Rebecca Smaaslet - Lighthouse Birth Doula

01/17/2024

10/04/2023

🚫 Myth: Coffee is off-limits during pregnancy.
✅ Fact: You can enjoy coffee in moderation!

Hey Mamas!

Pregnant and absolutely craving that pumpkin spice latte? 🎃 Need a pick-me-up after a night of tossing and turning to get comfy with a pregnant belly? ☕️

If you were a coffee drinker before getting pregnant, you're probably wondering, "Is coffee okay for me to have now?".

A lot of women worry about whether caffeine is safe during pregnancy. One common misconception is that it causes miscarriage - the research suggests that in modest amounts, it's not a concern for pregnancy loss - or other issues for mom and baby.

So what's a modest amount? Up to 150 milligrams of caffeine a day is considered totally safe.

You can use the list below as a guide:

☕️ Coffee (8 oz): 100 mg
☕️ Decaf coffee (8 oz): 5-10 mg
☕️ Green tea: 30-50 mg
☕️ Black tea: 60 mg
☕️ Matcha (1 tsp per 8 oz): 50-100 mg
☕️ Dark chocolate (1 oz): 15-25 mg

Keep in mind that this may vary based on how strongly coffee or tea is brewed or the concentration of matcha in a drink for example and that if you include different sources of caffeine (i.e. tea, chocolate, etc.), your daily intake can add up quickly.

If you include coffee in your diet, err on the side of caution and stay under the recommended limit. And of course, if you're not sleeping, you have heartburn, or other symptoms that can be triggered by caffeine, go decaf or caffeine-free and sip a gentle herbal beverage instead. My preferred brew was a richly steeped nettle infusion with a little mint. And water is always the best beverage!

Worried about caffeine during pregnancy? Drop your concerns below. Other questions about what's safe and what's not? Drop those, too!

xx. Dr. A.

10/04/2023

https://www.hypnobabies-store.com/product/online-hypnobabies-hypnobirthing-home-study/

10/04/2023

How long did it take you to feel like you "got it" when it came to breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding may be natural, but it's also a skill that takes practice. Preparing before baby arrives and finding support in case you encounter problems can help you meet your breastfeeding goals.
LLL USA Leaders are available for FREE to answer your questions and concerns. Contact a Leader today at https://lllusa.org/locator/
Image courtesy of Littlefield Photography

[Image: Photo of person nursing a baby. Text: Breastfeeding takes time to learn.]

09/07/2023

Melissa is a fantastic local resource!

Starting tomorrow, spots are limited.

Moms in Motion is for pregnant and postpartum athletes of all fitness levels with the individualized support you need to pursue a lifetime of athleticism. It does not matter how far postpartum you are, if you are experiencing core and pelvic floor symptoms like: diastasis recti, pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, hypertonic pelvic floor or pelvic pain then this class can help. Whether you are experiencing these for the first time, or have been struggling for years, Moms in Motion can help you strengthen your core, improve your pelvic floor and get strong AF.

If you’re pregnant, Moms in Motion is more than just exercise modifications. Train in a way that preserves and/or manages core and pelvic health symptoms like diastasis recti, incontinence, pelvic pain and pelvic organ prolapse. There is no “one size fit all” approach, so we will adjust accordingly and make a plan to control as many variables as possible during this chapter which is unpredictable and ever changing. Train for enjoyment of movement and fitness.

DM me with any questions 💜

01/25/2023

Thinking about cloth diapers? If I could tell you anything - it's to stop researching and just start doing it. Seriously.

The internet is bombarded with a million different opinions because there is a million different ways to cloth diaper - and the best way to find your way is to start. You'll learn what fits your baby, how the product fits into your life, and slowly start to fall in love with it.

But the most powerful thing about cloth diapering is that YOU ARE IN CONTROL - you get to choose the cost, the textiles, the amount of work, and the overall impact on your life and the environment.

Got more questions? Message us to find out when Bailey is in next, or pick up a copy of her book.

Get started today! If you made it this far, use code SAVE15FRIENDS to save $15 on your next $100 order until January 31, 2023. You can shop Kinder Cloth, Lunapaca, Lil Helpers and Loomey online: https://nestandsprout.ca/collections/diapering

01/25/2023

Have you used a doula? If so, what was your favorite reason for having one? Share in the comments below 👇

01/25/2023

When a baby makes clicking sounds while nursing, parents often worry. Is this a sign of a major problem? Should they be concerned? No matter what the cause, if nursing is comfortable, baby is otherwise healthy and gaining weight normally, clicking may not be a problem.   Common Reasons

01/18/2023

✨Coping can look a lot of different ways. What are some things that you have done to actively cope through labor and birth?✨

Dive into Advanced Techniques for Teaching Coping in Labor & Birth: February 5, 2023, 12-5pm PST. Join us! Learn more and register http://ow.ly/z4w350Mmj7u

In this class you will learn ways to help parents:
🌀Reduce suffering by shifting attention away from the stories their minds are telling
🌀Move away from trying to think their way through labor
🌀Notice their responses to sensation
🌀Bring attention to their internal dialogue
🌀Engage parents in using vocalization in labor
🌀Build a coping mindset