Kelly Collins, Doula+

23/07/2025

Patients who’ve been through painful C-sections say they feel cutting. They feel pulling. And a doctor will tell them that pulling is normal. The patients feel outraged that they are screaming in pain and that a doctor continues to teach a resident like nothing is abnormal. https://nyti.ms/44RWQF7

14/07/2025

Thinking about hiring a doula? Find out what you need to know 👇🏾

Blog: "Hiring a Doula: What You Need to Know"

Considerations for hiring a doula and interview questions to ask potential doulas

14/07/2025

Planning a road trip with your little one? Make sure you have everything you need with this checklist!

Blog: "Oh Sh*t Kit: Emergency Car Kit for Parents"

Everything parents need for their emergency car kit

12/07/2025

10/07/2025

A partnership between UNC Health and Duke Health said Thursday that it selected a site in Apex to build the new NC Children's Health Campus. The project is expected to include the state's first standalone children's hospital.

08/07/2025

Join us at the Teen Summer Kickback for a powerful, fun and engaging even for teens 13–18 still in school—
covering sexual health, peer pressure, relationships, and more.
And this year, there’s a parent session too—so you can get tools to support your teen’s growth.
Register today and help your teen take the next step in their journey.

04/07/2025

💯

We need to eliminate the word 'allowed' when it comes to birthing mamas.

You're a grown ass woman so no, you don’t need to be “allowed” to eat, move, stand, or hold your baby during birth.

But for far too many women, that’s exactly how it feels. They are told:

⚠️They can’t eat or drink anything but ice chips.
⚠️To stay in bed, hooked to monitors.
⚠️They can’t use the tub or shower.
⚠️They must push lying on their back, legs in stirrups.
⚠️Their partner has to leave during exams.
⚠️They can’t delay cord clamping or newborn care.
⚠️Photos or videos aren’t allowed.

This isn’t care. It’s control.
You are not a passenger in your birth.

Your body. Your baby. Your birth. You deserve respect, autonomy, and evidence-based support.

Most of these “rules” aren’t about safety. They’re about outdated protocols, convenience, and liability fears. Here’s what evidence actually shows:

🍎 Eating and drinking in labor is safe for most women—and fuels stamina.
🚶‍♀️ Moving, walking, using the tub (if your water isn't broken) or shower, and choosing your position can shorten labor and reduce interventions.
🤱 Immediate skin-to-skin and delaying newborn care improve outcomes for both of you.
📸 Photos and videos? Your birth is your sacred story.

Birth is not something to be managed. It’s a rite of passage. You don’t need permission to make informed choices—you need support to stand fiercely in them.

That’s why I created MamaPathway—a radical, compassionate birth course to prepare you for birth, protect your autonomy, and step into motherhood with unshakeable confidence.

We cover what your OB should teach you but rarely does:

🌿 Nourishing your body and microbiome
🌿 Your rights and options in the hospital
🌿 How to reduce interventions in labor and recover powerfully postpartum

Birth is not something that should happen to you. It’s something you get to do, your way, with respect for your preferences.

💭 Did you experience these restrictions—or were you supported in your choices? Share below. Your story can empower another mama today.

✨ Tap the link below to join MamaPathway and walk into your birth with clarity, courage, and power.

https://avivaromm.com/mama-pathway/

30/06/2025

It takes a lot of energy to create life, and scientists are saying it takes significantly more than they originally believed.

Research shows that pregnancy demands 50,000 dietary calories over the course of nine months, 96% of that energy is required entirely from the mother. FYI, that’s roughly 50 pints of Ben & Jerry’s 🍦

Mamas and soon-to-be-mamas? Take a nap—this. is. not. easy!

👉 Study published in the journal Science, reported by The New York Times

26/06/2025

Summer is here and just thinking about going outside requires a glass of water 🥵🌡️☀️

Here are some tips to ensure you and your family are safe while having fun in the sun.

WATER (HYDRATION & SAFETY): Hydration is key for normal body function and helps regulate body temperature, deliver nutrients to cells and keep organs working properly. Avoid dehydration by drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. You can also eat your water by eating fruits and veggies with a high water content like cucumbers, celery, strawberries, tomatoes and melon (this is a great option for kids or pregnant women). Water safety should also be a priority, especially for children or pets. Swim lessons can help you and your children learn safety protocols and build confidence around water. Pool fences are great for protection too.

SUN PROTECTION: Protecting your skin and eyes from the sun is very important. Whether you're outside for 10 minutes or spending the day poolside, you'll want to apply sunscreen, wear shades and/or a hat. You will greatly decrease your risk of sunburn, wrinkles, skin damage or eye injury/disease.

MOSQUITOS & TICKS: The best protection against mosquitos and ticks is covering you skin. The next best thing is a good repellent with DEET and wearing light colored clothing to easily spot ticks. Also, keep your grass cut low, clear away any leaves and debris and be sure to remove any standing water around that may attract mosquitos.

SNAKE ALERT: The snakes are out! They will likely be in tall grass basking in the sun or hunting. Be mindful when doing yardwork or spending time outside. Your best course of action is to purchase some 'snake away' to keep them at bay. Remember, you are more likely to be bitten if you try to kill them so it's best to stay away.

REMEMBER YOUR PETS: Don't forget to protect your pets too. Dogs and cats should receive regular flea & tick treatments and heart guard meds. Protect their paws from the hot pavement with booties/socks and keep them well hydrated and out of direct heat. Never leave them in the car.

Staying alert and being mindful of these things will help keep your loved ones out of harm's way to enjoy every minute of summer.

25/06/2025

🌿 Our Birth Suites Include:�• A peaceful, home-like setting designed for natural birth�• The space to move, breathe, and birth however you choose�• Supportive surroundings for partners, doulas, and birth teams�• Gentle lighting, natural textures, and calming amenities�• Privacy, respect, and full freedom over your experience

There is no “right way” to give birth—only your way.
�Choose a space that supports your strength, honors your instincts, and lets you birth in peace.

🔗 Book your suite today and prepare to welcome your baby in a space that feels like your own.

Reserve your sanctuary now:

www.specialbeginningsmidwifery.com

23/06/2025

✨ Today's Reminder ✨

Your baby needs you. A lot, I know. At birth, their brains are only at a fraction of their total development and right now you are their everything. You are what they need. You are their first home. Their ultimate guide.

Nurture them.
Love them.
Embrace the chaos.
Savor the moments.
Celebrate milestones.
Make memories.
Be present.
Take each day as it comes.
Rest in God and let Him lead.

The days are long, but the years are short. And while it may be the most important thing right now, raising your family is only a piece of your life. Remember to love, nurture and care for yourself in the process. A healthy mother means a healthy baby & family.

If you're looking for guidance on how to thrive during pregnancy & the fourth trimester and develop the skills to not only be a good parent, but a healthy influence throughout your child's life, call me today to schedule a consultation.

Now offering:

✅ Birth & Postpartum Doula Support
✅ Preconception, Pregnancy and Postpartum Nutrition Planning
✅ Childbirth Education, Newborn Care and Postpartum Centered Classes
✅ Matrescence & Family Consulting Services
✅ Doula Mentorship

Learn more at www.bestofbothworldsnc.com