A Birth Story

I am so incredibly grateful for the Willow team, midwife Susanna, doula Susan Lane, and my husband for fighting for me and encouraging me through my 30 hour labor. I have had a life long fear of giving birth; and working in the hospital as a nurse has done nothing to alleviate my fears. One of my biggest fears of birth was being forced into interventions that prolonged recovery, were avoidable, or/and caused permanent damage. I have heard endless stories of births in the hospital that ended in drastic and painful interventions because birth is approached in a posture of emergency. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for Willow and their approach to birth. I never felt pressured into anything. I felt safe.


As a first time laborer, I was not expecting the length of the labor or the pushing to take 7 hours—but with the Willow team I felt like I could handle each moment as it happened. As long as the team was not giving up on me, I knew I could find enough resolve to not give up on myself.  The Willow birth team took a patient approach to my slow progress, and continued to find new angles and ways to solve each problem or roadblock that arose. Everyone there was incredibly affirming, and their words helped me learn how to manage the pain better and keep my focus on moving forward rather than getting caught in the temptation to panic. If I would have given birth in a hospital, I am quite sure I would have been pressured into a c-section. Because of Willow, I was able to give birth naturally without complications, without tearing, to a healthy baby boy.

Thank you all for everything you do and the values you stand for. It is a breath of relief to know there is a place like Willow that offers true support and is safe for births to take place with respect and dignity for the mother, father, and child.

 

Photos by Doula Susan Lane

2023 Willow Client Statistics

Willow Midwives is excited to share all the numbers from 2023! From the total number of births to number of transfers to common comfort measures, we have all the data here!

In 2023, Willow Midwives helped 144 families bring their babies earth side at Willow. An additional 41 clients remained in our care past 38 weeks of gestation and either risked out of midwifery care or birthed at the hospital.

In 2023, 33% of our clients were repeat Willow families and 38% of total clients were having their first baby with Willow. 25% of our clients had Medicaid insurance at the time of their delivery.

Willow Midwives also meets and exceed the ACNM Triple Aim and Core Four recommendations for improving healthcare!

TRIPLE AIM

Primary cesarean birth rate < 23.9% Willow Midwives = 3.78%

Preterm birth rate < 11.4% Willow Midwives = 1.64%

Exclusive breastfeeding first 48 hours > 81% Willow Midwives = 94.57%

CORE FOUR

Induction of Labor <10% Willow Midwives = 5.87%

Primary cesarean birth rate < 15% Willow Midwives = 3.78%

Episiotomy < 2% Willow Midwives = 0.3%

Exclusive breastfeeding first 48 hours > 75% Willow Midwives = 94.57%

If you have any questions about our statistics or want to know more, please reach out to us by emailing info@willowmidwives.com

Reflexology in Pregnancy and Labor

Reflexology is a form of massage that possibly dates back to ancient Egypt (Keet, 2009). It involves stimulating pressure points on the hands, feet, and ears that correspond to other body parts. Although there is limited information on why reflexology works, it may be because it stimulates the body to release oxytocin, endorphins, and encephalins to help with pain, stress, anxiety, and fatigue (MadeForMums). 

Reflexology has many benefits, including: 

 

Reflexology can even be done by your partner, a family member, or your doula. Although you can find a trained reflexologist, basic techniques are easy to learn. 

Reflexology should be used with caution during pregnancy, as it can induce labor. However, when performed carefully, it can have many benefits from week 14 on. It is best to wait to begin using reflexology until week 14 to allow the body to find its natural rhythm. In her book The Reflexology Bible, Louise Keet outlines specific pressure points to use during weeks 14-40.

Reflexology can also be used as a more natural way to induce labor. Consult with your midwife or a trained acupuncturist before using pressure points to induce labor. Although this is a more natural method, it should still be used carefully (sustaininghealthacupuncture.com). Massaging the middle of the tips of the bottoms of the big toes and thumbs stimulates the pituitary gland to release oxytocin, which can induce labor and speed up the process. 

Reflexology has benefits during labor as well. One study found that women who received foot reflexology during labor experienced pain reduction (74%), tension reduction (78%), and some relaxation (72%). Eighty-one percent of the study's participants would recommend it to others, and 82% felt it was non-injurious and safe (nih.gov). More research found reflexology to have a 90% effectiveness rate as a painkiller (Perinatal Health LLC). It also kept 11 out of 14 women from needing an operation for placenta retention (Perinatal Health LLC). 

After labor, it can help with lactation and well-being. In another study, participants who received reflexology treatments initiated lactation in 43.47 hours, while those in the control group took 66.97 hours. Ninety-eight percent of the reflexology group had satisfactory lactation after 72 hours, while only 67% of the control group did (Perinatal Health LLC).

Additionally, postpartum reflexology treatments support emotional and mental well-being (Keet, 2009). When performed along with a Traditional Chinese Medicine foot bath, reflexology was found to affect appetite, lactation, anxiety, and depression. It also helped C-section patients recover (Perinatal Health LLC).

There are several basic techniques that are important in reflexology. One is inhaling when pressure is applied, then exhaling when it is released. This is thought to let go of negative energy through the breath. Similarly, it is important to always massage out and up rather than down, as this pushes negative energy out the tips of the fingers and toes. A pleasant touch that combines aromatherapy with reflexology is having your reflexologist use an oil blend with your favorite essential oils. Make sure the essential oils you use are safe for use during pregnancy and postpartum.

To use reflexology during labor, whoever is providing your reflexology treatment should use gentle circular motions and light pressure, or whatever feels good to you. A technique that I learned from a doula that feels particularly amazing involves interlacing the fingers to support the back of your hand, then stroking it with both thumbs. Sustaininghealthacupuncture.com is a great source for acupressure points that are helpful for labor.

Reflexology is a simple way your loved ones can support you through the entire process of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. It will help your family to know that they can do something to help you through it all, and it will provide several benefits to you—not to mention it feels great!

Written by Willow Intern, Alexis Merkle. Alexis is an intern at Willow working towards an associate degree in Integrative Health and Healing and a bachelor's degree in Health and Wellness Management. She is hoping to become a doula this year, and after graduating college, she plans to pursue an education in midwifery.

Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies During Pregnancy

I hear a lot of the same thing regarding nutrition and pregnancy. You are all asking your providers about food, and really what people are being told is that they should eat healthily. What does that mean? That's where I can help. Knowing what will grow a healthy baby, what foods are nutrient-dense, and how to prepare meals and meal plans is one of the best and most important things you can do. I have found that most people don't know where to start, and worse, people are often told that as long they take their pre-natal vitamins, they should "be fine." What is important to note is that "essential vitamins and minerals are dietary components required in small quantities to support virtually all metabolic activity, including cell signaling, motility, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis that regulate tissue growth, function, and homeostasis." Vitamins and minerals support every maternal, placental, and fetal interaction stage to enable a healthy gestation.

 

One of the most common deficiencies is iron, and there were even some studies that I came across that said that almost 40% of pregnant people had a prevalence of low serum iron concentration. Let's talk about foods that are nutrient-dense in iron. "The recommended intake of iron is 27 mg per day in pregnancy vs. 18 mg per day in non-pregnant women." Iron plays a vital role in red blood cell production and is essential as it supports your growing baby and placenta. Iron deficiency can increase your risk of premature birth and contribute to low birth weight. Iron supplements aren't always the best way to ensure that you are meeting your needs as the side effects are often undesirable, and of the people that did take the supplements, 89% stopped taking them due to the side effects. So, your best bet is to get as much as possible through your diet. The best source of iron that you can get is the liver. I know not many people are excited about that choice, but if your iron is low, it is probably your best bet. What are other foods high in iron? Red meat, game meat, oysters, sardines, dark meat, and poultry, If you are vegetarian or can't stomach some of the above choices, spirulina (a type of algae) is another option.

Another group of vitamins that we tend to see a high deficiency in is B6 and B12. Vitamin B6 is critical for your baby's developing brain and nervous system and helps the baby metabolize protein and carbohydrates. B6 is also helpful in managing your nausea or morning sickness. In a study out of the University of Michigan, some found relief by taking 10-25 mg of Vitamin B6 3x per day. (check with your provider to see if this is a good option for you). Sources of Vitamin B6 are Beef liver, tuna, salmon (fresh caught), fortified cereals, chickpeas, poultry, dark leafy greens, bananas, papayas, oranges, and cantaloupe. Vitamin B12 is vital for maintaining the health of your nervous system and is also essential for your baby's developing brain and spinal cord, forming healthy red blood cells, helping make D.N.A. and can help to prevent the risk of neural tube defects. In large part, B12 is found in large amounts in animal products, fortified foods, dairy products, eggs, and poultry.

Iodine. This one does not always get the attention that it deserves. According to one study, "iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause maternal and fetal hypothyroidism and impair neurological development of the fetus. Iodine requirements are increased by 50% during pregnancy. In some cases, supplementation before or during early pregnancy eliminates cases of cretinism, increases birthweight, reduces perinatal and infant mortality rates, and even increases developmental scores in young children by 10-20%." (PubMed) Iodine is mainly found in animal-protein foods and sea vegetables. While some items like cereals, bread, and milk are fortified, there are more nutrient-dense choices. Seaweed, fish, shellfish, table salts labeled "iodized," eggs, beef liver, prunes, lima beans, and chicken are all sources of iodine.

A lot more goes into a nutrient-dense diet than eating healthy. That is just not sound advice. The other topic I want to address is that most people don't understand. How much do I need? What foods are nutrient-dense? What foods need to be paired together so that we can maximize absorption? These are all the questions we go through, personalized to your specific needs and wants, in my Pre/Postpartum Nutrition meetings.

Written by Holly Ohman

Doula/Childbirth Educator, Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, Breathandbirthmn.com

Holly is a birth doula (MCPCD), childbirth educator (CCCE), breastfeeding specialist (MBE), and Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, and is currently in a pre-med program studying to become a Physician’s Assistant.  Holly owns Breath and Birth MN, which is a doula and holistic nutrition practice, where she serves families in the birth, and nutrition space. She is a busy mother of three boys, aged 20, 18, and seven.  Two of her children play hockey, so if she is not studying, attending births, or working with birthing folks on increasing their nutrient needs, she can be found in various ice arenas throughout town, or enjoying time hiking with family and friends.

Holly is currently offering 30 minute complementary nutritional counseling sessions at Willow for our clients. These sessions would be great if you are interested in:

  • Learning more about foods that promote a healthy pregnancy

  • Food sources for protein/iron/folate/micro and macro nutrients

  • Maintaining healthy and appropriate weight gain in pregnancy

  • Affordable and nutritious options including recipes and grocery lists

Clients may sign up for a 30 minute in-person visit with Holly at the front desk.

8 Reasons to Hire a Doula

Things we often hear: "I don't need a doula, I have Steve." or "I don't need a doula, I have a midwife." We know that the majority of the birthing population isn't hiring doulas. In fact, only 6% of birthing families report using a doula for childbirth, and we get it, doulas are an extra cost but it's one you will be happy you invested in. Let’s look at the investment you make in our team: you get childbirth education, birth support, lactation support, and a postpartum visit to debrief on your birth experience (bonus, a lactation goodie and meal to show you some extra love), but we don’t stop there we offer 12 weeks of text support for all of your random questions that may arise during the fourth trimester.



8 reasons why you should hire a doula

  1. Doulas help you and your partner develop questions to ask in your appointments to maximize your birth center experience. This happens prenatally, during labor and birth, but also postpartum! It starts with a birth plan and making sure you know your choices and what questions to ask your provider to gain more insight into what your care in labor and birth will look like. We also encourage clients to have a plan in place should a transfer to the hospital happen for medical reasons like pre-eclampsia or transfer during labor.

  2. Doulas are your Google. You can still take to Google, but your doula can help with that and make it less scary. We are available to you from the time you sign your contract through your first 12 weeks as a new parent. There is a wide range of normal in birth, and we are experienced with that. Doulas are like the dad of the birth world… we have a “guy” for everything, use your doula for all sorts of solid resources in the area like massage, chiropractic, pediatric dentists, acupuncturists, prenatal yoga, pelvic floor therapy and the list goes on.

  3. Doulas don't have requirements on when to contact them for support. Your contractions don't have to be every 5 minutes, lasting a minute, for an hour. You call us when you are in need of extra hands and support. Doulas can help you navigate when it’s time to head to the birth center.

  4. Doulas provide continuous care, because even at a birth center the support team may have other laboring families to tend to. Doulas can help fill in the gaps when the staff enter the room and keep them updated on what has been happening and what we have tried. It’s truly collaborative care with very like minded team members.

  5. Doulas remind you that you can ask questions. In the out of hospital birth center setting providers tend to provide a full picture when presenting information, but nonetheless a doula can help you ask additional questions or help you navigate hard decisions that may arise like transferring to the hospital.

  6. Doulas are there the whole time, there is no shift change. You get who you hired for the WHOLE time. Doulas are usually guaranteed to be there unless otherwise noted in their contract or your interview. In the event that you have a long birth or experience prodromal labor then your doula may switch out to get rest and come back.

  7. Your partner needs help supporting you. A common tool used in labor is a hip squeeze or counter-pressure on the back of the laboring person. This requires a lot of effort and strength, and may even require some weird positions. It helps to have someone to take turns with. Your partner needs help. They need to go to the bathroom, they may even need to run and get coffee or food for a mid labor mental break, and that's ok. That's where having a doula comes in very handy because if they leave you still know the person in the room with you and you are never alone.

  8. 45% of people have traumatic birth experiences. I think this statistic speaks for itself. We know having a doula doesn't always prevent this, but we can certainly help you where we can to avoid this but also if you do find your experience traumatic we can give you great referrals in the area to help you work through your trauma. We also know that picking your birth place and provider carefully puts you at an advantage here, so the fact that you are birthing at an out of hospital birth center with midwives will just continue to stack the deck in your favor.


On average, doulas spend about 20 hours with each client from pregnancy to postpartum. They do a lot of research for their clients and work long hours, but it is so worth it to watch two people turn into a family of three (or more). A doula is an addition to your birth team and fills in the gaps to give you a well rounded experience from pregnancy into parenthood.

 

Written by

Tabitha Morrison at Bright Earth Doulas

Bright Earth has birth support availability this fall; check frequently for new availability as they add to their team. They are also open for postpartum doula support. If you’re looking for childbirth education they have a 4 week hybrid course starting on Mondays in April. On May 1st, join them in a 2 hour lactation 101 workshop in St Paul. 

For more details on services and events checkout their website brightearthdoulas.com