Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
10 Tips for Achieving a Successful, Positive Birth Experience
1. Get educated
Find a private childbirth education class to learn the anatomy of birth, along with valuable tips for labor. Hospital classes are somewhat useful but we find private classes are geared more towards helping a woman decide what’s right for her. A good read is another great way to educate yourself. We love Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin and Sheila Kitzinger’s The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth.
2. Surround yourself with positivity
The power of positive thinking is a great tool throughout pregnancy and birth. Surrounding yourself with people who are optimistic about your pregnancy and have positive stories about birth will help you remember this is a beautiful, sacred time in your life.
3. Practice yoga and/or meditation
Yoga and meditation are wonderful ways to de-stress throughout your pregnancy. Taking some quiet time to breathe and focus on your inner strength can help you in labor as well.
4. Hire the right midwife or doctor
Choosing a care provider is one of the most important decisions you will make during pregnancy. Be sure you interview a few care providers to find one who shares similar views as you, will respect your desires and listen to your concerns. It may seem too soon to talk about birthing preferences but it is an important conversation to have to ensure everyone is on the same page.
5. Hire a doula
A doula will guide you and your partner through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. As a trained and experienced professional, she will be there to educate, support and comfort you as well as provide labor support when the day arrives. A doula will be there to provide continuous, judgment-free information and care.
6. Give birth where you feel most comfortable
You may think a hospital is the safest place to give birth but really think about what is most important to you for this momentous event. Explore your options and choose a place where you feel safe and comfortable. Your body and baby will respond to your feelings when labor day comes!
7. Get a second opinion
If a situation arises where your medical provider suggests a test or procedure you are not 100% okay with, ask questions and do not be afraid to do your own research and/or ask for a second opinion. It’s your body!
8. Address your fears
You may think fear and anxiety are just a part of pregnancy but they do not have to be. Work on getting to the roots of these fears. Talk to your partner, care provider, doula, friends and family.
9. Be open and present
Be proactive but do not overwhelm yourself with trying to plan every aspect of your labor and birth. Labor is unpredictable so going with the flow of things is key!
10. Trust your body and intuition
Our bodies are made to birth our babies. Trust yourself and listen to your instincts, they can be your most powerful tool.
Find a private childbirth education class to learn the anatomy of birth, along with valuable tips for labor. Hospital classes are somewhat useful but we find private classes are geared more towards helping a woman decide what’s right for her. A good read is another great way to educate yourself. We love Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin and Sheila Kitzinger’s The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth.
2. Surround yourself with positivity
The power of positive thinking is a great tool throughout pregnancy and birth. Surrounding yourself with people who are optimistic about your pregnancy and have positive stories about birth will help you remember this is a beautiful, sacred time in your life.
3. Practice yoga and/or meditation
Yoga and meditation are wonderful ways to de-stress throughout your pregnancy. Taking some quiet time to breathe and focus on your inner strength can help you in labor as well.
4. Hire the right midwife or doctor
Choosing a care provider is one of the most important decisions you will make during pregnancy. Be sure you interview a few care providers to find one who shares similar views as you, will respect your desires and listen to your concerns. It may seem too soon to talk about birthing preferences but it is an important conversation to have to ensure everyone is on the same page.
5. Hire a doula
A doula will guide you and your partner through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. As a trained and experienced professional, she will be there to educate, support and comfort you as well as provide labor support when the day arrives. A doula will be there to provide continuous, judgment-free information and care.
6. Give birth where you feel most comfortable
You may think a hospital is the safest place to give birth but really think about what is most important to you for this momentous event. Explore your options and choose a place where you feel safe and comfortable. Your body and baby will respond to your feelings when labor day comes!
7. Get a second opinion
If a situation arises where your medical provider suggests a test or procedure you are not 100% okay with, ask questions and do not be afraid to do your own research and/or ask for a second opinion. It’s your body!
8. Address your fears
You may think fear and anxiety are just a part of pregnancy but they do not have to be. Work on getting to the roots of these fears. Talk to your partner, care provider, doula, friends and family.
9. Be open and present
Be proactive but do not overwhelm yourself with trying to plan every aspect of your labor and birth. Labor is unpredictable so going with the flow of things is key!
10. Trust your body and intuition
Our bodies are made to birth our babies. Trust yourself and listen to your instincts, they can be your most powerful tool.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
A VBAC story !
Dear Stephen,
When I met your mom and dad, the first thing I noticed was how much they loved each other and their 2 little ones, you and your brother. So when your mommy and I talked about her wanting to VBAC and their hopes for your birth, I knew everything would work out okay. A few days before your due date, contractions started and, they wouldn’t stop all day and night! Your mommy was exhausted but couldn’t sleep from all the excitement and energy knowing she’d soon meet you.
I went to your house that night, September 30th around 11pm. Since mommy had been contracting all day, we thought it might be a good idea to head to the hospital. When we arrived, mommy was coping very nicely with each contraction and so was disappointed to hear she was only 3 cm. But we all believed in her and most importantly, she believed in herself and you. Your strong mommy labored all night and again all day the next day. It was now October 1st and things were slowly but surely coming along. Mommy was pooped but kept on, using her body, breathe and voice to get through each surge. Your daddy stayed close by, holding her hand and reminding your mommy how beautiful and strong she was.
Finally around 3pm the midwife said you might be ready and that mommy could start pushing! I’ve never seen anyone so thrilled to start pushing! It was an emotional moment for your mommy. After all, she had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Mom had been concerned through that she might not be able to push because of how long and tiring the labor was but wow, could she push! She was very efficient and with all her strength and love, birthed you gently and beautifully, with your daddy whispering words of love and encouragement in her ear. What a magical moment. To see the looks on your mom and dad’s face was a true gift. The day you were born was a special day for your mom and dad. I was lucky enough to be there to witness all the joy and love in the room. Welcome to the world! You are loved.
And I have to share this awesome video of their cat meeting the baby:
When I met your mom and dad, the first thing I noticed was how much they loved each other and their 2 little ones, you and your brother. So when your mommy and I talked about her wanting to VBAC and their hopes for your birth, I knew everything would work out okay. A few days before your due date, contractions started and, they wouldn’t stop all day and night! Your mommy was exhausted but couldn’t sleep from all the excitement and energy knowing she’d soon meet you.
I went to your house that night, September 30th around 11pm. Since mommy had been contracting all day, we thought it might be a good idea to head to the hospital. When we arrived, mommy was coping very nicely with each contraction and so was disappointed to hear she was only 3 cm. But we all believed in her and most importantly, she believed in herself and you. Your strong mommy labored all night and again all day the next day. It was now October 1st and things were slowly but surely coming along. Mommy was pooped but kept on, using her body, breathe and voice to get through each surge. Your daddy stayed close by, holding her hand and reminding your mommy how beautiful and strong she was.
Finally around 3pm the midwife said you might be ready and that mommy could start pushing! I’ve never seen anyone so thrilled to start pushing! It was an emotional moment for your mommy. After all, she had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Mom had been concerned through that she might not be able to push because of how long and tiring the labor was but wow, could she push! She was very efficient and with all her strength and love, birthed you gently and beautifully, with your daddy whispering words of love and encouragement in her ear. What a magical moment. To see the looks on your mom and dad’s face was a true gift. The day you were born was a special day for your mom and dad. I was lucky enough to be there to witness all the joy and love in the room. Welcome to the world! You are loved.
And I have to share this awesome video of their cat meeting the baby:
Friday, October 7, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
White Swan Meditation
White Swan Meditation
This is a good one for High Blood Pressure or just peace and sleep:
-Before bed take a warm bath with a few drops of lavender essential oil
-Make a Fist with both hands
-Hold fists with backside of hand 6-8 inches from forehead in front of 3rd eye point
-Press thumbs together hard enough until they are white at the tips
-Close your eyes and mentally envision the white thumb tips
-Breathe long and deep
Do for 5 - 11 minutes a day or as long as needed
This is a good one for High Blood Pressure or just peace and sleep:
-Before bed take a warm bath with a few drops of lavender essential oil
-Make a Fist with both hands
-Hold fists with backside of hand 6-8 inches from forehead in front of 3rd eye point
-Press thumbs together hard enough until they are white at the tips
-Close your eyes and mentally envision the white thumb tips
-Breathe long and deep
Do for 5 - 11 minutes a day or as long as needed
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