Preparing for your prenatal visit with your birth doula

When and where do we meet?Your visit should be scheduled around your 36/37th week in pregnancy. Typically, your doula will come to your home however, if you feel more comfortable meeting somewhere else or virtually this can be arranged. Budget around 1-2 hours at your prenatal appointment.What will we discuss?What happens after the prenatal visit?During the prenatal visit, most clients utilize the time to discuss their birth preferences, delve into their options, and address any anxieties or fears that may be …

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,” …

Mindfulness for pregnancy and new parents

Congratulations on your pregnancy and parenthood journey! As you embark on this transformative time, practicing mindfulness can greatly enhance your experience. Here are five valuable tips from Miranda, yoga teacher and birth doula, on mindfulness tailored to pregnancy and new parents… 1. Embrace the Present Moment: Pregnancy and early parenthood can be overwhelming, with thoughts constantly focused on the past or future. Mindfulness encourages you to fully embrace the present moment. Take time each day to tune into your body, …

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 …

Breech Baby? Now what? Ways to help turn a breech baby!

As your due date approaches, you may find yourself in a position where your baby is in a breech presentation, meaning their head is not pointing downward toward the birth canal. While many breech babies eventually turn on their own, there are some techniques you can try to encourage the baby to assume the optimal head-down position. Forward-Leaning Inversion: The forward-leaning inversion technique involves positioning your upper body lower than your pelvis to encourage the baby to shift. You can …

Group B Strep in Pregnancy | What does it mean?

One aspect of prenatal care is the Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test—a routine screening performed in the later stages of pregnancy. While it may sound intimidating, understanding GBS and its implications can empower you to make informed decisions for a safe and healthy delivery. What is the GBS Test and Why is it Important? The GBS test is a simple swab test performed around weeks 35 to 37 of pregnancy to check for the presence of Group B Streptococcus bacteria. …

Birthing at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital Maryland

SummaryApproximately 160 obstetricians are credentialed to deliver your baby at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. They deliver approximately 10,000 babies each year at our hospitals and are focused entirely on helping mothers have a healthy pregnancy and birth. Holy Cross Hospital delivers more babies and cares for more newborns with complex medical issues than any other hospital in Maryland or the District of Columbia. Their website is full of helpful information. They boast about their care for high risk pregnancies, births and …

Birthing at Wakemed Cary Birthing Pavillion

SummaryWakeMed Hospital takes pride in its commitment to providing comprehensive care throughout the birthing journey. From prenatal care to postnatal support, their team of highly skilled healthcare professionals is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of both the parent and the baby. The hospital offers a range of specialized services, including high-risk pregnancy care, neonatal intensive care, and lactation support, catering to diverse needs with expertise and compassion. LocationWakemed Cary Hospital is located is located at 1900 Kildaire Farm …

Explaining the Bishop Score For Labor Preparation

Bishop Score for induction decisions

As expectant parents approach their due dates, healthcare providers often assess their readiness for labor. One tool commonly used for this assessment is the Bishop Score. Developed by Dr. Edward Bishop in the 1960s, the Bishop Score helps determine the likelihood of a successful induction of labor or the progress of spontaneous labor. What is the Bishop Score? The Bishop Score is a numerical system used to evaluate the cervix in terms of its readiness for labor. It takes into …