Perineal massage is commonly believed to support stretching and reduce the likelihood of tearing. Just as (or, perhaps, even more) importantly, it helps mom practice relaxing and letting go with the sensation she will feel as her baby’s head moves down. Whether it's tingling, bit of warmth, or something else, the sensation of tissues stretching and unfolding becomes familiar. For anyone new to the term, the perineum is the soft, stretchy area between the vaginal opening and the anus. During...

You may hear terms like Braxton-Hicks and prodromal labor used to describe different kinds of uterine surges that don’t lead to meaningful dilation. Braxton-Hicks often begin earlier in pregnancy and tend to be more sporadic, sometimes easing with hydration, rest, or a change in activity. What is often called prodromal labor usually happens toward the end of pregnancy—especially after 37 weeks—and can feel more like labor, becoming stronger, more regular, and lasting longer. In HypnoBirthing,...

About one in ten US families hire a doula for their birth, and that percentage has been growing. But when is the best time to reach out? Earlier is generally better as some doulas can get booked six to eight months out. However, some are open to being hired in the third trimester. So, it can be possible to find a doula later in pregnancy, but waiting limits your options. About a third of my clients who take my HypnoBirthing classes choose to hire a doula. Those who reach out earlier tend to...