Domestic Violence and Pregnancy - What You Need to Know I met someone in high school and we started dating. I fell pregnant 3 months before graduating and moved in with him. The first time he put his hands on me was while I was pregnant. I wanted my daughter to have a father so I stayed with him. The violence progressed. It was sexual, physical and emotional abuse. No one knew what went on behind closed doors. He treated me like I was his property. I got my first restraining order after he showed up at my apartment, threw me around, choked me. I got another one four years later, but I ended ..read more

Minimalist Parenting - What Do You Really Need For Baby’s First Year? When I became a mom, I was so overwhelmed by everything I thought I needed to maintain and do every day. With all the clothes, toys, and junk lying around, I became stressed. Now, I won't say it was just the stuff, but it added to my mental clutter and then to my to-do list. That was the main reason I switched to living minimally. With less to clean, less to pick up, less to dust, and less bills (what a bonus!), I worry a lot less. I enjoy my kids and my life a lot more. I'm more spontaneous, and my monthly purge of the hou ..read more

11 Best At Home Date Night Ideas for Parents While I’ve gone over some of my favorite restaurants for going out in Delaware, I think it’s fun to focus on staying in now and then. Going out can be expensive and sometimes it’s nice to be alone with just the two of you. Lots of these ideas are great for a lazy afternoon or after the kids are down for the night, and you probably have most of the supplies you need. No sitter required! 1. Movie Marathon One of the easiest (and potentially cheapest) ideas on this list is a good old fashioned movie marathon. I love to spend a whole afternoon watchi ..read more

I’m so proud to announce that Lower Slower Doula has been recognized as #30 out of the top 100 worldwide doula blogs, showing we are number one in Delaware at the same time! I’ve been writing articles and practical guides for families along the Eastern Shore for over 8 years, and it’s absolutely lovely to see my blog recognized as a valuable resource. Considering I focus on Delaware parents and resources for them, it’s even more remarkable and I am honored to receive this award. Feedspot Award Winning Blogs: Top 100 Doula Blogs 100 Best Pregnancy Blogs 45 Best Maternity Blogs 90 Best Postpart ..read more

One of the most important things as a new parent is to keep doing the things you love to do, whether that be outings with friends, concerts, date nights, or beach days! While having the day to yourself or as a couple was a different beach experience, you can absolutely still enjoy the sand and surf for hours with a little planning. Safety At 2-3 months of age, your little one can accompany you to the beach. Make sure to watch for signs of dehydration or overheating. These can include: feels hot (with or without a fever) looks flushed or red is sweating or has damp hair (not always, sever ..read more

Your Postpartum Survival Guide - The First Year     Whether you are planning a home birth or bringing baby home from the birth center, you’re probably nervous about the first few days at home with your new little one. It’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed at first! Over the years working with families during this delicate time, I’ve become very familiar with the fourth trimester and the first year postpartum. In this article, I’m going to give you the ultimate guide to postpartum survival, including nutrition, newborn care and feeding, creating support systems, what yo ..read more

Growing & Glowing - Gestational Diabetes, Round Ligament Pain, Xiphoid Process, and More! Between your second and third trimester is when you'll be thinking about maternity photos, baby showers/sprinkles, blessingways, baby moons, you name it! Now is the time when you should feel more energy, start to feel baby kicking, and fully grow into your pregnancy. You should feel less tired, less nauseous, and less sore than during the first trimester. Keep up with healthy activity and nutrition to help you feel strong and keep up the energy you need. You might also want to consider booking a pren ..read more

Lyndsay's Pain Free Birth Method (The Equation You Need to Know) I've been present for many births, and everyone handles the process differently. Some say it's the worst, most excruciating pain they have ever experienced, while others simply breathe through their contractions and relax easily. What's the difference? I've come up with a simple equation to explain the relation between your body, your mind, and what you feel during a contraction. Fear + Tension = Pain Truly, that's the easiest way to describe childbirth pain, and what you can do to cope with it. By preparing your mind, body, a ..read more

7 Amazing Lower Slower Date Restaurants     Whether you are expecting your first child or an experienced parent, everyone knows that having nights out with your significant other is a fun way to stay close and connected with each other. In this summer heat, the easiest and most enjoyable date idea is probably sipping on some cold drinks with great food and a beautiful view. In this post, I thought I would share a few of my personal favorite date night spots as well as a few ideas with pregnancy, postpartum, and kids in mind. If you are currently pregnant, here’s some quick simple id ..read more

I Just Found Out I’m Pregnant, Now What? (Childbirth Education Options + Learning Style Quiz) Is Childbirth Education right for you? If you just found out you’re pregnant, you’re likely feeling excited, nervous, maybe even scared at the idea of giving birth to your baby. While there are countless books, videos, and blogs to choose from to educate yourself, there are many reasons you may want to consider taking childbirth education classes! Before we get started, here’s my essential checklist for first trimester parents during this exciting time: Cure Your Morning Sickness - If you don't have ..read more