Just like any VBAC birth story, mine really begins with a cesarean. My son, Finn, was born in March of 2021. One day I’ll share more about his story, but for now I’ll give you a condensed version — We found out he was breech at 35 weeks, I scheduled a cesarean for 39 weeks but hoped he would turn before then…

Today, we’re demystifying the oh-so-talked-about cervical exams, also called cervical checks or pelvic exams. Now, I know what you might be thinking - “Isn’t it just about measuring dilation?” - but hang tight, because there’s so much more to it! We’re taking a deeper dive to understand the beautiful intricacies of labor that empower us to make informed decisions…

Today I want to chat about something incredibly precious: the role of partners during the transformative journey of pregnancy and birth. Pregnancy isn't just about the person carrying the baby; it's an opportunity for both partners come together, and become stronger and more unified than ever before. Here are six ways partners can step up their game and be the ultimate support system through this amazing journey…

The anticipation of meeting your little one is building and you're almost at the finish line. Let's get to one of the exciting tasks of late pregnancy: packing your hospital bag! But what should go in there? What are the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and the "oh-I-wish-I'd-thought-of-that" items that will make your hospital stay comfortable and stress-free? And when is the best time to pack your bag? Allow me to guide you through it with the Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist.

Our brave mother this week, Emily Orcutt, had to face not only the journey into motherhood, but also an unexpected change in birth centers. Emily, a fellow doula, handled these challenges with such grace and courage. I can't wait to share with you her heartfelt journey that's all about surprises, adaptability, and unyielding strength…

As a certified childbirth educator and doula, I've encountered an extensive range of questions about childbirth. From detailed discussions about the stages of labor to deeper understanding about the supportive role of a doula, every question is unique and significant, much like every birth. This post will explore and clarify some of these key points and frequently asked questions, providing valuable insights whether you're a first-time parent or adding another child to your growing family.

Welcome to the kickoff of our new blog series dedicated to the real, raw, beautiful birth stories that rarely get told. I firmly believe in the power of storytelling - it's a time-honored way of passing down wisdom, fostering community, and connecting on a deeper level. In a world that often feels fast-paced and fragmented, these narratives can ground us and remind us of our shared human experiences…

Preparing for birth is so so important, but it’s equally important to prepare for what comes next. So today we’re going to dive into the rollercoaster that is the postpartum period, also known as your 'fourth trimester.' This time is all about healing, bonding, and navigating your new role as a parent. Whether your baby's grand entrance is via a vaginal birth or a cesarean, having the right postpartum essentials on hand can seriously make a huge difference!

A well-trained birth doula, with their specialized knowledge, nurturing demeanor, and empowering guidance, can become an invaluable partner in your childbirth journey. But how do you ensure you find the right doula for you? It begins with asking the right questions…

As the countdown to meeting your baby shortens and your pregnancy journey nears its pivotal moment of birth, a question might be lingering in your mind: What can I actively do to prepare my body for labor? This stage of anticipation can be…

The postpartum period is a time of profound physical and emotional changes. As you embark on this journey into parenthood, it's crucial to prioritize your own well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of postpartum self-care, coping strategies, support networks, and the significance of …

Let's dive into the incredible world of oxytocin and its role in the birthing process. Whether you're planning a natural birth or simply curious about the wonders of our bodies, understanding the importance of natural oxytocin versus synthetic Pitocin is key…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend culturing all birthing people at 35-36 weeks of pregnancy for Group Beta Streptococcus presence. This bacteria can be found in approximately 10-30% of pregnant people.

Becoming a parent is one of the most transformative experiences a person can have. It's a time of overwhelming love, joy, and wonder, as well as exhaustion, uncertainty, and a healthy dose of messiness. And in the midst of all of this, the most precious moments of your baby's life are happening. These are the moments that you'll want…

As a birth doula, I often have the pleasure of working with expectant mothers during their pregnancy. One of the most common issues that comes up during the first trimester is morning sickness. Now, let's get one thing straight…

Babies are born with very limited amounts of Vitamin K. Their levels are lowest at days 2-3 and do not reach adult levels until about 6 months of age. The levels are low because…

In addition to being a tasty and nourishing food, broth has a long history of being used as a healing food in traditional medicine systems around the world. In Chinese Medicine, for example, it is believed that hot liquids and foods can help to support the body's natural healing processes. This is especially true during the postpartum period, when the body is in a vulnerable state and may benefit from extra support…

In the first few days, you can expect your newborn to sleep a lot, feed frequently, and have their own unique set of needs and preferences. In this blog post, we'll provide some helpful information to let you know what you can expect in the first few days with your newborn…

Congratulations! You're having a baby! Look through this list with your partner and discuss the questions provided. Feel free to add your own things to your plan as well. It is very important to talk openly and honestly with each other so that you can iron things out now, before the baby comes…

This centuries-old tradition is gaining popularity as a natural and nourishing way to support reproductive and sexual wellness for people with vulvas. Whether you're looking to alleviate menstrual cramps, increase fertility, or simply carve out some time for self-care, yoni steaming may be worth considering as a natural and supportive option…