I get asked this question often. Why choose natural birth?? What does “natural birth” even mean? Does it mean a vaginal birth? An unmedicated birth? An unassisted birth? A birth in a forest stream surrounded by woodland creatures? (I’m just kidding. I don’t get asked that last question *that* often!) First let’s define some terms. […]
Why natural birth? Read More »
This is a great prop to show what goes into a c-section. Often, parents think a cesarean section is just one cut, and they pull the baby out. I wanted a way to show my childbirth ed students that a cesarean is, indeed, major abdominal surgery. The doctor cuts through many layers, in multiple directions.
They cut through what, now??? (Anatomy of a c-section) Read More »
A couple of years ago, I posted a list of my favorite affirmations for labor and birth. I thought it would be fun to turn the best of the best into memes for all of you! Feel free to copy, pin, or right-click and save for your personal use. (Just please don’t use them for
Affirmations for Labor – 12 free memes for you! Read More »
We use music for many purposes: to celebrate, to grieve, to lift our mood, energize us, calm us down, even to create camaraderie and shared experience. Music has the ability to affect nearly every part of the brain. It stimulates the emotions in the amygdala. When we move to the music, it stimulates the motor
How Rhythm Affects Brain Waves (aka You CAN Dance Your Baby Out!) Read More »
Every mom wonders how to prioritize what goes in that bag. You only have so much space – how do you know what you will need?? This is the packing list I share with my clients. It cover the basics (chapstick, deodorant, slippers…), but it also includes a number of things that are especially beneficial if
Packing for a Natural Birth at a Hospital or Birth Center Read More »
With an app for just about everything, you can bet there are plenty out there to help new moms – from conception to postpartum! Here are some of my favorite baby apps just for you! Free Menstrual Calendar Period Tracker and Ovulation Calculator This app is for more than just tracking your period. It is
There’s a Baby App for That! Read More »
Essential oils are all the rage right now – and for good reason! They can have great effect with usually low risk. Most are affordable and easy to use. Plus, as more and more research is being done, we are learning the safest and most effective ways to use them in our homes. Naturally, as this
The very, very, very best way to use essential oils in labor Read More »
I have a list of affirmations and encouraging words that I use in my childbirth classes. Having positive thoughts in your head while laboring can make all the difference in the world. As a doula, I can use every comfort technique in my bag of tricks, but in the end it is up to the mother to
Scripture and positive affirmations for labor and birth (and beyond!) Read More »
Childbirth Connection is a fantastic resource for finding the latest research in the labor and birth world. One of my favorite resources from their site is a booklet they have put together for expectant parents showing ways they can support the hormones that are leading their bodies through labor. The booklet is based on information from a
Hormones in Labor Read More »
