Page 7 - Blog
October 10, 2023
I’m Madison Sponsler, wife to an incredible husband and mama to two beautiful girls. This is the story of my miracle baby, Liberty.
Liberty is my first born. My pregnancy with her was beautiful and complication free. I loved every second of my pregnancy and the ultrasounds and blood tests all confirmed that our little bundle of joy was perfectly healthy.
At forty weeks I started having contractions. My husband and I were beyond excited to meet our beautiful girl. My labor was seamless and my delivery was fast. Everything had gone exactly how I dreamed it would during the nine months it took to grow her.
But my dream came to an abrupt halt when they placed her in my arms for the first time. Immediately, I knew that she was not like any newborn I had laid eyes on before. After a few moments of taking in my new daughter, I knew she had Down Syndrome.
The midwife dried her off, did her newborn evaluation, and told me that I should see a pediatrician the following morning. Since there was no
October 09, 2023
How can you use a bouncer to promote your baby’s development?
Put your baby safely and securely in their bouncer, hop into the shower, done! This is one of the most common functions of this everyday baby essential item. Especially in the beginning, when your baby is small and prefers to be snuggled and close to parents and loved ones. Did you know that you can use your Ergobaby 3-in-1 Evolve Bouncer to play with your baby and encourage their development? A baby bouncer can help with developmental milestones in several ways, although it's important to note that its impact may vary from one child to another. Here are some ways in which a baby bouncer can contribute to a baby's development: Sensory Stimulation:
Visual Stimulation: Many baby bouncers come with attached toys or mobiles that provide visual stimulation. These colorful and moving objects can engage a baby's visual senses and encourage them to track objects with their eyes, promoting visual development. The Evolve
May 22, 2023
Dr. Raquel Martin is an experienced licensed clinical psychologist, devoted professor, acclaimed researcher and scientist who believes deeply in the power of Black mental wealth – an affirming, lifelong journey that encourages Black people to center mental health practices as integral and intentionally linked to success and wellbeing.
Dr. Martin is on a mission to radically reimagine Black possibility by promoting Black mental health as key to legacy-building and longevity for generations to come.
As a mom, partner, mentor, and a Black woman navigating racism, gender bias and oppression, she embraces the importance of protecting mental health. Dr. Martin is publicly transparent with her own experiences and vulnerabilities because she knows that “healing in public helps those who need to heal in private.”
I got to chat with Dr. Raquel over zoom, and let me tell you, I could've talked with her for hours. As a mother of two young girls (7 and 4) who struggles with anxiety and depression, it's
February 12, 2023
How to Keep Your Relationship Strong After Having a Baby
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience. The transition from being a couple to a family can strain even the strongest relationships, making it crucial to prioritize your connection with your partner. Research shows that within three years of having a baby, nearly two-thirds of couples experience a decline in relationship satisfaction. However, with intentionality, communication, and quality time, you and your partner can navigate this transition together and emerge stronger than ever.
In this article, we’ll explore how relationships change after having a baby, share practical ways to maintain a strong bond, and provide creative date night ideas—both for when you can step out and when you're staying in.
How Relationships Change After Having a Baby
The arrival of a baby brings a shift in priorities, routines, and responsibilities. Here are some of the most common relationship changes new parents experience:
1. Increased
December 22, 2022
10 New Year’s Resolutions for Parents to Use All Year-Round
The new year is a time for fresh starts and thoughtful goal-setting, especially for parents who are juggling family, work, and self-care. These New Year’s resolutions for parents are designed to help you engage more with your children, nurture yourself, and create lasting memories all year long. Whether you’re focusing on spending quality time or carving out moments for self-care, these achievable parenting goals will inspire you to make meaningful changes.
1. Be in More Photos
As parents, we often find ourselves behind the camera, capturing every milestone and sweet moment. But years from now, your kids will want to see you in those photos, too.
How to Make It Happen:
Set up a tripod or use the timer feature on your phone.
Hand the camera to your partner or a friend to snap candid moments.
Invest in an easy-to-use carrier like the Omni Breeze so you can capture those on-the-go family adventures while staying close
December 05, 2022
Different Types of Baby Carriers
The best baby carrier is one that safely and ergonomically holds your baby, is comfortable for you and your baby, is simple to use and offers the functionality your lifestyle requires. But after years of caregivers trying different babywearing methods, coupled with today’s technology, you’re presented with more carrier choices than ever. How do you choose which infant carrier to get?
The four most popular types of baby carriers include:
Wraps / Mei Tais
Ring Slings
Soft-structured Carriers
Woven Wraps
Emotional Benefits of Getting Outside
Spending time in nature with your baby can strengthen the bond between you. The simple act of holding your baby close, feeling their warmth, and sharing new experiences together can create strong emotional connections. It’s also a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve your mood. When my littles were extra fussy, I’d take a walk around the neighborhood. Even though I don't live in an area with trails and surrounded
August 01, 2022
Jump to a Section:
Set up a breastfeeding station
Have a lactation consultant on speed dial
Rest (and then rest some more)
Ask for support
Center pleasure as much as you can
Do at least one thing per day just for you
Breastfeeding is well…a lot. Even if the latch is great, milk is flowing, and the baby is growing off the charts, being a breastfeeding mom is not always easy. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, combo-feeding, exclusively pumping, or anything in between, providing human milk is both labor and time-intensive, as well as physically and emotionally demanding.
A little self-care at this time of life can go a long way. As postpartum doulas, we’re all about making sure parents themselves are happy, supported, and thriving. After all, you are literally keeping another person alive with your body—and that means that you need a lot of care. And some of that care can come from yourself, via simple routines, healthy boundaries, and practical planning. Here are our
June 27, 2022
Having a baby is a beautiful and exciting stage of anyone’s life. However, it can be taxing emotionally and physically for your partner. We can read all the books and attend all the courses, but sometimes there are just the things no one tells you. Your partner will need all the help they can get, but sometimes it can be hard to know how exactly to help them. Here are a few ways that you might be able to help your partner after they give birth.
Caring for Your Partner During Labor and Delivery
Get drinks or ice from the machine - If you are having a hospital birth, chances are your partner won't be able to eat solid foods. Ice is always a welcome alternative to water as a change in texture.
Remind the partner to drink water - "Your body needs to be nourished and in top condition before and during the race. Days leading up to the marathon, long-distance runners will load up so they don’t run famished on the day of the race. And most importantly, marathoners are hydrated throughout the race....The
May 23, 2022
It’s not uncommon for expecting parents to consider (ruminate over, perseverate on, agitate in…?) how their identity will fare when “me” becomes “we.”
At LUMO we’ve had thousands of conversations with clients about this very topic. And, while we can’t promise we’ve heard it all, we’ve definitely been privy to quite a mélange. We’ve heard: “I’m going to stay exactly the same. People have been having babies for thousands of years. It’s fine.”
“I see my friends with kids and they’re so ensconced. They’re not even the same person. Will that happen to me?”
“I’m worried that parenting is going to be so demanding that I won’t have enough energy for work and I’ll lose my professional footing.”
In short, many new parents worry that their managers, family members, coworkers, friends with kids, friends without kids… basically everyone will see and treat them differently. That feels scary. Another concern that emerges for people in partnerships is that their dynamic with their partner will change
March 21, 2022
It’s World Doula Week!
The word “doula” comes from the Greek word meaning a woman who serves. Doulas have been helping women give birth in their homes for centuries and the idea of a “professional” doula arose in the 70s and 80s to help women with birth support in modern times. Today, doulas are available for support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
The purpose of World Doula Week (WDW) is to empower doulas all over the world to improve the physiological, social, emotional, and psychological health of women, newborns and families in birth and in the postpartum period.
There are so many benefits of having a doula present in birth and postpartum:
Reduces the incidence of c-sections
May shorten the length of labor
Reduces epidural and analgesic requests
Increases breastfeeding initiation and continuation
Increases mother’s satisfaction of birth experience
Can reduce the incidence of postpartum mood disorders
Increases new parents’ confidence in the care of their newborn