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 …
Jewish Contributions to Childbirth and Medicine
As we celebrate Jewish heritage and the legacy of healing, let us recognize and honor the countless Jewish physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals who have played a pivotal role in shaping the field of medicine. Their contributions continue to inspire future generations and remind us of the profound impact one individual can make in the pursuit of healing and well-being. These remarkable individuals represent just a fraction of the Jewish contributions to childbirth and medicine. Throughout history, countless Jewish physicians, …
Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Understanding and Managing Severe Pregnancy Nausea
*Information in the post is not meant to be medical advice. Please reach out to your provider for support managing HG* For some people, pregnancy can bring an extreme form of nausea and vomiting called hyperemesis gravidarum. Unlike typical morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe condition that can significantly impact physical and emotional well-being during pregnancy. What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum? Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition characterized by excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It goes beyond typical morning sickness, …
10 Questions to Ask Your Provider about Pregnancy, Birth, & Postpartum from BBS Senior Doula Kerry Reynolds
Kerry Reynolds is a Balanced Birth Support Senior Doula serving Metro DC & Greater Maryland. She has been a birth doula for over a decade with tons of experience supporting all kinds of births including home birth, medicated and non–medicated hospital, cesarean birth, twin deliveries, LGBTQ families and VBAC deliveries. Learn more about Kerry by visiting her Balanced Birth Support profile. Getting to know your doctor or midwife is an important part of preparing for birth & postpartum. It’s essential …
5 Tips in 5 Minutes with Kerry Reynolds! Part 1: Preparing for Birth
Kerry Reynolds is a Balanced Birth Support Senior Doula working full-time supporting families throughout the DC Metro Area and Greater Maryland. She has been a practicing doula since January of 2009 has supported over 500 births including home birth, medicated and non–medicated hospital, cesarean birth, twin deliveries, LGBTQ families, and VBAC deliveries. Learn more about Kerry on the BBS website and contact her here. In Part 1 of Kerry’s new video blog series she explores how to communicate your birth preferences …
COVID-19 Letter from CEO, Elizabeth Oldham
Updated as of March 27th 2020 Important Update For Our Families Dear Doula Families, The evidence shows that doulas improve outcomes. We do so by helping you look at risks/benefits, weighing options and supporting you through the best decisions at any given moment. Doulas also support you through unknown circumstances and challenges along your birthing path (prenatally, during birth and postpartum). As you are aware, we are facing unprecedented times as COVID-19 sweeps through our nation. The biggest priority of …
In The NICU: Caring for Yourself and Your Premature Baby
Its never easy when your baby has an extended stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Even if you have advanced notice that its a possibility, you can never fully prepare yourself for the wide range of emotions, bone- aching exhaustion, fear, and the eventual excitement when you bring your baby home. However, there are ways that you can empower yourself and your family for a NICU stay, whether you know it might happen, or if it comes as a …
Get To Know Dina Piccioni, Birth & Postpartum Doula
Dina is a passionate, dedicated birth and postpartum doula. She believes strongly in a mother’s instinct and decision making process. She is non-jugemental and opened minded, supporting a mother’s choices 100%. Read on to learn more about Dina! Where were you born? Toronto, Ontario Canada How long have you lived in the DMV? Since July 1999 Tell me about the moment you wanted to be a doula.I knew it after the birth of my granddaughter. That was the first time …
In Depth: Balanced Birth Supports 1-Day Comprehensive Childbirth Class
Our next 1-Day Comprehensive Childbirth Education Class takes place from 9am-5pm on May 24th at the Body in Balance Center in Alexandria, Virginia. In this full-day class you will learn all about the physiology of pregnancy and birth, comfort measures, breastfeeding, newborn care, and how to diminish fears surrounding pregnancy, birth, and early parenting! This class is taught by childbirth educator, birth & postpartum doula, Sara P.! This is a great class for any kind of birth- medicated, unmedicated, induction, …