Join us in supporting Minnesota’s birth centers! 

More and more people across our state are choosing to deliver their babies and receive care in birth centers rather than hospitals. This should come as no surprise – studies comparing birth centers to hospitals find congruent or better outcomes for pregnant people receiving care in a birth center, including lower rates of cesarean births and other intervention practices. And it’s not just medical outcomes. Families are making a deliberate decision to choose birth centers because they want to feel and be more in control of their care. Birth centers employ patient-first, physiologic, and comprehensive models of maternal care that are simply indispensable to our state.

Unfortunately, birth centers are not getting reimbursed at the levels we need to grow and thrive in Minnesota. Compared to hospitals and other traditional and physician-led-settings, birth centers face significantly lower reimbursement rates. Existing payment models do not fully recognize or adequately reimburse for the varied and essential services that birth centers provide. As a result, too many facilities struggle to sustain and grow their practices, and there is not enough support for the development of free-standing birth centers and our workforce.

The good news is, the MN Chapter of AABC is working with policymakers to advocate for better payment models and reimbursement for birth centers in MN. This work is needed now more than ever before, with the growing prevalence of maternal health deserts in the state. But we cannot advocate alone – birth centers, our clients, and our supporters need to work together for policy changes that will allow birth centers to grow and thrive in our state. Please join us in our work over the coming months to advocate for birth centers and our unique model of care in Minnesota!

Donate to our cause HERE

Purchase a t-shirt to benefit our cause HERE

Visit the MN Chapter of AABC website for more information.

Hospital vs Willow Midwives Birth Story

I wanted to share my experience with care at Willow in particular because I have two babies with two very different birth experiences and outcomes, which I really think highlights the exceptional care at Willow. And I think in particular my husband, who is a little more fearful of birthing options outside of the hospital, really enjoyed the experience at Willow as well.

With my first, we weren’t necessarily planning to get pregnant so when I found out we were expecting, I had to dig in and start doing some research about where we might want to do prenatal care and deliver our baby. If I was the only person making the decision, I would have chosen to do a home birth. I really hate hospitals and feel quite uncomfortable there. And if my husband were the only person making the decision, he would have chosen to be in a hospital as he felt it was safer.

We landed on doing care at a birth center as it felt much more comfortable and “homey” for me and my husband felt that the safety measures in place made him feel that if something did go wrong, we could quickly get to where we needed to be for medical intervention. We landed on Willow because I felt like it seemed the most warm and welcoming based upon all the places we looked at. And my husband felt comforted by the conversations he had with medical staff there. We began care at Willow probably right before 20 weeks and continued prenatal care there for the rest of the pregnancy.

My first pregnancy had a lot of ups and downs. The first thing that was noticed was a velamentous cord insertion. This required more frequent ultrasounds to monitor the baby’s growth and the different doctors that we saw at maternal fetal medicine disagreed upon whether or not we could deliver in the birth center. Additionally, he was breech and so after all of the unsuccessful conservative interventions to try to get him to turn, we had an ECV at 38.5 weeks. We had a head down baby, and there was and MD at maternal fetal medicine that gave us a go ahead to deliver at the birth center even with the cord insertion being a little off.

But then at 41 weeks my water broke and I didn’t go into labor. After 24 hour I had to be admitted to The Mother Baby Center and be induced. This was not my wish and I cried for a few hours while I waited to be induced and my husband went home to get our hospital bags. But at this point, although it wasn’t part of my birth plan, this was the way forward. They began by using Cervadil and only 30 minutes after that was placed, I was having contractions that were only 3-5 minutes apart that I was having to breathe through. I was told I couldn’t use a birth tub as I wasn’t sure if I wanted to deliver in there. I just wanted to labor in the water and I couldn’t predict where I wanted to deliver. So we resorted to using the shower head for a while for some comfort as well as walking the halls.

A few hours later, they did a cervical check and said I was at 4 cm so everyone left and I continued to labor. My doula had just gotten there so my husband could run to the bathroom and take a breather. While my husband was still in the bathroom I told my doula it felt like I had to poop. She suggested I go sit on the toilet. Within a few minutes, I was crowning on the toilet and my doula was the only person in the room. She pressed the emergency call button and what seemed like 10 staff members rushed into the small bathroom for the “emergency” while I delivered the baby over the toilet. (My husband did make it back just in time for the delivery!)

In all, it was about 3.5 hours of labor and about 10 minutes of pushing. They quickly cut the umbilical cord (despite me asking for delayed clamping) because they perceived he was distressed with an initial Apgar of 3. But once they took him away (my husband followed), he was quickly up to an Apgar of 10. They also noted later that I had hemorrhaged and wondered about placental abruption since everything happened so quickly and so much blood was lost (although I felt fine). Overall the experience was fine as I got to have the vaginal delivery I wanted but there was a lot of what felt like unnecessary excitement, and perceived emergency. And then we had to stay in the hospital for an extra day which I could have done without.

 

Then flash forward a few years to my next pregnancy. I knew I wanted to do prenatal care at Willow to begin with so I started there around 9 weeks. Visits were spaced out quite far initially (even 6 weeks) as I was feeling good, this was our second, I had no risk factors, and the baby and I were doing well. There were very few hiccups this pregnancy and no questions throughout about where I would deliver. Although we figured that since our first came so quickly once induced (no Pitocin), that whenever I do go into labor I would likely quickly be heading to the birth center because things might happen even faster.

The lead up until delivery was a little different this time. I had prodromal labor for a few days where I would start having contractions at night/early morning but then about the time I thought things were progressing, contractions would stop. But finally as we were going to bed on the third night of this, things really seemed to pick up. My water broke at home around 1 AM and were met the midwife at the birth center around 2 AM. I got to labor in the tub which was great. The lights were dark, my husband played my favorite music, and we were generally left alone (as I desired).

I eventually moved to lay in bed around 3/4 AM and my husband supported me in a few different positions so I could close my eyes a bit and try to rest as I was tired. I started feeling “pushy” and asked to go sit on the toilet as this feels like the most natural place to let everything go. The midwife came in and followed and asked if I wanted the lights off. The lights off felt so much more chill so she held a flashlight and waited for things to happen. He was out in one push and she caught him over the toilet. Very calm, just my husband, the midwife and I (we didn’t have a doula this time as we felt like we could do it on our own for our second).

I bled a lot and hemorrhaged after this delivery as well but the midwife very calmly just noted that I was bleeding a lot, asked me to go lay down, and asked if she could administer certain medications. She would administer one, monitor bleeding, and when things weren’t slowing down as much as she would like, asked if we could do additional intervention. I felt very informed and safe. We got to delay the cord clamping until it was done pulsing and I was also asked if I felt comfortable with it being cut at that point. Baby was healthy and I was healthy and we got to be in bed together for a while until we went home around 5-6 hours later and I got to rest at home.

Overall our deliveries (at least the active labor aspects) were very similar. Quick, on the toilet, and lots of bleeding. Be the way it was handled in the different setting was worlds different. And I knew that would be the case which is what made me want to be in a setting like a birth center. To me, birth is not an emergency or medical “diagnosis”, unless things don’t progress as they should and it becomes one. And then we have measures in place to keep everyone safe. I think it was particularly interesting for my husband to see and experience the difference and he was blown away at what a birth experience could be.

Overall I got to have the pregnancy and delivery I wanted to have and it was a fantastic experience. And even with the more tumultuous experience with my first, Willow supported me beautifully through it all. I am so grateful for the experience I was able to have because of the care we received at Willow.

Top 3 Willow Midwives Moments of my 10-year Doula career

Willow has held such a special place in my heart over my 10-year career. Willow and I actually came up together (they are ALSO celebrating their 10 year anniversary) and much of what I've learned about freestanding birth centers (and good birth) I've learned from Willow.

Here are the top three moment I've had at Willow that make me excited as a birth professional to refer to them (and freestanding birth centers in general) over and again

1- They can handle a transfer. I know it’s bold to start here - and it’s also the least-likely outcome of your birth at a freestanding birth center. But as someone who has witnessed a handful of transfers at Willow (it’s to be expected over a 500-birth career) I can say that what makes their care so specifically relevant is that they are READY for a transfer, but never center “worst case scenario” thinking when treating patients. This creates a best-of-both-worlds scenario, because they are both prepared to let things unfold physiologically, AND have air-tight protocols, skills and responsiveness when needed. One of my favorite examples of this was during a Willow birth when a surprise-breech baby was discovered before pushing began. The midwife responded professionally and promptly. Holding as much space for the family’s grief and surprise, as she did for the urgency of the moment. She was responsive - both medically and emotionally and brought the family ALONG for the change, instead of making them feel as though they had no more choice. Ultimately, the family did need to have a surgical birth that night - but they got to choose a hospital that matched their values and were not scared or rushed into making this decision.

2 - They mend the hearts and bodies of second, third and beyond birthers. Some of my very favorite births at Birth Centers (including Willow) are redemption births. A birth where we are seeking something different than what happened the first time. My favorite of these was for a nurse anesthetist (yes, an actual epidural nurse) whose first and second babies were born in the hospital she worked at. First with an OB (which was highly interventive) and second with midwives (which was less-so, but still very medically driven). For her third, she chose to leave behind the values of her education and professional hospital setting and give birth in the water at Willow. The way she was cared for, the way she was able to access spiritual expression and transcendence all while being held in a medically sound space - transformed her trauma story around birth and fundamentally informed the way she cares for patients now, still as a nurse anesthetist. Hear me when I say this - the NUMBER ONE thing I hear from people who give birth at a birth center is this, “I wish I had done this with my first.”

3 - Relational-based care is centered. Each individual who is giving birth, comes to their birthing time, pregnancy and postpartum with a unique set of life experiences and bodily expressions that influence how the birth goes. Trauma informed care (as a universal practice) equitable race and gender based care (as a universal practice) and evidence-based care (as a universal practice) mean that you will be cared for and assessed based on your unique bodily blueprint WHILE ALSO being extended the generosity of the belief that all bodies can birth. You will not be given routine care. You will not be given routine interventions (you will be given customized care and customized interventions, only if needed.) You can have a fat body, a body of Color, a queer body, a femme or masc body, a body with trauma or some medical variation, and still expect to be treated as any low-risk pregnant person would. A very simple example of this was when a client who suffered from white-coat syndrome (elevated blood pressure only when being assessed in-clinic) was in labor and her body was throwing out some high BP numbers. Knowing this about her, after building an intimate relationship with the client, the midwife let the client settle into the space. Took care to carefully monitor all other vitals of the birther and baby and after she was assimilated to the environment - to her BP the old fashioned way (with a watch and a stethoscope) while she was sitting calmly in the cool dark bathroom. With this minor adjustment, accurate vitals were measured and any false need for intervention was avoided. The little things ARE the big things, guys.

 

Written by Sarah Auna. Sarah is a birth and decision making coach. She has virtual and office hours in the Twin Cities at Sunu Minnetonka and after 10 years of in-birth and on-call care, she has moved to a consultation service helping families find the best care for them by assessing their individual values and needs and then helping them get that care in the Twin Cities, nationally and internationally. You can work with her by booking a session here. 

Photo is compliments of Sierra Madre photography. 

Summer Road Construction and temporary parking lot access closures

It’s not Summer in Minnesota with out a whole lot of road construction!

Please be aware of road closures surrounding Willow. You can stay up to date on road projects on the city’s website: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/

Starting in June, two of the four entrances to the Lakeside Center parking lot will be temporarily closed. Please note the photo below for details.

A Birth Story

I am so incredibly grateful for the Willow team, midwife Susanna, doula Susan Lane, and my husband for fighting for me and encouraging me through my 30 hour labor. I have had a life long fear of giving birth; and working in the hospital as a nurse has done nothing to alleviate my fears. One of my biggest fears of birth was being forced into interventions that prolonged recovery, were avoidable, or/and caused permanent damage. I have heard endless stories of births in the hospital that ended in drastic and painful interventions because birth is approached in a posture of emergency. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for Willow and their approach to birth. I never felt pressured into anything. I felt safe.


As a first time laborer, I was not expecting the length of the labor or the pushing to take 7 hours—but with the Willow team I felt like I could handle each moment as it happened. As long as the team was not giving up on me, I knew I could find enough resolve to not give up on myself.  The Willow birth team took a patient approach to my slow progress, and continued to find new angles and ways to solve each problem or roadblock that arose. Everyone there was incredibly affirming, and their words helped me learn how to manage the pain better and keep my focus on moving forward rather than getting caught in the temptation to panic. If I would have given birth in a hospital, I am quite sure I would have been pressured into a c-section. Because of Willow, I was able to give birth naturally without complications, without tearing, to a healthy baby boy.

Thank you all for everything you do and the values you stand for. It is a breath of relief to know there is a place like Willow that offers true support and is safe for births to take place with respect and dignity for the mother, father, and child.

 

Photos by Doula Susan Lane

2023 Willow Client Statistics

Willow Midwives is excited to share all the numbers from 2023! From the total number of births to number of transfers to common comfort measures, we have all the data here!

In 2023, Willow Midwives helped 144 families bring their babies earth side at Willow. An additional 41 clients remained in our care past 38 weeks of gestation and either risked out of midwifery care or birthed at the hospital.

In 2023, 33% of our clients were repeat Willow families and 38% of total clients were having their first baby with Willow. 25% of our clients had Medicaid insurance at the time of their delivery.

Willow Midwives also meets and exceed the ACNM Triple Aim and Core Four recommendations for improving healthcare!

TRIPLE AIM

Primary cesarean birth rate < 23.9% Willow Midwives = 3.78%

Preterm birth rate < 11.4% Willow Midwives = 1.64%

Exclusive breastfeeding first 48 hours > 81% Willow Midwives = 94.57%

CORE FOUR

Induction of Labor <10% Willow Midwives = 5.87%

Primary cesarean birth rate < 15% Willow Midwives = 3.78%

Episiotomy < 2% Willow Midwives = 0.3%

Exclusive breastfeeding first 48 hours > 75% Willow Midwives = 94.57%

If you have any questions about our statistics or want to know more, please reach out to us by emailing info@willowmidwives.com

Reflexology in Pregnancy and Labor

Reflexology is a form of massage that possibly dates back to ancient Egypt (Keet, 2009). It involves stimulating pressure points on the hands, feet, and ears that correspond to other body parts. Although there is limited information on why reflexology works, it may be because it stimulates the body to release oxytocin, endorphins, and encephalins to help with pain, stress, anxiety, and fatigue (MadeForMums). 

Reflexology has many benefits, including: 

 

Reflexology can even be done by your partner, a family member, or your doula. Although you can find a trained reflexologist, basic techniques are easy to learn. 

Reflexology should be used with caution during pregnancy, as it can induce labor. However, when performed carefully, it can have many benefits from week 14 on. It is best to wait to begin using reflexology until week 14 to allow the body to find its natural rhythm. In her book The Reflexology Bible, Louise Keet outlines specific pressure points to use during weeks 14-40.

Reflexology can also be used as a more natural way to induce labor. Consult with your midwife or a trained acupuncturist before using pressure points to induce labor. Although this is a more natural method, it should still be used carefully (sustaininghealthacupuncture.com). Massaging the middle of the tips of the bottoms of the big toes and thumbs stimulates the pituitary gland to release oxytocin, which can induce labor and speed up the process. 

Reflexology has benefits during labor as well. One study found that women who received foot reflexology during labor experienced pain reduction (74%), tension reduction (78%), and some relaxation (72%). Eighty-one percent of the study's participants would recommend it to others, and 82% felt it was non-injurious and safe (nih.gov). More research found reflexology to have a 90% effectiveness rate as a painkiller (Perinatal Health LLC). It also kept 11 out of 14 women from needing an operation for placenta retention (Perinatal Health LLC). 

After labor, it can help with lactation and well-being. In another study, participants who received reflexology treatments initiated lactation in 43.47 hours, while those in the control group took 66.97 hours. Ninety-eight percent of the reflexology group had satisfactory lactation after 72 hours, while only 67% of the control group did (Perinatal Health LLC).

Additionally, postpartum reflexology treatments support emotional and mental well-being (Keet, 2009). When performed along with a Traditional Chinese Medicine foot bath, reflexology was found to affect appetite, lactation, anxiety, and depression. It also helped C-section patients recover (Perinatal Health LLC).

There are several basic techniques that are important in reflexology. One is inhaling when pressure is applied, then exhaling when it is released. This is thought to let go of negative energy through the breath. Similarly, it is important to always massage out and up rather than down, as this pushes negative energy out the tips of the fingers and toes. A pleasant touch that combines aromatherapy with reflexology is having your reflexologist use an oil blend with your favorite essential oils. Make sure the essential oils you use are safe for use during pregnancy and postpartum.

To use reflexology during labor, whoever is providing your reflexology treatment should use gentle circular motions and light pressure, or whatever feels good to you. A technique that I learned from a doula that feels particularly amazing involves interlacing the fingers to support the back of your hand, then stroking it with both thumbs. Sustaininghealthacupuncture.com is a great source for acupressure points that are helpful for labor.

Reflexology is a simple way your loved ones can support you through the entire process of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. It will help your family to know that they can do something to help you through it all, and it will provide several benefits to you—not to mention it feels great!

Written by Willow Intern, Alexis Merkle. Alexis is an intern at Willow working towards an associate degree in Integrative Health and Healing and a bachelor's degree in Health and Wellness Management. She is hoping to become a doula this year, and after graduating college, she plans to pursue an education in midwifery.

Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies During Pregnancy

I hear a lot of the same thing regarding nutrition and pregnancy. You are all asking your providers about food, and really what people are being told is that they should eat healthily. What does that mean? That's where I can help. Knowing what will grow a healthy baby, what foods are nutrient-dense, and how to prepare meals and meal plans is one of the best and most important things you can do. I have found that most people don't know where to start, and worse, people are often told that as long they take their pre-natal vitamins, they should "be fine." What is important to note is that "essential vitamins and minerals are dietary components required in small quantities to support virtually all metabolic activity, including cell signaling, motility, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis that regulate tissue growth, function, and homeostasis." Vitamins and minerals support every maternal, placental, and fetal interaction stage to enable a healthy gestation.

 

One of the most common deficiencies is iron, and there were even some studies that I came across that said that almost 40% of pregnant people had a prevalence of low serum iron concentration. Let's talk about foods that are nutrient-dense in iron. "The recommended intake of iron is 27 mg per day in pregnancy vs. 18 mg per day in non-pregnant women." Iron plays a vital role in red blood cell production and is essential as it supports your growing baby and placenta. Iron deficiency can increase your risk of premature birth and contribute to low birth weight. Iron supplements aren't always the best way to ensure that you are meeting your needs as the side effects are often undesirable, and of the people that did take the supplements, 89% stopped taking them due to the side effects. So, your best bet is to get as much as possible through your diet. The best source of iron that you can get is the liver. I know not many people are excited about that choice, but if your iron is low, it is probably your best bet. What are other foods high in iron? Red meat, game meat, oysters, sardines, dark meat, and poultry, If you are vegetarian or can't stomach some of the above choices, spirulina (a type of algae) is another option.

Another group of vitamins that we tend to see a high deficiency in is B6 and B12. Vitamin B6 is critical for your baby's developing brain and nervous system and helps the baby metabolize protein and carbohydrates. B6 is also helpful in managing your nausea or morning sickness. In a study out of the University of Michigan, some found relief by taking 10-25 mg of Vitamin B6 3x per day. (check with your provider to see if this is a good option for you). Sources of Vitamin B6 are Beef liver, tuna, salmon (fresh caught), fortified cereals, chickpeas, poultry, dark leafy greens, bananas, papayas, oranges, and cantaloupe. Vitamin B12 is vital for maintaining the health of your nervous system and is also essential for your baby's developing brain and spinal cord, forming healthy red blood cells, helping make D.N.A. and can help to prevent the risk of neural tube defects. In large part, B12 is found in large amounts in animal products, fortified foods, dairy products, eggs, and poultry.

Iodine. This one does not always get the attention that it deserves. According to one study, "iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause maternal and fetal hypothyroidism and impair neurological development of the fetus. Iodine requirements are increased by 50% during pregnancy. In some cases, supplementation before or during early pregnancy eliminates cases of cretinism, increases birthweight, reduces perinatal and infant mortality rates, and even increases developmental scores in young children by 10-20%." (PubMed) Iodine is mainly found in animal-protein foods and sea vegetables. While some items like cereals, bread, and milk are fortified, there are more nutrient-dense choices. Seaweed, fish, shellfish, table salts labeled "iodized," eggs, beef liver, prunes, lima beans, and chicken are all sources of iodine.

A lot more goes into a nutrient-dense diet than eating healthy. That is just not sound advice. The other topic I want to address is that most people don't understand. How much do I need? What foods are nutrient-dense? What foods need to be paired together so that we can maximize absorption? These are all the questions we go through, personalized to your specific needs and wants, in my Pre/Postpartum Nutrition meetings.

Written by Holly Ohman

Doula/Childbirth Educator, Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, Breathandbirthmn.com

Holly is a birth doula (MCPCD), childbirth educator (CCCE), breastfeeding specialist (MBE), and Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, and is currently in a pre-med program studying to become a Physician’s Assistant.  Holly owns Breath and Birth MN, which is a doula and holistic nutrition practice, where she serves families in the birth, and nutrition space. She is a busy mother of three boys, aged 20, 18, and seven.  Two of her children play hockey, so if she is not studying, attending births, or working with birthing folks on increasing their nutrient needs, she can be found in various ice arenas throughout town, or enjoying time hiking with family and friends.

Holly is currently offering 30 minute complementary nutritional counseling sessions at Willow for our clients. These sessions would be great if you are interested in:

  • Learning more about foods that promote a healthy pregnancy

  • Food sources for protein/iron/folate/micro and macro nutrients

  • Maintaining healthy and appropriate weight gain in pregnancy

  • Affordable and nutritious options including recipes and grocery lists

Clients may sign up for a 30 minute in-person visit with Holly at the front desk.

8 Reasons to Hire a Doula

Things we often hear: "I don't need a doula, I have Steve." or "I don't need a doula, I have a midwife." We know that the majority of the birthing population isn't hiring doulas. In fact, only 6% of birthing families report using a doula for childbirth, and we get it, doulas are an extra cost but it's one you will be happy you invested in. Let’s look at the investment you make in our team: you get childbirth education, birth support, lactation support, and a postpartum visit to debrief on your birth experience (bonus, a lactation goodie and meal to show you some extra love), but we don’t stop there we offer 12 weeks of text support for all of your random questions that may arise during the fourth trimester.



8 reasons why you should hire a doula

  1. Doulas help you and your partner develop questions to ask in your appointments to maximize your birth center experience. This happens prenatally, during labor and birth, but also postpartum! It starts with a birth plan and making sure you know your choices and what questions to ask your provider to gain more insight into what your care in labor and birth will look like. We also encourage clients to have a plan in place should a transfer to the hospital happen for medical reasons like pre-eclampsia or transfer during labor.

  2. Doulas are your Google. You can still take to Google, but your doula can help with that and make it less scary. We are available to you from the time you sign your contract through your first 12 weeks as a new parent. There is a wide range of normal in birth, and we are experienced with that. Doulas are like the dad of the birth world… we have a “guy” for everything, use your doula for all sorts of solid resources in the area like massage, chiropractic, pediatric dentists, acupuncturists, prenatal yoga, pelvic floor therapy and the list goes on.

  3. Doulas don't have requirements on when to contact them for support. Your contractions don't have to be every 5 minutes, lasting a minute, for an hour. You call us when you are in need of extra hands and support. Doulas can help you navigate when it’s time to head to the birth center.

  4. Doulas provide continuous care, because even at a birth center the support team may have other laboring families to tend to. Doulas can help fill in the gaps when the staff enter the room and keep them updated on what has been happening and what we have tried. It’s truly collaborative care with very like minded team members.

  5. Doulas remind you that you can ask questions. In the out of hospital birth center setting providers tend to provide a full picture when presenting information, but nonetheless a doula can help you ask additional questions or help you navigate hard decisions that may arise like transferring to the hospital.

  6. Doulas are there the whole time, there is no shift change. You get who you hired for the WHOLE time. Doulas are usually guaranteed to be there unless otherwise noted in their contract or your interview. In the event that you have a long birth or experience prodromal labor then your doula may switch out to get rest and come back.

  7. Your partner needs help supporting you. A common tool used in labor is a hip squeeze or counter-pressure on the back of the laboring person. This requires a lot of effort and strength, and may even require some weird positions. It helps to have someone to take turns with. Your partner needs help. They need to go to the bathroom, they may even need to run and get coffee or food for a mid labor mental break, and that's ok. That's where having a doula comes in very handy because if they leave you still know the person in the room with you and you are never alone.

  8. 45% of people have traumatic birth experiences. I think this statistic speaks for itself. We know having a doula doesn't always prevent this, but we can certainly help you where we can to avoid this but also if you do find your experience traumatic we can give you great referrals in the area to help you work through your trauma. We also know that picking your birth place and provider carefully puts you at an advantage here, so the fact that you are birthing at an out of hospital birth center with midwives will just continue to stack the deck in your favor.


On average, doulas spend about 20 hours with each client from pregnancy to postpartum. They do a lot of research for their clients and work long hours, but it is so worth it to watch two people turn into a family of three (or more). A doula is an addition to your birth team and fills in the gaps to give you a well rounded experience from pregnancy into parenthood.

 

Written by

Tabitha Morrison at Bright Earth Doulas

Bright Earth has birth support availability this fall; check frequently for new availability as they add to their team. They are also open for postpartum doula support. If you’re looking for childbirth education they have a 4 week hybrid course starting on Mondays in April. On May 1st, join them in a 2 hour lactation 101 workshop in St Paul. 

For more details on services and events checkout their website brightearthdoulas.com