— Bipolar Disorder, Couples Counseling, Depression, Infant Loss, Marital Counseling, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Mood Disorders, Postpartum, The Well —

Understanding Depression

June 19, 2025

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). It can affect thoughts, behavior, and physical health, and may interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. Signs and Symptoms of Depression… Read More Understanding Depression

— Birth & Baby, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Mood Disorders, Postpartum, Postpartum PTSD, Postpartum Support, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Health, Support, The Birth Chat —

Rattled: A Must-Read for Every New Mom Navigating Anxiety

March 26, 2025

An in-depth look at Dr. Nicole Pensak’s groundbreaking guide for navigating motherhood with compassion and science Motherhood can be beautiful—and it can be overwhelming. For new moms who find themselves anxious, uncertain, or not quite like themselves, Dr. Nicole Pensak’s book, Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain,… Read More Rattled: A Must-Read for Every New Mom Navigating Anxiety

— Baby Health, Bottle Feeding, Breastfeeding, Postpartum, The Birth Chat —

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding: The Only Right Choice Is What Works for You

March 7, 2025

Few topics spark as much debate in parenting circles as breastfeeding versus formula feeding. Whether you’re a first-time parent or welcoming another baby into your family, you may feel pressure from society, social media, or even well-meaning friends and family regarding how you should feed your baby. Let’s start by stating one simple truth: Fed… Read More Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding: The Only Right Choice Is What Works for You

— Ask for Help & Advice, Baby, Baby Health, Baby Sleep, Bottle Feeding, Breastfeeding, Childbirth, Doula, Info, Postpartum, Postpartum Support, Pregnancy, Support, The Birth Chat —

What No One Tells You About Being a First-Time Mom

March 7, 2025

Are you a first-time mom? Maybe you’re currently expecting? Or perhaps you’re trying to conceive? No matter where you are on this journey, it’s never too early or too late to start thinking about the joys, challenges, and surprises that come with becoming a parent. Everyone has their own opinion about how you should feed… Read More What No One Tells You About Being a First-Time Mom

— Baby, Childbirth, Depression, Infant Loss, Infant Mortality, Postpartum, Postpartum Support, Support, The Birth Chat —

Infant Loss

May 16, 2023

First, please know that you are not alone in this very difficult journey. Losing a child is a traumatic situation that no one is prepared for. As a grief therapist, the best advice I can give you at this moment is to allow yourself to feel every emotion that comes throughout this journey. You do… Read More Infant Loss

— Info, Postpartum, Postpartum Support, The Birth Chat —

The Essential Role of Postpartum Support: Why Every New Mom Deserves Help

March 19, 2018

The postpartum period—often called the “fourth trimester”—is a time of profound physical and emotional change. Postpartum support from doulas and other professionals can make all the difference, offering hands-on care, emotional guidance, and household help as families adjust to life with a newborn. Learn how postpartum services nurture recovery, reduce stress, and empower new parents during this critical stage.… Read More The Essential Role of Postpartum Support: Why Every New Mom Deserves Help

— Infant Mortality, Info, Our Village: Shared Journeys in Parenting, Postpartum, The Birth Chat —

Black Maternal Mortality: Awareness, Action, and Change

January 4, 2018

Written by Nneka Hall (01/2018; Edited by Dr. Ashley Barksdale (03/2025) WARNING: This post discusses maternal and infant loss. In the days following the tragic passing of Erica Garner, conversations about Black maternal mortality have surfaced again. Blogs, articles, and discussions have emerged from people of all backgrounds, attempting to analyze the root causes of… Read More Black Maternal Mortality: Awareness, Action, and Change

— Baby, Birth & Baby, Childbirth, Doula, Info, Postpartum, Postpartum Support, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Health, Pregnancy Week by Week, Support, The Birth Chat —

The Rebozo: A Timeless Tool for Pregnancy, Labor, and Beyond

December 13, 2017

If I had to choose just one essential tool for pregnancy and childbirth, it would be the Rebozo. In every childbirth class I teach, I introduce my students to this incredibly versatile and comforting tool. The reactions are always the same—instant relief, increased relaxation, and excitement at how simple yet effective it is! But here’s… Read More The Rebozo: A Timeless Tool for Pregnancy, Labor, and Beyond

— Birth & Baby, Birth Stories, Childbirth, Doula, Info, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Health, Support, The Birth Chat —

The Importance of Continuous Labor Support: How Doulas Improve Birth Outcomes

December 11, 2017

Childbirth is a profound and transformative experience—one that brings anticipation, excitement, and, for many, anxiety. Questions about pain, uncertainty, and the possibility of medical interventions often arise. Fortunately, continuous labor support, particularly from a doula, has been shown to significantly improve the birth experience and outcomes for many families. According to the American College of… Read More The Importance of Continuous Labor Support: How Doulas Improve Birth Outcomes

— Birth & Baby, Childbirth, Doula, Info, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Support, The Birth Chat —

Doula Services and Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know