What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag (Without the Overwhelm)
A calm, realistic guide to packing your hospital bag — what you actually need for labour, postpartum, and baby care (without the overwhelm).
Sleepless Nights: Navigating the Exhausting, Beautiful Chaos of New Parenthood
Sleepless nights in new parenthood are exhausting and emotional. Here’s what they really teach us — and gentle ways to survive and grow through them.
The First Birthday: A Milestone Full of Joy, Grief, and Growth
Your baby's first birthday is a joyful milestone — but it can also stir up unexpected emotions. Here's my story, and why feeling it all is more than okay.
Embracing — and Grieving — Your New Season of Life
Becoming a parent brings overwhelming love — and sometimes, unexpected grief. At Simple Smyles, we honor the full journey: the shifts in identity, the changing body, the waves of emotion, and the beauty of finding yourself again. You are not alone — and your new season of life is worthy of love, patience, and celebration. 🌿
The Truth About Breastfeeding: It's Beautiful — and It's Hard
When I first had my kiddo, I wasn’t even sure if breastfeeding was something I wanted to do. I thought it would be short, simple — but like so much of parenthood, everything changed the moment he arrived. At Simple Smyles, we honor the full story: the beautiful, painful, powerful truth of learning to feed, love, and grow together — one moment at a time. 🌸
The Beauty of Babywearing: Bonding, Comfort, and Hands-Free Parenting
At Simple Smyles, we celebrate the beauty of babywearing as a way to nurture connection, emotional security, and ease in your parenting journey. Learn how keeping your baby close can support bonding, development, and everyday life — one cozy moment at a time.
Pain Perception in Labor: What Really Causes the Pain?
Birth is a journey of both body and mind. At Simple Smyles, we’re here to support you with evidence-based knowledge and heartfelt care. Learn why pain in labor is about more than the body — and how mindfulness, emotional support, and simple tools can help you meet each contraction with confidence and calm.
Hiring a Doula in Ontario: Is It Worth It?
Thinking about hiring a doula but not sure if it’s worth the investment? This post breaks down everything you need to know—from what doulas actually do (and don’t do), to how they can support your birth or postpartum experience in Ontario. We’ll cover the benefits, cost, how they fit into your care team, and the key questions to ask before choosing the right one for you. Whether you’re planning your first birth or your fourth, this guide will help you make an empowered, informed decision.
Does Insurance Cover Postpartum Therapy in Ontario?
Wondering if therapy is covered after you give birth? You’re not alone. In this post, we break down how postpartum therapy works in Ontario—including what’s typically covered by insurance, how to submit claims, and where to find affordable support if you’re uninsured. Your mental health matters, and help is more accessible than you might think.
Why Prenatal & Postnatal Mental Health Matters—For Both You and Baby
Pregnancy and parenthood are emotional rollercoasters—but too often, mental health gets overlooked. This post explores why prenatal and postpartum emotional wellbeing matters just as much as physical health, and how you can find support through community, education, and care. 💛