Book Review: “Birth As An American Rite of Passage”

“Birth as an American Rite of Passage” is an important book for learning about the different models and perspectives of childbirth, from the medical or technocratic to the holistic or “natural.” A largely controversial topic, I think the text does a nice job tackling this conversation by sharing information and making thoughtful arguments without ostracizing.ContinueContinue reading “Book Review: “Birth As An American Rite of Passage””

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.”ContinueContinue reading “Basic Labor Strategies”

What Led Me to Birth Work

When I was young, I wanted to be a pet shop owner and a book author and illustrator. In my teenage years I desperately wished to be a film critic. I studied journalism at University, hoping to get my foot in the door at a newspaper or magazine to write articles. Then I became unexpectedlyContinueContinue reading “What Led Me to Birth Work”

When To Call Your Doula in Labor

This is such a common question I felt it important to at least briefly address. When should you call your doula in labor? When is too early… or too late? What’s the “sweet spot”? Why does timing matter? I’ll cover all this and more below! Do keep in mind that every doula has her ownContinueContinue reading “When To Call Your Doula in Labor”

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 isContinueContinue reading “What You Should Know About My Birth Biases”