Archive for the ‘Labor’ Category

Childbirth, What is a doula?

Doula –(Du-La) Etymology: modern Greek Female helper

For me being at a birth is a true miracle and honor. I  have been truly blessed to be in attendance of so many beautiful births which were not only transforming for the families I assisted but for me as well. Here are some tips I can pass along to you to help decide if a doula is something you are considering for your birth.

Having doula at your birth can complete your circle of people who will assist with ensuring a healthy an peaceful birth Your doctor, or midwife, the nurses, your husband/partner, your family, your friends, your community support groups.

On one side of you is the person who loves you most and the other side is the person who knows birth best. You are in the middle and gain the strength, security and power by having those two pillars on either side.

Clinical studies

A doula can help reduce the mother’s need for pain medication

A doula can reduce the need for labor intervention and c-sections

A doula can greatly enhance having a positive birth experience!

have found that having a doula at your birth can result in shorter labor with fewer complications

Modern doula a woman experienced in childbirth, who provides advice, information, emotional support and comfort to woman before, during and after birth.

 

Hiring a doula

:

Set up a interviews with 2-3 doulas

listen to her philosophy, her tone, personality does it meet your needs or clash, the most important gifts a doula should bring to your birth is that you feel safe

On call availability

Visits before the birth, postpartum what are her goals for those visits.

Experience and references

Does she have a back up doula?

Fees

in joy

dee*

Small Wonders Childbirth Education DVD, all the preparation you need in the comfort of your home

September 19th, 2011 | Classes, doula, Labor, Video | 1 Comment »

Childbirth class: Early labor signs

For many days before labor to the onset of true labor many woman experience:

1. nesting instinct..  innate urge to get things done

2. warm up contractions- tightening of the uterus , cramping with no real pattern

3. feeling heaviness in pelvis- baby drops into pelvis

4. loose bowels- natures way to cleanse and make more room for the baby to come down

5.weight loss- not uncommon to lose a few pounds before labor

6.increased vaginal discharge

7.loss of mucous plug- plug that is at end of cervix gets released as cervix may start to dilate and efface, It can be expelled  after vaginal exam, intercourse, exercise, etc. You can  Is egg white or mucous consistency and can have  some brown or pink spots . Normal  event before or at start of labor

What you can do:

REST- take this opportunity to rest /sleep

Eat & Drink light comfort food, carbohydrates are best, stay hydrated

Take a walk after you have rested walk, helps with alignment and can help bring on labor

Ignore it/ Relax- watch  a movie , read , take a bath ,sleep take your mind off it. Labor will come on when you are most relaxed mentally and physically and  most importantly in the perfect time!

Now that you know what to  expect ..relax & trust … because all is well

in joy

dee*

Learn this and more on Small Wonders Childbirth Education Classes on DVD.

www.smallwonderschildbirth.com

September 6th, 2011 | Classes, Information, Labor, Video | No Comments »

Birth: make it a positive event

Today when I turned on the news I got frightened about the weather! We are living in a  society that makes us fearful for our well being on most levels.

Working in the hospital  I became all to  familiar with what is said about what can go wrong in labor.

Many doctors & nurses while thinking it is their best intention are telling woman what can possibly go wrong. This  fills  her mind with fear of labor and birth which during this vulnerable time causes her to lose her perspective  to trust the process.

That is why  I want to help woman  know what can go RIGHT. That is what I teach. Helping women and their partners understand the  process of labor and birth and giving them the ability to trust the natural process and to make the best choices for their unique birth experience.

I want you to celebrate your childs birthday with a positive memory, one with no regrets.   Having a positive birth experience sets  the path for  joyous  parenting.

Get all the education you need to prepare for your birth in the comfort of your home with Small Wonders Childbirth Education DVD.

dee*

August 26th, 2011 | Classes, Labor, parenting, Video | No Comments »

When will this baby be born?

As I sit and wait for my phone to ring from my doula client who was due 5 days ago  I empathize with all  the pregnant woman who are getting close to the due date or have gone past it and are  waiting for labor . Could  these contractions really be it?  Could today be the day?  As you know the due date is just an estimate, average first time mom goes a week and a day past the due date ( seems like a lifetime ) But please  trust that your  baby knows the perfect time.

Here are some tips that may help you through these last few days..or dare I say weeks?

1. Treat your self to a massage or  pedicure.

2. Go to an afternoon movie , it will be a long time you can catch a chick flick by yourself

3.Take a nap

4.Take a walk  ….remember to stay hydrated

5 Visit with some friends

6. Read a good book

7. Take a prenatal yoga class

8. Journal about  your pregnancy journey

Remember you are only getting closer every day  to having the baby.Embrace these last few days of pregnancy as you make the transition to “mamahood”

Have a Happy Birthday

in joy

dee*

Small Wonders Childbirth

www.smallwonderschildbirth.com

August 24th, 2011 | Classes, Labor, Video | No Comments »

Childbirth tips for having a positive birth

Five tips to have the Positive Birth you deserve.

Choose what information you hear about feels best for you. Do this by   making a complete circle of support for your pregnancy. Include your medical professionals, doctors or midwives, community classes for parents to be, your childbirth educator, your doula, your friends and family, and a few good books.

  • Stay healthy during your pregnancy .Nourish you and your baby’s body with clean and nutritious food. . Keep yourself hydrated and take time to rest when you need to. Of course allow yourself to indulge in some of your unique cravings.
  • Flood your body with endorphins, natures natural high while staying in   great shape for the athletic event of labor. Take walks or hikes, prenatal swimming and prenatal yoga is another great way to work out while meeting other woman.
  • Write down your Birth wishes, what you desire for your birth always with the intention of a healthy and joyful birth. Sit down with your partner and compose your wishes something like “We prefer to labor in a quiet and dimly  lit room”
  • Meditate daily while you say your daily affirmation. You will learn to trust your instincts, your inner wisdom and your body.

Learn more at www.smallwonderschildbirth.com

in joy

dee*

August 17th, 2011 | AFFIRMATION, Birth Stories, Classes, doula, Labor | No Comments »
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