Bornbir Blog

Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum articles for parents, doulas, lactation consultants, and other perinatal care providers.

Breastfeeding

How to Relieve Engorgement When Breastfeeding

When your breasts feel rock-hard and painful, the goal is a simple one: relief. Getting there involves a combination of frequent milk removal, some gentle massage, and using cold compresses to bring down that swelling. You're just trying to soften the breasts enough to feel comfortable and, more importantly, to help your baby latch on properly. This strategy helps manage your milk supply without accidentally telling your body to produce even more.Understanding Why Breast Engorgement HappensThat sudden feeling of intense, painful fullness can be a real shock, especially for new parents. It typically pops up around day three to five...

Pregnancy

Your Hospital Bag Checklist For Labor And Delivery

Let’s be honest, packing your hospital bag feels like more than just checking another item off the endless to-do list. It’s a milestone. This isn’t just about tossing some clothes and a toothbrush into a bag. It's about mindfully bringing pieces of home with you to create a sense of calm and control during a pretty intense, unpredictable time.Why A Well-Packed Bag MattersPutting together your hospital bag checklist for labor is a genuine act of self-care. It’s one of the few things you have complete control over before your baby arrives, and that feeling of being prepared can seriously dial...

Breastfeeding

​ 8 Essential Foods to Increase Milk Supply That Actually Work in 2026

Feeling worried about your milk supply is a common experience for new parents. It's a personal journey, and every family's path is unique. The good news is that nutrition can play a supportive role in this process. This article isn't about promoting magic bullets. It's about providing information on adding nutrient-dense, supportive foods to your daily routine.We are going to explore a curated list of specific foods to increase milk supply. Think of this as a helpful guide, a roundup of options that lactation professionals and other parents often turn to. The goal is to help you feel nourished and...

Pregnancy Expecting

Natural Pain Management During Labor

Natural pain management during labor is all about using non-medical strategies to work with your body's incredible process. The focus is on techniques like specific breathing patterns, movement, and hands-on support to manage the sensations, rather than trying to eliminate them with medication.For many, this approach leads to a more empowering birth experience and, often, a quicker recovery.Working With Your Body During ChildbirthThe idea of labor can feel pretty overwhelming, but it helps to remember that your body is literally built for this. Thinking about childbirth as a collaborative process, where you work with your contractions instead of fighting against...

Pregnancy Expecting

What to Expect During Labor for First-time Parents

When you're expecting, the idea of labor can feel a little abstract, maybe even a bit intimidating. It helps to remember that labor isn't a single, sudden event. It's your body's natural process of giving birth, unfolding through a series of predictable stages that guide you from the first mild contractions all the way to delivering your baby and the placenta.Your Roadmap for Understanding Labor and DeliveryThink of labor as a journey, not a sprint. Each part of this journey has its own unique purpose, physical sensations, and emotional landscape. Understanding this progression is powerful. It helps you know what's...

Newborn Sleep Coach

How to Sleep Train a Baby for More Restful Nights

So, you're thinking about sleep training. It's a journey so many of us exhausted parents find ourselves on, and you've come to the right place. Think of this guide as your practical, no-judgment friend for teaching your baby the skill of falling asleep on their own. The goal here isn't about creating a rigid schedule, but about finding a rhythm that brings more rest and way less stress to everyone in your home.Your Guide to Navigating Baby Sleep TrainingEmbarking on the sleep training journey can feel like a huge step, especially when you're already running on fumes. I get it....

Pregnancy Expecting

​ What Is Perinatal Care: A Guide to Your Pregnancy Journey

So, what exactly is perinatal care? Think of it as your complete support system for one of life's biggest journeys. It wraps around you and your family, covering everything from the moment you start thinking about pregnancy until well after your baby arrives.This isn't just about doctor's appointments. It’s a holistic blend of medical guidance, emotional support, and practical preparation designed to give you and your baby the healthiest possible start.Your Guide Through the Journey of PregnancyIf you were managing a huge, life-changing project, you wouldn't just wing it. You’d want a solid plan, a skilled team, and expert advice...

Pregnancy Expecting

​ Gas Pains vs Contractions

It really all boils down to one key thing: Labor contractions create a regular, intensifying pattern, while gas pains are sharp, random, and don't progress. How you should react depends entirely on whether you can spot a consistent rhythm.Gas Pains Or Contractions A Quick ComparisonThat sudden, sharp cramp you feel in your third trimester can be pretty alarming. Is this it? Is this labor? Or is it just some really uncomfortable gas? It’s a super common concern, but learning to spot a few key signs can bring a lot of peace of mind.If you're experiencing this, you're in good company....

Breastfeeding Lactation Consultant

When will you start lactating during pregnancy

If you're asking when you will start lactating during pregnancy, the answer might surprise you. It's probably a lot sooner than you think. Your body is incredibly proactive and begins the amazing process of making milk during your second trimester, preparing a special first milk called colostrum long before your baby arrives.Your Body's Early Start On LactationMany new parents assume lactation is something that kicks in only after the baby is born, but your body gets a significant head start. The whole journey begins quietly, often without you even noticing, right around the middle of your pregnancy. Think of it...

Pregnancy

Natural birth vs epidural

Here’s a quick side-by-side of pain relief, mobility, and intervention odds for natural labor vs epidural. It boils down to how much feeling you want, how much moving matters, and what medical steps you’re fine with.Quick Answer On Natural Birth Vs EpiduralKey Differences Between Natural Birth And Epidural Criteria Natural Birth Epidural Pain Relief Method Breathing techniques, position changes, massage Local anesthetic injected near spinal nerves Mobility Impact Full freedom to walk, squat, and switch positions Generally bed-bound with limited repositioning Intervention Likelihood Lower probability of forceps or vacuum Slightly higher odds of assisted delivery This table lays out the...