Pink & Blue Spring 2024

Spring 2024

pinkblue SPRING 2024 A FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. PUBLICATION

Understanding Epidurals The Beauty of Natural Births

Mental Health During & After Pregnancy

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WHAT’S ON THE WEB

@pinkandbluela.com

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BEDSIDE SLEEPER. Determine which sleeping arrangement is right for you.

ALL ABOUT BABY NAPS How long should a baby nap?

HOLY CALORIES: HOW MUCH ENERGY GROWING A BABY TAKES. Here’s how much energy our body uses to grow a baby.

ARE BABY SWINGS SAFE? Here’s how to use a baby swing safely.

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CONTENTS IN EVERY ISSUE 4 WHAT’S ON THE WEB 8 GIVEAWAYS 10 MOM TO MOM-TO-BE 12 LITTLE BITS 14 BABY LOVE 27 RESOURCE DIRECTORY 32 BELLY LAUGHS 34 BABY FACES

INSIDE VOLUME 1

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GENDER REVEAL IDEAS Host the best gender reveal with these suggestions. | | | | DEMYSTIFYING EPIDURALS Put your mind at ease with these expert tips. THE BABY BLUES Everything you need to know about PPD. BACK TO THE BASICS Learn if unmedicated childbirth is right for you.

ON THE COVER Cover Baby Kyeson J. is five months old and is a ball of joy. He loves to laugh and stick his tongue out, and he has the cutest dimple! He’s a fan of his Mickey Mouse and Goofy stuffed animals and always giggles when he looks at them.

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There are many effective ways to reduce stuttering. Doing nothing is not one of them.

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THE S TUTTERING F OUNDATION A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947— Helping Those Who Stutter ®

800-992-9392 www.StutteringHelp.org

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GIVEAWAYS

A FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. PUBLICATION

AMY L. FOREMAN PUBLISHER EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER MANAGING EDITOR AUSTRIA COHN CAROL EVANS VICTORIA MIKOTA

The eco-friendly PAPERCLIP JoJo Diaper Bag Backpack is a versatile solution for work, travel, and diaper changes. Its integrated changing station folds out in seconds, ensuring you’re always prepared. • amazon.com.

MADISON VOORHIES ASSOCIATE EDITORS ART/PRODUCTION ALEX HERRING SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER TOM GONZALES MADISON GRAHAM MCKINNA SPROLES GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT

KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ MARTINE MELANCON RYN WHITESIDE SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES CAMILLE CAVIN JADE GRAY JENNIFER HOFFMANN AMY PHILLILPS SHANNON VICARI ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MEGAN LEE SALES TEAM PERFORMANCE COACH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS ROXANE VOORHIES COMMUNITY OUTREACH ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER LAURIE ACOSTA DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS ALEXIS ALEXANDER SENIOR EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE SARAH MILLER CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER KAYLEIGH MONTANA CLIENT SUCCESS SPECIALIST EMMY LOGAN ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR CONTACT EDITORIAL@FAMILYRESOURCEGROUPINC.COM

The Les Enfants Nursing Scarf/ Poncho , made from bamboo, offers stylish and practical discreet nursing anywhere. It pairs with any outfit, eliminating the need for special attire, while its breathable fabric keeps mother and baby comfortable. • lesenfants.se

The ultra-soft and absorbent Cuddle Baby Hooded Towel is suitable for all skin types, featuring an adorable hood for post-bath warmth. Its ver- satile 35” x 35” size supports use for swimming, beach outings, and trips until about six years old. • keababies.com

OFFICE (225) 292-0032 11831 WENTLING AVENUE BATON ROUGE, LA 70816-6055

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PINK & BLUE MAGAZINE is published biannually by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) publications, including print and other digital formats. FRG does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the adver- tisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editori- ally on all materials contributed. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. PINK & BLUE MAGAZINE Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.

Gear up! GIVEAWAYS Visit pinkandbluela.com to register for your chance to win. Winners will be announced at pinkandbluela.com on June 24, 2024.

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MOM TO MOM-TO-BE

Everywhere I turn, there seems to be a new baby. My daughter even has baby fever, and she is only 16. She loves little babies, and all little ones seem to flock to her. While we were at Target the other day, she made a friend with a little two-year-old boy. Looking back on my experience, I’ve noticed just how much has changed since I brought my own babies into the world. All this new technology brings some amazing gadgets for new parents. I mean, they have a formula dispenser now, and the other day I saw that they make a device that holds the bottle for the baby. I laugh because I remember when my twins were Baby Fever

little, my husband and I would use blankets rolled up to help prop bottles for an extra hand. It’s not easy to feed two at the same time, especially if one wants to breastfeed and the other wants a bottle. The bouncy chairs out now even bounce themselves! We used to use one of my husband’s ties to tie around their seats, and we would each take a tie and get our arm workout in as they bounced themselves to sleep. I am kind of jealous of these new parents who get to use some of these new gadgets. With this summer issue of Pink and Blue hitting the streets, we have rounded up some of those must-have items, along with all the local resources you may need during your pregnancy and after. We also discuss mental health awareness during and after pregnancy. There is a difference between the baby blues and just being exhausted! Throughout your pregnancy, remember to take care of yourself and allow others to help. Having a baby takes a toll on our bodies, and in order to be the best mom or dad you can be, you have to make sure that you take care of yourself.

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

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LITTLE BITS

“ You are the closest I will ever come to magic.”

—Suzanne Finnamore

Spring-Inspired Baby Names Looking for the perfect baby name that captures the essence of Spring? Consider these 10 names inspired by the fresh beauty and renewal of the season:

1. Asher 2. Daisy 3. Florence 4. Ivy

The Golden Hour The immediate post-birth period, known as the Golden Hour, is crucial for fostering mother-baby bonding through skin-to-skin contact. This practice promotes attachment, reduces stress, aids in the baby’s adaptation to the outside world, regulates vital signs, encourages breastfeeding initiation, and provides comfort to both mama and baby. Hospital staff usually conducts necessary care during this time, and only parents or medical team members should hold the baby to maintain temperature stability. Even in cases of Cesarean sections or NICU stays, skin-to-skin contact is encour- aged, with a minimum of one hour per day recommended in the NICU. • ukhealthcare.uky.edu

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5. Oliver 6. Poppy 7. Raine 8. Robin 9. Sunny/Sonny 10. Wells

Saul’s Light Saul’s Light is a New Orleans-based nonprofit committed to providing vital support and nurturing a sense of community among families with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The experience of even a brief stay in the NICU can exact a heavy toll on parents and their families, both emotionally and financially. Besides its emotional support systems and educational directives, Saul’s Light also provides Bereavement Support, including Cud- dleCots, Angel Gowns, and grief support to families experiencing the loss of their babies. It’s partnered with Children’s Hospital, East Jefferson Hospital, and Touro Infirmary to provide these resources and support. • saulslight.org

Breastfeeding Breakdown The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlights breastfeeding’s mutual health benefits, reducing risks of severe diarrhea, obesity, infec- tions, and SIDS in infants, and lowering high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer risks in mothers. To boost milk production, frequently breastfeed rather than introduce formula. Breastfeeding may delay menstruation and ovulation, but additional birth control is advised to avoid pregnancy. Most women need support to establish breastfeeding routines, so consult nurses or lactation consultants for help.

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What’s Up with Pregnancy Cravings? Pregnancy cravings may be influenced by hormones or nutrient deficien- cies, such as craving ice cream for calcium. Don’t ignore unusual cravings; seek healthier alternatives and consult your physician. Manage cravings by diversifying your diet with nutrient-dense and calorie-rich foods, eating smaller, frequent meals, and drinking 12 cups of water daily. • nm.org

Nanny vs. Daycare Consider their respective benefits and drawbacks. Nannies offer personalized attention, flexibility, and convenience, but lack built-in backup care and socialization opportunities. Daycare fosters friendships, provides consistent care, and encourages socialization, but may expose children to more germs and require adjusting to group schedules. You should prioritize quality and suitability over cost alone based on family needs and preferences • care.com

To Co-Sleep or No Sleep? While cultural norms and increased breastfeeding have led to more caregivers choosing bed-sharing, it’s important to recognize the potential risks associated with it. Room-sharing offers benefits like increased access to the infant and a lower risk of SIDS. Caregivers should consult with a pediatrician about the safest co-sleeping practices based on their family’s lifestyle and beliefs, and be mindful of when to transition their baby to sleeping in a separate room while maintaining safe sleep practices. • sleepfoundation.org

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BABY LOVE

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Baby Carriage Door Hanger Welcome your newest bundle of joy home with one of these adorable door decorations! Waterproof, fade- proof, and designed by a local Nola artist, this is a beautiful gift for any

“ No matter how bad my day’s been, it takes one little kick to make everything feel alright.” —Unknown

new or soon-to-be parents. $52, homemalonenola.com

Tushbaby Hip Carrier This is modern-day baby-wearing at its finest! This carrier is great for when your little ones are not so little anymore, but still need to be (literally) attached to your hip. It comes in several different colors and fabric materials, and it has pockets! $85-$130, tushbaby.com

NOLA Map Silicone Bib Crawfish, snowballs, and streetcars… oh my! This easy-to-clean silicone bib with a crumb catcher is perfect for any Crescent City baby and is the cutest accessory for any outing. $20, maisonnola.com

Babymoov Aquani 3-in-1 Pop-Up Tent & Pool

This paddling pool doubles as a fun ball pit and UV sun tent, keeping your little one cool in the sun. It can block up to 99 percent of harmful rays and also protect from sand, wind, and those pesky LA bugs. $99.99, potterybarnkids.com

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“Hey Y’all” Muslin Swaddle Blanket and Burp Cloth/Bib Combo This bamboo and organic cotton duo is soft and lightweight– perfect for this crazy, up-and-down Louisiana weather we have. Plus, it will defi- nitely have your baby dripped out in Southern hospitality (and probably spit up– good thing there’s a burp cloth!) $34.19, littlehometown.com

Love-Me Lobster “Lobster” may be in the name, but we know crawfish is our game. This soft, long-lasting toy will add an adorable pop of color to any Loui- siana nursery. Plus, your babe just might find their new lifelong bestie and favorite lovie all in one. $24, jellycat.com/us

Itzy Ritzy Boss Plus Backpack Diaper Bag

This diaper bag has it all! It’s stylish and modern, and did we mention it has 19 organized compartments!? This is especially great for those wan- derlust parents always on the move, as it will hold up every little step of the way. $139.99, zukababy.com

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5 Fun and Unique Gender Reveals He or She, what will it be?

By Austria Cohn

F inding out there’s a baby on the way is like unlocking a treasure chest filled with excitement, a dash of overwhelm, and just a hint of terror. Suddenly, you’re plunged into a whirlwind of crib comparisons, stroller dilemmas, and a never-ending quest for pacifiers and diapers. The to-do list seems to stretch to infinity, with every tiny detail needing attention before the little one makes their grand entrance. As magical as pregnancy is, it’s also exhausting. Many moms-to- be reach a point where they’re counting down the seconds until they can finally meet their tiny human and bid farewell to the bump. Yet, amidst all of the chaos, there are small things that make the pregnancy journey loveable. One is the gender reveal announcement! Whether it’s the expecting parents planning to surprise their loved ones or the soon-to-be grandparents or aunties planning, these gender

Balloons and Confetti, Oh My! Get ready for a burst of excitement with a balloon or confetti pop gender reveal. Fill a large black balloon with either pink or blue confetti, and when the big moment arrives, give it a satisfying pop to reveal the gender in a dramatic and festive way. It’s a simple yet thrilling way to share the news and create lasting memories with your loved ones. If you opt for the balloon route, be sure to anchor confetti poppers from Amazon for a hassle-free experience. Let eager siblings reveal the confetti, or have the expecting parents share the excitement together. On Your Mark, Get Set, Reveal For sports-loving families, a sport-related gender reveal adds an extra layer of excitement to the celebration. Whether it’s shooting a basketball it down to prevent any unexpected takeoffs. Alternatively, you can snag

reveals are sure to be memorable. From sweet treats to colorful bursts of excitement, here are five fun and unique gender reveal ideas to add a sprinkle (and mystery) to your celebration. A Delicious Twist What better way to announce the gender of your bundle of joy than with a sweet treat? Whoever plans the reveal can have a baker prepare a batch of vanilla and chocolate cake pops with pink and blue frosting. But here’s the twist– hidden inside one lucky cake pop is the big reveal, either pink or blue cake batter. So when the lucky person bites into the treat, the gender is revealed! It’s a gender reveal that’s not just fun but also full of suspense. Everyone will be on the edge of their seats until the lucky pop is uncovered. This fun twist on the traditional cake reveal adds a touch of elegance and mystery to the celebration.

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proudly wear the shirt, unveiling the gender. Not only does this make the siblings feel included and excited about the new arrival, but it also helps them bond with their future brother or sister from the very beginning. Bonus Reveal: Gender Reveal Candle For family and friends who cannot attend the event in person, a gender reveal candle offers a sweet and intimate way to share in the excitement from afar. The expecting parents can send out specially-crafted candles with a hidden color or message that will be revealed as the candle burns. It’s a thoughtful gesture that allows loved ones to participate in the celebration and feel connected to the joyous moment, no matter the distance.

into a hoop filled with pink or blue powder, kicking a soccer ball to reveal the gender hidden inside, or hitting a baseball to release a burst of colorful confetti, there are endless possibilities to score a winning gender reveal moment. It’s a playful and energetic way to announce the newest team member and kick off excitement for the future sports star. Pro Tip: Plan to do this activity outside in a designated area so no one is hurt. Consider providing parents with sunglasses so they don’t get powder or confetti in their eyes. The Color Chaos Unleash your inner artist with a paint-themed gender reveal! Wear white and let the kids in the family spray everyone with the color of

paint to reveal the gender (the bottles are taped and decorated so the color is hidden). An alternative way is to fill balloons and pin them to a blank wall. As guests use creative methods to pop the balloons, the paint will splatter across the canvas, revealing the gender in a vibrant and visually stunning display. It’s a messy yet memorable way to celebrate the newest addition to the family and create a work of art the family can cherish forever. Brothers, Sisters, and Baby Bliss Involve the soon-to-be sibling in the gender reveal with a special shirt announcement. Have a shirt specially made for the sibling with a playful message like “I’m Going to Be a Big Brother/Sister” or “Team Pink/Blue.” When it’s time for the reveal, the sibling can

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By Amanda Miller Demystifying Epidurals 8 Common Questions Answered

epidural, that will also be a contra- indication. If someone had some type of brain lesion, like a brain tumor or something like that, where entering into that space of place, an epidural would cause increased pressure. 3 Can it be “too late” to receive an epidural? Dr. Wiley: I usually tell my patients, as long as you can sit still, you can get an epidural. So, if you can’t sit up and sit still because the baby’s coming out, it’s a little too late, but you could be any dilation to get an epidural. 4 How long will epidurals last? Dr. Wiley: When epidurals are placed, the anesthesiologist puts the needle in, they put the medicine in, and they leave a little catheter in the back, and basically, that continues to infuse medicine. An epidural can last the entire length of a woman’s labor. 5 Will epidurals slow down labor? Dr. Wiley: Overall, no. There is some evidence that says that getting an epidural can actually shorten the time from when your cervix starts dilating to the time when you’re complete. An epidural can actually make that length of time shorter, because you’re more relaxed. The

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W hen it comes to to-be opt to factor in an epidural. For those moms who are still unde- cided and want to learn more about epidurals, Dr. Lorene Wiley, OB/ GYN and Medical Director for OB/ GYN at Baton Rouge General and teacher with the Family Medicine Residency Program, provides in- sight into common questions and concerns when it comes to epidurals. 1 What does an epidural do? Dr. Lorene Wiley: An epidural is a form of regional anesthesia, or neuraxial anesthesia, in which a needle is placed through the verte- brae or the bones in your back, and medicine is administered through that needle to deliver pain relief in labor. The medicine that’s in the epidural is a combination of a local anesthetic and usually an opioid. This acts to give pain relief to a woman in labor. putting together a birth plan, many moms-

2 Can anyone receive an epidural? Dr. Wiley: Yes and no. Epidurals are appropriate and should be offered to laboring women, regardless of how many babies they’ve had, how far dilated they are, or how high up in the birth canal the baby is, unless there’s a true contraindication to it. Commonly, contraindications are rare, but the things that are really important are women who have bleeding disorders. We also think about women who have coagulop- athies, low platelets, and there are cut-offs for how high your platelets or blood counts have to be to be able to get an epidural. If a woman’s recently taken blood thinners, those blood thinner injection theories on why a woman wouldn’t be able to get one depend- ing on the timing of when she’s had one. If someone were to have a big infection, like over the back or in the area where we will want to place the

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time from whenever your cervix is completely dilated to the time that the baby comes out, it can lengthen that amount of time. So overall, yes and no. It can shorten it, or it can extend it, but overall, it’s not a significant thing. 6 What are some of the risks and side effects? Dr. Wiley: Overall, epidurals are pretty safe. There’s a low risk of morbidity and mortality as far as mom is concerned. We think about common side effects with epidurals with things like headaches, some- times we’ll see the baby’s heart rate change, or the baby’s heart rate decrease. Even with the baby’s heart rate decreasing, there’s no increased risk of having a C-section. Itching is also commonly seen. We think about other things like the serious risks that are associated with them; it’s very rare, this is like less than 1 percent. We think about things like blood clots inside the

spine, and that’s where we kind of go back to not wanting people who have low platelets or who’ve been on blood thinners to get them. We also think about infection, so the women who’ve had infections and what- not around their back. And nerve damage, I feel like that’s one of the big, scary ones. Everyone has heard of someone who has been paralyzed from an epidural, and that is so, so rare. A lot of times if we see any- thing like nerve damage, it’s very temporary and resolves within a few days. 7 Can epidurals not work on everyone? Dr. Wiley: That can happen, and that also is one of the more rare things. Things we think about when that needle and that catheter are placed, like let’s say it’s not placed in the right spot, or if it were to move out of place, then that would be a reason for it not to work. Let’s say a woman comes in and her cervix is changing rapidly and she’s headed

towards like a quick delivery, some- times you might not have enough time for the epidural to actually kick in. Sometimes we’ll see, just de- pending on the position of the baby, because the epidural is working to decrease pain in a specific area, some people will talk about if your baby’s coming out sunny side up then you might feel like more pres- sure in back and more pain from the epidural because it may not work as well. 8 Are there other options for pain relief? Dr. Wiley: Some data says over 60 percent of women currently in the U.S. get epidurals. We know that is the most effective method of pain control, and it is overall safe. Other than epidurals, there are some other options, like IV pain medicines, and nitrous oxide, like laughing gas. There’s some local blocks we’ll do in the vagina, that’ll kind of help, but we know overall, epidurals are the most effective form of pain meds.

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The Baby Blues Everything you need to know about P.P.D.

By Victoria Mikota

P regnancy , from start to finish, is a massive change for mothers. What begins as a positive pregnancy test, eventually leads to morning sickness, mood swings, cravings, and of course––that beautiful baby bump! All of these things are just a small part of growing a living human and will stay with you up until you give birth. While birth is a wonderful experience, it is an extremely emotional adjustment, so much so, that new mothers may experience a tumultuous time of fluctuating hormones that can unfortunately last long past the postpartum period. A 48-Hour Emotional Rollercoaster Birth requires a tremendous recovery period. Most obviously, the physical challenges of birth are the recovery after vaginal birth or a Ceresean section. Emotionally, birth is also a great adjustment. At no other point do a woman’s

hormones plummet so fiercely as they do in the 48 hours after delivery. When a woman gives birth, because of that hormonal drop, there’s a tremendous shift in her emotions. For the first two weeks postpartum, the baby blues develop––tearfulness, overwhelming emotions, incessant crying, happiness, sadness, and a lot of other emotions. When these feelings last past the two-week postpartum period, it would be classified as a perinatal mood disorder. Anxiety, OCD, depression, and psychosis all fall under the postpartum depression umbrella. “It’s not just depression,” says Samantha Rauber, LPC-S, NCC, PMH-C, and Founder of Baton Rouge Perinatal Counseling. “A lot of the symptomatology that women experience during the postpartum period includes intrusive thoughts and anxiety.” Normal Postpartum Issues or a More Serious Problem?

During the postpartum period, women can expect that there will be adjustment symptoms that occur during recovery, given the tremendous physical experience of giving birth. What differentiates normal adjustment to a more serious postpartum situation depends on the length of the symptoms and if these symptoms interfere with daily life. Up to 85% of new mothers experience what is known as the “baby blues,” a mild form of depression caused by hormonal changes. The baby blues can cause a range of emotions, including sadness, anxiety, crying, irritability, and mood swings. While these feelings can be uncomfortable, they shouldn’t last longer than two weeks. At the two-week mark, if a woman is experiencing difficulty sleeping, ruminations, hopelessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, frequent crying, anger, rage, shame, or guilt, this is a sign that something more serious is going on.

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Red Flags During Postpartum When it comes to mental health, everyone is different. However, if a new mother is feeling suicidal, this is an immediate need for help. “If a new mother is concerned about how she feels, that itself is a red flag, and it might be time to seek help or counseling,” says Rauber. “A lot of these postpartum issues are treatable through counseling with a therapist.” If you are struggling, please reach out to The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 1-833-943-5746 and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). How to Manage Postpartum Anxiety and Depression According to Rauber, about one out of five women will not bounce back in their endocrine system

after giving birth. This means that one out of five women will need support during the postpartum period. Many women during the postpartum period struggle to do any amount of self-care inside or outside of the bathroom. What postpartum self-care comes down to is working with a support system. For dads helping postpartum moms, this could look like extending patience, being compassionate, being encouraging, being supportive, and helping to meet her needs. In addition, parents should set up an alternating six-hour baby sleep schedule to help ward off depression caused by sleep deprivation. These small things can make a huge impact on recovering moms.

As with pregnancy, making a plan to deal with the postpartum recovery period is imperative for mothers who are processing the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum emotions. If a woman doesn’t have emotional support, the best thing to do is to acknowledge that a perinatal mood disorder is happening. A lot of women with PPD know they don’t feel good, but can’t figure out what the problem is. In order to take control of the situation, sometimes naming the problem can help women find relief. “I encourage anybody who is trying to plan for children or in the process of pregnancy to educate themselves about these disorders after pregnancy. Anyone is at risk,” says Rauber. “The earlier you learn and have a therapeutic relationship, the better.”

Make a Plan for the Postpartum Period

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Back To The Basics of Labor and Delivery

By Madison Voorhies

C hildbirth has got to be, a woman may endure– and we’ve been doing it for centuries! Most parents come up with a birth plan ahead of their new bundle of joy’s arrival, and whether they arrive via cesarean section (c-section), vag- inally, in a hospital, in the water, or at home, that’s completely up to mom. It’s also completely up to mom whether she wants to receive pain meds (more specifically, an epidural) during labor or go au naturale. hands-down, the most chal- lenging, painful experience Did you know the earliest use of pain relief during labor and deliv- ery dates all the way back to the 19th century? Chloroform became popular after being used during Queen Victoria’s childbirths, and WhatToExpect.com shows how it evolved from there. It explains how the early 1900s saw increased use of other drugs to relieve pain. As the 20th century progressed, several feminist movements swept through and paved the way for

today’s labor and delivery methods and practices. Amid these diverse childbirth options, a flourishing movement exists now toward embracing the natural, unmedicated birthing ex- perience. Shanika Valcour-LeDuff, a family nurse practitioner and doula at Labor & Love in New Orleans, is here to shed light on the essence of this transformative journey. At Labor & Love, Val- cour-LeDuff facilitates a holistic approach to childbirth, emphasiz- ing mental preparedness, physical support, and trust in the body’s innate abilities. Her insights illumi- nate the profound beauty inherent in every birth, regardless of the chosen path. Choosing the Natural Path Natural birth typically refers to having a vaginal birth without pain medication or routine med- ical interventions. According to Valcour-LeDuff, although this approach may involve discomfort and pain, women who opt for it

often feel a sense of strength and fulfillment with the proper prepa- ration and support. Women opt for unmedicated childbirth for myriad reasons, including faster recovery times and a better sense of connec- tion with the birthing process. “I always tell moms, you only have to get through that moment of intensity [contractions], and then we have our break,” she explains. “During that break, we regroup, and we figure out our next steps. So, whatever positions you want to use to be comfortable, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, mas- sage, anything that’s going to help get you through.” Another perk for mothers who choose to forego epidurals is the postpartum recovery time. Val- cour-LeDuff explains that most women who deliver unmedicated feel immediately better after the baby is out. Your body still needs time to heal though; you can just get started faster and truly em- brace motherhood without delay.

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You Got This, Mama! Valcour-LeDuff has met a lot of patients who believed natural childbirth was something they couldn’t do. “They want an unmedicated birth, and their family or friends scare them and put that fear into them,” she explains. Trust yourself, and trust that your body is doing what it was created to do. You can always assures Valcour-LeDuff. “The only time you cannot get the epidural is if the baby is coming out.” Remember, all births are beautiful. Regardless of the chosen path, this journey is a testament to the strength, resil- ience, and beauty of the human body. With each birth, a new chap- ter unfolds, filled with love, joy, and the promise of new beginnings. change your mind too. “You are in control,”

Natural childbirth is not a limited method, meaning any woman can do it. Sometimes, childbirth hap- pens so fast that it really can hap- pen anytime, anywhere, even if it’s not what the mother had originally planned. In the end, Valcour-LeDuff says, “There’s no right or wrong way to do it.” How to Prepare Laboring without an epidural demands mental fortitude and a robust support system. Perhaps the most important thing is being mentally prepared to navigate the physical and emotional intensity of childbirth. Doulas, nurses, part- ners, and family members form the cornerstone of this support network, offering comfort, encour- agement, and guidance throughout the process. Valcour-LeDuff emphasizes that

contractions, while intense, are transient, so remember you will have moments of respite in be- tween. This is where you will really start to lean on those around you. As with all childbirth methods, preparation classes are extremely informative and helpful for both mom and her partner. Many birth centers and hospitals will offer group classes for families and couples, as well as hands-on technique classes to prepare you for the entire labor and delivery process. Researching and meeting with a midwife or doula is also a wise decision, so you’re guaranteed a partner who will con- tinue to educate and support you throughout your birthing experi- ence. Of course, if you have a home birth, that will be unmedicated. But hospitals and birthing centers will also give you the option to go the natural route if that’s what you choose.

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RESOURCE DIRECTORY

Baby

World

Local Resources for Parents-to-be ADOPTION RESOURCES A Bond of Life Adoptions ■ 1(866) 650-5683 ■ info@abladoptions.com ■ abladoptions.org Adoption Home Studies

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT All Ways Supported Birth Services ■ (504) 233-4114 ■ allwaysbirth.com Crane Rehab Center Pediatrics ■ (504) 866-6990 ■ cranerehabpediatrics.com La Leche League

Perkin Alternative Birthing Center ■ (504) 894-2880 ■ ochsner.org Saige Birth Center ■ (504) 459-2426 ■ saigebirthcenter.com Touro Family Birthing Center

■ (504) 897-7319 ■ lcmchealth.org Touro Infirmary

■ (985) 264-8982 ■ lahomestudy.com AdoptUSKids ■ (888) 200-4005 ■ adoptuskids.org Catholic Charities of New Orleans ■ (504) 885-1141 ■ ccano.org/adoption St. Elizabeth Foundation ■ (225) 769-8888 ■ stelizabethfoundation.org Volunteers of Louisiana Southeast Louisiana ■ (504) 812-0159 ■ voasela.org/services/adoption BIRTHING CENTERS East Jefferson General Hospital ■ (504) 503-4000

Breastfeeding Support ■ (877) 4-LA-LECHE ■ lllalmsla.org Labor and Love ■ (504) 215-8510 ■ info@laborandlove.org

■ (504) 897-7011 ■ lcmchealth.org West Jefferson Medical Center

■ (504) 347-5511 ■ lcmchealth.org

■ lcmchealth.org Ochsner Health ■ (866) 624-7637 ■ ochsner.org

East Jefferson General Hospital It offers comprehensive maternity support, including early skin-to-skin contact, rooming- in, cue-based feedings, and breastfeeding, and promotes evidence-based care. With eleven board-certified lactation consultants, mothers receive ample support. The hospital provides individualized care for birth preparation, labor, delivery, and postpartum, with nearby Children’s Hospital New Orleans available for pediatric care.

SPRING 2024 | PINK&BLUE

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

■ Monthly at Children’s Hospital Parking Garage ■ Appointments: (504) 896-2927 ■ chnola.org CHILD CARE RESOURCES Agenda for Children ■ (504) 586-8509 ■ info@agendaforchildren.org ■ agendaforchildren.org Child Care Assitance Program Licensing Information ■ louisianabelieves.com LaCHIP ■ 1 (877) 252-2447 ■ ldh.la.gov CHILD SAFETY CLASSES American Red Cross Training Services ■ redcross.org Juvenile Products ■ (877) 252-453-2721 ■ louisianabelieves.com Child Care Facility

■ laborandlove.org Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition ■ louisianabreastfeeding.org Nola Nesting ■ (504) 655-1819 ■ nolanesting.com Ochsner Lactation Services: Baptist ■ (504) 842-5210 ■ ochsner.org Touro Lactation Center ■ (504) 897-8130 ■ babies@touro.com ■ lcmchealth.org CAR SEAT INSPECTIONS Jefferson Parish Sherrif’s Office ■ (504) 598-5880 Louisiana State Police Troop B ■ Wednesdays: 1-4 p.m. ■ (504) 471-2775 Louisiana State Police Troop L

Manufacturers Association ■ jpma.org Louisiana Department of Health ■ (225) 342-9500 ■ ldh.la.gov Safe Kids Louisiana ■ (504) 894-5118 ■ krista.swan@lcmchealth.org Safe Sitter ■ jlno.org/community/safe-sitter The Parenting Center ■ (504) 896-9591 ■ chnola.org CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION All Ways Supported Birth Services Awareness Network ■ (800) 686-4226 ■ ican-online.org/batonrouge International Childbirth Education Association ■ (919) 674-4183 ■ icea.org Labor and Love ■ (504) 215-8510 ■ info@laborandlove.org ■ laborandlove.org Lamaze International ■ lamaze.org Mindful Birthing Nola ■ (504) 473-6311 ■ mindfulbirthingnola.com Nola Nesting ■ (504) 233-4114 ■ allwaysbirth.com Bradley Method ■ bradleybirth.com International Cesarean

■ To ■ ■ C H Ch ■ ■ Ch M ■ ■ O Ch ■ ■ Sh ■ ■ F Au ■ ■ Lo ■ ■ O ■ ■ Th ■ ■ Tu En ■ ■ W ■ ■ ■ O

■ Tuesdays: 3-6 p.m. ■ (985) 893-6250 The Parenting Center

Ochsner Health At Ochsner, expectant mothers receive top-notch prenatal and maternity care from a team of specialists, including obstetricians, family medicine physicians, and certified nurse midwives. Throughout pregnancy, they get guidance on health, regular check-ups, and screenings. The Family Birthing Services unit ensures a high standard of care during delivery, supported by various medical professionals.

■ (504) 655-1819 ■ nolanesting.com Ochsner Health ■ (866) 624-7637

PINK&BLUE | SPRING 2024

HOTLINES 24-Hour Haz Mat Emergency Response ■ (800) 262-8200 Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline ■ Call/Text: (800) 422-4453 ■ childhelphotline.org Crisis Teen Textline ■ Text: 833-TXT-TEEN Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention ■ (800) 931-2237 Family Violence Prevention Center ■ (800) 313-1310 Kidline ■ 1 (800) CHILDREN Louisiana Coalition Against

■ womansnewlife.com FOSTER CARE Brave Heart Children in Need ■ braveheartchildren.org Covenant House New Orleans ■ (504) 584-1111 ■ covenanthousenola.org

■ ochsner.org Touro Family Birthing Center ■ (504) 897-7319 ■ lcmchealth.org CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS Children’s Hospital New Orleans ■ (504) 822-6272 ■ chnola.org Children’s Hospital Metairie Emergency Room ■ (504) 896-2101 ■ lcmchealth.org Ochsner Children’s Hospital ■ (866) 624-7637 ■ ochsner.org Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital ■ (225) 374-4325 ■ ololchildrens.org Shriners Hospital for Children ■ (800) 237-5055 ■ shrinershospitalsforchildren.org FERTILITY Audubon Fertility ■ (504) 475-1458 ■ audubonfertility.com Louisiana Women’s Healthcare ■ (225) 201-2010 ■ lwha.com Ovation Fertility ■ (337) 989-8795 ■ ovationfertility.com The Fertility Institute ■ (504) 454-2165 ■ fertilityinstitute.com Tulane Doctors - Reproductive Endocrinology & Fertility ■ (504) 988-8070 ■ TulaneObGynInfo@Tulane.edu Woman’s New Life Clinic ■ (504) 831-3117

Crossroads NOLA ■ (504) 482-9135 ■ crossroadsnola.org Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services ■ dcfs.louisiana.gov Louisiana Foster Care ■ louisianafostercare.com Raintree Children and Family Services ■ (504) 899-9045 ■ raintreeservices.org Therapeutic Family Services ■ (504) 310-6939 ■ ccano.org/tfs Upbring BeREAL New Orleans ■ (504) 931-3408 ■ upbring.org

Domestic Violence ■ (888) 411-1333 Louisiana Poison Center ■ (800) 222-1222

■ Text: POISON to 797979 ■ lsuhs.edu/about/louisiana -poison-center National Safe Haven Alliance ■ Call/Text: 1-888-510-BABY (2229)

Perkin Alternative Birthing Center The Perkin Alternative Birthing Center offers a unique natural birthing option for mothers in Southeastern Louisiana. It’s the only hospital-based alternative birthing center in the region, providing comprehensive care for both mother and baby. With personalized options like water birth and wireless monitoring, along with lactation assistance, it caters to individual labor and delivery preferences.

SPRING 2024 | PINK&BLUE

RESOURCE DIRECTORY ■ nationalsafehavenalliance.org National Sexual Assault Hotline ■ (800) 656-HOPE (4673) ■ rainn.org National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ■ Call: 988 ■ 988lifeline.org National Domestic Violence Hotline ■ Call: 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233) ■ Text: START to 88788 ■ thehotline.org Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana ■ Call: 833-LA-CHILD ■ Text: 225-424-1533 ■ preventchildabusela.org Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Ev ■ ■ Ex

Grace Midwifery Collective ■ (985) 265-4032 ■ gracemidwiferycollective.com Labor and Love ■ (504) 215-8510 ■ info@laborandlove.org ■ laborandlove.org Louisiana Baby Company ■ louisananbabycompany.com New Orleans Midwives ■ NewOrleansMidwives@gmail.com ■ neworleansmidwives.com Nola Nesting ■ (504) 655-1819 ■ nolanesting.com NUTRITION Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) ■ (504) 568-8229 ■ louisianawic.org PARENT EDUCATION & CLASSES Agenda for Children ■ (504) 586-8509 ■ agendaforchildren.org American Academy of Pediatrics ■ (800) 433-9016

■ aap.org Louisiana Baby Company ■ louisianababycompany.com The Parenting Center ■ (504) 896-9591 ■ chnola.org

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PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS & SERVICES

NAMI Family Support Group ■ Mid-City: (504) 896-2345 ■ Westbank: (504) 368-1944 ■ namineworleans.org Nola Nesting

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■ (504) 655-1819 ■ nolanesting.com Snuggles & Struggles - New Parent Support Group ■ Weekly at The Parenting Center ■ (504) 896-9591 ■ CHParenting@lcmchealth.org ■ lcmchealth.org PRODUCT RECALLS &

National Helpline ■ (800) 662-4357 ■ samhsa.gov

■ ■

MIDWIFERY & DOULA CARE All Ways Supported Birth Services ■ (504) 233-4114 ■ allwaysbirth.com DONA (Doula of North America) ■ dona.org

STANDARDS U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ■ (800) 638-2772 ■ cpsc.gov SPECIAL

NEEDS SUPPORT Arc of Greater New Orleans ■ (504) 267-7741 (Metairie) ■ (504) 897-0134 (Uptown) ■ arcgno.org Autism Society of Greater New Orleans ■ (504) 603-6548 ■ asgno.org Down Syndrome Association of GNO ■ (504) 259-6201 ■ dsagno.org/new-parents EarlySteps ■ (504) 496-0165 ■ ldh.la.gov

Saige Birth Center Saige Birth Center provides a tranquil environment for expectant mothers to labor and deliver in two spacious suites equipped with large tubs, comfortable beds, and seating for family. Amenities include a full kitchen and a cozy waiting room. Prenatal visits cover routine tests, ultrasounds, newborn procedures, and birth planning.

PINK&BLUE | SPRING 2024

Everything Autism ■ (504) 952-2304 ■ autism4home.com Exceptional Lives ■ (844) 354-1212

■ exceptionallives.org/louisiana FHF of Greater New Orleans ■ (800) 766-7736 ■ fhfogno.org Louisiana Hands & Voices ■ (504) 388-5712 ■ lahandsandvoices.org Pyramid Community Parent Resource Center ■ (504) 218-8922 ■ pyramidparentcenter.org ULTRASOUND TECHNICIANS

Touro Family Birthing Center Touro offers diverse birthing options, including certified nurse midwives, doulas, and hydrotherapy during labor. Three rooms have hydrotherapy tubs for pain relief during unmedicated labor. Personalized birth plans cater to preferences like natural vaginal birth, medicated birth, hydrotherapy, nitrous oxide pain management, or doula support.

First Look Ultrasound Nola ■ (504) 264-6076 ■ vagaro.com/firstlooknola Sweet Pea 3D/4D Ultrasounds ■ Text: (504) 500-7870

■ sweetpea3d4dultrasound.com

Baby Steps Imaging ■ (504) 494-0144 ■ babystepsimaging.com

Westbank 3D Ultrasound ■ (504) 309-7055 ■ westbank3dultrasound.com

SPRING 2024 | PINK&BLUE

BELLY LAUGHS

The Mommy Diaries: Tales of Chaos and Comedy

PHOTO BY LESENFOX ON FREEPIK.COM

by Madison Voorhies

W elcome to motherhood! In this wild, but wonderful, new chapter of your life, you’ll experience many things, like how to stride through chaos with grace and comedic timing, and will often find yourself knee-deep in scenarios that could rival any sitcom plotline. You’ll also find yourself failing. A lot. But, it won’t always feel so bad. In fact, sometimes those moments of imperfection may just bring the most joy and laughter. So, grab your coffee (or non-caffeinated beverage for you brave souls living on the edge) and join us as we delve into the hilarity and heartwarming mishaps from our fellow warriors in the trenches of child-rearing. The Great Cupcake Debate “I offered my 12-month-old four different meals, and she refused each one. I got stressed, so I pulled out a chocolate cupcake to eat. Guess who had a chocolate cupcake as their only meal that day? My 12-month-old.” - Olivia N., Baton Rouge, LA Forgetting Something? “I went through my usual morning routine today: grabbed some water, my pump, phone, boppy, etc., and got

ready to feed my two-month-old. All’s good. I got comfortable on the couch, ready to go: warm blanket on, boppy on top… then I realized I forgot one thing: my son.” - Morgan M., Baton Rouge, LA Tales from the Diaper Pails “With my baby just a week old, I was sleep-deprived and dealing with his extremely watery poops. One mo- ment, I picked him up when he was hungry and set him on the bed while I grabbed something. Later, as I tried to feed him, I couldn’t get comfortable, so we moved to the nursery. While feeding him in the rocking chair, I suddenly felt something wet on my butt. Confused, I finished feeding him, only to discover a poop trail from the bassinet to my bed, where I had un- knowingly sat on it. His watery poop had spilled down his back, leading to the unexpected mess. The rest is history.” - Heather W., New Orleans, LA Get Low… I Guess..? “My 14-month-old was throwing a hissy fit and kept throwing himself around the living room: first to the ottoman, then to the fireplace, then to the wall, the windowsill, back to the ottoman, back to the fireplace, win- dow, wall. This pattern repeated itself

a few times, and for some reason, “to the windowww, to the wall, to the wall,” started playing in my head, and I began cracking up while my poor kid was having a meltdown. This was at eight in the morning, and it was all over a piece of sausage.” - Katherine N., Houston, TX We Call This: Mommy Brain “I only got about three hours of sleep last night because I’m struggling with insomnia. This morning, I sat on the floor with my seven-month- old daughter to play with toys. She grabbed this music projector toy –that I didn’t even know she could pick up– and smacked herself in the face. Hard. She instantly started screaming, and I started to comfort the toy instead of her.” - Mallory O., Charleston, SC Most Important Meal of the Day “While holding my 11-week-old and a plate of pancakes, I stood up from the couch. She pushed off my chest, and fearing I’d drop her, I pivoted to the side. Unfortunately, I forgot about the pancakes. As I held onto her legs, she fell backward onto the pancakes and syrup. Despite feeling guilty, her indignant look was memorable. She smelled pretty yummy the rest of the day though.” - Haley N., New Orleans, LA

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BABY FACES

WANT TO SEE YOUR BABY’S PICTURE HERE? Visit pinkandbluela.com and click on Upload Snapshots. All photos become property of Pink&Blue Magazine, a division of Family Resource Group Inc.

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PINK&BLUE | SPRING 2024

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