Newborn sleep can feel like a mystery for new parents. You know your baby needs it, but figuring out how to get them to sleep well? That’s a whole different ballgame. Most of the time, it comes down to a lack of information about what newborns actually need and not understanding the science behind it. Let’s break it down.
Read MoreChoosing the right birth doula is a big decision for expectant parents in Metro Detroit or Ann Arbor. Beyond the standard inquiries about experience and certifications, asking unique or uncommon questions can help you find a doula whose approach and values align with yours and ultimately help you connect more deeply with your doula, therefore increasing trust. Here are five uncommon questions to consider during your birth doula interviews:
Read MoreIf you have a newborn in Ann Arbor, you’re probably navigating a rollercoaster of emotions while trying to heal and adapt to your new role. Being newly postpartum is INTENSE. It’s a time filled with sweet moments, leaking boobs, extreme emotions, and sleepless nights… and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. I’ve been there, and I understand how relieving it is to have the right support during postpartum recovery. After decades of doula work and years as a mom, I’ve learned my fair share of tips for encouraging a positive postpartum and a healing recovery and I’m here to share those with you. I hope they help you, like they helped me!
Read MoreCreating a baby registry is an exciting part of pregnancy and one that many parents put a lot of thought into! If you’re anything like me you did your research to find the best of the best and also wanted to hear from others about things you may not have thought to register for. While the essentials are important, there are some less common items that can make a huge difference in your postpartum experience and your baby’s first year. Here’s my personal list of the lesser known baby registry items, perfect for new parents in Michigan.
Read MoreHey, exhausted parents - are you in the thick of the newborn witching hour? If so, let's talk.
Oh that lovely nightly ritual where your sweet angel baby turns into a tiny tyrant, wailing their lungs out, leaving you feeling like you've stumbled into a sleep-deprived horror show. I’ve been there. And if you're in desperate need of some serious shut-eye, maybe it's time to call in the cavalry – a postpartum doula or sleep consultant – because let's face it, you deserve some damn sleep!
If you’re a new parent know this: the witching hour is a universal struggle. Newborns don't come with manuals, and navigating the intense evenings and sleepless days and nights can feel like you're drowning. But there's hope. With the right strategies and a bit of grit (just like Detroit does!), you can turn the witching hour into something more manageable. So, let's dive into my six essential tips to help you get through those tough hours and reclaim some peace in your home.
Read MoreBeing a new mom is amazing and intense and profound and exhausting and exhilarating and beautiful… oh so beautiful. New motherhood encompasses so many emotions, so many highs and yes, a few lows. As you move through the beauty, joys and challenges of new motherhood, prioritizing your own health and well-being becomes more important than ever. Nourishing your body with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods can support your recovery, boost your energy levels, and provide essential nutrients for breastfeeding. In Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, and the surrounding areas, Our friends at Mama Meals offer an organic meal delivery service to families in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and all of Southeast Michigan, making it easier for new moms to access nourishing meals in the 4th trimester.
Read MoreFor some, breastfeeding is a breeze and comes naturally, but for others it can be a stressful journey filled with challenges and frustrations. From latch issues to low milk supply, many new moms face obstacles along the way. Fortunately, the support of a knowledgeable IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can make all the difference in overcoming these hurdles.
Read MoreAs parents, we constantly strive to make choices that benefit our children and the world they will inherit. From the food we feed them to the toys we provide, every decision plays a role in shaping their future. One such choice, particularly for eco-conscious parents is cloth diapering. Not only does it reduce waste and save money, but it also offers numerous health benefits for your baby. Today, we will delve into the benefits of cloth diapering, exploring its environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and health advantages.
Read MoreMaybe you’re one of the lucky ones whose friends and family arranged a meal train for those first precious weeks as a growing family. Or maybe you took advantage of those pregnancy nesting urges by preparing a whole bunch of freezer meals ahead of time. Whether you were super organized, have the support of friends or family, or let the postpartum meal preparation fall through the cracks there will undoubtably come a time where you need a quick and easy postpartum recipe.
When you haven’t slept in god knows how long the last thing you want to do is have some taxing meal prep zap the very last bit of energy you have. If we may, let us share a couple of ideas that just might save that precious bit of energy and restore your sanity.
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Working out while pregnant as well through postpartum can be a little daunting. What type of workouts are ok? What is not ok? Are you overdoing it? Are you not doing enough?
Physical activity is not only beneficial for the body, but it is also good for the brain. Exercise (in moderation) has been shown in one study to “improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function.” Prenatal and postpartum exercise also have an impact on overall health and well-being. In a study from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a correlation was found between regular exercise including walking, stationary cycling, aerobics, dancing, and water resistance lowered the incidence of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertensive events, pre-term birth, cesarean birth and low birth weight. While all exercise during pregnancy and immediately after birth should be done after consulting your medical team, there’s no doubt that appropriate amounts of exercise can be good for your physical and mental health.
So what are your options for getting moving prenatally or newly postpartum? We have found some excellent options for classes and community in the Metro Detroit area.
As a yoga teacher myself, I’m always the first to recommend prenatal yoga. With an emphasis on relieving stress and relaxing tired muscles, this can be a way for you to get your body gently moving. Sweet Momma Yoga offers not just classes for pregnancy, but leads Baby & Me classes as well. Elise, the instructor, who is also a doula focuses on caring for the whole of a mom’s journey. Having time available to share and ask questions at each class, and sharing in the excitement of welcoming each new bundle of joy are just other bonuses of joining a prenatal or postpartum class series. They also have classes just focused on you and getting a little self-care in their “Me Time Yoga” class. If you aren’t close to Bingham Farms, opt for Elise’s online classes.
Fit4Mom is a national company that offers class options like Stroller Barre, Run Club, Stroller Strides and Body Boost. With a user-friendly website that helps you find the location nearest you, your options really just at your fingertips. One fitness class that I have enjoyed has been Barre, Fit4Mom offers a class called Stroller Barre that gives moms the opportunity to get back to their Barre class, but now including their baby, creativity reigns supreme during postpartum. Currently the Ann Arbor branch is partnering with Arbor Psychology Group that is hosting the 2021 Climb Out of the Darkness event in Ann Arbor. The money raised will go to making their Perinatal and Infant Mental Health program more accessible to parents in the Ann Arbor area.
If you’re looking for a variety of classes to participate in from yoga to fitness all in one location, check out Nature’s Playhouse in Ferndale. They offer prenatal yoga, belly dancing, a postnatal core restore class, and several incredible support groups. Their emphasis on community and being a “sanctuary for parents” ensures that you’ll get the support you need (and deserve) in pregnancy, postpartum and beyond!
In today’s current circumstances in-person classes are not always available or accessible. But the upside of modern technology is that you can now take fitness classes right from the comfort of your home. When looking at online classes like those offered in your Amazon Prime subscription, remember the goal of prenatal exercise is not to lose weight but to keep your body and baby in good health. Don’t forget that as a new parent often the most important part of a workout is getting out and being social and finding a community to support you. So call a friend, invite them on a walk. It doesn’t have to be intense, just getting out and getting fresh air and seeing a familiar smiling face can do the body, mind and soul a world of good.
Do you have a favorite prenatal or postpartum fitness class in Detroit? If so, spread the love so we can support the incredible instructors and teachers helping keep us all healthy and strong.
Whether you are looking for a stay-cation style babymoon, are aiming to ease those pregnancy cravings, or are finally able to go get the sushi you’ve been dreaming about for the last 9 months, we have some favorite date night ideas for Metro Detroit.
Read MoreDETROIT / ROYAL OAK / CLAWSON / PLEASANT RIDGE / FERNDALE
HUNTINGTON WOODS / BLOOMFIELD HILLS / BEVERLY HILLS / WEST BLOOMFIELD
WATERFORD / CLARKSTON / HARTLAND / HIGHLAND / WHITE LAKE / MILFORD / PONTIAC
AUBURN HILLS / ROCHESTER HILLS / TROY / AUBURN HILLS / BERKLEY / BIRMINGHAM
PLYMOUTH / NORTHVILLE / / DEARBORN / DEARBORN HEIGHTS / LIVONIA / NOVI
FARMINGTON HILLS / OXFORD / LAKE ORION / ANN ARBOR / YPSILANTI
HOWELL / BRIGHTON / LANSING / DURAND / OWOSSO / GRAND BLANC
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