Fear of Giving Birth

Posted on June 27, 2018March 11, 2022 by Holly Yeager

There are few things in this world that scare us as much as childbirth. If this is your first child, many of those fears tend to come from fear of the unknown. Childbirth is such an unpredictable experience and each birth is as unique as a snowflake. In our highly scheduled and controlled world it can be scary to let go and let nature take its course. Today we are going to talk about some of the biggest fears many pregnant...Read More

Nitrous Oxide is now available in Central PA !

Posted on June 20, 2018March 11, 2022 by Holly Yeager

Nitrous Oxide has been used in labor and delivery wards overseas for decades. Now this popular labor tool is coming to Central PA. I have been a doula for well over 8 years and this is one of the most exciting things to happen in maternity care in our area! UPMC Pinnacle Health is the first to take this wonderful leap in helping women have a better birth experience. Nitrous Oxide in low doses is both an anxiolytic (for anxiety)...Read More

Umbilical Cord Care

Posted on April 10, 2018March 11, 2022 by Holly Yeager

[caption id="attachment_2814" align="aligncenter" width="289"] Photo Credit: Copyright: photodeti / 123RF Stock Photo[/caption] Congratulations on the birth of your baby! Today we are going to talk about the umbilical cord and how to care for it until it falls off naturally on its own. The Umbilical Cord: A Brief Description Lets start off by talking a bit about your baby's lifeline; the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord consists of two arteries and a vein which bring nutrients and oxygen rich blood...Read More

How to: Sooth an Overstimulated Baby

Posted on April 5, 2018March 11, 2022 by Holly Yeager

[caption id="attachment_2810" align="alignleft" width="300"] Photo Credit : Copyright: candy18 / 123RF Stock Photo[/caption] There is nothing a parent hates more than not being able to comfort your crying baby. Babies cry for many reasons and most of them are easy to decipher like hunger or needing a diaper change. Sometimes, however, it feels like nothing is working to calm your baby. Often times when this happens it is because your baby is overstimulated. First, lets talk about the signs that...Read More

When Birth and Death Collide

Posted on October 23, 2017March 11, 2022 by Holly Yeager

Trigger Warning: This blog talks about pregnancy loss and stillbirth. Doulas get into this career because they love the ushering in of new life. It is a joyous occasion. A celebration. Somewhere in the back of our minds we know the horrible truth though. That eventually, it will not have a happy ending. With each birth it drifts further and further from our minds. Each happy ending just affirms the joyous way of the world. Sometimes we work for years...Read More

Pumping Iron: Getting more when your Iron is low

Posted on September 15, 2017March 11, 2022 by Holly Yeager

Iron: What is it and why is it so important? Iron is an important mineral that your body uses to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that  is responsible for transporting oxygen through your body. When you get pregnant your blood supply increases causing you to need about twice the amount of iron you would need when not pregnant. About 20% of women will develop an iron deficiency known as anemia. The risks of anemia can...Read More

World’s Greatest

Posted on September 6, 2017March 11, 2022 by Holly Yeager

Written by: Brielle Rainney Owner of Southern Pacific Doulas A friend of mine was on facebook showing off her recent purchases. Amongst the lovely flowing dress, and cozy pjs, was a shirt that said “World’s Okayest Mom”. This women is one of the best mothers I know. I know ‘okay-est mom’ is a thing, but this woman owning that shirt is a tragedy. It would be so much more accurate if she had bought a “World’s best mom for my...Read More

The Kitten Doula

Posted on August 25, 2017March 11, 2022 by Holly Yeager

My community is a  tight knit one. Everyone in the neighborhood knows I am a doula. Because of that, I am often stopped and asked how to help grandchildren or friends babies as I am walking the dog or playing with my own children in the yard. Secretly, I love it. My community knows what I do and values me and my profession. This reputation as a helper and expert in babies is what prompted my neighbor Robin to stop...Read More

5 Quick and Healthy Summer Meals

Posted on July 26, 2017March 11, 2022 by Holly Yeager

Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad Two of summers best ingredients come together to make one amazingly healthy salad. Enjoy as a side or add grilled shrimp or chicken and make it the star of the show! [caption id="attachment_2379" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Green Bean and Tomato Salad[/caption] Ingredients: 2 lbs of Green Beans 2 Pints (1 lb) of Cherry Tomatoes 2 Teasp0ns of Salt 1 Teaspoon of Pepper 2 Teaspoons of Lemon Zest (or lime for a bit more tang) 1/2...Read More

What is a Postpartum Doula anyway?

Posted on July 21, 2017March 11, 2022 by Holly Yeager

The 4th trimester is described as the first three months after your baby is born. Some even call it a babymoon! Your postpartum doula wants to help you adjust and enjoy this new period of motherhood. They are here to support you by helping you create a peaceful and nurturing postpartum. Baby Care - Not only can your postpartum doula answer all of your baby care questions, but they can help you understand your babies cues and nuances. They can care for...Read More

Your Pelvic Floor : What You Need To Know

Posted on July 19, 2017March 11, 2022 by Holly Yeager

Approximately 1 in 3 women in the US suffer from pelvic floor issues at some point during their lifetime. Pregnancy and childbirth can strain and weaken the pelvic floor muscles leading to leaked urine when you sneeze or cough, or even sexual dysfunction. We spoke with Dr. Deb McKim, PT, DPT, MTC; a physical therapist at Western Berks Physical Therapy who specializes in pelvic floor health. What is your pelvic floor? For those of you who don’t know, the pelvic floor...Read More

Meet Your Doulas: Jenny Buckman

Posted on July 18, 2017 by Holly Yeager

Meet Jenny Buckman Jenny joined Lancaster Doulas in 2016 and has given loving and compassionate support to all the clients she has served. She is a strong and steady presence who can offer gentle guidance through all stages of pregnancy and postpartum.         It Starts With Passion: Jenny has always been around children. As a teen she babysat for families in her community. As she grew into a young woman she completed collage with the intent to...Read More