Introduction
Embarking on the incredible journey of pregnancy is a transformative experience- one that brings joy, anticipation, and a fair share of questions and uncertainties. No two pregnancy journeys are alike, and that’s why we’re here to introduce you to a diverse community of voices and resources right here in Orlando, Florida.
This piece welcomes the full spectrum of resources and recommendations ranging from holistic to conventional and anything in between. We reached out to these incredible women in the Orlando area and asked them to imagine a woman who just found out she is pregnant for the first time- she is confused, excited, a bit overwhelmed and looking for guidance from people she admires and trusts- what advice would you give and what resources would you share with her?
Through this article and the subsequent resources we will share, we hope to provide you with a wealth of information, guidance, and inspiration. You will hear from a diverse group of individuals in the Orlando area, each with their own story to tell, wisdom to share, and expertise to offer. We are committed to addressing the diverse needs and concerns that pregnant women may face, whether it’s dealing with morning sickness, preparing for labor and delivery, or seeking emotional support.
Our journey together is just beginning, and we invite you to join us as we continue to expand and enrich this resource in the years to come. Whether you’re a first-time mom or an experienced parent, we hope you’ll find our collaborative pregnancy resource guide to be a valuable companion on your unique pregnancy journey.
Pregnancy Resources From Voices In Orlando, Florida
Sonni Abatta
@sonniabatta
@wegottatalkwithsonni
Sonni is an award-winning journalist and the host of the weekly podcast, We Gotta Talk, where the motto is Real Talk, Big Topics. Every week she hosts a guest or does a solo episode on news, health, skincare and other Big Topics. A mom of three and wife, she worked for 15 years in TV news and now takes her natural curiosity and love of talking people to her podcast and social media.
Favorite Pregnancy Books:
- What to Expect When You’re Expecting (though admittedly, I only paged through it, haha)
What healthy pillars did you have in place that were helpful throughout your journey?
Lots of walking and connecting with baby through touch–tummy rubs, maternity massage, and just keeping a present mindset where I took breaks during the day and remembered to be grateful. It’s easier for me to be mindful in small bursts throughout the day than to spend a larger chunk of time in meditation or prayer.
Who did you have on your health team? Would you add anyone or change it up in the future?
I did hypnobirthing classes, which were amazing to teach me mindfulness and breathing to use during labor. Unfortunately, my doula (who taught the classes) was unavailable for my actual labor and delivery, which was really emotionally difficult for me. After having invested hours of time with her in session and thinking I’d be able to rely on a support system during my labor and delivery, it was extremely difficult to have that ripped from me. The upside is, I learned just how strong I am in moments of acute stress (I had a 34-hour labor and emergency C-section with my firstborn), and I developed such a sense of strength from knowing that when it comes down to it, I have what I need all inside of me.
How involved would you recommend your partner being?
As involved as you would like! Set boundaries: let them know what you want your delivery environment to be; ask them to emotionally prepare for the stress of delivery; coach them on how you want them to show up for you (for example, do you want them coaching you through contractions and actively talking, or do you want someone there just to hold your hand and be there?)
Would you send your partner through any specific training on their own?
Having my husband with me for some of my hypnobirthing classes let him know the things I’d be practicing during my delivery, which was helpful.
- Dr. LaKrystal Warren: Lakrystal J. Warren, MD, FACOG, is an OB/GYN at Contemporary Women’s Care. She serves patients at the practice’s office in Winter Park, Florida. As an obstetrician, she provides comprehensive prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. As a gynecologist, she offers many in-office and operative gynecology services, including Pap smears, well-woman exams, STD screenings, colposcopies, menopause care, ovarian cyst management, and hysterectomies.
Where did you choose to give birth and why? What was your thought process like going into this and what would you change in the future?
AdventHealth Winter Park. They take “whole person” care to heart- with warm practitioners, a spiritual backing and amazing facilities. I know not everyone wants to give birth in a hospital but I wanted the backup if there were an emergency, and I’m so grateful for the warm care I received there. I had all my three babies there!
Would you suggest taking pictures during your celebrations?
I always recommend marking the moment. Pregnancy is fleeting, even though it can feel forever! And it was important for me to have those pictures to remember what I looked like, to see the happy expression on my face and be reminded of what a blessing pregnancy and children truly are.
With my first delivery, which was an emergency C-section, I needed to tend to my mental health as much as my physical health. Actually, my physical recovery was beautiful and simple. What was more difficult was resigning myself to the fact that I didn’t get the birth experience I wanted. But the upside of that trauma is that I bonded with my son so much and really viewed our time “fighting together” as our first true bonding experience. He’s my little fighter and when I look back on that experience ten years later, I have an appreciation for that challenging experience that brought us together, and grew me as a mother. For my daughters, I had a VBAC for each, and was extremely proud of achieving that!
You are no longer in charge; you never were. With active labor as with life- prepare and prepare some more, get your mental and physical health in check, and then surrender to the beauty of the moment. Breathe through it. You got this.
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Kaitlyn Study
Instagram: @marketinggal_ & @southstreet_co
Facebook: South Street & Co.
LinkedIn Profile
Kaitlyn is the Owner and Creative Director of South Street & Co.
South Street & Co. specializes in digital marketing, which includes SEO, blogging, social media, website design, and more for service-based companies. Kaitlyn has been featured on podcasts sharing her marketing and entrepreneurship expertise, has been in numerous publications, and was most recently a recipient of the 2023 Orlando Business Journal’s C-Suite Awards. She has also guest lectured at multiple universities such as the University of Central Florida, Rollins College, the University of Nebraska, and Stetson University about marketing. In her personal life, you can find her enjoying quality time with her daughter at mom events, and learning tennis with her husband on the weekends.
Favorite Pregnancy Books:
- What To Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff (my husband read this one!)
Favorite Pregnancy Programs: We did 4 classes through our hospital and they were excellent.
Do you have any other pregnancy resources in mind?
What healthy pillars did you have in place that were helpful throughout your journey?
I exercised regularly and that helped me throughout. I also made sure to eat 5 smaller meals throughout the day instead of 3 big ones and I got acupuncture every 2 weeks or so.
Who did you have on your health team? Would you add anyone or change it up in the future?
Dr. Fu was my physician and I really loved working with him. I also saw an acupuncturist and a pelvic floor physical therapist. *more information on the health team that Kaitlyn worked with linked below!
How involved would you recommend your partner being?
My husband and I did the courses together and both learned a lot. I’d recommend that both people do them if possible because he got different take-aways than I did and vise versa. I really wanted him to be involved to help me as much as possible.
What books would they read with you or training would they be involved in?
Would you send them through any specific training on their own?
What are some of your favorite centers in the Orlando area for prenatal wellness and education?
- Winnie Palmer Hospital: Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies offers a variety of classes for expectant and new moms and dads. Baby Inside You, for example, is intended for the second trimester and teaches relaxation techniques, preterm labor recognition and planning for birth. Bootcamp for New Dads teaches how to take care of mom and baby. Prenatal Breastfeeding teaches the basics of breastfeeding— how breast milk is made, how to know if your baby is getting enough milk, and prevention and treatment of common breastfeeding problems. Classes also are available for after the baby’s birth.
- Women’s Care: Women’s Care is a specialty women’s health physician group founded in 1998 by a small group of obstetricians and gynecologists in Florida. They have more than 100 outpatient locations across Florida and over 400 healthcare providers that care for more than 760,000 visits annually. Their providers perform over 22,000 deliveries per year and conduct obstetrical, preventive, and gynecological visits yearly. They strive to offer patients the highest level of care in obstetrics and gynecology, gynecologic oncology, urogynecology, and genetic counseling.
What practitioners or practitioner teams in the Orlando area would you recommend to support you pre-birth, during birth, and postpartum?
- Dr. Amy White (Acupuncture): Amy’s health practice is based on a multi-pronged approach that first examines how all areas of your life are connected. From stress to back pain, fatigue to digestive health, anxiety to inflammation, symptoms of dis-ease are rooted in the interplay between mental and physical imbalances. Holistic treatment modalities have been used to address this interplay for centuries, restoring balance and promoting vibrant health.
- Dr. Kai Fu (OBGYN): Dr. Fu has been named the Winnie Palmer Hospital Physician of the Quarter three separate times, in 2000, 2014, and 2016. He was also featured on Discovery Health Channel in Birth Day Live! and named a Most Accomplished Doctor by Orlando Health & Leisure Magazine.
- Dr. Kelly Frank (Pelvic Floor PT): Dr. Kelly Frank is seeing patients in central Florida in person and virtually throughout the United States to assist them with strategies, exercises, and education to prevent, heal, and overcome pelvic floor dysfunction. She has 8 years of experience in Pelvic Health and specializes in pregnancy & postpartum wellness, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, diastasis recti, and pelvic pain/incoordination.
Where did you choose to give birth and why? What was your thought process like going into this and what would you change in the future?
Winnie Palmer. We did research into the hospitals and we felt like that was a great fit for us. It’s also very close to our house so that helped too!
What was your current position and how much time do you recommend taking off work during pregnancy?
Business owner. I’d recommend taking as much time off as you can. The first months are incredible and you need time to heal.
Working out and staying active. This was key for me because I wanted to stay healthy and have a healthy baby. Two weeks before my due date I also cut out gluten, dairy and sugar. I wanted to reduce any inflammation beforehand.
For labor and delivery, how did you make your surroundings comfortable? What did you pack in your bag? What would you add or take out now?
I had my mom come up and help us and that was a game changer. We had a c-section and she would come early in the morning while we were at the hospital and my husband would go home and sleep. I’d recommend bringing changes of clothing for the baby because they wrapped her in a swaddle and had a hat on her but it was so cold, I am not sure if it was enough for her to keep warm. Leave your PJs at home and wear their gowns. You want to get those dirty over yours! Bring a long phone cord, that was so helpful!
What are the best ways to prepare your home for the baby?
Get a nursing cart for the beginning. Having this prevented me from walking to the other side of the house when I needed anything. We had diapers, wipes, a portable changing pad, water for me, blankets, burp cloths- everything that I might need for the baby. It was so convenient when you’re healing!
What are the most important nursery items?
A changing table, a crib/ bassinet near your bed, long sleeve and long pant onesies.
How did you celebrate your pregnancy?
We had a gender reveal and a baby shower. My husband’s work also threw him a surprise baby shower and I was a part of the surprise. :)
What items did you add to your baby registry?
All of the basics and things I’ve never heard of but that were essential:
- Stroller that came with a sleep-safe bassinet
- Pack-n-play
- Swing
- Clothes
- Socks
- Hats
- Crib sheets
- Bassinet sheets
- Wagon
- Bathtub
- Bath toys
- Towels
- Car seat
- Car mirrors
- Car caddies
- Diaper bags
- Burp cloths
What meant the most to you that people did throughout your pregnancy?
Checked in on me to see how I was doing.
What was an important part of the baby shower?
Having everyone together. My husband was there with me and it was so meaningful to have both of us there to celebrate.
What were your favorite gifts that you received?
My mom’s quilt, a basket full of random little things that I needed it didn’t know I needed, the wagon, a little frame with a place to make a mold for a hand and a foot.
Do what you want and have fun! We had a photographer there and that was nice for someone to capture the moments!
Would you suggest taking pictures during your celebrations? Do you recommend professional photographs?
Yes! I loved having a professional photographer there.
Postpartum, how did you recenter and find balance?
I spoke with a counselor to help me and had family & friends visit once I felt better.
How did you decide on visitors and when to let people in and how many weeks apart did you have people meet your baby?
We wanted close family to come over in the first few weeks and the opened it up to extended family after. Friends were at the 4-8 week timeframe. Sometimes people would come each week, it depended on what we were doing and how we felt.
What changed in you the most?
I just love her so much and would do anything for her. When I had her, I immediately fell into mom mode without having any prior experience.
What quotes, mindset or words of wisdom helped you the most?
The first two months after birth were hard; you have the recovery, learning to take care of a baby and not being able to go places. I turned to friends, family and going on walks to help me through it. When you can go out, look for mom activities and start meeting other people with kids. That has helped me so much and I love taking her places with me!
Feel free to add anything else you want this woman to look into or know.
When you’re ready to go out, look for story time at your local libraries, nursing support groups and mom workout classes. All of these helped me meet people and get out there with my baby!
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Kimmy Jo Napoleon
@kimmy.jo.napoleon
Kimmy Jo grew up here in Orlando and is a mom to a toddler and expecting another baby in 2024. She is a nurse who now stays home to raise her babies. With a background in medicine, she chooses to use western medicine when necessary, but takes a more holistic route for the most part.
Kimmy Jo’s Pregnancy Vision & Experiences
With my first I had a very normal pregnancy, no complications. I was working at Winnie Palmer, so that is where I planned on giving birth. At 39.2 weeks I had my membranes swept and that night around 10pm my water broke. Fluid was clear so I jumped in the shower to rinse off and sat on the birthing ball for a bit. An hour later we decided to head to the hospital. We were admitted and I was about 3cm. I labored naturally through the night— birthing ball, squats, warm shower— and then got in bed with the peanut ball to try to get some rest. At shift change the next morning I was about 5cm and baby had his first decel (heart rate dropped with the contraction). After that, his heart rate kept dropping with each contraction and he was having a harder time recovering each time. By 11am they told me it was best to have a cesarean section. They found his umbilical cord had very little wharton’s jelly and was wrapped around his neck twice and once around his body. I was disappointed about the c-section, but was able to be at peace with it because I truly believe it saved his life. Immediately after having my son I started looking into VBACs and educating myself on ALL the things. After reading books, listening to podcasts, interviewing midwives, joining ICAN and talking with other moms, we decided we would try a home birth for our next pregnancy. You can definitely get your VBAC in the hospital, but for me personally I didn’t want to have to fight with providers and I want to be in an environment where I feel 100% supported. Right now, we are working towards and preparing for our HBAC in January 2024!
Favorite Pregnancy Apps:
- Premom (to track pregnancy- gives lots of information for week by week progress)
Favorite Pregnancy Books:
Favorite Pregnancy Podcasts, Blogs or Websites: www.thevbaclink.com, The Homebirth After Cesarean Podcast
Favorite Prenatal and Birth Courses: Pain Free Birth
What healthy pillars did you have in place that were helpful throughout your journey?
Continued working out until the end. Made modifications, but tried to move (walk or workout) at least 4x week. I definitely let myself eat whatever I was craving with my first pregnancy, but have been more strict the second time around. Focusing on protein consumption, healthy fats, and staying hydrated.
Ancient Nutrition Collagen in my coffee every morning. Ancient Nutrition Organ Blend. I used a couple different prenatal vitamins and liked them all— Garden of life, Ritual, Smarty Pants, WeNatal.
First pregnancy: Dr. Chudgar (he’s really amazing!!), IWC for chiropractic care
Second pregnancy: Teamwork Birthing (midwives), IWC for chiropractic care, Eden Doula Services, Christina Prieto (Acupuncture), Monica Isola with (Restore Her Pelvic Physical Therapy).
How involved would you recommend your partner being?
As involved as they can be! I think making decisions together and being on the same page is really important.
What books would they read with you or training would they be involved in?
My husband watched some birthing class videos with me and was there for meeting with the doula to help prepare him for the birth.
We gave birth at Winnie Palmer with our first because I was a nurse there and that’s what I knew / felt comfortable with. Moving forward we are choosing to go the home birth route.
Stay at home mom aka no days off!
During your pregnancy journey, did you have any favorite essential items or practices that were helpful?
I really loved going on walks and listening to encouraging birth stories.
For labor and delivery, how did you make your surroundings comfortable? What did you pack in your bag? What would you add or take out now?
Less is more. The hospital really has most things you will need. I liked having a speaker to play music in our room, some essential oils to get rid of the “hospital” smell, toiletries, a robe, and clothes to go home in (something loose!). Oh and your own pillow!!
What are the best ways to prepare your home for the baby?
I think you really just need to baby proof when baby starts crawling / walking.
What are the most important nursery items?
A good, non toxic mattress and sheets. Sound machine. Black out curtains. Comfortable rocking chair for all the night time feeds.
Baby Showers! My husband and I went away on a Weekend To Remember marriage retreat for our “baby moon” and it was a really sweet way to focus on our marriage before the baby arrived.
What items did you add to your baby registry?
What meant the most to you that people did throughout your pregnancy?
What was an important part of the baby shower?
What were your favorite gifts that you received?
Would you suggest taking pictures during your celebrations? Do you recommend professional photographs?
I think it’s nice to have pictures to look back on! They don’t need to be professional, just take lots of pics!
I tried to give myself a lot of grace as it took a while for me to recover post c-section. While I couldn’t work out I really focused on diet to loose weight by counting Macros. And then when I felt comfortable to start working out again I took it really slow in the beginning doing mostly body weight exercises and then gradually pushed myself.
How did you decide on visitors and when to let people in and how many weeks apart did you have people meet your baby?
We were fine (and excited) to have friends and family visit. Just made sure everyone washed their hands!
What changed in you the most?
Learning to be an advocate for what I feel is best for me and my babies.
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Stevie Napoleon
@stevienap
@purelycleanhome
Stevie is a working mom with a toddler and a baby on the way! She owns a local non-toxic home cleaning business and prioritizes health and wellness for her and her family.
Stevie’s goal was to workout and eat healthy throughout her pregnancy. She wanted to make sure she was going to be successful at having an unmedicated birth.
Favorite Pregnancy App: The Bump
Favorite Pregnancy Books:
Favorite Pregnancy Podcasts, Blogs or Websites: Stevie listens to a variety of her favorite influencer’s podcasts who have been pregnancy or interview people about pregnancy nutrition, midwives, natural birth, etc. Mom influencers that she loves include @taylordukeswellness and @bewellbykelly
Favorite Pregnancy Programs: Stevie says prenatal yoga is fun and relaxing!
Favorite Prenatal and Birth Courses: Karen Welton of @painfreebirth offers evidence based, spirit filled, childbirth education courses and coaching
What supplements did you find beneficial?
I love WeNatal prenatal– the best quality and highest nutrient levels I have seen! I also love Ther-biotic women’s probiotic to support a healthy PH and vaginal bacteria to reduce the risk of GBS. I also take a high dose of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to build a stronger gestational sac.
Who did you have on your health team? Would you add anyone or change it up in the future?
- First Pregnancy: Alliance OB/GYN (lowest C-section rate in Orlando)
- Second Pregnancy: Planning a home birth with A Positive Beginning Midwifery
How involved would you recommend your partner being?
Personally, I needed my husband right next to me during labor! he helped me with everything from applying chapstick to helping me push.. applying pressure when needed and helping me get comfortable.
We watched The Business of Being Born together but we didn’t do very much training. I had him read some articles on things to do to help with labor since we didn’t have a doula.
What practitioners or practitioner teams in the Orlando area would you recommend to support you pre-birth, during birth, and postpartum?
- Integrate Wellness Center: The Orlando chiropractors at IWC are dedicated to providing outstanding chiropractic care for all of life’s changes- from pregnancy, pediatric care to general wellness.
- Dr. Yin Acupuncture: Yin acupuncture is one of the leading fertility clinics in Orlando and Winter Park, providing a very holistic process that involves locating specific pressure points within the body and regulating energy flow to boost fertility.
- A Positive Beginning Midwifery: Complete midwifery care! A Positive Beginning Midwifery serves childbearing women and their families across Central Florida and provide comprehensive pre-natal care in the comfort of your own home + home birth (including water birth).
- Meet Your Miracle Today: What if all of your friends and family could be right beside you at your ultrasound? Meet Your Miracle Today offers at-home ultrasounds and everyone can watch your miracle from the comfort of your own home or venue of your choice. They even offer package options to choose from for fun gender reveals and other customized parties!
Where did you choose to give birth and why? What was your thought process like going into this and what would you change in the future?
My first birth was in the hospital- it was a great experience and I felt supported in my decisions during labor. I have always wanted a home birth, but my husband wasn’t quite on board for the first. Next time, we will have a home birth with A Positive Beginning Midwifery and I am so excited!
What was your current position and how much time do you recommend taking off work during pregnancy?
I work from home, but I had 16 weeks of maternity leave (but no time is really long enough…)
During your pregnancy journey, did you have any favorite essential items?
I take WeNatal prenatal, DHA/Omega, vitamin C, Ther-biotic Women’s Probiotic and magnesium while pregnant. I used coconut oil or a non-toxic belly balm (I want to try primally pure body butter) on my growing belly to relieve the itching from the skin stretching and avoid stretch marks.
For labor and delivery, how did you make your surroundings comfortable? What did you pack in your bag? What would you add or take out now?
We made a playlist of worship music which was so great! We packed coconut waters and healthy snacks, cotton nursing bra to wear under hospital gown, a good lip balm (my lips got so chapped), face wash and toiletries, house shoes to walk, halls.
What are the best ways to prepare your home for the baby?
We had a cleaning service come clean while we were in the hospital, it was so nice to come home to clean sheets and a clean house!
How did you celebrate your pregnancy?
We made a video telling our family and close friends we were pregnant- it’s so fun to look back on! We also had a baby shower with all of our family and friends!
What items did you add to your baby registry?
We tried to keep it very minimal- organic linens, burp clothes, towels, washcloths, glass/silicone bottles, charlie crane baby rocker to use on occasion (other than that, we did not want to use baby containers), NUNA stroller and carseat (highest safety rating and free of flame retardants), design dua bassinet, rocking chair, greenguard crib and non-toxic mattress, guava pack n play, stokke highchair, silicone plates and bowls, non-toxic pacifiers and teethers, kyte baby sleepers, wild bird sling and solly baby wrap.
What meant the most to you that people did throughout your pregnancy?
When people were supportive or encouraging of my decision to birth unmedicated.
What was an important part of the baby shower?
My mom, mother-in-law, sister and sister-in-law prayed over me and baby, which was really special and memorable.
What were your favorite gifts that you received?
Carriers and the stroller were exciting gifts to receive.
What would you recommend in terms of the baby shower gathering?
I love good food at a baby shower and playing max one game (LOL) but it’s fun to do something to honor the mom and baby like writing a prayer card or sharing words of wisdom or advice with the mom!
Would you suggest taking pictures during your celebrations?
Of course! I love all the pictures and I think it’s so important to remember who was there for years to come!
Postpartum, how did you recenter and find balance?
I found it very helpful to get outside, walk and sweat a little bit every day or as often as I could even before I was cleared to work out but also being mindful to not over do it and let my body heal.
How did you decide on visitors and when to let people in and how many weeks apart did you have people meet your baby?
We let just parents come to the hospital, but I love seeing our friends and family so we had a lot of visitors in the early days! We would allow people to come over when it was a good time for us, between feedings and stay for an hour or so- typically one visitor every couple days. We had people over often, probably a few times a week! We kept groups small and short visits.
I definitely experienced moments of postpartum anxiety and felt very protective over the baby. I also think I became more vocal with my opinions and better at advocating what I wanted for him.
What quotes, mindset or words of wisdom helped you the most?
- “Your body was created to do this!”
- “Pain is a mindset… think pressure instead of pain- if you think it is going to be painful, it will be.”
- “Try not to tense up and work against contractions, work with them and breathe, allow them to move the baby down.”
- “Each contraction brings you closer to meeting your baby.”
Birth is beautiful and the most empowering thing you will ever do! Dr. Scherina from Integrate Wellness Center sent me this list of names for midwives/birthing center/doulas a couple years ago- Rhonda Huggins is who I am using now and LOVE her!Not a midwife, but just in case you want to look into a birthing center:
Heart 2 Heart: 407-322-9944
Doulas:
Pelvic Floor Therapist
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Kaley Gavoni
@kaleygavoni
@kaley_doulaphotography
@thebirthmamas
Kaley’s Pregnancy Vision & Experiences
I have experienced an array of highs and lows in pregnancy, labor, and delivery. With my first pregnancy I did very little research and abided by everything the doctor told me. It was a seemingly easy pregnancy, zero complications and no indication of any problems to arise.
I went into the hospital for an induction, and while that process was smooth, the time for delivery came. As soon as my son was born I began to hemorrhage. Nothing seemed to stop the bleeding and my uterus wasn’t contracting back down on its own. I was rushed to surgery where a balloon was placed to help apply pressure on my uterus to trick it to start “working” again. If the balloon didn’t take, I would have to have my uterus and fallopian tubes removed, resulting in a full hysterectomy.
By the grace of God, it begin contracting and I was able to escape the hysterectomy- only going back in to remove the balloon. I struggled for days, weeks and months with parenthood and postpartum depression. A few years passed and I became pregnant again. Unfortunately, this pregnancy didn’t stick and I experienced a grueling miscarriage at almost 12 weeks.
Not too many months later I became pregnant with our rainbow baby. I knew this time needed to be different and I started doing my own research and advocating more for myself and my baby. I had a beautiful pregnancy and went into labor naturally. I still had a hospital birth, however things were much different. I had a very smooth and safe delivery. There were no signs of hemorrhage when she came out and my uterus contracted back down immediately following her birth. It was the most incredible, overwhelming, grateful feeling knowing she was here safe and sound, but to also know I was safe as well. I can’t stress how important it is to advocate for yourself and your baby through the course of pregnancy and delivery.
Favorite Pregnancy Apps:
Favorite Pregnancy Books:
Favorite Pregnancy Podcasts, Blogs or Websites: www.builttobirth.com
Favorite Pregnancy Programs: Any local childbirth education classes and hypnobirthing classes
Favorite Prenatal and Birth Courses: Built To Birth & The Bradley Method
Making sure you are consuming the right diet and including supplements and vitamins that will benefit you will play a huge role in pregnancy. Staying mobile and active during pregnancy is very important. It reduces the risks of complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, etc, and is a great stress reducer. Learning about what is taking place in your body and learning how to advocate for yourself is key. The majority of the time, mama knows best. Making sure you and your provider(s) are on the same level, achieving the same goals, is what is going to make the process smooth, make you seen, and your wishes heard.
Who did you have on your health team? Would you add anyone or change it up in the future?
How involved would you recommend your partner being?
What books would they read with you or training would they be involved in?
Would you send them through any specific training on their own?
What are some of your favorite centers in the Orlando area for prenatal wellness and education?
- The Nesting Place: Central Florida’s home for comprehensive, practical, natural childbirth education courses taught using the Bradley Method.
- Childbirth Concierge: This center offers prenatal preparation, postpartum support, breastfeeding support, doula services, placenta encapsulation, and much more. For more information, they offer complimentary 20 minute calls to learn how to plan a positive birth.
- The Birth Mamas: The Birth Mamas is a diverse collective of passionate and empathetic birth workers with over 30 years combined experience and their mission is to provide women from all backgrounds with support through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They service hospitals, birth centers, and home births, working as teams to ensure comprehensive care throughout your journey.
- Lorentz Optimal Care: Dr. Carlie Lorentz offers chiropractic care and functional medicine care for the whole family. Her services include functional medicine, pediatrics, maternity (webster certified), nutrition/detox, neck/back/headaches/TMJ, muscle taping, and much more!
- Full Circle Midwifery: The Midwifery Model of Care is a fundamentally different approach to pregnancy and childbirth than contemporary obstetrics. Our philosophy is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life events. We offer evidence-based, compassionate and individualized care to Central Florida.
- Teamwork Birthing: Services at Teamwork Birthing include comprehensive prenatal care (including all standard labs, ultrasounds, physical and pap smears), home birth (including water birth and VBAC options), assisted birth and postpartum care. Birth and postpartum is attended by 2 licensed midwives or a licensed midwife and trained birth assistant.
- Natural Design Midwifery: April Williams is a licensed midwife based in Orlando Fl. Her services include comprehensive maternity care. She specializes in home birth, water birth and VBAC. Included in her midwifery package is medication and equipment to keep home birth safe including IV, antibiotics, anti-hemorrhagic medication, neonatal vitamin K injection and neonatal erythromycin eye ointment. The birth certificate and social security card will be legally filed by the midwife free of charge!
- The Midwife Bus: The Midwife Bus is a retired blood bank bus that has been renovated into an ultramodern midwifery clinic on wheels. They are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing comprehensive prenatal care (on wheels!) to communities around Central Florida with low access to care.
Where did you choose to give birth and why? What was your thought process like going into this and what would you change in the future?
I gave birth in the hospital. I didn’t give it much thought because I knew I wanted to get an epidural for pain relief. It is very hard to relax and find comfort in the hospital, making it harder to let things take over naturally. There seems to be a push of interventions in the hospital setting that I never considered. Although I am grateful for the interventions when they were necessary to stop my bleeding, but I do feel like so much could have been avoided if we didn’t interfere. I would continue to research options and figure out what I was feeling more called to if I became pregnant again.
What was your current position and how much time do you recommend taking off work during pregnancy?
When I was pregnant I was working a desk job from 9-5. I was not doing anything strenuous or anything to overwork myself. I recommend listening to your body and if it starts showing signs that it is struggling to keep up, it may be time to cut back on your schedule.
During your pregnancy journey, did you have any favorite essential items or practices that were helpful?
Continuous research and a journal of notes/personal preferences that I could have at hand.
For labor and delivery, how did you make your surroundings comfortable? What did you pack in your bag? What would you add or take out now?
Making your surroundings comfortable is what will get you through to the finish line. Dim lighting, calm music and the least amount of interactions/distractions. Communication between mom and the provider is the most important during delivery. Any clothing that will make you feel “normal” and not like a patient can be helpful. A portable fan is also a great tool to have.
What are the best ways to prepare your home for the baby?
Stocking up on snacks, meals and items that will make postpartum recovery smoother. Having items like bottles prepped and sanitized, as well as baby clothes washed and ready.
How did you celebrate your pregnancy?
I celebrated each day just by showing gratitude. We had a gender reveal for one and a baby shower for the other, and I loved celebrating carrying a new life with family and friends.
What items did you add to your baby registry?
I added all sorts of items to our baby registry.
What meant the most to you that people did throughout your pregnancy?
Just overall understanding what I was experiencing and having the support to lean on.
What was an important part of the baby shower?
Feeling extra loved by friends and family and seeing how excited people were that we were welcoming a new baby.
What were your favorite gifts that you received?
The things you don’t necessarily think of that end up coming in handy.
Would you suggest taking pictures during your celebrations? Do you recommend professional photographs?
I would encourage lots of photos for memories. I think professional photos are an amazing way to capture an event or tell a story.
Postpartum, how did you recenter and find balance?
It took me years to feel like myself. I struggled greatly with postpartum depression and was eventually prescribed antidepressants. I worked with my body and adjusted my hormones naturally to help but I still struggled with my self-identity. I started directing my focus more towards healing myself and then I started seeing changes. I finally felt more balanced in my postpartum journey and starting finding myself.
How did you decide on visitors and when to let people in and how many weeks apart did you have people meet your baby?
I made sure before I delivered that we vocalized to friends and family that we would be limiting visitors. I explained that I wanted this time to adjust and there will be a right time to visit, it just may take a couple of weeks. We had family meet both of our children immediately. Friends would pop by but would never overstay their welcome.
What changed in you the most?
Realizing how much we are needed as we care for a newborn. There is strength that lies within us that I didn’t know existed and we have this crazy force of intuition. The thing that changed me the most once becoming a mother is my perspective. Life is just that much more precious.
What quotes, mindset or words of wisdom helped you the most?
You know your body best. Always listen to your gut and your intuition. Be sure to ask questions and make decisions based on data and not fear.
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More Pregnancy Resources From Dr. Brooke Stuart
More Resources
- What Is Functional Medicine?
- A Practical Guide To Supplements- Favorite Brands, Philosophy & Function
- The Heart Based Practice, A Simple 3 Min. Meditation
- Diet Philosophy: Drop The Dogma & Discover What Works For YOU
- Diet Philosophy Part II: On Personalization
Resources From Let Go & Grow®
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