HOW TO TAKE A SOCIAL MEDIA BREAK ON MATERNITY LEAVE
We are so very excited to share this guest blog with you because not only is the author an amazing mother and entrepreneur, but she is also a past client. With over 10 years experience in social media strategy and digital marketing, Chris found her purpose after having her daughter. Pre-baby, she was a self-proclaimed […]
Benefits of A Postpartum Doula and Why Should You Hire One?
Author Bio: Roselin Raj is a journalist and a writer. She has been writing extensively on health and wellness related topics for over a decade. Besides her professional interests, she loves a game of basketball or a good hike in her free time to fuel her spirits. “Health is wealth” is one motto of life […]
EMDR Therapy: An Overview
We are so excited to share this guest blog by Joshua Nave LLMSW and Paul Krauss MA LPC of Health for Life GR. We get asked frequently about EMDR Therapy, so read below to find out what it is and how it works! This blog is a discussion of the basics of what Eye Movement […]
Car Seat Safety: Podcast Episode #72
Today we talk to one of Gold Coast Doulas’ Birth and Postpartum Doulas, Jamie Platt. She is a Certified Car Seat Technician and gives parents some helpful tips about what’s safe and what isn’t. You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. Alyssa: Hi, and welcome to another episode of Ask […]
Your Trusted Birth Team
We all know that becoming a parent is difficult, but most first time parents don’t really have a full understanding of how hard it will be until they’re in the midst of it. They may encounter fertility struggles or miscarriages; they realize that planning during pregnancy takes a lot of work; they have to find […]
Podcast Episode #68: Overnight Doula Support
Many of our clients and listeners don’t fully understand what overnight doula support looks like. Kristin and Alyssa, both Certified Postpartum Doulas, discuss the kinds of support their clients look for and how their team of doulas support families in their homes. You can listen to this complete podcast on iTunes or SoundCloud. You can […]
Podcast Episode #66: Ear Infections
Today we talk with Dr. Annie and Dr. Rachel of Rise Wellness Chiropractic to learn more about ear infections. What are the signs in children and how can chiropractic care help? Can it also help adults? You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. Kristin: Welcome to Ask the Doulas with […]
Technology and Mindfulness for New Parents
Technology is an amazing tool that we use daily for our work and personal lives, but it can also be the thing that drags us down. We need it, we love it, but we hate it. It’s time we take a good look at our data usage and figure out what’s draining us. Why not […]
Podcast Episode #64: Pediatric Dentistry and Speech Therapy
What do tongue ties, lip ties, oral aversions, and picky eaters have in common? Everything! Listen as two experts talk about how pediatric dentistry and speech therapy are both helping parents discover ways to help their children. You can listen to this complete podcast on iTunes or SoundCloud. Alyssa: Welcome to Ask the Doulas. I […]
Podcast Episode #63: What is a Speech Therapist?
We’ve all heard of a speech therapist but what do they actually do? In this episode, Courtney Joesel of Building Blocks Therapy Services tells us how speech and language services can benefit a child and why, if you notice signs of speech delay, it’s important to have your child seen earlier rather than later. She […]
Podcast Episode #60: A Naturopath’s Perspective on Pregnancy and Depression
Doctor Janna Hibler, ND talks to Alyssa and Kristin about how a naturopathic doctor treats pregnant and postpartum women, body and mind. You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes and SoundCloud. Alyssa: Hello, welcome to Ask the Doulas podcast. I am Alyssa Veneklase, co-owner of Gold Coast Doulas, and I am here […]
Doula Support for Adoptive Families
Most parents probably don’t think about hiring a doula if they aren’t pregnant. They think of a birth doula only supporting a laboring mother, but that couldn’t be farther from reality. Birth doulas can support any parent. Postpartum doulas can support adoptive families by helping them to prepare for baby’s arrival and in-home after baby […]
The Most Wonderful Time of The Year…or is it?
On of our birth doulas, Angel, reflects on this holiday season as a mother with a newborn. I think alot of us can relate… So you recently popped out a baby. Maybe your first, maybe your last. Either way, you are probably feeling a bit like you’re treading water. I know. I feel it too. […]
Podcast Episode #52: Meal Planning for Busy Parents
Ever wondered about all those meal delivery services? Are they worth the money? Will they save you time and money? Today we talk to Carrie, a client who uses a local meal delivery service, and Genevieve, the owner of Life Fuel. You can listen to this complete podcast on iTunes or SoundCloud. Alyssa: Hello, […]
Podcast Episode #50: Kids Eating Healthy
Today Katie Kimball of Kitchen Stewardship and Kids Cook Real Food tells us how to start our babies and get our toddlers eating healthy food. Don’t forget her free download – 10 Snacks your Preschooler Can Make Today! You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. Alyssa: Hello! Welcome to […]
Podcast Episode #49: Adjusting Babies
Do babies really need a chiropractic adjustment? Listen to Dr. Annie of Rise Wellness explain what happens to a baby’s body during pregnancy and delivery and how gentle methods can be extremely effective. You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or Soundcloud. .. Alyssa: Hi, welcome back to another episode of […]
Podcast Episode #47: How to be a Mompreneur
Alyssa and Cindy have a thoughtful conversation about what it’s really like to be mother and entrepreneur. Setting realistic expectations and learning to be intentional with your time as a business owner and a mom is important. Listen to see if they have tips for you! You can listen to this complete podcast episode on […]
Podcast Episode #45: Babywearing
What are the best baby carriers and wraps? Can you wear twins? Today we talk to babywearing expert Marissa Berghorst, owner of EcoBuns Baby + Co in Holland, Michigan. You can catch this complete podcast episode on iTunes and SoundCloud. Alyssa: Hello again! Welcome back to Ask the Doulas. I am Alyssa Veneklase, co-owner and […]
Podcast Episode #44: Kids and Sex
Today we talk about sex. How do you discuss it with your kids? What’s age appropriate? How much is too much information? Cindy, a former PA, gives us some good advice on how and where to start the conversation with your kids. You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. Alyssa: […]
Podcast Episode #43: Empathy in Healthcare
What should empathy in health care look like? Why do parents so often have negative experiences with their health care providers? Today we talk to Martelle of Mothership about empathy training and what her website provides for new parents. You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. Alyssa: Hello and welcome […]
Podcast Episode #41: Nutrition and Kids
Today we talk to David Fisher again. He is a dietician and helps plan nutritious meals for LifeFuel in Grand Rapids. We asked him to give us some pointers specifically related to children and getting them to eat healthily. You can listen to this complete podcast episode on iTunes or SoundCloud. Alyssa: Hello. Welcome […]
Podcast Episode #39: Newborn Skin Issues
Alyssa and Cindy from Cindy’s Suds talk today about common newborn skin issues. Ever heard of cradle cap? How do you prevent diaper rash? Do babies really get pimples? You can listen to this complete podcast on iTunes and SoundCloud. Alyssa: Hello! Welcome to another episode of Ask the Doulas. I am Alyssa Veneklase, […]
Nursing & The Entrepreneur
Today’s guest blog is from our dear friend, Kristina Bird. She is a partner with The People Picture Company, a photography studio located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids committed to producing magazine quality photography for all of life’s milestones. Sitting in my car, the beating hum of my pump out of sync with […]
Podcast Episode #33: Summertime Safety
Today Cindy and Alyssa talk about some summer safety tips including water safety at the beach and pool and tips for avoiding a sunburn. You can listen to the complete podcast episode on iTunes or Soundcloud. Alyssa: Hello. Welcome to another episode of Ask the Doulas. I’m so excited to be here with my […]