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.

Staying Sane Past Your Due Date

As a birth doula and childbirth educator, I frequently offer support to families who are excited, anxious, and nervous as they approach their due dates, and pass them. Here are some tips to help you and/or your birthing clients prepare for your upcoming birth:

For ParentsJoyce DykemaApril 18, 2023pregnancy, parents, prenatal

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?

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.

Which childbirth class should I choose?

So you decided to take a childbirth education class? Great! Now which one is right for you? You may not be able to have your first choice, but a quality childbirth education will serve you well through your pregnancy, parenthood, and your life as a healthcare consumer.

For ParentsJoyce DykemaAugust 28, 2019childbirth education, pregnancy, parents

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

How to pay for doula services

You want to hire a doula? Great! So how do you pay for one? I’ve listed several ideas and options for you to consider.

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!

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?

Benefits of hiring a new doula

Families searching for a birth doula often have a choice of seasoned doulas and new doulas in their area. What are some benefits of hiring a newer doula?

Verywell

Looking for trustworthy online information about pregnancy, birth, and your newborn?

For Parents, For ProfessionalsJoyce DykemaFebruary 12, 2018prenatal, parents, information, pregnancy, options