On average, doulas burn out after only two years working in birth support. I believe a large part of this problem is due to inadequate doula training for the reality doulas face when supporting clients in the United States hospital system. Learn how to walk into every hospital birth with confidence, knowing they have the skills to support their clients without getting burnt out and overrun. Check out the why behind my new doula class, “Build Your Hospital Birth Skills - A Course for Brith Doulas.”

Three things my unmedicated births taught me… from increasing physical and mental stamina, to learning the importance of supportive relationships… Heidi clues you into her answer as to why someone may choose to have an unmedicated birth.

Morgan shares her reasons for hiring a doula as a first-time mom. From letting your husband relax and enjoy the birth of your baby, to having an advocate in your corner who only works for you, she shares the benefits of adding a doula onto your birth team!

Look at a birth doulas year in numbers! From advocating for low-intervention, to supporting c-sections and inductions, I hope this summary of Heidi’s (Kansas City Birth Doula) 2023 Year shows you that EVERY birth can utilize doula support!

Epidurals are a revolutionary and effective way to manage labor pain, but no birth plan should be limited to “just get an epidural!” Heidi, a hospital-based birth doula, talks about what you need to know about an epidural (before you get one) to help you go into your birth with confidence knowing you’re making the right choices for you and your baby!

1 in 160 pregnancies end in stillbirth, and while this is a guide no one wants to utilize, it represents months of community work, exploration, and experience, to give families the knowledge to navigate a stillbirth, and make best of the short time with their baby, without looking back saying “if only I knew…” (Photo of Amanda and Theo, by Melissa Helmick of The Photographic Storyteller)

Pack your hospital bag with a certified birth doula who has assisted with dozens of hospital births! This hospital bag essentials list is broken down into the bare necessities, the extras, as well as a list for the things you may want for an extended hospital stay due to a high-risk pregnancy or NICU admission.

Learn how each of the members of our doula team came to join The Bloc, their strengths, and how we approach birth and postpartum doula care a little differently!

Just because you are having a planned cesarean delivery, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be supported during your birth experience! Here are three ways you can prepare for an easier delivery and recovery.

Picking a medical care provider is one of the most important parts of planning an unmedicated, hospital birth. Hear from a doula who has had two unmedicated hospital births, as well as supported many across multiple different hospitals, as to what her top questions would be when interviewing a new obstetrician or midwife.