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There's a movement you may or may not have heard of in the natural birth community. It is a movement to educate women about the possibility of having a pleasurable, even orgasmic, childbirth experience. Does that sound crazy to you? Or maybe just plain weird? If you're freaked out, don't worry! I am not going… Continue reading Sexuality in Birth: Making the Connection
When I first became pregnant at a very wise (ha!) 22 years old, I had a major pet peeve. I absolutely could not stand hearing a father or other non-pregnant partner say, "We're pregnant." Whenever someone said to me and my husband, "Oh, you guys are pregnant?" I would jump in with a very adamant,… Continue reading How Can Birth Partners Prepare for Labor?
I love reading. Put me in a big bookstore with a good cup of coffee in my hand and I'll be happy forever. Even if you aren't a huge reader, pregnancy is an important time to learn all you can! Whether it be podcasts, conversations with your doula, audio books, or paper books, learn all… Continue reading One Doula’s Favorite Pregnancy Books
It has been pretty well known for several years that delayed cord clamping has many benefits for a newborn baby. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, World Health Organization, and The American College of Nurse-Midwives all agree that delaying clamping by at least 1-2 minutes after birth raises neonatal iron levels, which can provide cognitive… Continue reading Why Delay? Cord Clamping, That Is
This is a birth story. But it's more than that. Read Part 1 to find out how the birth of my son led me to birth work! In October of 2018, we moved to a new apartment. I was 38 weeks pregnant, and planning a home birth. My doula, also a good friend, lived a… Continue reading What Made Me a Doula: Part Two
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… Continue reading Embrace Your Power in Birth: How to Believe in Your Body
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… Continue reading Here’s Why ACOG Recommends Doulas
"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… Continue reading Do I REALLY Need a Doula?
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… Continue reading 5 Benefits of Staying Mobile During Labor
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… Continue reading The First Weeks After Your VBAC: What You Should Expect
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