Gentle Hearts Birth Services

What are you doing for your mental health?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so today we're sharing a fun way to take time each day to do something to support your mental health.

Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue facing Americans today? Anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million people, but a majority don't seek treatment. So here's your sign to take charge of your mental health. Start small, a little bit each day, and notice any changes you feel in your stress and mood levels.

"We must understand that childbirth is fundamentally a spiritual, as well as physical, achievement. The birth of a child is the ultimate perfection of human love."

-Dr. Grantly Dick-Read

The biggest benefit of hiring a doula is that you will greatly increase the likelihood of a positive experience through childbirth that results in a happy, healthy baby and new parents too.

Whether this is your first birth or your sixth, having a doula present can help ease any stress related to childbirth for both parents. If you want to know more about what we do, please reach out!

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Why would I need a doula when I already have a midwife or doctor?” Doulas will support you in many other ways and work with your care provider to make sure you’re well taken care of.

I have openings for doula services for moms due in April, May, June, July, September, and October! Message me for more information!

From VBAC Facts
You read that right.

Per ACOG's 2019 VBAC guidelines, the risk of maternal death during a planned VBAC is 0.0019%.

Expressed another way, that is a risk of 1 in 52,600.

Did you have any idea the risk was that low?

Whereas the risk of maternal death with an elective repeat cesarean after one cesarean is 0.0096% or 1 in 10,000.

Again, both really small numbers but the risk of maternal death is five times higher in a repeat cesarean.

This is why when pregnant people are threatened with "you could die if you plan a VBAC," it falls flat.

But it is often really successful in coercing someone into a repeat cesarean... as well as eroding patient autonomy and any trust when the birthing person learns the facts.

As a L&D nurse told me, "There is no real informed consent anymore."

This is just yet another example.

Nature made it so simple. Keep baby skin to skin, warm and dry and allow the cool air to naturally cause the blood vessels in the cord to vasoconstrict (narrow and close). Nothing to do but let the oxytocin and endorphins flow (and of course call for help if you haven't already).

I love potato soup! This sounds delicious! Does anyone else find themselves wanting more soup with the weather changing?

It's What to Eat Wednesday, and this week's recipe comes from our very own, Caryn Allen! This potato soup is simple, but so tasty, perfect for a fall evening when you need some hearty comfort food.

Take a look! https://birthbootcamp.com/what-to-eat-wednesday-potato-soup/