Birth Photography
Offered by: Bonnie & Ranelle
Birth: A fleeting, life-changing moment. The birth process naturally lends itself to forgetting some of the details. Photographs of your birth can help preserve your memories for years to come. And having an experienced birth doula photograph your birth helps ensure that the nuances and important moments of your labor and birth process are captured on film. Birth photography can be catered to the preferences and modesty of the birthing mother and her family. Days and years go by... photographs are a beautiful way to treasure the birth of your children.
Childbirth & Parenting Education
Offered by: Bonnie, Lauri, Judith, Selena, & Michelle-Nicholle
Participating in informative, interactive childbirth classes is so important in preparing for the birth of your child. Helping you and your partner understand the process of labor and birth, so that you can make informed decisions prior to and during labor, will help increase your confidence and ultimately improve your birth experience. Each of our educators brings different backgrounds and teaching philosophies to their classes, but all of us share the belief that we want you to have the best birth possible! In addition to childbirth preparation classes, we offer Happiest Baby on the Block parenting classes and consultations. Helping new parents learn techniques for soothing a fussy baby is important for parents and babies alike! It helps build confidence and skills for new parents, which ultimately helps babies feel more calm and content.
Lactation Consultation
Offered by: Lauri
Breastfeeding isn't always as easy or as hard as it is made out to be. Every mom has her own goals and intentions when it comes to feeding her baby(ies). A certified lactation counselor can be invaluable with guidance and instruction while keeping each family's unique needs in mind. Lactation counselors have experience helping women with many breastfeeding problems, including sore nipples, mastitis, low milk supply, over-abundant milk supply, breast reduction surgery, and babies with failure to thrive, thrush, jaundice, poor latch, etc. An initial assessment is done in the mom's home and follow-up visits are by phone or in person, as needed.
Maternity & Infant Massage Therapy
Offered by: Michele & Ranelle
Maternity massage spans the early weeks of pregnancy until the moments before birth and through the postpartum year. The relaxation and pain relief can provide a sweet respite from the physical and emotional stresses of a mother's remarkable transformation. Maternity massage promotes bonding with the baby and can also strengthen a mother's self awareness and confidence for birth. Massage techniques and positions are adapted for the comfort and safety of expectant and new mothers. Learning infant massage in a small group setting or one-on-one can be one of the most fun and rewarding ways for parents and older siblings to communicate and deepen their bonds with the new wee ones! In addition to nurturing the baby's neurological and emotional development, infant massage has practical daily benefits of promoting better sleep and digestion and reducing periods of fussiness.
Postpartum Doula Services
Offered by: Selena & Michelle-Nicholle
Postpartum doulas provide a variety of services designed to ease the transition to new parenthood. These include infant soothing, breastfeeding advice, and other newborn care. Additionally, postpartum doulas aid new parents as they emotionally and physically recover from birth. Research has shown that postpartum doulas can raise parental satisfaction through evidence-based education. Many postpartum doulas also provide basic help around the home, including care for older siblings, running errands, and light housework.
Prenatal & Postpartum Psychotherapy
Offered by: Selena
In our culture, we often overlook the intense transition that is involved when a woman becomes a mother or a couple becomes parents. Our identity and way of life can change significantly, and it is often helpful to talk with a professional about issues that arise during your pregnancy and postpartum adjustment. Prenatal psychotherapy can help you to examine issues that are arising in your partnership or extended family, address fears you may have about becoming a parent, explore past trauma or abuse that may get retriggered during childbirth or parenting, and more. Postpartum psychotherapy can help you work through a difficult birth experience, explore Postpartum Depression or Anxiety, strengthen your partnership so that you can become better parents, and more. There is nothing shameful about reaching out for additional support - it is truly one of the best things you can do for you and your baby!