Free birth ebook! There’s so much information out there about what makes a “good” birth—where it happens, how it happens, and so on. We’re going to let you in on a little secret: There’s no set criteria for what makes giving birth a good experience, other than that it feels good and right to you, […]
Read moreArticles by Carrie Murphy

About Carrie
Carrie Murphy is a certified birth doula and freelance writer living in New Mexico. She has an MFA in Creative Writing (Poetry) from New Mexico State University and is the author of two books of poetry.
This is the first chapter of our free ebook Your Best Birth: Providers, Plans, and Being Proactive. One of the best ways to ensure that your prenatal care, birth, and postpartum care go well is to find a pregnancy provider that you like, respect, and trust. This is often easier said than done. Insurance, location, […]
Read moreThis is the second chapter of our free ebook Your Best Birth: Providers, Plans, and Being Proactive. If you’re a pregnant person today, chances you’ve considered making a birth plan. Maybe you’ve heard they’re a must-have – “Ensure your wishes are respected!” or maybe you’ve heard the opposite – “Birth plans are only for uber […]
Read moreThis is the third chapter of our free ebook Your Best Birth: Providers, Plans, and Being Proactive. Giving birth is life-changing—no matter when, where, or how it happens. A healthy baby and a healthy mama is obviously what most women want above all else. But it’s ok (and perfectly normal and natural!) to also want […]
Read moreA doula offers continuous labor support, a scientifically proven tool for a better birth experience and outcome. So why aren't doulas prescribed?
Read moreSix Types of Contractions: What to Really Expect Before, During and After Labor
By Carrie MurphyWhat are contractions? Contractions are a normal part of pregnancy and occur when the uterine muscle tightens and flexes, just like flexing any other muscle. In the end, uterine muscle contractions are what will help you in labor, pushing your baby down the birth canal and out into the world (woohoo!). But to many, decoding […]
Read moreWhat are Braxton Hicks contractions? Braxton Hicks contractions are basically your run-of-the-mill, practice or “warm-up” contractions. Their job is to get your uterine muscle ready for labor. Braxton Hicks are also called non-labor contractions because they don’t directly lead to labor. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks don’t dilate the cervix or cause the birth […]
Read moreWe polled a few women to hear, in their own words, what different types of contractions feel like, from good old mild Braxton Hicks right up until those rumored “ring of fire” pushing contractions. Here’s what they told us.
Read moreFalse Labor, False Alarms, and How to Avoid Going to the Hospital When it isn’t Time.
By Carrie MurphyHere you are at 38, 39, 40, maybe even 41 or 42 weeks pregnant. You’re emotional, excited, and ready to meet your baby. Let’s be honest—you’re probably also exhausted, uncomfortable and uber-tired of the endless trips to the bathroom. All you’ve got to do now is wait for labor to start… And while it seems […]
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