Alcohol During Pregnancy: Is It Ever Safe? Here’s the Truth
Let’s Have an Honest Conversation. If you’re pregnant or contemplating pregnancy, you’ve likely encountered a strict guideline: no alcohol, not even a sip. The message from doctors, midwives, and public health officials is unequivocal—drinking during pregnancy is...
Curated Article: Is the Age of Health Care TMI Actually Making Us Feel Like Crap? – By Allure
Overview In an era of wearables, at-home tests, and constant health tracking, a new article from Allure questions whether the overload of health data is doing more harm than good. With smartwatches tracking heart rates, apps analyzing sleep, and companies offering...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Justina Ford – The Doctor Who Never Let ‘No’ Stop Her
Quick Facts Born: January 22, 1871 • Knoxville, Illinois Died: October 14, 1952 (aged 81) • Denver, Colorado Known For: Colorado’s first licensed African American female physician Delivered over 7,000 babies throughout her career Served patients of all races,...
The Truth About the ‘Snap-Back’ Culture: Why Postpartum Bodies Deserve Better
Somewhere along the way, society decided that new moms should look like they never had a baby. That stretch marks, loose skin, wider hips, and softer bellies are temporary inconveniences rather than visible proof of something extraordinary. But why? Why is the female...
Curated Article: As Fertility Rates Fall, Some Scientists Say Everyday Chemicals Are a Factor – By The Wall Street Journal
Overview A new report from The Wall Street Journal investigates how synthetic chemicals in everyday products—from plastics and cosmetics to food packaging—might contribute to declining fertility rates. Scientists are increasingly concerned that endocrine-disrupting...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Agnodice of Athens – The Healer Who Took on Ancient Greece and Won
Quick Facts Born: 4th century BCE • Athens, Greece Known For: First recorded female midwife or physician in ancient Greece Supposedly, disguised herself as a man to study medicine in a time when women were banned from practicing Legend has it she defended herself in...
Is Breastfeeding Really Birth Control? The Truth About the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (The Nursing Method)
Breastfeeding is often praised as a natural and convenient form of birth control. You may have heard, “If you’re breastfeeding, you can’t get pregnant.” Well-meaning healthcare providers in the hospital even tell some women this after birth. It sounds almost too good...
Curated Article: AI Identifies Genetic Markers for Women’s Health Risks – By ScienceDaily
Overview A groundbreaking new study in ScienceDaily reveals how artificial intelligence (AI) is utilized to uncover genetic markers associated with women's health risks. Researchers have successfully harnessed AI to identify previously undetectable genetic patterns,...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Rebecca Lee Crumpler – Pioneering Black Female Doctor Who Defied Racism and Saved Lives
Quick Facts Born: February 8, 1831 • Delaware, USA Died: March 9, 1895 (aged 64) • Hyde Park, Massachusetts Known For: First African American woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S. Provided critical medical care to freed slaves after the Civil War Focused on...
Postpartum Sex: What They Don’t Tell You (But Should)
Let’s discuss postpartum sex—the awkward, sometimes painful, and often just plain weird reality that no one truly prepares you for. You spend months nurturing a tiny human, endure labor (or major surgery), and then when you think the hardest part is behind you,...
Curated Article: Privacy Concerns with Women’s Reproductive Health Apps – By arXiv
Overview In today’s digital age, period-tracking and fertility-monitoring apps have become essential tools for many women managing their reproductive health. However, a recent study published on arXiv raises serious concerns about the privacy and security risks...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Edna Adan Ismail – The Midwife Who Helped Rebuild a Nation
Quick Facts Born: September 8, 1937 • Hargeisa, British Somaliland (now Somaliland) Known For: Founder of the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital, a premier maternal and infant health center in East Africa Former First Lady of Somalia and Minister of Social...
The Libido Trap: How Birth Control Could Be Killing Your Sex Drive (and What to Do About It)
We all know the standard list of birth control side effects: nausea, weight gain, mood swings, and the occasional rogue spotting session. But what about your sex drive? That’s the side effect no one seems to talk about—at least not until you start experiencing...
Curated Article: Women’s Pain Often Dismissed in Healthcare Settings – By The Scottish Sun
Overview: This article from The Scottish Sun sheds light on a troubling reality: women’s pain is frequently dismissed or downplayed in medical settings. Studies show that women are more likely than men to have their pain ignored at nearly every stage of life, from...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Ann Preston – The Trailblazer Who Refused to Be Shut Out of Medicine
Quick Facts Born: December 1, 1813 • West Grove, Pennsylvania Died: April 18, 1872 (aged 58) • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Known For: First woman dean of a medical school in the U.S. Champion for women’s medical education Founder of the Woman’s Hospital of Philadelphia...
Bringing Home Baby: How to Keep the Peace with Your Pets
There's nothing quite like the love of a pet. Whether it's a loyal dog, a curious cat, or even a funny but stinky ferret (yes, we had two of them in the house at one point), animals bring something special into a home. They offer companionship, comfort, and, let's be...
Curated Article: Circadian Alignment—Why It’s Important & How to Improve It – By Wellness Mama
Overview: This insightful article from Wellness Mama explores the concept of circadian alignment—a strategy that optimizes daily activities like eating, sleeping, and light exposure to work in sync with the body's natural rhythms. Research suggests that aligning these...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Mabel Keaton Staupers – The Nurse Who Broke Barriers
Quick Facts Born: February 27, 1890 • Barbados, West Indies Died: November 29, 1989 (aged 99) • Washington, D.C. Known For: Pioneering advocate for racial equality in nursing Executive Secretary of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN) Led the...
Love at First Touch: Unlocking the Power of the Golden Hour
Imagine the world stopping for just one hour, a sacred pause where time seems to honor the birth of a new life. This pause is the "Golden Hour," a term that encapsulates the first sixty minutes(ish) post-birth, heralded not just by medical professionals but by the...
Curated Article: Why Wearing No Underwear at Night Is Better for Your Health By The New York Post
Overview: This article from The New York Post explores why ditching underwear at night may be a simple yet powerful change for improving vaginal health. Experts explain how tight or synthetic underwear can trap moisture, leading to irritation, infections, and...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Hildegard of Bingen – The Visionary Healer Who Defied Convention
Quick Facts Born: 1098 • Bermersheim, Holy Roman Empire Died: September 17, 1179 (aged 81) • Rupertsberg, Holy Roman Empire Known For: Medieval visionary, theologian, and natural healer One of the first recognized female composers in Western music history A pioneer in...
Mastering Mindfulness: Tips to Becoming a Mindful Mama
Motherhood is a whirlwind, a dance of emotions, responsibilities, and fleeting moments that slip through our fingers like sand. As a midwife with years of guiding mothers through birth, a mother who has raised her children, a grandmother watching the next generation...
Curated Article (Podcast): Top Ten Evidence-Based Strategies for Lowering the Risk of Cesarean by Evidence-Based Birth
Overview: This podcast episode from Evidence-Based Birth, hosted by Rebecca Decker, PhD, RN, and co-hosted by Morgan Richardson Kayama, explores ten strategies based on scientific evidence to help reduce the risk of cesarean delivery. It covers a range of topics, from...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Margaret Charles Smith – The Guardian of Rural Births
Quick Facts: Born: September 12, 1906 • Eutaw, Alabama, USA Died: November 12, 2004 (aged 98) • Eutaw, Alabama, USA Known For: Delivering over 3,500 babies with no maternal deaths Being one of the first official midwives in Greene County, Alabama Advocating for...
The Zen of Birth: Hypnobirthing’s Journey to Tranquility
As a certified hypnobirthing instructor with several years of experience, I've guided hundreds of expectant parents through a transformative process, turning the often daunting childbirth experience into a serene one. Welcome to "The Zen of Birth," where we explore...
Curated Article: Machine learning identifies women at risk of severe cognitive decline during menopause by News Medical
Overview: This groundbreaking article from News Medical discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are revolutionizing women's healthcare, particularly in identifying those at risk of severe cognitive decline during menopause. The study highlights...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Catharina Geertruida Schrader – The Frisian Midwife with a Meticulous Legacy
Quick Facts Born: September 1656 • Bentheim, Germany Died: October 30, 1746 (aged 90) • Dokkum, Friesland, Netherlands Known For: Detailed documentation of over 4000 deliveries in her memoirs. Pioneering midwifery practices in the 17th and 18th centuries. High...
The Magic of Waiting: Why Delayed Cord Clamping Should Be Your Go-To in Childbirth
Have you ever thought about the magic moment right after birth? It's when your baby takes their first breath, and life begins in the most literal sense. But what if I told you that there's a simple yet profound practice that could enhance this moment even further? It...
Curated Article: Are Oxalates A Problem or No Big Deal? by Wellness Mama
Overview: This thought-provoking piece from Wellness Mama revolves around oxalates, naturally occurring compounds in many plant foods that can have significant health implications. The article questions whether we should be concerned about oxalate intake, particularly...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Marie Charlotte Carmichael Stopes – Pioneering Women’s Sexual Health Amid Controversy
Quick Facts Born: October 15, 1880 • Edinburgh, Scotland Died: October 2, 1958 (aged 77) • Dorking, Surrey, England Known For: Co-founding the first birth control clinic in the United Kingdom. Writing influential books on sexuality like "Married Love" and "Wise...
Birth on Your Terms: The Crusade for Informed Consent
When it comes to healthcare, especially something as intimate and life-changing as childbirth, informed consent isn't just a formality; it's your right to take the reins of your own journey. This issue isn't about doctors or midwives making decisions for you; it's...
Curated Article: Postpartum Depression and Beyond: The Mental Health Challenges of Motherhood by Psyhccare
Overview: Postpartum depression is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to mental health challenges following childbirth. This comprehensive article from Psyhccare dives into the broader spectrum of conditions, including anxiety, OCD, and PTSD, that can affect...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin – Deciphering Life’s Molecules
Quick Facts Born: May 12, 1910 • Cairo, Egypt Died: July 29, 1994 (aged 84) • Shipston-on-Stour, England Known For: Pioneering work in X-ray crystallography, determining the structures of penicillin, vitamin B12, and insulin. Becoming the third woman to receive the...
The Science of Gratitude: How a Simple Practice Can Transform Your Mental Health
Gratitude. It's a word we hear so often that it sometimes feels hollow. But let me tell you, as someone who has stood beside hundreds of women during one of the most emotional roller coasters of their lives—pregnancy and birth—I've seen firsthand how gratitude can be...
Curated Article: Causes of Rising Infertility Rates: Doctor Explains How It Is Turning Into a Global Epidemic by OnlyMyHealth
Overview Infertility is emerging as a global health crisis, with rising rates affecting individuals worldwide. This article from OnlyMyHealth explores the multifaceted reasons behind this troubling trend. From lifestyle factors and environmental changes to delayed...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Maria Montessori – Revolutionizing Education for the Future
Quick Facts Born: August 31, 1870 • Chiaravalle, Italy Died: May 6, 1952 (aged 81) • Noordwijk, Netherlands Known For: Developing the Montessori Method of education, emphasizing hands-on, child-centered learning. Becoming one of the first women in Italy to earn a...
When Your Baby Looks… Uh, “Unique” (And That’s Totally Okay)
As a Midwife, I’ve helped deliver several hundred babies, and let me say this out loud: not all babies are born cute. There. I said it. The truth that no one dares to whisper. And no, I’m not being mean. I love every baby I meet. I’m just telling it like it is:...
Curated Article: Is Contraception Under Attack? by The New Yorker
Overview The availability and accessibility of contraception remain a vital issue in women's health. In "Is Contraception Under Attack?" The New Yorker examines the evolving landscape of reproductive health, highlighting recent advancements such as the FDA's approval...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Dame Jane Goodall – Defending Wildlife, Inspiring Humanity
Quick Facts Born: April 3, 1934 • London, England Known For: Pioneering research on wild chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute Advocate for animal welfare and environmental conservation Legacy: Transformed our understanding of animal...
Through Their Eyes: Understanding the Impact of Divorce on Children
Divorce is one of the most heart-wrenching decisions a family can face, and its impact often goes far beyond the legal process. It’s a decision that changes the lives of everyone involved, especially children, who are usually caught in the crossfire of shifting family...
Curated Article: Unlocking Opportunities in Women’s Healthcare by McKinsey & Company
Overview Women’s healthcare is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a growing focus on addressing unique health needs and the potential for innovation. In "Unlocking Opportunities in Women’s Healthcare," McKinsey & Company highlights how healthcare...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Sophie Scholl – A Young Rebel Who Challenged the Nazi Regime
Quick Facts Born: May 9, 1921 • Forchtenberg, Germany Died: February 22, 1943 (aged 21) • Munich, Germany Known For: Co-founding the White Rose resistance group Writing and distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets Becoming a symbol of courage and moral conviction Legacy: An...
Turn Baby, Turn: How Fetal Positioning Helps Your Baby Find Their Way
Childbirth is one of the most transformative and awe-inspiring experiences a woman can have. Yet, it’s also a process filled with intricacies, one of which is the baby's position inside the womb. While many factors influence the course of labor, the alignment of the...
Curated Article: Relationships and Careers Take a Backseat to This Priority for Most Women: Survey by the New York Post
Overview In a world where women juggle numerous roles, it’s fascinating to see priorities evolve. According to the New York Post article "Relationships and Careers Take a Backseat to This Priority for Most Women: Survey," a recent survey of 2,000 American women...
SHEis Amazing Profile: Gladys Milton – A Voice for Midwifery and Women’s Rights
Quick Facts Born: February 4, 1924 • Pensacola, Florida Died: May 3, 1999 (aged 75) • Milton, Florida Known For: Pioneering midwife and advocate for women’s health Author of Why Not Me?, chronicling her journey as a midwife and advocate for racial equality in...
Choosing Your Birth Team: Understanding the Differences and Similarities Between Providers
Childbirth is one of the most profound and life-changing moments in a family’s journey, and the people who support you through it play an incredibly important role. The professionals you invite into your pregnancy and birth experience—whether they’re obstetricians,...
Curated Article: Fish: The Best and Worst for Your Health, Say Experts by Fox News
Overview Fish is often considered a cornerstone of a healthy diet, but not all types offer the same benefits. In "Fish: The Best and Worst for Your Health, Say Experts," Fox News examines expert recommendations on the healthiest fish options and which ones to avoid....
SHEis Amazing Profile: Louise Bourgeois Boursier – The Renaissance Midwife Who Rewrote the Rules of Childbirth
Quick Facts Born: c. 1563 • Paris, France Died: 1636 (aged ~73) • Paris, France Known For: First official midwife to the French royal court Author of one of the earliest textbooks on midwifery, Obstetrics Observations Pioneering advocate for formal education and...
The Miracle Juice of Pregnancy: Amazing Amniotic Fluid Revealed!
Article Highlights Nature’s Miracle Liquid: Amniotic fluid is a dynamic, life-sustaining force that cushions, protects, and nurtures your baby throughout pregnancy. Supports Development: This incredible fluid aids in lung and digestive system development while...
Curated Article: 7 Yoga Poses for Period Cramps That Will Help You Find Relief by Well+Good
Overview Menstrual cramps are an all-too-common struggle for many women, but yoga may offer a natural and effective way to find relief. In "7 Yoga Poses for Period Cramps That Will Help You Find Relief," Well+Good outlines specific poses designed to ease menstrual...