Empowered Beginnings: A Blog on Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond

So many first-time parents come to me carrying quiet fear. They’re reading all the books, taking the classes, even buying the hypnobirthing playlist, and still, there's a knot in their stomach when they imagine the big day. That knot doesn’t mean you’re unprepared. It means you care. And the truth is: fear in birth is normal, but it doesn’t have to stay in charge.

What if fear didn’t have to be the loudest voice in the room when you gave birth? Let’s get real for a second. A lot of people planning a hospital birth have a deep-rooted fear that interventions will spiral out of control. Maybe you’ve heard horror stories, or maybe your last birth left you feeling powerless. Maybe you’re pregnant for the first time and just trying to figure out what you’re “allowed” to say no to.

When you’re looking for a doula, you’re not just looking for someone to bring a rebozo and count your contractions. You’re looking for someone who will sit on the bathroom floor with you at 3cm and say, “I see your fear. Let’s move through it together.” Someone who knows that birth is more than a physical event. It’s an emotional reckoning. And you deserve support that reflects all of that.

If you’re planning on getting an epidural, you might assume that once it’s placed, you’ll be stuck in bed for the rest of your labor.

Whether you’re a husband, wife, partner, best friend, or family member stepping into this role, your presence matters more than you think.

For many women, being told they need a repeat cesarean after a previous one can feel like an unavoidable fate. But what if that’s not true?

Your due date is approaching, and the countdown is on. Family and friends keep texting, "Any baby yet?"—and you’re feeling the pressure.

Size bias in maternity care is more than just hurt feelings. It’s a systemic issue that can affect outcomes, damage trust, and increase risk. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

When it comes to labor, movement and positioning can make a huge difference in both comfort and progress.

Visualization is a simple yet incredibly effective technique used by athletes, performers, and, yes—birthing parents.

I want to walk you through some of the biggest myths around VBAC and interventions in the hospital so you can stop second-guessing yourself

Being 41 weeks pregnant can feel like a waiting game, but remember—your body and baby are working together in perfect timing.

if your goal is an unmedicated, physiological birth in a hospital setting, there are a lot of misconceptions that might make it seem hard

ssential oils have been used for centuries to promote relaxation, ease discomfort, and create a calming birth environment.

Here’s everything you need to know about using insurance to pay for a doula.

You’re in labor. Things are moving along, contractions are picking up, and then—nothing. Hours pass, and it feels like you’re stuck.

Daily affirmations are simple, positive statements that help reframe your thoughts and beliefs.

Advocacy. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot in the birth world, but what does it actually mean?

There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about birth doulas, and honestly, it drives me a little crazy.

Birth trauma is a deeply impactful and often overlooked aspect of maternity care.