All posts by Ellie Lindenmayer.

Ellie Lindenmayer is the founder of Joyful Birthing & Beyond. She is a childbirth educator, HypnoBirthing Practitioner, birth doula, lactation counselor and sleep consultant. She is a mother of three and passionate about all things birth & baby!

How to Select Your Prenatal Provider
Oct 11, 2019 , ,

One of the most important factors in determining how your birth goes (particularly in regards to medical interventions, procedures, and medications) depends upon whom you choose to be your prenatal provider. Of course, there are many providers out there, often with differing views of childbirth, regardless if they are a midwife or doctor (for example, some providers take a very medical view of birth, seeing it as so unpredictable that it is safest and best to use many medical procedures during birth…

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Pumping Tips
May 31, 2018 , , ,

It’s best to wait until baby is 4 weeks old before introducing the pump. Many breastfeeding mothers are eager to start pumping to get an “emergency stash”, prepare for the return to work, or to simply get a break from breastfeeding every 2-3 hours. I get it!! BUT it’s best to wait until your baby is at least 4 weeks old before introducing the pump and the bottle as we don’t want to interfere with your body’s regulation of milk supply (introducing…

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20 Things A Doula Does
Feb 08, 2018 , ,

So perhaps you understand what a doula is, but exactly does a doula do? 1. A doula supports the expectant mother and her partner throughout the pregnancy and is available to answer any questions or concerns about pregnancy, prenatal tests, and birth. 2. A doula meets with the expectant couple, usually in their home, at least once prior to the birth, around 30-35 weeks into the pregnancy. 3. Prior to labor, a doula helps the mother prepare for birth by educating her…

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Doulas are for C-Sections, Too
Nov 29, 2017 , , ,

Many assume that doulas only support natural birth or that you only need a doula if you want to have a natural birth. Doulas— especially the good ones— support all types of birth. Having attended natural, epidural, and cesarean births, I can tell you that each and every type of birth can benefit from doula support. In fact, my clients who have had births that have resulted in a c-section have needed even more support than my clients who have had natural…

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Why Your Birthing Environment Matters
Sep 20, 2017 , ,

A woman in labor is in a very vulnerable state— she is often experiencing intense physical and emotional sensations, working hard to allow her body to relax enough to open, and preparing her psyche for the birth of her baby— this is no small feat. For many women, this is one of their greatest accomplishments and, however it goes, an experience that they will remember for the rest of their life. I often think about other mammals in labor when I think…

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Doulas Are For Partners, Too!
Sep 20, 2017 , , ,

One of the most common misconceptions about doula support is that doulas replace or take away from a partner’s role. I understand where this concern comes from but most doulas (especially the good ones!) make it a priority to involve, empower, and support the partner. 5 Reasons Every Partner Can Benefit from Doula Support 1. A Doula Helps the Partner Help the Mother Most partners want to be active participants in the birthing experience but do not know specifically how to best…

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Natural Ways to Avoid Induction
Feb 10, 2017 , , ,

There are many reasons why your provider may suggest an induction of labor. I will not go into these reasons here but– as with all medical decisions– be sure that you understand the risks and benefits and that you ultimately make an informed choice (definitely take the time to read the articles on evidencebasedbirth.com, talk to your doula, and ask your provider A LOT of questions). If you have an induction scheduled and are hoping to go into labor on your own…

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My Journey into Birth Work
Oct 07, 2016 , , , , , ,

For as long as I can remember I was drawn to the miracle of birth. Like my grandfather (a prominent OBGYN in Philadelphia) I wanted to deliver babies, but daunted by the path to medical school, I pursued a career as a high-school English teacher instead, received my MA from Middlebury College and focused on helping adolescents find their voice in the classroom and navigate life’s challenges. When I became pregnant with my first child in 2011, I was determined to have…

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Better Birthing with HypnoBirthing®— A Doula’s Perspective
Aug 18, 2016 , , , ,

When I first heard of HypnoBirthing® (the Mongan Method), I was pregnant with my first child and eager to have a natural birth. I found a podcast on birthing methods and listened to the founder of HynoBirthing, Marie Mongan, talk about its philosophy and techniques, and the calm, gentle, and sometimes pain-free birthing experiences of HypnoBirthing mothers. I was instantly hooked and quickly signed up for a class. I loved every minute of the 12-hour series… it was a full education on…

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Tips to Ensure Adequate Milk Supply
Aug 03, 2016 , , , ,

The most common reason that mothers wean early or add in supplemental formula is due to concerns about inadequate milk supply. As a doula and lactation counselor, this is the postpartum concern I hear the most frequently. First, determine if you need to work on your supply. If your baby has exceeded her birth weight and is producing at least 4 stools a day, then you have a healthy, adequate supply. Striving to increase your supply may lead to engorgement, sore nipples,…

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