You’ll probably agree that choosing and installing a car seat can be both daunting and challenging, especially if this is your first time doing so. There are so many little details involved that parents need to keep in mind to ensure that their little one is safe and secure the back seat. No need to feel overwhelmed, we’ve got you covered. With this quick but informative guide, finding the most suitable car seat for your baby and setting it up properly in your car will be straightforward and simple.
Pregnancy + Postpartum Guide
Congratulations! Orlando Mom is so excited to be celebrating YOU and your growing family.
included in this guide:
‣ information about our sponsors
‣ pelvic health
‣ hospital bag must haves
‣ finding an ob/gyn or midwife
‣ local resources
‣ c-section
‣ breastfeeding
‣ high risk pregnancy
‣ pregnancy + infant loss
‣ car seat safety
‣ sleep training
‣ pregnant workers fairness act
‣ guide to pediatricians in Central Florida
‣ content about new motherhood of all kinds written by local moms
‣ a bit more about Orlando Mom Collective and how to get involved in community with other local moms
‣ real mom experiences, encouragement, and more!
hey mama,
We are thrilled to bring you our Pregnancy & Postpartum Guide. The goal of this guide is to be a one-stop resource for local moms who are trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or have recently given birth. This guide offers ALL of the resources needed for a successful pregnancy and postpartum period in the Central Florida area.
The pregnancy and postpartum period can be filled with lots of joy, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful, especially when researching all of the many options. For most parents, there seem to be more questions than there are answers: Where should I give birth? What kind of birth would suit our family best? Who will help me once the baby arrives? Are there support groups? What if I can’t or don’t want to breastfeed? Once my baby is born, will I ever sleep again???
It is our hope that this guide helps provide moms in Central Florida with answers to some of those question. To our readers, we sincerely hope you will find this guide to be a helpful part of your journey into and through motherhood.
Looking for a pediatrician for your new baby? We have all the information to help you make that choice too! Learn More.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored guide, presented by our valued local partners. While we love sharing these resources with our readers, we have not personally vetted each individual business represented here and encourage our readers to do their own research to find the best fit for their family.
Presenting Sponsor
AdventHealth for Women’s focus on Whole Person Care
Pregnancy and motherhood are exciting, challenging, and joyful all at once — even when it’s not your first time around. That’s why at AdventHealth for Women we provide a comprehensive network with locations throughout Central Florida that provide everything you need along your pregnancy journey. We guarantee you’ll always have expert guidance. Your team includes your own Birth Experience Coordinator, world Class OB/GYN physicians and midwives, certified lactation consultants, highly skilled registered nurses and support staff and certified childbirth educators.
AdventHealth for Women offers a whole person approach to health care that embraces women at every stage of their lives. The AdventHealth for Women care network includes eight Baby Place locations throughout Central Florida as well as an extensive support network for new parents including Birth Experience Coordinators, parent education, lactation services and more.
Their world-class providers offer personalized expertise close to home. From well-woman checkups and mammograms to OB care and pelvic health, you’ll always have a choice of experts in a variety of specialties. And our specially trained Women’s Health Navigator helps manage your health throughout your lifetime by finding providers and helping to coordinate your whole family’s care.
AdventHealth for Women’s nationally recognized care is focused on delivering health care that is coordinated, comprehensive and convenient.
Pregnancy + Postpartum Resources
When it comes to pregnancy and postpartum, it seems like EVERYONE has an opinion! So where can you go to get some sound, solid advice about infertility, OB/GYNs, doulas, lactation consultants, and postpartum issues? We’ve put together some Pregnancy and Postpartum resources in the community, and we hope this becomes your go-to list when looking for assistance in this precious time of your life!
What You Should Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is a new law that requires covered employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” to a worker’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation will cause the employer an “undue hardship.”
The PWFA applies only to accommodations. Existing laws that the EEOC enforces make it illegal to fire or otherwise discriminate against workers on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
The PWFA does not replace federal, state, or local laws that are more protective of workers affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. More than 30 states and cities have laws that provide accommodations for pregnant workers.
Everything you Need to Know About Paternity Leave
For quite a while not, it has been totally normal for moms to receive maternity leave for the birth of their children. This time is there to allow them to bond and care for the newborn in its first few months, but what about dads or other parents?
Thankfully, we have seen a shift away from this view in recent years with paternity leave becoming more popular. Here’s everything that you need to know about paternity leave:
OB Services at AdventHealth for Women
At AdventHealth for Women, our focus is to provide personalized support during pregnancy, delivery and beyond. Our team of experts along with upgraded amenities and services, allow new parents to have peace of mind throughout their journey. Each of our locations throughout Central Florida are state-of-the art and offer world class care.
Parent Education Classes and Support
Our team is here to prepare you for pregnancy, childbirth and beyond with classes led by registered nurses and certified parent educators. Expecting moms and partners across Central Florida can gain confidence going into parenthood with classes at The Baby Place Academy. For your comfort and safety, several of our classes are offered virtually including childbirth class, comfort measures, sibling class and much more.
Finding an OB/GYN or Midwife
AdventHealth for Women’s health navigation team provides complimentary services that help you find a provider, coordinate your overall care and answer any questions you may have. A health navigator is a specially trained registered nurse. These service includes finding a care provider (Physician, Midwife and/or Specialist), answers to your health care questions, assistance with scheduling annual office visits and screenings, resources and support for you and your family and coordination of care among multiple providers and facilities.
3 Tips for Finding the Right OB/Gyn for You!
Your OB/GYN sees you through all of life’s changes. From puberty to pregnancy, through menopause and beyond, you need a trusted provider who can help you navigate these seasons with skill, sensitivity and compassion.
Choosing the right OB/GYN is important to your whole health. We’re here with 3 tips that will help you select the right provider for your needs.
Let’s Talk About Pelvic Health
Find Relief From Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Prolapse
Pelvic floor disorders can cause symptoms that range from uncomfortable to downright debilitating.
You might find yourself searching for a restroom even though you went 20 minutes ago. Or when sensing a sneeze coming on, brace yourself to avoid an embarrassing moment.
Some women even experience severe pelvic pain, backaches, bowel problems or pain during intercourse. And often, they don’t seek the help they need.
“These are not things that women always want to talk about with their providers,” explains Dr. Nathan Kow, urogynecologist at AdventHealth. “They certainly don’t talk to their friends and family about it. Some women believe it’s normal or a rite of passage as they age. We spend a lot of time as gynecologists trying to explain that no, that’s not normal and there are treatment options for it.”
High Risk Pregnancy
Expert Care for Your High-Risk Pregnancy
Our top priority is the health of you and your baby. That’s why our specialists create an individualized care plan that considers your unique risks and challenges — and keeps your journey to motherhood on the safest possible path.
When a Routine Pregnancy Stops Being Routine, See an MFM
A Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist is a doctor who has received special training in caring for women with high-risk pregnancies and women whose baby is likely to be born with a health problem. The Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist doesn’t take over the care of the mother-to-be, but instead becomes part of the care team, along with the obstetrician.
Postpartum Preeclampsia: What I Wish I Had Known
My head felt like it was about to explode. Like a ticking bomb. The pounding in my skull was so loud I could hardly hear my husband desperately begging me to stay awake. Sunlight and even the depressing fluorescent lights of the ER seared my eyes.
All I could discern was the sound of my own voice screaming in agony and the doctors muffled orders to get an MRI and CT scan done ASAP. I recall being stabbed with an IV and given magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures.
I was a new mother to a week old infant, diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia.
Prepping for Baby
When Labor Doesn’t Go as Planned: Six Ways to Prepare your Mind for the Unexpected
Most new mommas arrive to labor and delivery with the expectations of a perfect delivery. We all envision the onset of spontaneous labor that baby tolerates progressing into a short, painless period of pushing resulting in the arrival of a new life. Most women don’t ever consider cesarean section as a possibility. Fortunately, a vast majority of women have an uncomplicated, uneventful labor and delivery experience.
Hospital Bag Essentials
This is a question every soon to be mom will be asked…especially once she is approaching her due date. In an effort to help you be ready for baby’s arrival we’ve partnered together with AdventHealth for Women to help you get your hospital bag ready to go with all of the essentials for your new baby’s arrival and beyond!
Delivery Day Packing List
When the time comes to deliver your baby, it’s easy to forget to bring certain items that can help make you more comfortable during your labor and subsequent hospital stay. We recommend that you pack the following items in advance, so you’re prepared to head to the hospital immediately when the time comes.
Birth Wishes
The Baby Place at AdventHealth for Women is designed to accommodate your every wish. Birth Wishes is a great way to share your preferences with your OB/GYN team.
The Birth Plan
A Birth Plan is a list of preferences or wishes for your childbirth experience.
My Best Advice to Rock Your Unmedicated Birth
From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to have an unmedicated birth. Well, maybe there was more research and thought put into than that, but it was pretty close. I have friends and family who spoke about it with such amazement at their own bodies and I was determined to experience it as well. So then the reading and preparation started—and there was a lot more to it than I originally thought. In the end, I had an absolutely wonderful labor and delivery, so I wanted to share what I learned. Although I put together this advice specifically with unmedicated birth plans in mind, everything here would also be great to keep in mind for any kind of birth plan.
My non birth plan did NOT go as planned!
When I got pregnant I thought “You know what? For once I’m going to attempt to go with the flow.” Do you know how hard that is?! My husband and I had decided not to find out the gender before we even got pregnant. I honestly didn’t think we would stick to it, but we did. To me that was the ultimate “non-planning” move I could have made. You can say I even shocked those who were closest to me when I told them that we were waiting to find out the gender. (By the way, best decision we decided to make in case you’re wondering.) All throughout my pregnancy I had been asked if I had a birth plan. Friends, coworkers, doctors, everyone wanted to know what was my plan. I didn’t have one and I didn’t want one.
Prenatal & Postpartum: It’s so important to keep those appointments
One thing that helped with my anxiety was early prenatal care. Between baby three and baby four I had a miscarriage (my personal story is below). My OB made all the difference in the world to me. That was 5 years ago. I can’t even imagine walking through my pregnancy in the midst of a pandemic.
{GASP} We are NOT finding out the gender!
We don’t believe in limiting our child to only pink or blue based on gender. Don’t get us wrong. We have two nephews and another on the way and we are all about buying all things boy for them, but although Roy loves sports and I love shoes and shopping, we aren’t particularly sold on the idea of setting one specific gender role for our unborn child. He loves space and I love Harry Potter. I want our child to love sports, shopping, space and Harry Potter no matter what gender he/she is.
Local Resources
Gina Alemán is the heart and hands behind perinatal care company New Blossom Maternity Services. As an educator of more than 12 years, Gina graciously shares relevant and evidenced-based information with her clients through childbirth education, birth support, lactation counseling, and postpartum care. Gina understands the incredible value of quality perinatal care and seeks to make her services accessible to all birthing people, especially as an advocate for black, indigenous, and other people of color who might not otherwise have such resources within their reach. She is most motivated by watching her clients flourish in the postpartum period– feeling supported, equipped, and strong.
Gina is a formally trained childbirth educator, birth doula, newborn caregiver, postpartum doula, and completing training as a certified lactation counselor. She holds a bachelor of science degree in education from Florida State University and a master of science degree in instructional design and diversity education from Nova Southeastern University.
Her own flourishing family includes her artistic and witty husband of over ten years and their two bright and gracious young children. Outside of her time with clients, you can find Gina dancing, practicing yoga, planning a social gathering or trip with friends, in or on a body of water with her family, or seeking out a homegrown restaurant for good people watching and to savor a laid-back meal that lasts a little too long.
🌟 Introducing Your Pediatric Sleep Consultant! 🌟
Are you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed due to your child’s sleep struggles?
Hi, I’m Nicole, owner of Dreamland Sleep Solutions. I am a passionate and dedicated Pediatric Sleep Consultant, and I’m here to help you and your little ones get the restful sleep you all deserve!
I understand the challenges and frustrations that come with sleepless nights and disrupted routines. That’s why I made it my mission to specialize in pediatric sleep, armed with the latest research and gentle, effective techniques.
With a background in child development, being a newborn care specialist,postpartum doula and years of experience working with families, I take an approach to sleep, considering your child’s unique personality and individual needs. Together, we’ll create a customized sleep plan that suits your family’s lifestyle and preferences.
My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to tackle sleep challenges confidently. From newborn sleep patterns to handling nap transitions and bedtime battles, to fixing daytime naps and adjusting proper milk feed schedules, I’ve got you covered every step of the way.
Let’s work together to establish healthy sleep habits that will promote better sleep for your child, leading to happier, well-rested families. Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to a peaceful and rejuvenating slumber for both you and your little one!
Looking forward to supporting and guiding you on this beautiful journey to better sleep.
Virtual Services: I offer virtual consultations for clients worldwide, ensuring accessibility to my expertise no matter where you are.
In-Home Services: If you’re a local resident in the Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Lake Nona, Oviedo, Winter Springs, or Lake Mary areas, I provide convenient in-home services.
Sweet dreams,
Nicole
Your Pediatric Sleep Consultant
“Motherhood is the greatest thing and the hardest thing.” – Ricki Lake
Family Source Consultants
Latching in Love
Ohana Counseling & Wellness
Ohana means family.
Our innovative, multidisciplinary care model was created *by families, for families*. Whether you or a family member is in need of Lactation Consulting, Mental Health & Wellness Counseling, Prenatal/Postpartum/Parenting Support, or groups and education, we have you covered.
Welcome to your modern day parenting village!
As the old proverb goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” If this is resonating with you, it’s time to take that first brave step into self-care. You owe it to yourself, your spouse, and your family. With the right tools, you will have the power to radically change your outlook and your life, for the better. We can’t wait to help you reinvest in yourself.
Forgotten Trimester
Our top priority is the health of you and your baby. That’s why our specialists create an individualized care plan that considers your unique risks and challenges — and keeps your journey to motherhood on the safest possible path.
CLIMB Wellness & Counseling
Are you feeling isolated and alone? Do you think no one understands what you are going through? We at CLIMB Wellness & Counseling are here to help with challenging life transitions. We specialize in maternal and women’s counseling because we care about women and their families. Unexpected and unplanned events happen every day. Being a woman today is challenging, there are more commitments and expectations than ever. Women’s Counseling is focused on the uniqueness of being a female in an ever changing world with an ever changing body. From the teenage years to retirement and all that comes in between we would be honored to help you get to the other side.
Maternal Counseling is focused on everything from decision making/prenatal to postpartum and all of the adjustments to becoming a mommy. This includes how to balance your new life and relationships to the potential of grief, loss, infertility and trauma that can arise. Every woman’s path is different, and we are here to walk beside you, to encourage, comfort, listen and support you in a way that will be most advantageous to you. We want to see you Climb!
Mom Friends
Join the Orlando Mom Collective Village.
This private Facebook group is moderated by admins. We encourage you to use this group to help you all connect for all things mom: recommendations on sitters, pediatricians, places to go for date night, advice, etc.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Support
AdventHealth for Women is committed to supporting moms in their feeding choices, including providing advanced breastfeeding support from our registered nurses and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). We offer several educational resources and ways to get support including prenatal breastfeeding classes, private consultations, “Help Line” to discuss any breastfeeding issues, breast pump sales and rental, in-hospital lactation support, weekly Baby Bunch support group for mothers with infants under 12 months old to meet other moms.
Pediatric Developmental Checklist
Every child develops at a different rate. Listed below are approximate age ranges for meeting developmental milestones. Please remember that variation is normal. If you notice that your child is not meeting several of the skills, consult your pediatrician. Your child may benefit from occupational, physical or speech/language therapy to facilitate developmental progression.
“A mother’s love endures through all.” – Washington Irving
C-Section
C-Section Awareness Month: Things We Wished We Knew
Postpartum
What Does Postpartum Depression Look Like?
I was a very young, nervous new mom. I worked at a daycare and so I soaked up any bits and pieces of motherhood from the moms I got to know through caring for their children. One of the moms I grew to love was so cool and calm and collected. She was always patient with her children and I never saw her without a smile. She had cute nicknames for her kiddos and could tickle them out of any fit.
But then out of nowhere, after she had her last baby…something changed in her. She withdrew. She seemed ashamed, and her smile went away. I remember vividly because I was shocked that postpartum depression could grab hold of someone like her, a supermom in my mind. It scared me and opened my eyes to the stark reality of PPD.
Ending Postpartum Distress
Being a mother is hard, no matter if it’s the first time or the fifth time. Yes, some pregnancies or babies are easier than others and some people handle it differently, but taking on the protection and care of another human being is never a simple job. For many of us, being a parent is the most important job we can have and it comes with enormous levels of responsibility.
The fact is, no one can prepare for motherhood 100%. Every baby and experience is unique. Unfortunately, many of us come into motherhood with rose colored glasses that show us our lives should resemble what the books and movies project.
4 Real World Tips For Tackling Self-Care
If you’re wondering what counts as “adequate” self-care, read on to get some real world and practical tips on how to practice self-care.
Car Seat
Car Seat Laws
Did you know that any child under five years old must be seated in a federally approved, child car-seat? Failure to follow these laws could result in a $60 fine and three points against the supervising adult’s driver’s license.
Sleep Training
How to Successfully Sleep Train Your Baby
Babies will spend the majority of their first years sleeping, but that does not mean that they do not need sleep training. Some babies will quickly adapt to the schedule you determine, while others will need more time and probably tears to reach that optimal sleep schedule. Sleep training is basically a process of learning your baby how and when to fall asleep, and it is recommended to start with it when the baby is between 4 and 6 months old.
I Am Proud To Say: I Sleep Trained My Kids
Yes I said it, I sleep trained my kids. I did, and frankly I am proud of it!
I should say “we” did, because my husband and I made the choice together. Here’s why we made that choice and why I know it was a good one.
Pregnancy + Infant Loss
Ways to Cope When Facing Pregnancy or Infant Loss
Sometimes when I’m out and about with my children and it’s time to leave, I gather all four of them to go. But, l’ll get this feeling that I’ve lost one of my children.
Then I’ll remember. I did.
It happened nearly thirteen years ago, but I’m still reminded there’s a special child of mine who is missing.
When pregnant, nobody wants to hear those fateful three words from the doctor…“Something is wrong.”
In my case, something was very wrong and my child was then given a grave prognosis, which meant when he was born, he would die.
Can you ever really prepare to go through something so heartbreaking as losing your baby? And can you ever make it to the other side of grief—being able to experience joy and thankfulness once again?
Ways to Cope When Facing Pregnancy or Infant Loss
Grief is part of living in a world where we love people and sometimes we have to say goodbye. Finding healthy ways to cope can help us along the way as we navigate through our journey of loss. Until one day, when reach the other side.
Here for You With Support, Prayers and Resources
Miscarriage and infant loss can be so painful. Know that we’re here to help you through this difficult process. When you’re ready, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our bereavement support team.
The Invisible Badge of Infertility
I’ve never suffered through a miscarriage or an infant loss, and I can’t imagine having to go through that. As my husband and I go on our sixth year of infertility, there were times I felt that I was suffering a loss every month there wasn’t a positive pregnancy. Even though I am a mom, those thoughts of “what’s wrong with me?” still creep in. Before we had Reagan, we tried diligently to get pregnant with fertility treatments for over a year and a half. But at some point, the emotional and physical toll your body takes comes to a breaking point. It did for us and we did a 180 toward adoption and never looked back.
Community Resources
If you’re new to Orlando, new to being a mom in Orlando, or just new to Orlando Mom Collective, our communities are a great way to meet moms and make new mom friends in the same stage of motherhood.
We Are Orlando Mom
Orlando Mom Collective is a locally-focused parenting resource for moms and families.
It’s been almost nine years since we began connecting moms in the Central Florida Area. We are the local resource for moms and parents in and around Central Florida. Orlando Mom is made up of more than 10 women driving community to encourage, empower, and inspire local moms.
Passionate about parenting and our community, Orlando Mom Collective strives to connect area moms to relevant resources, local businesses, can’t-miss happenings, and most of all — each other!