Pregnancy is a transformative time, and nutrition plays a foundational role in supporting both the mother and her growing baby. However, the journey of eating while pregnant doesn’t have to be filled with strict rules, fear, or anxiety. Pregnancy is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and trusting your body and instincts can lead to balanced nourishment and well-being.
Read MoreFreebirth, or unassisted birth, is a personal decision that more parents are exploring as part of their birth journeys. As a birth doula and birth photographer, I’ve encountered families with various birth preferences, including freebirth. This guide will help you better understand the pros and cons of unassisted birth, why parents choose it, and what role doulas play in supporting such births.
Read MoreFor many women who have previously undergone a cesarean section, the option to have a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is an empowering and safe choice. In Guam, as elsewhere, achieving a VBAC requires careful planning, informed decision-making, and the right support team. Here’s how you can navigate your journey toward a successful VBAC on the island.
Read MoreAs the world celebrates a new year, we are reminded of life’s greatest universal experience: birth. Across time and cultures, birth has been a profound moment of transformation, reverence, and community. While modern medicine has shaped how many births occur today, the wisdom of traditional practices and indigenous midwives continues to be a vital part of childbirth around the globe.
Read MoreThe holidays are a magical time, but they can also leave parents feeling overwhelmed. Between the decorations, the gifts, and the flurry of new toys, homes often feel cluttered by the end of the season. As parents, it’s easy to get swept up in wanting to give our children everything, but what if the greatest gift we can offer is simplicity and time together?
Read MoreThe birth of a child is a deeply transformative experience for both the birthing person and the partner. Whether physically present or deployed, partners often want to be involved in supporting their loved one through labor and delivery. However, the birth process can sometimes feel overwhelming for partners who aren’t sure how to help or who are not able to be there in person.
Read MoreBack labor is a term that describes the intense, lower back pain some women experience during labor, often concentrated in the sacrum or tailbone area. For many, back labor can feel sharper and more constant than traditional contractions, adding unique challenges to the birth process. This guide explores why back labor happens, how it feels, and strategies doulas can use to support clients through it with confidence and comfort.
Read MoreDiastasis Recti is a condition that often goes unnoticed until motherhood brings it into focus. Characterized by the separation of abdominal muscles along the midline, it can leave new mothers with a lingering “mommy tummy,” back pain, or a feeling of weakness in their core. While it can also occur in infants and some adults, this guide specifically explores its impact on women during and after pregnancy, when the body undergoes immense physical changes. The good news? With the right knowledge and techniques, recovery is possible.
Read MoreA birth affirmation is a powerful tool that can guide you through the unique journey of pregnancy and birth. When I talk about a mantra, some might think of something religious or meditative, but at its core, a mantra is simply a phrase or word repeated to center and focus the mind. In the context of pregnancy and birth, a mantra that holds deep personal meaning becomes a birth affirmation—offering you strength, grounding, and peace as you move through each stage of labor.
Read MoreThe journey into motherhood is a transformative experience, often marked by a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and triumphs. Each birth story is unique, and while some mothers walk away from childbirth feeling empowered and joyful, others may carry feelings of disappointment, confusion, or even trauma. Regardless of the type of experience, every mother deserves a safe space to reflect, process, and make sense of her birth story.
Read MoreThe postpartum period is often filled with countless joys, challenges, and adjustments. Amidst the whirlwind of caring for your new baby, it’s crucial to remember to care for yourself as well—especially when it comes to your pelvic floor health.
Read MoreFor many parents practicing attachment parenting, gentle sleep training can feel challenging to navigate. Attachment parenting emphasizes nurturing close bonds with babies and responding sensitively to their needs. Unlike traditional sleep training methods, gentle sleep techniques align with these values, focusing on promoting better sleep habits while maintaining trust and emotional security.
Read MoreFor many parents, the concept of elimination communication (EC) is a game-changer. It's a gentle, responsive method of understanding your baby’s natural cues for elimination, allowing you to reduce or even eliminate the need for diapers. If you're looking to explore a more connected and eco-friendly approach to your baby's bathroom habits, elimination communication might be the perfect fit. Let’s dive into how you can get started!
Read MoreAs parents, we are constantly making decisions about what’s best for our babies, and one of the most intimate and personal choices is how we sleep alongside them. Co-sleeping and bedsharing are two approaches that offer physical closeness and emotional comfort, allowing parents and babies to bond during the nighttime.
Read MoreFor centuries, babywearing has been a cornerstone of parenthood in many cultures around the world. Today, it remains a popular practice, offering convenience, comfort, and connection between parents and their babies. Whether you’re running errands, soothing a fussy baby, or simply wanting to keep your child close while staying hands-free, babywearing can be an invaluable tool in your parenting journey.
Read MoreCloth diapering may seem like a daunting practice for many parents, especially if you’re used to the convenience of disposable diapers. However, cloth diapers offer a range of benefits, from reducing waste to saving money in the long run, and many parents find the process rewarding.
Read MoreWhen MIT grad student Tomer Ullman presented his humorous hypothesis at the BAHFest in 2013, he likely didn’t expect it to spark discussions about the psychology of caregiving and how ancient survival mechanisms could still influence modern-day parenting and anxiety.
Read MoreWhen I first envisioned my daughter’s birth, I dreamed of a peaceful, unassisted experience where my body and intuition guided the way. Little did I know, that dream would take me on a journey far beyond what I expected. After a challenging pregnancy and weeks of waiting, my daughter was born at home in a powerful freebirth.
Read MoreAs a mom who believes deeply in the beauty of birth and our innate strength, I’ve always felt drawn to capture the raw, authentic stories of families who choose freebirth. The Guam Freebirth Project is my way of doing just that—bringing together stories from families right here on our beautiful island who’ve experienced this powerful journey.
Read MoreIn this guide, we will explore essential breastfeeding tips, as well as local resources in Guam that can support your breastfeeding journey. Whether you're a first-time mom or looking for ways to improve your breastfeeding experience, this article offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you succeed.
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