25/11/2025
One of my favourite (and surprisingly powerful) activities from my doula course ✨
Using a simple balloon, we mimicked the strength and rhythm of uterine contractions during labour — and wow… what an incredible reminder of what the uterus actually does during birth.
Contrary to common belief, we don’t push baby out with our core muscles.
It’s the uterus — a strong, intelligent muscle designed for birth — that creates the power needed to bring baby down and out. As labour progresses, contractions become more effective as long as the birthing person feels safe, supported, and able to work with the intensity.
Intensity isn’t a sign that something is wrong.
Intensity is the process.
Yet so often it’s softened or downplayed for first-time mums in fear of “scaring” them — but are we actually doing them a disservice? When we don’t prepare women for the real sensations of labour, they’re more likely to fall into the fear ➡️ tension ➡️ pain loop, and that’s where things get challenging.
This is where doulas come in.
To remind women that their body knows.
To guide them back to trust when doubt creeps in.
To support them with breath, movement, and grounding so their natural pain relief — endorphins — and their love hormone — oxytocin — can rise and help them birth their baby.
The uterus is powerful.
Women are powerful.
And understanding that power changes everything. 🤍
