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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.
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
‣ 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Motherhood is the greatest thing and the hardest thing.” – Ricki Lake
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Other Resources
Mama Ojas- Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula
Empowered Beginnings FL
Advanced Ultrasound FL
“A mother’s love endures through all.” – Washington Irving
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
