Boston Labor Nurse

03/01/2025

Yes! Pregnancy is such a unique window of neuroplasticity, making it the perfect time to introduce mindfulness and meditation. The research on how reducing maternal stress benefits both mom and baby is incredible—lower cortisol levels, improved emotional regulation, and even potential positive impacts on baby’s temperament. The GentleBirthApp goes beyond traditional self-hypnosis by integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, sports psychology, and mindfulness techniques, helping parents build real resilience and confidence for birth and beyond.

MBIs (Mindfulness Based Interventions) are demonstrated scientifically to improve mood while reducing anxiety, depression, stress and pain. Mindful meditation is associated with fewer preterm births and is an incredibly effective coping strategy for the challenges of parenting. It’s a life changin

01/08/2025

I feel privileged to be virtual group leader twice a month (through Postpartum Support International) for over a year now for women who are experiencing mental health challenges either during their pregnancy or after they have their baby. This is a peer to peer online support group where women can connect with others experiencing similar challenges, talk about their experiences and learn about helpful tools and resources. PSI is an amazing organization and offers over 50 FREE VIRTUAL support groups per week. I will put a link to these groups in the chat.
As part of my commitment to ongoing training, I attended an excellent two day training last June titled “Petinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care

09/12/2024

Excited to share the results of this study that was published in the International Journal of Perinatal Education recently. I am also proud that the App will be free for those on Medicaid (or equivalent insurance) starting September 24th and will include further information in the comments section.

It’s an exciting day for the GentleBirth Team! Our research has just been published in the International Journal of Perinatal Education. In a nutshell - the more time you spend using the GentleBirth app during your pregnancy - the more likely moms are to have a positive, empowered unmedicated bi

05/12/2024

Happy Mother’s day not just to Moms but also to those of you who are pregnant!

Are you a Mom to be who is excited but also very nervous about having a baby?

Would it help you to have a 1:1 zoom coffee with me to answer questions you may have about birth itself and also help you focus on the information that will benefit you the most?

It’s so easy to waste time going down the google rabbit hole searching for information and end up more confused than ever!

Social media can be helpful but I often find those who rely on it too much end up missing vital chunks of information and sometimes scare tactics are used to get your attention.

My goal is to reduce fear and anxiety around childbirth by empowering you with really good information and high quality professionally produced videos that are easy to understand as well as introducing you to brain training techniques you can use to remain calm confident and in control during labor and birth.

In honor of Mother’s day I am going to offer a small number of complimentary “Ask Ann” sessions. One piece of wisdom I love to share is that there is so much you can do to influence your labor and birth experience to go the way you want it to if you know how. As you can see from my website www.BostonLaborNurse.com I have a very broad background to draw upon and utilize for your benefit.

Start your journey to prepare for Motherhood here.Offering compassionate, non-judgmental 1:1 support, education and guidance during your pregnancy as you (and your family) prepare for childbirth. Explore Our Classes PREPARING for BIRTH, BABY and BEYONDI can teach you brain training techniques that w...

04/02/2024

Excited to be partnered with InJoy Health Education and making their Apps" Understanding Birth" and "Understanding Your Newborn" available on my website Boston Labor Nurse -see link in the comments below.

03/06/2024

Looking forward to offering a Grandparent's workshop through Boston Doula Circle tomorrow. Some of the topics I will be discussing include changes in birth and baby care since Grandparents gave birth, perinatal mood disorder and how Grandparents can best support the new parents.
I am looking forward to sharing photos from my blog which show a more comfortable way to nurse (and one which causes less problems) than the usual upright nursing positions we are accustomed to seeing. I want to emphasize focusing on Mom's comfort by encouraging her to relax her head, neck and shoulders against the pillows and Grandma handing baby to Mom with baby's tummy facing Mom. Women tend to instinctively make a nest for their baby with their hands when baby is handed to them like this and the angle of incline is up to Mom. Some women may choose to lie back completely with her baby lying on top of her as shown in the other photo. This position allows her hands to be free, is very comfortable if Mom has a sore bottom and is less work for Mom because baby is able to do most of the work. If you watch the video I made and posted here on 8/12/2023, you will see a fascinating video of the breast crawl.

Yes, it is strange to think of what we would consider as a helpless newborn baby being in any way independent. But they are more capable than we realize, and if we know how to recognize and foster their abilities rather than do everything for them,