Bornbir Blog

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

How to Become a Doula in Illinois? (2025 Guide for Aspiring Birth & Postpartum Doulas)

If you feel called to support families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum healing, becoming a doula in Illinois is a meaningful and rewarding career path. But unlike many states, Illinois has a formal process for doulas who want to work with Medicaid-covered families. To be fully recognized as a professional doula across the state, you must complete a state-approved doula training program and become an Illinois Medicaid-Certified Doula through the SIU School of MedicineSIU School of Medicine.The good news? The process is clear, accessible, and designed to ensure doulas are well-prepared to support families. And if you’re training through DNT...

Newborn Newborn Care Specialist

Newborn sleep schedule by week: a gentle, week-by-week sleep guide

If you're searching for a newborn sleep schedule by week, you might feel like you're looking for a map to a hidden treasure. But here's the honest truth from someone who's been there: newborns (think 0-3 months old) don't really do "schedules." Their world revolves entirely around their immediate needs for food, comfort, and connection. They sleep when they're tired and eat when they're hungry, in short bursts all day and all night.Understanding newborn sleep before you even think about a scheduleBringing your baby home is one of life's most incredible moments, but it usually comes with a huge question...

Childbirth Education

When should you take childbirth classes?

Trying to figure out when to take childbirth classes can feel like just one more complicated decision on your pregnancy to-do list. The short answer? Most expecting parents should aim to start their classes late in the second trimester or early in the third.Think of 28 to 34 weeks pregnant as the sweet spot.Why Timing Your Childbirth Classes MattersScheduling your classes in this specific window is all about memory and readiness. It's a bit like studying for a big exam. If you start cramming months in advance, you’re likely to forget the important details by the time the test rolls...

Breastfeeding Lactation Consultant

Understanding Low Milk Supply Causes

Worrying about low milk supply creates a mountain of stress for new parents, but here’s the thing: a true, medically diagnosed supply issue is far less common than simply thinking you have one. For most families, any supply dips are tied back to how effectively and frequently milk is being removed from the breast.The good news? These challenges are almost always fixable with the right support and a little know-how.Understanding Perceived vs. True Low Milk SupplyOne of the biggest anxieties of early parenthood is that constant, nagging question: is my baby getting enough milk? It’s a completely valid concern. But...

Doula

Do Hospitals Hire Doulas? Here’s What You Need to Know (2025 Update)

If you’re pursuing a career as a doula, one of the most common questions you’ll run into is whether hospitals actually hire doulas as part of their staff. With doula care becoming more visible across the United States—and with more states beginning to reimburse doula services through Medicaid—hospital-based doula programs are slowly becoming more common. Still, the majority of doulas today work independently rather than as hospital employees.This guide breaks down how hospitals work with doulas, what the research says, which states are leading the trend, and what this means for your career.Do Hospitals Employ Doulas?The short answer is yes:...

Breastfeeding Lactation Consultant

What Is a Lactation Consultant

A lactation consultant is a trained professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding and chestfeeding. Think of them as a personal coach for feeding your baby, offering evidence-based support to help you meet your personal goals. Their role is to provide practical guidance, build your confidence, and troubleshoot any challenges that come up.Understanding Your Feeding Support CoachIf you're an expecting or new parent, you've probably heard the term lactation consultant thrown around. But what do they actually do? Their support goes far beyond just "helping with the latch." They are a key part of your perinatal care team,...

Postpartum Doula Postpartum Doula Lactation Consultant

Postpartum Support Services: The New Parent's Guide

When you hear "postpartum support," what comes to mind? For many, it's a fuzzy concept. But in reality, it's a network of professional, emotional, and practical help designed specifically to ease your transition into parenthood.This support isn’t just about the new baby. It’s about caring for the entire family. It's about giving you the space to heal, bond with your little one, and find your footing with confidence.What Are Postpartum Support ServicesThink of postpartum support as a temporary scaffolding built around your new family. Just like scaffolding supports a building while it settles, this network holds you up while you...

Breastfeeding Lactation Consultant

How to Find a Lactation Consultant You Can Trust

So, you're looking for a lactation consultant. First off, take a deep breath. It's completely normal to feel like you need some extra support, and finding the right person can be a game-changer for your feeding journey.Your Guide to Finding the Right Lactation SupportThink of this as your road map. My goal is to give you clear, actionable ways to find a qualified professional who really clicks with you and your family. If you're just starting out, it helps to first get a handle on what a lactation consultant does to understand the full scope of support they can offer.You're...

Doula

How to Choose a Doula Your Family Can Trust

Finding the right doula is a bit like dating, it’s all about the connection. It starts with figuring out what you want, chatting with a few people to see who you click with, and then choosing the person who makes you feel the most secure and understood.Defining What Doula Support Means for YouBefore you even start scrolling through profiles on Bornbir, the most critical step is to look inward. Seriously. The secret to choosing a doula isn't about finding just any doula; it's about finding your doula.Think of it as creating a blueprint for your ideal support system. When you...

Postpartum Mental Health Therapist

Postpartum Depression Warning Signs You Should Know

When a new baby arrives, it's a whirlwind of powerful emotions. But sometimes, feelings of sadness and anxiety are more than just the temporary "baby blues." The warning signs of postpartum depression can include a low mood that just won't lift, losing interest in things you used to love, and an intense anxiety that makes getting through the day feel impossible.These symptoms are signs of a treatable medical condition, not a personal failing.Understanding the First Signs of Postpartum DepressionBringing a new life into the world is a profound, life-altering experience. It's also a time of massive change. It’s completely normal...