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

Hello clients and dear friends, I wanted to take some time today to share some recent updates to Luna Natal Doula Care. First and foremost, my area of service will be shifting slightly as I have recently moved to Elkhart, Indiana from Cassopolis, Michigan. Overall, my radius is staying the same with the small change of no longer clients planning to birth at Bronson Kalamazoo or Corewell St. Joseph hospitals in Michigan. It has been a true blessing to serve to many clients in

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 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

Pregnancy and birth are profound, life-changing experiences, and having the right support can make all the difference. If you’ve been wondering whether hiring a doula is worth it , research shows the answer is a resounding yes. From physical support to emotional guidance, doulas help birthing people feel empowered, informed, and cared for throughout labor and postpartum recovery. As a birth doula serving the Michiana area, I’ve witnessed firsthand how personalized support tr

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

There’s a moment in almost every hospital birth where things suddenly shift. You ’ve been in your cozy home, labor flowing beautifully, feeling grounded…and then it’s time to go. Out the door. Into bright lights. Into the unknown of the hospital system. Into a space that— let’s be honest— wasn’t built around the needs of laboring women. As a birth doula supporting families across the Michiana area , I’ve learned that how you transition from home to hospital in labor can dram

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, comfort, and celebration—but for many expectant parents, they can also bring an unexpected source of stress: induction pressure. Maybe your provider is suggesting an early induction so your baby doesn’t arrive “on a holiday,” or maybe you’ve overheard whispers about scheduling births around the calendar. Either way, the message is clear: some hospitals and providers see your due date as flexible, especially during the holiday se

Pregnancy is full of choices, decisions, and, let’s be honest, a lot of questions. Who will be in your corner? How will you navigate labor? What if things don’t go as planned? These questions are exactly why a birth doula consultation is such a valuable first step. Think of it as an interview, a conversation, and a planning session rolled into one—designed to ensure your birth experience is supported, respected, and truly centered on you. A consultation isn’t just about logi

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

One of the most common questions I hear from expecting parents is: “ What should I pack in my hospital bag for birth? ” It’s an important question—packing too little can leave you scrambling, and overpacking can make your hospital stay feel more stressful than it needs to be. As a birth and postpartum doula serving families in Michiana , I’ve walked alongside many parents preparing for hospital births. I know what’s truly useful during labor, delivery, and recovery—and what

Every year on November 17th, World Prematurity Day shines a light on premature birth—when a baby is born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy—and on the families who walk that unexpected road. For many, prematurity brings surprises, challenges, and grief, but also hope, resilience, and courage. As a birth doula , I believe that with informed care, compassionate support, and advocacy, families can be stronger in the face of uncertainty. What are the Facts About Premature Bir

Bringing home one baby is a huge adjustment. Bringing home two—or even three—can feel like stepping into a whole new world. Many parents of multiples in the Michiana area tell me the same thing: “I thought I was prepared, but nothing could have prepared me for the reality of juggling multiple newborns at once.” As a postpartum doula, offering local doula support my role is to come alongside you during this season, offering hands-on support, calm reassurance, and the practica