4TFM Blog
Your #1 free resource Doulas and Parents for pregnancy and postpartum
Everything you ever wanted to know about Peanut balls and more!
Here are a few ways to use the peanut ball in labor to fascinate labor progression and comfort in labor. If you are a doula or having a baby, you should read this blog!
The Purple Line of Labor Progression: Myth or Magic?
As a doula, I do not do internal cervical exams. EVER. But there are a lot of “tools” in my toolbox to help me have a good guesstimate of how far along a client is progressed in her labor. One of them is The Purple Line. Do you believe me? Is it Myth? Or Magic?
What is a Biophysical Profile test in pregnancy?
It’s not uncommon to go over your due date but did you know to expect extra testing to keep track of your baby’s health? Have you had a BPP? Do you know why you might have one? Read on!
Do I have to have a cervical exam in labor?
Did you have a cervical exam in labor? Does it have to be done? Do I have a choice? Read on for some reason why you might or might not choose to have a cervical…
Body Mechanics for Doulas: Preventing Injury, Increasing Strength, and Improving Your Recovery Time
Hey DoulaSis - I know that feeling of that post-birth exhaustion and body aching like a truck-hit-you feeling. Doulas put their bodies through the wringer wehnthey are supporting their clients. long labors, comfort measures in awkward positions, holding heavy legs during pushing… It takes a toll. If you can relate to that - This blog is for you. Read on for strategies and tips to protect your body and recover faster. Doula On!
Teaching Tips: Birth Balls for Squatting in Labor
Hey Doula-Sis - We talk a lot about Work Smarter, Not Harder and that goes for labor, too. Using a Birth Ball to support your client’s body in a squat is really useful. Did you know that How and When you squat in labor matters? It’s true! Read on to learn more.
Birth Balls for Doulas!
Hey Doula Sis - Here are tips for your prenatal on using the birth ball in pregnancy and labor.
What’s in Your Hospital bag?
What’s in your hospital bag? We asked our clients and here is your list for Mom, Partner, and baby.
Yes! Your doula client CAN Move with an Epidural!
Are you looking to support your clients in hands and knees when they have an epidural? Read on…
Partner Support: 5 benefits of “Anchoring” during labor
Anchoring during labor involves providing physical, emotional, or mental support to help the birthing person stay focused, calm, and grounded. The birth partner plays a crucial role in this process. This blog shares five benefits of anchoring during labor and why doulas should teach this concept to their birth clients.
5 Birth Ball Exercises to get Stronger During your Pregnancy
5 daily moves from our Birth Ball Basics Clinic to prepare you for your labor and birth!
Birth Ball 30 - Your In-Home Workout!
It’s here! You asked us to make a video and here it is!! Read on for more info!
5 Business Tips for New Doulas
You just got certified and are now ready to set up your Doula Biz. Here are 5 tips to help you get started off on the right foot! Read this before you meet with your first client!
Thinking about hiring a doula? Here's the How and Why of Doula Care
There are so many thinks to think about now that you are pregnant. One of them is pregnancy and labor support. Read on for tips about doulas and how to find the right match for you. Sign up for your free How to Hire a Doula Guide
Leaking Urine? But which pad do you grab?
Do you leak urine? Did you know that there are two different uses for pads: one is for urine and one is for blood. Keep reading for more on this!
You just had a baby? Oh, just do kegels, right?
You just had a baby, so just do Kegels, right? ummm… that depends. Let’s talk about recovery for the early postpartum period and how best to get started back to fitness.
My water broke! Now what?
Did your water just break? Or was that urine? Now what do you do? Do you need to go straight to the hospital? Should you call your care provider? Read on for more info…
How to open the pelvis for labor and birth
Fetal Position. Station. Inlet. Outlet. Vertex. Breech…What do they all mean? They all have one thing in common: Birth. Read on to find out more about how to facilitate the progression of labor by learning a simple concept about the inlet and the outlet of the pelvis.
Stroll Her Strong™: Bumpin' Along
Check out these 8 moves for a full body, booty kickin’ workout perfect for expecting mommas. Do each for 1 minute with a 15 second rest. Completing 3 rounds - plus your 5 mins warm up - gets you to ACOG’s recommendation of 30+ mins for the day. Remember to work to your own pace and ability.