VENDOR FEATURE: Sara Sohn, Confident Pelvic Rehab

In today’s blog I’m featuring Dr. Sara Sohn, who in a nut shell, helps women stop peeing their pants (and other sexual issues!).

Moms, most of us have issues where we laugh or sneeze and it happens. It sucks, but it happens. Well Dr. Sara lives and works right here in Jacksonville and comes HIGHLY recommended, so go talk to her!

About her

Business Name: Confident Pelvic Rehab, opened May 2021

What do you specialize in: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Sex Counselor and mentor to other health providers. 

I help people to stop peeing their pants and heal painful sex, so they can live and love – confidently.  I also offer a sex certification to health and wellness professionals interested in taboo topics. 

How did you get interested in this line of work? My mother is an OBGYN, I’ve always been interested in pelvic floor and sexual health. 

What is something about your business that sets you apart? All appointments are between 1-hr and 2-hr with in a comfortable environment. I am one of the only pelvic floor certified pelvic floor physical therapists and sex counselors in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. 

What is something about your business that most people might find interesting?I thought of the name Confident Pelvic Rehab, while on a long road trip by myself, and was really excited about the play on words “CPR for your privates.” 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Give value in the world. The more you give the more you receive. 

The fun stuff, tell me your favorites:

Burger: Kickbacks 

Pizza: Milanos

Chinese: Peony’s

Sushi: Sake House 

Mexican: Taco Lu 

A drink: The Voldstead 

Ice Cream/dessert:  Biscottis

Color: opal blue 

Drink: matcha tea 

Alcoholic beverage: Tequila, lime and club soda 

Meal: Falafel 

Dessert: Chocolate Ice cream

Movie treat: Icy with the stick 

Movie: Sharktale  

Song: No Day But Today 

Dream car: Jeep 

Theme park: Seaworld

Holiday: Passover 

Candy: Sour Patch Kids

Cake flavor: Pumpkin 

And what about your first:

Job: Camp Counselor 

Car: An old Convertible 

Where were you born? New York 

How did you end up in Jacksonville? I went to grad school at UNF

Where’s your favorite place to travel? Glaciers anywhere (Argentina, Antarctica and Canada) 

Where do you want to travel to next? Alaska or New Zealand 

What are your hobbies? I love to sing and swim in the ocean. 

Do you have any pets? I have a Bourder Collie named Minty 

Do you have any interesting talents? I can remember names fairly easily 

 When family is in town, where do you take them to entertain them?

Itchetucknee Springs, Flamingo Lake, River Walk

Where you can find Dr. Sara:

https://www.Confidentpelvicrehab.com

www.Facebook.com/groups/cprforyourprivates 

IG: Instagram.com/drsarasohn 

She’s also featured on our Resources page.

Professional headshots by Christy Whitehead Photography.

A Birth Class Can Make You or Break You –Newborn Information

A Birth Class Can Make You or Break You

Elizabeth Luke, the owner of The Jacksonville Baby Co. has been a trusted provider of personalized care and support for families, in and around Jacksonville for the better part of two-and-a-half decades.

Specializing in childbirth education, postpartum support, in-home infant care, and sleep coaching, she’s bringing information about child birth classes to our blog today!

So you’re having a baby. Congratulations! You may have some ideas of what you want your birth to be like, or maybe you don’t! You and your partner or spouse (if you have one) possibly have some questions and a few concerns surrounding pregnancy, birth, and the critical post-birth time period. Those are all good signs! I am a big believer of hope and faith as well as open-mindedness and mindfulness. I also know a birth class can make you or break you!

A birth class can make you or break you…. what exactly does that mean?

Well, here’s the scoop. Birth is a surprise beginning, the biggest surprise most people will experience in life. Sure, you know you’re having a baby and that is exciting, but not a surprise really in the sense of birthing. Not everyone, but most pregnant people know the sex of their baby before birth, most of the time there’s no surprise there. You plan to have x, y, and z covered. No surprised there! Whew! Thank goodness!

Your doctor is lined up and your baby’s birthday is scheduled! Awesome!

Guess what? Doctors are human and sometimes have emergencies themselves! Shocking, I know! Seriously though, they have things come up, even those in a practice of 1, 2, or 5 or more doctors. Also, babies have absolutely no regard for our calendars and have been known to come early, so that could be a surprise!

You’ve already researched epidurals and other pain relief techniques and you know you’ll be getting that!

Did you know that epidurals aren’t guaranteed to work, or can only work on one side of the body and not the other? Did you know that not everyone is a good candidate for certain medications? Did you know that even the most well thought out, planned, and educated parents experience births they never anticipated would happen? It happens every day and the last thing you want to be is blindsided.

So, what can you do to avoid being blindsided?

Take a childbirth class! Not just any birth class though because remember, a birth class can make you or break you! And what I mean by that is quite simple really. Hospital birth classes have come along way in teaching about the biological process of birth, but they still fall short in teaching you real-life tools and explaining the full range of options available to you. Hospital classes will also teach you hospital policy and the basic motions expected at that particular hospital…although your care provider has the ability and flexibility to override any hospital-wide policy! So, there’s that!

Many birth classes set parents up for a certain type of birth.

Sounds great, right? It’s not! In fact, setting parents up for a certain type of birth, vaginal, un-medicated, vaginal with an epidural, water birth, etc. is irresponsible and can lead to unrealistic expectations, broken or damaged relationships, feelings of resentment or skepticism, even birth trauma, and worse still, feelings of failure as a parent.

WOW! Let that sink in.

What a way to enter into the hood, parenthood that is! Sadly, this is the birth culture today in the United States. Parents do all the things they think are best or right and still come away feeling like shit. I promise you I hear from parents day in and day out who reach out to me for support and resources to make peace with their feelings surrounding their births. It’s terribly sad isn’t it? To think of starting out that way.

But, there’s a better way!

The Confident Birth & Parenting Class teaches parents about all types of birth. It truly helps parents learn all of the options with out inducing fear, another tactic that sets parents up to feel like failures! It teaches students how to think through situations when they arise. It teaches the importance of communication and gives them the tools they need to communicate effectively. If there’s ever a time in a person’s life that communication is vitally important it’s during the birth of their baby.

Parents need to be able to trust one another, trust their care providers, birth team, and more importantly, they need to be able to trust themselves!

A birth class can make you or break you so select one that sets you up for the best possible outcome! The Confident Birth and Parenting Class offered only through The Jax Baby Company will set you up for success no matter if your birth is spontaneous or induced vaginal, elective, scheduled, or emergency cesarean, medicated or non-medicated vaginal, water, home, birth center, or a hospital birth! If you’re in the car traveling near or far, in a house with your pet mouse, laying in the bed or standing on your head, kneeling down with a baby about to crown, on a plane or in the express lane, this is a birth class you can use anywhere in any situation! Promise!

Happy Birth & Parenting!

Here is The Jax Baby Co website , the FB page, and the IG account.

Amazing Handmade Rosaries by Local Artist! –Product Photographer Christy Whitehead Photography

A love for crafting, jewelry and design as well as being inspired by her mother’s devotion to the Catholic faith, brought Charmaine Crawford into the forefront of designing rosaries.

She contacted me a couple of months ago about photographing her gorgeous designs.

I’ve been to the Vatican twice and they have a small shop in there and I don’t remember seeing rosaries as pretty as hers. Plus, hers are handmade and the attention to detail is exquisite.

The first rosary she ever made was for her mother when she entered Hospice care. It was made with pink crackled beads, a beautiful Crucifix and a center piece of pink and green enamel. Her mother loved it so much that she was buried with it.

Knowing that others will be using the rosary to pray and that it might mean that much to them as well, inspires Crawford when she’s picking out elements and designing the jewelry pieces.

Many of them are made with Swarovski pearls and crystals or beautiful fire polished beads. All hand chosen by Crawford.

“My mom had a keen eye for beauty, and she was very much a perfectionist,” Crawford says. “Every time I work on a rosary, I think of what she would say if she looked at it. I double and triple check my rosaries for quality, color, and texture.”

Crawford was crafty from a very young age. She grew up making doll houses, drawing, crocheting, and knitting. As an adult, she began creating jewelry–initially as gifts to bring her friends and family joy.

Crawford studied at The New York Institute of Art and Design, where she received a certificate in Jewelry Crafting and Design. 

She hopes that her custom rosaries will bring each family many years of blessings and that they will be passed on as family heirlooms.

Custom requests accepted. However, you can pick them up locally at:

Queen of Angels Catholic Store at 11629 San Jose Blvd, Suite 3.

Even the packaging is fantastic and makes the whole thing a nice gift!

Christy Whitehead Photography photographs products for all different types of companies. For Charmaine we photographed her items on a white backdrop, doing 2-3 images per item.

Some clients also have us remove the background to give a very crisp backdrop, like below.

Contact Christy for a custom quote for your own product photography or business photos at 904-891-0359, Christy@jaxphotographer.com

3 Secrets to Getting More Sleep After Your Baby is Born

There are secrets to getting more sleep after your baby is born and Elizabeth Luke, a postpartum and infant care specialist at The Jax Baby Company is sharing three of them with all of you! Too often we hear about sleep-deprived parents falling asleep in compromising positions while holding their newborns. We’re here to help you all sleep more soundly and as safe as possible!

Now, I know you’ve heard parents complaining, “sleep deprivation is real,” and “you’ll never sleep again.” Listen to too many of those comments and you’ll find yourself rethinking the whole parenting thing, or you totally won’t even remember these comments until they hit home for you! Not only is it possible to have a baby and still get a reasonable amount of sleep, but you’ll also feel better and think more clearly when you do!

Here are the top 3 secrets to getting more sleep after your baby is born:

1. Take Shifts

During the first 2-3 weeks after giving birth, you should try your best to get as much rest and sleep as possible. Sleep is a key component to good health and essential to postpartum recovery. Without sleep, you’ll quickly turn into a mombie (zombie mom). As cute and as sweet smelling as your baby is you need rest. Optimize your sleep by taking shifts with your partner! It’s a strategy that helps both parents get the rest they need while keeping an eye on the baby’s needs full-time.

2a. Begin a Routine

Give yourself and your baby three full weeks to snuggle, get know one another, rest and sleep as much as possible, and just be. By 3 weeks be ready to implement a routine! Beginning a routine by the time your baby is 3 weeks old will help you lay one layer of a strong foundation for better sleep overall. Remember, routines are NOT schedules, they ARE a customary or regular course of procedure.

2b. Begin a Somewhat Flexible Schedule

Aim to begin a somewhat flexible feeding and sleep schedule by about 4-6 weeks. Each baby is different, but by the time most babies (who are born full-term and considered healthy) are 6 weeks old they are ready and thrive on a regular routine and flexible schedule. How you ask? We know the way!

3. Hire Help

Yep, there’s expert help for this and much more after your baby is born! Postpartum and infant care specialists help you with all the things! To give a more specific idea of what we do here’s a short list:

  • help you get restful sleep
  • ensure you can get showers each day
  • assist you in learning your baby’s needs and cues
  • help you set healthy boundaries
  • hands-on, accurate breastfeeding/bottle feeding/pumping advice
  • work out and implement routines/schedules
  • assist with light housework like dishes, laundry, and meal prep

Have questions? Want to learn more about getting your baby off to a great start?

Get in touch with Elizabeth and her team at The Jax Baby Co. It is with great joy that we provide exceptional support and inclusive care to families welcoming babies in the Jacksonville, FL area. Bookmark this blog and put these 3 secrets to getting more sleep after your baby is born in your toolbox! Then, get ready to rock this parenting thing!

Happy Birth & Parenting!

~Elizabeth Luke

Elizabeth Luke, the owner of The Jacksonville Baby Co. has been a trusted provider of personalized care and support to families in and around Jacksonville, Florida for the better part of two-and-a-half decades. Specializing in childbirth education, postpartum and in-home infant care support, and sleep coaching!

You can find her at: www.JaxBabyCompany.com

www.facebook.com/TheJaxBabyCompany/

Featured Guest: Sam Stitchberry with Ghost Tours of St. Augustine!

I was recently doing headshots for Saint Augustine based Samantha Stitchberry when I asked her where she works, she told me she had three jobs! One of those being a ghost tour guide in St. Augustine! (Oh and she works on vintage costumes and fixes them.)  I had to know more…

How did you get your start?

I started by answering a Craigslist ad! I was looking for a new job and I thought being a Ghost Host sounded like great fun!

What drew you to costumes and the ghost tours?

I grew up in theatre and I always loved playing in the costume closet. It was filled with clothing that I would never be able to wear in my everyday life. I knew that downtown tour guides usually had to dress up in some sort of period costume so I was even more excited about the job!

Anything really funny ever happen while you were out giving a tour?

Oh for sure. I get weird things almost every night. Last week I was interrupted by a guy in a pedicab, playing bagpipes. It was very weird but kind of impressive.

How about scary or crazy?

I always love when people are able to get a picture of a ghost on camera. James at the Tolomato cemetery has been very active and it’s a nice way for people to get that ghostly chill.

How long have you been doing the ghost tours?

8 months

What is your favorite thing to do around Jacksonville and St. Augustine?

The beach is always great but I love going to the pirate museum in St. Augustine. It’s so interactive.

When your family comes to town, what is something you guys always have to do while they are in town?

My parents actually live here! We like going out and trying new restaurants.

What’s your favorite movie?

Either Anastasia, Ratatouille, or Harry Potter. I can never pick. They are all very nostalgic

What’s your favorite song?

Currently Necromancer’s Lullaby by Bearfoot Monty. I love the work put into the lyrics. It’s haunting and beautiful.

What’s something you can’t live without (besides your loved ones)?

If my cat Pepper doesn’t count, I would have to say my IPad and planner. My entire life is on both of those things. I do a lot of editing on my iPad and I just love the convenience.

What’s your current obsession?

Kayla Nicholson Youtube video. She has a beautiful aesthetic. They have really been making me consider making some videos myself

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Doing a job I love in a small little beachfront property, surrounded by a variety of animals.

Favorite dessert?

Fruit salad. I know it’s healthier, but it’s something I will never turn down.

Favorite restaurant?

Anywhere that makes good Japanese food!

Find her on Instagram.

I don’t know about you, but I want to do a ghost tour now! Go ask for Sam over at Ghost Tours of St. Augustine.

Featured Vendor: Sweets by Staci Cakes

I met Staci Glover several years ago. She’s done quite a few smash cakes for me over the years for the first birthday photo sessions I do in studio. So today I’m featuring her!

Official business name: Sweets By Staci

How long have you been in business? 5 years

Where are you located? On the Northside of town. (However, she will deliver your cake to the studio!)

How did you get your start?

It was a lot of trial and error and using my friends and family as guinea pigs. YouTube and Pinterest helped A LOT!

What drew you to make cakes? 

I went to a local grocery store bakery to order my son’s first birthday cake. Being a fairly young mother, I couldn’t justify spending the amount they were asking on the cake I wanted so I decided to take a stab at it. I always loved to bake, even as a kid, but making his cake made me realize that maybe there was something a little more there so I started making cakes for friends and family and now here I am.

What’s probably your most favorite cake you’ve ever made?

That’s a tough one! There’s multiple that I love for different reasons. I would have to say either the blue teapot or a the dream catcher cake. 

How about craziest?

The tequila in the ice bucket. That took FOREVER!

Anything crazy ever happen while making or delivering a cake?

Nothing really crazy. I had a cupcake catastrophe once where I was driving down my road and a guy towing a trailer all of a sudden pulled out in front of me. I had to slam on my brakes and cupcakes went flying. Ironic thing is that they were flamingo cupcakes. I ended up being late because I had to go home and fix all of them. 

What’s your favorite flavor? Or do you hate cake now?

Amazingly enough I do not hate cake. My favorite cake is either a lemon cake with lemon curd (that sounds amazing!) or a coffee infused chocolate cake with a chocolate ganache filling. 

Do you prefer icing or fondant?

Icing for eating but fondant for decorating.

How would you describe your style?

Pretty laid back and casual. I’m a mommy of 5, I don’t have time to get all prettied up all the time. LOL

How did you come up with the name of your business?

My original name was taken so I asked friends and family what they thought would be sound good. Then I held a voting on facebook of who thought what name would be best out of all of the ones given to me.

What is a piece of advice you can give to newbies?

Know your worth and don’t budge on your morals. Always show your clientele how much you appreciate them because without them you are nothing.

What’s something you can’t live without (besides your loved ones)?

My cell phone/laptop. It’s how I keep in touch with practically everyone and keep track of everything.

What is your favorite thing to do around Jacksonville?

Anywhere the kiddos and I can go hang out. They love to explore new places and usually we hit up the local preserves and plantations. Their favorite right now is Bird Island. 

When your family comes to town, what is something you guys always have to do while they are in town?

Go get sushi! 

What’s your favorite movie?

Top Gun.

What’s your favorite song?

My Wish – Rascall Flatts. I cry every time I listen to it because it reminds me of my children and believe it or not God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood. 

What’s your current obsession?

My skin. I’ve aged a lot in the last 5+ years. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully with a store front and on Cake Wars!

What’s your favorite food?

I love too many to list but I could always go for sushi, pizza and of course fried chicken!

Favorite dessert?

A hot brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle.

Favorite restaurant?

European Street.

Favorite place to hang out in Jacksonville?

I don’t hang out anywhere except church and home!

 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sweetsbystaci

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sweetsbystaci

Website: http://stacilglover.wixsite.com/sweetsbystaci