Induction- the process of bringing on childbirth by artificial means, typically by the use of drugs.

​​When most people hear the word “induction,” their minds often go to ceremonies, job promotions, or the start of something significant. It’s a word that implies a beginning, often marked by formality and intention. But in the birth world, “induction of labor” can carry very different connotations—often emotional, sometimes overwhelming, and deeply personal.

For many expectant parents, the idea of medical induction can stir up a mix of emotions: relief, anxiety, disappointment, fear, or even excitement. Some may have envisioned a spontaneous onset of labor—the dramatic moment when contractions begin naturally, perhaps after their water breaks or in the middle of the night. The idea of scheduling or medically initiating labor can feel like a departure from that imagined, more "organic" experience. But for others, especially those facing medical concerns or overdue pregnancies, induction may feel like a welcome, even life-saving, intervention.

Let's break down what medical induction and augmentation of labor actually involve, what you can expect during the process, and the risks and benefits you should be aware of when navigating this part of the childbirth journey.

​It’s important to discuss these risks with your provider and understand the benefit-risk balance in your unique situation.

Medical induction and augmentation of labor are powerful tools in modern obstetrics. For some, they are essential and life-saving. For others, they represent an unexpected turn in a carefully imagined birth plan. Whatever the reason for induction, being informed and supported is key. Ask questions. Advocate for your preferences where possible. Surround yourself with a team that listens and respects your values. And remember: whether your labor begins on its own or with some medical assistance, the ultimate goal is a safe, healthy delivery for both you and your baby.

If you’ve experienced an induction or are preparing for one, feel free to share your story or ask questions in the comments. Birth looks different for everyone and every story matters.

Pregnancy and postpartum are transformative experiences, full of joy, anticipation, and change. But while you focus on preparing for your baby, it’s just as important to protect your own health. Recognizing warning signs early—during pregnancy and after birth—can be life-saving. Many complications can be treated when caught in time. Let this post serve as your guide to understanding the symptoms you should never ignore, and what to do if they appear.

​1. Vision Problems & Dizziness
Sudden changes in vision—like blurriness, seeing spots, or light sensitivity—along with dizziness can be signs of preeclampsia, a dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure.
What to do: Call your healthcare provider immediately or go to the ER. These symptoms require urgent medical attention.

2. Persistent Headache
If you experience a headache that doesn't go away with rest or medication, it could also indicate preeclampsia or even a more serious neurological issue.
What to do: Notify your provider, especially if the headache is severe or paired with vision changes or swelling.

3. Fever Over 100.4°F (Pregnancy) or 100°F+ (Postpartum)
A fever may be a sign of infection—either systemic or localized (like mastitis or a uterine infection).
What to do: Don’t wait. Contact your provider to rule out infection or other underlying issues.

4. Swelling in Hands and Face
While some swelling is normal in pregnancy, sudden or severe swelling, especially in the hands and face, is a red flag for preeclampsia.
What to do: Contact your provider immediately for evaluation.

5. Vomiting or Diarrhea Lasting More Than 24 Hours
Persistent gastrointestinal issues can lead to dehydration and may signal infection or other complications.
What to do: Stay hydrated and contact your provider to assess the need for testing or treatment.

6. Vaginal Bleeding
During pregnancy, bleeding could indicate miscarriage, placental issues, or preterm labor. Excessive bleeding in postpartum may signal hemorrhage.
What to do: Call 911 or go to the ER if you're soaking a maxi pad in an hour or less or passing clots larger than a lemon. For lighter but concerning bleeding, contact your provider.

7. Elevated Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can threaten your life and your baby’s. It’s a hallmark of preeclampsia.
What to do: Regular monitoring is crucial. If you notice consistently high readings, call your provider immediately.

8. Abdominal Cramps or Pain (Not Contractions)
Persistent or sharp pain could be caused by placental abruption, preterm labor, or other serious concerns.
What to do: Don’t try to "wait it out." Call your provider for an evaluation.

9. Urinary Discomfort
Burning, blood in urine, or inability to urinate may be signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can lead to complications if untreated.
What to do: Contact your provider for a urine test and treatment plan.

10. Change in Vaginal Discharge
A sudden change in smell, color, or consistency, especially a foul, fishy odor, may point to an infection like bacterial vaginosis.
What to do: Make an appointment with your OB/midwife to get it checked.

11. Pelvic Pressure
A sensation of the baby pushing down too early could indicate preterm labor.
What to do: Call your provider, especially if accompanied by back pain or regular contractions before 37 weeks.

12. Water Breaks Before 37 Weeks
Preterm rupture of membranes can lead to infection or preterm birth.
What to do: Head to the hospital right away. This is considered a medical emergency.

13. Decreased Fetal Movement
If you notice fewer kicks or movement patterns shift drastically after 28 weeks, it may be a sign your baby is in distress.
What to do: Perform a kick count. If movements are fewer than 10 in two hours, contact your provider or go to labor and delivery.

14. Swollen, Red, Painful Area on the Leg
This could be a blood clot and is especially dangerous if it travels to your lungs.
What to do: Go to the emergency room immediately.

15. Severe Headache That Improves When Lying Down
This may be a sign of a spinal headache (often after an epidural) or an issue with cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
What to do: Contact your provider. Treatment may include a blood patch or other interventions.

16. Painful Breast with Redness and Flu-like Symptoms
This may indicate mastitis, a breast infection common in breastfeeding parents.
What to do: Keep nursing or pumping, apply warm compresses, and call your provider. You may need antibiotics.

17. Bleeding That Soaks a Pad in an Hour or Clots Larger Than a Lemon
These are classic signs of postpartum hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening.
What to do: Call 911 or go to the ER immediately.

18. Thoughts of Harming Yourself or Your Baby
Intrusive thoughts in the postpartum period can indicate depression, anxiety or another Perinatal Mental Health Disorder.
What to do: Tell your partner or someone you trust. Call your provider and get a referral to a mental health specialist. You may also consider contacting a crisis hotline if you are alone.

It can feel overwhelming to sort through which symptoms are "normal" and which are not, but you are your own best advocate. If something feels off, it’s always better to call your provider and be reassured than to ignore it and risk your health.
​
Remember:

• Trust your instincts.
• Don’t downplay your symptoms.
• Make sure your support system knows these warning signs, too.

You deserve to feel safe, supported, and informed throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey. Stay vigilant (not fearful) and speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Protect your peace, protect your body, and above all, know that your wellbeing matters.

Pregnancy is a transformative journey filled with excitement, uncertainty, and plenty of to-dos—especially when you're balancing it with a job. As a working parent-to-be, you’re not only preparing for a new baby, but also managing your health, career responsibilities, and future family needs. It can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone or uninformed.

This post explores how to handle pregnancy in the workplace, including strategies for self-advocacy, when to share your news, and most importantly, your legal rights and workplace accommodations.

1. When to Tell Your Employer You're Pregnant- There's no universal rule for when to announce your pregnancy at work, but most people wait until after the first trimester (around 12–13 weeks). Consider the following when making your decision:

• Your health and symptoms: If you're experiencing morning sickness, fatigue, or other early symptoms that affect your performance, you may want to disclose sooner to receive support or accommodations.
• Your job responsibilities: Jobs involving physical labor or exposure to chemicals may require early disclosure for safety reasons.
• Your work environment: If your workplace is supportive and you feel comfortable, telling your supervisor sooner might allow for a more flexible transition.

Tip: When you’re ready to tell, start with your direct manager or HR representative. Come prepared with a general idea of your timeline and what kind of support you might need.

2. Know Your Legal Rights as a Pregnant Employee- Pregnant workers are protected by federal laws in the U.S., and often additional state laws. Here are key protections:

• The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)- This federal law prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Your employer can’t fire, demote, or mistreat you for being pregnant.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)- If pregnancy-related conditions (like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia) qualify as disabilities, the ADA may entitle you to reasonable accommodations.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)- Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for childbirth and caring for a newborn. This applies to:
• Employers with 50+ employees
• Employees who have worked at least 12 months and 1,250 hours
• The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)- Effective June 2023, this law requires employers (with 15+ employees) to provide reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, unless doing so would cause undue hardship.

3. Understanding Reasonable Accommodations- Workplace accommodations help you stay healthy and productive throughout your pregnancy. Under the PWFA and other laws, accommodations may include:

• More frequent breaks
• Light duty or modified work tasks
• Flexible hours or remote work
• Sitting or standing options
• Temporary reassignment away from hazardous tasks
• Time off for prenatal appointments

​
You don’t need to know exactly what to ask for—HR and your healthcare provider can help you identify what’s reasonable and medically necessary.

4. Creating a Work Transition Plan- Planning ahead helps both you and your employer. Consider:

• Workload delegation: Identify projects to hand off and colleagues who can fill in.
• Timeline: Pin down your intended leave dates and possible return plans.
• Communication: Keep open lines with HR and your manager, and document important conversations via email.
• Return-to-work strategy: Discuss flexible arrangements like phased return, part-time work, or remote options if needed.

5. Taking Care of Yourself- It’s easy to overlook your own needs while trying to maintain your professional pace. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Set boundaries: Don’t be afraid to say no to extra assignments or overtime.
• Use your sick and vacation time: This can supplement unpaid FMLA or be used for rest as needed.
• Take breaks: Hydration, snacks, and short walks go a long way in maintaining energy.
• Speak up: If something feels unsafe or unmanageable, talk to HR or your healthcare provider right away.

6. Support Resources

• HR Department: Your first stop for understanding internal policies.
• Healthcare Provider: Can provide medical documentation and advice on safe work conditions.
• Legal Aid Groups: Organizations like A Better Balance and the Center for WorkLife Law offer guidance if you feel your rights are being violated.
• Peer Networks: Join online communities or local mom groups to exchange advice and emotional support.

Navigating pregnancy while working isn’t easy, but knowing your rights and advocating for your well-being can make a huge difference. Employers are increasingly aware of the need to support pregnant workers—not only because it’s legally required, but because it leads to better outcomes for everyone. Remember: you deserve to feel safe, supported, and empowered during your pregnancy—at work and at home. Now that you know your rights as a working parent, next will be planning your parental leave.

Preparing for the birth of your baby can feel like a full-time job. Between the endless registry lists, birth class options, and nursery plans, it’s easy to get swept up in the logistics and lose sight of the bigger picture. But if you’re looking to take your birth planning and preparation to the next level and go beyond the basics, this post is for you. Here’s how to think holistically, proactively, and realistically about your journey ahead.

1. Build a Birth Dream Team (Beyond Your Partner and Doula)- Your birth team doesn’t have to stop at your partner and a doula. In fact, considering a wider circle of support can offer physical, emotional, and mental reinforcement before, during, and after birth.

Consider including:

• Chiropractor– Prenatal chiropractic care can help align your body, relieve discomfort, and may support optimal fetal positioning.
• Acupuncturist– Acupuncture can help with common pregnancy symptoms and may assist with labor preparation in the final weeks.
• Pelvic Floor Therapist– This specialist can help you prepare your pelvic muscles for labor and support your postpartum recovery.
• Therapist or Mental Health Counselor– Birth and parenting can bring up anxiety, trauma, or simply the need for emotional processing. A therapist can help you prepare mentally and emotionally for all possibilities.

Bringing in a diverse set of professionals helps create a web of support that holds you in more ways than one.

2. Go Beyond the Basic Birth Plan- A traditional birth plan usually includes preferences like pain management options, labor positions, and immediate postpartum care. But if you’re ready to level up, be sure you know your rights as a hospital patient and also make space for the unexpected.

Include contingencies for:

• Navigating hospital policies & procedures- Learn and understand standard policies, procedures and patient rights and how to advocate for yourself if you get pushback about certain choices you make.
• Early labor or NICU time– How will this change my birth plan? What bag needs to be packed differently? Who will take care of things at home? What are the care protocols if I am discharged and my baby is in the NICU?
• Emergency C-section or hospital transfer– What happens if your original birth setting changes suddenly?
• Infant loss or complications– It’s painful to imagine, but thinking through these possibilities with compassion and support can help you feel less disoriented if they occur.

You don’t need to dwell in fear—but you can plan with courage.

3. Make a Financial Plan (Kids Cost Coins!)- Diapers, hospital bills, lactation consultants, maternity leave—these things aren’t cheap. Being financially prepared doesn't mean you need to have everything figured out, but a flexible plan helps reduce stress.

Your plan can include:

• Estimating birth-related costs (hospital, midwife, home birth supplies)
• Budgeting for baby essentials and recurring costs (childcare, formula, wipes)
• Planning for unpaid leave if applicable
• Starting a savings fund for unexpected expenses

Consider consulting with a financial advisor or using a simple spreadsheet to get started. It's not glamorous, but it's peace of mind.

4. The Extra Mile: Pre-Birth Pumping (With Caution)- If you’re planning to breastfeed or pump, you might be curious about expressing and storing colostrum before birth. Some birthing people choose to begin hand-expressing after 37 weeks as a way to:

• Become familiar with their milk supply
• Store early nutrition for baby
• Support feeding if baby has trouble latching initially

Important note:
You should not attempt to express colostrum before 37 weeks, as it may trigger contractions. And it’s not required for a successful breastfeeding journey. If it feels stressful or overwhelming, it’s okay to skip it. A calm, supported start matters more than a freezer stash.

Leveling up your birth planning is not about controlling every outcome. It's about preparing for the journey with awareness, confidence, and grace. Whether it’s building a multi-faceted support team, planning for the unpredictable, or simply giving yourself permission to not do it all—this is about you and your growing family.

Don't have a birth plan or know where to start? All of my clients are provided with a birth preferences & wishes template to get them started with outlining their desires for labor and birth. This visual birth plan is also a great one if you're looking for something simple to share with your provider and birth team.

Pregnancy is a beautiful, transformative experience—but let’s be honest, it can also come with a laundry list of symptoms that range from mildly uncomfortable to downright overwhelming. Whether you're a first-time parent or adding another little one to your family, it's helpful to know what you're feeling is normal and also manageable.

Below, we will explore some of the most common pregnancy symptoms and some simple, safe remedies and tools to help ease the journey.

​1. Constipation
Why it happens: Hormonal shifts slow digestion and the growing uterus adds pressure on the intestines.
Remedies:

• Increase fiber intake (fruits, veggies, whole grains)
• Stay hydrated
• Gentle stretching and movement
• Consider a magnesium supplement or lotion/spray (with your provider’s approval)

2. Heartburn
Why it happens: Progesterone relaxes the esophageal sphincter, and your expanding belly pushes on your stomach.
Remedies:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid spicy and acidic foods
• Sleep propped up slightly
• Sip water between meals, not during

3. Nausea (Morning Sickness)
Why it happens: Hormonal changes, especially hCG spikes in the first trimester.
Remedies:

• Ginger tea, ginger ale or ginger candies
• B6 supplements (ask your OB)
• Crackers by the bedside
• Acupressure wristbands

4. Breast Tenderness & Pain
Why it happens: pregnancy hormones stimulate breasts and cause the milk glands inside them to grow
Remedies:

• Wear more comfortable, supportive bras
• Cold compress to ease aches and soreness
  
• Warm showers to relax muscle tissue
  
• Be gentle while showering, dressing and intimacy
  

5. Insomnia
Why it happens: Discomfort, stress, hormonal changes.
Remedies:

• A pregnancy pillow for full-body support
• Magnesium lotion to calm the nervous system
• Limit screen time before bed
• Use a weighted blanket (as long as it’s not too heavy and doesn’t trap heat)

6. General Discomfort & Round Ligament Pain
Why it happens: Your body is stretching to make room for baby.
Remedies:

• Daily stretching
• Chiropractor visits with someone trained in prenatal care
• Warm baths with Epsom salts
• Belly bands or kinesiology tape for support

7. Cravings
What they may mean: Sometimes it's your body’s way of signaling a nutrient need. Other times, it’s emotional.
Alternatives:

• Instead of ice cream: Try frozen banana blended with nut butter
• Instead of chips: Crunchy roasted chickpeas or air-popped popcorn
• Instead of soda: Sparkling water with a splash of juice
• Tip: If you're eating a balanced diet, it's okay to give into your cravings

8. Teeth/Gum Sensitivity & Pain
Why it happens: Hormonal changes increase blood flow and gum sensitivity. It could also mean that your baby is taking all of your calcium and you need to increase your intake through food or a supplement.
Remedies:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Maintain regular dental checkups
• Rinse with warm salt water if gums are sore
• Eat more calcium-rich foods (kale, collard greens, milk, cheese, yogurt)

9. Lack of Energy
Why it happens: Increased blood volume and physical demands can drain your energy.
Remedies:

• Nap when needed
• Light exercise (like walking or a birth ball routine)
• Iron-rich snacks (spinach, lentils, dried fruit)
• Hydration, hydration, hydration!

10. Low Iron
Symptoms: Fatigue, dizziness, paleness
Remedies:

• Eat iron-rich foods (red meat, beans, leafy greens)
• Pair with Vitamin C for better absorption
• Discuss iron supplements with your provider
• Use cast iron cookware

11. Swelling (Especially in Feet & Ankles)
Why it happens: Fluid retention and circulation changes
Remedies:

• Elevate your legs
• Wear compression socks
• Stay active and hydrated
• Warm baths with Epsom salts can help soothe and draw out excess fluids

12. Heaviness
Why it happens: Your belly is growing—and so is the strain on your back and core
Remedies:

• Use a supportive belly band or kinesiology tape
• Prenatal yoga or chiropractor visits
• Stretching can help relieve pressure

13. Mood Swings
Why it happens: Hormonal surges + physical changes + life transitions = emotional rollercoaster
Remedies:

• Acknowledge your feelings—don’t push them away
• Aromatherapy (lavender, chamomile, citrus) for mood support
• Daily journaling or mindfulness practice
• Make room for rest and connection
• Join a local or online pregnancy support group
• Share openly with a trusted friend or therapist
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help—vulnerability is strength

14. Pre-Pregnancy Mental Illness
Why it’s crucial: Pregnancy can amplify pre-existing conditions.
Remedies:

• Speak with your doctor about a care plan
• Prioritize sleep, boundaries, and support
• Regular therapy and, if needed, medication management