Dogwood Doula Birth Services

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...