A New Story Birth Center

08/26/2026

Could your kitchen be adding to your hormone-disrupting chemical exposure?

When we talk about supporting healthy hormones, we often focus on what we eat — protein, hydration, minerals, whole foods, and supplements.

But what we cook and store our food in matters, too.

One simple place to start? Black plastic.

Some black plastics have been found to contain flame-retardant chemicals associated with recycled electronic plastics. Research has raised concerns about these chemicals making their way into everyday household products — including some kitchen utensils and food-contact items.

And when plastic is exposed to heat, there is greater concern about chemicals migrating into the foods we eat.

Why does this matter for women?

Certain flame retardants and other chemicals found in plastics have been studied for their potential endocrine-disrupting effects — meaning they may interfere with the hormones that help regulate everything from our menstrual cycles and fertility to pregnancy, metabolism, and overall health.

The goal isn’t to create fear or convince you that you need to replace everything in your kitchen overnight.

It’s about making small, informed changes that reduce unnecessary exposure over time.

A few easy swaps:
• Choose stainless steel or wooden cooking utensils
• Store and reheat food in glass when possible
• Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers
• Replace worn or damaged plastic kitchenware
• Don’t feel like you have to do it all at once — replace items as they wear out

Hormone health isn’t about perfection. It’s about looking at the things we do every day and asking, “Is there a simple way I can better support my body?”

Sometimes, one little swap at a time is a great place to start.

Are you still using black plastic utensils in your kitchen, or have you already started making the switch?

08/22/2026

Mind-blowing wild animal fact of the day!

Did you know that seals have the highest amount of iron per kg of dry weight of any mammal on Earth? We are talking up to 900 mg of iron per kg of dry weight!

To put that into perspective, here is how some of the most iron-dense foods on the planet stack up:

Beef Liver~4.9 – 6.0 mg per 100g (wet weight)
Beef Spleen~31.2 mg per 100g (wet weight)
Fin Whale Meat~300 mg per kg (dry weight)
Seal Meat: Up to 900 mg per kg (dry weight)

Why the massive difference? Marine mammals like whales and seals need extreme oxygen storage capacity to sustain deep, long dives in the ocean. This requires immense concentrations of myoglobin—and by extension, iron—in their muscle tissue compared to terrestrial animals.

The Next Frontier in Iron Supplements? This incredible biology is driving new innovations in human nutrition. Icelandic company Hvalur hf. is reportedly utilizing its permit of 150 fin whales this season to develop "Reyðarjárn," a brand-new iron supplement derived from fin whale meat. While commercial whaling remains a deeply complex and historically sensitive topic, it highlights just how powerful marine biology can be when it comes to nutrient density.

Nature's biochemistry never fails to amaze. What food sources have you used to increase your iron levels?

“Marine mammals have significantly higher concentrations of iron in their muscles than land animals. Among land animals, beef has one of the highest levels, at around 40 mg/kg of dry weight, while fin whale meat contains around 300 mg/kg of dry weight. Seal meat has the highest concentration, at a...

08/18/2026

Did you know what’s happening in your mouth can directly impact your health?

There is a direct correlation between oral health and cardiovascular disease, with some sources suggesting the risk of a heart attack or stroke can double!

These are my recent 3D scans showing pockets of infection on a tooth I had a root canal on, and the other picture is a pocket of infection where I had a wisdom tooth removed when I was 17!!!

Even if you can’t feel them, lingering pockets of oral infection can have a domino effect on your entire body:
Direct Access: Bacteria from infected teeth or gums enter your bloodstream through daily activities like chewing, brushing, or flossing.
Systemic Inflammation: Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria trigger an inflammatory response throughout your body.
Vascular Impact: Chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels over time, contributing to fatty plaque buildup in your arteries and increasing cardiovascular risk.
Lifestyle factors like smoking or living with diabetes further increase the likelihood of developing both severe gum disease and heart conditions.
Your mouth is the gateway to your body! Regular dental checkups, standard 3D imaging (like CBCT scans), and staying on top of hidden infections aren't just about saving your smile—they're about protecting your heart.

08/15/2026

Calling all moms! We have your Monday evening planned. Don’t miss a chance to gather at A New Story Birth Center along with some amazing doulas from Kingdom Beginnings.

08/15/2026

Here are the updated guidelines for Pap smear screening!

Guidelines have evolved to prioritize smarter, personalized care rather than automatic annual swabs. Here is what current ACOG recommendations actually look like:

✨ Ages 21–29: Pap test alone every 3 years.
✨ Ages 30–65: Screening every 5 years with a Pap + high-risk HPV co-test. (Bonus update: primary HPV testing or self-collection options are increasingly supported where available!)
✨ Ages 65+: Most people can stop screening if they have a history of consistent, negative results over the past decade.
✨ Had a Hysterectomy? If your cervix was removed and you have no history of high-grade precancer or cervical cancer, routine screening is generally no longer required.

Why the longer gaps? Modern testing is much more sensitive, making year-after-year Pap smears unnecessary for average-risk individuals.

👉 Note: A longer screening interval doesn't mean skipping your yearly well-woman visit! Wellness exams cover overall reproductive health, pelvic health, and routine checks beyond just screening for cervical cancer.

Always talk with your healthcare provider to confirm the schedule that best fits your individual medical history! 🩺

08/13/2026

“Wait… can a Pap smear actually cause cancer?!” 😳

In this post, we will discuss the risks of developing cervical cancer, and in the next post, we will address the question of do pap smears cause cancer!

We recently heard this question come up, and we knew we needed to set the record straight immediately: No, Pap smears do NOT cause cancer.

In fact, Pap tests do the exact opposite—they detect pre-cancerous cell changes early so they can be treated before cancer ever develops. 🩺✨

To launch our new educational series on Pap smears and cervical health, let’s talk about what actually influences your risk for cervical cancer (according to the American Cancer Society):

🦠 Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is extremely common and spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Most of the time, your body clears the virus on its own. However, persistent infections with high-risk HPV types can lead to cellular changes over time.

🚬 Smoking

Women who smoke are about twice as likely to develop cervical cancer as non-smokers. To***co byproducts can damage cervical cell DNA and weaken the immune system's ability to fight off HPV.

🦠 Other Infections & Immunity

A weakened immune system or a history of Chlamydia infection can make it easier for HPV to persist and grow in cervical cells.

💊 Hormones & Reproductive History

Oral Contraceptive Use: Long-term use of birth control pills is linked to a slightly higher risk, but this risk gradually decreases and returns to normal years after stopping.

Pregnancy: Having multiple full-term pregnancies or having a first full-term pregnancy before age 20 is associated with higher risk (often tied to increased exposure to HPV).

🏥 Healthcare Access

One of the largest risk factors is simply missing routine screenings. Without regular Pap or HPV tests, pre-cancerous cells go unnoticed and untreated.

🧬 Factors Beyond Your Control

Family history of cervical cancer and past exposure to DES (a drug used between 1940–1971) also play a role.

💡 Did you know? (Protective Factor)

Research shows that using an Intrauterine Device (IUD)—even for less than a year—is associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer!

💬 The Takeaway: Knowledge is power, and routine screening saves lives. Don't let myths stand between you and your health.

Got questions about Pap smears? Drop them in the comments below or save this post for your next check-up! 👇

Source: American Cancer Society

08/12/2026

When you know where you want to birth… you’ll go the distance.

We have had women from each of these counties choose our birth centers for their births—and some families have driven 3½–4 hours ONE WAY for every prenatal appointment, labor and delivery, and postpartum visit! 😲

That’s hours in the car. Miles on the road. And a whole lot of commitment.

But we hear it again and again: “It’s worth the drive.” ❤️

We are incredibly grateful for every family who trusts us with such an important part of their journey into parenthood. Your commitment, your trust, and your stories mean more to us than you know.

Wherever you live, if you’re looking for a different kind of maternity care, we’d love to meet you.

08/07/2026

We often talk about the challenges of birth, but today we want to celebrate the strength! ✨

What is one moment from your birth story that made you feel like a total rockstar? Whether it was the first time you held your baby or a specific moment of strength during labor, we want to hear it.

Drop your 'win' in the comments below!

08/05/2026

One of the most common questions new moms ask is, “Am I making enough milk?”

The good news is that, for most mothers, milk supply is built on a simple principle: supply and demand. The more often milk is removed, the more your body is signaled to produce.

Here are a few ways to support a healthy milk supply:

- Nurse or pump frequently, especially in the early weeks.
- Aim for a deep, comfortable latch—effective milk removal matters.
- Stay well hydrated and nourish your body with balanced meals and adequate protein.
- Skin-to-skin time isn’t just for bonding—it also supports milk production.
-Try not to skip overnight feedings during the early weeks, as nighttime hormones help maintain supply.
- Rest when you can. Stress and exhaustion don’t usually “dry up” milk, but they can make breastfeeding feel much more difficult.
- If you’re worried about your supply, reach out early. Many challenges can be addressed with the right support.

Remember: A fussy baby doesn’t always mean a low milk supply. Growth spurts, comfort nursing, and cluster feeding are all normal parts of infant development.

At A New Story Birth Center, we’re here to help answer questions, provide lactation support, and encourage you every step of the way. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Every breastfeeding journey is unique.
Support—not perfection—is the goal.

08/04/2026

🌎 World Breastfeeding Week | August 1–7 🤱

There is something truly remarkable about the way God designed a mother’s body.

Breast milk isn’t just food—it’s comfort, nourishment, protection, and connection. It changes as your baby grows, responds when they’re sick, and continues to provide benefits long after the newborn days.

But if you’ve breastfed before, you also know this truth:

It isn’t always easy.

Sometimes it’s joyful. Sometimes it’s exhausting. Sometimes it comes naturally, and sometimes it takes patience, tears, encouragement, and a village.

This World Breastfeeding Week, we want every family to know that you don’t have to navigate your feeding journey alone.

Whether you’re preparing during pregnancy, learning to latch in those first few days, building your milk supply, returning to work, pumping, tandem nursing, or wondering if what you’re experiencing is normal, we’re here to support you without judgment.

Our goal has never been perfection.

Our goal is helping you make informed decisions, feel confident in your abilities, and care for both you and your baby along the way.

Every feeding is an act of love.

Happy World Breastfeeding Week to all the mothers who have nourished their babies in countless ways—you are doing meaningful work, and we are honored to walk alongside you. 💙