We’re talking to you, the one who is pregnant. You are having a ton of new sensations. Your mind doesn’t let you forget that you are pregnant for even a little bit, because, wow, you’re growing a human! Eating seems to have a whole new set of rules. Sleeping is turning into a disaster, and your energy levels may have you wondering why no one told you just how tired you were going to feel ALL. THE. TIME.

However, we’re talking to you, because most likely, you are also the one consumed with looking up information about your coming birth. Maybe you were gifted the one parenting book most birth professionals wishes would go away (What To Expect When You’re Expecting, if you were wondering.) Maybe there was a pamphlet at your provider’s office that talked about childbirth education. Maybe, you read a blog called, “Things To Do Before Your Baby Comes”

 

Or, maybe you’re terrified, so of course you’re going to find someone who can help you feel more prepared.

 

Childbirth education classes are sometimes seen as a necessary evil.

Childbirth classes are stereotyped in shows and movies as boring with old videos and booklets with information that is somehow both TMI, and not that helpful in edging out panic as time gets closer to your delivery. Oh, and breathing. Don’t forget to practice breathing!

 

It’s no wonder that most partners admit that they will go to a class if they have to, but they don’t want really want to go. We are happy to share our childbirth education is more of all the things you want. And less of all the things you don’t.

 

Our instructors make good use of the time together, so you feel prepared for labor and better connected with your partner at the end of your class. A big part of our focus is on ways to communicate, both before and during labor, and with each other and your medical team.  We understand that you and your partner are both having unique experiences that are overwhelming. Our goal is to make sure you are both have the tools to discussion fears, options, and feelings really is an important tool for birth.

 

We want to encourage you to consider our childbirth education because we cater to families who are busy and value the knowledge our experienced team has curated over the years.

Here are a few specific things about our classes that couples have liked:

  • Time frame – options to match their need
  • Direct communication with partners with class material specific to their experience
  • An easy start to meeting other couples with similar due dates
  • Education that is unbiased, with evidence and options being the focus
  • Humor – it is a fun class!
  • Knowing that if there are questions, Doulas of Baltimore is just a call away

 

If you are unsure if taking a childbirth class is for you, or if you are looking for reasons to choose an out of hospital childbirth class, take a look at our post speaking directly to that.

We’d love to have you and your partner in class. You have already navigated so many important milestones in your pregnancy. We can help build your, and your partner’s, confidence going into meeting your child!

Your birth plan is more than just a piece of paper.

Imagine yourself getting ready for your wedding. You’re inviting 200 people. You’ll want a caterer, a DJ, a florist. There’s attire to purchase and 

Read more

You’ve taken all the birth and baby classes, baby-proofed your home, purchased a car seat with excellent reviews and bought a family friendly vehicle with the highest safety ratings available. You’re ready for baby, right?

Well, almost…

Even the safest vehicle and highest rated car seat need to be used properly every time to ensure your little one is protected in the event of a crash. Be sure to schedule a car seat installation check up with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST, or ‘car seat tech’) to ensure you are up to date on best practices with your particular seat and vehicle combination. Prepare yourself for this appointment by reading BOTH the vehicle and car seat manuals and installing the seat in your desired position in your vehicle prior to your visit from a CPST.

Here are some tips and common problems we see in terms of newborn car seat safety and comfort. Be sure to reach out

 to our CPST, if you have any questions!

Baltimore car seat

1. Avoid aftermarket accessories

In general, if it wasn’t in the box with your car seat, don’t use it! These accessories, though readily available, have not been crash tested with your seat, so there’s no way to know how it will impact your seat. This includes strap covers, inserts or cushions and covers like the JJ Cole BundleMe.

2. Dress baby in layers

Because Mother Nature can’t seem to make up her mind which season we are having in Maryland recently, the easiest way to ensure your little one’s comfort is to dress them in layers. For a newborn, typically one layer more than what you are wearing will be most comfortable. Cotton footed sleep and play outfits are often a great option in terms of car seat safety. Avoid bulky clothing and thick outfits or coats.

Here is our go-to steps to ensure baby warm and snug in the car seat:

  • Buckle baby into the seat and tighten straps so that you can not pinch the straps.
  • Using a lightweight muslin blanket, “swaddle” baby by tucking the blanket around baby’s arms, torso and legs. If it’s particularly chilly, you can add a second fleece or knit blanket over baby’s lap.

3. Consider projectiles

There are an abundance of baby toys that appear to be ‘made for car seats’ with rings, hooks, and straps. Consider that in the event of a crash, those connection points may not withstand the impact and could hit your child. The most comforting object to your newborn in the car seat is you; if possible, buckle up in the back seat next to your little one.

4. Time your trips

Since newborns typically set their own schedule, it’s difficult to judge when is the ‘best’ time to get in the car. In general, ensure all of baby’s basic needs are met prior to bucking them in the car seat-  that they are not overtired, have eaten recently and have a fresh diaper.

Heating (or cooling) the vehicle prior to putting baby in can help as well. Consider too that you may need to stop to calm a fussy baby, so be sure to plan some extra time into your trips! Babies don’t actually hate the car seat, they struggle with being away from you, their source of comfort, and being restrained in a position they wouldn’t normally be sitting in. To reassure them that the car seat is a safe place, sometimes it helps to practice getting in and out of the car seat, even if just in the house for a few minutes at a time.

5. Car seats are for cars

How to put baby in car seat safely

Car seats are not meant for sleeping, playing, or spending long periods of time. Car seats are designed to keep babies safe in the event of a collision. Anytime your baby is in the car seat, ensure that the harness is buckled properly and tightly.

This includes while using the car seat as part of a travel system connected to a compatible stroller or if baby has fallen asleep in the car seat in the car and is brought in the house (where you will supervise them, or preferably move them to a safe sleeping surface to continue their nap).

Contact us to learn more about our car seat safety and installation service!

The phase of birth you’ve never heard of: Latent Labor

The first stage of labor is divided into two phases: the latent phase and the active phase. In the latent phase, contractions become progressively more coordinated and the cervix dilates to 4 cm (approximately 1.5 inches)

Sounds straightforward enough, right?

The truth is, latent labor is not a term thrown around very often. 

Many of us are familiar with ‘stages’ of labor or even the phrase ‘active labor’. We often don’t explore what exactly is happening in the body between going about your daily life during pregnancy.

One thing we have seen happen time and again is clients feeling confused about this ambiguous period of time. They often want to head to the hospital very early simply because they aren’t sure.

We encourage families to head to the hospital whenever they feel ready with provider approval. However, knowing how to manage latent labor before going in can help avoid long wait times and hallway walking.

Latent Labor Explained

Scientifically speaking, latent labor  (early labor) is the phase when your body is adjusting and developing its own labor pattern. 

Your uterus is finding its ‘sea legs’, we call it an “Uncoordinated Uterus”.  

This is why we experience Braxton-Hicks contractions or “practice” contractions. Your Uterus is doing its best to practice irregularly for the big day.

Many books and providers advise pregnant individuals to head to the hospital when their contractions or surges have reached a predictable pattern of approximately 5-1-1; contractions spaced 5 minutes apart, lasting at least 1 minute, for at least 1 hour. But, how long does it take for your body to go from no contractions at all to 5-1-1?

In the US data shows that birthing individuals who go to the hospital very early in their labor are at a slightly increased risk of complications. Obstetrical best practices now advise that the active stage of labor is defined as beginning when both regular contractions are occurring and at least 6cm of cervical dilation has been achieved. 

For most low-risk pregnant individuals, the closer to active labor one is when arriving to the hospital, the higher their likelihood of avoiding unnecessary or unwanted interventions during labor. Learning ways to gauge when you’ve moved from latent (early) labor to active labor is key!

Signs of Latent Labor

While these are some things to keep an eye out for, you may not experience all of them. 

A good rule of thumb is that if you’re experiencing 2 or 3 of these signs, labor is probably beginning to progress.

Early contractions.

These may simply be a tightening sensation (similar to braxton-hicks) or they may be more uncomfortable, heading toward the feeling of menstrual cramps. Discern contractions from braxton-hicks by noting if they do not go away when you move, eat, or hydrate.

Irregularly spaced contractions.

During latent labor, your body is finding its rhythm. This means that contractions may be unpredictable and frustrating to track. You may describe them as being unable to discern as when one contraction starts and another ends because everything feels tense and uncomfortable.

Frequent bathroom trips/stomach upset.

While you may be no stranger to increased bathroom breaks during pregnancy, a common sign of latent labor in having to constantly empty your bladder. You may also experience what might seem like an acute case of gastric distress.

Persistent lower back pain.

Many pregnant people experience intense, persistent lower back pain during latent labor. Since one of the key features of latent labor is baby rotating, many birthing individuals experience back pain due to increased sacral pressure. Some birthing individuals will feel only tightening sensations all centered in their lower back.

Nesting or ‘shrinking the bubble’.

During latent labor, some may find an intense desire to suddenly get everything done that’s been sitting on your to-do list for weeks. You may also experience an unexplainable desire to be close to home and have your partner or support team nearby. 

Latent labor in first-time moms can extend over a full day, night, and sometimes even off-and-on for a few days. It’s easy to become discouraged when you arrive to the hospital to hear you’re ‘only’ 2cm dilated. Staying home in familiar surroundings is one of the best things you can do to help your labor progress.

Looking for childbirth education classes in Baltimore? Learn more detailed, practical information like this about latent labor and everything you need to feel ready to have your baby. Head to this link to find out more about all of our classes including dates and times.

Don’t worry, we aren’t talking about the scales you would see on a snake or lizard, we are talking about cradle cap on a baby. The good news is that cradle cap is not painful to the baby at all, and it certainly doesn’t mean the baby is dirty.

Most new parents think they can just wash the baby’s hair and the dry flaky skin will go away.  But when it comes to cradle cap, it’s not that easy.

The good news is that your doula from Doulas of Baltimore can teach you how to care for this common scenario.  Your doula will put you at ease by giving you ways to clear up this often stubborn situation.

So you’re probably wondering, does my baby have cradle cap?  One sign to look for is red, peeling skin on your baby’s head, or what looks like a serious case of dandruff on your baby’s scalp.

Its likely that your doula will notice if your baby has cradle cap while bathing or simply changing your baby.  You may also notice an odor coming from their head.

So, if you’ve determined your baby has cradle cap there are a few things you will need to have handy to help start clearing it up.

You will need:

  • A soft brush or baby comb
  • Olive or vitamin E oil
  • Baby shampoo

Working side by side with the guidance of your postpartum doula they will walk you though this process step by step:

  • First, wet the baby’s hair.
  • Apply the oil to the effected area while gently rubbing it into their scalp.
  • Bathe the baby as usual, allowing the oil to soak into baby’s scalp.
  • Gently comb or brush the baby’s hair to remove the flakes.
    • There’s no time limit on how long to comb. Be mindful of your baby’s comfort and stop if they become overly fussy.
  • Use a small amount of shampoo; then rinse their hair while continuing to gently brush the flaky skin away. Repeat shampoo (to wash away the applied oil).
  • It is normal for the scalp may appear red and sore
  • Do not apply any cream or conditioner. That will only increase the chance of the cradle cap coming back.

Now you have a fresh, clean baby minus some of the “scales”.  You may need to repeat the process over the next few weeks at bath time.

There are many unknowns when it comes to the care and keeping of children, but Doulas of Baltimore is available to make those unknowns a little less scary.