We all experience stress from time to time in our lives. When stress is prolonged during pregnancy it can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and preterm labour (labour beginning before 37 weeks gestation).
Regardless of what is causing the stress, it is important for women to take steps to reduce the stress in their lives. Here are some ways to try but don't forget to mention this to your health care provider too.
1. Take time to rest - resting during pregnancy allows your body and mind to relax. You don't have to be sleeping to rest but curling up with a good book or watching a movie you enjoy are also good options. Getting enough sleep is also important and more so during pregnancy.
2. Prenatal yoga - yoga helps to bring the body and mind together. Yoga focuses on controlling the breath through the different poses. The poses learned in a yoga class can be practiced at home and they are also useful in preparing the body for birth.
3. Talk about it - regardless of what is causing the stress in your life, find someone you can talk to about it. If there is no one you are comfortable talking to, consider writing it in a journal.
4. Preparing for birth - pregnancy brings many changes and with those can come stress about the unknown. Make time for a good prenatal class and read some books. Inviting a doula to your birth can also help you prepare because you and your partner don't need to remember all the details from prenatal classes and will have focused, individualized, and continuous support.
5. Exercise - yoga isn't the only exercise that helps relieve stress. Walking is a simple, inexpensive exercise that you can do. It is even better if you go with friends!
6. Relationship talk - spend time with your partner. Take the time to have a nice dinner together, talk about your relationship and really enjoy your time together.
7. Music - listen to some music that you enjoy and sing along too. Music has many relaxing effects and with the variety of music players available today, you can listen to it almost anywhere!
8. Professional help - seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness. Professionals can often help you see what is happening from a different perspective. Different professionals have different techniques available including hypnosis, art therapy, aromatherapy and more.
Taking active steps to reduce the stress in your life during pregnancy helps promote good health for you and your growing baby.
December 31, 2009
December 24, 2009
Don't Skip the Party - Holiday Mocktails!
The holiday season is filled with fun and festivities...and in most cases some drinks shared with loved ones. If you are pregnant this holiday season, it is a great time to try out some of the 'mocktail' recipes or start to experiment a little yourself. Many of the traditional cocktails can be made without the alcohol and still taste great.
If you are hosting this holiday season, try making a signature drink one of the mocktails so you aren't the only one not drinking.
These are also wonderful options when there are other children attending that wouldn't be drinking anyways. They get to share in the delights of the season with the adults and it helps them feel included.
Here are some easy mocktail recipes to get you started:
Pomegranate and Cranberry Bellini
Spiced Lemon Apple Cider
Happy Holidays!
If you are hosting this holiday season, try making a signature drink one of the mocktails so you aren't the only one not drinking.
These are also wonderful options when there are other children attending that wouldn't be drinking anyways. They get to share in the delights of the season with the adults and it helps them feel included.
Here are some easy mocktail recipes to get you started:
Pomegranate and Cranberry Bellini
Spiced Lemon Apple Cider
Happy Holidays!
December 19, 2009
WARMTH for Birth
In some research, I came across a page that used the acronym WARMTH to help remember comfort measures for birth. I love the word that was chosen because to me it reflects the true sentiment of birthing.
W - water - it helps to soothe aches and pains, relaxes muscles, and just feels great! Don't forget to drink it too!
A - awareness of breathing - women who are focused on their breath really do see the difference.
R - relaxation - allowing the body and mind to relax and to be open to the experience.
M - movement - don't be afraid to stay out of the bed; walk, slow dance, sway, sit on a birth ball.
T - touch - especially a loving touch!
H - heart - this is so important. Having people who believe in you and don't forget to believe in yourself too!
What better way to summarize some key tools for birthing that can be done in any setting!
Source: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-56456651.html
W - water - it helps to soothe aches and pains, relaxes muscles, and just feels great! Don't forget to drink it too!
A - awareness of breathing - women who are focused on their breath really do see the difference.
R - relaxation - allowing the body and mind to relax and to be open to the experience.
M - movement - don't be afraid to stay out of the bed; walk, slow dance, sway, sit on a birth ball.
T - touch - especially a loving touch!
H - heart - this is so important. Having people who believe in you and don't forget to believe in yourself too!
What better way to summarize some key tools for birthing that can be done in any setting!
Source: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-56456651.html
December 16, 2009
Setting the mood for birth
When comfort measures are discussed in books or classes, sometimes the obvious is overlooked. We talk about birth balls, heat packs, massage, but we don't take it back to the basics.The environment we birth in makes a difference!
Try to make the environment around you comfortable and relaxing. When we birth in comfortable surroundings, labour tends to progress faster because we feel relaxed and open to the experience.
Some ideas to make you feel comfortable:
- bring lots of pillows from home, if birthing in a hospital. Don't forget colourful pillow cases!
- play music that you enjoy - some women like music they can sing along to because it helps them focus on something else.
- have pictures that you enjoy looking at in the room where you are birthing.
- keep the birthing space at a comfortable temperature.
- try candles at home or LED candles at the hospital - the light is soothing and they are great focal points.
- find other ways to make the space speak to you and make it yours!
Add your favourites!
Try to make the environment around you comfortable and relaxing. When we birth in comfortable surroundings, labour tends to progress faster because we feel relaxed and open to the experience.
Some ideas to make you feel comfortable:
- bring lots of pillows from home, if birthing in a hospital. Don't forget colourful pillow cases!
- play music that you enjoy - some women like music they can sing along to because it helps them focus on something else.
- have pictures that you enjoy looking at in the room where you are birthing.
- keep the birthing space at a comfortable temperature.
- try candles at home or LED candles at the hospital - the light is soothing and they are great focal points.
- find other ways to make the space speak to you and make it yours!
Add your favourites!
December 14, 2009
BirthWatch Facebook Application
The BirthWatch application has recently been launched. It provides expectant parents with an update about how their baby is growing along with recommended books or DVDs. Not only does it provide you with lots of information at your fingertips, it also links you to doulas in your area who are available for your particular due date thanks to the wonderful people are DoulaMatch.net
This is a great application that can help parents connect with their children in utero and understand fetal development stages. How wonderful is it that we can share with others the miracle of life as it happens.
This application is also shared with your facebook friends, so if you aren't telling anyone about the pregnancy yet, wait until are ready or use the privacy functions on your facebook page.
This is a great application that can help parents connect with their children in utero and understand fetal development stages. How wonderful is it that we can share with others the miracle of life as it happens.
This application is also shared with your facebook friends, so if you aren't telling anyone about the pregnancy yet, wait until are ready or use the privacy functions on your facebook page.
December 13, 2009
Website Updated
We have recently been updating our website! I am happy to announce our new website has an online birth community where you can register for free and have access to information sheets, our newsletter and more.
If there is any topic you would love to have more information about - let me know so we can put it together. We are here for you and your birth experience!
If there is any topic you would love to have more information about - let me know so we can put it together. We are here for you and your birth experience!
November 19, 2009
Benefits of having a doula
There is a well-known study that tells us that having a doula reduces the number of c-sections, epidurals, helps labour progress faster, and much more. Those are all great reasons to have a doula attend your birth.
Doulas will also help you during pregnancy. They meet with you prenatally to discuss your birth plans, to help you learn or practice some comfort measures, they are a resource for information no matter what your situation and can help you practice talking to your health care provider.
During labour and birth, your doula can suggest position changes, comfort measures, and they help keep you on track with your wishes for birth. They also bring with them their bag of tricks with lots of items to help you during birth. When you interview doulas, they may share with you some items they have in their bag.
Doulas don't stop there! They will also visit you after the birth to see how you are adjusting. They can help with breastfeeding and newborn care but they can also explain or clarify moments during the birth that you have questions about.
Contact doulas in your area for more information about their services and see if you would work well together!
Everyone deserves a doula!
Doulas will also help you during pregnancy. They meet with you prenatally to discuss your birth plans, to help you learn or practice some comfort measures, they are a resource for information no matter what your situation and can help you practice talking to your health care provider.
During labour and birth, your doula can suggest position changes, comfort measures, and they help keep you on track with your wishes for birth. They also bring with them their bag of tricks with lots of items to help you during birth. When you interview doulas, they may share with you some items they have in their bag.
Doulas don't stop there! They will also visit you after the birth to see how you are adjusting. They can help with breastfeeding and newborn care but they can also explain or clarify moments during the birth that you have questions about.
Contact doulas in your area for more information about their services and see if you would work well together!
Everyone deserves a doula!
November 13, 2009
Think Open in Labour
During labour, you may have a quiet setting at home or one with many health care professionals coming in and out of the room. By remaining open in mind and body, you can help your labour progress efficiently.
Keep you mind open to the different possibilities. Labour is about listening to your body and allowing the cervix to open (dilate and efface). Your doula and health care providers can provide you with different comfort positions - some may seem odd, but stay open to the possibility. You can also use visualization to see your cervix open. One common visualization is to use the analogy of a flower in bloom, opening up to the sun.
Open your pelvis! How do we do that? Walking, lunges, sitting on the birth ball or toilet are all simple ways to open your pelvis. By openning your pelvis, you allow the baby to have space to move down and become engaged - making your labour very effective. You can complement the work you have done up to this point by pushing in a sqatting position. It allows you to take advantage of gravity making pushing easier and gives the baby maximum space to be born.
Keep you mind open to the different possibilities. Labour is about listening to your body and allowing the cervix to open (dilate and efface). Your doula and health care providers can provide you with different comfort positions - some may seem odd, but stay open to the possibility. You can also use visualization to see your cervix open. One common visualization is to use the analogy of a flower in bloom, opening up to the sun.
Open your pelvis! How do we do that? Walking, lunges, sitting on the birth ball or toilet are all simple ways to open your pelvis. By openning your pelvis, you allow the baby to have space to move down and become engaged - making your labour very effective. You can complement the work you have done up to this point by pushing in a sqatting position. It allows you to take advantage of gravity making pushing easier and gives the baby maximum space to be born.
November 12, 2009
Website Changes!
We are excited to announce that our website is going to be revamped to offer you more! When you create an ID for our website, you will have access to our online newsletter as well as other downloadable resources for your use.
We will be discussing different topics in our newsletter including a section on health care professionals in the area and community resources that you can connect with to help you no matter if you are thinking of conceiving, pregnant, or even after your baby (or babies) are born.
Come on over, sign up, and don't forget to check back often!
http://www.birthgoddess.ca/
We will be discussing different topics in our newsletter including a section on health care professionals in the area and community resources that you can connect with to help you no matter if you are thinking of conceiving, pregnant, or even after your baby (or babies) are born.
Come on over, sign up, and don't forget to check back often!
http://www.birthgoddess.ca/
November 10, 2009
What to look for in a good latch?
Breastfeeding is great for the health of both mom and baby (or babies!). It can reduce the incidence of many major illnesses (osteoporosis, cancers, diabetes) and it is wonderful at adapting to baby's needs as they grow through different stages in their lives.
Breastfeeding should not be painful and often times, if there is pain, there is a problem with the latch. What do you need to look for to have a great latch?
- Baby's mouth should open very wide, like a yawn
- The tongue should be at the bottom of the mouth
- Aim the nipple for the soft palate in the mouth. This will make the latch asymmetrical, meaning that more of the bottom of the areola (dark part of the breast around the nipple) and the breast is in the baby's mouth than the top
- Try to see (or have someone else look for you) to see if baby's bottom lip is flanged out.
What will make this easier? Get pillows, especially with a newborn baby, to have them held up at nipple level without causing you back pain.
If it hurts? Break the latch and try again! Although breastfeeding is natural and our species has been breastfeeding since the beginning, it is still a learning process for both mom and baby.
Most importantly - don't give up! You are doing wonderful by taking the time to work with your baby to breastfeed. Treat yourself to a nice bubble bath or a good book and try again. Don't hesitate to ask for help either.
Breastfeeding should not be painful and often times, if there is pain, there is a problem with the latch. What do you need to look for to have a great latch?
- Baby's mouth should open very wide, like a yawn
- The tongue should be at the bottom of the mouth
- Aim the nipple for the soft palate in the mouth. This will make the latch asymmetrical, meaning that more of the bottom of the areola (dark part of the breast around the nipple) and the breast is in the baby's mouth than the top
- Try to see (or have someone else look for you) to see if baby's bottom lip is flanged out.
What will make this easier? Get pillows, especially with a newborn baby, to have them held up at nipple level without causing you back pain.
If it hurts? Break the latch and try again! Although breastfeeding is natural and our species has been breastfeeding since the beginning, it is still a learning process for both mom and baby.
Most importantly - don't give up! You are doing wonderful by taking the time to work with your baby to breastfeed. Treat yourself to a nice bubble bath or a good book and try again. Don't hesitate to ask for help either.
November 09, 2009
Support - it is what we all need!
Over the weekend, I attended one of our local Remembrance Day services. As always, it was very moving and reminded me to be thankful for so many things in my life.
Suddenly, I thought of how interesting it was to be surrounded by serving members and veterans. They all had such wonderful family support behind them, cheering them on as they marched in the parade.
It also made me think of the work that I do as a doula and childbirth educator. Support is the keyword that stood out to me and how vital it is in our lives.
As a doula, I am part of the support team. Meeting with families a few times during pregnancy, attending the labour and birth, as well as visits postpartum - it allows these families easy access to someone who can provide them with information when they need it to make decisions, hands on support during labour, and their own personal cheerleader to get breastfeeding off to a great start.
Teaching childbirth education classes, the support is still there. I always let people know to call me if they have questions. Sharing the information with them about what to expect and what their options are allows each family to understand their unique needs and start to think about what works best for them. I know, at the end of the day, the information we shared is going to help them grow their family and help make their experience a powerful, memorable birth.
Support is so important in pregnancy because it can reduce stress, which in itself can help reduce risks of preterm labour (although there are other risks to consider as well).
Moms are not the only ones who need support. Partners face many challenges too! They are often overlooked and feel the burden of the many tasks to be accomplished. Anyone can help by bringing over some food, offering to do laundry or dishes, or just being the listening ear.
I hope that you can all take a few minutes to say thank you to your support systems, whether it be family, friends, a local group, religious community, co-workers, or other special people in your lives.
Suddenly, I thought of how interesting it was to be surrounded by serving members and veterans. They all had such wonderful family support behind them, cheering them on as they marched in the parade.
It also made me think of the work that I do as a doula and childbirth educator. Support is the keyword that stood out to me and how vital it is in our lives.
As a doula, I am part of the support team. Meeting with families a few times during pregnancy, attending the labour and birth, as well as visits postpartum - it allows these families easy access to someone who can provide them with information when they need it to make decisions, hands on support during labour, and their own personal cheerleader to get breastfeeding off to a great start.
Teaching childbirth education classes, the support is still there. I always let people know to call me if they have questions. Sharing the information with them about what to expect and what their options are allows each family to understand their unique needs and start to think about what works best for them. I know, at the end of the day, the information we shared is going to help them grow their family and help make their experience a powerful, memorable birth.
Support is so important in pregnancy because it can reduce stress, which in itself can help reduce risks of preterm labour (although there are other risks to consider as well).
Moms are not the only ones who need support. Partners face many challenges too! They are often overlooked and feel the burden of the many tasks to be accomplished. Anyone can help by bringing over some food, offering to do laundry or dishes, or just being the listening ear.
I hope that you can all take a few minutes to say thank you to your support systems, whether it be family, friends, a local group, religious community, co-workers, or other special people in your lives.
November 06, 2009
Talking to your health care provider
Whether or not you are expecting, having a good relationship with your health care provider is important. The ability to have a discussion about different treatments allows you to take charge of your own health because at the end of the day, you are the person living with the consequences of those decisions.
In this city, there are many health care providers from midwives, naturopathic doctors, medical doctors, accupuncturists, and much more! No matter who they are, it is important to discuss the risks and the benefits to the treatments that are offered. My suggestion is to always start with the benefits. No matter who the health care provider is, they want to help and by starting to ask about the benefits, they know you are really listening to what they have to say. I would always follow this up by asking about the risks. Informed consent relies on you having the information to make a decision that will work best for you and your family.
Benefits and risks are the two simple questions, but we often forget to ask if there are alternatives. Sometimes we are only presented the one option and we think that it is that treatment or no treatment. There are often many different options that can be open to you so you should see what they are as well as find out the benefits and risks to each of those.
Don't forget that in most cases, you have time to think about it. Just because you are sitting in front of the health care provider at that very moment does not mean you can't take a few minutes (or even days) to think about everything. See how long you have to make a decision and use that time to evaluate the pros and cons of each option.
Establishing this open communication with your health care provider will let them know that you are interested and invested in your health. Try it out next time and see what happens!
In this city, there are many health care providers from midwives, naturopathic doctors, medical doctors, accupuncturists, and much more! No matter who they are, it is important to discuss the risks and the benefits to the treatments that are offered. My suggestion is to always start with the benefits. No matter who the health care provider is, they want to help and by starting to ask about the benefits, they know you are really listening to what they have to say. I would always follow this up by asking about the risks. Informed consent relies on you having the information to make a decision that will work best for you and your family.
Benefits and risks are the two simple questions, but we often forget to ask if there are alternatives. Sometimes we are only presented the one option and we think that it is that treatment or no treatment. There are often many different options that can be open to you so you should see what they are as well as find out the benefits and risks to each of those.
Don't forget that in most cases, you have time to think about it. Just because you are sitting in front of the health care provider at that very moment does not mean you can't take a few minutes (or even days) to think about everything. See how long you have to make a decision and use that time to evaluate the pros and cons of each option.
Establishing this open communication with your health care provider will let them know that you are interested and invested in your health. Try it out next time and see what happens!
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