We`ve teamed up to host a networking event for Des Moines Area Small Business moms! Join us November 18, 2024 from 10am-11am or 11:15am-12:15pm at Sparkle and Stitch Studio in Altoona.

Children welcome! You are welcome to bring your own children with you. We will have an activity for them to do while we’re networking. Please note: While children are welcome, this is a networking event and the goal for our time together is sharing about our businesses and getting to know other professionals.

Find out more details and register at www.theiowababylady.com/small-business-moms. (Registration is required; $10 per mom.)

Hosted by Sparkle & Stitch Studio and The Iowa Baby Lady

#desmoines #desmoinesmom #desmoinesnetworking #smallbusiness ##desmoinessmallbusiness ...

This is your friendly reminder that tummy is so good for your baby`s development! It will strengthen neck and shoulder muscles, prevent flat spots on your baby`s head, enhance their motor skills, promote sensory development, and much more!

Fun fact: Babywearing counts as tummy time! Ask your doula to show you how to baby wear!

#doula #labordoula #postpartumdoula #desmoines #iowa #desmoinesiowa #iowamom #desmoinesmom #iowamomlife #westdesmoines #waukee #cliveiowa #waukeeiowa #westdesmoinesiowa #iowadoula #desmoinesdoula #desmoinesbaby #tummytime #babywearing ...

There are many things wrong with this photo! Can you spot them?

As we move into colder weather, this is your reminder to not use winter coats UNDER the car seat straps! This is a huge no-no! Put your baby in the car seat and then use a blanket/cover to keep baby warm on their outing.

The other big issue in this photo is that this is not an American car seat. It`s missing a chest clip! Car seat techs see imposter car seats right here in Iowa. Please be very careful buying used car seats or car seats online, even on a site like Amazon.

#doula #labordoula #postpartumdoula #desmoines #iowa #desmoinesiowa #iowamom #desmoinesmom #iowamomlife #westdesmoines #waukee #cliveiowa #waukeeiowa #westdesmoinesiowa #iowadoula #desmoinesdoula #desmoinesbaby #carseatsafety #cpst ...

One of my favorite topics to talk to new parents about are BABY CUES. Simply put, these are the ways your baby will communicate with you to tell you what they need. There are sleep cues, feeding cues, overstimulation cues, and more!

Start with some basics. Can you tell when your baby is hungry? Crying is a very late cue. Try to watch your baby throughout their day. Do they start to do a head bob (root) when they`re hungry? Bring their hands to their face? Move their tongue more? These are excellent times to feed a baby before they get really hungry and start crying!

Want to learn more about your baby`s cues/days/nights? Sign up for BOOB Camp! www.theiowababylady.com/boob-camp.

#doula #labordoula #postpartumdoula #desmoines #iowa #desmoinesiowa #iowamom #desmoinesmom #iowamomlife #westdesmoines #waukee #cliveiowa #waukeeiowa #westdesmoinesiowa #iowadoula #desmoinesdoula #desmoinesbaby ...

Did you know that we offer TWO types of Postpartum Doula Support? Yes! You can have a doula take care of you and your family during the day or night!

What we can offer during daytime support:
♥ Educate new parents on baby basics, baby sleep, & normal baby development
♥ Educate new parents on mom`s physical and emotional recovery
♥ Care for baby while parents catch up on sleep
♥ Help with some household basics like baby laundry or nutritious snacks for the new mom
♥ Give basic newborn feeding support & tips for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding babies
♥ Help dads/partners navigate those first weeks with confidence
♥ Provide tips for big brothers & big sisters
♥ Share helpful info on pets/babies
♥ So much more!

If you`d like to learn more about what this might look like for your family, visit our website or send me an email! katie@theiowababylady.com www.theiowababylady.com

♥Now serving Central Iowa, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids, Quad Cities, and Waterloo areas!

#doula #labordoula #postpartumdoula #desmoines #iowa #desmoinesiowa #iowamom #desmoinesmom #iowamomlife #westdesmoines #waukee #cliveiowa #waukeeiowa #westdesmoinesiowa #iowadoula #desmoinesdoula #desmoinesbaby ...

Are you planning to breastfeed your baby or are you currently breastfeeding? Check out our favorite resources!

1) BOOB Camp! We are totally biased but this class is designed to give you all the basic info you need to know before you begin your breastfeeding journey. www.theiowababylady.com/boob-camp
2) Local IBCLCs! We have some favorites in Central Iowa so feel free to message us for recommendations!
3) First Droplets website: click on downloads and then watch the videos for maximizing milk production, hand expression, and pumping tips!
4) Tik Tok: Lactation University

What are YOUR favorite resources?

#doula #labordoula #postpartumdoula #desmoines #iowa #desmoinesiowa #iowamom #desmoinesmom #iowamomlife #westdesmoines #waukee #cliveiowa #waukeeiowa #westdesmoinesiowa #iowadoula #desmoinesdoula #desmoinesbaby #breastfeeding #breastfeedingiowa #lactationconsultant #lactationeducator ...

Here`s your pep talk for October 1! Whether you`re pregnant or have a new baby, we know you`re awesome! Don`t worry, if you`re not feeling awesome at parenthood yet, you`ll get it figured out. Your baby is lucky to have you!

#doula #labordoula #postpartumdoula #desmoines #iowa #desmoinesiowa #iowamom #desmoinesmom #iowamomlife #westdesmoines #waukee #cliveiowa #waukeeiowa #westdesmoinesiowa #iowadoula #desmoinesdoula #desmoinesbaby ...

She`s happy!
She loves her new baby so much!
She`s so proud of herself!
She had a difficult birth.
She hurts physically--or emotionally.
She doesn`t feel supported.
She feels alone or isolated.
She thought things would be different.

There are a million reasons that a new mom might be crying. When you see those tears, check in on her. Ask how`s she`s doing and what you can do to help.

#doula #labordoula #postpartumdoula #desmoines #iowa #desmoinesiowa #iowamom #desmoinesmom #iowamomlife #westdesmoines #waukee #cliveiowa #waukeeiowa #westdesmoinesiowa #iowadoula #desmoinesdoula #desmoinesbaby ...

Did you know that doing skin to skin (or kangaroo care) helps regulate the baby` body temperature, heart rate, and breathing? Many new moms love these first baby snuggles after birth. Don`t forget to keep this going for the first few weeks after birth too!

#doula #labordoula #postpartumdoula #desmoines #iowa #desmoinesiowa #iowamom #desmoinesmom #iowamomlife #westdesmoines #waukee #cliveiowa #waukeeiowa #westdesmoinesiowa #iowadoula #desmoinesdoula #desmoinesbaby ...

Oh those poor babies with gas in their tummies! Here are some tricks to try:

💨gently bicycle legs
💨hold baby on their side facing away from you
💨hold baby upright
💨burp baby, even if they ate a while ago
💨hold baby while you gently bounce on an exercise ball
💨gently use the palm of your hand to apply some pressure to their belly
💨combine these methods for better luck
💨visit with an IBCLC (or private lactation consultant) to see if there`s any other complex issue happening ...

Guess what`s coming up on September 10?? The next in person practice sessions for B.O.O.B. Camp and Express Birth Classes!

Learn all about breastfeeding, mom`s physical recovery from birth, caring for your newborn, and how to maximize your sleep in those first weeks during this online content part of this class. Then, if you`d like, you can join us on September 10 to practice some of those skills like breastfeeding positions and babywearing!

Learn more or register at www.theiowababylady.com/classes. ...

Happy Dog Day!

If you have or will have your dog around your baby, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE watch this video and learn more about making a safe, positive home for both your baby and your dog.

Check out one of my favorite dog videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etBz5RY7mco

Here are two other sites that I highly recommend too. www.familypaws.org and https://poochparenting.net/

#doula #labordoula #postpartumdoula #desmoines #iowa #desmoinesiowa #iowamom #desmoinesmom #iowamomlife #westdesmoines #waukee #cliveiowa #waukeeiowa #westdesmoinesiowa #iowadoula #desmoinesdoula #desmoinesbaby ...

What does your family use?

I had big dreams of cloth diapering. We did a mix with my second son, and I really enjoyed cloth diapers when we were at home. Cloth diapers have really come a long way in the being a convenient option for some families!

We see LOTS of families each year. Many do disposable diapers, many do cloth diapers, many do a combination of each. Some do disposables for the first week or two, then switch to cloth.

Ask your doula if you have questions about either style. There are definitely pros/cons to each!

#doula #labordoula #postpartumdoula #desmoines #iowa #desmoinesiowa #iowamom #desmoinesmom #iowamomlife #westdesmoines #waukee #cliveiowa #waukeeiowa #westdesmoinesiowa #iowadoula #desmoinesdoula #desmoinesbaby ...

I`ve been on a good kick of saying "No" lately. We are getting ready for my son`s senior year of high school, and I don`t want to miss any moments! Saying no doesn`t come easy for me though! Ha!

#doula #labordoula #postpartumdoula #desmoines #iowa #desmoinesiowa #iowamom #desmoinesmom #iowamomlife #westdesmoines #waukee #cliveiowa #waukeeiowa #westdesmoinesiowa #iowadoula #desmoinesdoula #desmoinesbaby

If you need to change plans because your baby is feeling extra fussy, that`s ok.
If you need to say no to an event because your pregnancy is wearing you out, that`s ok.
It`s ok to put you and your baby first! ...

Here`s your homework for today: Find 2-3 birth affirmations that resonate with you. Write them down, print them out, make a banner, add them to your birth plan, or find a way in which you will remember them. Make sure your support teams knows your mantras too.

During your contractions, instead of thinking about how intense those waves are, try saying your mantra instead.

Need a good place to find affirmations/mantras? Check out Pinterest. Etsy also have some beautiful digital downloads you can purchase/print too. ...

Happy World Relaxation Day! Did you catch the post last week about stress? This is another way to help your body both physically and mentally during pregnancy (and postpartum too)!

Need some ideas? Here`s a great site with 8 stretches you can do during pregnancy. And it even includes photos to help!
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/exercises-during-pregnancy ...

Did you know that when you use one of the amazing doulas on our team that you have an automatic "phone a friend" available to you? Your doula would love to help you with those questions you have about pregnancy, baby care, your recovery, infant feeding questions, etc. She`s also there if you`re having a tough day and just need to chat with someone too!

Occasionally there are times that your doula may not know the answer. In that case, our entire team is also available to help you too! Or we can offer referrals to providers in the area who we know and love. While you may never talk to the other doulas on our team, it`s nice to know we are all here for you if ever needed!

Looking to add a doula to your birth or baby team? We`d love to schedule a free consultation with you!

www.theiowababylady.com ...

Just a friendly reminder that all parents and grandparents need to have their car seats professionally checked! Feel free to send me an email to get your check scheduled. Or mark your calendars for the first Thursday of each month at Bob Brown from 5-7pm! This is a FREE service and a great way to learn how to safely install your car seats.
katie@theiowababylady.com ...

Question to expecting parents: Are you ready for baby?
Answer from expecting parents: Yes! We have our car seat, crib, and diapers.

If I could change one thing about birth "culture" in the US, it would be letting parents know the importance of being educated about birth and the first weeks after the birth. Just having the right things for baby, while very important, is not enough.

If you`ve never been to a birth before, or seen the birth process, you need to take a class.
Partners, if you`ve never supported a birth before, you need to take a birth class.

And I would highly, highly encourage you to take an out-of-hospital/community-based birth class where you can learn your options and evidence-based information. Am I biased towards these classes? You bet I am! This is why I`ve created the Express Birth Classes and have also joined the Evidence Based Birth team to bring affordable, customizable education opportunities for expecting parents in Central Iowa.

www.theiowababylady.com/classes

PS--Don`t forget about our popular B.O.O.B. Camp too! Both this class and Express Birth Classes are hybrid with both online content AND a chance for you to come to our hands-on practice sessions! ...