Beltane Midwifery, PLLC

11/09/2025

11/07/2025

Did you know that Midwives in out of hospital settings is what is known as intermittent fetal monitoring? Rather than the continuous monitoring, which we’ve known for years contributes to the staggering number of unnecessary interventions in labor and delivery units across the United States, we listen with a hand-held doppler at scheduled intervals throughout your labor and birth. Using this method we can adjust the frequency of when and how long to listen based off of what we are hearing. Nothing is an exact science or predictor of fetal-wellbeing but intermittent monitoring has shown a reduction in interventions without an increase in poor outcomes. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5613395/)

Some of the findings in this Washington Times article are truly eye-opening (and validating for those of us who have been saying we need to re-evaluate the “safety” of continuous fetal monitoring for years now) about current practices in hospitals across the US. What are your thoughts after reading the article?

Decades of research have shown that round-the-clock fetal monitoring does not reliably predict fetal distress, and experts say it leads to many unnecessary surgeries. But it’s still used in nearly every birth in the U.S. because of business and legal concerns, a New York Times investigation found. https://nyti.ms/3WF7yLx

11/06/2025

I’m asked frequently if I support VBAC deliveries and the answer is a loud and emphatic YES!

The data shows that VBACs, while not without risk, overall pose less risks to the mother/parent than a repeat cesarean birth and that VBACs supported in a Midwifery-led setting tend to have more positive outcomes. Like this post states, more research is needed because the risks in general are low so hard to compile data for, however what is available supports VBACs as a safe option for low-risk individuals who have had a previous cesarean birth.

11/04/2025

Lies, indeed 🤣

Throughout all 4 of my breastfeeding journeys I never lost a single pound - but here is the reality: you aren’t supposed to! Previous guidelines regarding caloric intake while lactating *were designed to “take the baby weight off” and NOT for optimal milk production and postpartum recovery*. You simply need to eat more when you are making milk for your baby and it is physiologically normal to not lose weight while nursing.

Keep yourself well-nourished while lactating by eating regular meals high in proteins, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of complex carbs. Just like during pregnancy, you should snack or eat something every two to three hours. Prioritize nutrient dense foods and keep easy, hand-held snacks close by the areas you sit and rest with your new baby. I always had a small baggie of trail mix and string cheese within arms reach!

lies 💀🥴😂

11/02/2025

10/16/2025

10/05/2025

😂

10/03/2025

This is your friendly Halloween Season reminder that unless you want to start seeing me regularly for prenatal visits that activated charcoal (used to color drinks and food black) can interfere with your oral birth control.

Have a safe & fun Spooky Season!

09/22/2025

I 💜 my job (and my clients) so much 🥰

I cannot recommend Meagan enough.
This rainbow baby was totally unexpected. When I learned I was pregnant, I knew immediately I would hire Meagan, no questions asked.
I’ve been a doula since 2014 and met Meagan when we were both starting out. Through the years I’ve watched her support hundreds of families first as a doula, then as a midwifery student and now as a midwife.
She is a naturally gifted teacher who does such an incredible job at explaining everything in detail. She’s also an avid researcher and stays up to date on the most recent studies pertaining to pregnancy, childbirth, newborns and postpartum.
Meagan is huge on consent and it shows through the way she practices. She would lay out a decision I needed to make and then explain every single option I had in front of me and allowed me ample time to ask questions or do my own research, never once making me feel rushed or like she didn’t fully support whatever I decided.
My birth with this little nugget didn’t go as planned but her unwavering support throughout labor and postpartum was invaluable and I cannot sing her praises enough. Truly my best birth experience!