A Pregnant Pause
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Early labor birth stories: learn from the lived experiences of those who have birthed before you.
Early labor - the sometimes nebulous time between pregnancy and active labor. Early labor is clinically defined as any labor activity before the cervix is dilated to at least 6 centimeters. Your body may move through early labor in a matter of hours or over the course...
How do you get through a Pandemic? Teamwork!
In 1936, in the depths of the Great Depression, an obscure rowing team from the mining and lumber towns of Washington traveled to Berlin, Germany for the Olympic Games. With every aspect of the game stacked against this unlikely team, something happened that is hard...
Pregnancy and work, what you need to know
By Averjill Rookwood Doula & Employee Benefits Strategist Balancing work and parenthood have never been an easy job. In recent years, the 24/7 accessibility expectations of the digital age present new challenges to parenthood. The global pandemic that we are in...
Planning for Postpartum (during your pregnancy)
Blog written by Ayesha Chatterjee, Metropolitan Doulas If you are pregnant or hoping to be, it is likely you have a plan for your birth setting and space, the people you would like present, and the process you would like to see unfold. These are your choices – and you...
Mental Health During Pregnancy
During pregnancy there is a tendency to focus on a person’s physical health rather than mental health. But in reality there is no separating the connection between the well-being of our bodies and our minds. During pregnancy, the physiological changes in a pregnant...
Thinking of growing your family? Do these four things before you choose your Provider and Place of birth!
1. Look at the data Did you know that where you give birth and who you give birth with may be two of the most important determinants of birthing vaginally or by cesarean? “While being overweight, diabetic, or older can make it more likely for a woman to have a...
Looking for some birth support during COVID-19?
In speaking with families who have birthed during COVID-19, a consistent theme emerged: loneliness. At a time when you are supposed to be surrounded by your people, traditional support systems have largely been unavailable. Where can families turn for support during...
Do something powerful for Mother’s Day
moth·er /ˈməT͟Hər/ (n) a parent (n) person of seniority (n) source or origin (v) to nurture with care and affection (v) to give birth or rise to To all who have created, grown, nurtured, nourished and protected - today and everyday - we celebrate and honor you. We...
Black Maternal Health Week 2020
Doulas are uniquely situated to address birth related health inequities.
COVID-19 Update: Virtual Support
The spread of COVID-19 has spurred increasing restrictions put in place by local hospitals. In response, DC Birth Doulas has spent the last two weeks pivoting into virtual support and live stream services for our pregnant families. In this time of increasing...