Parenthood in Bloom

05/02/2026

05/01/2026

04/28/2026

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• nails because cute hands deserve cute photos too
• hair because nothing boosts confidence like fresh hair
• updated family photos for my own crew (mom mode never stops)
• branding photos/content swap so we both win
• access to pretty land/private property because good locations are basically currency to photographers
• a tank of gas because these locations aren’t gonna drive themselves
• flights. yes, you can literally fly me out and i’ll just appear ✨
• coffee gift cards because caffeine is part of my business plan
• come clean my house while i edit and i may speak of you forever
• babysitting so i can edit in peace for once lol
• spray tan because glowy skin changes lives
• boutique gift cards
• date night gift cards so me and my man can remember romance exists
• massage/chiropractic because photographer back is real
• custom cookies/cakes for sessions + parties
• fresh flowers because i’m just a girl
• yoga / pilates / anything to un-crunch my posture

real talk though, photography is how i support my family and keep this dream going, so trades would need to be equal value + something i’d genuinely use 🤍 but i love community, helping each other, and creative swaps when it makes sense.

got something fun to barter? message me 😌

04/27/2026

Midwives and Ob/Gyns provide care during pregnancy. In many countries, a midwife is the standard of care unless higher level of care is needed. In the US, most people work with an OB/GYN. This is not because obstetricians improve outcomes for all, but rather our system has more ob/gyns available than midwives.

This has started to change with increased midwifery programs and public health working towards reducing maternity care deserts in the US. Research shows that the midwifery model of care is safe, and in some cases improves outcomes.

Did you work with a midwife or an Ob/gyn for your pregnancies? Did you get to work with both?

04/26/2026

Fun fact: cervical dilation doesn't always tell you exactly what's happening in labor. In fact, many people labor without any exams.

While exams can have a place, especially in births requiring medical intervention, exact dilation is such a small part of the overall puzzle.

Birth workers, what signs of progress do you notice in labor?

04/24/2026

If you’re my client (or have otherwise listened to my rants on this) you’ve heard me saying this for years now. Glad to see studied coming out supporting it. All the more reason to labor down when it’s safe to do so!

Active second-stage duration under 15 minutes in spontaneous vaginal deliveries with delayed pushing - Distribution of the duration of expulsive efforts in the study population (n=10,565) https://ow.ly/saCH50YOVbB

04/23/2026

04/22/2026

✨Do your research prior to delivery about what signs and symptoms and diagnoses REQUIRE a C-section vs. when a provider prefers to perform a C-section.

✨Having a pelvic floor therapist who is versed in labor and delivery prep can help prepare you for a vaginal birth to avoid a C-section if not medically warranted.

✨A doula can also help to advocate for you during the labor and delivery process.

To schedule with Dr. Riana Taktikos for labor and delivery prep, call 234-806-3248!

04/20/2026

A 2025 study published in AJOG adds powerful, up-to-date data showing associations between doula care and improved maternal and newborn outcomes.

Key Maternal Outcomes:

More vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC): For every 100 patients who received doula care, there were 15 to 34 additional VBACs compared with those without doula care.

Higher postpartum follow-up attendance: 5 to 6 more per 100 received postpartum office visits.

Key Neonatal / Infant Outcomes

Increased exclusive breastfeeding rates: Babies whose families had doula support were more likely to breastfeed exclusively.

Fewer preterm births (and early preterm births): Doula-supported births showed a reduction in preterm birth rates.

In short, the study links doula care with improvements in birth outcomes — across birth mode (more VBACs), infant health (less prematurity), and early infant care (breastfeeding, postpartum follow-up).

Read more: https://internationaldoulainstitute.com/2025/11/evidence-for-doulas-new-ajog-study-finds-doulas-improve-outcomes/

04/18/2026

✨ POEM Support Groups ✨

Pregnancy, postpartum, parenting—you’re not alone. 💛 Join POEM’s weekly peer support groups to connect, share, and heal with people who understand.

📅 Tap the link in bio to view the full schedule & register
💬 Free, confidential, and led by trained peer facilitators
🧡 Step into support—your mental health matters