Category Archives: Happiness

Yes, Baby it’s cold outside!….and we are going for a walk.

Posted by Jan 7, 2025 adventure, Baby, Breastfeeding, Burlington Doula, fitness, Happiness, health, hiking, kids, motherhood, new year's resolutions, Oakville Doula, parenthood, parenting, Postnatal Doula, postpartum doula, sports, workout Leave a Comment
Yes, Baby it’s cold outside!….and we are going for a walk.

Why Parents Should Take Babies on Walks During the Winter

As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, it’s tempting to bundle up indoors with your little one. However, taking your baby out for winter walks can offer a range of benefits for both you and your child. Here’s why braving the chilly weather is worth it:

1. Boosts Physical Health

Fresh air and gentle exercise are beneficial at any time of year, and winter is no exception. Walks help strengthen your baby’s immune system by exposing them to natural elements in a controlled manner. This exposure can potentially make them more resilient to colds and other seasonal illnesses.

2. Enhances Mood and Reduces Stress

Winter can be gloomy, leading to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or just general winter blues. Getting outside, even for a short stroll, allows both parents and babies to soak up natural daylight, which helps regulate mood and improve sleep patterns. Sunlight exposure also aids in the production of vitamin D, which is crucial for bone development and overall health.

3. Stimulates Sensory Development

The winter environment provides a unique sensory experience for babies. The sound of crunching snow, the cool air on their cheeks, the sight of bare trees, and the different scents of winter all contribute to their sensory development. These new stimuli help in cognitive growth and make the world an exciting place to explore.

4. Encourages a Healthy Routine

Establishing a daily walk routine, even during the colder months, sets a foundation for healthy habits. It teaches children early on that regular outdoor activity is part of life, regardless of the season. This routine can be especially helpful for parents, providing a structured break in the day and a chance to reset mentally.

5. Promotes Better Sleep

Exposure to natural light and physical activity during the day can help regulate your baby’s circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep at night. The fresh air can also tire them out just enough for a more restful sleep, which is a win for both baby and parents.

6. Fosters Parent-Child Bonding

Winter walks are an excellent opportunity for parents to bond with their babies. The slower pace of life in winter allows for moments of connection, whether it’s pointing out birds, touching the snow, or simply enjoying the quietness together. These shared experiences can strengthen your emotional bond.

7. Teaches Resilience and Adaptability

Taking your baby out in different weather conditions teaches them resilience and adaptability. It shows that life continues regardless of the weather, and instills a sense of adventure. Children who are exposed to various environments tend to grow up more adaptable and resilient.

8. Provides a Break from Indoor Germs

During winter, indoor spaces can become breeding grounds for germs, especially with central heating drying out nasal passages and making it easier for viruses to take hold. A walk outside reduces exposure to indoor pathogens and gives everyone a break from potentially stuffy indoor air.

Tips for Safe Winter Walks with Babies

  • Dress Appropriately: Layer your baby in warm, breathable clothing. A hat, gloves, and warm socks are essential. Ensure they are snug but not overheated.
  • Use a Weather-Appropriate Stroller: A stroller with good insulation or a winter cover can help keep your baby warm. Alternatively, baby carriers with winter covers can keep them close to your body heat.
  • Watch the Time: Keep walks relatively short to prevent overexposure to cold temperatures, especially if it’s below freezing.
  • Mind the Terrain: Be cautious of icy or slippery surfaces to avoid accidents.
  • Hydration and Moisturization: Cold air can be drying, so keep your baby’s skin moisturized and make sure they are hydrated.

Conclusion

Winter walks are a wonderful way to ensure both you and your baby stay active, happy, and healthy during the colder months. With proper preparation and a bit of bravery, you can turn winter into a season of discovery, bonding, and growth. So bundle up, step outside, and enjoy the crisp, fresh air—it’s a decision you’ll both benefit from!

RELAUNCHING PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL YOGA & MOVEMENT CLASSES

Posted by Feb 5, 2024 Burlington, Doula, fitness, Happiness, health, motherhood, new year's resolutions, Oakville, Oakville Doula, parenthood, parenting, Postnatal Doula, Pregnancy, Prenatal Yoga, workout, yoga Leave a Comment
RELAUNCHING PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL YOGA & MOVEMENT CLASSES

For 12 years I supported young families in Halton through prenatal yoga, postnatal yoga and fitness classes. It was through these classes that doula work found me. I grew a lovely community of parents and their babies and I’ve stayed in contact with many of them. When lockdowns closed studios, my classes ended abruptly. I tried to do online classes on zoom for a while but it just wasn’t for me. I was asked by multiple studios to come back and start weekly classes again but it just wasn’t ever the right fit for me and the work I do as a doula. 

I am now happy to say that I am offering in-home yoga and movement classes again in Halton region. I have limited day-time slots available for individuals or small groups. Clients commit to at least 4 weeks of classes. I come to your home with yoga props to make it very convenient for you. 

Prenatal Yoga & Movement:

One-hour session designed to alleviate pregnancy discomforts and prepare the body for birth and parenthood. Movements are tailored to your body. Each session contains active and restful components leaving you feeling energized and peaceful.

Baby and Me Yoga & Movement:

One-hour session designed to promote strengthening and healing through movement and breath work. Baby stays close and might be incorporated into some of the exercises. All movements are designed with postpartum healing in mind.

Grab some gal pals and make a commitment to yourself.

Contact me for rates and availability. Spots are limited!

Embracing Empowerment: The Benefits of Prenatal Breast Hand Expression

Posted by Jan 15, 2024 Baby, Breastfeeding, Burlington, Burlington Doula, Doula, Happiness, health, motherhood, Oakville, Oakville Doula, parenthood, Pregnancy Leave a Comment
Embracing Empowerment: The Benefits of Prenatal Breast Hand Expression

Pregnancy is a transformative journey marked by numerous physical and emotional changes. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, expectant mothers often seek ways to enhance their prenatal experience and prepare for the upcoming breastfeeding journey. One empowering technique gaining attention is prenatal breast hand expression. This gentle practice offers a multitude of benefits for both mother and baby, fostering a stronger connection and setting the stage for a successful breastfeeding experience. As a doula, I have been teaching this technique to my clients for several years and I have observed that those who practice prenatal hand expression generally have more confidence when starting to breastfeed baby.  

Here are some of the benefits:

1. **Establishing a Bond Before Birth:**

   Prenatal breast hand expression provides an opportunity for expectant mothers to connect with their unborn baby. As they gently massage and express colostrum, the first milk produced during pregnancy, mothers establish a physical connection that transcends the womb. This intimate act fosters a sense of closeness and enhances the emotional bond between mother and child before birth.

2. **Promoting Early Colostrum Collection:**

   Colostrum, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is a concentrated source of nutrients and antibodies crucial for a newborn’s early development. Prenatal hand expression enables mothers to collect this precious substance in small amounts before giving birth. Storing colostrum can be particularly beneficial in case of any breastfeeding challenges postpartum, or separation from baby, ensuring the baby receives this essential nutrition from the very beginning.

3. **Reducing Engorgement and Discomfort:**

   Engorgement, the swelling of breasts due to an increased blood flow and milk production, is a common postpartum concern. Prenatal hand expression can help reduce the risk of engorgement by gradually releasing built-up colostrum. This proactive approach contributes to a more comfortable breastfeeding experience for the mother and encourages the baby to latch onto the breast more easily.

4. **Boosting Maternal Confidence:**

   Learning and mastering prenatal breast hand expression empowers expectant mothers by giving them a hands-on understanding of their bodies. This newfound skill fosters confidence as they approach the breastfeeding journey, knowing that they can actively contribute to their baby’s well-being from the very start. Maternal confidence is a key factor in the success of breastfeeding relationships.

5. **Preparing for Potential Breastfeeding Challenges:**

   Breastfeeding may present challenges, such as latch issues or delayed milk production. Prenatal breast hand expression serves as a proactive measure, equipping mothers with the skills to navigate these challenges. By familiarizing themselves with their bodies and learning to express colostrum, expectant mothers are better prepared to address potential breastfeeding hurdles with resilience and determination.

In embracing prenatal breast hand expression, expectant mothers embark on a journey of empowerment and connection with their unborn child. This gentle practice not only promotes the early collection of valuable colostrum but also nurtures maternal confidence and prepares mothers for the breastfeeding adventure that lies ahead. By incorporating this technique into their prenatal routine, mothers can lay the foundation for a positive breastfeeding experience, promoting the health and well-being of both themselves and their newborns. Teaching this technique and providing my clients with more resources is one way I can support their infant feeding journey. 

Mindset matters during labour and birth

Posted by Jan 8, 2024 Birth, Burlington, Burlington Doula, Doula, Happiness, health, motherhood, Oakville, Oakville Doula, parenthood, parenting, Pregnancy, Prenatal Yoga, workout Leave a Comment
Mindset matters during labour and birth

During labour your mind responds similarly to when you begin a new workout or physical activity. In the beginning it feels difficult and you start an inner dialogue around whether you think you can last the entire time. In that moment it feels like it will always be this tough. Perhaps you tense up, you allow your mind to go elsewhere and start to rationalize the idea of leaving this discomfort. RIGHT HERE is where your mindset can have a massive impact on your experience and endurance, physically and emotionally. 

If you say to yourself “you can do this!”, “you are strong!”, “you were meant to do this!” You just might find that it gets easier. You get used to it. You find a rhythm or a ritual. As a doula I see this in clients in early labour when their bodies are just starting to get used to labour as well as anytime there is an increase in intensity; often just as active labour is starting or during transition (8cm to 10cm). It’s not easy for you to change your mindset on your own so discuss this with your care team and communicate ways they can encourage and support you. Even people who have done a lot of preparation or have birthed before doubt themselves at some point during labour. 

Here are just a few ways you can practice a positive mindset before the intensity of labour begins:

  1. Reflect on a time when you felt challenged physically or mentally in your life. How did you get through it? Were you surprised that you did? What did you learn about yourself through that experience?
  2. Practice mindfulness every day and notice your thoughts when you are in uncomfortable situations. What happens in your body? Where do your thoughts go? What changes can you do to make the moment more comfortable for you? 
  3. Learn about birth. Learn what to expect to help with any anxieties, concerns or doubts. When your mind has an idea what to expect it is easier to manage when you get to that point. With labour and birth it is difficult to practice or anticipate exactly how it will feel but even a small amount of understanding can make a difference. 
  4. Prepare your birth team. Speak to them about what you need to have a positive mindset. That might include learning your non-verbal cues and discussing how you will communicate in the moment. Giving them some phrases, strategies or techniques to help you through the difficult times and help you to come back to your ideal mindset, over and over again!

So just like that tough workout when you want to quit, give up and get back to being more comfortable labour can force you to face challenging moments that, with proper support and preparation, can leave you feeling strong and confident as you transition to parenthood.