Bornbir Blog

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

Pregnancy

What Does a Midwife Do

So, what does a midwife actually do? In short, a midwife is a trained healthcare professional who walks with you through the entire journey of pregnancy, birth, and the first few weeks with your new baby. They offer expert, highly personalized care, treating you as a whole person, not just a medical chart.Your Partner Through Pregnancy and BeyondThink of it this way: if an OB-GYN is the expert surgeon you need for a complex medical situation, a midwife is your trusted guide for the natural voyage of birth. They help you navigate the entire process, teaching you to read the...

Newborn Newborn Care Specialist

​How Do Cloth Diapers Work

Let's pull back the curtain on cloth diapers. At their core, they're built around a simple two-part idea: an absorbent inner layer to soak up messes and a waterproof outer layer to keep everything contained.Think of it like a high-tech sponge wrapped in a soft, breathable raincoat. It’s that straightforward.How Cloth Diapers Actually WorkIf you're picturing the old-school squares of fabric and safety pins, it's time for an update. Today's cloth diapers are a world away from what our grandparents used. They’re designed with modern parents in mind, focusing on both top-notch function and real-world convenience.The whole point is to...

Newborn Sleep Coach Newborn Care Specialist

A Modern Guide to a Safe Sleep Environment for Infants

As a new parent, the single most powerful tool you have for creating a safe sleep environment for infants is a simple acronym, ABCs. That’s Alone, on their Back, in a Crib.This straightforward framework cuts through all the noise and is the most effective way to protect your baby during sleep, giving you some much-needed peace of mind.Understanding the ABCs of Safe Infant SleepThe flood of parenting advice can feel like a full-time job. When it comes to sleep, it’s so easy to get lost in conflicting opinions and old wives' tales. Thankfully, the core principles for a safe sleep...

Newborn

What Is Vernix Caseosa

When you first meet your newborn, you might notice a creamy, white, waxy substance coating their skin. That’s vernix caseosa, and it's a completely normal and healthy part of birth. This natural coating develops during the third trimester, acting as your baby’s very first moisturizer and protective barrier.What Is Vernix Caseosa and Why Does It Matter?At first glance, vernix caseosa can look a bit unusual, almost like a cheesy or greasy film. But this amazing substance is one of nature’s most brilliant skincare products. Instead of seeing it as something to be wiped away immediately, think of it as a...

Pregnancy

What is a membrane sweep?

As you get closer to your due date, your provider might bring up a membrane sweep as an option to help get labor started. It's important to know this isn't a full-blown medical induction. Think of it more as a natural nudge to encourage your body to do what it's already preparing for.What Is a Membrane Sweep, Really?When you're nearing the end of your pregnancy, especially after 38 weeks, you'll likely hear about a few ways to get labor going. A membrane sweep is one of the most common first steps your doctor or midwife might suggest.Imagine trying to gently...

Mental Health Therapist

How to Deal with Postpartum Anxiety and Reclaim Your Peace

The first step in dealing with postpartum anxiety is simply acknowledging that what you're feeling is more than just "new parent nerves." It's giving yourself permission to get help. The best approach combines immediate coping skills, like grounding exercises for those intense moments, with long-term strategies like therapy and building a solid support system. This way, you can manage the day-to-day overwhelm while laying the groundwork for a real recovery.Understanding Postpartum Anxiety and Its SymptomsIf you feel like you're stuck in a constant loop of worry, you are absolutely not alone. Postpartum anxiety is a very real, very common complication...

Doula

​Abortion Doula: What They Do and How They Help

An abortion doula is a trained professional who offers continuous, compassionate support through an abortion experience. They aren't medical staff. Instead, they act as a personal guide, offering emotional, physical, and informational help.Think of them as a steady, non-judgmental presence dedicated entirely to your well-being during a deeply personal time.What an Abortion Doula Actually DoesImagine preparing for a challenging journey. You might have a map and a destination, but having an experienced guide makes everything feel much less overwhelming. That's exactly what an abortion doula is, a guide for a very personal journey.Their entire role centers around you. They don't...

Pregnancy Childbirth Education

​Mastering Breathing Techniques For Labor And Delivery

When you're preparing for labor, focused breathing is one of the most powerful tools you have. These aren't just any deep breaths; they are specific, intentional patterns used to manage pain, stay calm, and conserve precious energy during childbirth. Techniques like slow breathing and patterned breathing are designed to help you work with your body's contractions, not against them. They are a cornerstone of natural pain management during labor.Why Breathing Is Your Superpower During LaborThe thought of labor can feel overwhelming. But what if I told you that you already possess a built-in tool to stay grounded and in control?...

Breastfeeding

​A Parent's Guide to Tea to Increase Milk Production

If you're exploring ways to boost your milk supply, you've probably heard someone mention a tea to increase milk production. These special herbal teas, often called lactation teas, have been a quiet staple for nursing parents for centuries, seen as a gentle, natural way to support a healthy milk supply.Understanding How Lactation Teas WorkWorrying about your milk supply is one of the most common anxieties new parents face. You are definitely not alone. While lactation tea is just one of many tools people turn to for support, it helps to first understand what it is and how it’s believed to...

Doula

​A Parent's Guide to Placenta Encapsulation

So, what exactly is placenta encapsulation? It’s the practice of carefully preparing a new parent's placenta after birth by dehydrating it, grinding it into a fine powder, and placing it into capsules. It's much like a vitamin you'd take daily. The idea is to repurpose the very organ that nourished your baby throughout pregnancy to support your own postpartum recovery. It’s a modern take on a tradition that has roots in various cultures around the world.What Is Placenta EncapsulationAt its heart, placenta encapsulation is about taking the organ that was your baby's lifeline and turning it into something that can...