Women’s Issues – MOD L Photography Dallas Fine Art Photographer

What is Placenta Encapsulation and where to find it in Dallas? – Dallas Maternity Photographer Mod L Photography

Laura Levitan — Mon, 13 May 2019 20:58:42 +0000

Guest blog by Lauren Bullington of North Dallas Doula Associates

Let’s talk about Placenta encapsulation

A few weeks ago I met with my new friend Lauren Bullington at the beautiful Northpark Mall in Dallas for coffee to discuss the benefits of placenta encapsulation. As a maternity and newborn photographer topics surrounding birth come up a lot with my clients. Until I met with Lauren I knew next to nothing about placenta encapsulation. Frankly, and I’m now embarrassed to say this, the idea of it grossed me out and I didn’t do it with any of my children. Placenta encapsulation wasn’t readily available when I had my two oldest and as for my third and fourth kiddos I just didn’t know anything about it. But with more and more information out there about the benefits of this practice, I knew I needed to learn more. I also wanted to share it with my clients and blog followers. After learning more about the practice of placenta encapsulation I think it sounds intriguing and it’s definitely something I would consider if I were still in the business of having babies. The following are Lauren’s answers to my questions about placenta encapsulation.

What is Placenta Encapsulation?

Placenta encapsulation is the practice of a mother consuming her placenta afterbirth, most routinely through capsule form. There are several forms of consumption. Some forms involve raw placenta, others do not. Ingesting the placenta can provide several benefits for a postpartum mother.

What is a placenta?

Let’s begin with understanding the anatomical parts and purpose of a placenta during pregnancy. The placenta is an organ. It develops and attaches to a mother’s uterine wall within the first six weeks of gestation. It connects to the fetus through an umbilical cord which develops from the center of the placenta and binds to the fetuses belly button. The umbilical cord contains one vein and two arteries. This vein is used to transport nutrients, oxygen, and blood to the growing fetus. These arteries are used to carry waste away from the fetus. The umbilical cord is the only resource connecting the mother and fetus throughout pregnancy.

What is the function of the placenta?

The primary function of the placenta is to act as a filter and catch basin for all products being transferred between mother and fetus. Throughout pregnancy, the placenta retains and produces several important hormones and nutrients.

Why would you ingest placenta?

If a mother ingests her placenta postpartum, she will be replenishing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone hormones, all which aid in the development of mammary glands and prepares the breasts for lactation. The placenta also contains prolactin, which is the key hormone used to produce breast milk. Prolactin increases a woman’s milk supply. Other benefits that ingesting placenta provides are decreasing postpartum depression or baby blues, replenishing iron from blood loss during birth which helps prevent postpartum anemia, produces a consistent flow of oxytocin after birth euphoria has dissipated, provides the HPL hormone which helps establish early and healthy milk supply, encourages stabilizing ever-changing hormones post birth, restores B vitamins and energy, can inhibit infection and bleeding, and it can offer natural pain relief from the process of labor and birth of baby.

How do you ingest placenta?

The most common placenta encapsulation process is called Raw Foods Method which involves the placenta to be cut into strips and placed in a food-grade-dehydrator for 18-24 hours, until the strips are crisp. The strips are then placed in a blender which turns them into a powder to be encapsulated. The other common placenta encapsulation method is derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine. This involves steaming the raw placenta in natural herbs before placing the strips into a food-grade-dehydrator and blender to be encapsulated. Another common option for postpartum placenta consumption is in the form of a tincture, an alternative to gain longevity from the placenta. The tincture contains 100 proof of brandy or vodka and a thumb nail size piece of placenta, it is also possible to tincture the entire placenta but is a less used practice. It is necessary for the tincture to ferment for 6 weeks before digesting 7-10 drops under the tongue 3-4 times a day.

A gorgeous print of an actual placenta taken by NDDA doula Lauren Bullington

Where do you go in Dallas for placenta encapsulation?

North Dallas Doula Associates in Downtown Dallas offers many different services including placenta encapsulation. Lauren Bullington the talented doula who wrote this guest blog offers placenta encapsulation services at NDDA. Contact NDDA for more information:

North Dallas Doula Associates

107 Murray St. Dallas, TX 75226 Tel: 469-360-3810

Tel: 469-608-0071

Follow them on: Facebook and Instagram

Contact us!

12 things to do before baby comes – Dallas newborn photographer Mod L Photography

Laura Levitan — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:21:09 +0000

What are some things I should do before baby arrives?

My clients ask me this question all the time. I guess it’s because I have four kids of my own. Or maybe it’s because I am a newborn photographer here in Dallas. Either way, I’ve heard so many suggestions over the years and tried a few things out myself while waiting for baby. It is such a joyous time waiting for your little one to arrive. And everyone is full of advice for you, both positive and negative. Well since this question of what to do before baby comes up more often than not, I decided to make a little list to refer to.

1. Go on a date with your spouse / significant other

No matter what you think might happen, you are likely to not get a chance to go out alone together for quite a while. And you likely won’t want to! But it’s so important to spend time together. Don’t forget each other in the whirlwind of nesting and getting your house ready. I still remember that 12 years ago on the weekend before our son and first child was born my husband and I went to see a movie and had dinner together. Not that exciting, right? Wrong. We still remember the movie we saw and talk about it fondly from time to time. And we have always been grateful that we took the time to acknowledge our relationship before starting this exciting journey as parents together.

2. Get your hair done and a mani pedi

This is pretty self-explanatory and I don’t mean to go negative but… You won’t have as much time for self-care after the baby arrives. It will be some time before you have the opportunity to go out. That’s why taking care of yourself is one of the most important things to do before baby arrives. Getting a mani pedi hand in hand with getting your hair done. See what I did there? 😉 You will feel so good with your hands and feet taken care of. Special bonus? They say that foot massages can induce labor so if you’re really wanting that baby to arrive it could be a great 39 or 40 week treat.

3. Get an acupuncture treatment

Acupuncture can assist in digestion and easing discomfort during pregnancy. It also can reduce stress and anxiety. Sounds like a great thing to do when you’re expecting, right?

My friend Emily Guevara of The Acupuncture Juncture here in Dallas, is an amazing acupuncturist. She is well known around Dallas as providing excellent care. You can read more about her here: Fertility Acupuncture in Dallas.

4. Fill your freezer

I hated nothing more than cooking after my babies arrived. And life is a bit more hectic than you would suppose. Having access to good healthy food at all times is a big plus. Cooking in advance and stockpiling a freezer stash of foods was a big sanity saver for me.

5. Hang out with friends

Make sure you and your spouse both take time to spend with friends. This is important for both of you. It falls in the column of self-care to make sure you have time to connect with your friends without the worry of leaving baby at home.

6. Get Adjusted

You read that right. You might want to consider chiropractic care during your pregnancy. It can help address issues that cause discomfort and it could prove to assist you in having an easier labor. My friend Erin Calaway over at Apex Wellness is a Webster Certified chiropractor. She provides amazing care to all of her patients. Read more about her here – Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy.

7. Sleep

Pretty self-explanatory as well. It is difficult to sleep in the last trimester. I had horrible insomnia and reflux with all of my pregnancies. That made it really hard to sleep especially near the end. But I tried my best to get in extra sleep where I could because I knew how much I would miss it once the baby came. Like all seasons in life the sleep deprivation eventually passes. But it is one of the less fun things about having a sweet baby around. If you have troubles sleeping after baby arrives call my friend Mary Cantwell of Rest To Your Nest. She is featured on my blog here – her service is amazing and will help you get some z’s.

8. Babymoon

Having a babymoon goes right along with taking time for a date night. But it goes one step further. Why not take a short vacation with your spouse. Could be you won’t go away alone together for a long time. Even a romantic weekend at a bed and breakfast would be a nice idea.

9. Read a good book

I don’t know about you but I love to read! However, this passion has taken a significant back seat to my kids. I definitely remember the last few books I read before my kiddos arrived. It’s hard to feed baby and read a book in the other. Although, you might try Audible as a great alternative to reading an actual book after baby arrives.

10. Go out to the movies

I love going out to the movies. So I definitely recommend doing this ahead of baby’s arrival. You won’t have as many opportunities to go to a movie theater afterward.

11. Have a phenomenal maternity photography session

What kind of maternity and newborn photographer would I be if I didn’t recommend scheduling a custom maternity photography session? When you schedule a portrait session with a photographer like me it is an incredible experience. You get hair and makeup, you get to select gowns from my studio wardrobe to wear, and you also get to help design your custom portrait session. Afterward, you get to keep your portraits in the form of beautiful keepsake artwork. You get to feel like a queen for the day and you will never forget the experience because you get to enjoy your artwork forever.

12. Schedule newborn pictures

While scheduling maternity portraits it’s a great time to schedule newborn portraits as well. Newborn photography is best done when baby is 7-14 days old – for a variety of reasons. This is why it’s important to schedule it ahead of time. What’s more, if you’re working with me you get to choose from packages that take you from maternity through newborn and tell the whole story of baby’s arrival.

Thank you for reading!

Thank you for reading about what to do before baby arrives. I hope you’ll comment below and tell me what you did or suggest to do before baby arrives!

Learn more about booking a session

Prenatal and Post Natal Yoga in Frisco – by Dallas Newborn Photographer

Laura Levitan — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 19:47:00 +0000

Prenatal and Post Natal Yoga in Frisco – by Dallas Newborn Photographer

Dallas Newborn Photographer Laura Levitan of Mod L Photography loves to provide her clients with helpful information and resources about pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Her blog is a helpful resource to parents all over Dallas, Forth Worth and beyond. Check out other entries in the blog for great local businesses.

How did you get started teaching yoga?

Originally from Belgium, I was recruited by an American organization while I was still in college to come teach French in elementary and middle schools in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was 1993, I was only 22 and I came to the States by myself. Even though it was an exciting adventure, it was also quite stressful to be in a foreign country, without any family, as I was just starting my life as an adult.

I remembered that, in my first year in college, I had taken a semester of yoga and the teacher had shared that practicing yoga was a great way to deal with stress and anxiety. I started taking yoga classes after work and fell in love with the practice.

Within a few months, my teacher encouraged me to get trained to become a yoga teacher myself. I did, and pretty soon, she was asking me to sub for her on a regular basis when she was on vacation or out of town in business.

What made you interested in prenatal yoga?

Fast forward a few years, and I got married, moved to Dallas, took several more yoga teacher trainings and started working full time as a yoga teacher. In 2000, one of my older sisters got pregnant and had a very difficult pregnancy and postpartum recovery. That prompted me to start researching how yoga can help women in pregnancy and postpartum. By 2003, I started specializing in yoga and massage for pregnancy and beyond. I designed a very basic webpage and started advertising my classes. That was the start if what is now Bami Yoga.

What is special about your pre and postnatal yoga classes?

I provide moms-to-be with a community where they come each week to share their joys and challenges, learn yoga and massage tools to stay physically and emotionally strong. They have the opportunity to pick up tips to use in their daily life to reduce the aches and pains of pregnancy. They also learn to prepare their body and mind for the physical and emotional challenges of labor, as well as birth and finally postpartum.

What are your goals while teaching prenatal and postnatal yoga?

To built communities that nurture and empower families from early pregnancy through new parenthood. We work on prenatal and postpartum yoga and bodywork, childbirth education, and baby massage instruction. My goal is to help them really enjoy their pregnancy/postpartum period.

Where are your yoga and infant massage classes located?

Bami Yoga is located in Frisco. You can schedule a class by clicking here: Bami Yoga Schedule

What types of classes do you offer?

Bami Yoga offers multiple types of classes:

Prenatal Yoga

Partner Prenatal Yoga Date Night

Yoga to Support Childbirth

Mommy and Me Yoga

Infant Massage

MUTU System – a total body fitness system for women to heal the body from the inside out, flatten the belly, improve pelvic floor function, strengthen the core, and improve health through mindful changes to eating habits.

Visit Bami Yoga to learn more and to schedule a class!

Contact Mimi via email: mimi@bamiyoga.com

Best sleep coach in Dallas – vetted by Dallas Newborn Photographer

Laura Levitan — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 17:49:24 +0000

dallas newborn photographer Mod L Photography

Dallas newborn photographer Laura Levitan of Mod L Photography interviews experts in the Dallas Fort Worth area who serve expectant mothers and families with young children. Laura loves to connect with the community and help her clients by providing excellent reviews of other businesses in the city.

Meet Mary Cantwell of Rest To Your Nest

I was honored to meet Mary last year and become her friend when I first interviewed her for a blog post I did called How Can I Get My Child to Sleep. She is well known all over Dallas as the best sleep consultant. She uses holistic methods to find the perfect sleep solution for every family. Mary is well-loved and recommended by everyone in-the-know. I hope you enjoy this updated interview with her about her amazing business Rest To Your Nest.

What led you to become a sleep consultant?

I am a mom to two kiddos (a 9-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl). I grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and moved to Dallas 14 years ago with my husband (a native Dallasite). I was in Corporate America for 17 years prior to pursuing my passion and calling as a certified child sleep consultant. This passion comes from a hard time in my family’s story. With my first child, I personally experienced what not sleeping well did to my family and how helpless I felt during that time. I also believe I had undiagnosed postpartum depression. Sleep deprivation did not help the situation. After about 8 months with our baby we had hit a wall and with a lot of love, reading and research about sleep, determination and trial and error we had a baby who was sleeping well and it made such a huge impact on my family’s life that I wanted to support and serve families in their sleep journey. When I am not supporting families, I am hanging out with my family, biking around White Rock Lake, trying new restaurants, traveling and taking dance classes. I danced in my childhood and it is still my happy place.

How do you help your clients get a better nights sleep?

Sleep is not a one size fits all approach and I work with each family to customize a plan that works for their child and the family unit as a whole. We serve families with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers that are struggling with sleep. Sleep challenges that range from nap transitions, crib to bed transitions, short naps, sleeping through the night, early morning wake-ups and coordinating multiples schedules. I believe each family and child is unique and I customize the approach for that family based on their parenting philosophy and lifestyle.

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment since you became a sleep expert in Dallas?

My biggest accomplishments are the confident and well-rested families I get to serve. Also, the great partnerships and friendships that have evolved in the birth community. And I am honored to have been named Best Sleep Specialist multiple years in a row by DFW Child Magazines.

What has been the biggest struggle since you became a Dallas-based sleep consultant?

My biggest struggle has been the business side of running a business. There was so much to learn from an administrative, marketing, and everyday flow of running a business efficiently. As in life, you just jump in learn, listen and keep evolving.

What is your main goal as a Dallas sleep consultant?

My goal is for your family to feel empowered by knowledge and information about your child’s sleep. I want you to feel confident about your child learning their sleep skill that we are targeting.

Where can we find you on the web?

Facebook

Instagram

www.resttoyournest.com

Acupuncture Juncture – Fertility Acupuncturist in Dallas, Texas – By Dallas Maternity Photographer Mod L Photography

Laura Levitan — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 13:55:06 +0000

Laura Levitan of Mod L Photography specializes in creative maternity pictures for pregnant clients and follows them through to capture newborn portraits as well as baby milestones. As a way to provide an extra service to her clients, Laura interviews and features businesses who serve expectant and young families in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Follow the blog to stay up to date on all things within the birthing community in Dallas.

how did you get started in fertility acupuncture?

I began as an intern for an established fertility acupuncture practice in 2004. That experience really helped shape and support my idea of where I wanted to take my practice. Working with them I moved to Dallas to open and direct 2 acupuncture clinics. In 2012 I decided it was time to go out on my own. Having the foundation of working with this practice gave me the confidence and experience to continue in this field of fertility acupuncture and I love it. I continue to grow and educate myself so I can continue to provide top of the line care for my patients and be informed by the most recent research coming out of our medicine.

What are your main areas of focus in your acupuncture practice?

Stress is a huge one, educating patients on proper hydration and nutrition. I show my acupuncture and fertility acupuncture patients ways to implement simplicity in their life. This helps them switch off the constant fight or flight stage we all seem to be living in. My main areas of expertise are; irregular menses, PMS, peri and post menopause, infertility, headaches, and digestive issues. I enjoy helping with the “hormone havoc”.

What is your mission in your fertility acupuncture practice?

To change how we look at preconception and postpartum care. Proper preparation can lead to healthier, smarter babies and a better outcome for maternal postpartum recovery on a physical, mental, and emotional level.

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment since you started the Acupuncture Juncture?

I believe I’ve been able to establish myself as one of the premier fertility acupuncturists in Dallas. However, I have much bigger goals on the horizon. As a result, I will be adding online diet and nutritional counseling that is based on blood and genetic testing. Lots more to come in 2019!

What has been the biggest struggle since you began the Acupuncture Juncture?

Finding and maintaining the ever elusive work\life balance. My nature is to try to help – always. I’ve learned over the years (sometimes the same lesson multiple times in different ways) that in order for me to provide the level of care my patients deserve, I need to take better care of myself even though sometimes it may feel like I am being selfish.

If you could tell people one thing about your fertility acupuncture practice what would it be?

My practice is a place for people to truly unload and relax. It’s a space of trust and non-judgment where you can learn how to help yourself be a healthier you.

More about Emily Guevara L.Ac, Owner – The Acupuncture Juncture

Emily began her professional career by attending the prestigious AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine where she earned her Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture. While in school she began an internship at The Texas Center for Reproductive Acupuncture (TCRA) during which she had the opportunity to study under Kirsten Hurder-Karchmer, whose innovative leadership in fertility acupuncture stoked Emily’s passion for helping couples. Through her extensive experience, Emily has recognized how the impact of nutrition, digestion, stress, and lifestyle choices can have on our overall health and works to gently encourage nature’s intent by improving each of these areas. Her goal which each patient is to provide excellence in care as she continues to build on her education in this field to become a better resource for the families she works with. Now, the owner of The Acupuncture Juncture, she offers acupuncture and alternative healthcare options for those suffering from issues such as infertility, digestive disorders, pain, stress, migraines, and seasonal allergies. Her goal is to provide compassionate and effective treatments to her patients in a relaxing environment. She is excited to continue to provide safe, effective, and proven methods for treating infertility and allergies. If you are interested in learning more about how fertility acupuncture may be able to help, please give her a call.

Where can you find Emily?

The Acupuncture Juncture

5510 Abrams Rd. Ste. 103

Dallas, TX. 75214

Call: 214-306-3529

Email: acuemily@hotmail.com

Click here to follow her on Facebook

Click here to follow her on Instagram

Take Charge. Period. – Head Shots. Period. – An event to support women – normalizing menstruation

Laura Levitan — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 09:04:30 +0000

Mod L Photography is a studio specializing in fine art portraiture for maternity, newborn and first year of life. Laura Levitan, owner and lead photographer blogs about issues and topics of interest to her clients. Women’s health is very important to her. Read more below to learn about a cause very near and dear to her heart – the period positive movement and normalizing menstruation.

What is Take Charge. Period.?

Take Charge. Period. is an organization that exists to provide free menstrual products to underserved women and girls who menstruate. In our country, feminine hygiene products are considered a luxury item and they are taxed by our government. Additionally, menstrual products are not included in SNAP benefits or included in programming in schools and restrooms. Take Charge. Period. aims to provide free products, education to normalize menstruation, and end the taboo surrounding menstruation that exists worldwide.

Why is the period positive movement important?

Women and girls menstruate. That is a fact. Whether we are able to purchase feminine hygiene products or not, females still need them. Imagine if you didn’t have access to these products how that would impact your daily life. What types of activities you would have to avoid, school, work, job interviews, etc. Simply taking care of your family would be difficult.

What did we decide to do about it?

My two good friends Mary Cantwell of Rest to Your Nest and Krisha Sears of The Dallas Moms Club and I had a talk about how we could make an impact and help Take Charge. Period. We decided to host an event with members of the birth community here in Dallas. The concept was simple. Bring three packages of pads, get a free headshot. Any additional headshots you might want would require a donation to Take Charge. Period. (If you would like to donate to Take Charge. Period. please click here).

Mary is an amazing Dallas-based sleep consultant, read more about her here on my blog. She works with clients in Dallas and worldwide to help their kids (and the whole family) get the best night’s sleep possible. Krisha is a nurse and lactation consultant. She provides concierge postpartum care and peri-natal classes to moms in Dallas. Keep an eye out for a blog post featuring her and her business!

The event was a major success!

Several birth workers from around Dallas attended the event. It was an amazing show of support for women in our community and a great opportunity to bond over a shared mission. Thank you to all the ladies who came and supported this worthy cause. We collected over 1600 pads and raised over $500. If you are looking for a way to support Take Charge. Period. here are a few ways:

Like them on Facebook

Follow them on Instagram

Hold an event

Donate to Take Charge. Period.

Some of the lovely ladies who attended:

Amy F Tate, CPM, LM, CLC – Owner and Midwife at Origins Birth and Wellness Dallas

Megan Desrochers CPM, LM Staff Midwife at Origins Birth and Wellness Dallas

Dr. Erin Stark Calaway, Owner and Chiropractor of APEX Wellness Center

Melissa Espey-Mueller – Birth Doula, Educator, Speaker, Owner & Founder of North Dallas Doula Associates

Emily Guevara L.Ac, Owner – The Acupuncture Juncture

Cori Lively, LM, CPM Owner & Midwife at Barefoot Midwifery

Tiffany Wicks, MS, LPC owner and therapist at Push Counseling & Coaching

Mimi Mears, RPYT, LMT, LCCE, owner, Bami Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond

Amber Reynolds, Acupuncturist and Naturopathic Doctor – Owner of Self Care Integrative Health Dallas

Caitlin Allday, RDN – Nutrition for moms and babies