Positive Birth Stories
Women can overcome the fear surrounding labor and birth by hearing or reading Positive Birth Stories. I have asked a number of my Bradley Method® and Prenatal Yoga students to write their experiences down to share with other couples. Most of these stories on my blog http://prenatalyoga.wordpress.com are stories of natural birth. A couple of them are not, but these mothers were able to turn their baby's birth into an empowering experience and bring their babies into the world in the best, safest, and gentlest way possible.
"Women need to hear positive birth stories. Sadly, women who have positive, transformative, challenging but amazing births usually don't tell their stories. They may think it's not normal, or may not want to make other women feel inferior. Women need to share their birth stories, both positive and difficult, and when they're difficult, we should examine why and what could have changed. These stories have the power to transform how society looks at birth, to dispel the myths and relieve the fear." Debra Pascali-Bonaro
Fears About Labor & Birth-3 Steps To Overcoming Your Fears
Step one-write down your fears about labor and birth:
I want _____________________________, but I'm afraid_________________________.
Step Two-just ideas, use creativity. Your job at this moment is creating a strategy to face the fear(s) about labor and birth in order to create a different outcome. You are only planning at this point,
Don't execute your plan.
Don’t worry about it.
Just outline it.
I can do the following things to help prevent my fears about labor and birth from manifesting:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Step Three-Small steps to overcoming fears about labor and birth.
You only have to take that first step.
Finished that one?
Okay, now take the second step.
Keep going.
One at a time.
One at a time. One at a time. One at a time.
Tags: birth, fears about labor and birth, labor, labor and birth
Posted in Labor and Birth Advice |
No One Told Me About Hemorrhoids!
If you're reading this blog post then I must have hit a nerve! I feel for ya! I've been there too.
Take heart because there are some things you can do to make these annoying, itchy or painful hemorrhoids, from pregnancy and birth, go away.
A Potato-Foe of Hemmorrhoids! Grate a raw potato to act as an astringent and sooth discomfort caused by the hemorrhoids. Wash 1 large russet potato, cut into small pieces, and put them in a blender until they are in liquid form. Add little bit of water if they look dry. Spread them into a gauze bandage or clean cloth, and gently press on to the hemorrhoids for five to ten minutes.
HomeoWhat? Homeopathic Remedies Saved Me from hemorrhoids: The homeopathic remedy Aesculus Hippocastanum-yes, that's what it's called! Will work great if:
In the lower bowel or externally, there are engorged hemorrhoidal veins. Sometimes the patient may be suffering from a backache.There is an absence of constipation. Much pain and discomfort and little to no bleeding from the hemorrhoids. Varicose veins of purple color. The back aches can be debilitating.
The remedy Hamamelis is beneficial if there is a raw, sore feeling in the anus, and bleeding from the hemorrhoids. The lower back may ache.
For immediate relief from the discomfort of hemorrhoids, try Boiron Suppositories
Bioflavanoids Are Your Friends-Bioflavonoids are plant pigments and antioxidants. They mostly appreciated for powerful antioxidant properties. Bioflavonoids work with other antioxidants to offer more benefits from vitamin C. Try Nature's Way Bioflavanoids to strengthen and tone blood vessels and prevent or lessen the severity of hemorrhoids.
Flax Oil, Milk Thistle, or Stool Softeners- Can all make a trip to the potty much more comfortable.
Witch Hazel Is Good Magic- Witch hazel acts as an anti-inflammatory and an astringent. You'll find immediate comfort and relief from hemorrhoids if you soak a maxi-pad in witch hazel, put it in a plastic bag, and place it in the freezer. After a couple of hours, place it on your external hemorrhoids. Aaaahh!
Have a Seat! The Squatty Potty Stool – A Better Bathroom Experience (7in high)
Even if squatting eases making a bowel movement, it’s a hard position to stay in if you’re not used to it. That’s where the Squatty Potty comes in. Just like in childbirth, squatting opens the inlet of the pelvis 10-15% more and shortens the birth canal up to 30%. But it’s a lot easier if you’re flexible and used to the position. For birth you use a birth chair or a birthing stool. For pooping the Squatty Potty comes to the rescue!
Soothe Your Tushie in The Bath: This soothing herbal combination in the bath will relax you and make you much more comfortable. It will help heal your bum a lot faster.
Tags: birth, Bradley Method, delivery, hemorrhoids, pregnant
Posted in Bringing Baby Home Postpartum Care, Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy and Birth |
Birth Plan For Family Centered Planned Cesarean Birth
Is it possible to have a beautiful Cesarean birth? If you discuss ahead of time with your doctors, anesthesiologist, and nurses, you CAN have a beautiful Cesarean birth. Below is a Cesarean birth plan written by two of my Bradley Method students. When they tried everything to turn their breech baby around, unsuccessfully, they realized that establishing their Cesarean birth plan would help them prepare for the extraordinary experience of the birth of their first child. They also wanted to share the birth plan they developed to help others in a similar situation. Since there is no such thing as a "natural" Cesarean birth, couples can create a Cesarean birth plan and create a loving, peaceful, gentle entrance into the world for their babies.
We are trying to make a cesarean delivery as special and intimate as possible for us even though we cannot have the desired vaginal, natural birth. We would greatly appreciate it if you could work with us to make our experience as positive and memorable as possible.
PRIOR TO SURGERY:
General Requests:
1) I would like to meet each staff member involved in the surgery, prior to the c-section taking place.
2) I would like to play music in the OR if it is not a distraction to those performing surgery.
3) Please explain all medications being used on me.
Medication requests for Anesthesiologist/Nurses:
1) Please do not give me anything for trembling or nausea unless I ask; I want to be as awake as possible during and after the birth
DURING SURGERY:
1) I would like my husband and baby to stay in the OR with me while surgery is completed
2) Please lower the screen/curtain and hold the baby up so that I can see him at the moment of his birth.
3) I would like my husband or a willing staff member to video tape and take photos of the birth; I respect that the surgeon and/or anesthesiologist may not want the entire surgery on video, however I would like a record of my baby being born to make the experience as special and personal as possible.
4) I would like my arms unrestrained so that I can touch my baby.
5) I would like my husband to then have the opportunity to cut the remaining piece of umbilical cord from the baby.
6) I would like my baby to be placed skin to skin on my chest immediately after basic assessments while in the OR. My husband can hold baby there with a warm blanket over my baby.
7) Please delay weight measurement, eye ointment, and vitamin K
8) Please do not bathe or fully dress baby until I have the opportunity to smell, touch, cuddle with him and am able to participate in the bathing process.
9) If the baby needs medical assistance that requires leaving the OR, please allow my husband to accompany the baby.
POST SURGERY:
1) I plan to breastfeed exclusively and as soon as possible; please do not give the baby any water, formula, or a pacifier.
2) Please schedule for a lactation consultant to come see me and baby as soon as possible.
3) I would like to be able to move my legs/feet and walk as soon as possible after the surgery.
1) What will be administered prior to surgery? Spinal block or epidural? And why? I hear spinal block has advantages: quick to administer (only requires one injection) and quick to take effect (doesn’t require a catheter in your back)
2) Will you be lifting the uterus out of the abdomen to inspect it? If so, why do you think this is necessary? I’ve heard this could cause considerable nausea when being done and gas pains later.
3) Can you please try to find out if there was a physiological reason for why the baby has always been in the breech position? I want to try for a VBAC with my next pregnancy.
4) What stitches will be used for outside portion? Dissolvable or ones that must be removed? Why?
5) Can the nurse/an assistant videotape the procedure? Can my husband take pictures?
Tags: birth, C-section, Cesarean, Cesarean Birth Plan, Cesarean section, childbirth, delivery, doctor, hospital
Posted in Best Cesareans Possible Positive Birth Experiences, Labor and Birth Advice |
VBAC After First Baby Was Breech
Successful VBAC's can happen in 85% of women who had a previous Cesarean. I'd like to encourage women and couples to get as much education and re-education as they possibly can about childbirth and VBACs in general. There are some great resources for the support and information you will need for this momentous and joyous day to come. With the right support and effort you can do it. You won't get what you wish for, but you will often get what you work for!
Recommended books and DVD's for VBAC:
Here is Rachel and Nick's story:
Hi Liza, we had our baby! Last Saturday morning, two days before the due date. It was incredible!
I woke up at 2:45 in the morning feeling a very long contraction. When it ended I felt like my water may have broken. I took some notes on taco and began wandering around the house figuring out my contractions. They were all about one minute long and one to three minutes apart, mostly two minutes apart. They were manageable on my own so I let Nick sleep.
I kept watching for the emotional signposts because it was really important to me to stay home until the very end of first stage. After two hours I woke up Nick and asked him to help me. I called Dr. Cap and he just told me to go to the hospital when I felt it was time.
I started to think that I wanted to leave for the hospital before my daughter woke up so we called my parents and asked them to come help us get ready. I still did not feel like I was in transition or even late first stage. The most fabulous thing we discovered was when my back started to hurt, Nick tried the hip squeeze. Miraculously, doing the hip squeeze relieved both my back pain and cut the contraction pain in half. I don't know why, but it was an incredible trick. So he had to squeeze my hips for each contraction and then I'd let him leave for 30 seconds to go pack the car, then he has to come back to squeeze my hips again!
We hopped in the car just before seven. I had four or five contractions on the drive to scripps enc., but still felt pretty in control. I had a few contractions on the lobby floor while we checked into the hospital, but I quickly got a room and the nurse checked me. You are complete! she exclaimed, Don't push! Wow, those were the sweetest words I've ever heard!
Dr. Cap showed up shortly and told me to start pushing. It was a lot of work but not too bad and only lasted 45 minutes. I was on my back, tilted further back than I wanted, but Cap said that was best. As the baby came out, I reached down to take her. They told me to give one more push and she came out and I lifted her onto my chest! I just held her there for a while, and finally a nurse asked if it was a boy or girl. I never even thought to look or ask. Nick took a peek and found it was a girl! Total labor, start to finish: 5 1/2 hours.
Dr. Cap was a fantastic coach. He was so calm and gave me lots of guidance and encouragement. But I couldn't have done it without the encouragement that Nick was also giving me, telling me over and over how much progress I was making. That was the most helpful part, to know that I was actually getting closer each time.
Baby nursed right away! They never washed her and hardly took her from me at all. We did vit K but no eye drops.
So my birth plan was followed to the letter. The only thing that happened was I had to have the Pitocin IV after the placenta, due to excessive bleeding.
Looking back on it I couldn't really identify having gone through transition, I never felt like I couldn't handle it, but now I realize I was pretty irritable near the end as we rushed to get to the hospital, so maybe that was it!
We are at home now doing exclusive skin to skin, in bed all day, and it is beautiful. We named our baby girl Laurel Jane.
Thank you for all the support, education, and wise words as I prepared for that wonderful day.
Rachel
Tags: baby, back pain, birth, Books for VBAC, Bradley Method, Cesarean section, Childbirth videos, Dr Capetenakis, DVD's for VBAC, labor and birth, Liza Janda, relaxation in labor, unmedicated, VBAC
Posted in Labor and Birth Advice, Natural Birth Stories, Uncategorized, VBAC |
Birth Plans – Do I Really Need One?
See more articles by Liza Janda
Yes absolutely every pregnant mom should write a birth plan! Just like anything in life, it really benefits you to have a plan. Setting your intentions and writing them down will help you manifest what you intend to achieve.
What exactly is a birth plan?
Your birth plan should represent your set of goals for your birth. Remember that the choices you make during your pregnancy, labor, and birth are the choices that you will live with for the rest of your life. Your doctor or your midwife, or your nurses do not have to live with the consequences or outcomes of your choices. You and your family do! So make sure you are actively participating in those choices.
How do I actively participate in the choices made during childbirth?
First you need to get educated. It is the one thing you can do to help your baby into the world as safely as possible. Learn the risks and benefits of all of the interventions. Don’t let others make decisions for you in pregnancy, labor, and birth, except in a true emergency. Make your healthy decision WITH your care providers. It is their legal obligation to fully inform you so that you can give consent. But it is your responsibility to ASK QUESTIONS! To know which questions to ask, you should learn about informed consent questions. Hopefully your childbirth educator will drill these questions into your brain in your childbirth classes.
Let’s Get Started Writing Your Birth Plan!
Once you are finished creating your birth plan, you will have your care provider sign it. You’ll make at least 4 copies of your birth plan: one goes in your file at the office; one goes in your file when you pre-register at the hospital or birth center; one or two go with you to give to the nurses when you arrive at your birth place. It’s important to be flexible because the one thing you can count on in labor and birth is the unexpected.
GUIDE FOR
THE BIRTH PLAN/GOALS/WISHES OF ___________
Example: We understand this plan consists of our goals for our labor and baby’s birth. We intend to be flexible. We consider mother’s and baby’s health and safety our top priority. We hope you will work with us as a team to achieve the birth we envision. We would appreciate all your help in achieving a natural birth.
FIRST STAGE LABOR
I.V.
__No I.V.
__Heparin or Saline lock
__Mobile I.V.
__Placement (forearm, hand, etc.)
Monitoring
__Manual auscultation (fetoscope,stethoscope)
__Doptone
__One 20 minute external electronic strip
__Intermittent external fetal monitoring once every 1 or 2 hours
__Continuous external fetal monitoring
__Continuous internal monitoring
__Some mobility
Positions for labor
__Freedom to change positions/walk around
__Confined to bed in various positions
__Confined to bed in one position
Dealing with pain
__Natural methods
__Medication at mother’s request
__DO NOT offer medication
Enhance or speed labor
__Natural methods (visualization, walk, change positions, nipple stimulation…)
__Enema, castor oil
__Artificial rupture of membranes
__Pitocin
__Herbal remedies
Empty bladder
__Walk to toilet
__Catheterization
__Bedpan in bed
__Other
Fluids
__Juice, water, Popsicles
__Water only
__Ice chips only
__I.V. fluids only
Food
__Mother’s choice
__Limited
__No food
Cervical checks
__Few at mother’s request
__Staff prerogative
SECOND STAGE AND BIRTH
Position for pushing:
The mother has been encouraged to take whatever position is most comfortable to her and to vary positions during second stage until delivery (semi-sitting, sitting, side-lying, hands and knees, standing, squatting, etc. she has been discourages from using the lithotomy or any supine position during descent of the baby, and for a delivery unless forceps, vacuum extractor, or episiotomy become necessary.
__Mother’s choice (vertical, hands/knees, squat, side lying
__Lithotomy
__Stirrups
__Other
Bed for Birth
__Birth chair, beanbag, floor, bed, toilet
__Hospital bed/labor bed
__Delivery table
Pushing techniques:
Rather than prolonged breath holding and bearing down throughout contractions, her bearing down and breath holding efforts will be spontaneous and in response to the strength and duration of her urge to push. Bearing down will be for a shorter period (5-6 seconds) than is usually encouraged. There will be several moments between these bearing down efforts during which she will breathe without pushing.
__Spontaneous bearing down
__Directed pushing (counting by birth attendants)
__Other
Speed actual birth:
Pelvic floor relaxation
1 suggest that she change position if progress is slow
2 remind her to bear down with the urge, and not to push unless she has the urge
3 remind her to let go-thereby relaxing the pelvic floor
4 if spontaneous bearing down and changing position do not result in progress, ask her to bear down longer and more forcefully.
__Prolonged pushing on command
__Episiotomy
__Forceps
__Vacuum extractor
__Patience for natural methods (position changes, visualization, intense coaching)
Slow actual birth
__Panting
__Side-lying
__Other
Care of Perineum
__Try for intact perineum (massage, positions, support, hot/cold compresses)
__Pressure episiotomy without pain medication
__ Other
Baby Catcher
__Parent’s choice (father, coach, family member)
__Nurse
__Doctor/midwife
Cord cutting
__Clamp & cut after pulsating stops
__Clamp & cut immediately
__Parent’s choice who cuts cord (i.e. father/coach)
__Doctor or nurse
__Other
Placenta birth
__Spontaneous/natural (breast stimulation, baby suckling,)
__Fundal massage
__Pitocin
__Other
In case of Cesarean Section:
Timing (if planned)
_After labor begins
_Scheduled before labor begins
_Other
Precaution (if not planned)
_Fetal scalp sample
_No fetal scalp sample
_Other
Others present
_No separation of mother and coach
_Medical staff only
_Doula only
_Other
Pain medication
_Regional with little or no premedication
_Regional with premedication
_General
_Other
Participation
_Screen lowered at birth
_Events explained as proceeding
_No participation by parents
Contact with baby
_Held by mother or father soon after birth
_Breastfeeding soon after birth
_Sent immediately to nursery with father in attendance
_Other
Don’t forget to discuss pain management options for post surgery. Remember to ask about meds: effects on breast milk and baby. Ask your pediatrician and lactation consultant the same questions. You may get a different perspective or answer.
Tags: birth, birth plan, labor, pregnancy
Posted in Labor and Birth Advice |
Birth Plans – Do I Really Need One?
Yes absolutely every pregnant mom should write a birth plan! Just like anything in life, it really benefits you to have a plan. Setting your intentions and writing them down will help you manifest what you intend to achieve.
What exactly is a birth plan?
Your birth plan should represent your set of goals for your birth. Remember that the choices you make during your pregnancy, labor, and birth are the choices that you will live with for the rest of your life. Your doctor or your midwife, or your nurses do not have to live with the consequences or outcomes of your choices. You and your family do! So make sure you are actively participating in those choices.
How do I actively participate in the choices made during childbirth?
First you need to get educated. It is the one thing you can do to help your baby into the world as safely as possible. Learn the risks and benefits of all of the interventions. Don’t let others make decisions for you in pregnancy, labor, and birth, except in a true emergency. Make your healthy decision WITH your care providers. It is their legal obligation to fully inform you so that you can give consent. But it is your responsibility to ASK QUESTIONS! To know which questions to ask, you should learn about informed consent questions. Hopefully your childbirth educator will drill these questions into your brain in your childbirth classes.
Let’s Get Started Writing Your Birth Plan!
Once you are finished creating your birth plan, you will have your care provider sign it. You’ll make at least 4 copies of your birth plan: one goes in your file at the office; one goes in your file when you pre-register at the hospital or birth center; one or two go with you to give to the nurses when you arrive at your birth place. It’s important to be flexible because the one thing you can count on in labor and birth is the unexpected.
GUIDE FOR
THE BIRTH PLAN/GOALS/WISHES OF ___________
Example: We understand this plan consists of our goals for our labor and baby’s birth. We intend to be flexible. We consider mother’s and baby’s health and safety our top priority. We hope you will work with us as a team to achieve the birth we envision. We would appreciate all your help in achieving a natural birth.
FIRST STAGE LABOR
I.V.
__No I.V.
__Heparin or Saline lock
__Mobile I.V.
__Placement (forearm, hand, etc.)
Monitoring
__Manual auscultation (fetoscope,stethoscope)
__Doptone
__One 20 minute external electronic strip
__Intermittent external fetal monitoring once every 1 or 2 hours
__Continuous external fetal monitoring
__Continuous internal monitoring
__Some mobility
Positions for labor
__Freedom to change positions/walk around
__Confined to bed in various positions
__Confined to bed in one position
Dealing with pain
__Natural methods
__Medication at mother’s request
__DO NOT offer medication
Enhance or speed labor
__Natural methods (visualization, walk, change positions, nipple stimulation…)
__Enema, castor oil
__Artificial rupture of membranes
__Pitocin
__Herbal remedies
Empty bladder
__Walk to toilet
__Catheterization
__Bedpan in bed
__Other
Fluids
__Juice, water, Popsicles
__Water only
__Ice chips only
__I.V. fluids only
Food
__Mother’s choice
__Limited
__No food
Cervical checks
__Few at mother’s request
__Staff prerogative
SECOND STAGE AND BIRTH
The mother has been encouraged to take whatever position is most comfortable to her and to vary positions during second stage until delivery (semi-sitting, sitting, side-lying, hands and knees, standing, squatting, etc. she has been discourages from using the lithotomy or any supine position during descent of the baby, and for a delivery unless forceps, vacuum extractor, or episiotomy become necessary.
__Mother’s choice (vertical, hands/knees, squat, side lying
__Lithotomy
__Stirrups
__Other
Bed for Birth
__Birth chair, beanbag, floor, bed, toilet
__Hospital bed/labor bed
__Delivery table
Pushing techniques:
Rather than prolonged breath holding and bearing down throughout contractions, her bearing down and breath holding efforts will be spontaneous and in response to the strength and duration of her urge to push. Bearing down will be for a shorter period (5-6 seconds) than is usually encouraged. There will be several moments between these bearing down efforts during which she will breathe without pushing.
__Spontaneous bearing down
__Directed pushing (counting by birth attendants)
__Other
Speed actual birth:
Pelvic floor relaxation
1 suggest that she change position if progress is slow
2 remind her to bear down with the urge, and not to push unless she has the urge
3 remind her to let go-thereby relaxing the pelvic floor
4 if spontaneous bearing down and changing position do not result in progress, ask her to bear down longer and more forcefully.
__Prolonged pushing on command
__Episiotomy
__Forceps
__Vacuum extractor
__Patience for natural methods (position changes, visualization, intense coaching)
__Panting
__Side-lying
__Other
Care of Perineum
__Try for intact perineum (massage, positions, support, hot/cold compresses)
__Pressure episiotomy without pain medication
__ Other
__Parent’s choice (father, coach, family member)
__Nurse
__Doctor/midwife
Cord cutting
__Clamp & cut after pulsating stops
__Clamp & cut immediately
__Parent’s choice who cuts cord (i.e. father/coach)
__Doctor or nurse
__Other
Placenta birth
__Spontaneous/natural (breast stimulation, baby suckling,)
__Fundal massage
__Pitocin
__Other
In case of Cesarean Section:
Timing (if planned)
_After labor begins
_Scheduled before labor begins
_Other
_Fetal scalp sample
_No fetal scalp sample
_Other
_No separation of mother and coach
_Medical staff only
_Doula only
_Other
_Regional with little or no premedication
_Regional with premedication
_General
_Other
Participation
_Screen lowered at birth
_Events explained as proceeding
_No participation by parents
_Held by mother or father soon after birth
_Breastfeeding soon after birth
_Sent immediately to nursery with father in attendance
_Other
Don’t forget to discuss pain management options for post surgery. Remember to ask about meds: effects on breast milk and baby. Ask your pediatrician and lactation consultant the same questions. You may get a different perspective or answer.
Tags: baby, birth, birth plan, hospital, labor, midwife, pregnancy, Yoga Janda
Posted in Labor and Birth Advice |
When Things Don’t Go Your Way: The Best Cesarean Possible
Six and a half years ago I headed in for one of my last OB appointments before the birth of my daughter Arden. I was almost 39 weeks and very excited for the unmedicated, natural birth of my daughter. At the appointment I found out she was breech. My doctor “gave” me three days to try some natural ways to get her to turn. We tried but she did not turn and we ended up heading to the hospital for the c-section. My doctor never explained the surgery and I held hope that miraculously she would have turned by the time I got to the hospital. She didn’t. The surgery and the following 48 hours were a complete blur. I was given so many drugs pre and post surgery that I am unable to recall much of the experience. I also did not have the desire during the first 24 hours to bond with my child. After this experience I really didn’t want to have another child because I did not want another c-section.
What happened? My five year old happened! “I want a sister!” So last summer my husband and I changed our minds and decided to have another one. I immediately researched Dr. Cap because I had heard so many wonderful things about him. Specifically that he was pro natural birth and VBAC. After our first appointment with him, my husband and I could not believe the difference between him and my last OB. Dr. Cap genuinely cares about his patients and spends quality time with them too. We knew right away that we were in the best hands possible. He was completely supportive of our wishes for this pregnancy.
At around 30 weeks I started to feel that this baby was breech. How could this be? Not again! I knew that the baby was still small enough to turn into the right position so I remained positive but definitely started doing more “head down” exercises for good measure. Over the next few weeks we confirmed she was breech and got serious with ways to turn her. I did chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, acupressure and various exercises—I even hung upside down from a yoga swing! By 37 weeks my little babe was still close to my heart so we headed in to the hospital for an external cephalic version. Dr. Cap put those big hands on my belly and began to turn my baby. We’ll skip how horribly this hurt and get right to the ending—SUCCESS! We were finally on the right track. Immediately after the version I started having strong Braxton Hicks contractions and some unexplained pain when the baby moved. I thought maybe the version was triggering labor. Our doula thought this could be the case too so we were on high alert. Just about every night for the next five weeks I had what felt like the start of labor—contractions that felt stronger than Braxton Hicks and then some weird, sharp pain when the baby moved that would cause me to lose my breath and double over.
If you’re counting you’ll notice I said five weeks, 37 + 5 = 42. Yep, 42 weeks and no baby. Dr. Cap and I had long discussed that if I got to 42 weeks the best option would be a c-section. I could not believe I was faced with this again. During the last few weeks of my pregnancy I had done it all to get labor going and here I was, a mess of tears, facing my second c-section. Dr. Cap had assured me that he would do everything in his power to make this experience completely different from my first. In my heart I believed him and in my mind I knew the surgery was the way to go. I got to a place during my 42nd week where I had to let go a bit. I had to stop thinking about what I wanted and focus on the end prize, my baby. There was also that unexplained pain that was causing me extreme discomfort. I had done every thing I could to have the outcome that I wanted. I decided to stop thinking about “I” and start thinking about holding that baby in my arms. We wrote a c-section birth plan (and a VBAC one too!) and discussed it with Dr. Cap. He was on board.
When we arrived at the hospital on the day of the surgery I was very emotional. I had been having the same contractions like always but was suddenly hopeful that something may have changed. Unfortunately when Dr. Cap checked me, just like the last few times, there was no change to my cervix. Tears again. My husband and I went into the bathroom and had a serious talk. He asked me to trust my instincts and do what I felt was right. I couldn’t believe my answer, c-section felt right.
We had a long talk with Dr. Cap and the anesthesiologist stressing that I wanted minimal medication. I basically only wanted to be numbed so I didn’t feel the surgery. I did not want anything extra. I reiterated how badly I felt during my first surgery and they listened. In the operating room everyone was super friendly and very supportive. Dr. Cap held me tight while I got the spinal. After that, I actually started to feel happy and excited. I heard Dr. Cap tell the other surgeon that they were going to lower the drape during delivery so that I could watch my baby being born. My husband came in and the surgery began. I was totally alert which was such a change. I had some shakes but that was it. When the curtain was lowered I saw Dr. Cap working to get my baby out. He slowly pulled my baby up and out and let me have a good look at her. We got great pictures. It was such an amazing experience. I finally knew what it was like to birth a child. My daughter was born with her eyes open and it looked like she was starting straight at me. L’Wren Amarie was finally here.
Per our request, the nurses did just the basic tests in the OR and immediately gave our daughter to my husband. A nurse helped me open up my gown to expose my bare chest. My husband unwrapped our daughter and placed her skin to skin. She immediately looked for my nipple and latched on—in the operating room! It was such a fantastic experience. I felt so cared for by everyone but more importantly, because I didn’t have too much medication or complications from the medication, I was immediately able to bond with my child. Dr. Cap came to the hospital every day to check on me. The hospital staff kept commenting on what a special c-section I had.
Looking back, I’ll never know why I had two breech babies. Due to the extreme pain I had associated with her movement once she was head down, I sometimes wonder if she would have gotten stuck. Was all of the starting and stopping of labor my baby trying to get in the right position but never making it? I’ll never know. I will learn to be okay with that. What I do know is that I am completely confident in my decision to have the c-section. Furthermore, I could not imagine having a baby with anyone other than Dr. Cap. He is the most personable, caring and wonderful doctor! I feel blessed to have gotten to know him and his lovely staff!
Tags: birth, birthing, breech, Cesarean, complications, external version, pregnant
Posted in Best Cesareans Possible Positive Birth Experiences |
Lily’s Arrival
Lily's story started on new years day (Sunday) when I lost my mucus plug…I then noticed my first contraction early Tuesday morning around 4:30 am but nothing intense. I took it easy on Tuesday and noticed that the contractions were more intense but still totally manageable on Wednesday when I ran errands most of the day (chiropractor, lunch with a girlfriend, hair appointment, dinner with Brian)…Wednesday night their intensity continued to increase as I frequently woke up throughout the night and moved to an all fours position or got up to walk around to breathe through them…this continued into the morning as I attempted to fold the baby clothes I had washed for hours without accomplishing much – I continued to change positions and breathe through the contractions wondering how intense they would get. At this point (around noon or so on Thursday) I decided to take a bath and listen to one of the meditation CDs from yoga class. This definitely helped me to stay in the right mindset and relax. I was in the tub for about an hour and it definitely took the edge off. Once I got out, things kicked in quickly and I had Brian call the midwife. She wanted to talk to me and I quickly realized that I was no longer able to talk when a contraction hit…My contractions were definitely about 4 mins apart at this point and I was starting to feel the urge to push…She told us to come in and we made our way to TriCity in the 2 o'clock hour…By the time I was checked in, changed and was checked by my midwife, Mimi, it was close to 3:00. She told me that the baby's head was right there and that I could push when I was ready…Once I wrapped my head around the fact that it was go time, Mimi, Brian, and the nurse coached me through pushing and Lily was born at 3:58 pm naturally in a calm environment. The lights in the room were dimmed for me and all of my requests for her birth were totally supported by the midwife and nurse. There were other hospital staff in the periphery standing by during the delivery as Lily was over a month early, but they did not disrupt the serenity of the environment. I was pleasantly surprised by such a positive experience as I had been reluctant to birth in the hospital setting. I had been hoping to have the baby at Best Start Birth Center – but this was not an option once Lily decided to come early (you have to be at least 37 weeks to give birth there and I was 35 and 1/2).
Lily was totally alert and was on my chest immediately after she was born. She weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce and was 19 inches long…10 weeks later she is doing awesome and getting so big!!!
I don't think I could have had such a such a calm, peaceful birth without your prenatal yoga and Bradley classes! Turning inward, listening to my body and using my breath to manage contractions definitely helped me be able to have the birth I was so hoping for 
Carrie's Advice for you:
1 What was the most challenging part of your labor or birth?
I would have to say pushing or knowing how to push – that is when I felt like I really needed coaching and support/encouragement the most…having my midwife, Mimi, to guide me through what to do at that point and Brian next to me for support was key. That was the only point when I questioned whether or not I would be able to do it. I also believe that the techniques Mimi used during delivery was the reason I did not tear.
2. What was the most helpful thing either you did or someone else did for you? Taking a bath and listening to that Anugama CD helped me to relax and create the space to prepare myself mentally for birth. I also believe it was helpful to not have someone checking to see how dilated I was so I never got caught up in the mindset that labor was not progressing – it truly moved at it's own rate.
3. What advice would you give another pregnant mom?
Take the time to relax and create the space for labor to unfold as it will however that looks for you. Also, as much as I love my family, I also knew that I did not want them around during my labor and delivery. When the time came, it was just Brian, Mimi (midwife) and a nurse with me and it was a very peaceful, calm experience (in a hospital)!
4. Would you do anything differently?
I probably would have experimented with a squatting or all fours position to push as I feel like it would have been a more natural position to give birth. By the time I got situated, I found myself in a side-lying position and was not inclined to try another position once I started to push. However this position did work out well in the end, so I'm not sure I would have changed that 
Tags: baby, Best Start Birth Center, birth, birth ball, birth center, Bradley Method, doula, hospital, labor and birth, midwife, natural birth, pregnancy, prenatal yoga, relaxation in labor, squatting for birth, unmedicated, www.yogajanda.com
Posted in Labor and Birth Advice, Natural Birth Stories |
What kind of a birth do you want for your child? How to Set an Intention For Your Birth:
This article is about how to create and set an intention for the birth of your child. Most people don’t even think about this. The majority of American women are fearful of labor, feel the need to be spared expected suffering, assume the doctor knows best, and assume that medication in labor is safe with little or no risks. “ I’ll just do whatever the doctor says. The doctor will know exactly what is best for me and my baby.” Or they may be told, “ Get the epidural as soon as possible. There is no need to be a martyr.”
Each mother and each baby and each birth is different. But the potential for a powerful, transformative, normal, and natural experience is there in each and every birth. “Giving birth as nature intended is not “biting the bullet and letting it happen.”” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595040/
Preparing for the birth of your child takes time, commitment, and education. I’ve been teaching the Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth for 16 years. The one thing you can count on in childbirth is the unexpected, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the loftiest goals paired with the ability to be flexible. Read on for steps to set your intention for your birth and create the best “Birth Day” ever.
1. Get clear about the birth you want and write it down. Examples:
· “I want to give birth to a baby who has no drugs in his/her system”
· “I will stay home so that when I arrive at my birth place, I will be completely dilated.”
· “I will be patient with labor and know it can take a long time.”
· “I plan to have a natural birth but I will be flexible since a healthy baby is the ultimate goal.”
· “I plan to stay home as long as I possibly can”
· “I will go into labor at 9 Am and give birth at 4 PM”
· Write down YOUR OWN INTENTION:
· __________________________________________________________________
2. Share your intention with someone who will support you, but also hold you accountable.
Write it down
· Share it with your doula
· Share it with your coach and anyone else who will be at the birth
· Share it with the medical staff when you arrive at your birth place. Give them a copy of your birth plan and ask,” Can you help me have a natural birth?”
· Write a birth plan. Have your doctor sign it. Have a copy at the doctor’s office, at the birth place, and with you when you arrive at your birth place.
· Say it out loud and talk about it and discuss it with your birth support
3. Do something today to demonstrate your commitment to your intention.
· Ask yourselves if your caregiver and birthplace truly support the outcome you want.
· If you ‘re not sure go to: Questions to Ask Your Care Provider. If you don’t get the answers you want, find another care provider and/or birth place.
· If medication is the usual way of dealing with pain in labor, tour alternatives:
Do a Google search for birth centers, nurse midwives, licensed midwives, doulas, natural birth
· Visualize your birth
· Meditate on it
· Pray about it
· Write your birth story ahead of time and re-read it every day. Include every detail.
4. Acknowledge that you did what you said you would and then, take the next step.
· Write your fears down
· Look at each fear-one at a time, and brainstorm how to get past it.
· Take one small step at a time
“By setting an intention; you make it clear to yourself and others, just what you plan to do. Set an intention to redefine what it means to be serious about your dreams.” Marcia Weider
Resources:
http://healing.about.com/od/marciawieder/a/powerintention.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595040/
Tags: baby, back pain, Back pain in pregnancy, beautiful, birth, birth ball, birth center, birth coach, birth place, birth plan, Bradley birth, Bradley Method, breathing, C-section, care provider, delivery, doctor, doula, doula during birth, drugs in birth, epidural, fear of labor, full term pregnancy, home birth, hospital, intention, labor pain, midwife, natural, physician, positive birth story, pregnancy, relaxation in labor
Posted in Labor and Birth Advice, Yoga and Pregnancy |
A Birth Story Gianni Angelo 1/29/11 By Sara Harkness
www.sara.embracinglabor.com Nicole and Chris Fortunato hired me as their birth doula several months before their Feb. 9th due date. It was clear from the start that this was a couple who was willing to do what it takes to give their baby the best start possible. Nicole taking breaks from her busy work schedule to take birth classes and educate herself about childbirth, Chris standing by, ready to do whatever Nicole needed to have a successful unmedicated birth. At our prenatal visit we talked about birth plans and relaxation techniques. Nicole stated that her main reason for hiring me was to have someone to help her relax, something she would prove to be great at doing on her own when labor would begin.
Friday Jan. 27th I received a text from chris letting me know that Nicole had began to experience some contractions. He told me that they were still manageable and he would notify my when they became stronger and closer together. At around 11:30pm Jan 27th I received a phone call that Nicole's contractions were getting much stronger and about 3-4 min. apart. Chris told me that Nicole was getting anxious and thinking about going to the hospital. I reminded them that they wanted to stay home as long as possible and told them that I was on my way.
I arrived at the Fortunato home at around 12:30am Jan 28th and was told Nicole was upstairs. When I entered the bedroom Nicole was bent forward over the bed breathing through a contraction. Between contractions she told me she was experience a lot of back pain an was very tired from being up on her feet all night. We spent the next couple of hours walking the halls between contractions. Nicole took several showers and reported that it helped with the pain. As each wave of contractions came Nicole fell into natural rhythmic breathing and opened her palms upward. She later told me she was remembering what she learned in yoga and telling herself 'open palms, receiving grace'. As the morning carried on Nicole reported being more and more tired. She tried laying down and resting for a while and experienced some pretty intense contractions while laying down. She got up to walk around again around 7 am. Shortly after her contractions seemed to decrease in intensity and in length. Nicole used this time to rest in the chair for a while.
When contractions didn’t resume their previous strength and succession we decided to go for a walk outside. Nicole experienced some contractions during the walk but still not like she had overnight. We went inside and Nicole rested on the chair and was able to eat some light snacks and some water. Around 11am when contractions still hadn’t resumed Nicole decided to try acupuncture to help move things along. Chris made an appointment at 'Oceanside Acupuncture Clinic' where they were nice enough to come in on the weekend to help Nicole out. They used points meant to help soften the cervix and it seemed to help Nicole reach a place of calm. After we went for a long walk on the beach at buccaneer park where Nicole continued to experience some contractions about 10min. Apart lasting about 30 sec. When we returned home we talked about why Nicole's labor may have slowed. I explained that while what she was experiencing last night was real labor, her body seemed to be taking a break and would probably pick back up again when it was ready. I suggested that Nicole rest while she could because she most likely would have a lot of work to do that night. We all took the time to rest for several hours. Nicole was able to sleep from about 3pm until around 11pm that night. At 11pm her contractions started up again quick and strong.
At 12am Jan. 29th Nicole reported being ready to go to the hospital and it was clear that this time she was ready. She was no longer talking through or between her contractions and was using all of her energy and focus to breath through each wave. At this point Nicole reported being very cold and shivering. We loaded up the care and headed over to Scripps Hospital Encinitas. When we arrived at the hospital Nicole was so tired and shaky that she took a wheelchair from outside of the hospital into the birth pavilion.
When we arrived at the Hospital we were put in Labor and Delivery room 2. Nicole was given a cervical exam and was already dilated to 6cm! She was then hooked up to external fetal monitors and given an IV and antibiotics for her postie strep B. culture. The nurses reported that Nicole was very dehydrated. Nicole was told she would need to stay on the monitors for 20 min. After 20 min. the nurses reported that they were not able to get a good read on the baby and that Nicole would need stay on the monitor. They also took her temperature and discovered that she had a temperature. They later confirmed that she had a urine infection. The baby’s heart read a little flat and so Nicole was required to stay on the external monitor and IV throughout her labor. Nicole’s Dr., Dr. Zaid was not on call that night she as attended to by Dr. Truong.
During labor Nicole experienced a lot of back pain. Chris did a great job of doing hip compressions while Nicole was laying in bed and seated on the ball. Nicole did a great job moving despite the limitations of the monitors and switched from side to side, sat on the side of the bed and sat on the birth ball. At 4 am Nicole was checked and had progressed to 7cm. We worked through breathing and used tennis balls to help relieve some back pain. At this point nicole was getting very tired and had to be reminded often that she was doing a great job and the baby was coming soon! As contractions grew stronger and closer together Nicole continued to practice her breathing techniques and did a great job of staying focused and centered throughout transition. Her nurse would later comment that watching her deal with her labor had made her consider having her next child unmedicated.
At Approx. 8am Nicole was checked and was still at 8 cm. Dr. Truong suggested that Nicole was not progressing at a fast enough rate and was in need of petocin. Nicole and Chris asked for some time to think about it. Shortly after her cervical check Nicole got up to use the bathroom. She then reported the urge to push! Nicole then moved back to bed and reported that these contractions were different. Nicole was checked and told she was aloud to push at 9:25am. Nicole got into a hands a knees position on the bed and pushed for a while. She did great at continuing her breathing. It was clear that pushing was very intense for Nicole but she handled it wonderfully. She then moved to a squatting position with the squat bar and this seemed to really move things along. It was only 3 or 4 pushes on the bar and the baby’s head appeared. Because Nicole began to tear the nurses ask that she lean back on the bed and breath through the pushing urge to allow her perineum time to stretch. At this point the urge was so strong that I needed to help guide Nicole’s breathing. Chris did a great job of encouraging Nicole along and announced with Joy that the baby was coming and he could see the head. Because of how quickly Nicole went from 8cm to crowning her Dr. was not able to be there in time for the delivery. Dr. Miller was called in. Dr. miller didn’t even have time to change her clothes and threw on a surgical gown over he street clothes and told Nicole she was allowed to push. Within 2 pushes the baby was born at 9:59am at 18.5 inches weighing 6 pounds 10 oz. The dr. placed the baby onto Nicole and and Chris and Nicole admired their new baby boy. Once the placenta was delivered and the cord stopped pulsing Chris was able to cute the chord.
Nicole tore slightly during the pushing and by this time Dr. Truong had arrived. Dr. Truong saw some clots she was concerned about and went in for a uterine sweep. She found some pieces of the placenta left and had to go back in 4 more times. Nicole was very brave and refused morphine even when offered several times because she didn’t want anything to interfere with here awareness as she bonded with her new baby. Once this was over the baby was placed on Nicole’s chest and before long breastfeeding was established.
I was so blessed to be a part of this beautiful birth. Nicole handled her contractions with amazing calm and focus. Chris was so supportive and was always ready with words of encouragement and even the occasional joke. Gianni Angelo Fortunato made a beautiful unmedicated entrance into the world and it was clear right from the start that he is very loved.
Tags: Back pain in pregnancy, birth, birth ball, Bradley Method, breathing, doula, dr treuong, dr. said, full term pregnancy, hospital, labor, Liza Janda, natural, natural birth, pain in labor, positive birth stories, prenatal yoga, relaxation in labor, unmedicated, www.yogajanda.com
Posted in Labor and Birth Advice, Natural Birth Stories |