Panhandle Birth Center

09/18/2025

In this video you see both the chorionic layer of the bag and amnionic layer of the bag where the amniotic fluid and baby resides until birth.

Amnion
Location: The inner layer of the amniotic sac, directly enclosing the fetus.
Structure: A single, thin, cellular layer of epithelial cells, rich in collagen, that acts as a structural barrier.
Function: Protects the fetus from mechanical shock, supports hydration, and contains growth factors and cytokines to promote healing.
Clinical Use: Used in wound healing and for ophthalmic injuries due to its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.
Chorion
Location: The outer layer, surrounding the amniotic sac and closer to the uterine wall.
Structure: A thick, cellular layer composed of dense collagen fibers, proteoglycans, and elastic fibers.
Function: Acts as an immunological buffer, preventing the maternal immune system from attacking the fetus, and facilitates oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.
Clinical Use: Less common than the amnion in its stand-alone therapeutic applications for healing.
Key Differences
Position: Amnion is the inner membrane, chorion is the outer membrane.
Composition: The amnion is a thin cellular layer, while the chorion is a thicker, more cellular layer.
Role: The amnion is primarily a protective and hydrating membrane, whereas the chorion's main role is immunological protection and gas exchange.

https://www.facebook.com/babmofficial/videos/568849021301754/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

09/17/2025

This👇🏼
How is it justified.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1158774726151461/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

08/27/2025

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2036502896759200/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

08/26/2025

Two posts in one day? Crazy I know, I'm a social media slacker 🤷‍♀️ But I also wanted to give a shout out to Panhandle Birth Center, because I've work with Sandra the past 2 births and she's just wonderful! Check out this beautiful little rainbow that popped up while I was at her birth center during our last session together 🌈 perfectly placed by her sign, and photo bombed by a cute little bird!

08/26/2025

Another wonderful arrival at the Panhandle Birth Center! This remarkable family exemplified strength and beauty, and their newborn was absolutely stunning!
Wonderful job capturing those moments Nicole!

Right before our little family vacation and school started back up, I was blessed to be invited into another birth space! Mama was incredible, and dad was just an amazing birth partner, making sure she had anything she needed and supporting her the entire time. Congratulations to the Giesbrecht's, y'all were amazing to work with 💚

08/17/2025

08/16/2025

Childbirth is a monumental journey filled with both challenges and incredible rewards, and it's so important to share the truth about it. Women have been bringing life into this world for generations, and each experience is a testament to their strength and resilience. You have the knowledge and wisdom of countless women supporting you, reminding you that you are capable of overcoming any obstacle you face. Embrace your power, trust your instincts, and know that you are wonderfully made for this journey. You can do anything you set your mind to—your strength is awe-inspiring, and the world needs your unique contributions!

What if we told women the truth about birth?

We’d have to tell them that contractions will probably be more than “surges” or “sensations.”

That they’ll probably rock your world and leave you begging for salvation as you clutch the edge of the tub or the hospital linens.

That your gentle breathing exercises and your Spotify soundtrack will be left in the dust as you sweat and pant and sway and swear your way through it

That you’ll trip harder than any mushroom you ever did in college and vomit with the same ferocity and travel to places deep within yourself that you didn’t know existed.

That you’ll float above your body and simultaneously be trapped in it with an intensity you’ve never tasted.

And in that intensity,
in the sweating and the swearing
and the swaying and the vomiting
and the endless hours of contractions crashing down upon you ...

You’ll find your strength.
You’ll find a resilience you’ve never known.
You’ll find the power you need for the journey of Motherhood ahead.

In the messy humanity of it all,
you’ll find that you are holy.
A portal to the divine.
Capable of indescribable miracles.
A vessel of sacred life.

What if we told women the truth about birth?
We’d have to tell them they are capable of anything.

Worthy of being treated like goddesses.
Made to walk through the flames,
surf the tidal waves,
dive into the underworld
And come out alive.

Not unscathed.
Not unchanged.
But whole
and healed
and ready to take on the world.

If we told women the truth about birth,
we’d have to admit that we’ve lied about everything else,
and that they are more powerful,
more fierce,
more capable,
more beautiful,
than we’ve ever let on.

If we told the truth about birth?
We’d shatter the world.

Words and Art: Catie Atkinson

07/03/2025

To adorable not to post!

https://www.facebook.com/lessonslearnedinlife/videos/691330160172206/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

06/30/2025

Midwives are leaving. Not because the work is too hard. But because the boundaries are too soft.

We aren’t burned out from birth.
We’re burned out from everything around it.

From the student who says she wants to learn but never takes a note, never shows up early, never stays late—and posts selfies instead of questions. The one who isn’t ready, but insists she’s “called.” The one who confuses proximity with preparation.

From the client who ghosted the intake form for six weeks, paid in $40 chunks while shopping for photographers, then got upset when you didn’t jump to respond at 10 p.m.

From the woman who knew you just had a baby—but still asked, “Will you be back by October? I just really want you.”

From the chronic boundary testers. The ones who don’t mean harm—but still text too much, ask too little, book late, pay slow, and expect your availability to remain sacred while they treat it casually.

And you, the midwife, are trying to hold it all with grace.
Trying not to sound harsh.
Trying to be understanding.
Trying to be “accessible.”

But let’s be clear:

> The perception of midwifery has been diluted by this lack of clarity.

You’re not seen as a professional.
You’re seen as the help.
Flexible. Affordable. Personal. Bendable.
And quietly replaceable.

And when you finally crack—when you raise your fee, set your phone to silent, or say “this apprenticeship isn’t working”—you’re the villain.
Cold. Unavailable. Gatekeeping.

But the truth is, you should have said no months ago.

No to the student who isn’t ready.
No to the client who wouldn’t commit.
No to the emotional leakage that slowly turned your schedule into chaos.

Because when we don’t say no, midwifery gets cheapened.
When we let people treat our sacred work like casual service, it affects how every other midwife is perceived.

And it’s not sustainable.

This is why the turnover rate is so high.
This is why midwives disappear.
Not because of birth itself—but because we’re slowly extracted by people who say “I love your care” but don’t actually honor it.

Midwives—listen:

You are not selfish for protecting your time.
You are not rude for releasing a client.
You are not harsh for ending an apprenticeship that drains your spirit.
You are not “money hungry” for charging what this work costs you to hold.

You are the gatekeeper.
And when you forget that, everything spills out.
Not just your time, but your joy.

So tighten the gate.
Say it early.
Say it clearly.
Say it without shame.

Because your calling wasn’t meant to be handed over to indecision, performance, or passive abuse.

It was meant to be guarded.

And if no one else will say it—here’s your reminder:

You can be kind and still be closed.
You can be generous and still charge your full rate.
You can be called and still say:

> “You’re not mine. And I won’t carry what wasn’t assigned to me.”

That’s not unloving.
That’s holy.

06/13/2025

It's important to advocate for the needs of midwives and their patients, as they play a crucial role in providing care. Remember, your voice matters, and raising awareness about these issues can lead to positive change. Keep pushing for what you believe in—every step forward contributes to improving the profession and ensuring better care for families! You've got the strength to make a difference!

06/09/2025

06/08/2025

What a beautiful birth experience! This mother truly was incredible. I was thrilled when the talented photographer Nicole McClendon arrived. She was completely dedicated and attentive in her work. The photos she took were fantastic, and she even came back for a special session to capture the moment when big sister met her new baby for the very first time. I wholeheartedly recommend her for anyone looking for exceptional birth photography!

All photos posted with permission.