If you're preparing for birth and looking for natural ways to manage labor pain, you're probably already exploring positions, breathing techniques, and maybe even water therapy. But there’s another powerful tool that often gets overlooked: the TENS unit.

Used widely in the UK and gaining popularity in the U.S., TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units are a safe, drug-free way to manage contractions, especially in early and active labor. At Your Family Doula Services, I not only teach clients how to use them, but I also offer labor-specific TENS unit rentals so families can feel empowered and prepared when labor begins.

When you're pregnant, it can feel like everyone has an opinion about what you should do. You hear advice from family, friends, strangers in HomeGoods... even your algorithms start serving you tips. It’s a lot. But here’s the thing no one tells you loud enough:

✨ You have options.
✨ You have power.
✨ And birth education can help you own both.

As a doula and childbirth educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand how learning about birth shifts your mindset from fear to confidence. Birth education isn’t just about knowing what happens during labor—it's about understanding your body, your choices, and your voice.

Labor is an intense and life-changing experience, not just for the birthing person but also for their partner. Partners often want to be involved and helpful, but they aren’t always sure how to best support labor. This is where a doula can be a great resource by guiding and empowering partners to be as involved as they want and ensuring the birthing person receives continuous care.

Let's kick things off by making one thing clear: a cesarean birth is STILL A BIRTH!

None of that “C-sections aren’t natural” or “it’s not a real birth” b.s. here, thanks!

While the hope for many is to have a vaginal delivery, cesareans are a common surgical procedure that can help bring baby earthside when it is unsafe to do so otherwise. Sometimes a cesarean birth (also known as a C-section) is planned ahead of time for different medical reasons or it can be emergent after a tried vaginal delivery is deemed too risky for mother or baby to continue. Whatever the reason may be, a doula can still provide support if you find yourself preparing for a cesarean.

Thinking about pain relief options for labor?

Many people choose to have an epidural while laboring. It is a decision that can provide pain relief, much-needed rest, and comfort. If you think you may opt for an epidural, you may be wondering if a doula is right for you. While the assumption is that doulas are only present in unmedicated births or home births, doulas can also help in hospital settings and during medicated births! If you had planned on going the medication-free route and already have a doula, you may think you can’t change your mind. News flash! Your doula works for you and should support you– judgment-free – no matter your choices!