Have you ever heard of lightning crotch in labor? Learn about what happens in labor, early labor, active labor, comfort techniques for labor, what a contraction feels like and much more!

A doula offering a cup of tea to a new mom, why choose a doula agency?

The Benefits of Choosing a Doula Agency

By Christie Collbran | September 18, 2023

If you’re on this page, you’re likely considering bringing a doula into your birth or postpartum experience. Kudos to you for prioritizing support and care during this remarkable journey. As someone deeply involved in the Tampa Bay community – a doula here since 2009, and the founder of Buddha Belly Doulas since 2014 – I’ve…

Pregnant Mother holds belly, Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks Contractions: The Prequel to Labor

By Christie Collbran | September 4, 2023

Braxton what?! If you’re on this page, chances are you’ve heard whispers about Braxton Hicks contractions and today, we’re going to demystify them for you.  What are Braxton Hicks Contractions? Braxton Hicks contractions, also charmingly known as “practice contractions,” are the dress rehearsal before the real show. They’re your uterus’s way of flexing its muscles…

Brain vs heart, making decisions during labor

Decision Making During Labor: Using Your B.R.A.I.N.

By Christie Collbran | July 23, 2023

The waves of labor bring you up and down and occasionally all over the place. At times in labor, we simply have to go with the flow and surrender to mother nature’s plan. However, now and again we may need to use our B.R.A.I.N. to make decisions during labor.    While childbirth can be filled with…

IV during labor, Group B Strep Test, GBS

The Group B Strep Test and Its Role in Labor

By Christie Collbran | July 10, 2023

One of the numerous tests and procedures to deal with during pregnancy is the Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test. This is a routine part of prenatal care and July is International GBS awareness month. So, in this blog post, we will shed light on what to expect regarding your GBS test and the results.  What…

Holding a Hot Water Bottle on her abdomen, Childbirth Afterpains

All About Childbirth Afterpains

By Christie Collbran | March 27, 2023

Childbirth afterpains are one of those things that: “nobody tells you about!” So let me be the one to rectify that.  When I first heard about childbirth afterpains, my mind went to the perhaps grim analogy of an earthquake. Forgive me. I grew up in Los Angeles, California where we did earthquake drills regularly in…

Pregnant Woman on a phone call, when should I call my doula?

When Should I Call My Doula?

By Christie Collbran | January 2, 2023

You’ve decided to hire a doula to help you have a better birth experience. Great plan! So, now you are asking, when should I call my doula? Or, how do I best use her services? There is no wrong time to call your doula for help and guidance. When you hire Buddha Belly Doulas, we…

how doulas support dads and partners

How Doulas Support Dads and Partners

By Christie Collbran | November 12, 2022

I can’t tell you how many clients I call to follow up with after they use our birth doula services who say, “My husband wasn’t convinced we needed a birth doula, but after delivery he said we could never have done that without her.” Whether you are first time parents, or adding another child to…

Mom in Though about Whether or not to get an Epidural

Should I Get an Epidural?

By Christie Collbran | February 10, 2022

Epidurals. They can be a touchy subject. Let’s discuss what may, or may not, occur if you choose to get one. And, yes, Buddha Belly Doulas support your choice for an epidural. “We were made to give birth”. We have all heard that before, right? It is true, we were made to do this. We…

which-tamps-bay-hospitals-permit-doulas-visitors

Which Tampa Bay Hospitals Permit Doulas? (updated January 2022)

By Christie Collbran | August 18, 2021

As we know, COVID is currently surging throughout the greater Tampa Bay area. As such, visitor policies at local hospitals are frequently changing. So, which local hospitals are permitting doulas to support labor and delivery patients right now? First, we should note that professional doulas are not the same as “visitors.” Doulas are essential members…

natural-birth-at-the-hospital

Six Tips for a Natural Birth at the Hospital

By Christie Collbran | March 31, 2021

So you want to have a natural birth at the hospital!? Navigating our current maternity health care system can be a little tricky. However, a natural birth in the hospital is possible. Lots of families before you have done it. It is a feasible and realistic goal. So we say – you can do it!…

Virtual Doula

Virtual Labor Doula Support

By Christie Collbran | March 31, 2020

During this current health crisis families are still having babies and in need of labor support. In this time of social distancing and with hospital doula/visitor policies are in flux, we’ve got a plan. We are still here and able to support our clients virtually with the same level of compassionate care. Our Virtual Labor…

how-a-peanut-ball-is-used-in-labor

How A Peanut Ball is Used in Labor

By Christie Collbran | May 10, 2019

What is a peanut ball? How is a peanut ball used in labor? There are many important benefits to changing positions regularly in labor. We often suggest that women in labor change positions every 30 mins to an hour. When you are laboring with an epidural you are limited in the number of different positions…