With over 15 years of birth support experience in the Lincoln area, I am asked quite often for my recommendations on how to prepare for childbirth in our community! Here are my recommendations.

What I Would (and Would Not) Do Differently

A client recently asked me what I would have done differently if I could go back and prepare for my first baby’s birth again. Here are the three things I would do differently, and five things that I would not change if I could go back.

Information overload

There is a massive amount of information about childbirth on the internet, you can truly learn everything you need to know to be prepared for birth online! The problem is, how do you know whether or not you're getting quality, relevant, and balanced information?

Lochia

Lochia is the postpartum bleeding and discharge. What can you expect for the normal amount, color, and timeline of postpartum lochia?

The Secret to Having an Unmedicated Childbirth

What is the secret to achieving an unmedicated childbirth?

For ParentsJoyce DykemaOctober 29, 2021natural, unmedicated, birth, childbirth

2019 Nebraska Hospital Cesarean Rates

Since 2017, I have been compiling all of Nebraska’s maternity care statistics from public sources, and here are the most recent, publicly available data on Nebraska hospital overall Cesarean rates, from 2019.

2018-2019 Nebraska Hospital Cesarean Rates

For the last two years, I have been compiling all of Nebraska’s maternity care statistics from public sources, and here are the most recent, publicly available data on Nebraska hospital overall Cesarean rates, from October 2017-September 2018.

Trust birth?

“Trust birth” has truth behind it. But it’s not the whole story. If your pregnancy and birth are smooth, it’s easy to trust birth. However, when your pregnancy and birth are full of complications, is your body and birth still trustworthy? Here are my thoughts.

2017-2018 Nebraska Hospital Cesarean Rates

For the last two years, I have been compiling all of Nebraska’s maternity care statistics from public sources, and here are the most recent, publicly available data on Nebraska hospital overall Cesarean rates, from October 2017-September 2018.

Natural Birth: Who Cares?

Several years ago, I unwisely engaged in a social media discussion about the definition of “natural birth.” It was not a positive experience. Social media is fun, isn’t it? However, it was extremely interesting reading all of the different definitions from a wide range of people who were all in a “Natural Birth Support” group!

For ParentsJoyce DykemaJune 28, 2019parents, birth, childbirth, expectations, experience, pregnancy, options, natural

My experience: Group B Strep

I have supported quite a few doula clients who felt blindsided by their Group B Strep, or GBS, positive status, and the subsequent recommendation for IV antibiotics during their birth. Here is my personal experience comparing my own GBS positive and GBS negative birth experiences.

For Parents, My StoryJoyce DykemaJune 6, 2019my experience, parents, birth, group b strep, iv, saline lock, my story, childbirth

What to do when during a birth

The First Hundred

I am so pleased to announce, I have provided doula support at the births of 100 babies since my doula training in 2009! Come read more, and geek out with me as I dig into my doula practice’s birth statistics!

How I doula a Cesarean birth

How I approach doula support for Cesarean births.

Where's that baby? Reasons to be thankful you're still pregnant

Five reasons to be glad you’re “still pregnant.”

For ParentsJoyce DykemaJanuary 9, 2019pregnancy, baby, birth, childbirth, experience, emotions, learning, parenting, Doula Joyce, mothers, thankful

Benefits of hiring a seasoned doula

Previously, I wrote about some of the benefits you may experience by choosing a new doula in your community. What are the benefits of hiring a more experienced doula?

What will my birth be like?

What can I expect to feel during birth?

For ParentsJoyce DykemaFebruary 21, 2018birth, childbirth, expectations, experience, parenting, emotions

Worth It

I recommend an independent, complete childbirth preparation class to every expectant family, and I have many reasons why.

For ParentsJoyce DykemaJanuary 24, 2018childbirth education, prenatal, birth, childbirth, postpartum, newborn, options

I know nothing about birth

This month I celebrate eight years since my birth doula training! Here is what I have learned in eight years as a birth doula: I know nothing about birth.

My Story, Life as a Doula, Yearly ReviewJoyce DykemaAugust 4, 2017birth, birth doula, childbirth, mothers, learning, thankful, women, support

Birthing in Nebraska

Making an informed decision on where to have your baby to get the best health outcomes is nearly impossible. It is far easier finding information on strollers than it is to find hospital-level statistics on childbirth practices and outcomes! Here is my experience finding hospital-level statistics on childbirth in Nebraska.