At Nurture, our mission has always been to support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—especially when it comes to the transformative journey of motherhood. We understand that the path to wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why we are so excited to announce our new collaboration with Alliance Integrative Medicine (AIM), a nationally recognized leader in integrative medicine.

This morning, I had the profound honor of attending an MLK Day breakfast where Lynda Blackmon Lowery delivered the keynote address. As the youngest person to march from Selma to Montgomery during the historic Civil Rights Movement, her legacy of activism speaks for itself. Yet, her story that gripped me the most wasn’t just about her role in our nation’s fight for civil rights—it was about her mother and the tragic loss she experienced as a child, a loss that reflects the deep disparities we still see in maternal healthcare today.

As we begin this new year, we’re setting the intention of “connection”—to ourselves, our families, our communities, and the work we do. Connection is at the heart of everything we stand for at Nurture, and it’s a theme we hope to manifest in every aspect of our lives this year. Whether through supporting families, building relationships within our doula team, or strengthening bonds with those we serve, connection is what drives us forward.

In the spirit of connection, we are thrilled to feature one of our own who embodies this intention so beautifully: Anna Nix. Her dedication to creating meaningful connections with families, as well as with her colleagues, is a perfect example of how we can weave this powerful intention into everything we do.

Pregnancy and postpartum are profound moments of transformation. Yet, how often do we, as moms, feel like we’re living in survival mode—sometimes feeling disconnected from the life or person we truly want to be? I’ve been there, caught up in expectations and routines that don’t feel aligned with me.

It’s easy to forget just how powerful we are. In these moments of change, we have the ability to shape our experience—to rewrite the story, even when it feels overwhelming. It’s not always easy to do. Changing how we approach motherhood, our self-care, our mental and physical well-being, takes real effort. But when your mind, body, and spirit all call for that shift—when you feel the pull toward something more nurturing, loving, and aligned—you know it’s time to step into that change with courage and compassion for yourself.

This past weekend, we had the immense honor of being invited to the Cincinnati Museum Center to showcase our work at Nurture as part of the Advancing Health exhibit. This exhibit celebrates the groundbreaking contributions of Cincinnati leaders and innovators in healthcare, highlighting how our city has shaped medical advancements and improved public health. It was an absolute privilege to represent pregnancy, postpartum care, and the innovations we’re making in women’s health at Nurture—especially as the very first organization to spotlight childbirth in this powerful space.

Birth With Ease is a program that explores the deep connection between love, connection, and the birthing experience, combining the principles of Hypnobirthing and Prenatal Bonding (BA) to help families prepare for a calm, confident birth.

At Nurture, we believe that giving birth with ease is not just about the outcome of birth, but about the entire journey—before, during, and after labor. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our newest offering, Birth With Ease, a program designed to foster a deeper mind-body connection between a mother, her body, and her baby throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Recently, I sat down with my own beautiful mamma to learn more about her experiences, my grandmother’s stories, and the birthing journeys of the women who came before us. What I learned illuminated new perspectives on my own pregnancies and how I gave birth to my children. It’s fascinating to see the connections that span generations, and this exploration has given me a deeper understanding of the bond between mother and child—a bond that begins long before birth.

Planning a cesarean birth often means navigating a range of decisions to ensure that your preferences are met and that you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. Whether your cesarean is planned or becomes necessary during labor, having a clear set of preferences can help you communicate your wishes effectively with your healthcare team. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you outline your cesarean birth preferences.

As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, it’s a perfect time to acknowledge and honor all forms of breastfeeding. Whether you’re directly nursing, pumping, bottle-feeding breast milk, or using a combination of these methods, your efforts are valuable and important. Breastfeeding is not just about providing nutrition; it’s a profound way to bond with and nurture your baby. I want to share my own journey to encourage and uplift you, no matter where you are in your breastfeeding story.

As a doula, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact that proper hydration and nutrition can have during labor. One often overlooked but highly beneficial option for laboring mothers is bone broth. This nutrient-dense clear fluid is a game-changer, offering a fantastic alternative to the sugary drinks many people typically associate with labor, such as apple juice or Sprite. Let’s delve into why bone broth is an excellent choice for hydration during labor and explore the traditions and benefits of warm beverages for expectant mothers.

Pregnancy brings with it a myriad of changes, including the dreaded swollen feet and ankles. While it's a common discomfort, there are several natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments you can make to ease the swelling and promote overall comfort during this special time.

In the past, we fought hard for our childbirth rights—things like VBAC options, doula support, upright birthing positions, breastfeeding in public, skin-to-skin and delayed cord clamping. While we made some progress, the broader paradigm around childbirth remained unchanged. It's time to shift from fighting to respect and love for birth. Here's why love, not conflict, will create sustainable change:

This Pregnancy Power Drink is more than just a refreshing beverage; it's a powerhouse of essential nutrients that support your and your baby's health. Enjoy it daily as part of a balanced diet to keep yourself hydrated and nourished throughout your pregnancy journey.

I asked one of our doula clients to share her amazing birth story (and VBAC victory) with you. This story starts with a first, cesarean birth experience that left a lot to be desired for Cori. It follows up with a TOLAC that became a VBAC that eventually became part of the saving grace that brought baby Simon into the world healthy, strong, and in the very best environment to care for his unexpected diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea— a condition that is often undetected until much later in a baby’s life but thanks to Cori’s amazing instincts and her supportive birth team (including her partner and doulas, nurses, and doctors) Cori’s amazing birth became the very best beginning for Simon and a very emotionally healing journey for her as a mother.

Pregnancy is a profound journey, marked by physical changes, emotional shifts, and the anticipation of new life. While medical care is essential, there's a dimension of support that goes beyond clinical interventions – non-clinical care. In this post, we'll explore what non-clinical care entails, why it's crucial in pregnancy support, and how it humanizes healthcare by prioritizing the “whole-istic” well-being of women and their babies.

In the midst of winter's final embrace, we're excited to share some doula-approved tips to keep your spirits high and your energy soaring as you await the arrival of your little one or navigate your postpartum time. This post is all about weaving together the comforting hues of "pinks and blues" with mindful practices that align with the doula wisdom you deserve.

Becoming a mother is a profound journey filled with joy, love, and, at times, unexpected challenges. While we often celebrate the miracle of new life, we must also acknowledge the realities of postpartum depression (PPD), a condition that affects many new mothers. In this journey toward healing and recovery, one of the most powerful resources we have is our community.

As an expectant mother, navigating the journey of childbirth can be both exhilarating and daunting. One aspect that many mothers consider is whether to opt for an epidural during labor. While the decision to have an epidural is deeply personal and varies from person to person, having the support of a doula can greatly enhance the experience.

Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound and transformative journey, unique for every mother. Birth stories are the narratives that beautifully capture the essence of this journey, forming a tapestry that weaves together the diverse experiences of womanhood. In our community, we recognize the deep importance of sharing these stories—each one a testament to strength, resilience, and the incredible spectrum of emotions that come with bringing a new life into the world.