09/15/2025
I ran a marathon 2 weeks before getting pregnant with my first baby. At 38 weeks, I told my OB I was planning for an unmedicated birth. “Birth is like a marathon” she said. “I mean I know it won’t be easy. But cool, I’ve done that!” I thought. Flash forward 3 weeks and there I was getting an epidural💀
Turns out there’s some big differences! 🤣 here’s my thoughts:
You don’t get to practice or train for birth in the same way that you do for other sports - you’re not actually having and working with contractions until it’s happening!
It’s not all about grit. Being able to relax and soften your body through big physical sensations can help your labor significantly.
Yes strength is great, aaaand your pelvic floor needs to be able to stretch, lengthen, and make space for your baby to move down and out through those muscles - which are typically tight in athletes.
It’s really really hard to advocate for yourself when you’re have a full body (or out of body) experience like labor.
Here’s how I help:
I’m there with you in labor, providing CONTRACTION-TO-CONTRACTION support. There’s moments I’m your coach, there’s moments I’m your sister, there’s moments I’m your mom, or a friend. I’m there with the hip squeezes and hot packs and suggestions for position changes. This type of support is the kind that truly impacts birth outcomes, reduces cesareans, and creates more positive birth experiences.
In our prenatal meetings, we talk about and practice body balancing leading up you your birth - paying attention to your pelvic floor and other birth anatomy to help really prepare them to get a baby out your vgna.
I advocate for you when needed. Even if that’s to say that you can’t answer a question when you’re in the middle of a contraction. But sometimes there’s bigger things, like discussing pitocin or breaking your water.
We talk about how to train your mind and commit to the mindset.
Don’t be like me back then 😅
A doula is worth the investment for the birth experience you want.
DM your estimated due date and birthing location to book a free call
