Feature

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. :) ...

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/ ...

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 ...

❤️🤍💙 ...