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7/18/2018 0 Comments

Why Shop Local

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It’s simple.
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Image Credit: Independent We Stand
Spend $100 with your local business and $73 stays in the community while only $43 stays with a non-local business. Shop online with a non-local business and $0 stays in the community.
I’m Kristen, and I’m a doula and owner of Baby Time Family Boutique. I started out my shop with an online store in 2012 and opened my brick and mortar store a few months later. People have been shopping with me and learning about all the available resources in our community and building their local support systems for over 6 years!


Local businesses, like Baby Time, provide a service directly to our community. Cloth diapering consultations, baby carrier fittings or picking out the perfect gift, our knowledge is valuable and worth it! We also offer our classroom space for meet-ups, Latch and Learn Support Groups and other classes. If the retail side of my store disappears, so do these wonderful resources.
When you shop local, whether it's your morning coffee stop, a bookstore, or a baby item (yay Baby Time!) more of your dollar stays here!  You are directly helping your schools, local infrastructure, families and other local businesses. I also love being able to offer products made in Iowa too.

So if you’re in the NewBo District, come stop by Baby Time, then check out Brewhemia, The NewBo City Market and eat in one of the fabulous, unique restaurants (don’t make me pick one, they are all so good!)

Show you find value in what we do. Use your dollar to change the world, one little shop like mine at a time.
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Baby Time in Cedar Rapids
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Kristen Mead has been a doula in the Cedar Rapids area since 2007 and is the DONA Midwestern Regional Director, Iowa Doula Agency Eastern Iowa Coordinator and teaches a variety of classes at Baby Time. When not at the shop, she's enjoying live music in the NewBo District or reading. Kristen lives in Cedar Rapids with her husband and children.
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7/13/2018 0 Comments

Doula Support and Mom's Mental Health: a visit with Shannon Wilson, LMHC

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This past week Shannon Wilson, LMHC of Murray, Wilson, and Rose Counseling shared a continuing education presentation on Perinatal Mental Health for Doulas of Iowa City member doulas. Shannon is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with women as they experience the shifts and challenges of pregnancy and postpartum. She brings together a wealth of knowledge from both her training and years of experience in the counseling field, and as a mom of three, she brings empathy and understanding to her work, as well. Shannon graciously allowed me to share some of my notes from her information-packed presentation on this important issue.
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​Shannon Wilson, LMHC
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What is considered normal in terms of emotions after having a baby?

As Shannon shared with us, in the first few weeks after a baby is born it is common for mothers to experience what is termed the "Baby Blues." During this adjustment period mothers experience huge hormonal shifts and with that come changes in mood. 

Baby Blues by the numbers
  • experienced by 80% of mothers
  • begins in the first week after birth
  • lasts up to week 3 after birth
  • treatment is not necessary and the Baby Blues will subside by week 3 postpartum

If feelings of emotional disquiet continue after the 3rd week postpartum, it is a good idea to consult a professional for an assessment.
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When we think of mothers and mental health, we most often think of Postpartum Depression. But, PPD is just one among many diagnoses that fall under the category of PMADs - Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. 

This is significant because many women may be struggling but assume that since their experiences don't match up with what they typically think of as depression that there isn't support or understanding for what they may be experiencing. 
The statistics around PMAD are staggering.
  • 15-21% of all perinatal women may experience PMAD
  • 1 out of 7 women have depression in the year after they give birth
  • Those in lower socioeconomic areas are twice as likely to suffer from PMAD
  • A woman is 7 times more likely to require a psychiatric admission in the first few weeks after giving birth than at any other time
  • Only 50% of women who receive a referral for mental health services follow through on receiving support
  • ​70% report a decline in marital satisfaction in the first year of parenthood

What do all the numbers tell us? Pregnancy, birth, and the following year postpartum are a vital time for women and families to receive support.
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We no longer live in tribes, extended families, or tight-knit communities, meaning that the challenges parents face as they negotiate childbirth, sleepless nights, and changing identities occur behind closed doors without the vital support networks they need.  According to Shannon, doulas can provide a critical level of support and intervention for moms and families during this pivotal time of transition. 
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Why does doula support matter?

Are doulas trained mental health professionals? No. But, the Doulas of Iowa City member doulas who were able to attend this continuing education presentation are now better equipped to screen for PMADs among clients we serve.

Doulas offer evidence-based resources. Do you have a question about pregnancy, birth or life with baby? Your doula can connect you with the resources you need to feel confident in your decision making. 

Doulas offer non-judgmental support. Do you want to have an epidural? To birth without medication? To breastfeed? To formula feed? Your doula will support you in your journey.

Doulas offer referrals to trusted providers. Do you have a concern about something outside your doula's scope? She will refer you to a local practitioner who can provide you the support you the care you need.
Many thanks to Shannon for sharing offering Doulas of Iowa City members continuing education on this important subject! If you are looking a mental health professional to support you in pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond, you can find information about Shannon and Murray, Wilson, and Rose Counseling here.  

Looking for doula support? Join the Doulas of Iowa City for our next Meet the Doulas event.
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​Johanna Tomlinson is a mother to three little ones and a doula, childbirth educator, and sleep educator with Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support. Connect with Nested Mama on Facebook. Read more of Johanna’s writing on pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting here
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7/8/2018 0 Comments

Baby's First Date: where to go in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids

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Are you ready to get out of the house with your partner but not ready to leave baby at home? We asked local parents their recommendations for where to take their cute little 3rd wheel out on the town. Check out these fabulous suggestions!
NODO Downtown, Iowa City
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"Inside and outside seating, casual menu, kid-friendly food for older siblings, delicious, and staff have always been very calm even when my youngest has cried or thrown a fit." - Hannah S.
Big Grove Brewpub, Solon
"I’m quite sure both of our baby’s first outings were to Big Grove in Solon. They are incredibly welcoming of families, have private and high backed booths, and it’s typically busy/loud enough in there that a little crying would go unnoticed." - Shona B. M.
Black Sheep Social Club, Cedar Rapids
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"Black Sheep Social club in Cedar Rapids has a nice changing table." - Corey H.
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Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, Iowa City
"We love bringing kiddos to Big Grove in Iowa City as well. The outdoor seating in particular is great for families." - Thea P.

​Mellow Mushroom, Coralville
"We went to Mellow Mushroom a lot when she was little - always found it very welcoming, spacious for stroller wheels and big booths for carseats plus a huge beer list. It's in the mall so not like super classy but you could always stop at Target after as a bonus." - Becca D.
​Bread Garden, Iowa City
"You can sit outside (but inside is noisy and kid commotion goes unnoticed, too) and the food is inexpensive and delicious. Plus, a solid food eating kid can get foods from the salad bar with no wait, and they always have the well-received Mac and cheese, chicken fingers, and fruit. They have high chairs and are right next to the play equipment in front of library. The only hardship can be if you’re the only adult and have to go back inside if you ordered something from the kitchen (like the delicious flatbread pizzas!) and don’t love the idea of leaving the toddler in high chair alone but don’t want to hassle with taking them back inside with you. The owner is always super helpful and so are the workers." - Allison G.
Village Inn, Coralville (& Iowa City)
"Our first outing with our first was breakfast at village inn...which is great if you want a bunch of old ladies fawning over your baby." - Barb D.
Not up for the restaurant scene? Try a picnic!
"We would head to one of the many awesome hiking trails in the area with some yummy food and put the baby up in a carrier for a nice hike. Romantic and super affordable afternoon." - Thea P.
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Not feeling outdoorsy? Try a car picnic!
"[We] liked "car picnics" when she was really little, picking up a Pagliais and eating it in the car while she slept, just listening to music and talking. Doesn't really fit the getting out maybe but it was quite romantic for us and we connected so well being side by side in the car alone - baby asleep and no other people or commotion to distract from talking to each other. It felt like being teenagers. I have great memories of those dates." - Becca D.
Don't see your favorite on the list? No worries! Pack up that diaper bag and give it a try. Here are a few tips.
"I’ve found that everywhere in the Corridor is welcoming of families. We have always taken our babies out from the get go, and have never had a negative experience from staff including the many times I’ve breastfed at the table." - Barb D.

"It’s helpful to try to time a restaurant visit outside of peak hours, not only so it will be less busy/loud, but also to allow you your choice of booths or tables, and to ensure quick seating and service. There’s nothing worse than having to wait forever for a table with a cranky baby. We’ve found that eating outside on a patio/deck, etc. is always more soothing for babe when available, and usually any crying stands out less outside. Also, if you have a baby or toddler who is eating solids ordered from the menu, place that order ASAP, even if the adults don’t have their selections made yet. This will ensure that the LO’s food comes out first." - Grace S.
Still feeling nervous about your first time out with baby? Repeat this pep talk in your head.
"My biggest advice on going out with the baby is to be confident that you belong there, that your baby is welcome, and that other customers are more charmed than annoyed! A lot of discomfort can come from the self-imposed perception that others are constantly watching or judging you, and they're mostly not - they are socializing and eating! One person being annoyed with her spouse and staring off into space can be perceived as a judgmental look at your nursing if you are self-conscious already, so just own it and you'll be fine. If babe starts fussing or crying and you're shushing and rocking and furiously trying to get her to take a paci and cleaning spit up off of your date clothes, 90% of people who notice are impressed that you're getting out and reminiscing about "those days." Anyone who actually says anything negative (god forbid) is a reflection of their poor character. I did always choose restaurants with high chairs and a kids menu when bringing my baby or toddler because I considered that an endorsement of our presence." - Becca D.
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Johanna Tomlinson is a mother to three little ones and a doula, childbirth educator, and sleep educator with Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support. Connect with Nested Mama on Facebook. Read more of Johanna’s writing on pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting here.
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7/2/2018 1 Comment

Why You Should Hire a Birth Photographer

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As a birth worker and a mother of three, I have experienced birth from both sides. With my first child's birth, we brought our camera. It wasn’t until I got home, days after my daughter was born, that I looked back at the images my nurse had taken. I was forever grateful. In her not-so-professional photography, I was able to see the moments of hard work pushing my baby out, having my husband there by my side, seeing his face the instant he saw our daughter for the first time, and the beautiful tears from all of us meeting her on the outside. Amazing! 
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I never thought about birth photography until I saw these moments. I knew going forward we needed to capture these memories for our family, and I needed to offer this service for the families I work with, too.
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Think back to the best days of your life, do you have pictures from it? Most likely, but maybe you don't and wished you did. The birth of your baby will be a day you want to remember, look back on, and share the story with your little one. Labor is unpredictable, and a professional photographer will be able to document all the little details that you may not see because you will be riding the waves of labor. Your partner, who most likely will be new to the birth experience, too, can be 100% focused on you, supporting you in every way you need and not worrying about when to get the camera ready. 

Give yourself the best gift - birth photography - a beautiful way to capture your transformation to motherhood and beautifully preserve all the emotions you felt the moment you first held baby in your arms.
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Stacey Schmitt is a mother to her three littles, prenatal & postnatal yoga instructor at Toula Yoga, and a birth doula with Iowa Doula Agency.  Find a full offering of Stacey's birth, photography, placenta, and yoga services here.
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    The Doulas of Iowa City blog contains guest posts by Doulas of Iowa City member businesses. We are excited to share with you about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and surrounding communities and to help you connect to fabulous local resources.

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