For 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 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 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.
Read MorePregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can also be a physically and emotionally challenging time. Whether you're navigating your first pregnancy or adding to your family, here’s how you can practice effective self-care during this special time.
Read MoreChoosing a birth doula is one of the most empowering steps you can take in your journey toward childbirth. A birth doula is there to support, educate, and advocate for you throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery. But what exactly should you expect from your birth doula, and how can they best support you during this transformative time?
Read MoreLabor is one of the most transformative experiences, but it often brings significant physical discomfort. While pain is a common part of childbirth, there are numerous ways to reduce or even eliminate labor pain using various comfort measures. In this guide, I will share over 45 tools and DIY ideas that can help you find relief during labor, allowing you to embrace the birthing process more comfortably.
Read MoreEvery woman experiences birth differently. Some describe it as the most intense pain, while others navigate it with calm, steady breaths. What makes the difference? Over the years as a birth doula, I’ve developed a simple equation to explain the variation in pain perception during childbirth and how we can work with it.
Read MoreBecoming a doula is one of the most rewarding paths you can take if you’re passionate about supporting families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Doulas provide physical, emotional, and informational support to expectant parents, helping them navigate one of the most important experiences of their lives. Here’s how you can begin your journey to becoming a doula and make a lasting impact on the families you serve.
Read More
