Kayla Tschumper

Certified Birth Doula

Kayla Tschumper is a DONA-trained birth doula and assistant midwife based in Rochester, Minnesota. Prior to getting into birth work, Kayla was a pediatrics nurse for nearly 10 years and now is the founder of My Birth Choices, a business providing birth education and doula services. Through My Birth Choices, she partners with families to achieve a peaceful and powerful birth. Families served by Kayla’s clients have offered 5 star reviews of her services on Google and other online testimonial sources. She is Gilligan's Guide trained and has supported births at Mayo Clinic, Olmstead Medical Center, and in homes across Southeast Minnesota. As a mom of three herself, she is passionate about providing tools to mothers-to-be that promote a peaceful and powerful birthing experience. She received a BS in Nursing from Winona State University.

Education

BS, Nursing, Winona State University
Certified Birth Doula, DONA International

Certifications & Organizations

Registered Nurse
Trained Midwife's Assistant
Trained in Gilligan's Guide for Maternal and Fetal Positioning
Neonatal Resuscitation Certified

Favorite Piece of Advice

For Mothers and Fathers-to-be: you make the best decisions for you, your child, and your family when you have the full scope of information regarding your care. Connect with a professional doula who knows the birth world to increase your confidence, preparing you for an empowering transition to parenthood.

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Q&A Comments (3)

Are there any other ideas for gender reveal activities?

I think the key to planning a gender reveal is to make it fun and personal. It’s always extra special when a family can tie in their own interests. One example that I’ve seen families that are big into sports incorporate that into their reveal. One time, the dad was up to bat, and the gender reveal item—filled with either blue or pink powder—was pitched to him. When he hit it, the powder exploded, revealing the baby’s gender. It was so fitting for them because they were sports and baseball fans. Another idea is to get pets or older siblings involved. Maybe the family dog carries a colored bandana, or an older sibling pops a balloon filled with confetti. Some families even use edible items, like cutting into a cake or opening a box of donuts with colored filling, which adds a tasty surprise to the excitement.

Is it safe to use heating pads when pregnant?

Yes, you can use heating pads, and most people use them and are actually safe during pregnancy, especially for pains like cramps and lower back pain. It soothes those aches in a natural way without having to resort to pain medications. But you have to be careful not to leave it on for too long or have the heat on too high to prevent scalding and raising your body temperature. Also, when you're preparing for labor, a heating pad is also very helpful. Whether you’re dealing with cramping from contractions or intense back pain, having that extra warmth can be a lifesaver. It’s an easy, effective way to get some relief without needing anything too invasive. Just keep that head moderate, and you'll be good to go!

Are reusable cloth diapers better than disposable diapers?

When deciding between disposable diapers and reusable cloth diapers, there are a few things to consider. New parents often receive a variety of diaper brands at baby showers, which is great because you won’t know if your baby has any sensitivities to certain diapers until they arrive. Having different options can be helpful in finding the best fit for your baby’s skin. Some families choose to go with the cloth diaper route, which is a more sustainable and plant-friendly option. It’s a great choice for the planet, but it comes with extra work. Cloth diapering involves frequent washing and staying on top of the cleaning process, which can be a bit much during an already busy time with a newborn. It’s also more of an upfront investment, but over time, it can save you money since the diapers last through the first year. Ultimately, it’s really about what works best for your scenario and convenience. If you’re up for the extra laundry and the learning curve, cloth diapering can be a great option. But if convenience is a bigger priority, disposable diapers might be the easier route.

Co-authored Articles (8)

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