My infant feeding journey
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

My infant feeding journey

I get asked all the time what I did when it came to feeding my babies. Did I breastfeed? Formula feed? Purees? Baby-led weaning? Well, there’s a simple answer to all this. Yes!

Yep, that’s right, I have done it all! My personal experiences with my own three children and how different each of those experiences has been beneficial to my clients including my experience giving birth at three of Ottawa’s hospitals. When it comes to feeding my babies I tried all the different things.

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Things you absolutely need to know about pumping
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

Things you absolutely need to know about pumping

If you're planning to breastfeed, you may be wondering if pumping is something you need to learn about. The answer is maybe. Some mothers exclusively breastfeed and never pump, while others find that they need to pump occasionally or regularly. If you think you might want or need to pump, the best time to learn about it is before your baby is born. That way, you'll be familiar with the equipment and process if you need to use it. However, even if you don't plan to pump, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics! There's no need to feel overwhelmed - there are plenty of resources available to help you learn about pumping and breastfeeding.

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How to choose a birth photographer in Ottawa
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

How to choose a birth photographer in Ottawa

Birth photography in Ottawa is a relatively new phenomenon, but it’s growing in popularity fast.

Many pregnant persons are deciding to have a birth photographer capture their child's birth story, and for a good reason!

A good birth photographer can help you remember the moments of your child's birth forever.

But how do you choose the right one? Here are a few tips to help you out!

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How to choose a doula
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

How to choose a doula

When you're pregnant, there are so many things to think about. One important decision you'll make is who will support you during labour and delivery. Some women choose a doula who provides non-medical physical and emotional support during labor. If you're considering hiring a doula, here are some tips for choosing the right one for you. 

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Day in the Life of a Postpartum Doula
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

Day in the Life of a Postpartum Doula

This week we invited our very own Amy Own, birth and postpartum doula, to write about her experiences as a postpartum doula. We are often asked what exactly a postpartum doula does, and the simple answer is, they help families adjust to life with a new baby(ies). Read on to learn about a day in the life of a postpartum doula.

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ZzZ Infant Sleep 0-4 Months
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

ZzZ Infant Sleep 0-4 Months

Having a new baby is such an amazing and rewarding experience, however, it can also be very challenging at times. It’s a whole new world for them and you, which is why Restful Parenting has put together their best tips for this amazing new adventure.

Pam and Elisa are Sleep and Parenting Coaches with backgrounds in Early Childhood Education as well as moms. They have many years of experience working with babies and children, as well as supporting families and helping them through their sleep and parenting challenges.

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Your New Normal - Life After Baby
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

Your New Normal - Life After Baby

Now that you're pregnant, your life is going to change in ways you never imagined. You'll have new priorities and concerns, and adjusting to your new role as parents will take time. This blog post will outline some of the most significant changes you can expect once your baby is born. Read on to learn more!

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Top 10 Gifts For Moms-To-Be
Sherry Trowsse Sherry Trowsse

Top 10 Gifts For Moms-To-Be

Christmas will soon be here, and everyone is looking for the perfect gift. If you are a mom-to-be, here are some items you can add to your wish list!

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X - Ten Comfort Measures
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

X - Ten Comfort Measures

Today’s blog is going to be different from the others. It is a quick list of 10 comfort measures!

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Why Take a Childbirth Class?
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

Why Take a Childbirth Class?

No matter how you plan to give birth, it's essential to be as prepared as possible. That's why taking a childbirth education class is such a good idea. These classes can teach you everything you need to know about giving birth, from the basics of labour and delivery to more specific information like C-sections and epidurals. They can also help you prepare mentally and emotionally for the big day. So if you're pregnant, or planning to become pregnant soon, check out the upcoming days for our childbirth education classes. You won't regret it!

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Unmedicated Birth
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

Unmedicated Birth

Are you considering an unmedicated birth for your next pregnancy? If so, you're in luck! In this post, we'll discuss what to expect during an unmedicated birth and provide some tips on how to prepare. Keep in mind that every birth is different, so don't hesitate to consult with your Doctor or Midwife if you have any questions. We wish you a healthy and happy pregnancy!

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TENS Machine for Labour
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

TENS Machine for Labour

If you're pregnant, you may be wondering if using a TENS machine for labour is right for you. TENS machines use electrical currents to help decrease pain during labour. They are a common tool used in childbirth and can be very effective. You can read on to learn more about how they work and whether or not they might be the right choice for you.

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Stages of Labour
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

Stages of Labour

Labour is an awe-inspiring process, but it can also be a little daunting for expectant parents. Knowing what to expect can help make the experience feel a little less overwhelming. This post will outline the different stages and phases of labour, so that you'll be prepared for each step of the way. Labour doesn't have to be scary – with careful preparation, you can approach it feeling confident and excited!

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Risks, Benefits, and Informed Consent.
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

Risks, Benefits, and Informed Consent.

There are risks and benefits to all choices made during pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. Every person should make decisions based on their own individual situation after carefully researching the options available to them. This includes weighing the risks and benefits of medical procedures such as C-sections, epidurals, and inductions. It is important for pregnant persons to be fully informed of the potential risks and benefits of any medical intervention they are considering in order to make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed. No one can make this decision for them - only they can decide what is best for themselves and their babies.

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Q & A with Sherry Trowsse
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

Q & A with Sherry Trowsse

Have you googled “Questions to ask when meeting a doula?” If yes, I’m sure you found that they all basically ask the same thing! Here, Ottawa Birth owner, Sherry Trowsse answers them for you!

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Polyhydramnios- what you need to know
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

Polyhydramnios- what you need to know

Polyhydramnios is a rare complication of pregnancy where there is an excessive amount of amniotic fluid. For the mother and baby, it can increase the risk of certain complications. If you are told that you have polyhydramnios, it's important to understand what this means for your pregnancy and how you can best manage the condition. Here we will discuss everything you need to know about polyhydramnios, from symptoms and causes to treatment options. With information like this at your fingertips, you'll be able to feel more confident in your ability to handle this complication should it occur. So read on for all the details!

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Nitrous, Narcotics, Epidurals, and Spinals.
Jennifer Whitman Jennifer Whitman

Nitrous, Narcotics, Epidurals, and Spinals.

What are my pain relief options during labour and birth? This is something we get asked a lot! This blog post will provide an overview of each method so that you can make an informed decision about the type of pain relief you want during labour.

In Ontario, the most common methods are pain relief are:

narcotics, nitrous oxide, epidurals and spinal anesthesia (spinals).

Each method has its risks and benefits. It is important to understand what each one involves. There is no one size fits all option or best option, only what is best for you in your unique situation.

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