The board and bow is to be made by the nohtawi (father) or the moshum (grandfather). The nihkawi (mother) is to make the covering. This provides a balance of kinship—everyone plays a part in ultimately providing security and comfort, and a space for observance and learning for the baby. This process alone shows the significant role that kinship plays within the lives of Indigenous peoples, because prior to the child coming physically into the world, teachings of kinship are being woven into the first place they will sleep.

It was a beautiful sunny day and I was sitting at my desk getting ready to do some work. I had awesome huge windows in my office and I was looking forward to finally accomplishing some tasks while enjoying the sunny view… And then it hit me. I had to throw up NOW.

As we get closer to November 6th, we’re all hearing about how important it is to get out and vote. You might be wondering, “What does this mid-term election have to do with reproductive health?” In this incredible Instagram Story series, @florafaunadoula answers that question.

Welcome to the second issue of Everyday Birth Magazine, brought to you by The Educated Birth. We hope you’ll continue to be a part of our story, which is will always aim to be — of course — all of your stories.☀️

Just for you, a first look at this issue of Everyday Birth Magazine, to be released for print and digital purchase, October 15th!

Music impacts us in powerful ways every day of our lives — pregnancy and birth are definitely no exception. Everyday Birth invites you to share the playlists that you recommend to move you and others through the hard work of labor and to serve as the backdrop for that sacred moment when a child enters into the world. View all of our labor playlists, here.

An excerpt from Issue #1 of Everyday Birth Magazine

No matter where you choose to birth your baby, think and talk about what you expect with your partner, care provider, doula and whole support team.

Every person’s birth journey is unique, and yet we also know depending on the cultures that we come from, many of us face similar challenges and obstacles, and also enjoy similar traditions and experiences! If you're looking for a birth stories podcast that focuses on what this looks like for POC, look no further than Birth Stories in Color. Learn more about the hosts in the video below, and listen to some of the stories via the links below!

Midwives are one of the options of care providers that you can choose when you're on your birth journey. The work of the midwife has been known across the world for generations upon generations. What are some of the things a midwife has to say today? About what it looks like to do this work, and what parents should know? Joining us on the blog today is Barbara Vernéus, a Black student midwife in Austin, Texas with a very important message for us all.

It's Black Babywearing Week! To celebrate we're doing a quick roundup of some 😍😍😍-worthy Instagram posts showcasing Black parents from all over doing babywearing like the beautiful bosses they are. Photo credit: @africanboheme

There’s so much information out there about what to eat or avoid during pregnancy. Follow these guidelines I created as a radical nutritionist baby momma on a budget for ensuring powerful food essentials for vibrant pregnancy. Plus, these same guidelines support successful milk production postpartum.

I want my body back! My ankles are swollen, my belly is so heavy, my breasts are bigger (and leaked through my shirt at work the other day!), and I think I might actually smack the next person to even look like they're about to touch me... Okay, I'm being slightly dramatic. But still. Please help, I don't know what to do to make myself feel better.

These pictures from one of the last weeks of pregnancy for this new parent are just jaw-dropping, wide smiling beauty and joy.