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If you would like to read previous newsletters, they are posted on my website blog (https://twoheartshealing.info/blog/) .
Dear *|FNAME|*,
As we close out our focus on dads this month, I hope you have been able to welcome at least one opening conversation around his feelings and expectations, and how they align—or don’t align—with yours.
Today, I have a question for you. Did you know that there is a defining mark in your labor where you switch from not needing your partner to absolutely needing him? (Or, on occasion, going from thinking you desperately need him to being relieved that he left the room to get a snack for a few minutes.)
For every woman, that moment is different, and a lot of it has to do with how much prep work you put in before going into labor. It also has a lot to do with how prepared you have helped him to be.
Yes, I did just say that. You get to help him prepare. You get to help him understand what you want him to know about birth.
Instead of wishing that he would just do the research you have done, or hoping that he will get the hint and read all the books you left lying around the house, or resenting him for being more focused on his work than on your upcoming birth—take control of the narrative. Use some of those conversation guideposts from last week’s newsletter, get him talking, and then work with him to learn the information you want him to have. Get him on your side. He is your biggest asset in that room.
** Tool or Hindrance?
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I guess I wasn’t the only one thinking about fathers this month (with Father’s Day and all that). I was recently listening to an episode of The Birth Prep Podcast (https://www.thebirthprepcoach.com/podcasts/the-birth-prep-podcast-with-taylor-minaberry-2/episodes/2149209363) by Taylor Minaberry, a doula and mother of six who has experienced everything from a planned hospital birth to a completely unassisted freebirth.
https://www.thebirthprepcoach.com/podcasts/the-birth-prep-podcast-with-taylor-minaberry-2/episodes/2149209363
The episode that stopped me in my tracks is called “Your Partner is a TOOL.” (https://www.thebirthprepcoach.com/podcasts/the-birth-prep-podcast-with-taylor-minaberry-2/episodes/2149209363) It is a fantastic, no-nonsense look at making sure you both know exactly how valuable his presence is, and how to get him well-prepared for your upcoming birth day.
If you tune in this week, you’ll dive into:
* The Unprepared Partner Problem: Why good intentions are not enough, and what happens when your partner doesn’t have a clear “job description” in the labor room.
* The 4 Vital Things: What every birth partner needs to know before labor starts—including why recognizing the signs of “transition” could be the single most important thing you learn together.
* The 3 Layers of Training: How to actively work through mindset, information, and actual hands-on comfort skills before the big day.
* The Accidental Derail: How an unprepared partner can accidentally disrupt an unmedicated birth without meaning to, simply out of their own unaddressed fear.
It even includes a direct, encouraging word to the birth partners listening, because what they do (and don’t do) in that room matters more than they know.
** Reimagining Childbirth Education
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If that podcast episode leaves you thinking, “Okay, this sounds amazing, but how do we actually do the hands-on training together?”—I want to give you a beautiful option.
While you can do a mountain of internet searches, or sign up for the standard, clinical hospital class, those options often leave partners sitting passively in rows of chairs, feeling more like spectators than teammates.
Starting next month on July 16, I am co-teaching a comprehensive, 5-week Preparing for Birth Childbirth Education Course (https://www.wombinitiative.org/event-details/preparing-for-birth) alongside Lisa LaMountain through the WOMB Initiative.
We are skipping the rigid, clinical lectures and diving into a comprehensive, deeply connected preparation course built for both of you. Over four modules (plus a bonus local expert spotlight week!), we will explore:
* The Mechanics & The Magic: Demystifying the anatomy and the “hormonal dance” of labor so you both understand what your body and baby are doing. Plus, practical strategies for North Country families who have to travel further distances for hospital care.
* Redefining the Sensation: Shifting your mindset from “pain equals injury” to “pain equals purposeful, productive power,” alongside emotional clearing exercises to let go of fear or past birth trauma.
* The Labor Support Toolkit: True hands-on practice with double hip squeezes, counter-pressure, and positioning, paired with an unbiased look at medical interventions using the B.R.A.I.N. acronym so you can make informed decisions together.
* Mapping the Postpartum Journey: Crafting a fluid, adaptable birth plan and preparing for the “Sacred Fourth Trimester”—including newborn instincts, hormonal shifts, and setting healthy boundaries with visitors to prevent burnout.
We designed this to ensure that when that defining moment arrives in labor and you look over at him, he doesn’t freeze. He steps in as your anchor.
You can check out the full module breakdown, dates, and grab your couple’s spot right here:https://www.wombinitiative.org/event-details/preparing-for-birthPreparing for Birth with the WOMB Initiative (https://www.wombinitiative.org/event-details/preparing-for-birth) .
Take some time to dream together this weekend, mamas.
** Out and About in the Community
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If you are looking for places to connect, learn, or support our birth community in June, here is where you can find me:
* June 27 | Mama’s Circle and Nursing Nook (TODAY): I will be helping out at the WOMB Nursing Nook and Mama’s Circle (https://www.wombinitiative.org/event-details/mamas-circle-nursing-nook-changing-space-the-northern-new-england-emergency-services-showcase-2026-06-27-10-10) at the Emergency Services Showcase (https://www.facebook.com/events/1328223385883528/?active_tab=about) at the Lancaster Fairgrounds, 10 am – 3 pm
* June 30 | Peer to Peer Learning Series: Beginning June 30 through July 21, I am offering a Peer to Peer Learning Series: Birth Trauma Witnessing & Support (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trauma-informed-peer-support-series-for-birthworkers-tickets-1990203507265?aff=oddtdtcreator) . This is a virtual, 4-week intensive designed specifically for perinatal birth workers (doulas, midwives, nurses, OBs, and mental health professionals) who are holding space for clients with fear or trauma around their birthing experiences. Over four Tuesdays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, we will dive deep into the power of presence, neurobiology of trauma, and preventing secondary burnout so you can sustain this heartwork. You can find more details and secure your spot on the website: Two Hearts Healing Upcoming Events. (https://twoheartshealing.info/events/trauma-informed-peer-support-series-for-birthworkers/)
* July 3 & 4 | America’s 250th Birthday: I will be helping out at the WOMB Nursing Nook (https://www.wombinitiative.org/event-details/americas-250th-birthday) in Gorham, NH (https://www.facebook.com/Gorham4thOfJulyCelebration/)
* July 15 | Want your hands back?: I will be at the Conway Public Library in partnership with IBCLC Danielle Woods of Valley Woods Lactation (https://www.valleywoodslactation.com/services) for a free hands-on babywearing demonstration. We will cover the benefits of babywearing, how to use a variety of wraps, and what wraps and positions work best at which ages and for which activities. Event listing (https://twoheartshealing.info/events/want-your-hands-back/)
* July 16 – Aug 13 | Preparing for Birth: I will be co-teaching with Lisa LaMountain through WOMB Initiative (https://www.wombinitiative.org/event-details/preparing-for-birth) a free childbirth education series. These will be held on Thursday evenings from 5-7 pm in Littleton. RSVP is required (https://www.wombinitiative.org/event-details/preparing-for-birth) . Click here to register (https://www.wombinitiative.org/event-details/preparing-for-birth) .
https://www.wombinitiative.org/event-details/preparing-for-birth
** Taking the First Step Together
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You don’t have to navigate alone. If you feel like you are struggling to find your place or dissolve the anxiety in your motherhood journey, let’s start with a simple, quiet connection.
I offer a 15-minute Discovery Call (https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=33984276&appointmentType=70964149) —a completely free, no-pressure space dedicated entirely to you. It is a moment for us to pause together and see if our hearts are a good match for your healing journey.
What to expect in our 15 minutes:
* Your Story: I want to hear what you need most right now. Whether it’s about your family life, your daily work, or the message your body is sending you, I am here to listen.
* Connection: I’ll share how the Body Code and my professional expertise can specifically support your unique situation.
* Moving Forward: If it feels like a “yes” in your heart, we’ll talk about the next steps to get you back to feeling like yourself again.
You don’t have to figure out the whole path at once. Today is for taking the first step.
Free Discovery Call (https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=33984276&appointmentType=70964149)
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