Jackie Woodfin, Certified Doula

11/07/2025

Been screaming this for years 😏

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

10/28/2025

An open source, free article published in Women & Birth (July ‘25) by a Swiss research team describe how to address and improve collaboration of midwives and obstetricians in birth settings.

“The study included 11 midwives and 9 obstetricians. Three strategies with seven categories emerged that might enhance collaboration between midwives and obstetricians on Swiss labour wards: (1) getting to know each other, (2) building trustful relationships, and (3) creating safe practice environments for collaborative practice.”
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871519225000630

2 KEY conclusions noted that look for when working with midwife practice groups and hospitals include presence of:

1. A strong organizational understanding and commitment to embed the concept of midwife/physician collaboration in practice. WHAT is the working definition of collaboration within the entire care team?

2. Leadership that models inclusive behaviors and reduces perceived hierarchies across the organization. WHO is at the table for critical decisions and conflict resolution?

Observing recent and continuing midwife practice closures is devastating. Some are reportedly related to ‘economics’, others to conflict among provider types.

As noted in this study, “activities to improve interprofessional collaboration, such as promoting better understanding of professional roles, responsibilities, and scope of practice, investing into trust-building, open, respectful communication and shared decision-making, and fostering a supportive organisational environment for effective, interprofessional work processes and teamwork”, can create an environment of trust and side-side collegiality.

👉Being proactive by requesting opportunities to build collegiality among providers is key to sustainable practice.

10/23/2025

Attending a Spinning Babies training was one of the best things I have done to help my clients.

Also, highly encourage chiropractic and pelvic floor therapy to help encourage optimal positioning of baby.

A new study published in the European Journal of Midwifery highlights that when babies find their best position for birth, labor may feel smoother and more comfortable and the Spinning Babies® approach may support this natural process.

The study showed that when midwives offered Spinning Babies® techniques, 93 out of 100 babies rotated into an easier position for birth, compared to just 64 out of 100 without them.

Every birth is unique, but this research affirms what so many parents and professionals experience: gentle practices of Balance, Gravity and Movement℠ may bring more comfort and ease to labor.

👉 Read our summary here: https://f.mtr.cool/jgykfyskpo

09/25/2025

Eight facts you may not have been aware of before going into labor…

1. It is common to go past 40 weeks - 65-75% of first time moms have spontaneous labor between 40-42 weeks

2. Pooping & puking in labor is normal. The increased hormones and intensity of labor often causes one or both

3. Epidurals don’t always work or you’re not a candidate. Plan to get one, but prepare like you won’t

4. Uncontrollable body shakes are normal. While they’re scary feeling and looking, the hormonal surge often causes you to shake uncontrollably.

5. Uterine contractions after birth. Your body is doing exactly what it should to detach and expel your placenta and prevent hemorrhage

6. Fundal massage after placenta delivery. Providers will check fundus and apply massage if necessary. You can always ask to do this yourself.

7. First postpartum p**p can be scary. Stool softeners, diet, hydration and rest may help. But often the anxiety, fear and anticipation is worse than the event. 🙌

8. Postpartum body odor. Hormone changes and exertion during labor may cause a change or intensify body smells. Don’t worry! If it bothers you, we will help you take care of it. 🥰

As always, this is not medical advice and you should always refer to your provider for clarifications or questions.
Were you surprised by these or were there others that took you by surprise.

If you find these helpful to know prior to labor, please like, comment or share. I appreciate you!! 😍

09/24/2025

A common sentiment I hear regarding resources available for women in pregnancy, birth and postpartum, is those resources aren’t necessary because women have been birthing just fine without them for thousands of years.

But that’s not true. They have either been birthing with them OR suffering without them.

The difference is our family and community dynamics. A hundred plus years ago families lived in multi-family households or compounds and the communities were much closer. So when a woman went into labor, the women (doulas) within the families and communities would go serve the mom in labor/birth and help her breastfeed her baby (lactation support) and support her during postpartum. Today families are spread out and most women work outside the home. In 1900, only 20% of women worked outside the home. Today almost 70% do. Most women can’t just go be with a laboring mom in the middle of the night, for days. So, today we have women who have made a career serving in those capacities.

Also, women have suffered needlessly with postpartum anxiety, depression, psychosis without maternal mental health support. As well as suffering with urinary incontinence and pelvic floor pain, weakness or prolapse without pelvic floor therapy and back pain without chiropractic care.

I’m thankful for the resources available to help women through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. They truly can make a difference in the birth experience.

Comment below if you used any of these resources or wished you had 😍

08/05/2025

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Tuesday, August 5th, 12pm-2pm

Limit 1 package of free diapers & wipes per household while supplies last.

First come, first serve. Diapers cannot be reserved.

BIG THANKS to Superior HealthPlan for providing the diapers and wipes!

¡RESERVA LA FECHA!!!

Martes, 5 de agosto, de 12 p.m. a 2 p.m.

Límite de 1 paquete de pañales y toallitas gratis por hogar, hasta agotar existencias.

El que llega primero, se sirve primero. No se pueden reservar los pañales.

07/23/2025

Hannah House Maternity Home
Expectant Heart Pregnancy Resource Center-Longview
Mercy Manor
Living Alternatives
Trotter House Lindale - Pregnancy and Family Resource Center
Hope Center
& The Axia Center
🙏🤱🏻🤰🙌🩷Tagging pregnancy resource centers for women who need support and guidance 🤍
Please share and Comment below if you know of any others to help mamas and babies.🥰

07/10/2025

Putting together a giveaway basket for the Bump to Baby event August 2. Mamas…. what item(s) helped you through pregnancy, birth and postpartum? For you or for baby.
Carriers?
Clothes?
Personal items?
Monitors?
Massages?
Nursery items?

Anything you can think of that you loved.

06/23/2025

🕊️When Heaven Meets Earth🕊️

There are moments in birth that feel like time stands still.
Not just because a baby is born…
But because something in the spirit realm shifts.

This was her redemption.
Where fear gave way to fierce faith.
Where past wounds were met with the healing presence of Jesus.
Where her husband became her safe place and strength, guiding their daughter safely into the world.

And in that water…
New life emerged—body, soul, and STORY.

This is what happens when birth is bathed in prayer.
When God’s design is honored.
When we trust the Creator of life to also be the Redeemer of birth.

🌿 He doesn’t just deliver babies. He delivers hearts.

Let these images be a banner of hope over every mama praying for restoration. 🙏🏻

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17

📸 photo credit to the incredible Mayne Photography

Doula - Jackie Woodfin, Certified Doula
Midwives - Swiss Avenue Birth and Wellness Collaborative

05/12/2025

To all the mamas—present and soon-to-be—Happy Mother’s Day.

It is one of the greatest honors of my life to walk beside you during the sacred journey of birth.

I’ve witnessed your strength, your surrender, your courage, and your love—and it leaves me in awe every time.
Whether you birthed with laughter, with tears, in water, in a hospital, or in the quiet of your home—you are powerful.

Today, I celebrate you.
Your heart.
Your story.
Your motherhood.

You are deeply seen. You are deeply loved. And you are doing an amazing job.