Hey there, WNC mamas and families! As a Christian doula and Lamaze educator serving our mountain communities, I know the word ‘induction’ can sound a bit *labor-ious*—maybe even a little scary. (Why did the mama fear induction? Because she didn’t want to *push* her luck!) But here’s the good news: with the right info and a sprinkle of faith, you can feel empowered, not overwhelmed. In this post, I’ll break down the Bishop Score—what it is, why it matters, and how to naturally prepare your body for labor or induction. Let’s trust God’s timing (Jeremiah 1:5—‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you’) and get ready for a *womb-derful* journey!
A Little Bishop Score History
Back in 1964, Dr. Edward Bishop, a rockstar OB-GYN in America, set out to make inductions easier for mamas like you. He studied 500 women needing inductions and created a system called "Pelvic Scoring for Elective Induction"—what we now call the Bishop Score. Before his work, inductions were a bit of a guessing game, based on a provider’s gut feeling. Dr. Bishop gave us a clear, standard way to measure cervical readiness, reducing unnecessary interventions and boosting vaginal birth success. (Talk about a *score* for mamas!) In 1974, Dr. Calder simplified the scoring system by tweaking the point ranges, making it easier for providers to use in busy hospitals—because who doesn’t love a *bishop* of clarity?
What’s the Bishop Score Measuring?
I wanted to share this artical written by our lovely Brittany Bollinger.
The Benefits of Hiring a Postpartum Doula and Pediatric Sleep Coach: Navigating Newborn Sleep Challenges
Welcoming a newborn into the family is a momentous occasion filled with joy, but it also brings a unique set of challenges, particularly concerning sleep. New parents often find themselves overwhelmed by a plethora of conflicting advice on newborn sleep, leaving them feeling helpless and exhausted. Each baby is unique, and so too are the routines and lifestyles of each family. Introducing a baby can significantly disrupt the sense of normalcy in a household. To navigate these challenges effectively, hiring a postpartum doula and a pediatric sleep coach can be invaluable.
The Role of a Postpartum Doula
A postpartum doula offers essential support to new parents, helping them acclimate to their new roles and responsibilities. These trained professionals provide both emotional and physical assistance in the weeks and months following birth. Daytime support from a postpartum doula can encompass various tasks, including:
- Education and Guidance: Doulas are well-versed in newborn care and can quickly help parents understand their baby's routines and sleep patterns. This knowledge enables families to integrate their newborn into their lives more smoothly.
- Emotional Support: The postpartum period can be emotionally taxing. A doula can offer reassurance and guidance, alleviating some of the anxiety and uncertainty that new parents often experience.
- Practical Help: Doulas can assist with meals that support postpartum recovery, care for the baby, and provide support for parents as they navigate the early days of parenting.
Denise Mills: Doula, Nurse, and Park Ranger
For a truly immersive and comprehensive experience, I am delighted to introduce you to Denise Mills—a remarkable individual whose diverse career spans nature conservation, healthcare, and birth support. With her extensive background and unwavering dedication, Denise offers unparalleled support to every family she serves.
Denise's professional journey commenced as a park ranger, fueled by her profound love for nature and a commitment to educating the younger generation. Her passion for the outdoors led her to roles as a camp director and environmental educator, where she inspired countless individuals to appreciate and preserve the natural world.
Transitioning into motherhood, Denise felt a calling toward the birthing community and began pursuing a path to become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). During this period, she experienced a cesarean birth with her son, which reshaped her professional trajectory. Balancing the demands of new motherhood, she chose to channel her nurturing skills into a career as a Registered Nurse (RN), specializing in end-of-life care as a hospice nurse. This role honed her ability to provide compassionate support to both patients and their families during life's most challenging moments.
Denise's rich tapestry of experiences naturally led her to the realm of birth support. She embraced the role of a Certified Birth Doula, offering both birth and postpartum support. Her unique blend of medical expertise and deep empathy allows her to connect with families on a profound level, providing care that is both informed and heartfelt. Denise also serves as a nurse assistant to midwives in homebirth settings, further bridging the gap between medical and holistic care approaches.
In addition to her work in birth and end-of-life care, Denise has contributed her skills as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse at CooperRiis, a healing community in Asheville dedicated to mental health recovery. This experience has enriched her understanding of the emotional complexities families may face, enabling her to offer comprehensive support that addresses both physical and mental well-being.
Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of collaborating with Denise in various capacities. Her unwavering dedication to doula work has made her an invaluable asset to our community. Families are instinctively drawn to her calming presence, which exudes the warmth and wisdom reminiscent of a seasoned grandmother—offering guidance without judgment.
Denise's medical background equips her with a thorough understanding of medical procedures and terminology, instilling confidence in the families she supports. Her personal birthing experiences—a cesarean delivery in a hospital setting and an unmedicated home birth—provide her with a well-rounded perspective that resonates with diverse birthing preferences.
Having called the Western North Carolina mountains and Asheville home for the past 30 years, Denise maintains a deep connection to nature. To rejuvenate, she cherishes time with her family at the coast, often paddleboarding alongside dolphins around Edisto Island. This balance between her professional commitments and personal passions exemplifies her holistic approach to life and care.
Denise Mills's multifaceted career and compassionate spirit make her a cherished member of our community, offering unparalleled support to families during some of life's most pivotal moments.
This month, I want to shine a spotlight on Martha Draughn. Martha has been a valuable member of our team for about two years now. Her presence alone brings a sense of joy and positivity to everyone around her.
As a birth and postpartum doula with Kooshlie Doula Services, Martha provides comprehensive support to families during these transformative times. When we discussed her passion for her work, it became evident why she loves what she does. Martha’s genuine desire to focus on the needs of the family during birth allows her to fully immerse herself in their support and that of their partner. She finds immense fulfillment in providing the peace, comfort, and joy that enable parents to relax, smile, and fully embrace the journey of parenthood.
Beyond her exceptional support during birth, Martha is also a skilled breastfeeding educator. During her clinical training in 2008, one of the local lactation consultants working with her was astounded by her natural talent and expertise in the field. Martha embodies the three core pillars of Kooshlie Care Doula Services: Educate, Empower, and Support. As a birth doula or a postpartum doula, she provides a nurturing and empowering presence, sharing her knowledge and skills to boost the confidence of new families.
