The high rates of cesarean sections (C-sections) worldwide stem from various factors, including medical indications such as fetal distress or maternal health conditions, technological advances making C-sections safer and more accessible, cultural and litigation concerns, financial incentives, and maternal choice. These factors contribute to overuse or unnecessary use of C-sections, leading to increased healthcare costs and potential risks for mothers and babies. Preventing unnecessary C-sections involves attending regular prenatal check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, educating oneself about childbirth, discussing birth preferences and concerns, staying flexible during labor, considering labor support, and discussing VBAC options if applicable. Doulas can also play a crucial role in preventing C-sections by providing continuous support, advocacy, and guidance during labor and childbirth. Additionally, natural remedies and herbs like St. John's Wort, arnica, and calendula may aid in C-section recovery by promoting healing and reducing discomfort, but it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before use. Continue reading

Doulas can play a valuable role in preventing cesarean sections (C-sections) by providing continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to women during labor and childbirth. While doulas do not have medical training or the authority to make medical decisions, their presence and support have been associated with several factors that may help reduce the likelihood of C-sections. Continue reading

All birth is beautiful, and no two births are alike. Similarly, healing in the postpartum phase is unique to each mama, baby, and birthing experience. C-sections are often overlooked in this. Now that you are home with your baby, knowing how to heal and recover from a cesarean section as you step into the new territory of motherhood is crucial to your well being and wholeness as a woman. 

  

 

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Hello Beautiful! Have you experienced a yoni steam?

On today’s episode of Apothecary Wisdom, we’ll explore the restorative practice of yoni steams. There is a lot you need to know about them. Yoni steams offer us the to restore the disconnect from our female body, yoni/uterus, whether that be from birth, unsatisfying intimate experiences, trauma, abuse, surgeries, or just cultural disconnect.

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During pregnancy and throughout labor, we look forward to the moments after birth as the finish line. In many ways, it is. You wait and work for the moment when your baby’s velvet skin touches yours. But in no way does that mean your body’s work has ended. Yes, parenting work is about to begin, but there are also big changes, hormonal shifts, and developmental milestones about to happen within the very first hour after birth. Breastfeeding immediately after birth connects mom and baby in these moments of change to help improve their bond and latch for the rest of their breastfeeding relationship. Continue reading

A midwife or doula’s goal is to see every woman birth in safe, empowering, and beautiful ways. Sometimes, for various reasons, that looks like a Cesarean section, and sometimes that includes planned C-sections. There is no reason to expect less of your birth experience in the case of a planned C-section. When a C-section is the planned birth process, you have some more freedom to work with your doctor than in the case of an emergency.

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