Read positive birth stories. Once upon a time ago, I didn’t understand the point of birth stories. I thought once the baby was here, the birth was more or less incidental. After all, “the only thing that matters is that you have a healthy baby,” right? Uh, no. I take issue with that statement. Having Read More
Be aware of the “cascade of interventions”! Why is it so necessary to be a thorn in your care provider’s side when it comes to refusing procedures or tests? Why rock the boat? Why not just go along with the routine procedures? How on Earth will an extra blood test or refusing a vaginal exam Read More
In a modern world that’s disconnected from our roots, and dismissive of the ancient traditions of women helping women…what is the role of a doula? In a culture where experts are sought after and deferred to, in a country where 99% of women give birth in hospitals, with highly trained obstetricians…where does a doula fit Read More
Ask questions, and don’t just accept the answers blindly. There’s not really any such thing as a “routine” procedure, except for what’s part of your care provider’s typically-preferred routine. It’s all Optional. Recommended. Suggested. Commonly practiced. If your healthcare provider tells you to get a test or procedure done, ask what it’s for, and whether Read More
Are you committed to having a better birth? Do your own research! Don’t rely on your health care professional to tell you everything you need to know, because they won’t. Not because they’re a jerk, or anything of the sort. It’s just that they don’t have the time to spend telling you things that aren’t Read More
Why do we need empowered childbirth? How do we go about cultivating such a thing? Birth is something that every single one of us experiences–whether it’s giving birth, attending a birth, or being born ourselves. All human beings on Earth, throughout time, are connected through this most ancient rite of passage. In modern times, however, Read More
One of the ways you can personalize your labor room is by bringing a bottle of something called Labor Calm Spray with you. I used to keep a bottle of Labor Calm Spray in my doula bag when I attended hospital births. Usually, they were not okay with an essential oil diffuser being plugged in, Read More
After the birth of my first child, I felt relief–like I’d dodged a bullet, really. His birth was attended by midwives, and relatively smooth–although I’d been threatened with hospital transfer. I felt out of control and like I had very little say in what happened to me. I didn’t plan on having FOUR more babies Read More
Everybody’s talking about self-care–but let’s get real. Nobody’s saying you have to get weekly pedicures, and go out with the girls every Saturday night to feel like you’re a functioning human being. However, the flip-side of those lofty self-care ideals can be even worse. I personally can’t stand those memes that say things like, “I’m Read More
You’ve made it to week 28–oh my! You’re now in the home stretch, and these next 10-14+ weeks or so may be a whirlwind of preparation, nervous jitters, elation, discomfort–and everything in between. Here’s some of the best 3rd trimester pregnancy tips that I share with my doula clients. It’s especially important now to slow Read More