FTS Postpartum Doula, Parenthood
Kari Haravitch
Newborn and Postpartum Prep Workshop - Think ...

Your baby gear comes with instructions, why doesn’t your baby?

I’ve been meaning to write this article for a long, long time and I’m so excited I finally had the chance to write it. I wanted to take the change to explain one of my favorite offerings - my newborn and postpartum prep workshop. Sure, the hospital offers something similar, but this is more convenient for families and a better experience, which is the best way for adults to learn anyways!

So, have a read. Whether you’re expecting or not, I’d love for you to learn more about this baby care and after birth prep workshop so that you can share this resource! This article should answer the 5 Ws and an H for everything related to the workshop.

Happy reading and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Newborn and Postpartum Prep Workshop - Think Outside the Hospital
Motherhood, Personal Stories
Kari Haravitch
Better Care After an Ankle Sprain than After ...

Have you ever taken the time to think about care after childbirth and compared it to care you’ve seen or received after any other injury? Trust me, I know there is nothing like childbirth, but in this article I’m going to attempt to compare my ankle sprain to childbirth. Specifically, I’m going to attempt to compare the recovery and rehab process of the two. Though really, there’s no comparing. 

I wont propose a solution to the issue, just seeking to draw attention to the lack of standardized care for postpartum people. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one…❤️

Better Care After an Ankle Sprain than After Childbirth?
Multiple Children
Kari Haravitch
Juggling Big Siblings and Newborn Feedings

Juggling newborn feedings and big sibling needs is tough. There’s no denying that. This blog article is geared to help with this exact situation - feeding your newborn while still tending to your older child(ren). This article, written by a postpartum doula, has several tried and true tips and suggestions for things to do prior to feeding as well as things to do during a feeding. Take a read and share with a friend who may be experiencing concerns about this exact scenario! Happy reading.

Juggling Big Siblings and Newborn Feedings
Military Life
Kari Haravitch
Anatomy of a Military Child - One Year Older

April is the Month of the Military Child. I wrote this article last year but gave it a few tweaks and updates and am republishing it for 2019. Same information still applies, but I’m one year more experienced along my military spouse/life journey and wanted to add a few more details to the description of the anatomy of these wild creatures disbursed amongst us. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing (and updating) it. Stay blessed!

Anatomy of a Military Child - One Year Older
Military Life
Kari Haravitch
What You Need to Know About TRICARE's Banked ...

TRICARE families, have you heard the great news? TRICARE now includes Banked Donor Breastmilk as one of their covered benefits for all beneficiaries! The details can get a little complicated, but here on the From The Start, Postpartum Doula blog, I’ll do my best to clarify. Take a look at this article for more information and what you need to know about the new benefit and how to use it.

What You Need to Know About TRICARE's Banked Donor Milk Policy

Strolling the Sunny South Bay - aka My New Service Area

Strolling the Sunny South Bay - aka My New Service Area

We’ve been in Los Angeles area for about 2 months now and we’re finally feeling like we have a bit of a routine. Especially me. I’m able to get out for a walk or run everyday and I’m trying to see as much as there is to see around here. This has allowed me to learn some streets and roads and has helped me determine my postpartum doula service area. So, I’m finally ready to share the areas in which I’m looking forward to supporting families with newborns. Share with anyone you know living this area who may be interested in postpartum doula services. Enjoy!

10+ Thoughtful Gift Cards For Families With Newborns

10+ Thoughtful Gift Cards For Families With Newborns

Think outside the registry and give a gift card! There are some really great products and services available nowadays for families with newborns. But, the big-box baby registries still have families registering for things they really don’t need. Here’s your chance to give an even better gift than a newborn-size onsie…a thoughtful gift card that the family will actually use! Take a look at this Top 10 list (but really, there are more than 10 ideas here!). Enjoy!

Are You Ready For Some...A Few Similarities Between Parenthood and Football

Are You Ready For Some...A Few Similarities Between Parenthood and Football

The NFL 2018-2019 Season Begins! A couple of weeks ago, I drafted my Fantasy Football team and it got me thinking about football and parenthood. Building your team. Hoping your team does well. Thinking about your team constantly. Wondering about their future. All that stuff. So, on this NFL Opening Day 2018, I wanted to make a light-hearted comparison between football and parenthood. And here it is. Enjoy!

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Love At First Sight - Meeting My Firstborn's Father

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Love At First Sight - Meeting My Firstborn's Father

Do you believe in love at first sight? Think about that as it relates to your children, especially your newborns, and you might have a different answer. But, you can also apply this question to another important person in your family. Check out today’s article on a pretty personal story for me and my family and learn how I became a believer in love at first sight. Happy Father’s Day!

The Emotions Of Motherhood

The Emotions Of Motherhood

Nothing can really prepare you for the emotions of motherhood quite like, well, motherhood. We can train, prepare, practice, research, and plan for many other aspects of bringing a child into our lives, but we cannot truly rehearse for the emotions until we experience it. In this article, we’ll talk through some of these emotions and help normalize the emotions we experience as mothers. I hope this article brings you Joy…

Raising Military Children - closing out the Month Of The Military Child 2018

Raising Military Children - closing out the Month Of The Military Child 2018

I’m closing out the Month Of The Military Child 2018 by sharing stories. Raising kids is tough. Period. No matter what. But in April, we get to honor and celebrate military children and the struggles they endure because of a life they didn’t choose. This article is dedicated to the mothers who raise them. You’ll see some of the most family-friendly places to live, learn some of the best parts of raising military kids, and some of the hardest parts. Whether you are a military family or not, I hope you take a few minutes to read this in support of our military families. Enjoy!

Anatomy of a Military Child

Anatomy of a Military Child

April is designated as the Month of the Military Child. As a postpartum doula, military spouse, and Army Reservist, this celebration is both personal and professional for me. I joined this profession in order to support military families who bring children into our world but reside far, far away from home. Taking a month to honor and focus attention on the uniqueness of a military child's life is something I feel called to participate in. Enjoy this article. And don't forget to Purple Up! for Military Kids on Friday, April 13th! 

The Great Minivan Debate

The Great Minivan Debate

You know you've thought about it. I think all parents, at least in the United States, have contemplated just this topic. To minivan or not minivan!?!? This question comes up in playgrounds, on playgrounds, at schools, in Facebook groups, and anywhere you find a gathering of moms. Today's article pays homage to the topic and provides you with some anecdotal research and evidence to help you decided on this hot topic. Leave a note or a comment if you experienced this debate yourself or if you found this helpful! 

Take Charge Of Your Yelling!

Take Charge Of Your Yelling!

We all do it. Seriously, we all yell. Whether we want to or not, sometimes it just happens. If you're ready to start taking charge of your yelling and reducing it a bit, you've come to the right place. This article helps dissect why we yell, provides over 11 tips (TTPs) on how to reduce yelling, and even a few things to keep in mind after you yell. Feel free to ask questions, provide support, or let us know some of YOUR tips to reducing yelling. We're all in this together! 

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The Games Of Mom

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The Games Of Mom

What if you could complete in the Olympics without even training? Well, in the Games of Mom, all moms of any age, are able to compete! Want to learn how, check out this article! 

(p.s. this is totally fake! Also, please note that I don't encourage competition between moms. We should really be supporting each other. So, this is just for fun!).

supporting families throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland