birth – Your Labor Neighbor LLC

Basic Labor Strategies

Behold, basic labor strategies for a natural birth! Alas, we do know the labor process is largely unpredictable (shall we say wonderfully mysterious?) and typically not wanting to follow any kind of measured, mechanical pattern. This list of ideas can be helpful even if your labor doesn’t compartmentalize itself into neat and easily identified “stages.”Continue reading “Basic Labor Strategies”

What You Should Know About My Birth Biases

Yes, I have biases. Do I consider myself a non-judgmental birth worker? Also yes, but judgments are not the same as biases. All human beings operate with inherent biases. So, how much do biases actually matter in the birth space? The answer is, I think, as much as you want them to. My agenda isContinue reading “What You Should Know About My Birth Biases”

How To Advocate For Yourself In Birth

You may be wondering, what does advocacy in birth even look like? First know this: it’s crucial for any birthing person to be aware of the policies and systemic restrictions of the intended birth place. This means not only getting on the same page with your care provider about how they approach various scenarios, butContinue reading “How To Advocate For Yourself In Birth”

Care Provider’s Disposition in Pregnancy vs. Approach to Birth

What does your care provider’s bedside manner in prenatal appointments say about their disposition in the birth room? Well, it can give hints, or it can say nothing at all… When you meet in pregnancy, you’re clothed, you usually meet one-on-one, you have your head on relatively straight, you’re not in pain (hopefully!), and you’reContinue reading “Care Provider’s Disposition in Pregnancy vs. Approach to Birth”

How To Afford a Doula

Whether a doula is on your list of must-haves or not, I implore you to invest in your birth experience to the best of your ability. I know it’s a privilege to be able to afford all the things that would bring you joy and make your life easier. But what I’m really trying toContinue reading “How To Afford a Doula”