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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A Birth Story
May 26, 2019

Positive birth stories can be hard to come by but are essential in preparing for an empowering birthing experience. We must end the cycle of perpetuating the myth that birth is a horrible experience that we need to endure and survive. With the right preparation, support, and mindset, every woman can have a positive experience that she can hold sacred, as my dear client, Lucia, shares below.  Giving birth felt like traveling to the door of eternity or another world to me to receive the…

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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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The Best Growing Foods for Your Bump, Babe, and Beyond
Nov 15, 2017

First trimester aversions, breastfeeding struggles and colic, and toddler picky eating can all make it seem like it is impossible to get in the healthiest foods, but it is also the most critical period for optimal growth and development. I want to share some of the best growing foods to get the most bang for your buck during pregnancy, infancy, childhood and beyond. Our most vulnerable babes need protection against the toxins, refined sugar, antibiotics, pesticides, EMFs, and all the other scary things…

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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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A Joyful Birthing Birth Story
Aug 06, 2017

Four hours after my baby girl was born, she stopped breathing in my arms. We were transferred to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. Thankfully after an extremely stressful and emotional 2 weeks, we were finally home with our little bundle. That’s a long story for another day, but it is one reason why writing and remembering my birth story is so important to me. It was the most amazing experience of my life and the birth I never really knew I wanted…

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Happy Belly, Happy Baby (and Joyful Birth!)
Jun 07, 2017 , , ,

Hi Joyful Birthing friends! I am thrilled to introduce myself and share some insight to a healthy and happy prenatal and postpartum experience with you. My name is Katharine Murphy and I am a Nutritional Therapy Consultant, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mom of two, living in West Newbury. I am incredibly passionate about helping women to feel their best, look their best, and have an enjoyable pregnancy that leads to a healthy and happy babe. I believe with all my heart…

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