Shedding Light on Cesarean Awareness Month: Understanding, Preparation, and Support In the realm of childbirth, Cesarean sections (C-sections) represent a significant aspect of modern obstetrics. Each April, Cesarean Awareness Month offers an opportunity to delve into the complexities, challenges, and crucial considerations surrounding this way of childbirth. From understanding why cesareans are performed to offering support and guidance for those undergoing or recovering from one, this month serves as a beacon for education, empowerment, and awareness. Why Cesarean Awareness Month? …
Birth & Postpartum Traditions for Hispanic Families| Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!
Dear Balanced Birth Support Community, As we embrace Hispanic Heritage Month, we are excited to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that defines our diverse community. At Balanced Birth Support, we take pride in supporting families from all backgrounds during their journey through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This month, we’re highlighting the traditions and practices that have been passed down through generations, helping families thrive during this special time.La Cuarentena: In many Hispanic cultures, the postpartum period, known as “La Cuarentena,” …
LGBTQIA+ Birth and Medicine Pioneers
The fields of childbirth and medicine have seen remarkable advancements over the years, thanks to the relentless efforts of individuals who have dedicated their lives to improving healthcare practices. Among these pioneers are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who have played significant roles in revolutionizing the way we understand and approach childbirth and medicine. In this blog post, we celebrate the contributions of LGBTQIA individuals who have not only made groundbreaking discoveries but have also shattered barriers and advocated for …
Get to Know Danie Crofoot, Balanced Birth Support’s Traveling Doula!
Its so obvious that Danie has an immense, strong calling to supporting birthing families. They are a full-spectrum doula, and supports families in all circumstances and outcomes. Having moved away from their childhood home on an adventure to New York City, Danie is no stranger to uncertainty and unpredictability, and as a Traveling Doula, they will be there to your support you during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum wherever you are, near or far. Read on to learn more about Danie! …
The Birth Noa
Welcome sweet Elenoa Gwendolyn Keating to the world. A huge thanks to the amazing Heidie, birth photographer in the DMV. It is such an honor to be asked back to join a family for the birth of a subsequent baby… but this birth was a bit different. I met Avele and Mike during a Hypnobirthing class in 2015. They decided to hire me as their doula for the birth of their first baby, Pierson. His birth was long and it …
A Doulas Perspective: Stephanie Recounts A Powerful Birth (and shares photos!)
My client was overdue. These things happen and we were doing everything possible to get labor moving before her induction date. Her goal was a birthing center birth. On a Saturday, the birthing center called to let her know that if she didn’t go into labor by midnight, she would have to go to the hospital. At this point she was having some contractions, but nothing consistent. She went into the birthing center at 8pm, was in active labor, and …
My Frank Breech Birth Story
When I first learned I was going to have a baby, I spent hours visualizing my perfect birth- calm, relaxed, and pain free (because how much could it hurt really?). I became a GW midwife patient and planned on having a completely pain medication free birth. I signed up for hynobirthing classes, practiced my meditations, and listened to relaxing music. But when I went into labor at 32 weeks and 6 days, my birth plan went entirely out the window …