Advocating at Birth
The best way to advocate for oneself in the delivery room is to begin the process well before stepping into the space itself. According to a recent international survey, up to one-third of women experience some trauma during birth, which means that at some point during labor, they felt that their emotional well-being or even their or their babies’ lives were under threat. In addition, one in four American women who underwent either labor induction or a C-section reported experiencing pressure from a health professional to do so. To guarantee a positive birth, finding an empathetic provider and establishing open communication will reduce the stress that accompanies unwanted developments. The following are some steps to take to ensure a positive birth experience:
Consider the type of care that is important to you.
Ask questions of potential providers, just as you would if you were conducting a job interview.
During the heightened and intense period of labor, some interventions may be necessary, but they should never be performed without your informed consent.
Have a labor support person.
In addition, informed consent is a fundamental right of every individual, including birthing persons. It means that you have the right to be fully informed about any medical procedure or intervention, including the risks and benefits, and have the right to accept or refuse that procedure or intervention. This right is essential to ensure that you have an active and informed role in your birthing process and that your choices and preferences are respected. It is important to know that you have the right to ask questions and receive clear answers about any aspect of your care and to take the time to consider your options before making a decision.
Breastfeeding past 2 years
Breastfeeding past 2 years is known as extended breastfeeding. While breastfeeding is recommended as the best source of nutrition for infants up to 6 months of age, the World Health Organization recommends that mothers continue to breastfeed their children for at least two years and beyond, along with introducing appropriate complementary foods.
Extended breastfeeding has been associated with numerous benefits for both the mother and child. Breast milk provides a range of nutrients that can help support a child's immune system and overall health, and it can also provide comfort and a sense of security for both the child and mother. For the mother, extended breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as a reduced risk of osteoporosis.
Here are some of the benefits:
For the child:
Boosts immunity: Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting factors that can help protect the child from infections and illnesses.
Better brain development: Breast milk contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for brain development, and studies have shown that prolonged breastfeeding is associated with better cognitive development.
Provides comfort and emotional support: Breastfeeding provides a sense of comfort and security for the child and can be a source of emotional support during times of stress or illness.
Improved nutrition: Breast milk continues to provide important nutrients, including protein, fat, and vitamins, that are essential for a child's growth and development.
For the mother:
Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer: Studies have shown that extended breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Reduced risk of osteoporosis: Breastfeeding helps to preserve bone density and can reduce the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Bonding and emotional support: Breastfeeding can be a source of bonding and emotional support for the mother and child, providing a sense of closeness and connection.
Curb Walking for Labor
Have started dilating and effacing and want to give your body a little push to get things moving?
Try this simple exercise: Curb walking
Curb walking is an exercise often used as a way to prepare the body for labor and naturally induce. The idea is that walking on the curb or using other variations can encourage the baby to move down in the pelvis and apply pressure to the cervix, which may help release oxytocin and trigger contractions. Curb walking can also promote pelvic movement and help to stretch and tone the muscles that are involved in childbirth.
If you don't have access to a safe curb to walk on, you can try other variations of the exercise, such as walking up and down stairs or wearing one high heel shoe and one flat shoe and walking inside.
Here are some potential benefits of curb walking to induce labor:
Encourages baby to move down: Walking on the curb or using other variations can create a rocking motion that helps to move the baby down in the pelvis, which may stimulate the cervix and encourage labor to start.
Promotes better positioning: If the baby is in an unfavorable position, such as posterior or breech, curb walking may help to encourage the baby to move into a better position for delivery.
May help contractions become more regular: The pressure from the baby's head on the cervix can help to release oxytocin, which is the hormone that stimulates contractions. Walking on the curb or using other variations may help to make contractions more regular and stronger.
It is important to note that curb walking is not recommended for everyone and should only be done with the approval of your healthcare provider. Curb walking may not be effective for all women, and it is important to listen to your body and not overdo It.
Remember: The proper way to curb walk is UP and HIP OUT.
Mouth and Pelvis Connection
Source: @luisaalexandre on Instagram
The pelvis and mouth are physiologically connected as they are both part of the body's musculoskeletal system and can be influenced by each other during childbirth. The pelvic floor muscles play an essential role in the birthing process, as they help support the baby's descent through the birth canal and provide the necessary muscle tone for pushing during delivery. In fact, the cervix is often referred to as the "neck" of the uterus, and the jaw and pelvis are connected on a cellular and fascial level through a fascial line that runs from the tip of the coccyx to the tip of the tongue. This connection underscores the importance of relaxation and tension release during childbirth, as tension in one area of the body can impact the other.
A woman in labor may experience tension or clenching in her jaw and mouth, which can be a sign of anxiety or stress. This tension can be transmitted to the pelvic floor muscles, making it more difficult for the baby to descend and increasing the risk of complications such as perineal tears or episiotomy. Conversely, relaxing the jaw and throat can help to release tension in the pelvis and promote a more efficient and natural birth process. Techniques such as deep breathing, vocalization, massage, and visualization can all help to promote relaxation and reduce tension in both the jaw and the pelvis.
Here are 6 techniques to help reduce the tension in the jaw and pelvis:
Deep breathing: Focusing on slow, deep breaths can help to relax the muscles of the face and jaw. Encouraging a woman to take long, slow breaths through the nose and out through the mouth can be helpful.
Vocalization: Making sounds during labor, such as low moans or humming, can help to release tension in the jaw and promote relaxation throughout the body.
Massage: Gentle massage or touch around the jaw and neck can help to release tension in the muscles and promote relaxation.
Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the jaw can help to relax the muscles and reduce tension.
Visualization: Encouraging a woman to visualize her jaw as a soft, loose sponge can be helpful in promoting relaxation.
Supportive care: Providing emotional support and reassurance throughout the birthing process can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can in turn reduce tension in the jaw.
By reducing tension in the jaw and promoting relaxation throughout the body, women may be able to facilitate a more efficient and natural birth process and reduce the risk of complications. It is important to note that every woman's labor and delivery experience is unique, and the best techniques for reducing tension in the jaw will depend on the individual woman's preferences and needs. Working with a trained childbirth educator or healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying effective techniques for reducing tension and promoting relaxation during labor and delivery.
Laboring In An Upright Position
the practice of giving birth on one's back can be traced back to the 16th century when a French physician named Francois Mauriceau introduced the use of the birthing chair. Prior to this time, women gave birth in a variety of positions, including squatting or standing. The birthing chair allowed physicians to have better access to the perineum and vaginal area, making it easier for them to assist with the delivery.
In the 17th century, another French physician named William Smellie developed a technique for delivering babies in the lithotomy position, which involved having the woman lie on her back with her feet in stirrups. This position became increasingly popular and was eventually adopted as the standard position for childbirth in many Western countries.
However, the lithotomy position is not the most ideal position for childbirth, as it can cause difficulties with delivery and increase the risk of certain complications.
Throughout human history, women have given birth in a wide variety of positions, including upright positions such as squatting, standing, or leaning. Many traditional cultures around the world have long recognized the benefits of upright birthing positions, and these positions have been used for generations to promote a more efficient and natural birth process.
However, it is also important to recognize that the medicalization of childbirth over the past few centuries has led to a significant shift in birthing practices, with many women being encouraged or required to give birth while lying down or in other positions that are not ideal for the birth process. This has contributed to a range of complications and interventions that may not have been necessary if women had been allowed to birth in a more natural and upright position.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to promote more natural and woman-centered approaches to childbirth, including the use of upright birthing positions. This has involved a renewed focus on traditional birthing practices, as well as the development of new techniques and technologies that support natural childbirth. Ultimately, the best birthing position will depend on a range of factors, and women should be encouraged to explore a variety of options and work with their healthcare providers to develop a birth plan that best meets their individual needs and preferences.
There are several potential benefits to laboring in an upright position during childbirth:
Shorter labor: Studies have shown that women who labor in an upright position may have shorter labors than those who give birth while lying down.
Improved fetal positioning: Being in an upright position can help to encourage the baby to move into the optimal position for delivery, which can make the birth process easier and reduce the need for medical interventions.
More efficient contractions: When a woman is in an upright position, gravity can help to encourage the baby to move down the birth canal, which can help to promote more efficient contractions.
Increased comfort: Many women find that being in an upright position during labor is more comfortable than lying down, as it allows them to move around and find a position that feels best for them.
Lower risk of interventions: By promoting a more efficient and natural birth process, laboring in an upright position may help to reduce the need for medical interventions such as induction or augmentation of labor, epidurals, or cesarean delivery.
Preparing for Postpartum
Preparing for postpartum is an important step for expecting mothers, as it can help ease the transition into the postpartum period and promote a faster and smoother recovery. Here are some tips to help you prepare for postpartum:
Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can about the postpartum period and what to expect, both physically and emotionally. This can help you be better prepared and reduce anxiety.
Create a support network: Talk to your partner, family, and friends about what you'll need during the postpartum period, and enlist their help. Consider hiring a postpartum doula or nurse to provide additional support.
Stock up on essentials: Prepare a postpartum care kit with items such as pads, nursing pads, comfortable clothing, and breastfeeding supplies. Stock up on household essentials such as groceries, toiletries, and cleaning supplies so you won't have to worry about shopping immediately after giving birth.
Plan for meals: Make a meal plan for the first few weeks after birth, and consider freezing meals in advance so that you won't have to cook during this time.
Take care of yourself: Remember to prioritize your own physical and emotional health during the postpartum period. Make time for self-care activities such as taking a relaxing bath, getting a massage, or practicing mindfulness meditation.
Communicate with your healthcare provider: Be sure to communicate any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider, and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure that you're healing properly.
By taking these steps to prepare for postpartum, you can help ensure a smoother transition into this new stage of motherhood.
Questions to ask your OBGYN or Midwife
Many expecting mothers choose their doctor or midwife based on the recommendations of friends or other doctors. Others simply look online and go to the first practice that’s nearby or accepting patients. However, your choice of doctor or midwife will have a significant impact on your birth. Not only will you see them throughout your pregnancy, but they influence the medical interventions you do or do not receive during labor.
When considering whom to choose to care for you and your baby during pregnancy and labor pick a provider who aligns with your birth philosophy.
How many births do you and your practice attend each month?
In an uncomplicated delivery, how much of the labor and birth do you typically attend?
Who will assist with the delivery if you aren’t available when I go into labor?
Who do I call if any complications arise during pregnancy? Is someone available to talk with 24/7?
How many of your clients attempt natural birth without epidural or other pain medication?
In what ways do you support moms who want a natural birth?
How do you feel about birth plans?
Do you recommend taking childbirth classes? Do you have any that you recommend?
How do you feel about doulas attending the birth?
Do the other OB-GYNs or midwives in this practice share a similar philosophy about birth?
What is your standard protocol for IVs, IV fluids, and fetal monitoring during labor?
What is your policy on labor inductions? For what reasons are most labor inductions scheduled?
If I’m still pregnant past my due date, at what point do you suggest an induction?
What positions do you feel comfortable with me pushing in as you assist with the delivery? (Lying flat on back, hands, and knees, using a squat bar, side-lying, etc.)
Can I eat during labor?
Is there a tub that I can labor in?
How dilated does my cervix need to be in order to be admitted to the hospital during labor?
Cesarean
Under what circumstances would you recommend a cesarean?
What percentage of the women in your care have a cesarean?
*Cesarean rate in the US is 33%, and in Florida 36%. low (range: 13%-22%), medium (range: 23%-25%), high (range: 25%-36%)
Watch out for red-flag responses. These include:
Vagueness: “I only do cesareans when they are necessary.”
Scare tactics: “I’d like to induce labor when you reach 39 weeks. There’s no reason not to, and even though you’re healthy, you never know what might happen if we wait.”
Patronizing: “Don’t worry; just relax and let me take care of everything.”
Anger: “And what medical school did you go to?”
Bullying: “Decisions will be made by me and are not negotiable.”
*You don't need to ask all these questions. Simply pick the ones that resonate with you.
Creating a birth plan
Creating a birth plan is an essential step in preparing for the arrival of your baby. A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Here are some steps to help you create a birth plan:
Research your options: Start by researching your options for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. This can include things like pain relief options, delivery positions, who you want present during the birth, and postpartum care for you and your baby.
Consider your preferences: Once you have researched your options, think about what is important to you. Consider your desire for a natural birth or a medicated birth, and who you want to be present during the birth.
Discuss with your healthcare provider: Talk to your healthcare provider about your preferences and make sure they are aware of your birth plan. They can provide guidance and information to help you make informed decisions.
Write it down: Once you have identified your preferences, write them down in a clear and concise manner. This will ensure that your healthcare providers know your preferences and can help to ensure that your birth experience is as close to your preferences as possible.
Be flexible: Keep in mind that birth can be unpredictable, and sometimes things may not go according to plan. Be flexible and open to changes if necessary.
Share your plan: Share your birth plan with your partner, family, and healthcare providers. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your preferences are respected.
Here’s an example of a birth plan:
Name: Jane Smith
Due date: June 1, 2023
Partner: John Smith
Doctor/Midwife:
Any other important information such as allergies.
Labor:
I plan to have a natural birth without pain medication, but I am open to the possibility of pain relief if needed.
I would like to be able to move around freely during labor and try different positions to find what is most comfortable for me.
I would like to avoid the use of forceps or vacuum extraction if possible.
I would like to have intermittent fetal monitoring, rather than continuous monitoring.
I would like to avoid unnecessary medical interventions and prefer to let labor progress naturally, as long as it is safe for me and my baby.
Delivery:
I would like to deliver in a birthing tub or a private room with a comfortable bed, rather than a delivery table.
I would like to have my partner present during the delivery.
I would like to push instinctively, rather than be coached through pushing.
I would like to avoid an episiotomy if possible and prefer a perineal massage to help avoid tearing.
I would like to have the option of delayed cord clamping, as long as it is safe for my baby.
Postpartum:
I would like to have skin-to-skin contact with my baby immediately after delivery.
I would like to breastfeed my baby as soon as possible.
I would like to have my baby in the room with me at all times, rather than in the nursery, if possible.
Unless medically necessary, I would like to avoid routine interventions such as bathing my baby.
I would like to be discharged as soon as possible, as long as both me and my baby are healthy and stable.
Please note that this is just an example and every birth plan will be unique to each individual's preferences and needs. It's important to discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider to ensure that your preferences are feasible and in line with safe and appropriate medical care.
Remember, a birth plan is not a guarantee, but it can help to ensure that your preferences are considered and respected during the birth process.
Womb Wisdom
Womb wisdom refers to the idea that the female reproductive system, including the uterus and ovaries, holds deep wisdom and knowledge. This concept is based on the belief that the womb is a powerful center of intuition, creativity, and feminine energy.
In many cultures and traditions, the womb is considered sacred, and there are various practices and rituals that honor and connect with its power. For example, some women engage in womb meditations, where they focus their awareness on their womb and visualize it as a source of healing and creativity. Other practices might involve wearing crystals or carrying sacred objects that are believed to enhance the power of the womb.
Womb wisdom is also associated with the idea of menstrual cycle awareness, where women track and honor the natural rhythms of their menstrual cycles. This practice involves observing the physical and emotional changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, and using this information to cultivate self-awareness and self-care.
Honoring and connecting with womb wisdom can be a powerful way for women to tap into their own intuition, creativity, and feminine energy. It can also help to cultivate a deeper sense of connection with the natural cycles of life and the world around us. By embracing this wisdom and knowledge, we can create a more compassionate and balanced world for ourselves and those around us.
Preparing for Childbirth
Planning for birth involves taking steps to prepare for the physical, emotional, and practical aspects of giving birth. The process of planning for birth typically involves a combination of education, preparation, and decision-making.
Here are some steps you can take to plan for birth:
Educate yourself: Attend childbirth classes, read books or articles, and talk to healthcare providers, doulas, or other mothers to learn about the process of labor and birth, and the various options for pain relief, delivery methods, and postpartum care.
Create a birth plan: Work with your healthcare provider to create a birth plan that outlines your preferences and priorities for labor and delivery. This plan can include things like your preferences for pain relief, your preferred delivery position, and your wishes for postpartum care.
Choose a healthcare provider and birth setting: Choose a healthcare provider and a birth setting that align with your values and preferences. Consider factors such as the provider's approach to childbirth, the hospital or birthing center's policies and practices, and the availability of amenities such as water birth or natural childbirth options.
Prepare for labor and delivery: Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, and consider enrolling in a childbirth education class or hiring a doula for additional support during labor and delivery.
Plan for postpartum care: Consider your needs and preferences for postpartum care, including support for breastfeeding, emotional well-being, and physical recovery.
By taking these steps to plan for birth, you can feel more empowered and prepared for the process of giving birth, and increase the likelihood of a positive and fulfilling birth experience.
Honoring you Menstrual Cycle
Honoring your menstrual cycle involves recognizing and respecting the natural rhythms and changes that occur in your body during your menstrual cycle. It means embracing your menstrual cycle as a sacred and important part of your life, rather than something to be ashamed of or ignored.
One way to honor your menstrual cycle is to track your cycle and become more aware of the different phases of your cycle, such as the follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase. By understanding how your body changes during each phase, you can better plan your activities and self-care practices to align with your body's needs.
You can also practice self-care during your menstrual cycle by prioritizing rest, relaxation, and self-nurturing activities. This may include taking time off work, engaging in gentle exercise or yoga, taking warm baths, and getting adequate sleep.
In addition, honoring your menstrual cycle involves challenging societal taboos and stigma around menstruation and promoting menstrual health and education. This includes advocating for access to menstrual products and resources, supporting menstrual equity initiatives, and fostering open and positive conversations about menstruation with friends and family.
Here are a few rituals to honor your menstrual cycle:
Create a sacred space: Create a comfortable and relaxing environment where you can be alone and undisturbed. You might light candles, burn incense, or use aromatherapy oils to create a peaceful and calming atmosphere.
Meditation and reflection: Take time to meditate and reflect on your menstrual cycle. Consider journaling about how you feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually throughout the month. This can help you tune into your body and connect with yourself on a deeper level.
Ritual baths: Take a warm bath infused with herbs or essential oils that are traditionally associated with the menstrual cycle, such as lavender, rose, or yarrow. This can help ease cramps and other menstrual symptoms while also creating a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Celebrate the phases of the moon: Many people find that the phases of the moon can be a useful way to connect with their menstrual cycle. You might create a special ritual around the new moon or full moon, or simply take time to observe and reflect on the moon's cycles throughout the month.
Create a menstrual altar: You might create a special altar or sacred space where you can honor your menstrual cycle. This might include items that are meaningful to you, such as crystals, candles, or symbols of femininity and fertility.
Connect with other women: Consider joining a women's circle or finding other ways to connect with other women who honor and celebrate their menstrual cycles. This can be a powerful way to feel supported and empowered in your own journey.
By honoring your menstrual cycle, you can cultivate a deeper sense of connection and respect for your body and its natural rhythms, leading to greater well-being and empowerment in all areas of your life.
Peanut Ball for Labor
A peanut ball can be a helpful tool during labor and birth. It is a peanut-shaped exercise ball that is used to help the birthing person find a comfortable and supportive position during labor. The peanut ball can be used in a variety of positions, including:
Sitting: The birthing person can sit on the ball with their legs wide apart, which can help to open up the pelvic area and encourage the baby to move down.
Side-lying: The birthing person can lie on their side with the peanut ball between their legs. This position can help to open up the pelvis and encourage the baby to move down.
Squatting: The birthing person can hold onto the peanut ball while squatting, which can help to open up the pelvis and encourage the baby to move down.
Using a peanut ball during labor and birth can have several benefits, including:
Providing comfort and support: The peanut ball can provide a supportive surface for the birthing person to lean on, which can help to reduce discomfort and fatigue during labor.
Encouraging labor progress: The peanut ball can help to open up the pelvis and encourage the baby to move down, which can help to speed up labor and reduce the need for medical interventions.
Allowing for mobility: The peanut ball can be used in a variety of positions, which can allow the birthing person to move around and find a comfortable position during labor.
If you are interested in using a peanut ball during labor and birth, talk to your healthcare provider or midwife to see if it is available at your birthing location and how it can be incorporated into your birth plan.
What is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional and physical support to a pregnant person before, during, and after childbirth. The word "doula" comes from a Greek term meaning "a woman who serves." A doula's main focus is to help the birthing person have a positive and empowering birth experience by offering continuous support, guidance, and advocacy.
During the prenatal period, a doula will meet with the expecting parents to get to know them, discuss their birth preferences, and provide education and resources. During labor, a doula will offer comfort measures such as massage, breathing techniques, and position changes to help manage pain and support the birthing person's progress. Doulas can also help facilitate communication between the birthing person and their healthcare providers, ensure that their wishes are respected, and provide emotional support to the birthing person and their partner.
After the birth, a doula can assist with initial breastfeeding and postpartum recovery, as well as provide emotional support and resources for the new family.
Research has shown that having a doula present during childbirth can lead to a range of benefits, including lower rates of interventions like cesarean sections, shorter labors, and increased satisfaction with the birth experience.
BENGKUNG BELLY BINDING
Bengkung Belly Binding
Belly Binding is an ancient tradition that can be traced back centuries and is used by cultures all around the world. The practice involves wrapping a material (usually a cloth) around the abdomen during the postpartum recovery period.
The Bengkung style of belly binding, specific to the Malaysian culture involves applying a herbal paste or oil on the abdomen and then wrapping a long strip of cotton or muslin cloth to support the body's natural ability to heal.
Belly binding provides support to the womb, abdomen muscles, organs, and hips as they realign. In addition, the warmth of the wrap aids in the healing process and promotes circulation while reducing pain and discomfort.
What sets the Bengkung belly binding apart from commercial belly binders is that it's a custom fit leaving you feeling snugged, stable, and supported. The Bengkung method provides full coverage; from under the breast down to the hips.
It's like a big comforting hug to your belly!
Benefits of Belly Binding
Decreases pain and discomfort during recovery
Aids in repairing diastasis recti
Reduces swelling
Increases circulation
Provides back support
Supports pelvic floor
Stabilizes loose joints and ligaments
Encourages healthy posture
Helps pull in the ribcage, abdomen, and hips
Decreases bloating
Reduces fluid and air retention
Provides comfort while making you feel good!
Belly binding can start as early as a few days after vaginal delivery, and a few weeks (or as recommended by your medical provider) after a cesarean. The belly wrap is done each day and is worn for about 10 hours a day. Generally, it's worn for about 42 days or until you feel recovered. Keep in mind, there's no need to exceed 12 hours. Your body needs time to breathe and relax in between wrappings.
It's never too late to start!
The primary purpose of belly binding is to support your body during postpartum recovery, not to lose weight or "bounce back". Remember that when a baby is born, so has the mother. Postpartum is a time for rest, nourishment, and healing. Binding the belly symbolizes the closing of your pregnancy and honoring the mother in her postpartum experience.
If you're interested in Belly Binding or would like to learn more, let's chat!