What's on our mind...

During pregnancy, your immune system undergoes changes to protect your growing baby, but it can also make you more vulnerable to certain infections, including foodborne illnesses. Food poisoning during pregnancy can lead to a range of complications, such as dehydration, preterm birth, and developmental issues for the baby. To safeguard your pregnancy, it's important to be aware of the foods that pose a higher risk of foodborne infections.

Anxiety is incredibly common for expectant mothers at any given point during pregnancy. It can manifest in different forms like worries about the health of the baby or concerns about labor and delivery. Hormonal fluctuations, physical changes, and the anticipation of a major life transition can inevitably illicit feelings of overwhelm! While some level of anxiety is normal, excessive or chronic anxiety can have adverse effects on mother and baby, which is why it is helpful to have easily accessible tools in place to help soothe an anxious mind.

Pregnancy might seem like the perfect reason to sit down on the couch and relax, but the truth is, pregnancy is the perfect opportunity to get moving! As your body goes through all the changes that come with growing a baby, regular exercise helps your body adapt and make your pregnancy experience healthier and more comfortable. Whether you have been exercising regularly or are just getting started, engaging in prenatal exercise is a powerful way to ensure a healthy start for both mom and baby.

Before language comes into play, touch serves as a major method of communication between babies and caregivers. This tendency to sooth and comfort babies with physical touch is instinctual for a reason!

Breastfeeding, while natural, is not always easy. Many new mothers encounter challenges like latching issues, pain, engorgement, low milk supply, and even emotional struggles. These difficulties can lead to frustration, self-doubt, and a sense of isolation. As nursing moms navigate their breastfeeding journey, it is so important to have resources for the inevitable question: “where can I find support?”

A milestone has been reached in the world of maternal mental health with Zurzuvae (zuranolone), the new FDA-approved pill for postpartum depression (PPD). This once-a-day pill promises a faster and more targeted approach to alleviating PPD symptoms in as little as three days. While this breakthrough is promising, it's important to recognize that PPD is a growing, complex issue that demands a comprehensive response made up of both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical support and resources.

Breastfeeding can seem like a simple task, but the reality for a lot of breastfeeding moms is that it can be tough to figure out. Those early days are a huge adjustment period, filled with constant learning and practice as your newborn feeds every two to three hours.

Breastfeeding your baby is a beautiful and special experience, but like most things that are worth doing, it can come with challenges! As you begin your breastfeeding journey, it is helpful to be aware of some of the common concerns that breastfeeding moms face. In this blog series, we will go over some of these concerns as well as tips and strategies to overcome them and make the most of your breastfeeding experience.

Research has consistently linked breastfeeding to a myriad of benefits for both mom and baby, yet the decision to breastfeed can still be a challenge for many women. A recent study conducted at the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing shows that education and community support play critical roles in increasing breastfeeding rates, especially in rural areas where expecting mothers can struggle to find breastfeeding support. 

Now that summer is in full swing, we want to remind our Birthly parents about the importance of staying hydrated. Proper hydration during pregnancy not only facilitates the absorption of essential nutrients, but also creates a protective environment for your baby in the womb. Neglecting hydration can lead to complications and affect your baby's development, so it’s important to understand why and how to prioritize hydration throughout your entire pregnancy journey.