Sage Roots

01/07/2025

Every Birth Deserves Support 💜
No one should have to walk through pregnancy, birth, or postpartum alone. At Hope’s Embrace, we’re able to provide doula care to families who need it most—thanks to Medicaid, generous donors, and grant support.

But here’s the truth: nearly 30% of our funding depends on individual donations. That’s where you come in.

When you give, you’re not just donating—you’re ensuring families feel seen, supported, and empowered during one of the most life-changing seasons of their lives.

✨ Every dollar makes a difference.
Will you help us continue this mission?
💌 Donate today at paypal.me/hopesembraceky

20/06/2025

A 2024 study looked at maternal and neonatal outcomes in midwife-attended planned home births versus planned hospital births in Spain.

Researchers analysed data from 3,463 low-risk births between 2016 and 2018, including 2,713 hospital and 750 home births.

They found several differences between the groups, which is often the case in this type of study.

“Women choosing home births typically had higher education levels and were predominantly Spanish. They were 3.43 times more likely to have a spontaneous birth and significantly less likely to undergo instrumental births than those in hospitals.

“Home births were associated with higher utilization of non-pharmacological analgesia and a more pronounced tendency to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour post birth. stronger inclination towards breastfeeding.

“Hospital births, conversely, showed higher use of the lithotomy position and epidural analgesia.” (Alcaraz-Vidal et al 2024).

“There were no significant differences in neonatal outcomes between the two groups.” (Alcaraz-Vidal et al 2024).

The researchers conclude that:

“Home births managed by midwives offered better obstetric and neonatal outcomes for low-risk women than hospital births.

"These results suggest home birth as a safe, viable option that promotes natural birthing processes and reduces medical interventions.

"The study supports the integration of midwife-led home birth into public health policies, affirming its benefits for maternal and neonatal health.” (Alcaraz-Vidal et al 2024).

We have added this to the ever-growing list of studies evidencing the safety of home birth on our home birth information hub.

You can find that, and the link to this study, at https://www.sarawickham.com/research-updates/is_home_birth_safe/

You can sign up to get my email updates (in which I share lots more than I post on social media) at https://www.sarawickham.com

04/06/2025

👏 👏 👏

Time to Celebrate! Passage of HB1923 & Medicaid Budget Amendment!!

​Governor Youngkin, on the last day of legislative action, SIGNED HB 1923 and a budget that INCLUDES MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT PARITY FOR ALL MIDWIVES! Virginia becomes the first state in the nation to recognize autonomous midwifery practice and reimbursement at 100% of fee schedule for all nationally certified midwives! Congratulations Virginia!!!!

https://www.nacpm.org/researchandcurrentevents

23/05/2025

Always remember that a due date is an estimate.

A due date is not an expiration date.

A due date is not exact.

By dates, this baby came later than their siblings.

By dates this client could have been feeling anxious or impatient.

But when baby decided to be born it was the perfect time.

Based on physical exam, baby was not “late.”

Based on physical exam, baby was probably born a little before 40 weeks.

Because she let her body and her baby choose the timeline for labor, it all went just like it needed to.

And as a midwife, a daytime birth is always such a treat!

19/05/2025

13/05/2025

I’m proud to support the mission of Hope’s Embrace this KY Gives Day! Every parent deserves compassionate, empowering birth support—no matter their circumstances. Even the smallest donation can make a real impact. Let’s make birth support accessible to everyone.
Give here: kygives.org/organizations/hope-s-embrace

“We believe that no matter the circumstance, we want to see parents thrive, not just survive." -Founder, Renee Basham

KY Gives Day is HERE — Support Hope's Embrace! 💜

In the state of Kentucky, giving birth is hard. Hope's Embrace set out to change this stigma and provide mothers in need with true birth support at little or no cost. We'd love your help and support in continuing to fund our services and trainings. We truly mean it when we say that ANY amount helps.

KY Gives Day makes online giving easy! Visit kygives.org/organizations/hope-s-embrace to give today!

Join us NOW in making birth support accessible to ALL! 🌿

KY Gives Day

11/05/2025

Happy Mother’s Day from Sage Roots Midwifery!
Today we celebrate the strength, beauty, and love of mothers in all their forms—those who are nurturing life, raising little ones, holding space for others, and carrying stories of resilience and grace.

Whether you’re a new mama, a seasoned one, or walking the path to motherhood, your journey is sacred. We see you. We honor you. And we are so grateful to walk beside you.

Here’s to the power of mothers—today and every day.
With love from all of us at Sage Roots.

06/05/2025

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a rugged bush adventurer—think wide-brimmed hat, dusty boots, and a wild heart. Turns out, I still became one… just with a stethoscope, a birth kit, and a sling full of love.

Midwifery is its own kind of adventure: raw, powerful, unpredictable, and full of wonder. Happy International Day of the Midwife to my fellow birth warriors. Here’s to walking through the wilds of birth with strength, skill, and heart.

14/04/2025

🌎 The world needs more midwives. 🌍

Are you weighing your options for pursuing midwifery? There are a few spots remaining for Cohort 2025 while Late Admissions are open! Mercy in Action College of Midwifery is a MEAC-accredited distance-based program with a global focus leading to a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery degree. Apply now: https://www.mercycollegeofmidwifery.edu/apply

12/04/2025

Meet the Laura action figure — midwife edition! Complete with essential accessories like a fetal Doppler, embroidery hoop + thread, and trusty iPad, she’s ready to bring wisdom, calm, and care wherever she goes. Rooted in intuition and service, just like Sage Roots Midwifery.

Because midwifery is heroic work — and yes, totally collectible.

09/04/2025

🌟 Wanna be a doula? 🌟

💗Here’s a training opportunity!

22/03/2025

🌟 Bringing Care to Moms Who Need It Most 🌟

Big Sandy Health Care is going the extra mile—literally!—to ensure expectant mothers in rural Kentucky get the care they need. Their mobile maternity clinic is a game-changer, reaching moms who might otherwise struggle to access prenatal care. 💙🚑👏

At Sage Roots Midwifery, we share this commitment to serving families where they are. We offer home visits for those who can’t make it to our office, because every mother deserves compassionate, accessible care.

Kentucky needs more maternity care providers willing to meet women where they are. Let’s support and expand these vital services so that no mother has to go without the care she deserves.

💕

This story mentions miscarriage. PRESTONSBURG — Brooke Thacker tried for years to have a baby, having miscarriage after miscarriage along the way. Finally, her dream came true and she gave birth to a baby boy this fall. She believes her smooth birth wouldn’t have been possible without the prenat...