by Amanda Afdahl
Just a few weeks ago, we experienced a cold snap that I had been watching for and preparing for. I covered my blooming blueberry bushes, strawberry plants, and other delicate foliage ahead of time, making sure they had what they needed to weather the drop in temperature. Thankfully, the cold didn’t last long, and everything survived. Now, my garden is back to doing what it does best, welcoming spring in full bloom.
As a birth worker, I often find parallels between everyday life and birth. That sudden cold snap and the need to protect my plants reminded me of labor. A mother may be moving steadily along, feeling strong and confident, when suddenly something shifts. Not a drop in temperature, but perhaps her water breaks, and the intensity changes everything. In that moment, she can lose her sense of steadiness.
That’s when she needs us.
She needs the calm, confident reassurance of her partner and doula to keep her from “freezing” in the face of the unexpected. Your steady presence can bring warmth back into the room. Your wisdom and discernment can help her navigate her options, whether that means continuing as planned or choosing something different, like an epidural.
Just as I prepared for the changing weather, we must prepare for labor’s transitions. We know this phase will come. It’s often the most intense time, and when a laboring mother feels most vulnerable. As birth professionals, being prepared isn’t optional; it’s essential to supporting both the physical and emotional needs of the families we serve.
Let’s continue this conversation in our Facebook group. I’d love to hear how each of you prepares for and supports clients through this powerful stage of labor in your own unique way.
On a lighter note, with that cold snap still fresh in my mind, has anyone read The Frozen River, inspired by the real diary of 18th-century midwife Martha Ballard? I just finished it! If you enjoy a compelling murder mystery woven with the life of a birth worker, this one is hard to put down. I won’t spoil anything, but if you’ve read it or plan to, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
And now, with the cold behind us and everything in bloom, there’s even more to celebrate, especially our upcoming conference!
Have you heard the news? Neel Shah will be headlining Elevate 2026! He will bring incredible knowledge and perspective to maternal health and childbirth education, and all of the sessions are sure to spark meaningful conversations and fresh ideas for all of us.
If you haven’t registered yet, now is the perfect time. You can sign up here: https://icea.org/conference/
