Birth Their Way

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Scientists recently launched menstrual cups into orbit to test whether they could work for astronauts who menstruate. It’s a major milestone of just how far we’ve come since the early days of spaceflight.

In 1983, when Sally Ride became the first American woman in space, she was famously offered 100 tampons for a one-week mission. It was a moment that exposed how little the scientific community understood about women’s bodies.

Since then, many women have spent extended time in space, managing their periods much like they do on Earth. Hormonal suppression has become the most common option, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. That’s where AstroCup comes in.

Led by astrobiologist Lígia Coelho, the AstroCup team launched two menstrual cups into space for a short suborbital flight, just under 10 minutes, to test their durability and performance. The cups were exposed to vibrations, gravitational changes, and other launch stressors, then evaluated using a blood-like fluid.

The results, published in 2025, showed the cups held up with no damage to their structure or function.

Researchers say menstrual cups could offer a practical, reusable option for astronauts on longer missions, including future trips to Mars. As the team put it, “menstruation in space needs to be accessible and easy for everyone.” It’s essential for astronaut health, autonomy, and the future of long-term travel.

Donate to Cape Fear Area Doulas, and help provide professional doula support for local pregnant and postpartum folks in need. 💓

Your support matters. The Doula Fund helps ensure all families in our community can access essential birthing and postpartum support. When you contribute, you help bridge the gap for individuals facing financial barriers.

Every donation makes a tangible difference, allowing us to provide birth and postpartum scholarships and educational opportunities for new families. By contributing today, you're bolstering a network of care that uplifts families during one of life's most profound transitions.

DONATE HERE: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/the-doula-fund

CFAD is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.

When you hire me for prenatal and birth support, you’re getting a doula who has trained with Spinning Babies and incorporates that skill set into her practice as a birthworker.

Big news! The New York Times just published an article on innovative approaches helping lower C-section rates, and Spinning Babies® is featured as part of this critical shift in birth care. 🙌

We’re honored to see our physiology-first approach highlighted for its impact on birth professionals and families.

Read the full article at https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/health/c-section-rate-decline-solutions.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share.

Hello friends. I’m seeking some items for a single postpartum mom of 5 who birthed just last month. I am working with her as a postpartum doula through CFAD’s scholarship program. If you’re interested in contributing to the cost of or have any of these gently used items below to pass along, please let me know so I can arrange to pick up.

~ size 2 diapers
~ vacuum
~ Little Tikes indoor trampoline with fold-away handle
~ gift cards for groceries (She is concerned about the possible impact of the shutdown on SNAP.)
~ any support or resources for help with November’s rent (due by 11/10 and is in Pender county)

Got to love a Cochrane review! 🌟

The major rating agency of Obstetrics, the Cochrane Database, has acknowledged through detail meta-analysis the importance of the Doula as the most effective support for women and their babies during labor. 🤰🏾🤱🏽

📸: ⁣⠀

Via

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I can only imagine what it may be like to be dealing with this potential side effect of Depo-Provera. Please know that you have options with every aspect of your reproductive care. Be informed!

A favorite local resource! LCS stands out for their breastfeeding support because they meet you where you are at, they support you in your goals and objectives, and they don't just gloss over root causes for challenges or problems. They dive deep and help get to the source of the hurdle in your breastfeeding journey. A true gem prenatally and throughout your feeding experience.

lactationcounselingservices.com

Not all babies are born knowing how to transfer milk. 🤱🏽
"Just keep feeding the baby!" 🫠This can be confusing especially if your baby eats around the clock and never seems satisfied.
The pediatrician may offer formula, or a triple feed plan (nursing+pumping+bottle feeding.)
But these are not your only options! 🍼
Our team can help you figure out whats best for you and your family. What are *your* goals?
Let us tailor a plan for you that
1. Keeps baby fed
2. Protects your milk supply
3. Makes your journey enjoyable and doesnt make you want to throw the towel in! Because lets face it, nursing is not always easy!
Lets see if insurance will cover these visits! Lactationcounselingservices.com

Double duty!

I recently had 2 placentas ready for me at the same time! Two different encapsulation clients welcomed their babes at the same hospital the same morning.

I love the work that I do and appreciate every doula and encapsulation client. Speaking of, I'm still offering a discount for new placenta encapsulation clients. Plus repeat clients get a discount, too. So it's kind of a win/win for everybody. 🌟

To book your encapsulation, visit the link here to get started: https://app.hellosign.com/s/DiUD2DQy

Got questions?? My inbox is always open. 📝

WILMINGTON AREA FOLKS:
Expecting? Thinking about becoming pregnant? Or in the postpartum season?

Come to the monthly Wilmington Birth Circle, a safe and nurturing space for sharing hopes, fears, and wisdom about pregnancy and birth. Get your questions answered, and connect with others. It's free to attend!

Expecting? Thinking about becoming pregnant? Or in the postpartum season?

Come to our monthly Birth Circle, a safe and nurturing space for sharing hopes, fears, and wisdom about pregnancy and birth. Free to attend, this gathering is hosted by Cape Fear Area Doulas at Family Tree Chiropractic.

Join us this Saturday, September 6th, to connect with others walking this transformative path and get your questions answered. Let's journey together toward an empowering birth and postpartum.

Event page: Wilmington Birth Circle

*~ Some beautiful news for expecting families birthing in the Wilmington, NC area ~*

My birth doula services are now covered by NC Medicaid’s Healthy Blue plan!
If you have been dreaming of having a doula by your side but concerned about the cost, perhaps this is your sign—it may be completely covered. 💫 Let’s talk about how I can support your journey. Contact me at [email protected] or call/text 910.233.7989.