Posts by Allison Tolman
Hypnobirthing – Why would someone choose self-hypnosis for childbirth?
When you first hear about a woman claiming to have a “pain-free” birth, it often brings a little eye roll and a chuckle. Haha, really lady? Childbirth is supposed to be painful, full of angry threats toward the partner that did this to you, rings of fire while the baby’s head emerges, and sweaty screams…
Read MoreNatural Birth Story, but no sense of empowerment or accomplishment
“July 18: Due date. Nothing happened. July 19: Went walking at the botanical gardens in the afternoon. Felt tired out. My husband proclaimed the baby would come on Sunday. After all, when my daughter was born we went for a long walk on Sabbath and she was born on Sunday. July 20: Contractions on and…
Read MorePostpartum Cloth Pad DIY Tutorial – How to sew a Heavy/Overnight Menstrual Pad
Let’s be real, disposable menstrual pads are just the worst. Rashes, itching, small, and that terrible diaper feeling are all common complaints from new mothers during the first 6 weeks postpartum where pads are your only option. If you’re not willing to put up with disposable, consider using cloth pads. You can make them in…
Read MoreBest Maternity Swimsuit List 2018 – Beat the Summer Heat in Style
It’s swimsuit season! Whatever point your at in your pregnancy, this may or may not be the time of year you’re looking forward too. In early pregnancy, you can still get away with wearing your old swimsuits and hitting the pool in between morning sickness and nap time, but if you’re nearing the end you’ll…
Read MoreDIY Reusable Nursing Pads – Washable Breast Pad Tutorial
I guess I didn’t realize after you had a baby there is milk just EVERYWHERE. No one ever told me that you could also start leaking breastmilk during the end of pregnancy too… so when I realized I could never go out in public again unless I did something to prevent extreme embarrassment and a…
Read MoreBengKung Belly Binding – The physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits
BengKung Belly Binding is an ancient technique of wrapping the abdomen of a postpartum woman to warm the area and provide support during healing. At first, I thought the idea was a little odd especially since it’s not common in modern culture. The more I learned about BengKung belly binding, the more I became curious…
Read MoreBengKung Belly Binding – An ancient technique, What, Why, and How
After your new little life is here, it can be easy to forget about the healing mother. During pregnancy and childbirth the hips open, the abdominal muscles separate, the uterus grows, the skin stretches, and the cervix dilates. This is a normal part of childbearing but requires some healing time. Your changing body will feel…
Read MoreInside My Doula Bag! Packing your hospital birth bag – Tips From A Doula
As a 9 month pregnant expecting mom I had no idea what I actually needed to pack in my hospital birth bag! We made it through the birth just fine, but since then in my work as a birth doula I’ve found some VERY helpful things that I now take to every client birth in…
Read MoreAmazon is giving you FREE STUFF to make a baby registry!
When you’re expecting a new baby this list of needs, wants, and nice-to-haves is ever-growing. I always loved when other moms passed along offers for free stuff so that’s what I’m doing for you today! Amazon (who doesn’t love Amazon??) just emailed me saying they’ve got some current promotions to get you free stuff just…
Read More5 Tips for the Birth Partner – Advise from a Doula for Dads and Partners
It can feel like a lot of pressure to be the main support person for a birthing woman, especially if you don’t know much about childbirth. As a pregnant first time mom, I did mounds of research and digging to find all the information I could about labor, birth, and newborn care. My spouse however,…
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