Pregnancy and Birth
Helpful Tips from your Postpartum Experts
Pregnancy is not just a waiting period — it’s a phase of transformation, decision, and preparation. In this category, you’ll find evidence-based articles on prenatal health, labor practices, birth choices, and the science behind how your body and baby grow. Topics include things like nutrition, fetal development, birth methods, and how to advocate for yourself in medical settings. Use this as a knowledge base to help you make informed choices on your path to birth.
Traveling for a Surrogacy Birth: Where Families Get Stuck (and What Helps)
For the majority of parents having their baby via surrogacy, the birth happens somewhere other than home. A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that nearly two-thirds of gestational surrogacy deliveries in the United States involved reproductive travel, with intended parents coming from other states or, in many cases,...
What is the difference between a Birth Doula and a Postpartum Doula?
Are lots of people telling you to hire a doula? They might have the right idea. Doulas have a strong track record of helping parents have better birth and postpartum experiences. But when you start to dig into the question 'what is a doula?', you quickly find that there’s not...
Healthy Eating Tips for Pregnancy
Eating for two? Confused by all the guidelines on how to “correctly” eat while pregnant? We feel you. With so many worries ranging from the health of your baby to where to deliver, the last thing you might want to think about is nutrition during pregnancy. Chances are, you have...
Natural Ways to Induce Labor: 4 Tips to Kickstart Labor at Home
Are you looking for the quickest way to go into labor? The third (and second, and first) trimester can feel like the longest part of your pregnancy. Many parents find this to be the most uncomfortable part of their pregnancy. With your baby now fully developed, the waiting game can...
Pregnancy-Safe Essential Oils: Natural help for insomnia, nausea and muscle aches
If you or your partner is pregnant, it can be common to hear about essential oils as an alternative to traditional medicine for conditions such as improving sleep and decreasing headaches. With so many different oils on the market, knowing which to use for what purpose can seem overwhelming. If...
Prenatal Yoga in Atlanta, GA
Prenatal yoga might feel like one more thing that you keep hearing talked about in all your pregnancy groups or from your Atlanta obgyn, but here’s a reason for that! Prenatal yoga is a specialized form of yoga designed to support people throughout their pregnancy. And if you’re worried...
What Can Be Done for Seasonal Allergies When You’re Pregnant?
The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and you are...Sneezing. If you’re dealing with seasonal allergies during pregnancy, you’re not alone, and you’re probably wondering what’s safe to take when you’re expecting. At Well Supported Family, we work with families from bump to baby and know how important it...
Is My Pregnancy Test Positive? How to Read Results and What to Do Next
Is my pregnancy test positive? Taking a home pregnancy test can be a life-changing moment. Whether you're hoping for a positive result or feeling nervous about the outcome, seeing those lines appear can leave you with a lot of questions, especially if the results are faint or unclear. At Well...
How to use your BRAIN to make pregnancy and labor decisions
How to use your BRAIN to make decisions with your provider about your pregnancy and labor. Topics and situations come up in pregnancy and labor that you will have to make a decision about. Example: Do I need a vaginal check at 36 weeks? Do I need to be induced...
Pregnancy Bucket List: 10 Special Ways to Commemorate Your Pregnancy
Pregnancy plays tricks on time, stretching some moments into what feels like an eternity while others zip by in a blur. As you journey through pregnancy, it's a wonderful idea to create a pregnancy bucket list that captures the essence of this special, fleeting season. From personal growth to memorable...
Best Birthing Classes in Stamford, CT
Giving birth soon? Looking ahead to the days, hours, or moments before you meet the little one your family has been patiently waiting for? The last trimester before your baby arrives can feel chaotic. You’re building a nursery, building a human, and there might be a foot that’s been stuck...
Top Tips for Managing Pregnancy Fatigue
Yawn! Growing a human is a whole lot of work, and pregnancy fatigue is no joke. This very common pregnancy symptom is often described as pure and utter exhaustion. Pregnancy fatigue can hit at any time, but is most common in the first and third trimesters. In early pregnancy, hormonal...
Common Pregnancy Myths Debunked
Congratulations, you have a baby on the way! Pregnancy is a time filled with excitement and anticipation - and plenty of advice from well-meaning friends and family. However, take common pregnancy advice with a grain of salt. There is a lot of misinformation surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. Let's debunk some...
Best Labor and Delivery Wards in Washington, DC
Are you an expecting parent looking for the top-rated labor and delivery wards in Washington, DC? Finding a hospital is a daunting task, especially if you’re a first-time parent. There are often so many options online, between hospitals, birthing centers, at home options and more, it can be overwhelming to...
Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Labor & Newborn Care
The big day is getting close! When you can’t see your toes anymore - or by your 36th/37th week - it’s time to pack your hospital bag. There's no telling exactly how long you'll be at the hospital, but between labor and recovery time, it's best to plan for at...
Top Three Labor and Delivery Hospitals in Atlanta, GA
Choosing where to give birth can feel overwhelming, especially if you are a first-time parent. Between online reviews, hospital facility tours, birthing centers, and at-home options, it can be difficult to know which labor and delivery hospital is the right choice for your family. To make the decision easier, we...
Labor and Delivery Units With Birthing Tubs in Chicago, IL
Are you planning a hospital birth but love the idea of using a birthing tub for pain management? Good news! The two aren’t mutually exclusive. The days of having to choose between being in a hospital and having access to emergency medical care if necessary or giving birth at a...
Top Maternity Hospitals in Orlando, FL
Finding a maternity hospital in Orlando, FL can be overwhelming. There are so many options to choose from and even the most seasoned parents might struggle to find the right fit for themselves and their babies. With decisions that can complicate things like c-section rates, high risk pregnancies, “baby friendly”...
Are Belly Bands Safe During Pregnancy? Benefits, Safety Tips, and When to Wear One
Many pregnant parents experience back pain, pelvic pressure, or abdominal discomfort as their belly grows. A common question we hear is: Are belly bands safe during pregnancy? Another popular search is: Can I wear a belly band while sitting? Because opinions vary, we asked an expert to break down the...
Pregnancy Support Groups in Chicago, IL
If you’re pregnant and looking for newborn and postpartum support in Chicago, you're not alone! Being pregnant can be joyous, exciting, weird and downright terrifying. The emotions that come with growing a tiny human week by week can be extremely overwhelming. There are questions that you might have on a...
Finding a Birth Doula in Tampa, FL
Are you considering hiring a birth doula in Tampa, FL? Giving birth can be terrifying, especially for first timers. Not knowing what to expect, how your body will do and making a birthing plan with so many options you’ve never even heard of until now can weigh on you from...
Hospital Tour Questions: Be the Annoying One
Skip down to the bottom of the page to find the Hospital Tour Questions List! When I was pregnant, I was the annoying one. In my childbirth ed class, I knew every answer. I was the one reminding my midwife which tests and shots I was due for. I went...
Things to NOT Put on Your Baby Registry
Creating a baby registry is an exciting part of preparing for your new arrival, but it can also be overwhelming. With so many products on the market, it’s easy to get carried away and add items that may not be necessary or practical. To help you streamline your registry and...
Pregnancy Reiki in Hoboken, NJ
Reiki is a healing technique that uses gentle touch to rebalance energies. So, what is pregnancy reiki? Though pregnancy reiki is quite similar to normal reiki, it focuses on balancing energies during pregnancy and prepares the body for childbirth. Using energy to help during pregnancy helps facilitate the bodily changes...
Gender Reveal Party Ideas
Gender reveal parties have become a popular way for expecting parents to share the exciting news of their baby's gender with family and friends. These celebrations can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish, providing a fun atmosphere filled with anticipation and joy. Here are some creative ideas...
Early Pregnancy Experiences
Discovering you're pregnant is totally surreal. Those first few weeks and months of pregnancy bring a whirlwind of physical changes, emotions, and new experiences. Let's explore some common early pregnancy experiences that many people encounter during their first trimester. The Moment of Discovery Finding out that you're pregnant is a...
Getting Enough Sleep During Pregnancy
Quality sleep is crucial for physical and metal wellbeing, especially during pregnancy. As your body undergoes tons of changes, it can become harder and harder to get a good night's rest as your pregnancy progresses. However, adequate sleep is crucial for both you and your baby's health. Let's explore why...
Creative Ways to Announce Your Pregnancy or Birth on Social Media
There's nothing quite like seeing those two pink lines, and it hits you - you're pregnant! Finding out you’re having a baby is one of life’s most exciting moments, and sharing that news with friends and family can be just as thrilling. But what are creative ways to announce your...
Prenatal Massage Phoenix, AZ
Are you looking for prenatal massage in Phoenix AZ? Prenatal massage is one of the more exciting side benefits of reaching your second and third trimester. A prenatal massage is close to a Swedish massage, but with light pressure as well as tables and positions that don’t put stress on...
Finding A Baby Friendly Hospital in Rhode Island
In 1991, WHO and UNICEF launched a world-wide initiative to create programs within hospitals, enabling them to be “ baby friendly.” It may seem counterintuitive that any hospital with a labor and delivery ward would be anything but baby friendly, but this program took the term to new levels. The...
Announcing Your Pregnancy at Work: Tips and Etiquette
Are you ready to announce your pregnancy at work? Are you unsure when to announce your pregnancy to your boss or colleagues? Sharing the news of your pregnancy at your place of employment can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Whether you’re thrilled to share your news or anxious about...
Freezer Meal Ideas to Cook During Pregnancy
When that nesting instinct kicks in, put it to great use! Preparing freezer meals during pregnancy is a wonderful gift to your future postpartum self. Freezer meals are an excellent solution to ensure you have nutritious and ready-to-eat options during the busy postpartum period. Here are some fantastic freezer meal...
Surrogacy in Phoenix, Arizona
Surrogacy is one of the many ways to start a beautiful journey into parenthood. No matter the reason for your journey taking you onto the path of surrogacy, you deserve to know the best options available to you. Opening up your pregnancy to a third party can lead to many...
Finding Fertility Support in Boston, MA
When is the right time to start a family? Do I want children on my own? How long will it take to get pregnant? These are just a few questions that are considered when deciding on when, and if to conceive. What no one tells you is that there can...
Dealing with Morning Sickness in the First Trimester
The term "morning sickness" is a gross oversimplification. The truth is, up to 70% of people in their first trimester experience nausea and vomiting, and it can happen any time of night or day. For most pregnant people, it begins around the 6th week of pregnancy and typically improves by...
Doula Interview Questions Every Parent Should Ask
Choosing to hire a doula is one of the best investments you can make in your parenthood journey. Doulas help ease the transition to parenthood with specialized educational, emotional, and physical support. Doulas have a variety of training, experience, and philosophy that they bring to their practice. Every doula, like...
How to Find Local Pregnancy Support Groups in Chicago, IL
Pregnancy comes with so many emotions, to-do lists, and physical challenges. Having a support network can make a huge difference in the way you experience and feel about your pregnancy and parenthood journey. If you're expecting and living in Chicago, IL, there are numerous options for finding local pregnancy support...
Choosing a doctor or midwife for your pregnancy in Delray Beach, FL
Congratulations, you’re expecting! But, now what? After the test is positive, one of the biggest moments is choosing the right person to help your family in their pregnancy and birth journey. Finding the right fit can come easily, or take a few tries but the right person is out there,...
Managing Stress and Anxiety During Pregnancy
Growing a human is a lot of work! Pregnancy brings not just physical, but mental and emotional challenges too. Having a baby is an exciting but like any of life's major changes, it comes with stress and challenges, too. Managing stress and anxiety during pregnancy is key to you, your...
How to Find a Local Pregnancy Support Group in Orlando
Are you newly pregnant or a veteran parent? No matter the stage of pregnancy, having a solid support system is important for your mental and physical well being. There are many unknowns of pregnancy month to month and every pregnancy is different, so having like-minded professionals and peers can help...
Prenatal Yoga in Miami FL
What is prenatal yoga and why should you take it? Let’s face it, pregnancy can be tiring. So why add one more thing to your to-do list when there are cribs to be built and baby showers to plan? Prenatal yoga is a flexible approach to exercise during pregnancy that...
What to Expect after Cesarean Birth: First 72 Hours
After much anticipation and waiting, your baby’s birthday is finally here! Giving birth comes with many significant physiological events, and a whirlwind of emotions as well. In the first few days after giving birth, your body will undergo major changes as your baby also learns to adjust to life outside...
What to Expect: First 72 Hours After Vaginal Birth
After much anticipation and waiting, your baby's birthday is finally here! Giving birth comes with many significant physiological events, and a whirlwind of emotions as well. In the first few days after giving birth, your body will undergo major changes as your baby also learns to adjust to life outside...
Surrogacy: Understanding the Process
Surrogacy is a powerful decision made by couples or individuals who long to have children but are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. Surrogacy is a beautiful way to bring a child into the world and to fulfill a dream of parenthood. However, the surrogacy process also requires understanding and...
Tips for Round Ligament Pain
One of the most common symptoms that pregnant people experience is round ligament pain. This type of pain usually occurs in the second trimester, but it can occur any time during pregnancy. Round ligaments are bands of tissue that support the uterus as it grows during pregnancy, and as the...
Ways to Honor the Memory of Your Baby After Pregnancy or Infant Loss
Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day - an annual day to honor little ones lost too soon to miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, or any other cause. Losing a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death is among the most devastating experiences a parent can face. The pain of such...
Surrogacy: A Journey to Parenting
Every journey to parenthood is unique, no matter how your baby comes into your life. Surrogacy is a path to parenthood for those who cannot or choose not to carry a pregnancy themselves. During surrogacy, one person - the surrogate - carries a fetus through pregnancy and gives birth to...
What your doula wants you to know about birth
World Doula Day is coming up! Doulas dedicate their lives to supporting new parents. Birth doulas are on-call to be with laboring parents at the drop of a hat, anytime of day or night. It takes a special type of person to be a doula, and a strong passion for...
How doulas support partners
World Doula Week is coming up soon, from March 22nd-28th 2023. In honor of doulas worldwide, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the work that doulas do this month on the blog. If you’re wondering “what is a doula?”, start here to learn more about the different types of...
What is a nesting party?
One of the toughest things about having a pandemic baby was having to go it alone. No in-person baby shower, gender reveal, or family visits postpartum. As we move forward and plan ways to safely gather, we get to reinvent the ways that we do so. One of the best...
What is a Doula?
Doulas make birth and the postpartum experience better for new parents. The term doula is on the rise as more and more parents embrace the vital role that these professionals serve. But even as the demand for doulas increases, the work that they do is not always clear to new...
The Doula Guide to Birth
Every birth is unique. But childbirth for everyone is a transformative experience. No matter how your birth unfolds, it will be an event that stays with you for a lifetime. Pregnancy and birth have the power to change you, to show you hidden strengths and love deeper than you ever...
4 Ways a Doula Can Transform the Birthing Experience for Moms-to-Be
Women have been helping each other through childbirth since the dawn of time. Today, we call these dedicated people doulas. The word doula comes from ancient Greek, meaning “a woman who serves.” Modern professional doulas serve just about every niche of the childbearing spectrum: birth, postpartum, loss, antenatal… doulas are...
Preterm Labor Symptoms
When labor occurs between 20 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, it’s called preterm labor. Being in labor means that the cervix is opening and can result in preterm birth. Babies born premature are at risk of health complications and may require extensive support in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)....
Signs of Miscarriage: How to Cope
If you’re reading this while experiencing potential signs of miscarriage, first take a long, slow breath. Not knowing how to cope with the physical and emotional pain of threatened miscarriage is completely valid. The best gift to give yourself is to stay in the present: try not to think too...
5 Amazing Facts About Doulas in Honor of World Doula Week
It’s time to celebrate the doulas in your life! Every year, March 22-28 marks World Doula Week - a time to spread awareness around the many ways that these essential non-medical support people better the lives of parents and babies. Doulas work tirelessly and passionately, using their vast knowledge and...
Preparing your Mind, Body and Soul for a Successful VBAC
Congratulations! You’re pregnant again, and you’re hoping for a different birth experience this time around. We're going to talk about Preparing for a Successful VBAC. It's important to prepare your mind, body and soul for a successful VBAC When you’re planning a vaginal birth after Cesarean, you may find yourself...
Choosing Prenatal Vitamins
If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant you are already aware that apparently you are required to take vitamins daily to support a healthy pregnancy. If you type prenatal vitamins into amazon you will get HUNDREDS of options. It’s endless and exhausting. Let us help you out a...
Chiropractic care during Pregnancy
Chiropractic during pregnancy. Should we? Shouldn't we? We asked an expert! Guest blog by Dr. Andrea Pregnancy is a very exciting time in a woman’s life but also can be quite stressful in many ways. Chiropractic during pregnancy can help. Chiropractic is a non-invasive, natural way to keep our bodies...
Working Out During Pregnancy
Hey girl, I get it. You’re tired, you’re hungry, you’re uncomfortable, possibly nauseous and you’re inevitably going to be gaining weight for the foreseeable future. Why bother working out during pregnancy? Why not just start back up after the baby comes? Many women feel this way; however, staying sedentary during...
Double The Fun: Pregnancy with Twins
Did you just find out that you’re pregnant with twins? Double congratulations! Along with the awe and excitement, it’s totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when preparing for the arrival of your little ones. Thankfully, there are lots of wonderful support systems and products that help make life with...
What options do you have for pain relief aside from an epidural?
Let's run through some options. TENS Unit: Never heard of it? It stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. While 1 in 5 women in the United Kingdom use it, it's fairly rare in the United States. As this article will tell you: TENS can be a powerful means to avoid pharmaceutical pain...
Should you hire a professional organizer to get ready for a new baby?
Some do this, because they're worried about getting everything set up and how their life might change in the process. It's natural. Having had a kid, I'd say maybe the three or four biggest things that shift your life are marriage, home ownership, and having a kid -- and having...
Some foods to avoid during pregnancy
Because the world just had to know this, apparently Amal Clooney (George's wife) is eating a lot of pasta and risotto during her pregnancy. At the same time I came across that information, well, I also came across an article about "six surprising foods you should avoid during pregnancy." (Sprouts is on there, as...
Helpful tips from your team at Well Supported Family.
Expert postpartum and newborn advice you can trust.
Since 2016, Well Supported Family has provided newborn care to thousands of families. Our team of certified Postpartum Doulas and Newborn Care Specialists offer daytime, overnight, and 24/7 in-home support across 12 U.S. states. Whether you're recovering from birth, establishing feeding routines, or just trying to get more sleep, we're here to help—one family at a time.
Want to explore in-home care for your new family? Reach out today.