3 Ways to Combat Postpartum Depression

By Dr. Alan Lindemann

June 28, 2021

Photo: David Veksler on Unsplash

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it’s not uncommon for women to get the “baby blues” in the first 8–10 weeks after delivering. Mothers with the “baby blues” will often contact their care providers one or two weeks after giving birth complaining of sadness and difficulty taking care of their newborn. Some express guilt over feeling they’re not being a good parent. Some may be having trouble breastfeeding their babies. These “baby blues,” ACOG claims, resolve on their own. If depression continues after 8–10 weeks, however, it is called postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression poses a serious risk to new mother’s lives. When left untreated, they may even develop postpartum psychosis, in which the mother’s life and those of her children are then at risk.

Approximately one in seven women experiences postpartum depression in the first year after birth. You are certainly not alone if you are struggling with this experience. The very good news to be aware of is that postpartum depression is absolutely treatable.

This well-known, challenging condition so many new mothers battle also has a well-worn path to remediation. You do not need to suffer in silence or “tough it out.” In fact, it is much more dangerous to do so. If you think you may be suffering from postpartum depression, contact your doctor right away and begin the three-step process detailed below.

How to Beat Postpartum Depression

1. Secure a Diagnosis
The first step in treatment is diagnosis. In the more than 6,000 births I’ve facilitated, none of my patients came to bodily harm due to postpartum depression or psychosis because I implemented checkups within the first two weeks—not six, as insurance companies deem necessary. In the absence of a proactive postpartum checkup plan from your doctor, however, it is crucial that you set up a plan yourself. Talk to your care providers, your partner, and trusted loved ones and create a checkup system for your first six weeks after birth, and throughout the first year.

Your spouse can be a valuable resource for women suffering from postpartum depression. Spouses can often recognize the signs of depression before the mother does.

And if you are reading this after giving birth and already in the midst of your struggle, call your doctor and any support people in your life now. Having a plan beforehand is wonderful, but it is not too late to get the help you need and start feeling better, for yourself and for your new baby.

2. Commit to Counseling
Work with your obstetrician to connect with a psychiatrist right away. In my experience, postpartum depression can be greatly mitigated by simple and timely access to care for the problem.

If you do not have a preexisting relationship with a psychiatrist and have not established one through your doctor before the birth, you can still start now. It may take time to get in for your first psychiatric appointment, however, so be prepared for your OBGYN to connect you with an appropriate postpartum counselor in the meantime.

3. Be Open to Medication
When “baby blues” become postpartum depression, the priority must be helping you break free from this debilitating and dangerous state. Medication is a reliable way to achieve this. Once postpartum depression is diagnosed, treatment involves counseling and taking serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medications. SNRI medications motivate and promote happiness and comfort. Moms are not only less depressed, but also begin to feel like taking care of their new baby.

Getting well and breaking the cycle of depression must be a priority. If you are in the midst of postpartum depression now, share your feelings with your spouse or a support person. Your OBGYN should be an excellent resource for you to tap into right away for listening to you and helping you get the care you need. Your physician can get you connected with a counselor and, ultimately, a psychiatrist.

If you are breastfeeding and need to take medications for postpartum depression or anxiety, both you and your physician should discuss the risks and make the decision together about what medications to take. Research shows very little of the medication for postpartum depression or anxiety will get into your breast milk, but you and your physician should make this decision together.

And if you need to speak with someone immediately and cannot reach your physician or support person, don’t hesitate to use your local community hotlines for depression.

Again, postpartum depression is a treatable condition. Discussion of postpartum depression with your physician should be part of your birth plan. You absolutely can make it through this challenging time and begin feeling like yourself again—and actually enjoy having time with your new baby.

Dr. Alan Lindemann

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

An obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, “Rural Doc” Alan Lindemann, M.D. teaches women and families how to create the outcomes they want for their own health and pregnancy. In nearly 40 years of practice, he has delivered around 6,000 babies and achieved a maternal mortality rate of zero! Visit LindemannMD.com

Astronaut Mae Jemison Releases 2nd Edition of Her YA Book

by Erica LoopMarch 2, 2021

She’s a NASA astronaut who was the first woman of color in space, a physician, engineer, educator and the first real astronaut to appear on Star Trek. Dr. Mae Jemison has taken a life full of out-of-this-world experiences and turned them into a book for young adults.

Jemison’s autobiography, Find Where the Wind Goes: Moments From My Life, is now in its 2nd edition. Whether your older kiddo is already a fan or is new to the world of this amazing astronaut, the 2nd edition of Jemison’s book is packed with heartfelt stories and 16 graphic-novel style illustrations.

photo courtesy of Signal Hill Road Publishing

The astronaut-turned author teamed up with artist Michael Ocasio and Studio NYC to create the imaginative illustrations, telling her story through both words and pictures.

Jemison said in a press release, “There are so many parallels between when I was growing up and the world teenagers find themselves in today– human rights, social justice, an explosion of science and technology, space exploration, growing awareness and connections across the globe, evolving music and art, and individuals asserting their rights to participate.”

She continued, “My story is about finding who you intend to be and trying to assert who you are as a teen as the world is changing around you. I hope my story provides some clues to making it through while keeping your smile, integrity and hopefulness.”

Not only is the book authored by the astronaut, but it’s also the first project from Jemison’s Spring Hill Publishing company. Signal Hill Road Publishing is the first independent Black-owned, woman-owned publisher to explore the intersection of social issues, technology, science and culture.

Find Where the Wind Goes 2nd edition is available for pre-order at Amazon ($29.95), Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Indiebound, and other major retailers—or get your hardcover copy when the book goes on sale Feb. 23.

—Erica Loop

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Suffering from Anxiety While Pregnant? Here’s What You Need to Know

By Dr. Alan Lindemann

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 29, 2021

Photo: Xavier Mouton Photographie on Unsplash

If you are one of the millions of women who suffer from clinical anxiety, you may be wondering how best to navigate it during your pregnancy. Here are answers to some of the most common questions pregnant women with anxiety are curious about. As with any pregnancy advice you read, be sure to connect with your key care providers to help support you through your unique pregnancy journey.

1. Are many pregnant women bothered by anxiety? Anxiety is the most common psychiatric disorder, and women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with it. If you historically suffer from anxiety, you are likely to need strategies to deal with it and keep you and your baby happy and healthy during your pregnancy. Onset of new pathologic anxiety during pregnancy is not common, but communicate with your care provider if this is your experience so you can get additional support as needed. (Normal pregnancy-related anxiety is common, and doesn’t need any treatment.)

2. Does anxiety carry risks to my pregnancy? Anxiety and other stresses in pregnancy are associated with miscarriage, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. If you are suffering from anxiety and become pregnant, it’s important to work with your care provider to create an action plan so you can optimize your pregnancy outcomes.

3. What are some natural (drug-free) ways to deal with anxiety during pregnancy? Enlist the help of your partner in creating and maintaining a calm pregnancy environment. You can also try yoga, meditation, and walking. Be sure to talk to your obstetrician as well. If s/he doesn’t feel comfortable helping you with your anxiety, ask for a referral to a counselor

4. Is it safe to take anxiety medications while pregnant? Taking anxiety medications during pregnancy does carry some risks to your baby (depending on the medication), including cleft lip and “floppy baby syndrome” (i.e., hypothermia, lethargy, poor respiratory effort, and feeding problems). Your infant may also suffer from withdrawal from certain medications. Be sure to consult with your prescribing physician and understand all the risks before making your decision.

5. What if I’m on anxiety medication when I get pregnant? Work with your prescribing physician to slowly decrease dosage over a period of about three weeks until you can wean yourself off. While some anxiety medications can be taken during pregnancy, they all cause some risk to your baby, and it is best to go off the medications if possible.

In the end, the decision needs to be weighed from the perspective of where the greatest benefit will be compared to the greatest harm. If not taking your medication could result in self-harm, for example, your physician may recommend you continue taking it in spite of the potential risks to your pregnancy.

Dr. Alan Lindemann

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Pediatricians 101: How to Choose a Doctor for Your Newborn

by Sarah BlightDecember 26, 2020

You’re so busy preparing for the physical needs of your soon-to-arrive baby, it’s easy to forget that finding a pediatrician is something that may take some time and effort. And it should be done before baby arrives. To make things easier on you, we’ve simplified the process to six easy steps below.

photo: David Salafia via flickr

Step 1: Determine what factors are important to you in a pediatrician.

Things you may want to think about are:

Location
How many physicians, physicians assistants, nurse practitioners are in the practice
Ease of making/getting appointments
Experience levels of the staff
Regular business hours and after-hours care
If there are separate waiting rooms for sick kids and well visits
Their philosophy of care
Where they have hospital privileges
How they prefer to communicate with you

Step 2: Check your insurance to see which providers are in network.

It’s helpful to get a basic idea of which providers are available to you through your insurance. Sometimes, it’s worth it to pay more out of pocket for an out-of-network provider. That, of course, depends on your insurance plan. Give your insurance a call to find out the low-down on what your financial obligation will be for both in- and out-of-network options.

photo: iStock

Step 3: Ask your friends for recommendations.

Your friends’ personal experiences with their providers is always a great step toward getting narrowing down what may be a good fit for your family. Ask your buddies about both positive and negative experiences they’ve had with their pediatrician’s practice. One additional step is to join a parents group on social media for your local area and ask them for feedback. Parents love to share their experiences with important team members like pediatricians. And you are sure to find the honest scoop on providers in your area when asked. You will probably notice that several physicians get repeated mentions as providers that are amazing or those who fall short of the mark. Check these physicians against your insurance list to get an idea of where to go from there.

Step 4: Interview pediatricians over the phone.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of pediatricians, review their websites and schedule an interview to discuss the factors above. While this may be more difficult to do with COVID-19 restrictions in place, it’s not impossible. If the pediatrician is not available, ask to speak with a physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or nurse. In every other area of our lives we talk to the people “doing the work.” So talking to your prospective provider should be no different. Even if they are a busy, thriving practice (which can be a good sign), they should be able to spend 5 minutes telling you about their practice before you give them your business.

photo: ElenaBuzmakova_Borisova via Pixabay

Step 5: Verify if they accept your insurance.

While you are chatting with the pediatrician’s office, verify they are accepting your insurance and new patients. Your insurance website may not be up to date and it can be very frustrating to find a perfect fit, only to realize the office no longer takes your insurance or isn’t accepting new patients.

Step 6: Make your choice & set it up.

Now that you’ve gotten the scoop on the pediatrician’s offices in your area, you are now ready to choose the lucky practice that will partner with you in your baby’s health! Let them know that you would like to have them as your provider as soon as your little one arrives and ask them if there is any paperwork you need to fill out prior to that. Find out their protocol once your baby is born now—how soon they will want to see your baby after birth and when you should call to make your first appointment.

Congratulations! You can now check off one more thing on your “must do” list for welcoming your sweet bundle and get back to choosing diapers, bottles and other baby essentials. Stay tuned for our second article on important questions to ask during your first pediatrician appointment.

—Sarah Blight

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What Your First-Time Babysitter Needs to Know

by Meghan Yudes MeyersOctober 24, 2020

You’ve done your research, interviewed babysitters and cross-checked their references. But entrusting a new sitter with your sweet baby can still be an emotional task. Preparing a detailed list of information and going over it with your sitter before you head out the door empowers your babysitter—and will help ease your jitters about handing off your babe to a stranger. Here’s the 411 on the most important info to share with your sitter.

The Basics

Leaving your phone number is a given. Providing the address and phone number of the location you plan to be at is also helpful, in case your phone dies or you're away from it. You should also make sure that your home address (and cross streets) are prominently displayed on your list, in case your sitter needs them. This list is also a good place to note relatives' names and phone numbers, the number for Poison Control (800-222-1222) and your family doctor. If you have a landline, make sure the sitter knows that number in case his/her phone dies.

Health & Wellness

If your child requires daily medications, label each clearly along with a checklist of the dosages and times to give each one. In fact, preparing syringes for your babysitter guarantees that your child will receive the proper dosage. Setting alarms can help, as well, for timely administrations. Also, inform your sitter when to contact you during a medical event (such as in the case of vomiting, a minor injury or a mild fever) and when they should contact your child's physician or 911. Consider leaving your insurance information in case of emergency and also a list of your child's medical conditions.

Your Baby's Routine

Structure and routine create a sense of predictability and calmness for children, especially babies. Making sure your babysitter knows the ins and outs of your daily routine will help make a new face a little less scary. Leave a detailed schedule that includes mealtimes, naptimes, bedtimes and what the routine might look like for each: Does your infant have a preferred baby bottle? Do you sing a specific song before putting them in bed? Which direction do they face in the crib? Do they get a book and bath before bedtime?

The Lay of the Land

Your home is new territory for your babysitter, so give a quick tour before you leave. Make sure they know where all the essentials are: diapers, clothes, special toys, bottles, teethers, cleaning products and any other items they might need during their time in your home. You should also let them know where to find emergency items, like fire extinguishers, first aid kits and flashlights (in the event of a power outage). Even if you've shown your sitter these things, leave a list of where to find them should they forget once you've left. Your sitter will also appreciate tips on how to use remote controls for the family TV and any other appliances with quirky controls. If you have house rules, like no shoes in the baby's room, make them aware of these as well.

Keep It Simple

When preparing your written instructions, keep it simple. You will be handing your new sitter a wealth of information, so checklists, numbered or bulleted lists and short, clear sentences will make the information easier to read and follow. Not sure how to organize your info? There are some great templates you can use to organize your notes for the sitter, like these or these.

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

featured image: iStock

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What Every Parent Should Know About Doctor’s Visits Right Now

by Jamie AderskiAugust 16, 2020

Your child’s doctor visits used to be pretty straightforward: Set up a schedule for appointments with your provider and show up. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we all have so many questions right now as to what is safe, especially when it comes to our kids.

Dr. Mona Patel, MD, Attending Physician in the Division of General Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, shares her advice on how parents can navigate their children’s doctor appointments during this time.

How Do I Know It’s Safe?

The first thing Dr. Patel suggests: “Ask your doctor what measures the office has in place to protect you and your child during an in-person visit.”

Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles has taken significant steps to keep children and families safe, and Dr. Patel says they have not seen the virus spread on the CHLA campus. Safety measures include increased cleaning of surfaces, daily health screenings for all staff and visitors, requiring face masks, creating more space for visitors and testing each patient admitted to CHLA for COVID-19.

Vaccine Appointments

With young children, particularly kids under two, Dr. Patel suggests keeping your in-person appointments for vaccinations. Vaccines are on a specific schedule for babies and little ones, and changing that schedule puts kids at risk of getting other diseases.

“Vaccine-preventable illnesses pose a much higher risk to a child’s health than the novel coronavirus,” says Dr. Patel.

Care Plans for Children with Chronic Illnesses

Most of us are hesitant to take our kids anywhere right now, particularly parents of children with chronic health issues. If you have a child with an ongoing health issue, it’s essential to continue your care plan with your doctor.

“It’s critical that parents continue to follow their child’s care plan–getting any imaging or scans, blood tests, treatments and exams so the doctor can monitor their child’s condition,” says Dr. Patel.

Well-Visits for Younger Kids

At a well-visit, your doctor may, check your child’s growth and development milestones, give scheduled vaccines and talk to you about your child’s nutrition, behavior issues, sleeping patterns and general health and well-being. Consistent well-child visits help your child’s doctor identify your family’s needs and get your child the help they need early on.

“Especially in these times, when many people are under financial stress, and children are away from their normal routines of school and friends, these visits are a good way to check in on how our families are doing and see if we can refer them to any needed resources,” says Dr. Patel. Many doctors are also offering virtual visits, allowing you to discuss your child’s health with their physician from the comfort of your couch. Dr. Patel suggests checking with your child’s doctor to see if this is an option for your family.

Well-Visits for Older Kids and Teens

With older kids, Dr. Patel’s primary concern for appointments is not just physical wellness, but also adolescent patients’ mental health.
“We watch for upticks in anxiety and depression, which we see with this crisis,” says Dr. Patel.
At a well-visit for an older child, your child’s doctor can check in on how they’re handling their current situation, and can provide them with the resources your family may need. Your doctor may also be offering virtual visits for these types of appointments.

Dr. Patel’s main takeaway: “Do not put off health care for your child during this crisis.” Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles is prepared to keep families and children healthy and safe, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

—Jamie Aderski

Images provided by Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles

What Is Ayurveda & Can It Help Keep Your Family Healthy?

By Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

May 29, 2020

Photo: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

For the past five weeks (35 days to be exact, but who’s counting?!) my two children have been home from college. And if the stress of a global pandemic wasn’t enough, I’ve also had to cope with the anxiety of wondering if my kids have been exposed to the Coronavirus, either in their college dorms or somewhere along the way during their travels home from California, where they go to school. For my son, a college senior, and for my daughter, a college freshman, moving back home two months before graduation and the end of the semester was definitely not part of the plan—for any of us. My “empty nest” is full once again, and it’s filled with uncertainty.

But there is one thing I can be certain of: the immunity of my kids is strong. How do I know that? Not just because I’m a physician who has always practiced prevention basics, but also because of Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old healing science of India, the birthplace of my parents and many generations before them, which I grew up with and in turn, brought to my children.

Growing up in a South Asian household, Ayurveda was a part of daily life. It was just the way we did things. I remember coming home from school every day and the routine of taking off my shoes and washing my hands in the mudroom before entering, then going straight to my room to change out of my school clothes into clean ones before doing anything else. It didn’t matter what time it was, how hungry I was or how much homework I had to do—this routine was non-negotiable.

So yes, even before COVID-19, building and maintaining immunity was and still is our entire lifestyle thanks to Ayurveda. Here are my top five suggestions, based on Ayurvedic principles and more than 20 years of being both a physician and a parent, to help boost your child’s immunity.

1. Prioritize sleep. Studies show that sleep is critical for a healthy and strong immune system. Create a bedtime routine and be clear about what time “lights out” is.

2. Maintain a daily schedule. Our children live in a world in which their nervous systems are constantly on high-alert with a stress response that never slows down. Creating a daily schedule establishes regularity that helps calm the nervous system and in turn, strengthens the immune system. Start with regular sleep and wake times, then add on regular mealtimes.

3. Establish routines. Routines create stability, and stability creates a sense of “ease” that down-regulates the stress response of the nervous system and boosts the immune system. Establishing a morning routine or an evening routine with two to three steps is a great way to add consistency to your child’s day.

4. Build a strong digestion. According to Ayurveda, a strong digestion is the key to strong immunity. Limit refined sugar, cold and processed foods, and instead focus on a diet of warm meals such as hot cereal, stewed fruits, soups, stews, steamed vegetables, and grains.

5. Create connection. The health benefits of strong social connections have been found to be as important as sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Create an evening “tech time-out” when all electronics are turned off, followed by family time to remind children that relationships are important. Try playing board games, coloring or doing crafts as a way to connect and relax with your kids.

Ayurveda teaches that a strong immune system is the natural result of a healthy lifestyle built upon adequate sleep, a balanced nervous system, and proper nutrition. That said, take your time with the recommendations above. Follow your intuition as a parent and choose one suggestion, try it for a few weeks and observe how your child responds. Make adjustments as necessary or add another suggestion and observe again. You’ll find that over time, your child is learning daily practices, based on the wisdom of Ayurveda, that will help them maintain their immunity throughout their life.

Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

As a physician, I’ve experienced firsthand the limitations of traditional medicine. When I left my career in emergency medicine, I begin a 20-year journey that took me from Brazil to study energy healing back to India to become a practitioner of its 5,000-year-old ancient healing tradition known as Ayurveda.

GlaxoSmithKline Temporarily Stops Production of 2 Kinds of Excedrin Products

by Erica LoopJanuary 24, 2020

If you’re a migraine sufferer and take over-the-counter meds, GlaxoSmithKline’s recent announcement may apply to you. The company has temporarily stopped production of Excedrin Extra Strength and Excedrin Migraine products.

Why has GlaxoSmithKline halted production of the popular pills? Inconsistencies in how the manufacturer transferred and weighed ingredients were found in both products. While GlaxoSmithKline doesn’t believe the migraine medications pose a safety risk right now, the current halt in production is a precaution as the company resolves the inconsistency issues.

HEADS UP: "Through routine quality control and assurance measures, we discovered inconsistencies in how we transfer and weigh ingredients for Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets and Geltabs, and Excedrin Migraine Caplets and Geltabs." https://t.co/NhS9p9Aw5p

— CBS 17 (@WNCN) January 22, 2020

In an emailed statement to Red Tricycle, a representative from GSK said, “Patient safety and product quality are our utmost priorities at GSK. Through routine quality control and assurance measures, we discovered inconsistencies in how we transfer and weigh ingredients for Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets and Geltabs and Excedrin Migraine Caplets and Geltabs. Based on the available data, GSK believes that the product does not pose a safety risk to consumers. However, as a precautionary measure, GSK Consumer Healthcare has voluntarily implemented a temporary discontinuation of production and distribution.”

As a result of the product discontinuation stores have pulled both migraine medications from their shelves. If you’re not sure what to do about your migraines, the GSK statement continued, “This is a short term issue for which we expect production to begin again shortly. In the meantime, other Excedrin products are available along with other pain-relieving drugs, but dosages may differ. Consumers should consult their pharmacist for the most suitable alternative product.”

Consumers should also contact their physician or other medical professional before choosing a new migraine medication or treatment.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Excedrin/GlaxoSmithKline

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Treating Ear Infections Just Got Easier with These New FDA-Approved Ear Tubes

by Erica LoopNovember 27, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced the approval of a breakthrough in ear tube technology. The new system allows doctors to insert the tubes under local anesthesia in the office.

Forget about general anesthesia and a trip to the hospital’s OR. The Rubes Under Local Anesthesia, a.k.a. Tula system, may make this all-too-common procedure easier on everyone.

photo: Burst via Pexels

Jeff Shuren, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health said, in a press release, “Today’s approval offers patients an option for the treatment of recurrent ear infections that does not require general anesthesia. As millions of children suffer from ear infections every year, it is important to have safe and effective treatments available to this susceptible patient population.”

Shuren continued, “This approval has the potential to expand patient access to a treatment that can be administered in a physician’s office with local anesthesia and minimal discomfort.”

The system, which is approved for children over the age of six months was tested on 222 pediatric patients. Researchers found the tubes have an 86 percent success rate in children under age five and an 89 percent success rate in the five to 12-year age group.

—Erica Loop

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New Clear C-Section Drapes Give Moms a Whole New Birthing Experience

by Shahrzad WarkentinSeptember 23, 2019

Not being able to witness the first moment your baby enters into the world can be a down side to undergoing a cesarean section. Clear c-section drapes could give moms a whole new point of view, however.

Photos taken by birth doula and photographer Tracey Abney went viral last year because they featured the unique clear c-section drapes that allow moms to see their babies being born. The clear drape features a removable opaque drape attached to the clear one, so that the view can be blocked until the time comes for the baby to be born. Then the opaque drape is removed giving moms a clear view.

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A post shared by Cherry Blossom Doula Services (@cherryblossom_doula)

“Clear drapes help the mother feel like she is part of the birthing process,” Abney told Parents. “She can see her baby before it is taken to the warmer. She can see the baby when everyone else does, the moment the baby is born. She can match the sound of the baby’s cries while watching the quiver of the baby’s little chin.”

We are loving the clear drapes that we are seeing in so many cesarean photos lately! Did you have a clear drape for your c-section birth? Thanks to IAPBP member @birth_and_beauty for letting us feature her work!⁣#blackandwhitephotography #losa… https://t.co/pfwah98L3F pic.twitter.com/0w9nYFZHyB

— IAPBP (@birthphotogs) August 17, 2019

The clear drape is part of a growing trend called a “gentle c-section.” The idea behind this trend is to try to give moms and babies more of a bonding experience through the entire process. “A gentle C-section allows a woman to be almost as involved as if her birth was happening vaginally,” Dr. David Garfinkel, attending physician at Morristown Medical Center, and senior partner at One to One FemaleCare, in New Jersey told Parents.

Parents-to-be can discuss a birthing option like this one with their own healthcare provider.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Cherry Blossom Doula via Instagram

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