For many of us, it’s frankly hard to know where even to begin on the topic of being willing to ask for and receive help.  The last couple years this theme has been up close and personal as I’ve needed a great deal of help and accommodation while healing from a ruptured disc. In the beginning, it was really uncomfortable!  But I’ve learned that it is a healing journey to explore the flow of give and take and to lean into the balance of inhale and exhale.

In an impersonalized health care system, the professional doula has become a tremendous asset for modern birth in any setting. Doulas are experienced, trained, sensitive, labor-support privately hired by families to be with them during the labor and birth of their babies. They provide continuity of care, share knowledge of the normal process of labor and birth, and use their experience to ease the mother/baby’s birth process.

Through the winter holidays, it's fairly common for breastfeeding mamas to call with a whole string of nursing concerns because they feel their milk supply has gone down. Temporary circumstances can lead to a minor and temporary dip in milk supply. Here are some basics that can guide you to sorting out what might be going on in your case.