Blogs for you!

Uncategorized · July 13, 2026

6 Reasons Birth Advocacy Matters More Than Having the “Perfect” Birth Plan

If I could teach every expecting parent one thing before labor starts, it would be this: You don’t have to…

Uncategorized · January 23, 2026

What to Expect From Your First Breastfeeding Experience After Birth

Breastfeeding is natural, but that does not mean it comes easily or automatically. For many parents, it takes some experimenting,…

Uncategorized · December 10, 2025

Newborn Sleep Basics Every First-Time Parent Should Know

The top concern for almost all expecting parents I meet is, “How can I be sure my newborn is a…

Birth, Birth Doula, Dads/Partners, Doula, Hospital Birth, Hospital Birth · November 18, 2025

7 Smart Ways To Prepare For Your Hospital Birth

Before I was a doula, I was a teacher. Part of being in charge of 28 ten year olds was…

Uncategorized · October 31, 2025

Do Doulas Replace the Support Partner’s Role?

Doulas Support Birth Without Replacing Partners I get to talk with a lot of expecting parents each week. One common…

theiowababylady

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theiowababylady

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Jul 15

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This is a very special post to write. This month, I had the opportunity to be a birth doula for a long-time friend, Cassie. Supporting family and friends has always been the highlight of being a doula!

With this birth, we really focused on what I called "Old Fashioned Birth Support" where Cassie was surrounded by a team of amazing women just as it would have been a few generations ago. At various points leading up to birth and during her baby`s birth, she was supported by her own mother, a doula, a doula in training, her friends, two photographers (one maternity and one birth), nurses, and her OBs. What a team!

Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your birth team, Cassie! We are still in awe of your incredible strength in labor!

Photo shared with permission from everyone in the photo. :) ...

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theiowababylady

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Jul 14

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One of the questions we hear all the time is, "What does a doula actually do?"

The short answer? We`re here to help you feel supported, informed, and cared for throughout your birth and postpartum experience.

Support starts long before labor. We answer questions, help you prepare, talk through your options, and get to know what matters most to you. When labor begins, we support by offering encouragement, comfort measures, guidance, and a calm presence, while working alongside your medical team and supporting your partner, too.

Bringing home a new baby is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Our postpartum doulas are there to help with newborn care, feeding support, light household tasks, and making sure you have time to rest and recover. Sometimes the best support is simply having an experienced, encouraging person by your side as you settle into life with your new baby.

Whether you`re expecting your first baby or adding another little one to your family, we`d love to be part of your journey. Consultations are always free. Email me (katie@theiowababylady.com) to request our Welcome Packet with details about support and fees. ...

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theiowababylady

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Jul 13

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I think expecting parents put a lot of pressure on themselves to create the "perfect" birth plan. However, I like to remind parents that you don`t have to know exactly how your birth will unfold. You just need to know how to advocate for yourself along the way.

Advocacy is knowing how to ask questions, understand your options, and feel confident speaking up when decisions need to be made. It isn`t about arguing with your provider or saying no to everything.

A few reminders as you prepare for birth:
🤍 Your birth is yours. Don`t base your goals solely on someone else`s experience.
🤍 It`s always okay to ask questions.
🤍 Birth plans can change, and that`s okay.
🤍 Your partner can be an incredible advocate when they know what to expect.
🤍 Education builds confidence.
🤍 You don`t have to figure it all out on your own.

This is exactly why I love teaching Savvy Birth 101 by Evidence Based Birth®. We spend time talking about communication with your care team and practical advocacy tools you can actually use during labor.

📅 Join me Wednesday, July 15
💻 Online at 12:00 p.m.
📍 In person in Waukee at 6:00 p.m.

I`d love to help you feel more prepared, more informed, and a whole lot more confident walking into your birth!

Learn more or register via this week`s Blog Post: https://theiowababylady.com/6-reasons-birth-advocacy-matters/ ...

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Jul 7

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While breathing techniques can be helpful for labor, they are not the only thing you`ll learn in one of our childbirth classes! For example, in our upcoming Savvy Birth 101 class being held on July 15th, we will discuss...
• The stages of labor
• Comfort measures (not JUST breathing!)
• Common interventions and alternatives
• Partner support ideas
• And more!

You can find this and other classes listed on our website at theiowababylady.com/classes ...