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My Uterus- It’s none of your business.
I stood out in my driveway on an uncharacteristically warm Oregon spring day, six weeks after moving here, having my first conversation with my new neighbors from across the street. They are a nice elderly couple, with her curled-and-set hair and his POW MIA cap, and although they were perfectly friendly I still had a…
Read MoreNitrous at Salem Hospital
Did you know that Salem Health Family Birth Center offers nitrous oxide during labor? What does this mean for you? Let’s break it down. Nitrous oxide is an odorless, colorless gas that you may most often hear about for dental procedures, but it has been used for labor pain relief across the world. Sometimes referred…
Read MoreOur Baby Died: An open letter to family & friends
Dear Friends and Family, As you may have heard, we had to say goodbye to our precious baby. Our hearts are broken and our world is pretty dark right now. We know that you’re sad, too. Our current goal is to survive… and even that is difficult. We are including some ideas on how you…
Read MoreWhat to Expect: Having a baby at Salem Hospital
From your arrival to the time your baby is in your arms, knowing what to expect with your birth at Salem Health Family Birth Center can ease some anxiety.
Read MoreI Don’t Love My Baby
I like order, organization, and planning. When I became pregnant-which was a miracle itself, but that’s another story-I <obsessively> researched every idea, problem, scenario, opinion and strategy on pregnancy, babies and labor. What to eat, what not to eat, the best and worst names, the ‘must have’ products, the worst baby products, contractions, epidurals, emergency C-Sections,…
Read MoreLabor & Cervical Scar Tissue
I’ve been to more than a few births. I’ve worked with women from a variety of backgrounds and previous birth experiences. I’ve been at labors that have lasted 30 minutes (yes…that’s total) and labors that have lasted multiple days. I’ve been at the births of multiples, at inductions, at birth centers and hospitals. I’ve worked…
Read MoreLabor Interventions: Is Pitocin Bad?
I had my one and only biological child 21 years ago. I took childbirth classes and I felt pretty prepared. I mean, what I got out of the classes was ‘if you breathe like this, you can manage labor without the big, bad epidural.” And as prepared as I was, I gave no thought to…
Read MoreDoes OHP Cover Doula Support?
About 5 years ago, this exciting thing happened that made a big wave through the birth community. It was announced that Medicaid in Oregon would actually be covering doula care! I jumped on it. I got the information to be a part of the registry and put a great deal of time to get…
Read MoreA Color-Coded Guide to Baby Poop
Oh the stuff that comes out of that precious baby! Allow us the opportunity to put your mind at ease as your baby grows. Baby poop comes in a variety of colors (and smells) depending on stage of life, food they’re eating, etc. Before you get too concerned over the current explosion, scroll through and…
Read MoreBuilding Bridges- Our promise to Medical Staff
We get it. It took watching and listening and conversation. But when we walk into the room, please know that PNW Doulas gets it. To each staff member at each hospital we are invited into: We know that you have years of education and experience under your belt. We know that you are providing the…
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