Beloved Birthing & Babies LLC

I have two spots left in my prenatal yoga series at Women in Motion that starts tomorrow. Link below! Please share

Prenatal Yoga Series — Women In Motion Physical Therapy & Wellness Prenatal Yoga Series Come and join us at Women in Motion to strengthen, stretch and relax throughout a 90 minute Prenatal Yoga class. In these classes we will build body awareness, focus on the muscles most affected by pregnancy, and incorporate techniques to prepare for and cope with labor. Open to...

https://www.belovedbirthcville.com/birth-prep-class

Super excited to be leading a Birth Prep class at RiverHaven Birth Center at the end of the month. We will cover all aspects of the birth and labor process, as well as touch on breastfeeding and newborn care. This class will offer a wonderful setting for learning and building confidence about what to expect. Link below with more class details! Please share! https://www.belovedbirthcville.com/birth-prep-class/p/birth-prep-class

Halfway through my current Prenatal Yoga Series at Women in Motion and loving it!! I have another series starting after Easter, and can’t wait to connect with more Mamas! Prenatal Yoga is such a beneficial practice to incorporate in your pregnancy. We touch on so many aspects of common pregnancy aches and pains, cover aspects of labor and how to prepare, and get plenty of time in class to relax and feel supported in a safe space. The social aspect of getting to spend time connecting to other women who get what you are going through is an added bonus. Please share to any expectant mamas in your life 🙂

I love love getting to check in with my clients after they’ve come home from the hospital and give referrals/help with Postpartum care. Nourishing, supportive care is so key after birth and during the transition to a “new normal” for families. It has become common to be isolated from extended family and it can be challenging to gain a network of support in a city you are new to. Consider gifting a newly expanded family with some Postpartum care, it’s a way to show your love and support if you don’t live close enough to help directly.

A reminder to all moms out there that are spending all the time holding and nursing your brand new little babes: I know it can be an adjustment and feel like you aren’t “doing” enough in the initial days home from the hospital but you are doing EVERYTHING! Soak in all of the sweet newborn snuggles, and know that you are right where you need to be. ❤️ Natasha Hayden

Early labor can last for a while, and even though it is exciting when things get started, prioritizing rest and distraction to pass the time is key. There will be plenty of time for active positions and activities when labor kicks into gear but here are some ideas for what to do as you wait for labor to build.

I am often asked about how I work with Partners and Dads throughout my time with clients. It is common that Partners will be concerned that the presence of a Doula will mean less space for them to connect, help, and be involved in the Birthing process. While this concern is certainly valid it is far from what happens. When I join a growing family to walk with them on their path to meeting their little one my goal is for us all to be a team. I guide Partners so that they can show up for their loved one in a way that they will be proud of, and make space for intimate moments that couples can share and remember. I love receiving feedback from Dads on how the experience was for them. It’s one of my favorite parts of this job to witness the love of two people bringing their little one into the world.

Wondering what to pack in your hospital bag is part of the process as you prepare to meet your baby. Of course, there are the commonly known essentials like onesies and extra clothes for parents, but do you plan to pack your breast pump for your hospital stay? I suggest to all my clients that they do, and here’s why:

1. Your breast pump can be used during labor to aid in building contractions if/when that is needed.
2. If there are any complications with initial breastfeeding your pump can be used to get your milk to baby.
3. The hospital will have pumps you can use, but it will be much more seamless to begin pumping with the pump that you plan to use after discharge from the hospital and for the rest of your breastfeeding journey.
4. The knowledgeable and helpful staff at the hospital can help you to assemble pump parts and understand your pump while you are staying there, so you are prepared if you plan to use it down the road.

Research shows that the first 60 minutes of a baby’s life can be very influential. These first 60 minutes, referred to as the “golden hour” can maximize mother-baby bonding, boost mother’s confidence, and be a sweet and peaceful beginning to parenting. Allowing for a first hour of skin-to-skin, uninterrupted time between mom and baby is beneficial for many reasons and has become standard model of care for the hospitals here in Charlottesville ❤️

Super excited to teach this series at Women in Motion. There are 3 spots left, check out the Women in Motion website for the sign-up and to see the other amazing services they provide!

These are just some of the many indicators that your baby is getting enough to eat. Breastfeeding can be uncertain and anxiety-inducing especially at first. Reach out to your support system! Reach out to a knowledgeable resource! Even just speaking or venting to someone who understands can help so much, know that breastfeeding is a learning process for you and for your baby and it’s okay to ask for help.

I love receiving words from my clients about their positive experiences. I want every client to feel so supported and valued as they go through their pregnancy, birth and postpartum periods. Becoming a mother is a tremendous change, and we need all the support we can as we make the transition.

Planned or unplanned cesarean births can happen for a multitude of reasons. Often expectant parents have no clue about cesarean birth and what that looks like, or what choices you have in the operating room to make your birth experience as close as possible to how you would like. I am always amazed at the strength of mothers as they truly sacrifice their bodies to bring their sweet little ones into the world safely. Whether medical reasons lead you down the road to a planned cesarean, or you plan a vaginal birth it is so worth it to go into your experience prepared for all outcomes and backed with the support to caretake you through your experience. All birth is beautiful.

It’s common to have some confusion about when to reach out to those in your birth team as labor doesn’t usually have a clear and concise beginning. When it comes to your Doula, they will want to know all the things! I tell my clients there’s no such thing as too much info. I love to be all caught up on how they are feeling and what changes are happening in their body, so I can be there to support every step of the way. Working with a Doula is having access to a unique combination of educator, sister, advocate, friend, guide and supporter throughout your entire journey to motherhood.

Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m Molly, the heart behind Beloved Birthing & Babies. I look forward to learning more about you and how we can work together to make your birthing experience exactly as you envision it. As your doula, I will empower you, support you, and guide you through the birthing process with calm confidence and a toolbox of useful resources.
I hope you find all the information you’re looking for here. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions you’d like me to answer, or if you’d like to meet in person to discuss your birthing goals and how we can reach them together.