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Everything You Need to Prepare for an Induction

Nov 256 min read

Everything You Need to Prepare for an Induction

During the holidays, talk of induction inevitably comes up. Either from accounts online warning you about higher rates of induction...

16 views

Melissa F. Haley

Nov 44 min read

Pregnancy

Birthing From Within: Labyrinths

The Birthing from Within logo is a labyrinth, so you know they are an important! I use labyrinths throughout my Birthing From Within...

10 views

Birthing From Within: Breathing Techniques

Melissa F. Haley

Oct 204 min read

Pregnancy

Birthing From Within: Breathing Techniques

Most birthing classes include breathing techniques so there is a myth that you need to learn the right way to breath through a...

11 views

Melissa F. Haley

Oct 76 min read

Birth

What is Birthing From Within?

If you are interested in a childbirth education class, you might find yourself sorting through many different curriculums: Hypnobirthing,...

22 views

Is Waterbirth Safe? Where Can I Have a Waterbirth in Chicago?

Melissa F. Haley

Sep 235 min read

Birth

Is Waterbirth Safe? Where Can I Have a Waterbirth in Chicago?

Are you interested in giving birth in a tub or birth pool? Often, in order to use a birthing tub you have to sign a consent form. Many of...

16 views

Places to Give Birth in Chicago: Northwestern Prentice Women's Hospital

Melissa F. Haley

Aug 196 min read

Birth

Places to Give Birth in Chicago: Northwestern Prentice Women's Hospital

Part 3 of my series about places to give birth in and around the Chicago area features Northwestern Prentice Women's Hospital. Prentice...

73 views

Why You Should Add a Birth Photographer to Your Care Team!

Erin Loughlin

Aug 53 min read

Birth

Why You Should Add a Birth Photographer to Your Care Team!

Have you been considering preserving your birth story through professional birth photography? It's a life event that cannot be...

9 views

Why You Should Get a Doula (and why that doula should be Mel)

Hadley Roberts, Intern

Jul 295 min read

Birth

Why You Should Get a Doula (and why that doula should be Mel)

(No, they did not ask me to write this:) After interviewing two doulas and reading over fifty birth stories, personally, I am convinced...

11 views

Induction Junction, What's Your Function?

Hadley Roberts, Intern

Jul 154 min read

Birth

Induction Junction, What's Your Function?

Inductions seem to be on the rise as the percentage of inductions has risen by almost 10% from 2007 to 2017(25.5%), with a more recent...

5 views

Gender Identity and Pronouns in the Hospital During Birth

Hadley Roberts, Intern

Jul 15 min read

LGBTQ+

Gender Identity and Pronouns in the Hospital During Birth

What is the issue? Feel free to skip this section if you already know Getting medical professionals to respect patients’ pronouns is one...

12 views

Melissa F. Haley

Jun 273 min read

Placenta

Is Placenta Encapsulation Dangerous?

I've had three families cancel placenta encapsulation this month. It's totally up to you if you want to have placenta pills and I don't...

30 views

Places to Give Birth in Chicago: Illinois Masonic

Melissa F. Haley

Jun 34 min read

Birth

Places to Give Birth in Chicago: Illinois Masonic

Part 2 of my series about places to give birth in and around the Chicago area features Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital. Illinois...

31 views

Melissa F. Haley

May 204 min read

Birth

Cord Blood Banking: Is it Worth It?

Chrissy Teigen banks her kids' cord blood, should you? Many families have heard of cord blood banking through targeted ads and influencer...

12 views

Melissa F. Haley

Apr 246 min read

Birth

What is in My Birth Doula Bag?

Want a sneak peak into what I bring with me to every birth? This is the bag that sits ready by the door at all times. Ultimately, my...

75 views

Should You Drink Red Raspberry Leaf Tea? When?

Melissa F. Haley

Apr 153 min read

Pregnancy

Should You Drink Red Raspberry Leaf Tea? When?

Does red raspberry leaf tea (RRL) work to induce labor? If it can start labor, should you be really careful about when you drink it for...

54 views

Places to Give Birth In Chicago: Birth Center of Chicago

Melissa F. Haley

Apr 86 min read

Birth

Places to Give Birth In Chicago: Birth Center of Chicago

There are so many places to give birth in Chicago. I'm starting off this series with a review of one of my all time favorites! BCC is...

67 views

Melissa F. Haley

Mar 284 min read

Birth

What Does a Doula do at a Home Birth?

Occasionally someone reaches out to me and shares that they are planning to deliver at home in the Chicago area unassisted by any medical...

22 views

How to Find the Best Doula in Chicago: Interview Questions

Melissa F. Haley

Mar 264 min read

Pregnancy

How to Find the Best Doula in Chicago: Interview Questions

You've found some doulas to interview that might be the right fit. You've scheduled some interviews. Now what? Awkward conversations are...

33 views

Melissa F. Haley

Mar 112 min read

Birth

Hot Labor Tips for Queer Partners

Maybe you are thinking that you are a fantastic partner and you don't need help. You know that support during labor is crucial for the...

16 views

Melissa F. Haley

Mar 92 min read

Birth

What does a doula DO-la?

I mentioned that I was feeling sore after a birth to my father-in-law and he looked confused. "How are you sore?! Aren't you a liaison at...

42 views

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