Christina Winton, CPM, LLM homebirth midwife

07/22/2025

📚 Where the 40-Week Due Date Comes From

The 40-week (280-day) pregnancy calendar is based on a formula known as Naegele’s Rule, developed by Franz Karl Naegele, a German obstetrician in the early 1800s. He suggested that a woman’s estimated due date (EDD) could be calculated as:

First day of last menstrual period (LMP) + 1 year – 3 months + 7 days

This method assumes a 28-day menstrual cycle with ovulation occurring on day 14. Under this assumption, pregnancy lasts 280 days (40 weeks) from the first day of the last period.

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🧠 Why Do We Still Use It?

Even though we now know it’s not perfectly precise, we still use the 40-week model for several practical and historical reasons:
1. Simplicity & Standardization: It gives doctors, midwives, and researchers a standard timeline to track fetal development and schedule prenatal care.
2. Clinical Guidelines & Insurance: Everything from prenatal testing to maternity leave is built around the 40-week model in most medical systems.
3. Most Pregnancies Fall Close: While only about 4–5% of babies are born on their due date, most are born between 37 and 42 weeks, so it provides a general framework.
4. Technological Anchoring: Ultrasound dating early in pregnancy often adjusts the EDD, but it’s still compared against the original 40-week calendar.

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❗️But It’s Flawed
• It doesn’t account for ovulation variability—many women don’t ovulate on day 14.
• It ignores individual cycles—some are shorter or longer than 28 days.
• First-time moms often go past 40 weeks.
• Repeat moms might deliver earlier.
• The model is based on European 19th-century data, not today’s diverse populations or real-life birth trends.

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🌕 Fun Fact

Studies and anecdotal data (like midwives often observe) show more babies arrive during full moons than not—and the average actual pregnancy length for first-time moms is closer to 41 weeks and 1 day.

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⚖️ Summary

We still use the 40-week due date calendar mostly for consistency, not precision. It’s a helpful planning tool, but not a biological clock—and due dates should always be seen as an estimate, not an expiration date.

07/22/2025

🌿✨ Welcome to the world, Baby N! ✨🌿

This sweet little one made a beautiful entrance earthside during a peaceful home water birth — and what a journey it was! After just eight hours of labor, Baby N was welcomed with love, warmth, and strength all around.

First-time mama, your courage, determination, and deep trust in your body and your birth plan were truly inspiring. You stayed centered, focused, and powerful every step of the way — it was an honor to witness you step into motherhood with such grace and strength.

Born on National Junk Food Day — and let’s be honest, every mama deserves a sweet treat after such an incredible journey and her well-deserved reward? Mint Oreos right after delivery! 💪🍪

A special shoutout to Jaimee from Four States Doulas , who was a priceless member of the birth team! 💛 Her steady presence, physical and emotional support, and constant encouragement made such a difference throughout labor and birth. On top of all that, she was a phenomenal birth assistant — calm, capable, and truly a joy to work alongside.

Congratulations to this new family — your birth story was beautiful, and your love is even more so.

— Midwife Christina 💜

07/19/2025

One of the top books I recommend to expecting moms is Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by the legendary Midwife Ina May Gaskin. Her wisdom, experience, and empowering approach to birth have guided countless women through pregnancy and labor with confidence and peace. This book is absolutely amazing—and right now, it’s available on Kindle for only $1.99! If you haven’t read it yet, this is the perfect time to grab a copy. 💛📖

07/15/2025

🌿 Let’s Talk About Afterpains 🌿
From Midwife Christina 💜

After birth, your amazing uterus begins the hard work of shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size—a process called involution. This can bring on afterpains, which often feel like intense menstrual cramps, especially during nursing (thanks, oxytocin!). They’re more common and more noticeable after baby #2 and beyond.

While they’re a good sign that your uterus is doing its job, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through them.

💫 Here are my favorite tips to ease afterpains post homebirth:

🫶 Rest & Breathe – Stay in bed, take deep, grounding breaths, and try to relax your whole body when the cramps come on. Tension can make the pain worse.

🌸 Herbal Support – I highly recommend AfterEase tincture by WishGarden Herbs. This beautiful blend of cramp bark, black haw, motherwort, and yarrow is gentle and effective at calming those uterine contractions. A few drops under the tongue during or after nursing can bring fast relief.

💧 Hydration & Nourishment – Drink plenty of water and nourishing broths. A well-fed, well-hydrated body recovers more smoothly.

🍼 Use a Heating Pad – A warm rice sock or heating pad on your lower belly can be so soothing during a wave of afterpains.

🛁 Warm Baths – If your midwife gives the go-ahead, a warm herbal bath can ease both body and spirit.

Remember, mama—your body is still birthing in many ways in these first days postpartum. Give yourself grace, and let your village take care of you now. 💕

07/11/2025

✨Welcome Baby Girl C!✨

Born on National Teddy Bear Picnic Day, this little one made her grand entrance right on her due date — which is incredibly rare (only about 5% of babies do!). But even more magical, she arrived under the glow of a full moon, a time when many babies seem to choose to be born. 🌕

Her amazing mama labored in peace and strength, beautifully supported by loving family. It was such a powerful and serene birth, a true testament to trust in the process and the bond of a strong support system. 💪🏼💗

Welcome to the world, sweet girl — 6lbs 11oz of pure love.

With love,
Midwife Christina 🧸🌸

07/11/2025

Healing an Umbilical Hernia Post-Pregnancy
—from Midwife Christina 💜

Your body has done something amazing—grown and birthed a whole human! But sometimes in the aftermath, you may notice a small bulge around your belly button that wasn’t there before. This could be an umbilical hernia, a common occurrence postpartum, especially after multiple pregnancies or carrying big babies.

Here’s how you can support healing naturally and know when to seek additional help:

🌿 1. Give Yourself Time
Many small hernias resolve on their own within a few months after birth. Your body is still adjusting—be gentle with it. Avoid heavy lifting or core-straining activities early on.

🤱🏼 2. Focus on Core Recovery (Gradually!)
Once cleared by your provider, begin gentle core exercises that target the deep abdominal muscles (like your transverse abdominis). Pelvic tilts, breathing techniques, and guided postpartum rehab can help realign and strengthen the core. Avoid crunches or planks until your core is fully stable.

🧘‍♀️ 3. Support Your Body Physically
Wearing a supportive postpartum wrap or abdominal binder (as recommended by your midwife or PT) can give your muscles extra help during healing—especially in the early weeks.

🥦 4. Nourish from the Inside Out
Healing tissue needs nutrients! Focus on a whole-foods diet rich in collagen (bone broth, slow-cooked meats), Vitamin C, zinc, and protein. Stay hydrated.

🩺 5. Partner with a Pelvic Floor PT
A pelvic floor physical therapist can assess your entire core function—including the hernia—and guide you through safe recovery steps. This is a game-changer for many mamas!

🚨 6. Know When to Call Your Provider
If you’re experiencing pain, increasing bulge, nausea, or the hernia becomes firm or discolored, seek medical attention. Some hernias do require surgical repair, especially if they don’t improve over time or begin to cause complications.

💜 Mama, you are not broken. This is just part of your healing journey. Be patient, stay connected to your body, and remember—you’re not alone.

07/05/2025

💜 Exciting Announcement from Midwife Christina! 💜

✨I am so thrilled to invite all of my amazing homebirth families to our First Annual Midwifery Family Reunion! 🎉👶

Let’s gather together to reconnect, celebrate the beautiful births we’ve shared, and watch our little ones play and grow — side by side. Whether your birth was last month or years ago, you’re part of the Midwife Christina family forever.

☕ There will be coffee, tea, muffins, and light snacks
👣 Babies, toddlers, big kids, and bellies welcome
🗓️ Date TBA – Coming Fall 2025

I can’t wait to see your faces, hear your stories, and love on all these precious kiddos once more. Keep an eye out for the official date and location — coming soon!

With gratitude and joy,
Midwife Christina 🕊️

07/05/2025

07/04/2025

🇺🇸✨ Happy 4th of July from Midwife Christina! ✨🇺🇸

Wishing you a day full of freedom, family, fireworks, and the sweet sounds of summer! As we celebrate the birth of our nation, I’m especially thankful for the freedom to support families in choosing empowered, peaceful births.

To all the babies born today — what a day to make an entrance! 🎆
To all the mamas growing new life — you are the heartbeat of this country’s future. ❤️🤍💙

May your day be safe, joy-filled, and wrapped in gratitude.
God bless America, and God bless each of you!

07/03/2025

Welcome to the world, Baby Girl A! 🇺🇸✨
Born on National Made in the USA Day — a powerful reminder that miracles are real and that God’s hand never leaves us.

At just 21 weeks, her mama’s water broke — and against all odds, she remained pregnant for 10 more weeks in the hospital, faithfully on bed rest, covered in prayer and surrounded by love. On July 2nd, Baby Girl A made her grand arrival, weighing in at a mighty 3 lb 8 oz, full of strength, purpose, and promise. We celebrate this precious life and the unshakable faith of her family. What a testimony of endurance, answered prayers, and the grace of God! Even though I could not be your midwife to catch your baby I am so happy that you were able to achieve this beautiful birth!

With love,
Midwife Christina

07/01/2025

July Is Bereaved Parents Month – How You Can Support The Bereaved Parent In Your Life - Even if you have a loved one who has experienced the loss of a child, you may not know that July is Bereaved Parents Months. Like everything that grief touches, months like Bereaved Parents Month can be daunting. Yes, there are incredible resources and events planned to support those who have experienced loss, but inside every one of these events lays the reminder that our children are gone. If we had a choice, we would rather not be celebrating this month. We wish it wasn’t necessary to raise awareness about such a devastating issue.

But, here we are. Yes, months like this are important but the truth is we need the support of our loved ones every day. So let this month be one of many where you reach out to the grieving parents in your life. Here is some suggested ways you can do to support your friend, daughter, son, family member, or co-worker as they navigate Bereaved Parents Month:

*Say their child’s name. No matter how you do it, saying or writing the name of their child will mean so much to them.
*Check in . Ask if they are doing anything to participate in this month. Let them know you remember their child.
*Invite them to do something. They may not feel up to it, but it will mean the world that you asked.
*Engage with them when they share on social media. Like or comment on the posts they share related to their grief or their child.
*Perform a Random Act of Kindness in their child’s name.
*Do something kind for THEM. A cup of coffee. A little note. A piece of chocolate. Just a little something to let them know they are loved.
*Ask them what they need. They may say they’re fine. They may say they don’t need anything. That’s okay. You asked. You let them know that you are thinking of them. That is probably what they needed most. ❤️

07/01/2025

We love Dr. Tracie Calloway at healing hands pediatrics. Here’s a wonderful video on newborn’s eyes.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16gYf7c4Nh/?mibextid=wwXIfr