Top items to include on your baby registry for Durham Parents (some often overlooked items)

Doula Support: I know many friends who included postpartum doula help on their registries and I think that’s genius! Emerald Doulas- their team is amazing! I've worked alongside several of their doulas and many of my friends have used their services and I've only heard positive things.

For a postpartum doula, I highly recommend Kallyn. If you can get on her schedule, she's in high demand! I can't say enough good things about her- her energy is very loving, maternal, you'd instantly feel warm and comfortable around her: https://www.emeralddoulas.com/kallyn

(I wish I could have had a post-partum doula to help me with breastfeeding in the first few weeks after Soren was born, it was so much harder than I thought it would be!)

Baby products I love:

Doc a tot- we used this SO much the first year.

The SNOO: this wasn’t around when Soren was born but I’ve heard friends rave about it! You could consider renting one.

Baby monitor: Register for a really good Baby monitor, preferable one that transmits to your phone, I found this handy!

For a rocker/glider: obviously that's a really personal choice! You'll be spending so much time there. I'd just say look for one with a gliding ottoman as well- this is really helpful!

Sleeping gowns: sleeping gowns are so helpful the first few weeks when you are trying to change diapers in the middle of the night! This one too.

A night light/sound machine like this one. White noise is so helpful!

Baby wrap: I wore Soren everywhere for the first year! I like this style of wrap but I know there are a lot of options other there!

A stroller organizer: like this one, might seem obvious but this is so useful!

Take-out gift certificates

A hands-free pumping bra like this one or this one. I’m not sure why I never tried this when I was breastfeeding but this would have been so helpful once I went back to work!

Perinatal support resources I found helpful:

Birth Classes: A local birth class one good option is this: https://www.restoring-balance.com/childbirth-classes.html

My favorite Birth book: If you only ready one book about birth, this is the one I’d recommend: Birthing from Within was one of the most helpful birthing books I read during my pregnancy- very empowering.

Birth and Mothering resources: Carly Pollock- she's a doula in Durham. I recently filmed the birth of her second baby, she's also very warm and kind. She has a youtube channel too with lots of good resources related to pregnancy and birth. Her email: hello@harvestmoonnights.com

Perinatal bodywork/acupuncture:

I went to for acupuncture and bodywork here and here to help me towards the end of my pregnancy.

I highly recommend Dagmar at Oriental Health Solutions if you're interested in an eastern medicine approach.

And of course, don’t forget to book your Newborn Photo Session (I promise it’s much easier if you make the plans while you’re pregnant!)