Explore the lesser-known aspects of pregnancy, from conception to the mysterious "4th trimester," as we delve into the experiences and emotions of each stage. Learn about local resources in Dickinson to help you prepare for your pregnancy, newborn, and birth journey.

Listen, I’m a photographer now, but I remember being young and dumb and uninformed and saying, “That’s ridiculous!” the first time I looked at price lists for a professional photographer. And that was “just” family photography, which doesn’t come with all of the extra challenges of custom labor and delivery photography

Part Two of this lovely interview with Midwife Chelsea Smith.

An interview with Chelsea Smith, Midwife

This interview has been sitting in my files for quite awhile and as I read through it again, I was brought to tears by Chelsea’s clear passion for birth and holding space for individual families as they meet their babies on their own terms. I’m so, so grateful to Chelsea for taking the time to share such profound and articulate thoughts on home birth and her practice.

Whether you feel drawn to a home birth because of the individualized care, you want to be the one making the rules when it comes to who is welcomed into your birth space, you want to avoid common interventions standard in hospital, or your cultural or spiritual beliefs, the next step in the process of deciding if this journey is right for you is to find a midwife.

In many other parts of the country, birth photographers are regularly allowed to document cesarean births, and this is something that could change here as well. If you are having a c-section and would like your baby's first moments photographed, your chances are usually good if you are delivering at Sanford in Bismarck. Ultimately, the decision of who is allowed into the OR typically comes down to the anesthesiologist.

More and more families are learning about the benefits of doula support, such as lower rates of cesarean births, faster labors, and more positive birth experiences in general. And who wouldn’t want that?!

Hey there mama-to-be! So, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information (or lack thereof) about giving birth. But don't worry, I’ve got you!

Here are 10 things your doctor probably didn't tell you about giving birth that will help you feel more prepared and in control.

(And hey, if these pique your interest, bring these up to your doctor at the next appointment- just scroll to the bottom to download the free printable list!)