Blog | Empowered Birth Coaching -- 716.299.8414

Gestational Diabetes: It’s Not Your Fault

Have you heard whispers about gestational diabetes (GDM) from other moms? Maybe you’re worried about the test yourself but don’t panic. According to the International Diabetes Federation, roughly 1 in 7 births are affected by GDM; which is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It happens when your body can’t make enough insulin or use it effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. While it sounds scary, know this: Gestational Diabetes is not your fault, and with proper care, you can have a healthy pregnancy and birth. Understanding Gestational Diabetes During pregnancy, your placenta produces hormones that help

Babymoon: Celebrate Pregnancy, Your Way! (And Ditch the Pressure)

Let’s be honest, for many of us expecting mamas, the idea of a babymoon is just adding another item to our already daunting pregnancy to-do list and it can feel overwhelming. When I was pregnant, the thought of traveling, planning trips, or anything spontaneous sent shivers down my spine. I was a first-time mom-to-be, and frankly, I had no idea how I would feel in a week, let alone a month. Women bombarded me with stories of exhaustion, aches, and general “feeling-like-garbage” experiences. The last thing I wanted was to be stuck somewhere wishing I was curled up on my

Pushing & the Second Stage of Labor: Voicing Birth Preferences with Confidence

Nine months of mental and physical preparation for this one moment. You’ve devoured birthing resources, written a solid birth plan, and considered your options in labor, but have your pushing preferences been overlooked? Why Discovering Your Pushing Preferences Matters Think of pushing as the culmination of your pregnancy journey. It’s a powerful moment where clarity about your wishes empowers a birth experience that feels true to you. We’re not talking about rigid control but about confidence in your body’s ability. Prioritizing the Conversation with Your Doc Your doctor or midwife is already heavily involved in the birth of your baby,

Walk This Way: The Simple (and Powerful!) Guide to Walking During Pregnancy

Let’s face it, finding time to exercise can feel like another item on the never-ending pregnancy to-do list. But here’s the good news: walking is one of the best (and easiest!) exercises for expecting moms. Walking can be done anytime, anywhere. No fancy gym memberships, no complicated routines – just you, some comfy footwear, and the open road (or sidewalk, or treadmill). Plus, the benefits are pretty darn amazing: Decrease Chances of Complications: Walking can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. Optimal Baby Positioning: Walking, especially in the last trimester, helps your baby achieve optimal uterine positioning.

A Successful Birth Isn’t About Permission, It’s About Informed Choice

Making informed choices in pregnancy and birth can be empowering, but it can also be overwhelming. There’s a lot of information to take in, and it can be confusing to understand your rights as a mother. I want to clear up some common misconceptions and help guide you to take charge of your birth experience. Your Rights vs. Hospital Policy First, let’s talk about the difference between your legal rights and hospital policy. Here’s the truth: you have the right to full and accurate information about any procedure or intervention suggested to you. You also have the right to refuse

The Benefits of Unmedicated Natural Birth

The Benefits of Natural Birth As a birth coach, I’m here to support your birth choices, whatever they may be. But to make informed decisions, we need to talk about all the options – including the benefits and potential downsides of both medically managed and natural birth. So let’s dive into all your options! Medically Managed Birth: A Closer Look It’s easy to assume that ‘new’ medical technology, tools, and drugs are making childbirth safer and easier. But the truth is, most advancements haven’t focused on getting babies out safely, but on helping women get pregnant. Don’t get me wrong,

Empowered Mama: Navigating Prenatal Appointments in Your First Trimester with Confidence

Navigating Prenatal Appointments in Your First Trimester: Congratulations! You just got a positive pregnancy test, and you’re bursting with excitement. But then reality hits: your doctor wants you to wait 6-12 weeks for your first prenatal visit. Ugh! Hold on a sec, mama. Let’s reframe that wait time as an opportunity to get informed and create a plan for your pregnancy journey. Here, we’ll delve into the world of prenatal appointments, tests, and even some unexpected surprises you might encounter. Building a Strong Foundation: The Birth Vision Before diving into tests, let’s talk about your vision for childbirth.

The Importance of Childbirth Education

I am crazy passionate about shining a light on the incredible impact that evidence-based childbirth education can have, from grassroots movements to big-picture changes in maternity health and advocacy. Even after almost six decades, the goals of childbirth education haven’t changed much. What’s exciting now is that we have solid research backing up the value of understanding the natural process of labor and birth, along with the practices that support it. Here are some legit ways that childbirth education can be a game-changer during pregnancy: Key benefits of Childbirth education (CBE) Increased Chances of Natural Birth

Navigating Nausea in Pregnancy: How to Survive Morning Sickness

Dealing with nausea during pregnancy can feel like a rollercoaster, but hang tight, it’s only temporary and your body is incredibly resilient. Give yourself some grace and let’s dive into some game-changing tips to help you tackle that morning sickness. Finding effective natural remedies for morning sickness can be a game-changer. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my insights and favorite coping strategies with you. Together, we’ll make this journey a little smoother. Let’s Bust Some Myths and Understand the Science Behind Morning Sickness Did you know that about 70-80% of pregnant women experience nausea at some

Embracing Hypnobirthing: A Journey of Mindfulness and Intuition

When I first heard the term “hypnobirthing,” I’ll admit, it sounded a bit.. out there. The idea of sitting cross-legged and chanting “ohms” felt more like a scene from a movie than a practical approach to birth. Not really ‘my thing.’ Until I stumbled upon the evidence – the science behind it all. Whoa! I couldn’t stop reading. It was a black hole of enlightenment. The concept of hypnobirthing and its connection between the mind and body was screaming at me. So, I invite you to keep your mind and your heart open as we explore this hypnobirthing world

Inside: Blog

Gestational Diabetes: It’s Not Your Fault

Babymoon: Celebrate Pregnancy, Your Way! (And Ditch the Pressure)

Pushing & the Second Stage of Labor: Voicing Birth Preferences with Confidence

Walk This Way: The Simple (and Powerful!) Guide to Walking During Pregnancy

The Benefits of Unmedicated Natural Birth

Empowered Mama: Navigating Prenatal Appointments in Your First Trimester with Confidence

The Importance of Childbirth Education

Navigating Nausea in Pregnancy: How to Survive Morning Sickness

Embracing Hypnobirthing: A Journey of Mindfulness and Intuition

Inside Blog

Archives

Ready to get your Free Birth Empowerment Assessment?