Chandler, Arizona
Sweet Pea ​Births
Sweet Pea ​Births
...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth
...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth
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Q&A with SPB: DIY Padsicles
| Posted on January 17, 2017 at 6:27 AM |
comments (373)
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 Here is PART II of our VLOGS with guest doula, Michelle
Ludwig from Modern Mama Doula Services. Last week, she showed us her TOP 5 picks for postpartum. Today she is going to share her DIY tutorial for you to make
soothing postpartum “padsicles” right at home during pregnancy so that they are
ready for you when you are home holding your sweet pea! What you need: -Witch Hazel ~ we both really like the Humphrey’s brand –
available in regular or organic) -Maxi-pads ~ if you can find them, get some chemical-free and
bleach-free; usually available online -Cookie Sheet -Freezer Storage Bags How to: 1) Open up all the pads and leave them on the wrapper so
that they don’t stick to each other later 2) Lay them all out on your cookie sheet 3) Spray the witch hazel on to the pads until they are wet
BUT not dripping 4) Put the whole cookie tray into the freezer for about two hours 5) Once the witch hazel has frozen, take them back out of
the freezer and fold them back up for storage.
Place them in a freezer storage bag and back into the freezer while you
wait for your Sweet Pea to make their appearance. 6) Use them during the postpartum period on top of the large
postpartum pads you will receive in your birth kit or from the hospital. They will be a little chilly at first, but after the initial
freeze they will feel great on your bottom. I did ask Michelle what her experience was with other “add-ons”.
Some info out on the internet suggests using lavender essential oil or aloe
vera gel along with the witch hazel on the pads when you are preparing them. As Michelle so wisely answered, less is more. Witch hazel is
an extremely effective healing agent, and it would be a bummer to find out that
you are allergic to lavender or aloe vera when you are trying to heal from
birth, learning to breastfeed and figuring out your mothering. The witch hazel and pads are part of Michelle’s especially
prepared Bump Boxes. Along with the items
for padsicles, you will also receive some hand crafted postpartum essentials
that she makes herself. You can order Michelle’s specially
made with love package from her HERE Would you
like to interview Michelle as a doula? Please read her meet the doula feature
HERE Contact
Michelle: WEB http://www.modernmamadoula.com/ CELL OR TEXT 7204098977 EMAIL [email protected] Disclaimer:
Birthing From Within and Bradley
Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler,
Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale
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To Eat or Not To Eat…
| Posted on November 5, 2015 at 8:07 AM |
comments (123)
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 To eat or not to eat…That was the question for families planning a hospital birth. When you are laboring at home or a birth center, you have the freedom to eat as your appetite dictates. If you choose to have a hospital birth, you are at the mercy of your doctor’s orders and the nurse’s interpretation of the hospital protocol. We love it when science catches up to Dr. Bradley. Anecdotally, we could tell students that it was safer to eat before/during labor since anesthesia has changed from the days of "knock'em out, drag 'em out" birth, as Dr. Bradley called it. Women used to be under general anesthesia, which is administered differently than today's spinal or epidural blocks. We are so excited to update this post (and our class info!) with a press release from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA):
Now...how long will it take for hospital protocols to change and reflect these recommendations from ASA? As we found out the hard way, sometimes the doctor approves something but if it is not in writing and signed off on the birth plan, it probably isn't going to happen in the hospital setting. The nurse will follow the hospital protocol or they may invent their own interpretation if none exists to cover their liability. If you are going to have a hospital birth, I have a strong opinion about getting your wish list signed so that the nursing staff has “permission” to “break the rules” if they feel that something you are requesting is out of the ordinary. Maybe you could ask for a copy of the ASA press release to be included in your chart that goes to the hospital. Dr. Bradley always advocated that a healthy mom should eat if she is hungry and drink if she is thirsty. As he said, “Birthing is like playing a full game of football without any substitutions.” He recognized that labor is an athletic event, and that a well-nourished athlete would perform better than a hungry one.
A Note About Hospitals and Nourishment If you are having a hospital birth, you need to find out how your care provider feels about nourishment during labor, even with this announcement by the ASA. If your care provider is on board with mom eating and drinking as her body directs, great! Get it into your birth plan, aka "wish list", that you have permission to eat and drink. If they restrict intake, you need to think about your options. You may question whether or not your care provider is truly supportive of your plans for a natural birth. You should also ask what the hospital policy is on food and drink during labor when you do your hospital tour. It helps to know what kind of potential situations you may be facing so you can avoid stress-inducing encounters during labor. The potential conflict between a laboring mother’s needs for nourishment and her care provider or hospital protocol comes from the days when general anesthesia was standard for hospital births. There was a very real danger of a mom “aspirating”, meaning that food or drink the mom had consumed before labor would be regurgitated and accidently enter the trachea and lungs, creating a life-threatening condition to mother and baby. [See reference 1]
Although very few women have births under general anesthesia nowadays, the practice of restricting food and drink still persists. You may hear it called “NPO”, which stands for the Latin, “non per os”, meaning nothing by mouth. With the press release from the ASA, we can keep our fingers crossed that hospitals will start to change their practice protocols. In the past, it was likely that you would only be allowed ice chips if you opted for an epidural. The chance of needing general anesthesia was within the realm of possibility since some moms and babies “crash” after the epidural dose is dispensed. As with all labor interventions, you don’t know how you will react until it’s administered. Although it’s a small percentage of women that have life-threatening complications, the prospect of the drugs dropping your heart rate, blood pressure or respiration to dangerously low levels exists once they are in your bloodstream. In the instance of a “crash”, you would need general anesthesia to perform an emergency cesarean to save your or your baby’s life, thus your nourishment options become limited to ice. Eating and Drinking During Labor Have your refrigerator stocked with your favorite healthful foods and/or meals as you near your estimated due date. Labor is a funny thing – you never know what your body is going to like. If you think you are in labor, you can go through Dr. Bradley’s list of things to do to see if you are in pre-labor (contractions slow down or stop) or actual labor (contractions continue at same pace or get closer and harder despite the change in position or activity). To "test" for labor, he suggests that a woman should eat, drink, go for a walk, shower and nap – in that order. When you start with the “eat” part of the list, it will be more satisfying to eat something you really enjoy. If you are not in labor, at least you ate something you like and you can move on with your day with a tummy-full of your particular “comfort food”. If you are in labor, then you have eaten something that is fueling your body for the labor. It will put you in a good frame of mind if you ate something that is a favorite and you create a positive emotional state. The best drink during labor is water. Water is a key to staying hydrated and avoiding the slippery slope of interventions. A hydrated body has the energy for the work of labor. Ample water also allows for effective hormone distribution throughout the body: the chemicals and hormones being made to stimulate and progress labor are able to circulate freely. If you have a longer labor, consider an electrolyte replacement: trace minerals added to the water you are drinking, Emergen-C makes a powder, or coconut milk is a "natural" version of sports drinks. Dehydration causes a spike in temperature and blood pressure, while at the same time depleting your energy by as much as 30%. Can you see that simple dehydration can also be interpreted as the mom being “in distress”? Your care team will not want to take a chance of making the wrong call, so they are likely to intervene or suggest drastic measures to “save” mom and baby. Whether you are laboring at home, a hospital or birth center, small-portioned, protein rich snacks are nice to have on hand. As your labor progresses, a laboring woman’s appetite will naturally decrease as the body shuts down other functions such as digestion to allow for full focus on the progression of labor and birth. Here are some foods that we and other students have found useful for quick energy boosts when mom doesn’t have the desire to eat a full meal. These snacks are also handy for the coach to get the energy boost he needs to be a great support person for mom. We don’t want hungry, cranky coaches during labor!!
 - Honey sticks. According to honey.com, “Honey is also a rich source of carbohydrates, providing 17 grams per tablespoon, which makes it ideal for your working muscles since carbohydrates are the primary fuel the body uses for energy. Carbohydrates are necessary in the diet to help maintain muscle glycogen, also known as stored carbohydrates, which are the most important fuel source for athletes to help them keep going.” [2] - Trail mix. You get the nice variety of nuts, dried fruits and if you want, candy, in one bag. I found myself picking out my favorite nuts and fruits and snacking on them – literally one or two at a time – as we got into the active phase of first stage labor. - Protein bars or chews. Look for bars that are low in carbs and added sugars –the key is to provide an energy boost without an energy crash afterwards. We have had students that use the “PowerBar” brand Energy Bites, as well as Gel Blasts that are bite size energy foods.- Handful of nuts. If you have a favorite nut (besides your coach-lol), bring some with you. You can eat 1 or 10, whatever you are in the mood for. I like nuts because you get the energy boost in whatever quantity you are in the mood to chew and swallow. Trader Joe’s sells packages nuts in handy single serve packets. I usually eat 2 or 3 pieces, and Bruss would finish off the bag for his energy boost.  - Popsicles. While working hard in labor, a popsicle can be refreshing. To prevent an energy crash, look for a brand that uses natural fruit as a sweetener instead of added sugars. Added bonus: you can also push it against the top of your palate to stimulate oxytocin production. - Applesauce cups. Provide potassium along with a little protein. The nice thing about applesauce is that while some people prefer them cold, they don’t need to be refrigerated. Again, look for naturally rather than artificially sweetened sauces.- Banana. Another source of potassium that is portable and easy to eat. To prevent a sugar burst, pair this with a cheese stick to balance out the carbs.  - Soup or clear broth. Campbell’s came out with the “Soup at Hand Cups” that are single serve, portable and microwaveable. They were a God-send during our third birth. The nurse didn’t want me to eat “just in case”, but she was okay with me drinking – hence, I could drink my meal and stay nourished through our 34 hours at the hospital.- Single serve smoothies or juice drinks. I am thinking along the lines of Stonyfield Farm Smoothies or Drinkable Yogurts for a liquid protein boost, or the Odwalla line of Protein Beverages. It’s a little sip of something sweet with carbs that still offers a protein source for energy. As you noticed from the list, some of these foods need refrigeration or a heating source. These are considerations if you are having a hospital birth. It stands to reason that if you will not have access to a refrigerator or microwave, the items that won’t stay cool with an ice pack or the foods that need to be heated need to left out of the cooler. The bottom line: eat to appetite and drink to thirst for the best labor possible! I hope this list gives some ideas with which you can fill your refrigerator or cooler. What did you eat during your labor? Disclaimer: It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. References: [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulmonary_aspiration [2] http://www.honey.com/nhb/benefits/natural-energy/ |
Q&A with SPB: Healthy Pregnancy How-to
| Posted on March 17, 2015 at 4:31 AM |
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 Today's VLOG is all about the things that you *can* control in the very unplannable process of pregnancy, labor, birth and the childbearing year. LINKS What can you control? 1. Pay attention to your nutrition This is just as important for the father as it is for the mother. A better diet creates higher quality sperm, and a well-nourished mother can feed her growing embryo-fetus-baby as it develops from zygote stage through pregnancy. A breastfeeding mother is also growing her infant's brain - mindful nutrition is just as important after the Birth-Day. HERE is the pregnancy nutrition program that we teach in The Bradley Method®. 2. Engage in an exercise program Your ability to give birth does not hinge on whether or not you are an exercise fanatic before you conceive. A mother who wants to prepare her belly, back and bottom to give birth can follow a pregnancy-specific exercise program. Even doing a few minutes a day of this low-impact, low-stress program can be a game-changer for mamas and their overall strength as they go into their labor. My favorite resource is Rhondda Hartman's "Natural Childbirth Exercises". What can you influence? 1. Your experience You have the responsibility to choose the right care provider and the right birth setting for you. If you have a nagging feeling that persists, or if you see/hear/feel red flags at your prenatal appointments that your provider is not right for you, GO WITH IT. Believe in yourself and your instinct. Ask people you respect and who felt supported in their births who they chose and why...and then, maybe take a risk! Go on some interviews to see if maybe you want to make a switch. 2. Relaxation and Pain Coping We do not know what kind of labor card you are going to draw. What we do know is that all labors and births can benefit from mindfulness. Whether you have a natural birth, a cesarean birth, or anything in between, there is a surrender. There is a point when you will have to dig deep and say YES to the journey that you are on. There are many ways to prepare for your journey - HERE is an info sheet that explores the variety of classes available to birthing families. What is part of the journey? The rest of your story is entirely up to your baby, your body, and The Fates. A story is about to unfold - and what a story it will be. However you birth, that day is one day in the rest of your lives as a family. Be open to the experience, look for the joys, and also watch for the surprises. It is in the unexpected and the trials that growth and transformation happen...a transformation that is necessary as we experience a rite of passage. Before children, you are you. After they are in your lives, you are now Mother, Father, or which ever name you choose for yourself. I wish you a childbearing year that surprises you, grows you, and leads you to discover more about yourself than you knew when you started. The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Suggestions for an effective labor rehearsal
| Posted on July 25, 2014 at 11:45 AM |
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Originally published February 2011 ~ Updated July 25, 2014 The class topic last night was first stage labor. This stage is characterized by a
progressive intensification of the sensations in labor. A mom will experience her contractions,
or her “surges”, getting increasingly stronger and longer with less time
between them, as she gets closer to the pushing phase of her labor. Why do a "labor rehearsal" when labor is so unpredictable?? Mostly to train you and your partner into some "muscle memory". By practicing different positions and reminding yourself when/why they are effective, that body of knowledge is more readily accessed when you are in labor. Even if you forget your "playbook", you have some tools that you can use without referring back to a print-out of labor positions. (Although, HERE is one that I share with students. I used it to prepare for our births and often use it as a reference in our classes.) We had our couples do an active labor rehearsal. As a reminder to them, and as a
practice tool for anyone reading this who is striving for a natural labor, here
are our tips on having a good labor rehearsal. 1. Have a
good guide at your fingertips.  We
have the advantage of a student workbook with illustrations to follow. There are also resources out on the
Internet with ideas for different positions to open the inlet of the pelvis to
make room for baby. The key is to
try all the different positions.
Try to practice at least two simulated contractions every day, and you
will find that you will have put your body in the different positions before
you start labor. This
is important for the following reasons: You will know if you can do them – if
it hurts, maybe it’s time to do more stretching, or find other positions that
have similar benefits without being uncomfortable. You can also start making a list of the ones that feel
really good, keeping in mind that this list may change as you are progressing
through labor. 2. Once
you are in a position, don’t change it or move around during a
contraction.  Again,
the key is to simulate labor. Once
mom starts having stronger surges, she will be physically unwilling or unable
to move while she is having a contraction. So train your muscle memory the right way from the
beginning. That’s
not to say that you will stick to one position during the course of your
labor. It’s likely that there are
several positions that you will try, and you may eventually gravitate to a few
that seem to be the most effective. 3. If mom
has to go to the bathroom, someone needs to go with her. In
actual labor, a coach or one of the assistant coaches must always stay with
mom. She is in a vulnerable time,
PLEASE stay by her side. If mom is
not comfortable having you in the bathroom, getting over the emotional hurdle
will be better dealt with outside of labor. It sounds weird, maybe? It is possible that emotional barriers can keep labor from
progressing. Who would want
bathroom issues to extend the amount of time you are having contractions? Another thought: why delay meeting your
baby? This is what we personally experienced: if you leave mom
alone, she may fall – this could drastically alter the course of your
labor. Additionally, there is no
guaranteed labor pattern – just because you have been having surges 5 minutes
apart and you think she has five minutes before her next contraction doesn’t
mean she should “go” alone. If she
starts having contractions on the commode, she isn’t going to be able to
move. It is possible, since the
bladder is emptied, that the contractions will feel stronger after she has voided
since it has made room for baby to descend, and she will want your help
handling the stronger sensations.
From our own personal experience, I know we hit “transition” in the
bathroom in 2 of our 3 labors. It
was a good thing to have someone with me to help me manage the mental gearshift
and the sensations. 4. Coaches need to practice multi-tasking with every simulated contraction.  Coaches,
you have a good job during labor.
You are the person that can make all the difference in mom’s confidence
in herself and her ability to birth.
Prepare by working out your “athlete” at home and learning how to be the
best coach for your team well before labor starts. Regarding
such things as touch, music and environment: do you know her likes?
Dislikes? Do you know which
relaxation techniques work for her?
Can you massage, talk, and time her contractions simultaneously? If
you answered no to any of these questions, then we encourage you to start
finding the answers! And practice
until you are doing several things at once without having to think too much
about what you need to be doing to keep your partner completely relaxed through
her labor. 5. Watch
mom’s key tension indicators. The
three main areas where mom will hold tension are her face (especially the jaw and brow areas), her hands and her feet. Can
you do the checkpoints in #4 and observe her for relaxation, too? Most coaches need lots of help learning
to do all these things at the same time.
You can find an assistant coach who is there to help support coach as he
strives to do all these things.
Or, the assistant can help the coach to get mom as relaxed as possible
so her body can get down to the business of having the baby. The more efficient her labor, the
sooner you will all be holding your baby in your arms.  A key thought is PRACTICE MAKES PREPARED. As in all things where we seek to
succeed, good practice leads to better results versus going in without any
prior mental or physical preparation.
As labor has mental, physical and emotional aspects, we really encourage
our students to allocate time every day to train their muscles and minds for
the challenge of labor.Some other tidbits from class: TRANSITION No first stage labor rehearsal in class is complete without a
discussion about "transition", the time between the active stage and the pushing
stage of labor. Although it might
be an emotional time, transition is a good thing – it means your labor is
almost over. Question directed at Bruss: Which one of your labors had the
worst transition? Answer: There
was not really a worst. You need to look for signs and prepare yourself ahead
of time, prepare yourself now. Since transition occurs at the end of labor and
you are caught up with the whole process of labor, know what to look for. There will be distinct signs and they
are different for everybody. In
our case, Krystyna got really abrupt.
Up to that point, she would communicate with “this feels”…or, “please
try”… transition was marked with, “I told you not to do that!” I also reminded our class of a birth story they had heard
where the couple’s only sign was a physical sign: mom started burping out of
the blue, and it lasted a little while.
When she calmly announced, “I think I have to push”, it turns out she
really and truly was ready without having the self-doubt or the pendulum swing
of emotions. (For the whole story,
go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDI61YWV5G0 ) HOSPITAL CARE We were lucky enough to have two nurses join our class last
night. They were attending as
assistant coaches-in-training for one of our moms. I took advantage of the situation to ask the nurses who
makes the best patient. My goal
was to illustrate the point that you are the labor you bring with you,
especially in a hospital situation.
We encourage our students to write a birth plan to use as a communication
tool, and to use positive communication (important at all birth venues). The idea is that you are all on the
same team and you wouldn’t be there if you didn’t feel some element of safety
in the hospital. As long as labor
is progressing without complications, a couple is reasonable in their requests,
and the care provider has signed off on the birth plan, it should not be
difficult to have the hospital staff support your choice to have a natural
labor. Question: Who
makes the best patients, or who are the patients that are the easiest to work
with? Answer: They
are willing to work with patients who want to work with them. They also appreciate patients who
respect their medical training.
When it comes to requests, i.e. birth plans; patients who are nice get
their way! PRACTICE MAKES PREPARED I want to encourage you to make the effort to practice what
you want to happen on your baby’s birth-day. We encourage our couples to do ten minutes in the morning
before they get started on their day, and right before bed at night. What better way to help mom feel safe,
secure and stress-free? She can go
about her day knowing that she and baby are important enough to merit the
time. At night, she will sleep
better after a good relaxation session. We can attest to the fact that yes, it is hard to find the
time. In reality, you don’t find
time – you have to make the time available. It is worth it – even if you end up with interventions, the
fact that you gave it your best effort makes for a labor that you can look back
on with an element of pride. The
natural labor and birth you want is a reality – and the more you practice, the
more likely you are to achieve the birth story you want for your family. There is another element to a successful labor beside
preparation – and that is a well-rested team – and that is a post for another
day. Happy Practicing!! Disclaimer: The
material included on this site is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical
advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to
determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. This blog contains information about our classes available in
Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy
of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Birth News Roundup
| Posted on October 17, 2013 at 12:18 PM |
comments (326)
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 I hope you enjoyed our Mommy Con recap in lieu of a "Birth News" installment last week. Here are the articles I have collected that I thought would be of interest to those of you TTC, currently pregnant, or getting close to welcoming your babies. This week was also Remembrance Day for families that have experienced the grief of loss. I open this post with an event to honor their brief passage through our lives. Remembrance Service for Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss and Infant Loss
Source: AFN http://bit.ly/1hHSVdt FERTILITY New Test May Spot Which Embryos Stand Greatest Chance of Survival
Source: US News and
World Report http://bit.ly/GX1A0z Increase seen in donor eggs for in vitro fertilization, with improved outcomes
Source: Science Codex http://bit.ly/16i1SFf PREGNANCY BPA exposure may increase miscarriage risk in pregnant women
Source: Health24 http://bit.ly/17p8qlI Babies can be born dependent on drugs, even prescription medicine
Source: WBIR.com http://on.wbir.com/16i1Ddk Maternal cardiac function may predict outcomes in preeclampsia
My note: this is a very small study – only 36 women in sample size Source: OBGYN News http://bit.ly/16iiVXU Using Prenatal Corticosteroids does not Increase Children’s Death Rate
Source: Counsel & Heal http://bit.ly/GY1gP9 NATURAL BIRTH Birth gets the brain ready to sense the world
Source: Medical Xpress http://bit.ly/16iftMK Birth Prepares the Newborn Brain to Sense the World with Sensory Maps
My note: If this doesn't make people question epidural drugs, I do not know what will. There is an appropriate use for them, however wholesale acceptance looks to be irresponsible. Source: NewsWorks http://bit.ly/1fUyGgZ My note: So between messing with birth and introducing drugs...we have to wonder if we are changing the incidence of depression by continuing to question the idea that Birth Matters: Oxytocin Dysfunction Seen in Both Depressed Moms and Kids
Source: Medscape http://bit.ly/16icnbN
BABY Seattle Children’s researcher finds a clue to the mystery of SIDS
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette http://bit.ly/GY2YzP BREASTFEEDING This Is Breastfeeding In Real Life
Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Natural Labor Coping Techniques
| Posted on June 8, 2012 at 10:27 PM |
comments (261)
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Here are some of the ways we recommend our students
manage their labor without analgesics or anesthetics. Even when they are used in labor, we are so happy that our couples use them as tools to manage a long labor and their children are born nursing vigorously and with high APGAR scores.  Mom and Coach are informed. Through the course of The Bradley Method® class series,
parents are taught about what to expect as “normal” in labor, what the
variations on normal might be, the different options and interventions in
labor, and how to recognize a complication that warrants a change in the plan
for a Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby outcome. We also teach positive communication, something intended to
strengthen the parental bond, as well as serve for positive interactions in the
birth space with care providers and support personnel. Our goal is that parents have the tools they
need to evaluate labor, communicate their needs to care providers, and ask the
questions they need to make informed decisions about the choices they may have
to make in labor.
 Mom and Coach are athletes. An athlete with an eye on crossing the finish line does four
things: They train, they rest, they
nourish and they hydrate. Dr. Bradley
called his patients “obstetrical athletes”. His nurse, Rhonda Hartman, designed a training program just
for moms to prepare them for labor. We
are still teaching our couples this training program, starting with week one of
class and continuing until the time of birth.
We also “train” relaxation. Each
couple is encouraged to take the weekly technique and practice at least 15
minutes per day so that there is muscle memory for relaxation when it is needed
in labor. We continually harp on the importance of sleep in the weeks
leading up to labor and once labor starts.
We learned this lesson the hard way, and as excited as we know our
students are going to get as they anticipate the birth of their child, we want
them to try to rest. Getting to the
magic number of “10 cm” is only the first part of labor – once they reach 10
cm, they also need energy for the second stage of labor to welcome their child
into this world. We also echo Dr. Bradley’s advice to eat if you’re hungry,
drink if you’re thirsty. He makes the
analogy that going through labor without eating or drinking is like playing a
full game of football without any substitutions. The body is working and burning energy to
birth your baby, it makes sense to follow mom’s physical cues. As long as mom is okay and baby is okay, we
have found that mom’s appetite will naturally decrease as labor intensifies;
and as with an actual marathon, that the need to hydrate is as important in
early labor as it is when mom is close to crossing the finish line.
Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson Water is your friend. As stated above, a hydrated mother makes for an optimal
obstetrical athlete. She is hydrated for
energy and optimal hormone distribution throughout labor. Water is also a excellent relaxation tool. It works magic in labor: the warmth and the sensation move tension away
from the body and adding a layer of relaxation as it works to soothe the
mother’s body. I have heard it called, “The
Midwives Epidural”. Many hospital moms now have access to the birth tubs that
are used very effectively at birth centers or at home births. If using a birthing tub or home bathtub is not an
option, then the shower can also be an effective tool. The sensation of water will still massage and
soothe the body. With a shower hose
attachment, the water can also be directed at the body where it is the most
soothing for the laboring mother.  Use abdominal breathing.Abdominal breathing is taught in many settings to deepen
relaxation – yoga, hypnosis, meditation, stress relief, and in The Bradley
Method® of natural childbirth classes!
Abdominal breathing is also known as diaphragmatic breathing. Basically, you are allowing your belly to
rise and fall as you breath instead of your chest. If you watch children breathe, or if you remember
what it was like to breathe before someone told you that you needed to suck in
your stomach, you will know what it means to breath with your abdomen. Abdominal breath is an important foundation for
relaxation. It slows down our mind and
it allows or bodies to release tension.
We teach abdominal breathing in class 2 so we can build on it through
the rest of the series.
 Coach is a relaxation expert. Coach needs to know what relaxes their partner. Does mom respond to physical touch? What kind of touch? Does she like a strong counter-pressure or
gentle effleurage? Does she like a
relaxation script, a prayer or a story read to her? Does she feel safe in her birth space? By the end of The Bradley Method® class series, we have
covered these, and many more questions, to help the Coach be a relaxation
expert on their partner. We also teach
11 different relaxation techniques for coaches to put into their “toolbox” to
use as needed as labor progresses.
 Have a trusted assistant coach. Champion sports teams have a stellar assistant coaching
staff. The head coach doesn’t try to do
it all – he delegates and finds the best person to train his team so that he
can keep his eye on the big picture and continue leading and motivating his
team. We have noticed that couples with an assistant coach
generally end up with births that are closer to the birth wishes they made in
preparation for their labor. The extra
set of hands, the extra energy in labor make a difference. The couples that hire doulas also have an
experienced birth professional to help them manage the map of labor. A good birth doula doesn’t take over the
birth, she will help the couple to recognize the signs of progress and make
suggestions for coach to support the mom. Even if you feel like you want to be just Mom and Coach,
you can benefit from an assistant coach coming in for a period in labor. When we labored with Angelika, a dear friend
of ours came in and labored with me when Bruss needed rest. I had been laying down the first day, resting
and napping since we know we have long labors.
Bruss had been checking in on me, taking care of our older children
while we waited for family to arrive to tend to them, and he took care of
feeding all of us. He REALLY needed to
sleep after dinner that night. Andrea
came, labored with me as long as she could, and when it was time for her to get
back to her own family, Bruss was rested and ready to be head coach again. I am forever grateful for her time that night
– it allowed for Bruss to rest and restore for the long work we still had ahead
of us.
 Break the Fear-Tension-Pain cycle. We break the Fear by teaching couples what to expect in a
normal labor, along with the many variations on “normal”. We also break the Fear by discussing the complications
and sharing strategies and options for them to consider if they are among the
small percentage of people that face complications in labor. We break the Tension by teaching Mom and Coach to be
relaxation experts. We break the Tension
by teaching couples to communicate together, and how to communicate with their
care team for effective and positive interactions. We break the Pain by reminding mothers that labor is an
athletic event. It isn’t always easy,
however it is doable. We invite couples
from the previous class come share their stories with our current class. I have seen the “light bulbs” click for both
Moms and Coach when the other “first-timers” share their stories. It makes it more realistic to hear that other
newbies had Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby outcomes by using the information they
learned in class. It reassures them that
the intensity is brief compared to the joy of holding their children. The new parents confirm that the work is
worth the effort, and that staying the course and/or making Healthy Mom,
Healthy Baby choices are rewarded with a happy family outcome. We also encourage couples to find affirmations, prayers,
scripts and/or music to draw energy from in labor. Labor is an exercise in intensity that ebbs
and flows. Having something to focus on
besides the intensity that is growing helps to focus mom on the work that she
is doing. They can also restore and
encourage her when she wants to give into the pain. By having knowledge, training and tools, couples are well
on their way to a Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby outcome.
What was a natural labor coping technique that worked for
you during your labor?
Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational
purposes only.
It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical
advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to
determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House,
LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences
of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains
information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is
not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or
the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Failing to Progress or Naturally Aligning
| Posted on June 1, 2012 at 4:52 PM |
comments (7)
|
We have had a couple of students have had textbook “NAPS” in
the last two classes…and since we still have several couples waiting for their
babies, I thought this might be a reminder and an inspiration to them for their
labors. NAP – no, they didn’t take epic
naps in labor (although I am a big advocate for sleeping in labor)…what it
means is that they were very patient in their labors. One of the cornerstones of The Bradley Method® is a Healthy
Mom, Healthy Baby outcome. All of the
discussion below only applies if Mom and Baby are not showing any signs of
distress through labor. Mom is
maintaining a healthy temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, and Baby is
also showing that it is doing well as per the monitoring that is being
done. If Mom or Baby are starting to
demonstrate that their health is compromised, then parents are encouraged to
make the best choices for their particular situation. The words “Failure To Progress” are the sound of doom to
some of us (I say "us" because I heard this three times!). They very often mean that interventions are going to start being
suggested. How a couple acts upon those
suggestions is very individual. Marjie
Hathaway coined the phrase “Natural Alignment Plateau”, or “NAP” as an answer
to the dreaded “diagnosis”: “FTP”, or “Failure To Progress”. Failure To Progress is based on the Friedman’s Curve*. It looks like this: As human beings, it is in our nature to see this neat,
explainable graph and say, “It’s a rule!” This can have dire implications
whilst in labor if you really want a natural birth. There are no averages in the midst of a labor
– each labor on is unique and individual. Mathematically, it’s unfair for all labors to be expected to fit the average. That brings in another concept we teach in
The Bradley Method® classes: consumerism and informed consent. If there is time: ask questions, ask for
time, and then communicate and evaluate what you have heard with your partner
before you decide on a course of action.
When a mom does not progress in dilation from one vaginal
exam to the next, or between several vaginal exams, she may be diagnosed with
“Failure To Progress”, and along come the string of possible
interventions. They can include any or all of the following, along with other interventions: an Amniotomy (intentional rupture of the bag of waters),
augmentation of labor with Pitocin, an Epidural to take of the edge of
Pitocin-induced contractions, a Cesarean. A cesarean may also be suggested if the care team suspects that the baby may not fit through mom's pelvis. Diagnosed as "CPD", this is the subject for another post altogether. For now, check the link I listed below* for more information. Instead of accepting the words, “Failure To Progress”,
Marjie decided to suggest a new phrase to her students: “Natural Alignment
Plateau”. NAP instead of FTP. Natural Alignment Plateau is a different way
of approaching that point in labor when dilation does not change. What we teach in class and hope that our
students will remember when they face this crossroads is, "Labor is much
more than dilation." Labor can be slow to start, dilation can stop and/or
contractions can slow down for many reasons.
Here are some to consider:
If your labor has been slow to start after a spontaneous
rupture of membranes, or if you are seemingly “stuck” at a measurement of
dilation, it might be time to evaluate what could be going on and change
tactics:
If Mom and Baby are doing well, you can ask for
time. There is not a medical reason for
an intervention if Mom and Baby are doing well in labor and your care team
confirms that Mom and Baby are okay. Here
are two examples for you to consider and think about if you face a point in
labor when there is no measurable progress. We had a mom from our Winter class go from 6 cm dilated
(usually considered Active First Stage – not yet in Late First Stage) to
holding her baby in 21 minutes. Yes –
you read that correctly. She went from
what most care professionals would consider mid-range in labor to holding her
baby in 21 minutes…that meant she pushed within that time, too, folks. Hers was an emotional component. She was waiting for her mom to arrive. Once her mom arrived at the hospital and
stepped into the room where she and her husband were laboring, her baby and her
body got busy. They dilated a total of 4
cm from 6 cm to “complete” at 10 cm, then pushed, and they were holding their
baby in 21 minutes. Our other story is from our Spring Class. Mom had a slow start to labor. She had started seeing some clear fluid on
Sunday, noticed some more on Monday, and went to the hospital on Tuesday. They tested her fluid and it was amniotic
fluid. Although they were in triage and
barely 1 cm dilated, the couple was strongly encouraged to be admitted. Now they are into the hospital and the expectations
of “Friedman’s Curve.” This couple did a
great job of asking, “Is Mom okay? Is Baby Okay?” After getting their “Yes”
answers, then they followed up with, “That’s great! Then let’s wait a couple more hours and see
where we are.” And sure enough, the next
time the staff and their care provider checked in, they were a little further
along in labor. Once things got going,
this mom went from being 4 cm dilated to 8 cm dilated in one hour! Within two hours of that point, they were
holding their baby. The great news about hitting the NAP is that once the Mom’s
body and Baby “get organized”, labor seems to progress very quickly. Again, remember what I said at the beginning
– things go well when a Healthy Mom and a Healthy Baby are given the time they
need. If Mom or Baby start to indicate
that “healthy” is losing out, then a family needs to make the best choice for
their situation.
What has been your experience – have you had a NAP in your
labor? What choices did you make? For a full explanation of Friedman’s Curve click here or enter this URL into your browser: http://allaboutbirth.net/pdfs/Failure-to-progress.pdf Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational
purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Guess who?
| Posted on February 7, 2012 at 5:32 PM |
comments (110)
|
Our students are coming down the home stretch in their
pregnancies!! We invited some alumni
from our last class to come share their birth story tonight so that our
students could hear from the parents fresh from the birth experience. Their story brought up an interesting point that was echoed
by some of our current students. What do
you do when uninvited guests show up at your birth? How do you keep them from coming in the first
place? This is a touchy subject – how do you tell your loving
family or your devoted friend that this is not the time when you want to see
them? What do you do when a well-meaning
person arrives at your birthplace and all you want to do is have them leave?
Things to consider: - Will
you be okay if they see you using the bathroom? - Will
you feel okay if they see you naked? - How
will they react if you are impatient or rude to them? - How
will they react when they see you uncomfortable and/or in pain? Will they be okay with it? - Do
they support your choices for a natural birth and your birth wishes? If you answered no to any of these questions, then think
twice about having the person/people you are considering to be present at your
birth. Mom and Coach need to clarify
their list of people who are a yes and then communicate their wishes to their
family and friends.  Belinda Hodder, CNM, who is at Valley Women For Women, has a great
suggestion about breaking the news to everyone.
She suggests having your birth plan ready in time for your baby
shower. Bring several copies to the
event and have “Sharing the Birth Plan” be one of the activities. This way the announcement of your wishes is
public and clear. If you are asking
people to wait to see you until a certain point, you have the opportunity to
tell everyone together. Hopefully no one
will feel like they are being singled out since they are not the only ones
being told not to come until you are ready for them.Mothers and Mothers-In-Law are an interesting set of people
in relation to labor. I have seen a
midwife’s site that explicitly states if a mother wants either of those people
at her birth, she will refer them to a midwife that is comfortable with that scenario. She does not take clients
who want soon-to-be grandmothers present since her experience is that they
negatively impact labor. On the other
hand, we have had several students whose mothers were present at their birth. It all turned out okay –
they all had their babies with their mother in the birth setting, and many of
them said that they couldn’t have done it without them taking on the role of
assistant coach. If you like the idea of a mother-figure being with you and
yet you think you don’t want your mother attending the birth, you can hire a
doula who has the personality traits plus the know-how you want in an assistant
coach. Interview several doulas until
you find the right balance of personality and experience that fits your comfort
zone. If your family members are not going to be asked or welcomed
in your birth place and you are going to have a doula or other assistant coach there,
stating the facts without emotion is the best suggestion I can offer. Instead of saying, “You stress me out” or “I
don’t think you can handle it” or “You have not been there for me why would I
want you there now” or any variety of other reasons why you would carry
negative emotion towards someone, stick to the facts. “We have asked/chosen this person to attend
our birth because they have the training to be an assistant coach.” Training can mean that they have completed or are working through a
certification process; maybe they are reading your birth books with you (see the bottom of this page for our suggested reading
list); or maybe they have attended your Bradley Method® classes with you. Any or all of these things will prepare a person to be the assistant coach you need them to be as long as they are willing to support your birth choices and are committed to helping you have a Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby outcome. A person’s presence in the birth space can very much affect
the progress of labor – someone with negative energy can hinder labor; someone
with positive energy can help it progress.
If the people you are asking to refrain from attending your labor press
you for answers, stick to the facts. Be
a team together, insist that, “We made this choice” and avoid pointing fingers,
“Mom (or Coach) doesn’t want you there because…” If people do show up at your birth space even when you
believe you have made your wishes clear, designate someone to be the messenger,
or write them a note that someone else can deliver. You can phrase it kindly – “Hi,
(Person). Thank you so much for
expressing your support. We are focused
on bringing baby earthside and regret not being able to come out to see
you. We could really use your help after
baby comes. Would you be kind enough to
come back and see us after baby arrives?
If anything comes up, we will let you know if we need you sooner.” You may also find that the amount of people you have in the
birth space is too much or too few. If
you find that all the people you said yes to is stressing you out, you have
permission to ask them to clear out so you can focus on your birth. If you initially decided you were going to go
it alone and you find that you really could use an extra pair of hands, or you
need a fresh energy after a trial of labor, bring a list of assistant coaches
you can call in to support you. It is your body, your baby and your birth. The people in your birth space can potentially
hinder or help your labor’s progress.
Set yourself up for success and clarify your “guest list” before labor
starts. Although it’s a tiny detail in
the grand scheme of preparations you are making, you will be glad you did. What influenced your decision to invite or exclude people
from your birth? Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational
purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.  We are now enrolling for our Spring SeriesMarch 5, 2012 to May 21, 2012 For more information or to register, please call us at
602-684-6567 or email us at [email protected] |
Chiropractic Care for Moms and Babies
| Posted on February 3, 2012 at 4:12 PM |
comments (168)
|
 I admit it - I was one of those complete skeptics about chiropractic care. I used to call them "chiro-quackers" and felt 100% sure that I would never let one touch me or my back.Then our third child, Bryan, was breech at 32 weeks. And he stayed breech - at our 36 week ultrasound, there was definitely a bottom where there should have been a top! Desperate to avoid a cesarean and willing to try any natural measure I could, I asked my natural momma tribe if they could recommend anyone for the Webster Protocol - the three with answers all sent me to the same person: Dr. Kevin Ross. We invite him to speak to our students because we feel that his care is one of the keys for our whole family to continue along the path of natural living that ties into our passion for natural birth. He is passionate about chiropractic care and the benefits for mom, baby and the nursing relationship. As an added bonus, he is also a Bradley dad® and can speak directly to the families coach to coach. Today's post is short on written words - I will let Dr. Ross' videos speak for themselves. You will see a title and a synopsis; click on the videos to learn more about the topics. Enjoy! The topics are: - What is chiropractic care? - What is "interfering" with the body's natural processes? - What is "adjusting"? - Chiropractic and Pregnancy - Chiropractic and Babies - The Webster Protocol explained For Part 2 of this post, which is Coaching Back Labor click here. What is chiropractic care? Dr. Ross introduces the concept of chiropractic care to our students. What is "interfering" with the body's natural process? Chemical, physical and emotional stressors interfere with the body's ability to heal itself. Good chiropractors don't "fix" things - they clear the way for the body to do the work. What is "adjusting"? The common understanding of chiropractic care is a lot of pops and cracking. Dr. Ross explains the different ways of adjusting - and there are many ways to adjust without "cracking". Chiropractic and Pregnancy Chiropractic care can help ease some of the physical discomforts of pregnancy. Chiropractic and Pediatric Work Babies can also be safely adjusted - do your research and find a chiropractor trained to do pediatric work. The Webster Protocol Guess what - it's not a turning technique! It is actually stabilizing the mother so that the baby can safely turn head-down. About Dr. Kevin Ross: Dr. Ross
has been in practice for 20 years in Tempe, Arizona. His passion and
love is pediatric and pregnancy care but his office cares for people of all ages.
He is certified in the Webster Protocol for malpositioned babies. If you would like to contact Dr. Ross, you can reach him at 480.730.7950, or visit his site at www.rechargeyourlife.com Disclaimer: The
material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.  We are now enrolling for our Spring SeriesMarch 5, 2012 to May 21, 2012 For more information or to register, please call us at
602-684-6567 or email us at [email protected] |
Energy for Pregnancy and Labor
| Posted on January 10, 2012 at 9:37 AM |
comments (0)
|
I made the mistake of serving sweet gooey treats for snack
in class tonight. It got really quiet
after we did our labor rehearsal – oops.So what are ways of increasing your energy during pregnancy,
or additionally, your labor, if you are feeling low energy?
Abdominal
Breathing We talk about it often in class – deep abdominal breathing
is one of the best ways to increase oxygen in your body while still maintaining
a deep level of relaxation. Chest breathing wastes a tremendous amount of energy. “Chest breathing is inefficient because the
greatest amount of blood flow occurs in the lower lobes of the lungs, areas
that have limited air expansion in chest breathers. Rapid, shallow, chest
breathing results in less oxygen transfer to the blood and subsequent poor
delivery of nutrients to the tissues.”
- From http://www.amsa.org/healingthehealer/breathing.cfm Abdominal breathing can also eliminate the vicious circle of
the fear-tension-pain cycle.
By relaxing, you can stop the chest breathing that causes
tension that causes pain; the pain causes fear; fear causes more chest
breathing that winds up until mom and/or baby are showing signs of distress
that leads to more intervention.
Trace Minerals Birth is an athletic event, whether you have a
sprint, marathon or something in between.
The more vigorous your labor is, the more important it is to restore
your body’s supply of minerals. Exercise and stress, both of which may be
present during labor, can drain the body of electrolytes and trace minerals, elements
needed to maintain proper fluid balance and recharge energy levels.
In addition, energy is passed through the body
via electrical charges. In order to work
well, properly functioning electrical cellular communication is essential. Minerals act as catalysts for the biological processes in the body,
including muscle response, the transmission of messages through the nervous
system, and the utilization of nutrients in food. All of these are essential if you want the
most efficient labor possible.
Strive
to find a trace mineral supplement with a flavor you can tolerate. At the very least look for an electrolyte
drink that will help replenish the minerals you need and might be using up
through the course of late pregnancy and delivery.
Take a Nap Whether you are tired during the day when you are pregnant,
or feeling exhaustion set in during labor, a nap is a great solution to help
mom and dad face their labor with renewed energy and confidence. A twenty-minute nap is a very effective tool
for increasing alertness. If you can get
a 30-60 minute nap it helps with decision-making skills. Both of those would be beneficial in labor.
I wonder what students picture as the length of nap when we
encourage them to sleep during their labor. I think most of them must imagine a
2-3 hour nap, think it is impossible and cross it off the list since so few of
them have been able to nap in their labor.
We know from experience that sleeping can be incredibly restorative
during labor. If Coach can convince Mom
that just twenty minutes will do her well, remind Mom she doesn’t have to
hunker down for a long time. Mom will
not miss out on anything by sleeping just twenty minutes; in fact, you can
drastically change your outcome by being rested.
So turn off the lights, wrap her in a comforting blanket and
stroke or talk her to sleep with your soothing voice. If Mom responds to music, find some
relaxation tunes to play for her. Maybe
use an eye mask to block out light – it seems to be easier to fall asleep when
it is dark.
Go for a Walk We encourage all our students to be walking at least twenty
minutes per day from the first day of class until the day they have their
baby. Regular physical exercise not only
increases stamina, it also helps energize the body. During the day or during a low-energy point
in labor, a walk might be in order.
A change in pace or scenery can help restore energy. I am not talking about constant walking to
speed labor, especially if you start with contractions that are more than ten
minutes apart. If your contractions
start that far apart, a good meal and rest are in order to conserve energy.
My first question to a tired couple is, “Can you get mom to
sleep?” If that doesn’t work, it is
possible that a walk around the building or around the block doing abdominal
breathing will oxygenate and wake up your body when you need to restore
energy. Eat protein-rich
snacks Click here to read my list of good choices for labor
snacks. They are high in protein and
complex carbs. I try to avoid processed
sugars or starches that rapidly convert to sugar – no need to repeat the
effects of a quick sugar up and down that we saw in class tonight!
Drink water If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated and it’s time
to get mom some plain water to get her fluid level back up. In labor, the body is working in ways that
you cannot measure. Water is crucial to
get the hormones that stimulate and regulate labor circulating effectively
throughout the body.
Early signs of dehydration include thirst, loss of appetite,
dry mouth and head rushes. If Mom has a
desire to eat, she needs to be eating to store energy for the point in labor
when she is no longer hungry. If this
suppressed due to dehydration, she will miss out on her opportunity to store
energy. Head rushes can lead to an
untimely fall, which could potentially change the course of your labor
depending on the severity of the fall.
Continued dehydration can lead to increased heart rate,
increased temperature, fatigue and headaches…which could also be construed as
the mother going into distress. You can
absolutely head off a false distress warning in labor by making sure Mom is
drinking eight ounces of water per hour, or chewing on ice if that is what she
prefers. If Mom is hydrated and this
happens, then you know it’s time to pay attention and alert your care provider.
A side note on hydration: if Coach is good about getting Mom
the necessary water, Coach also needs to be good about getting her to the
bathroom. A full bladder can lead to
unnecessary pain in labor if the baby’s head is pushing against a full
bladder. It might also impede the
progress of labor if the baby’s head is blocked from entering the vaginal canal
by a full bladder.
Figure out what
works for you. Conserving energy is extremely important because you don’t
know how long you will be in labor. There
isn’t much we can control about labor if you follow the course for a natural
birth. You can influence how rested you
feel. It would be unfortunate to end up
with medication, an episiotomy or a cesarean if the only factor for that choice
is being too tired to make it through with the energy you needed to meet your
baby.
What are the energy saving or energy
restoring methods that you use? Would you like to read more about today’s suggestions?
For information on the minerals you need and how your body
uses them: Start a Walking Program
While you are pregnant, focus on walking for energy and
stamina. After your baby is born you can
consider the suggestions on walking for weight loss. More about dehydration:
http://www.symptomsofdehydration.com/effects-of-dehydration.htm Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.  We are now enrolling for our Spring Series March 5, 2012 to May 21, 2012 For more information or to register, please call us at 602-684-6567 or email us at |