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Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy: Why a CBC Doesn't Always Tell the Whole Story
Many pregnant women are told their blood counts are "normal" even while experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency. The truth is that a CBC is only one piece of the puzzle. In this post I explain why ferritin and a full iron panel often tell the real story.
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What Does a Midwife Do? Understanding the Role of Midwives
If you're pregnant and exploring your care options, you may be wondering what exactly a midwife does and how midwifery differs from traditional obstetric care. In this post, I break it down for you — from prenatal visits to birth support and beyond.
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Prenatal Testing: What Are Your Options
During pregnancy, you’ll hear about different kinds of prenatal tests. These tests are tools that can give you information about your baby’s growth and development. Some people find this information reassuring, while others may choose not to have testing at all. Both choices are valid.
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The Difference Between Fetal and Neonatal Circulation
As a midwife, one of the most fascinating aspects of pregnancy I love sharing with parents is how their baby's circulation works in the womb. Your baby's circulatory system is beautifully designed to support their growth and development before birth, and it functions quite differently from how it will after they take their first breath.
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What's That on My Baby? Understanding Common Newborn Features
As midwives, we're often the first to help parents understand what's expected when meeting their baby for the first time. It's perfectly natural for parents to marvel at their little one's features—and it's equally natural to ask, "Is this normal?" Here's a guide to some of the most common newborn findings that might surprise new parents but are, in fact, completely typical.
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Understanding Estimated Due Dates in Pregnancy
One of the most significant questions expectant parents often ask is, "When is the baby due?" The estimated due date (EDD) or "guess date" as some prefer to call it, provides an answer to this question. This date will guide time sensitive testing throughout the prenatal care, it helps healthcare providers track the baby's development and also helps parents prepare for the arrival of their newborn. While the actual birth date may vary, having a reliable estimate allows for better preparation and follow up care of the pregnancy.
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Preparing Your Child for a Homebirth - A Comprehensive Guide
Introducing a new sibling through a homebirth can be a beautiful and intimate experience for the entire family. However, it’s essential to prepare your older children adequately, helping them understand and feel comfortable with what will happen. This guide will provide you with practical tips to ensure your children are ready for the arrival of their new sibling in a home birth setting.
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Myth Busting Homebirth Midwives: Separating Fact from Fiction
As a certified nurse midwife with a passion for home births, I often encounter numerous misconceptions and myths surrounding the practice of midwifery care in the home setting. These misconceptions occurred in my own home when my partner and I were discussing the type of care we wanted during my second pregnancy. It was clear to me what I wanted and knew was the safest and best place for me, but he needed some education and myth busting.
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Homebirth Midwife Interview Questionnaire
Choosing to have a homebirth can be one of the most significant life choices you make for yourself and your growing family. To join you on this journey you may need to choose a midwife that you trust, feels a connection with and best aligns with your philosophy. Most, if not all midwives offer a free consultation where you can ask all your questions. In order to facilitate this process I’ve created a questionnaire that can help you gather essential information and to make an informed decision about who to hire. You can find a downloadable worksheet that includes all these questions below.
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