ASC Doula Co.

ASC Doula Co., LLC - Raleigh, NC
Birth & Postpartum doula team
Owned by Carly Stone
We are passionate about supporting women through birth & beyond!

11/15/2025

“Labor starts when my water breaks, right?”�Not usually!

Only 8–10% of labors actually begin with your water breaking. So the real question is… when does it break?

As doulas, we’ve seen an increase in AROM (when a provider intentionally breaks the amniotic sac with an amnihook) especially for first-time parents. But here’s the truth: your water does not need to break for you to give birth.�
In very rare cases, babies are even born with the sac still intact, called an en caul birth. If your water hasn’t broken earlier in labor, it often breaks naturally during pushing!

So why is AROM so common? Many providers believe rupturing membranes speeds up labor. But research doesn’t support that for first-time moms who aren’t also using pitocin. This is one reason it’s so valuable to understand the evidence before birth.

When can AROM be helpful?�If you have a “bulging bag,” are around 8+ cm, and baby is at 0 station or lower, AROM can sometimes help baby’s head apply more direct pressure to the cervix.�Doing it earlier, however, can increase the risk of fetal malposition, longer exposure time for infection, and more intense contractions.

This is why we remind our clients that interventions can be amazing tools, but timing is EVERYTHING. Knowing when and why to use them is key to aligning your birth experience with your goals.

If you’re looking for doula support to help you prepare, research, and confidently navigate the decisions that come with labor, we would be honored to walk with you 🤍�Fill out the contact form on our website or email us at ascbirthing@gmail.com.�We can’t wait to connect with you!
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10/14/2025

Those precip births will bless you at the perfect time - but only when you make it in time😅

⏩Precipitous labor is a rapid delivery that occurs within three hours of the onset of regular contractions. This mama had her baby about 2.5 hours after the onset of contractions!
📊It only occurs in about 1-3% of births and it’s more common with subsequent deliveries

How long was your labor? Let us know in the comments!⬇️
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09/30/2025

Birth is not linear❕❕

In our last few posts, we walked through the phases of the first stage of labor: early, active + transition. But here’s the truth; no two births look the same. It’s rarely a smooth, steady climb from 0–10 cm.

What’s normal in labor?�→ Stalls or pauses along the way�→ Contractions that shift back + forth in frequency�→ Going past your “due” date�→ Feeling a whole mix of emotions - excitement, doubt, fear, strength, confidence, and everything in between

There are many variations of normal when it comes to labor. While there are ways to support steady progress, birth is not something we can predict or control entirely.
That’s why it’s so important to release the numbers (How dilated am I? How long will this last?) and instead lean into your intuition, your body, and your baby💕

💭 What surprised you about your birth?
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•inspo: +

09/23/2025

Transition: the shortest (but often most intense) phase of the first stage of labor.
Your cervix is opening from 8–10 cm and contractions are 2–3 minutes apart, lasting 60–90 seconds. This phase may be quick (just minutes) or last a couple of hours.

You might feel:�🤢 Nausea�😣 Shakes or chills�💥 Strong pressure�💭 Doubt or irritability

Tips for coping:�▪️Lean on your support team�▪️Stay focused on one moment at a time
▪️Release tension wherever you can�▪️Remember: your baby is almost here 💕

👉 Swipe to learn what to expect in transition + how to move through it with support.
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09/16/2025

Things are picking up!
Active labor is when contractions become longer, stronger, and closer together as your cervix opens from about 6–10 cm.
⏱️ Contractions are usually 3–5 minutes apart, lasting 60–90 seconds. This phase can last just a few hours, or up to 12+ hours for some.
You may notice:�• More bloody show�• “Labor land” -> going inward and focused�• The need to move + change positions often

Tips for coping:�→ Take each contraction one at a time�→ Breathe slow + deep�→ Release tension wherever you can�→ Move in ways that feel good
This is often when it’s time to head to your birth space or call your midwife.

👉 Swipe through to learn how to navigate active labor with confidence.
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09/09/2025

There are 3 stages of labor, and within the first stage we have 3 phases. Early labor is the longest phase of the first stage of labor⏱️

Your cervix is slowly opening (0–5 cm), contractions are still irregular, and you may notice signs like loose stools, backache, or bloody show, this is all normal!
This stage can last hours (sometimes even days on and off), so the best thing you can do is… rest + conserve your energy 💤 You’ll need it later😉
👉 Swipe to learn what’s happening, what you might feel, and my top tips for coping.
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09/02/2025

The summer I learned to advocate…
But really about teaching others how to❣️
⠀
Because advocacy during birth and postpartum isn’t about being difficult,
➡️It’s about being informed.
➡️Asking questions.
➡️Knowing your options.
➡️Setting boundaries.
➡️And feeling empowered to use your voice.
⠀
❕You can love your provider and still ask for clarity.
❕You can trust your body and still seek support.
❕You can say "not right now" or “I’d like to have a few minutes to think/pray about this” or "I’d like to wait."
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As doulas, we’re not here to speak for you.
We’re here to remind you that your voice matters and to help you feel confident using it📣
⠀
Birth and postpartum aren’t just medical events.
They’re deeply personal experiences.
And you deserve to be supported, informed, and respected through all of it💕
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08/26/2025

Postpartum healing has layers - physical, emotional, mental, and on top of that, you’re learning how to care for a brand new baby. Without preparation, it can feel overwhelming and even blindsiding.
Here’s how you can prepare for a smoother, more supported postpartum 👇🏼

🛏️ 1. The 5-5-5 Rule�Spend the first:�➤ 5 days IN bed�➤ 5 days ON the bed�➤ 5 days NEAR the bed
Slowing down in those early weeks makes long-term healing so much easier. Let the people who truly value your health step in and serve you.

🫶 2. Let People Help You (Yes, Really)�Boundaries are essential, but so is support. Have a few trusted people lined up—those who will honor your space and care for you.
💬 When someone asks:
“What can I do to help?”�Tell them. Be specific. Let them show up for you.

🍼 3. Learn About Breastfeeding�Take a course before baby arrives. Get connected with an IBCLC. Being supported in your feeding journey can change everything—for your baby and your mental health.

👩‍🍼 4. Hire a Postpartum Doula�We’re trained to support you, not just the baby.�We…
✦ help you make a plan and discover your goals�✦ protect your space�✦ help you process your birth�✦ guide physical and emotional recovery�✦ support your feeding goals�✦ care for you, your baby, and your household
You don’t have to navigate this alone.

✨ The fourth trimester is real. And you deserve to feel held, not just handed a baby.�Save this post and share it with a mama who needs it 🤍
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08/05/2025

❕N E W S E R V I C E❕

We are now offering placenta encapsulation! We are excited about the opportunity to provide this service to our community🥳 let’s talk about placenta encapsulation➡️

What is placenta encapsulation?�Placenta encapsulation is the process of preparing the placenta for postpartum consumption. After birth, the placenta is thoroughly cleaned, then gently steamed and/or dehydrated, ground into a fine powder, and placed into capsules.
All steps are done following OSHA-compliant standards to ensure safety, cleanliness, and quality.

What are the benefits?�Many parents choose placenta encapsulation to support their postpartum recovery. Reported benefits include:�⚡️Higher postpartum energy levels
🩸Decreased postpartum bleeding�💪🏼Iron and hormone replenishment�☀️Stabilized mood and emotions�🍼Boosted milk supply
While studies are still ongoing, many birthing parents have found it to be a valuable part of their recovery toolkit.

Is it safe?
Placenta encapsulation is considered safe when done by a trained professional following strict safety and sanitation protocols.�✔️ We follow OSHA-compliant procedures�✔️ Proper food-handling and dehydration temps�✔️ Your placenta is handled with care and respect
Note: Placenta encapsulation may not be appropriate in cases of infection or certain birth complications. We’re happy to walk you through the screening process.

Want more info?
Contact us!
🌐ascdoulaco.com
✉️ascbirthing@gmail.com
📞(919) 218-5269
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Address

Wake Forest, NC

Telephone

+19192185269

Website

https://www.ascdoulaco.com/

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