Caring for Your Newborn

A Letter to My Future Self, for When I’m Expecting Grandchildren

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In a recent conversation in our Second Time Moms class we talked about our roles as mothers of young children and how the support, experience and unconditional love of our mothers and mothers-in-law can be so important as we navigate through the daily challenges of parenting.  One of the mothers was inspired to write a…

4 Ways to Encourage Your Baby’s Language Development

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Infants begin communicating with their world immediately. In the first few days, weeks and months of life, babies learn different cries to show different needs, they learn some early sounds and how to make eye contact with their parents and caregivers. These early social and language skills will continue to develop throughout the first year…

Bouncing and Babbling, Wiggling and Giggling: Musical Development in Infants and Toddlers

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Young children love to share music with others. They use sounds, movements and expressions to interact with others and connect with their own feelings. Music often becomes the first form of creative expression for infants and toddlers.  It can also give them a way to connect and bond with the caregivers around them. Everyday musical…

4 Ways Grandparents Can Prepare for a Baby or Toddler Visit

With a little bit of planning, a visit with a baby or toddler grandchild can be enjoyable for everyone!

“Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go …” When we prepare our homes and hearts for the arrival of family, friends and loved ones to visit, there is great joy and anticipation.  We are welcoming our newest family members – one year old twins – to our home this year…

What Can the French Teach Us About Postpartum Care?

Postpartum care is standard practice in France.

Where do we, in the US, get it wrong and the French get it right when it comes to care for new moms? Physical Therapist Jessica McKinney shares her insights on where the US falls behind in postpartum care on our clinical blog, Connections in Care. In France, pelvic floor rehabilitation is an essential component…

Babywearing 101: Choosing the Perfect Baby Carrier

This mom wears her baby on her back in the ERGObaby carrier.

As a new parent, simple tasks like getting yourself a glass of water or writing an email seem nearly impossible when your little one wants to be held all the time! Babywearing can be the answer you are looking for! While having your hands free may seem like a huge achievement (and trust us, it…

11 Suggestions for Breastfeeding in Public

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Hi there, mammals. I mean, mamas. We are mammals, and we have mammary glands – breasts –  that serve a function: feeding babies. Whether they’re in use or not, as the saying goes, “that’s what they’re there for.”  So it’s a sad statement on our current culture that we even need to establish legal protections,…

How Doulas Make Labor and Postpartum Easier, Happier, and Safer

As a doula since 1995, I have seen many families get an easier start with skilled and compassionate support.

Using a doula is one of the best steps expectant or new parents can take, to help them have a shorter labor and reduce the risk of a cesarean, as well as to improve their chances of breastfeeding success and help prevent postpartum depression.  As a doula since 1995, I have seen many families get…