Read This, Not That: Our Top 5 Book Recommendations for New Parents

September 17, 2019 Emerald Doulas, LLC

As birth doulas we often tell clients they don’t have to become pregnancy and childbirth experts; and yet, it’s hard for those of us who are research lovers to resist the urge to purchase even one pregnancy book. There are so many “new” new-things that comes with pregnancy and childbirth, it’s natural to be curious and to see out information. But then, you stare at the shelf at the library or the bookstore and ... BOOM.!

So. Many. Books. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the options on the shelf and by recommendations from well-intentioned friends.

Do you want the encyclopedia of pregnancy and childbirth, or are you more interested in a more broad approach to this new phase of life?

Here are FIVE book recommendations about pregnancy that we think are actually* worth a read …*

From “Do"-ula to “Be”-la: When Quiet Presence Does More Than Action

March 25, 2019 Emerald Doulas, LLC

Photography by Kallyn Boerner, Heart in Hands NC — Photography by Kallyn Boerner, **Heart in Hands NC**

There are a lot of reasons why pregnant people and new parents hire doulas.

In birth, it’s often because we offer a deep well of information when you need it. Providing evidence-based information about your birth options, interventions, and suggest labor positions you might try. We often bring a lot of hands-on comfort, too- massage, counter pressure, reassuring touch, etc.

As postpartum doulas, we offer a lot of practical help. Folding laundry, tidying the kitchen, cutting up fruit and vegetables as quick snacks, or prepping tasty, nutritious meals. Postpartum doulas also sometimes take over baby care so tired, exhausted parents are able to nap, shower, visit with friends and family, or just have some alone time.

Sometimes, though, the magic of our work as doulas isn’t in what we actively do. Sometimes, the magic comes from just simply, being.

Balancing Family Visits & Your Newborn This Holiday Season

December 10, 2018 Emerald Doulas, LLC

The holiday season is a really special, beautiful time of year when families gather near one another. For those of you with newborns, this might also be the first time your extended family and friends will have the chance to meet your family’s newest arrival.

But, between the sparkle and dazzle of holiday cheer, and the (sometimes lengthy) visits, it can be hard to balance their expectations with your little one’s needs, without leaving your newborn or yourself, feeling overwhelmed. Here’s our best advice for finding balance …

Better Sleep For Baby AND For Parents {Product Review: Dohm for Baby}

March 27, 2017 Emerald Doulas, LLC

Is it just us, or does it seem possible that newborns never sleep and yet sleep all. the. time.? It’s so true! Today, those of you with a semi-permanent place on #TeamNoSleep may want to stick around and read on because, we’re reviewing one of our postpartum doulas’ absolute most favorite tools for helping babies and their parents get as much rest as possible.

Meet: The Dohm for Baby Sound Conditioner.

Why are our postpartum doulas so in love with this Made-In-NC machine? Here are our top reasons...

Our commitment to ALL families in the aftermath of Orlando

June 15, 2016 Emerald Doulas, LLC

We had another post planned for this week. A post that is more in line with our monthly focus of fatherhood and partners, but then, Orlando. And with it, we feel the need to reiterate our commitment to being a supportive, safe and affirming place for all families.

Straight families. Gay families. Queer families. Adoptive families. Surrogacy families. Foster families. Transgender families. We welcome you all with loving, kind and compassionate support that meets you where you are. As Lin-Manuel Miranda said recently, “Love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love” and we firmly believe that love makes a family.

5 Things (To Eat in Durham on a Pre-Baby Date Night)

February 25, 2016 Emerald Doulas, LLC

Sure, there will be date nights after a baby is born, but let's be honest here. The days of going out to eat at 10 p.m. will be few and far between.

So as you're preparing to cherish those last few spontaneous morsels, here are our suggestions for a few (kid-unfriendly) Durham-centric restaurants. These are so good, the memories will last you for a few months, or at least until Grandma comes to visit and you get your first post-baby Date Night away (but that's another post for another day).

The Devil is in the details ...

February 22, 2016 Emerald Doulas, LLC

The most common topic we’re asked about as doulas surround the idea of birth plans.

What style should it be written in? Bulleted lists or paragraphs? How long should it be? Single-spaced or double? Sections or pages? What should really, really (no really) be included on one?

My answer may surprise you a bit. Believe it or not, I don’t think that you actually need a birth plan at all.

There, I said it.

Instead, I argue that the value of a birth plan lies in the research that goes into creating one.

Sharing Our Birth Stories

February 18, 2016 Emerald Doulas, LLC

Our birth stories? They are important. We tell them over & over; sometimes aloud, often to ourselves. They stay with us. I can tell you about my son’s birth, in great detail, even after 31 years. I haven’t forgotten a thing.

I remember how I felt every moment; physically, emotionally, spiritually.

Who we share our stories with? That's also really important.

Finding community within our communities…

February 8, 2016 Emerald Doulas, LLC

The biggest post-baby change somehow sneaks up on you. You see, having a newborn can mean you’re always surrounded by people, and yet you also feel very isolated at the same time. A former client once said, “I’m never alone. I’m alone all the time.”

So. Many. Books. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the options on the shelf and by recommendations from well-intentioned friends.

Here are FIVE book recommendations about pregnancy that we think are *actually* worth a read …

Sometimes, though, the magic of our work as doulas isn’t in what we actively do. Sometimes, the magic comes from just simply, being.

Here are FIVE book recommendations about pregnancy that we think are actually* worth a read …*