The final weeks of pregnancy bring a whirlwind of physical changes, emotional shifts, and mental preparation. While you may feel joyful and ready to meet your baby, you might also be uncomfortable, restless, or even a little nervous about labor. Whether this is your first or fifth baby, learning how to care for your body,… Read More Coping Skills & Comfort Techniques for the Third Trimester and Labor
Childbirth is a deeply personal experience—but for survivors of sexual trauma, it can also bring unexpected triggers, fear, or vulnerability. If you’ve experienced sexual trauma, know this: you are not alone, and your voice, body, and choices matter—especially during labor and birth. This post is here to remind you that you have the right to… Read More Advocating for Yourself During Childbirth After Sexual Trauma: Understanding Your Rights, Choices, and Coping Tools
The final weeks of pregnancy can be a unique blend of excitement, discomfort, and anticipation. As your due date approaches, your body is working hard to prepare for birth—but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through the discomfort. Whether you’re counting down the days or hoping baby arrives just a little sooner, here are… Read More Finding Comfort at the End of Pregnancy: Resources & Techniques for the Final Stretch
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
If you’re a full-time working mom of a toddler, you know the juggle is real. Between daycare drop-offs, work deadlines, laundry piles, tantrums, and maybe remembering to eat lunch—it’s a lot. At The Birth Chat and Barksdale Missions, we believe in honest conversations and practical support. We see you trying to do it all, and… Read More Work-Life Balance for Moms with Toddlers: Real-Life Tips for the Working Mama
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
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
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?