Author: Holly Yeager

World Breastfeeding Week 2016

Posted on by Holly Yeager
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

Five Things I Know About the Olympics

Posted on by Holly Yeager
When I was ten I took a soccer ball to the face and so ended my career in sports; but once every four years, something happens and I find a way to watch those svelte athletes run, jump, and push their way to world records, new challenges, and gold. Confession: I know very little about sports. But these are five things I do know. Simone Biles is my superhero. At 4’9” she’s dominating the floor with moves no one else...Read More

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

Posted on by Holly Yeager
    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

Posted on by Holly Yeager
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

Posted on by Holly Yeager
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)

Posted on by Holly Yeager
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

Northeast Gets Historic Storm

Posted on by Holly Yeager
All week the weather channels were calling for a winter storm. It started off as a winter weather warning and quickly escalated to a blizzard warning. The kids were excited. Heck, I was excited. After 60 degrees on Christmas, the whole family was ready for winter storm Jonas to drop a foot or two of snow smack dab on top of us. Boy did we get our wish....and then some! After two days of near constant snow and 40 MPH...Read More
placenta encapsulation with amish

The Amish and the Placenta Revolution

Posted on by Holly Yeager
Living in Lancaster County is synonymous with the Amish. I get asked often from doulas all over the world if I work with them. The Amish community is shrouded in mystery because they choose to shy away from anyone who is "English", AKA not Amish. Because of this, it can be a difficult community to reach. Lancaster Doulas LLC has been blessed to have been welcomed into this community to serve them. My family has roots in the plain community (Amish and...Read More

The Other Red Cup – A Menstrual Cup Story

Posted on by Holly Yeager
  There has been a lot of buzz in the news lately about toxic tampons and why you should not use them. The FDA states that tampons are safe and that the rumors are nothing more than the media drumming up controversy. Either way, I have been wanting to switch to a menstrual cup and I have taken this as my kick in the butt to give them a try. But which one should I choose? There are so many...Read More

Cut The Cord Already!

Posted on by Holly Yeager
Do I cut the cord now? (waits 30 seconds) How about now? (1 min later) Soooooo now??? Wondering when to cut your baby’s umbilical cord? Did you know you can have a say in when your baby's umbilical cord is cut? If you are part of the birth world (and yes, it is a world all its own), then you have probably had a conversation about this trendy topic. However, maybe you are new to this world and are just...Read More
women and babies releases placentas

It’s True – WBH Will Now Officially Release Your Placenta

Posted on by Holly Yeager
More babies are born at Women and Babies Hospital (WBH) than any other hospital in Lancaster County. With the demand for placenta encapsulation increasing steadily, more and more women are requesting the release of their placentas after giving birth. While WBH acknowledges that there is no scientific data supporting the benefits of placenta encapsulation, they have moved forward in creating a policy for women to take their placentas home. Here is what you need to know: Discuss your desire to take...Read More

Imprint Birth Photographers

Posted on by Holly Yeager
Introducing Imprint Birth Photographers! Imprint is owned by two seasoned birth phtographers, Joyous Snyder and Kimberly Sanderson. Together they have over ten years of experiance photographing the birth room, where they have given stellar images to clients to remember their child's first breath. Besides photographing the births themselves, Kimberly and Joyous also have a team of photographers who are hand picked to bring their clients a calm, professional presence and a product that allows their clients to revisit the strength...Read More