My Mindful Birth, AZ

03/21/2026

Helichrysum Italicum, often called the "everlasting flower" or "immortelle" in French, always had a quiet presence in my life. Each summer, my mom would plant these resilient flowers in our garden. To my childhood eyes, they seemed less flashy than the annuals I admired, but I couldn’t help noticing how they never faded or dropped their petals. Their beauty was subtle, yet their endurance made a lasting impression on me—even if I didn’t fully appreciate them at the time.
A few years back, when I was just starting out as a homebirth midwife, a client told me she uses Helichrysum essential oil to help with afterpains and reduce postpartum bleeding. These flowers are not very known here in the United States, yet they hold some very special healing properties.
Today, during her final postpartum visit, a mom gave me a handmade frame lovingly decorated with immortelle flowers. This mom had no idea of the emotional resonance these flowers had on me. As I held the frame in my hands, I was instantly transported back to sun-drenched childhood summers, watching my mother care for her cherished garden, brimmed with golden-yellow flowers with petals both delicate and enduring.
One unforgettable part of this birth story is the name these parents chose for her daughter - Marigold. The arrival of Marigold filled the whole family with happiness, warmth, and affection.
Just like these immortelle flowers, the memories and relationships we create together won’t fade—they have become a cherished part of a story shared, an unexpected symbol of the bond we forge with our clients.
This little frame is carefully displayed in my home so that every time I see it, it’s a gentle reminder of the enduring ties and quiet moments that make this work so meaningful.

01/24/2026

Recently, I received a thoughtful gift of Sunflower Shoots from a client who grows them. While I was already somewhat aware of how micronutrients—like Sunflower Lecithin—play a role in our health and particularly in supporting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by preventing and treating plugged ducts and mild mastitis, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to revisit the broader benefits of micronutrients in our diet. With this in mind, let’s explore the fascinating world of sprouts and discover how they can make a meaningful difference for both moms and their babies.

Why Sprouts Are a Superfood for Breastfeeding Moms: Benefits,
Safety, and Tips:

Benefits for Breastfeeding Moms:
•Reduces Clogged Ducts: Sunflower lecithin, derived from the seeds, acts as an emulsifier that makes milk less sticky and "more slippery," helping to prevent and treat painful, recurrent clogged milk ducts.

•Nutrient Density: Due to the increased bioavailability from the sprouting process, these nutrients are easily absorbed to support the higher nutritional needs of breastfeeding mothers.

•Immune System Support: The high vitamin and antioxidant content (like Vitamin E and Selenium) boosts immunity for both mother and baby.

•Digestive Health: Packed with enzymes that help the body break down food more efficiently and improve gut health.

Important Safety Considerations:
•Bacteria Risk: While raw sprouts are generally safe, the warm, moist conditions used for growing them can foster bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella. It is recommended to wash them thoroughly or consume them in cooked dishes if you have concerns, though the antibacterial properties of breast milk provide protection.

•Allergies: If you have a known allergy to sunflowers, you should avoid these sprouts.

https://www.thelactationnutritionist.com/post/why-sprouts-are-a-superfood-for-breastfeeding-moms-benefits-safety-and-tips?fbclid=IwY2xjawPiMgNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeyLu7zAoDGYtIE_Q_LxQV-o5fyLurXPTUwL5lOr-M-RWeVTGhw_9N0T8L3JY_aem_f_MKQb2y5tN3xIJFFK7x9A.

01/06/2026

Let’s talk about the benefits of collecting collostrum while pregnant, and then using it in the hospital for delivery!

No, it’s not mandatory.
No, you’re not failing if you don’t do it.
BUT there are some real benefits to collecting colostrum before birth and bringing it with you to the hospital

• Colostrum is literal liquid gold
It’s packed with antibodies, immune support, and gut-healing magic. A few drops goes a LONG way for a brand new baby.

• It can take pressure off those first feeds
Milk doesn’t always come in immediately. Having colostrum on hand can reduce stress if baby needs a little extra support early on.

• Helpful if baby needs blood sugar support
Especially beneficial if you’re diabetic, baby is early, or there’s concern for low blood sugars.

• Great backup if baby has trouble latching at first
C-sections, sleepy babies, tongue ties, birth meds, lots of reasons feeding can be weird at first. Colostrum gives you options.

• It can protect breastfeeding confidence
Knowing you already have something for your baby can calm the “oh my god I’m failing” spiral at 2am in the hospital.

• You control what baby gets
If your goal is breastmilk and supplementation becomes needed, having your own colostrum lets that still be part of the plan.

A few important reminders because the internet loves extremes:
– You don’t need a freezer stash
– You don’t need ounces
– Drops are enough
– And some people just… don’t get much. That’s NORMAL.

Colostrum harvesting doesn’t mean your labor will start, it doesn’t mean you’re doing “more,” and it definitely doesn’t mean you’re a better mom.

It’s just a tool.
One of many.
And you’re allowed to use it — or not — without guilt.

12/25/2025

Celebrating the ultimate gift of new life, occurring right in the warmth and intimacy of the family's home during the holidays. Wishing you all peace, joy, and full hearts during the festive season.

12/23/2025

12/19/2025

I received this beautiful thank you note from a client after her redemptive home birth. ‘Thank you for believing in me when I doubted myself, for guiding us gently, and for helping our birth be exactly what we needed. I feel stronger and more whole than ever.’
Being part of a journey like this - witnessing transformation, courage, and deep love - is why I do this work.
Dear K and K, thank you for trusting me to walk alongside you.

12/19/2025

She birthed her baby with gentle strength. There was no force, no rush - only deep trust in her body and a steady willingness to meet each wave as it came. She allowed birth to unfold as it was meant to. A beautiful reminder of how powerful, peaceful and full of love birth can be.

10/22/2025

10/14/2025

Two beautiful baby girls, both peacefully born at home, two days apart, two miles away from each other, both stormborn, with heavy rain, lightening and thunder in the background.

07/31/2025

“Good midwifery is a combination of art, science, experience, and instinct.” — Jennifer Worth

You blend clinical expertise with compassionate intuition, weaving evidence and empathy into every moment. Your experience guides you when science points the way, and your instinct speaks truth in the quiet seconds between contractions.

You honor the art of holding space, the science of safe care, and the wisdom born from every birth you witness.

06/27/2025

Going through some older posts. This one is one of my favorites!!!

06/07/2025

I was literally talking with new parents this afternoon about having regular fun and engaging date nights on a regular basis to reconnect, refuel, and reclaim some ‘us’ time.