Doula Ashley Cabrera

08/05/2025

I get asked all the time “so even if I don’t want an epidural is there a time that it would be a good idea? ”

Yes! And this is so important to talk about before hand.

We have no idea how your labor will start or how long it will take. Your body may very well be able to handle labor intensity (in fact I know it can, because it’s your body doing it) but if you have not been able to sleep for some reason (inductions, beginning of the night labor starts, start and stop labor etc..) your not the same , physically or emotionally. This is when an epidural can offer the relief needed to rest, regain strength, and stay present for the birth experience. It’s not about avoiding the hard, but about preserving energy and making space for calm when the body feels worn down. An epidural can feel like a reset button, perhaps a chance to regroup before pushing. It can reduce stress, help muscles relax, and in some cases even support dilation (possible follow up wild birth story on this 😍).

Ultimately, it’s about being responsive to the moment which you’ll hear me talk about a lot. We Use our BRAIN acronym and make the best decision based on the circumstances of YOUR labor with YOUR baby. What might have felt manageable early on can shift dramatically, and opting for an epidural in that context is a sign of strength and adaptability, not weakness.

Again, not weakness but ADAPTABILITY…

And ain’t that just another way your labor may be strengthening you for motherhood. 🥰

07/19/2025

Obligatory photo in a firetruck romper after our accidental but beautiful homebirth.

We’re so thankful for the incredible crews from Stations 30 and 58 who showed up completely ready (just in case), but also with encouragement, calm, and genuine support. What could have been a chaotic ending to this story remained sacred instead and this little forever firetruck fan got to enter the world peacefully, on his own terms.

We’ll never forget the respect you showed and the precious memory you helped create.

07/17/2025

If you’ve worked with me, you already know I love chiropractor care for my mamas..well that love got a little bigger today atRadiant Family Chiropractic.

Dr. Summer and Dr. Jeremy are not only Webster certified but they also utilize a special approach called the Torque Release Technique (TRT) that focuses on the nervous system. As we know this controls everything from how your body grows your baby to how your uterus contracts in labor. Dr. Summer gave me an amazing education on this technique and even showed me the hand-held instrument called the Integrator, not to be confused (which I did 🤣) with the Activator. It delivers a precise, gentle impulse to the spine in areas where the nervous system may be stressed or out of balance (which they do a check for first as well.) This releases tension from multiple angles and improves communication between your brain and body. I started thinking about all the changes in pregnancy…how adaptable our bodies need to be, and the massive importance this brain body communication. Specifically, my mind pictured some of the “are we going into labor or not” moments that so many of us experienced! 😅.

So though it absolutely can help with pain and baby’s position for birth, what I love about chiropractic care is that it’s about supporting the whole you, not just physically, but emotionally and chemically as well. I know that the latter ones aren’t as easy to seek support for but along with sleeping better, and moving more comfortably, many of my clients have shared with me about feeling happier , calmer, and less stressed..which of course also lowers baby’s stress.

What I Iove most about my visit today is hearing the “You’re not broken” mentality behind their approach to wellness; this belief that you body already knows how to do what it needs to if we can clear out the metaphorical “traffic jams”.

And if you’ve let me sit on your couch long enough you know this is exactly my mentality when thinking about helping your perfectly designed self prepare for labor and birth. 🤗

07/09/2025

Pregnancy & parenting expo for all you need from bump to toddlerhood!

07/08/2025

Birth round three to do list:

☑️ Keep waters intact
☑️ try all the things we can to avoid OP baby again
☑️ not arrive at hospital too soon
☑️ avoid pitocin

And then there she was… radiant as ever, perched in triage at 7cm. Who sits like this with a smile on their face in the minutes in between waves on the cusp of transition? Besides crazy people ( which she isn’t), it’s those those who have just been sloppy wet kissed with answered prayers!

Don’t worry, even all the excitement in the world wouldn’t phase a surge in this particular position, so we quickly moved to standing, cozied up the birth room with warm lights, took a shower, and got deeper into the rhythm of labor.

The next hours asked much, surges were consistent and strong but mama persevered… that gratitude stitched into every ache.

When a new sensation arose on one side of her hip, wisdom turned the tide to consider a check.

While baby was honoring her wish of no back to back battle this time, he wasn’t without a a little sideways drama; an acynclitic noggin to hold up the show. However, just a few moves from our toolbox and she could feel him slip to center.

Moments later her waters broke to lead the way and another sweet baby boy was brought into her arms with trust and triumph.

“…that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth.”
Ephesians 3:16-18

✌️ Birth story and photo shared with permission as always.

06/24/2025

https://www.madeforthisbirth.net/post/ten-ways-to-respond-to-fear?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLIFz1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHg62lLc5NH4zLZ3THjPoWW6No3niOZs7YthIRnHNX4UIMvIS_koh_8BUdXkL_aem_jKPW8TSnAQ7KKh0QlFrKjg

It is incredibly common for women to struggle with fear and anxiety during pregnancy. Perhaps it is because pregnancy opens us, not just physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. It is a time when we are more in tune with our emotions and also when it feels like so much is at...

05/15/2025

05/08/2025

It’s actually this little early bird’s due week and I’m reminiscing about her amazing day!

After several days of teasing signs, sweet Olive finally made it official with a gentle knock on the amniotic sac first thing in the morning. There was no rush or panic. We simply knew: labor was likely happening today (or maybe the next 😅).

Gradually, things began to move forward. We headed to Jacksonville, took a stroll along the Southbank, had some lunch, stretched, rested, Spinning Babied ™️ , and might have turned a few heads while fully enjoying the hospital’s non-Labor & Delivery amenities.

“We’re here, but we’ll let you know when we are actually ready” was the game plan.

What stood out most during the waiting for me was the joy this woman had. With each stronger surge came not fear, but excitement because we knew we were getting closer. No cervical checks. No ticking clock. Just labor unfolding exactly as it needed to, in its own perfect rhythm.

As evening approached, the option of a little Pitocin boost was offered—and tempting. But this mama used her BRAIN (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, NOTHING) and said, “Actually, I think I’ll wait.” That decision was pure maternal wisdom. Not long after, we were in active labor. And soon, the surges became “LONG and STRONG” (truly redefining those telling words for me!)

Still, there was no panic. She met each wave with deep breaths, calm and primal sounds, instinctive movement, and graceful shifts in position. And just like that, it was time, her body was ready to push.

Gabi, thank you for letting me be part of your journey again for round two! The little déjà vu moments were so special and I loved helping you make this experience even better than the last.

✌️ Birth story and photo shared with permission as always.

04/26/2025

My May babies decided to be April babies so I now have some availability in May and June for Postpartum overnights. Please feel free to reach out!

04/19/2025

When a friend you’ve known for two decades asks you to be their doula, it’s an experience unlike any other.

They knew you before you knew birth. Perhaps even when you were just a carefree college kid, dancing around the living room, pretending to be on So You Think You Can Dance. 🤷‍♀️

But now, they’ve chosen you and placed their trust in you to help them navigate one of life’s most wild and vulnerable experiences. It’s an honor I’ll never forget to witness this beautiful mama achieve her birth goals. I’m so proud of her!

👏 👏

02/06/2025

There's a misconception that doulas are just for first time moms.

Not here. In fact, a small percentage of my current mamas are expecting their first child (which comes with their own extra special joys fe )but most are wanting to make their birth experience better than the last or in some cases I get the "just like last time" request.

So thankful this sweet mama allowed me to serve her in both her 5th and 6th pregnancies. For the most part it went "just like last time", but with one additional new goal in mind that she was able to brilliantly crush! One birth wiser as I like to say 🫶🏼.

Look at this beauty just beaming with her after birth glow!

01/29/2025

“I cannot recommend Ashley highly enough! From the moment we started working together, she showed exceptional dedication and adaptability. Throughout my birth journey, there were several unexpected challenges and changes to my birth plan, and she handled each one with grace and professionalism.
Ashley was an incredible support not just for me, but also for my husband. She guided him on how best to assist me, ensuring that we both felt confident and prepared. Her constant presence by my side made all the difference, providing a sense of safety and care that was truly invaluable.
Her warmth, expertise, and unwavering support made a world of difference during one of the most important and challenging times of our lives. If you are considering a doula, I wholeheartedly recommend Ashley- she went above and beyond in every possible way and we could not have done it without her!” -B.H.