Empowered Births With Sarah

08/29/2026

Zero. In all 50 states.
The United States currently has no specialized inpatient psychiatric Mother-Baby Units where a mother experiencing a severe perinatal mental health crisis can be hospitalized while keeping her baby with her.

Think about that.

When a mother is experiencing postpartum psychosis or another severe perinatal mental health condition, hospitalization may be necessary. But in the U.S., getting that level of psychiatric care can mean being separated from her baby during one of the most vulnerable moments of her life.

Other countries have shown that there is another way. Specialized Mother-Baby Units allow mothers to receive intensive psychiatric treatment while supporting the mother-infant relationship and addressing the unique needs of the postpartum period.

Why don't we have them here? And why aren't we talking about it?

Maternal mental health care cannot stop at awareness. We need the infrastructure to provide mothers with the specialized care they deserve.

💜 0 Mother-Baby Units. 50 states. We can—and must—do better.

If you or someone you know needs maternal mental health support, call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Free, confidential support is available 24/7.

08/05/2026

Doulas cannot guarantee birth outcomes, no one can.

However, research shows that working with a doula reduces the likelihood of a c-section.

Some c-sections are absolutely medically indicated. But based on our high c-section rates, we know that many are not medically necessary.

A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology stated:

"Pregnant patients supported by doulas services are 68% less likely to undergo CD than those receiving standard prenatal care, more likely to have IAVD, and have no difference in epidural rates. Additional research is needed to elucidate the impact of doula services on neonatal outcomes. Nonetheless, doula support services represent a promising intervention to decrease the high rates of caesarean section in the United States."

A 68% reduced risk of c-section is absolutely statistically significant. It means compared to those without doula support, they are less likely to have a c-section (some will still have medically necessary ones or even opt for elective).

When a c-section does occur even with doula support, many parents report having a better understanding of why it became necessary AND feel more like they were active participants in the decision-making process.

Study linked below.

👇🏽 Does this study surprise you?

08/04/2026

07/30/2026

Invest in yourself and your family, get a doula 🫶🏻

Quantifying the association between doula care and maternal and neonatal outcomes https://ow.ly/angp50Zu0w7

03/31/2026

My last night with a family is always so bittersweet. It is such an honor to be here to provide support and guidance over the first few weeks. This family was so welcoming, it was an absolute pleasure 🫶🏻

12/22/2025

I am always so blessed to work with such kind families. Such a bittersweet feeling ending a long term contract with a family. It’s been such an honor to support this family during their journey through early postpartum.

11/30/2025

Another amazing study that backs common knowledge amongst Doulas!

Quantifying the association between doula care and maternal and neonatal outcomes https://ow.ly/8rmW50XzJNO

11/30/2025

We absolutely love when new research confirms what we already knew 🫶🏻

The impact of parity on uterine rupture in patients with and without a previous cesarean delivery: a retrospective analysis of risk variation in women with and without a previous cesarean delivery - Probability of uterine rupture by number of previous VBACs
This graph illustrates the probability of uterine rupture during vaginal delivery attempts in women with 1 previous cesarean delivery, stratified by the number of previous VBACs. The x axis represents the number of previous VBACs (0 to≥5), and the y axis shows the corresponding rupture rate. Women with no previous VBAC had a uterine rupture risk of 0.64%. This risk decreased to 0.28% after 1 previous VBAC and continued to decline with additional VBACs, reaching 0.18% among those with 4 VBACs. Notably, no cases of uterine rupture were observed in women with 5 or more previous VBACs. A logistic regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant inverse association between the number of previous VBACs and the risk for uterine rupture (P

11/16/2025

It is ALWAYS such an amazing feeling to know I made a difference in someone’s birth and/or postpartum experience. At every birth, I strive I remain a calm and grounding presence with no judgment for not just the person in labor; but their entire support team as well.