My Birth Companion, LLC

08/07/2025

"In summary, this is what I found about low amniotic fluid in an uncomplicated pregnancy at term (37-42 weeks):

Ultrasound measurement is a poor predictor of actual amniotic fluid volume
The single deepest pocket method of measurement has fewer risks than the AFI
Poor outcomes seen with low amniotic fluid are usually due to underlying complications such as pre-eclampsia, birth defects, or fetal growth restriction
The main risk of low amniotic fluid at term in a healthy pregnancy is induction (and Cesarean delivery as a result of the induction) and potentially the risk of lower birth weight
Current evidence does not support induction for isolated oligohydramnios at term"

https://lamaze.org/Connecting-the-Dots/Post/what-is-the-evidence-for-induction-for-low-amniotic-fluid-in-a-healthy-pregnancy?fbclid=IwY2xjawMBwzNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1eW9HSEtmcHJnZXpNTUJQAR5he_XnA1L5j1bGfF0hI5iQ1Xk1jzpKgdr-yzjSYkn_9LAjCmjdWhpNeHEDeQ_aem_VU9vmoTRDlZQ2n6_JGivvA

By Rebecca L. Dekker, PhD, RN, APRN Today's post on the Evidence for Induction for Low Amniotic Fluid in a Healthy Pregnancy is a guest post by blogger Rebecca Dekker, owner of the fairly new blog in the birth world, Evidence Based Birth that has been very well received and enjoyed by many. Look for...

07/31/2025

✅ Racial disparities are undeniable
✅ Geographic/Political disparities
✅ Rural obstetric deserts
✅ 41% of births covered by Medicaid

The US has one of highest maternal mortality rate out of whole industrialized countries.

07/28/2025

Sometimes you just get lucky and you take the perfect birth picture! I’m not a birth photographer. Just a birth doula who likes to document births.

But sometimes the stars align! I’m so grateful for the basic birth photographer principles that the amazing Jill taught me a few years back.

This newborn is just a few minutes old and they are safely napping, all snuggled! They don’t even realize they’ve been born 👶

Grateful for this unique moment (sharing with permission). Birth isn’t always perfect and easy but birth is often that beautiful.

07/18/2025

Beautiful placenta prints and umbilical ord keepsake 🫶 (showing a true knot).

I’ve been safely encapsulating placentas 💊for 13 years. Hundreds of satisfied postpartum families. Zero complications nor side effects!

Because it works! 💪
Because it’s safe! 🙏

07/04/2025

Birth

“Birth invites us to surrender. It is a rite of passage that changes us in many intangible ways. Birth will ask you to dig deep, be flexible with your plan and adapt in ways you never thought your body/mind could endure, and this is how we are born anew, every time. Britta Bushnell likens the journey of birth and parenthood to a labyrinth: ‘designed for contemplation, prayer ritual and meditation.’ I had prodromal labor 6 times in the 3 weeks leading up to my daughter’s birth, and I was ready for the labyrinth.” – Natalie Bernicky, DC

Birth is designed to be a sacred, transformative experience—not a linear, clinical procedure. After a traumatic hospital birth, Natalie Bernicky shares her journey of finding healing and empowerment in her next home birth.

🌿Keep reading “The Sacred Dance of Birth” by Natalie Bernicky, DC in the latest issue of Pathways. Subscribers can access now: https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/pregnancy-birth/the-sacred-dance-of-birth.html

06/23/2025

Our summer group classes schedule is up!
See you . Check out the website or DM for more information and registrations.

Education is power!

06/17/2025

If you look for a doula in the DC area. Look no further! Jenny and Rose are your dream team.

I texted a client about her placenta, congratulated her on her birth, and commented that her doula (she was our shared client) had told me her birth was fast and furious. Her reply: Yes! It was more painful than I could imagine. However, Rose motivated the heck out me and everyone in the room was so encouraging. The space was filled with so much positive energy. I couldn’t have asked for a better labor and birthing experience.

Couldn’t ask for a better testimonial ❤️❤️. Supporting people during the most vulnerable and transformative time in their lives is such a gift! Because the time after birth is so very full and so very challenging, we don’t always necessarily hear about the impact we have had, but when we do, it is treasured.

06/11/2025

Getting ready to meet another baby?
This refresher class is for you!

06/02/2025

Refresh your knowledge. Update your tools. Prepare for what’s new.

This class is ideal for parents who have had at least one vaginal birth and is best taken during the second trimester

05/28/2025

Excellent podcast on physiological breastfeeding and feeding. A must listen

05/10/2025

During a tough hike we found a nice reminder!
Whatever is your journey, you’re doing great!
One step at a time 🥾

05/07/2025

When the Birth Goddess provides...! This is Birth.
Birth is hard work. It is also magical, physiological, and empowering.

It took a village to meet baby Fina :) That day, the village was perfectly aligned with the stars.