Heart And Home Midwifery

06/20/2026

Things your midwife says in labor and what you actually hear:

"Just breathe through it. Blow out like you're blowing out a candle."

(Said while the baby is actively crowning. I am attempting to blow out a candle while what feels like a watermelon is exiting my bu****le. Breathing is not currently available to me.)

"Drop your shoulders and let everything from your head to your toes just loosen up."

(My insides are currently being squeezed in a mechanical vice. But sure. I'll just loosen up.)

"You're safe and you're doing such a great job."

(I am in fact not doing a great job. I am fairly certain I am dying. These feel like different things.)

"You CAN do this. You're almost there and the only way out now is through."

(At this point I have no choice. That's not encouragement, that's just math. And honestly? A little brutal.)

"This looks like early labor. The best thing you can do right now is rest."

(Said as my midwife tucked me into my own bed and handed me sleepy herbs. I'm sorry. EARLY? This cannot be early. I refuse to accept early. Early is not possible right now.)

"You really need to try and eat something to keep your energy up for pushing."

(The thought of eating anything ever again is offensive to me. I have decided this baby is never coming out and food is no longer part of my life.)

"Why don't you snuggle up with your husband and get some oxytocin flowing to help pick up those contractions?"

(Ma'am. Have you seen me? I am a sweaty, leaking, enormous human who currently feels the opposite of romantic. My husband is also a little scared of me right now. Snuggling is not on the table.)

"Your body was made for this."

(Cool. My body and I are having a serious conversation after this is over.)

"Every contraction is bringing your baby closer."

(This is technically true and also completely unhelpful right now.)

"You're almost there."

(You have said this four times in the last two hours. We need to discuss what almost means.)

And then the baby arrives.

And suddenly every single thing we said was true.

You were safe. You did do a great job. You could do it. You were almost there.

Your body WAS made for this.

And it was worth every single second.

06/01/2026

🌿💗 May Birth Announcements 💗🌿

May was a beautiful month at Heart and Home Midwifery, and we were honored to welcome four precious little ones into the world.

🎀 May 2 – Baby Girl
💙 May 6 – Baby Boy
🎀 May 23 – Baby Girl
🎀 May 31 – Baby Girl

Each birth story was unique, each family extraordinary, and every baby deeply loved before they ever took their first breath.

Thank you to the families who entrusted us to walk alongside you during such a sacred season. Watching parents meet their babies and witnessing the strength, courage, and beauty of birth is a privilege we never take for granted.

Please join us in celebrating these sweet May babies and the families who welcomed them home. 🤍

🌿🏡💕

05/29/2026

05/24/2026

Baby aspirin and pregnancy. Let's talk about it.

🩺 Potential Benefits
Prevention of preeclampsia:
Research shows that starting low‑dose aspirin (often between 12–16 weeks) can reduce the risk of preeclampsia in women with certain risk factors (e.g., chronic hypertension, prior preeclampsia, autoimmune disease, multiple gestation).
Improved placental blood flow:
Aspirin’s mild antiplatelet effect may help support uteroplacental circulation, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to the baby.
Reduced risk of growth restriction and preterm birth in some high‑risk pregnancies.
⚠️ Potential Risks
Bleeding:
Aspirin can increase bleeding risk, especially near delivery or if combined with other anticoagulants.
Placental complications:
High‑dose or unsupervised use may raise the risk of placental abruption or postpartum hemorrhage.
Gastrointestinal irritation:
Even low doses can cause stomach upset or ulcers in sensitive individuals.
Contraindications:
Not advised for people with aspirin allergy, bleeding disorders, or certain liver/kidney conditions.
"Taking a low-dose ("baby") aspirin during pregnancy is widely recommended and considered safe for those at high or moderate risk of preeclampsia, based on professional clinical guidance. It is used to help manage blood flow to the placenta, with the goal of reducing risks related to high blood pressure, preterm delivery, and fetal growth restriction."

05/17/2026

...and yes...your insurance picks up most of the bill for your hospital birth.....but is it really free....?

05/16/2026

Transfer is something I talk about in prenatal visits. its very important that the parents know that we have a plan if we need it. We go over this several times during pregnancy. it is never ignored because sometimes it is needed. Its not meant to scare parents but to reassure them that there is a plan.

05/15/2026

....and we will scramble you some eggs after the birth, clean up, tuck you in with your baby and then go home:) What more could you ask for??

05/10/2026

To the mothers who trusted me with your stories, your strength, your tears, your laughter, and the sacred moments that changed your lives forever — Happy Mother’s Day. 🌿🤍

Watching each of you grow into motherhood has been one of the greatest honors of my life. From first flutters to first cries, from the quiet moments of uncertainty to the overwhelming joy of meeting your baby, you have shown incredible courage and love every step of the way.

Thank you for allowing me into your homes, your hearts, and your journeys. Being your midwife means so much more than attending births — it means witnessing the beautiful transformation of women becoming mothers.

Today we celebrate every kind of mother:
✨ New mothers
✨ Seasoned mothers
✨ Mothers waiting to meet their babies
✨ Mothers healing from loss
✨ Mothers doing their very best every single day

You are strong. You are capable. You are deeply loved.

With all my love,
Nolana
Heart & Home Midwifery 🌸