Bernice Smith Doula

19/11/2025

November births ended with an early beautifully strong Vbac 🌸

08/11/2025

Late in pregnancy, you may experience something called prodromal labor. These are contractions that are typically further apart than active labor (greater than five minutes) but are more consistent than Braxton Hicks, which are usually erratic.

Prodromal labor is sometimes referred to as “false labor,” but the contractions in this phase actually do prepare the body for labor. While you should not expect dilation or an increase in dilation or effacement in this phase, your baby may settle into position, muscles and ligaments might loosen for birth, and your body will naturally prepare for the birth journey ahead.

All that said, prodromal labor can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. It’s smart to save your energy; you’ll need it during active labor! Here are some things that may be helpful during prodromal labor:

🎒 Packing your delivery bag

😴 Taking a nap

🚶🏾‍♀️ Going on a short walk

🎲 Playing cards or a board game

📒 Writing a journal entry

🍎 Preparing a light snack

👥 Spending time with your support person(s)

☕ Drinking a cup of warm tea

✨ Having patience

🫂 Receiving gentle touch

♨️ Using a warm heating pad on your back or above your p***c bone

🚿 Taking a warm shower or bath

It’s important to remember: We are all unique in our bodies, capacities, and experiences, and knowing what you’re experiencing can also be a preventative measure. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your birth team.

📸: Mint & Cocoa

01/11/2025

Having both a midwife and a doula provides a comprehensive support system by combining medical care with continuous emotional and physical support.
The "best" team is one that aligns with your specific medical needs, personal preferences, and desired birth experience🩷

20/10/2025

Regulating your breathing during labour and birth helps with relaxation and can change your perception of pain💜

19/10/2025

2 beautiful births this week, marking the end of October births for me.
Taking a short break until the next one🥰

08/10/2025

Exercising during pregnancy is not a race. Let your body be your guide. It's a time to really tap into what feels nourishing and good. Keep active, keep healthy💪

06/10/2025

Book your spot in the last class for 2025🤎

What an amazing journey🥰 Classes starting 20 October.

01/10/2025

This is a beautiful and informative post for expecting couples to save ahead of labour 🌸

12/09/2025

Ready to welcome all expectant moms, moms with babies, children and families tomorrow and Sunday 🌸 Come take a pic at our balloon arch, and stand a chance to win a great prize!

11/08/2025

This is why we like to refer to it as "due month" 💗 Babies come in their own time

Due dates are simply an estimate of when your baby is likely to be ready for birth. However, only about 5% of babies are born ON their due date. Healthy term babies can be born spontaneously between 37 and 42 weeks.

ACOG further breaks down this range into early term (37-38), term (39-40), late term (41-41+6) and post term is 42 weeks. While you might hear or feel "overdue" after your due date, you are not considered postdates until 42 weeks.

30/07/2025

So many benefits of position and movement. Just came from a birth where a simple change of position was crucial in achieving a most beautiful delivery 💙