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Colleen

Colleen

20 helpful questions to ask at your prenatal appointments

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prenatal questionsYou have chosen your provider and the news that you are expecting is finally sinking in.  Maybe you get an early sonogram picture and your heart explodes at the life growing inside you. The wheels in your mind are spinning as prenatal questions keep popping up. You devour pregnancy books and ask friends but you won’t have peace of mind until you chat with your provider.

As an RN, a former certified childbirth educator and co-author of Starting out Right: Positive Strategies to Guide Adolescents through Healthy Pregnancy and Childbirth, I have heard almost every possible question that people have during their pregnancy. A good amount I can answer, others I will tell you I need to get back to you and some I will tell you to ask your OB or Midwife. [Read more…] about 20 helpful questions to ask at your prenatal appointments

Pregnant? Who provides your prenatal care?

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2 lines or a + sign, now what?

prenatal-care
Pregnant

Whom do you tell first? How do you share the news? When do you tell?

Wait a couple weeks or shout it from the rooftops? Sorry, there is no right answer.

Once the initial shock or excitement has worn off and the reality has set in, how do you decide who to go to for your prenatal care? When do you start getting prenatal care?  Do you see an OB/GYN? Or a Midwife? [Read more…] about Pregnant? Who provides your prenatal care?

Vernix: More than just a white cheesy substance

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More than just a white cheesy substance found on the skin of newborns….

White cheesy substance
Vernix Caseosa

Vernix is Latin for varnish

Caseosa is Latin for cheese

You have waited 10 long months to meet your baby, and she is finally here. You get lost in the beauty of her face and hold her close to your chest.  Instant love has enveloped your heart.  She is perfect.

[Read more…] about Vernix: More than just a white cheesy substance

Mastering the art of diaper changing

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Diaper Changing 101

Diaper changing

Whether this is your first diaper change or your 500th, you will soon become a pro!  Babies, especially newborns go through a TON of diapers in the first couple of weeks. Putting the diaper on backwards or making it too lose are common mistakes. Being peed on WILL happen at some point, it is just a matter of time, so be prepared. [Read more…] about Mastering the art of diaper changing

Knowing What Expectations to Ignore

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Unrealistic expectations can be harmful because they set us up for failure. Do not let that happen to you!

Part Two

Wonder Woman, shattering expectationsSetting realistic expectations about life with a newborn.

I love helping parents plan and prepare for their postpartum period.  Couples make birth plans to help them feel prepared and empowered during their labor and delivery. Planning for your postpartum period can help answer questions and allow parents to feel less anxious for this life change.  Taking the time to talk through what you think is going to happen versus the reality of what is likely to happen is important for this transition. Plan ahead for support or call in support before you feel like you are going to “lose it.” You may not experience all the expectations in the prior blog, or you may experience all of them and more. Setting realistic expectations can help with your postpartum emotions and your overall adjustment to parenting.  It doesn’t have to be BAD or TERRIBLE! [Read more…] about Knowing What Expectations to Ignore

Quick and Easy Father’s Day Gifts for the First Time Dad or Dad-to-be

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Father's Day Gifts
Father’s Day Gifts

Looking for a fast and easy Father’s Day gift for the NEW dad or dad-to-be?

Father’s Day is just a few days away!  Do you need ideas that are quick and easy to give to the new dad in your home? One word: PERSONALIZATION

The most precious gifts I treasure from my girls are their homemade gifts.  It does not have to be perfect or expensive because when I look at it, it makes me smile. I have kept tons of colored pictures and drawings and my husband still has drawings in his office from years past. [Read more…] about Quick and Easy Father’s Day Gifts for the First Time Dad or Dad-to-be

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Due to COVID 19, Colleen will be providing virtual and/or in home support.

Feel free to call, text or email her for virtual support in the comfort, safely providing virtual and in-person support based on families needs!