natural birth
So You’re In Early Labor. Now What?
Could this be it? It could be! This is it! You’re finally in early labor! You know this because the contractions are coming, no matter what you do. You’ve had a big glass of water. You’ve gotten up to pee. You’ve had a snack. You’re content to let the rest of your house rest while you anticipate the birth day to come.
Read MoreGrateful For My Birth(s) Carnival
I am so thankful to all of the submissions I received for this Why I am Grateful for my Birth(s) blog carnival. I have found no matter what a woman can learn something and be grateful for something in every birth experience no matter how difficult or wonderful. Enjoy these quips and please go to…
Read MoreWhy Childbirth Education?
I sit here and ponder Why childbirth education is important?. I am an educator because I think it can be a vital piece to the preparation puzzle prior to welcoming a baby. I use the word “can” versus “is” due to the fact that all educational offerings are not created equally. It is known that…
Read MoreThe Best isn’t Better. Usual is where It is at.
There has been much ado surrounding the language of breastfeeding being normal and usual versus the best for baby and mother in great thanks to Diane Weissinger. It is so valuable to recognize that while we all desire to be the best, we often hit the normal everyday averages in life. We are comfortable reaching…
Read MoreWhat Does Pushing Feel Like? Many perspectives.
Women often ask me what does pushing feel like. As an educator and doula it is probably one of the more challenging concepts to address. Some of the imagery can be quite vulgar. “Push like you are pooping.” Do women REALLY want the image of pooping out their babies?! Or the imagery puts pushing in…
Read MoreTechnology and the Prenatal “Diet”
In westernized countries, television and the internet have almost completely replaced the generational teaching and learning found in the “circles” of the past. Women would gather over sewing, quilting, canning, and life events including pregnancy and childbirth. They offered support, told their stories, spoke of family life, shared their everyday knowledge, wisdom and expertise while…
Read MoreBuilding Your Birth Support Team
As practice through the ages and evidence shows, support during the birth process can be greatly beneficial to both mothers and babies. It is not about having an experience. It is about healthier emotional and physical outcomes for mothers and subsequently for babies as well. Putting together a support team is not as simple as…
Read MorePreparing For Birth: Quotes about Childbirth
Here is a compilation list of childbirth related quotes and sayings that I find powerful, interesting, affirming, or simply thoughtful. Please feel free to respond with your own favorites. The author of the quote does not need to be famous. I would be happy to expand the list. Enjoy! Birth may be a matter of…
Read MoreShocking quotes regarding maternal choice to VBAC birth
Joy Szabo has been in the news lately for desiring a second VBAC for her fourth baby (vaginal birth, emergency cesarean, and vaginal birth). She has been denied locally in her area of Page, AZ to have a vaginal birth. Due to this situation, the International Cesarean Awareness Network has been assisting her in fighting…
Read MorePreparing For Birth – The Passage from She Births
The below writing in my opinion is one of the most eloquent and beautiful takes on labor and birth I have read. I am using it by permission of the author, Marcie Macari from her book She Births. I encourage you to go to her site and see her offerings. Inspiring and fantastic. Thank you…
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