What Kind Of Birthing Class Is Right For Me?
Monday, January 29, 2024 — Because choosing a name, carseat, and stroller haven’t been stressful enough, now you get to figure out which birth class you’re going to take. We know better than anyone how many options are out there: we’ve taken them and we’ve taught them. While we love our approach, it’s not right for everyone, so to help you decide which class could be best for you (in true Birthsmarter fashion) here’s some more context and our best thinking on your options. Continue Reading →
Birthsmarter Childbirth Educator Training Program
Monday, January 1, 2024 — The Birthsmarter Childbirth Educator Training Program is meant to launch a small number of highly-qualified, exemplary educators Continue Reading →
Which class format is right for me?
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 — You’re interested in taking a class, but realize you’re not sure which format and which classes are going to be best for you. Despite our desire to make this journey as simple as possible, we know more choices aren't always better. But, hopefully... Continue Reading →
Margot's Positive Induction Story
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 — Hear from Margot, Birthsmarter Parent, look back on her birth story. Continue Reading →
Bright Horizons
Sunday, October 1, 2023 — Meet Bright Horizons Continue Reading →
Aurora's Birth Story: It's About The Team!
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 — Hear from Aurora, a Birthsmarter parent, look back on her birth story. Continue Reading →
Michelle's Birth Story
Friday, September 22, 2023 — Hear from Michelle, a Birthsmarter Educator and doula, look back on her birth story. Continue Reading →
Erin's Birth Story
Friday, September 22, 2023 — Hear from Erin Eichorn, Birthsmarter Educator, detail her birth story. Continue Reading →
Tips for introducing your dog to your baby
Wednesday, August 23, 2023 — Hear from Founder of Dog Meets Baby discuss the tips for introducing your dog to your baby. Continue Reading →
Sam's Birth Story
Wednesday, August 9, 2023 — Hear from Sam Dawson, Birthsmarter Educator and Pelvic Floor PT, look back on her birth story. Continue Reading →
What’s The Best Breast Pump? A Birthsmarter Pumping Guide
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 — What’s The Best Breast Pump? A Birthsmarter Pumping Guide Continue Reading →
When to Seek out Lactation Support Prenatally (or Immediately Postpartum!)
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 — When to Seek out Lactation Support Prenatally (or Immediately Postpartum!) Continue Reading →
The Standard of Care: Pelvic Floor Physical (Occupational) Therapy
Friday, June 23, 2023 — Hear from a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist discuss the standard of care. Continue Reading →
New Dad Life: Meet Daniel Bernado
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 — Meet Birthsmarter Dad's Group facilitator. Continue Reading →
From One Extreme to the Other…
Thursday, May 25, 2023 — Hear from Melissa Paris, Trainer and mom of 2 describe the difference from her two births and how she planned for them differently. Continue Reading →
A Mother's Day Ritual
Thursday, May 11, 2023 — We brainstormed ways to truly honor the transition into motherhood and our very own Tara Strongosky felt called to create this ritual for our group with permission to share. Continue Reading →
Fair Play 101
Saturday, May 6, 2023 — Fair Play is a book, a card-deck, and system created by Eve Rodsky about how to set some basic guidelines and develop clear expectations for who’s gonna do what (when, how, and why), at home. I felt immediately hopeful that this system could kick my partner into gear, save my brain and my marriage. You don’t have to be at the edge of your rope to reach toward Fair Play! Continue Reading →
Now What? Preparing for Birth After Infertility
Friday, April 28, 2023 — We think preparing for childbirth and postpartum life after fertility struggles deserves special attention. Not because your birth or postpartum journey is going to be physiologically different – once you’re pregnant, you’re pregnant – but because it’s enormously and uniquely challenging to cut through the noise of the “pregnancy advice industry” geared toward people who didn’t struggle to conceive. Continue Reading →
The Cascade of Alex's Cesarean Story
Friday, April 21, 2023 — Hear from Alex Redelico, one of our recent Bithsmarter graduates, discuss her birth story, including the twists and turns. Continue Reading →
The Conundrum of Secondary Infertility
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 — Discussing secondary infertility and ways to support yourself and your partner. Continue Reading →
Five Things That Surprised Me About My C-Section
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 — Hear from Abby, one of our Birthsmarter parents, discuss her C-Section. Continue Reading →
Using a Pelvic Floor Trainer in Pregnancy and Postpartum
Monday, February 20, 2023 — We get a lot of questions about the efficacy of using Pelvic Floor trainers like the Elvie, EpiNo, or KGoal for birth preparation and postpartum recovery. We turned to our friend Laura Williams, DPT, founder of Hearth Healing for answers... What's ... Continue Reading →
Common Vs. Normal: Pain + Incontinence in Pregnancy
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 — We are excited to continue our partnership with Beyond Basics PT to share pelvic health tips for each stage of pregnancy. Below we will dive into the second trimester including the common ailments and symptoms that come as pregnancy progresses: speci... Continue Reading →
Morning Sickness, Constipation, and Staying Active in the First Trimester with the help of Pelvic Floor PT
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 — What is a pelvic health physical therapist? After learning you are pregnant, people start talking about your ‘birth team’. That often looks like your midwife and OB, but it can (and maybe should) extend to those who can help serve you emotionally and... Continue Reading →
Morning Sickness, Constipation, and Staying Active in the First Trimester with the help of Pelvic Floor PT
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 — Tips from our Pelvic Floor PT partner, Beyond Basics, discuss the first trimester tips. Continue Reading →
What You Need to Know about Low Lying Placentas and Placenta Previas
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 — A few days ago, a beautiful prenatal yoga teacher in our community reached out and asked if we're seeing an increase in folks with low lying placenta. The short answer, is no. But we wanted to share our longer answer with you because we occasionally ... Continue Reading →
What to Expect at Your First Pelvic Floor Therapy Appointment
Monday, January 9, 2023 — What does that first appointment really look like? Is it worth stressing over? What should you wear? Do you have to take off your pants? No, whatever you want, and no. The pelvic floor is so important and so often misunderstood that we recommended... Continue Reading →
Do You Even Need Childbirth Ed?
Tuesday, January 3, 2023 — Did you know that only about 50% of expectant parents take any kind of birth preparation course? It’s sort of staggering when you think about it. We take Driver’s Ed before getting our license, enroll in higher education to become a teacher, doctor, ... Continue Reading →
Affordable Childbirth Education? Yes Please!
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 — Between low-cost hospital-based classes and free YouTube videos, there’s a lot of interest in affordable education. We get it! Between the baby gear, limited parental leaves, and general inflation, babies typically mean that money is tighter. Luckil... Continue Reading →
Renting Baby Clothes Isn’t Just About Fashion
Thursday, November 10, 2022 — Here’s How Changing the Way You Shop Can Bring More Purpose into Your Parenting by Rent A Romper Here at Rent-a-Romper we often hear about the hopes, dreams, and fears parents have for their family and their kids. Interestingly, the hopes and dreams... Continue Reading →
Jamie's Birth Story
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 — Dear Griffin (from your doula). At 4:31pm on Saturday, May 20th, 2017 you entered the world blessing your parents with a second son, your older brother Malcolm with a younger brother, your grandparents with a new darling grandson as well as your ex... Continue Reading →
Should I work with a Midwife or an OBGYN?
Friday, October 14, 2022 — Have you ever noticed that many pregnant people spend more time choosing their stroller than their midwife* or OBGYN? When you're expecting, choosing your medical care-provider is one of the most important decisions you can make! Your midwife or doct... Continue Reading →
Heartfeeding
Tuesday, September 27, 2022 — - By Tina Y (Birthsmarter Grad) It is 3am and I am holding an ice pack to my left breast. Baby is asleep, blissed out on formula, but I am awake with 37 tabs open on my phone about “breastfeeding.” The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding? More like the Fuc... Continue Reading →
Once Upon A Pandemic Birth: Chantal Eder's Story
Monday, September 26, 2022 — False Labour? On Tuesday (38 weeks 5 days) something had changed. My braxton hicks contractions, which were normally happening at night, started first thing in the morning. They started to come more frequently and I thought maybe this was it! Time to... Continue Reading →
“Is this normal?” Newborn Questions with Dr. Sarnoff of Premier Pediatrics
Thursday, September 22, 2022 — Eighty percent of the families we teach have little to no experience with newborn babies ahead of time. If you’re expecting a little one or in the throws of immediate postpartum and feeling nervous, please know that you’re not alone! A lack of exposu... Continue Reading →
Tina's First Birth Story + Unplanned Epidural
Wednesday, June 22, 2022 — Dylan’s Birth Story The day before I went into labor with my firstborn, I remember having the most amazing night of sleep of my entire pregnancy. I woke up on the 39th week and 6thday of my pregnancy feeling rested and excited to enjoy the last few ... Continue Reading →
Sleep Teaching + Mental Health with Little Dipper Wellness
Wednesday, May 18, 2022 — As I say in our Newborn Care class, sleep feels like the kryptonite of our parenting generation. In addition to concerns for your baby's wellness, the reality is that newborn sleep requires parents to wake frequently and interrupted sleep (at best) /... Continue Reading →
Returning to Running Postpartum
Monday, May 9, 2022 — By Alicia Ferriere, Founder of Fortify PT, PTDPT, FAFS, PRC In my experience working with runners, the return to running after any forced time off can be an exciting time. When working with my postpartum population, I always feel the need to remind t... Continue Reading →
Unplanned Cesarean Birth Story: with Minaz Khajah
Tuesday, April 19, 2022 — We’re so grateful that Minaz Khajah, founder of Klōn Apparel, shared her birth story with us! “I had my first baby via unscheduled c-section in October, six months ago. Of course with your first you have this ideal birth plan. I wrote it up, had it... Continue Reading →
When It's (not quite) Go Time: Early Labor Activities
Monday, March 28, 2022 — When labor begins: We’ve all seen the scene in a movie or show: in shock, a pregnant person says “I think my water just broke” and the montage begins of a partner frantically packing bags, looking for car keys, and speeding to the hospital. �� Hollyw... Continue Reading →
5 Tips for a Truly Supportive Partnership Postpartum
Thursday, February 24, 2022 — Adjusting to parenthood is rarely straightforward, especially when you’re not the gestational parent! When a baby is born, you're thrown into an incredibly high stakes job with huge demands on your time, emotional intelligence, and communication sk... Continue Reading →
Meet Dr. Shenha Gazi, PT, DPT
Monday, February 14, 2022 — Having a child can be tough on the body. Whether you are pregnant, had a C-section or had a vaginal delivery, your body has gone through immense change. If you experience back pain or neck pain during your pregnancy, you’re not alone! If you find you... Continue Reading →
Home Organization + Parenting with Jayla Fisk of The House Shuffle
Tuesday, January 11, 2022 — Home Organization and Parenting tips with the Housing Shuffle Continue Reading →
Birthsmarter Holiday Gift Guide
Thursday, November 18, 2021 — Birthsmarter Holiday Guide Continue Reading →
Yoko's Birth Story
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 — At 7:30 am I felt a pop in my belly. I thought ‘This is either him punching me down low or this is water breaking’. I tentatively stood up and expected the water to start falling out but it didn’t. I went to the toilet and there didn’t seem to be any... Continue Reading →
Minimalist Reading List: 3 Books to Help You Birthsmarter
Friday, June 18, 2021 — Minimalist Reading List: 3 Books to Help You Birthsmarter Continue Reading →
Delicious Nutrition: an Interview with Chiyo
Friday, June 18, 2021 — Hear from the Founder of Chiyo chat about nourishment pre and postpartum. Continue Reading →
Comfort and Coping in a Cesarean Birth
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 — Whether you’re scheduling a Cesarean birth in advance or preparing in case of an unplanned Cesarean birth, we’re so glad you’re here. Preparing for a Cesarean birth can bring up a multitude of feelings: excitement at the prospect of meeting your baby... Continue Reading →
Caprice's First Birth Story
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 — By the time I was expecting my first son, I’d been in the birth space for 8 years. I’d attended many births. I’d supported tons of families. I’d taught hundreds of pregnant folks as they anticipated their babies’ births. So I had preferences, but I ... Continue Reading →
Beth's Second Birth Story
Friday, January 15, 2021 — I’m sitting at my kitchen table, listening to the rain hit the pavement outside while my 3-month-old baby Jackson nurses. I hear his breathing, steady and rhythmic, with the occasional grunt or squeak mixed in. I’ve waited to write my birth story unt... Continue Reading →
The Science Behind Prenatal Massage
Friday, December 4, 2020 — The Science Behind Prenatal Massage Continue Reading →
Minimalist Reading List: 4 Books To Get You From Pregnancy To Parenting
Thursday, December 3, 2020 — Minimalist Reading List: 4 Books To Get You From Pregnancy To Parenting Continue Reading →
Want A Healthy Mom And Healthy Baby? Learn How To Advocate!
Monday, November 30, 2020 — Between heart attacks, hormonal birth control, and maternal mortality, you do not have to dig deep to find stories of women falling through the cracks of our medical system. It is so bizarrely upsetting that we live in a reality where we cannot trust the status quo in health care to keep us safe and healthy. In some ways, though, what an amazing opportunity this provides. We are being forced to learn more about health from a variety of sources and then, find, and trust our own instincts in concert with mainstream medical advice. As someone who supports women through the perinatal experience, I see this as being critical during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Is there a time more anxiety provoking then when you have to start making decisions on behalf of a tiny new human? Continue Reading →
You Got This! The 26.2 of Birth
Monday, November 2, 2020 — If you are one of the few people on Earth who have completed a full marathon, let me just say: Congratulations! I know what goes into preparing your body to complete 26.2 miles, and I admire your patience, determination, and strength. I have never run a marathon and I can safely say I never will. BUT – I remember my midwife looking at me and my post-birth high and saying: “I wish I could bottle adrenaline!” Having a baby is so hard, but also crazy awesome. In many ways, very much like running a marathon. Continue Reading →
Queer Birth: Three Considerations For LGBTQIA+ Families
Saturday, October 10, 2020 — Top insights and considerations for LGBTQIA+ Families Continue Reading →
Three Hormones To Know By Name: Estrogen, Testosterone, Progesterone
Wednesday, September 2, 2020 — We hear so much about hormones during pregnancy, but hormones are a pretty geeky topic that can be hard to understand. When I was pregnant and suddenly become hot natured instead of my usual cold self, my best friend said, "it's hormones." When I ate an entire chocolate cake (true story), my mom said, "it's your hormones." What are these mysterious hormones and what else are they doing during pregnancy? Here's an overview of three big ones: Estrogen, Testosterone, and Progesterone. Continue Reading →
Postpartum Planning With Baby Number 2!
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 — Postpartum Planning With Baby Number 2! Continue Reading →
The Four Postpartum Planning Essentials (That Everyone Else Forgets)
Monday, August 3, 2020 — The Four Postpartum Planning Essentials (That Everyone Else Forgets) Continue Reading →
Care for Down There! (A Guide to Loving Your Pelvic Floor After Birth)
Saturday, June 27, 2020 — Your pelvic floor is the area of your body between your legs. 14 muscles are woven together and run between your pubic bone and tailbone and between your two sitz bones. The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for bowel and bladder function, supporting your internal organs, and facilitating sexual health and pleasure. The muscles also work in concert with your transverse abdominal muscles (in your low belly), your diaphragm (at the bottom of your rib cage), and your back muscles to orchestrate a functional core system. Continue Reading →
Preventing Injury During Childbirth: #1 Advice From A Physical Therapist
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 — As a physical therapist, my role in supporting labor and delivery is to help the client avoid birth injuries like perineal tear or pelvic organ prolapse, protect pre-existing injuries like herniated disc or hip impingement, and prepare for early postpartum recovery. No one likes to think of these things happening, but the potential is real, and the potential to minimize the risk of injury is also real. After all, birth is a normal bodily process, and knowing more about that process allows a person to cope better and to be able to wisely choose their options for their birth plan. PT can offer pain management strategies, techniques for pelvic mobility to promote the baby’s descent, strategies to help avoid perineal tearing, safe pushing techniques, and pelvic floor fitness. Continue Reading →
Feminists Make Better Fathers
Saturday, June 13, 2020 — The most important thing a father can do is develop a deep bond with his child. Building a strong relationship is beneficial for both father and child, but building that relationship requires time and effort. Continue Reading →
9 Black-Owned Businesses That All Families Should Know About
Monday, June 8, 2020 — 9 Black-Owned Businesses That All Families Should Know About Continue Reading →
Small Changes | Big Results: How To Move In Isolation
Monday, June 1, 2020 — Small Changes | Big Results: How To Move In Isolation Continue Reading →
We Need You: A Note To Our White Community Members With Regard To BLM
Monday, May 25, 2020 — Childbirth is the moment where racism, sexism, and the worst of capitalism intersect. A moment that quite literally affects each and everyone of us. Continue Reading →
Essential Tips For Your Ride To The Hospital
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 — Essential Tips For Your Ride To The Hospital Continue Reading →
Do You Really Need A Birth Plan?
Monday, March 2, 2020 — Do You Really Need A Birth Plan? Continue Reading →
A Mission Statement Of Sorts
Friday, August 2, 2019 — Birthsmarter Mission Statement Continue Reading →
Ashley's First Birth Story
Thursday, August 1, 2019 — (Trigger Warning: The end of this story might feel really scary. Some might describe it as traumatic but I wasn't traumatized by it and that's an important distinction.) Today is sort of a big day for my family. It’s my daughter’s six birthday and m... Continue Reading →
"Kegel, Kegel, Kegel"? Questioning the Status Quo
Monday, June 10, 2019 — Here’s the thing. The vagina and the surrounding muscles of the pelvic floor do not actively help push a baby out. I understand why you might have thought that. No one really learns about childbirth (before they come to class) but it’s not true. Vaginas don’t push babies out. Uterus’ push babies out. “Tight vaginas” can even cause some trouble when it comes to labor AND postnatal recovery. Continue Reading →
Questioning The Status Quo: Delivery Positions
Monday, June 3, 2019 — A baby’s job in labor is to rotate and descend through the pelvis. If we can maximize the amount of space a baby has within the pelvis, we can not only speed this process along but minimize the stress on muscles and tissues within the pelvic bowl (and therefore minimize the risk injury). Continue Reading →
WELCOME BIRTHSMARTER!!!
Friday, May 17, 2019 — Welcome to Birthsmarter Continue Reading →
Do You Have The Best OBGYN?
Monday, May 13, 2019 — Questions to ask an OBGYN when you're pregnant! Continue Reading →
The Wild
Monday, May 13, 2019 — Meet The Wild. Birthsmarter's North Brooklyn Home Base Continue Reading →
What Makes Birthsmarter Different?
Monday, May 13, 2019 — Deeply rooted in education theory and mindful pedagogy... Continue Reading →
On Postpartum Doulas
Thursday, May 2, 2019 — Birthsmarter discussion on postpartum doulas Continue Reading →
How Does A Baby Actually Get Out?
Monday, July 2, 2018 — If you’re currently growing a baby this is an unavoidable question. For most people the anatomy just doesn’t make sense. A real baby is going to go from the inside of your body to the outside of your body, hopefully through your vagina. I totally get why, without knowing some things, that could be confusing and worrisome. Here’s the thing. There’s a really good, and simple design at play. The process of Labor and delivery consists of three key actions. To understand them you just need to understand some basic anatomy. Continue Reading →