Pooping during labor is normal, common, and not the disaster you think it is. Here’s what really happens—and why it means you’re doing it right.
So… am I going to poop during labor?
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Jaelin Stickels
CNM, WHNP
Hi, I’m Jaelin Stickels, and I’m so glad you’re here! As a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), with two decades of healthcare experience, my heart is fully committed to helping women take control of their health. I’ve always believed that women are much stronger than they often realize, and I’ve dedicated my career to showing them just how powerful they truly are.
My Mission
At the heart of everything I do is a deep love for women. I believe in your strength, your resilience, and your ability to make the best decisions for your body and your life. My mission is to give you the tools you need to be informed and empowered, whether you’re navigating pregnancy, birth, or just daily health challenges. I want to remind you that you are strong—stronger than you know—and that you can face whatever life throws your way.
Why I Started SHEis.com
I started SHEis.com because I saw a huge need for accessible, trustworthy health information for women. Every day in my practice, I educate women and their partners on basic health topics, and I’m constantly reminded of how much there is to learn. So much misinformation and misconceptions are being presented as “facts,” much of it coming from the medical community. It is so hard to know what information you can trust. SHEis.com is my way of ensuring women have a reliable source for evidence-based, empowering information.
I’ve also always been the type of person who loves sharing knowledge. I love to read. I’d read an article or research study, thinking, “My clients need to know this!” In the past, I would print and hand out articles, but now I can share that same valuable information here, in one place. SHEis.com is a growing hub for women who want to understand their bodies, make informed decisions, and feel confident in their health journeys.
What’s Next?
SHEis.com is constantly evolving, and I have many exciting future ideas! My goal is to make this space even more useful for you—whether through original articles, new resources, curated content from great sources around the web, or tools that help you navigate your health journey. And I’d love to hear from you! If there’s anything you’d like to see more of on SHEis.com, please share your thoughts with me. This site is for you, and I’m here to make it as helpful as possible.
— Stay Strong! Jaelin —
--- Stay Strong! Jaelin ---
Jaelin and her high school sweetheart & husband of 40+ years, Ted (aka Chef Ted)
Curated Video: What to Know About the Process of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – By The Associated Press
Watch this clear and concise video from the Associated Press explaining how in vitro fertilization (IVF) works. Jaelin Stickels shares her thoughts on IVF’s medical power, emotional impact, and when couples should consider it.
Why I Practice Evidence-Based Midwifery (And Still Respect Your Right to Say No)
Discover why Dr. Jaelin Stickels, DNP, CNM, chooses evidence-based midwifery grounded in autonomy, consent, and respect. Birth should be informed, not coerced.
The Top 20 Baby Names of the Year (2024)—Plus a Peek at What Our Homebirth Families Picked
Wondering what the most popular baby names of 2024 are? See the top 20 girl and boy names—plus the heartfelt, meaningful choices from families I’ve helped welcome new life at Holistic Heritage Homebirth.
Letting Go of the Small Stuff: The Clarity of Grief
Grief changes us. Here’s what it taught me about love, clarity, and letting go of what doesn’t matter. A deeply personal story from Dr. Jaelin Stickels.
Birth Shouldn’t Feel Like a Hostage Situation: A Guide to Birth Trauma and Medical Coercion
Birth trauma and medical coercion are more common than most women realize. This article explores what they look like and how to take your power back. I can’t count how many times a client has sat across from me and said something like,“I just don’t trust...
When Fear and Anxiety Walk Into the Birth Room: What Happens Next
Fear and anxiety aren’t just background noise in birth—they shape outcomes. In this raw, research-backed piece, Dr. Jaelin Stickels, DNP, CNM, APRN, explores how fear affects mothers, partners, and birth workers—and what we can do to change it. A must-read for anyone who cares about birth.
Whispers That Wound: The Hidden Damage of Gossip
I wasn’t planning to write this article. Honestly, I’ve been doing my best just to keep going lately, doing the work, showing up for my clients, taking care of my family, and putting one foot in front of the other. However, as I’ve walked through a season of personal...
Why I Oppose Texas HB 4553 – And Why You Should Too
Texas House Bill 4553, sometimes called “Malik’s Law,” proposes new documentation requirements for Licensed Midwives and Certified Professional Midwives who attend out-of-hospital births. Specifically, it would require midwives to report additional data about every...
How to Choose a Midwife: Why Shared Values Matter More Than Shared Zip Codes
There’s no shortage of advice out there about choosing a midwife: ask about experience, training, licensure, and backup plans. And yes, those factors absolutely matter. But here’s the truth most people won’t tell you: none of that matters if you and your midwife don’t...