Breathe.

Just breathe.

If you’ve gone past your due date, it can feel like the world suddenly gets louder. Text messages asking “any baby yet?” Provider conversations feel more urgent. Timelines start to tighten. It’s easy to internalize the idea that your body is behind or not doing what it’s “supposed” to do.

Here’s what I want you to hear clearly: your body is not broken, late, or failing. Pregnancy is not a project with deadlines to hit. Labor begins when the internal conditions are right, not when the calendar flips.

As a Chicago Muslim birth doula, I support many families navigating overdue pregnancy while trusting the body and the process. Let’s talk about what it really means to go past your due date and what you can do next.

Is It Normal to Go Past Your Due Date?

Yes. Absolutely.

A due date is an estimate, not a prediction. It’s based on averages and calculations. Full-term pregnancy actually ranges from 37 to 42 weeks, and many healthy pregnancies naturally extend beyond 40 weeks. In fact, first-time mothers often give birth closer to 41 weeks. Genetics, baby’s position, hormonal readiness, and even stress levels all influence when labor begins. Going past your due date does not automatically mean something is wrong.

Why Labor May Not Have Started Yet

Labor doesn’t start because of willpower, walking miles, or doing “all the things.” It begins when multiple systems align.

Here are some common reasons labor hasn’t started yet:

Hormonal Readiness

Oxytocin (the hormone of labor) works best when the body feels safe and supported. Stress, fear, and pressure increase adrenaline—which can delay labor.

Baby’s Position

If your baby isn’t well-aligned in the pelvis, your body may wait. This is common and often correctable with gentle movement and rest.

Nervous System State

Constant monitoring, comparison, and urgency send signals of danger to the nervous system. The uterus responds best to calm not pressure.

Energy & Rest

An exhausted body may pause labor until it has enough reserves to continue efficiently.

Spiritual & Emotional Factors

For many Muslim families, there is also a layer of trust and surrender. Pregnancy responds not only to physical conditions, but to internal states of patience, grounding, and reliance on Allah. Science is now coming to an understanding that labor begins when the baby releases hormones indicating their lungs are ready for labor. In Islam we believe this is the time Allah has instructed the baby to begin it’s journey into the world. Having Tawakkul (trust) is a big part of surrendering to this process.

What You Can Do If You’re Overdue

Instead of trying to “force” labor, focus on creating the conditions labor responds to.

1. Prioritize Deep Rest

Sleep when you can. Dim the lights in the evening. Step away from constant updates and timelines. A rested uterus works better than a stressed one.

2. Support Baby’s Position

Gentle, forward-leaning positions, intentional walking, and avoiding long periods of reclining can help baby settle more optimally into the pelvis.

3. Eat and Hydrate Well

Overdue pregnancy still requires fuel. Focus on protein, nourishing meals, and electrolytes.

4. Reduce Stress Signals

Limit conversations that create anxiety. Say no to unnecessary cervical checks. Protect your mental and emotional space.

5. Gentle Spiritual Grounding

Du’a, dhikr, Qur’an recitation, or quiet reflection can help shift the nervous system into a state of trust. Labor often begins when the body no longer feels rushed.

What Not to Do

• Don’t assume your body is failing

• Don’t compare your timeline to others

• Don’t chase labor with endless stimulation

• Don’t let fear drive decisions without understanding your options

When to Seek Extra Support

There are times when additional monitoring or discussion with your provider is appropriate, especially as you approach 42 weeks. This doesn’t mean something is wrong; it means you deserve clear information.

This is also where doula support becomes especially valuable.

As a Chicago Muslim birth doula, I help families:

• Understand induction conversations without fear

• Ask informed questions

• Balance medical guidance with intuition and faith

• Stay emotionally grounded during prolonged pregnancy

A Final Reminder

You are not late.
You are not behind.
You are not failing.

Your body moves when the internal conditions are right not when the calendar demands it.

If you’ve gone past your due date and are looking for calm, informed, faith-centered support in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, I’m here to walk this stretch with you.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do while waiting for birth… is trust.

About Salam Birth Services

Hey there, I'm Lana, the human behind Salam Birth Services! I'm a Chicago-based birth photographer, doula and childbirth educator covering mainly the Western, Northwestern and Southwestern suburbs, but feel free to reach out if you live outside those borders to enquire about my availability.

You can find me on Instagram , or you can get in touch here by sending a message!

Bringing your baby into the world is a life-changing moment, and those first hours are filled with love, awe, and all the tiny details you never want to forget. A Fresh 48 session captures the raw, unfiltered beauty of your baby's earliest moments—those sleepy yawns, curled-up fingers, and the way your family looks at this brand-new little person with absolute wonder. Unlike a posed newborn session, this is all about keeping it real.

Here’s how you can prepare so your session feels effortless and meaningful.

1. Book Your Session Ahead of Time

Fresh 48 sessions happen within the first two days after birth, so you’ll want to plan in advance. Since babies have their own timelines, your photographer will be on standby around your due date. Let them know once your baby arrives, and they’ll work with you to set up a time that feels right.

2. Wear Something Comfortable

This is not the time for stiff, fussy outfits. Stick to soft, neutral, or light-colored clothing that makes you feel good. A cozy robe, a loose dress, or a simple loungewear set works beautifully. Partners can keep it simple with a comfy T-shirt and joggers. The goal? You feeling at ease and totally in the moment.

For your baby, keep it minimal—a simple onesie, a swaddle, or even just the hospital blanket. Bold patterns and big logos can be distracting, so think soft and timeless.

3. Tidy Up (But Don’t Stress!)

Birth spaces—whether at home, a hospital, or a birth center—can get messy fast. A quick declutter makes a big difference. Move hospital trays, medical supplies, or extra bags out of the frame if possible. At home, a made bed or a cozy corner with soft blankets makes a beautiful backdrop.

4. Let the Light In

Good lighting makes all the difference. If possible, aim for daytime when natural light is at its best. Open up those curtains and let the soft, natural glow fill the room. If you’re in a hospital, turning off harsh overhead lights and relying on window light can create a much warmer, more inviting feel.

5. Capture the Smallest Details

Your photographer will focus on all the tiny things that change so quickly—those wrinkly hands, flaky newborn skin, little toes, and even hospital bracelets. These details may seem small now, but trust me, they’ll be some of your favorite shots when you look back.

6. Keep It Natural

No need to worry about perfect poses or forcing a smile—some of the most powerful photos come from just being in the moment. Snuggle your baby, inhale that newborn scent, and let your photographer capture the magic as it unfolds. Whether it’s a forehead kiss, a sleepy baby stretch, or a quiet moment between you and your partner, the best shots are the real ones.

7. Bring Something Special (If You Want!)

If you have a meaningful keepsake—a handmade blanket, a special swaddle, a name sign—feel free to include it. These little touches can make your session feel even more personal and unique.

8. Siblings? Let Them Be Themselves

If this isn’t your first baby, capturing their first interactions with their new sibling is priceless. Let them snuggle, hold hands, or even just peek at their new baby brother or sister. Whether they’re excited, curious, or even a little unsure, these moments tell the story of your growing family.

9. Embrace the Realness

You just gave birth. You’re exhausted, emotional, and soaking in this new reality—and that’s exactly what makes these photos so special. There’s no need for perfection here. The raw, unfiltered love in the room is what matters most.

10. Trust Your Photographer

A great photographer knows how to find the best angles, use natural light, and capture moments you might not even realize are happening. Relax, breathe, and let them work their magic.

Fresh 48 photos are a once-in-a-lifetime way to document your baby’s first hours earthside. With a little prep and a whole lot of love, you’ll have beautiful, heartfelt images to cherish forever.

Are you thinking about booking a Fresh 48 session? What moments are you most excited to capture? Let’s talk in the comments!

About Salam Birth Services

Hey there, I'm Lana, the human behind Salam Birth Services! I'm a Chicago-based birth photographer, doula and childbirth educator covering mainly the Western, Northwestern and Southwestern suburbs, but feel free to reach out if you live outside those borders to enquire about my availability.

You can find me on Instagram , or you can get in touch here by sending a message!