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DIY Padsicles & Postpartum Perineal Care
Have you heard of padsicles? Padsicles are super easy to DIY. Its just a clever name for homemade pads that have some sort of healing salve or herbs on them and are then are put in the fridge or freezer to store. Making padsicles is a common activity for a nesting party, and many of my clients like to make some to have on hand as a way to mentally and logistically prepare for recovery. Read on for a DIY recipe! Are you worried about tearing during birth? Probably! Pretty much

Mel Haley
May 5, 20255 min read


Placenta Traditions: Cord Burning Ritual
There are many different ways to slow down and honor your placenta after the birth of your baby. While about 1 in 5 of my clients choose to consume their placenta, others are looking for a way to honor the placenta without consuming it. For families looking for a cord severing ritual, burning the cord could be a good option. Burning the cord requires that everyone slow down and bring some mindfulness to the moment. In addition, typically two or more candles are used to sever

Mel Haley
Apr 7, 20252 min read


Big Babies: When Your Your Fetus is Above the 90th Percentile
There is no one in the world who is more concerned about how your baby is going to fit through your pelvis than you. Being told your...

Mel Haley
Mar 31, 20258 min read


Placenta Research: Hormones, Lactation, Iron, Nutrition and More!
Are you totally grossed out about the idea of eating your placenta... but maybe also weirdly curious? Many people have heard about it...

Mel Haley
Mar 24, 20254 min read


What Does the Research Say About Consuming Your Placenta?
Everyone from doulas to midwives to celebrities are recommending placenta encapsulation. In a world where misinformation is just the...

Mel Haley
Mar 17, 20256 min read


Understanding PMADs: A Guide for New Parents
By Jen Kost, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C Founder and Psychotherapist at Perinatal Mental Health Center of Chicago Bringing a baby into the world is...

Jen Kost
Mar 10, 20254 min read


Cycle and Fertility Tracking: Proov Hormone Test Review
I attended an event with Pregnant Together where they promoted the Proov hormone test as a helpful tool for folks trying to conceive but...

Mel Haley
Mar 3, 20257 min read


Recipe: Golden Healing Curry
What is a recipe that is special enough for right after birth, but also gentle and fortifying? This is the curry that I make most often...

Mel Haley
Feb 24, 20253 min read


What is My Most Used Labor Tool? A TENS Unit!
For clients who want an unmedicated labor, a TENS unit is one of the most important tools. I can't carry a whole birthing tub in my...

Mel Haley
Feb 17, 20255 min read


Places to Give Birth: OMG Midwives at Hinsdale Hospital
A series in which I share my own experience of birth places around the Chicagoland area plus the data that we have available. There is no one right place to give birth, and the right place for you is the place where you feel safest. In this article I'm going to share about my experiences with the midwife group operating out of Hinsdale, OMG Midwives . Part 1: Birth Center of Chicago - reopened December 2025 Part 2: Illinois Masonic Part 3: Northwestern Prentice Part 4: Evan

Mel Haley
Feb 10, 20254 min read


Should You Eat and Drink in Labor?
The very first time that I was at a small, local hospital that didn't allow laboring patients to eat or drink anything (ice chips only),...

Mel Haley
Feb 3, 20257 min read


Recipe: Rich Rich Granola for Postpartum Healing
You can make this luxurious and hearty granola recipe for your postpartum healing journey. It pairs well with almond milk for a quick,...

Mel Haley
Jan 20, 20253 min read


All the Things You Can Do with Your Placenta
Clients ask me all the time what they might be able to do with their placenta, and are surprised to find that they have many options!...

Mel Haley
Jan 13, 20256 min read


Dark Moon Reflections: 2024
When caterpillars go into their cocoons to transform into butterflies, they aren't just rearranging parts. They liquify. They turn...

Mel Haley
Jan 6, 20257 min read


Places to Give Birth in Chicago: Evanston Hospital
Part 4 in my series narrating a bit about what it is like to give birth in different locations around Chicago. Evanston Hospital is near the top of my list of places to give birth. It used to be called Northshore Evanston until it was acquired by Endeavor Health. I like to just keep it simple and just say, "Evanston." I've got a soft spot for this one because my partner was born here and I've had a lot of really great experiences. That said, I never want to imply that there i

Mel Haley
Dec 23, 20244 min read


Everything You Need to Prepare for an Induction
All in one place! An estimated 40-60% of all labors in the U.S. are induced. Especially during the holidays, talk of induction inevitably comes up. If you find yourself scheduled for an induction of labor, I've got everything you need to prepare: What is an induction? Common Steps Natural Ways to Induce How to Prepare Your Body What to Pack Reconsidering Pain Management What is Induction? My definition might be slightly different than others: ANYTHING you do to try and get l

Mel Haley
Nov 25, 20248 min read


Recipe: Protein Pumpkin Muffins for Pregnancy
This high-protein muffin is perfect for pregnancy and postpartum!

Mel Haley
Nov 11, 20242 min read


Birthing From Within: Labyrinths
The Birthing from Within logo is a labyrinth, so you know they are an important! I use labyrinths throughout my Birthing From Within...

Mel Haley
Nov 4, 20244 min read
Don't get it twisted babes, none of the info on this blog is medical advice.
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