Dogwood Doula Birth Services

  Nitrous Oxide for Pain Relief in Labor: What You Need to Know When it comes to pain relief options during labor, nitrous oxide—often called "laughing gas"—is one of the lesser-known but growing choices available to birthing people in the United States. While it has been widely used for labor pain relief in countries like Canada, the UK, and Sweden for decades, its use in the U.S. has only recently started gaining traction. So, what does the evidence actually say about nitrous oxide during labor? Let’s dive in! What Is Nitrous Oxide and How Does It Work? Nitrous oxide is an inhaled analgesic, meaning it provides systemic pain relief rather than numbing a specific area like an epidural. It’s a 50/50 mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, administered through a mask that you hold over your mouth and nose. The key to using it effectively is timing your breaths—starting to inhale 30-45 seconds before a contraction peaks to experience the best pain relief. Unlike an epidural, n...

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about preeclampsia or any other medical condition. Preeclampsia is one of those pregnancy complications that can sneak up unexpectedly, and it’s no joke. It affects about 5-8% of pregnancies and, if left unchecked, can lead to serious complications for both mom and baby. But the good news? There are ways to help reduce your risk. Let’s dive into what preeclampsia is, what signs to watch for, and what you can do to keep it at bay. What is Preeclampsia? Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, typically showing up after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It can range from mild to severe and, if not managed, can lead to eclampsia (seizures) or other dangerous complications. Signs & Symptoms Some moms don’t feel any different, but here’s what to watch for: High blood pressur...

If you’re in the Fayetteville/Fort Liberty area and considering a homebirth or birth center, you may have noticed that finding a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) or Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) who attends home births in North Carolina can be tricky. To make your search easier, I’ve put together a list of homebirth midwives and out-of-hospital (OOH) birth centers within approximately two hours of Fayetteville.. Birth Centers Haven Women’s Health and Birth Center ( Accepts Insurance ) Sara Fawson, CNM Location: Cary, NC Website: havenhealthandbirth.com Contact: 919-322-0284 Aya Birth House and Community Wellness ( Accepts Insurance ) Tina Braimah, CNM Location: Durham, NC Website: ayawellness.org Contact: info@ayawellness.org Accepting Birth House clients with due dates Dec. 15, 2024, and beyond Natural Beginnings Birth Center ( Accepts Insurance ) Marcia Ensminger, CNM Location: Statesville, NC Website: naturalbeginningsnc.com Contact: 704...

Pregnancy comes with a long list of body changes, and for many expecting mothers, anemia can be one of them. If you’ve been told your iron levels are “low,” you might be wondering what that really means and how to fix it. Let’s break it down! Iron Levels: Pregnant vs. Non-Pregnant Iron is essential for carrying oxygen in the blood, and during pregnancy, your blood volume increases by nearly 50%. This means your body needs more iron to support both you and your growing baby. However, many lab tests compare iron levels to non-pregnant thresholds, making it seem like your iron is “low” when it may actually be within the normal range for pregnancy. Normal Iron Levels: Non-pregnant women typically have hemoglobin levels between 12-15 g/dL. Pregnancy Adjusted Levels: In pregnancy, mild anemia is often considered anything below 11 g/dL in the first and third trimesters and below 10.5 g/dL in the second trimester. Before panicking over a “low” result, talk to your provider about pre...

I feel like my chest is on FIRE! Pregnancy is magical, but let’s be real— acid reflux is not . If you find yourself waking up at 2 a.m. feeling like a fire-breathing dragon, you’re not alone. Heartburn and reflux are common in pregnancy thanks to hormonal changes and that ever-growing baby pressing on your stomach. The good news? There are plenty of ways to manage acid reflux , from simple lifestyle changes to medical interventions. Let’s break them down from the least medical to the most medical so you can find the best option for relief. 🌿 Lifestyle Solutions (Start Here!) Before reaching for remedies, try these simple adjustments to help prevent and manage reflux naturally : ✅ Eat Small, Frequent Meals – Overloading your stomach = reflux waiting to happen. ✅ Stay Upright After Eating – Gravity is your friend; don’t lie down right after meals. ✅ Sleep Elevated – Prop yourself up with pillows to keep acid where it belongs. ✅ Identify Trigger Foods – Common culprits: spi...

  Dogwood Doula’s Guide to: How to Get a Referral for Doula Care with Tricare  If you are a Tricare beneficiary and want to access doula care, follow these simple steps to secure a referral and start your journey toward supported, confident birthing care. Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility Plan Type : Ensure you are enrolled in Tricare Prime or Tricare Select. Active duty members require a referral regardless of network status. Delivery Location : Referrals are only valid for deliveries outside of Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs). MTF births are not covered under the current program.  *WOMACK AMC is an MTF. Only those planning to give birth off post are eligible for doula services. Provider Requirements : You must plan to give birth with a Tricare-authorized provider, such as an OB/GYN, a family practice doctor, or a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) are not authorized. Timing : Doula services can begin once you are at least 20 weeks ...