Posts by Allison Tolman
Extended Breastfeeding – How to mind your own business
I recently took a motorcycle course to get my endorsement and it was difficult but a lot of fun! Toward the end of the class, I asked the instructor how much longer the class would be, I needed to know if I could make it to the end of the course or if I needed to…
Read MoreDo you need a birth plan? Common questions and concerns about birth plans
Should you have a birth plan or is it a waste of time? How do you write one? Are you just setting yourself up for disappointment by writing a birth plan? Will the doctor and nurses think your “that mom”? These are all common questions when it comes to writing a birth plan. Guess what??…
Read MoreBirth Doula Too Expensive? Here’s what you’re really paying for…
Congratulations! You’re pregnant! Now what? This can be both an exciting and nerve-racking time. There are so many things to do, things to learn, to prepare for. It can seem overwhelming. Luckily, there are birth professionals out there who are willing and eager to help! A Birth doula is someone trained to support you physically…
Read MoreBaby Shower Gift Ideas that Focus on the Mom-To-Be | Pregnancy & Postpartum
A baby shower is a great way to celebrate the new life that’s coming into the world! There are so many cute things to buy for the baby and it’s a great time to stock up on diapers and wipes that you KNOW are going to get used! With so much focus on the cute…
Read MoreAn Unconventional Way to use an Epidural – Janice’s First Birth Story
“I felt the first contraction when I woke up from a nap at 7 pm Saturday night. I just knew this was it. I was so excited, because at 41 weeks I was just so ready for this baby to come. I just sincerely hoped they wouldn’t stop like they had two days earlier. I…
Read MoreHow to make your own Fleece Liners from a Walmart Blanket
As a “lazy cloth diaper mom”, I’m not about to be sticking my hand in the toilet or dealing with poop everywhere. I love the benefits of cloth diapers especially the eco-friendly factor and the cost savings, so I’ve had to find ways to do it effectually without grossing me (or my husband) out! One…
Read MoreBirth Videos & Photography Collection – Links to positive birth stories
Have you found yourself wanting to check out some amazing birth photography or watch videos of real women giving birth? Most expecting moms can’t get enough! The only trouble is, you never quite know what you’re getting when you click on that YouTube video… Well here’s a list of amazing birth videos and photography for…
Read MoreWhy would a woman ever WANT to have a natural birth?
When a woman tells you she plans to birth her baby with no pain medication, a common reaction is “This lady is CRAZY. WHY on EARTH would someone CHOOSE to do that?? Have you never heard of an epidural?? Do you LIKE pain? I would never ever do that in a million years. You’ll be…
Read MoreBirth Affirmations (nature theme) – Words of encouragement for the birthing time
Download Birth Affirmations – Nature Theme Words are a powerful tool and can be used to create positive or negative emotions, thoughts, feelings, and physical reactions. Words or mantas can be spoken, thought, or read and some women choose to use the power of words to help relax and cope with the intensities of labor.…
Read More5 Things NOT to Say to a Woman in Labor – And What to Say Instead
If you’ll find yourself near a woman during childbirth sometime soon, you’re in the right place! As a birth doula, I watch and assist many women through the process of childbirth and have learned over the years there are several well-intended things that partners or myself say that usually end in frustration or “the look”…
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