Ashland Birth Center

01/06/2026

The environment where you give birth can have a powerful effect on how your labor unfolds. When your space feels safe and familiar, your body is more likely to relax, and labor often moves more smoothly. You might dim the lights, bring your own blanket, play soft music, or simply ask for quiet. These small touches help create a sense of calm and ease. At Ashland Birth Center, we encourage you to shape your space in a way that supports how you want to feel.

01/01/2026

Welcome December born babies! The Ashland Birth Center had three births in December; one born at the hospital because labor wouldn't start before 42 weeks, one born at the birth center in the same room as her older sister, and one born at home. Welcome little ones and congratulations to your families! Enjoy bringing in the New Year with those precious newborn snuggles!

12/30/2025

One of the most helpful things you can do during labor is listen to your body. You may feel the urge to move, rest, change positions, or make noise. All of that is part of the process. Your body knows how to give birth.

We trust you to follow what feels right. Our role is to offer support and create a space where you can labor with confidence and freedom. You do not need to do things a certain way. You are already doing exactly what you need to.

12/23/2025

12/18/2025

Colostrum is the first milk your body produces, often beginning in the final weeks of pregnancy and continuing through the first few days after birth. It is packed with nutrients, antibodies, and properties that help protect your baby’s immune system from the very start.

It is normal for colostrum to come in small amounts. These early drops are perfectly designed to meet your baby’s needs in the first days of life. We encourage skin-to-skin contact and early feeding to help your baby get the most from this important first milk. Every drop matters, and your body already knows exactly what to provide.

12/12/2025

✨ 13 Years of Birth, Babies & Community ✨
Thirteen years ago today, on 12/12/2012, a special baby was born—the first baby welcomed at our birth center. That moment marked the beginning of a journey that continues to grow more meaningful with every family we serve. Since that day, we’ve had the honor of supporting families through their pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood right here in Ashland, Wisconsin. Each birth has been unique, each family unforgettable, and every baby a reminder of why this work matters so deeply. We are endlessly grateful to the parents who trusted us from the very beginning, the babies who have filled the space with new beginnings, and the community that has supported out-of-hospital birth for the past 13 years. Thank you to our midwives, staff, our own families, collaborating providers, the local hospital and community partners—past and present—who have made this possible.

From that first baby on 12/12/12 to today, it continues to be a privilege to provide midwifery care for families near the shore of Lake Superior. Thank you, Ashland, for 13 beautiful years—and here’s to many more. 💛

12/11/2025

There is no single right way to hold your baby during a feeding. Some people prefer side-lying in bed. Others like cradle hold, football hold, or sitting upright with baby on their chest. The best position is the one that feels comfortable for both of you and supports a deep, effective latch.

Trying different positions can help prevent soreness, reduce tension in your body, and make feeding more enjoyable overall. We are here to help you explore what works and make small adjustments if something is off. You do not need to get it perfect. You just need to find what feels good for you and your baby.

12/04/2025

Preparing for a new baby is a family experience, and siblings often benefit from being included along the way. Small invitations, like helping pack the birth bag, feeling the baby kick, or hearing the heartbeat during a prenatal visit, help build connection and ease uncertainty.

Children do not need big gestures to feel important. They need to feel seen, included, and part of what is happening. When siblings are brought into the process with care, they often step into their new role with pride.

12/01/2025

Making Memories! "We aren't just giving birth, we are making long term memories", Midwife Savita

It is an honor to have provided loving and skillful care in the welcoming of 8 newborn babies, in November! Each journey unique but so similar. Midwife Toni said, "Think of how much has changed in the way we treat birth, but how birth itself has not changed". ❤️

This month we had identical twins and their husbands, who are brothers, birth their babies in the same room 10 days apart. They both had their first babies with us too. Furthermore, Savita's mom, Virginia, was the father's mother's midwife. The mothers (twins) were also born at home.

We had three births on the same day, again this month. Midwife Savita and advanced student midwife, Amanda, went to a home birth. Student midwife, Marcy, attended a planned hospital birth as a doula. Midwife Heather attended Clinic while we rested and at the end of the day the third baby was born at the birth center.

We had rooms full of grandparents waiting to see their new relatives come into the world, we had children welcoming their first sibling and sleeping on the floor. We had families who sought quietness and minimally disturbed birth. There were blizzard sleepovers and births - with advanced student midwife, Amaris. Of course there were Thanksgiving Day" births! There were water births, hands and knees, runners pose and semi sitting births!

Thank you to the families that entrusted us with their care. We hope you are enjoying those precious newborn snuggles and staying warm.

Welcome babies and congratulations to your families!