Seattle Birth Co

Hard work requires grit and support.

My last January birth absolutely rocked me in so many ways. This mama did everything to support a physiological birth—she ate well, saw a chiropractor, worked with a pelvic floor therapist, received prenatal massage, chose an incredible care team, and advocated for herself every step of the way.

And yet… baby had her own plan.

She spent most of labor in a direct OP position—“sunny side up”—facing her mama’s belly button. OP births are often longer, more intense, and significantly harder.

This is not a situation to fear when you have a skilled nurse, a supportive provider, and a doula. Together, we got to work.

I watched the nurse suggest so many amazing positions—some I had never seen before—and I loved learning from her during this birth. Later, I found out she’s the Spinning Babies instructor in our area, and I felt so honored to have attended a birth with her.

And the mama? She surrendered. She showed up. She trusted. She tried every suggestion, over and over again.

And in the end… this baby turned.

She was born beautifully into her mama’s arms, and the whole room rejoiced.

Spinning Babies works. Support works. Teamwork works.

This post is an honor song for this mama—because OP births are hard and so often end in cesarean sections. And it is also a deep gratitude post for Nurse Nicky at UWNW.

I am in awe of you. THANK YOU for all that you do for your patients. You are inspiring. Let’s do it again!

January was a beautiful month of births and loss 💔. So many powerful arrivals—four boys and one sweet girl—and one thing every mama had in common? They loved the TENS unit and used it as a powerful coping tool during their labors.

I got to honor a different kind of birth—one of profound love and grief. An angel baby was born far too soon, but never forgotten. It was an honor to witness such tenderness, strength, and surrender of his mama and be by her side. Every baby no matter how small matters and it is important to hold space and witness their births.

Here’s what January held:

✨ Unmedicated, successful VBAC at St. Joseph Medical Center.

✨ Powerful and swift first birth at Swedish First Hill—mama made it all the way to 7 cm before choosing an epidural.

✨ Unmedicated, beautiful physiological birth for a first-time mama at UW Montlake with the midwives. I even reunited with a nurse I used to work with in Idaho—such a fun surprise!

✨ Successful induction at 41+ weeks at Evergreen Hospital. This mama was an absolute trooper, reaching 8 cm and helping her baby find an optimal position through intentional movement during labor.

✨ Unmedicated birth of a second baby who was a little stubborn and required lots of Spinning Babies techniques—and plenty of grit from his mama. Born at UWNW.

✨ Powerful first birth for a single mama by choice. Her baby was direct OP and flipped beautifully thanks to Spinning Babies positions and movement once again. I worked alongside Spinning Babies instructor Nicky during this birth and learned so much.

✨ Unexpected loss of pregnancy for my repeat client.

January was filled with strong, determined mamas, and it was an honor to hold space, offer support, and squeeze many hips. This month especially reminded me of the power of intentional movement in labor—and how fragile life is ✨

Now let’s see what February has in store…
And the big question: will there be a Valentine’s Day birth for this doula? 💕✨