Expecting Articles

Expecting articles for parents, doulas, lactation consultants, and other perinatal care providers.

10 Best Pregnancy Podcasts of 2026

You're folding baby clothes, waiting at a prenatal appointment, or trying to stay awake on the drive home. Meanwhile, your brain is running through a long list of questions. What's normal this week. What should go in a birth plan. How do you know whether you need a doula, a midwife, or just better information.That's where podcasts help. They turn spare minutes into useful prep, and they can make pregnancy feel less lonely when you're sorting through a lot of opinions. The pregnancy podcast space is big enough to support very different styles too. A 2026 pregnancy podcast ranking from...

10 Best Pregnancy Books of 2024

There are many great books for expecting and pregnant parents that cover a variety of topics related to pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, and baby care. Here are some popular and highly recommended ones:"What to Expect When You're Expecting" by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel:A classic guide that provides comprehensive information about pregnancy, month by month, addressing common concerns and offering practical advice."The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be" by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash:Geared towards dads-to-be, this book covers the emotional and practical aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and the early days of fatherhood."Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" by Ina...

Nitrous Oxide vs. Epidural For Pain Relief During Labor

Both nitrous oxide and epidural are pain relief options used during labor, but they work in different ways and have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here's an overview of each:1. Nitrous Oxide:How it works:Nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," is a colorless and odorless gas.It is self-administered by the laboring woman through a mask or mouthpiece.It is a mild analgesic that helps to take the edge off the pain without eliminating it entirely.Pros:Nitrous oxide provides a more moderate pain relief compared to epidurals, allowing women to remain mobile and change positions during labor.It is a self-administered method, giving the laboring...

When should I hire a doula in pregnancy?

Deciding when to hire a doula is a big step, and the timing really depends on you. If you're looking for the sweet spot, most experts and experienced parents will point you to the second trimester, somewhere around 16 to 24 weeks. This gives you enough time to find the right person, build a real connection, and get the full benefit of their prenatal support without feeling rushed.The Best Time to Hire Your DoulaThink of finding the perfect doula like picking a trusted guide for a huge, life-changing journey. It’s not just about their resume. It's about the chemistry between...

Best Hospitals to Give Birth in San Francisco Bay Area, California (2024 Updates)

Assessing a maternity hospital’s quality is paramount for a safe and positive childbirth experience. Bornbir conducts comprehensive evaluations of over 30 hospitals, considering factors such as birth statistics, ratings and reviews, accreditation and certification, neonatal care, cost and insurance, convenience, and location. Among these assessments, three hospitals have earned the distinction of being recognized as ‘Best Hospitals for Maternity Care’ in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. These facilities not only excel in maternity care but also provide pediatric care and comprehensive newborn services, including access to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) for specialized infant care.No 1. Lucile Packard Children’s...

8 Things to Know Before Hiring a Birth Doula

You're comparing doulas late at night, one tab after another, and every profile sounds caring, calm, and experienced. Then a crucial question arises. Who would prove steady in the room if your labor stalls, your plan changes, or you need help sorting through a hard decision under pressure?That is the job of this search.Hiring a birth doula works best as a vetting process for a support partner, not a quick interview or a personality pick. You are assessing how this person communicates, how they handle uncertainty, what they do when emotions rise, and whether their style fits you, your partner,...