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What Happens Before, During, and After a C-Section? A Guide for Expecting Parents

Mother meeting her newborn baby during a C-section birth in the operating room with her support person beside her

Nearly one in three babies in the United States is born by C-section, yet many expecting parents have little idea what actually happens during the procedure until they—or someone they love—are preparing for one. A C-section may be planned weeks in advance or become necessary after labor has already begun. Either way, knowing what to […]

Can I Eat During Labor? What Every Expecting Mom Should Know

Laboring mother eating a light snack while being monitored in a hospital room with her partner nearby

Labor is physical work. Your uterus is contracting, your body is using energy, and depending on how labor begins, the process may last hours—or even days. So it makes sense that one surprisingly common question from expecting parents is: Can I eat during labor? The frustrating answer is: it depends. What you are allowed to […]

When Should I Go to the Hospital? Signs It’s Time to Leave Home

Pregnant mother laboring at home with support during a contraction

“Is this it?”It’s one of the most common questions I hear as a doula—and understandably so. Labor doesn’t usually begin with a flashing sign that says GO TO THE HOSPITAL NOW! Maybe you’re having contractions, but they’re still manageable. Maybe they’ve been coming all night, but the timing keeps changing. Maybe your water broke, but […]

Why Are We Waiting Six Weeks? Rethinking the Postpartum Checkup

New mother holding her newborn during the early postpartum weeks

Pregnancy comes with appointments. Lots of them! At first, you may see your provider every few weeks. As your due date approaches, those visits become more frequent until you’re being seen every week. Your blood pressure is checked. Baby’s heartbeat is monitored. You talk about symptoms, changes, concerns, and what to expect next. Then you […]

The First 90 Minutes After Birth: What New Parents Can Expect

New parents meeting their baby during the Golden Hour while a nurse provides postpartum care in the hospital.

The moment your baby is born is one you’ve probably imagined for months. But what surprises many parents is that birth isn’t actually over. While you’re soaking in those first cuddles, your care team is still hard at work caring for both you and your baby. Understanding what happens during those first 90 minutes can […]

When Birth Plans Change: Supporting Families Through Unexpected Labor Turns

Partner supporting a pregnant mother in the hospital after birth plans changed

Few things are more disappointing than realizing your birth isn’t unfolding the way you imagined. Whether it’s an unexpected induction, epidural, or cesarean, those changes can bring real grief—and that’s okay. Creating a birth plan is one of my favorite parts of working with families, as it gives parents the chance to think through their […]

A Day in the Life of a Postpartum Doula in Delaware

Postpartum doula showing a new mother newborn care techniques during an in-home postpartum visit.

The first few weeks after bringing home a new baby can be filled with incredible joy—and just as many questions. Between recovering from birth, feeding around the clock, and adjusting to a new routine, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where postpartum doula support comes in. While many people picture baby snuggles and rocking chairs, […]

Can a Doula Help During an Induction?

Pregnant mother beginning a labor induction while a nurse prepares pitocin infusion in a hospital labor and delivery room.

When families hear the word “induction,” it’s often accompanied by a mix of emotions. Some feel relieved to have a plan, while others feel disappointed that labor didnt begin on its own. Many simply wonder what to expect. An induction doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that your birth is somehow less meaningful. While it may […]

Why I Became a Doula: The Heart Behind Birthing Peace

Nikkita Jervey, founder of Birthing Peace, sharing the personal story and passion behind her work as a doula

When people ask me why I became a doula, the answer is deeply personal. Long before Birthing Peace became a reality, I felt drawn to supporting women during some of the most life-changing moments they would ever experience. Birth has always felt sacred to me. It is a season filled with anticipation, strength, questions, and growth. […]

Questions I Hear Most Often During Doula Consultations

A doula helping a soon-to-be-mom

Becoming a parent comes with a lot of decisions, and one of the biggest is deciding what kind of support you want during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. As a doula, I spend a lot of time answering questions during consultations from families who are trying to figure out whether doula support is the right fit. […]

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