If someone’s told you to “do your Kegels” when you’re pregnant, don’t hit play on that autopilot just yet. Because when it comes to prepping for birth, the story isn’t quite what we’ve all been told.

What’s wrong with “just Kegels”?

“Kegels” are those squeeze-and-lift exercises you do when you’re at a red light, brushing your teeth, or standing in line. They’re great for strengthening the pelvic floor when you need hold-and-lift (like fixing leakage or postpartum support). nhs.uk+1
But - here’s the thing - birthing is not about clenching. It’s about opening, releasing, and allowing. Evidence shows that when your pelvic floor doesn’t relax enough, it may result in a longer pushing phase, more tearing, or more discomfort. PubMed+1

So what should your pelvic floor be doing pre-birth?

• Relaxation + release: Your body needs to know how to let go.

• Balance + strength + flexibility: One without the others is a recipe for tension.

• Movement patterns that mimic birth:

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Hey beautiful mama, I’m Stephanie Poole — doula, lactation consultant, bestselling author, and your personal birth-prep partner. If you’re reading this, you’re preparing for your first birth and haven’t yet started breastfeeding, but you’re serious about setting yourself up for success. You’re in the perfect place.

In this post (and the companion video) we’re talking about something EVERY first-time mom worries about tearing during birth. But here’s the twist — it’s not just about “doing Kegels” or “stretching the perineum” (though those tools have their place). The real game-changer lies in avoiding a very common mistake that most mamas make before they enter labor.

Let’s dig in.

1. What do we really mean by “tearing”?

Many mamas imagine dramatic rips and stitches but tearing ranges from tiny superficial tears to more significant ones. The good news? Many tears heal quickly and clean with minimal intervention — but the goal is to give yourself the best shot at minimizing...

If you’re 39 weeks pregnant, you are officially at the point where everyone is texting you, “Baby here yet?” while you’re just trying to get comfortable for more than 3 minutes at a time.

Let’s talk about what’s really happening in your body this week — the things most people skip!

Your Body Is Preparing Behind the Scenes

Even without contractions, your cervix may be:
• Softening (ripening)
• Thinning (effacing)
• Starting to open (dilating)

This is driven by hormones like relaxin, which also loosens the hips — hello pelvic pressure!

Try this:

•  Gentle birth ball movements
•  Pelvic tilts
•  Upright positions
  They can help your baby move into an ideal position for birth.

Emotional Swings Are Totally Normal

One minute: “I’m READY!”
Next minute: crying because someone ate your last snack 

That’s oxytocin rising — the hormone that triggers labor.
But stress can slow it down, so focus on calm energy.

Quick affirmation:
 “My body knows exactly what to do.”

Weird Sym...

You’re 25 Weeks Pregnant — Here’s What You Need to Know

Welcome to week 25, mama! If you’re wondering what’s normal (and what’s just plain weird) this week, you’re in the right place. From achy backs and vivid dreams to surprising changes in your gums and boobs — your body is working overtime right now. Let’s break down exactly what to expect.

 Baby at 25 Weeks: Growing, Moving, and Listening

Your baby is now around 13-14 inches long and weighs about 1.5 pounds — about the size of a full cauliflower! Here’s what’s happening developmentally:

• Fat layers are forming to help regulate temperature after birth

• Lung development continues as surfactant production begins

• The startle reflex (Moro reflex) kicks in — baby can react to loud noises

• Voice recognition begins — baby can start to recognize your and your partner’s voices!

Your Body at 25 Weeks: The Good, the Weird & the Oh-So-Normal

• Out of breath easily? Your uterus is pushing up against your lungs

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