NurturingDove Doula Services

03/04/2026

It’s very common for parents to hear something about the umbilical cord during pregnancy or birth and immediately feel afraid. Words like “knot” or “cord around the neck” can sound alarming, but in many cases these findings are much more common, and much less dangerous, than people realize.

The umbilical cord is an incredible design. Inside the cord are two arteries and one vein that carry blood, oxygen, and nutrients between baby and placenta. Surrounding those vessels is a thick, protective substance called Wharton’s jelly. This jelly-like material cushions and protects the blood vessels so they don’t easily get compressed, even when the cord bends, twists, or has a knot.

Because of this protection, true knots in the cord are relatively uncommon and often do not cause problems. Many babies are born with a knot that formed earlier in pregnancy when they had plenty of room to move around. In most cases, the cord continues to function normally because that protective Wharton’s jelly keeps the vessels open.

Another thing that can sound frightening is hearing that the cord is around the baby’s neck, often called a Nuchal cord. This actually happens quite frequently. Studies estimate that about 20–30% of babies are born with the cord loosely around their neck.

What’s important to understand is that babies in the womb do not breathe air. Their oxygen comes from the placenta through the umbilical cord. Because of that, a cord around the neck does not function the same way it would for someone breathing air.

During birth, providers are trained to gently slip the cord over the baby’s head or manage it safely as the baby is born.

Of course, birth providers always monitor baby closely during labor to make sure baby is tolerating contractions and birth well. But hearing the words “knot” or “cord around the neck” does not automatically mean an emergency.

Pregnancy and birth come with many unknowns, and it’s natural to worry when you hear terms that sound scary. But the human body, and the design of the umbilical cord, is remarkably thoughtful and protective.

Our babies are often far more resilient than we realize.

03/03/2026

My twin families are always so much fun and the mental game of birth becomes even more intense but rewarding at the same time! This was not my first G1 mom twin birth to attend but it was my first momma to make it past 36wks with twins(which is rare) and I love seeing her story written out to insure other moms that they are capable as well 🥹😍

03/03/2026

Prodromal or Pro Drama labor as I like to call it! Such a good read if you are waiting for your sweet baby to arrive and thus has been happening for days or weeks even!

Prodromal Labor… or should I say Pro-Drama? 😅 If you have ever experienced this type of labor comment below!!! We would love to hear your stories. Helo another Mom not feel ALONE!!

So apparently every time I voice-text “prodromal labor”, Siri insists on calling it “pro-drama labor.” And honestly? She’s not wrong. 😂

Because this kind of labor is dramatic.
It comes in hot—big waves, strong pressure, all the signs that this might be it—and then… nothing. Just like that friend who shows up all excited to go out, hypes everyone up, and then falls asleep while you’re still getting dressed. 🤦‍♀️ A recent twin mom had 2(24hr) rounds of this type of labor before finally having her babies within 3hrs of her water breaking a whole week later! Labor is funny this way hard to predict.

I was just telling a client, it really is a mental marathon. It gets your hopes up, wears you down, and keeps you constantly wondering, “Is this the real thing?” It’s exhausting physically, yes—but emotionally too.

And while we often see it more in moms who’ve had babies before, I’ve had several first-time moms this year ride the prodromal rollercoaster for days or even weeks.
Those mamas? They learn surrender in real time. Over and over. And it’s not easy.

This summer especially, I’ve noticed a spike in it—and I can’t help but wonder if it has something to do with the increased tectonic shifts and wild weather patterns we’ve been seeing. Birth workers have long said things like barometric pressure and the full moon impact labor, so who knows? The Earth feels off balance lately, and maybe our bodies are picking up on that too. ⛈️ ☔️⚡️

But what I do know is this: these moms need support.

It can feel so isolating to have contractions that lead nowhere. To be stuck in the in-between. And most moms—especially hospital clients—don’t have someone they can text at 2 a.m. and get a real, compassionate response or advice for the nights when they cant get any sleep.

That’s where I come in.
I’m that person. The one who’ll answer. The one who’ll remind you this is hard, but you’re not alone. The one who knows how much strength it takes to wait on labor when you’re already in it—but not really in it.

So yeah… Siri may call it “pro-drama,” but I call it real.

Real hard.

Real exhausting.

And really, really deserving of support.
If you’re in it, I see you. You’re doing incredible.


fn

02/26/2026

I loved reading this birth story, and feel so blessed to have clients who trust in this process and in me when things get a little crazy. It was an honor to catch this fast baby that surprised us all with a swift entry into the world in her parents bathroom! This sweet family was just a joy to work with.

02/20/2026

02/14/2026

Have you considered or contemplated home birth as an option for your family?? Want to meet and talk to some home birth midwives and ask all the questions?! Come join us in March

We would love to see you.
Join us on March 14 for Meet Malta.
A relaxed, come-and-go evening for former, current, and future Malta families.
This is simply a space to connect. To put faces to names. To share a warm drink and meaningful conversation.
A few of our trusted community partners will be joining us, and we have something special planned for the evening ✨
We can’t wait to gather together.

Community is a gift 🤍
Thankful for these friends who are helping us love on families well.




health.market.lbk

02/10/2026

So a fun and sweet client sent this to me today, and well she isn’t wrong! If you have ever considered home birth but aren’t sure if it’s for you…send us a PM and let’s chat about all your options and what might be best for your family’s needs!



subscribepage.io/aQWSaq

02/03/2026

02/02/2026

02/01/2026