENTS.
REMEMBER, EVERY FAMILY'S NEEDS ARE UNIQUE. DOULAS CAN WEAR MANY HATS TO SUPPORT YOU IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE. TAG A DOULA OR FRIEND WHO MIGHT LIKE TO SHARE THEIR SERVICES OR A MOM-TO BE WHO WOULD BENEFIT !

Beyond The Belly Doula Services

05/12/2024

12/08/2023

12/07/2023

12/06/2023

12/06/2023

12/05/2023

11/26/2023

11/26/2023

11/25/2023

11/24/2023

11/18/2023

11/16/2023

11/16/2023

11/15/2023

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