Simple and Budget-Savvy Ideas for Soon-To-Be Moms

Babies are so many things — precious, miraculous, beautiful, fresh, sweet, innocent. Oh, and let’s not forget expensive! Our little bundles of joy involve a fair amount of spending, especially at the beginning. With that in mind, here’s how to prepare for your baby’s arrival so you’ll have everything you’ll need without going broke. 

Build a Killer Wardrobe

Throughout the months leading up to and following your baby’s arrival, your body will experience a steady flow of changes. While that might seem obvious, how to handle the effect on your wardrobe can be puzzling. 

One suggestion is to aim for a handful of basics with simple, forgiving styles and neutral colors.  That way, they can mix and match, providing you with a versatile foundation. Also, think in terms of stretchy, comfortable fabrics. Yoga pants, empire waist tops, and wrap dresses can go from the office to a party with the right accessories. 

Putting Me Together points out that you can rely on pieces in your existing wardrobe to help round things out. Fold-over skirts, blazers, and cardigans can stay with you throughout your body’s many transitions — just add a great scarf, belt, or statement necklace for a fab ensemble. By pairing eye-catching accessories with your well-chosen basics, you can enjoy a killer wardrobe throughout the transitions of the coming months. 

Be Ready for Anything

Moms wear a lot of hats, and once your baby is here, it won’t take long to realize you need to be ready for just about anything, all the time. With that in mind, Kindred Bravely suggests thinking outside the box when it’s time to pack your diaper bag. An extra T-shirt provides a fresh change in the event of an ill-timed spit up, hair ties keep your locks away from grabby little fingers, and a wet bag can come to the rescue when there is a mess you can’t properly dispose of, such as a diaper blowout or that spit-up-covered top. 

Research great deals and stock up now — when your little one is here and you’re tired from feedings and diaper changes, you’ll thank yourself for the forethought!

Baby-Friendly Basics

Babies have tender skin, and many moms struggle with finding economical, baby-safe products for the day-in, day-out rigmarole. However, you can DIY a bunch of things that are not only baby-friendly but also budget-friendly and earth-friendly. 

As an example, you can make laundry detergent using ingredients such as washing soda, baking soda, and liquid soap. Baby wipes can be constructed from old rags cut into squares, then soaked with a blend of gentle cleaning agents, such as witch hazel, almond oil, and aloe vera. You can even make a cleaning spray for toys by simply mixing water, distilled vinegar, and lemon essential oil in a spray bottle. You might want to mix up a small amount to take along in your diaper bag for sprucing up your baby’s things while you’re out and about.

Shop Around for Seats

When it comes to your baby’s safety, chances are you are willing to spend whatever it takes, but is it worthwhile to invest in a high-dollar car seat? The Penny Hoarder explains that you’ll likely be better off putting your effort into finding a car seat that fits your budget and purposes. All car seats sold in the US must meet minimum safety requirements, so after that, it’s primarily up to you to determine which bells and whistles matter to you. 

There are dollar-savvy advantages in the convertible and three-in-one style seats since your child can use them until a car seat is no longer needed. However, sometimes buying an infant seat and then moving to a booster is less costly. Shop around for the best deals, and have peace of mind with purchasing the car seat that fits your wallet. 

You have plenty to spend your money on in preparation for your baby, but a little planning can go a long way toward stretching your funds. Build a killer wardrobe with versatile basics, prep essentials, and shop around for great deals. Kids might not be cheap, but they’re worth it!

Alternatives to Glucola for Diabetes Testing

Of all the tests pregnant women go through, the Glucose Challenge Test is arguably the one you hear about most often. Down an electric orange drink, wait, and have your blood drawn...sounds fun, right? Some people don’t mind the drink (called Glucola) while others search for alternatives. There are alternate options for both what you consume and how you test.

Guidelines currently call for a glucose challenge test around 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. The test is typically drinking a sweet drink and then having a blood test done an hour later to determine blood sugar levels. This test is used to help determine the occurrence of Gestational Diabetes which can pose a host of issues to both mom and baby during pregnancy.

If the pregnant person passes this test, they won’t be re-tested. Should they fail it, they’ll have to pass a longer test that involves a higher level of glucose.

Rates of GD have risen in recent decades so it is important to get tested. It’s estimated that anywhere from 5-10% of pregnant people have Gestational Diabetes and it’s important that those people be identified and treated to avoid complications.

Some people just hate the way Glucola tastes, some take issue with the ingredients...for whatever reason, there are definitely people searching for alternatives. The research put out found that the important part of the test was the 50g of sugar, not the source, and concluded that results were the same when a group of women given Glucola was compared to a group of women given Jelly Beans. The tests were the same.

It’s important to always refer back to your OB or Midwife when considering alternatives.

Common alternatives include:

6 oz Orange Juice and 1 Banana

28 Jelly Beans

A Soda with 50g Sugar

16 oz Orange Juice

These are options used by doctors and midwives around the country and definitely worth exploring.

Alternate ways of testing include Blood Sugar Monitoring as well as Hemoglobin A1C Testing. These both require much more testing, more time, and more involvement for you and your healthcare provider and it’s important to consult them on your options.

Blood Sugar Monitoring is exactly what it sounds like. You’ll monitor your own blood sugar levels by pricking your finger multiple times a day for a week and using a blood sugar testing unit.

Hemoglobin A1C Testing is a draw that monitors blood sugar levels over a three month period. It has been used as an alternative to the normal Glucose testing and is routinely used for those with Diabetes outside of pregnancy.

It’s also important to remember that the GD testing is a screening process and not an actual diagnostic. If you happen to fail the first screening, don’t panic immediately. It’s possible that you’ll be fine with the more extended testing!

Gestational Diabetes is something we should definitely monitor and treat but there are alternatives to the traditional screening. By working together with your provider to create a plan for you, you’ll find the perfect way to monitor and ensure your health is optimal and your baby is thriving through your whole pregnancy.

Your Day With a Postpartum Doula

“Good morning!”

“Good morning, how was your weekend?”

It’s Monday morning and your brand new baby has come home. You’ve been up what seems like every two hours feeding them and getting them back to sleep. Birth has, as it usually does, taken a toll on you, and you’re feeling the pressure of getting back to “normal”.

But it’s not normal.

Your Postpartum Doula knows this and soon you will too.

Settling into the new normal can often be a challenge for parents. As much as people wax poetic about what happens before and during the birth of your baby, it seems few talk about what happens when your baby comes home.

No worries. You’ve come prepared.

A day with a Postpartum Doula is a day with far fewer worries, far fewer stressors, and far more relaxation.

Your Doula, for example, might walk in and know right of the bat what needs to be done. They’ll usually run through the “normal” list of what might need attention.

Are there dishes in the sink? Is there laundry in the hamper? Are there bottles or pumped parts that need to be washed? Has everyone had something to eat?

A skilled Postpartum Doula will walk through these general touch points and be able to quickly assess and address anything that needs attention.

“Let me fill that water for you,” she may say, as you hold your baby in bed, “Is there a snack I can get you while I’m there?”

She’ll pop into the kitchen to grab whatever is needed, return and you’ll chat a bit. Maybe about your birth, maybe about how your baby is doing, maybe about how you’re feeling.

Whatever.

Your doula is sort of like your fill-in for the day-to-day housework and baby care that you may need a break from to rest. Our goal? To make sure your family eases into your new normal as peacefully as possible. That may include laundry, dishes, washing bottles, folding baby laundry, grabbing you a snack, or just holding your newborn while you take a shower for as long as you need.

“See you tomorrow!”

You’ve completed your first shift with your doula and, honestly, wouldn’t have it any other way.

Investing in Postpartum Support is investing in your health and sanity and it’s a beautiful gift to yourself and your family.

Enjoy your folded laundry. We’ll see you tomorrow.

Birth Options: Use Your BRAIN!

Pregnancy and birth can be an experience full of tons of different emotions. One we see frequently is worry! What procedures are “okay”? Which options do you have? With everything you need to decide, it seems impossible to know the “right” answers to each and every question. In most cases, though, there isn’t a “right” answer, just an answer that is right for you!

As doulas, we have a brilliant method of helping you explore your options. Simply use your BRAIN!

No, really. B.R.A.I.N.

This is a really quick and easy way to explore what your options are and make a choice that works for your family.

Let’s use an Epidural as an example and walk through what it might look like to use your BRAIN to make a quick decision.

Benefits

Ask “what are the benefits of this procedure/decision?” Answers are often health of baby, comfort of mom, or improved outcome overall. The

In our scenario, the benefits of an epidural might be increased comfort of birthing person which could result in sleep, allowing them to recover the strength they need for pushing in the event of a long labor.

Risks

What are the risks of the decision? The risk of an epidural might be decreased feeling which leads to less control during pushing, loss of mobility (meaning the rest of the labor will continue in bed), and inability to use a shower/bath as a means of comfort.

Alternatives

What are the alternatives? In the example of an epidural, alternatives may be any other physical comfort measure that provides relief. A warm bath or shower, counterpressure, massage, distraction, Rebozo, or position change could all be considered alternatives.

Intuition

What does your intuition say? We are often more in tune with our bodies than we give ourselves credit for and taking a moment to pause and reflect may give you a great idea of what the right decision is for you.

Nothing

What happens if we do nothing? In the case of an epidural, doing nothing does...well, nothing. If we do nothing we could wait an hour and come back to the option again. It doesn’t take it off the table, just changes the timeline.

This super simple system (try saying that five times fast!) is an easy way to explore your options quickly and help you make a decision. Sometimes we have more time to research and don’t need a snap decision. In these instances, using BRAIN will still help walk you through exactly what you need to research.

Making the right decision for your family is important! Exploring your options for laboring, birthing, pushing, feeding, and even birthplace often leads to feeling more empowered, more secure, and having a better birth experience. Whatever you decide, we’re here!

Supporting C-Sections: Doulas for Cesarean Birth

Cesarean Birth is something that every pregnant person must evaluate. While it’s not ideal for most birth plans, there is a myth that doulas can’t support a C-Section. False! Doulas can be an incredible source of help for any birth outcome, including a C-Section. Combining a wealth of knowledge and experience, doulas bring emotional, physical, and educational support to each and every client.

1 Emotional Support

Any surgery can be fraught with worry, stress, and a general sense of uncertainty. This is super normal but especially when faced with a surgery to bring your baby into the world. Not only does this affect your life, it affects the life of your unborn baby! It’s no wonder there’s a huge need for emotional support when your birth plan includes a Cesarean. Often fear comes from the unknown. Your doula knows all about common procedures, options, and exactly what will happen once you embark upon your birth. They’ll walk you and your partner through each and every step beforehand and be there to affirm and support during and after as well.

2 Physical Support

Some hospitals allow doulas into the Operating Room. While in the OR, often your doula will stay with you if your partner needs to leave to go to the NICU with baby. Should you feel cold or unstable, your doula can be there to help keep you warm or even just place a hand on your shoulder. Once your procedure is complete and you’re in recovery, often women find themselves shivering and unable to control it or even nauseated. Your doula is skilled and experienced in helping you through these physical symptoms as well as helping you to nurse your baby as soon as possible if you decide to breastfeed. The stress can also get to your partner, your doula can be there and allow your partner to sit and take a breath after the birth of your new little one!

3 Choices in Childbirth

You may not have seen your birth going this way but that doesn’t mean that through the twists and turns you don’t have options. A doula can help walk you through what choices you can make as well as you journey through. From how and when baby is fed to what music is played during your cesarean, you do have choices! There are things that may be available to you that enhance your birthing experience such as clear drapes, skin-to-skin just after birth, and attempting to breastfeed in the OR.  Your doula will be familiar with your birthplace’s options and can help you pick the best things for you and your family.

Maybe you knew you’d need a C-Section when you got pregnant. Maybe it’s a surprise change you weren’t expecting. Planned or unplanned, your Cesarean birth can be a beautifully supported experience with the skills your doula brings. In addition, they can help you know exactly where in Charlotte is ideal for what you’re hoping to experience during the birth of your baby. Your doula will navigate seamlessly, helping to make for a more smooth and comfortable experience for your family.

Sick and Pregnant: Safe Cold and Flu Remedies

With cold and flu season upon us, we’re all taking precautions. Vitamin C, soup, supplements...anything we can do to avoid catching the nasties floating around.

When you’re pregnant, your immune system is actually slightly lowered. Pregnancy also doesn’t allow for most common remedies. What’s an expectant person to do if they catch the dreaded bug? We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves to help ease the struggle of being sick and get you back to normal.

While the old adage is to drink Orange Juice or pop some Vitamin C, Zinc is actually the supplement you want. It’s been clinically proven effective at shortening the length of colds. Ideally it should be taken within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms. Options include capsules and even kind of delicious lozenges and it’s completely safe for pregnancy. Some foods rich in Zinc are lamb or beef, Yogurt, and Dark Chocolate. So the next time you get a craving, grab some dark chocolate and tell yourself it’s for your immune system.

 If you find yourself with a cough, the best recommendation (even from doctors) is honey. Dark honey is generally regarded as best but any honey will do. If you’re looking for some soothing for a sore throat, add some honey and lemon into some hot water. For a kick of flavor and a natural antibiotic add a slice of ginger root as well. Kick up your feet, turn on a movie, and enjoy some honey and lemon tea. You deserve it.

When it comes to medication, some of them are actually considered low-risk for pregnancy. Generally speaking, it’s recommended to avoid all medication if possible before 12 weeks of pregnancy and caution is advised after week 28. Common ones that are generally regarded as safe are Acetaminophen (for aches and pains), plain cough syrup (not multi-symptom ones), and cough drops. It’s very, very important to check with your doctor before taking any medication.

Hot Tip: Download the app MommyMeds for a quick reference of meds you can take that are GRAS (Generally regarded as safe) for both pregnancy and for breastfeeding.

We’re hoping you stay healthy this season but should you find yourself with the dreaded cough or flu, never fear! There is hope!

Pregnancy Dreams and Why They're So Screwy

You are walking down the street on a normal fall day. As you walk, you notice the breeze pick up and leaves start to swirl more than usual. You look behind you and then turn back to face front only to see a huge purple and yellow cow standing in your path. The cow stand on its back two legs and asks you for a breath mint. As you hand the cow a breath mint, you realize you’re carrying a Star Wars lunch box as a purse.

Dreams during pregnancy can be absolutely wild and downright scary sometimes! Women who are pregnant often experience changes that include more frequent dreaming, nightmares, anxiety-based dreams, and the ability to remember dreams. Since your body is going through so many changes, it’s not shocking that you experience these changes!

Since our mental, physical, and emotional states are all intertwined, as your body changes so does your mind. One likely cause is due to the increase in hormone production. Pregnancy hormones (like Progesterone) often have the ability to affect and increase emotional distress as well as Anxiety. They also impact the way your brain takes in information and processes it. It’s very possible those strange dreams have something to do with that! (This also may be an explanation why a lot of pregnant women find themselves having sexual dreams.)

During pregnancy our sleep schedule is also disrupted. Whether it’s due to an inability to fall asleep, physical discomfort from an expanding body, or just needing to pee in the middle of the night (a million times…) this changes our sleep cycles and disrupts what is known as REM sleep. The REM or Rapid Eye Movement stage of sleep is the stage in which dreaming happens. When this is disrupted it can affect the length, frequency, or even ability to remember the dreams. This may sometimes be the cause of the more vivid or easily remembered dreams.

Some experts also believe that pregnancy dreams are a way of your unconscious mind dealing with the increased stress or anxiety that accompanies bringing a new life into the world.

While there is no actual scientific answer for why dreams during pregnancy are so weird, there are many contributing factors that definitely make sense! If your dreams aren’t bothering you, simply return back to sleep and visit the purple and yellow cow again. If they’re a bit disturbing or unnerving, consider keeping a dream journal either on your phone or in a notebook by your bed. It may be your unconscious mind trying to process something important! If your dreams, however, veer into dangerous or scary territory frequently, it may be a good idea to talk with a counselor, therapist, or friend to check in and make sure everything is okay.

No matter what crazy, alarming, or sexual dreams you’re having at night, make sure you’re still doing your best to rest as much as possible! We do a lot of healing and growing at night and your body is literally making a human being. Relax, take a deep breath, and dive back into some REM sleep.

Sweet (or slightly weird) dreams!

Our Favorite Toddler Shows (without Talking Animals)

Team Umizoomi

This cute show features two main characters, Milli and Geo, and a robot named Bot. Together they soar through space and explore math concepts. From counting to simple addition and subtraction, this show is a well done dive into prepping kids to enter preschool by introducing numbers in a fun way.

Little Einsteins

An oldie but a goody, Little Einsteins is based on the ideas behind the Baby Einstein franchise. This show’s main characters are Leo, Annie, June, and Quincy. They fly in their rocket and solve puzzles in each episode. Weaving classical paintings and music into each adventure, this show also introduces concepts like patterns, colors, and shapes.

Sid the Science Kid

In classic Ed Henson style, Sid the Science Kid features human-like characters who are very...well, Muppet-inspired. They are definitely kids and Sid, the lead, loves to explore new scientific questions, theories, and concepts. Touching on a range of subjects, this show is full of fun characters and learning.

Yo Gabba Gabba!

Okay, this show isn’t *technically* talking animals because they’re…..well, we don’t know what they are. But the’re not animals. Yo Gabba Gabba is a brilliantly colored show full of electronic music, emotions, and fun dances. While not educational in a school sense, it touches on everyday skills like sharing, brushing teeth, and getting ready for bed. Plus it features some of our favorite bands. This is one we’ll actually watch too.

Charlie and Lola

The misadventures of Charlie and Lola are somehow soothing and precious as these siblings stumble through life learning together. This UK-based show features soft colors, life lessons, and main characters with British accents. This one’s pretty sweet.

Top 5 Books for New Big Siblings

Becoming a big sibling can bring a range of emotions from excitement to fear. An incredible way to help kids talk about those things? Books! Read your littles stories of big brothers and big sisters to help them understand and relate to what the characters are going through. We’ve gathered 5 great options for your bedtime stories to add to your library.

1. Lola Reads to Leo by Anna McQuinn :

This sweet book highlights the main character, Lola, and her love of reading. She, of course, wants to introduce that love to her new baby brother. From bringing a soft book to her new brother’s crib to reading him a book in the evening, she thinks being a big sister is the “best gift of all”. This story promotes a love of reading and a love of sharing with the new baby, making it the perfect addition to your library.

2. The New Small Person by Lauren Child :

This story is a very familiar tale for many families. An older sibling and an unwelcome change to their dynamic. Elmore Green takes to calling his new sibling “it” and recounts the tale of how “it” licks his jelly bean collection! The shift from only child to older brother can be a tricky one and this book does a beautiful job of combining a common struggle with beautiful imagery and finally reaching the resolution of a new small person being a friend.

3. Once Upon a Baby Brother by Sarah Sullivan:

Older siblings can have very conflicting thoughts about a new baby joining their family. They have typically been the sole focus of their parents for their whole lives! With that shift comes a new dynamic. Sarah Sullivan tells this story from Lizzie, a celebrated and gifted storyteller’s perspective. It’s a sweet and helpful way to introduce the concept of a baby to a sibling who might be old enough to understand just what’s going on.

4. Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak :

A strange fantasy tale, this book is one full of differing emotions from love to resentment. When goblins steal Ida’s baby sister to make her a goblin bride, Ida must go “outside over there” to get her back. This may seem a weird addition to this list but everything that a new sibling goes through, emotion-wise.

5. Ish by Peter H Reynolds :

This book makes the list for the middle siblings. A story about Ramon and his love of drawing, his hopes, dreams, and joy are all dashed in a split second by a comment made by his older brother. When he realizes his art isn’t perfect, he plans to destroy it all until his younger sister steps in and helps him see that art doesn’t have to be perfect, it can be “-ish”. This story highlights both the importance of celebrating imperfections and the bond between siblings.

Questions to Ask Your Placenta Encapsulator

Placenta Encapsulation has been a hot topic for pregnant people and healthcare providers alike recently. With families in Charlotte often calling us to learn more, we decided to compile a list of questions you should be asking before you book your Placenta Encapsulation. Uptown Doula makes it top priority to ensure the safety of each of our clients that books this service with us and we believe in asking the right questions!

1. Where do you Encapsulate?

Where your encapsulator processes your placenta is incredibly important. Do they have a dedicated space or will their family be eating dinner next to your placenta? Do they have pets that could introduce different microbial elements to the delicate microbiome of your placenta?

Uptown Doula will only process your placenta in your home. We feel it is the safest for our clients as it ensures that there are not foreign elements to your placenta and it never leaves your possession. There is no risk of it being confused with someone else’s and you also get to watch the sanitization process.

2. What is your process?

Your encapsulator should be able to walk you through each step of the process they will be performing.

Uptown Doula completes a thorough sanitizing of the area we’ll be working in, and steams, dehydrates, grinds, and encapsulates the placenta over the course of two days.

3. Can you guarantee a certain number of pills?

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to guarantee a certain number of pills. The yield from the process varies based on the size of your placenta. If anyone gives you a guaranteed number, run! There’s a possibility they will add herbs or other foreign substances to increase the number of pills.

4. Are you Blood Borne Pathogen Certified?

BBP certification is important to ensure the proper disposal and cleaning of any organ that contains blood. The proper procedures should be employed to make sure that there is no cross-contamination and pathogens have been destroyed.

5. Will you use a raw or low temp method?

Knowing this is key to making sure you’re using someone you trust. Doing your own research on this topic is key. A raw or low-temp method is supposedly less invasive and yields more capsules. However, a raw method does leave you open to the risk of pathogens that cannot be destroyed using low temperatures.

Uptown Doula will not use a raw method of encapsulation, we use a method close to the Traditional Chinese Method.

6. Who are you trained through?

There are encapsulators who process Placentas with no formal training. Asking this question leaves nothing to chance, and gives you the information you need to make the best decision for you.

7. At what point would you not encapsulate?

If a fever occurs during labor, your placenta should not be processed. There are a few other situations in which safety is in question, and these should definitely be discussed.

Placenta Encapsulation has been reported to aid in healing, milk production, energy, mood stabilizing, and more. The benefits of this process are many but the safety of it is often debated. By asking the right questions, you can take your safety into your own hands, leaving nothing to chance. Your safety is the absolute top priority of Uptown Doula when you’re finding your Postpartum Placenta Specialist in Charlotte.

Interested in placenta services? If so, you can do that right here! We are standing by to answer all your questions and help point you in the right direction.

I Want to be Daniel Tiger's Mom

Photo Credit: https://www.fredrogers.org/

Who is your mom hero?

Mine is easy and also doesn’t actually exist. My mom hero?

Daniel Tiger’s mom. Easy answer.

First of all, Daniel and Margaret are adorable. They’re always dressed, bathed, fed healthy foods, and learning important life lessons. While they learn them everywhere, their mom is always there with a calm word and a song to help them.

Daniel’s mom (whose name is actually Collette, fun fact!) is always there with a kind word and a tune to sing. She gets two kids, a baby and a toddler, no less, ready for the day without tears, angst, or frustrated words. She never gets angry, she meets her offspring with an incredible amount of kindness even though she’s asked her son to put his shoes on literally 10 million times.

Goals.

If you’ve ever parented a baby and a preschooler you know that shit’s hard. Dealing with a teeny human and a slightly-less-teeny human is a whole thing. Between getting dressed, the resistance to getting dressed, mealtime, the resistance to mealtime...I think you see the pattern...getting two small ones ready and out the door can be a nightmare. Daniel Tiger’s Mom, however? She somehow always responds in kindness.

Wow.

Can we talk about her voice? She’s literally constantly kind. Her voice communicates kindness, love, and support each and every freaking time. She has a soothing, perfectly motherly voice that makes us want to either fall asleep or roll our eyes. We’re not sure. Probably both.

Literally, how?

We’re doulas here, let’s chat about pregnancy and childbirth. Momma Tiger carried that baby with more grace than we’ve probably ever seen. She then birthed that baby and walked home. Genuinely impressed (and don’t recommend, to be honest, but we digress). She was an inspiration of calm, even when she knew she was bringing Baby Margaret into the world that day!

Remember Banana Swirl?? That’s some Pinterest Mom shit. How were we supposed to know you could freeze bananas and fool your kids into thinking it was actual ice cream? We’re literally still not sure that would fly in our house. So not only is she brilliant, she’s brave AF for trying that one.

Basically she’s our shining example of what a mom should be. Kind, loving, patient, always ready with a teaching moment, and adorable. Thank you, Mama Tiger, for showing us all what we should aspire to (and how to be kind to ourselves when we mess up).

How to Induce Labor Naturally: A Doula's Guide to Natural Induction

37...38...39...weeks keep passing and your baby is still hanging out? We’ve heard it said before that the first part of pregnancy goes so quickly and the last month lasts a year. It totally feels that way. Between a baby that has grown to nearing the size of a watermelon to your shifting center of gravity and ligaments stretching and loosening, there is often a lot of anticipation and discomfort that comes with the final days of pregnancy.

As doulas, we’re often asked about natural induction techniques.

Now, while anything involving induction is clearly some sort of augmentation of normal labor, there are some home remedies that have been suggested to begin or help labor progress. Bear in mind, each person is different and not every technique will work for every person. Some of them are kind of funny and some of them have an origin of scientific evidence. No matter which you choose, always be sure to check in with your doctor and pay close attention to how you’re feeling.

1. Pineapple Juice/Spicy Foods

One of the widest known (and easiest techniques is eating or drinking something to help bring on labor. Pineapple juice is a very common suggestion (and a pretty delicious one). It’s said that the enzymes it contains can help jump-start labor. Honestly, this one is probably worth a shot. If nothing else, it’s a nice, fruity pick-me-up.

Another edible option is spicy food. Wives tales tell us spicy food can help naturally induce labor. The two main theories why this may work are that the spicy foods may stimulate the digestive tract, bringing on contractions. Another is it may stimulate Prostaglandin, one of the things known to help soften the cervix. Regardless, this is a great excuse to grab yourself some Indian food or chips and salsa.

2. Chiro Care

This is a big one! While Chiropractors don’t claim to be able to start labor, Chiropractic care has been known to help get baby into a good position in the pelvis. In order for your cervix to dilate, thin, and efface, baby’s head must be against it. It’s not too far-fetched to think that getting baby positioned properly may help bring on labor. The other main benefit of Chiropractic care is increased comfort throughout pregnancy. Make sure you seek out a Webster Certified Chiropractor, which is one that works specifically with expectant parents.

3. Massage

There is both scientific and anecdotal evidence to back this one up. Anecdotally, there are some pressure points that may help bring on contractions. This is why people often have to be careful when getting pedicures and often seek out acupuncture or acupressure to bring baby out. Scientifically, touch stimulates the production of Oxytocin in our brains. This hormone (also called the “love hormone”) is responsible for the progression of labor. When you get a massage, you’re spending an hour or so stimulating Oxytocin in your brain.

This is also a great opportunity to help your partner connect with you through the process (and spoil you a little bit).

4. Sex

Ah, yes. Sex. We’ve often heard it said that you get baby out the same way you got baby in. Frankly, there’s some truth to that. Semen contains Prostaglandin, the same hormone found in Cervidil which is often used to help induce labor in the hospital. The gel is placed against the cervix in hopes of helping it soften. The DIY version of this is to...well...get it on. In addition, sex and, more specifically, orgasms produce a lot of Oxytocin in our brains. The combo of Prostaglandin and Oxytocin may just be exactly what you need to send you into labor. And, honestly, it’s a fun way to pass the time even if it doesn’t.

Natural Induction of Labor is a highly searched term on Google and a frequently asked question from our clients. We’re often walking people through exactly how they can serve their baby an eviction notice. The last month or so of pregnancy can often drag on so sometimes even just giving these methods a try can help you get through.

Have you tried a Natural Induction? What methods have you heard of? Let us know in the comments!