Need a last minute gift?! We've got you covered! Check out these thoughtful last minute gift ideas for that pregnant person in your life. Best of all, these are all local products and businesses.   1. Artisan Skincare River Rock Soaps products are handmade in small batches with quality natural ingredients. Try the "Belly Balm" or "Diaper Bag Essentials" basket which includes their "Baby Bum Balm" and other goodies. riverrocksoaps.com 2. Prenatal (or Postpartum) Massage Massage is a great gift for anyone; add in the stress of the holidays and the aches and pains of pregnancy, and this will definitely be a favorite! Gift e-Cards for Licensed Massage Therapist, Mari Lewis , can be purchased here . 3. Capture Memories Help them capture these special moments. Maternity portraits to newborn photos, Tanna Case Photography will beautifully preserve this special time in their life. You can buy gift cards directly on her site: tannacasephotography.com/gift-ca...

Tearing of the perineum during birth is a very common fear. I often get asked how to avoid this, both in my childbirth classes and at prenatal visits prior to attending a birth . Read on to get the PDF of all the tips I share with clients! The perineum is the skin between the vaginal opening and the anus. This skin is meant to stretch as baby's head emerges. If the skin is unhealthy, or the baby's head is birthed too quickly, the tissue can tear. There are many factors at play here, including some that are out of our control, such as genetics. However, there are some things you can do to minimize your risk of trauma to the area. Here are five ways that you can reduce your chances of tearing during birth: 1. Start from the inside Good, balanced nutrition promotes healthier skin that is more likely to stretch with the process of birth. Remember proper hydration and healthy fats will not only benefit the delicate skin of the perineum, but also your stretching belly! Check out o...