Carmen the Doula

11/25/2025

A groundbreaking discovery is raising eyebrows in the world of neuroscience. A neuroscientist has found that her brain physically shrinks while using hormonal birth control. This unexpected change highlights how hormonal contraceptives can influence brain structure, potentially affecting mood, memory, and cognitive function.

Researchers note that birth control alters hormone levels in the body, which may impact regions of the brain involved in emotional regulation, memory, and decision-making. While the effects are still being studied, this discovery is a wake-up call for women to understand how contraceptives can influence both body and brain.

Experts emphasise that more research is needed to fully understand the implications, but the findings could lead to new insights into how hormones shape the brain and behaviour. This study opens the door for safer contraceptive options that balance effectiveness with brain health.

11/25/2025

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Forty six.

Practically ancient by the system’s standards.

But God laughs at that.

HE was the one who created birth. HE was the one who planned that women would be fertile well into their thirties and forties. That part didn’t slip by Him, you know.

This baby was deeply desired, a wonderful surprise and gift, joyfully welcomed with faith and trust and hope after conversion to a greater openness to life. Their last living child, their second, was already almost a teenager.

And with a confidence and wisdom that inspired and blessed me profoundly, she knew what she wanted, what she was called to. She had seen enough in her time as a scientist and professor and she knew the standard system wasn’t for her and wasn’t going to serve her or her baby as she needed. She resourced herself, nourished herself, and then trusted herself and God to bring this work to completion as it was meant to be.

It was her easiest and most joyful pregnancy of them all, she said. She went on to birth her baby in a peaceful, simple, quick labor at home, about an hour after this photo. Her perfect baby girl was completely healthy, the fruit of so much grace, hard work, intentional decisions, and a strong marriage.

There’s something achingly beautiful about the “older” moms, the ones who allow their experience, crosses, and the Holy Spirit to transform them, the ones who have stepped into their maternal authority with confidence and who embrace wisdom and make their decisions without fear of offending, without the need to people please, understanding that they likely have more knowledge and understanding than most of the “experts”. They are the rising matriarchs. They are the ones to learn from.

Deo gratias.

Shared with permission.

🤍

11/25/2025

Now offering 4-week birth pool rentals for Kalamazoo + surrounding areas! 🐳

$250 includes:
• Drop off + pickup within 20 miles
• Full sanitization
• Disposable tub liner
• Floor liner
• Air pump
• Drain pump + hose
• Debris net 💩
• Placenta basin
• And of course… 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴✨

You’ll provide:
• Food-grade hose(s)
• Faucet adapter
• Optional tub heater & thermometer

La Bassine Maxi is a favorite for a reason. 💙
With plenty of room (yes, even for two) and sturdy walls, it’s made for comfort during labor. One of the best out there.

Spacious, sturdy, and doula-approved. 🫶
Message me to reserve your due month!





#🐋

11/24/2025

💜 Hi all! This Thanksgiving, WIB is providing meals for six families in need! If you or someone you know could use a little extra support this holiday season, we’d love to help out.

Just sign up using the link below to be considered!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FAEA72CABFCCF8-60001873-thanksgiving

Let’s spread kindness and make sure everyone gets to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal! 🦃✨💜

11/24/2025

11/24/2025

Breastfeeding moms are world changers. 💛

11/23/2025

Understanding Shoulder Dystocia Management 🤱✨

Did you know? The incidence of shoulder dystocia varies significantly based on the management method used.

Uncomplicated cases occur in 98.5% of instances with the One-step Method.
In the Two-step Method, once the baby is born, the next contraction can help with the spontaneous birth of the shoulders.
Knowledge is power! Let's prioritize effective practices to ensure safe deliveries. 💪👶

For more insights and resources on childbirth, visit us at birthify.net. Together, we can empower every journey into motherhood! 🌟

11/22/2025

😏

🔗: bit.ly/4ocR2xx
A doctor and nurse at an Indiana hospital who allegedly turned a woman away while she was actively in labor are no longer employed with the facility, hospital officials announced. l 📷: FOX 32 Chicago/Youtube

11/20/2025

Amniotomy and Cord Prolapse by Judy Slome Cohain
Rate of cord prolapse directly increases with increasing rates of amniotomy. Where amniotomy is never practiced and vaginal exams are extremely restricted, no cord prolapse is reported. Rates of 3–4/1000 cord prolapses were reported with 26–89% rates of amniotomy (Dilbaz 2006; Uygur 2002). In a study of inductions, which usually include amniotomy, a 7/1000 rate of cord prolapse was reported.
https://f.mtr.cool/jjgqxchdds

11/18/2025

Thinking about having that third baby?🥹
Here’s the thing no one tells you…

That third baby has a way of softening everything.

They’re the calm in the chaos,
the sweetest little soul who slips into your family like they’ve been there all along.

Everyone loves to scare you about baby #3…
but nobody talks about how perfectly they fit right in.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. 🩵✨

11/18/2025

There’s a wisdom inside every mother.
When she follows it, the bond that forms in those early moments is nothing short of holy.

Breastfeeding isn’t just nourishment. It’s connection, comfort, and a quiet language only the two of them speak.

What an honor to witness these first chapters. 🤍