Preparing for labor and birth? We’ve got you covered with articles on topics such as: birth plans, induction, pain medication, comfort techniques, epidurals, food and drink in labor, unmedicated labor, aromatherapy, laboring in the water, c-sections, vbacs and much more!

Tampa-General-Hospital

16 Reasons We Recommend Tampa General Hospital for Childbirth {updated May 2021}

By Christie Rinder | February 25, 2016

We have had great experiences with the medical professionals of Tampa General Hospital. We’ve been toured through the entire labor and delivery ward and NICU. We’ve been invited numerous times to speak at their childbirth classes as a guest speaker and to help in teaching comfort techniques to their students. Establishing relationships and building bridges…

How Does a Doula Aid in Labor

How Does a Doula Aid in Labor

By Christie Rinder | January 27, 2016

We’re often asked about how a doula aids a laboring woman. How a doula supports a woman during birth depends on the individual woman, her needs and desires, additional supporters and birthing style.  No birth or woman is cookie-cutter and as such what we do for each woman may be different. For instance, the new mother-to-be may…

Go With the Flow

A Failure to Plan…A Plan for Failure?

By Christie Rinder | January 21, 2016

Have you ever heard this expression? Both my father and father-in-law were in the Army, so this is a saying that I have heard over and over again. And while it’s not completely true in birth, it is still very applicable. As doulas, we hear a similar sentiment a lot… “I’m just going to go…

Tampa VBAC

The #1 Ingredient for VBAC Success

By Christie Rinder | January 5, 2016

When considering a VBAC, (vaginal birth after cesarean) determining your best course of action depends on a variety of factors. This includes your risk factors, health history and your personal preferences. Having a sincerely supportive care provider is the top priority for your best chance at VBAC success. So, how do you find one? Let’s…

Do Doulas Replace Partners

Do Doulas Replace Partners?

By Christie Rinder | January 1, 2016

The answer is no, they do not. Partners are an extremely vital part of the birth team. Nobody knows you, your strengths, weaknesses, desires and the essences of what makes you unique as well as your partner. The connection and love between you and your partner is crucial during labor and birth. “A father’s [or…

What Do Contractions Feel Like?

What Does A Contraction Feel Like? (updated 2022)

By Christie Rinder | September 22, 2015

What does a contraction feel like?  Will it hurt? You’re not the first one to ask these question.  Every first time mom asks and many repeat mothers do, too!  It’s very hard to imagine ahead of time what the physical sensation of a contraction feels like.  Likewise, it is hard to remember what a contraction…

Lightning Crotch

Lightning Crotch – What Is Effacement?

By Christie Rinder | June 3, 2015

Recently, a laboring mother had us, her birth team, laughing and giggling with the words she used to describe the sensations she was having.  A particularly funny phrase she kept using was “Lightning Crotch.” This is a stinging, burning, pins and needles type of feeling right in the crotch, not during a contraction but in between or…

Choosing your hospital and doctor for childbirth

How Are You Choosing Your Hospital & Care Provider?

By Christie Rinder | December 11, 2014

You will remember giving birth for the rest of your life. It is a sacred event that should be a loving and happy experience. There are many factors that will determine the outcome of your birth, including your health, genetics, any previous births, where you choose to give birth and who your care provider is.…