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Sweet Pea ​Births
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Stay Safe and Cool Through Your Summer Pregnancy - Part 2
| Posted on June 10, 2016 at 10:05 AM |
comments (190)
|
 As you read on Tuesday (Part 1), dehydration and hyperthermia can cause
dangerous complications of pregnancy. Remember you have permission to be a Drama Queen during the summer months! Take it easy and take care of yourself as the
temperature climbs. You can also enlist
your partner and other family members to help you take advantage of one, some, or all of these comfort
measures listed below to avoid dehydration and hyperthermia in the first place. The simplest steps you can take are staying hydrated, getting rest, and staying out of direct sunlight and high temperatures. Above all, good judgment is the
best guide when you are out and about in the heat and sunlight. Here is a more detailed list of suggestions and tips I complied from
having had three (!) summer pregnancies, and all the reading I did on the subject (see the articles in the reference section
below). There are no affiliate links in this post - please feel free to click away at the other info I want to share with you. Bradley Method® instructor Krystyna Bowman, AAHCC shares ideas for staying safe and cool during the summer monthsClothing and Fabrics - Wear light-colored clothing that will reflect the
sunlight. - Stay away from dark colors that absorb heat if you are out
and about during the day. - Wear non-restrictive clothing to minimize swelling – you
want to encourage optimal circulation as much as possible. Pay special attention to wear clothing that isn't restrictive
around your waist area. - Wear a cooling bandana – there are several brands
available in the stores, or you may be able to shop local and support a crafter
at an area farmer’s market. - Wear fabrics that are breathable and keep you cool, such
as Cool Max (wicks sweat), Lycra (keeps shape while being elastic) and Supplex
(cottony feel and quick-drying). Stay
away from Spandex and nylon based fabrics that don’t let your skin breathe. - Breathable fabrics can also help prevent heat rashes on
your breasts and abdomen, the areas that rub against the fabric the most. - Avoid open-weave fabrics that allow the sun to reach your
skin. Cool Comfort Measures  - Carry a spritzer bottle or personal misting fan with
you. For extra cooling, keep them in
filled in the refrigerator until you need to take them with you.- Take frequent, quick showers – air dry if you have time,
or pat dry if you need to move on with your day. - Stay cool indoors by sitting in an air conditioned space
or near an electric fan. - If air conditioning isn’t an option, try an air filter or
a dehumidifier. These are especially
helpful if you live in a humid climate. - Find the most comfortable room in the building and make
that your nest. If your house or
workplace doesn’t have one of those rooms, think about investing in a personal
air conditioner that you can leave in your space, or move around with you. - Keep beauty products such as sun lotion, moisturizer or
toner in the refrigerator. Applying a
cold product to your skin will give you an instant cool down. - Use cold packs or ice cubes at wrist pulse points, the
back of the neck and on the forehead.
You can keep long-lasting soft-gel cooling strips in your car or purse
when you know the freezer isn’t going to be handy when you are out running
errands. You can also decide if THESE amazing necklaces might come in handy now instead of later. - Get long hair up and off your neck. You can braid it, tie it in a ponytail or
clip it up. Find easy up-dos via BuzzFeed HERE . - Raise your legs at every opportunity – encourage good
circulation whenever and however possible. - If you don’t have a swimming pool, fill a wading pool with
water and place it in a shady part of your yard or patio. Cool off as needed! Exercise Bradley Method® instructor Krystyna Bowman, AAHCC shares ideas for staying safe and cool during the summer months- Wear a heart rate monitor to ensure your working heart rate stays in a safe range while you exercise. Ask your care provider what they feel is a safe active heart rate for you. - Avoid exercising during the hot hours. Wherever you are in the country, the
temperature is generally the hottest between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. - It follows to limit your outdoor activities from the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm - find as many places to stay cool inside as possible! - Instead of walking outside, do your walking inside at an
indoor track or at an indoor shopping mall. - Swimming is a good warm/hot-weather option. It supports your growing body, the feeling of
weightlessness is awesome, it cools off your whole body, it takes weight off
the sciatic nerve, and it encourages the baby into an optimal birthing
position. - Prenatal yoga can be another good option. A class taught by an experienced prenatal instructor will provide a good mix of heart healthy poses, strengthening poses, and relaxation (see "Mind Over Matter" by scrolling down in this post). - Do the pregnancy exercises assigned by your Bradley Method® instructor. They are designed to be gentle enough to do during any time of the year, yet there is enough repetition to strengthen the muscles you will need for your labor. Fluids  - Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day, and more if you are
active.- Avoid caffeinated drinks. Caffeine acts as a diuretic and
it may increase the frequency of urination, which can then lead to a reduction
in your body fluid levels – hello, dehydration. - Make sure you are replacing your electrolytes...water intoxication is an actual condition that can be caused by drinking too much water in a short amount of time. In order to hydrate safely, we have used the product made by Emergen-C. Coconut water is a great natural "gatorade". A third option is to use trace minerals - find a brand you trust and add them to your glass of water. Food  - Eat little meals more often. Large meals increase your metabolism and this
could make you feel hotter.- Eat fluid-filled foods, such as strawberries, celery,
watermelon and cucumber. HERE are more ideas for hydrating foods. - Make healthy popsicles by freezing organic fruit juices. - Treat yourself to a meal at a restaurant – use their air
conditioning and you can keep the heat out of your kitchen since you won’t be
using your stove or your oven for food prep that night. As a bonus, pack half of your meal in a to-go container and have it as a snack later. - Read more about eating during pregnancy HERE - archive post from Spring 2014. Hustle and Bustle  - Do your chores early or late in the day when the
temperature is cooler.- Move slowly and avoid rushing. - Avoid movements that could lead to light-headedness, such
as repetitive bending or rushing around on staircases. Mind Over Matter  - Relaxation – the key to The Bradley Method®. It is easier to keep your body temperature
lower if you are calm and relaxed instead of stressed and hurried. Take the time to practice some mental imagery
and move through your day with the intention to stay cool.- Breathe – a good rhythmic breathing pattern can reduce
heat production in your body. The
foundation of relaxation is breathing that supports a relaxed state. Bradley instructors love to encourage
abdominal breathing anytime and anywhere. - Meditate – even an one-minute practice can make a difference - really!! Find some meditation resources HERE - archive post from Spring 2015. Sun Safety Bradley Method® instructor Krystyna Bowman, AAHCC shares ideas for staying safe and cool during the summer months- Stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Sunburn impairs the body’s ability to cool
itself and it causes the loss of body fluids. - If you must be or choose to be in the sun, use a good
sunscreen, at least SPF 15. The natural
momma in me will encourage you to find a sunscreen that is organic, thereby
minimizing the amount of chemicals absorbed into your bloodstream. EWG publishes a sun-screen guide - find it HERE. - Avoid mid-day direct sun exposure. If you live in the north, this means stay out
of the sun between 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
If you live in the south, this means 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. - Use a sun hat and sunglasses to avoid prolonged exposure
or sunstroke. - Apply a sun lotion at the end of the day whether or not
you sunburn. The ingredients will soothe
and restore your skin from the drying effects of the sun. Did I forget to mention one? What is your favorite sun safety tip? Disclaimer: References: http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-education/water-pregnancy.htm http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=52172 http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51783 http://www.pregnancytoday.com/articles/healthy-safe-pregnancy/pregnant-during-the-summer-months-3185/ http://www.suite101.com/content/coping-with-the-heat-in-pregnancy-a129230
http://www.parentingweekly.com/pregnancy/pregnancy_health_fitness/hot_summer_safety.htm
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/jun/18/staying-cool-pregnant-women-face-greater-risks/ http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/pampering/summer-pregnancy-issues/?page=5 http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/pampering/summer-pregnancy-issues/?page=6 |
Stay Safe and Cool Through Your Summer Pregnancy - Part 1
| Posted on June 7, 2016 at 9:31 PM |
comments (164)
|
 Ideas to Have a Safe Pregnancy During the Summer Months - Hello, Mr. Sun!My friend and colleague Tina Lebedies suggested this topic. As it turns out, there is a lot to write about when it comes to coping with
the heat while you are pregnant! So this is how I am going to organize this topic: I am going to split in two parts. Today I am going to share
why it is so important that you take extra care – be a Drama Queen when it comes
to taking care of yourself if you are pregnant in the summer. Then I am going to list the concerns with
their symptoms and suggestions to ease the symptoms. Check back on Friday for Part 2 of this post. I am going to share some ideas
and give you some tips to stay cool and live smart through the summer months. We are lucky in Arizona – to stay cool we head indoors or
get wet and then let our skin air dry.
In humid climates, the added moisture makes it harder to stay cool – I
am glad we live in a dry heat! I had three summer pregnancies that lasted through July, and two went through September!! We are not good planners in that department - LOL. At least, now I am well-versed in finding to cool off and stay cool – for that I will count my blessings. It comes in handy now that I am toting four Sweet Peas through the hot summer months :) The first thing I am going to point out as a Bradley Method®
instructor is that keeping track of your diet and fluid intake is of utmost
importance, even more so in the summer. Eat between 80 – 100 grams of protein per day, and include
salt in that equation to keep a balanced diet. I cringe when I read pregnancy articles that
suggest a pregnant woman should reduce her salt intake if she is swelling. Cutting back on salt can cause a decrease in the amount of
blood circulating through your body and placenta (a condition called “hypovolemia”),
thus reducing the supply of nutrients passing to your baby. How will you know if you are not getting
enough salt? Too little salt in the diet
leads to leg cramps and fatigue, so if you are experiencing these symptoms
exclusive of the heat factors I am going to write about below, try salting your
food to taste and see if those symptoms are minimized or go away altogether.  BE A DRAMA QUEENI assure you that you are not the only pregnant person who
is feeling just a tad hotter than usual this summer. It doesn’t matter if you are still in your
first trimester – you will be a little hotter even though your body doesn’t
show your pregnancy yet. In some ways
it’s even more important that you protect yourself because it is a time of
crucial development where overheating can have devastating effects on the baby. If you have already been making your coach
take care of you and he or she thinks you are being over-dramatic, then have
them read this post, or any of the “official” articles I reference at the end
of the post. Why You Feel Hotter There are several reasons why your core body temperature is
elevated: 1. Your body is
undergoing hormonal fluctuations. 2. You are carrying
the extra weight of your baby, and if you are like me, you have extra padding your
body insists on adding on, no matter how well you eat and how often you exercise. 3. Your body is
working to cool your body, plus the body of your growing baby. 4. Your increased
metabolism also increases your body temperature, and it works harder as your
baby demands more from your body. Why You Need To Insulate Baby Your baby’s body temperature is 1°C (almost 2°F) warmer than
your body temperature, and they cannot sweat to cool themselves down. The only thing cooling your baby is your
body’s knowledge of how to grow your baby.
If your body starts to heat up and it can no longer work to keep your
baby’s temperature down, there are many things that could happen. Whatever the trimester, your baby’s heart rate could start
to go up. In regards to the first
trimester specifically, studies have shown that babies are especially susceptible
to heat stress in the first trimester of pregnancy when the major body systems
are developing. An elevation in the
pregnant mothers body temperature above a safe range has been associated with
birth defects such as heart problems, abdominal wall defects, nervous system
malformation and neural tube defects.
Exposure to extreme heat could also increase the risk factor for
experiencing a miscarriage or pre-term labor. CONCERNS DURING PREGNANCY DEHYDRATION Dehydration – a condition in which your body does not have
the fluid it needs to maintain healthy body function. When you are living for two, staying hydrated
is even more important. If you are
dehydrated, it could cause the baby’s heart to beat too quickly. It can also increase your risk of pre-term
labor. The decrease in blood volume
causes an increase in the concentration of oxytocin. Oxytocin the hormone that causes contractions
to begin and intensify, and an excess of oxytocin is not a good thing unless
you are supposed to be in labor. One of the first signs that you are dehydrated is feeling
thirsty. If you are feeling like you
really could use a drink, then you are already dehydrated – find a
non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage ASAP and drink it! Other signs of dehydration are dry or chapped lips, dry
skin, fatigue, constipation or decreased movement from your baby. If you are experiencing these symptoms, get
yourself to a place with cooler temperature, have a seat and drink some water
or fruit juice. If your symptoms don’t
improve, or your baby doesn’t start increasing their movements within the next
hour, call your care provider and ask for further instructions and/or head to a
hospital emergency room. Fluid Retention and Dehydration A pregnant woman carries an average of 15 pounds of extra
fluid to support the physiological changes during pregnancy. This is considered to be a normal amount of
fluid increase, sometimes called physiological edema. A little more than half of that fluid is used
to replace the amniotic fluid (it is replaced every hour by using about a cup
of water that is stored in the body), it helps to hydrate and nurture the cells
of the baby and the placenta. The rest
of it is used in the bloodstream to carry more oxygen and nutrients to the mom
and the baby, and to remove waste products from the mom and the baby. Interestingly, fluid retention, as opposed to the fluid
increase I described above, may contribute to dehydration. If you are retaining fluids, the fluid is
absent within the cells where it is needed.
Instead, the fluid is retained in the space around the cells, causing
the pregnant mom to look puffy and swollen. Whether it’s normal physiological edema or fluid retention,
you may notice that your feet and ankles are uncomfortably swollen. This happens since your legs are lower than
the level of your heart. It’s harder for
blood to work against gravity even when you are not pregnant, so add pregnancy on
top of that and you start to swell. Add in
the fact that your growing uterus puts pressure on the veins traveling up
towards the heart, and voila, you have swollen feet and ankles. You can relieve this swelling by making sure you are
drinking enough water. Believe it or
not, drinking water can reduce your swelling!
While it doesn't seem like it makes sense to get rid of fluids by taking
in more, the extra fluids will help flush out your system of waste products
which may have increased the swelling in the first place. On the flip side, I should also tell you that it’s possible
to get too much water, also known as water intoxication. In this case, the extreme saturation of water
in your body dilutes the necessary electrolytes too much. This can cause fatigued muscles, muscle
cramps and even unconsciousness in the extreme cases. Use good judgment when it comes to your fluid intake – at
least 8 – 10 glasses of water a day if you are moderately active, and more if
you are more active. As I mentioned
above, if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Have that drink of water even if it means
it’s the 12th or 13th drink you have had that day. If your thirst persists, it may be time to
call your care provider. Here are some other things to do to decrease swelling and
its discomforts: take rings off swollen
fingers, use flat and/or open toed shoes, and avoid prolonged sitting or
standing positions that allow your blood to pool. If your activity or job requires you to stay
in a standing position for an extended period of time, you can get up and take
a five-minute walk or march in place to encourage circulation. If you must sit,
do it in such a way that shortens the distance between your heart and your
feet, such as propping your feet up on a bench or footstool. The best sitting
position for circulation is tailor sitting, so sit on the floor when possible,
or armless chair if you are at a desk or table.
No matter what the activity, you can also try a maternity belt to lift
your uterus up and allow for better circulation. My favorite way to reduce pregnancy swelling is resting in a
side-lying position for 20 – 30 minutes at a time, at least twice a day. When you lay down, elevate your feet. You can do this by putting a rolled up
blanket or towel underneath your mattress, or propping your feet up on
pillows. It is easier to find time for this
if you are expecting your first child – use the time to meditate about the
upcoming birth and fill your mind with positive thoughts and affirmations. Even if you are mom of other children, find the time to lie
down twice a day and invite them to join you.
You can use this time to tell older siblings their birth stories, look
at pictures of their birth and talk about who came to visit them when they were
born. This can serve to open the lines
of communication and talk about their feelings about the new baby, whatever
they may be. Finding time to talk to
your children is something you will always treasure. HYPERTHERMIA  Hyperthermia, or over-heating, is one of the most dangerous
conditions of pregnancy. It can start
with something as seemingly benign as heat cramps; proceed to heat exhaustion,
and quickly progress to the life-threatening condition of heat stroke. May I remind you again? It’s okay to be a Drama Queen when it comes to
staying cool and comfortable during the summer months.These are the warning signs of hyperthermia. As with any sign that your pregnancy is
moving outside of normal, it is important to get rest and replenish your
fluids. It is imperative that you call
your care provider if you experience any of these symptoms and it’s not close
to your due date, and you know you been exposed to intense sun and/or heat. If these symptoms persist after rest and
fluid intake, ask yourself if you should be heading to the nearest hospital: 1. More than five
contractions or cramps per hour 2. Bright red vaginal
bleeding 3. Acute or
continuous vomiting 4. Low, dull backache 5. Intense pelvic
pressure 6. Swelling or
puffiness of the face or hands – this could be a sign of preeclampsia Heat Cramps Heat cramps are the earliest warning sign of hyperthermia. This typically follows after heavy
perspiration. The loss of electrolytes
leads to muscle spasms. If and when you
experience any cramping after a lot of perspiration, listen to your body. Take steps to reduce your body temperature
immediately and replenish the electrolytes in your body. If you can recognize and ward off a dangerous
rise in body temperature at the beginning, you may be able avoid the other
dangers and complications of hyperthermia. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is caused by prolonged exposure to high
temperatures, a restricted fluid intake or the failure of the body’s mechanism
to regulate your temperature. Signs that
you might be experiencing heat exhaustion are: - Skin that may feel cool and moist and appear pale - Headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness, faintness,
light-headedness, fatigue, exhaustion, mental confusion, anxiety, muscle cramps - Rapid, weak pulse - Breathing may be fast and shallow or it may feel like you
have shortness of breath - Blood pressure may drop I will repeat, the best thing to do if you experience any of
these symptoms or warning signs is to take steps to reduce your body
temperature immediately and replenish the electrolytes in your body. These are more serious signs, so please don’t
hesitate to enlist the help of strangers to assist you to a cooler place and to
bring you water or other fluids, such as juice or an electrolyte drink. Heat Stroke Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires
immediate medical attention. When you
experience any of these symptoms due to prolonged exposure to high
temperatures, a restricted fluid intake or the failure of the body’s mechanism
to regulate your temperature, the impact on the body is much greater. As a Bradley Method® instructor we cannot
give you medical advice, what we can and always will tell you to do in these
situations is to call your care provider and get yourself to the nearest
hospital to ensure that both mother and baby are attended to as soon as
possible. Signs of heat stroke: - Body temperature reaches 104°F (40°C) or hotter - Mental confusion - Combative and bizarre behavior - Staggering - Faintness - Strong and rapid pulse (160-180 bpm) - Skin will become dry and flushed - Sweat very little - Quickly lose consciousness and have convulsions The two conditions I described today, dehydration and hyperthermia, can become medical complications that can compromise both you and your baby if you don't take simple steps to prevent them. It bears repeating that staying hydrated, getting rest, and staying out of the heat and direct sunlight as much as possible are some of the simple yet effective steps you can take to stay safe and cool through the summer months. Check back on Friday for a detailed list of ideas that you can use ranging from clothing to fluids and foods to sun safety. Many of the ways to stay cool take minimal effort and do not require you to spend a lot of money. Frugal is good in these interesting times! Disclaimer: References: http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-education/water-pregnancy.htm http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=52172 http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51783 http://www.pregnancytoday.com/articles/healthy-safe-pregnancy/pregnant-during-the-summer-months-3185/ http://www.suite101.com/content/coping-with-the-heat-in-pregnancy-a129230
http://www.parentingweekly.com/pregnancy/pregnancy_health_fitness/hot_summer_safety.htm
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/jun/18/staying-cool-pregnant-women-face-greater-risks/ http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/pampering/summer-pregnancy-issues/?page=5 http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/pampering/summer-pregnancy-issues/?page=6 |
Top 10 PostPartum Tips
| Posted on May 22, 2015 at 7:12 PM |
comments (15)
|
 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®. |
A New Chapter: Meet Cassandra
| Posted on March 5, 2013 at 8:48 AM |
comments (114)
|
Bruss and I would like to welcome Cassandra to the Sweet Pea Births Family. She will be a regular contributor to the blog and you will start seeing her around the internet on our other social media platforms. I am looking forward to sharing her areas of expertise with our students and readers. Bienvenidos, Cassandra! ~KRB  Hi, I am Cassandra Okamoto and I am a new contributing
writer here at Sweet Pea Births! I thought I would tell you all a little bit
about myself & then share my birth story, which just happened to take place
almost exactly one year ago.
I am wife to my wonderful husband, Eric, of four years, and
mother to our one-year-old son. I quit my career in telecommunications finance
at 34 weeks pregnant and have stayed home ever since. SAHM, wife, mother, all
roles I am still struggling to understand, identify, navigate, and balance a
year later.
In 2009 I began a whirlwind adventure into all things
nutrition, holistic healing, natural living, conscious consumerism, and
sustainability, not only for our earth but also for us! This led me to obtaining
a certificate in Holistic Nutrition from the Southwest Institute of Healing
Arts in 2010 and exploring the world of healthy pregnancy and natural home
birth before becoming pregnant in 2011. Now my days are filled with post
partum/nursing nutrition, toddler nutrition, gentle parenting, and being the
best facilitator to my son as he explores the world.
My pregnancy was filled with tons of herbs/herbal tea,
chiropractic care, yoga, massages, nutritious food, walking, weight training
(until my due date!). Everything progressed
very normally. At 43 weeks 4 days (according to the date *I* believed my
baby was conceived), I woke up around 9:00 am and while laying in bed felt some
slight cramps that were coming and going about every 5/6 minutes. I had no
signs of labor up until this point and I knew this could last for days or even
weeks so I just relaxed, read, and then got ready for the day. My husband was
taking me on an afternoon date to see The Lorax!
While I was getting ready they were coming a little stronger
and by the time I met my husband at 1:00 pm, I was stopping for a breath at each
one. I LOVED the movie but about an hour into it I just couldn't get
comfortable during the contractions and I asked if we could leave so I could
lie down (I still haven't seen the end of that movie!).
We got home about 4:00 pm and I tried laying on the couch
while my husband changed our bed sheets and made me something to eat. That
wasn't very comfortable and I settled in on the floor. Around 5:45 pm I called our doula. I knew it could still be a
very long time and didn’t want her to come prematurely but wanted to give her a
heads up so she could plan her night. She was on her way to teach a birth class
which was from 6:30-8:30 pm and I told her to just come after! She had to run
home and get her things and said it would probably take about an hour and I
figured I could definitely go on like this for three more hours and 9:30 pm would be perfect. The bed was now ready so I got in, surrounded myself with
pillows and tried to rest, but they were really coming now. I also had to get
up and pee a lot, which was no fun. I felt the best lying down, I needed to be
supported and just try and sink into the bed when a contraction would come. I
tried the birth ball for one and I just felt so unstable without the support of
the bed and pillows all around me. I would have some on the toilet though and
would brace myself against the door; the support of the door and the toilet
beneath was good too. Around 6:45 pm they were more intense and hard for me so I
started moaning through them, it actually really helped. I decided I needed to
call our doula back and have her come now. I also called our midwife then to
give her the heads up as I was definitely feeling this was the real thing and
hoping to have my baby with us sometime the next morning. Our doula arrived around 8:00 pm, and I was so happy to see her. I was still
in bed, surrounded by pillows and not opening my eyes – just moaning through
each contraction. She set up the birth tub and it was super noisy but I didn’t
mind at all, during my contractions I was in my own world and although I would
still have my eyes closed between contractions I could still hear and
understand everything going on around me. I am not sure what time it was when the first batch of hot
water was in the tub but that is when I got in, it wasn’t very deep but it was
actually perfect. The water felt good. I got on my knees and laid over the side
with my arms outside, I began to lose it a little in the pool. The contractions
were so strong and honestly I wish I could describe how they felt but I can’t,
I couldn’t really explain to my husband right after and by now I can’t remember
as vividly. They were HARD though, I got really scared that this was going to go
on for hours and hours and hours and I knew I wouldn’t be able to last that
long. I kept asking my doula if she thought I had a lot longer left and she
just kept telling me to focus on each contraction and not think about anything
except that one. She held my hands and repeated “think about being soft and
open in front of your baby” during the contractions and I did. I spread my legs
out wide during each and thought about my cervix as butter melting away.
Between contractions all I wanted to do was rest, I just wanted to lie down. I
started sitting back in the tub during the breaks just to try and find some
relief, even though it was more work to get back up as soon as I felt another
contraction coming. During this time I had a non-stop feeling that I had to pee.
I would get out of the tub and go to the toilet but during contractions it
started feeling so much better if I pushed like I was peeing. Our doula put a
chux pad outside of the pool and I spent a couple contractions coming back from
the bathroom leaning on the outside of the pool and pee would dribble out each
time. She said a little bit of pee in the pool was fine and I was SO happy
because it seriously felt so much better when I could do that during the
contractions. Somewhere in here I was asked if I wanted the student
midwives to come hang out in the other room but I said no, surprisingly (for my
worrisome nature) I didn’t feel like anything was wrong and the only thing I
was worried about was that labor was going to go on forever and I wouldn’t be able
to make it through. I started feeling some spasms on the right side of my belly
during three contractions and then at 9:55 pm my water broke! It was the wildest
feeling ever, I really had NO idea what it was – it felt like a big gush and
then bubbles coming out. I don’t know if I made a weird face or something but
my doula immediately asked if my water broke and then I knew what it was! The very next contraction was a pushing contraction – it was
the craziest thing I have ever felt. It was like my stomach was literally
ejecting my baby out. It would happen about three times each contraction. It
wasn’t as “painful” as the other contractions but VERY overwhelming and
honestly scary to me because it was SO strong and so involuntary – my body was
doing it all without me and it was nuts! I don’t think I actually pushed with
the contractions for awhile, I didn’t feel like I was doing anything – it felt
like my body all on it’s own. My doula told me to reach down and see if I could
feel my baby and I could! His head was about half a finger inside. After a few contractions his head was closer, and then I
would feel it come down and go back up. It then started coming down and staying
down, but during the break between contractions would go back up.
My husband replaced my doula in front of me holding my hands
during these contractions while she went behind me and put counter pressure on
my back. It felt amazing, I didn’t really feel that much pressure in my
back/bum and I think it was because she was doing that. The beginning of a
couple came without her ready and they were SO MUCH WORSE. Our midwives arrived around 10:40 pm. They checked my baby’s
heart rate and it sounded good and I was relieved. I hadn’t felt any movement
from him and a couple of times it crossed my mind that maybe he wasn’t ok or
alive (I know that is awful but it was in my thoughts). Pretty soon I started
feeling burning on the inside, then a couple more contractions later and I was
feeling a terrible burning on the outside – I could reach down and feel my
son’s head RIGHT there. I had felt something slimy sticking out of me earlier and my
doula had checked me with a flashlight and mirror and saw that it was just part
of my bag of waters. Our midwife noticed the same thing at this point and wanted
to make sure she knew what it was, she couldn’t get a good look with the
flashlight so she told me I needed to stand up. I thought there was no possible
way in the world that I could stand up even if I tried but somehow everyone
helped me up, a contraction hit and my baby just shot/tumbled/fell right out,
it was 11:20pm on March 7th, 2012.
Later this week I will be sharing Part 2 so watch for
it on Friday! In the mean time I would love to hear from you in the comments: where did
you birth your baby(ies)? Was it what you expected or planned, why or why not? Please leave us a comment - it will be moderated and
posted.
*I think* that the amount of traffic you so generously
generate has led to a lot of spam posting. In an effort to keep the spam
to a minimum, I am taking the time to moderate comments now. ~KRB 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 (272)
|
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®. |
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 |
Breast Care 101
| Posted on December 23, 2011 at 3:30 AM |
comments (140)
|
We have lots of new mommies in the queue, so I thought I would share some of the great products available for milkin' mammas. I picked four categories, and with the help of Talisha Heiden, I have product descriptions and some informational videos for you. Galactagogues As I mentioned in my newbie's post, it is important that mom's get help within the first three weeks of their current breastfeeding relationship if they have any doubts or are concerned about their milk supply. In this video, Talisha shares her knowledge of the products she carries to help new mother's increase their milk supply.  She also carries a breastfeeding cookie. As she told me today, at 230 calories a pop, it's not the most calorie-conscious way to increase your milk supply, nor would she suggest it instead of a supplement. It is however, an option for a snack if you are a nursing mom. We do tell Coaches in our classes to get mom a tall glass of water and a snack whenever Mom sits down to nurse. This product has several ingredients that support milk production, making it a good snack choice.Therapy Pillows One of the most common words people associate or know in regards to breastfeeding is "engorgement". When milk comes in after 2-7 days of making colostrum, a mother's breasts will swell as they fill with milk. If you are producing a regular amount of milk or an oversupply, you are likely to experience some level of engorgement. This can be uncomfortable and painful. Both brands of therapy pillows are filled with flax seeds and can provide warming or cooling relief with an all natural, gel-free product. The pillows can be heated in the
microwave or cooled in the freezer to provide warming or cooling relief
from the common discomforts of breastfeeding. A warm pillow opens clogged ducts and increases milk production. The warm, moist heat encourages milk
flow, maintains open milk ducts to prevent clogged ducts, promotes
let-down and it could comfort the symptoms of infection or mastitis. Therapeutic cooling soothes sore new mama nipples and breasts. You can store them in the freezer and wear them inside your bra between feedings to help
reduce the swelling and tenderness of engorgement. Since they are made to last, you can use them as you complete your breastfeeding relationship to comfort breasts
during weaning.
As you can see, the bamboobies product covers the nipple, whereas the Earth Mama Angel Baby product fits around the areola. The right product for you will depend on which of your nursing parts are sore and need relief. Reusable Nursing Pads We suggest that our Bradley Method® students do their research if they decide to use a nursing pad. If they think they want to use nursing pads, we suggest they take care to choose a product that prevents leaks from showing through their clothing while keeping the nipple area dry. Moisture in the area can keep a sore nipple from healing and it can also grow bacteria - yuck. Talisha offers her description of her favorite nursing pads - both of which she sells in her store. In the product gallery below, you can also see two more offerings. She does offer a variety because each mom is unique - what feels good to mom is an individual choice. All of the products shown here are washable and reusable - modern mommies take care to use earth-friendly products :)
Nipple Cream This falls under the "must-haves" on Talisha's breastfeeding survival list. She is especially fond of the Motherlove product since it made a big difference in the nursing relationship with her firstborn. A good nipple cream will quickly relieve the discomfort of sore, cracked nursing nipples. Look for a product made from ingredients that are safe for ingestion, so it does not need to be washed off prior to breastfeeding baby. The Motherlove product she carries fits this description.  As you can see, Talisha is a wealth of information when it comes to establishing and maintaining a mutually enjoyable and beneficial nursing relationship. The products shown today are just the tip of the iceberg. She is a working mama who made the breastfeeding relationship work. Her experience drives her product line. She carries a full compliment of breastfeeding supplies and accessories in her store: nursing teas, nursing cookies, nursing covers, breast pumps, milk storage supplies, bottle-feeding equipment and more. In addition to speaking with Talisha, you can attend the free Breastfeeding Support group on Monday mornings that is facilitated by Debbie Gillespie, IBCLC, RLC, or attend Debbie's class that is offered the first Saturday of every month. Talisha and Debbie make a great team for nursing moms that are looking for answers! If you can't stop in to the store and see one or both of them, you can always call and reach them on the phone (480-857-7187). This season, give yourself the gift of knowledge...there is no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to learning how to feed your child the way you want to feed them. There is no shame in needing or wanting to take advantage of this tremendous resource. You will be glad you did, and baby will thank you later when they are fed, happy and sleeping peacefully. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to all! Modern Mommy Boutique 3355 W. Chandler Blvd, #3 Chandler, AZ 85226 480.857.7187 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®.
 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 |
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