Essential Birth Co.

02/27/2026

Excited to bring this labor tool into the birth den as an additional comfort measure to ease tension, use gravity to labor down, and for hospital deliveries, create that “home birth in the hospital” setting.

02/25/2026

Postpartum doula support is about creating space for you to heal, rest, and bond without the weight of the house on your shoulders.

If you’re craving a softer landing after birth, comment REST. 🤍

02/14/2026

Love looks like support.
Love looks like advocacy.
Love looks like steady hands in uncertain moments.
Happy Valentine’s Day to the families I get to serve. Love, Your Doula, 🕶️

02/12/2026

Remember Mamas, they work for YOU. 🤍

“So we’ll be doing a pap smear today” the nurse said to me at my first trimester OB visit.

I don’t think it was intended to be disrespectful. In fact, she seemed nice.

But it was evident she was just so used to the system and routine way of doing things by the way she stated what would be happening to me rather than offering or asking what I would like to do, (which is the only thing that is appropriate).

It wasn’t the first time something like this had happened to me in a medical setting. So I had no problem speaking up for myself. After enough bad experiences, I’ve learned.

“Oh, no thanks. I won’t be doing that,” I responded.

My most recent was current enough so doing another would be unnecessary. And with my history of bleeding in pregnancy and recurrent miscarriages, I just do not mess with things ESPECIALLY in early pregnancy.

The nurse looked stunned and confused, which told me they were not used to a patient refusing a *routine* procedure.

Based on her reaction, I couldn’t help but think how scarcely she must have patients refuse what they *tell* them they will be doing to THEIR bodies.

And made me wonder how many women even realize they can say, “no” to anything that makes them uncomfortable in a setting like that.

It’s intimidating when a medical professional TELLS you what will be happening to you.

So I just wanted to let women everywhere know that if you find yourself in a medical setting being told that some *routine* thing will be happening to YOUR body, and you have even an ounce of hesitation or discomfort with that, you are allowed to say “no thank you, I won’t be doing that.”

You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone.
You don’t have to answer questions.

You can simply decline, or wait and take your time to research and decide. ♥️

01/21/2026

🤰✨ Expecting a Baby? Let’s Talk About P***c Symphysis Pain! ✨🤱

Pregnancy is full of surprises — including pelvic discomfort that many parents-to-be don’t know about! One common type? Pain from the p***c symphysis — the joint at the front of your pelvis that naturally shifts as your body prepares for birth.

💡 Here’s what you should know:

👉 It’s common. Many pregnant people experience pain in the pelvic area — especially near the p***c bone, hips, groin or inner thighs.
👉 It can show up anytime. Symptoms might begin in the first trimester and continue into the third.
👉 It may feel like:
• A dull ache or sharp pinch
• Pain going up/down stairs
• Discomfort getting in or out of a car or rolling in bed

👉 It’s not harmful to your baby — but it can affect everyday movement.

💛 Good news: There are ways to ease the pain! Many parents find relief with:
✔️ Rest & better posture
✔ Support belts
✔ Gentle movement adaptations
✔ Physical or pelvic therapy exercises
✔ Smart sleep and dressing strategies

Read more here: https://lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/seven-things-to-know-about-the-pain-from-p***c-symphysis-1

01/09/2026

Moms—looking back, what do you wish you had known to ask at your 6-week postpartum checkup?

That visit is often treated like a “wrap-up,” but healing, hormones, feeding, sleep, mental health, intimacy, and identity are really just beginning.

The things that didn’t feel urgent enough…
The things you didn’t realize weren’t “normal”…
The things you figured out way later.

Share below. Your experience might help another mother feel less alone.

12/16/2025

This family brought home their Thanksgiving-baby turned Christmas delivery this week. I thought Trudy Elf could stop by for a visit to praise and affirm the new parents as they learn to care for their first little babe. 🎄🎅 Who were your first visitors when you brought your baby home?

11/20/2025

We are now booking for 2026. Book a discovery call here:
https://doulaservices.essentialbirthco.com/public/691f393888903b0025caf645

11/17/2025

What a BLESSED year of babies!! Currently I’m at 13 deliveries with another due around Christmas. I’d love to celebrate your beautiful little one in our annual Christmas card. If you’re a past client and delivered in 2025, you can submit a photo in the comments or DMs (or text me) by Dec 1

Love,

Doula Ashley

11/09/2025

https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-nov-2025/investigation.html

Investigation details for an outbreak of infant botulism linked to infant formula, November 2025.

10/28/2025

Another day growing a human!

07/06/2025

Sale Alert!

As a lostpartum doula, I stay pretry updated on the latest trends and baby gear.

Those misdle-of-the-big diaper changes in the dark are a lot easier when baby is wearing these super soft magnet closure onesies. The patterns are another leve of sweetness!

Not a paid sponsorship. Just a PSA that now is a great time to buy a few for your little one!

https://magneticme.com/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLXqN5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHmAA9Z9DuO-MqBZOwcOdBn8-P11l8q32qCpioDY-IzQfPbdQ28dSQ6VOcju-_aem_-iR-nzIYrl53_eLZdftU1gt tl

Magnetic Me baby clothing, with patented magnetic fasteners, is the absolute easiest way to dress. Shop footies, onepieces, sets, accessories, and more!