If someone’s told you to “do your Kegels” when you’re pregnant, don’t hit play on that autopilot just yet. Because when it comes to prepping for birth, the story isn’t quite what we’ve all been told.

What’s wrong with “just Kegels”?

“Kegels” are those squeeze-and-lift exercises you do when you’re at a red light, brushing your teeth, or standing in line. They’re great for strengthening the pelvic floor when you need hold-and-lift (like fixing leakage or postpartum support). nhs.uk+1
But - here’s the thing - birthing is not about clenching. It’s about opening, releasing, and allowing. Evidence shows that when your pelvic floor doesn’t relax enough, it may result in a longer pushing phase, more tearing, or more discomfort. PubMed+1

So what should your pelvic floor be doing pre-birth?

• Relaxation + release: Your body needs to know how to let go.

• Balance + strength + flexibility: One without the others is a recipe for tension.

• Movement patterns that mimic birth:

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Hey beautiful mama, I’m Stephanie Poole — doula, lactation consultant, bestselling author, and your personal birth-prep partner. If you’re reading this, you’re preparing for your first birth and haven’t yet started breastfeeding, but you’re serious about setting yourself up for success. You’re in the perfect place.

In this post (and the companion video) we’re talking about something EVERY first-time mom worries about tearing during birth. But here’s the twist — it’s not just about “doing Kegels” or “stretching the perineum” (though those tools have their place). The real game-changer lies in avoiding a very common mistake that most mamas make before they enter labor.

Let’s dig in.

1. What do we really mean by “tearing”?

Many mamas imagine dramatic rips and stitches but tearing ranges from tiny superficial tears to more significant ones. The good news? Many tears heal quickly and clean with minimal intervention — but the goal is to give yourself the best shot at minimizing...

by Stephanie Poole, Doula & Lactation Consultant

You made it to 40 weeks pregnant.
The finish line.
The grand finale.
The “everyone keeps texting me asking where the baby is” stage.

So if you’re wondering why you’re still pregnant…
Here’s the truth your provider may not have mentioned:

Your Baby Is NOT Late

Only 4 to 5% of babies are born on their due date.
Because guess what?
Due dates are a prediction, not a promise.

A normal full-term birth can be anywhere from 40+5 to 41+3 for first-time moms.
You are exactly where you should be.

The Secret Work Happening Inside Your Body

Even without contractions, things are happening:
• Baby’s brain + lungs finishing key development
• Cervix softening and thinning
• Hormones prepping your milk supply
• Baby positioning for birth

Your body is working overtime… quietly.

Signs Labor Is Close (Even If It Isn’t Obvious)

• Lightning crotch
• More discharge
• Bathroom marathons
• Period-like cramps
• Lower back pressure
• Sudden ...

If you’re 39 weeks pregnant, you are officially at the point where everyone is texting you, “Baby here yet?” while you’re just trying to get comfortable for more than 3 minutes at a time.

Let’s talk about what’s really happening in your body this week — the things most people skip!

Your Body Is Preparing Behind the Scenes

Even without contractions, your cervix may be:
• Softening (ripening)
• Thinning (effacing)
• Starting to open (dilating)

This is driven by hormones like relaxin, which also loosens the hips — hello pelvic pressure!

Try this:

•  Gentle birth ball movements
•  Pelvic tilts
•  Upright positions
  They can help your baby move into an ideal position for birth.

Emotional Swings Are Totally Normal

One minute: “I’m READY!”
Next minute: crying because someone ate your last snack 

That’s oxytocin rising — the hormone that triggers labor.
But stress can slow it down, so focus on calm energy.

Quick affirmation:
 “My body knows exactly what to do.”

Weird Sym...

You’ve made it to week 38 of pregnancy — congratulations! 

You’re in the home stretch. But being this far along doesn’t mean the journey is over. In fact, it’s a time full of subtle (and sometimes surprising) changes — both for you and your baby. Here’s a full guide to what’s going on, how you can support yourself, and what to get ready for next.

1. The “Full Term” Misconception

At 38 weeks many people say, “You’re full term now!” … which is technically correct, but there’s more nuance. The truth is: your baby is still undergoing significant brain and lung development. While many organs are ready, the last few weeks matter.
So instead of thinking “time’s up,” think: “Let’s finish strong.”

2. Symptoms No One Really Talks About

This stage comes with some little-known symptoms:

• Lightning crotch: sudden zaps down low as baby’s head presses nerves. Normal, but name it so you don’t freak out.

• Nesting bursts: late-pregnancy oxytocin surge means you might suddenly clean

  ...

Pregnancy is a journey filled with anticipation, excitement, and let’s be honest

...moments of fear.

Whether you're 17 weeks pregnant or days away from meeting your baby, the thought of labor can stir up anxiety. But what if I told you there’s a simple, science-backed technique you can practice right now that helps your body shift from panic to peace in just two minutes?

No meditation. No yoga. Just a powerful nervous system reset you can use anytime — especially during labor.

Why Fear Matters in Labor

Fear during labor isn’t just a mental hurdle — it’s a physical one. When you're scared, your body releases adrenaline, which can slow down contractions, tighten your pelvic floor, and make labor more painful and prolonged. But when you feel safe, your body produces oxytocin — the hormone that fuels contractions and helps labor progress smoothly.

That’s why calming your nervous system is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for birth.

Client Story: Mariah’...

You’ve officially made it to 37 weeks pregnant!  First of all, congratulations, mama—you’re in the home stretch! But let’s be real… this week can feel both exciting and utterly exhausting. Everyone’s probably asking, “Is the baby here yet?”  And while people love to say, “Baby could come any day now,” there’s actually a lot happening with your body and your baby that no one really talks about.

This guide will break down:

• What’s happening with your baby at 37 weeks

• Common and surprising pregnancy symptoms

• How to tell real labor from false labor

• Practical tips for the next few weeks

• How to prep for birth and breastfeeding

By the end, you’ll feel more confident and prepared for this final stage of pregnancy.

Is 37 Weeks Considered Full Term?

At 37 weeks, you’re considered early term, not “full term” yet. Full term is actually 39–40 weeks.

Why does this matter? Babies born at 37 weeks often do well, but research shows they may be more likely to:

If you’re pregnant and thinking, “I want to breastfeed, but I have literally NO idea where to start…”—you’re not alone.

Most first-time moms feel unsure (or overwhelmed) when it comes to breastfeeding. And while it’s something your body is designed to do, the truth is—it doesn’t always come naturally.

But guess what?
With the right guidance and prep (yes, even before baby arrives), you can feel way more confident, calm, and ready. Let’s dive into what you really need to know before baby latches for the first time.

🤯 The Biggest Breastfeeding Myth That Sets New Moms Up to Fail

Let’s get this out of the way first:

❌ “Breastfeeding is natural, so it’ll just happen naturally.”

I hear this all the time—and it’s one of the biggest mindset traps out there.

Here’s the truth:
✔️ Breastfeeding is a learned skill—for both you and your baby.

Just like birth, walking, or talking—it takes time, practice, and support.
So if it doesn’t “click” on day one? You’re not failing. Y...

You’ve made it to 29 weeks pregnant—cue the applause! 👏🏽
But while you’re busy being told to “rest” and “nest,” there are some real changes happening in your body and brain right now that no one’s talking about. Let’s fix that.

🤯 Baby’s Brain = Major Growth Mode

By week 29, your baby’s brain is developing rapidly. Think: folds forming, temperature regulation kicking in, and stronger muscle control. This is why those kicks suddenly feel...wild.

💡 Pro Tip: Start noticing patterns, not just how often the baby kicks. You’ll thank yourself later when monitoring movement becomes more important.

⚡️ Lightning Crotch is a Thing

That sudden zapping feeling in your pelvis? Totally normal. Baby’s dropping lower and irritating some nerves in the process.

🔥 Quick Relief Ideas:

• Prenatal yoga

• Gentle pelvic tilts

• Warm compress on your lower pelvis

🧠 Wait… Why Can’t I Think Straight?

“Pregnancy brain” is real, but it’s not about being forgetful—it’s about matern...

 So, you’ve made it to the third trimester—cue the celebration!  But between “get your sleep now” and “baby’s the size of an eggplant,” are people actually telling you what’s happening in your body (and what to do about it)?

Let’s fix that. Here's what no one talks about—but every pregnant mama should know at 28 weeks.

1. The Real Symptoms to Watch

Normal:

• Braxton Hicks (aka warm-up contractions)

• Blurry vision (yep, hormones can affect your eyes!)

• Leaky boobs (colostrum may start early!)

• Shortness of breath + insomnia

 Not Normal:

• Sudden swelling in your face/hands

• Persistent headaches or blurry vision with floaters

• Severe pain or bleeding

If you’re unsure, always call your provider. No shame in being cautious!

2. Your Body is Prepping for Birth Now

Here’s the deal: labor isn’t something that magically happens at 40 weeks. Your body is training already—and how you support it now matters.

Try this daily:

• Light stretching + p

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