Welcome to the Luna Natal Doula Care Blog! I bet you are here because you want to have a memorable, empowering, and positive birth experience. You have come to the right place!

My name is Eva and I am a birth and postpartum doula serving Northern Indiana and Southern Michiana (Michiana). I am PASSIONATE about advocacy and supporting the birthing person to have an iconic birth, whatever their birth goals might be. I believe, knowledge is power and the key to an iconic, positive birth experience is being well informed and knowing how to advocate for your birth preferences. Here are my top three tips for an ICONIC & EMPOWERED birth this year!

Build Your Birth Dream Team  

An iconic and empowered birth always starts with a supportive birth team. I call this your birth dream team. I also emphasize the importance of a larger birth and postpartum support network.

A strong birth dream team will include a provider who respects your choices (OB, midwife), any key support outside of a doula (your mom, best friend, sister, partner, etc), and a birth doula. Each person has their own unique role to play and together they can support your birth preferences for you to have an empowered birth.

Finding a team composed of individuals who your trust and whose philosophies align with your birth preferences is fundamental to a birth dream team.

Craft a Birth Plan That Empowers You  

Crafting a birth plan is an empowering step in your pregnancy journey. A birth plan allows you to clarify your preferences and communicate your desires for labor and delivery. A birth plan outlines important choices, such as pain management options, preferred labor positions, and immediate postpartum wishes like skin-to-skin contact with your baby.

What happens if my birth plan isn’t followed?  

While it’s essential to express your non-negotiables—like wanting a supportive partner present or specific comfort measures—it's equally important to remain flexible. In fact, the beauty of a birth plan is helping you make informed choices every step of the way even when things deviate from your original plan. Birth can be unpredictable, so being open to adjustments can help you navigate unexpected changes while still advocating for your core values.

How can I ensure my birth plan is respected?  

To enhance the likelihood that your plan is respected, share it with your healthcare team ahead of time, engage in open conversations about your preferences, and ensure that everyone involved is aware of your desires. By taking these steps, you empower yourself to advocate for a birthing experience that aligns with your vision.

Equip Yourself with Knowledge and Advocacy Skills  

Prenatal education is a powerful tool that empowers expectant parents to make informed decisions about their birth experience. By participating in local resources, such as childbirth classes and workshops in the Michiana area, you can gain valuable insights and confidence as you prepare for labor and delivery. I recommend that all of my clients take a childbirth education course. I do offer one-on-one childbirth education in addition to my doula support package for those seeking a continuum of care.

How can I advocate for myself in the birth space?

Advocacy is key; approach your healthcare team with open-ended questions like, “What are my options?” or “What happens if we wait?” This encourages dialogue and helps you understand the full scope of your choices.

Utilizing the BRAIN acronym—Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and doing Nothing—can further guide your decision-making process, ensuring you consider all angles before proceeding. Remember, “When you know your options, you own your birth!” By arming yourself with knowledge, you not only enhance your own experience but also advocate for the birth that feels right for you. Plus, having a birth doula in your corner can help you advocate for your preferences.

Start Your Iconic And Empowered Birth Journey!

For an empowered and iconic birth journey in Michiana you need to build you birth dream team, craft a strong birth plan, and equip yourself with knowledge and advocacy skills.

Starting your iconic birth experience is possible today. If you want to learn more about how a local birth doula can support your empowered birth, let's connect! Together we can personalize your support and make you birth dreams come true.

Check out my FREE first and second trimester Q & A guide and click the link below to book your FREE birth consultation today!