Written by Nneka Hall (01/2018; Edited by Dr. Ashley Barksdale (03/2025) February is Congenital Heart Defect awareness month. 1 in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect. In the United States, nearly 400,000 babies are born with a congenital heart defect each year. [Read Part 2 Here] In 2005, my oldest daughter was… Read More Matters of the Heart – Heart Defects in Infancy (Part 1)
Labor and birth are incredible processes, but for many expectant mothers, contractions are one of the most feared aspects of childbirth. The good news? You don’t have to fear contractions! Your body is designed for this process, and understanding what happens during labor contractions can help you feel more confident, in control, and prepared. The… Read More All About Labor Contractions: Understanding What’s Happening in Your Body
We’ve highlighted key information from several reputable websites to help expectant mothers feel informed and confident throughout their pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medications or changing your routine. Can I Take Medications During Pregnancy? In general, it is best to avoid unnecessary medications during pregnancy. Minor discomforts such as headaches, mild… Read More Pregnancy FAQs: Common Concerns, Safe Medications, and When to Seek Medical Care
Labor and childbirth are unique experiences—no two births are exactly alike. What one person goes through may be completely different from another’s experience. Every birth story is different, and every labor progresses in its own way. There are four stages of labor:1️⃣ The First Stage – The process of the cervix dilating to 10 cm.2️⃣… Read More Understanding the First Stage of Labor: What to Expect and How to Cope
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
Written by Nneka Hall (12/2017; Edited by Dr. Ashley Barksdale (03/2025) WARNING: Infant loss is mentioned in this blog post. I am a mother of four—three here with me and one who rests in paradise. My third child, Annaya, was stillborn at 39 weeks due to missed preeclampsia. There were so many missed warning signs,… Read More Counting Kicks: A Simple Way to Monitor Your Baby’s Well-being
Adoption is a life-changing journey for both birth parents and adoptive families. Whether you’re considering placing a child for adoption, adopting a child, or simply seeking resources to understand the process, there are many organizations that can help. Below is a list of trusted adoption resources that offer guidance, support, and services to those navigating… Read More Adoption Resources: Support, Guidance & Opportunities
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
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
Updated June 2025 The question of whether insurance covers doula services does not have a simple answer. Coverage varies widely depending on the insurer, plan, and state. However, the good news is that many insurance companies do reimburse clients for doula care, particularly when the doula holds a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number or is… Read More Doula Services and Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know