What does a challenging workout have in common with labor? More than you might think. In this post, a Los Angeles birth doula reflects on how breath, sound, focus, and support help us move through physical intensity, and why labor is both similar to and very different from exercise. A reassuring, grounded read for anyone preparing for birth.

Many families wonder whether a doula is still helpful when they plan on an epidural. This guide walks you through what doula support looks like before, during, and after an epidural in a Los Angeles hospital.

These energy balls are so easy to make, and are excellent for pregnancy or the postpartum period. A little sweet, a little salty, it’s a perfect snack with natural protein for sustained energy.

Thinking about a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) in Los Angeles? You’re not alone—and you have more options than you might realize. This guide breaks down what VBAC is, why it’s safe for most people, and how outcomes vary dramatically across LA hospitals like Cedars-Sinai, MLK, UCLA Santa Monica, and Huntington Hospital. You’ll also learn about VBAC at home and in birth centers, plus how to build the right team for a supported, empowering birth.

Doulas and midwives both support pregnancy and birth, but in different ways. Learn how their roles differ, and why having both can create a stronger, more balanced birth team.

Ever wonder what a postpartum doula does? Follow a day in the life of Los Angeles Birth doula Rebecca Belenky as she supports new parents with rest, nourishment, and calm in the newborn phase.

Why do we trust berries to ripen in their own time, but question pregnancies that go past a due date? Explore how birth unfolds naturally between 37–42 weeks and why babies, like berries, are never “late.

When preparing for birth, many families don’t realize just how much practices can differ from one hospital to the next. One of the clearest examples is episiotomy. Knowing the numbers can help you make informed choices and avoid unnecessary interventions.

This Los Angeles Birthing guide compares key settings, outlining differences in care philosophy, midwife availability, cesarean and episiotomy rates, and special features like water birth or delayed cord clamping. With stats on specific LA hospitals and birth centers, it helps you choose the setting that aligns with your values and priorities.

When we prepare for birth, it’s natural to focus most of our attention on labor itself. But the days and weeks after a baby arrives can be just as transformative—and often just as challenging. Postpartum recovery, healing, and the transition into parenthood deserve thoughtful preparation too. These three books offer guidance, wisdom, and practical support for the first months with your newborn.

Looking for support in Pasadena? Explore trusted birth and postpartum resources including hospitals, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, and parenting classes.

The Green Bottle Method is a simple, honest way for families to reflect on their ability to pay for doula support. It helps make care more accessible for those with true financial need, while ensuring birth workers are valued and supported in their demanding work.