Refocusing My Energy for 2014

The time has come for me to refocus my energy from birth doula work to writing and publishing the books I have been working on for over 10 years.  Yes!  I am still teaching childbirth classes and coaching newborn families.  I am referring all of my students who are interested in a doula to my Spectrum Birth […]

Group Beta Strep In Depth

Here is one the most in depth and informative articles I’ve read on Group Beta Strep!  Please read the Alternative options for preventing and avoiding GBS towards the end of the article. It turns out garlic destroys GBS when applied directly to the vagina!  Taking probiotics strongly inhibits the growth of GBS by increasing the […]

6cm is the new 4cm

Labor Research finally catches up with 20th Century! 6cm is the new 4cm!  Important NEW research for any pregnant woman hoping for a vaginal delivery in a hospital.  The OLD (1950’s) way of judging the progress of labor once the cervix dilates to 4 cm may be a major contributing factor to the our ridiculously […]

Mom Matters

Beyond Birth ~ Mom Matters Preparing for the new mom’s wellbeing and postpartum recovery may seem inconsequential during pregnancy, especially since everyone is so focused on the expectant mom.  Between OB appointments, childbirth classes, baby showers, and breastfeeding classes, the expectant mother is fawned over, or so it seems.  Once baby is here, all eyes […]

A Birth Doula? Why?

A birth doula is a trained and experienced labor support professional.  She has a passion for empowering women and their families during pregnancy, labor and birth.  Most birth doulas have attended both hospital and home births.  Doulas support women and couples through all types of births.  Studies have shown that a doulas presence produces more […]

How much weight should a pregnant woman gain?

There isn’t an exact answer to this frequently asked question.  However, most pregnant women can expect to gain at least between 25 – 35 pounds.  In a recent, albeit very informal “poll” on my Facebook page the average weight gain was 45 pounds with a range from 20 to 70.  Among my childbirth education students […]

Having A Baby? Take A Childbirth Class!

Congratulations on your pregnancy and welcome to the exciting world of Expectant Parenthood!  Choosing a Childbirth Class, a Birth Doula, a Midwife, an OB, a Hospital, Birth Center, a Pediatrician and/or a Postpartum Coach are just a few of the many decisions you get to make throughout your early parenting journey.  There are many choices in childbirth […]

Natural Childbirth ~ Really?

Yes, whenever possible!  What is the definition of natural childbirth?  Natural childbirth is pregnancy, labor and birth the way nature intended ~ free of drugs, interventions and augmentations.   Natural childbirth is completely achievable in hospitals, birth centers and of course at home.  Proper preparation (education, exercise, nutrition…) and various types of support are the […]

Sex & Babies LIVE!

Having babies never changes, but how we think about having babies has changed considerably in the past few generations.  New technologies have given me new ways to deliver the best education about one of the life’s most important moments. I am thrilled to announce the birth of  Newborn Family TV, a web-based show about all […]

Having A Baby?

Take A Childbirth Class! 30 Reasons to Take A Childbirth Class To prepare for one of life’s most miraculous moments To learn about the many choices you have during pregnancy, labor and birth To stay healthy and low risk during pregnancy and birth To become a more informed pregnancy & birth consumer To avoid unnecessary […]