Embrace Your Power in Birth: How to Believe in Your Body

When I talk to women about their feelings regarding birth, they initially fall into one of two camps. Either they will say something like, "It would be too hard for me to do without drugs," or if they have decided to pursue a drug-free labor, they may say things like, "I hope I am strong…

Here’s Why ACOG Recommends Doulas

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists frequently updates their committee opinions and recommendations as they gain new knowledge and listen to consumer (that's you!) demand. In the most recent update to the Committee Opinion titled, "Approaches to Limit Intervention During Labor and Birth," there are several recommendations that reflect the growing demand from birthing…

Why I’m in Love With My Haakaa

Nope, that's not a typo. If you are pregnant, you may have heard of a haakaa breast pump. But then again, you may not have. I didn't hear of them until about halfway through my pregnancy with my second child, as they are just starting to gain popularity. Haakaa is the brand name of a…

4 Ways to Respond to Birth Plan Haters

If you have decided to pursue an unmedicated childbirth, you have probably heard at least one, if not all, of the following: "You're doing WHAT?!" "You won't be able to handle it." "Why would you put yourself through that pain when you don't have to?" "You won't win any medals, it's not a competition you…

Do I REALLY Need a Doula?

"I have a very supportive partner..." "I have a really attentive midwife..." "I love my OB so much..." "This is my fourth baby..." "...do I REALLY need a Doula?" These are all variations of questions I hear all the time. And they are legitimate questions! When it comes to choosing who will be in your…

How to Talk to Your Provider About a Family-Centered Cesarean

More and more, women are requesting family-centered, or gentle, cesarean sections. With the number of c-section births on the rise, there are a number of ways in which some providers are helping to facilitate a more gentle cesarean experience. Whether you are planning a vaginal delivery or scheduling a c-section, it may be worth having…

5 Benefits of Staying Mobile During Labor

Often when we see mainstream images of women in labor, they are lying on their backs in bed. So when you start to feel the intensity of labor contractions, your first thought might be that you need to lie down. Or when you get to the hospital, they may ask you to lie down so…

The First Weeks After Your VBAC: What You Should Expect

If you are preparing for a vaginal birth after cesarean, it can sometimes feel as if you are preparing for your first birth experience all over again. The unknowns of what to expect with a vaginal delivery and recovery (on top of caring for another child) can be a little overwhelming. Depending on how far…

Fear of Childbirth: Where Does It Come From?

A woman is happily chatting with a friend. Suddenly, her water breaks. It is a giant gush. Everyone freaks out. Thirty seconds later she is being rushed into the hospital in a wheelchair, screaming angrily at everyone she encounters. Cut to scene of doctor handing woman a huge, perfectly clean "newborn." Sound familiar? How about…

What to Pack (In Your Brain) for Labor

If you are first time mom, chances are you have at least one blog post saved to Pinterest titled something along the lines of, "What to Pack for the Hospital." Packing the hospital bag (or preparing the home birth supplies) is an exciting step! It means you are close enough to the end of your…