Vibrant Life Midwife

11/09/2025

Received this beautiful rose made out of autumn leaves last week from a repeat family who is having their 3rd baby (2nd with me). The little things that make me smile 💜💜

10/31/2025

Agree!

Prenatal cervical exams...why tho?
If we know that cervical exams provide no predictive value at ANY point, why are we doing them prenatally? It has zero bearing on when you'll go into labor, if your body is "ready yet" or literally anything.

You could be 3 cm dilated for WEEKS before going into labor. You could be completely closed, high and firm and go into labor an hour later. Both are real life, y'all.

Consider the mind game a cervical exam could play and IF it's even worth it. The choice is ultimately yours, always. If you don't want an exam at a prenatal visit, keep your pants on.

10/28/2025

What a win!

State agrees to let midwives practice without penalties – Hawaii News | The Garden Island

10/11/2025

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

10/08/2025

💜

09/17/2025

Neonatal male circumcision in the U.S. has fallen over the past decade and now sits below 50%, a cross-sectional study indicated.

"These findings align with prior trends and reflect sociodemographic changes and evolving cultural, clinical, and policy landscapes," researchers wrote.

Read more: https://www.medpagetoday.com/pediatrics/generalpediatrics/117464

08/28/2025

Mini Midwife Adventures 💜 Today we had a 2 week postpartum appointment for mama and baby #158. They are doing great 💜

08/25/2025

It's Black Breastfeeding Week! As a Black breastfeeding Midwife, I understand the importance of community and support during pregnancy and the early infant stage and how it sets us up for a successful breastfeeding journey. Everyone's journey isn't easy, some need extra encouragement, some need additional resources like Peer counselors and IBCLCs. With the racial disparities, there's an extra toll on black women and breastfeeding. I'm glad to be apart of something bigger than myself by helping and providing resources for my families I serve.