Embarking on the path toward a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) can feel like a tender dance between hope and uncertainty. If you’re preparing for this special journey, you’re not alone. Many expectant parents seek gentle guidance and nurturing support to feel confident and empowered. That’s why I want to share with you some of the best online VBAC support classes that can help you prepare with warmth, knowledge, and community. Whether you’re in La Crosse, WI, or anywhere

Thinking About What to Do with Your Placenta? In many traditional cultures, the placenta is honored for the role it plays in nourishing and sustaining life throughout pregnancy. In recent years, more families have begun to explore ways to continue benefiting from the placenta after birth. Placenta encapsulation is an option that some mothers choose as a part of their postpartum care. What is Placenta Encapsulation? Placenta encapsulation is the process of preparing the placen

What is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)? As a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) practicing in Wisconsin, I work within a specific scope of care designed to support low-risk pregnancies in home and community birth settings. I received my formal education through an MEAC-accredited program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC), where I earned an associate's degree in the Direct Entry Midwife Program. I then had to take and pass the Midwife Board examination

Delayed Cord Clamping: Benefits and Considerations Delayed cord clamping means waiting before cutting the umbilical cord after birth. Benefits may include: Increased iron stores for baby Improved circulation and oxygenation Smoother transition to life outside the womb The cord turns white, stops pulsing, giving the baby back 1/3 of its blood from the placenta Keeping the cord attached during resuscitation improves outcomes Considerations: In rare situations, immediate care fo

How to Advocate for Yourself During Birth You deserve to feel heard, respected, and involved in your care. Ways to Advocate: Ask questions: "What are my options?" Take time before making a decision (ask people to step out of the room) Bring a supportive partner or doula Speak up about your preferences Remember: You have the right to informed consent and refusal. Your voice matters. "If you are interested about learning more about advocating for yourself, please reach out to m

How to Write a Birth Plan That Truly Supports You A birth plan is not about controlling birth, it's about communicating your preferences. Include: Your birth environment preferences Pain management choices Who you want present during your birth Preferences for after the birth Keep it simple and flexible. Birth can be unpredictable, but your voice still matters. A thoughtful birth plan helps your team support you better. "If you would like a consultation with me, I can help gu

How Your Partner Can Support You During Labor and Birth A supportive partner can make a powerful difference in your birth experience. Ways to Support: Offer reassurance and encouragement Help with breathing and relaxation Provide physical comfort (massage, counterpressure) Advocate for your wishes Create a calm, safe environment Help you stay hydrated and eating small frequent snacks Distract you in early labor (dancing, card games) Sometimes the most important thing is simpl

Did my water break? How to tell Membrane rupture can happen in different ways. Signs your water may have broken: A sudden gush of fluid and then continues to leak with movement, coughing, or sneezing A slow, continuous trickle (You need to put a peri pad in your underwear) Fluid can be clear, or slightly pink What it should NOT look like: slightly yellow, or slightly greenish in color (needs to be further evaluated) Foul smelling fluid If you're unsure, put on a pad and monit

When to Go to the Hospital for an Unmedicated Birth If you're planning an unmedicated hospital birth, timing your arrival can make a big difference. Arriving too early can sometimes lead to unnecessary interventions. Waiting until active labor is established can help you stay in your rhythm. Consider going in when: You are in active labor (strong, consistent contractions) You can no longer talk through contractions You feel something is not right Every labor is unique. Prepar

When to Call Your Midwife During a Home Birth If you are planning a home birth, knowing when to call the midwife can bring peace of mind. Call your midwife when: You believe you are in active labor Your water breaks Contractions become strong and consistent You feel like you need support or reassurance Your partner thinks it's time to call This being said, she is previously aware that things have been leading up to this point (such as a text message). Call immediately if: The

How to Know if You're in Active Labor One of the most common questions I hear from mothers is: "Is it really labor?" Early labor can feel uncertain, but active labor has clearer signs. Signs of Active Labor: Contractions that are regular, strong, and getting closer together Contractions that last at least 60 seconds Increasing intensity, you can't easily talk through them (they now feel different) A strong inward focus Possible nausea, shaking, or emotional intensity A common

VBAC & HBAC: Exploring Your Options After Cesarean If you've had a previous cesarean birth, you may be wondering what your options are for future births. VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and HBAC (Home Birth After Cesarean) are both options that some women choose, depending on n their circumstances. Potential Benefits of VBAC/HBAC: Avoiding major abdominal surgery Shorter recovery time Lower risk of complications in future pregnancies Empowering birth experience Potential

Induction of Labor: Understanding the Risks and Benefits Induction of labor is a common topic in modern maternity care. As a L&D RN who has supported births in the hospital, birth center and at home as a midwife, I believe it's important that families understand both the benefits and the risks before making a decision. What is induction? Induction is the process of starting labor artificially, using medications or physical methods rather than waiting for labor to begin on its

Breastfeeding Support: You Don't Have to Figure it Out Alone Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn't mean it always comes naturally. Many mothers benefit from support, education, and reassurance as they begin their breastfeeding journey. Common early challenges include: Latch difficulties Sore nipples Concerns about milk supply Baby's weight gain With the right support, many of these challenges can be gently worked through. As a childbirth educator, L&D RN, and midwife, I

The Power of Movement in Labor: Supporting Your Body and Baby One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of labor is movement. Your body is not designed to labor lying still. Movement helps your baby find the best position for birth and can make labor more efficient and comfortable. Approaches like Spinning Babies and the Miles Circuit focus on balance, gravity, and movement. Spinning Babies three Balances include: Balance the pelvis through body alignment Create

Why Hiring a Doula Can Transform Your First Birth Experience As a first-time mother, stepping into birth can feel both exciting and unknown. A doula is a trained support person who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Unlike medical providers, a doula's role is entirely focused on you and guiding your significant other to help you. Benefits of having a doula: Continuous support during labor Guidance wi

The Fourth Trimester: Honoring the Postpartum Season In our culture, we often prepare deeply for birth, but not nearly enough for what comes after. The first 12 weeks postpartum, is often called the "fourth trimester," is a time of healing, bonding, and transition. Just as pregnancy took nine months, your body deserves the time to recover and be nourished. This is NOT a time to "bounce back." This is a time to be held and cared for. What mothers truly need postpartum: Rest (m

A Gentle Guide to the Three Trimesters of Pregnancy Pregnancy is a journey of transformation of body, mind, and spirit. Each trimester brings its own unique changes, challenges, and beauty. First Trimester (Weeks 1-12): The Foundation This is a time of incredible development for your baby and deep adjustment for your body. You may feel fatigue, nausea, headaches, of emotional shifts. This is your body asking for rest to grow a whole human. Focus on: Nourishing whole foods Sta

Hello and welcome, I'm glad you're here. My name is Theresa, and I am a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) in the State of Wisconsin with over 14 years of experience as a Labor & Delivery nurse. I am also a wife, a mother to four adult children, a stepmother to three adult children, a grandmother of eleven grandchildren and joyfully awaiting my first great-grandson this June. Birth has been woven into every season of my life, not only professionally, but personally and spir