Misty Gigler, Certified Birth Doula

12/07/2025

🎉 Big news: the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has voted to remove the universal newborn dose of Hepatitis B vaccine from the routine childhood vaccine schedule — meaning the “birth dose” will no longer be automatic for all babies at birth.

This is a long‑overdue, evidence‑based shift. As a parent educator deeply committed to medical freedom and informed consent — and as someone who supports individualized care — I believe this change respects parents’ rights to make voluntary, informed decisions about their children’s vaccinations.

Under the new recommendation, only babies whose mothers test positive (or untested) for hepatitis B will automatically receive the birth dose; for all others, parents and doctors will decide when or if to begin the vaccine series, usually not before two months of age.

I’m relieved to see this move toward more personalized, respectful, freedom‑centered healthcare. It reflects what I teach: that families deserve real choice and real consent. If you had concerns about the old schedule — now there’s a path forward that honors parents’ values and judgment.

11/18/2025

https://birthify.net/inducing-labor-at-39-weeks-study/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAOJ5qVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeYCVvw5OJnP2LwROZeKpPfVfQrsZOuim8Fb1iHv0TTHwX_Mi5FVCHdG8aDFM_aem_rGxsGdVJpxDogdnX2sqB9A

New study shows inducing labor at 39 weeks doesn’t lower C-section rates or improve outcomes for moms or babies.

11/01/2025

When Dr. Katie Hinde began studying breast milk, most scientists treated it as simple nutrition.
Calories, proteins, fat nothing more.
She looked closer and saw a language.
Katie discovered that milk changes depending on the baby’s needs.
A mother nursing a son produces milk richer in energy.
A mother nursing a daughter creates milk with more immune cells.
If a baby falls ill, the milk’s composition shifts within hours, an invisible conversation between
body and child.
Her research revealed something profound:
Breast milk is not a passive food. It’s a biological message system.
Dr. Hinde’s work redefined maternal science and exposed how modern medicine overlooked
women’s biology for centuries.
While labs raced to map the human genome, almost no one had studied the most ancient form
of nourishment — a mother’s milk.
Today, her discoveries are reshaping how hospitals, pediatricians, and policymakers understand
infant health.
As she often says, “Every drop tells a story between generations.”
Dr. Katie Hinde didn’t just study milk.
She decoded the conversation that built humanity itself.

10/27/2025

ACOG PUBLICATIONS
ACOG Clinical Practice Update: An Update to Clinical Guidance for Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping After Birth in Preterm Neonates
Author Information
Obstetrics & Gynecology 146(3):p 442-444, September 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000006020

ACOG Clinical Practice Update: An Update to Clinical Guidance for Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping After Birth in Preterm Neonates, 9/2025:
•Defer umbilical cord clamping for at least 60 seconds in preterm neonates born at less than 37 weeks of gestation who are deemed not to require immediate resuscitation at birth.
•In preterm neonates born at 28 0/7–36 6/7 weeks of gestation who do not receive deferred cord clamping, umbilical cord milking is a reasonable alternative to immediate cord clamping to improve neonatal hematologic outcomes.
ACOG CO 814:
•In term infants, delayed umbilical cord clamping increases hemoglobin levels at birth and improves iron stores in the first several months of life, which may have a favorable effect on developmental outcomes. •Delayed umbilical cord clamping is associated with significant neonatal benefits in preterm infants, including improved transitional circulation, better establishment of red blood cell volume, decreased need for blood transfusion, and lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular hemorrhage. •Given the benefits to most newborns and concordant with other professional organizations, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends a delay in umbilical cord clamping in vigorous term and preterm infants for at least 30–60 seconds after birth.
•There is a small increase in the incidence of jaundice that requires phototherapy in term infants undergoing delayed umbilical cord clamping. Consequently, obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric care providers adopting delayed umbilical cord clamping in term infants should ensure that mechanisms are in place to monitor and treat neonatal jaundice.
•Delayed umbilical cord clamping does not increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

ACOG PUBLICATIONS
ACOG Clinical Practice Update: An Update to Clinical Guidance for Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping After Birth in Preterm Neonates
Author Information
Obstetrics & Gynecology 146(3):p 442-444, September 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000006020

Abstract
This Clinical Practice Update provides guidance related to management of the umbilical cord at birth based on recently published data regarding short, medium, and long deferral of cord clamping; cord milking; and immediate cord clamping in preterm neonates. In this document, the terms “deferred” and “delayed” are used interchangeably as they relate to management of the cord at birth. This document updates Committee Opinion No. 814, Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping After Birth (Obstet Gynecol 2020;136:e100–6).

10/04/2025

An incredible new study found that pregnant women who consume just 6 dates a day in the 4 weeks leading up to their due date were 74% more dilated upon their arrival to the hospital, had a 77% shorter first stage of labor and a 42% lower rate of caesarean sections.

Eating dates in the late stages of pregnancy lead to higher cervical dilation upon hospital admission because the fruit contains nutrients that influence oxytocin receptors, preparing the cervix and uterus for labor by increasing muscle response to oxytocin and other labor-supporting hormones. Dates are a rich source of energy from natural sugars and fats and also contain prostaglandins, which contribute to cervical ripening. Additionally, they provide serotonin, calcium, and tannins, which contribute to powerful uterine contractions.

Eating dates in the late stages of pregnancy shortens the first stage of labor due to their ability to stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which promote cervical ripening (softening and thinning of the cervix) and increase uterine contractions. Dates also contain tannins, which have a similar effect, and provide a natural sugar source for energy during labor. Some studies even suggest that dates can increase uterine sensitivity to oxytocin, leading to more effective contractions and a quicker and smoother labor process.

These actions are also the exact reason why women who eat dates in the late stages of pregnancy and far less likely to need a c-section!

The most common recommendation is for women to begin eating 6 dates a day starting in their 37th week of pregnancy.
PMID: 40322306, 21280989

SEE ALSO: https://www.pelvicphysio.co.nz/the-sweet-secret-to-a-smoother-labour-dates

09/16/2025

No one thinks of Doulas after babies are born. Our cars are not safe to sleep in so we all try and get home safe. Hospitals should give us a place to rest but they don’t. Say a prayer for us out there!

08/31/2025

10 Things I Want to Tell Every Woman Preparing for Labour

Labour is not just about contractions and delivery—it's a journey of your mind, body, and heart. ❤️🤰

If you’re in your final weeks, here are 10 truths every mama-to-be should know before labour begins 👇

1️⃣ Know the Signs Before Labour Truly Starts
Look out for:
✨ Regular, stronger contractions
✨ Lower back pain
✨ The “bloody show” (mucus plug)
✨ Your waters breaking
Recognising these signs early keeps you calm and prepared.

2️⃣ Rest Is Not Laziness—It’s Preparation
Your body is already working overtime. Rest, nap, and save your strength. Labour requires energy—physically and emotionally.

3️⃣ Gentle Movement Helps Labour Progress
Walking, pelvic tilts, and squats create space in your pelvis and help baby get into position. But always listen to your body—movement + rest work hand in hand.

4️⃣ Don’t Be Pressured Into Induction Without a Reason
Induction should be medical, not just “because your due date passed.” If you and baby are fine, ask questions before saying yes.

5️⃣ Learn How to Push Beforehand
Push with your breath, not your face. Think of it like a bowel movement—steady and powerful. Preparation takes away panic.

6️⃣ Fuel Your Body Early
Eat light, energy-giving meals like oats, pap/porridge, or fruits. Drink plenty of water. You may not want food later, so stock up on strength now.

7️⃣ A Calm Mind = A Calmer Labour
Fear tightens your body and slows progress. Labour isn’t punishment—it’s partnership between you and baby. Use affirmations, prayer, and deep breathing.

8️⃣ Choose Your Support Wisely
Your birth environment matters. Surround yourself with people who reassure you, not stress you. Safety + calm = smoother labour.

9️⃣ Labour Comes With Sounds—Don’t Feel Ashamed
Groaning, moaning, deep breathing—it’s all part of birth. You’re bringing life into the world, not putting on a performance. Own it.

🔟 Only You Can Birth This Baby—Trust Yourself
Doctors, midwives, machines can guide—but it’s YOU birthing your baby. Trust your body, your instincts, and ask for help when needed. You’re stronger than you know.

💌 Mama, you are not alone. I’m rooting for you with love, strength, and courage.

👉 Follow my backup page UtoNwa for more maternity & health tips.
Nurse presh cares 🥰
Preshcute utonwa

08/24/2025

08/14/2025

Free is not better. Better is better.

Our classes are better than a class at your local hospital. And yes, we know that some hospital courses are free….but the adage of getting what you pay for is often true - especially if you are planning a birth that looks different than what most people are doing.

You are capable of making the decisions for birth that are right for you and our classes honor that and reach you how to make it happen.

Register at the link in our profile...we can't wait to meet you!

(And remember, you can use your HSA monies to pay for classes!)

08/13/2025