Western KY Birth Services

12/26/2025

This post is long overdue and a long read but to truly understand the quality of the services I offer it is necessary.

So—hi. I’m Anne, and I’m a doula with Western Kentucky Birth Services. But that title only tells a small part of my story.

I’m a mother to six children and a proud Granny to thirteen grandchildren. I’m also a retired teacher with 16 years in the classroom. Teaching has always been part of who I am, even when life led me in new directions.

At 40, I became a licensed massage therapist, starting my career with Owensboro Health at the HealthPark, where my focus was rehabilitative and orthopedic massage. For five years, I worked closely alongside physical therapists, personal trainers, nurses, fellow massage therapists, and doctors. That environment—combined with my natural love of learning and teaching—gave me countless opportunities to grow, ask questions, and learn from some truly amazing professionals. It was a gift.

As life shifted, I needed to be closer to home and on a more flexible schedule. Over the next decade, my father taught me invaluable lessons while I worked closely with neurological conditions, particularly Parkinson’s disease—learning not only the physical challenges, but the emotional and mental ones as well. My studies eventually took me all over- NY, Chicago, Ohio, Florida, Lexington...- deepening my understanding of the body and strengthening my ability to “think outside the box” when problem-solving.

Along the way, nutrition, cleaner living, and homeopathy became more than interests—they became necessities. I realized that to truly support others, I needed to take better care of myself, too.

Then life happened again—my daughters began having babies.

I entered the birth world first as a mom and LMT, which quickly led me to doula certification through DONA. I was blessed with generous mentors who encouraged me to blend my unique skill set into the work I do today as a childbirth educator (Lamaze & Spinning Babies–trained), birth doula, and provider of prenatal and postpartum massage.

As a lifelong learner (or professional student, at this point 😉), my curiosity led me to the Body Ready Method, a rigorous college-level program. This course has stretched me in every way—physically, mentally, and yes… technologically. Weekly two-hour live Zoom classes have pushed me far outside my comfort zone. If you know me, you know technology has never been my strong suit—but here I am, halfway through the program and can say I'm finally successfully navigating Zoom, Google Meets, and telehealth appt.

Through this training, I’ve refined my understanding of how the body works as a whole—how posture, restrictions, and movement patterns can affect a baby’s position and ability to descend during birth. While I’m not a physical therapist or exercise physiologist, I can assess where restrictions may exist and help guide corrections that often lead to fewer interventions and a more relaxed birth experience.

I also know my boundaries and am grateful to have trusted referral relationships with chiropractors, pelvic floor specialists, and physical therapists.

Even as I continue working toward my Body Ready Method Pro certification, I am confident in my ability to support you—wherever your birth journey leads, whether planned or unexpected.

If you’re new here, welcome.
If you’ve been here a while, thank you for growing with me.
I'm honored to do this work and to walk alongside families during such powerful seasons of life.

12/24/2025

’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring… except this pregnant spouse. The birth ball sat ready, the bags by the door, And contractions? Maybe Braxton… or something much more.

The stockings were hung with a mix of hope and dread, While visions of water births danced in her head. Ice chips and dates on the nightstand nearby, And a well-meaning partner who’s not sure just why.

Her belly stretched tight, a globe full of grace, While round ligament twinges struck with impeccable pace. She shifted and sighed, finding no comfy position, Pregnancy teaching the art of repetition.

And just when she settled, convinced she could sleep, The baby reminded her—practice makes deep. A kick, then a roll, then a hiccup or two, As if saying, “Hey mama, I’m ready when you’re ready too.”

So here’s to the waiting, the birthing, the rest, To bodies that know and hearts doing their best. Whether labor starts tonight or weeks yet remain— This Christmas, she’s powerful, even in the strain.

And I heard her whisper, as she shifted just right: “Trust the body. Breathe deep. I’ve got this. Good night.”

12/15/2025

If you’re in your first trimester and wondering why you’re so exhausted… this is your reminder 💛

In early pregnancy, your body is doing invisible, intense work:
Building a placenta
Increasing blood volume
Rapid hormone shifts (hello, progesterone!)
Growing a brand-new human from scratch

Just to name a few! This isn’t the season to “push through.”
This is the season to slow down.

Rest supports:
• Hormone balance
• Lower stress levels
• Healthy placental development
• Reduced nausea & burnout

Productivity can wait.
Your body knows exactly what it’s doing.
Rest *is* productive in pregnancy.

If you’re tired—listen.
You’re not lazy. You’re pregnant.

12/07/2025

“Your baby isn’t ‘too big’—and your body isn’t ‘too small.’”

One of the most common (and harmful) myths surrounding birth is the idea that pelvis size or baby size automatically determines whether a woman can give birth vaginally.

What the evidence actually says:

• ACOG confirms that the pelvis is not a rigid structure—it is dynamic. Hormones in pregnancy soften ligaments, and pelvic dimensions change significantly with movement and positioning during labor.

• ACOG & WHO note that routine estimates of fetal weight (ultrasound or clinical exam) are often inaccurate, especially in late pregnancy, and should not alone determine mode of delivery.

• CDC & WHO data show that many women successfully birth babies considered “large for gestational age” without complications—especially when physiologic labor is supported.

Birth is not a hip-to-head math equation.
Labor involves fetal rotation, molding of the baby’s skull, pelvic expansion, and maternal movement—all of which cannot be measured on an ultrasound or predicted by shoe size or body shape.

The belief that “baby is too big” or “mom’s hips are too small” has contributed to:
• Unnecessary fear
• Loss of confidence in the birthing body
• Higher rates of non-medically indicated inductions and cesareans

What matters more than size:
• Labor support
• Freedom of movement and positioning
• Patience with normal labor patterns
• Trust in the physiologic process when mother and baby are healthy

💛 Your body was designed for birth—and most babies fit the bodies that grow them.

This is not a dismissal of true medical indications. It is an invitation to replace fear-based narratives with evidence, informed consent, and trust.

Sources:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)

10/27/2025

•Out of Office for Midwifery Training•

Hey everyone! I’ll be out of the office this week attending midwifery training to continue growing and learning how to better serve our families. 💕

If you need anything while I’m away, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Anne (270) 993-2745. I’ll respond to messages as soon as I can once I return.

Thank you all for your patience and support while I take this time for continued education — I’m excited to bring back fresh knowledge and skills to our community!

10/15/2025

Now Offering Birth Pool Rentals!

We are so excited to share that we are now offering **professional birth pool rentals** as part of our services.

You may have seen people recommend using an inexpensive kiddie pool for home birth, but here are a few reasons why a professional-grade birth pool makes a big difference.

Birth Pool In A Box (BPIAB):

Safety & Comfort– Birth pools are made with materials that are **phthalate-free and designed for prolonged skin contact**, unlike kiddie pools.

Depth & Space– They’re **deeper, sturdier, and roomier**, giving you buoyancy and freedom to move into positions that support labor progress.

Built-in Comfort Features- BPIAB pools have **cushioned walls, handles for grip, and an inflatable floor**, making them supportive for both you and your partner.

Clean & Hygienic– Each rental includes **disposable liners**, ensuring everything is fresh and sanitary for your birth. And in addition to the liners, the pool will be sanitized between uses.

Designed for Birth, Not Play – Kiddie pools weren’t designed to support hours of labor, heat retention, or the weight of adults moving around. A birth pool keeps the water warm longer and stays comfortable throughout.

Whether you’re planning a water birth or simply want the soothing benefits of laboring in water, renting a professional pool is a beautiful way to enhance your birth experience. 💙

09/23/2025

Phase 1: ✅Complete

I’ve officially finished Phase 1 of my midwifery training—and I’m feeling all the feelings. Mostly joy, excitement, and a deep sense of calling. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that every now and then fear, anxiety, and overwhelm sneak in too.
In just a few short weeks, I’ll begin traveling out of state one week each month to study alongside some amazing women. I’ll be learning so much—but I’ll also be missing a lot. Theodore’s birthday, Galaxy’s next baby’s arrival, my first holiday away… and that’s just during the first week. There will be many big and small moments that I won’t get to be part of, and that’s honestly the part that makes me want to say, “Nope, someone else can do this.”
But I love this work. Deeply. And I know I have to at least try. I have to start the journey.
So—thank you in advance for your patience and your prayers as we figure out our new normal in our family and business life.
Yes, I’ll still be doing homeopathy! Just know that during my travel weeks, my availability will be limited. I’m working on:
* An automated message so you’ll know when I’m out of reach
* A detailed intake form to help streamline the process. This will apply even when I’m home/in office (PLEASE fill it out with as much info as possible—“cough” is not helpful —paint the picture so clearly that I can hear it as I read it).
This is big. And a little scary. But also so right. Here’s to the beginning of something beautiful.

🩷Emma

08/18/2025

I know that it's last minute, but we will be having a childbirth class *Next weekend* August 29th & 30th. Please send us a PM if you'd like information on it.

P.S This isn't just for first time parents, we've had couples join us for their 2nd, 3rd & 4th pregnancies too!

08/05/2025

08/01/2025

Hey Mommas!

I’m putting together some simple, low-key park meet-ups for new and expecting moms. Nothing fancy — just a chance to get out of the house, connect, and breathe some fresh air with others who *get it*.

Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, bottle-feeding, breastfeeding, baby-wearing, or just chasing a toddler around in crocs and yesterday’s dry shampoo — you’re welcome here. AND nobody will be judging you!

We’ll chat birth, postpartum, babies, and whatever else is on your heart.

It’s informal and short (because… naps, breastfeeding, and toddler meltdowns)
Come as you are — even if that’s late and a little frazzled.

📅 Upcoming Meet-Ups:
🧺 Friday, August 15 (Horsefork Splash pad @ 9a)
🧺 Thursday, September 11 (TBD)
🧺 Tuesday, October 14 (TBD)
*(Locations and times TBA — or message me for details!)*

A quick note:
These meet-ups are *not* a space for selling or promoting products or services. I want to keep things relaxed and focused on connection, not commerce. If you have something to share, I’m happy to help spread the word outside of this setting when it’s appropriate!

My hope is that you’ll meet a few other like-minded mommas and start to build the kind of village we all need(ed).

07/11/2025

Hey Mommas!
We've been having amazing one-on-one conversations with many of you, and now we'd love to gather those thoughts all in one place. We know a lot of you are frustrated with your birthing experience. So we've created a short and simple survey to help us better understand what you're wants/needs are- so we can better support you moving forward.
You're voice does matter- and your answers will help us help more mamas like you!

A survey for expecting mothers interested in natural birth and doula support.

07/11/2025

Ohhhhh that? Yes, That's normal! 😝