Bornbir Blog

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

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...

Doula Doula Training

Understanding Full Spectrum Doula Work: What It Is and Why It Matters

A full spectrum doula is a community-based support professional who accompanies individuals through many phases of reproductive life. This can include preconception, pregnancy, labor and birth, miscarriage, abortion, adoption, postpartum recovery, and beyond. While some doulas may have clinical or healthcare backgrounds, doulas themselves are not medical providers. Their role is to offer non-clinical emotional, informational, and physical support alongside medical or social systems—not to replace them.This work often takes place in hospitals, clinics, homes, and community spaces, as well as in moments that exist outside formal systems of care. Full spectrum doulas recognize that reproductive experiences are shaped not...

Lactation Consultant

​How to Know If Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

Knowing if your baby is getting enough milk often boils down to two simple things: what's coming out, and how they're acting. Key signs like having at least 6-8 wet diapers a day after the first week, steady weight gain, and a baby who seems happy and relaxed after a feed are your best clues.Paying attention to these daily checks is the easiest way to build your confidence and know you're on the right track.Your Quick Guide to Reading Baby's Feeding SignsThose first few weeks with a newborn are a whirlwind of questions, and "Is my baby getting enough milk?"...

How to Care for Umbilical Cord Stump

Caring for your baby's umbilical cord stump feels like a big deal, but it's usually much simpler than new parents expect. The two golden rules? Keep it clean and dry. That's it. This helps it fall off naturally, which typically happens within one to three weeks of birth.No fancy creams or complicated procedures are needed. Just a little air and some smart diapering will do the trick.Your Baby’s First Weeks: Umbilical Cord Care EssentialsBringing your newborn home is a whirlwind of new routines, and right at the top of the list is figuring out that little umbilical cord stump. It...

Pregnancy

What to Expect in the Third Trimester

You've made it to the home stretch. The third trimester, which kicks off at week 28 and goes right up until you meet your baby, is a time of incredible change. Things are about to get real. Your baby is going through a massive growth spurt, and your focus will naturally shift to preparing for the big day.Your Final Chapter of PregnancyThink of the third trimester as the grand finale of your pregnancy. Anticipation is building, and your body is working harder than ever to get ready for labor and delivery.This final stage is packed with major milestones. Your baby...

Pregnancy

Understanding the Symptoms of Labor Pains

Figuring out if you're really in labor can feel like a bit of a guessing game, especially if this is your first time. Your body gives you little hints and whispers long before the main event, and learning to interpret them can make all the difference. Think of these early signs not as a five-alarm fire, but as a gentle heads-up that things are starting to get ready behind the scenes.Most people picture a dramatic movie scene where someone’s water breaks in a huge gush, but the reality is usually much quieter and more gradual. It often starts with feelings...

Pregnancy

Can Contractions Feel Like Gas? Learn to Tell Labor from Digestion

Yes, early contractions can absolutely feel like gas. It's one of the most common and confusing experiences in the third trimester, so if you're feeling a little lost, you're in good company. Many expecting parents mistake those first uterine tightenings for simple digestive issues, it's completely normal.Why Your Body Sends Such Confusing SignalsIf you're asking, "can contractions feel like gas?" the simple reason for the mix-up is proximity. Your growing uterus and your digestive system are all sharing the same crowded abdominal space. When things start happening in there, the signals can easily get crossed.Think of it like trying to...