http://embracedbirthjourney.com/

Embraced Birth Journey, Steilacoom, WA (2025)

02/14/2025

Love in its most powerful form is the bond between a mother and her baby. It is felt long before the first heartbeat is heard or the first kick is felt.

Pregnancy is a journey of growing love, and birth is the moment that love is brought into the world.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the deep connection between moms and babies, the love that carries families through birth, and the support that makes the journey a little sweeter.

Wishing all the mamas past, present, and future a day filled with love, strength, and endless joy.

02/12/2025

I want to hear your birth story! Whether it was empowering, unexpected, or just downright beautiful, every birth is unique, and I’d love to celebrate your experience. 💕

Comment below or DM me your story, and I’ll be picking one special birth story to feature! This is a safe space to share and connect with other mamas who can relate to the ups and downs of the journey.

Your story might just be the inspiration someone else needs today! ✨

Can’t wait to read all of your amazing stories. Let’s lift each other up! 🙌

02/11/2025

The "Golden Hour" is the first 60 minutes after birth, a critical time for bonding, early breastfeeding, and setting the stage for your baby’s long-term health. This is when baby is most alert and ready to make eye contact, latch, and begin bonding with you.

During the golden hour, the priority is skin-to-skin contact. Holding your baby on your chest, without any barriers between you, helps regulate baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing. This also supports the release of oxytocin for both you and baby, promoting bonding and encouraging the first feed. It’s a sacred time to connect and get to know your little one without any distractions.

✨ Did you know? Some hospitals or birth teams may automatically prioritize the golden hour, but it’s always a good idea to ask your birthing team beforehand if this is something they’ll actively support. It’s your experience, and it’s important to communicate your desires for that first hour together.

Take full advantage of this moment – it’s where your journey together truly begins.

👉 How did you experience your golden hour? Did you get skin-to-skin right away? Drop your thoughts or any questions in the comments below!

02/10/2025

When it comes to childbirth, one of the biggest decisions many mamas face is whether or not to get an epidural. It’s a personal choice, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you decide to go for pain relief or choose a natural approach, it’s important to make the decision that feels right for you.

Pros of an Epidural:

Pain Relief: Epidurals are highly effective at relieving pain, allowing you to focus more on the experience of birth and less on the discomfort.
Rest: If you're in long labor, an epidural can give you the opportunity to rest and conserve energy for the pushing stage.
Less Stress: For some mamas, the idea of pain relief can help reduce anxiety, especially if they’re feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of contractions.
Cons of an Epidural:

Slower Labor Progress: For some, epidurals can slow down labor, especially if you’re unable to move around freely.
Potential Side Effects: Some women experience low blood pressure, headaches, or other side effects after receiving an epidural.
Limited Mobility: An epidural may limit your movement and make it difficult to change positions during labor, which can impact comfort and the progression of labor.
Another important thing to consider is where you choose to give birth. Some hospitals may have more access to epidurals, while birth centers or home births may not offer this option at all. Make sure you know what’s available at your chosen birth location and discuss your preferences with your provider ahead of time.

But here’s something I want to emphasize: Whether or not you choose an epidural does not define your strength or capability as a birthing mama. Every birth is different, and no choice makes you any less powerful or courageous. What matters most is that you make the choice that’s best for you and your baby.

So, what do you think about an epidural? Have you already made your decision, or are you still weighing the pros and cons? Drop your thoughts in the comments or DM me—let’s chat! 🙌

02/07/2025

Choosing the right birth provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy.

As a military spouse who’s had to choose a new provider for every single one of my births due to moving, I know just how much the right provider can impact your birth experience.

Whether you’re working with a midwife or an OB it’s essential to ensure their values and practices align with your desires and birth plan. After all, your birth experience should be about YOU—your needs, your wishes, and your comfort.

Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect provider:
1️⃣ Research their philosophy: Does your provider support the birth experience you envision (e.g., natural birth, epidural, or something in between)? Make sure they align with your values and desires.
2️⃣ Communication is key: A provider who listens and respects your choices is a must. Ask yourself: Do you feel heard and supported in your discussions?
3️⃣ Ask about their approach to complications: It’s important to understand how they handle unexpected situations. Will they partner with you in decision-making or take a more directive approach?
4️⃣ Look for trust and comfort: You should feel comfortable with your provider, and trust that they have your best interests at heart.
5️⃣ Check their availability and support: Will they be there when you go into labor, or will another provider step in? Knowing who will be supporting you during labor is essential for peace of mind.
Your birth experience is yours to shape—make sure you’re surrounded by a team that has your back every step of the way.

🔎 Looking for a birth provider who aligns with your needs? Let’s chat! Send me a DM for more tips, or if you need help finding the right support for your pregnancy and birth!

02/06/2025

As a very type-A planner (I mean, I love me a good birth plan!), I always had to have every detail mapped out.

I know I had mine written out to the finest detail But after 3 births — and being a birth doula — I’ve learned that having a plan is essential, but flexibility is key.

During my third labor, after a moment of deep intensity I told the nurses to go ahead and just shred my birth plan! 😂

Sometimes, no matter how much we prepare, life has its own course. The trick is to be well-prepared, but also open to the changes that come along the way. It’s about finding that sweet spot between planning and adaptability. Birth will be birth.

What happened in your birth that flipped your birth plan upside down? Let me know below👇🏼

02/05/2025

Mamas, I’ve created something special just for you—12 FREE birth affirmation cards to help support and empower you throughout your birth journey. Whether you’re preparing for labor or deep in the middle of it, these affirmations are a powerful tool to keep you grounded and focused.

How can these affirmation cards be used during your birth?

Before Labor: Start your birth prep by reading them daily to mentally prepare and boost your confidence.

During Labor: Keep them by your side to stay focused and positive during intense moments. Reading them aloud or having a partner read them to you can provide reassurance and strength when you need it most.

Postpartum: You can keep them as a reminder of your strength, or use them during those early days when you need to reconnect with the power you tapped into during labor.

Why are birth affirmations so beneficial?
Affirmations can be incredibly empowering during birth. Positive thoughts can reduce anxiety, manage pain, and improve the overall birth experience. They help you focus on your strength, trust your body, and stay calm through the unpredictability of labor. Birth affirmations are a reminder that you are capable, you are strong, and you are doing amazing!

Ready to get your hands on them? Head to my website to download your 12 FREE birth affirmation cards today!

👉Don’t forget to share how you’re using them and tag me—I can’t wait to see! 💖

02/04/2025

Many people think that once you hit 10 cm of dilation, it’s time to start pushing. But the reality is a bit more nuanced! Just because you’re at 10 cm doesn’t automatically mean it’s "go time."

Here are a few things to consider before you start pushing:

Do you feel the urge to push? Your body will often give you a natural signal when it’s ready to push, called the fetal ejection reflex. It’s your body’s instinctual way of telling you that it’s time to bring baby into the world. If you don’t feel that urge, your body may need a little more time.

What position is baby in? Baby’s position can affect whether pushing is needed immediately. Sometimes, even if you’re fully dilated, baby may still need to rotate or adjust for an optimal position before pushing can begin.

The power of the epidural (or lack thereof): If you’re laboring without an epidural, you might feel the urge to push strongly, even before a cervical check confirms that you’re fully dilated. Your body has a natural instinct to push when the time is right, and without the numbing effects of an epidural, it can be MUCH harder to fight that urge! So, it’s important to listen to your body and communicate with your care team about how you're feeling.

Being at 10 cm dilated is just one part of the puzzle when it comes to pushing. It’s all about listening to your body, understanding the signals, and trusting the process.

👉 I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you feel the urge to push when you hit 10 cm? What did it feel like for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

02/03/2025

The decision between a Repeat C-Section and a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) is deeply personal, and it’s important to weigh your options carefully.

🔍 What’s a VBAC?
A VBAC is a vaginal birth after a cesarean.

💪 Benefits of a VBAC:

Faster recovery: Vaginal birth typically has a quicker recovery time than a C-section.
Lower risk for future pregnancies: A VBAC can reduce the risk of certain complications, such as placental issues, in future pregnancies.
Empowerment and control: Experiencing a vaginal birth can be empowering, especially if your first birth was unplanned.
💬 My personal journey:
I had a C-section for my first birth, followed by two successful VBACs. The recovery and overall experience were life-changing, allowing me to feel more in control of my birth journey.

Why consider a VBAC over a repeat C-section?
For some moms, a VBAC is appealing because they want to avoid the risks and longer recovery time associated with another C-section. If you're healthy and there are no contraindications, a VBAC may be a great option.

💡 Why choose a repeat C-section?
For others, a repeat C-section might be the safest option, especially if there were complications with the first birth or there are specific health concerns. Some moms also prefer the predictability and comfort of a planned C-section.

⚖️ Pros & Cons:

VBAC: Shorter recovery, more immediate bonding with baby, but carries a small risk of uterine rupture.
Repeat C-section: More controlled, but a longer recovery and higher risks for future pregnancies.
💬 This is a big decision:
Finding a provider who aligns with your goals is key. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and discuss your options thoroughly.

If you’re considering a VBAC, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a doula by your side. They were a total game-changer in helping me feel supported, informed, and confident through my VBAC.

💬 What about you? Did you have a VBAC or repeat C-section? What would you do differently next time? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear your experiences!

01/08/2025

A VBAC, or Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, is the process of giving birth vaginally after having had a previous cesarean section (C-section). Many mamas are interested in VBACs because they offer the opportunity to experience vaginal birth, which can have several benefits over C-sections.

Here are a few key benefits to having a VBAC-
•Shorter Recovery Time: Vaginal births generally require a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery compared to C-sections, allowing moms to get back to their routine sooner.
•Lower Risk of Infection: Vaginal births carry a lower risk of post-surgical infections.
•Fewer Complications: VBACs tend to have fewer risks such as blood loss, blood clots, and injury to organs.
•Better Breathing for Baby: Babies born vaginally are more likely to clear their lungs during the birth process, which may reduce the likelihood of respiratory issues at birth.
•More Positive Birth Experience: Many moms report feeling a sense of empowerment, satisfaction, and emotional fulfillment from having a vaginal birth after a C-section, especially if they were disappointed by their first experience.
•Lower Risk of Placenta Issues: Repeated C-sections increase the risk of certain placenta complications (like placenta accreta) in future pregnancies. VBACs can reduce the likelihood of these risks.
•Future Birth Flexibility: Women who have a successful VBAC are more likely to be able to attempt a vaginal birth in future pregnancies, which can offer even more options for labor and delivery.
•Potential for Less Scarring: Since VBACs avoid the need for an abdominal incision, they prevent the formation of additional surgical scars, which may lower the risks in future pregnancies.
•A More Natural Birth Experience: Some women prefer the process of labor and delivery that comes with a vaginal birth, feeling it is more natural or in alignment with their personal birth goals.

I myself had two successful VBACs, and it was such a wonderful experience! I remember the feeling I felt when I was able to push my baby out and the realization hit that I did it and my body did not fail me. I want to encourage anyone who has questions, wants to share their concerns, or just learn more about the process of VBAC to reach out. I'd be happy to help you with insights, tips, or any concerns you may have.

Embraced Birth Journey

02/14/2025

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