You’ve heard about midwives, and you’ve maybe even seen Call the Midwife – but what do midwives in the 21st century really do? What education background do they have? How is a midwife different from an OB/GYN? Today, we are answering all your questions. So, what is a midwife? Board Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are specifically trained to care for healthy women, with a special emphasis on low-risk pregnancy and birth. They are trained in collaborative care models that engage other healthcare providers. Baby+Co. Read More

You’re pregnant. You’re over the moon about your new baby, but you may not feel the same way about your healthcare provider. Believe it or not, this is a common feeling. Most parents-to-be don’t realize that they can change care providers even late in pregnancy. Whatever your reason, remember that it is common to change providers and that it doesn’t need to be complicated. You deserve to feel respected, informed, and supported in your choices. Below are some helpful tips if you are interested in changing your prenatal care provider. 1. Request Your Medical Records ASAP You are entitled to… Read More

It’s one of the common things people say when you’re pregnant: “Get your sleep now, while you can, haha!” or something of that nature. That’s all well and good – and most of us would love to get the sleep we need – but sometimes it can be challenging to get restful sleep during pregnancy, no matter what trimester you’re in. According to the National Sleep Foundation, up to 78% of women report sleep disturbances during pregnancy, compared to other times in their lives. While physical changes can certainly interfere with sleep, anxiety can also be… Read More

Congratulations! You’re pregnant! The first trimester is full of  big changes, and if you’ve never been pregnant before (and even if you have!), there can be symptoms that leave you wondering is this normal? Have no fear; today’s blog will look at some of the myths and realities of early pregnancy – what’s normal and what’s not. Remember: you know your body best, so if you have any questions or concerns, or feel something isn’t right, it’s always a good idea to call your midwife and check in with her. There’s no harm in being cautious! Morning Sickness… Read More

After you see that positive pregnancy test, the next question on your mind is probably “When am I going to start showing?” As you eagerly await that baby bump and browse for new clothes at the maternity store, you might not be sure when you’re actually going to get to debut them. Most women gain between 15 and 40 pounds during pregnancy, and your first few months will be filled with physical changes. In your eagerness to spot your burgeoning bump, though, you might begin to wonder if you’re starting to show or if you just ate too much chili. Read More

Staying active during pregnancy can be challenging: you may be dealing with fatigue, nausea, balance issues, and discomfort. Staying active can be doubly challenging when you’re pregnant in the summer and already tend to run hot! Here are some ways to be active and keep fit while you’re pregnant in the summer. Remember, ask your midwife before starting any sort of exercise program, and make sure your activity is okay before starting it. If you’re not feeling well during the activity, stop and rest, and call your midwife if you are concerned. As always, stay hydrated and… Read More

No, it’s not your imagination: you really are losing your mind. Well…maybe not THAT, but during pregnancy (especially the third trimester), many women really do experience “placenta brain,” “baby brain,” or “pregnancy brain.” This typically manifests as forgetfulness or feeling “spacey,” and like so many other things in pregnancy, it’s due to hormones. Lack of sleep (hello constant bathroom trips) can also impact memory and focus, too – as can stress or anxiety. During the last trimester of pregnancy, brain cell volume actually decreases temporarily, further affecting cognition. Although it’s frustrating, the good news is that this is all situational,… Read More

  It’s early on in your pregnancy, but already your pants are tight and your belly feels big – no, it’s not your imagination! Bloating is a common symptom of pregnancy, usually showing up in the first trimester, around week 10 or 11. Like so many other bodily changes during pregnancy, hormones are to blame – namely, progesterone. Progesterone is the hormone that is responsible for maintaining a healthy pregnancy (“pro-gestation”). When progesterone levels rise, it can also cause things like bloating and gas, because it relaxes smooth muscle (like the uterus). The intestines are also smooth muscle, and an… Read More

Your diet has a major impact on your health, and when you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you’re ingesting impact your little one as well. Babies need extra nutrients, and you may not be getting certain critical elements in sufficient amounts – even if you stick to a balanced diet and especially if you have dietary restrictions like vegans, vegetarians, and people who are intolerant of gluten or dairy. That’s where a prenatal vitamin enters the picture. You know a prenatal vitamin is good for you (and the wee one!), and vitamins and minerals… Read More

At some point in her pregnancy, almost every woman has had a cringe-worthy moment. Maybe a stranger makes an offensive comment in passing. The partner might be an innocent perpetrator of one of these statements. But whether you’re friends with someone who is pregnant, married to a pregnant woman, or just your average person on the street, here are ten of the worst things you can say to a pregnant woman: When are you due? March? Never guess when a woman is due. We are not at the fair. You are not the creepy guy who guesses people’s weights or… Read More