Giving birth naturally and drug-free is a goal many expectant parents hold close. Yet, achieving this can feel overwhelming, especially without the right support or access to experienced doulas nearby. Your Birth Helper® offers a solution that removes these barriers through virtual training and virtual doula support. Their signature YBH® Symbiotic Birth course equips families with practical skills and teamwork strategies to increase the chances of a natural childbirth while meeting personal birth goals. This post explores how virtual training with Your Birth Helper® can empower you to have the birth experience you desire, no matter where you live or your budget. Virtual childbirth training helps expectant mothers/couples prepare for natural childbirth from home Why Natural Childbirth Can Be Challenging Without Support Natural childbirth often requires more than just physical readiness. Emotional strength, knowledge, and a supportive birth team play crucial roles in reducing interventions like epidurals or cesarean sections. Many families face obstacles such as: Lack of local doulas or private childbirth educators that are not employed by hospitals Financial constraints limiting access to in-person support Uncertainty about how to prepare for a drug-free birth or whether they can truly rely on their partner to remember and execute how to help lessen discomfort and advocate Fear of medical interventions due to insufficient preparation Without guidance, these challenges can lead to increased stress and a higher likelihood of medical interventions that might not align with your birth preferences or target birth. How Your Birth Helper® Virtual Training Makes a Difference Your Birth Helper® addresses these challenges by offering a comprehensive virtual childbirth education program combined with virtual doula support. Their YBH® Symbiotic Birth course is a four-segment, 8-hour intensive training designed to teach practical skills for a teamwork approach during labor. This method helps families avoid unnecessary medical interventions and supports drug-free or epidural-free births with confidence. Key Benefits of the YBH® Symbiotic Birth Course Accessible from anywhere: Virtual format removes geographic barriers, making expert support available to families in rural or underserved areas. Affordable support: Virtual training and virtual doula services reduce costs compared to in-person options. Practical, hands-on learning: The course focuses on techniques you can use during labor, such as comfort measures, positioning, and communication strategies. Teamwork approach: Partners and support persons learn how to work together effectively to advocate for your birth preferences. Increased confidence: Knowing what to expect and how to respond reduces fear and builds trust in your body’s ability to birth naturally. What to Expect in the Four Segments of the YBH® Symbiotic Birth Course The course breaks down into four focused sessions that cover all aspects of natural childbirth preparation: Understanding Birth and Your Body Learn how labor progresses, what signs to watch for, and how your body works during birth. This knowledge helps you feel in control and ready. Comfort Measures and Pain Management Without Drugs Discover techniques like breathing exercises, massage, movement, and positioning that ease labor discomfort naturally. Effective Communication and Advocacy Practice how to communicate your birth plan clearly to your care team and how your partner or doula can support you in advocating for your choices. Teamwork During Labor Train with your birth partner or support person on how to work as a team, recognizing cues, providing encouragement, and adapting to changing situations. Each segment includes practical exercises and real-life scenarios to prepare you thoroughly for labor and delivery. How Virtual Doula Support Removes Barriers Many families want doula support but face obstacles like distance or cost. Virtual doula services from Your Birth Helper® remove these excuses by: Providing continuous emotional and informational support through video calls, texts, and phone. Offering personalized guidance tailored to your birth plan and preferences. Helping you practice comfort techniques and labor strategies before and during birth. Being available even if your local area lacks trained doulas. Many hospitals no longer allow couples to video the birth, however, sometimes we can capture the birth virtually via FaceTime or other apps. This virtual connection ensures you are never alone during your birth journey, increasing your chances of a positive, natural childbirth experience. Real-Life Success Stories Many families have benefited from Your Birth Helper®’s virtual program. For example: A first-time mother in a rural town used the virtual course and doula support to avoid an epidural despite long labor hours. Her partner felt confident in providing comfort measures learned during the training. Another family with limited budget accessed the virtual program and reported feeling empowered and prepared, resulting in a calm, drug-free birth that met their personal goals and the cost remained within their limited budget. A couple facing Induction used the teamwork approach taught in the course to ensure informed consent, navigate hospital policies and advocate for minimal chemical interventions and still progressed labor successfully by more natural means. These stories highlight how virtual support can transform birth experiences regardless of location, medical challenges or resources. Virtual trained by Your Birth Helper® Doula Pam and drug-free birth executed perfectly using FaceTime Tips for Making the Most of Virtual Childbirth Training To get the best results from Your Birth Helper®’s virtual program: Schedule sessions early: Start the course well before your due date (we recommend second trimester if all possible) to practice techniques and build confidence. Involve your birth partner: Their active participation strengthens your teamwork during labor. Create a comfortable learning space: Choose a quiet, distraction-free area for virtual sessions. Practice regularly: Use the comfort measures and communication skills daily to make them second nature. Stay connected: Reach out to your virtual doula with questions or concerns anytime. Let Your Birth Helper® Doulas help you both be prepared for your Birth and also execute it flawlessly with use of our Virtual Doula Support

Have you ever considered a surrogacy journey? For many people facing challenges with traditional conception or pregnancy, surrogacy offers a path to parenthood that might otherwise seem out of reach. This process involves a woman carrying a pregnancy for someone else, often when medical or personal reasons prevent the intended parents from carrying a child themselves. But surrogacy is a complex and deeply personal decision. Understanding what it involves, the emotional and legal aspects, and the potential challenges can help you decide if this journey fits your family’s needs. A pregnant surrogate mother holding a sonogram image, symbolizing hope and new beginnings What Is Surrogacy and How Does It Work? Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman, called the surrogate, agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another person or couple, known as the intended parents. There are two main types: Traditional Surrogacy : The surrogate uses her own egg, making her the biological mother of the child. Fertilization usually happens through artificial insemination. Gestational Surrogacy : The surrogate carries an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors. The surrogate has no genetic link to the child. Gestational surrogacy is more common today because it separates the genetic and birth mother roles, which can simplify legal and emotional issues. Steps in the Surrogacy Process Initial Consultation Intended parents meet with fertility specialists and surrogacy agencies to discuss options and expectations. Matching with a Surrogate Agencies or independent searches help find a surrogate who meets medical and psychological criteria. Legal Agreements Contracts outline the rights and responsibilities of all parties, including parental rights, medical care, and financial arrangements. Medical Procedures IVF or insemination is performed, followed by pregnancy monitoring. Birth and Parental Rights Transfer After birth, legal steps ensure the intended parents are recognized as the child’s legal parents. Who Should Consider Surrogacy? Surrogacy can be an option for various people, including: Individuals or couples with medical conditions preventing pregnancy Same-sex couples wanting to have a biological child Women with uterine issues or repeated pregnancy loss Single individuals desiring to become parents Each situation is unique, so surrogacy may not be the right choice for everyone. It requires emotional readiness, financial resources, and a willingness to navigate complex legal and medical systems. Emotional and Psychological Aspects The surrogacy journey involves many emotions for both intended parents and surrogates. Intended parents may feel excitement mixed with anxiety about the process and outcome. Surrogates often experience a strong bond with the baby they carry, even if they understand the child will belong to someone else. Counseling is highly recommended for all parties to prepare for the emotional challenges. Open communication and clear expectations help build trust and reduce misunderstandings. Legal Considerations in Surrogacy Surrogacy laws vary widely by country and even by state or region. Some places have clear legal frameworks supporting surrogacy agreements, while others restrict or ban the practice. Key legal issues include: Establishing parental rights before or after birth Enforcing surrogacy contracts Handling custody disputes Managing financial compensation and expenses Some may consider hiring a lawyer experienced in reproductive law to protect everyone’s interests and ensure a smooth process. Financial Aspects of Surrogacy Surrogacy can be expensive. Costs may include: Medical treatments such as IVF Surrogate compensation and expenses Legal fees Agency fees if using a surrogacy agency Psychological counseling The total cost can range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on location and services. Some insurance plans may cover parts of the process, but many sadly do not. Organizations such as The Surrogacy Foundation Practical Tips for a Successful Surrogacy Journey Research thoroughly : Understand medical, legal, and emotional aspects before starting. Choose the right surrogate : Look for someone healthy, reliable, and emotionally prepared. Get legal advice early : Draft clear contracts to avoid future conflicts. Communicate openly : Maintain honest and respectful communication with your surrogate. Prepare emotionally : Use counseling to manage expectations and feelings. Plan finances carefully : Budget for all potential costs and unexpected expenses. Real-Life Example with Your Birth Helper® Birth Family I had the distinct pleasure to support my birth family mom, Charlotte Ramberg, through her recent Gestational Surrogacy (official press release shared below). As Charlotte and Kevin's childbirth educator and birth doula, I truly enjoyed training and supporting the couple through their own biological drug-free labor and births. Charlotte, a graduate of UGA, later became a licensed counselor and began her own practice, Cherokee Rose Counseling & Consulting, LLC. She holds numerous credentials including LPC, NCC, PMH-C and CPCS. She is dedicated to supporting women and even leads a postpartum support group in Cumming, Georgia. Therefore, I was not surprised when Charlotte shared hers and Kevin's plan to try to help other couples in need. Galentine's Day @ Sweet Thai I recently met Shannon over Thai food on February 14th, 2026. Charlotte had asked to meet for lunch and labor prep work. Shannon shared details of how she came to be in need of a surrogate to grow her family. Sadly, we did not know each other when she carried her own first baby. At that time, she was unaware of how YBH® childbirth education and doula support could have increased her chances of a successful vaginal birth, decreased her chances of failed induction and c-section, and possibly even prevented her entire first outcome. Sometimes, what we don't know does hurt us. Shannon and her husband Patrick, initially did not initially see the necessity in childbirth education. After experiencing her devastating outcome, like most in such situations, she certainly did not want to share a negative birth story, nor all the negative outcomes she had endured after consenting to the suggested care of her medical team. Her routine induction turned into what the medical world often deems as "failure to progress" when an induction is slower than they had hoped. They will gladly offer to end the early induction with an elective cesarean for issues like a slow to dilate cervix, cervical swelling, etc., seems like a valid evidence based option until the worse case scenario plays out. Which sadly in Shannon's case led to a post surgical complication in recovery that turned into an emergent second surgery to stop internal bleeding. The surgeon insisted they had to remove her "shredded uterus" to save her life. The medical reason given to her, "These things sometimes just happen." It is called practicing medicine after all, but interestingly, Shannon's medical records also showed multiple drugs that both slowed and prolonged her labor, all while using other pharmaceuticals to attempt in speeding the labor back up. For example, the use of Cytotec is known to increase uterine rupture. Readers should know and be made aware, despite its common use, the FDA has NEVER approved Cytotec for induction of labor, or abortion, noting risks of uterine tearing, severe bleeding, and death. Although rare, rupture can even occur in an unscarred uterus, especially with high-dose. In summary, what should have been her first born's "birth" celebration was stolen from her through what we often refer to in childbirth class as "the domino effect." One routine intervention can often snowball into even more interventions. Every medical intervention carries both increased risks, as well as, benefits. And, for some in worse case scenarios like Shannon's, could end both traumatic and terribly sad. Shannon's "elective induction and ultimately elective surgery," recommended by her providers ended up costing her in immeasurable ways. Not only would she never be able to grow her family organically again, she also received a hefty bill. It is disheartening to acknowledge we often give medical providers consent to create these sort of unfavorable outcomes especially when induction was not medically necessary to start with, simply because we were not willing to wait for spontaneous labor. We think, inductions happen every day, whats the big deal? Until, however unlikely, yet sadly the routine induction turns traumatic or deadly. Shannon definitely could have greatly benefited from our YBH® childbirth training. It is imperative women and couples understand "Informed Consent" and how to discern medical options. Each must decide for themselves what they feel is the right decision and own their decision making. We get one chance to get a baby into the world. There are no re-do's. Shannon would highly recommend you invest in quality birth training and doula support. Prepping Charlotte's body for labor by climbing steep hills, stadium stairs and hip capsule stretching. In fact, Shannon and Patrick were in awe seeing how very different their previous induction experience was compared to the spontaneous labor and natural progression of Charlotte's labor with their surrogate baby. They also came to value and understand the role of a good doula starts long before the labor ever does. In preparing Shannon for labor, I asked her if she or Patrick were interested in helping catch their own baby? This is a conversation I typically have with all my doula clients. She excitedly answered, "YES!" Little did any of us know what was in store for us. The day of baby Lenni's arrival, she "the baby" decided she was not going to wait on the arrival of the hospital midwife and had plans to surprise us all. After the initial admission paperwork and monitoring was completed, I had Charlotte stand to help ease discomfort with a technique we call hip squeeze. After that contraction ended, Charlotte took maybe two steps, and another contraction quickly began. All the medical staff had left the room. While supporting Charlotte's hips again, I heard a sound very familiar to me and I called out to Shannon, and Kevin (Charlotte's husband) to get gloves on (just in case this baby was trying to sneak out). I had Shannon come quickly and be standing close by just in case. Charlotte was not pushing, but the contractions were back to back. Patrick (Shannon's husband) ran out to get their nurse. It was my pleasure to help support Charlotte and guide Shannon with calm clear instruction, along with nurse Keri who acted quickly upon returning to the room checking to see if there was a nuchal cord once the head popped out. Dad had just enough time to run out to the nurse's station, and run back into the room grabbing his cell phone to quickly capture the birth of their baby that was born directly into Shannon's arms and hands! Through the excitement of it all, adrenaline rush and with her entire body trembling, well.... it turns out Mom Shannon was quite a good catch too! (Special thanks to nurse Keri @NSForyth hospital for rushing in to assist in the absence of the midwife). Even with the passing of the baby (between the legs), getting Charlotte safely into the bed, and arranging a place for Shannon to sit in bed holding her baby (cord still attached), I could not have been more proud! Both moms handled all the unpredictability of the speedy entrance of baby Lenni into the world like CHAMPS! They saw teamwork matters. Shannon and Patrick's dream of being surrogate grant winners and their dream of experiencing a happier "BIRTH" day had both come true! Natural childbirth is just that, "way more natural." When women know what they should be doing in response to a contraction that is! The unknowns of childbirth can be scary, but they don't have to be. Having a basis of knowledge before labor is imperative to reduce fear based decision making. Women have too much to lose to go into childbirth blindly and much of which is completely avoidable with preparedness. Women need to know how to stay healthy and low risk during pregnancy to lessen their own risks prior to labor, advocate for their wishes during labor, "is this medically necessary or not?" And, save medical interventions for those who truly need them. Quality education like our four segment YBH® Symbiotic Birth course can bring reassurance to moms that they do have the ability to both lessen pain and lower their own risks. The course can be taught in four segments, virtually or in-person and even in a weekend or 2-3 day retreat at M2b Family Farm in NE Athens, GA as illustrated in the video above. Pregnancy is not an illness, it's a condition. Anything is made easier with knowledge! Childbirth will come regardless of preparation. Will you consider investing in your own birth experience, or like Shannon and Patrick with their first, just be led through one intervention after another blindly? The logic that skipping investing in quality childbirth preparation will serve you in the long run is simply not rational. Medical expenses and out of pocket costs alone will add up extremely fast. Keep as much money in your pockets as possible with preparation and lessen your own risks and negative outcomes while keeping your uterus intact too! Shannon would tell you there is no comparison between her first birth and her second birth experience. Despite the circumstances of not being able to physically give birth again, this birth was full of normality and free from nearly all the medical interventions Shannon endured. For the safety of mom and baby, Charotte waited for spontaneous labor, she avoided all drugs, and had only one cervical check. This was a MUCH HAPPIER "BIRTH" EXPERIENCE! Pregnant moms and their spouse/ partner/ support person(s) learn how to stay healthy and low risk, how to prep their bodies for labor, to understand and utilize true informed consent and lessen poor outcomes. Our YBH® course emphasis is "symbiotic" in that we empower students to consider both normality (can this be normal - is mom and baby ok, what are the other evidence based options like waiting) in combination with, any medically necessary interventions that can benefit mom and baby (not routine interventions such as elective induction without medical cause which carries additional risks - focusing on use of medical interventions that remedy a problem, help moms overcome hurdles during pregnancy, labor or birth). The number goal of both medical staff and normality/ wellness experts is healthy mom - healthy baby! Working together, we can improve outcomes and further lessen risks for women bringing forth life. That is my YBH® Symbiotic Birth mission. The Surrogacy Foundation Celebrates First Baby Born Through Its $100,000 Grant Program Baby girl McGill marks a historic milestone for Atlanta nonprofit expanding access to surrogacy ATLANTA, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Surrogacy Foundation, an Atlanta nonprofit expanding access to surrogacy, announced today the birth of the first baby born through its grant program. Baby girl McGill was born on February 24, 2026, to Shannon and Patrick McGill of Canton, Georgia, the intended parents, marking a defining milestone for the organization and a moment the family once feared might not be possible. In May 2022, Shannon McGill experienced life-threatening complications during the birth of her son. After an emergency cesarean section and severe hemorrhage, doctors performed a hysterectomy to save her life. She later learned that while she could no longer carry a pregnancy, her viable eggs meant surrogacy could still allow them to grow their family. "After everything we endured, we knew our story wasn't over," said Shannon McGill. "Being told I needed a hysterectomy was devastating, but hearing that surrogacy was still possible gave us hope. The truth is, we could only move forward because of The Surrogacy Foundation's grant. Without their support, it likely would have been years before we held our baby girl. Now that she's here, it's hard to imagine having to wait any longer." The McGills were awarded The Surrogacy Foundation's second $100,000 grant in October 2024 following a rigorous, multi-stage application and review process. The funding was made possible through proceeds raised at the Foundation's annual Surrogacy Soirée in February 2024. At the following year's Soirée, Shannon and Patrick met Charlotte Ramberg of Cumming, Georgia, an experienced gestational carrier. Ramberg is also a licensed professional counselor specializing in maternal and reproductive mental health, reflecting her long-standing commitment to supporting families. She was supported throughout her journeys by her husband, Kevin Ramberg. What followed was a journey marked by medical and psychological screenings, legal coordination, embryo transfer, months of waiting, and ultimately hearing their daughter's first heartbeat. "For me, surrogacy is an act of trust, hope, and responsibility," said Ramberg. "Every journey is unique, but the goal is the same. It is about helping a family welcome their child into the world. Watching Shannon participate in her daughter's delivery, then seeing her and Patrick hold her for the first time, was unforgettable. Outside of delivering my own children, it is one of the greatest honors of my life." The birth of baby girl McGill marks the first child born through The Surrogacy Foundation's grant program. "We talk a lot about access to family building in theory. This is what it looks like in practice," said Zach French, Executive Director of The Surrogacy Foundation. "A family who once heard 'you can't' is now holding their daughter because a community decided to step in." Gestational surrogacy in the United States can cost well over $150,000, placing it out of reach for many families. Through grants and partnerships, The Surrogacy Foundation works to reduce that barrier while promoting ethical surrogacy practices. The McGill surrogacy journey was made possible through a network of partners, many of whom provided pro bono or discounted services, including: Family Makers Surrogacy — agency support Claiborne, Fox, Bradley & Goldman, with Holland Goldman — legal counsel Sherriann Hicks Law Firm — legal representation Thallo Health — mental health support SeedTrust Escrow — escrow management International Fertility Insurance — insurance services Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine with Dr. Ashley Tiegs — fertility services Scarlet Oak Photography — photography Additional partners included: Northside Hospital Forsyth — delivery hospital OB-GYN of Atlanta — obstetric care Your Birth Helper — doula support A maternity photo featuring both families and a photo of baby girl McGill are available for media use. Additional images and video assets are available upon request. More behind-the-scenes moments from the journey are available on Instagram at @TheSurrogacyFoundation. For media inquiries, please contact Mariam Shahab, 469-441-8388,  409966@email4pr.com . This milestone reflects the growing impact of The Surrogacy Foundation's work. By the end of Surrogacy Awareness Month in March 2026, the organization will announce two additional national grant recipients and surpass $500,000 in lifetime direct financial support to families. About The Surrogacy Foundation The Surrogacy Foundation is an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to making surrogacy more accessible through financial grants, education, and advocacy. By partnering with medical, legal, and mental health professionals, the Foundation supports intended parents and gestational carriers throughout their journeys. To date, the organization has raised more than $1 million to help families pursue surrogacy and continues to work toward normalizing ethical surrogacy and expanding access to family building. For more information, visit  thesurrogacyfoundation.org .

Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it can also feel overwhelming at first. I remember those early days when I was eager to nourish my baby but unsure if I was doing it right. If you’re preparing to welcome your little one, mastering the basics of breastfeeding will give you confidence and peace of mind. Let’s walk through the essentials together, step by step! Why our YBH® Breastfeeding Fundamentals Workshop is a Game-Changer Taking a breastfeeding fundamentals workshop can transform your experience. It’s not just about learning how to latch or feed; it’s about understanding your body, your baby’s needs, and how to navigate challenges with grace. Our YBH® workshops often cover: The anatomy of breastfeeding How to position your baby comfortably Recognizing hunger cues Managing common issues like sore nipples or low milk supply Pumping and storing milk safely Imagine feeling prepared and supported from day one! That’s exactly what a YBH® breastfeeding fundamentals workshop offers. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend by your side, guiding you through every step. A peaceful breastfeeding space to encourage comfort and bonding How Early Should You Take a Breastfeeding Class? You might wonder, When is the best time to start learning about breastfeeding? The answer is simple: early is better! Ideally, you want to take a breastfeeding class during your pregnancy, preferably early third trimester. This timing allows you to absorb the information without feeling rushed and gives you time to ask questions and practice techniques. Why wait until after your baby arrives when you’re already adjusting to so many changes? Preparing ahead means you’ll feel more relaxed and ready to tackle any challenges. Plus, many classes require you to travel with your new baby creating even more challenges to the new family. Our YBH® breastfeeding workshops are offered both virtually and in-person. Some clients also compliment their childbirth and breastfeeding training with ongoing YBH® Doula support, so you can reach out if you need help once your baby is here. If you haven’t learned how to feed your baby yet, consider requesting a YBH® breastfeeding basics class to get started. It’s a wonderful way to build your confidence in either a private session and/ or connect with other parents on the same journey. Getting the Latch Right: The Key to Successful Breastfeeding One of the most important skills you’ll learn is how to get a good latch. A proper latch ensures your baby gets enough milk and prevents discomfort for you. Here’s what to look for: Your baby’s mouth should cover both the nipple and a good portion of the areola. Their lips should be flanged outward, like little fish lips. You should feel a gentle tugging, not pain. Watch for rhythmic sucking and swallowing sounds. If it hurts or your baby seems frustrated, don’t hesitate to adjust. Sometimes, a small change in positioning can make all the difference. Try different holds like the cradle, football, or side-lying position until you find what works best for you and your baby. Remember, patience is key! It might take a few tries, but you’ll get there. A mother practicing the cradle hold to achieve a proper latch Practical Tips to Boost Your Breastfeeding Success Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s also a skill that improves with practice. Here are some actionable tips to help you along the way: Feed on demand - Watch for your baby’s hunger cues like rooting, sucking on hands, or fussiness. Don’t wait for a strict schedule. Stay hydrated and nourished - Your body needs extra fluids and nutrients to produce milk. Rest when you can - Sleep deprivation is tough, but resting helps your milk supply and your mood. Use a nursing pillow - It supports your baby and reduces strain on your arms and back. Seek support - Don’t hesitate to ask for help from lactation consultants, doulas, or support groups. Every mother’s breastfeeding journey is unique. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small! Overcoming Common Breastfeeding Challenges It’s normal to face hurdles, but don’t let them discourage you. Here are some common issues and how to handle them: Sore nipples : Make sure your baby is latching correctly. Use lanolin cream or breast milk to soothe soreness. Engorgement : Try warm compresses before feeding and cold packs afterward. Frequent feeding can relieve pressure. Low milk supply : Nurse often, stay hydrated, focus on a well-balanced nutritional intake and consider gentle breast massage. Consult a lactation expert if concerned. Blocked ducts : Massage the area and apply warm compresses. Keep feeding or pumping to clear the blockage. Mastitis : This infection requires medical attention. Continue breastfeeding and follow your healthcare provider’s advice. Remember, you’re not alone. Many parents face these challenges and come through stronger on the other side. Embracing Your Breastfeeding Journey with Confidence Breastfeeding is more than just feeding your baby - it’s a special bonding time, a moment of connection and love. It’s okay to have questions and moments of doubt. What matters most is your commitment to nurturing your baby and yourself. No matter where you live, investing time in a YBH® breastfeeding fundamentals workshop, you’re setting yourself up for success! You’re joining a community that supports and uplifts you. And you’re giving your baby the best possible start. It's the perfect food for your baby, readily heated, and properly mixed! So, take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and know that every proactive step you take to prepare before your baby is born, will get you closer to mastering the art of breastfeeding after your baby arrives. You’ve got this! If you’re ready to dive deeper, consider enrolling in a YBH® breastfeeding basics class today. It’s a wonderful way to prepare, connect, and empower yourself for the beautiful journey ahead.

Embarking on the journey toward childbirth is thrilling, yet it can also feel overwhelming. One of the best ways to feel empowered and supported is by connecting with a doula. But how do you make the most out of your first meeting? Preparing for a successful doula consultation is key to setting the tone for your birth experience. Let’s dive into how you can get ready, what to expect, and how to feel confident walking into that conversation! Why Preparation Matters for Your Doula Meeting Meeting your doula is more than just a casual chat. It’s the start of a partnership that will support you emotionally, physically, and informationally throughout your pregnancy and birth. When you prepare thoughtfully, you ensure that your needs, fears, and hopes are clearly communicated. This helps your doula tailor their support to fit you perfectly. Think about it: Would you go to a doctor’s appointment without any questions or concerns? Probably not! The same goes for your doula meeting. Preparing ahead means you can ask the right questions, share your birth preferences, and get a feel for how your doula works. This clarity builds trust and confidence. Here are some practical steps to get ready: Write down your birth goals and fears. What kind of birth do you envision? What worries you the most? List any questions about doula services. What support do they offer? How do they handle unexpected situations? Gather your medical history and birth plan ideas. This helps your doula understand your background and preferences. Think about your support system. Who else will be involved in your birth? How can your doula complement that? Taking these steps will make your meeting focused and productive. You’ll leave feeling more informed and reassured. Preparing for a doula consultation in a welcoming space How to Prepare for Doula Meeting: Practical Tips to Get Ready Now that you know why preparation is important, let’s talk about how to prepare for doula meeting in a way that feels easy and natural. Here’s a simple checklist to guide you: Set your intentions. What do you want to get out of this meeting? Maybe it’s understanding the doula’s philosophy or figuring out if you click personally. Bring a birth plan draft. Even if it’s rough, having something written down helps start the conversation. If you are unsure of your birth preferences, no worry, this is where your YBH ®️ Doula and your YBH ®️ childbirth training comes in. We can educate you on birthing choices, and help you determine your own priorities to achieve your target 🎯 birth experience. Prepare your questions. Here are some examples to get you started: How do you support different types of births? What is your availability around my due date? How do you work with medical staff? What happens if you are unavailable when I go into labor? Consider your partner’s role. Will they attend the meeting? What support do they want from the doula? Choose a comfortable setting. Whether it’s in person or virtual, pick a quiet place where you can talk openly. Remember, this meeting is a two-way street. You’re interviewing your doula just as much as they are getting to know you. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to be honest about your needs. How much does a doula cost? If you’re wondering about the financial side of doula support, it’s a smart question to ask upfront. In Georgia and North Carolina, for example, doula costs can vary depending on experience, services offered, and package options. Typically, you might expect: Birth doula packages: $1,200 to $3,000 Postpartum doula services: $40 - $80 per hour Additional services: Childbirth education classes, breastfeeding support, or prenatal visits could be extra or built into some package prices Some doulas offer sliding scale fees or payment plans to make their services more accessible. It’s perfectly okay to discuss your budget during your meeting. A good doula will work with you to find a solution that fits your financial needs. Our YBH ®️ Doulas feature various coupon savings/ promotions throughout the year, in addition to, offering a 10% first responders/ law enforcement/ military discount upon request. Our YBH ®️ Doula Packages are also custom designed to fit all budgets. We do not require your doula support to be paid in full upon contracting. Our YBH ®️ support packages feature a variety of options: straight doula time (no added extras) to keep costs lower a variety of doula package options with built in childbirth education, prenatal and postpartum in-home visits lower deposit amount to hold your date on our calendar with time to pay remaining balance of prepaid support by 37 wks lower costs even more with payment via: personal check or cash to avoid additional credit card bank processing fees (currently 3.9 - 4.9%) other pmt options such as: apple pay, debit and credit cards, HSA / Flex account cards, etc. Knowing the cost ahead of time helps you plan financially and avoid surprises. Plus, it opens the door to honest conversations about what you value most in your birth support. YBH ®️ also has clients who like to pay it forward and donate funds to help other couples in financial need afford classes, and/or doula support. Should you strongly desire YBH ®️ services, and financial restraints apply, please advise your YBH ®️ Doula of your special circumstances and we can let you know if donated funds are available to assist you. When donated funds are available and applicable, they are distributed via scholarship towards your YBH ®️ Doula support package to help offset and make doula support attainable. We are grateful for those who contribute to such a worthy cause. Maybe, you also will consider paying it forward after your happier “BIRTH” day! Contact owner Pamela Sauls yourbirthhelper@gmail.com to donate or inquire about scholarship funds. Your Birth Helper ®️ Doulas also encourage clients to share their childbirth education and doula support wish lists on their registry and let friends and family who ask how they can help that we offer e-gift cards in $50 increments. Many would love to support your preparedness journey. It’s up to you to share how. Did you know most HSA or Flex accounts (pre tax dollars) can be used to cover YBH ®️ workshops, childbirth education courses, and labor, and postpartum doula support packages. Some companies may also have employment benefit programs like Carrot 🥕which now offers significant in-home support benefits. Ask your employer if these programs are available in your workplace. They can further offset costs and offer a much higher level of support during your vulnerable postpartum months. What to Expect During Your Doula Consultation Curious about what actually happens during a doula consultation ? Here’s a sneak peek: Introductions and rapport building. You’ll get to know each other, share your stories, and start building trust. Discussion of your pregnancy and birth preferences. This is where you talk about your hopes, fears, and any special considerations. Explanation of doula services. Your doula will outline what they offer, how they support you, and what to expect during labor and postpartum. Questions and answers. This is your chance to clarify anything and make sure you’re comfortable. Next steps. If you decide to move forward, you’ll discuss contracts, scheduling, and any initial visits. The tone is usually warm and supportive, designed to make you feel heard and empowered. It’s perfectly normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Remember, this is your space to be open and honest. Building Your Birth Family: The Role of Your YBH ®️ Doula Choosing a doula is about more than just hiring a professional. It’s about joining a birth family - a circle of support that surrounds you with care and confidence. Your YBH ®️ doula becomes a trusted companion who advocates for you, helps you navigate decisions, and celebrates your strength. Birth Family is the best! Our now 15 year strong #yourbirthhelper #birthfamily spans nationwide and abroad. Our amazing YBH ®️ #athensbirthfamily and #charlottebirthfamily love to stay connected with childbirth classmates, meet new doula families at local events like play dates, monthly mama brunch bunch meet ups, walks/ hikes on greenway, even empowering the next generation of expectant parents during annual reunion events. Think of your YBH ®️ doula as your personal cheerleader, educator, and comfort provider. They offer continuous support that complements your medical team, focusing on your emotional and physical well-being. This kind of support has been shown to improve birth outcomes and increase satisfaction. Unlike one day event birth doulas, your YBH ®️ doula is there to adapt and support you every step of the way. Reach out as often or little as you need at no additional cost. To nurture this relationship, keep communication open and share your evolving needs. Essential items for labor support prepared by a doula Taking the Next Step with Confidence Preparing for your doula meeting is a powerful step toward a confident and joyful birth experience. By coming ready with questions, intentions, and openness, you set the stage for a supportive partnership that can make all the difference. Remember, this is your journey. Your doula is here to help you navigate it with knowledge, compassion, and strength. So take a deep breath, gather your thoughts, and step into your consultation ready to embrace the support you deserve. Your birth story is waiting to be written - and with the right preparation, it will be one filled with empowerment and love. Whether planning to train privately, in a group setting, want in-person, or virtual training, birthing in or out of hospital, invest 30 minutes of your time for a free YBH ®️ doula consultation.

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is one of the most exciting and transformative experiences in life. Yet, it can also feel overwhelming. Questions swirl in your mind: What will labor really be like? How can I manage pain? What if things don’t go as planned? This is where YBH® birth education classes come in. They are a powerful tool to help you feel confident, informed, and ready to embrace your birth journey with open arms. Let me share why investing your time in these classes is one of the best decisions you can make. You’ll discover practical skills, emotional support, and a sense of empowerment that stays with you long after your baby arrives. Why Understanding the Importance of Birth Classes Changes Everything When I first signed up for birth education classes, I didn’t realize how much they would transform my mindset. These classes are not just about facts and figures—they are about you and your unique experience. They provide a safe space to ask questions, express fears, and learn from experts who truly care. The importance of birth classes lies in their ability to: Demystify the birth process : You’ll learn what happens during each stage of labor, birth/ delivery and even postpartum so nothing feels like a surprise. Build confidence : Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and helps you trust your body. Teach coping techniques : From breathing exercises to positions that ease pain, you’ll gain practical tools. Encourage partner involvement : Birth is a team effort, and your support person will learn how to help you advocate. Create a community : Meeting other expectant parents fosters connection and shared encouragement. Imagine walking into the hospital or birthing center feeling calm and prepared. That’s the power of education! Expectant parents attending a birth education class What You Can Expect to Learn in Birth Education Classes Each class is designed to cover essential topics that prepare you for the journey ahead. Here’s a glimpse of what you might explore: Stages of Labor Understanding early labor, active labor, transition, birth/ delivery helps you recognize what’s happening and when to seek support. Pain Management Options You’ll learn about natural methods like breathing, massage, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy, as well as, how to utilize medical interventions to benefit you, such as chemical agents (induction meds), epidural/ IV medications, and even opioid-free plans. Birth Plans and Flexibility Creating a birth plan empowers you to communicate your preferences clearly, while also preparing you to adapt if needed. Role of Your Birth Team Knowing how doulas, midwives, nurses, and doctors work together helps you feel supported and informed. Postpartum Care Classes often include guidance on recovery, breastfeeding, and emotional well-being after birth. Partner and Support Person Training Your partner or support person will learn how to provide comfort, encouragement, and advocacy during labor, birth and beyond. Our Symbiotic Birth course, Labor Role Play, and The Bradley Method course all are designed to train mom her job, and your support person, their role. Should you add YBH® doula support, we come alongside you both. If you do not have a support person, a YBH® Doula will gladly partner up with you during class and can come alongside during labor to fill that void also. These lessons are delivered in a warm, interactive way that encourages questions and hands-on practice. You’ll leave each session feeling more capable and less alone. How Birth Education Classes Build Your Confidence and Reduce Fear Fear of the unknown is one of the biggest challenges expectant parents face. It’s natural to worry about pain, complications, or making the “right” choices. But knowledge is a powerful antidote to fear. When you attend birth education classes , you gain clarity. You learn what’s normal and when to seek help. You practice relaxation techniques that calm your nervous system. You hear stories from others who have walked this path before you. This confidence doesn’t just help during labor—it sets the tone for your entire parenting journey. You’ll feel more in control, more connected to your baby, and more ready to embrace whatever comes next. Practical Tips to Make the Most of Your Birth Education Classes To get the most from your classes, consider these actionable recommendations: Attend with your partner or support person : Shared learning strengthens your teamwork. Take notes and ask questions : Don’t hesitate to clarify anything that feels unclear. Practice techniques at home : Breathing exercises, visualization, and positions become easier with repetition. Connect with your instructor : They are a valuable resource for personalized advice. Join a community group : Many classes offer personal connection, online forums, and even YBH® Birth Family meetups for ongoing support. Remember, these classes are a gift to yourself and your growing family. Approach them with curiosity and an open heart. Birth education materials ready for study Embracing Your Birth Journey with Empowerment and Joy Ultimately, birth education classes are about more than just preparation—they are about empowerment. They remind you that your body is capable, your choices matter, and you are not alone. By investing in this education, you join a community of parents who believe in a joyful, confident birth experience. You gain tools that help you navigate challenges with grace and resilience. And you create a foundation of trust that supports you through labor, birth/ delivery, postpartum and beyond. So, why wait? Take that step today. Your birth story is waiting to be written—and you deserve to write it with strength and joy. If you want to learn more about how to prepare for your birth journey, consider exploring the birth education classes offered by Your Birth Helper, LLC. They are designed to support you every step of the way, helping you feel empowered and ready for the incredible adventure ahead!

In today's world, couples are busier than ever. Expectant couples are pulled in various directions daily from binge watching late night tv shows, listening to podcasts, shopping online and keeping up with social media; thus robbing them of their precious time and needed sleep. When it comes to pregnancy, labor, birth and beyond, we must first... ~stop and prioritize the best use of time to prepare for baby's arrival and beyond The challenge is short and simple. Use your time wisely. Moms, YOU WILL have a baby out of your body. Dads/ Partners, hopefully YOU WILL learn how to be an excellent labor coach and someone who can incite your spouse/partner to both practice both physically and mentally for childbirth. Her body has been designed for this challenging athletic event, but it takes knowledge, preparedness and emotional support for her to properly relax during contractions and do what she can to lessen discomfort. We do not have any control over the uterus. We must simply be present, move the air in their bodies, and allow this giant muscle to help our baby down and out. We have only a short nine months to prepare. Well, maybe five to eight days over or even less than nine months for some who go early. In my professional opinion, the best time to educate and train your body to "give birth" is in the second trimester. During weeks one through twelve, get lots of rest and focus on meeting your nutritional needs each day. Morning sickness can be quite a challenge, but nutrition is very important for your growing baby. During pregnancy, there is so much we do not have ultimate control over. Focus daily on what you DO have control over like eating clean, exercising, staying centered and as calm as possible especially if you struggle with anxiety. There are so many unknowns during pregnancy -free your mind of this additional stress. Keep it simple. Add a full minute of meditating on your healthy baby and target birth experience by clearing your mind of all the "what if's" for a full sixty seconds each day for a week. Then, two full minutes the following week and so on for the remainder of your pregnancy, conscientiously releasing stress of the unknowns and keep focusing on the positives (thank your body for what it did well this week and visualize your baby within you perfectly protected, growing and becoming stronger. The same for you and your body). Each baby deserves what I like to call "selfish time." The ultimate goal by the last trimester is 20 minutes of relaxation practice daily. Coaches be sure to practice with Mom also. Mom will have to endure contractions independently, but she needs you to be a relaxing presence to assist her. Practice is key to both of you doing your individual jobs well. I asked Renato and Elizabeth a series of questions. Renato answered honestly as the husband (and now an accomplished) labor coach. I will share their tips throughout this Blog story. Here is Renato's response regarding being better prepared... The past several months were exhausting and a lot of work on top of the normal stresses of work and life. But in all honesty, every aspect of what we prepared for was used during labor and because of the prep work, help from you (Pam our doula), and God’s grace, we were able to have a 100% natural and unmedicated birth. I will say, that I count us both as blessed and lucky, because we did not do everything perfectly, nor always had things under control, but made baby preparations a priority. As a man, I find it absolutely crucial to have a shared role in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum preparation. It has truly made me a better man, son, husband, Child of God, and now father. Just like we were taught in The Bradley Method® that laboring for women can represent submission and surrender, I believe fatherhood helps activate every aspect of what is means to be a man - a provider, a support, and a leader. I promise if you come alongside your wife/partner in baby prep, you will not regret it. ~choose your childbirth education and practice The challenge for couples, (post Covid) is finding a quality childbirth class or course that actually meets in-person. A local group class that meets once weekly is always the best choice. This format allows couples to soak up the information and digest it. In addition, couples have some form of accountability in regards to practicing what they have learned. This allows for couples to interact and empower one another, make new friends and be active participants in class. Couples can try out techniques and resources like peanut and birth balls, rebozo, various massage tools, etc., while being surrounded by likeminded people with similar goals. Renato and Elizabeth chose to prepare for drug-free labor and birth, by training in-person with us at M2b Family Farm located on the east side of Athens, Ga. Both educators themselves, they understood the importance of learning and practicing "before the big day." They desired a deeper level of childbirth education and trained locally for twelve weeks in The Bradley Method® course. Each week they reviewed the course material, completed their workbook assignments and each learned their individual roles. You can find an outline of the twelve segments of study and more information about this course at www.bradleybirth.com/pamelasauls as well as, other childbirth options on our website (www.yourbirthhelper.com) and be sure to select "lessons" from the services page and check out our full list of in-person and virtual training options. Any training is way better than none. Education can make anything easier. A good childbirth workshop, class, or course will also teach the importance of practicing relaxation techniques, teach slow controlled breathing, proper positioning, and techniques to reduce discomfort (as described below). Together, the couple can calmly work together to keep labor progressing. Renato's tips for readers regarding childbirth education... The Bradley Method® classes were very informative and the homework was helpful. The homework was incorporated into our nightly routine and usually started with our physical exercises with practicing squats, butterfly resistance training, pelvic rocks, and forward leaning inversion. Then we would go to the bedroom and practice relaxation for 20 minutes. Sometimes, I would fully lead the relaxation by following the Bradley techniques of massaging, verbally telling Elizabeth to tighten a muscle and then relax it, leading her through visualizations of random scenes like floating on rivers or a peaceful meadow. Other times, I would try my own approaches like praying out loud for the full time or repeating affirmations I knew Elizabeth needed to hear (such as, your body was made for this, Oliver is in the perfect position, God is sovereign and your pregnancy and labor are not a surprise to him). Lastly, we would listen to pregnancy and labor affirmations (like the Christian Hypo Birthing and Bridget Teyler’s YouTube videos). These were really helpful because it would give me a break on nights where the routine was challenging and inspire ideas for other ways to lead relaxation (we used both of the YouTube channels during labor). Honestly, we were really good about doing our Bradley homework every night but there were obvious exceptions here and there. Like, if we went out of town, we would skip relaxation practice, but we would still try to do some of the exercises. On occasion, we would be too tired to do the full nightly routine so, we would pick and choose what we wanted to do on those nights. The most common compromise would be to do squats for a little bit, then pelvic rocks, and then if we chose to also practice relaxation, it would be for less time. Some of the other ways that we prepared included going on walks, chiropractic care (Anthony Chiropractic), working out (I did HIIT training and Elizabeth did her pregnancy workouts), reading books (Dr. Bradley's book, Husband Coached Childbirth for men and Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way for women, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and The Vaccine Book, listened to podcasts and then prayed daily for baby Oliver. You both did an amazing job achieving an unmedicated birth experience. Looking back now, is there anything you would do differently? If I were to go back in time, I still would have done all that we did and honestly just a little bit more to better prepare for the intensity of labor. As much as Elizabeth did her leg exercises, she wishes she had done a bit more upper body strength building, because she used those muscles more than anticipated. Also, I wish I had better prepared my own body for coaching. I should have done ALL the squats with her. After labor was over, my quads, hamstrings, lower back, feet, and definitely my calves were all sore. Additionally, working out my core, arms and back would have greatly helped in taking care of Oliver postpartum. Lastly, during relaxation practice, I would have led Elizabeth to relax while there was a negative stimulation (like ice on her back) to better prepare her for contractions. Elizabeth was able to learn how to separate her body and mind during relaxation (which was crucial during labor), but when there were actual contraction pains, it was harder to see her relax. Some advice I have for coaches is to mentally prepare to see your wife/partner experience labor pains as I found this harder than expected. Once experience I had to face was staying positive and hopeful while knowing Elizabeth was progressing slower than we had hoped. In the photo, YBH Advanced Doula apprentice, Anniston Eberhart, also a Cappa Doula, applies counter-pressure for Elizabeth's low back pain as her husband positions himself where Mom can lean into her contraction to lessen discomfort naturally. Elizabeth and Renato had made a great decision to walk the North Oconee River Greenway to speed labor. As childbirth educators, we often say, "bags packed with one month to go" for a reason. For example, Renato and Elizabeth woke to an early morning water break two weeks prior to their due date. It happens. So, at the very least have your bags partially packed in advance, with a last minute list on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror of anything that cannot go in the bag yet. It is always less stressful to be overly prepared than get to your birth place and not have what you needed or wanted for one to three days. Be ready for this possibility, however unlikely, should it happen to you. Cover cloth seats in your car, consider purchasing a bag of Depends disposable undergarments. Remember, if you experience PROM or premature labor, there are a lot of things you can do without, but you must also have a carseat in your car. Renato and Elizabeth had completed most all their homework and they wrapped up last minute packing and began using all their learned techniques to help progress labor naturally. Any man who desires to really step up and rise to the occasion, not just witness, but actively assist their wife through such an ennobling work should take some lessons from Renato. He came prepared with written letters to read to Elizabeth when she was exhausted from laboring and contractions were consuming her. ~embrace your support system When you are tired and want to throw your birth plan out the window, it is important to surround yourself with those who not just try to support you, but will actually encourage you to achieve your birth your way. Many couples do not understand the psychology behind giving birth. Giving in and giving up is also part of labor and thus built into this process of bringing forth life. When couples better understand the labor phases, they can better support their mate. It works both ways. For husbands/ men/ partners, who truly desire to best support Mom to achieve her wishes for her birth, labor can also take a toll on them. Long hours, lack of sleep, severely fatigued state of minds can also bring labor coaches to a point they may want mom to consider medicine or alternative means of getting a baby out of mom's body. Simply put, for many and especially with a first baby, it can be a longer process full of unknowns and every single heart string of yours can be pulled. It is sometimes challenging not to abandon ship aka "mom's birth plan" midstream. Here are some doula tips: - Remember, ask for a natural birth supportive nurse (if mom's goal is natural childbirth) sometimes reassurance from the staff can make all the difference in a mom who meets her goals for her birth. - When coaching gets tough, don't forget she chose YOU to help her get through this. Believe in yourself and mentally, emotionally and physically step up to the plate. - Ask the right questions. We teach labor coaches the questions to obtain true informed consent. Be aware of the medical reasons for c-section. Be aware of the danger signs. Ask for time to discern and discuss the information. Labor does sometimes bring hurdles the couple must work through together. By being an active part of the decision making, together Mom and Dad/ partner can make the very best decisions you feel best for mom and baby. - Don't be afraid to step up and literally coach her through difficult phases of labor. Remind her you are present to help in any way possible and you believe her body can do this. As long as mom and baby are both fine, we will just take one contraction at a time focusing our energy on what we can control (i.e. good positioning, deep breathing, sinking pelvic floor and releasing every muscle not being used to hold her into position). Relax her mind and body and allow her body to release fear and release the baby. There are many ways you can communicate and empower Mom. It doesn't necessarily have to be in written form, but few men have the ability to find enough words to talk mom through hours of labor contractions. You may be one of them who can simply recite something similar off the top of your head during labor, if so, good for you. Just keep in mind, you will also have a tired brain, and it is okay to have a previously written letter or list of things/ ways in which you can better help mom stay focused, especially when her goal is drug-free. Coaches have to get creative at times. Any goal can be made easier to achieve when the entire birth team is on board to empower a woman through the difficult stages of labor until time to push. This is what I call #SymbioticBirth, meaning two different mindsets of how to best manage contractions (the medical way and normality -natural minded), both working together to help MOM birth her way. Many trained women, like Elizabeth, never even ask or inquire about epidural or other pain management. They understand as long as she and baby are okay, it just may take more time or some longer stronger contractions to complete the process. Women who practice achieving a deeper level of relaxation and proper positioning, in advance, often do not have to purchase their relaxation in the form of a shot. There is more than one way to have a baby. Do your homework, it pays off no matter how your baby exits your body. ~Don't forget to exercise your Faith during labor By planning ahead, like Renato, you can pull out a written note of encouragement and read aloud to Mom in an effort to help re-focus her. Hard labor is called "hard" for a reason. The transition phase can be overwhelming, but what follows is pushing her baby out and finally being able to hold baby in her arms! Husband Coach Renato shared his letter to serve as an example for other labor coaches below. To my wife, my beijos, my compliment, my love, Words cannot express how much I am so proud of you, so thankful for you, so infatuated by you. I cannot believe I get to have the privilege of calling you mine. Praise God for that blessing! It’s a little crazy that we are here at this moment. It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were having conversations about what we wanted our relationship to be and look like. Now, we are almost five years in it and about to have our son. That fills my spirit endlessly because I know that God was with us every step of the way. He has taken care of us in the hardest of times and celebrated with us during the victories. And now, at what feels like a climactic moment in our story, you get to go through something God specifically designed your body to do for His glory. You get to labor through various experiences that all productively leads to us meeting Oliver—someone who was hand-knitted together by the one True Father and choose to use us to do it. As we go through this journey together, know that I will be there every step of the way providing you with everything I can; support, comfort, encouragement, and love. I have absolutely no doubt that you are going to do amazing in this journey and that it will end with so much celebration and unfathomable joy. Throughout our nightly routines during this past season, I would save any Psalm that seemed positively impactful for a variety of reasons. Included in the envelope with this letter is all the Psalms I saved that I will read throughout your labor experience to help you continually be aware that God has been here the whole time and will not abandon you. There is victory in His name because He is a good God always. Remember… James 1:2-4 says to Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Romans 5:3-5 continues with More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. And 2 Corinthians 12:9 says But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. You can do this Elizabeth! It's GAME TIME! Remember, surrendering is a huge part of the process. Invite and call upon a higher power to help you release fears and release your baby to enter the world. Anxiety and stress will not benefit laboring moms, it will slow the process. Here is a helpful Tip for reducing stress from Elizabeth... I struggle with anxiety and honestly, I was very anxious about labor and birth leading up to it since being relaxed does not come naturally to me, even when I am not in labor. In the moment, being relaxed was not instinctual, but because of the support of my husband, family, birth team (doula, nurses, midwife), and God, I was able to get to a point of surrendering to the pain and the God-given natural process of childbirth. During labor, I was told often that this is a temporary and productive feeling and that eventually, I would see all of the hard labor as well worth it. I can truly say it was definitely worth it now holding my sweet baby. And honestly, there is nothing wrong with praying, “IN THE NAME OF JESUS, GET THIS BABY OUT OF ME!!!” Lastly, to anyone who desires to have a natural birth, know that God is in control and whatever happens, even if it is not what was in the plan, there is a purpose for it. Renato mentioned the Christian hypnobirthing meditation, I found it extremely helpful. Here is a quick link for readers: Christian Hypno birth: https://youtu.be/MXDoUchRGYA Elizabeth would like to publicly thank her husband, Renato, for all his support before, during and after childbirth. She would also like to recognize her family, the St. Mary's staff (especially LDR nurse Abigail), her Your Birth Helper doula (Pamela Sauls, CCE, CD, CMT) and Bradley® birth class members for all of their encouragement along the way! And, lastly, a very BIG special thanks to midwife Jerri Walker, CNM, IBCLC of Women's Healthcare Associates in Athens, Ga for all the TLC and making her childbirth even more special by allowing Dad to help catch! Childbirth is truly such an amazing event and fully embodies a vast range of emotions. Here is some more good news for women who tend to be more high anxiety: immediately following the birth of the baby, (no matter how long or challenging the labor process), the birth climax occurs. The body expels baby and a rush of hormones flood her body. Particularly important is the hormone, prolactin, which is also known as the mothering or parenting hormone. It helps perk up mom and give her needed energy to interact with her newborn after such an exhausting athletic event. It also aids in milk production. Dad doesn't get happy hormones after you give birth, he will need a nap so, cut him a little slack if he has been up for days. Most women will have their milk drop in around the third day after birth. If you suffer from anxiety, know that breastfeeding will challenge you. It is a learned function made easier with education and support. Just because we have breasts, does not mean we automatically know what to do with them to successfully breastfeed. In addition, baby has never breastfed before and just like you, each will have their individual role. Proper latch, handling issues like engorgement or supply issues, such as too much milk or too little milk are common issues. Give yourself some GRACE. You can't possibly know how to breastfeed and be an expert when you, nor baby, has ever done this before. Don't allow frustration to consume you. Get into a comfy position, relax your shoulders, put baby in a good belly to belly position and be patient. It takes practice. Set a realistic goal of getting through the first two weeks of nursing. Your newborn is depending on you to help protect themselves from infection the first two weeks of life. Don't hesitate to reach out for help. Organizations like Le Leche League, have been around for years, supporting women across our nation and beyond. Online support is also available in many communities, in addition to, local breastfeeding groups and lactation consultants. In Athens, Ga., I personally recommended Lucia Massey. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and often even makes house calls making it easier for postpartum moms to get the support they need within these crucial early weeks. In addition to Lucia, Elizabeth also connected with Kate DeWolf, IBCLC for additional breastfeeding support and would recommend local moms to her also. For readers who are interested in exploring more ways to better prepare, here are some links mentioned above. Renato and Elizabeth found education in various forms like books, Bradley®classes, their chiropractor, podcasts, etc. all very empowering and helpful in reducing overall fear. Bridget Teyler’s podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/c/BridgetTeyler Nichole McCloy’s online course: https://www.nicholemccloy.com/ Anthony Chiropractic Care: https://www.anthonychiropractic.com/ Le Leche League: https://www.llli.org/ In closing, be aware that childbirth and postpartum may affect family pets in interesting ways. Some pets will act out when the new arrival enters the family home. Be encouraged. Just because your pet initially seems anxious or jealous around the new baby, does not mean they are technically unhappy with the baby. More needy pets are technically more jealous of the lack of time you are spending with them. Mumford, the adorable dog shown above (would literally out loud eye roll and move away from the baby when he would cry). However, as the above photo illustrates, dogs can eventually learn to share and find their happiness again too! Congratulations again Renato and Elizabeth on your achievement of natural childbirth! And, a very special thank you to the entire Ferreira family for taking time to share with our YBH Blog readers your personal tips of making the journey into parenthood a little easier and enjoyable!

Melody and her husband Wilson allowed us the privilege of helping with their first baby and the second was just as exciting! Their surprise gender baby was going to keep them guessing as her due date came and went. The YBH team planned a lunch and walk the greenway day and preparations were underway to get this baby down and out. Sure even saw Dr. Kelley Helmendach regularly to adjust her pelvis. We had a second girl‘s day to encourage labor in combination with a membrane sweep. Following her appointment, we took her to eat Thai red soup at New Zealand cafe and it wasn’t long after she felt contractions. I helped progress labor with a combination of acupressure points, a relaxation session including a relaxing foot rub after walking the hills for hours in the subdivision including some curb walking and some squats. Later, she returned home to square away their other son with Grandma and quietly labor at home until she felt time to get checked out. She was admitted around 4cm, unbeknownst to her. Which was good because she didn’t stay there long. I met Wilson and Melody at Atrium Pineville and because the hospital was busy and needing reinforcements, Nancy happened to be working on her off day. Wilson said in the car she lit up like a Christmas tree 🎄 when she found out!! Once admitted to her room the contractions were pretty strong. Over the next couple hours, she tried multiple positions (hands & knees, deep squat with Wilson supporting her on birthing ball, standing & walking, and labored in the tub). After an internal exam she was only 6cm, again unbeknownst to her. When one is seeking a natural childbirth sometimes it’s best MOM doesn’t know the results. she just keep on working until her body dictates otherwise. We changed positions every 40 mins or so. There was a tiny lip of cervix blocking baby from coming and Melody from active pushing. It was suggested to break her bag of waters after 7+ hours of laboring and Melody was all for it! Once her bag of waters was broken she got back in the tub to take control of those contractions while In the water. After 8 mins or so in the tub it was time push. Maybe 40 mins went by and surprise baby was born! Wilson announced the baby’s sex and cut baby boy’s umbilical cord. However, he didn’t help catch this one… he forgot his baseball mitt. But, it’s okay Melody gave him a pass on this one and the midwife caught instead...hahahaha! Congrats Broadway family on your second drug-free #SymbioticBirth! What a great display of teamwork by all.

When the average woman in the United States talks about labor and birth, sadly, words like empowering, amazing and relationship enhancing are typically far from their vocabulary. More commonly used phrases or words such as "Epidural" or "C-section" and even the catch phrase, "When they start that Pitocin, you're gonna want those drugs" are frequently shared by well meaning friends, complete strangers, and even our own family members. LABOR is the most athletic event a woman will ever do. So, why do so few train their body? What if you took time to prepare your body for such an event as your birth marathon? What if your husband/partner was trained to help you alleviate unnecessary pain and did their job when you had a weak moment at the peak of a contraction? What if you complimented your training with a doula? Not just any doula, but a doula willing to actually step up and do the work needed to help you through rough contractions drug-free, if that is your goal and one who empowers you to do everything RIGHT during your contractions and helps your husband/ partner best support you, as well. Do you still think PAIN MEDICINE would be warranted? Take a moment to examine your own thoughts on this controversial subject. Birth can look good either way. Women do not have to fear natural birth when they know how to respond to contractions and help progress labor naturally. Look closely at the two photos above... precious moments captured just seconds and minutes after giving birth epidural free. Jasmine accomplished what we call #SymbioticBirth (low intervention/ natural birth) by choice. It can be done with education, preparation, training and proper support even when giving birth in a hospital. Second trimester is the best time to begin training for labor, because it allows couples the time needed to put into practice what they have learned. In addition, women should learn ways to stay healthy and low risk to avoid poor outcomes and improve chances of meeting their own target birth experience. Consider this, what if you knew when you were experiencing that weak moment in hard labor that you were actually experiencing a normal part of the birth process? If you knew it was supposed to happen, would it alter your thoughts in regards to "needing or wanting meds?" If you were breathing and sinking and doing all the things you were supposed to be doing to progress labor, even though you were working HARD, would there be a difference in how you perceive pain with a purpose and the use of medicine? Would it still be a NEED or simply a WANT? Mom Jasmine would share during a weak moment, she asked for IV medication. She wants you to know she realized it wasn't a need, she was enduring the muscle squeeze, but in that weak moment she WANTED it. Her "want" also lowered her blood pressure and following her dose of Stadol, a common side effect it also affected her baby's heart rate, which then turned into a fetal monitoring concern. The nurse had to constantly chase baby with the electronic fetal monitor for about 40 minutes or so until the baby's heart rate began returning to normal. Women should understand IV meds, for a good portion of the population are very short lived. They might distract mom and make the laboring woman drowsy for approximately 20 minutes to maybe an hour and then mom is right back to hard labor and her former labor discomfort returns, not to add often narcotics can be problematic to baby's heart rate, as well. CHOOSE WISELY as to not create a new medical concern. Always weigh the risks and benefits of any drug or medical intervention and make the decision best for you and your baby. Yes, it's true, at some point in time, the laboring mother will experience discomfort and pain. The question then to ask is, "WHEN as a laboring woman will I choose to be uncomfortable... before, during or after I give birth?" Some choose to remain drug-free during labor and once the baby is born, the labor pains have ended. The bible shares, "When a woman is in labor, she is full of sorrow, but as soon as the baby is born her heart is filled with JOY and she can remember the pain no more. John 16:21 Others choose elective surgery or choose to end labor at some point, especially when tired and now will be in pain and discomfort for 6 plus weeks post surgery. Some want to medicate as soon as the first pain hits them and insist upon epidural as early as possible. Sadly, this situation only increases the odds of labor ending in what the medical world calls "failure to progress," which also increases your risk of labor ending in surgery. Epidurals are best utilized for women truly in active labor around 6cm or beyond who can not bring themselves into a relaxed state of being with emotional, mental and physical support. We know RELAXATION equals PROGRESS during labor. Therefore, did you know with training and practice, it is possible to bring yourself into a relaxed state, and avoid often unnecessary pain management drugs such as narcotics, nitrous oxide gas, epidural, and other commonly used respiratory depressant drugs during labor? If the first thing you want your baby to do is BREATHE, why wouldn't you give some thought to a different way to do business? In late pregnancy, Jasmine's husband David was greatly concerned about safety of their baby especially when she carried beyond her due date. A valid concern as doctors always share the 41 week higher incidence of still born baby speech, but very few couples bother to inquire, "What is the higher % of stillborn babies beyond 41 weeks pregnant?" And, most would be even more shocked to learn if they are healthy and low risk, the odds are in their favor that their baby has a 99.5% or more chance their baby is just fine. But, because doctors are required to share risks, it is typically phrased in a negative way. Of course, we should listen to the information being shared with an open mind, weigh the risks and benefits of induction vs. remaining pregnant. Consider alternative options such as possible membrane sweep, or ask about NST testing, once or twice a week for the weeks carrying overdue, if she is not comfortable with moving forward with induction. Mom should also listen to her intuition, does she have concerns? And, if remaining pregnant, keep close tabs on her baby monitoring kick counts, etc. However, an error of due date alone is not a medical complication, but it certainly could turn into one and more frequently can when what could have been spontaneous labor with natural progression, now turns into a medical induction with added risks. All chemical agents/ drugs like Cervadil, Cytotec, and Pitocin, all carry a separate increased risks and various side effects, even higher billing rates at most hospitals, and if that isn't enough, all require IV and constant fetal monitoring. In addition, they may still want to break the bag of water which equalizes pressure and further serves to protect baby during labor. Just be mindful, the use of induction medications could possibly be used to remedy an issue during the labor process such as a tired uterus from long labor, sometimes they may also increase pain levels making the goal of low intervention or natural childbirth further challenged. Weigh the risks of being "overdue" and the risks of medical induction, side effects of drugs, etc. and take all into consideration and make the decision best for you and your baby. Take ownership of your decision making! What is not fair to doctors, midwives and labor nurses is being blamed for negative birth outcomes, when you as a laboring mom/ coach have failed to properly prepare, and can not manage labor without such interventions. Jasmine and David's OBGYN practice even went as far as to try to schedule her for a medical induction she had already declined simply because she was beyond 40wks pregnant. It is called an estimated due date after all. She received a phone call from a practitioner at 10:30 p.m. advising her she had been added to the induction calendar. She was like wait... what, No thank you. Imagine to an over due mom how frustrating. Stress alone causes pregnant women to release adrenaline which further perpetuates the problem of spontaneous labor not happening. If I may speak plain, doctors must have serious conversations we get that, but how about an occasional positive reinforcement for those who have made GOOD DECISIONS and do NOT have a medical complication. HOW EMPOWERING would it have been at her last office visit the doctor had said... look I have to review this form with you, but know this in advance, YOU have done an amazing job taking care of yourself! Your blood pressure is GREAT! Your weight gain is GREAT! You have educated yourself, ate right and exercised and I am so impressed! It would have changed the whole context of the visit and in reading aloud all the potential risks of childbearing (re: the doctor's office consent form), they wouldn't have left the office fearing DEATH. They would have left knowing they should be proud of themselves and all they have done up to this point. Of course, there are always parts of pregnancy, labor and birth in which we can not control, but what if the focus was on what we can control? What if the conversation was educational, they actually received proper informed consent at the time the problem was occurring not in advance in the context of birth being a death sentence, they were informed of all their options and not just what the doctor wanted them to choose, and then were ENCOURAGED to make the decision they felt best for MOM & BABY. They may have still elected induction, but they would also take ownership and accountability not feeling pressured or bullied into a fear based decision which causes even more tension and increases pain... then we could have eliminated the unnecessary pain associated with the fear - pain cycle. Also, couples need to be aware of what is known as aggressive management of labor, and how it can further increase risks of labor ending in major surgery or other poor outcomes. With black moms statistically being 3 to 4 times more likely to die from such medical complications and various negative outcomes while in labor, giving birth or postpartum, why aren't more black women and couples seeking PREVENTATIVE EFFORTS? Why not try to avoid such negative outcomes all together, if all possible? We as individuals must do what we can to lower our own risks. WHAT IF YOUR STORY COULD LOOK LIKE THE ABOVE AND READ LIKE THIS... I MADE HEALTHY PREGNANCY A NEW PRIORITY I INTENTIONALLY AVOIDED HARMFUL THINGS, ATE CLEAN & EXERCISED DAILY I MADE CHILDBIRTH TRAINING A PRIORITY I PUT MY FAITH TO WORK, PRAYED OVER & FOR MY BABY & BIRTH OUTCOME I CONTINUED TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES AND PRACTICED WHAT I LEARNED I HAD A TRAINED COACH AND HIRED A DOULA TO BETTER ADVOCATE FOR ME I EDUCATED MYSELF IN REGARDS TO INFORMED CONSENT AND MY BIRTH RIGHTS WOULDN'T THAT BE GREAT? Instead of... a doctor saved me and my baby, thank God for that hospital. After all, even doctors would rather laboring women show up healthy and avoid medical complications altogether! Moms, what if you could say: I TOOK CARE OF MYSELF! I PUT IN THE WORK! I PRACTICED MY JOB FOR LABOR & BIRTH! MY LABOR COACH PRACTICED HIS/HER JOB FOR LABOR & BIRTH! MY DOULA CAME ALONGSIDE AND EMPOWERED ME! AS A HEALTHY MOM, MY LABOR NURSE ENCOURAGED ME TO AVOID ROUTINE INTERVENTIONS, because THE SAFEST ROUTE OF PASSAGE INTO THE WORLD FOR MY BABY IS A DRUG-FREE NATURAL BIRTH. MY DOCTOR & MIDWIFE CHEERED ME ON AND ONLY NEEDED TO CATCH MY BABY & EVEN LET MY HUSBAND HELP! We are all super thankful for our medical professionals in situations of which we have zero control over, but the good news is a vast majority of such outcomes are, in fact, avoidable by making good health and positive changes a priority. #SymbioticBirth is defined as both sides, Medical (as in medically necessary-not routine interventions) and Normality (the natural process) working together to help create happier "BIRTH" days! Together, WE CAN ACHIEVE THIS! Q & A Real Talk with Jasmine 1. What if more black women knew there were ways to lessen their own risks during childbirth by applying a proactive approach to birthing? Would more black women/ couples make childbirth education and preparation a priority? -I can only speak from my experience and perspective. I feel that this is a multifaceted issue. Education and access to resources are a great introduction to having this conversation. We, as black women, understand that healthy pregnancies require certain lifestyle changes. I believe the change has to start with both us AND our providers. We can choose to exercise and adopt a cleaner diet while pregnant—absolutely! However, our providers and partners can also give us tangible support and accountability for those changes. Education is necessary for all: women, providers, partners, etc. The expectation of doing whatever is easiest shouldn’t be the justification for all medical decisions. Meaning: epidurals, while easy, is not the only option for delivery although, it’s typically the only one mentioned to women for delivery. 2. How would you say your faith played a role? ⁃Faith played a significant role in my birthing experience. As a Christian, I knew that God had uniquely created our bodies to do the (birthing) work. With my trust in Him, I wanted to give my body the opportunity to do what God designed it to do first. Having faith provided me the strength to focus on His word and His promises to us as His children. My husband and I prayed continuously about this birthing experience, and God honored our prayers. 3. Also, what if anything would you have done differently? ⁃ (1) Found our doula and get the education much sooner. My husband and I were about 31 weeks when we began our classes with YBH. Getting the education sooner would have allowed us the time to practice more and retain more information better. ⁃ (2) Not shared the due date with anyone! The pressure and anxiety of “is she here yet?” became an unexpected weight and stressor while trying to remain “unbothered” and calm especially towards the end. ⁃ (3) Exercised more and sooner: me exercising was met with much concern and hesitation at first. But once I explained the benefits, I gained support. Exercising regularly gave my body the flexibility and endurance needed to sustain labor. (I was placed in all kinds of positions to maximize each contraction. They weren’t all comfortable, but they all worked.) 4. Advice to other moms? ⁃My advice to other moms is trust your body. You were wonderfully made and designed to do this the way God intended. Also know that you are stronger than you think! Natural birth was a desire of mine for years, and when the opportunity came, I began to doubt my ability to do it. Through prayer, meditation, and affirmations, I was able to build my confidence. ⁃Also, make sure you have a supportive partner. I’m thankful for the support of my husband and parents. Having the right voices in your ear make all the difference!!! In transition phase, I called for Pam to lean in and I did my best to convince her privately that I needed IV medicine. Pam told me I was about to start pushing and with my lower BP it wasn't good timing, because I needed to be alert during second stage. She spoke confidence into and over me telling me I could do this, it's just a contraction and it's pushing my baby down like it's supposed to. I am so glad I listened! Turns out, I only wanted medicine in that weak moment, I didn't actually need it at all. Real talk with Labor Coach David Initially, I felt a c-section was a guaranteed safety net.. as I saw it.. I just wanted to ensure my wife and baby's safety in case of any blood pressure or other medical issue arose and thought surgery was a safer route. Turns out a c-section is considered major surgery and comes with a lot of additional risks and when not medically necessary, it's best to avoid, if all possible. I am so grateful my wife did not need, nor desire a surgical birth, because there was no better feeling then catching my own daughter! I learned a lot doing the homework and classes with Pam. Prior, with my sons caesarean birth, I had limited knowledge of natural birth heck even my mom brought me into the world via c-section. Therefore, it just seemed a normal way to birth and safe especially if things went upside down. I would say to all the fathers...allow your wife to work with her body and listen to her body. It’s amazing what their body can do. As the song states, "I can see clearly now the rain is gone”. It took a lot of work mentally to support my wife and to be less head strong about what I thought our birth should look like. Would I do it again with her? YES! And, with the right preparation and practice. We were blessed this time around. I know Jasmine will do her part to take good care of herself again, I will do my best to support her and GOD WILL DO IT AGAIN! Congratulations again Jasmine & David! The pleasure to both train you at the farm (M2b Family Farm Colbert, Ga) and assist your birth in Rockdale was all mine! Author Tip: WE CAN NOT PREVENT ALL NECESSITY FOR DRUGS & C-SECTION WITH GOOD NUTRITION, DAILY EXERCISE & AVOIDANCE OF HARMFUL THINGS, BUT WITH EDUCATION, TRAINING & GOOD CHOICES, WE SURE CAN REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD YOUR STORY ENDS IN A MEDICAL COMPLICATION. And, that is a huge win - pain management or not? Don't allow your decision to take a quality childbirth class or hire a doula to be based solely on a decision to medicate or not. Some would suggest you may need even more education and training if you are planning to be induced, use pain management drugs or you are a high risk pregnant mom, not less training. There is a lot of information to be made aware of before contractions begin. I would agree. BABY EMERIE, Our Ga, Sc, Nc, Tn and virtual Your Birth Helper teams would like to shout out your parents Jasmine & David for putting in the time to educate, the daily energy to best prepare and enduring the hard work during labor to bring you into the world with as few medical interventions as possible! We call this a happier "BIRTH" day! Your parents agreed! Your life will be forever blessed! I am looking forward to seeing you grow, and what specific talents God bestows upon you and how you will use them to make the world a better place! P.S. Your mama has a great singing voice! xoxoxox Ms. Pam yourbirthhelper.com In closing, Alabama moms, Jasmine would suggest you check out www.desireedanielle.com for gorgeous maternity photos or check out her work on social @desireedanie11e

VBAC... vaginal birth after cesarean surgery. It takes education- knowing all your birthing options, healthy choices- clean eating, preparing physically- daily exercise, Symbiotic Birth childbirth training with a trained labor coach and putting everything into practice! This is your VBAC recipe for success. Don't forget the use of a Your Birth Helper® advanced skilled doula also greatly increases your chances of successful VBAC (medicated or natural- your choice). Avoiding major surgery to give birth is a win either way! Contact us today to get prepared for VBAC! Otherwise known as your REDEMPTION BIRTH! #SymbioticBirth

My name is Staci Freed, formerly a certified personal trainer, and now mom of four. If you are pregnant or plan to be, I hope you will take a few minutes to read this blog post and allow me to help you avoid some birthing pitfalls and unpleasant scenarios. You see, I thought I had this birth thing figured out, but truth is I had skipped over childbirth education and relied on medical staff to guide me through two hospital labors and births. Well basically, I went into my first birth pretty blindly, it didn't go well, nor I did not consider the epidural my new best friend. With the second, I figured out what a midwife was and why to use one (if healthy and birthing in a hospital). With number three, I'll briefly explain why I elected to have a home birth in Georgia and lastly, how I learned (even though I had several children already), the easiest way to give birth by far is to be knowledgeable of what to do and not to do during contractions, have a trained coach to help, be in the best physical shape possible, practice breathing and relaxation and be prepared to understand how to acquire informed consent and how to make the very best decisions for you and your baby, no matter where or with whom you decide to birth. Luckily for me, with baby number four, I nailed all the above, because I had quite a unique variation of normal during my last home birth. I hope by sharing highlights from my own four labors (each with a very different outcomes), you will take time to really ponder... what does a target birth experience look like for you? Now let's get to it! Fact: Not all women share the same birthing goals. Regardless of individual choices, for example to medicate or not, that you come to realize, like I did that education is key. That there truly is a level of both physical and mental preparedness needed to give birth and execute your happy "BIRTH"day free of words like scary, horrible, overwhelming, etc. One conventional hospital birth in 2008, complete with an epidural; One traumatizing midwife assisted natural hospital birth in 2020… "winged it" well, because I only thought I knew what natural birth was all about and I went into it with very little training and without doula support to help advocate for me bedside. Life changed for everyone that year and I was determined to learn a better way. In 2021, I had the most amazing home birth experience with my Your Birth Helper® doula Pamela Sauls, CCE, CD, CMT and my midwife Simone Marshall, CNM, WHNP. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! It was at this point, I realized my passion for natural health. I began pursuing certifications to transform my practice from physical to holistic. My goal is to help and bless clients along their own personal health & healing journey. 2022, brought me two Master Certifications (Iridologist & Herbalist) AND another bundle of chaos, I mean joy! LoL… Baby #4 was on the way! From my doula, who helped better prepare and train me to "give birth," not just endure it, to my local chiropractor, Dr. MacKenzie Puckett, (who also treats my children), to my growing Your Birth Helper® birth family, I began absorbing strength from the women who surrounded me. Those who had both accomplished their birth- their way, and those who had overcome various unforeseen birth challenges, yet still focused on the JOY of their baby's "BIRTH" day, despite experiencing medical complications. Little did I know, just around the bend, would be news of a potential birthing challenge that was headed my way. I continued to focus my energy on my target birth experience, clean eating, exercise and maintaining my namaste All Day. Planned, prepped, and ready to go; only the baby was comfy in his “frank breech” position. Hospitals will NOT deliver breech babies as doctors are trained in “medical intervention” and “extraction.” Under certain circumstances, c-sections are necessary, however, not all breech babies need to be c-sectioned and mine is the “Case & Point!” My very competent home-birth team helped put my mind at ease and my intuition was to NOT try to turn the baby. He was delivered breech and it was painful as hell, but it was so worth it. Oh and lingering symptoms of the flu made breathing through contractions challenging (as our family had the flu gifted to us the the week before and my labor began. Here are the photo highlights from my frank breech birth story in Hull, Georgia. I learned GRAVITY would be my friend on this day! Special thanks to my family, my midwife Simone and doula Pam (for assisting through two home births), plus our awesome collaborating OBGYN and YBH doula apprentice, Anniston for capturing my amazing birth on video! I felt so supported throughout my entire frank breech journey. We had a plan and a backup plan in case transport was needed, but with the assistance of my team and post birth, the fabulous local female paramedic, who so kindly came by to check on me post birth and do more fundal massage to reduce my bleeding and she rocked! The bleeding stopped. Check me out on YouTube @FitMomOnFire TV & @StaciFreed. If you would like to connect or need some assistance, please connect @https://StaciFreed.as.me/ I leave you with this empowering thought... I educated. I prepared. I stayed healthy and low risk. I exercised. I practiced labor techniques, had a supportive team and believed I could do it, so I did! You got this momma!

Taking a Your Birth Helper® Symbiotic Birth course can help you better prepare for birth, even when birthing in a hospital setting. If we are being honest, many women, at the peak of a difficult long enough, strong enough labor contraction, may at some point break down and ask for medicine. So, why don't more women actively train in preparation of giving birth? It is the most athletic event a woman will ever do. Statistically, African-American moms are 3-4 times more likely to have a poor outcome, but it doesn't have to be this way. Mom Sade wants to challenge other African-American moms to get busy becoming healthier versions of themselves long before labor and birth. She wanted to avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort and knew education is key to making better decisions and understanding the birth process. She chose to train with Your Birth Helper® for her first childbirth experience and put her focus on what she had control over. There's so much in pregnancy, labor and birth that we simply do not have ultimate control, but what she ate, daily exercise, attending class, practicing what she learned and focusing on her target birth experience instead of all the unknowns helped her tremendously in achieving her birth preferences for her birth. Consider this, what if the mom doesn't really want the medicine and especially the additional risks and all the additional interventions that go along with the pain medicine? What if mom just needed to vocalize, "this is hard and whatever we are doing right now isn't helping?" Mom is indirectly informing you that it is time for a position change, a different relaxation method, she needs to lean into the contraction, turn off other muscles, breathe and sink down into it, but it's challenging and she needs instruction and coaching during certain phases of harder labor. It is a very normal part of childbirth to get to that feeling that you are so tired and you don't want to do this anymore. This is when you rely on your intimate partner and doula to help direct you with positioning, different relaxation techniques, etc. You are tired yes, but it is just a contraction and you can tolerate another even when exhausted. Labor doesn't last forever. It doesn't mean you are less pain tolerant or if drug-free, more pain tolerant. It means you are human, sleepy, over it, exhausted, spent and want a baby in your arms. When challenges of labor come remember, a teamwork approach to childbirth is so much more enjoyable too. Think about it, you did not get pregnant by yourself and during hard labor it often takes all hands on deck to soothe and make mom more comfortable. Women are supposed to go through the "self doubt phase of labor" to allow the baby to exit her body. It is, after all, in the book. This is when it is imperative her labor coach rises up and coaches her through. The definition of a coach requires verbs, action words like to incite and to impel the player to play to the best of their ability. Labor requires such action... we don't need empty words like, "I'm sorry!" We need our doula and coach to motivate us to finish the job strong. The bible says it this way in John 16:21 For when the woman is in labor she is unjoyful, but as soon as the baby is born her heart is filled with JOY and she can remember the pain no more. What we need is help to "get our mind right" and allow our body, our thoughts and our feelings to all dissolve into total relaxation so we stay out of our uterus' way and focus our thoughts on baby. We also need reminders that this pain and discomfort has purpose... the baby is coming! As coach, you should not be relying on mom to tell you how to help her during the middle of a contraction. That is why childbirth training is so important. During labor is NOT the time to be learning what you should be doing during contractions. With practice everything is made easier and we can ride the waves of labor easier knowing what we can do to lessen pain and discomfort and having practiced doing everything right during contractions. Consider this: If there is no medical reason presenting for use of medicine, what if the partner stepped up to coach mom through that difficult phase of labor? What if they helped her breathe, sick and move baby down and out? What if they reminded her why she is doing this for the safest right of passage of baby into the world, that she is strong, brave and capable? Note: If a medical complication occurred and mom needed medicine of some kind to remedy a problem, in a hospital setting there are plenty of options. What if the nurse respected mom's birth plan and both the doctor/ midwife, nurse, doula and coach all encouraged mom during her weak moment to push through, that she will meet her baby soon, that everything happening to her is a normal part of giving birth, that she is safe and she was empowered to meet her birthing goals in that difficult phase of labor? What would birth look like then? Could you see yourself having been successful in giving birth drug-free? Sade did! Mike did! And, in those weak moments, when moms have sufficient support and are surrounded by those special people to cheer them on, women can hold steadfast to their goal just like Sade did. Statistically, most women will break down and ask for medication in late first stage, or transition (the hardest, but shortest phase of labor), but few understand or put emphasis on why avoiding it can be very beneficial to the laboring mom and baby. For example, it normally gets her a baby sooner! When you prepare for symbiotic birth even when birthing in a hospital setting, you can still receive the best of both sides: normality (healthy & low risk) and medicine (if medically necessary). If mom's goal is low intervention and / or natural birth, understanding this psychological part of the birth process can be the difference in whether the laboring mom accomplishes her goals or simply becomes a statistic. What if a team of YBH doulas come along side to help educate you and your partner and show you how to best prepare for labor and birth? How about we empower you to navigate and manage labor together to the best of your ability, regardless of your choice to medicate or not! Now, that's a conversation worthy of discussion. Sade experienced this and knows the benefits of surrounding yourself with likeminded people. Since the beginning of time, and even now still to this day birthing in 2023, there is NO SUCH THING AS A PAINLESS CHILDBIRTH, regardless of how your baby exit your body. Ponder this: If fear was removed from the birth process, do you think you would still need IV narcotics, fentanyl, epidural or surgery to give birth? If you weren't entering the labor and birth process cluelessly and instinctively doing things wrong during contractions, would you still need medicine? It's often a matter of the mind. Again, if medicine is needed to remedy a problem or complication that is one thing, but no one talks about how pain management often slows labor down, then more drugs like Pitocin are used to speed labor back up. Or what about narcotics causing decelerations of baby's heart rate which can increase likelihood of labor ending in c-section or emergency surgery? Sade found the joy in being pregnant and in being properly supported during pregnancy, labor, birth and beyond. She was totally pleased in her selection of Piedmont OBGYN midwives and her birth place, Atrium Pineville. They properly supported her and celebrated the work she put in. Sade shared she felt well cared for her during labor and appreciated the help received to meet her birthing goals. She couldn't have asked for a better team! We have only a short 9 months to grow and nourish a full-term baby. Some less time than that. We do say as doulas, "Bags packed ~ one month to go!" That means, we have less than nine months to learn what we should be eating, what exercises we should be doing to prepare our body, what we should avoid, how to lower risks, increase and better our own health, learn to avoid or lessen stress, teach ourselves to relax, teach our coach how they can help us, what we should do during labor and what we should NOT be doing to lessen our own pain levels. Yeah, that's a lot so... TRAIN IN THE SECOND TRIMESTER and keep practicing until labor day! Proper training of the mind and body is not as quick and easy as popping a pill, or being administered IV medicine. Nope, it is not as easy as demanding an epidural or more drugs, but it can greatly increase your odds of a low intervention birth or simply lower the odds of ALL the increased risks to you and baby that follow use of pain management options. Proper training and preparation increases your odds tremendously of avoiding poor outcomes, sick mama, sick baby, increased risks like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, toxemia pregnancy, side effects from drugs, increased risks of surgery, hemorrhage, clotting issues, NICU babies, traumatic childbirth, breastfeeding issues, etc., and many moms like Sade are happy to have avoided such negative outcomes by doing what they had control over. Simple changes daily really pay off! Remember, if Sade can teach you anything through her story, it's that Labor is NOT the time to be learning what do do during a contraction or how to manage it. You had nine months to train. YOU alone will give CONSENT to whatever intervention or labor plan is made. Therefore, Mom / Couples need to take ownership of their decision making and assume the risks associated with their decisions. As a healthy woman, Sade wanted a Certified Nurse Midwife to catch her baby and help protect her bottom! Her midwife did just that!! Here is Sade's simple regiment to help other mamas avoid additional risks to both mom and baby from today's typical medicated hospital birth experience: TAKE A QUALITY CHILDBIRTH CLASS (not a generic virtual hospital class if your goal is low intervention and avoiding medicine or surgery, you should consider Your Birth Helper's four week training in Symbiotic Birth (a blend of normality (proven techniques and practical instruction) and more specific education of how interventions can benefit you or baby (when they are truly medically necessary) KNOW YOUR OPTIONS (create a birth preference plan) PREPARE YOUR BODY IN ADVANCE (exercise, eat clean, train your birthing muscles, learn relaxation techniques) TRAIN SPECIFICALLY FOR LABOR (practice, practice, and practice some more- be a relaxation expert) HAVE A TRAINED COACH TO ASSIST YOU (even Your Birth Helper's 2 hr Labor Role Play workshop teaches the do's and don'ts of labor and how the coach can help. They even offer virtual private workshops and in-person group training) HIRE A YBH DOULA (for in-person or virtual support) they are highly skilled in PROVIDING WOMEN (and their coach) WITH EMOTIONAL, MENTAL and PHYSICAL SUPPORT and charge less than even one epidural and thousands less than a c-section and help reduce c-sections. Maybe, a better question for all expectant couples is... HOW WILL YOU AFFORD TO BIRTH WITHOUT A YOUR BIRTH HELPER® DOULA? Will you take Sade's advise and make plans for a happier "BIRTH" day with a YourBirthHelper.com Doula Team? Don't have a doula in your area, don't worry! We serve clients nationwide virtually (by phone, zoom, FaceTime, etc.) including both birth training and virtual doula support. Your baby is so worth all the time and effort spent to educate, train and prepare!

We made training for natural childbirth a priority after a gymnastic accident injured L4-L5 vertebrae. The arrival of Princess Aurora of Dahlonega...The forest long awaited for its maiden. At 7:58pm on November 22, 2022 after 26 hrs of active labor, she came into this world weighing 7lbs 2ounces and measuring 20.5 inches tall. Momma, Daddy and all at Loxley Forest are so proud, blessed, and excited to announce the birth of Aurora Emily Gamberta. Choosing the path of a natural birth was one of challenge, but yet great reward. Preparation and knowledge were key and we couldn’t have been so confident walking in without the incredible lessons, love and support from our birth helper Mrs Pam. She was an absolute gem and blessing us with all the tools we needed, keeping them sharp and ready for the day we needed them. I helped my wife achieve the birth of her dreams. I had the pleasure to not just assist her through contractions without medication as her labor coach, but I also helped birth my own baby. She entered the world into MY HANDS! I never imagined how rewarding it would be to catch my own child. I am beyond overjoyed. Fatherhood is such a blessing and now we are super excited to share the birth of our Luxury Treehouse Village Adventure therapy in the North Georgia mountains -opening January 2023. Everyone loves a treehouse! And, now I can attest, everyone "MEN TOO!" can LOVE childbirth class! Mic Gamberta Some may say, "Why would I take a childbirth class or train to give birth?" The nurse or doctor will just tell me what to do anyway? Well, first, the time to learn what to do in response to contractions is NOT when you are already in labor and technically, NO. It is NOT the doctor/ midwife or nurses job to teach you what to do during labor. Their scope of practice involves monitoring your body for signs of progress and helping create it, as well as, treating any medical issues which may present. Otherwise, in regards to labor, you are on your own. The doctor or midwife simply makes occasional rounds and catches your baby. Many do not see a doctor or midwife prior to pushing. So, to better answer, sure, they will tell you what they want you to do, but that doesn't mean the process of giving birth is made easier with countless routine interventions such as IV drugs, pain management /epidurals, inductions/ Pitocin and especially not cesarean surgery, which further increases your risk of complications and lengthens recovery to six weeks or longer. Mic and Olivia traveled 1.5 hours into Athens, Ga to have their last class/ their labor role play in person at the farm. Don't make excuses- find a way. You have only nine months (some less time) to learn how to make labor easier and less painful. Remember, there are no re-do's. We get only one chance to get this baby into the world. One chance to prepare. Once chance to execute a happier "BIRTH" day! Some are not even aware there are circumstances in which some mothers should NOT be given an epidural, because other medical complications could occur, such as significantly LOW blood pressure. The side effect of commonly used labor and delivery meds (especially some used in epidurals) can lower and even bottom out the blood pressure. Note: if you had extremely high blood pressure, this could be an intervention that could possibly spare you from surgery by lowering your BP to allow for push phase. However, most trained athletes or those who regularly exercise typically have lower blood pressures. Therefore, they should be aware of the side effects and weigh the benefits and risks. Also, did you know having low platelets near term can be a valid reason to deny Mom use of an epidural? Along with various other situations, such admin being delayed upon request (if LDR is busy) as emergent situations take precedence over moms and babies who are good. Be prepared to manage your labor in the event of such scenarios, regardless of your preference to medicate or not. In Olivia's case, she knew as a trained athlete anything can be made easier with knowledge and training and the safest right of passage for both she and her baby was drug-free natural birth. Informed consent means you understand the problem, understand what they want to do to fix it and what your other options are. Then as an educated consumer, you make the decision best for you and your baby. Mic and Olivia learned this in their childbirth course. They knew what was best for her was to rely on her childbirth training and Mic assisting her in completely avoiding an epidural, because it is administered between L4 and L5 vertebras which are in the area of a former back injury. To them it was a no brainer. When couples are birthing in a hospital setting, I call this "Symbiotic Birth." I use the term "Symbiotic" because it is symbolic of two different mindsets working together to create happier "Birth" days! Meaning, the blend of both the best of the natural process, complimented with only medically necessary interventions, not routine often unnecessary interventions. Utilizing medical interventions to benefit YOU, (the laboring mom and your baby) not the simplest solution or other routine procedures medical staff prefers to do on everyone in labor. Simply put, does it apply to you or not? This is where informed consent comes into play. And, if you do not know what this is or how it works, you definitely need a quality childbirth course. These two not only educated themselves in my four week childbirth course, but actually DID their homework! Some think they do not have time in their busy schedules to add proper training for "giving birth," however, smart couples understand it is in their best interest to prepare their mind and body for labor and birth. Olivia understood this basic concept, "Practice makes Perfect!" She also came to realize that even though the female body is designed for this amazing work, preparation is key, because what is instinctive is often wrong and contributes to more painful contractions. And, who wants that? She ate right and exercised while her body grew and this wasn't a first baby, this was her rainbow baby. Sadly, like many others, her first pregnancy ended in miscarriage. Couples who experience loss often battle various emotional challenges, as well. This is where your mental and emotional relaxation practice comes into play. For nine months, she wasn't just pregnant, but simultaneously they were building a treehouse resort and fighting the elements daily. Not only were they slammed with various new construction challenges, she was also overseeing her gym business she formerly started in Ohio. The average person has lots of excuses as to why they don't make time to train for childbirth, but instead this couple made it a priority! I refer to them as a power couple because they both worked day and night fighting north Georgia weather and mountainous terrain, to properly prepare and execute not only a natural birth, but this amazing new tree house resort in Dahlonega. They are a perfect addition to our growing Your Birth Helper, LLC birth family! Personally, I can't wait for the grand opening of Loxley Forest! It's such a neat project and so close to being one with nature. Olivia shared this on her social in hopes it may help others who experienced loss and wondering if they should try again... After being pregnant twelve weeks with our first baby, I experienced a miscarriage. I was completely broken. This is the first time in my life I didn't think I could make it through something. I did not think I would ever be able to recover or feel ok again. Even though I had an incredible support system and my husband was doing everything he could to hold me up, even in his own grief, I felt so alone. It took me a long time to even say it out loud, but I wanted to write about it and let anyone know that has ever struggled with this or needs to talk about it or just not feel so alone, that I am here if you ever need to talk. It's something I wish I had and I just want to be there for anyone who needs it. I say all this while holding my rainbow baby... she is living proof that even when you feel you can not go on one more second to just continue to trust in the promises you know God has for you. Believe me this is easier said than done...I can tell you I did not always feel like praising Him, but Mic and I leaned on each other and our faith, never stopped believing and praised him through the pain, and little by little we crawled out of the pit of depression, helplessness and grief. One of the last things we did in the final week of pregnancy was cut down and decorate our Christmas tree last year. I was so attached to it that it was February before it was taken down. While he was doing that, he texted me that he found a small birds nest inside our tree. He said he felt God was telling us to get our nest ready, because it was going to expand soon. Sure enough, just a few weeks later I found out we were pregnant with our "Rory!"... I am living proof that He turns graves into gardens and mourning into dancing. We hope you were encouraged some how, some way through our story and will consider a visit next year to Loxley Forest in Dahlonega, Georgia. (Full story on instagram @ Livy_PGA) Author tip: People should train for birth to learn how to execute what they can control to help make their own labor and birth easier to manage and how to naturally progress (whether they plan to utilize an epidural or not). Also, YBH Symbiotic Birth course teaches Dad/ the selected coach/ partner their role during contractions. The labor coach has their own specific job (doula support or not) which is to assist Mom in a variety of ways to help ease labor discomfort and help advocate her wishes to the medical staff. You both will benefit from having knowledge of what birthing options are available at your birth place (as a healthy person or specific to your medical history/ limitations) and in general, quality childbirth education helps empower couples to overcome stumbling blocks and avoid poor outcomes. The fact of the matter is the nurses, doctors and midwives can't do the contraction for you. This is YOUR job! So, a little time invested (especially second and third trimesters) into your own birth outcome, can go a long way and benefit you and baby immensely. Some say their relationship is greatly enhanced. Olivia would agree she could not have achieved a drug-free labor and birth without the training, support and encouragement of her hard working husband coach! Special thanks to Modern OBGYN and specifically Katie Vaughn, CNM for supporting Olivia and Mic throughout their drug-free Symbiotic Birth and the LDR staff / awesome nurses who took such great care of us at Northside Forsyth in Cumming, GA.