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Good News!

Written up on May 4th, 2012

I recieved my NPI number today!  That means that I have an official National Providers Identification number and can now bill insurance for my birth doula services.   Reimbursement for doula services is still pretty spotty and varies widely among insurance companies.  I imagine that we will encounter some success and just as many set backs.   But I'm excited to give it a go.  Can't hurt to try, right? 

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Where does it go?

Written up on April 11th, 2012

I continue to find pregnancy and the woman's body fascinating.  It's really incredible to consider all the things conspiring within a woman's body when she is pregnant.  I found these photos on Childbirth Connection and found them astounding.  Where do all your organs go when you are carrying growing a baby in there?  Take a look...

                                 

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Vacationing with Kids

Written up on April 4th, 2012

It's officially Spring (I know, you can't really tell, per se, in Seattle, but still...) and that means that in our house we're starting to look ahead and think about summertime and being outdoors, camping, vacationing and all sorts of general lazing about.  But it's different now that we have kids.  Oh, so different!  There actually isn't much lazing about (read none!) but it's still so good to be outdoors with our boys, to get out of the house and into the yard, into the water, into the dirt, into the sand and the garden and all the good things that summer brings.   If you've recently had a baby or your kids are moving into toddlerhood, there are new things to consider when planning a vacation.  I've had a few former clients contact me to ask about travel & vacationing with babies/kids - mainly, how to accomplish it with their new family.   Here's what I tell them...


Gryff & Isaiah surrounded by all our camping gear last summer Read more »

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Still Looking for a Doula?

Written up on March 30th, 2012

I'm learning that working in the field of birthing can be so very unpredictable.  I've had several babies arrive early this year and that has freed up my calendar a little.  So if you are still looking for a doula for your April, May or June birth, send me an email or give me a call.

 
Hanging with one of my January babes last Wednesday 

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Coffee Cake

Written up on March 19th, 2012

I remember being carb-crazed after giving birth.  When I started nursing, I could not get enough carbs.    In my memory, Jason was toasting bread, serving bran muffins, flipping pancakes, and preparing pasta around the clock.   I wish we had this recipe back then.  It's my new go-to recipe for coffee cake.  It's simple and basic and although I can't claim it's healthy, maybe you could substitute whole wheat flour to ease your conscience?   

I found the recipe and photo @ Eat At Home and you can view it here.   Read more »

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Contact Form Glitch

Written up on March 5th, 2012

I discovered last week that the contact form on my site was broken.  If you sent an email through this site in the last month, I'm so sorry that you did not get a response!  I'm hoping to respond to all your inquiries this week and the contact form is now fixed and ready for your inquiries.  Hope to talk with you all soon, Nancy 

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Couscous Salad with Corn & Bell Pepper

Written up on January 9th, 2012

I stumbled across this recipe on epicurious last week and thought it would be a good one to post here for meal monday.  It's very simple and very tasty.  An easy option for those first weeks after your baby arrives.  

Here's what you need:

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3/4 c fresh corn (cut from about 2 ears)
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1.25 c water
  • 2/3 c couscous
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 c fresh chopped cilantro
  • cayenne pepper, optional

Here's what you do: Read more »

You Just Never Know...

Written up on December 5th, 2011

I was asked in a client interview last week what I thought was the most important thing for a birth plan.  I thought hard.  I was kind of caught off guard.  I don't think anyone has ever asked me that exact question.  But I managed to come up with my answer after a long pause.  Flexibility.  A willingness to deviate from your plan.  Birthing is so very unpredictable.  You just never know how things are going to go.  Labor and delivery always seem to deviate from even the best-laid plans.   I continue to be surprised and shocked with nearly every birth I attend.  Something always surprises me.  The woman I thought would go "all natural" asking for an epidural within minutes of entering the hospital.  The other woman, who I gave about, oh, one chance in a million, for going all natural pushing her baby out without any drugs or interferance of any kind.  Short umbilical cords.  Heart-shaped uteruses.   Inductions.  Magnesium sulfate.   Things rarely go according to plan.

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Dubsea Coffee

Written up on November 14th, 2011

Local Review

Another Seattle review as we gear up for winter and the hunt begins for indoor play options.
Up this week:  Dubsea Coffee in White Center
Overall rating: 9/10

 

Thumbs up & Thumbs down...

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Bran Muffins

Written up on October 31st, 2011

When most people think of bran muffins, their response is usually "bleh."  I understand that.  I've had some truly terrible bran muffins in my time.  But these are my mom's recipe.   And every year when Fall rolls around, the leaves start changing and the weather turns cold, I turn to this recipe.  It's a comfort thing, I guess.  Autumn and the thought of the holiday season makes me feel nostalgic and I start wanting to do all these mom-ish type things, like baking and making ornaments.  But these bran muffins really are good.   They crisp up a bit on the outside and stay moist on the inside.  The dough will keep in the fridge for up to 8 weeks so you can make them fresh whenever you like.  

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