Baby Bump Services

Welcome Baby Corrine

Sometimes it is the little things that steal your heart.

Eating Well in Labor

This family was prepared! Healthy Whole Grain Muffins straight from the oven, cooling on the counter!

But what is this about not be allowed to eat in labor? Robin Elise Weiss, at About.com…

Welcome Baby Lawson

welcome baby Lawson, born at the Baby Place Midwives & Birth Center, Meridian

Welcome Baby Brayden

taking the prize for fastest birth this year

was a baby none of us expected until nearly February

Baby Brayden decided to…

Welcome Baby Oliver

Hi Mom and Dad!

Born at St. Luke’s, Downtown, Boise

no better place to be

Welcome Baby Miles

Miles is smiling because he knows how hard his mama worked to get him turned around

two external versions later

Baby Miles…

Welcome Baby Otto

in Confident Birthing, parents learn that sometimes early labor lasts longer than we’d like

and on the 5th day…welcome baby Otto, born at Treasure Valley Midwives & Birth Center, Boise

A Homebirth Celebration…Welcome Baby Penny

welcome baby Penny, born at home

Welcome Baby Silas

welcome baby Silas, born at St. Alphonsus, Boise

Welcome Baby Netti

surreal and wonderful

“what do you mean, does she have hair?”

welcome baby Netti, born at St. Alphonsus, Boise

Welcome Baby Sophia

while mama thanked you for shaving 2 days off this second birth, the truth is, fast labors are intense

welcome baby Sophia, born at…

Baby Stevie

we are all, forever changed

with deep love, we remember you

Welcome Baby Joshua

eye contact is everything for this mama

a two-handed catch with daddy and the midwives at The Baby Place Birth Center in Meridian

“oh. hi mom.”

A VBAC Journey…Welcome baby Crosby

St. Luke’s Hospital, Downtown, Boise

a visit from big sister

welcome baby Crosby!

Welcome Baby Lily

the long-awaited and much-loved Lily was born at the Boise St. Luke’s, Downtown.

Welcome Baby Jameson

worth every moment

from one dad to another “it doesn’t get much better than this.” Dr. Timothy West at St. Luke’s Downtown

Labor Dancing

Welcome Baby Molly

birth is hard, but together, they are strong.

when Molly, born at Treasure Valley Midwives, heard her daddy’s voice

Welcome Baby Joelle

Daddy’s girls.

Sometimes the Morning Comes Before the Baby

5/2/11 Resting is essential…

…since sometimes…

…morning comes before the baby. 5/3/2011

Welcome Baby Courage

Big Brother Ritter sees his sister, Courage for the first time.

This sign hangs in the birth center at Treasure Valley Midwives. To help this laboring mother through her VBAC, I brought the sign into the birthing room.

Baby Bump Services Childbirth Education Platform is Here!

Well, it is here, now! And you could be using the Baby Bump Services Childbirth Education Platform to cultivate community and offer fun, informative childbirth classes in your area. Liz Chalmers, of Birth Zone says:

“The best…

Welcome Baby Wyatt

Laboring together.

Baby Wyatt, born at Treasure Valley Midwives, meets his Daddy.

Welcome little Lucy

birth, like parenting, is a partnership…a dance to be danced together

hello, mama.

Welcome baby Lucy, born at St. Alphonsus Hospital, Boise.

Welcome Baby Xavier

Confident Birthing Dads are amazingly committed and present, just like this great Dad. Birthing in partnership, laboring together at the Baby Place Midwives & Birth Center

Baby Boy Xavier with his parents…a great VBAC birth!

Birth from the Backseat…a Conversation with World Traveling Doula, Elizabeth Mangum

I started the “Who BEcomes A Doula?” Project because I wanted know more about what compels a woman to become a birth doula? Are we all just “birth junkies”? (I deeply dislike that term.)

Or, is there something…

Reagan, Ryder and Ruby

These sweet triplets were born today. Each under 3 lbs, all are holding steady in the NICU at St. Alphonsus, in Boise, receiving exceptional care and attention. Daddy, Craig was with them until their mama, Morgan, could…

The Space of the Couple

How to Help Her Keep A Rhythm…A Music Lesson for Doulas

As doulas and childbirth educators we often spend some time introducing the idea of rhythm to our clients. We share that rhythm is a common denominator among women who cope well with their labor and birth. We explore…

A New Year’s Intention and Vision

My continued hope and dream for this New Year: more options for expectant parents everywhere in this country.

The Soundtrack of Birth

Need a resource to give expectant parents so they can create their own birth or baby soundtracks?

Tell them about 8tracks.com

Claiming the Birth Space

I cannot say how grateful I am that this will likely be the last image of a laboring woman that I have in my mind as I bid farewell to 2010. I have learned…

Are You an “Innie” or an “Outie”? Finding Your Personal Coping Style.

This week’s class was the birth rehearsal and each expectant couple arrived with pillows, birth balls and comfort measures bags in tow. From the very first class, I stress that they are not just preparing for the labor and birth;…

Happy Babymoon to Henry and Miriam

Welcome…Baby Isaac

Born at the St. Alphonsus Birth and Family Birthing Center in Nampa.

Isaac gave his mommy a kiss as soon as she took him in her arms.

the evolution of Confident Birthing i-advocacy

If you are a doula or childbirth educator, you are probably familiar with using acronyms to help parents navigate pregnancy and birth choices, particularly those choices that fall into the category of interventions.

When I first started teaching…

Getting to Know You…Prenatal Home Visits

During at least one of our visits I will meet you in your home. I love these visits because as you welcome me in, I have the opportunity to observe you in your space.

Sometimes,…

The Who BEcomes a Doula? Project

What do you do?

I am a doula.

What’s a doula?

I have a better question:

WHO is a doula?

A significant focus of the birth…

What is the “Double Hip Squeeze” and How Do You Do It?

In the Confident Birthing Childbirth Class, we learn this comfort measure early and repeat it, building layer upon layer of information in several classes, so birth partners can feel not only comfortable in doing it but also clear about their intention while doing…

4 Essentials for Labor & Birth

I tell my classes all the time…if you go into labor before the birth rehearsal class in week 6 of the series, (or, if when labor begins, you find you just can’t remember to do anything else) these four things make…

Healthy Birth Practices Flags for Birth Professionals

Looking for a great way to introduce the Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices to your CBE or doula clients? How about…

Healthy Birth Practice Flags

These Healthy Birth Practices Flags were…

The Essential Doula

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.” Dr. John Kennell

But really, what IS a doula? This wonderful video from DONA International gives us a great glimpse…

Happy Babymoon to Sarah and Dan

Welcome…Baby Conrad

Born just 10 minutes before his mommy’s birthday, baby Conrad reached out to her as soon as he heard her voice.

What a wonderful birthday present! Conrad was born at the Baby Place Birth Center

Laboring in Water is Effective for Pain Relief

Doulas and midwives have long known that giving a laboring woman the option of climbing into a large, deep tub of warm water often results in decreased pain, increased relaxation and better coping. And a better ability…

DONA-trained Birth Doulas Learning Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices

In the Baby Bump Services BEcoming a Doula Workshop we weave the Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices into our trainings.

Doulas explore the feelings and needs a client might have when approaching and passing her expected
due date…

Promoting Normal Birth with Lamaze International

It is surprising to many people who have been through my Confident Birthing Class to learn that I am a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. Having taught childbirth classes for so many years prior to becoming certified by…

“I found (Kyndal) to be a wealth of knowledge when it came to la

“I found (Kyndal) to be a wealth of knowledge when it came to labor and birth. Her encouragement and support have been pivotal to any success I have as a doula.”

“Kyndal’s heart for mothers is beautiful and she is a gifted tea

“Kyndal’s heart for mothers is beautiful and she is a gifted teacher. It was a fabulous training.”

“Before, my mindset was…‘I’ll try it natural and we’ll see how i

“Before, my mindset was…‘I’ll try it natural and we’ll see how it goes.’ After taking Confident Birthing I am sure that I can do it.”

“Kyndal May was a “must have” for Jami’s pregnancy and birth…an

“Kyndal May was a “must have” for Jami’s pregnancy and birth…an invaluable guide, friend, coach and counselor throughout the birthing process.”

“We didn’t know how to accomplish that satisfying birth exper

“We didn’t know how to accomplish that satisfying birth experience, and your class was a roadmap to getting there. Knowing what to expect was worth the world to us!”

“Kyndal fostered a very safe learning environment, making our qu

“Kyndal fostered a very safe learning environment, making our questions and concerns a priority. She is very nurturing, and careful to communicate and foster respect.”

“I was struck at how much movement Kyndal incorporates into h

“I was struck at how much movement Kyndal incorporates into her childbirth education classes.”

“I can say I’m a better childbirth educator and doula for hav

“I can say I’m a better childbirth educator and doula for having been through her class as well.”

Just BE and you’ll find you ARE – Part 2

I love this photo. Just a moment caught on film of a woman being whole-heartedly present with another woman. Finding this photo after the November BEcoming a Doula™ Workshop was such an affirmation for me…

Got Oxytocin?

Thank you, Kam Taylor, for taking the photos of our “got oxytocin?” baby tee shirts

Confident Birthing is an oxytocin-promoting environment.

This special time of preparing for…

“Because of (Confident Birthing), I don’t just teach a class, I

“Because of (Confident Birthing), I don’t just teach a class, I strengthen my community.”

“Every time I teach a series, I am profoundly grateful that I ha

“Every time I teach a series, I am profoundly grateful that I had your material as my foundation.”

What Educators Are Saying

Every time I teach a series, I am profoundly grateful that I had your material as my foundation.

Kyndal’s Confident Birthing curriculum reaches far beyond the

Because of (Confident Birthing), I don’t just teach a class, I strengthen my community.

Kyndal May teaches one of the best childbirth classes I know

I can say I’m a better childbirth educator and doula for having been through her class as well.

Our loss is Boise’s gain. You have been a huge contributor to

Our loss is Boise’s gain. You have been a huge contributor to the well-being of families in the Greater Seattle area. I do hope you will be able to continue your work in Boise because you have so much to…

Over the years, my involvement and leadership

I was struck at how much movement Kyndal incorporates into her childbirth education classes.

Before Social Networking… there was the Sharing Trust

The Sharing Trust is my take on the brain trust. The first time I heard the phrase was when I had the pleasure of spending some time with Aggie Sweeney, CEO and President of

This workshop was the best… I came away so empowered

I found (Kyndal) to be a wealth of knowledge when it came to labor and birth. Her encouragement and support have been pivotal to any success I have as a doula.

The conversations and dynamic within this group has c

The conversations and dynamic within this group has changed my life and it wouldn’t have been possible without Kyndal’s guidance, insight and passion.

This training exceeded my expectations by miles! I wo

I would highly recommend this class to anyone intersted in becoming a doula. Each of Kyndal’s chosen materials tied into what she was teaching and induced thought even after we moved onto another subject.

Kyndal shows caring to each student while attending the individu

Kyndal shows caring to each student while attending the individual and group needs. (The workshop) exceeded my expectations… it completely changed how I think I about people in general, not just birth.

This workshop went so far beyond my expectations.

Kyndal showed us how we will “hold the space” emotionally as well as physically. This was a doula training that blew me out of the water emotionally and also prepared me practically to start BEING a doula.

I just wanted to thank you so much for letting me attend your

You have a way of capturing people with your energy level and enthusiasm for the whole child birth experience. I was hanging onto each and every word you said.

Did the workshop meet my expectations? It blew them o

Kyndal fostered a very safe learning environment, making our questions and concerns a priority. She is very nurturing, and careful to communicate and foster respect.

Kyndal’s heart for mothers is beautiful and she is a

Kyndal’s heart for mothers is beautiful and she is a gifted teacher. It was a fabulous training.

“You always held and kept my attention and I was hanging onto ea

“You always held and kept my attention and I was hanging onto each and every word you said. You have a way of capturing people with your energy level and enthusiasm for the whole child birth experience.”

“The conversations and dynamic within this group has changed my

“The conversations and dynamic within this group has changed my life and it wouldn’t have been possible without Kyndal’s guidance, insight and passion.”

Veteran’s Day… thanks to all who serve… especially the mothers

I was listening to NPR today (might as well not have other channels in this girl’s car) and heard a piece on mothers in the military that surprised me and stuck with me all day. Being interviewed were mothers who…

Guitar Mama

OK. So I know you are all wondering… “what kind of class IS this, anyway?”… or “what is up with the blind-folded lady with the guitar?” I can assure you Guitar Hero is not a common occurence in Confident…

…about the Confident Birthing Childbirth Class™

Brian and I just wanted to thank you for the awesome classes. We both learned so much. It really helps me feel ahead of the game. Brian really enjoyed your enthusiasm for your…

We absolutely loved your class! We both learned so much.

We absolutely loved your class! We both learned so much. Sarah took copious notes, and I felt as though I was hanging on every world for 7 weeks. Thanks for imparting your knowledge and passion, and we will look forward…

Kyndal May teaches one of the best childbirth classes

Kyndal May teaches one of the best childbirth classes I know of. She will prepare you very well for home, birth center or a hospital birth. I don’t know of a more well-rounded class. I can say I’m a better…

My clients who take Kyndal’s class know what to expect,

My clients who take Kyndal’s class know what to expect, what to do and aren’t afraid of labor.

We were so impressed with Kyndal’s first Confident Bi

We were so impressed with Kyndal’s first Confident Birthing class that we easily made the decision to give away our Michael Franti tickets so that we could attend the second class! Kyndal’s teaching was comletely engaging and there was nothing…

I took a 4 week course (the first time) and a 8 week class wi

I took a 4 week course (the first time) and a 8 week class with my son, now 4. For my doughter’s birth, I took a Bradley class and now your one day intensive. Out of all those classes I…

We didn’t know what to expect from labor and how to a

We didn't know how to accomplish that satisfying birth experience, and your class was a roadmap to getting there. Knowing what to expect was worth the world to us!

We just wanted to thank you for the classes. We used nea

We just wanted to thank you for the classes. We used nearly everything (I’m not joking). I especially want to say that the part about making choices during different and sometime difficult stages of the birth was the most useful.…

think your class is really important for w

I think your class is really important for women choosing a hospital birth. I have spoken to women who went in blind and had no idea what to expect or how to participate in their…

In the beginning, we hesitated because it was a big t

Before, my mindset was…‘I’ll try it natural and we’ll see how it goes.’ After taking Confident Birthing I am sure that I can do it.

The first class alone was worth the price I paid for the

The first class alone was worth the price I paid for the entire course.

I’m the guy that doesn’t like sitting in classes and doesn’t lik

I’m the guy that doesn’t like sitting in classes and doesn’t like weekly commitments. I was not really looking forward to taking any class, let alone a birthing class. I was only doing it for my wife. Fifteen minutes into…

We have share our birth experience a lot because people

We have share our birth experience a lot because people are surprised that we feel so good about an experience that was so different from what we planned. Convincing us that we need to be informed of all the options…

I just wanted to thank you so much for letting me attend your ch

I just wanted to thank you so much for letting me attend your child birthing classes. WOW, you are an incredible teacher, your enthusiasm and passion for what you do is very visible in each and every class you taught.…

We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed your class.

We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed your class. You are such a wonderful teacher-you presented the info so clearly and your passion made the class fun and interesting.

As a husband, I definitely feel much more connected to m

As a husband, I definitely feel much more connected to my wife than I have in a long time. As a father, I realize how naturally disconnected we can be through the pregnancy and birth. But with increased knowledge and…

I think Confident Birthing forced us to engage, communic

I think Confident Birthing forced us to engage, communicate and trust each other more. We had to address our fears head on which was for the best.

My labor went really well. Because I was well prepared f

My labor went really well. Because I was well prepared for what was going to happen, I was able to go through labor without any medication whatsoever. We used…

We really enjoyed your class. My husband really gained a

We really enjoyed your class. My husband really gained a lot of confidence in his ability to help me. And I feel my own personal confidence in my body restored. Thanks for reminding me of my abilities.

Some Thoughts about Dads at Birth

Need to say a little something about Confident Birthing fathers…

All are amazingly present

some are protective

During DONA International’s first Webinar, Penny Simkin reminded us all… yes, we need to know what to DO, but more important, we need to know when NOT to do it. During that webinar, Penny shared that,…

Just “BE” and you’ll find “YOU ARE”

In the August BEcoming a Doula™ Training the discovery of the power of being present with a laboring woman and the connection and sense of safety that occurs as a result was a joyful…

Communities of Practice

A long time ago, I read somewhere that people typically make life-time friends around two major chapters in our lives: at college, or other graduate learning communities, and after we have a baby.

I witness this possibility each time…

How much longer? As long as it takes.

It’s not easy to prepare parents for the patience that is sometimes needed during a long birth. However, I have attended long births many times and I think it is essential to let couples know that sometimes,…

Six Impossible Things

Alice laughed. “There’s no use trying,” she said. “One can’t believe impossible things.” “I dare say you haven’t had much practice,” said the queen. “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” ~ Lewis Carroll…