Cesarean Birth Awareness

Whenever we talk about cesarean birth, you'll find a common theme in our language: Cesarean birth is birth. We believe this value is important to acknowledge in order to promote and protect the dignity and respect of each and every person who experiences a cesarean birth, whether elective, emergency, or anything otherwise. We envision a world where birth institutions honor informed choice, birth values, and promoting gentle, family-centered cesarean births. Read along with us as we delve deeper into cesarean awareness & share beautiful images of belly births!

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.

10 Lifestyle Switcheroos to Save The Planet & Your Pocketbook

To celebrate this Earth Day, we're sharing some simple earth-friendly (& person-friendly!) lifestyle switcheroos we've made and love — and, spoiler alert, they're money-saving, too! Check out our list, complete with links to some of our favorite products we've discovered while taking steps to better care for ourselves and the earth.

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!

5 Benefits of Meditation in Pregnancy

Meditation connects us with our bodies and our minds in such a way that improves our abilities to quell the power of fear, reduce tension, and brave onward with enhanced wellbeing, outcomes, and experiences in pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

Furthermore, many of the fears that pop up around pregnancy and birth tend to be rooted in misinformation, misunderstanding, or misguidance and can be relieved through education, exposure, or experience. This is one of the many reasons why birth doula support is invaluable; birth doulas offer informational support in addition to physical and emotional support for birthing persons and their partners. The reality is that there is a lot of information to sift through when it comes to a truly informed birth — and a quality birth doula will help provide you with unbiased, evidence-based information and support your right to informed choice.

Our 3 Favorite Apps for Meditation in Pregnancy & Labor

Are you familiar with the many benefits of meditation in pregnancy, for both pregnant person and baby? If not, check out our blog post on the benefits of meditation here! If you’re ready to practice pregnancy meditation and you’re wondering where to begin, look no further! We give you: our 3 favorite apps for meditation in pregnancy & labor (simply ranked in alphabetical order).

Meadow’s Birth Story | Grand Rapids Birth Photographer and Doula

My husband and I take a natural approach to most things in our life so before we became pregnant with Meadow, I started researching home birth. I watched videos and read books from women who did it and enjoyed it! I was determined to have a more empowered, autonomous birth and I knew this was more likely to be achieved in the home setting. My husband was hesitant at first only because it was something foreign to him, like it is to the majority of people. After meeting with the midwives and having all of his questions answered and praying on it, we both decided this was the best decision for our family.

Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns: A Story of Pregnancy Loss & Recovery

The following blog post shares my personal experience with early pregnancy loss. Please consult with a professional and consider doula support before making your own informed decisions throughout trying to conceive, pregnancy, loss, or birth. Remember, you have the right to informed consent and refusal. And you deserve a supportive team of professionals who takes you seriously and treats you with comfortable care and respect. If you have any questions about doula care or what to expect throughout pregnancy and beyond, connect with us here. We’re here to journey alongside you!

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.

How to Design Your Home (or Labor Space!) Based on Your Enneagram

We've had a fun opportunity to partner with Redfin on a collaborative article called, "How to Design Your Home Based on Your Enneagram." Our Content Director, Shay, is also an interior designer, and she was invited to give brief advice on using the Enneagram to plan an intentional space — including the ideal labor space! Check out Shay’s advice and read the full Redfin article here.

Ditch the Hospital Gown: Why birthing in your own clothes matters.

If you are giving birth in the hospital, wearing your own clothes the whole time you are there sends a strong and important message. It says: I am not sick. I am not a patient. I am a person first and foremost and I am here to give birth. And trust me when I say, nurses and providers get the message. It’s a simple, and beautiful thing!

Welcome Sarah! S&B’s Lactation Counselor

We are thrilled to announce that we are leveling up our lactation support! Welcome to the team Sarah! Sarah’s inclusive and compassionate lactation support is the perfect addition to our one-stop birth collective.

Hello, Labor Hormones! How Can I Help You?

Did you know that you have the power to influence your hormones and to help them better serve you and baby in childbirth? Yes, we can impact the flow of hormones throughout labor, and in such a way that helps us labor more gently and with manageable pain. So let’s talk about which hormones we want to boost, which we want to minimize, and how!

Merry Self-Care Christmas!

Join us in this year's Self-Care Christmas — the time of year when we gift ourselves an extra dose of happiness and healthy decision-making! Between all the winterizing, working against the darkness, and holiday prep, let us not forget to give ourselves the care we deserve. And, on that note, Merry Christmas to all — because when we take better care of ourselves, our people and our world feel it, too.

The Benefits of Writing Your Birth Story + 5 Ways to Get Started

The thought of writing your birth story can be daunting. So I'm here to offer some strategies for getting started! Because truly, the benefits of writing your birth story make the dedicated time and energy entirely worthwhile.

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!

10 Little Stocking Stuffers

What's the countdown to Christmas!? *Cue holiday cheer!* As you're prepping to stuff stockings (the best part of holiday gifts IMHO), we've got a list of 10 little goodies you might consider. They’re shared here with easy click-to-cart buttons. Let the stuffing begin!

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