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Preparing now for your postpartum while you're pre

Preparing now for your postpartum while you're pregnant is going to take so much off of your plate.
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@nurse.q.lauzon is taking over my (@informed.mommy) stories today (Friday) if you have more questions!

👉Make Padsicles for after birth- This is a soothing ice pack for your lady bits after birth that doubles as a normal pad.
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👉Create a Breastfeeding Basket- Fill a basket with essentials like snacks, water, burp cloths, bra pads, and lanolin to name a few. Place a basket wherever you think you’ll be nursing most often.
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👉Prepare freezer meals- You can meal prep here and there throughout your entire pregnancy by making extra to freeze every time you cook. You can also do bigger meal plan prep days with a friend or partner.
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👉Organize help as needed (Dog walkers, lawn mowers, or set up a meal train)- Remember asking for help is not a sign of weakness. You should set realistic expectations for yourself and know that you can always change plans and re-evaluate what you need and don't need as the weeks and months pass.
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👉Get the car seat inspected for proper installation- Find a local CPST (some fire departments or state police have them on staff) to check your car seat installation. The latest research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows 59% of car seats are not installed correctly.
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👉Order a breast pump- You will need to call your insurance company and see what breast pumps are available to choose from. Most insurance companies will cover a pump during pregnancy or up to a year after your baby is born under the ACA.
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👉Take a childbirth, Baby Basics, CPR, & Breastfeeding class- You want to be prepared as much as possible to have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take care of you and your baby. Knowledge is power.
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👉Baby proof some now. They grow fast! - Before you know it, your little bundle of joy will be crawling and getting into things. Baby proofing little things now, like locking up chemicals and making sure cords are tied up or placed out of the way from your baby is a great place to start.
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What have you done to prep

How soon can you use tampons after birth? ⠀⠀

How soon can you use tampons after birth?
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👋 Hey! I’m Brittany! Follow me @informed.mommy for more fun pregnancy, birth, and parenting education and check out my free Birth Plan Template to help prep for the big day! (Link in Bio)
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👉 6 WEEKS! 👈
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You should wait until your 6 week postpartum checkup before inserting anything into your vagina.
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This includes tampons, menstrual cups, and you should wait to have sex until you get the “all clear” from your doctor or midwife.
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The reason for waiting is because you have a wound the size of a dinner plate healing inside of you where the placenta used to be!!
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Using tampons only increases your chances for infection while you heal.
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This applies to all new moms - whether you had a vaginal or cesarean delivery!
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After birth, you will have bleeding (called lochia) for 2-6 weeks on average. It will be heavy at first but will get lighter over the weeks.
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During this 6-week timeframe, you can use pads or some women prefer adult diapers in the beginning.
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#growingourfamilypodcast #postpartum #birthmatters #momssupportmoms #mommatobe #expectingmom #babyontheway #bumplife #preggolife #preggobelly #laboranddelivery #30weekspregnant #36weekspregnant #postpartumsupport #postpartumtips #firsttimemom #newmom #rookiemoms

#Repost from my good friends over at @mamas_mater

#Repost from my good friends over at @mamas_maternal_health

They are answering your pregnancy and nutrition questions NOW in my stories! Pop your question in the box @informed.mommy
・・・
1st trimester pregnancy symptoms stopping you from getting the nutrients you KNOW you need?🤢

Our client felt the exact same way.✨

The first trimester is often times the HARDEST when it comes to managing pregnancy symptoms and getting in ‘good’ nutrition (thanks to nausea and food aversions)– but it is also SUPER important developmentally!

Here’s what’s happening in the first trimester:

1️⃣Brain and Spinal cord development from the neural tube.

2️⃣The heart and other organs are starting to form (and of course the heart begins to BEAT)

3️⃣Structures needed for the formation of eyes and ears develop –

4️⃣And small buds appear that will soon become ARMS.

Holy smokes – and to think that the nutrition YOUR body is getting NOW is the literal building blocks for your baby’s brain and spinal development…

It simply BLOWS our mind.🤯

And THIS is why maximizing your nutrition to manage your autoimmune diagnosis and promote a healthy Mama & Baby is just SO dang crucial – STARTING AT THE FIRST TRIMESTER.👏

We know you are struggling with your nutrition during the first trimester.

👉You’re confused about what even IS a healthy pregnancy diet –PERIOD

👉You aren’t sure what vitamins and minerals to promote during this trimester-

👉”What freaking kind of FISH can I eat? How the heck do I remember the mercury levels in each type? “( Ps Every 1:1 client receives a fish and mercury pocket guide to make their fish is good to go 😉)

👉”Where do I START as a woman who wants to have a healthy pregnancy and ALSO wants to promote health for their Autoimmune diagnosis?”

We HEAR YOU.

And we are here FOR YOU.❤️

Comment below if you’re currently (or in the past) struggling with first-trimester nutrition! ⤵️⤵️

What helped YOU get through it? 🤗

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you incredible moms

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you incredible moms!

I hope you enjoy lots of love and cuddles today! Your babies are lucky to have you!

♥️

Did you know that cluster feeding happens in both

Did you know that cluster feeding happens in both breastfed and formula-fed babies?

Erin from @babyfeeding.coach and Brittany from @informed.mommy have teamed up this week to talk about cluster feeding and what to expect in formula and breastfed babies.

𝗦𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱? Growth spurts!

There will be times of rapid growth and development where your baby may be extra hungry. Cluster feeding is when Baby spaces feedings closer together during a certain part of the day (oftentimes it’s in the evenings) which can sometimes correlate with a fussy period.

With cluster feeding, breastfed babies:
🤱 May nurse and then seem hungry shortly after eating.
🤱 May be extra fussy and only console with nursing.
🤱 May take longer to finish a nursing session.

Know that cluster feeding does NOT mean you have low milk supply. It may actually help increase your supply after a few days. You do not need to use formula unless you want to.

Keep monitoring for 6+ wet diapers per day after the first few days.

With cluster-feeding, formula-fed babies:
👩‍🍼 May seem hungry after finishing a bottle or want to drink more than expected.
👩‍🍼 May only console with a bottle.
👩‍🍼 May need to eat up sooner than expected (even every hour).

How to handle cluster-feeding:
✨ Get comfy. You may be holding your baby more and maybe moving less. Make sure you have comfortable clothes on, warm blankets, and entertainment nearby.
✨ Have a stash of clean bottles around if you are bottle-feeding.
✨ Enlist help to wash those bottles or do other chores.
✨ Have a nearby formula prep station.
✨ Apply nipple cream after feeds or use @silveretteusa nursing cups to help with tenderness if you’re breastfeeding
✨ Have easy, one-handed snacks and food around.
✨ Have an easy-open water bottle filled up nearby.
✨ Baby-wear for comfort.

👇 Any tips for cluster-feeding? Answer below!

Did you know, your uterus will grow up to 500% of

Did you know, your uterus will grow up to 500% of it’s normal size during pregnancy??

👋 Hey! I’m Brittany! Follow me @informed.mommy for more fun pregnancy, birth, and parenting education and check out my free Birth Plan Template to help prep for the big day! (Link in Bio)

Your uterus is about the size of a pear prepregnancy. And grows exponentially once you become pregnant.

By about 12 weeks it’s the size of a grapefruit and begins to grow up and out of your pelvis!

As your uterus grows it will actually push your organs out of the way, making room for baby! This might cause some extra discomfort, aches, and pains as the surrounding muscles and ligaments are stretched, but it’s all a normal part of pregnancy.

By the time you hit the end of the third trimester your uterus will be about the size of a watermelon and will drop lower into your pelvis as you get close to delivery.

After your baby is born, your uterus starts shrinking within minutes, but it takes about six weeks to fully return to its previous size. Your nurses, ob, midwife, etc will probably perform fundal massages in the hospital to help the uterus to contract and to prevent postpartum hemorrhaging. (Fundal massages aren’t very pleasant, but so important)

Aren’t our bodies incredible? Sometimes it’s hard to remember what amazing things are happening inside us while we grow these humans!

If you found this interesting, share, like, comment or save so another mama can see it too!

#childbirtheducation #pregnantmommy #birthprep #firsttimemama #firsttimemommy #firsttrimester #laboranddelivery #informedbirth #informedmommy #growingourfamilypodcast #childbirthpreparation #birthpreparation #pregnancytips #prenataleducation #pregnancyeducation #babyiscomingsoon #pregnancyhealth #pregnancyadvice #momtobe2021 #expectingababy #firsttrimester #secondtrimester #thirdtrimester #fundalmassage

Labor progression is most effective when a woman f

Labor progression is most effective when a woman feels safe, respected, and cared for by her birth team.
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Hey 👋I’m Brittany! Follow me @informed.mommy for more fun pregnancy, birth, and parenting education 💕
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Info from “The Labor Progress Handbook” by the amazing Penny Simkin and Ruth Ancheta.
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The primitive parts of our brain prefer a calm birth environment, similar to what most mammals in the wild seek out when giving birth. This includes a private, comfortable, cozy, quiet spect, with dimmed lights. This helps reduce activity in the neocortex and allows prostaglandins and hormones to help move the birthing process along.
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A laboring mom that is experiencing fear, anxiety, or physical danger can send her body into a “fight or flight” response. An increase of stress hormones during the first stage of labor can cause:
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⬇️ less blood flow to the uterus
⬇️ decrease in uterine contractions
⬆️ longer first stage of labor
⬇️ less blood flow to placenta
⬇️ lower oxygen levels to baby
⬆️ higher stress hormones in baby
⬆️ negative perception of experience
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If you’re birthing at home, you probably already feel more comfortable. But if not, a lot of hospitals can seem clinical. There are things you can do to make the environment more welcoming, regardless of where your birthing space is!
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👉Bring your own blanket and pillow (not white so they don’t blend in)
👉Dim the lights and consider bringing LED or flameless candles
👉Pack photos or visuals from home
👉Bring a portable speaker and create a labor playlist
👉Try out essential oils
👉Only invite people in that are helpful and supportive
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❓What did you do to create a calming environment?
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Did you enjoy this post? LIKE, SAVE, SHARE, & TAG so other moms can see it too!⁣⁣
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#childbirtheducation #pregnantmommy #birthprep #firsttimemama #firsttimemommy #firsttrimester #laboranddelivery #informedbirth #informedmommy #growingourfamilypodcast #childbirthpreparation #birthpreparation #pregnancytips #prenataleducation #pregnancyeducation #babyiscomingsoon #pregnancyhealth #pregnancyadvice #momtobe2020 #expectingababy

They say "It takes a village" but where do you eve

They say "It takes a village" but where do you even start?

👋 Hey! I’m Brittany! Follow me @informed.mommy for more fun pregnancy, birth, and parenting education and check out my free Birth Plan Template to help prep for the big day! (Link in Bio)

These are just some examples of support available to you in your postpartum journey! Making the transition into motherhood is hard, and every journey is different.

I always recommend that pregnant mamas find their support team, do the research, and have the resources available BEFORE baby is born!

If you are having issues with breastfeeding, or you think you might have a postpartum mood or anxiety disorder, or baby isn’t sleeping more than 30 minutes through the night and you need someone to help with soothing techniques and creating an ideal sleep environment, then you already know who to call for help.

Here are some of my favorite resources, but please add to the list in the comments if you have others!

✨ Pediatric Sleep Consultant to help create healthy sleep habits, show you effective soothing techniques, or to help create an ideal sleep environment.

✨ Supportive friends and family to help around the house, bring you meals, or give you a quick break so you can nap or shower!

✨ Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist to help with rehabilitation after birth, incontinence, painful sex, scar mobilization, etc

✨ Pediatrician to provide medical care and support in regards to your child

✨ Mental Health Support specializing in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD)

✨ Postpartum Doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support in the postpartum period

✨ Babywearing Consultant to help you select a carrier and show you how to safely wear your child

✨ OBGYN or Midwife to provide medical care and support for mom

✨ Feeding Support: IBCLC, CLC, or infant feeding technician to help you reach your goals however you choose to feed your child

Who did you find helpful during your postpartum journey? Let me know in the comments 👇

What can your labor support person do to help duri

What can your labor support person do to help during labor?
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Hey 👋I’m Brittany! Follow me @informed.mommy for more fun pregnancy, birth, and parenting education 💕
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Sometimes your labor support person (partner, mom, sister, friend, etc.) wants to help but might not know how! It can be beneficial to sit down and go over what you might want for support during labor and delegate those tasks among your team. Obviously not every mama is going to love every item on the list, but it can give you some ideas to start with!
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👉Massage mama’s temples, hands, etc to help release stress and relax.
👉Remind her to go to the bathroom every hour. A full bladder is not only uncomfortable, but it can also stall labor.
👉Try cool compresses on her neck and face.
👉Encourage her to drink fluids and eat to help keep up her energy.
👉Help her change positions to encourage labor to progress.
👉Provide counter pressure by placing your hands on the small of her back or pressure on the side of each hip using both hands.
👉Listen to what she wants, she might not always want to be touched, but being by her side is still helpful.
👉Apply a heating pad to her lower back, limbs, etc. to ease the pain.
👉Remind her she is doing a great job and keep up the encouragement.

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❓What was helpful for you during Labor??
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Did you find this post helpful? LIKE, SAVE, SHARE, & TAG so other moms can see it too!⁣⁣
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#childbirtheducation #pregnantmommy #birthprep #firsttimemama #firsttimemommy #laboranddelivery #informedbirth #informedmommy #growingourfamilypodcast #childbirthpreparation #birthpreparation #pregnancytips #prenataleducation #pregnancyeducation #babyiscomingsoon #pregnancyhealth #pregnancyadvice #momtobe2020 #expectingababy #pregnancylife #birthsupport #thirdtrimesterproblems #mompodcast #bellybump #pregnantbelly #pregnantbump #birthpartner #birtheducation #imamom2be

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