“My Water Just Broke!” says Every TV Birth
If we trusted modern film and TV portrayals of labor and birth, we would all believe that the first sign of labor is that your water will break unexpectedly. A huge gush will splash all over you and the grocery store floor where you were peacefully doing your shopping, all over your friend’s new car,…
Woof! Don’t Forget About Me! What To Do With Your Dog When You Go Into Labor?
Who is going to take care of your dog while you are in labor? I wish I had prepared better with dog care while I would be in labor and giving birth. I was planning a homebirth with a licensed midwife. The plan was that our dog, Nikita, would just hang out at home with…
On Being an Older Mom
This is me, at age 36, with my second daughter, Violet. Ignore the wrinkles.I didn’t have my first child until I was in my 30s. I got married young and needed time to mature, earn (discover?) a living, and get settled. And in truth, I was ready long before my partner was. At the time I…
All About Labor Induction
Labor induction is the process of using medical interventions to stimulate labor. When it comes to starting labor, it’s generally recommended to wait for it to begin naturally, unless there are specific medical reasons that call for induction. Some reasons given for induction include: hypertension, preeclampsia, heart disease, gestational diabetes, infection in the uterus, placenta complications…
Yes, Doulas Are for Cesareans Too (updated 2022)
Should I hire a doula for a c-section? Some people have the idea that doulas are only helpful for women that want to have a natural, unmedicated or vaginal birth. Well, that just is not true! Doulas benefit everyone, including mothers that are having a cesarean – whether it is planned or not. “I had…
Doulas Benefit Everyone
It’s World Doula Week! (March 22 – 28th) This year the theme for World Doula Week is “Doulas Benefit Everyone.” The doulas at Buddha Belly are proud and honored to do this work. So how is it that doulas benefit everyone? Mothers: This one is the most obvious. Doulas work for mothers. We support you with information, education, comfort measures, emotional…
What Is It Like to Have an Epidural?
Many women in the U.S. choose to use medical pain management in labor and birth, and the most common option is an epidural. Sometimes it is referred to as epidural anesthesia or epidural analgesia. It is a regional medicine (versus local) – this means it only blocks pain in a specific part of your body.…
Labor and Birth in the Water
We recently attended a Waterbirth Education and Certification Course taught by Barbara Harper, RN, Midwife, author and educator. We are happy to share some of the highlights and things we learned. Many birth locations now offer the use of warm water immersion in birth tubs as a comfort measure during labor, and some locations support…
Tampa Birth Options: Labor of Love Birth Center
We are fortunate in Tampa Bay to have so many excellent birth location options, including Labor of Love Birth Center in Lutz – the “home of natural birthing.” For the last ten years, Labor of Love has been owned and operated by Bea Rowell, RM, LM, CPM. It is professionally and expertly staffed by four…
Babymoon: One Last Hurrah before Baby
I sat on Caspersen Beach, just south of Venice Beach, Florida, in a beach chair, my toes slowly curling and uncurling through the sand, under a tropically-hued umbrella, leisurely reading one of the installments in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” series. Perhaps I easily return to this blissful day, seven years ago, because it…
Another Reason Why Two Doulas are Better than One
Recently, one of our clients gave birth to her twin babies at 32 weeks. Her doula was by her side supporting her during labor, delivery and postpartum. She had a very positive experience. While many babies are born closer to their due dates, you most likely won’t know exactly when your baby will be born. As doulas,…
Christmas Gift Ideas for your Partner
Well, Christmas is here. Everywhere you look there is a new toy, book or adorable outfit to purchase for a child. But, my mind always goes blank when trying to pick a gift for my husband. This can be even trickier when you are new parents (or soon to be new parents). To help make your job…