Remember to Hydrate Written by LaMamma Mothercare “You’re two centimeters, 70% effaced, and the baby is at –2 station.” If you have never seen a cervix or pelvis from the inside, that sentence may not mean much. You may understand that ten centimeters is the eventual goal, but what is actually being measured? Where is the cervix? What does 70% effaced look like? And how can someone still be two centimeters after hours of cervical ripening while their nurse says they have made

Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound journey. I have found that having gentle, informed support can make all the difference. When I think about the path from pregnancy to early parenthood, I remember how important it was to feel seen, heard, and cared for. This is where doula support services come in, offering a nurturing presence that walks alongside you every step of the way. In this guide, I want to share what I’ve learned about the many ways doulas can suppor

Don't forget to hydrate Written by LlaMamma Mothercare Bishop Score Calculator: What Your Score Means Before Induction You may hear a nurse, midwife, or doctor mention your Bishop score before or during an induction—sometimes without much explanation of what the number actually means. It can feel like one more number you are supposed to understand while preparing to have a baby. Thankfully, the idea behind it is fairly simple: The Bishop score describes how ready—or favorable

By LlaMamma Mothercare Induction of Labor: What Actually Happens, and Why? If you have been told that you are going to be induced, you may suddenly find yourself hearing an entirely new language: cervical ripening, misoprostol, Foley balloon, Pitocin, amniotomy, station, effacement, and Bishop score. It is a lot to take in, especially when you are also trying to prepare for birth. It can sound as though an induction is one procedure that begins the moment you arrive at the ho

Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound journey. It is filled with hope, questions, and sometimes uncertainty. I want you to know that you are not alone on this path. As someone who has supported many families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, I understand the importance of having compassionate, continuous support. That’s why I want to gently introduce you to Medicaid-covered doula options and how they can be a comforting presence for you and your family. Wh

Llamamma Mothercare When I first became a doula, I assumed the most important part of my job would be supporting people during labor. However i have learned that some of the most meaningful moments happen long before contractions begin. They happen when someone looks at me after a prenatal appointment and says, "I have no idea what any of it actually means." Or after a cervical exam. "I'm three centimeters, 80% effaced, and -2 station. Is that good?" Or when labor starts. "Th

Understanding the Third Stage of Labor, Postpartum Hemorrhage, and the Evidence Behind Routine Pitocin

By Lyndsey Petrino — Llamamma Mothercare Safety, Surrender, and the Physiology of Opening We speak often about safety, surrender, and trusting the body in birth. We talk about softening the jaw, slowing the breath, and creating environments where the nervous system feels supported. This is not simply philosophy, It is physiology. Birth is a neurological, hormonal, and emotional process — and much of it can be deeply affected by one powerful structure: the vagus nerve . When w

By Llamamma Mothercare Birth work calls us into some of the most sacred and vulnerable spaces in a person’s life. Yet for many birthing people, those spaces can also stir echoes of past pain. Domestic violence, sexual assault, and other trauma often leave deep impressions in the body and nervous system—shaping how safety, touch, and control are experienced during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. At Llamamma Mothercare , we believe every doula and birth worker should feel equ

Written by a doula at LlaMamma Mothercare What does it actually mean to eat enough while you breastfeed? Look — I know it’s hard. Truly nourishing yourself can feel like one of the hardest things in early motherhood. But it’s 2026, and we all know by now that we can’t pour from an empty cup. Breastfeeding is often framed as something we do for our babies — and while that’s true, it’s only half the story. Lactation is also a profound, metabolically demanding process for the

I’m here because I love birth first — and I also love learning and teaching. One thing I know from experience, both personally and professionally, is that we rarely learn something the first time we hear it. That’s simply how our brains work. Which is why it’s helpful, and often necessary, to go over things more than once, in more than one way. While childbirth is simple, holy, and deeply natural, it can also feel complex once you’re inside the medical system. Having a roadma

By Llamamma Mothercare Every labour is unique. Some births move quickly, others unfold slowly over many hours. What’s universal, however, is that the way a birthing person moves and positions themselves can strongly influence both comfort and progress. Movement is not just about “doing something” — it’s about working with your body and baby to find balance, relieve discomfort, and open the pelvis at just the right times. Movement is medicine in labour. Positions help: Encoura

By Llamamma Mothercare Let me begin by saying that birth is incredible, and you possess immense strength! I truly believe that with practice and patience, you can cultivate a sense of peace and calm within your body. Women are among the most powerful beings on Earth, and sometimes we need to nurture that strength to fully access it. The phrase “bend, don’t break” resonates with me as I write this. My aim is to assist you in developing tools to remind you of your inherent powe

Breaking the Fear-Tension-Pain Cycle: How to Shift from Fight-or-Flight to Calm and Connected in Labor

Decision-Making Framework: The BRAIN Acronym highlights key considerations – Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and Nothing. By:...

By Llamamma Mothercare Welcoming a new baby is a deeply transformative time. Having the right support can make all the difference—not...

… by Llamamma Mothercare When you’re carrying life, your heart is full of dreams for your baby: health, safety, and a loving beginning....

Did You Know? Medicaid Covers Birth Doulas in Washington State! If you’re pregnant in Vancouver, Washington, and enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid), here’s something powerful you might not know...

Written by “ If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it .” John H. Kennell, MD When you're planning for birth, you're...

"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water." - Loren Eiseley, Written by Llamamma Mothercare Inspired by Vancouver...