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

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

My Newborn and Postpartum Prep Workshop is the missing link! During this workshop, we’ll talk through preparing for baby, practice several tasks and functions you’ll perform as a parent of a newborn, and we’ll set up and try out your baby gear. This workshop is completely customizable for you and your family to best help you prepare for your unique bundle of joy.

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!

This makes a great baby shower gift or a great gift from family members living afar.

We can conduct the Workshop at anytime (even after baby’s arrival) but the ideal timeline for the Workshop is after your baby shower(s) and before baby’s birth.

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

Parenthood

A Different Kind of Giving

A Different Kind of Giving

Today is #givingtuesday, an annual day typically set aside to focus on donating money to causes with which you align. I’m stepping out of my usual lane of babies and families to share a different way to give today. Give the gift of life. Consider organ donation. Just think about it. If you have questions, this article has a handful of excellent resources to peruse and learn more before committing. It’s a big decision and one that I encourage you to discuss with your family. I hope you enjoy the post and learning a bit about Mary’s story. #MarysGotGuts #DonateLife

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!

supporting families throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland