Sacred Severance: “Birthday Candle” Cord Burning Ceremony

I made a few different choices for my second birth, one of which was eschewing the cord-cutting tradition. Instead of clamping and cutting J’s umbilical cord we held a sacred severance ceremony, an ancient ritual that involves using flame to slowly burn the cord. It was a beautiful and peaceful few minutes dedicated to J’sContinue reading “Sacred Severance: “Birthday Candle” Cord Burning Ceremony”

Film Review: Pieces of a Woman

“A heartbreaking home birth leaves a woman grappling with the profound emotional fallout, isolated from her partner and family by a chasm of grief.” film description on Google IMPORTANT: Many are finding Pieces of a Woman to be a wrenchingly difficult story to follow, especially for those affected by loss, sexual abuse, birth trauma, postpartumContinue reading “Film Review: Pieces of a Woman”

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

Book Review: “Indie Birth: A Story of Radical Birth Love”

I first read “Indie Birth: A Story of Radical Birth Love” during my time working through the Birth Warrior Project, which aims to enlighten doulas on this “radical” perspective of birthing. It is written by Maryn Green and Margo Blackstone, two independent midwives (and independent thinkers) who share the stories involved in their embrace ofContinue reading “Book Review: “Indie Birth: A Story of Radical Birth Love””

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 ownContinue reading “When To Call Your Doula in Labor”