There are so many things I wish I could tell all first-time parents about birth. One of the biggest? Birth always holds surprises. Sometimes, it’s the intensity or speed of labor. Other times, it’s a change in plans. I’m a big believer in knowing your birth preferences and communicating them with your care provider. At […]

During pregnancy, you might find yourself bouncing between excitement and uncertainty. That’s completely normal—birth is a profound and intense experience, and it’s natural to wonder how you’ll handle it. And just like your body is preparing for labor, your mind can, too. The way you approach birth mentally can shape your experience, helping you feel

If you’ve ever wondered whether a doula might take away from your partner’s role or worried about whether they’d feel left out, this post is for you. In reality, many partners find that having a doula by their side in the delivery room makes the experience more positive in ways they didn’t expect. From providing

Did you know that movement during labor can actually make labor more comfortable and encourage progress? The way you move and position your body can influence how your baby descends, how you manage pain, and even how quickly labor progresses. If it feels hard to picture what labor will really be like, you’re not alone.

I love birth plans. As a birth educator and a Type A, plan-loving person, I believe that having a birth plan is a great way to: Here’s something that’s also true: Something unexpected happens during every birth. Whether it’s as minor as labor lasting a bit longer (or shorter) than expected or as significant as

I’ll never forget the moment my first child entered the world. I pushed him out while lying on my side with my husband next to me and my wonderful doula and midwife cheering me on. The moment he was born, I felt so much joy and relief. He lay on my stomach while we waited

Pregnancy can be exhausting, especially when you have a busy work schedule and/or have kids already. Here’s a simple plan to get any day back on track. (This plan will work even after your pregnancy – so save it for the future, too!) 1. Take a Moment to Reset 2. Set Small Intentions (Write it Down)

What if your partner could be a source of strength and connection during labor? Many expectant parents wonder how their partner will fit into the birth process—will they know how to help, what to say, or how to stay calm when things get intense? The good news is, your partner doesn’t need to be a

If you’re preparing for birth, chances are the word “epidural” has come up more than once. In the U.S., over 70% of people giving birth choose an epidural. Some people swear by them, others are firmly against them, and many feel unsure about how an epidural might affect their birth experience. Wherever you fall on

I never thought of myself as a big worrier before I got pregnant. That was my mom—she was the worrier in the family. If anything, I had a tendency to brush off her (sometimes valid) fears. But, like many moms, lots of worries made their way into my brain once I was pregnant. Would my