The holidays can feel excruciating for women experiencing postpartum depression. Your feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger, and frustration are directly disproportionate to the cheerful energy around you, and that’s compounded when everyone expects you to be happy with your new baby. You are not alone, and professional and peer support make all the difference.

Hiring a doula means hiring an educated, trained, experienced and compassionate partner who’s ready to accompany you through the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. From providing informed answers to your queries, to improving birth outcomes, and minimizing postpartum depression, doulas play a significant role in your birth plan.

Finding out you’re having twins is quite a shock for many, and it requires an adjustment in multiple arenas. From your automatic high-risk pregnancy status, to the need for two of everything, I’ve put together some of the most logistical things to keep in mind as you look forward to the arrival of two newborns.

Gender reveal parties became an exciting trend as ultrasounds and genetic testing made it possible to determine the sex of the baby before s/he was born.

Your body is the baby’s habitat, so it’s just as important that you take care of your physical, mental, and emotional self to enjoy a healthy pregnancy.

The mother’s arms may be a newborn’s primary habitat, but bonding time with dad should be a priority. Fathers deserve time and space to cultivate their own relationship with their newborn, and that ranges from wearing baby in a wrap or carrier to taking overfeeding and changing shifts.

Giving your baby a bath the first few times can be worrisome because they are tiny, slippery and oh-so-fragile. However, a few simple tips and things to remember ease new parents into the process. Pretty soon, bathtime will be enjoyable for all, and nothing smells as sweet as a freshly bathed baby.

 Infants don’t need much outside the realm of constant love, support, and the meeting of their basic, human needs. And yet, the “baby stuff” business is a multi-billion dollar industry, many times over. Focusing on what you actually need, versus the fluff, saves money and clutter - and makes for happier, less-stressed parenting.

Unless your doctor or midwife has instructed otherwise, massages are a wonderful way for pregnant women to relax and enjoy physical relief from some of the normal aches and pains associated with pregnancy. The key is to seek a licensed, experienced massage therapist who specializes in prenatal massage.

Whether you think you’ll use a crib or not, cribs are definitely a must-have. Even if you choose a version of co-sleeping, cribs provide a safe space for baby to nap, play, or hang out when you need to get things done around the house.

The most important thing you need to establish regarding your maternity hospital or birth center is: will you feel safe and taken care of while you’re there? Evidence shows clearly that labors progress best when a woman feels seen, honored, safe and that her needs are respected. 

The third trimester makes for slower going, and that impacts vacation plans. Planning ahead and being prepared are keys to enjoying a third-trimester vacation - often called the BabyMoon - to its fullest and safest.

These tips can help you beautify your home using priceless wedding, maternity, and newborn photos that were beautifully captured and printed.

It’s not always easy to integrate a new baby into an existing sibling dynamic. Even the most excited and nurturing of children can become jealous.

The more you prepare your pet(s) for a new routine, different boundaries, new smells, etc., the better everyone in the family will fare as your family expands.

If you’re 42 weeks pregnant and you haven’t gone into labor, it’s time to start some natural, DIY labor-inducing techniques.

With home births on the rise, it can be hard to decide whether you want to have your baby at home or in a hospital.

Selecting diaper brand and type is a dilemma of the modern parent, for sure. Cloth or not? Standard or eco-friendly? Does cost reflect diaper quality or branding? This guide sheds light on the most important factors to consider when choosing a diaper brand that’s right for you and your baby.

Your postpartum recovery is a delicate process, and it can take a while for your body to get back into its pre-pregnancy shape and condition. However, attending to these important tips and recommendations will speed up your recovery, ensuring sustainable health in mind, body and spirit.

We spend so much time micromanaging diet & lifestyle during pregnancy, that it’s easy to forget how vital postnatal nutrition is to your recovery from delivery.