Breath of Life Midwifery, LLC - Roanoke, VA

02/04/2026

Would folks be more interested in cloth diapering if there was a local cloth diaper service?

01/31/2026

For those of us who love crime shows and birth videos…

01/30/2026

Double knee press during labor - let's talk about it!

Double hip squeezes get most of the spotlight, but this one is a great tool to use when trying to open the lower pelvis and create more space where baby’s head is descending and rotating.

Applying steady inward pressure at the knees guides the femurs back toward the hips.

Why does this work?
• Encourages the pelvic outlet to open
• Creates more space for baby’s head to descend and rotate
• Relieves pressure and intensity in the pelvis and low back

By pressing the femurs inward, the pelvis subtly widens and rebalances, which can ease compression and help baby find a more optimal path down.

Peep the comments for their smiles between contractions.

01/29/2026

01/25/2026

From your friends at Breath of Life & TLC-Team lactation Care of Southwest Virginia

To the moms refreshing the weather app, instagram reels, facebook meteorologist and side-eyeing the freezer like 👀 stressing about your pumps!
�This one’s for you.
Winter storms can feel extra intense with a baby (or milk stash!) to protect—so let’s talk real facts, not panic.

If the power goes out & you’re worried about breastmilk:
• Cold weather can be your backup generator.�If it’s freezing outside, a cooler or ice chest placed outdoors can help keep frozen milk cold. Nature understood the assignment.
• Slushy milk is still good milk.�If breastmilk softens or partially thaws but still has at least one ice crystal, it is safe to refreeze once power returns. No crystal = use within 24 hours (don’t refreeze).
• Dry ice = clutch (with rules).�Dry ice in a cooler can keep milk frozen for a long time—but it must be kept outside or in a well-ventilated area only. Never indoors, never in your freezer.
Reminder: perfection is not required. Information is enough.

Before the storm (if you have a heads-up):
• Charge everything.�Pump batteries, phone, portable power banks—if it plugs in, charge it.
• Have a manual backup.�A manual pump or hand expression skills = gold during outages.
• Pump a little early if you can.�Empty breasts before the storm hits to reduce discomfort if pumping gets delayed.

If the power goes out:
• Battery or manual pumps still work.�This is why we love backup options.
• Hand expression is a superpower.�Even a few minutes can relieve pressure and protect supply.
• Keep pump parts clean (even without hot water).�Wash with bottled water if needed and air dry on a clean towel.

Keeping baby warm during a storm:
• Layers > blankets.�Dress baby in one more layer than you’re wearing. Think sleeper + socks + hat if needed.
• Skin-to-skin is elite.�Your body heat is a natural warmer and helps regulate baby’s temperature and stress.
• Sleep safe, even when it’s cold.�No loose blankets, even during outages. Use footed sleepers or wearable blankets instead.
• Close off rooms.�Stay in one smaller space to conserve warmth and body heat.

Signs baby may be in distress during a power outage or storm:
Call your provider or seek help if you notice:�• Trouble breathing, fast breathing, or grunting�• Bluish or pale skin (especially lips or face)�• Baby feels cold to the chest or belly, not just hands/feet�• Poor feeding or refusal to eat�• Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking�• Weak or unusual crying
Trust your instincts—you know your baby best.

You don’t have to do everything perfectly.�You just need options—and now you have them.
Save this so future-you doesn’t have to think through it at 2 a.m.�Share with a mom who’s stress-checking her freezer instead of sleeping.

01/25/2026

❄️ STORM MODE: MIDWIFE/ IBCLC EDITION ❄️
�From your friends at Breath of Life Midwifery, LLC - Roanoke, VA and TLC-Team lactation Care of Southwest Virginia:

To the moms refreshing the weather app, instagram reels, facebook meteorologist and side-eyeing the freezer like 👀 stressing about your pumps!
�This one’s for you.
Winter storms can feel extra intense with a baby (or milk stash!) to protect—so let’s talk real facts, not panic.

If the power goes out & you’re worried about breastmilk:
• Cold weather can be your backup generator.�If it’s freezing outside, a cooler or ice chest placed outdoors can help keep frozen milk cold. Nature understood the assignment.
• Slushy milk is still good milk.�If breastmilk softens or partially thaws but still has at least one ice crystal, it is safe to refreeze once power returns. No crystal = use within 24 hours (don’t refreeze).
• Dry ice = clutch (with rules).�Dry ice in a cooler can keep milk frozen for a long time—but it must be kept outside or in a well-ventilated area only. Never indoors, never in your freezer.
Reminder: perfection is not required. Information is enough.

Be prepared:
• Charge everything.�Pump batteries, phone, portable power banks—if it plugs in, charge it.
• Have a manual backup.�A manual pump or hand expression skills = gold during outages.
• Pump a little early if you can.�Empty breasts before the storm hits to reduce discomfort if pumping gets delayed.

If the power goes out:
• Battery or manual pumps still work.�This is why we love backup options.
• Hand expression is a superpower.�Even a few minutes can relieve pressure and protect supply.
• Keep pump parts clean (even without hot water).�Wash with bottled water if needed and air dry on a clean towel.

Keeping baby warm during a storm:
• Layers > blankets.�Dress baby in one more layer than you’re wearing. Think sleeper + socks + hat if needed.
• Skin-to-skin is elite.�Your body heat is a natural warmer and helps regulate baby’s temperature and stress.
• Sleep safe, even when it’s cold.�No loose blankets, even during outages. Use footed sleepers or wearable blankets instead.
• Close off rooms.�Stay in one smaller space to conserve warmth and body heat.

Signs baby may be in distress during a power outage or storm:
Call your provider or seek help if you notice:�• Trouble breathing, fast breathing, or grunting�• Bluish or pale skin (especially lips or face)�• Baby feels cold to the chest or belly, not just hands/feet�• Poor feeding or refusal to eat�• Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking�• Weak or unusual crying
Trust your instincts—you know your baby best.

You don’t have to do everything perfectly.�You just need options—and now you have them.
Save this so future-you doesn’t have to think through it at 2 a.m.�Share with a mom who’s stress-checking her freezer instead of sleeping.




















Post and 📸 credit to Shay Brown

01/24/2026

❄️ ATTENTION! ATTENTION!
FROM Breath of Life Midwifery LLC ❄️

— lovingly shared by your midwives, Crystal & Amanda and their assistants 🤍

Beloved community… let it be known:
✨ Fall babies are WELCOME here. ✨
Crunchy leaves, cozy births, candlelit postpartum vibes? Yes please 🍁🕯️
Snowstorms bring stillness. Stillness brings connection.
And sometimes… connection brings babies 😉
We see you. We honor you. We’re here for it. The snow brings opportunities for catching up on laundry, making warm meals and giving extra snuggles!

🍂 Thinking about an October baby? Here’s how to call one in intentionally: 🍂

• Tune into your cycle and listen closely (your body is always speaking)
• Practice conscious conception — on purpose, with presence
• Create warmth: teas, baths, slow evenings, soft music
• Strengthen your partnership (communication counts as foreplay)
• Nourish your body like it’s preparing sacred ground
• Rest deeply — winter is for gestation in every sense
• Dream, plan, and align with the season of harvest and transformation

And we would be honored to walk beside you through that journey.

This is your reminder from Crystal & Amanda:
✨ Every season has room for new life. ✨
Save this. Share this. Tag your future co-parent.
With open hearts and steady hands,
Your Fall-Loving Midwives 🤍

🍁

01/15/2026

January 14th is National Cesarean Section Day!

Although most of the families we serve desire to avoid cesarean births, it can be a life-saving and 💯 necessary way to birth your baby. It comes with short and long-term risks, and is a painful major abdominal surgery that takes months to recover from. BUT… it is a sacrifice these amazing mamas make to meet their precious babies safely.

A few important truths:

✨ Cesarean moms are amazing!

✨ Cesarean moms 💯 gave birth to their babies!

✨ Cesarean births can be empowering birth experiences.

✨ Cesareans come with higher maternal morbidity and mortality than vaginal births. They also increase risk with every subsequent pregnancy.

✨ The current national cesarean rate is 32.3%, at least double the recommended rate. Breath of Life had a 6% cesarean rate in 2025.

✨ About 90% of mamas are able to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) when adequately supported.

✨ Families planning a home or birth center birth that transfer to the hospital and have a cesarean birth are not failed out of hospital births. They are proof of appropriate screening, monitoring, and care. They should always have continued support from their birth team and postpartum care. They are part of our community and deserve the utmost respect.

✨ Even if you are thankful for safety, sometimes there is grief and trauma from a cesarean birth. We are here to support you!

THINGS YOU CAN ASK FOR WITH A CESAREAN BIRTH

✅ True informed consent and trauma-informed care. This includes allowing you the time and space to make decisions about your care plan.

✅ Support by both your partner and your midwife/doula. This is a VA law.

✅ Clear drapes to see the birth.

✅ Maternal assistance with catching the baby.

✅ Clear communication walking you through every step of the process.

✅ Waiting to announce the s*x by the parents.

✅ Pictures and/or video of the birth and your first moments with baby.

✅ Medication options based on your desires/needs such as avoiding drugs that interfere with memory.

✅ Delayed cord clamping. Even 30-60 seconds of delayed cord clamping has benefits for your baby.

✅ Skin to skin on the OR table during the repair.

✅ Breastfeeding initiation during the “Golden Hour”.

✅ Early lactation assistance from an IBCLC.

✅ Abdominal binder to help support the tummy muscles during healing.

✅ Extra support from family, friends, and professionals in the recovery period.

✅ Referrals to support groups, mental health professionals, and support services postpartum.

01/13/2026

What does family centered care look like with Breath of Life Midwifery? You tell us! It is your birth and we are happy to follow your lead.

At this birth, Mom and Big Sissy are catching baby together while our team assists.

TAKE BACK YOUR BIRTH!

📸 Jessica Hutchind and Crystal Mullins Fink

01/13/2026

Annual roll call… who gives Breath of Life permission to use pictures of their pregnancy/birth/babies on our website and social media? We’re committed to becoming more social media active and need your help. ❤️

01/12/2026

We believe this whole heartedly

I believe this to be so.