You want to go with the flow for your baby’s birth, because you know you cannot plan birth? Great! But first, you need to know which “flow” you are going to be following, the physiological process of childbirth, or hospital policy?
Read MoreLast August I published my calculations of Nebraska hospital overall Cesarean rates for the public. I am pleased to present this year's update. Again using data provided free to the public by the Nebraska Hospital Association at NHACareCompare.com, I calculated overall hospital-level Cesarean rates for the year beginning July 2016 and ending June 2017.
Read MoreI am a different doula today than when I started.
Read MorePreviously, 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?
Read MoreFamilies 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?
Read MoreI recently read the book "Your Medical Mind," by Groopman and Hartzband. The book is an illuminating look at how people approach medical decision making. The physician-authors identified three major spectra along which people arrive at their final decisions: Minimalist-Maximalist. Believer-Doubter. Naturalism-Technology.
Read MoreA common question that I am asked, and a situation I frequently encounter in the birth room, is what does a doula do when plans change? My tongue-in-cheek, rhetorical response would be, when do plans NOT change? However, the heart of the question is truly this: If I change my mind during my birth, what will my doula do if I'm not having a natural birth anymore?
Read MoreLamaze International is more than the breathing patterns of the past. Why is Lamaze one of my favorite online resources?
Read MoreA bit about my story, why I became a birth doula. The very beginning of Doula Joyce.
Read MoreIn an effort to better meet the needs of my families, I am happy to announce Birth Doula Service Packages!
Read MoreDoula work is more than passion for birth, even more than just passion to support women.
Read MoreWhat can I expect to feel during birth?
Read MoreLooking for trustworthy online information about pregnancy, birth, and your newborn?
Read MoreI recommend an independent, complete childbirth preparation class to every expectant family, and I have many reasons why.
Read MoreI strongly recommend interviewing other doulas and provide names and contact information for other doulas to my potential clients.
I know, it is unusual for a business to refer to their competitors! But the doula profession is also an unusual business.
Read MoreWhy I hired doulas.
Read More2017 has been quite the year for my little birth doula business! Here are a few of my favorite highlights.
Read MoreThe National Accreta Foundation reports Nebraska's NTVS (Low-Risk) Cesarean rate and the VBAC rate for 2016.
Read MoreBased on my own postpartum experiences, and seeing my friends' and clients' experiences, I have identified what I call the Big 5 Postpartum Needs. Here I explore these needs, and how to help yourself and the new moms that you love in your life.
Read MoreDo you know about the different medical professionals who you can choose for your pregnancy care?
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