Bubbling Springs Childbirth Educator & Doula

10/15/2025

🕯️ Tonight, as part of the International Wave of Light, we join families around the world in lighting candles at 7 p.m. local time to honor the precious babies gone too soon. For one continuous day, a wave of light circles the globe, reminding us that though their lives were brief, their love is eternal. Together, we remember, we honor, and we speak their names so they are never forgotten.

10/04/2025

Babies don’t replace babies.

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, and I think it’s important to say this out loud,

A new baby doesn’t erase the one you lost.
A rainbow doesn’t erase the storm that came before it.
A new heartbeat doesn’t silence the ache of the one that stopped.

Every child is their own person.
Every bond is unique.
Every love is sacred and irreplaceable.

Grief and joy can exist side by side.
You can miss one baby with every ounce of your soul, while still loving another with your whole heart.
It’s not replacement.
It’s not forgetting.
It’s carrying both love and loss at the same time.

So if you’ve lost a baby, your love for them is forever valid.
And if you’ve gone on to have more children, that love doesn’t replace, it simply multiplies.

Because babies don’t replace babies.
And this month, we remember them all.

©️Caty Sanders

09/26/2025

An incredible new study found that pregnant women who consume just 6 dates a day in the 4 weeks leading up to their due date were 74% more dilated upon their arrival to the hospital, had a 77% shorter first stage of labor and a 42% lower rate of caesarean sections.

Eating dates in the late stages of pregnancy lead to higher cervical dilation upon hospital admission because the fruit contains nutrients that influence oxytocin receptors, preparing the cervix and uterus for labor by increasing muscle response to oxytocin and other labor-supporting hormones. Dates are a rich source of energy from natural sugars and fats and also contain prostaglandins, which contribute to cervical ripening. Additionally, they provide serotonin, calcium, and tannins, which contribute to powerful uterine contractions.

Eating dates in the late stages of pregnancy shortens the first stage of labor due to their ability to stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which promote cervical ripening (softening and thinning of the cervix) and increase uterine contractions. Dates also contain tannins, which have a similar effect, and provide a natural sugar source for energy during labor. Some studies even suggest that dates can increase uterine sensitivity to oxytocin, leading to more effective contractions and a quicker and smoother labor process.

These actions are also the exact reason why women who eat dates in the late stages of pregnancy and far less likely to need a c-section!

The most common recommendation is for women to begin eating 6 dates a day starting in their 37th week of pregnancy.
PMID: 40322306, 21280989

SEE ALSO: https://www.pelvicphysio.co.nz/the-sweet-secret-to-a-smoother-labour-dates

07/04/2025

05/16/2025

This sweet baby boy had been keeping his parents guessing for a couple of weeks. But when Kross William Dunkle decided that yesterday, 5/15/25, was the perfect day for his birthday, he wasn’t wasting any more time. Kaylee showed tremendous grace, strength and resilience & was once again a rockstar through the increasing intensity of labor and delivery. Bill seamlessly, lovingly met her needs without a word needing to be spoken. Their overflowing joy meeting their second son was beautiful to watch. Thank you for the privilege of attending this milestone in the life of your lovely growing family.

05/11/2025

Happy Mother’s Day!

04/02/2025

Hope you can attend this year's banquet!

03/31/2025

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.” - John Kennel, MD

03/22/2025

03/21/2025

I’m kind of excited about this opportunity for local moms. I saw the little stork lawn ornament out by the road as I passed by the farmhouse this morning.

03/09/2025

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT!!
Sacred Seasons Birth Care is thrilled to announce that we are now offering care in Bedford County and surrounding areas. This area is in desperate need of maternity care and we are excited to serve these ladies.
We have rented a home for an office and birth space and are working very hard to get things set up. We will be posting a wish list and would love to have the community's support in getting this set up.
For those who are currently under my care, who have used me before, who have had a consultation, or are currently communicating with me regarding care....this changes nothing for you!!
Otherwise, at this point, my books are closed (for Franklin/Cumberland Counties)for the remainder of the year.
Thank you for your support! We will keep you posted! I have so many regrets that we didn't take photos of Stina, Lindsey and I trying to force a bed, a cradle, and a chair in the back of my SUV yesterday. It was a wild adventure for sure. Stay tuned for further updates as we begin this transition!!!