Sorry Franklin, you’re not helping these ladies.

FDR had good intentions when he said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” But let’s take a look at how that plays out in pregnancy, birth, and parenting.

If you’ve done your research on natural childbirth, you’ve probably covered quite a bit of literature on the mind-body connection. It’s real. When we feel unsafe, or very afraid, our bodies may not be able to release as easily. Our muscles resist relaxation. Our happy hormones can’t flow freely. Anecdote after anecdote in natural childbirth standards such as Birthing from Within or Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth reveal that fear can inhibit the natural process of birth.

But fear is natural too. Continue reading →

Peter, three hours old

TUNE IN HERE

Pelvic floor physical therapist, and Restorative Exercise specialist Susan McLaughlin interviewed me recently about my difficult postpartum healing process, and lessons learned since through my doula work.

Spoiler alert: my success had nothing to do with kegels. Continue reading →

Access to birth control is a long-standing feminist issue. The argument is that women have the right to make decisions for their own bodies, which includes planning, postponing and preventing pregnancy. Advocates for robust sex education push for discussion of birth control options in the classroom, in an effort to prevent unplanned pregnancies (and abortion and poverty). I support every woman’s right to access the birth control options she feels are appropriate for her.

But there’s a problem with this conversation.

Does the way we think about birth control contribute to the cycle of oppression of women? Is the real feminist issue being completely overlooked? Continue reading →

My clients are often caught off guard by one of my prenatal questions: “Do you plan to keep any family or friends updated about your labor?”

For most people, it’s a given that their parents and grandparents, siblings, and best friends will know that they are in labor. For some people, it’s a given that all their facebook friends will know. There’s certainly not a right or wrong answer, but it is a question that should be given solid thought before baby’s birthday rolls around. Here are some considerations when making this important decision: Continue reading →

Photo source: Elle magazine

I totally agree with the sentiment.

Breastfeeding is normal. We need to normalize breastfeeding through actions, words and images.

But I’m not sure the viral June issue Elle magazine cover does much to “normalize” breastfeeding, as Nicole Trunfio said on her Facebook page. Continue reading →