Birth Matters OK

04/23/2026

There are answers.

04/22/2026

Very interesting on the impacts of pineapple in the third trimester.

Interesting... "Third-trimester pineapple consumption was associated with improved cervical ripening, shorter labor duration, and higher rates of spontaneous vaginal delivery without adverse neonatal outcomes. These findings support further investigation of dietary influences on labor outcomes."
https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2026/04170/the_impact_of_pineapple_consumption_on_cervical.18.aspx

04/22/2026

Having no memory of birth isn’t the same as pain free. These practices separated parents and babies and absolutely impacted bonds between them.

Have you heard of twilight birth? Did your grandparents, great grandparents, experience this?

Once upon a time, THIS was normal. Intially, preferred by some women because the ability to birth without pain is appealing. However, the reality wasn't actually birthing without pain, it was birthing without memory.

What was once celebrated as an advancement, shifted to a fight for autonomy in birth.

For those with positive experiences, they simply had no memory of the birth. For others, they woke with marks on their wrists from being restrained. Restraining garments like the one pictured were used to keep women from harming themselves and staff.

Twilight birth wasn't a calm pain free birth. Twilight birth was being restrained because women were blacked out while still moving, having no way to consciously find ways to cope with labor.

Twilight birth meant restraint. It meant no support people. It meant no personal comfort, support or autonomy. Forceps, episiotomies, etc., became necessary and impacted obstetrical practices long after twilight birth ended.

Morphine and scopolamine were used to induce a state of semiconscious, amnesic labor as late as the 1960s.

What does this mean for birthing people today? It's a reminder that it is not just okay but important to ask questions. It's okay to not accept policy or status quo. It is about asking for EVIDENCE-BASED care and practices.

Autonomy in birth matters.

04/21/2026

Birth plans associated with better outcomes. Something doulas and childbirth educators have always believed.

Birth plans work! The Role of Birth Plan in Shaping Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials..... "Birth plans were associated with a higher likelihood of normal vaginal delivery (RR 3.22; 95% CI 1.49–6.95; p = 0.003) and increased odds of early breastfeeding (RR 3.68; 95% CI 1.48–9.15; p = 0.005)... Conclusions: Birth plans may be associated with improved maternal outcomes, including increased rates of vaginal delivery, and early breastfeeding. The overall evidence suggests birth plans as a strategy to promote a more respectful childbirth."
https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2849-7990
(Full text not yet available)

04/20/2026

Such BBB an inspiration

Montgomery artist Michelle Browder created the “Mothers of Gynecology” monument to honor Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy, enslaved girls subjected to experimental surgeries by Dr. J. Marion Sims, often called the “father of modern gynecology,” in the 1840s. Michelle's work forces truth into spaces that once erased it. Learn these women's stories, study this history, and carry it forward.

Source: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/10/one-womans-quest-to-reclaim-the-ugly-history-of-black-maternal-health/

04/18/2026

There is a lot to consider:

Reading different milk storage guidelines from different sources can be crazy making! Which guidelines are right? Why don't the experts agree? What do you really need to know? The good news is that there are logical explanations for these differences. And once you know them, you can store and use yo...

04/13/2026

Yes they do!

Every mother deserves to be heard, respected, and cared for before, during, and after childbirth.

But Black women in the U.S. are still facing alarming disparities in maternal care and outcomes. This is more than a statistic; it’s a crisis rooted in systemic inequities that continue to put Black mothers at risk.

This , we’re lifting up this reality, and the urgent need for change.

🎥 Watch our health equity team breaks it down and shares resources: https://youtu.be/gNrKKD0Hetg?si=gx4yOvF0_Pp7E_Ze.

04/11/2026

Good job Virginia! Now just 49 states to go!

Virginia just made history | Gov. Spanberger has signed a bill guaranteeing the right to contraception, including birth control, IUDs and emergency contraceptives, into permanent law: http://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/health/right-to-contraception-law-virginia-birth-control/291-5ed2b0c2-5a64-4381-b908-4052ce2458a2?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_13News_Now_-_WVEC

04/11/2026

Thank you to our Board of directors:

Statement from the DONA International Board of Directors:

DONA International affirms the fundamental right of every birthing person to autonomy, dignity, and informed decision-making in their care.

We believe that all individuals have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, including the right to give or withhold consent for medical procedures. Respect for bodily autonomy is a cornerstone of ethical, respectful, and evidence-based care.

DONA International supports care models that center informed consent, shared decision-making, and respect for the values, preferences, and lived experiences of birthing people. Every individual deserves to be heard, to be fully informed, and to participate actively in decisions regarding their care.

We remain committed to advancing practices that uphold these principles and to supporting doulas in promoting respectful, person-centered care in every birth setting.

04/11/2026

I still have some space in this upcoming workshop. Join us and change the world! Contact Chris- (405) 831-4473

04/11/2026

Thank you for your leadership

April 11 is National Black Doula Day! As we begin Black Maternal Health Week, this first day also honors, celebrates, and uplifts Black doulas to raise awareness about perinatal health disparities and advocate for improved access to quality perinatal healthcare for Black families. Learn more at https://blackdouladay.com/

Today, we lift up all Black doulas and the 7 Core Demands for Black Doula Day (TM), especially our Black DONA Members and our esteemed Black doulas on our Board of Directors who support our members with grace and excellence!

President Erica Lane is in the center, and clockwise from the top left are Immediate Past President Telia Anderson, Director of Education Nella Goho, Director of Global Development Esther Kimani, and Director of Advocacy Toni Curtis.



Learn more about Black Maternal Health Week at https://blkmaternalhealthweek.com/

04/04/2026

Have you ever considered becoming a Doula? You are needed.
www.birthmattersok.com