Moonlight Midwifery Care

10/21/2025

10/02/2025

Can’t hurt… might help

An incredible new study found that pregnant women who consume just 6 dates a day in the 4 weeks leading up to their due date were 74% more dilated upon their arrival to the hospital, had a 77% shorter first stage of labor and a 42% lower rate of caesarean sections.

Eating dates in the late stages of pregnancy lead to higher cervical dilation upon hospital admission because the fruit contains nutrients that influence oxytocin receptors, preparing the cervix and uterus for labor by increasing muscle response to oxytocin and other labor-supporting hormones. Dates are a rich source of energy from natural sugars and fats and also contain prostaglandins, which contribute to cervical ripening. Additionally, they provide serotonin, calcium, and tannins, which contribute to powerful uterine contractions.

Eating dates in the late stages of pregnancy shortens the first stage of labor due to their ability to stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which promote cervical ripening (softening and thinning of the cervix) and increase uterine contractions. Dates also contain tannins, which have a similar effect, and provide a natural sugar source for energy during labor. Some studies even suggest that dates can increase uterine sensitivity to oxytocin, leading to more effective contractions and a quicker and smoother labor process.

These actions are also the exact reason why women who eat dates in the late stages of pregnancy and far less likely to need a c-section!

The most common recommendation is for women to begin eating 6 dates a day starting in their 37th week of pregnancy.
PMID: 40322306, 21280989

SEE ALSO: https://www.pelvicphysio.co.nz/the-sweet-secret-to-a-smoother-labour-dates

09/26/2025

My boy is intact. I did my research when I gound out we were having a boy? This was never even a discussed topic in our house, when he was 2, his doctor asked when we were planning on getting it done, not if we were getting it done, but when, so we switched doctors, and that was it. Never had any issues, he pulls that thing like wet gum and as any other boy, he's got his hands on that thing a LOT! We have taught him how to clean it, we help if he needs help, but thats it. He's 3, and will stay intact until it's absolutely 100% medically necessary, and yes, I will have the doctor prove it to me, or until he chooses to get it done as an adult.
And may I just say, to the mom's saying " Well I'll let my husband choose, because I don't have a p***s", you should really educate yourself. You don't have one, but that boy's w***y is yours to clean and protect, just like his entire body, until he is old enough to do so himself!

09/01/2025

“They told you about the contractions but did they tell you about the expansion?
Did they tell you how your body would open to make way for the whole universe to pass through?
Did they tell you how your heart would explode with a love bigger than anything you’ve ever known as you pulled your baby to your chest

They told you about the ring of fire but did they tell you about the crown of stars?
Did they mention that there is a moment when your baby enters the world and you leave your body and touch the heavens and become the light of a million galaxies?
Did they tell you how the pain of stretching to receive your child would be more exquisite than any sensation you’ve felt?

They told you you would scream but did they tell you about how you would roar?
Did they tell you about the power that would rise up from your belly as you called your baby forth with your mighty voice?
Did they tell you how you would embody the wild woman within you and breathe fire with your song?

They told you you would bleed but did they tell you how that sacred blood wouldn’t scare you?
How you would feel grateful for that magical liquid of life as it trickled down your leg?
How you would honor its flow and how it would help you heal a lifetime of hating your body’s bleeding cycles?

They told you these stories and taught you to fear birth, to fear your power, to fear yourself.
But you’re stronger and wiser than that mama.
You know that birth is your divine dance, your soul’s song, your moment with God, and you walk fearlessly into her open arms.”

~ Catie Atkinson
on Instagram

Art: Paz Treuquil, “Pulliwen”

https://www.paztreuquil.com/

NOTE: Not all pregnancies and births are the same. Some are fraught with complications, trauma, and heartache. Our hearts go out to these with compassion, support, and love.
💞Rebekah