Birthing

Contributed by Birthways Doulas As the partner to an expectant person, you are having your own experiences of pregnancy, preparation, birth and early parenting. While the focus during this time of growing your family is typically on the expectant person, it is very common for the partner to have their own questions, concerns, worries or…

Registering and then attending your first childbirth preparation class is often a significant, “this is really happening” moment. You’re reminded that the fetus that is kicking you and pushing against your ribs and bladder will actually want to come out of your body and that this will require a bit of coordinated effort. Partners are…

Preparing for Birth It’s been over 25 years since I began working in maternity care advocacy and I’ve seen significant change including an increased awareness of choices, growth within health care systems, resistance within health care systems, and meaningful initiatives such as the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Some take hold while others come and go.…

There is a growing body of research indicating that support from a labor doula is one of the most effective ways to reduce the likelihood of a cesarean delivery1. And it’s becoming more common to have a labor support doula for those seeking an unmedicated birth. But what if you are planning for a Cesarean…

Updated 2/18/20 Keep walking, though there is no place to get to. Don’t try to see through the distances. That’s not for human beings. Move within, But don’t move the way fear makes you move. —Rumi When you begin mindfulness meditation, spending 2 minutes of ‘just being’ is a noticeable struggle for most of us.…