Link to WOOD TV 8 Article TOMORROW is the first day of Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17, 2024). Disparities between BIPOC and white maternal and infant health in the US are despicable. “Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that Black women face a 70% higher risk of SMM (severe maternal morbidity) than any other racial group….There’s evidence to suggest that working with a doula can reduce serious complications among BIPOC [birthing people]. Research finds that doula care can help reduce C-sections, decrease maternal anxiety and depression, and help coordinate care an ..read more

My doula, Annica, by my side when I transferred to the hospital for manual removal of the placenta after giving birth at home Written by Shay Gabriel thank you, sprout & blossom April lands us right in the middle of World Doula Week and International Doula Month. So what better time to share how grateful I am for the doulas in my life? I'm feeling especially thankful for how doula support has impacted my own journey, and especially honored to be part of a team of incredible women here at Sprout & Blossom who care so deeply for the birth community. I just want to take a moment to gush ..read more

a stunning surprise A Footling Breech Birth Story in Images Images by Annica Quakenbush, Written by Shay Gabriel As a team of birth workers, we are all about preparing for birth. And, we fully acknowledge that part of that preparation includes an openness to embracing the unexpected, riding the waves, following your informed intuition as the events of the birth unfold… After all, birth is unpredictable, and in the words of Gentle Birth’s Tracey Donegan, we can only “control the controllables.” This birth story epitomizes that very sentiment. The parents were prepared in all the ways one can be ..read more

Written by Shay Gabriel | Images by Annica Quakenbush The family gathers around their newborn baby within the comfort of their own home | Image by Annica Quakenbush I admit, very soon after finding out I was pregnant with my rainbow baby, I hopped online to create a new baby registry. It was part of the dreaming process, after all! Relishing in renewed hope after loss…imagining a sweet bundle of joy in my own home…my own precious little baby…  Well, diving into creating a registry was super fun until it wasn’t, because actually there was a lot of choice overload involved. I quickly reali ..read more

baby’s first bath Written by Shay Gabriel | Images by Annica Quakenbush There are so many sweet firsts to savor when baby arrives! Among my favorites? Baby's first bath. While I knew that I wanted to delay my firstborn’s first bath, I had envisioned placing her into the cute little whale tub we had — a baby bath with a mesh sling. But when the moment arrived, I changed my mind — I didn’t want to put baby in the whale tub for a gentle sponge bath. Instead, I discovered a much cozier alternative, for both baby and me: bathing together! First, a quick disclaimer: Be sure to consider any medical l ..read more

Image by Cottonbro Studios | Pexels Written by Shay Gabriel Twas the night after Christmas when all through the house, The toys were a-clutter ‘round me and my spouse. Bins had been placed in each room with care, In hopes that the children would place their toys there. The sweet babes were nestled all snug in our chests As we looked ‘round in stress at the mess of our nest. Mama unshowered and Dada so sleepy, Our unsettled minds began to grow weepy. When all of a sudden a thought brought some cheer – An idea for keeping toys managed all year! Away from the window I flew with a flash, To try ..read more

Sprout and Blossom Botanicals will be at three markets this fall! We’d love to see you there. Check out all the details below or on our Events page ..read more

Puzzle Lovers! If your preschool or school-aged kids love doing puzzles, this post is a must-read. I stumbled upon a puzzle hack that I’m excited to share. My kids love puzzles-and I do too. But puzzles are so annoying, and little pieces are all over our house. Puzzle boxes get stepped on and dumped out. Knowing which pieces go to which puzzle can be a nightmare. WELL. I found these puzzles at Target (they also have them on Amazon for the same price, linked below) and they are so great in so many ways. things I love about these puzzles Each box has 4 puzzles, which breaks down to about $2.50 ..read more

Written by Shay Gabriel, Mother // Images by Annica Quakenbush of Sprout & Blossom pre-labor MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14 11:15 Chiropractor appointment  I had a couple really strong contractions during my chiropractor visit. My chiropractor said it wouldn't be the first time someone has gone into labor on the table! It was work to get up. She asked if I'd like someone to drive me home, but I decided to walk around the building and poke my head in the midwifery office right next door. None of the midwives were there, so I decided to just keep walking and see what happened. I drove myself home ..read more

Written by Shay Gabriel Shay here, writing this blog post whilst 39 weeks pregnant! (I’m scheduling this to publish in future, though, so by the time it posts, my second baby girl will have been born!) Photo by Annica Quakenbush how can I support you? This past week, my husband Matt and I took some intentional time away to consider several birth prompts together. We discussed things like fears that might creep in and affirmations to get us back on track; comfort measures to consider throughout the various stages of labor; and how I want the labor environment to look, feel, smell, sound… As we ..read more