Hands of Grace Birth Services

05/12/2026

Interesting comparison of epidural and water immersion. NB groups were self-selected, which may have influenced results. "Spontaneous vaginal birth was almost 17 times more likely in the water immersion group [94.5% vs 50.6%] (OR = 16.866 [6.540, 43.480], p < 0.001), whereas the odds of having a cesarean birth were almost 40 times higher in the epidural group [0.7 vs 21.9%] (OR = 39.346 [3.610, 429.120], p < 0.001). The odds of having an intact perineum were more than two times higher for the water immersion group (OR = 2.606 [1.290, 5.250], p = 0.007), whereas having an episiotomy was more than eight times more likely for the epidural group [4.1 vs 26.1%] (OR = 8.307 [2.800, 24.610], p < 0.001). Newborns in the water immersion group showed a better 5 min Apgar score and umbilical cord arterial pH and lower rates in admissions at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Conclusions: Women choosing water immersion as an analgesic method were no more likely to experience adverse outcomes and presented better results than women choosing epidural analgesia." Full paper here https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/12/19/1919

05/05/2026

05/02/2026

Did you know that tomorrow is International Bereaved Mother's Day, observed annually on the first Sunday in May? This day honors mothers who have lost children or struggle with infertility. Founded in 2010 by Carly Marie Dudley, this day provides a dedicated space to acknowledge the unique devastation of child loss and validate the motherhood of those whose children are not physically present.

Please feel free to share this post so your friends and family know how they can support you on this day of remembrance .

03/25/2026

Don’t suffer alone… there is help for postpartum depression

03/21/2026

Had my last VBAC baby at 42 and 4days…I’m a slow cooker and went over with all my babies except the induction that lead to my primary c-section.

This is another myth I hear time and time again: "It is unsafe to VBAC beyond 40 weeks."

Here's the truth: Going beyond 40 weeks gestation is not a contraindication to labor after cesarean.

While some studies have found lower VBAC odds after 40 weeks, I question the role of provider pressure and birthing parent stress on labor, spontaneous or otherwise.

What about the VBAC odds among those who feel supported during the last weeks of their pregnancy rather than facing the deadline of a repeat cesarean on the books?

As ACOG says, "Gestational age greater than 40 weeks along should not preclude [planned VBAC.]" *

There are no hard stops in terms of gestational age due to prior cesarean.

Want to learn more about VBAC and the evidence on uterine rupture risk by gestational age? Go to vbacfacts.com/courses

* I replaced "TOLAC" for "planned VBAC" in ACOG's quote.

03/20/2026

Reminder, you can ALWAYS ask questions.

Unlike the ridiculous legal fight of a Florida woman, most facilities will accept your autonomy - even if there's some pushback.

Discussion and respect is how we have safe birth without unnecessary trauma. Doctors, midwives, nurses who practice with respect will have these conversations with you to help you make informed decisions and understand if there's a true medical concern.

What questions did you ask in labor?

03/10/2026

Registration now open for Revival: A Grieving Mother’s Retreat taking place April 24–26 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Camp in Wellston.

This retreat offers a beautiful opportunity for mothers grieving the loss of a child from pregnancy or infant loss to find hope, healing and community. If you or someone you know desires more than shallow survival, this is a chance to experience renewal and support in a compassionate environment.

Register today by visiting forms.office.com/r/KGFzC4gXzV or scanning the QR code on the flyer.