Top 4 Warning Signs for PMADs (Perinatal and Postpartum Mood Anxiety Disorders)
In the past ten years of working with clients during the motherhood transition, we have had the honor of supporting people through many highs and lows. We’ve had the opportunity to observe many warning signs for PMADs early on so that we could ensure support. The motherhood transition can be …
Black Doulas Matter: Why Minority Representation Matters in Birth Work
Historical Context Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhumane”(9). The relationship between Black women and healthcare has been strained for centuries. History tells us that physicians were the hired guns of slave owners. Physicians …
Current Events in Maternal Health Care: October 2020
Once a month we discuss current events in maternal health care. In this installment, we look at a qualitative study of the experiences of Black women and the intersection of race, gender, and pregnancy. Keep reading for more details! Black Pregnant Women “Get the Most Judgment”: A Qualitative Study …
Eight Things to Consider During a Twin Pregnancy
One sentiment I often hear from other moms before or after their first ultrasound is, “Oh my gosh! What if I’m having twins?” I have twins myself, so I’m not sure if I hear this regularly because they want my opinion on what it would be like, or if there …
Adding Sit-Ups Back Into Your Postpartum Workout
Here at BIRTHFIT, we are generally “Team No Sit-Up” during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. If you want to know why we take this stance check out this Instagram post. But what happens after that first year of postpartum? As much as we are #teamnositup, we are also “Team …
Morning Sickness Mindset
Morning sickness can make it difficult to maintain a positive mindset. “Morning” sickness can actually be evening sickness, or all day sickness, and for many women, it doesn’t end at 12 weeks. Here’s my experience flipping the script when pregnancy sickness takes over. As I write this, I’m six weeks …
Current Events in Maternal Health Care: July 2020
Once per month we discuss current events in maternal health care. In this installment, we are discussing work that is taking place right now on the subjects of reproductive justice and maternal infections. Take a closer look at these topics in the blog posts below: A recent blog from …
Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Surgery
There is a common misconception that you cannot breastfeed following breast reduction surgery, so I am here to share my alternative experience. Let me start by sharing why I decided to undergo this surgical procedure, even though I knew how important breastfeeding would be to me. When I was in …
What Is Prodromal Labor? How Do I Know If I’m Having It?
Much to my amazement, significant evidence-based research on the topic of prodromal labor, historically and unfortunately termed “false labor,” is lacking. There is nothing false about the preparatory work of the maternal body and baby. As midwife Anne Frye states, “false labor” lends “credence to the myth that one is …
Current Events in Maternal Health Care: Week of June 1, 2020
Once a month we are discussing current events in maternal health care. A lot has happened since our last installment! Take a look at studies released in the last month below. In an article published by The Lancet: Global Health, a study analyzing the indirect effects of the COVID-19 …