breastfeeding

What to get your doula wife, girlfriend, friend, sister….. For Christmas

August 26, 2015

I started writing this post on August 25th 2015, 4 months before Christmas day, on a day that was 26 degrees celsius. I wanted to find the very best birthy items to add to this post so all of us birthy folks can get a new fun stocking stuffer. Doulas, Midwives and Childbirth Educators are a breed of our own. We are up all night, we dissect placentas for fun, we talk about vaginas and labias around the lunch table and are always reading/learning and talking birth. We deserve a little something special from our close friends and families.

1- Who in the world doesn’t want a stuffed placenta? Ok, I hear ya… it’s not for the common folk, but us birthy peeps think this is adorable

2- A beautiful way to proclaim your calling! is what this website boasts. Look closely, they are “crowning” earnings

3- Full Moon mothering makes all types of baltic amber necklaces for children and adults. I’m in love with my mama zen necklace and I wear it all the time… Now I need the matching bracelet.

4-This tiny pelvis is a great educational tool, and I’m sure it wold be a great conversation starter at the dinner table!

5- What birth worker wouldn’t want this Oxytocin Molecule scarf?

6- Need an ornament to add to a stocking? This “Pregnant Mother Goddess” ornament is perfect.

7- This pin…. Really everyone needs it.

8- Everyone loves mugs, for real… Everyone. And doulas love their vaginas. It’s a fact really.

9- Car bling? A gift that keeps on giving… As advertisement.

10- And lastly they need some eye catching gear to wear to a birth. If this shirt doesn’t say doula, really… What does.

Have you seen any other fun items that would be great for gifts? Add it to the comments.

Happy Birthing- Nicole

Ridge meadows Doula Services is a collective of 6 doulas that work out of Maple Ridge BC. We provide birth doula and postpartum doula support, placenta encapsulation and childbirth education in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.

Celebration Time

December 11, 2014

Holy Moly! I have 700 Facebook fans! First of all I want to say thank-you to everyone that follows my silly posts, birth knowledge, essential oils, breastfeeding articles and all the other posts I read, plan, save for scheduling for another time and write. Being a doula for me is truly my hearts work, I am passionate and continuously learning. Once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank-you.

As a thank-you I am giving away this brand new breastfeeding pillow from Dr Brown. This pillow comes with a removable washable cover. The contest is open to anyone who can pick this pillow up before January 2015 in West maple Ridge.

To enter the contest you are strongly encouraged to…

Like my facebook page www.facebook.com/ridgemeadowsdoulaservices
comment below on what you would like to see in 2015 for posts on my page
Give me an idea to blog about.

Sounds simple right! Good Luck.

(Contest closes December 18th at 9pm and a winner will be chosen from random.org)

***trista Marie is the winner***

Breastfeeding in the Heat of Summer

July 11, 2014

Teresa Pitman, co-author of La Leche League’s The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, shares this information, “The composition of your breast milk will change in response to the need of your baby – a higher water content in the hot weather and a higher fat content in the colder months.”

Tips to breastfeeding in the hot summer….for baby
-liquids other than breast milk are filling, they don’t have as much nutrients and may effect your breast milk supply. avoid water and stick with your milk.
-breast milk is supply and demand, feed baby frequently.
-Breast milk is designed to be thirst quenching and full of vitamins, fat and other goodness. Remember how thirsty you are in the heat, baby is too. Give him some thirst quenching foremilk.

Tips for breastfeeding in the hot summer…. for Mom
-Try and offer skin to skin. While this can me a sticky sweaty option it can increase your milk supply and offer more hydration for your little one. Oxytocin! (bonus if you can find AC!) If this is not possible have a thin receiving blanket between you and baby
-breastfeed side laying— this way baby isn’t sweat induced suction cupped to you.

Tips for supporting breastfeeding… for fathers and other family members
– Offer a cool drink for mom as she is breastfeeding
-offer encouragement. You know what it’s like when someone tries to snuggle up to you in the heat of summer, imagine this every few hours. Remind her of her awesomeness and dedication to the health of her baby.

Breast milk is perfect for summer. Wither you are going to the beach, playground or camping breast milk is always available. It’s super easy! It requires no preparation, no refrigeration, doesn’t spoil, and often comes in easy to access packaging, (think tank tops and maxi dresses)

Anything else to add? Please comment below.

Mommy Moments

May 4, 2014

The mommy moment contest came to me as I realized so many of my photos were with me behind the camera! Taking photos is something I have a lot if fun doing…. But sadly I’m not in many.

The contest is based on voting alone and we have 16 families entered. You can vote for them on my Facebook page and you can give them a BONUS vote here. Take a look at these Mommy Moments and when you have picked a image, write the number in the comment section.

#10

#11

#12

#13

#14

#15

#16

find me on FB @ www.facebook.com/RidgMeadowsDOulaServices

**Once vote per email address, play fair and have fun**

Baby, Belly and Kid Show

March 18, 2014

I was asked to host a table at the Belly, Baby and Kid Show at the Act in Maple Ridge. It was first a shock that someone knew who I was to contact me. I started my little business formally in May 2013. That’s when my website and blog went up and when I decided to try and turn this passion into a career. So for me to know in less than a year I have a) made enough money to afford a table and b) get recognized in the community makes me very proud I followed my heart.

Besides over 40 vendors a few other things are happening…

-interactive family fun zone
-stage performers (dance, karate, magician)
-mini seminars (sleep consultant and nutritionist)
-the Easter bunny!
-queen Elsa is visiting
-200 swag bags

Come out to support local businesses in our community and to spend time with family and friends.

Oh, and don’t forget to come by and say Hi… Maybe buy an essential oil or book a birth doula interview. My and my assistant will ready to help you!