Why One Child Can Be Enough: Top 10 Reasons | Erie PA Parenting | Northwest PA Doulas

September 25, 2017 Chrissy Dougan

We support families of all sizes. A local parent explains why she adores her family of three.

Top 10 Reasons Why One Child Can Be Enough:

When I Chose to Breastfeed | A Personal Story | Northwest PA Doulas

September 1, 2017 Christine Dougan

Nursing my newborn while my toddler slept next to us ❤️

When I was pregnant with my first baby, at some point I decided I wanted to breastfeed.

I decided I wouldn't breastfeed past 1 year or when the "baby could ask for it", whatever came first. Little did I know, I would go on to nurse for 3 years. I don't remember there being a distinct reason I wanted to nurse, necessarily. I just remember planning on doing it, checking the breastfeeding option on my birth plan and not really preparing from there. I bought a book that I read maybe 5 pages out of and that was that. Looking back, there are so many things I wish I knew then.

Local Families Raising 5 Children: Gretchen | Erie PA Parenting

August 13, 2017 Chrissy Dougan

During this blog series, three local parents: Gretchen, Michelle, & Lucy share the joys and challenges of raising 5 children. From what chore they dread the most, to the food item they are constantly running out of, take a peek into life with 5 kids!

Today we're featuring Gretchen's family.

When a Postpartum Doula Comes to Help | Erie PA & Meadville PA Doulas

June 22, 2017 Christine Dougan

When a postpartum doula comes over to your house to help you, it can be hard to know what to expect. Read this blog to find out just what your doula might do!

Its Not Just Taking a Bubble Bath | Self Care | Northwest PA Parenting

April 24, 2017 Christine Dougan

Self care.

We're hearing about it everywhere... and we think its pretty important.

Pregnancy, birth, postpartum, parenting. These time periods can produce the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It can be so easy to be so wrapped up in family during this stage. But;

You are important.

I See You | An Open Letter to Parents | Northwest PA Doulas

April 15, 2017 Christine Dougan

I see you

Watching your kids at the playground. Guarding them from making a choice that is deemed "too risky". You came hoping to make a connection, maybe with another parent. You're too shy to actually approach anyone. You long for that strong support system, the village that everyone talks about, that very few have.

It Doesn't Always Go As Planned | Erie PA Parenting | Erie PA Birth & Postpartum Doulas

January 19, 2017 Christine Dougan

Before I was a mom, one thing I always said was:

My kids will never go to daycare.

But guess where they are this morning? For the second day in a row? Daycare.

The Downsides of Facebook Mom Groups | Erie PA Doulas, Childbirth Education & Placenta Encapsulation

January 12, 2017 Christine Dougan

Let me start by saying;

Facebook mom groups are important.

They provide support, sometimes instantly, to moms in need of advice, tips or a person to vent to. For many moms, these online groups are the only way they talk to other adults during their days. They give you people to talk to, debate with and solidify the choices you've made as a parent.