Induced with Care

  Waterbirth is a beautiful and calming option for many birthing people, offering a gentle and supportive environment for both mom and baby. On the other hand, medical induction is sometimes necessary to encourage labor when nature needs a little assistance. But what if you’re interested in combining these two approaches? Is it possible to have a waterbirth after being medically induced? The short answer is: It depends on your specific circumstances and the policies of your birthing location. In this blog post, we’ll explore how waterbirth and medical induction can intersect, what to consider if you’re hoping for both, and how a doula can support you in achieving your ideal birth experience. What is a Waterbirth? Waterbirth involves laboring and/or delivering your baby in a tub or pool of warm water. Many people choose waterbirth for its natural pain relief, relaxation benefits, and the gentle transition it offers for the baby. It can take place in a hospital, birth center, or even...

  Labor and delivery can be unpredictable, and while many births proceed without complications, there are times when additional assistance is needed to safely bring a baby into the world. This is where operative deliveries —using tools like forceps or a vacuum extractor—come into play. If you’re planning for childbirth, understanding what operative delivery entails can help you feel more prepared in case it becomes part of your experience. In this post, we’ll explain what forceps and vacuum extraction are, when they might be used, the benefits and risks, and how a doula can provide support during these situations. What Is an Operative Delivery? An operative delivery, also called an assisted vaginal delivery, involves the use of medical instruments to help guide the baby out of the birth canal. This is usually done during the second stage of labor (pushing phase) when the baby is close to being born but needs a little extra help. There are two main tools used in operative deliveries...

Childbirth involves numerous decisions, and understanding the procedures your care team might recommend is a key part of feeling informed and empowered during labor. One such procedure is artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) , often called “breaking your water.” While AROM is a routine practice in many births, it’s essential to understand what it involves, why it’s done, and the potential benefits and risks. This evidence-based guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about AROM and how it may fit into your birth plan. What Is Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM)? During pregnancy, the baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid inside the amniotic sac, a protective environment that cushions and supports the baby’s development. Typically, this sac breaks naturally at some point during labor—a moment often referred to as your “water breaking.” AROM is a medical procedure where a healthcare provider manually breaks the amniotic sac using a sterile in...

  What is Labor Induction? Labor induction involves using medications or other medical interventions to start labor artificially. It’s typically recommended for medical reasons, although it can also be elective after 39 weeks. Common reasons for induction include: Post-term pregnancy (beyond 41–42 weeks) Gestational hypertension or preeclampsia , which pose risks if pregnancy continues Fetal growth restriction , where the baby isn’t growing as expected Gestational diabetes or concerns about the baby’s size Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) when labor doesn’t start naturally Induction methods may include medications like Pitocin or cervical ripening agents, breaking your water, or other techniques to encourage labor. What is Natural Labor? Natural labor, also known as spontaneous labor, begins without medical intervention. Typically occurring between 37 and 42 weeks, it’s initiated by your body’s release of oxytocin, which triggers contractions and prepares your cervix for del...

 Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with excitement and anticipation, but like any medical process, it comes with potential risks. One condition that can arise during labor is chorioamnionitis , an infection of the amniotic fluid, membranes, and placenta. Though it sounds serious—and it can be—understanding what chorioamnionitis is, why it happens, and how it’s treated can help you feel more informed and prepared. In this post, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, risks, and treatment options for chorioamnionitis. We’ll also discuss how to reduce your risk and how a doula can provide support if this condition occurs during labor. What is Chorioamnionitis? Chorioamnionitis, also known as intra-amniotic infection , occurs when bacteria infect the amniotic sac and fluid, which protect the baby during pregnancy. It typically develops when bacteria from the lower genital tract travel upward into the uterus, especially after prolonged rupture of membranes. According to a review in ...

When it comes to labor and childbirth, cervical exams are one of the most commonly performed procedures. They’re often used to assess labor progression, but if you’ve never experienced one, you may wonder: Are they necessary, and what do they involve? The short answer is that while cervical exams can provide useful information, they are not always required. Their necessity depends on your unique circumstances, preferences, and the clinical context of your labor. Research suggests that while cervical exams have their place in labor management, frequent or unnecessary exams may increase risks without improving outcomes. This blog will explore what cervical exams are, when they might be helpful, and when they may not be necessary. You’ll also learn how to communicate your preferences with your care team and how a doula can support you throughout this process. What Are Cervical Exams? A cervical exam, also known as a vaginal exam, is a manual assessment performed by a healthcare provider t...

 When preparing for childbirth, understanding the latest evidence-based practices can help you make informed decisions about your baby’s care. One such practice is delayed cord clamping (DCC) —a process that has gained widespread support from medical professionals worldwide due to its many benefits for newborns and, in some cases, mothers. In this post, we’ll dive into the science behind delayed cord clamping, its benefits, the latest research, and how to incorporate it into your birth plan. For parents looking for personalized guidance during childbirth, working with a doula can make all the difference. What is Delayed Cord Clamping? Delayed cord clamping involves waiting to clamp and cut the umbilical cord after birth, typically until the cord has stopped pulsating or for a set period, usually 1–3 minutes. Historically, immediate clamping (within 15–20 seconds) was standard practice in many hospitals, but evidence over the past two decades has shown that waiting offers significan...

 When preparing for labor and delivery, one of the most critical factors influencing how smoothly the process unfolds is your baby’s position in the womb. Research shows that optimal fetal positioning can significantly impact the efficiency and comfort of labor, as well as the likelihood of requiring interventions. If you’re preparing for a labor induction, ensuring your baby is in the best possible position becomes even more important. Inductions often lead to stronger, more frequent contractions, and a well-positioned baby can make these contractions more effective while minimizing complications. In this blog, we’ll dive into the science behind optimal fetal positioning, its importance, and how you can encourage your baby to settle into the ideal position before and during labor. We’ll also discuss how a doula can provide support throughout the process. What Is Optimal Fetal Positioning? Optimal fetal positioning refers to the alignment of your baby’s body in the uterus as labor ...

  Labor and childbirth are monumental experiences, but for individuals with vaginismus, the thought of labor can bring added layers of anxiety and fear. If you’re living with vaginismus, you may worry about how it might affect your labor and delivery experience. The good news is that there are ways to prepare, manage, and navigate labor while living with this condition. In this blog post, we’ll explore what vaginismus is, how it can affect labor, and strategies to help you feel empowered and supported throughout your childbirth journey. We’ll also discuss how a doula can play a vital role in providing emotional and physical support tailored to your unique needs. What is Vaginismus? Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles of the pelvic floor involuntarily tighten in response to the anticipation of vaginal penetration. This can make activities like sexual intercourse, gynecological exams, or even the use of tampons uncomfortable or painful. The severity of vaginismus varies widel...

  When preparing for labor and delivery, there are many decisions to make about how you want to approach your birth experience. One of these choices involves fetal monitoring , which is how healthcare providers track your baby’s heart rate and your contractions during labor. Fetal monitoring is an essential tool for ensuring that your baby is doing well during labor, but there are different methods to choose from, including continuous monitoring and intermittent monitoring . Understanding the differences between these options, their benefits and drawbacks, and how they fit into your birth plan can help you feel more informed and confident as you prepare for your big day. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what continuous and intermittent monitoring involve, when each might be recommended, and how you can decide which approach aligns best with your needs. What Is Fetal Monitoring? Before we get into the specifics of continuous and intermittent monitoring, let’s cover the basics. Fe...