Bates Natural Blessings

11/21/2025

11/21/2025

11/21/2025

11/20/2025

Every year, the week of Thanksgiving shows a noticeable spike in scheduled and “medically indicated” inductions—especially the Monday before the holiday. It’s not because suddenly everyone’s placenta fails on the same day or because thousands of babies all become high-risk at once. It’s because holiday scheduling pressure quietly shapes hospital patterns.

Of course, no provider is going to say, “We’d like your birth to fit the holiday calendar.” Instead, the reasoning is usually presented as a clinical concern, even when the evidence is thin or the situation isn’t urgent. Common explanations include:

You're "overdue" and it's not "safe" to continue the pregnancy.

Your placenta suddenly isn't working well.

Your blood pressure is going up and down, usually up when you're in the office being pressured to induce.

You're not progressing (pro tip: stop getting cervical exams, they use them against you and tell you absolutely nothing)

You don't have enough amniotic fluid on ultrasound measurements.

Your baby is getting too big. Or, your baby isn't big enough.

Or, you are too small.

These phrases can sound authoritative, but many are interpretations, not emergencies. Around the holidays, they are used more often—and with lower thresholds—because scheduling becomes a hidden factor.

Understanding this pattern helps you recognize when to pause, ask for specifics, and get clarity on whether something is truly medically necessary… or simply convenient for the system.

11/19/2025

I have a few bottles of each left. Made with locally harvested elderberry 💜
Limited bottles available 💜

11/19/2025

Anchored in the right to respectful, autonomous, and racism-free care, midwifery practice, midwives and the ecosystems we work in must ensure that all birthing people are heard, valued, and empowered throughout the perinatal experience, advancing a model of care that promotes dignity, safety, and optimal outcomes for everyone.

11/19/2025