You've researched, done the pro/con list, and discussed with your partner. You think a doula would make a great addition to your birth team. Deciding on a doula may be easy for the heart and brain…but what about the budget? One of the number one reasons we hear for families not choosing a doula is the ability to pay for services, even though they would love to have one. With that in mind, we thought we would gather a list of ideas to help you troubleshoot adding an OB doula to your birth team. Use your Flex Spending Account (FSA)/Health Savings Account (HSA) Double check with the company prov ..read more

Congratulations! Your new baby is here. Now what? Taking care of baby can be E.A.S.Y. when you follow these four simple steps. E is for EAT Newborns will need to eat every 2 hours during the day and at least once during the night. Once your pediatrician recognizes a healthy weight gain model, a pattern or schedule may be introduced. If you are nursing it may become difficult to gauge how much milk your baby is consuming. Your baby should be making at least 6 wet diapers and at least 1 soiled diaper per day. If you are bottle-feeding and breastfeeding, try utilizing a Pace-Method. Holding baby ..read more

There are three types of hunger cues when it comes to your baby. Initial Hunger Cues Dynamic Hunger Cues Extreme Hunger Cues During the Initial stage you may notice your baby: Opening and closing their mouth Smacking or licking their lips Sucking on lips, tongue, hands, toys, etc. During the Dynamic stage you may notice your baby: Attempting to get into a nursing/feeding position Fussing or increased breathing Hitting/Tapping you on the arm/chest Rooting the arm/shoulder/chest of whoever is holding them Squirming During the Extreme stage you may notice your baby: Crying Frantically movi ..read more

There are lots of reasons why one may be a single parent. As someone who has been with their significant other for over 17 years, I'm not qualified to talk on this matter. However, as a doula I have supported clients who were in various circumstances. There are lots of amazing people out in this world who choose to be single and to be a parent. I supported a client who underwent months of fertility treatments in order to become pregnant. The tears of excitement, disappointment, relief, and joy were shared between us. We discussed childbirth education, her birthing plans and what she can expect ..read more

Congratulations! Newborns are squishy little people that need us for everything. They rely on their parents (and/or Postpartum & Newborn Doula) to feed them, diaper them, snuggle them, and soothe them. Your newborn may have a coat of fine hair covering their body. This is normal and called lanugo. Your newborn may have a misshapen head due to their journey through the birth canal. Your newborn may also have a puffy face and goopy eyes. Remember, birth is a big ordeal and they just spent the past nine months or so, curled up in a warm sack of amniotic fluid. Soon enough, your little one wil ..read more

Hemorrhoids are quite common in pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins of the rectum and they can become very painful and unfortunately, itchy. Constipation is usually the culprit. That, combined with excessive pressure on the rectum and perineum is a recipe for disaster. Prolonged standing also takes its toll on your back end. Most people experience relief from hemorrhoids once their baby is born. In the meantime, try these remedies: Apply wet or dry baking soda to the affected area to relieve itching Take a warm bath with baking soda in the water App ..read more

Morning sickness is often the first indicator of pregnancy. It typically lasts for six weeks. From the sixth week of pregnancy to the twelfth week of pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur any time of day. Did you know that 50% of those who are pregnant experience morning sickness? Morning sickness is a nauseating feeling that is due to the increase of hormones. It can be accompanied with vomiting. Doctors believe it is a sign of healthy placenta development. If the morning sickness you are experiencing includes excessive vomiting and is prohibiting you from keeping food down ..read more

Charlotte Doulas is excited to bring this Finnish tradition to NC!  Baby Box University has partnered with Charlotte Doulas, LLC to bring FREE baby boxes to the Charlotte area. Stay tuned for more details about pick up locations as we prepare for our first shipment. For more information about joining the wait list, please email Samantha at samantha@cltdoula.  Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for updates.  We look forward to getting these boxes into the hands of every new parent in the Charlotte region.    ..read more

Written by Elizabeth Loughlin, Newborn Care Specialist, Postpartum Doula, Infant Sleep Specialist Coffee. Coffee. Cofffffeeeee.  Most parents of newborns need coffee like they need oxygen because of the sleepless nights taking care of their newest addition. What if I told you that you could actually get that sleep that you so desperately need, and not give away your life savings to the barista who likely has your order ready upon your arrival at your favorite coffee shop?  (Sleep? What’s that?!)  Our Postpartum Overnight Doulas can remind you about that precious momen ..read more

Bringing home your baby is a stressful event in most parent's lives. Preparing for this can also be stressful. We've done a bit of the leg work for you and created two lists to help. Need to Have and Nice to Have Need to Have Clothes Buy a couple of side-tie or side-snap T-shirts to put on the baby until the umbilical cord separates. After that, dress your little one in his "working" outfit, the onesie. Buy at least 6 -- more if you don't want to launder as often -- because your baby will likely wear two or more every day. Have a half-dozen pairs of socks on hand, too, to keep his little feet ..read more