Sprouting Families

09/07/2026

🌱 Myth Monday #15: You need continuous fetal monitoring during labor.

Myth! Continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is not automatically necessary for every laboring person, especially in a low-risk pregnancy.

There are several ways baby’s heart rate can be monitored during labor:

🔹 Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) – Uses sensors placed on your belly to continuously track baby’s heart rate and your contractions. Depending on the circumstances, this may be done continuously or intermittently.

🔹 Doppler – A handheld Doppler can be used to listen to baby’s heart rate at regular intervals throughout labor. This can allow you to move, change positions, walk around, and labor more freely between checks.

🔹 Stethoscope – A stethoscope can also be used to listen to baby’s heart rate intermittently during labor, without keeping you attached to a monitoring machine.

The best option depends on your individual pregnancy, your risk factors, how labor is progressing, and your care provider or birth setting.

💡 Knowing your options can help you have a conversation with your care team before labor begins. Ask what type of monitoring they typically use, when continuous monitoring is recommended, and whether intermittent monitoring is an option for you.

🌱 Sprouting Families | BirthDoulas
We’re currently accepting Doula clients in the North Country!

Learn more: sproutingfamilies.com

09/04/2026

🌱 Weekly Question!

What helped you when you were dealing with mastitis? 🤱

Whether it was something you did at home, support from a lactation professional, advice from your healthcare provider, or simply having someone there to help—share what worked for you!

Your experience could be exactly what another breastfeeding parent needs to hear. 💛

09/02/2026

🌱 Clogged Ducts & Mastitis: What can you do?

Breastfeeding can come with some uncomfortable surprises, and clogged ducts and mastitis are two things many breastfeeding parents experience. But how do you know what you’re dealing with, and what can you do about it?

This week, we’re breaking down the signs, what may help, and when it’s time to reach out to your healthcare provider. Understanding what’s happening in your body can help you feel more confident and supported during your breastfeeding journey. 🤱

Have you experienced a clogged duct or mastitis? What helped you?

Learn more about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting support at sproutingfamilies.com.

08/31/2026

🌱 **Myth Monday: All prenatal vitamins are the same!**

Think all prenatal vitamins are created equal? Think again!

One important difference to look for is **which form of folate** your prenatal contains.

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate that your body has to convert through several steps before it becomes 5-MTHF, the main active form of folate found in your bloodstream.

Methylfolate (5-MTHF) is already in that active form, so your body can use it without needing to make the same conversion. It is also highly bioavailable and, for some people, may be easier for the body to utilize.

And folate isn’t the only thing to look for in a prenatal! When comparing vitamins, check that they provide important nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids —along with other key pregnancy nutrients like iron, iodine, choline, and vitamin B12.

🌱 Not all prenatals are created equal—read that label!

💬 Have you ever compared the ingredients in different prenatal vitamins?

08/28/2026

🌱 **Weekly Question!** 🌱

What tips or tricks helped you increase your milk supply?

Whether it was something you ate, a pumping routine, a breastfeeding position, or simply something that worked for you — we’d love to hear what helped! 💕

Share your experience in the comments so other parents can learn from you, too!

08/27/2026

🌱 **What are galactagogues?** 🤱

You may have heard the word *galactagogue* and wondered what it means! Galactagogues are substances that are believed to help support or increase breast milk production—also sometimes called “milk boosters.” 🍼

There are many different foods and herbs that are commonly used as galactagogues, including:

• Garlic
• Dandelion
• Fenugreek
• Ginger
• Oats
• Carrots
• Beets
• Leafy greens
• Brewer’s yeast

The important thing to remember is that **what works for one person may not work for everybody!** Everyone’s body and breastfeeding journey is different. 💕

Have you ever tried any of these foods or herbs while breastfeeding? What worked for you? Let us know in the comments! 👇

🌱 **Sprouting Families**
We’re currently accepting Doula clients!
Learn more about our services at **sproutingfamilies.com**

08/24/2026

We’re back with another Myth Monday!
🌱
It is a common misconception that you can tell if someone has an STD/STI just by looking at them, but that’s not true! Let’s talk about the facts and how to protect yourself.
🌱

08/21/2026

🌱 **Question of the Week!** 🌱

If you could give **one piece of advice to a first-time parent**, what would it be? 💛

Maybe it’s something you wish someone had told you, a lesson you learned along the way, or simply something that made those early days a little easier.

Share your wisdom in the comments! 👇 You never know who might need to hear it. 💕

08/20/2026

Ann is the sweetest, so happy to share space with her at Tallman!

Do you have a child who could benefit from Child Centered Play Therapy? I'm currently offering In-Person appointments for Saturday, September 12, 2026.

CCPT will be private pay at this time. Sessions will be $60. If you are interested, please email me at [email protected] or call (315) 355-7834. There is currently no waitlist. Located in Canton at the Tallman House!

08/19/2026

🌱 **Let’s Talk Placenta!** 🌱

Did you know there are many different ways people choose to use their placenta after birth? From encapsulation and smoothies to tinctures, truffles, and even cooking it into meals, placenta consumption is a topic that often brings up a lot of questions!

In this post, we’re talking about why some families choose to consume their placenta, the claimed benefits, different preparation methods, and important safety considerations. Make an informed decision that feels right for you and your family. 💚

Would you ever consider using your placenta after birth? **Tell us what you think!** 👇

🌿 **Sprouting Families**
Supporting growing families throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

🌱 We’re currently accepting Doula clients!
Learn more about our services: **sproutingfamilies.com**