Angels Birth and Care Services

Angels Birth and Care Services ABCS provides compassionate, expert support through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and beyond. ✨

Packing your hospital bag can feel overwhelming, especially when there are so many checklists online telling you to brin...
04/29/2026

Packing your hospital bag can feel overwhelming, especially when there are so many checklists online telling you to bring everything.

The truth is, there are a few essentials that tend to make the biggest difference:

Comfortable clothes
A loose outfit for going home, a nursing bra if needed, and comfortable socks or slippers can help you feel more at ease.

Phone charger (preferably a long one)
Hospital outlets are not always close to the bed, and this ends up being one of the most-used items.
Toiletries

Basic items like a toothbrush, face wash, lip balm, hair ties, and anything that helps you feel refreshed.
Important documents

ID, insurance information, and any paperwork your provider has asked you to bring.
Baby outfit + blanket

You likely won’t need a huge baby wardrobe, just a going-home outfit and blanket.

Personal comfort/support items
This could be a pillow, a sound machine, a labor comb, snacks for your support person, or anything that helps you feel grounded.

Many parents overpack because they’re nervous, but focusing on comfort, basics, and support usually matters most.

Preparing for labor ahead of time, including what to bring and what to expect, can make the hospital experience feel less stressful and more manageable.

If you’re getting ready for birth, I offer childbirth education classes in person, group settings, and virtually to help you feel more prepared and confident 🤍

Rest in the postpartum period is not something you have to justify or earn.After birth, your body is recovering from a m...
04/24/2026

Rest in the postpartum period is not something you have to justify or earn.

After birth, your body is recovering from a major physical event. Whether your birth was vaginal or cesarean, medicated or unmedicated, your body is still healing in ways that take time — even if you don’t feel “bad” in the moment.

Postpartum rest is not just about sleep. It’s about slowing down, allowing support, and giving your body space to adjust. Your hormones are shifting, your uterus is healing, and your energy is being used in new ways as you care for your baby.

Many people feel pressure to “get back to normal” quickly, but postpartum is not a race. It is a recovery period.

Resting does not mean you are falling behind.
Resting means your body is doing exactly what it needs to do.

Accepting help, pausing responsibilities when possible, and prioritizing your own care are all valid and important parts of this season.

If you are navigating postpartum or preparing for it, support can make a meaningful difference. I offer lactation guidance, postpartum education, and support services to help you feel more confident and cared for during this transition 🤍

Birth is not only about the baby, it’s also about you.Your physical comfort, your emotional wellbeing, and your sense of...
04/22/2026

Birth is not only about the baby, it’s also about you.

Your physical comfort, your emotional wellbeing, and your sense of safety all matter during labor and delivery. You are not just a patient in a room; you are the person experiencing one of the most significant moments of your life.

That means your needs deserve to be acknowledged and respected.

This can look like:
• asking for pain relief options
• requesting a change in position
• needing clarification before a procedure
• wanting emotional reassurance
• asking for a pause before making a decision

You are allowed to speak up.
You are allowed to ask questions.
You are allowed to be part of decisions happening in your care.

A supportive birth environment is one where you feel heard, not rushed, and where your voice is included every step of the way.

Preparing for birth ahead of time can help you feel more confident advocating for yourself when the moment comes. That’s a big part of what childbirth education is for, understanding your options and your rights in the birth space.

If you’re preparing for birth, I offer childbirth education classes in person, group settings, and virtually, along with doula support and lactation guidance 🤍

04/20/2026

The first week of breastfeeding can feel very different from what many people expect.

In the early days, it’s normal for babies to feed frequently, sometimes every 1–3 hours or even more often during cluster feeding periods. This frequent feeding helps establish milk supply and supports your baby’s growth and development.

Newborns are also often very sleepy at first, which can make feeding feel inconsistent. It may take time for both you and your baby to learn rhythm, latch, and positioning.

You may notice changes happening in your body as well, such as fullness or engorgement as your milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk. This is all part of the natural process.

Breastfeeding is a learning experience for both parent and baby, and it often takes time to feel more comfortable and confident.

If you’re struggling, unsure, or just need guidance, support can make a big difference. I offer virtual and in-person lactation support as a Certified Lactation Counselor 🤍

After birth, it’s easy to feel like you should be “back to normal” once the baby arrives: especially if you’re feeling r...
04/17/2026

After birth, it’s easy to feel like you should be “back to normal” once the baby arrives: especially if you’re feeling relatively okay on the surface.

But healing doesn’t always look obvious.

Even if you feel good, your body is still recovering from pregnancy and birth. There are internal changes happening that take time, your uterus is shrinking, your hormones are shifting, and your body is adjusting in ways you can’t always see.

Rest is still important. Support is still important. Slowing down is still important.

It’s also not just physical, the emotional and mental adjustment into postpartum can take time too. You’re learning a new rhythm, a new identity, and navigating a major life transition.

You don’t have to rush your healing.
You don’t have to prove that you’re “back.”

Taking care of yourself in this season is not a luxury, it’s part of the process.

If you’re preparing for postpartum or currently in it and need support, I offer guidance through postpartum recovery, lactation support, and education to help you feel more confident during this transition 🤍

04/15/2026

Worrying about milk supply is one of the most common concerns during breastfeeding.

But a lot of things people assume mean “low supply”… are actually normal.

Here are a few things that do NOT automatically mean your supply is low:

• Your baby wants to feed often
(Newborns feed frequently, sometimes every 1–2 hours)

• Your breasts feel softer
(This often means your body is regulating, not that milk is gone)

• Your baby seems fussy at times
(Babies fuss for many reasons, not just hunger)

• You’re not pumping much
(Pumps don’t always reflect actual milk supply)

So what are signs your baby IS getting enough?

• Regular wet diapers (around 6+ per day after the first week)
• You can hear or see swallowing during feeds
• Baby seems content after most feedings
• Steady weight gain over time

If you’re unsure, overwhelmed, or just want reassurance, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Feeding is something both you and your baby are learning together.

I offer virtual and in-person lactation support as a Certified Lactation Counselor to help guide you through your feeding journey 🤍

Labor is often talked about as one big event, but it actually happens in stages, each with its own pace and experience.E...
04/13/2026

Labor is often talked about as one big event, but it actually happens in stages, each with its own pace and experience.

Early labor is usually the longest phase. Contractions may feel mild, irregular, and spaced out. This stage can last for hours or even longer as the body gradually prepares.

Active labor is when contractions become stronger, longer, and closer together. This is typically when labor is more established and requires more focus and support.

Transition is the most intense phase of labor. Contractions are very strong and close together, and many people feel a significant shift physically and emotionally during this stage.

Pushing and birth is when the body works to move the baby down and out. This stage can look different for everyone and may take time.

Delivery of the placenta happens after the baby is born and is the final stage of labor.

Every labor experience is unique, and not everyone moves through these stages in the same way or timeline. Understanding the general flow can help you feel more prepared for what your body may experience.

If you’re preparing for birth and want to learn more in a supportive, guided way, I offer childbirth education classes in person, group settings, and virtually 🤍

During labor, it can feel like things are happening quickly: decisions, recommendations, and conversations all at once.B...
04/10/2026

During labor, it can feel like things are happening quickly: decisions, recommendations, and conversations all at once.

But it’s important to remember: you are still an active participant in your care.

You are allowed to ask questions.
You are allowed to take a moment.
You are allowed to understand what’s happening in your body.

Some helpful questions you can ask in the moment include:
• What is being recommended, and why?
• What are my options?
• What are the benefits and risks?
• Is this urgent, or do I have time to think about it?

This is often referred to as informed decision-making, and it’s a key part of feeling confident and respected during birth.

A supportive birth environment includes not just medical care, but clear communication and space for your voice to be heard.

Preparing ahead of time can help you feel more comfortable asking these questions when the moment comes. That’s something we go over in childbirth education, learning not just what to expect, but how to advocate for yourself throughout the experience.

You deserve to feel informed, supported, and included in your birth 🤍

AdvocacyInBirth

Induction is a common part of many birth experiences, but it’s not always something parents feel fully prepared for.An i...
04/08/2026

Induction is a common part of many birth experiences, but it’s not always something parents feel fully prepared for.

An induction means that labor is started with medical support rather than beginning on its own. There are several reasons why a provider may recommend induction, including going past your due date, concerns about your health, or concerns about your baby’s well-being.

There are also different methods that may be used. Some involve medication to stimulate contractions, while others focus on helping the cervix soften and open before labor progresses. In some cases, providers may also recommend breaking the water.

One important thing to understand is that induction can take time. It doesn’t always happen quickly, and the process can unfold over many hours, sometimes even days, depending on how your body responds.

Even with an induction, you still have options. You can ask questions, understand each step, and have support present to help you navigate the experience.

If you’re preparing for birth and want to better understand your options, I offer childbirth education classes in person, group settings, and virtually 🤍

04/03/2026

Birth is not just a moment.

It’s the beginning of a whole new version of you.
We often focus so much on labor and delivery that we forget what comes after, the physical recovery, the emotional shift, the learning curve, and the identity change that happens when you become a parent.

The truth is, birth doesn’t end when the baby arrives. In many ways, that’s where a new chapter begins.

A chapter where you are healing, adjusting, and getting to know both your baby and yourself in a completely new way. It can feel beautiful, overwhelming, tender, exhausting, and powerful, sometimes all at once.

You are not expected to have it all figured out right away. You are not supposed to “bounce back” into who you were before. You are becoming someone new, and that process deserves care and support.

If you’re preparing for birth or navigating postpartum, having education and support in place can make all the difference. I offer childbirth education classes in person, group settings, and virtually, as well as lactation support and guidance through the postpartum period 🤍

April Fools… but not really 🤍There are a lot of myths about labor that come from movies, stories, and social media, but ...
04/01/2026

April Fools… but not really 🤍

There are a lot of myths about labor that come from movies, stories, and social media, but real labor often looks very different.

One common myth is that you’ll always know exactly when labor begins. In reality, labor can start slowly and feel subtle at first, especially in the early stages. Many people aren’t immediately sure if what they’re feeling is “real labor.”

Another myth is that your water always breaks first. While that can happen, for many people, contractions actually begin before the water breaks, sometimes by hours or even longer.

And although media often shows labor as sudden, intense, and dramatic, real labor is often much more gradual. Early labor can be calm, quiet, and unpredictable, with contractions that build over time.

There is no single way labor is “supposed” to look. Every birth unfolds differently, and all experiences are valid.

Understanding the reality of labor, not just the myths, can help you feel more grounded, prepared, and confident as you approach birth.

If you’re preparing for labor and want support or education tailored to your experience, I offer childbirth education classes in person, group settings, and virtually 🤍

Early labor is often very different from what people expect.In many cases, it does not begin suddenly or intensely. Inst...
03/30/2026

Early labor is often very different from what people expect.

In many cases, it does not begin suddenly or intensely. Instead, it can build slowly over time and may last hours, sometimes even longer, before progressing into active labor.

During this phase, you might notice sensations that feel similar to menstrual cramps, lower back discomfort, or mild tightening in your abdomen. These feelings can be inconsistent and may come and go.

It’s also common for people to still be able to talk, move around, rest, or even sleep during early labor. Because of this, many don’t immediately realize they are in labor at all.

Contractions may also be irregular at first. They can start and stop, space out, or change in intensity before becoming more consistent and predictable.

Early labor is still labor, but it often unfolds gently and gradually rather than all at once.

Understanding this phase can help reduce anxiety and help you feel more prepared for what your body may experience as it moves toward birth.

If you're preparing for labor and want to feel more confident in recognizing these stages, I offer childbirth education classes in person, group settings, and virtually 🤍

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Virginia Beach, VA

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17572963458

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