 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’s just something about a crisp, creamy broccoli salad that satisfies your taste buds in every way. This classic, yet underrated side dish, is always a crowd favorite and disappears fast. It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between crunchy, savory, and sweet. What makes this broccoli salad especially perfect for warm-weather gatherings is how simple it is to prepare ahead of time. The flavors only get better as they chill, making it an easy, stress-free addition to your menu. Packed with crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together, this dish brings comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor to every cookout table. As we gather this Memorial Day weekend — celebrating, remembering, and spending time with the people we love — recipes like this become part of the memories we make together. So grab your serving bowl and get ready for a summer favorite that everyone will be asking you to bring again and again. Did you know?
Broccoli Salad Prep Time: 20 minutes Chill Time: 1 hour Ingredients:
Instructions: Wash the broccoli and dry it very well. Cut the florets (and the stem) into bite-sized pieces. Add bacon and cranberries. Whisk the dressing ingredients (mayo, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper) in a small bowl and set aside. Place the ingredients into a large mixing bowl, and toss with dressing. Remember to allow time for the recipe to chill in the fridge to give the broccoli a chance to soak in some of the dressing, making it more flavorful! Notes: Preparing to make your salad- you can prep and make this salad a day before you serve it. Leftovers will keep for 4-5 days. Substitutions- If you don't like mayo, you can use Miracle Whip, Coleslaw Dressing or Greek yogurt. You can also add bacon bits if you don't want to make bacon for this recipe. Additional ingredients- Some people add red onion, cheese, sunflower seeds and sugar to their broccoli salad. I like to add a 1/4 cup of ranch dressing for an added kick. Enjoy! For Your Information This recipe is:
  Photo by Raleigh Skyline Nearly twenty-two years ago, I moved to Raleigh for college, not knowing that it would become home. As someone who has spent my entire adult life here, I have met some amazing people and had some life-changing experiences in this beautiful city. One of the main reasons I decided to stay here was the family-friendly amenities, not to mention, the great sense of community. I've seen Raleigh change a lot in the past couple of decades, but I have absolutely no regrets about making such a permanent change. If you’re thinking about growing your family and want more than just a place to live, Raleigh should definitely be at the top of your list. This vibrant, fast-growing (and I mean fast) city combines quality of life, economic opportunity, family-oriented accommodations and a culture of community in ways few other cities can match. Here’s why people are increasingly choosing Raleigh as the place to put down roots, raise their children and invest in community. Nationally Recognized Quality of Life Raleigh was recently ranked the #6 Best Place to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026. Not only does Raleigh have safe neighborhoods and lower crime rates than many similarly sized metros, but it also offers job security, shorter commuter times, accessible health care and abundant outdoor recreation, giving families comfort and peace of mind. This kind of environment helps children thrive socially, emotionally and physically. A Thriving Economy and Strong Job Market Raleigh’s economy continues to outperform many U.S. cities. It consistently ranks high due to job growth in tech, healthcare, biotech and education. Because of this, families can look forward to stable employment opportunities, stronger household incomes and the ability to balance professional and personal life. For many couples, this stability makes it easier to plan for children and secure family support services like doulas, child care, camps & extracurricular activities, and even higher education. Unmatched Work–Life Balance Last year, Raleigh ranked #4 nationally for work-life balance, highlighting its affordable cost of living, flexible work options (including remote and hybrid roles), and abundant green space per resident. For many parents, this balance is critical and means more meaningful family time, less stress during pregnancy and early parenthood and better integration of supportive services (like doulas, nannies and elder care for aging parents). High-Quality Schools and Education Families often cite education as a top priority and Raleigh does not disappoint. The Raleigh-Wake County area regularly ranks among the top cities in the nation for public school quality and overall education outcomes. Our strong education ecosystem boosts property values, attracts family-oriented communities and creates opportunities for children to excel from early learning through high school. Affordable Cost of Living Compared to Major Cities With an average of 50+ people moving to Raleigh each day, housing is always being developed. And while Raleigh’s housing market has grown, it still offers better affordability than many large U.S. metros like New York, D.C., or San Francisco, especially when you compare total living costs and quality of life. Currently, home prices in the Triangle area remain significantly lower than in larger coastal markets. Many families find that their quality of life improves as housing costs decrease relative to their income, leaving more money left for monthly expenses like childcare, groceries and activities. This affordability can also free up resources for important family-building expenses like savings & emergency funds, family enrichment activities and travel. Growing Healthcare Infrastructure Families with young children often prioritize access to strong pediatric and maternity care. Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle region, which is building North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital, a major development that will expand pediatric services and access for families. This kind of long-term health investment complements supportive services like prenatal and pediatric care, ensuring families have more options for comprehensive care. Family-Focused Neighborhoods for Every Stage of Life Whether you’re a first-time parent or planning your forever home, Raleigh and its surrounding suburbs offer diverse living options. Each of these areas has unique advantages while staying connected to Raleigh’s economic and cultural core.
A Community That Values Family Support Raleigh has developed a community culture centered on families that includes support networks for new parents, group activities, festivals & family events, robust parks, trails, outdoor spaces and countless family & parenting resources. Whether you’re seeking support for your first baby or enrolling children in after-school programs, Raleigh offers the social fabric that nurtures families, not just houses. Choosing where to raise your family is one of life’s biggest decisions. Raleigh stands out not just for its rankings and statistics, but for the real lived experiences of families like mine who move here seeking support, balance, community and opportunity. From economic stability and educational strength to outdoor living and family resources, Raleigh provides a foundation where children can flourish and parents can build the life they’ve always dreamed of.  NC State Fair in Raleigh Want to learn more about Raleigh? Here are some interesting facts that just may persuade you to settle here sooner rather than later.
 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.  Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but preparing for parental leave from work can be overwhelming without a clear plan. Whether you’re giving birth, adopting, or welcoming a child through surrogacy, it’s essential to take the time to plan your leave thoroughly so you can focus on your growing family without unnecessary stress. Use the following guidelines to help you plan a smooth transition into and out of parental leave: 1. Understand Your Rights and Benefits- Start by learning what parental leave policies apply to you:
2. Plan Your Finances- Parental leave may mean a change in income, so financial planning is key:
3. Talk to Your Employer Early- Give your employer ample notice so they can support your transition:
4. Create a Work Transition Plan- Ensure your role is covered while you're away:
5. Prepare Emotionally and Mentally- Taking leave from work, especially for the first time, can be emotionally complex:
6. Plan Your Return- Returning to work is part of the transition:
Planning for parental leave takes effort, but it pays off by creating a smoother, more confident experience for both you and your workplace. With clear communication, thoughtful preparation, and some flexibility, you can enjoy your leave knowing everything is under control and be better prepared for the transition back to work when the time comes. Did you know? Best of Both Worlds Doula Services can help you with the logistics of parental leave. Whether it's telling your employer about your pregnancy, planning your leave from work and preparing for the fourth trimester or even your return to work, BOBWDS will help you through it all. Schedule a consultation to learn more.  |
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August 2026
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