A Well Nest

11/26/2021

https://www.awellnest.ca/blog/prepping-pooch-for-a-newborn-part-1

Having a baby and not sure how your first baby (aka the dog) will adjust to the change? Read on for tips on easing your fur baby into baby life.

11/08/2021

https://www.awellnest.ca/blog/reasons-for-induction

Near the end of your pregnancy? Inductions are commonplace and sometimes medically needed, here are the reasons why medical inductions are discussed late in the third trimester.

10/29/2021

https://www.awellnest.ca/blog/lets-talk-about-s*x-kids

I don’t know about you, but my kids always ask s*x questions at the most in opportune times; think getting ready for swimming lessons or right before the flu shot goes in! And while I try to answer the best I can and honour that moment, I sometimes feel like that question deserved more. Today, we....

10/25/2021

https://www.awellnest.ca/blog/a-home-birth-story

Thinking of a home birth, but still on the fence? I share a brave mom’s birthing journey from a discouraging first birth in a hospital to an empowering second birth at home with her dream birth team that included her partner, her older children, her midwife and her doula.

10/22/2021

https://www.awellnest.ca/blog/how-to-include-your-older-children-in-your-home-birth

Thinking about a home birth for your second or subsequent births? Moms share their tips on including children in home births, from toddlers to teenagers.

10/20/2021

https://www.awellnest.ca/blog/stress-and-fertility

Does stress cause infertility or does infertility cause stress? I dig into some research and break down the mind/body treatment approach for couples who are going through fertility treatment.

10/15/2021

https://www.awellnest.ca/blog/pregnancy-and-infant-loss-remembrance-day

Ghostbelly by Elizabeth Heineman. My review of the raw and real account of a stillbirth from a grieving mother’s perspective. She shows us that grieving is a personal journey and how grieving infant loss is a difficult and unique experience.

10/13/2021

https://www.awellnest.ca/blog/fertility-101

Ready to make sense of your menstrual cycle and understand your fertility cues? Read on to fully understand your period and get in tune with your body.

09/29/2021

So grateful to have the opportunity to participate in this amazing online event facilitated by the beautiful and incredibly inspiring digital doula ! I have lots of work to do, but am so ready!

07/08/2021

Now that things are opening up here in Nova Scotia and Canada, traveling to see extended families is on the minds of many of new parents including a few of my clients.


My sisters in law and I have traveled near and far with newborns, babies and young toddlers. We traveled in planes, in cars, stayed in resorts, rv's, camped in tents. We visited family, moved halfway across the country as well as day trips. We complied our experiences and created travel a tip sheet on the blog (link in bio).


Regardless of how long we were away or where we were there were consistent things we all did to ensure that we all had the best time possible:

1. We bought a comfortable baby carrier instead of a stroller.

2. We always packed a mini first aid kit with all the necessities for babies.

3. Go with the flow, naptimes will change, bedtimes will change. Watch your baby for their sleepy cues.

4. Pack a small bag with all the things you need for baby care including lovies, snacks and distraction toys for baby and keep it within reach of you.

Any travel tips for new parents? Post them below...

For more specific tips check out the blog today.

07/06/2021

Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories. When I was breastfeeding my third, I found myself hungry at odd times of the day, but of course would put it off because I was needed somewhere else. I would get light headed going up and down stairs, felt generally weaker and 'run down'. I decided to get checked out by my doctor and found myself frustrated with myself when everything came back normal. Clearly I wasn't feeling 'normal'.


I was busy, working full time and caring for my children plus nursing my distracted oddly alert newborn son. I started thinking that the fatigue, thirst, dry skin and hair were all part of being a mother in her 30's.


Enter my partner who noticed these changes and lovingly suggested I reach out to an old high school friend of his . She had an online program through her studio that focused on nutrition.


Through the program I learned the importance of nutrient dense food and how eating properly not only changed my energy levels, it also improved my mood and even helped me sleep more soundly. That's a win when you're on a baby's nursing schedule.


On the blog (link in the bio), I write about tips for snacking while breastfeeding as well as some of my favorite (and in my opinion, the best) breastfeeding snacks. What are/were your go to snacks while parenting and feeding your baby?

06/29/2021

I recently joined a 41 day meditation challenge with . This picture was the place I choose to kick off the challenge. Despite the kids running around and the dog drinking too much 'fish p**p water' I was able to sit still on a rock and enjoy the sounds and smells of nature for 10 min! I realize not everyday will be like this during the challenge, but this was a great start.


I meditated regularly through all my pregnancies and believed it really helped with my sleep, my ability to deal with my changing body both physically and emotionally. I also felt a strong connection with each one of my babies.


It also got me thinking on when and why I started meditating and how it's been consistent and inconsistent at the same time for the last 12 years. I dive a little deeper into the journey on my blog (link in the bio). As well as some of the ways I've tried to cultivate a meditation practice. It's a work in progress, but it's a powerful one.


If you're interested in joining the challenge, just head over to .

pregnancy health mental health