A Labor Support Quick-Guide | A Fridge Sheet for My Partner

As we talked through our experiences with our first birth and our anticipations for our second, one thing became clear: having a quick-guide on the fridge to reference these reminders would be very helpful for us! It would help me:

reflect more comprehensively on my labor wishes (writing things out is a great way to prepare!),
trust that my partner will recollect what I’ve asked for (because he can take a quick look at the sheet on the fridge anytime!),
and give me permission to drift off to labor land when the time comes (peace out, mental load! Time to turn off my thinking brain!).

Shay's Got News...

Our journey through pregnancy, loss, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, & now pregnancy again — it's taught me (still teaching me) SO MUCH. One takeaway? It's true what they say — no two pregnancies are alike! And I am not the same woman.

Using your “BRAIN” to inform decisions in Labor // Cesarean, Thrice Denied

I have been talked through transferring to the OR for cesarean. I have uttered those familiar words, "Whatever it takes to get my baby here safely" and meant them with every fiber of my being. I had a very long labor at home during what was a planned homebirth. After a few days of laboring with a stuck baby (her chin wouldn't tuck, and I was lingering at about 8/9cm dilated), I opted for an epidural at the hospital in order to get some rest. I knew that an epidural would likely mean Pitocin, and that I was risking a cascade of interventions. But I felt confident in my decision to transfer to the hospital and medically intervene. Little did I know, I would be talked through cesarean 3 times in the next 9 hours.

Happy World Doula Week 2022!

This World Doula Week, we have a lot to celebrate at Sprout and Blossom! 1. Brianna Trammell’s one year doula-versary; 2. Our growing support team now includes lactation counselor, Sarah Hill!; 3. Our evolving brand (& new logo!); 4. 5 years serving the birthing community; 5. An ever-increasing list of empowered birthing persons!

Love Letters for Labor

The following 9 love letters for labor are inspired by 9 main personality types as expressed through the Enneagram. Whether you know your Enneagram type or not, you are likely to resonate with one of the love letters below. With each love letter, we’ve included an affirmation and practical steps you can take to overcome any internal barriers that might be holding you back from embracing birth as the beautiful, natural process that it is.

Black History Month 2022: Featured Black Birth Workers/Businesses

Representation matters, especially in birth. Black maternal and fetal health matters, especially because the American healthcare system is rooted in white supremacy. Empowered birth and the option to birth at home matters, especially for women of color. In honor of BHM 2022, we’re featuring Black birth workers & businesses who are dedicated to providing equitable care & inspiring necessary change in the birth work field.

The Almighty Cervix: Cervix 101

The almighty cervix. Where even is it? What does it actually do? ⁠ Here's a brief cervix 101:⁠ ⁠ The cervix sits between the uterus and vagina and produces mucus that protects both from bacteria. The cervix plays an important role in menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, and birth. You can take care of your health with regular cervical screenings.

Birth Doula 101: What Do Birth Doulas Do(ula)?

Doulas offer physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing persons and their partners. This invaluable doula support makes a difference, no doubt. Read along with us as we offer insight into what birth doulas do and why it matters!

Brianna's Birth Story: The Birth of a Mother and Doula

To say that I felt empowered from Harmony’s birth is an understatement. I was able to trust my body to do something that it had never done before. It was beautiful to see that my body already knew what my mind did not. It was my journey, and the journeys of so many others, that made me want to become a doula. To help give families an incredible story of how their family grew.

Midwife or Birth Doula?

While there is some overlap among their goals in serving the birthing person, midwives and doulas each have their own set of qualifications and duties to fulfill. We clear up some of the differences here, in the form of a fun quiz!

Preparing for Your Postpartum Journey | Sprout and Blossom Birth

When you’re in the throes of pregnancy, it’s easy to overlook the importance of postpartum planning. We’ll walk you through some advance preparations that will lend to a smoother (and more enjoyable!) postpartum experience.

Your Birth Team Matters | Grand Rapids Doula + Birth Photographer

Don’t get me wrong, I do think that the process of making a birth plan is valuable. But your birth team matters more.

Find a doula who you trust…and then trust her knowledge of local providers.

With a doula and a clinical provider that you are really confident will support you, you will be set up the best you can be for the unknowns of your individual birth experience. Your birth team matters more than your birth plan.

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