Hospitals are incredible when it comes to handling emergencies, but they’re not the only option for birthing—and they’re certainly not always the best choice for every mom.
Choosing to birth in a setting that aligns with your values, priorities, and comfort level can make a huge difference in your experience and even your recovery.
For many moms, the default choice is a hospital simply because that’s what they’ve always been told is safest. But safety isn’t just about access to medical interventions—it’s also about feeling supported, empowered, and in control of your birth. And for some moms, that means exploring alternatives like home births or birthing centers.
The Benefits of Home Births & Birthing Centers
Many women who opt for home births or birthing centers report feeling more empowered, supported, and connected during their labor. These environments are designed to honor the natural birthing process while still providing professional care from midwives and birth teams trained to handle a wide range of scenarios.
Here’s why some moms choose these options:
- More control over your birth experience – You decide who is present, what positions you labor in, and how you move through your birthing process. No being confined to a bed or pressured into interventions that don’t feel right for you.
- Fewer interventions – Hospital births often come with a cascade of interventions, from IV fluids to continuous monitoring, epidurals, and even unnecessary C-sections. Birthing centers and home births allow labor to progress naturally, reducing the likelihood of these interventions.
- A more peaceful environment – Instead of bright hospital lights, beeping machines, and medical staff coming in and out, home births and birthing centers provide a calm, familiar, and supportive setting.
- Better postpartum experience – Many moms report an easier transition into postpartum recovery when they give birth in a space where they feel safe, respected, and cared for.
It’s About Reclaiming Your Birth Experience
This conversation isn’t about hospital births being bad—it’s about knowing that you have choices. Every birth is unique, and what feels right for one mom may not be right for another. The most important thing is that you’re informed, confident, and in control of your experience.
So if you’ve ever felt like the traditional hospital setting wasn’t for you, know that there are other paths. Do your research, talk to providers, and trust that you have the right to birth in the way that feels best for you and your baby. Because birth isn’t just about bringing a baby into the world—it’s about how you feel while doing it.
Let me tell you something I wish I had realized sooner: setting wellness goals isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
For the longest time, I pushed my own well-being to the back burner. I was too busy, too tired, too focused on everything (and everyone) else. And honestly? I thought I was fine… until I wasn’t.
The moment things really started to unravel, my body let me know in no uncertain terms. I wasn’t sleeping enough. I was dehydrated. I was reaching for convenient, processed foods way too often (because, let’s be real—just because something is organic, vegan, and gluten-free doesn’t mean it’s actually healthy). And alcohol? It made an appearance at a few too many dinners. 🍷
Then one day, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror—puffy, exhausted, and not feeling like the best version of me. And that was my wake-up call.
It wasn’t just about the way I looked. It was how I felt. Sluggish, irritable, drained. I didn’t have the energy to fully show up for my family, my work, or even myself.
But here’s the truth: when you prioritize your wellness, everything shifts. Your energy improves. Your patience expands. You move through your days with more ease, more confidence, and more you. And that, my friend, is everything.
I started small. More water. Less caffeine (I know, I know, but my anxiety thanked me). More whole foods. Less “healthy” junk. I made sleep a priority instead of treating it like a luxury. And you know what? It made a huge difference.
I had more energy to chase my kids without feeling wiped out by noon. I felt lighter—physically and mentally. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like myself again.
I know it’s not always easy. We’re moms. We’re business owners. We wear a million hats. But here’s the thing—when you’re running on empty, everything feels harder.
So if you’ve been putting yourself last, consider this your sign to start making small shifts:
✔ Drink more water. (Seriously, your body will thank you.)
✔ Prioritize sleep. Even if it means letting go of that last episode on Netflix.
✔ Fuel your body with real food. Think more protein, less sugar crashes.
✔ Move in a way that feels good. Not as punishment, but as self-care.
✔ Take deep breaths. Stress is inevitable, but how you handle it makes all the difference.
You don’t need a full-blown overhaul overnight. Start small. Pick one thing and commit to it. And most importantly—give yourself permission to take care of YOU.
Because when you do? You show up as the best version of yourself—for your kids, your business, and your own well-being. And you deserve that. ❤️
I knew gut health was important long before I got pregnant. Years ago, I tackled my own gut issues and saw how much better I felt—physically and emotionally. But when it came to growing my little human, I realized gut health was about so much more than just me.
A healthy gut helps a mama-to-be absorb essential nutrients like folate, iron, and calcium, which are vital for the baby’s development. What’s even more incredible is how your gut health directly impacts your baby’s microbiome, especially during birth. That’s right—your little one’s gut health journey starts with yours! Knowing this made it a no-brainer for me: my baby needed a healthy start, and that started with me.
Here’s something else that blew my mind: your gut produces about 90% of your serotonin—the “happy hormone.” A balanced gut isn’t just about digestion; it helps regulate your mood and may even reduce the risk of postpartum depression. And let’s not forget that most of your immune system resides in your gut, meaning supporting it can keep you healthier when you’re running on little sleep and caring for a newborn.
After giving birth, your body is in full recovery mode. It’s rebuilding strength and needs nutrients more than ever. A healthy gut plays a huge role in how well your body absorbs those nutrients. That’s why I made it a priority to fuel myself with gut-loving foods during my postpartum days.
I leaned on foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, which are loaded with probiotics to balance the good bacteria in the gut. I stocked up on fruits and veggies to keep everything moving smoothly and to nourish the good bacteria. And water? I drank plenty to stay hydrated and support digestion—it’s amazing how something so simple can make such a difference.
Taking care of your gut is one of the best ways to care for yourself as a new mom. Those early days are all about your baby, but don’t forget—your body needs love and attention too. A healthy gut helps you feel your best so you can show up for your little one (and yourself) with all the energy and joy they deserve.
Your postpartum journey might be chaotic, but a little gut health TLC can make it feel just a bit smoother—and that’s a win in my book!
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Did you know that sometimes interventions during labor can lead to more risks? This was one of the biggest factors in my decision to have a home birth. I didn’t want to find myself in a situation where I had to fight for the kind of birth experience I wanted. Instead, I wanted a calm, peaceful environment where my birth could flow naturally, surrounded by supportive, loving women (and, of course, my husband).
Now, before I go further, let me say this: I know women who have had absolutely beautiful hospital births. Their experiences were filled with attentive care and respect for their choices. But I also know women who, post-birth, have expressed that something felt off—like their voices weren’t heard, or they didn’t feel like they could or should express their preferences.
It’s not uncommon. Hospitals often have protocols to follow, and while those policies can save lives in emergencies, they can sometimes lead to interventions that cascade into more risks. For example:
- Pitocin Use. While Pitocin can help speed up labor, it can also lead to stronger, more painful contractions, which may increase the likelihood of needing an epidural.
- Epidurals. While they’re a godsend for pain relief, epidurals can sometimes slow labor, leading to additional interventions like assisted delivery (forceps or vacuum) or even a cesarean.
- Continuous Monitoring. While it’s important to ensure baby is safe, being tethered to monitors can limit movement, which can actually help labor progress more smoothly.
For me, avoiding this domino effect of interventions was key. I wanted to trust my body, my baby, and the natural process of birth as much as possible. At home, I felt in control. I could move freely, eat if I wanted to, and labor in a space that felt completely safe. The midwives by my side were there to support, not dictate.
That said, I recognize that home birth isn’t for everyone. And it shouldn’t be—there are so many factors that go into making the best decision for you and your baby. My advice? Educate yourself. Learn about the potential risks and benefits of interventions, so that whatever birth setting you choose, you feel empowered to advocate for the experience you want.
Birth is a transformative moment, and every woman deserves to feel respected, heard, and supported—no matter where or how it happens.
Oh, but it absolutely does.
I used to think my thoughts were just... thoughts. Little whispers in my head that I tried to keep mostly positive, but honestly, I didn’t pay them much attention. Then, I learned just how powerful they really are—and how much they shape not just my emotions, but my physical health, too.
Your mindset is a game-changer. It’s not just a motivational quote on a coffee mug—it’s science. Studies show that your thoughts can literally influence your gut health, mental health, and overall well-being. If that sounds a little out there, take a look at Joe Dispenza’s work on mindset and healing. He dives deep into how beliefs and emotions can affect the body on a cellular level.
Here’s why this matters:
Your Mindset Affects Your Stress Response. When you’re stuck in a negative thought loop, your body doesn’t know the difference between a real threat (like a lion chasing you) and an imagined one (like worrying about a meeting). This keeps you in fight-or-flight mode, which wreaks havoc on your hormones and immune system.
Your Beliefs Shape Your Habits. If you believe you’re “too busy” or “not disciplined,” you’ll act accordingly. On the flip side, if you believe you can make small changes toward a healthier life, you’ll start noticing opportunities to do just that.
Your Thoughts Influence Healing. Research has shown that optimistic patients recover faster from surgery, and people who practice mindfulness often report fewer symptoms of chronic conditions. Belief isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a major piece of the puzzle.
So, if you’re rolling your eyes thinking, It’s not that deep, I get it. I was there, too. But the more I paid attention to what I was feeding my mind, the more I saw changes—not just in my mood, but in how my body felt.
Here’s my challenge for you: start small. Notice your thoughts. When a negative one pops up, ask yourself, Is this really true? Then flip it. Because what you believe doesn’t just stay in your head—it shows up in your life, your health, and even your happiness.
