Samantha Kauffman, RNC, is the perinatal education coordinator at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial. She holds an extra certification in OB nursing, is a certified childbirth educator, a certified mother-friendly nurse, Rebozo certified, and a hypnobirthing practioner. She enjoys working with new parents or parents adding to their family. Samantha and her husband have been married for 32 years. Both grew up in Newaygo County and they have six children, four grandsons, and one granddaughter. Samantha enjoys working in her community and with the OB providers at Gerber Memorial to share how awesome childbirth and children are. She also enjoys scrapbooking, sewing, reading, and biking.
Hormones play a formidable role all throughout pregnancy and childbirth. And sometimes it's a delicate balance.
Try this fresh perspective on pregnancy and childbirth to help you prepare for labor and delivery.
That magical hour after a baby is born is called the golden hour—and for good reasons.
You might feel like you want to sleep all the time during pregnancy. It's essential to know how and when to balance out your sleep life.
The benefits of doulas, hypnotherapy and mindfulness are plain to see—even when you're royalty.
Alongside its central role in the biomechanics of labor and delivery, oxytocin helps strengthen the mother-baby bond.
History tells us that some labor and delivery practices arose from whimsy—which means you should often do what feels natural and comfortable to you.
Most women give birth lying on their back, but that doesn’t mean you have to do the same.
Stay hydrated and keep protein and carbs top of mind.
Exercise, affirmations and other smart approaches can get you ready—and excited—for baby's delivery day.
Certified nurse midwives can add a whole new dimension of care and quality to your birth plan.
Anxiety and depression can afflict pregnant moms and new moms alike. Know what to watch for and when to get help.
