- Don’t focus on the clock.
It’s so tempting when you’re in labor to look at the clock. How long have I been doing this? How much longer will I be doing this? When will I get to hold my baby? These are all valid questions, but questions that ultimately keep you from focusing on the work of labor which is what gets you to the end. If you can remove the clocks near you, have them turned around or cover them. - Stay home as long as possible.
In your own home, you are most comfortable. You can move freely around, watch television, play on your computer and sit in your baby’s room. These are all the comforts of home. You also have your own bathroom and tub or shower, you can eat and drink to comfort. It is much easier to pass the time in your own surroundings and it can help prevent your labor from stalling by going to the hospital too early. An early labor plan can also be beneficial here. - Go with the flow.
As crazy as it may sound – follow your labor’s lead. In longer labors, there tend to be parts that are slower and more calm. This is the opportunity to rest and even nap. Most women don’t think about this and often view this slow down as a bad thing, when what it usually is is the ability of your body to sense that you need a small break before continuing. Take advantage of these breaks whenever possible. - Use comfort measures early and often.
By the time I was having baby number three and I was anticipating a very long labor, I really wanted everyone to rest up to support me “when I really needed it.” After an hour or two of trying to go it alone, I was agitated and in pain. I finally let people help me relax and rub my back and help me out. Oh, labor was so much easier. A few hours later when I figured out it wasn’t going to be three more days of labor, it finally all made sense. Staying calm all the way through took less energy and made me more relaxation, helping labor progress. Also don’t forget to move around often, this can many times be what you need when labor is taking awhile. It helps protect your joints and skin from being in one position too long. - Start labor off right.
When you first realize you’re in labor, the best advice is to ignore it. Remind yourself of why you can’t be in labor yet. You know the list I’m talking about: I can’t be in labor because I haven’t washed all of the baby’s clothes. I can’t be in labor yet it’s not the date I picked. I can’t be in labor yet my favorite gown is not packed. But remember to take your time. For most women there is no need to rush. Just casually go about getting ready and enjoying these last few hours of pregnancy.
Monday, September 24, 2012
5 Ways to Get Through a Long Labor By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com Guide
While the average length of a first labor
is typically 12-18 hours, not including inductions, there are labors
that last longer. Some labors last longer because of physical issues,
the baby moving into a better position, mom’s body opening. Other
labors are longer because of emotional issues like fear of your
surroundings or of becoming a parent, or that your husband won’t make it
on time. These can be very real things. For the women who have to
deal with lengthy labors, it sounds like it’s a lot of pain.
Though having had six labors of my own, I’ve had a wide variety of
times: (in order) 36 hours, 45 hours, 8 hours, 11 hours, 4 hours, 2-3
hours, and 45 hours. The easiest labor was actually my 45 hour labor.
The reason? Because I managed my labor well. And I’ve also seen it
happen many other times in my time as a doula. So here are tips on
making the most of a longer labor.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Top Ten Truley Needed New Mom Gifts
So, I get invited to a lot of baby showers, and almost every one has a Target Baby Registry attached. This is full of items like Blankets, Clothes, Bouncers, etc. This list, that was put together by the first time mom, is missing some of the best gifts you can give to a new mom. Here is a list of what I think are 10 of the best alternative gifts to give mom, and believe me, she will thank you over and over again.
1- A Breastfeeding Class, or a Private Lactation Consultation: Yes, I am putting this as #1. Unless mom is not planning to breastfeed, she will most likely need some support with breastfeeding. But far too often, this may get lost in all the other baby preparation. Giving her this gift is priceless for her, and only about $30 for you.
2- A Doula. It can be either a birth doula, or a postpartum doula. A Birth doula is there to support the couple during the birth. Providing mom with physical comfort, emotional support, and knowledge. A postpartum doula is there to help with the transition into parenthood. She will often help with breastfeeding, grocery shopping, and giving mom the night off and taking care of the baby between feedings.
3- A Gift Certificate to The Healing Group. These ladies specialize in helping moms postpartum. Whether mom is 2 weeks or 2 years postpartum, this group is all about mom. They are our go to for the new mom trying to balance her role as mother, wife, and women!
4- Happiest Baby on the Block. Get mom, and dad, the class (there are several people who teach this in Utah) or get them the DVD. This saved me as a new mom. There is such a peace that comes with knowing how to calm your baby. This may end up being their favorite gift.
5- Newborn Photography. This may seem like a splurge, and maybe it is. But from what I have found over 75% of the moms I talk to are hiring someone to come and take professional pictures of their new baby. I am not talking Target or Kiddie Kandids (no offense, they are great businesses) I am referring to the photographers that come into your home, with a box of props and amazing talent to capture those moments they want to remember. I did my newborn pictures myself with my first, and thought I did pretty good. I hired someone to take pictures for my second, and it was a huge difference. Those are the pictures I more readily display.
Some of the photographers we really like are: (in no particular order)
Jewels Photography
Christy Rossi Photography
Earthside Photography
6- A Luna Lullaby or an Aden and Anis Swaddle Blanket. These blankets are made of muslin cotton, and they are huge. They will swaddle a newborn up til his first birthday and beyond. They are soft and cozy without over heating the baby. These are a MUST gift for all parents, and they come in so many cute designs.
7- Prenatal or Postpartum Massage. Massage can help to prep a mom's body for the birth process as well as help her body better heal afterwards. Select a massage therapist who specializes in pregnant and postpartum moms. Wise Massage Care will come to your home, and Salt Lake Prenatal Massage can arrange for someone to watch your baby at the office while you enjoy your relaxation. Both of these companies specialize in expectant moms, but you can get one for yourself too!
8- Babysitting! Old school, I know, but still one of the best things you can do. Allow Mom and her partner to reconnect and to remember the love they have for each other. The long nights, and the newborn challenges can take their toll. Having some one on one time, even for an hour, can make a huge difference in their relationship.
9- Cleaning. You can do this yourself or bring in the professionals. Nothing takes the load off a new mom like knowing her house is clean. You can take 15 minutes and tackle as many tasks as you can, or you can give mom and dad a gift certificate for a local service. Make sure you find one that is very reputable, and with good local reviews. And a few of the local companies said they can work out a deal if you let them know it is a gift for a new mom, or watch for them on LivingSocial or Groupon.
10- Go for a walk. Help mom to get out of the house. Getting some fresh air and exercise will help with the baby blues as well as postpartum healing. Mothers are far more likely to get out for a short walk, if it is with a friend or family member. Make sure that mom has the all clear from her doctor, and keep to to a simple stroll. (she should not be over working herself too soon) Spend this time talking to he about how she is doing, and how she is processing all the changes. Sometimes the best gift, is the gift of support.
(This article is written for a local Utah Audience, the companies we site are local, but you can find them in your area too)
1- A Breastfeeding Class, or a Private Lactation Consultation: Yes, I am putting this as #1. Unless mom is not planning to breastfeed, she will most likely need some support with breastfeeding. But far too often, this may get lost in all the other baby preparation. Giving her this gift is priceless for her, and only about $30 for you.
2- A Doula. It can be either a birth doula, or a postpartum doula. A Birth doula is there to support the couple during the birth. Providing mom with physical comfort, emotional support, and knowledge. A postpartum doula is there to help with the transition into parenthood. She will often help with breastfeeding, grocery shopping, and giving mom the night off and taking care of the baby between feedings.
3- A Gift Certificate to The Healing Group. These ladies specialize in helping moms postpartum. Whether mom is 2 weeks or 2 years postpartum, this group is all about mom. They are our go to for the new mom trying to balance her role as mother, wife, and women!
4- Happiest Baby on the Block. Get mom, and dad, the class (there are several people who teach this in Utah) or get them the DVD. This saved me as a new mom. There is such a peace that comes with knowing how to calm your baby. This may end up being their favorite gift.
5- Newborn Photography. This may seem like a splurge, and maybe it is. But from what I have found over 75% of the moms I talk to are hiring someone to come and take professional pictures of their new baby. I am not talking Target or Kiddie Kandids (no offense, they are great businesses) I am referring to the photographers that come into your home, with a box of props and amazing talent to capture those moments they want to remember. I did my newborn pictures myself with my first, and thought I did pretty good. I hired someone to take pictures for my second, and it was a huge difference. Those are the pictures I more readily display.
Some of the photographers we really like are: (in no particular order)
Jewels Photography
Christy Rossi Photography
Earthside Photography
6- A Luna Lullaby or an Aden and Anis Swaddle Blanket. These blankets are made of muslin cotton, and they are huge. They will swaddle a newborn up til his first birthday and beyond. They are soft and cozy without over heating the baby. These are a MUST gift for all parents, and they come in so many cute designs.
7- Prenatal or Postpartum Massage. Massage can help to prep a mom's body for the birth process as well as help her body better heal afterwards. Select a massage therapist who specializes in pregnant and postpartum moms. Wise Massage Care will come to your home, and Salt Lake Prenatal Massage can arrange for someone to watch your baby at the office while you enjoy your relaxation. Both of these companies specialize in expectant moms, but you can get one for yourself too!
8- Babysitting! Old school, I know, but still one of the best things you can do. Allow Mom and her partner to reconnect and to remember the love they have for each other. The long nights, and the newborn challenges can take their toll. Having some one on one time, even for an hour, can make a huge difference in their relationship.
9- Cleaning. You can do this yourself or bring in the professionals. Nothing takes the load off a new mom like knowing her house is clean. You can take 15 minutes and tackle as many tasks as you can, or you can give mom and dad a gift certificate for a local service. Make sure you find one that is very reputable, and with good local reviews. And a few of the local companies said they can work out a deal if you let them know it is a gift for a new mom, or watch for them on LivingSocial or Groupon.
10- Go for a walk. Help mom to get out of the house. Getting some fresh air and exercise will help with the baby blues as well as postpartum healing. Mothers are far more likely to get out for a short walk, if it is with a friend or family member. Make sure that mom has the all clear from her doctor, and keep to to a simple stroll. (she should not be over working herself too soon) Spend this time talking to he about how she is doing, and how she is processing all the changes. Sometimes the best gift, is the gift of support.
(This article is written for a local Utah Audience, the companies we site are local, but you can find them in your area too)
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Hypnobabies, not just for Homebirths
One of the most common questions, or statements, I hear about Hypnobabies Hypnosis for Birth is "Is that just for homebirth moms?" or "Can I use it even if I am birthing at the hospital?"
Let me take a moment now to explain WHY Hypnobabies Hypnosis for Birth works, and why it is the best option for a mom birthing in the hospital (or out of the hospital)
First, Hypnobabies is a complete childbirth course. This means that when you take a Hypnobabies Hypnosis class, you are learning all about:
*What to expect During Pregnancy and Birth
*How Labor (birth) begins
*Stages of Labor
*Staying Healthy and Low Risk
*A Healthy Pregnancy Diet
And so much more. You are will leave you Hypnobabies class having a much better, and often times very clear understanding on what the birth process is, how it begins, and what happened during each stage. This is a very important component of Hypnobabies because it means that you will not need to take another childbirth prep course. And remember, mom may have been studying up on everything birth related, but her partner may not. So it is another added benefit that Hypnobabies helps to educate mom and partner about what to expect during birth.
So, we have covered that Hypnobabies Hypnosis for Birth includes a detailed Childbirth Preparation, it also includes Hypnosis. Hypnosis has been used for pain management for many years. It is used for medical as well as dental surgeries when the patient is unable to use traditional anesthesia. With Hypnobabies, you are learning very powerful self-hypnosis. This means you learn to enter hypnosis, literally, at the drop of a finger. This deep self hypnosis that our moms learn and practice for 6 or more weeks helps them to instantly enter hypnosis and stay comfortable during their birth. The best part, mom's partner learns all her hypno-cues so that s/he is able to help mom stay focused, comfortable, and in a space of calm.
Next, I would like to cover one of the reasons I think Hypnobabies should be a cornerstone for any couple that is choosing to birth in a hospital. Hypnobabies covers Informed Consent. This is a big deal, since often times couples enter the birth arena with little to no knowledge of what their choices are during pregnancy, birth, and the care of their baby.
Far too often I hear moms tells their birth stories and it goes something like this: "Then they allowed me to _____", "They told me I had to ________", " I felt like my birth was happening to me, I had no choice, no control."
These are sad, often painful statements that mothers are making about their birth. The truth is, you have a choice during your birth. This, to me, is the best part of a Hypnobabies class. Since each instructor is teaching the exact same things, no matter where you take your Hypnobabies class (whether here in utah with me, or in Canada with one of our amazing instructors there) you are getting the same, invaluable information.
Hypnobabies takes the time to really educate an expectant couple on their choices during birth. Did you know that Pitocin can be turned down or even off is the pressure waves (contractions) are too strong? Did you know that you have other choices for cervical softening besides cytotec? Do you know what a Bishop's score is?
All of this stuff is what makes Hypnobabies stand out. We teach our couples how to ask questions and get all the information needed to make the best choice for them and their baby. By adding choice back into the birth equation, hospital moms are more able to feel empowered about their birth choices, instead of feeling that things just happened. This choices are also helpful for birth center and home birth moms!!
Right there, one class in a series of 6, is just ONE reason why Hypnobabies is almost a necessity for a hospital birth. Being informed allows you to have a greater say, and a greater understanding of the birth process. This in turn allows the Hypno-Family to make educated choices not only during birth but for the rest of their lives. Many of my hypno-couples have mentioned that the tools they learned they continue to use. One mom said it was nice to know what to ask when she had to take her 14 month old baby to the hospital and they wanted to perform test and do procedures that she did not feel was necessary. After asking questions that she learned from Hypnobabies, she was able to decide what was legitimate for her baby, and what was just a doctor "shooting in a barrel hoping to find something."
If you are an expectant couple, the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to become informed. If you are wanting an unmedicated childbirth, then I highly recommend you look for a local Hypnobabies Instructor.
Let me take a moment now to explain WHY Hypnobabies Hypnosis for Birth works, and why it is the best option for a mom birthing in the hospital (or out of the hospital)
First, Hypnobabies is a complete childbirth course. This means that when you take a Hypnobabies Hypnosis class, you are learning all about:
*What to expect During Pregnancy and Birth
*How Labor (birth) begins
*Stages of Labor
*Staying Healthy and Low Risk
*A Healthy Pregnancy Diet
And so much more. You are will leave you Hypnobabies class having a much better, and often times very clear understanding on what the birth process is, how it begins, and what happened during each stage. This is a very important component of Hypnobabies because it means that you will not need to take another childbirth prep course. And remember, mom may have been studying up on everything birth related, but her partner may not. So it is another added benefit that Hypnobabies helps to educate mom and partner about what to expect during birth.
So, we have covered that Hypnobabies Hypnosis for Birth includes a detailed Childbirth Preparation, it also includes Hypnosis. Hypnosis has been used for pain management for many years. It is used for medical as well as dental surgeries when the patient is unable to use traditional anesthesia. With Hypnobabies, you are learning very powerful self-hypnosis. This means you learn to enter hypnosis, literally, at the drop of a finger. This deep self hypnosis that our moms learn and practice for 6 or more weeks helps them to instantly enter hypnosis and stay comfortable during their birth. The best part, mom's partner learns all her hypno-cues so that s/he is able to help mom stay focused, comfortable, and in a space of calm.
On that note, a couple of things that you may, or may not, know about hypnosis.
1- All hypnosis IS self hypnosis.
This means that mom, partner, or anyone doing hypnosis; chooses to enter hypnosis and they also choose to exit hypnosis whenever they need too.
2- Hypnosis is a state of being that we all do, on a regular basis.
Have you ever left on a simple errand in your car, and the next thing you know you are at your destination...that is a form of hypnosis. Other forms of hypnosis are: watching tv, listening to someone talk, etc.
3- Hypnosis is not a state of mind control, or a state of sleep.
Since all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, you are always completely in control, and you are never asleep.
Next, I would like to cover one of the reasons I think Hypnobabies should be a cornerstone for any couple that is choosing to birth in a hospital. Hypnobabies covers Informed Consent. This is a big deal, since often times couples enter the birth arena with little to no knowledge of what their choices are during pregnancy, birth, and the care of their baby.
Far too often I hear moms tells their birth stories and it goes something like this: "Then they allowed me to _____", "They told me I had to ________", " I felt like my birth was happening to me, I had no choice, no control."
These are sad, often painful statements that mothers are making about their birth. The truth is, you have a choice during your birth. This, to me, is the best part of a Hypnobabies class. Since each instructor is teaching the exact same things, no matter where you take your Hypnobabies class (whether here in utah with me, or in Canada with one of our amazing instructors there) you are getting the same, invaluable information.
Hypnobabies takes the time to really educate an expectant couple on their choices during birth. Did you know that Pitocin can be turned down or even off is the pressure waves (contractions) are too strong? Did you know that you have other choices for cervical softening besides cytotec? Do you know what a Bishop's score is?
All of this stuff is what makes Hypnobabies stand out. We teach our couples how to ask questions and get all the information needed to make the best choice for them and their baby. By adding choice back into the birth equation, hospital moms are more able to feel empowered about their birth choices, instead of feeling that things just happened. This choices are also helpful for birth center and home birth moms!!
Right there, one class in a series of 6, is just ONE reason why Hypnobabies is almost a necessity for a hospital birth. Being informed allows you to have a greater say, and a greater understanding of the birth process. This in turn allows the Hypno-Family to make educated choices not only during birth but for the rest of their lives. Many of my hypno-couples have mentioned that the tools they learned they continue to use. One mom said it was nice to know what to ask when she had to take her 14 month old baby to the hospital and they wanted to perform test and do procedures that she did not feel was necessary. After asking questions that she learned from Hypnobabies, she was able to decide what was legitimate for her baby, and what was just a doctor "shooting in a barrel hoping to find something."
If you are an expectant couple, the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to become informed. If you are wanting an unmedicated childbirth, then I highly recommend you look for a local Hypnobabies Instructor.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Understanding "Painless" Childbirth
So, what is up with "painless" childbirth?
A few women are rumored to have "painless" births without special preparation. I think this is probably pretty rare, but the fact that it happens is notable. The majority of women who refer to their births ans "painless" or "pain-free" are women who used hypnosis.
I think this is something that is commonly misunderstood, and I admit I didn't understand it when I was preparing for my first birth. I read the book Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan, and listened to the CD that came with it a few times. As I understood it, Mongan was teaching that all "pain" in childbirth was a result of the fear/tension/pain cycle, meaning birth will not be painful if you are not afraid of it. I believed that what we experience in birth is a direct result of what we expect, so I chose not to expect pain. I was really oversimplifying things, and I was in for a rude awakening.
When I started having contractions (I refer to them as "contractions" here because that is what I called them at the time--I didn't buy into the idea of changing the words then) I admitted that "they hurt," but it was very manageable. They went on for quite a long time, going away and coming back, and then I was given a very low dose of pitocin, and those contractions really hurt. I was still able to cope using movement and deep breathing for a while, but I was really miserable. I do recognize that there was a psychological element to this pain. In my mind, something external (pitocin) was inflicting pain upon me, instead of it being caused by my own uterine muscles contracting. This, as well as exhaustion and pressure to dilate due to risk of infection, made it much harder for me to cope.
I think that I, as a first timer, espoused a common misconception about painless birth: believing that your birth will be painless just because you've heard of it and believe it's possible. I didn't think I needed to do anything to have a painless birth; I thought it would just happen because birth is not "meant" to be painful (right, Dr. Dick-Read?)
My understanding of this changed when I did the Hypnobabies program for my second birth. I don't know if there is really a difference in the two programs' views or if my experiences caused me to have this new understanding. I don't know if birth is really "meant" to be painful or not, but I do know that it involves a stimulus that the majority (at least in our culture) of women's brains interpret as "pain," which is generally experienced as a negative thing. Good hypnosis for childbirth provides a system for changing your mind so that the stimulus is interpreted as not painful, so that it can be experienced more positively. For me, with my second birth, experiencing it positively involved a conscious choice on my part.
Both Hypnobirthing and Hypnobabies use a technique of renaming some of the words commonly used in childbirth. This is a strange practice and, I admit, it's a little cumbersome at times, but many women find it helpful to avoid negative associations their subconscious may have with the words. One example is avoiding use of the word "pain" and using "discomfort" instead, because it is not as negative of a word. Some could argue that "painless childbirth" is about semantics, but it's really about what you choose to believe.
I believe that most women who have unmedicated births are able to find a way to experience the stimulus of the sensations of childbirth as not a bad thing, even if they do experience them as painful. In embracing a "pain with a purpose" ideology, women are choosing to tweak their understanding of the word "pain" (which is usually a negative word to describe a sensation that occurs when the body is being harmed) to include a kind of pain that is good. This essentially means changing the negative connotation of the word "pain" to be positive in this particular circumstance, while with hypnosis, we simply change the word, eliminating the negative connotation altogether.
I think some people, when they hear "painless," assume that means not feeling anything--that the "hypno-anesthesia" would be like an epidural and make them numb. It doesn't work this way. Hypno-anesthesia is very strong endorphins. It's like when you cut yourself or you twist your ankle and at first it hurts a lot, but then it doesn't hurt as much, that's endorphins. They soothe and dull pain, but they don't take away sensation. With a pain-free unmedicated birth with hypnosis, you would still feel your baby being born, it just wouldn't feel like pain to you.
Sometimes the talk of feeling "only pressure and tightening" in Hypnobabies leads women to expect that birthing waves will feel just like Braxton-Hicks waves. This is not true either. Braxtion-Hicks are just tightening sensations, for me, birthing waves (and also the pre-birth waves that can occur irregularly for weeks before the actual birth) have an extra level of intensity--what I now call a "downward pressure" which signaled to me that my uterus was now working to begin moving my baby down instead of just flexing itself for the exercise.
One of the changes in the new 6th edition of Hypnobabies is the re-recording and re-naming of a track that used to be called "Painless Childbirth" to "Easy, Comfortable Childbirth." Hypnobabies appears to be moving away from using the word "painless," which, considering all of the misconceptions about it, I think is a good move. I feel like "comfortable" is a more accurate description of how Hypnobabies helped me. Whatever sensations I felt (some of which I may have called "painful" under other circumstances), I knew they were normal and was able to not be afraid of them, which allowed me to feel calm and confident and not out-of-control or panicky (except during the cervical lip and the pushing, but I have theories about that). I wouldn't say I was "in pain," because for me, being "in pain" never involves that degree of serenity and self-composure.
I know there are some women for whom surviving the pain of childbirth provides a sense of accomplishment. It makes them feel like they are "hardcore." I, on the other hand, am not "hardcore," nor do I want to be. I can get a sense of accomplishment from seeing that I did something most people experience as very painful, and it was mostly comfortable to me, and I did it with my mind!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
10 Things No One Tells You About Birth
TheBirthingSightTBS
- The contraction pain doesn't end when the baby is born. Your uterus will contract for days, weeks and even months after birth. The pain is especially bad during breastfeeding in the first week or two, some women describe it as feeling like their uterus is going to fall out!
- Your vagina will look different...not just from a tear or episitomony scar (if this happens) but diferent in color...it will be a darker shade of the original color in most cases.
- Your baby will breastfeed WAY more than you can imagine...so don't be surprised when you spend half of a 24 hour period breastfeeding. Growth spurts are a whole different issue, thankfully they often don't last longer than 7 days.
- If birthing in a hospital they more often than not will give you synthetic oxytocin after the birth whether you need it for heavy bleeding or not (prevents hemorrhaging). Discuss this with your careprovider...if you don't chances are, you will be administered this via IV or a shot in your leg (as baby is crowing) and you won't notice it. This disrupts your body's natural process of making Oxytocin the much needed love hormone for bonding and establishing milk supply.
- Your baby's umbilical cord will be clamped immediately at birth in most hospitals and routinely cut shortly after. This may not surprise you, but learning the benefits of delayed umbilical cord clamping, how it's recommended by the WHO and how hospitals still routinely early clamp regardless of the benefits or potential harm caused...may surprise you.
- The foreskin that is routinely cut off of many newborn boys has a very important purpose and up until recently circumcision was performed without anesthetic: they didn't believe young babies could feel pain.
- Induction before 42 weeks is often not necessary unless you have health complications. Induction can mean a variety of things from a membrane sweep to pitocin through an IV. An induced labour is the most painful type of labour you can have, with no naturaling occuring breaks and a lack of hormones that occur naturally. It is also particularly hard on the baby and often causes fetal distress from no break during contractions.
- Epidurals come with serious risks that most women do not have explained to them prior to the epidural being administered.
- You do not NEED to tear or have an episotomy to birth...with time and patience breathing baby out, MOST babies regardless of size can be born vaginally with minimal trauma.
- Breach baby or previous cesarean doesn't necessarily mean a cesarean section is needed.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Maizy's Beautiful Hypnobabies Birth Story
Excellent Birth Story, Origianal from moms blog
We used Hypnobabies for our birthing. They use some different terminology then you are used to. I also talk about the self hypnosis that I used. If anything doesn't make sense or you would like more of an explanation of what I'm talking about, feel free to ask. I'd love to share more info with anyone! At about 3 AM Tuesday June 19th I woke up to go to the bathroom. I noticed I was having some pressure waves (contractions) and that they were stronger and coming fairly frequently. I slept in between them for about an hour, then I started timing them. They were every 3-5 min apart and lasting about a minute. I was trying to do my finger drop technique (entering self hypnosis) at the same time trying to time my pressure waves. It wasn't working so great, I was too distracted. At 4:30 I got on my exercise ball, tried to relax and tell my cervix, open open open. I was finding it hard to relax and finally at 5:30 I decided I needed to listen to my Deepening CD.
I went downstairs and put it in and slept for about half an hour. At 6:30 our neighbor brought a wide awake Croix back home (he had been at their house from the night before when I wasn't positive if my water had broken and we went to the hospital). I ate some breakfast and went back to bed to see if I could sleep some more. After listening to my deepening DC I found it much easier to stay in my hypnosis. I stayed relaxed and comfortable through pressure waves even when interacting with Croix and eating breakfast. Even though I'd been having regular, strong pressure waves for 3 hours I was hesitant to declare it time to go to the hospital, after we had been sent home less then 12 hours ago. Once upstairs I couldn't sleep and my pressure waves were getting stronger, longer, and closer together (although I did not actually time them, I found that to be too distracting.) A little after 7 I hollered to Brent to get Croix ready we were going back to the hospital. He asked if my water had broken and I told him, no but I'm calling it, this is the real deal, time to go.
On the way there we text our Doula, Tricia, and the birth photographer. Tricia met us at the hospital shortly after we got out of triage and to our room. The birth photographer was unable to make it. So disappointing. So the photos we do have are not so great quality, but I'm still thankful to have them. (So please excuse blurriness, graininess, darkness, etc) We dropped Croix back off at our neighbors and headed to the hospital at 7:30. On the drive I put my head phones and listened to one of the Hypnobabies tracks. This really helped me to stay relaxed on the drive. When we got there I walked up the registration and said "hi! we're here to have a baby!" She asked if we were there for a scheduled induction or C-section. I didn't realize at the time why she had asked that but thinking about it now I'm sure it's because I didn't look like the average woman "in labor". I was calm, smiling and most important, not in pain. She then asked if I was having contractions and I told her yes, every few minutes, with a smile. Since we had just been there the night before going through registration was much quicker then the last time. I found it easy to stay relaxed as a pressure wave would come I'd put my light switch in the off position, breath, back to center and continue what I was doing. In triage they checked me, I was at 5.5 cm! I was excited. We were getting closer to meeting our baby!
After 20 minutes on the NST they took us to our room where they had the tub all ready for me. A little after we got to our room Maria the midwife came and checked in on us and asked how we were doing and asked if we needed anything. I told her everything was great! She told us if we needed anything just to let the nurse know and she'd be right there. We met our nurse Angie, she was great. She said to me, "I've never done a Hypnobabies birth before so I'm sorry if I say the wrong thing". I said to her, I've never done a Hypnobabies birth either, we'll do great together! The tub was awesome! So comfortable and relaxing. I was able to enjoy my birthing time with out any IV's and only intermittent monitoring. To do the monitoring the nurse would just bring a dopler over and listen to Maizy's heart beat before, through and after a pressure wave. I was able to stay in the tub for that which was great! She did that about every 30 minutes. The nurse had to put on these hilarious gloves that went clear up to her armpit every time she monitored me. For some reason it reminded me of a Veterinarian delivering a horse, or elephant or cow or some huge animal! Hilarious right? That was not the only thing we laughed about. We were talking and joking and enjoying our selves the whole time. When a pressure wave would come, I'd just turn off my light switch, focus and then go back to the conversation. There were a couple times when someone was talking to me when a pressure wave would come and I tried to talk to them rather then turning off my light switch. Those couple times I felt my body start to tense up and as soon as I turned my light switch off, I'd relax and be much more comfortable. It was amazing to me! I also used my peace cue and that was very effective and helpful in staying calm and relaxed. During Pressure Waves After At 11:10 Maria came in to talk to us. Her and Dr. Kells had a C-section to do at another hospital at 12:00. She wanted to check me and see how things were progressing before she left. I got out of the tub and was excitedly anticipating hearing I was at a 9 or something like that. She says, well you're at about a 6 so I think we'll be ok if I head over. I was so disappointed. I'd barely made any progress. I decided as wonderful as the tub felt it was time to try and get things moving. But not until after some lunch!
At 11:25 we ate some lunch. Then we went on a walk at 11:45. While we were walking during pressure waves I would lean on Brent and Tricia used a wrap around my belly and lifted. After about 4 pressure waves doing this my water broke, at 12 pm. I had lots of extra amniotic fluid and it was a huge gush, in the middle of the hall way. Not so envious of who ever has to clean that up! Funny how I had been so concerned about a prolapsing cord, or arm but in the moment it didn't even cross my mind. I could feel something was a little different with that pressure wave and it felt kind of nice when my water broke. Instantly I could tell things were different and we quickly headed back to our room. At 12:10 we got back to the room and I asked the nurse to check me, I was at an 8. Brent helping me stay relaxed while the nurse checked me. They called Maria. I heard the nurse say, "my patient is getting pretty active." I decided 2cm could take a while so I got back in the tub. I thought we had plenty of time for Maria to get there Brent using the relax cue Reading me some scripts. It seemed to me that almost instantly I felt like I needed to push! Which I thought I couldn't be to a 10 yet, so I better not, I (my body) couldn't be ready to push yet! But with the next pressure wave there was no way I could not push!
At 12:25 I got out of the tub and squatted and pushed for one pressure wave. The nurses wanted me to get on the bed, so I didn't give birth on the floor. I got on all fours to push on the bed. I remember hearing a nurse say something about getting any OB in there. They told me Ramona was coming and I smiled! Ramona is the midwife at the practice I like the most, the one I had wanted to be with me when I gave birth. I asked how far away she was and they told me she was just leaving the office, I thought I'm going to get Ramona she's only 10 min away!! I pushed with the next pressure wave and at that point I thought oh this hurts. I kind of whimpered "it hurts it hurts". Brent helping me while I pushed. Next pressure wave it burned and I said that. The nurse said yes she's doing a good job of stretching you out. I asked if she (Maizy) was there? She said yes you can feel her head. So at 12:32 I reached down and felt my baby crowing. (I think it's funny at that moment I wanted to shout, "how's my perineum?" I didn't :) I was shocked, I had pushed for an hour and a half with Croix. Here I was just a couple pushes in and she was already crowning. I also remembered with Croix his head would come out a little with a push and then go back in and that happened for such a long time. I wanted to make sure that didn't happen so with the next pressure wave I really bore down, and out came her head. The nurse said one more push for her shoulders. One more push and at 12:35 she was born. Brent was going to catch, and went down to do so when her head came out, but it all happened so fast he didn't get a chance to. The nurses kind of caught her, more they helped her land on the bed. The midwife, or any other doctor never made it. It was just me, Brent, Tricia, and the nurses. It was perfect.
At 12:45 Maria got there. She checked and said there was no tearing, just some minor abrasions. I was so happy to hear that! I was worried with how fast it had gone I would have torn. I was very glad my perineum was fine:) We waited to cut the cord until it stopped pulsing. Maizy came out perfect with a good cry. She scored a 9/9 on the Apgar. At 12:55 the placenta was delivered and it felt good to deliver the placenta, a little relief. And at 1:00 Maizy started nursing for the first time. We waited an hour or so to weigh her, just took some time to bond. She weighed in at 5 pounds 14 ounces, 19 inches long 12cm head. After a while another nurse came in and said what a great job I did. She said, I hear you even went pee by yourself. My slightly baffled response was "Yeah I'm such a big girl" When I got home and was using my water bottle after using the restroom I remembered having a hard time peeing after Croix, most likely from the catheter, and having to use water to help me start peeing. That helped me understand her comment. I heard from several nurses, what an amazing job I did. It really felt great to hear that from women who see births daily.
Maizy was doing great and I was feeling fantastic so the next morning I asked if we could be discharged. Twenty Four hours after she was born and our little family was headed home. I was confidant that Hypnobabies would work and I would have the birthing experience I wanted but I am still amazed at just how easy it really was. It was quick and comfortable. The only time I felt any real pain was when I was pushing her out. And even then I was not screaming out in pain, or crying, or vomiting, just quietly said it hurts. I felt/feel so much better afterwards this time then I did after Croix. I was immediately able to get up and walk around and I felt great! My body is/was not as tired. I am already (3 days post baby) not even taking Ibuprofen because I don't need it. When my milk came in I didn't get engorged (that can be caused by the excess fluids in your body from IV fluids during birthing time). A natural birth, a Hypnobabies birth was one of the best most beautiful experience of my life. It was perfection!
We used Hypnobabies for our birthing. They use some different terminology then you are used to. I also talk about the self hypnosis that I used. If anything doesn't make sense or you would like more of an explanation of what I'm talking about, feel free to ask. I'd love to share more info with anyone! At about 3 AM Tuesday June 19th I woke up to go to the bathroom. I noticed I was having some pressure waves (contractions) and that they were stronger and coming fairly frequently. I slept in between them for about an hour, then I started timing them. They were every 3-5 min apart and lasting about a minute. I was trying to do my finger drop technique (entering self hypnosis) at the same time trying to time my pressure waves. It wasn't working so great, I was too distracted. At 4:30 I got on my exercise ball, tried to relax and tell my cervix, open open open. I was finding it hard to relax and finally at 5:30 I decided I needed to listen to my Deepening CD.
I went downstairs and put it in and slept for about half an hour. At 6:30 our neighbor brought a wide awake Croix back home (he had been at their house from the night before when I wasn't positive if my water had broken and we went to the hospital). I ate some breakfast and went back to bed to see if I could sleep some more. After listening to my deepening DC I found it much easier to stay in my hypnosis. I stayed relaxed and comfortable through pressure waves even when interacting with Croix and eating breakfast. Even though I'd been having regular, strong pressure waves for 3 hours I was hesitant to declare it time to go to the hospital, after we had been sent home less then 12 hours ago. Once upstairs I couldn't sleep and my pressure waves were getting stronger, longer, and closer together (although I did not actually time them, I found that to be too distracting.) A little after 7 I hollered to Brent to get Croix ready we were going back to the hospital. He asked if my water had broken and I told him, no but I'm calling it, this is the real deal, time to go.
On the way there we text our Doula, Tricia, and the birth photographer. Tricia met us at the hospital shortly after we got out of triage and to our room. The birth photographer was unable to make it. So disappointing. So the photos we do have are not so great quality, but I'm still thankful to have them. (So please excuse blurriness, graininess, darkness, etc) We dropped Croix back off at our neighbors and headed to the hospital at 7:30. On the drive I put my head phones and listened to one of the Hypnobabies tracks. This really helped me to stay relaxed on the drive. When we got there I walked up the registration and said "hi! we're here to have a baby!" She asked if we were there for a scheduled induction or C-section. I didn't realize at the time why she had asked that but thinking about it now I'm sure it's because I didn't look like the average woman "in labor". I was calm, smiling and most important, not in pain. She then asked if I was having contractions and I told her yes, every few minutes, with a smile. Since we had just been there the night before going through registration was much quicker then the last time. I found it easy to stay relaxed as a pressure wave would come I'd put my light switch in the off position, breath, back to center and continue what I was doing. In triage they checked me, I was at 5.5 cm! I was excited. We were getting closer to meeting our baby!
After 20 minutes on the NST they took us to our room where they had the tub all ready for me. A little after we got to our room Maria the midwife came and checked in on us and asked how we were doing and asked if we needed anything. I told her everything was great! She told us if we needed anything just to let the nurse know and she'd be right there. We met our nurse Angie, she was great. She said to me, "I've never done a Hypnobabies birth before so I'm sorry if I say the wrong thing". I said to her, I've never done a Hypnobabies birth either, we'll do great together! The tub was awesome! So comfortable and relaxing. I was able to enjoy my birthing time with out any IV's and only intermittent monitoring. To do the monitoring the nurse would just bring a dopler over and listen to Maizy's heart beat before, through and after a pressure wave. I was able to stay in the tub for that which was great! She did that about every 30 minutes. The nurse had to put on these hilarious gloves that went clear up to her armpit every time she monitored me. For some reason it reminded me of a Veterinarian delivering a horse, or elephant or cow or some huge animal! Hilarious right? That was not the only thing we laughed about. We were talking and joking and enjoying our selves the whole time. When a pressure wave would come, I'd just turn off my light switch, focus and then go back to the conversation. There were a couple times when someone was talking to me when a pressure wave would come and I tried to talk to them rather then turning off my light switch. Those couple times I felt my body start to tense up and as soon as I turned my light switch off, I'd relax and be much more comfortable. It was amazing to me! I also used my peace cue and that was very effective and helpful in staying calm and relaxed. During Pressure Waves After At 11:10 Maria came in to talk to us. Her and Dr. Kells had a C-section to do at another hospital at 12:00. She wanted to check me and see how things were progressing before she left. I got out of the tub and was excitedly anticipating hearing I was at a 9 or something like that. She says, well you're at about a 6 so I think we'll be ok if I head over. I was so disappointed. I'd barely made any progress. I decided as wonderful as the tub felt it was time to try and get things moving. But not until after some lunch!
At 11:25 we ate some lunch. Then we went on a walk at 11:45. While we were walking during pressure waves I would lean on Brent and Tricia used a wrap around my belly and lifted. After about 4 pressure waves doing this my water broke, at 12 pm. I had lots of extra amniotic fluid and it was a huge gush, in the middle of the hall way. Not so envious of who ever has to clean that up! Funny how I had been so concerned about a prolapsing cord, or arm but in the moment it didn't even cross my mind. I could feel something was a little different with that pressure wave and it felt kind of nice when my water broke. Instantly I could tell things were different and we quickly headed back to our room. At 12:10 we got back to the room and I asked the nurse to check me, I was at an 8. Brent helping me stay relaxed while the nurse checked me. They called Maria. I heard the nurse say, "my patient is getting pretty active." I decided 2cm could take a while so I got back in the tub. I thought we had plenty of time for Maria to get there Brent using the relax cue Reading me some scripts. It seemed to me that almost instantly I felt like I needed to push! Which I thought I couldn't be to a 10 yet, so I better not, I (my body) couldn't be ready to push yet! But with the next pressure wave there was no way I could not push!
At 12:25 I got out of the tub and squatted and pushed for one pressure wave. The nurses wanted me to get on the bed, so I didn't give birth on the floor. I got on all fours to push on the bed. I remember hearing a nurse say something about getting any OB in there. They told me Ramona was coming and I smiled! Ramona is the midwife at the practice I like the most, the one I had wanted to be with me when I gave birth. I asked how far away she was and they told me she was just leaving the office, I thought I'm going to get Ramona she's only 10 min away!! I pushed with the next pressure wave and at that point I thought oh this hurts. I kind of whimpered "it hurts it hurts". Brent helping me while I pushed. Next pressure wave it burned and I said that. The nurse said yes she's doing a good job of stretching you out. I asked if she (Maizy) was there? She said yes you can feel her head. So at 12:32 I reached down and felt my baby crowing. (I think it's funny at that moment I wanted to shout, "how's my perineum?" I didn't :) I was shocked, I had pushed for an hour and a half with Croix. Here I was just a couple pushes in and she was already crowning. I also remembered with Croix his head would come out a little with a push and then go back in and that happened for such a long time. I wanted to make sure that didn't happen so with the next pressure wave I really bore down, and out came her head. The nurse said one more push for her shoulders. One more push and at 12:35 she was born. Brent was going to catch, and went down to do so when her head came out, but it all happened so fast he didn't get a chance to. The nurses kind of caught her, more they helped her land on the bed. The midwife, or any other doctor never made it. It was just me, Brent, Tricia, and the nurses. It was perfect.
At 12:45 Maria got there. She checked and said there was no tearing, just some minor abrasions. I was so happy to hear that! I was worried with how fast it had gone I would have torn. I was very glad my perineum was fine:) We waited to cut the cord until it stopped pulsing. Maizy came out perfect with a good cry. She scored a 9/9 on the Apgar. At 12:55 the placenta was delivered and it felt good to deliver the placenta, a little relief. And at 1:00 Maizy started nursing for the first time. We waited an hour or so to weigh her, just took some time to bond. She weighed in at 5 pounds 14 ounces, 19 inches long 12cm head. After a while another nurse came in and said what a great job I did. She said, I hear you even went pee by yourself. My slightly baffled response was "Yeah I'm such a big girl" When I got home and was using my water bottle after using the restroom I remembered having a hard time peeing after Croix, most likely from the catheter, and having to use water to help me start peeing. That helped me understand her comment. I heard from several nurses, what an amazing job I did. It really felt great to hear that from women who see births daily.
Maizy was doing great and I was feeling fantastic so the next morning I asked if we could be discharged. Twenty Four hours after she was born and our little family was headed home. I was confidant that Hypnobabies would work and I would have the birthing experience I wanted but I am still amazed at just how easy it really was. It was quick and comfortable. The only time I felt any real pain was when I was pushing her out. And even then I was not screaming out in pain, or crying, or vomiting, just quietly said it hurts. I felt/feel so much better afterwards this time then I did after Croix. I was immediately able to get up and walk around and I felt great! My body is/was not as tired. I am already (3 days post baby) not even taking Ibuprofen because I don't need it. When my milk came in I didn't get engorged (that can be caused by the excess fluids in your body from IV fluids during birthing time). A natural birth, a Hypnobabies birth was one of the best most beautiful experience of my life. It was perfection!
Friday, June 15, 2012
"I am planning on having an epidural. How would a doula benefit me?"
Your doula's role is to assist you during birth, to comfort and support you. Giving birth to your baby is so much more than a medical procedure. It is an emotional, spiritual and physical journey. Having a doula with you can help smooth the crucial transition from pregnancy into parenthood. Both parents will benefit from the nurturing care a doula provides. Epidurals do not always take all the pain away. There are many reasons why an expectation of a "painless childbirth" may be an unrealisitc goal. You may still require the use of other forms of comfort measures during early labor and beyond. Although epidurals due reduce pain 90% of the time, few epidurals limit all pain. Here are some barriers that may hinder your desired "painless childbirth".
Your labor may progress too quickly for you to receive an epidural.
A pre-existing medical condition, low blood pressure, low hemoglobin levels, previous spinal injuries, or prior bad reactions to anesthesia may disallow epidural usage.
Epidurals do not provide complete relief for back labor but will confine the mother to the bed and prevent her from doing many of the positions that relieve the pain of back labor.
Often you must wait for the anesthesiologist to become available.
You may need to wait while you receive 1-2 liters of I.V. fluid before the process of the epidural may begin.
The procedure itself can take up to 30 minutes to perform,
Once you have been given the epidural you may not have complete pain relief for another 20-30 minutes until the medication takes effect.
Once you are close to complete dilation, the epidural may need to wear off to encourage pushing
You may experience breakthrough pain
Epidurals increase the likelihood of other painful interventions: IVs, urinary catheters, continuous fetal monitoring either externally or internally, frequent blood pressure monitoring, maternal fever requiring use of antibiotics & tests on baby (complete blood count, spinal taps), pitocin, forceps, vacuum extractors, episiotomy, and cesarean section.
Sometimes the epidural gives only patchy pain relief, or doesn't give pain relief at all.
Some women experience epidural induced pains after the birth: epidural/spinal headaches, postpartum backaches.
Laboring is hard, so support is always welcome.
portraitgallery/IMG_4601a.jpg
If you experience any of the above situations, or if you prefer to avoid using the epidural until you are 5-6cm to reduce your chances of needing a cesarean, your doula will be invaluable in helping you use relaxation techniques, suggesting position changes, and using non-medical comfort measures. Over 70% of the time epidurals come with mild side effects. Although not considered medically serious, these side effects can be very unpleasant. All over the body itching, nauseas, shaking (“epidural shakes”) and confused nerves may send feelings of intense heat to the lower extremities. Many women find the deadened nerve sensation in their entire lower body to be very distracting and disconcerting (similar to having your lower jaw numbed when having a filling at the dentist). The loss of feeling and control in the legs can be distressing for some mothers. The doula will stay by your side, helping you cope with the side effects you have and giving you information about your options and choices.
This link will take you to a news cast story concerning the servies doulas provide to clients.
http://www.wlos.com/newsroom/health_alert/vid_82.shtml
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