Books for thoughtful reflection, preparation, and informed decisions.

• Labor Pain by Henci Goer

• Birth Vibes by Jen Hamilton

• Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

• Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols

• Breastfeeding Made Simple by Nancy Mohrbacher

• Labor with Hope by Gloria Furman

• Birth by Tina Cassidy

• The Complete Book of Essential Oils for Mama and Baby by Anthis

• Vitamin K and the Newborn by Sara Wickham

• Brave, Beautiful Birth: Trusting God Through VBAC by Jaime M. Schrock

• When Surviver’s Give Birth by Penny Simpkin

Practical tools for the moments that matter.

You don't have to know everything about birth to be well prepared. Sometimes a few good questions, a better understanding of your options, or a simple reminder of what matters most can make all the difference.

Here you'll find practical guides and educational tools designed to help you prepare for labor, navigate decisions, and approach the early days with your baby.

Is It Time to Go? Six Questions to Consider

Deciding when to leave for the hospital can be one of the first big decisions of labor. While there isn't one perfect rule for everyone, these questions can help you consider how labor is progressing and what feels right for you.

1. How has your labor changed?

Are contractions becoming longer, stronger, or closer together? Are you having to work harder to cope?

2. What happens during a contraction?

Can you comfortably talk through it, or do you need to stop, focus, breathe, and turn inward?

3. How are you feeling between contractions?

Are you recovering and resting comfortably, or feeling increasingly overwhelmed, exhausted, or unable to cope?

4. What is your body telling you?

Are you feeling increased pressure, an urge to bear down, or an instinct that things are changing?

5. What are the practical considerations?

How far away is the hospital? How long will it take to gather your things, arrange childcare, and travel comfortably?

6. Where would you feel most comfortable and supported right now?

Would staying home a little longer help you feel peaceful, or would getting to the hospital help you relax?

Remember: These questions are intended to support your decision-making, not determine whether you are medically ready for the hospital. Follow your care provider's instructions about when to call or come in.

Contact your maternity care team promptly if your water breaks, your baby is moving less than usual, you have vaginal bleeding, or you think labor may be starting before 37 weeks. Heavy bleeding, severe continuous pain, or an urge to push when birth seems imminent require immediate medical attention.

You don't have to wait for a certain contraction pattern to ask for help.

Using BRAIN to Make Informed Decisions

Ask questions. Understand your options. Make decisions that belong to you.

During pregnancy and labor, you may be presented with choices you weren't expecting. BRAIN is a simple tool to help you think through those decisions and have meaningful conversations with your care team.

B — Benefits

What are the potential benefits of this recommendation? How might it help me or my baby?

R — Risks

What are the possible risks, side effects, or unintended consequences?

A — Alternatives

Are there other reasonable options? What might those look like?

I — Intuition

How do I feel about this? Does it align with my priorities and preferences? What additional information would help me feel comfortable deciding?

N — Nothing Right Now

What happens if we wait? Is there time to consider our options, or does this decision need to be made immediately?

One more important question: How urgent is this?

Some decisions allow time for discussion and consideration. Others require prompt action. Understanding the urgency is an important part of informed decision-making.

Your care team brings medical expertise. You bring your values, preferences, and lived experience. Both matter.

The Three Rs of Labor

Relaxation. Rhythm. Ritual.

Childbirth educator Penny Simkin describes three useful coping principles that can help women find their way through labor.

Relaxation

Rather than fighting each contraction, look for opportunities to release unnecessary tension. Relax your shoulders, soften your jaw, unclench your hands, and rest when you can.

Rhythm

Find a pattern that helps you work through contractions. This may be slow breathing, rocking, swaying, walking, making low sounds, or moving in whatever way feels comfortable.

Ritual

Repeat the things that are helping. Perhaps it's a familiar phrase, a gentle touch, counting breaths, or having your partner apply pressure to your back. You don't need something new for every contraction.

What works during one part of labor may change as labor progresses. Stay flexible and give yourself permission to adjust.

There is no perfect way to cope with labor, and choosing pain medication does not mean you have failed at coping.

You don't have to have all the answers to be an incredible source of support.

Your partner doesn't need to know everything about childbirth. Some of the most meaningful support comes from simply being present, paying attention, and responding to what is needed.

Before labor:

• Talk about your hopes, preferences, and concerns.

• Discuss what helps you feel safe, encouraged, and understood.

• Learn about the stages of labor and common comfort measures together.

• Make a plan for communication, transportation, and practical needs.

During labor:

• Offer water, encouragement, and opportunities to rest.

• Help create a calm and comfortable environment.

• Offer touch, counterpressure, or position changes when welcomed.

• Pay attention to what is helping and what isn't.

• Help your partner remember her questions and communicate with the care team.

• Be flexible when her needs or preferences change.

Sometimes support looks like doing something. Sometimes it looks like sitting quietly and holding her hand.

The goal isn't to make labor go a particular way. It's to help her know she isn't facing it alone.

Understanding and supporting the natural process of labor.

Birth is a remarkable physiological process, involving an intricate relationship between hormones, the uterus, the pelvis, and the baby. When labor begins and progresses spontaneously, the body initiates a series of coordinated changes that support the birth of a child.

Physiological birth generally refers to labor and birth that unfold through the body's natural processes, without unnecessary medical intervention.

Understanding these processes allows families to make informed decisions about their care and appreciate the benefits of supporting normal labor whenever safely possible.

The Benefits of Physiological Birth

1. Supporting the Natural Hormonal Process

Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and plays an important role in bonding and early breastfeeding. Endorphins help the body respond to labor pain, while other hormonal changes support the transition from pregnancy to motherhood.

Allowing labor to unfold spontaneously can preserve aspects of this natural hormonal process.

2. Freedom of Movement and Positioning

Movement during labor allows mothers to respond instinctively to their bodies. Walking, swaying, kneeling, hands-and-knees positioning, and other movements can encourage comfort and support the mechanics of labor.

Research suggests that upright positioning and mobility during the first stage of labor may shorten labor and reduce the likelihood of cesarean birth.

3. Fewer Medical Interventions

For healthy women experiencing uncomplicated labor, avoiding routine interventions that are not medically indicated can reduce exposure to additional procedures and their associated risks.

Interventions such as labor augmentation, epidural anesthesia, and operative delivery each have benefits and considerations that deserve thoughtful discussion.

4. Working With the Natural Urge to Push

During an undisturbed second stage of labor, many women experience a spontaneous urge to bear down as the baby descends.

Following these sensations, choosing comfortable positions, and allowing appropriate time for descent can support individualized pushing without unnecessary direction.

5. Supporting Early Bonding and Breastfeeding

After birth, uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact helps support newborn temperature regulation, early feeding behaviors, and the initiation of breastfeeding.

Protecting these first moments whenever medically appropriate allows mothers and babies time to become acquainted and begin their feeding relationship.

When Intervention Becomes Necessary

Supporting physiological birth does not mean rejecting medical care. Induction, augmentation, pain medication, assisted delivery, and cesarean birth can be appropriate and sometimes lifesaving.

The goal is not to avoid intervention at all costs, but to understand the normal physiology of birth, recognize its benefits, and make thoughtful decisions about when intervention may be helpful or necessary.

Every mother deserves accurate information, respectful care, and the opportunity to participate meaningfully in decisions surrounding her birth.

Birth belongs to you.

An induction may be recommended for medical reasons or chosen in certain circumstances. Understanding why it is being offered, what methods are available, and what to expect can help you participate confidently in your care.

Consider asking:

1. Why are you recommending induction? Is there a medical concern for me or my baby, or is this an elective option?

2. How urgent is the recommendation? What are the potential benefits and risks of waiting?

3. How ready is my cervix? What is my Bishop score, and how might that influence the process?

4. Which induction methods are available to me? Would cervical ripening medication, a balloon catheter, Pitocin, or breaking my water be appropriate?

5. What are the benefits and risks of each method in my particular situation?

6. What might the process look like? How long could it take, and what monitoring would be needed?

7. Will I be able to move, change positions, eat, drink, and rest? What are the hospital's policies and any medical limitations?

8. What happens if the first method doesn't work? What would lead us to change course or consider a cesarean birth?

An induction is not necessarily a single intervention, but often a process with multiple possible steps.

Your medical history, your baby's well-being, and the reason for induction all affect which options may be appropriate.

You deserve an explanation you can understand and the opportunity to ask questions, especially when the plan changes.

Supporting your healing, honoring your experience.

A cesarean birth is both the arrival of your baby and a major abdominal surgery. Whether your cesarean was planned or unexpected, recovery deserves time, patience, and thoughtful care.

Understanding what to expect can help you prepare for the early postpartum days and recognize when additional support may be needed.

Caring for Your Body

• Rest and Recovery: Give your body time to heal. Accept help with meals, household responsibilities, and caring for older children.

• Gentle Movement: Short, comfortable walks can support circulation and recovery. Gradually increase activity according to your body's comfort and your medical team's guidance.

• Incision Care: Follow your discharge instructions for cleaning and drying your incision. Watch for increasing redness, swelling, drainage, or worsening pain.

• Comfortable Movement: Rolling onto your side before getting out of bed and supporting your abdomen with a pillow when coughing or laughing may reduce discomfort.

• Pain Management: Take medications as directed and communicate with your healthcare provider if your pain is not adequately controlled.

Breastfeeding After a Cesarean

Breastfeeding is absolutely possible following a cesarean birth, although finding comfortable positions may require some adjustments.

Side-lying and football-hold positions can help keep pressure off your incision. Pillows can provide additional support while you and your baby learn to nurse together.

Ask for help with positioning, latch, and feeding concerns as needed.

Processing Your Birth Experience

A cesarean birth can bring many emotions. You may feel relief, gratitude, disappointment, joy, grief, or a combination of these feelings.

There is no single way you are expected to feel.

Taking time to revisit your birth story, ask questions, and reflect on your experience can be a meaningful part of postpartum care.

Your birth story deserves to be heard and honored, regardless of how your baby entered the world.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience fever, worsening incision pain, redness or drainage, or other concerns about your recovery.

Seek emergency care for chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or other serious symptoms. Heavy bleeding, severe headache, or painful swelling in one leg also require immediate medical attention.

Learning together, one feeding at a time.

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but that doesn't mean it always comes naturally. Both you and your baby are learning something new, and the early days often bring questions, adjustments, and a need for reassurance.

These resources are intended to help you understand what to expect and recognize when additional support may be helpful.

Getting Started

• Skin-to-Skin Contact: Why those first moments together matter.

• Positioning & Latch: Finding comfortable nursing positions and recognizing a deep, effective latch.

• Early Feeding Cues: Learning to recognize when your baby is ready to nurse.

• Colostrum & Milk Production: Understanding your baby's early nutritional needs and how milk production changes after birth.

• Is My Baby Getting Enough? Understanding feeding frequency, swallowing, diaper output, and expected weight changes.

Trusted Breastfeeding Resources

La Leche League International
Mother-to-mother encouragement, practical breastfeeding education, and local support groups.
www.llli.org

KellyMom
Evidence-informed articles addressing common breastfeeding questions and challenges.
www.kellymom.com

Office on Women's Health
Breastfeeding guidance, educational materials, and information about common concerns.
www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding

International Lactation Consultant Association
Resources for finding professional lactation support.
www.ilca.org

When to Seek Additional Support

Breastfeeding should not require you to endure persistent pain or uncertainty. If you're experiencing painful latch, concerns about milk transfer, inadequate diaper output, or difficulty feeding, a qualified lactation professional can provide individualized assessment and guidance.

You don't have to figure it all out alone.

Adorned Birth Co. Community Resource Guide

Oxford & North Mississippi

Pregnancy Support

Pregnancy Center of Oxford

Pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound, parenting classes, baby supplies, and community support.

• Phone: (662) 234-4414

• Address: 1943 N. Lamar Blvd., Oxford, MS 38655 Pregnancy Center of Oxford

My Oxford Ultrasound

Elective 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasounds.

• Phone: (662) 816-7046

• Address: 2653 W. Oxford Loop, Suite 111, Oxford, MS 38655

Lafayette County WIC

Nutrition assistance, breastfeeding support, and healthy food benefits.

• Phone: (662) 234-5231

• Address: 72 F.D. Buddy East Pkwy., Suite 100, Oxford, MS 38655

Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies of Mississippi

Care coordination, home visiting, postpartum support, infant development, nutrition education, and referrals. Availability may vary by county.

• Phone: (601) 576-7113

• Referral Line: (601) 576-7463

Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance (MAMA)

Statewide directory connecting mothers to medical care, housing, transportation, counseling, food assistance, diapers, and baby supplies.

Midwifery & Prenatal Care

Toni Hill, CPM at Blooming Moon Midwifery
Home birth midwifery, prenatal, birth, postpartum, and newborn care.

• Phone: (662) 269-4643

Dr. Michael Podraza
Harmony Women's Health
Prenatal care and hospital birth.

·         Phone: (901) 257-9725

·         Address: 6401 Poplar Ave Suite 195 Memphis TN 38119

Katherine Wilson, CNM
New Albany OB/GYN
Certified Nurse Midwife providing prenatal and birth care.

·         Phone: (662) 534- 0029

·         Address: 117 Fairfield Dr New Albony MS 38652

Oxford Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates
Hospital-based obstetric and gynecologic care.

• Phone: (662) 236-5717

• Address: 1204 Medical Park Dr., Oxford, MS 38655 Oxford Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates

Maternal Fetal Medicine (North Mississippi Health Services)

High-risk pregnancy consultation and fetal medicine.

• Phone: (662) 377-4989

• Address: 4566 S. Eason Blvd., Tupelo, MS 38801 Maternal Fetal Medicine

Pediatric Care

Phillips Pediatrics
Pediatric care and breastfeeding support.

• Phone: (662) 371-1543

• Address: 2682 W Oxford Loop Ste, 130 Oxford, MS 38655

Lafayette Pediatric Clinic
General pediatric care

• Phone: (662) 236-3939

• Address: 1300 Access Rd #400 Oxford, MS 38655

South Oxford Clinic
Dr. Holdiness
Primary pediatric care

·         (662) 371-0801

·         Address: 2888 S Lamar Blvd, Oxford, MS 38655

Breastfeeding & Nutrition

Magnolia Family Nutrition

Jody Wells, RD
Registered Dietitian & Lactation Support.

• Phone/Text: (662) 380-2147

• Email: Jody@magnoliafed.com

Oxford Moms & Tots

Local breastfeeding encouragement and fellowship, Childbirth classes

·         Email: Gallagher.me@gmail.com

Oxford MILC League

Peer breastfeeding education and support.

·         Phone: 662-380-2147

·         Address: 295 Hwy 7 North Oxford, MS 38655

·         Website: magnoliafed.com

Postpartum Recovery & Wellness

Oxford Pelvic Health

Pelvic floor physical therapy for pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

• Phone: (662) 371-6212

• Address: 2716 W. Oxford Loop, Suite 180, Oxford, MS 38655

Oxford Chiropractic

Prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric chiropractic care.

• Phone: (662) 380-5011

• Address: 115 Heritage Dr., Oxford, MS 38655

The Wellness Center of Oxford

Counseling and mental wellness services for individuals and families.

• Phone: (662) 371-1711

• Address: 202 Enterprise Dr., Oxford, MS 38655 The Wellness Center of Oxford

Infant Development & Family Support

First Steps Early Intervention

Developmental evaluations and early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays.

·         Phone: (662) 456-1505

·         Address: 332 N Jefferson St, Houston MS 38851

Performance Therapy Pediatrics

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children.

• Phone: (662) 715-3045

• Address: 2653 W. Oxford Loop, Suite 101, Oxford, MS 38655 Performance Therapy Oxford Pediatrics

Safety & Education

Go Life Savers CPR

Infant CPR, First Aid, and Basic Life Support (BLS) classes.

• Phone: (901) 409-3841

• Address: 44 County Road 343, Taylor, MS 38673 Go Life Savers CPR Mississippi

American Red Cross – Oxford

Infant CPR and First Aid certification courses.

• Phone: (662) 236-1282

• Address: 2706 W. Oxford Loop, Suite 105, Oxford, MS 38655 American Red Cross