 As a doula with over a decade of experience, I have developed numerous relationships within the birth community and strive to stay informed about local birth news for the benefit of my clients and the surrounding parent community. Here are the latest updates regarding birth in the Triangle area. If you are planning to expand your family, there are some amazing resources and support options for you to explore. North Carolina Birth Center
Earlier this month, it was announced that North Carolina Birth Center will be closing. This news was sudden and very unexpected. If you read my last update or subscribed to the NCBC newsletter, then you know all that hard work and effort that was put forth to get the former Womens Birth and Wellness Center reconstructed and transformed into the beatutiful and welcoming facility for families. With just over a year in operation, the birth center was doing very well and hiring to accomadate more families, which makes this loss even more devastating. Here is words from the birth center's manager about NCBC's closing: "Two and a half years ago, I accepted a position to help open a birth center in Chapel Hill. I was the first employee hired and the only local team member, while the corporate leadership was based out of state. Over the last 2.5 years, I poured my heart into this work. I monitored construction, assembled furniture, maintain the website and social media, gave tours to EVERY prospective client who walked through our doors, onboarded patients, and supported our midwives as we built something truly special for families in our community. And now, that work is coming to an abrupt end. Not because the birth center failed. Not because there was a lack of patients, community support, or interest in the birth center model of care. In fact, we were growing and thriving. The reality is that the corporate company that managed our birth center, along with many others across the country, made business decisions that left the organization millions of dollars in debt. As a result, they are closing all of their birth centers, laying off employees, and abandoning patients who trusted them with their care. The heartbreak is difficult to put into words. After years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, everything we built is being taken away through circumstances completely outside of our control. But despite what has happened, my North Carolina Birth Center colleagues and I have made a decision: we will not abandon our patients. Thanks to the generosity of our building’s landlords, we have been allowed to remain in the space through the end of June. During that time, our midwives and staff are continuing to provide care, support, and guidance to our existing patients as they navigate new birth options. We are doing this without pay. We are not asking our patients for a single dollar, even though many employees are still owed weeks of unpaid wages. At the same time, we are covering essential expenses out of pocket, including internet service, office supplies, and other necessities required to continue caring for families during this transition. A local doula, Andrea Fowler, moved by what was happening, created a GoFundMe to support our team during these final weeks of service. Every donation will help us continue caring for patients, cover operating expenses, and provide some relief as we navigate the loss of our jobs and begin rebuilding our futures. If you are able to donate, share this fundraiser, or simply send words of encouragement, it means more than you know. Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, and reached out with support. Your kindness is helping us continue showing up for the families who need us most. With heartbreak, frustration, and hope, Mariam" Very special thak you to Andrea Fowler for organizing the fundraiser and helping the NCBC staff support the remaining families. Please join BOBWDS in making a donation. Haven Women's Health and Birth Center Haven Women's Health and Birth Center recently celebrated their 2nd birthday and are very close to welcoming their 200th baby! Check out their website for classes, support groups and schedule a tour if you're thinking about a birth center for your next birth experience. Aya Birth & Community Wellness Aya Wellness NC is now accepting accepting Medicaid for birth services for families due September 2026 & beyond. Curious about birth center birth? Aya’s Open House is later this month! You’ll get to:
Saturday, June 27, 10-1pm Aya Birth & Community Wellness 1412 Hudson Ave Durham, NC 27705 Special Beginnings Midwifery Special Beginnings Midwifery has opened their birth suites in Durham. The birth suites were thoughtfully designed to feel warm, peaceful, and deeply supportive so families can labor, birth, and bond in a space that feels safe and sacred. Home birth support is still available. Special Beginnings has also partnered with Well One Healthcare to bring primary care services to their Durham office. This is a choice friendly clinic and crunchy mommy friendly. Services include and routine check ups, newborn/pediatric, prenatal and adult care, FMLA paperwork and prior authorizations, labs & referrals and IV therapy. Abiding Love Birth Collective I am so excited to share my new birth collective with you! Since our launch in March, Abiding Love Birth Collective has grown into a wonderful community of Christian doulas and local business owners who are all dedicated to supporting families. I am so blessed to transition into this new phase of my career and am truly thankful for all the support and new clients who trust my leadership and our collective to support them. We are now accepting clients due in August and beyond and will begin accepting applications for new collective members later this summer. Stay tuned for more birth news!
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 There comes a time in many women’s lives when their bodies begin to feel… unfamiliar.
You may notice shifts that don’t quite make sense. Fatigue that lingers, emotions that feel harder to regulate, sleep that no longer restores you, or a body that seems to respond differently no matter what you try. If you’ve found yourself thinking, “I don’t feel like myself anymore,” please know this: You are not broken. You are not alone. And your body is not working against you. You may be entering perimenopause or menopause, a powerful, natural transition that too often goes unrecognized, misunderstood or unsupported. When Your Body Feels Like a Stranger For many women, perimenopause begins quietly. Cycles may shift. Energy dips. Mood changes appear without warning. You might feel disconnected from your body, like the rhythms you once understood are now unpredictable. And yet, when you seek answers, you’re often met with confusion—or worse, dismissal. You may hear:
Little Known Truths About Perimenopause & Menopause There is so much about this stage of life that women are simply not taught. Let’s bring a few important truths into the light: 1. Perimenopause Can Start Earlier Than You Think Many women believe menopause begins in their 50s, but perimenopause can begin as early as the late 30s or early 40s, sometimes even sooner. 2. It’s So Much More Than Hot Flashes While hot flashes are commonly discussed, there are 30+ possible symptoms, including anxiety and panic attacks, brain fog and memory issues, joint pain and inflammation, sleep disturbances, mood swings and irritability and weight redistribution (especially around the midsection). 3. Hormones Impact Your Entire Body These changes don’t just affect your cycle. They influence your metabolism, your mental health, your cardiovascular system and your bone density. 4. Many Women Are Misdiagnosed or Undersupported Because awareness is limited, many women are told they have depression, thyroid disorders or chronic fatigue. While these conditions can be real, hormonal shifts are often a missing piece of the puzzle. The Reality of Women’s Healthcare in Midlife Here’s the hard truth: Women’s health, especially in midlife, has historically been under-researched and underfunded. Many healthcare providers receive little formal training in menopause care. As a result:
Menopause Isn't the End of Life as You Know It-It’s an Invitation What if this season isn’t something to endure… but something to step into with intention? Menopause is not an ending, it’s an invitation. An invitation to:
My Journey & Why I Do This Work Like my work as a doula, this work is deeply personal to me. I’m not speaking from a distance, I am walking through this stage of life too. I understand what it feels like to question your body, to search for answers and to desire a sense of balance and clarity again. That’s why I'm introducing my Menopause Lifestyle Coaching—to offer women the kind of support I know is needed in this season. A Holistic Approach to Menopause Support Through my coaching (I actually prefer mentoring), I provide physical and mental guidance and support for the real-life challenges of perimenopause and menopause. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Your body, your lifestyle and your needs are unique. Together, we focus on:
If you’ve been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed or unsure of what’s happening in your body, I want you to know that: There is support available to you. There is knowledge that can empower you. There are ways to feel like yourself again—grounded, energized, and whole. You deserve more than just getting through this season. You deserve to thrive in it. If you’re ready to better understand your body and feel supported in this transition, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s walk this journey together with intention, education and care.  Giving birth is a most assuredly a transformative experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally. But one aspect that often doesn’t get enough attention is the impact childbirth can have on the pelvic floor. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, your pelvic floor muscles have supported you through pregnancy and birth, and they deserve some care and attention during your postpartum recovery. Let's explore what the pelvic floor is, why it’s so crucial to your well-being after childbirth, and practical ways to strengthen it during the postpartum period. What is the Pelvic Floor? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that stretch like a hammock from your pubic bone to your tailbone. These muscles support key organs including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. They also play a critical role in urinary and bowel control, sexual function, and core stability. Why is Pelvic Floor Health Important Postpartum? During pregnancy, your pelvic floor carries the increasing weight of your growing uterus. Then, during vaginal birth, these muscles stretch significantly, sometimes tearing or weakening. Even if you had a cesarean section, pregnancy alone can put strain on the pelvic floor. Common postpartum issues related to pelvic floor dysfunction include:
When Can You Start Pelvic Floor Exercises? Generally, you can begin gentle pelvic floor exercises, often called Kegels, within a few days after birth, especially if you feel ready and comfortable. However, every birth is different, so it’s essential to:
 How to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Postpartum
Here are simple, safe ways to start restoring your pelvic floor health after birth: 1. Kegels- These are small but powerful contractions that help rebuild strength and endurance in your pelvic floor.
2. Pelvic Tilts- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat. Gently tilt your pelvis so your lower back presses into the floor, then release. This helps engage your deep abdominal muscles along with the pelvic floor. 3. Diaphragmatic Breathing- Deep breathing helps reduce intra-abdominal pressure and allows the pelvic floor to move naturally.
4. See a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist- If you’re dealing with discomfort, incontinence, or just want expert support, a pelvic floor PT can create a personalized plan to help you recover safely and effectively. Pelvic floor recovery isn’t a race. Healing takes time, and every body is different. Rest, hydration, and gentle movement are all part of the equation. And remember: asking for help, whether from your OBGYN, a physical therapist, or a postpartum coach, is a sign of strength, not weakness. Caring for your pelvic floor after childbirth is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health and quality of life. Whether you’re newly postpartum or a few years into parenthood, it’s never too late to start. Strong doesn’t mean “bouncing back”, it means building back better, with awareness, support, and self-compassion. Got questions? Contact me for resources and recommendations for local pelvic floor therapists.  Do you have high lipase breast milk? I first learned about high lipase breast milk when I was working as a nanny. I was caring for a newborn and one day while preparing his bottle, I noticed a difference in the milk. It smelled different, like it had gone bad. But how could that be? Ths mom had just pumped the milk the night before. So I went upstairs to tell her and we both agreed to see if the baby would drink the milk. He did. But this led to an afternoon of unexpected research to figure out what was going on with her milk. What had she eaten recently? Was she sick? Was this a one time thing? Should she call her OBGYN? And most importantly, would the baby experience any adverse affects after consuming the milk? For many breastfeeding mothers, pumping and storing breast milk offers flexibility and peace of mind. But some discover an unexpected twist: after storing breast milk, it smells or tastes soapy, metallic, or even rancid. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with high lipase breast milk. While it can be frustrating, the good news is that your milk is still safe and valuable for your baby. What Is High Lipase Breast Milk? Lipase is a naturally occurring enzyme in breast milk that helps break down fats, making the milk easier for your baby to digest. In some individuals, lipase activity is higher than average. This can cause stored breast milk (especially when refrigerated or frozen) to develop a distinct smell or taste after just a few hours or days. What Causes High Lipase? The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it's believed to be simply a matter of individual body chemistry. High lipase levels don’t mean there’s something wrong with you or your milk, just that the enzyme is working very efficiently. Is It Safe to Feed Baby? Yes, breast milk with high lipase is completely safe and still highly nutritious. However, some babies may reject it due to the altered taste. If your baby refuses stored milk, there are still ways to make it work.  How to Feed Your Baby With High Lipase Milk
1. Scald Your Milk Before Storing- If your baby rejects unmodified high lipase milk, scalding may help. This process deactivates the lipase enzyme before it can change the milk's flavor.
2. Test Milk Storage Time Limits- If scalding isn’t ideal, experiment with how long your milk can be stored before the taste changes. Some high-lipase milk is fine for 24 hours or more in the fridge before becoming off-tasting. Feeding it within this window might work. 3. Mix With Fresh Milk- Some babies will take stored milk more easily if it's mixed with freshly expressed milk to dilute the altered flavor. Other Uses for High Lipase Milk If you find yourself with milk that your baby won’t drink, don’t throw it out! Here are other meaningful and creative ways to use it:
High lipase breast milk might throw a curveball into your pumping plans, but it doesn't mean the end of breastfeeding success. With a few tweaks, you can still feed your baby and make the most of every drop. Remember, your milk is amazing, even with a soapy twist. Have you dealt with high lipase milk? What worked for you? Share your story in the comments below.  One of my past birth clients enjoying the Golden Hour with her son When we think about the moment a baby enters the world, it’s easy to focus on the birth itself. But there’s a critical period immediately afterward that has profound benefits for both the newborn and the birthing parent: The Golden Hour. What is the Golden Hour?
The "Golden Hour" refers to the first 60 minutes after birth, though many experts advocate for extended uninterrupted bonding during the first two hours. During this time, the newborn is placed skin-to-skin on the birthing parent’s chest without unnecessary interruptions. This sacred window is a time of powerful physical, emotional, and biological connection that lays the foundation for bonding, breastfeeding, and long-term health. The Benefits of the Golden Hour 1. Promotes bonding and emotional connection Skin-to-skin contact in the first hour helps trigger the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which strengthens the bond between parent and baby and reduces stress and anxiety for both. 2. Supports breastfeeding initiation Babies are born with instincts to breastfeed. During the Golden Hour, many newborns will crawl to the breast and latch on their own—this is known as the "breast crawl." Early breastfeeding initiation is linked to improved long-term breastfeeding success and maternal milk supply. 3. Regulates baby’s vital signs Being held skin-to-skin helps the baby maintain stable body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. It also supports healthy blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of hypothermia. 4. Encourages healthy gut and immune function When breastfeeding is initiated during the Golden Hour, babies receive colostrum—the nutrient- and antibody-rich first milk—which helps populate the newborn's gut with beneficial bacteria and supports immune development. 5. Reduces crying and improves sleep Babies held skin-to-skin tend to cry less and sleep more peacefully. They are more calm and alert, which supports early learning and attachment. How Hospitals and Providers Can Support the Golden Hour To protect this vital period, hospitals and care providers can: 1. Prioritize uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact- Ensure that the baby is placed skin-to-skin on the birthing parent's chest immediately after birth, ideally before any routine procedures like weighing or bathing (unless there is a medical emergency). Encourage uninterrupted contact for at least the first hour. 2. Delay non-urgent interventions- Non-essential tasks such as newborn exams, vitamin K shots, and footprints can usually wait. Allow these to be done while the baby remains skin-to-skin or after the Golden Hour is complete. 3. Support breastfeeding initiation- Provide lactation support during this time, if needed, but avoid interfering with the natural process of the baby finding and latching onto the breast. 4. Educate families prenatally- Hospitals can offer prenatal classes or materials explaining the Golden Hour and encouraging families to include it in their birth plans. 5. Respect parental wishes- Encourage open communication and ask families if they have preferences around the Golden Hour. Include it as part of standard birth protocols unless medically contraindicated. 6. Train staff- All members of the care team—OBs, midwives, nurses, and pediatricians—should understand the importance of this hour and collaborate to protect it. The Golden Hour isn’t just a feel-good practice, it’s a science-backed, deeply human approach to beginning life outside the womb. With just a bit of planning and support, hospitals and care teams can make this moment as peaceful, bonding, and beneficial as possible. If you're preparing for birth, talk to your provider about your wishes for the Golden Hour, and consider adding it to your birth plan. It’s a small window of time with lifelong impact. |
About the AuthorKelly Collins Archives
June 2026
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