— Baby, Birth & Baby, Childbirth, Doula, Info, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Health, Pregnancy Week by Week, Support, The Birth Chat, Women's Issues —

All About Labor Contractions: Understanding What’s Happening in Your Body

January 25, 2018

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

— Ask for Help & Advice, Baby, Birth & Baby, Breastfeeding, Childbirth, Info, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Health, Pregnancy Week by Week, Support, The Birth Chat, Trying for Baby, Women's Issues —

Pregnancy FAQs: Common Concerns, Safe Medications, and When to Seek Medical Care

January 24, 2018

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

— Baby, Birth & Baby, Birth Stories, Childbirth, Doula, Info, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Health, Pregnancy Week by Week, Support, The Birth Chat, Women's Issues —

Understanding the First Stage of Labor: What to Expect and How to Cope

January 10, 2018

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

— 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, Info, Our Village: Shared Journeys in Parenting, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Health, Pregnancy Week by Week, Support, The Birth Chat, Women's Issues —

Counting Kicks: A Simple Way to Monitor Your Baby’s Well-being

December 16, 2017

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

— Ask for Help & Advice, Info, The Birth Chat, The Well —

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

December 13, 2017

Let the Barksdale Missions team answer your questions! 🤰 Curious about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, or newborn care?💬 Wondering about mental health, family life, blended families, college stress, life transitions, or anything in between?💡 Have a question but feel it might be “silly”? (Spoiler alert: It’s not!) Chances are, someone else is wondering the same thing!… Read More Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

— Adoption, Child, Info, Parenting & Child Development, Relationships & Family Life, Support, The Well —

Adoption Resources: Support, Guidance & Opportunities

December 13, 2017

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

— 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

— Info, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Health, Pregnancy Week by Week, The Birth Chat —

How Do Babies Get Oxygen in the Womb?

December 11, 2017

Have you ever wondered how babies receive oxygen while still in the womb? Although some people are familiar with this process, others may not have considered how it works. The way babies receive oxygen before birth is both fascinating and complex. Babies Do Not Breathe in the Womb Unlike fish, which use gills to extract… Read More How Do Babies Get Oxygen in the Womb?

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

When to Call Your Doula: A Guide for Expectant Parents

December 11, 2017

You’ve hired a doula to support you throughout your pregnancy and birth—but when should you actually reach out to them? 📌 Should you call if it’s the middle of the night?📌 What if your doula is with their family?📌 Is it okay to contact them early in the morning? ✅ Yes! Call your doula. That’s… Read More When to Call Your Doula: A Guide for Expectant Parents