Birth
What the Hell is the Husband Stitch?!
Question for you: how much do you know about “the husband stitch?” If you’re feeling a little clueless, you’re not alone. I’d heard this turn of phrase a time or two but never gave much thought to what it actually was. When I finally took the time to look it up, my stomach turned as […]
Skin to Skin for Newborn Babies: Just How Beneficial Is It?
There is something so comforting about holding a newborn baby. Their scent, their softness, their tiny, delicate features… Taking in their whole being when you’re skin to skin is such a pleasure. What if I told you that the mere act of holding your naked baby to your chest after birth can yield immense benefits […]
Is it Time to Have a Baby? When to Go to the Hospital for Labor
So, you’re finished with your “getting ready for baby” checklist, and you’ve packed your hospital bag for mom complete with the best maternity pajamas! What happens next? You’re probably wondering when to go to the hospital for labor! The bad news is that it’s now a waiting game. You wait until that wonderful moment when […]
Why Racial Disparities in Maternal Mortality Make Patient Empowerment Essential for Black Mothers
Have you ever been in a medical situation where you wish you’d known how to advocate for yourself? Speak up? Be heard? This is why patient empowerment is so important. As women, many of us have stories we could tell about moments when we wished we’d spoken up for ourselves in doctor’s offices and in […]
Rachel’s Pandemic Birth Story
I hate being pregnant. I had my first child at age 33 via labor induction, which ultimately led to 22 hours of labor, 2 of which were spent pushing, only to end up with a late night emergency cesarean section. I only knew the birthing process to be long, painful, and at great cost to […]
Guide to Induction at 37 Weeks: Everything You Need to Know
I was 36 1/2 weeks pregnant when I found out I’d have an induced labor at 37 weeks. It was a Wednesday, and my high risk specialist confirmed a preeclampsia diagnosis that we’d expected for weeks. But I was completely unprepared–scratch that, absolutely terrified–when she said I had 4 days to get everything in order […]
Everything You Need to Know About How to Write a Birth Plan
So much about bringing a child into the world feels uncontrollable, so we’re all about learning to control what you can. Writing a birth plan gives you a little of your control back. It won’t necessarily guarantee a smooth labor, but it will ensure your hospital or birthing center knows your preferences about important issues […]
Giving Birth Alone at The Hospital Is Many Women’s New Reality
Pregnant women currently face a lot of scary possibilities, including limited family members meeting their babies, and even giving birth alone.