Childbirth Classes and Sunroofs Childbirth classes and sunroofs, what do they have in common? Are you pregnant and seeking childbirth classes that are right for you? How do you choose? Is a class really necessary? I've shared my story in the past, I've had moms tell me it was helpful to them during their search for childbirth classes. Those who had a prior birth end in a way they didn't anticipate found my story especially helpful. I'd waited nine long months pregnant with my

5 Things Everyone Should Know About Cesarean Birth There are 5 things everyone should know about cesarean birth! Cesarean birth just doesn’t get discussed as much as “natural birth” or vaginal birth. If it does, it is often in passing or in such a way as to incite fear! As your friendly, neighborhood doulas, we wanted to take a minute and talk about some aspects of Cesarean birth so that whether you are planning a C-section or not, you at least have a little more information

Your Baby is Your Team Mate If I told you that your baby is your team mate would you believe me? Raise your hand if you just know that labor starts when your water breaks? Or raise your hand if you believe contractions start with a vengeance with no break. Or maybe you think that labor is intensely painful throughout the whole ordeal. Many people think that’s exactly how and when labor starts and how labor will be. No thanks to movies and popular TV shows, by the way! Nod if

Birth Methods Suck I’m gonna come out and say it. Personally and professionally I feel that birth methods and childbirth education that focuses on a single "method" rather than the individuals needs/desires suck. Their inflexibility notwithstanding, they generally come with top-secret, super miraculous teachings that all but guarantee you’ll have the best birth. Not only is this misleading, I believe it creates more problems than it seeks to solve, even if unintentionally. A

You’re a Rock Star Even if Nobody Tells You We’ve got to get something off our chests. It’s a secret that shouldn’t be. It’s something that doesn’t, for some reason, get said enough or only gets said when the “right” conditions are met. And it’s a shame. You're a Rock Star! Yes, YOU! Birthing a baby and parenting said baby until they run your refrigerator out the door, is hard work no matter what. Even for us folk who seem to be floating on cloud 9 in the best breeze, there

Your Birth Plan Is Supported by ACOG Your birth plan just got better! A new statement was just released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They are now recommending limiting interventions in labor for women who meet certain criteria. They're also recommending one-on-one support more and nonpharmacologic pain management measures. What does this statement mean for parents giving birth? Well, for starters it means that ACOG is recommending a more individ

Finally, a class for parents having a cesarean birth! Will you be welcoming a sweet baby or babies by way of cesarean birth? Are you supporting someone before, during, and after a cesarean birth? Feeling anxious, nervous, or out of touch with what to expect on the big day and weeks following the birth? The Jacksonville Baby Company understands the diverse needs of families. Our Cesarean Birth Prep Class is the only one of its kind for parents and support persons in the Jackso

Delayed Cord Clamping Benefits; ACOG Recommendations Whether you want to use a birth plan or not you'll want to know about these options. Most care providers aren't going over these in prenatal visits routinely. It's important to have an open discussion about your options. The benefits can last a minimum of six weeks for you and up to a year for you and for your baby. That's HUGE! We rarely display photos of umbilical cords for the simple fact that not everyone wants to see t