Birth Beyond Boundaries

08/17/2025

What do YOU think? Hmm ...

07/18/2025

05/11/2025

03/04/2025

📢 Legit Work-From-Home Jobs for Stay-at-Home Moms! 🏡💻

Hey mamas! 💕 If you're looking for flexible ways to make money from home while still being there for your little ones, I’ve got you covered! 🙌 Here’s a list of legit work-from-home jobs that can fit around nap times, school runs, and all the chaos of motherhood. 👇

📌 Virtual & Online-Based Jobs

1️⃣ Virtual Assistant (VA) – Help businesses with tasks like email management, scheduling, and customer support. (Sites: Belay, Time Etc, Upwork)
2️⃣ Freelance Writer – Get paid to write articles, blogs, or website content. (Sites: ProBlogger, Textbroker, Fiverr)
3️⃣ Social Media Manager – Manage social media accounts for small businesses. Great if you love Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook!
4️⃣ Graphic Designer – If you’re creative, design logos, social media posts, and marketing materials. (Tools: Canva, Adobe Illustrator)
5️⃣ Online Tutor – Teach subjects like English, math, or science to students online. (Sites: VIPKid, Wyzant, Outschool)
6️⃣ Transcriptionist – Convert audio files into text. No experience? Try Rev or TranscribeMe.
7️⃣ Customer Service Representative – Many companies hire remote reps to handle calls and emails. (Companies: Amazon, LiveOps)
8️⃣ Data Entry – Simple typing jobs requiring attention to detail. (Sites: Clickworker, Axion Data)
9️⃣ Proofreader/Editor – If you have an eye for detail, get paid to proofread content. (Sites: Scribendi, ProofreadingPal)
🔟 SEO Specialist – Help websites rank higher on Google. Learn SEO skills and find freelance clients.

📌 Creative & Handmade Businesses

1️⃣ Etsy Seller – Sell handmade crafts, digital downloads, or printables.
2️⃣ Print-on-Demand – Design T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases to sell without handling inventory. (Sites: Printful, Redbubble)
3️⃣ Baking/Cake Decorating – If you love baking, sell treats locally or take custom orders.
4️⃣ Soap & Skincare Making – Create natural soaps, lotions, or herbal products to sell.
5️⃣ Personalized Gifts – Make customized tumblers, jewelry, or home décor items.

📌 Flexible Side Hustles

1️⃣ Reselling (Flipping) – Buy discounted or thrifted items and sell them for profit on eBay, Mercari, or Poshmark.
2️⃣ Mystery Shopping – Get paid to shop and review customer service. (Sites: BestMark, Market Force)
3️⃣ Survey Sites & Market Research – Earn extra cash sharing your opinions. (Sites: Survey Ju**ie, Pinecone Research)
4️⃣ User Testing – Test websites and apps for usability. (Sites: UserTesting, TryMyUI)

📌 Home-Based Services

1️⃣ Childcare/Babysitting – Offer in-home daycare services.
2️⃣ Pet Sitting/Dog Walking – If you love animals, this can be a fun gig! (Sites: Rover, Wag)
3️⃣ House Cleaning – Offer cleaning services in your community.
4️⃣ Meal Prep Service – Cook healthy meals for busy families.

📌 Health & Wellness

1️⃣ Fitness Coach (Online or Local) – Teach fitness classes, yoga, or personal training.
2️⃣ Herbalist/Natural Health Coach – Share knowledge of herbs and supplements to help others.
3️⃣ Doula or Birth Keeper – Provide virtual or in-person pregnancy/birth support.

📌 Blogging & Content Creation

1️⃣ Start a Blog – Write about motherhood, recipes, health, or hobbies and monetize with ads & affiliate links.
2️⃣ YouTuber – Create videos on parenting, DIY, or wellness and earn from ads & sponsorships.
3️⃣ Podcasting – Talk about topics you love and monetize through sponsorships.
4️⃣ Affiliate Marketing – Recommend products and earn commissions. (Sites: Amazon Associates, ShareASale)

💡 Tips to Avoid Scams:

🚫 Never pay upfront for a "job"
🚫 Avoid anything promising "quick money"
🚫 Use legit job boards (FlexJobs, Upwork, LinkedIn)
🚫 Research companies before applying

💬 Which of these jobs sound good to you? Have you tried any of them? Drop a comment! 💕

03/02/2025

Did you know that a baby’s first exposure to beneficial bacteria happens during birth? When passing through the va**nal canal, babies are coated in protective microbes that play a huge role in immune system development, digestion, and long-term health.

But what happens if a baby is born via cesarean section (C-section)?

How Birth Affects the Baby’s Microbiome

👶 Vaginal Birth: Baby is exposed to lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which help establish a strong gut microbiome.
🩺 C-Section Birth: Baby misses out on this exposure and instead picks up bacteria from the operating room and skin contact. This can lead to:
✔️ Higher risk of allergies, asthma, and eczema
✔️ More digestive issues
✔️ Weaker immune system response

What Is Vaginal Seeding?

Vaginal seeding is a process where a sterile gauze is placed in the mother’s va**na before a C-section and then swabbed over the baby’s mouth, face, and skin after birth. This mimics the exposure a baby would get during a va**nal birth, helping to colonize the gut with beneficial bacteria.

Is Vaginal Seeding Safe?

While some doctors are hesitant due to infection risks, when done properly, va**nal seeding can be beneficial—especially for mothers without infections like GBS, herpes, or bacterial vaginosis. Always discuss with a knowledgeable provider and use proper hygiene and sterile techniques if planning to do this.

Other Ways to Support Baby’s Microbiome After a C-Section

🌱 Breastfeeding – Breastmilk contains prebiotics, probiotics, and immune factors that help build a baby’s gut flora.
💊 Infant Probiotics – A high-quality, multi-strain probiotic (like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) can help support healthy gut bacteria.
👶 Skin-to-Skin Contact – Holding baby against your skin immediately after birth helps with microbial transfer.
🥑 Whole Food Introduction – When starting solids, fermented foods, bone broth, and fiber-rich foods support a healthy microbiome.

If you had a C-section, did you hear about va**nal seeding? Would you consider it? Let’s talk! 💬

03/01/2025

Look at this beautiful baby...still in her sac. She doesn't even know she has been born right into her mother's hands. 🎉💞

Did you know that the bag of waters, otherwise known as the amniotic sac or the caul, is made up of two layers of membranes?

The outer layer of the sac which you can see being pealed back is called the chorion. The amnion is the inner layer of the amniotic sac.

An Amniotomy, also known as artificial rupture of membranes and by the lay description "breaking the water," is the intentional rupture of the amniotic sac by an obstetrical provider.

This procedure is commonly used to "speed up your labor" ...which is not a good idea unless there's a real medical emergency.

Do not let your doctor break your water prematurely without your consent and do not let doctors perform cervical exams because doctors will use this opportunity to break your water.

Your baby along with your placenta and cord are all protected by your amniotic sac against direct pressure which are caused by powerful surges/contractions.

03/01/2025

A baby’s gut microbiome—the collection of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes in their digestive system—plays a crucial role in immune function, brain development, and long-term health. The foundation for gut health is laid from the very start of life!

How is a Healthy Gut Microbiome Established?

👶 Vaginal Birth – Babies born va**nally receive a “dose” of beneficial bacteria from the birth canal, helping to colonize their gut.
🍼 Breastfeeding – Breastmilk contains prebiotics (HMOs), probiotics, and immune factors that nourish beneficial gut bacteria and seal the gut lining.
🌿 Skin-to-Skin Contact – Babies pick up beneficial microbes from their mother’s skin and environment.
🥑 Whole Food Introduction – When solids are introduced, focusing on fermented foods, fiber, and nutrient-dense options supports good gut health.

What Can Harm the Gut Microbiome?

⚠️ C-section Birth (Without Vaginal Seeding) – Babies miss out on beneficial bacteria from the va**nal canal.
⚠️ Early Antibiotic Use – Can wipe out both harmful and beneficial bacteria.
⚠️ Formula Feeding (Without Probiotic Supplementation) – Formula lacks the natural prebiotic and probiotic benefits of breastmilk.
⚠️ Processed Foods & Sugar – Feeding processed, sugary foods too early can encourage the growth of harmful gut bacteria.

By supporting a healthy gut from birth, parents can help prevent allergies, eczema, autoimmune issues, and even behavioral disorders linked to gut dysbiosis.

Did you do anything specific to support your baby’s gut health? Share your experience!

Check back tomorrow for a post on va**nal Seeding 🥰💖

02/28/2025

There’s a lot of misinformation about breastfeeding out there! Let’s break down some of the most common myths and set the record straight.

🚫 Myth #1: “You have to stop breastfeeding when pregnant.”
✅ Truth: Nope! Unless you have a medical reason, breastfeeding while pregnant is safe. Some children naturally wean due to taste changes, but others continue nursing throughout pregnancy and even tandem feed.

🚫 Myth #2: “Formula is just as good as breastmilk.”
✅ Truth: While formula can nourish a baby when needed, breastmilk is living, immune-boosting, and constantly adapting to your baby’s needs. No formula can replicate the way breastmilk protects against infections, supports gut health, and changes composition in real time.

🚫 Myth #3: “You don’t make enough colostrum in the first few days.”
✅ Truth: Your body makes exactly what your baby needs! Newborn stomachs are tiny, and colostrum is packed with antibodies, stem cells, and gut-sealing properties to give your baby the best start.

🚫 Myth #4: “If your baby nurses often, it means you’re not making enough milk.”
✅ Truth: Frequent nursing is normal, especially during growth spurts! Babies nurse for nutrition, comfort, and immune support—not just because they’re “hungry.”

Have you ever been told a breastfeeding myth? What was the worst advice you received?

02/27/2025

Freebirth—also known as unassisted birth—is when a woman chooses to give birth without medical intervention, trusting her body’s natural ability to bring her baby into the world. While it’s not for everyone, many women find freebirth to be an empowering, instinctual, and deeply transformative experience.

Why Do Women Choose Freebirth?

🌿 Trust in the body’s design – Birth is a natural physiological process, not a medical event.
🏡 Control over the environment – No pressure for interventions, monitoring, or time limits.
💫 Deeply intuitive experience – Many women feel more connected to their instincts without external distractions.
💖 Healing from past birth trauma – Some choose freebirth after negative experiences in hospital settings.

Is Freebirth Safe?

For low-risk pregnancies, evidence suggests that birth outside of the hospital can be just as safe (or safer) than hospital births when the mother is well-prepared. Key factors include:
✅ Education & preparation – Knowing the stages of labor, recognizing normal vs. abnormal signs, and having emergency plans in place.
✅ Nourishing the body – A well-supported pregnancy (with proper nutrition, movement, and emotional preparation) lays the foundation for a smooth birth.
✅ Birth team or support person – Even in freebirth, some women choose to have their partner, a birthkeeper/doula, or a trusted person present.

Freebirth is not about being reckless—it’s about informed choice, trust, and preparation.

Would you ever consider a freebirth? Why or why not?

02/26/2025

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) is an extremely common virus that affects the majority of the world’s population. Often associated with cold sores, this virus is highly contagious and can be dangerous for newborns and young infants.

Oral HSV-1 is NOT an STD and is estimated that about 67% of people GLOBALLY have the virus. A lot of us even have it asymptomatically and don't even know it!

How Is HSV-1 Spread?

HSV-1 is mainly transmitted through:
✔️ Direct contact (kissing, skin-to-skin)
✔️ Saliva (sharing drinks, utensils, or toys)
✔️ Touching a contaminated surface and then touching the mouth
✔️ From mother to baby during birth if there is an active lesion

For older children and adults, HSV-1 is usually a mild and manageable virus. However, infants under 6 months are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing.

Why Are Infants So Susceptible?

Newborns do not have fully developed immune systems, making it difficult for their bodies to fight off infections. If an infant contracts HSV-1, it can sometimes lead to serious complications, including:
⚠️ Neonatal herpes – a rare but severe condition that can cause brain damage, organ failure, or even death
⚠️ Encephalitis – a dangerous swelling of the brain
⚠️ Severe rashes or sores

Does Breastfeeding Provide Protection?

Yes! If a mother has HSV-1, she passes protective antibodies to her baby:
🍼 Via the placenta during pregnancy (temporary passive immunity)
🍼 Through breastmilk after birth, continuing to provide protection while breastfeeding, which is why extended breastfeeding can be so important to a child's health.

Infants who are formula-fed do not receive these antibodies, leaving them more vulnerable if they are exposed to the virus.

Preventing HSV-1 in Infants

✅ Avoid kissing infants on the face if you have an active cold sore
✅ Do not let visitors kiss the baby—especially young babies
✅ Wash hands frequently and avoid touching the baby’s face after touching your mouth
✅ Breastfeed if possible to pass on protective antibodies
✅ Educate caregivers and family on the risks

By practicing safe hygiene and being aware of how easily HSV-1 spreads, parents can help reduce the risk and keep their little ones safe! 💕

11/07/2024

🤱🍼 Breast milk is extraordinarily complex, with a vast array of nutrients, cells, proteins, fats, and bioactive components that contribute to its uniqueness as the ideal nutrition source for infants.

Check out this list of what can be found inside of breastmilk! 😍💖

1. Macronutrients

Carbohydrates:

Lactose (primary carbohydrate for energy and gut health)

Oligosaccharides (HMOs, which support immune system and gut microbiome)

Proteins:

Casein

Whey proteins: alpha-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, lysozyme

Immunoglobulins: IgA, IgG, IgM, IgD, IgE

Enzymes: lipase, amylase, peroxidase

Growth factors: epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), transforming growth factors (TGFs)

Fats:

Essential fatty acids: DHA, ARA, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids

Phospholipids: phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine

Cholesterol (important for brain development)

Monoglycerides and diglycerides

2. Micronutrients

Vitamins:

Water-soluble: B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12), Vitamin C

Fat-soluble: Vitamins A, D, E, K

Minerals:

Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Chloride, Iodine, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Manganese.

3. Bioactive Compounds

Hormones:

Cortisol (supports immune function and stress response)

Adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin (related to appetite regulation)

Insulin, thyroid hormones, prolactin, and oxytocin

Enzymes (catalyze biochemical reactions):

Amylase (helps in carbohydrate digestion)

Lipase (aids in fat digestion)

Lactoperoxidase, catalase (with antioxidant roles)

Antioxidants:

Glutathione, beta-carotene, lycopene, melatonin, uric acid

Growth Factors:

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)

4. Immune Factors

Antibodies (Immunoglobulins):

Secretory IgA (sIgA), IgG, IgM, IgE, IgD (protect mucosal surfaces and prevent infections)

White Blood Cells:

Macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes (actively combat pathogens)

Cytokines and Chemokines:

IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta (immune-regulatory proteins)

Antimicrobial Proteins:

Lactoferrin, lysozyme, defensins, complement proteins (fight infections)

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs):

2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL), Lacto-N-tetraose, Lacto-N-fucopentaose, and many more (nurture beneficial gut bacteria, protect against pathogens)

5. Beneficial Bacteria (Probiotics)

Common Strains:

Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus (support healthy gut microbiome and immune development)

6. Additional Factors

MicroRNAs:

Regulate gene expression, may influence immune and developmental processes

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs):

Carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, involved in cell communication

Peptides:

Beta-casomorphins, casein phosphopeptides (potential roles in digestion and immune modulation)

7. Other Unique Components

Choline: essential for brain development

Carnitine: important for energy production

Polyamines: spermidine, spermine (support cellular growth)

Nucleotides: AMP, CMP, GMP, UMP (involved in energy transfer, immune health)

×××××××××××××××××××××××××××

Breast milk’s composition is dynamic, changing in response to the infant’s age and needs.

This complexity allows it to support infant growth, immunity, digestion, and cognitive development in ways that go far beyond mere nutrition.

The full profile of human breast milk includes thousands of bioactive compounds, many still under research!