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Baby's Best Start

The Journal

Read, prepare, and feel ready.

Articles, checklists, and trusted resources from Catrice for pregnancy, birth, and the weeks after.

ArticlesGuides & ChecklistsReading ListHouston ResourcesCatrice's Picks
Pregnant woman writing in a journal on a sunlit sofa in a calm Houston home
Birth ChoicesIs Home Birth Right for You? A Houston Midwife's Honest GuideThinking about home birth in Houston? A licensed midwife explains who it is right for, how safety screening works, what it costs, and how to start.Read article →
Stethoscope, rebozo scarf, and notebook arranged on cream linen
PregnancyMidwife vs. Doula: What Each Does (and Why You Might Want Both)Midwives and doulas both support birth, but their roles are very different. A licensed midwife explains who does what and how to choose.Read article →
New mother resting in bed with her sleeping newborn on her chest
PostpartumThe Fourth Trimester: What Postpartum Recovery Really Looks LikeThe weeks after birth matter as much as pregnancy. A midwife explains postpartum recovery, warning signs, and how to build real support.Read article →
Two women's hands clasped together in support on a linen table
EquityBlack Maternal Health in Texas: What Every Mother Should KnowBlack mothers in Texas face higher risks in pregnancy. A Houston midwife shares the facts, warning signs, and how to advocate for your care.Read article →
Pregnant woman writing in a journal resting on her belly
PregnancyHow to Write a Birth Plan You Will Actually UseA birth plan is a conversation, not a contract. A Houston midwife shares how to write one that is clear, flexible, and truly yours. Free template inside.Read article →
Home birth pool filled with warm water beside folded towels and a candle
Birth ChoicesWater Birth: Benefits, Safety, and What to ExpectThinking about laboring or birthing in water? A Houston midwife explains the benefits, the safety questions, and how home water birth works.Read article →
Pregnant woman reviewing paperwork and a laptop at a kitchen table
NewsDoes Texas Medicaid Cover Doulas? What Changed and What Did NotTexas Medicaid now allows some doulas to provide case management, but not labor support. A Houston midwife explains what that means for families.Read article →
Pregnant woman sitting on a terracotta birth ball in a sunlit living room
Birth ChoicesLabor Positions That Help: Birth Balls, Squatting, Rebozo, and MoreMovement can make labor more manageable. A Houston midwife shares labor positions that ease pain, help baby descend, and support your partner.Read article →
Mother cradling her swaddled newborn on a nursing pillow
PostpartumBreastfeeding in the First Two Weeks: A Gentle, Practical GuideThe first two weeks of breastfeeding are a learning curve. A Houston midwife shares what is normal, how to know baby is eating enough, and where to get help.Read article →
Home birth supplies neatly arranged in a basket with towels and linens
Free guide · One-page checklistThe Home Birth Supply ListEverything you need, gathered in one basket.Open the guide →
An open notebook and pen beside a cup of tea and baby booties
Free guide · One-page fillable PDFThe Birth Plan TemplateYour birth, in your words.Open the guide →
A note posted on a refrigerator in a bright kitchen
Free guide · Two-sided 5x7 card, printablePostpartum Warning Signs Fridge CardKeep this where everyone can see it.Open the guide →
A tray of warm soup, tea, and dates beside a postpartum meal plan
Free guide · 6-page PDFThe First 40 Days PlannerRest is productive. Plan for it.Open the guide →
A packed hospital transfer bag with baby clothes and essentials
Free guide · One-page PDFThe Hospital Transfer Bag ChecklistPacked and ready, just in case.Open the guide →
Stack of linen-bound books beside a cup of tea

Books Catrice recommends

  • Ina May's Guide to ChildbirthIna May Gaskin · Best for Trust in the body and natural birth
  • The Birth PartnerPenny Simkin · Best for Partners and doulas
  • The First Forty DaysHeng Ou · Best for Postpartum nourishment and rest
  • The Womanly Art of BreastfeedingLa Leche League International · Best for Breastfeeding from day one
  • Expecting BetterEmily Oster · Best for Evidence-based pregnancy decisions
  • Natural Hospital BirthCynthia Gabriel · Best for Families planning a hospital birth with fewer interventions
Shop the reading listComing soon

Trusted links

Tree-lined Houston street at sunset with the skyline beyond

You do not have to do this alone. Here is your Houston village.

Breastfeeding support

  • UTHealth Lactation Foundation in-person support group, Tuesdays 10 to 11:30 a.m. (UTHealth)
  • Memorial Hermann breastfeeding support groups at several locations (Memorial Hermann)
  • Texas WIC clinics across Houston offer nutrition and breastfeeding help for eligible families (Texas WIC)

Mental health

  • Center for Postpartum Family Health, licensed therapists for parents (CPFH)
  • Postpartum Support International, Texas Chapter (PSI-TX)
  • Houston Crisis Intervention (24/7): 832-416-1177 (UTHealth PPD resources)
  • In an emergency: call 911 or 988

Essentials

Catrice's Picks

The things she actually recommends.

Birth supplies, postpartum care, feeding, and the books on her shelf, gathered in one Amazon storefront.

Visit the storefrontComing soon

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Home birth supplies neatly arranged in a basket with towels and linens