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20 Things People Say To Pregnant Women

10/21/2019

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If you’ve ever been pregnant, you know that people tend to tell you exactly what is on their mind without holding back.   

People act as if a growing belly is a sign saying something like, “I want all of you thoughts, opinions and advice on anything and everything.”

Here's a list of some things people have said along with some suggestions for things to say instead. If you've said some of these things to a pregnant person before give yourself some grace, then sit back and take notes.
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What people say vs what they should say



1. You’re huge! → You’re looking great! 

2. Are you sure you’re not having twins? → You’re looking great! 

3. You’re tiny! → You’re looking great! 

4. You need an epidural! → There are so many ways to give birth. You’re going to do great! 

5. You’re planning a natural birth right? → There are so many ways to give birth. You’re going to do great!

6. You need a (insert chosen gender)! → Congratulations! 

7. You’re pregnant again?! → Congratulations!

8. Those kids are going to be too close in age! → How exciting! 

9. When are you going to try for your next baby? → You’re growing a great family! 

10. Make sure you have (insert chosen baby gear here). → Let me know if you’d like any tips or help picking out baby gear!

11. Get ready to feel like a cow from breastfeeding → Your baby is so lucky to have you as their parent. If you ever feel like you need more support at any capacity, let me know. I know of several great resources in our community. 

12. You’re cloth diapering right? → Your baby is so lucky to have you as their parent. If you ever feel like you need more support at any capacity, let me know. I know of several great resources in our community. 
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13. Let me tell you about my birth… → Nope. Just keep your story to yourself for now. Comparison is never a good thing for a pregnant woman. If she wants to hear it, share it after she has her baby. 

14. You’re naming them what?! → It sounds like a lot of thought went into that name. 

15. You’re giving birth in Bellingham, WA? Don’t go with (insert provider’s name)! → There are so many great providers in Bellingham! You’re going to make a great choice! 

16. You’re having your baby in Mount Vernon? You better go with (insert birth location)! → There are several great places to give birth in Mount Vernon. I am excited for you! 

17. You are having a C-section?! WHY? → It sounds like you’re making the right choice for you and your baby. 
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18. You’re too young to be pregnant. → There is so much to look forward to with a new baby. 

19. It's about time! 
→ Congratulations!

20. You know formula is horrible for the baby right? → How are you doing? I am so happy for you!
Obviously we always want to remain genuine while talking to anyone. So if the positive spin on these statements don’t sit well, keep it to yourself. 

There is plenty to think about while preparing for a new baby. Please don’t add to the stress. We understand most of these statements are well meaning but we never know someone’s internal battles. 

​What were some things that others said to you that caught you off guard? Have you said any of these statements? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 



North Cascade Doulas is a group of doulas in Bellingham, WA who are focused on providing unbiased labor support, childbirth education and placenta services to our families. If you are looking for a doula in Skagit County or the surrounding areas, reach out today. You’re sure to only get the positive statements from us. 
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Managing Baby's First Visitors

10/14/2019

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When Should I invite family and friends to come visit my newborn? 

This is a question we get all the time and it is unique to the comfort level of every new parent. Often times, when someone goes into labor the first thing to happen is she thinks of who she needs to tell. 

That’s great! 

There are certainly people who need to know when labor begins. Some of these “need to know” category people would include:
→ your medical care provider
→ your birth doula
→ anyone taking care of other children or pets
→ any support people who plan on attending your birth
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Sometimes there are other people who need to know when labor begins, but this seems to be a pretty comprehensive list of the NEED to know people. 

Notice I said “need to know”??? 

Of course there is a “want to know” category as well, but these are people who do NOT need to know that you are in labor. These people are typically family members and close friends who will take all the updates they can get and jump at the chance to come see you and your new baby any hour of the day or night.  
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The thing to think about is how often you, your partner or your doula want to be attached to your phone updating these people. 

Typically, people appreciate a predictable game plan. This means that labor makes this tricky as labor rarely plays by our rulebook. So, how do you want to manage communicating with the people who will be your baby’s first visitors? 

Do you want to tell them as soon as you have the first signs of labor and let them know that you will update them when the baby is here? 
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Would you rather wait until you know labor is well underway and then send out one group text so that you’re not typing the same thing over and over? 

How about creating a Facebook group page that you post updates to? 

For those unsure of when they will want their family rushing in to meet the baby, think about setting strict expectations during pregnancy with these people. You could let them know that you are not going to be having any visitors at your chosen birth location and you will let them know when you are settled in at home and they are welcome at that point (or whenever you decide).

Then, if you determine that you would love for your favorite people to visit prior to going home, you can pleasantly surprise them with an invitation.

This way, you will not have an eager group of well intentioned family bogging down the waiting room while you are in the throws of labor and feeling any pressure from them. 
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But hey! If you want visitors to come to your birth location, that’s great too! Just make sure you clearly communicate any expectations you may have for them ahead of time. 

If you are planning on a hospital birth in Bellingham, St. Joseph Childbirth Center only allows 5 support people per labor room. After you have given birth, the visitors are free to come and go but only during their visiting hours. 

Make sure to check with your local birth location to confirm that they are able to accommodate your desires when it comes to people visiting you during labor or after you have given birth. 

If you decide that your visitors need to leave either while you are in labor or after giving birth, a doula can be that person to give them the boot. Doulas are great at helping to buffer the tension in a room and support your desires in your birth. 

We cover the topic of boundaries and so much more in depth in both of our birth classes in Lynden and Mount Vernon. Follow this link to sign up for one of our birth classes in Whatcom or Skagit County today! We would love to see you there! 

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Preparing Your Toddler For a New Baby

9/19/2019

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Introducing the idea of a new sibling to a child is a delicate task. Often times parents worry about when to do this and what to say. Here are a few things to consider when thinking through how to prepare your child for this transition. 

1. Consider your child's age


The older the child is, the more information they can handle and the more time they may need to process the information. The opposite is also true.

Younger children need more simple language, less details and less time waiting in anticipation. If you’ve ever been on a  road trip with young children, you’ve probably heard “Are we there yet?!”

​Think of pregnancy in a similar way. 
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2. Give your child a concrete way to help them understand waiting


​Something like, “Your little brother or sister will be here when we start seeing pumpkins at the grocery store” or “When we start wearing our warm clothes.”

​Making something like a paper chain that they can remove a link on may also be a good option. The trick is that sometimes we can’t anticipate when the baby will make their arrival so adding in the caveat that the baby gets to surprise us is essential. 

3. Books and shows are great resources


​If you have a young child, there are several books that talk about pregnancy and the changes they can expect to experience with a newborn in the house.

Daniel Tiger Season 2 Episodes 1-4 address his little sister’s impact on his life and how that makes him feel. This provides a great conversation starter for young children (think toddlers up to around age 4 or so).

There are several books that debunk pregnancy, birth and having a new sibling in child-specific language.

My personal favorite book suggestions are: “I’m a Big Sister” or “I’m a big brother” by Joanna Cole, and “My New Baby” or “Waiting for Baby” by Rachel Fuller. 
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4. Provide an open invitation for conversation


Children often process information in waves. You may think that they comprehend something and then they surprise you in the grocery store with all their burning questions.

Try to engage in conversation and answer their questions as they come up as simply as possible. Think of it as sort of grazing rather than one big long lecture conversation.

​Allowing them to take the lead and initiate conversation can be helpful for their processing. 


5. Get out the baby gear well before the baby arrives 


This may trigger more questions from your child and most likely prompt them to process further the changes that are going to take place.

If you’re going to use a crib, have your child “help” in an age appropriate way. For a very young child, you could have them bring you a measuring tape or box (regardless of if that actually gets anything relevant done).

For an older child, they may be able to turn a screw for you or hold a piece while you secure it. Not only is this time aiding the child in processing, it is also providing you both with quality time together. 


6. Prep special activities to use when the baby requires all of you


Small bins that are only for pre-determined times can make a normally challenging time something to look forward to. 

Some examples of activities to use for these times are legos, a special art project, I-Spy books, Polly Pocket toys or basically anything you wouldn’t want a baby to get into.

Make sure these activities are something the child can do without much help. Times when this may come in handy are during feedings, while you’re calming a crying baby or putting the baby down for a nap. 

7. Plan for special 1 on 1 time with your older child


It is normal for your older child to feel jealous. Their world likely has been turned upside down from the arrival of a new baby. They now have one more person to split their parent(s) attention with and that is a tough reality.

Carve out time specifically for your older child. You may be surprised at how much that will do for both you and your child.
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8. Prepare a small (or not so small) gift for your older child. 


I am not sure I have ever met a child who does not like a gift.

​When your older child meets your baby, you can tell them that the baby wanted them to have this gift. That distraction can be a welcomed ice breaker when the moment comes as it can be a shock for your older child.


We hope these tips are helpful! 

​Let us know how you prepared your older child to meet their new sibling! We'd love to hear your thoughts! 
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Pregnancy Symptoms Game

8/19/2019

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Have you ever wondered if you're the only one experiencing a certain pregnancy symptom? 

In this video, Kristina and Savannah go back and forth to see who can recall the most pregnancy symptoms. If you think of any that we missed, let us know in the comments!

Pregnancy is hard!

If you're looking for a doula in Bellingham or the surrounding areas, we are here to help! We serve all of our birth doula clients with strategies to combat these symptoms and more.

​You don't have to do this alone! 
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C-Section Induced Mom Guilt

8/12/2019

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“Mom guilt. Consolation prize. Not a natural birth. Easy way out.”

​These are all phrases I have heard women say when “C-section” is brought up. 
What the actual heck?!?!  
Do we, as a society not realize exactly all that goes into a surgical birth? Because I truly believe that if we step back and look at all that goes into a c-section (and all that comes out too) we would have more respect for the process and the women who give birth this way. 

Allow me to shed some light on the often unforeseen realities of this surgery.

It actually IS a major surgery. MAJOR. They literally take your uterus out of your body. But then it’s life changing! You get a baby at the end!

I dont know of any other major surgery where they basically give you a prize.

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The recovery is no-joke. Things that many take for granted such as carrying my older child, driving and walking up stairs are out of the question for the immediate recovery period. It makes for a good excuse to take it easy!

​And if you forget to slow down, your body will tell you but heads up! You probably won't like it.
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Your arms will be stretched out to the sides and possibly strapped down for the surgery. Laying down on the  operating table totally exposed with your arms stretched out. It is a weird feeling. 
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You may get extremely nauseous or vomit. This is completely normal and completely awful.

For the record, puking while having to lay on your back sucks. The anesthesiologist typically is right next to your head through the whole procedure and usually pretty on top of helping you through that with suction and a vomit bag.

​They are your new best friend. 
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You will notice pressure and tugging as they are performing the surgery. The anestheia doesn’t numb you from feeling pressure and during this surgery, there is a whole lot of it!!! It can be extremely uncomfortable.

​Let me rephrase that… It can actually HURT! 
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Some area hospitals have the option for a clear drape so you can watch the procedure. If this is your thing and you can handle that at least.

If you have a support person in the OR with you and pick the clear drape, make sure they’re able to handle that as well. They will see much more than you will and I promise that your medical team doesn't want your support person suddenly becoming a patient right alongside you. 

An alternative to this is to ask your medical team to drop the drape when the baby is delivered. This may be a good “happy medium” for everyone. 

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Your baby will be born relatively quickly (5-10 min) but the repair takes much longer (30-45 min). They seem shocked that the baby is out so quickly and then wonder what is taking so long when ​they are still in surgery for the repair.

​In an urgent or emergent cesarean, they deliver the baby VERY quickly and general anesthesia may be used. 
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The OR is often very COLD. It’s a sterile environment and everyone but you is covered in sterile gowns and hair nets and gloves and basically a ton of layers.

Everyone but you.

So, as the patient on the operating table, naked, you may feel cold. You may even shake. Hang in there! If you took a birth class and practiced any coping tools for contractions, this is a great time to put those to the test!


Think long, slow breaths, visualizations, scents (if your local hospital allows this) or music. 

​Coughing, vomiting, laughing sneezing etc. can feel like your insides are trying to come out after the procedure. Things like holding a pillow over the incision can help mitigate this. It will get better!!! 
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Bowel movements are something that you may have taken for granted prior to surgery. Many women experience constipation post surgery as their bowels had to be heavily manipulated in order to get the baby out.

​Most likely, your provider will prescribe something to help with this. My advice? Listen to your provider! The last thing you want is to be constipated.
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You will still have postpartum bleeding just like you do after a vaginal birth. I wish the surgery could totally spare women from this but it unfortunately doesn’t. You still deal with the dreaded month long (sometimes more, sometimes less) postpartum period. 
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So, to everyone who thinks a C-section is the easy way out, think again!

​These women who have gone through a C-section are warriors! This means of giving birth is still tough and intense and a big deal!

​Let’s stop mom-shaming around the means in which we all give birth already!

You with me?!
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Survival Tips For Newborns

7/29/2019

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If only babies came with a manual. Am I right?! 

For real though. Couldn’t we get a little more help with this whole newborn parenting gig? It can be overwhelming leaving the confines of that birth center with all those knowledgeable medical professionals and head into the great unknown on our own home!

Should I wake her up? Is she breathing? How do I know how long to let her sleep?

Is she crying because she’s hungry again or is she tired? Should I swaddle her or take her on a car ride?
Why is she STILL crying?! 

The early days are trying. Sleep deprivation while getting to know an entirely new human that is 100% reliant on you for EVERYTHING can be so brutal! So, we’ve come up with a list of 10 things that may help you navigate this time.

The Crying


Newborns cry. A lot. It can be stressful but it’s important to remember that crying is their only form of communication until they are able to smile and coo around the 4-6 week mark. Keep it all in perspective. This time is fleeting and the last thing that new parents need is for their adult relationships to suffer.

Remind your partner (if applicable) that they are still you’re first priority. It’s so easy to get caught up in the constant needs of your new baby and forget about your other relationships. Reminding each other how you feel can make all the difference. ​
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The Food


Feeding can be such a challenge, regardless of how you do it. What works for you and your baby is not going to be the right choice for everyone else. Try to keep in mind that you are this baby’s parent for a reason and take your needs into consideration and reach out for help! We have awesome lactation consultants in Whatcom County and Skagit County who are ready and willing to help you! 

Whether you choose to exclusively breastfeed, bottle feed with breast milk, bottle feed with formula or another mode of feeding, find the support you need to help your feeding time be as relaxed as possible. Set up stations with snacks and water bottles around the house.

Often times, as soon as you sit down you will realize what you need. If there are stations already set up, chances are that it is within reaching distance. 

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The Endless "To-Do" List


Sleep when the baby sleeps. Do dishes when the baby does dishes. Am I right?! Sleep is so challenging for most new parents and simplifying it to saying “Sleep when the baby sleeps” is such a joke.

There are endless tasks that would stare me in the face as soon as my baby fell asleep and ignoring those things just simply wasn’t an option. What worked for my family won’t work for others but may help. We made a list of our top priorities.

One list included tasks that had to get done EACH DAY. Then a list of the things that had to get done ONCE A WEEK and so forth. This put it all in perspective for us and I was able to relax a bit more and actually recover from giving birth! 

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The Sleepless Nights


It is normal for your newborn to sleep (nearly) all day and party all night. Remember those parties your baby would throw during pregnancy right as you finally found that comfortable spot in bed? When you were pregnant, they were rocked to sleep as you went about your day and then woke as you settled down in the evening.

Newborns have to adjust to a new normal. Well, lots of new normals but this is a big one. This can be very frustrating for tired parents but it will shift eventually. ​
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The Diaper


​When changing a newborn’s diaper, bicycle kicks are your friend. If you’ve ever been around a newborn, you may have noticed that as soon as they got that fresh diaper on, they pooped immediately.

Rather than taking that dirty diaper off right away, expose the baby to some fresh air then cover them back up and do some leg pumps or gentle tummy rubs and wait a minute or two. This may save you a few diapers. 

Set up changing stations around the house. Having some diapers and wipes easily accessible makes diaper changes a little less of a task. Remember, changing pads are not 100% necessary 100% of the time. An old hand towel or changing pad liner can become a great barrier between the baby and the surface you are changing them on. 

The Car


​“My baby hates the car and everyone talked about how they are supposed to fall asleep in the car.” I’ll just say it, if this is you, I am so sorry. I had two babies who HATED the car. They would cry so hard that they would be dripping with sweat once we got to our destination.

Some tricks I learned were rolling down the window (when weather allowed), dressing them in cool clothing so they didn’t get too warm, and driving on those road bumps. I am sure we got several people thinking we were crazy, but this helped!
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The First Bath


Sponge baths will be just fine until the umbilical cord stump falls off (which is quite a smelly process by the way) as it is important not to get it wet. A wet washcloth with a small amount of baby-friendly soap will do the trick. Then follow up with a good lotion as newborn skin can be quite dry.

Don’t forget to get in all those sneaky folds as that is the prime location for breast milk or formula to get stuck and will get stinky real fast. Some of those locations include the groin folds, under the chin, the armpits and behind the ears. 

When the time comes to do the first bath, make sure the water is warm but not too hot. Test the temperature on your inner wrist. If it is too warm for you, it is way too warm for your baby.

​Try laying a warm, wet hand towel or washcloth over your baby’s exposed body. This will help them stay warm and enjoy their bath time. 
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The Swaddle


​Learn a good swaddle technique. Babies are super restricted for space during pregnancy. Swaddling them reminds them of this.

For those Houdini babies, try a swaddle technique that tucks their arms in a pocket before wrapping them up. There are many different ways to do it, and each baby is going to need something slightly different.

​They may hate it as your are wrapping them up, but soon enough, they will give in and probably fall asleep. Good luck! P.s. We teach a great swaddle technique in our birth class! 
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At North Cascade Doulas, we love this stuff!

We exist to support local families as they navigate the unforeseen joys and challenges that come with bringing a baby home. 


As birth doulas in Bellingham and the surrounding areas, we aim to see our clients supported through the ups and downs. If you have questions, we have answers! We will walk alongside you through your unique pregnancy, birth and postpartum story. 

Contact us today to learn more about birth doula services in Skagit Valley and Whatcom County or local childbirth classes. We would be overjoyed to get to know your desires for this season and how you desire to be supported. 
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Surviving The Heat While Pregnant: 10 tips

7/22/2019

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First off, yesterday was National Ice Cream Day. I hope you knew that. I didn't until today and you can absolutely bet that our family will be celebrating a day late!

​It makes sense that this is a holiday in July.

It's stinkin' hot!!! Who doesn't want a big scoop on a hot summer day?! Especially if you're growing another human! If that's you, hang in there and get a double scoop. One for the baby and one for you right?!


Summer pregnancies It can make for a pretty miserable season depending on where you’re located. 
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In Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, Mount Vernon and Burlington, we tend to get a few weeks of fairly intense heat.
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Here are some ways to beat the heat while pregnant.
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  1. This may be obvious but yet few actually do it. STAY HYDRATED. This is impossible to do if you’re not actively drinking. During pregnancy your body needs more water anyway. Add high temperatures to that and it’s a recipe for dehydration. Purchase some new fun water bottles and keep them full and everywhere. Stock each room in your house with one, keep one ready to go in your purse and in the stroller. Make drinking water or an electrolyte drink such as a sports drink, coconut water or juice mindless and it will be much easier to keep up with. ​
  2. If you have access to a pool, take advantage of it! Not only will that help you cool down, but swimming has huge benefits in other ways during pregnancy. Swimming can ease back pain, offer a gentle form of exercise and give your body a break from the extra weight you are carrying. 
  3. If you don’t have access to a large pool, try purchasing a kiddie pool like this one and place it outside in the shade. Even a small amount of water can offer huge relief. Grab one of those water bottles you have ready to go, a good book or a podcast and relax! 
  4. Keep a mister close by. This could be as simple as filling a squirt bottle with water and spraying your body throughout the day. If you are able to get in front of a fan right after, bonus! You’ll be surprised how well this simple measure helps you cool down.
  5. Grab some ice cream! As if we really need an excuse to eat this deliciousness, let me give you one! It fills the need for a sweet and cool treat! Try one of the local Edaleen Dairy stores located in Bellingham, Lynden, Blaine, Ferndale or Sumas. Their ice cream is worth it's weight in gold!
  6. Limit outdoor exercise to the early mornings or evening hours. Exercise during the peak heat hours of the day will make it harder to recover from the heat. 
  7. Get out of your house if you don’t have air conditioning. Even if your car doesn’t have A/C, driving with the windows down, feeling the breeze can offer relief. Then once you make it to the coffee shop, mall, grocery store or that pedicure you’ve been neglecting you can relax in their cool space. Just don’t forget the sunscreen! The last thing you need is a sunburn on top of the heat! 
  8. Put a bowl of ice or ice pack in front of a large fan to mimic air conditioning in your home. This will send the warm air onto the ice and cool it, sending cool air into your home.  
  9. Try placing a chilled washcloth on the back of your neck or forehead. You can prep these by dipping washcloths in water and laying them out in the fridge or freezer depending on how cold you’re wanting them to be. 
  10. Open up your house during the late evening hours with fans blowing out and then turn the fans to blow in during the early morning hours. Keeping air circulating in the house will help tremendously! Turning on the vent fans in your bathroom and kitchen will also help pull the hot air out and the cool air in.
Good luck! If all else fails, those portable A/C units or window units can make a world of difference! 
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15 Things No One Tells You About Pregnancy

7/15/2019

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If you’ve shared your pregnancy news, most likely you’ve been told congratulations more than you can count quickly followed by either some pregnancy and birth horror stories or advice. 

People love giving advice and we all learn this oh so quickly during pregnancy, birth and parenting.

​Hang tight! 

​I’d love to say it will soon stop but this is only the beginning. The hope is that you’ll get used to it or learn some slightly snarky responses ;) 

We don’t want to add to the mounds and mounds of advice so we thought we would share some more helpful information…
15 pregnancy symptoms that no one told you:
  1. Charlie horses: No one likes these. If you experience this horrific pain in your calves, try standing on the leg that is causing problems. If standing isn’t an option, try pointing (or forcing) your toes toward your knee. 
  2. Swelling: Extreme swelling can be a red flag so we advise our labor doula clients to have a conversation with their provider if they notice swelling in the hands, feet and face especially. Some degree of swelling is normal with pregnancy. This comes as a result of increased fluid retention in the body and increased blood volume. 
  3. Varicose veins: During pregnancy the woman’s blood volume will increase dramatically, resulting in more pressure on the veins. This can cause varicose veins. To find relief from this try changing positions, avoid crossing legs while sitting, and elevate the legs when possible. 
  4. Hair retention & nail growth: Pregnancy hair. It is thick and luscious. During pregnancy, the hair life cycle pauses and typically there is significantly less hair loss. Sometimes women don’t notice a change and that’s okay. Nail growth will also speed up. Both these things are due to hormonal changes in the body and hopefully are a good thing… until it all falls out around 4 months postpartum. We will talk about that another time.  
  5. Itchy skin: As your skin stretches it may itch. Itching may also be caused by the hormonal changes in your body. Try to avoid hot baths or showers as this will dry out your skin, making the itching worse. If you notice severe itching, especially on your palms, tell your care provider. Oatmeal baths and remoisturizing with lotion may help. 
  6. Fuzzy hair all over the belly: This is linked to the hormonal changes that cause greater hair retention resulting in thicker locks. The “fuzz” on the belly should go away shortly after the baby is born. 
  7. Linea Nigra from navel down to pubic area: This dark line extending from the belly button to the pubic bone may appear during pregnancy as two major hormones in pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone will also affect skin pigmentation. This could also impact the coloration in the areolas, nipples, birthmarks, freckles etc.  
  8. Your abdominal muscles may separate: This may seem obvious as the baby is doing everything possible to fit in a small space, but catches many expecting women off guard. It does not happen to every pregnant person and the degree of separation varies. If you notice a dip in the center of your lower abdomen after the baby is born, extending from your belly button, ask your provider to check for this. We have some awesome physical therapists in Bellingham who can help with this common postpartum issue. 
  9. Constant trips to the bathroom: It may feel like you go pee every 5 minutes or just always feel the need to pee. Many women experience this most noticeably during the first and third trimesters. During the first trimester it is mainly due to hormonal changes. During the third trimester, the weight of the baby is directly pressing on your bladder, limiting its capacity and stimulating the stretch receptors that tell your brain that you need to empty your bladder. 
  10. Your ribs or other areas may feel bruised: This will be most prominent during late pregnancy when the baby is pressed for space as they grow to their birth size. Many babies will settle into one favorite position and continually press on the same parts of the maternal body, causing bruises or sore spots that are hard to find relief for. 
  11. Areola and nipple changes: The areolas (the area surrounding the nipple) and the nipples will change during pregnancy, especially as the third trimester approaches. The nipples and areolas will become darker in color and often larger as your hormone production signals your body to prepare for breastfeeding.  
  12. Light spotting after sex: Your cervix is very sensitive and may bleed when disrupted by things such as sex. Make sure to talk to your provider if you notice this and take note of the amount of blood. 
  13. Pregnant “glow” may resemble acne: There is actual evidence that the pregnant “glow” is actually a biological thing! Hormones once again are the culprit here as they lead to an increase in oil production and blood volume. The acne should decrease after the first trimester as this is when these hormones are working their hardest. 
  14. You have a built in furnace: This is partially due to the increase blood volume. Your body is working hard to grow another human! Your blood vessels become slightly larger and move closer to the skin, resulting in feeling warm. Hang in there!  
  15. Nosebleeds: As your blood volume increases there is more pressure on your blood vessels and they are more likely to break, resulting in a nosebleed. Minor nosebleeds are usually nothing to worry about but if you experience them frequently or if they will not stop, make sure to seek medical attention. 
If you’re pregnant and have not experienced some or all of these things, you’ve been warned now! 

In our birth class we cover these pregnancy symptoms and ways to ease the discomfort associated with them. 

Skagit Valley! We have been listening and are now teaching our birth class in Mount Vernon! Check out our services page for our upcoming class schedule. 

The hope is that you don’t deal with all of these issues, but if you do and have a way that you have worked around it, let us know your trick in the comments! We’re always looking for new ways to help our clients deal with the struggles and discomforts of pregnancy. 
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Top 5 Pacific Northwest Destinations

7/1/2019

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So you're expecting a baby! Congratulations!

Have you started planning your babymoon getaway?
​A quick, or not so quick, getaway before you add another little person to your family.
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Sometimes it can be frustrating when trying to come up with fun things to do while pregnant. Especially those last weeks when the aches and pains of pregnancy can really throw you off. How about planning a trip to distract you?! Take some time to soak in these last weeks of your family as you now know it!

I’d venture to guess you won’t regret it!

Traveling with a baby in tow changes things quite a bit! Take advantage of this time you have before your baby arrives.
If you’re pregnant in Skagit or Whatcom County and need a (mostly) local breath of fresh air, consider some of these options!
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1. TreeHouse Point; Issaquah, WA
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Schedule an appointment to tour the tree houses or stay in one of them! They are open year-round! TreeHouse Point is only a 2 hour drive south of Bellingham in Issaquah, WA.  

Indulge your senses during the Boehm’s Candies & Chocolates factory tour located nearby. If you want to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest further, bring your hiking boots and venture out on one of the several hikes nearby.

2. Post Hotel; Leavenworth, WA: 

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Whether you venture out for a Snowshoe or bicycle adventure, or take the time to experience the german culture Leavenworth embodies, you can be certain that you will be able to let the stress of life melt away at their tranquil spa.

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If you’d rather spend your babymoon out of the country, but have been advised against traveling that far, consider Leavenworth! Although it’s only located 175 miles out of Lynden, many would say that it feels like you’re a world away.
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3. Semiahmoo; Blaine, WA

This treasure is conveniently located within Whatcom County. You can hop on a Whale watching cruise, running from September through April, go out for a walk, cozy up in your beautiful room or indulge in their heavenly spa.
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4. Seaside, OR
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If you’re looking for something a bit further away, check out one of the many options available in Seaside, Oregon from hotels to a nice AirBnB.

You can check out Haystack Rock on Cannon beach, hike up Saddle Mountain Trail, laugh while posing for Instagram worthy photos at the Seaside Inverted Experience, or shop the many boutiques in the Broadway Core.

5. Harrison Hot Springs Resort; Harrison, BC, Canada 
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​Hop the border and relax at Harrison Hot Springs! You have an abundance of lodging options, catering to a variety of budgets. With the hot springs nearby, you’re bound to have a relaxing and peaceful babymoon. ​
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Did you take advantage of a babymoon? Where did you go? If you visited one of these babymoon destinations, let me know! I’d love to hear how your experience was!

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Food Allergies and Littles

5/31/2019

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It 100% sucks.

Except for the times when you really don’t want to share your cookie and the bathroom hideout was just occupied by your other child who has a stomach-ache. Now that house with the extra bathroom is on the must have list… anyways…
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If you’re nodding your head right now, know you’re not alone. Between my two kids, we have 2 anaphylactic allergies and 5 intolerances and counting. ​
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Our list of things to avoid (assuming I even remember them all) currently includes peanuts, tree nuts (aka all the other nuts out there), corn, dairy, soy, coconut (no, it’s not always lumped in with tree nuts), something in hummus although we aren’t sure what that is quite yet, eggs and clearly I’m forgetting some.
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So basically we’re rabbits, but I can’t fail to mention the Costco size box of Cheerios we go through every week. 

My point is, it’s a lot to keep track of and it changes the way we live life. Many people don’t understand the stress families in these situations are under on a constant basis.

"Many people don’t understand the stress families in these situations are under on a constant basis."

→ Bringing a new baby home or going through a crisis where people offer to bring over food? Gulp. It’s not so easy to accept their meals.

→ Heading to a potluck? Better bring your EpiPen, your own meal and energy for CONSTANT supervision.

→ Samples at Costco? Hard pass. Try explaining to your toddler that they can’t eat the candy every other kiddo is chomping on. No thanks.

→ Toddler birthday parties? Nope. Make sure to come prepared with an allergy friendly treat for your child and watch them closely!

→ Family dinner eating out? Better be careful! Most times it’s just easier to eat at home. Going through the menu with the manager feels exhausting and defeats the purpose of a quick and easy dinner.

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Sound stressful? It is. BUT, it’s a great scapegoat for introverts (like me) and picky eaters (my husband cough* cough*) to get out of those awkward invitations and the soggy casserole your well-meaning neighbor offers to deliver.
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So, how do we help these families?
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  1. Be aware. I cannot tell you the relief I feel when my friends ask if a particular food is safe for them to serve their kids while my kids are around.
  2. Ask your friends if they have any dietary restrictions when inviting them over. Just having other adults who know that your child cannot eat whatever food they find gives any parent dealing with food allergies in their children peace of mind.
  3. If your child is consistently eating an allergen, try to avoid it for a few hours prior to your time around those with allergies. Change out sippy cups, wash hands and make sure clothes are free of allergens. Kids are messy eaters.
  4. If you’re sharing a meal, invite yourself to their house and ask what you can bring. Then help clean up before you leave! Sometimes it’s just easier for the family with food allergies to do the cooking. ​
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Side note... If you have someone in your life with an egg allergy, try out these chocolate chip cookies. They are AMAZING! Even if you just want to eat the dough, I dare you to make these. You may never go back to any other recipe! If you need some allergen-free snack options check out the Enjoy Life brand. They have everything! 
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How do YOU navigate food allergies? How does it change the way you live on a daily basis? Comment below! I’d love to get your insight!
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    Kristina McMurtrey

    Author, Kristina McMurtrey, is a passionate doula who aims to see families supported regardless of their unique way of navigating pregnancy, birth and parenting. 

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North Cascade Doulas provide care for families looking for Labor Doulas, Placenta Encapsulation and Childbirth Education Classes. We support all parenting philosophies and birth plans.
We specialize in :
(natural) unmedicated birth / (surgical) cesarean birth / epidural birth / induction / planned induction / planned cesarean / VBAC / TOLAC / waterbirth / multiples / breastfeeding / bottle feeding / formula feeding / NICU / PPD / PPMD / bed rest / high risk / low risk / advanced maternal age / miscarriage / IVF / and more.
Areas we Serve:
We serve Whatcom and Skagit Counties and the neighborhoods of Alger / Anacortes / Bellingham / Big Lake / Birch Bay / Blaine / Bow / Burlington / Clear Lake / Custer / Everson / Ferndale / Glen Haven / La Conner / Laurel / Lynden / Mount Vernon / Sedro Woolley / Sudden Valley
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