Luna Natal Doula Care

When people think about preparing for birth, they often focus on packing the hospital bag, choosing baby gear, or writing a birth plan. But one of the most valuable things you can do during pregnancy is learn practical comfort measures that actually help you cope during labor. One of the most effective and commonly used techniques is counterpressure. Whether you're planning an epidural, hoping for an unmedicated birth, or simply want more tools in your toolbox, understanding

Congratulations! You found out you are pregnant and probably are making your way through your first or second trimester. But now you are thinking about the end game-BIRTH....which means you may also be considering the support team you want to build for that special day. Your doula search begins and you are unsure how to find the right fit for you. After frantically searching 'doula near me' on Google at 3am you still are not sure what the next steps will be. Have no fear-- I'

When people think about labor pain management, the conversation usually jumps straight from “natural birth” to epidurals—as if there’s nothing in between. But there are other options. One that’s becoming increasingly popular in hospitals and birth spaces across the country is nitrous oxide in labor. You may have heard it called “laughing gas,” but nitrous oxide for labor is a little different than the kind used at the dentist’s office. It’s a fast-acting pain management optio

If you’ve heard the term back labor, you already know it’s not something to brush off. It can be intense, relentless, and for many women, it’s the part of labor they feel the least prepared for. And yet—most traditional birth prep barely touches real, effective tools for managing it. That is why I focus on what all your options are in my childbirth classes. One option that deserves way more attention? Sterile water injections. They’re simple, low-intervention, and surprisingl

If you’ve started thinking about your birth, chances are you’ve opened a notes app, downloaded a template, or pinned a “dream birth plan” on Pinterest. And while I love a clear vision for your birth—what most people don’t realize is this: A birth plan isn’t the thing that creates a positive, empowered experience. It’s the preparation behind it. Because birth doesn’t follow a script. It unfolds. It shifts. And sometimes, it asks you to make decisions in moments you didn’t expe

For many families, a hospital birth is the planned and desired setting for welcoming their baby. And contrary to what social media sometimes implies, you can absolutely have a respectful, empowered hospital birth (you just need to understand the system to make that happen). As a Michiana birth doula and childbirth educator serving families in my local community and virtually, I’ve supported clients through beautiful, confident hospital births — including inductions, epidurals

Photo Credit: https://www.newlifebirthservices.org/new-life-blog/2020/5/12/how-tens-can-reduce-pain-in-labor When my clients tell me they want tools — not just coping mantras — I often bring up one simple, powerful option: t he TENS unit. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a small, handheld device that can provide drug-free pain relief during labor. It’s portable, non-invasive, and gives you control. And as a b irth doula and childbirth educator , I love

If you’re reading this, I’m willing to bet you’re not the type to just “go with the flow” when it comes to birth. You’ve read the books, scrolled the forums, maybe even had a few friends whisper warnings about what could happen in labor. And honestly? You’re tired of the uncertainty, the fear, the “winging it” approach everyone tells you is normal. You want more than just surface-level tips—you want clarity, confidence, and real, actionable tools to navigate your labor like

If you’re pregnant and planning to give birth in or around th e South Bend, Indiana area , chances are you’ve already been flooded with advice. From well-meaning family members to quick hospital classes and social media soundbites, it can feel like everyone has an opinion about how your birth should go. As a birth doula and childbirth educator serving the South Bend–Michiana area, these are the five things I wish every pregnant woman knew before stepping into labor. Not to

If you’ve heard the term “sunny side up baby” and felt an immediate wave of concern—take a breath. An occiput posterior (OP) baby is common, normal, and can be flipped during labor. It doesn’t mean your body is failing or that your birth is destined to be difficult—but it can change how labor feels and how we support it. As a birth doula and childbirth educator , my role isn’t to “fix” your body or force your baby into position. It’s to help create space, balance, and opti

Let’s get real: labor is intense. It’s powerful, transformative, sometimes scary, and always deeply personal. If you’re a birth partner—whether that’s a spouse, friend, or family member—you probably want to help, but the sheer volume of advice online can be overwhelming. Cue this Birth Partner Cheat Sheet: your go-to guide for what actually makes a difference during labor. As a birth doula , I’ve seen firsthand which strategies calm, support, and empower birthing people—and w

Hospital birth classes do a great job teaching you how to time contractions, when to call, what to pack, and the basics of what labor can look like. But they almost always skip the deeper truths — the ones that protect your autonomy, your body, your instincts, and the physiology of your birth. As a doula serving families across the Michiana area , I’ve supported enough births to tell you this: There is so much more you deserve to know. So today, I’m breaking down five power

Pregnancy can be thrilling, overwhelming, and everything in between. The thought of labor can bring excitement, anticipation… and a fair amount of anxiety. That’s exactly why personalized childbirth education classes are so important—not just as a checklist item on your pregnancy to-do list, but as a tool for empowerment, confidence, information, and clarity. When you know what’s happening in your body, understand your options, and have strategies to navigate labor, you step

When it comes to pain relief in labor, the epidural is one of the most common choices. But it also comes with a lot of questions, myths,...

Pregnancy comes with so many new terms, acronyms, and decisions—and one that often pops up late in the third trimester is Group B Strep...

When it comes to giving birth, the choice of where to give birth and who is present at your birth is one of the most important you will...

When it comes to birth, one thing is clear: your choices matter. As a birth doula supporting families virtually and in the Michiana...

When we think about pregnancy and birth, we often focus on the growing baby or the labor process—but one of the most powerful and...

If you’ve ever been told “You’re only 3 centimeters,” you know how frustrating and confusing cervical checks can feel. And if you’re...

April is Cesarean Awareness Month , a time to educate, empower, and support those who have had or may have a cesarean birth. Whether...