Moonchild Perinatal & Wellness

03/24/2026

According to the March of Dimes 2025 US report card:

"In 2024, nearly 380,000 babies were born preterm—1 in 10 births—placing the US among the highest rates in developed nations. Progress is not reaching the families who need it most."

"For the fourth consecutive year, the United States earned a D+ grade for preterm birth, marking the longest stretch of the lowest grade in Report Card history."

Less than 8 US states earned A and B reports. The US is failing our most vulnerable women and children.

We cannot emphasize enough that doulas are bandaids on the massive wound that is US health care. We aid in improving outcomes for each of our clients but we are not the solution, neither is the responsibility ours.

Nonetheless, a 2024 study found doula support was associated with a 29% lower risk of preterm birth. Why?

It's likely multifaceted but doula care is often associated with:

✨️ Education about risk factors, red flag symptoms, and ways to reduce risks around a variety of pregnancy complications
✨️ Encouragement to attend all prenatal care appointments
✨️ Continuity of support and encouragement of advocacy - if something feels off, you deserve appropriate care!
✨️ Reminding parents of their rights during pregnancy and labor

Not all cases of preterm labor can be prevented and we don't always know why a preterm labor occurs. However, there are things we can do, when families have access to proper medical care, to reduce the risk of preterm labor. Some ways to reduce risk include:

✨️ Adequate prenatal care
✨️ Continuity of care with midwives
✨️ Continuity of care with an OB
✨️ Addressing any signs of and treating UTIs
✨️ Adequate support, including nutrition support, for parents with hyperemesis gravidarum
✨️ Educating parents and providing screening for risk of cervical insufficiency and treating it
✨️ Establishing care in the first trimester
✨️ Proper support for managing gestational diabetes
✨️ Monitoring blood pressure and signs of preeclampsia

If your response to this is, "but doesn't everyone already have access to those things?" unfortunately, no. Many disparities in care exist.

03/15/2026

We have another Labor & Delivery Prep Workshop coming in April!

📆WHEN: Saturday, April 11th @10:00am ⏰

📍WHERE: 148 West Main St - Cortland, OH 44410

💰PRICE: $20 for a one-hour session

Check out Allison's experience at a previous workshop:
"Dr. Riana’s Labor and Delivery Prep Class was so informative! She is an abundance of knowledge and presented a lot of great information in a short time. Thank you!!!"

If you want to…
✨Optimize your birthing experience
✨Expand your knowledge for labor and delivery
✨Learn how to advocate for yourself
✨Prepare your body and pelvic floor for birth and postpartum
✨Make connections with like-minded moms
…then this workshop is for you!

This class is open to moms who are planning on a vaginal delivery, VBAC, or c-section.

Dr. Riana Taktikos has personally experienced each of these types of deliveries, with her last child being born at home. She has a wealth of knowledge, techniques, and resources to share with you during your pregnancy and birthing journey!

We have limited spots available! Make sure you call asap to reserve your spot! ☎ 234-806-3248

03/12/2026

03/12/2026

Pregnancy is often treated as a journey centered on one parent, but families thrive when both parents are supported.

Fathers experience emotional, psychological, and even biological changes during pregnancy and postpartum, yet their mental health and experiences are rarely part of routine care.

In this conversation, Dr. Edward Stephens, OB-GYN and psychiatrist, shares the vision behind DadCare and the Bringing the Father Into Pregnancy (BFIP) Kit, a simple but powerful approach designed to:
• Assess risk for both parents
• Spark meaningful conversations
• Mobilize support resources
• Strengthen family outcomes

By recognizing fathers as active participants rather than bystanders, healthcare providers can help build stronger partnerships between parents and improve outcomes for the entire family.

As Dr. Stephens explains “With the DadCare questionnaire, the father is immediately transformed from a chauffeur to a vital participant.”

📖 Read the full post at https://loom.ly/9qaVgfE

03/10/2026

Your insurance may cover doula care. It is so helpful no matter how many pregnancies you’ve had or how far along you are.
Don’t know what a doula is? Check out this flyer created by Medicaid!

03/10/2026

New research reveals that babies who are held regularly during sleep develop stronger connections in the pre-frontal amygdala, the brain pathways crucial for regulating emotions and preventing anxiety later in life. This early nurturing touch supports healthy emotional development, giving children a better foundation for coping with stress and building resilience.

Contrary to old myths about “spoiling” babies, holding your little one during sleep is a vital part of brain development. Physical closeness strengthens neural circuits that help manage fear and stress, shaping mental health outcomes for years to come. Consistent affection during these early months has lasting benefits for emotional stability and social wellbeing.

Experts emphasise that responsive caregiving and gentle physical contact in infancy are not indulgences—they are essential for building a strong, healthy brain. By prioritising closeness, parents can actively support their child’s emotional growth, reduce the risk of anxiety disorders, and foster confidence and security that lasts a lifetime.

03/07/2026

Celebrating new beginnings and supporting growing families! 🍼💗 Join us for the City-Wide Baby Shower hosted by the Youngstown Local Office on Minority Health during Minority Health Month. Expectant and new mothers will have the opportunity to receive baby items, connect with community resources, and participate in Educational Learning Pods on Car Seat Safety and Safe Sleep to help ensure a healthy start for baby.

📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Richard W. & Eugenia C. Atkinson Recreational Center
903 Otis Street, Youngstown, Ohio

This event is FREE and open to the public. We look forward to welcoming Youngstown’s newest arrivals with love, education, and support!

02/24/2026

.
They tell her to bounce back as if her body didn’t just open a doorway between worlds.

As if her organs didn’t rearrange themselves.

As if her blood, bones, hormones, and nervous system
didn’t give everything to bring life earthside.

She is expected to stand up and perform.

To host people in her home.

To smile at all times.

To prove she’s “doing well.”

To become superwoman, which is really just a polished word
for the exploitation of women.

Because if she rests, she’s called lazy.

If she slows down, she’s falling behind.

If she prioritizes healing, bonding, and feeding her baby,
she’s told she’s “doing too much” or “not doing enough.”

But this moment was never meant for productivity.

It was meant for recovery.

For skin-to-skin with her baby.

For milk and warmth and stillness.

For being held as much as she holds her baby.

A postpartum body is not something to rush past.

It is something to honor, protect, and to worship.

She doesn’t need to bounce back.

She needs time to land.

And a world that understands that rest is not failure, it is sacred work.

-Love,
Flor Cruz


𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞, & 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭!

02/22/2026

Me: Call for emergencies, text if not and I might answer.

01/23/2026

💖 “Every woman deserves a Galentine’s Day.” 💖

Join us for a FREE Galentine’s Social—Parks & Recreation style!
An evening of good vibes, laughter, mocktails, and fun vendors as we celebrate sisterhood and friendship.

👚 Comfortable or casual wear encouraged
🩷 Pajamas welcome (lingerie not permitted)

📅 Friday, February 13
⏰ 6–8 PM
📍 Atkinson Recreation Center

📞 RSVP by 2/9 | 330-747-3299

11/20/2025

Induction doesn’t always work. It can fail if baby isnt ready. Your body knows how to give birth. Some mamas do need some extra help. But if it isnt medically indicated or really necessary, save yourself from the struggle.

Some birthers may want it for scheduling issues, not everyonehas on call support. I understand that too. Just be sure to make and informed decision.

Use your BRAIN 🧠 to learn what you can.
Benefits (What are the benefits?)
Risks (what arw the risks)
Alternatives (what options are available?)
Intutition (check in with yourself)
Nothing (what if i do nothing?)

https://birthify.net/inducing-labor-at-39-weeks-study/wmaing

New study shows inducing labor at 39 weeks doesn’t lower C-section rates or improve outcomes for moms or babies.