Tricks For How To Eat Less Treats This Halloween

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. We have so much fun dressing up every year and visiting our neighbors. It is all my kids have been able to talk about for over a month. Many parents though don't want their kids snacking on the enormous amounts of candy that comes with the holiday. So how can you still enjoy the fun of Halloween without the candy fueled high that comes with it? Here are a few suggestions that can...Read More

Nipple Stimulation – A How To Guide

Disclaimer: Please do not try nipple stimulation before 40 weeks and without talking to your care provider first. Nipple stimulation is one of the most common ways for women to try and start labor or keep a good labor pattern going. Because it is easy to do, discrete, and does not require any extra equipment or monitoring it is a good choice for many. There is some debate on the best way to do nipple stimulation for the best results...Read More
birth plan

Birth Plan ( With Free Template )

Creating a birth plan with your partner is a great way to keep you on the same page with your wants and needs. It is also a great tool to help open a dialogue with your care provider. You can use this template as a jumping off point to create a more personalised plan, or you can use it as is. Lancaster Doulas makes it easy with our birth plan template. Just print it out, check the boxes of what you would...Read More

Surviving Bed Rest – Guest Blog

Alicia Adkins of Modern Family Doulas Shares Some Wisdom on Bedrest In Pregnancy   Surviving bed rest should earn you a merit badge! Not just for simply following the rules, but not injuring anyone along the way. Bed rest is not a vacation, regardless of how many people will tell you they wish they could sit around and watch Netflix all day. No matter how far along you are in the pregnancy, suddenly being told you have to limit all your activity...Read More

My House or Yours?

Last year I made the decision to only offer placenta encapsulation in our clients homes. It was a completely different direction then all the other placenta encapsulators that I knew in our area, but I knew that it was the best decision for me and for Lancaster Doulas. So what led me to change the standard? Safety: Our clients love seeing our top notch sanitation process. It puts their minds at ease knowing that all of our Postpartum Placenta Specialists carry their bloodborne pathogen certification, and PA...Read More

Summer Vacation

Yesterday morning I snuck into each of my kids room with the same anticipation and surprise that comes with Christmas morning. I crawled into each of their beds and laid my head down next to theirs. I whispered into each of their ears " wake up, I have a surprise for you". While they all clamored down stairs for breakfast I gathered them around me and exclaimed that we are going to the beach for the day! This in itself...Read More

New PA Child Seat Law

Most of you have seen the advertisements for the new child safety seat law that took effect last week. What does that mean for you and your children? Lancaster Doulas breaks it down for you!   Gov. Tom Wolf signed  Senate Bill 1152 making Pennsylvania one of only four states in the US with such a law. The new law is aimed at making children safer while riding in the family vehicle. What kind of car seat should I use? Many parents...Read More

World Breastfeeding Week 2016

Last year Lancaster Doulas asked local women from Lancaster, Reading, York, and Harrisburg for their experiences breastfeeding their children. This year, we checked back in with a few of them to see how things are going! [caption id="attachment_2032" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Melissa Ishman[/caption] (Melissa Ishman) My sweet boy is still nursing at week shy of 15 months. Our beginning was rough since he would only latch on one side but that side pulled through and provided him with everything he needed...Read More

Baby, You’re a Firework: Tips to safely enjoy the 4th of July

    One of the best things about summer is the seemingly endless abundance of picnics, parades, and baseball games. Many times fireworks are a fun part of these events. But how do you keep your newborn safe and secure while you are enjoying the festivities of the season? We have compiled a short list of things to remember when bringing your newborn on your summer escapades.       Sun Protection If you are planning on spending the day outdoors it...Read More

Coolest Baby Gear for 2016

There are so many innovative gadgets and necessities coming out each and every year. Lancaster Doulas has dug up some of the coolest new baby gear on the market for you little bundle. 1. The Owlet The owlet is a sock that tracks your baby's heart rate and breathing and reports directly to your smart phone giving you an alarm if there is cause for concern. Unlike an under the mattress monitor, the owlet can go with baby wherever baby sleeps. No...Read More

I left my baby in the car

As doulas we are skilled at offering non judgmental support. We are all just women, and we all try as hard as we can. As doulas we are able to listen to your deepest, darkest secrets without shaming you. We are here to offer you help in your most vulnerable state. I want to share a story now from an anonymous poster: We all think it won't happen to us, but the only difference between my story and the ones you see on the...Read More
Birth Affirmations

Birth Affirmations (With Free Printable)

Birth Affirmations are a powerful way many women use to envision their birth. Not only does it improve your immediate mindset, but it can also train your brain to think positive thoughts in the throws of labor. There are many ways to use birth affirmations, but we have found the best way is to create something beautiful with them (like a banner) and place them in a highly visible place (like your bathroom mirror or kitchen cupboard). Some of our clients...Read More