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 …

How to Alleviate Nausea During Pregnancy

**If you are experiencing severe unstoppable nausea, be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider. There may be a possibility that you are experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum and would benefit from medical support.** Pregnancy is a journey filled with joy and anticipation, but for many people it can also bring along a less pleasant companion: nausea. Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, commonly known as morning sickness, affect a significant number of expectant people. In this blog, we explore the causes …

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 …

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 …

Emergency Preparedness for Families with Babies & Toddlers

September is National Preparedness Month and during that month the United States Breastfeeding Committee  provides information and resources related to feeding your infant and young child during an emergency. While it is obviously not September, the recent international disasters and emergencies have gotten me thinking about preparing my family in the event we are affected by an emergency or natural disaster. In US and most of the developed world we often take things like electricity, clean water, and access to …

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 …

It’s Black Breastfeeding Week! Resources for Black Breastfeeding Families

Every August is National Breastfeeding Month in the United States.  For the past 7 years, the last week of the month is Black Breastfeeding Week, celebrating Black breastfeeding families, as well as highlighting the challenges and barriers to breastfeeding that these families face. Visit Black Breastfeeding Week to learn more about the founders, Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka , find local events, and tons of other resources for Black breastfeeding families and those who support them. There are many …

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, …