Brightside Blessings Doula Services

07/29/2022

Buying baby gear for yourself or a baby shower?
Here's a great option!
A diaper caddy is a wonderful idea for moms that need to heal, or just need a portable changing station so parents don't need to haul baby to the changing table every time.

I like to stock them with multiple things in mind besides changing.
Diapers and wipes, a changing pad, diaper cream, and an extra onesie for blowouts and spit ups are a great start.
I also add nail clippers, pacifiers, feeding supplies for breast and/or bottle feeding, a receiving blanket, a swaddler, small toys, and anything else that is good to have on hand.
It also helps when you have older siblings to take care of, or multiples.
Put in some snacks for your toddler. Have a pocket dedicated to snacks and drinks for yourself while you feed.
Pets? A bag of treats to reward your pup for being gentle around baby.
The options are flexible to you and endless.

They come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and designs.

You can keep it in a room you sit with baby often like the living room or your bedroom if baby has their own nursery. Or grab it and take it wherever you choose.

They're great for roadtrips so you have plenty on hand that is easy to access without overstuffing your diaper bag.
They come in handy pretty much everywhere. Especially when you have a long day or live far from your destination. Newborn photos, the hospital, Dr's appointments, shopping, play dates, day out with friends and family, etc. It can hang out in the car and you know you have backups for what you need.

After baby grows, you can use it for other things.
For instance, I use my old one to hold my crocheting supplies. My youngest is 8, and I love making a personal baby blanket for my clients.

I'll post more baby gear ideas for things that don't break the bank and prove to be extremely useful. ♡

07/21/2022

One of the biggest tools in any expecting family's tool belt is friends and family.
You may hear, "Let me know if you need anything" or something similar.

Believe it or not, these people genuinely want to help, and you are not weak for accepting it. You're expressing confidence and trust to those around you and being a boss in the best way.

When a new baby (or babies) are brought into your world and home, it's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed. This can lead to burnout, postpartum depression, and other stress.
So take up the offers. Let them help carry the burden so you can feel more confident and less isolated.

Some ways we already do this is letting others throw us baby showers, or accepting gifts for baby.

I encourage you to go a step farther. Build a sense of community and support in your inner circle. You can be the support for others in turn, and break the cycle of isolation while building up your loved ones as well.

Ask for someone to organize a meal train for the first few weeks of having baby home. Freezer meals prepped ahead of time and/or daily meals that are nutritious.
Ask for help with light housework, or have them pick up groceries you order.
Get recommendations for lactation consultants, pediatricians, and other local resources.
Have them help watch or play with older siblings or pets so they don't feel left out.
Let them watch baby so you can bathe, nap, and recharge.
Vent to a listening ear and purge the negative so there's room to focus on the positive.

What are some other ways you can accept offers for help? What things have you experienced that helped you the most? Comment down below!

06/05/2022

Part 3 of Q&A!
Have a new baby (or more)? Ask away!

As a postpartum doula, I'm trained in anything and everything baby related.

Breat/bottle feeding?
Diapering?
Baby items?
Organization?
Healthy meals?
Hot topic issues (from a non-biased source that shares facts)?
Clothing?
Budgeting?
Shopping?
Childcare?
Decorating?
Older siblings?
Fussy baby?
Baby gear?
Pets around baby?
How to rest with a newborn?
Self care?
Relationship care?
Sleep questions?
And much much more!!!

05/27/2022

Day to of Q & A's is Birth edition.

Every parent or loved one of a parent has questions about birth in it's many forms and experiences.

There's a lot of knowledge! You don't have to know it all, but may have questions before, during or after.
I want to share my knowledge with you.

Let me help you satisfy that curiosity you have. Ask anything you want in the comments below and I will answer!
It can be about anything birth related at all! Natural, medicated, cesarean, you name it. Emotional? Of course! Preparation both mental and physical, how-to tips, interventions, complications, etc... Ask and it shall be answered.

One great thing about doulas is they love to share unbiased, non-judgmental, objective, and evidence based answers to all those pressing questions. And we can't get enough of talking birth and babies. Our passion is to be a servant to others and provide knowledge, compassion, and support to others.

05/26/2022

First of many Q&A posts.

Comment below if you have any questions about anything pregnancy related! I'll answer them.

One of the most common things I do as a doula is get texts and phone calls asking questions about anything and everything pregnancy related. I love answering them, and can provide evidence based links or books for you to check out if needed.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I can not and will not diagnose any complications. I can however tell you when you should call your doctor or midwife.

05/20/2022

Did you know that doulas are excellent support even if you have a Cesarean?

If you follow the link, there's a great article about the ways doulas can be there for you during a C-section.

https://www.verywellfamily.com/doula-for-cesarean-birth-2759906 #:~:text=A%20doula%20can%20bring%20in,class%20on%20a%20cesarean%20section.

05/16/2022

Ever wonder what a difference a doula can make?
Here are some statistics from various studies.

Keep in mind, anyone giving birth can benefit from hiring a doula!
It doesn't matter what kind of birth you'd like. Evidence shows having any type of continuous labor support is highly beneficial, and doulas specifically know how to support you in your journey.

We are passionate about great labor and postpartum outcomes, serving others, and being that safe, non-judgmental person dedicated to your hopes and journey.

03/24/2022

Great new release for those expecting their first child and beyond.
I read through it and even tried a couple of nutrient packed recipes.
It's pretty compact compared to some of the more detail rich books, so it's easy to read, refer back to, and remember the details. I appreciate that because I know how much "information overload" new moms experience.
So if your looking for the basics of pregnancy nutrition that's easy to read and not too long, pick up a copy today.

The recipes are very nutrient dense, and it gives you a great starting point for finding other great recipes.

My favorite part? It's affordable and available on Kindle Unlimited. When it's easy to get and find, it's always a winner in my book.
I have an extensive lending library of hard copies for my clients, and I will be adding this one as well, but I know this would be one of the easiest for moms to get ahold of on their own. ♡

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09TGNT56M/ref=dbs_a_def_awm_bibl_vppi_i0

12/26/2021

02/09/2021

Our society believes that birth and having a newborn aren't a big deal.

This leaves mothers to not realize the importance of having unbiased and compassionate support during this time.

They are left feeling isolated and overwhelmed. They can even feel fear or like they are not in control.

Yes, all those cute outfits and baby gear are appreciated, but these are mostly gifts for the baby.

I want to challenge gift givers to think about getting gifts that are specifically for mom.

Special pillows for pregnancy and breastfeeding, and breast pumps are great. However, think about this!

You can have the people that attended baby showers (even virtual ones) sign up for a meal train for when she's recovering. Homemade or even takeout meals help ease the stress of feeding the family. They provide nutrients for healing and breastfeeding that mom might lack because she's too overwhelmed to eat right.

Hire a maid service to come so mom can focus on recovering and bonding with her new baby. Especially if she has to entertain visitors.

Make a gift basket full of postpartum supplies for mom, snacks, water bottles, etc...

Pay for a prenatal massage or chiropractor so she's more comfortable.

Sponsor her birth and breastfeeding classes so she's confident and prepared for one of the most significant experiences of her life.

Or you can hire a doula! Yes, it's extremely beneficial for mom to have someone who wants to support her, has the expertise, and is passionate about her wellbeing. Both birth and postpartum doulas are there to make sure the new mother is taken care of, mentally, physically, and educationally.

Ask any mom who has had a doula present if it was worth it. I truly believe that hiring a doula is the greatest gift you can give the family.
(I suggest letting her pick who she is most comfortable with. Doulas do not mind meeting with parents in person or virtually to find compatibility).

Most of all, celebrate and honor the new mom! She is bringing this new adorable life into the world, and deserves praise and recognition for something so amazing. Show her your love, and please make sure she feels as cherished as her new baby is. ♡♡♡

01/27/2021

♡♡♡

Pumping is breastfeeding, too! 🖤

Happy World Breast Pumping Day to you and all of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice you have made to provide for your baby/babies!

Whether you pumped exclusively

Whether you pumped because of work

Whether you pumped to donate

Whether you pumped for one day

Whether you pumped for one month

Whether you pumped for one year

You are amazing!!! 🤩

01/20/2021

If you're a mother or father struggling emotionally while expecting, after a miscarriage, losing an infant or child, struggling with infertility, after you give birth: you are not alone. You are not a failure. You are not anything less than an amazing parent.

There is nothing to be ashamed of. You aren't "crazy".

1 in 7 moms and 1 in 10 dads suffer from Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). This might be even more common, given that many cases can be left undiagnosed.

Every person experiences things in a different way. You may display a few or a lot of the following symptoms, or even some symptoms not mentioned:

• Low mood, sadness, tearfullness

• Loss of interest, joy, or pleasure in things you used to enjoy

• Agitation or anxiety

• Anger

• Lack of energy or feeling slowed down physically

• Difficulty concentrating

• Appetite or sleep disturbance

• Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness

• Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself

• Constant worry

• Feeling that something bad is going to happen

• Feeling like you can’t turn your brain off

• Disturbances of sleep and appetite

• Physical Symptoms like dizziness, heart palpitations, and nausea.

You can contact a dr, midwife, mental heath specialist, doula, and many other professionals that can help you seek or recieve help in your area, and find happiness and peace of mind again.

This is only temporary, and it is treatable.

Below are some links that can help:

https://psychology-tools.com/epds/

https://www.postpartum.net/

Text HOME to 741741

01/15/2021

Is it just The Baby Blues?

Many new mothers have the “baby blues” after childbirth. This is characterized as crying, mood swings, anxiety and difficulty sleeping according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms typically begin within a few short days after delivery, and can last around two weeks. The key here is that these feelings go away fairly quickly.

Or is it Postpartum Depression?

Sometimes symptoms may start off more subtly and be mistaken for the baby blues. But if the funk you are in becomes more intense and lasts longer, you may have postpartum depression.

If you are struggling with postpartum depression know that you are not alone. It is more common than people realize. There is no shame in asking for help! 🖤

Have you ever had PPD or PPA?

Did you know you can have PPD/PPA after a miscarriage and still birth, too? It is not exclusive to only mothers that have live births.

If you need help my inbox is always open! I can’t diagnose but I can help you find resources.

01/11/2021

Here's some information about eye ointment for birth.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=730073234292487&id=295509681082180

💥Erythromycin Eye Ointment💥
Truth bomb time!
💣Erythromycin is an antibacterial eye ointment applied within a couple hours after birth to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum (aka pink eye) in your baby's 1st month of life.
💣The ointment became standard protocol due to pink eye becoming more serious and causing possible blindness if caused by Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, which the baby could only *possibly* be exposed to IF the mother is infected at the time of birth and IF the birth was vaginal.
💣The other bacteria that can cause pink eye are not considered serious.
💣Using colostrum/breastmilk after birth instead has been shown to reduce and inhibit growth of these bacteria.
💣Because this is an antibiotic ointment, it can disrupt the baby's gut microbiome and promotes antibiotic resistance from overuse.
💣Infant-maternal bonding can be interrupted due to the ointment causing blurry vision, problems nursing, and possible separation during administration.
💣It can also cause irritability in baby's eyes, clogged ducts, chemical conjunctivitis (pink eye), and has a possibility of an allergic reaction.
💣You can reasonably decline the ointment if you test negative for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, you are in a relationship with a non infected partner, and if you're having a C-section, since it is highly unlikely for a baby to be exposed to these, especially if your membranes are still intact.
💣Even if you are positive, there are other options for treating and preventing pink eye. Some even use the 'wait and see' approach to see if the baby even develops pink eye.
📷: Lane B. Photography

01/02/2021

Happy Birthday to this beautiful New Years baby girl!!!

I've never enjoyed ringing in the new year as much!

08/29/2020

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=437407803869890&id=295712320588114