Your East Bay Doulas

MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH DAY. On this day I want to share the message that you deserve support whatever way you choose (or have) to feed your baby. It’s also why ...I want to explain why the fed is best movement is not the solution to the unintended consequences of breast is best. . . inspo @sashihessonphoto . . YES - every baby deserves to be FED. That’s the minimum standard and #1 mandate of an LC! I completely agree and support that. Then why not fed is best? . . It dismisses mom’s feelings. Breastfeeding may be really important to her. She’s going through a LOT and putting in so much work. She has reasons she chose to breastfeed and has motivation behind her choices... but when she experiences challenges, telling her fed is best is like telling her all those feelings don’t matter because being fed is what matters. . . It amplifies the blame on moms when breastfeeding doesn’t work out. Rather than dealing with the grief, it sweeps it under the rug. She’s told all her efforts and struggles didn’t mean anything. Her grief and feelings invalidated. Enter: mommy guilt. I couldn’t breastfeed but it doesn’t matter because fed is best. No. It matters. YOU matter. YOUR CHOICE matters. . . It’s fear mongering, implying that breastfeeding can starve your child but formula doesn’t. Nope. You can also do formula wrong. The key is to be informed of signs your baby is getting enough. . . It does not support ALL moms. I know formula feeding moms and moms who supplement with formula need support, but the fed is best movement just pins us against one another. As if you’re picking a team. . . But guess what - breast is best does these exact same things too. . . That is why SUPPORT is best. Being INFORMED to make a CHOICE on what works for your family is best. . . Not being forced into a choice because something was missed early on in your feeding journey. Not being ignored or judged by feeding your baby the way you wholeheartedly chose to. . . ALL moms deserve help, support and knowledge to reach their feeding goals. Let’s not pick a side. Let’s come together and support one another. . . #makingovermotherhood @thebluedotprj #supportisbest #informedbirth See more

As your breastfeeding journey begins, you may wonder how big your baby's stomach is. Just as your baby is getting bigger, their stomach is getting bigger too! From a small, single grape to a big grapefruit.

A friendly reminder for dads!

Sad to announce that we officially closed our office today. The wonderful woman we had been subleasing from decided to cancel her lease after renting the suite for 27 years. We’ll miss our sweet little space dearly and can’t wait to see where we end up next. Planning to be in a new office in January...hopefully!

Not sure how to support a family with a new baby while social distancing? - Drop off a freezer meal, even better if you coordinate a meal train with multiple pe...ople. (use disposable dishes, so they don't have to worry about returning them to you!) - Pick up their laundry. Wash, Dry, Fold it, and bring it back - Check in on them. Let them vent. Just listen and don't solve their problems unless they ask for your opinion. Validate all those hormone-filled emotions! - Send them a gift in the mail. Even just something little to brighten their day. - Send them a gift card for a local restaurant that is delivering meals - Get a new toy for the older siblings to help distract them. Make sure it's something that won't require parent involvement - Drop off fresh fruits and veggies. Also, breastfeeding snacks, because feeding a tiny human makes you hungry! - Get them a special treat. What is their favorite? Coffee? Chocolate? Bubble Bath? - Offer to run an errand for them so they don't have to worry about leaving the house Navigating life with a new baby is difficult. There are plenty of things you can do while keeping your distance.