Featured Post! 13,000 + Mamas Took The Quiz!

Let's Dish Series No. 1: Take Mama's Sex Quiz

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I'm Joanne Ilaqua.

a.k.a MamaSoup

I’ve spent about 20 years serving women as a nurse, doula and Lamaze educator. I also have 4 kids so I know first-hand how lonely and isolating it can be to be a mama. That’s why I created Mamasoup.

Most days you can find me working away in my home office (without a bra on), bopping out to Hip Hop (which I’m WAY to old to listen to, btw- but I just can’t quit it!) and searching my teenagers’ rooms for all the plates and bowls.

Featured Posts...

labour and delivery

Take Mama's Sex Quiz

As part of a new series, “Let’s Dish,” we’ll be sharing interactive quizzes related to a number of mom topics that will give you a bit of ‘virtual girl talk’ by revealing answers of other moms once you've completed the quiz yourself.

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labour and delivery

5 Commonly Missed Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Don't miss out on this incredible information on pelvic floor health from Jessica Dalliday of Pilates on Demand (POD), along with FREE video access, a printable to help fix the dysfunction and a fabulous deal to get you started on POD!

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labour and delivery

5 Things First Time Moms Wished They'd Known Before Giving Birth

If you’re pregnant with your first baby, this information is for you, Mama! This post is full of information and helpful (& FREE!) printables to help prepare you for the incredible birth of your baby!

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breastfeeding newborns

How to Succeed at Breastfeeding in the First 48 Hours

Breastfeeding is something every mom should have the best chance at - and the foundation of a great breastfeeding journey stars in the first 48 hours of baby's life. This post has incredibly detailed instructional printables that will help you succeed at breastfeeding!

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All of Mama's Posts:

Can Baby Aspirin Prevent Preeclampsia?

You may have high or moderate risk factors for preeclampsia and not even realize it. The good news is that you can learn more about this dangerous condition during pregnancy and take steps to help prevent it. 

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How a Cesarean is Performed

Everyone who's ever learned they need a planned csection has wondered how a cesarean is performed. Inside, you'll also learn how you can prepare for yours.

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When to go to the Doctor After a Positive Pregnancy Test

You may have heard about the new trend called “pregnancy testing” where women take a urine sample to check if they're pregnant or not. But what happens when you do a positive pregnancy test?

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Guide to Hiring a Virtual Doula

Doulas are a wonderful resource for new parents and hiring a virtual doula is a great solution for many people who don't have the time to attend prenatal classes and who're looking for private prenatal and postpartum support.

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One of my Favourite Ways to Show Cervical Dilation as a Prenatal Teacher

Prenatal teachers are forever looking for fresh new ways to showcase cervical dilation and the stages of labour. I was no different! The problem was that I couldn't find anything I liked, so I made it. See how I use it and how you can have a set of cervical dilation rings for your prenatal practice, too.

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Extremely Faint Line on Pregnancy Test? What to do Next

Did you have to hop online and look for pictures of faint line positive pregnancy tests so you can compare yours?

Girl, I totally get it! I’ve been pregnant four times so I know how badly you need to know an answer right now.

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Covid-19 in Pregnancy Linked to Increased Stillbirth, Preeclampsia and Preterm Birth

March 19, 2021: **NEW meta-analysis of 42 studies involving 438,548 pregnant people around the world.

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Constipation in Pregnancy: 7 Safe Remedies for this Painful Pregnancy Symptom

The problem with being constipated while you’re expecting is that it can cause you pain and discomfort. Straining while you try to poop can increase your risks of hemorrhoids, varicose veins in your labia and even weaken your pelvic floor. These are some gifts that can keep on giving even after your baby is born, so if you're having any resistance at all, you should address them immediately.

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7 Things Every Woman Should Know About Having a Healthy Pregnancy

Check out these healthy pregnancy and birth recommendations from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynocologists (ACOG) to help guide your baby bump safely to the delivery room.

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Fetal Macrosomia: 6 Things You Need to Know About Giving Birth to a Big Baby

If you’re looking for a little big baby birth inspo, I’ve got you covered! There are a few things you should know before you go into labour with your little line-backer.

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Mamasoup is A Blog for Moms at ALL Stages

As a nurse, doula and Lamaze educator I like to think I know a few things about moms. But as a woman who has been doing this mom-gig for almost 28 years, I've gained some on-the-job experience and wisdom that nobody could ever learn from books.

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A Guide to the Safest Over-the-Counter Drugs for Pregnancy

Taking medications while you’re pregnant is not ideal. But let’s face it- 40 weeks is a loooong time to stay away from that medicine cabinet. I know you’re trying to stay away from over-the-counter medications, Mama, but if you break down and need something, I’ve got you covered.

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5 Ways to Feel Confident About Giving Birth.

I remember the day I realized that I had a real, actual human being inside of me who was going to have to come out. I’m not gonna lie- I felt some panic. That’s when I knew that I would have to take some steps to prepare myself mentally for giving birth.

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The 9 Pregnancy Essentials I Can't Live Without

Another guest blog by pregnant Mamasouper Nicole Lemke!

I’ve been trying to have a really positive mindset throughout this pregnancy…we worked really hard to get here, but let’s be honest…pregnancy isn’t always the most fun thing in the world.  Here is my list of products that have made this pregnancy a little easier and relatively complaint-free!

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Do I Really Need a Doula?

Do you really need a doula? Ummm, yes. Doulas do a lot more than time contractions and breathing patterns!

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