Postpartum Bran Muffins

MuffinsI've not tried these but I hear they are quite fantastic for moms dealing with some of those postpartum "challenges." My sister mixed up a batch for a new mom and I wanted to share the recipe for any of you in need!

Bran muffins
4 eggs
1 qt. buttermilk
5 tsp. baking soda
3 C. sugar
5 C flour
1 C shortening, oil or butter
1 15oz. box raisin bran

Mix together. Let stand in fridge for two days for best results. It is good up to 6 weeks. When ready to cook, fill greased muffin tins and let sit on counter to get to room temperature for better rising. Cook at 400º for 15 minutes.

Yields 4-6 dozen

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Sweet Baby Three-Peat!

When this three-peat client told me her due date my heart sank, because I knew my sister was due a couple weeks later and I would be flying out of town. My client and I talked it through and we both felt good about the timing and my back up doulas and felt pretty sure he would arrive with time to spare. Then, much to our surprise, this little one kept us waiting. And waiting. My flight was approaching fast and I was heartbroken at the idea of missing their birth - and then, keeping us in such suspense, he arrived just a few hours before I needed to head to the airport! I was so honored to support this family through their three births, so grateful for my talented back up doulas, and so humbled by the beautiful timing.

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Guess What??

webIt still feels very surreal, and very bittersweet. We will miss this city we love, but even more I will miss the people we have grown to know and love and all my doula babies!! ❤️

My sweet repeat clients and any new inquires I'm referring on to DentonDoula.com for some amazing ladies - you'll be in very capable hands! My Tips for Doulas will continue as I learn more about the birth community in a whole new community and different country! I hope you'll continue to follow along on this adventure.

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Why Your Partner Needs the Birth Photographer

Yes, there will inevitably be phones out when baby arrives as everyone wants a photo of your adorable new addition. However, having a professional birth photographer at your birth is an investment I think is worth having for a variety of reasons! I could expound more, but I think I'll let the photos speak (mostly) for themselves. 🙂

Both parents deserve the chance to focus entirely on these precious first interactions, without worrying about pictures or texting photos to eagerly waiting family. Those first couple hours pass in the blink of an eye, and having a photographer there to capture these reactions and cuddles is so very worth it!

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Lactation Goodie: Granola Bars for Pregnant & Postpartum Mommas

Granola Bar

Here are a few variations and these recipes are pretty forgiving, so play around with them!

Peanut Butter Granola Bars:
2 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal (or any cereal, or more oats)
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup raisins/craisins/nuts/chocolate chips/whatever
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup (I did honey.)
2/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, stir together the cereal, oats, nuts, dried fruit. (NOT the chocolate chips, save those for later.) Set aside. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Combine the brown sugar, honey & peanut butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat just until boiling, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over the cereal and oat mixture, and mix well. Allow to cool a few minutes then stir in chocolate chips and quickly press into the prepared pan (or the chips will melt.) Allow to cool, then cut into squares.

Vegan Version:

2 c quick oats
1/4 c ground flax
1 c flour (1/2 whole wheat, 1/2 white)
1/2 c brown sugar (could skip this and do extra honey)
1/2 t salt
1/2 t cinnamon (could do more)
1/2 c nuts and/or coconut (optional) – I did finely chopped almonds so they’re not a choking hazard
1/2 c chocolate chips (optional) – I would do the IKEA vegan chocolate bars
3/4 c raisins or craisins (optional)

Mix in big bowl, in another bowl combine:

1/2 c canola oil
1/3 c honey
3 T ground flax combined with 6 T water (It will make a gooey texture - if you don't want vegan you can use 2 eggs instead of the flax/water combo.)
2 t vanilla (or 1 t vanilla, 1 t almond extract)

(Alternative – decrease canola oil to 1/3 cup and add & 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter.)

Combine wet and dry, batter will be thick (like cookie dough) and spread in greased 9×13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely, turn onto cutting board and slice into bars or squares. These freeze well if wrapped individually and are a great quick breakfast.

We like 1/2 c cranberries, 1/2 c chopped almonds, 1/2 c coconut with 1 t vanilla & 1 t almond. The kids like 1/2 c peanut butter and 1/2 c chocolate chips. It’s a very flexible recipe, play around with it. Do NOT overbake, you want soft and chewy still.

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New Year, New Goals, New Tips!

SubscribeHappy New Year! 2016 is going to be amazing, and I hope you'll come join us to make your doula business even better. If you've been considering signing up for Tips for Doulas then jump in now - if you want to read a bit more about it then you can do so & register through this link. Or sign up right here:

Hearing reviews from others I know can help when making decisions - check out some of the testimonials I've received from doulas here, such as this sweet comment:

Heidi, 
I just have to say how much I’ve loved and USED the information available on your website. I recommend it to others because it’s so great! - Kelly

I just wanted to say thank you for all of this! I am just starting my doula dream and all of the information you post here on your blog is so extremely helpful! I think I have about twenty of your pages bookmarked.  - Jessica

This next year will include updates on some of the (hundreds!) of previous posts, as well as new tips, book reviews, and practical suggestions to help you on this doula journey. Whether you are new to the field or just wanting some fresh perspective and insights for your established business, there's so much here for you to explore.

Any questions, please contact me at heidi@thadenpierce.org Thanks for joining us!

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Placental Encapsulation & DFW Placenta

FullSizeRenderAs of January 1st there is now a law in the state of Texas that a hospital or birth center MUST release a placenta to the mother. (There is some paperwork to be signed, which I've never had a doula client need to do previous, and the law does say if there's an infectious disease issue the hospital does not have to release it.) But this is great news, as previously some families have been told they could not take their placenta or were forced to have it released to a funeral home (yes, seriously) and pay a fee to have it given back.

DFW Placenta is ready to encapsulate your placenta, and they also provide tinctures and salves. You can contact them on their special placenta phone (yes, it's red) at 844-PLACNTA and they'll get you all set up. While sometimes parents wait until their baby has already arrived to contact them (Maria, Maryn, and Krista) I would highly encourage you to contact them as soon as you've decided. They'll quickly mail you a special delivery package with a cooler (see above photo!), gloves, bags, and all the instructions to walk you through the process. Once your little one is born you'll have everything you need to package up your placenta, call the number, and they'll arrange pick up from you. (They also deliver your pills back to your home, of course.)

You can read through their Frequently Asked Questions here. They're also happy to help answer other questions you may have not listed there - just give them a call or send them an email.

(Disclosure - DFW Placenta does offer a referral program with details on their website. However, I have sent many moms to them and have NOT accepted any referral card in exchange. I did ask for one of their totally awesome coolers - because it's the best lunchbox EVER. 🙂 I genuinely believe they are a fantastic business with excellent customer service, attention to detail, professionalism, and value for your money - that's why I refer to them.)

Posted in Babies!, Birth, Breastfeeding, Community Resources, Links, Postpartum, Postpartum Depression | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Sibling Surprise!

This little arrival was a surprise gender - and everyone in the room was reminded that no one should say, "BOY" or "GIRL" until Mom had seen and announced it herself, which was such fun! Then big sister and brother came in to meet the new baby and find out for themselves. As you can see, they were overjoyed to welcome the sweet addition.

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Midwife Katie

I shared some prenatal photos of Katie earlier and here are some from the birth we attended together recently. You can learn more about Katie here.

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Welcome Baby R!

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