Anyone who’s ever been pregnant will nod in solemn agreement when you talk about the end of pregnancy. Not only is the end physically trying, it’s emotionally and mentally exhausting, too. Sophia’s first son was born two weeks late. She expected to go late again – but that didn’t make it any easier. 40 weeks […]

by Natalie Broders, Portland Birth Photographer Skin to skin: WHY is it important immediately after birth? Did you know that immediate skin to skin is one of the most effective methods for promoting exclusive breastfeeding short AND long term? Skin to skin contact: promotes bonding between mother and baby Helps baby maintain body temperature better […]

You may have heard of the 4th trimester… But what is it?

There’s a new trend I keep hearing about called a blessingway. It’s basically the opposite of a baby shower.

Look, not everyone wants to be bombarded with well-meaning family members immediately after birth.

When a birthing mother is allowed to feel safe and secure in the privacy of a dark room surrounded by people she knows and trusts, she is 10 times more likely to experience the Fetal Ejection Reflex (FER) during the second stage of labor (pushing). It’s widely known that when a woman experiences stress or […]

Have you or anyone you know practiced the 40 days of rest postpartum? It’s the idea that the postpartum mother must rest during this sacred period of time immediately following birth. During this time, your only job is to fall in love with your baby and learn to breastfeed. Many mamas who practice 40 days […]

Delayed Cord Clamping Did you know that the World Health Organization recommends delayed cord clamping for all births? (except in case of emergency, of course) The WHO recommends 3 minutes but most midwives will tell you that you need to wait until the cord stops pumping blood to the baby. Immediate cord clamping isn’t recommended […]

After Birth Pains Have you heard of afterbirth pains? I don’t remember this at all after my first, but after my second the after pains were REAL. For me it lasted about 3-4 days postpartum but I’ve heard it can vary. Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, which makes your uterus contract, helping to shrink […]

5 reasons why I love Midwives – continuity of care with one provider that gets you, knows your family and your preferences. – midwives improve birth outcomes! Mothers who use midwives are less likely to be induced, require vacuum or forceps, or be induced. They’re more likely to go into labor spontaneously and reach full […]