Women have come far in many ways, but one of the ways that women struggle is to be able to choose the way they give birth.
In many cases when women give birth, they are told how to dress, when they can use the restroom, bathing or not bathing, eating or not eating, even what position they are lying in. In some cases, this direction is needed, other times it is not.
Education can help a women to be empowered to ask questions about the why behind the demands. It can give them the choice to realize if they believe it is important to follow the request they are being given, or to ask if there is another option they could possibly choose.
Our bodies and our babies, do not always care about lawsuits, but we do care about the safety of ourselves and our babies. The decisions you make as a mother, choosing a care provider, a facility to give birth in or whether you choose to give birth outside a facility can not only effect the here and now, but also your future.
Give yourself a pat on the back if you are educating yourself as far as what is the best option for you and your family. Research your options and make wise choices about giving birth. The wrong care provider for you may not be the wrong one for a friend, evaluate for yourself personally.
Listen to advice from friends and family, but ultimately remember that it is you that is going to be going through this experience. It is very important that you, as the laboring mom, feel safe and secure where you are giving birth, trust your care providers and have a good support team.
I know many families who feel that money ends up deciding whom they choose as a care provider or support person, and I would love to encourage to work hard to get a provider that you are very comfortable with and the support you need, even if it means you work extra hard to trade that extra work or find other means of paying them. It can make a difference in the mental well being of your family.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
I love being a doula!
There is so much satisfaction in knowing that you are helping to promote women to make their own educated choices about their care when they are pregnant and giving birth.
I love the feeling of knowing you are promoting thinking for themselves and not just following what they are told to do.
Women have come far in many ways, but one of the ways that women struggle is to be able to choose the way they give birth.
In many cases when women give birth, they are told how to dress, when they can use the restroom, bathing or not bathing, eating or not eating, even what position they are lying in. In some cases, this direction is needed, other times it is not.
Education can help a women to be empowered to ask questions about the why behind the demands. It can give them the choice to realize if they believe it is important to follow the request they are being given, or to ask if there is another option they could possibly choose.
Our bodies and our babies, do not always care about lawsuits, but we do care about the safety of ourselves and our babies. The decisions you make as a mother, choosing a care provider, a facility to give birth in or whether you choose to give birth outside a facility can not only effect the here and now, but also your future.
Give yourself a pat on the back if you are educating yourself as far as what is the best option for you and your family. Research your options and make wise choices about giving birth. The wrong care provider for you may not be the wrong one for a friend, evaluate for yourself personally.
Listen to advice from friends and family, but ultimately remember that it is you that is going to be going through this experience. It is very important that you, as the laboring mom, feel safe and secure where you are giving birth, trust your care providers and have a good support team.
I know many families who feel that money ends up deciding whom they choose as a care provider or support person, and I would love to encourage to work hard to get a provider that you are very comfortable with and the support you need, even if it means you work extra hard to trade that extra work or find other means of paying them. It can make a difference in the mental well being of your family.
Women have come far in many ways, but one of the ways that women struggle is to be able to choose the way they give birth.
In many cases when women give birth, they are told how to dress, when they can use the restroom, bathing or not bathing, eating or not eating, even what position they are lying in. In some cases, this direction is needed, other times it is not.
Education can help a women to be empowered to ask questions about the why behind the demands. It can give them the choice to realize if they believe it is important to follow the request they are being given, or to ask if there is another option they could possibly choose.
Our bodies and our babies, do not always care about lawsuits, but we do care about the safety of ourselves and our babies. The decisions you make as a mother, choosing a care provider, a facility to give birth in or whether you choose to give birth outside a facility can not only effect the here and now, but also your future.
Give yourself a pat on the back if you are educating yourself as far as what is the best option for you and your family. Research your options and make wise choices about giving birth. The wrong care provider for you may not be the wrong one for a friend, evaluate for yourself personally.
Listen to advice from friends and family, but ultimately remember that it is you that is going to be going through this experience. It is very important that you, as the laboring mom, feel safe and secure where you are giving birth, trust your care providers and have a good support team.
I know many families who feel that money ends up deciding whom they choose as a care provider or support person, and I would love to encourage to work hard to get a provider that you are very comfortable with and the support you need, even if it means you work extra hard to trade that extra work or find other means of paying them. It can make a difference in the mental well being of your family.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Breastfeeding and Lactation Cookies
We are so excited once the baby has arrived! The hard work is over! Pregnancy ungainliness, ill-fitting clothing, and aches are all over with!
I think many of us prep, think and wonder about the pregnancy, try to avoid thinking about labor and forget all about thinking about how we might cope with breastfeeding. If this is your first baby, this is especially true!
I loved this post on some healthy snacks to have prepared for breastfeeding hunger pangs...
Also, over at Life as a Mom, she speaks of the real life joys and sorrows of breastfeeding, while all the while rejoicing that she did it.
I think that those last few months of preparing before your baby is born, it is a good idea to help prep the fridge, freezer and pantry a bit too.
The first 6-8 weeks when you have a new baby, you may be cooking one handed. There will be times you may be starving to death, and just need a quick snack. It is actually more important with breastfeeding to be eating enough calories, and maintaining a healthy diet for your milk supply.
A not so unwelcome treat that can actually help your milk supply would be these oatmeal cookies. Don't overdo it, but a couple will help that oatmeal and flax seed go down smooth with a glass of milk or a cup of Mother's Milk tea.
These cookies freeze well and are tasty for anyone, not just breastfeeding moms.
Last weekend, we served them at a Early Childhood fair and I heard nothing, but compliments on them!
Lactation Cookies From the Kitchen of Martha Artyomenko Serves 50
Ingredients: 2 c. oil 4 eggs
2 c. brown sugar 3 ¼ c. flour (I used whole wheat flour)
1 c. white sugar ¼ c. flax seeds
2 t. vanilla 6 ¼ c. oats (quick cooking)
2 t. baking soda 2 t. baking powder
1 t. salt 2 T. brewers yeast
Directions: Mix oil, sugars, vanilla together. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in all other ingredients. Mix well.
Add craisins, chocolate chips, or M&M’s if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes
This makes a very large batch, but you can freeze them well.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
In going along with the last post...
http://www.thehumbledhomemaker.com/
You can read a story of a first labor and delivery with an induction and epidural and a second labor with naturally. They are interesting to read, although not everyone will have a similar experience.
You can read a story of a first labor and delivery with an induction and epidural and a second labor with naturally. They are interesting to read, although not everyone will have a similar experience.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Pain in labor- What is the point?
The other day a nurse was explaining to a patient that it is somewhat barbaric to have pain in labor. She was laughing and explaining why pain relief measures are completely and totally safe for the baby, and there is no reason to suffer in labor.
I think that pain relief measures in labor can be a wonderful thing, I think they are very varied and does not always mean that pain in labor is barbaric and not useful.
I think we have to remember that pain is different for each individual. Some people struggle with small amounts of pain, while others can handle high levels of pain.
We can see in labor at times, pain, while coping with it can help us as we work towards a goal, delivering a baby. Out of control pain, screaming, without focus can cause trauma, complications, and exhaustion.
Different pain relief measures have different side effects related to them, and in your choosing, you should be educating yourself on these for your particular situation. They do not all happen to everyone, but they are not as rare as you would think.
Some common methods of pain relief offered in a hospital setting, would be an Epidural, occasionally you would be offered a narcotic to take the edge off, until you are dilated to a point where an epidural would not slow down labor. But, depending on your hospital's policies, they may offer it at any time in labor, which is something you would want to weigh carefully.
When you receive an epidural, you will first be usually given 1-2 liters of fluid through an I.V. as it often causes blood pressure to drop rapidly, and this helps with that. You will be asked to sit on the bed with your back curled out, or lay on the bed on your side. You are usually allowed to have one support person in the room with you, while they are wearing a mask. They will sterilize a place on your back before numbing it. A needle will be inserted into the epidural space around the spinal cord in the lower back. A small catheter will be inserted and the needle removed. The catheter will be taped to your shoulder or your back to prevent it from being pulled on. If you received a regular epidural, they will also be giving you a urine catheter as you will not be able to walk to the bathroom anymore. Some hospitals will offer though a walking epidural or Intrathecal instead, which can mean you can still walk around, and be without a urine catheter. Often physicians discourage this if they think the labor could be lengthy, headed for a c-section or other complications, because they wear off. They do have their benefits though as well.
(Info taken from American Pregnancy Association website)
Side effects to receiving this pain relief can be wide and varied....
Some common ones-
- Your blood pressure may drop suddenly.
- Severe headache from leakage of spinal fluid. Less than 1% of women experience this, but it can occur for even weeks after you give birth, in the patients it occurs in. They can treat this by giving a blood patch.
-Shivering, shaking, ringing in the ears, backache, soreness where the needle was inserted, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty urinating.
- It can possibly make pushing more difficult, and cause a greater chance of the need for additional interventions such as Pitocin, forceps, vacuum extraction, or c-section can all be needed to progress.
- A few hours after birth- your lower body may still be numb.
-In rare instances- there may be permanent nerve damage where the catheter was inserted.
-There are some studies that breastfed babies that are born with an epidural, may struggle with latching on after an epidural. There are other studies about some of these other risk factors.
Longer second stage possibly
Severe perinial tearing
Among other studies that possible link it to greater chance of c-sections...
However, with all studies, you have to read, educate yourself, and decide for yourself.
A few observations that I have noticed is that women who never suffer pain in labor, tend to have a greater risk for Postpartum depression, struggle with bonding with the baby, as well as an issue with breastfeeding long term. I am not sure of the studies that have been done on that, but this article has several links to studies on the topic.
Natural childbirth V: Epidural side effects and risks
It seems to be somewhat biased though, so look at the links and learn.
However, I have seen there is a time for pain relief besides the natural methods in labor.
A couple of those instances I can think of...
- A mother who is exhausted and just cannot relax effectively because she is just too worn out. A walking epidural or epidural can be a good option as she can sleep, resting and giving herself strength to be able to push.
- Someone who is having an induced labor. An induced labor can at times be more painful than a natural labor, and the pain can be harder to control naturally.
- If the patient is highly strung, low pain tolerance or is living in a highly stressful life situation, sometimes any pain can be hard to deal with and a medical intervention can be very helpful.
I highly encourage a mom who is planning on receiving pain medication, to learn some coping methods of dealing with labor pain, just in case she ends up being able to receive an epidural or something else in time. I have met many mothers that were very traumatized by going through labor pains, when they expected to have none. Some simple coping methods and preparation could possibly help them to get through without the trauma.
I would recommend that any childbirth classes you take, that you still pay attention to any methods of coping with labor pain without drugs, just in case something goes wrong with your birth plan.
On the other hand, I highly recommend if you are planning a completely natural birth, you research common drugs used in pain relief during labor in your local hospital, just in case you find yourself in a position to need to vary from your birth plan and find yourself caught off guard.
I think that pain relief measures in labor can be a wonderful thing, I think they are very varied and does not always mean that pain in labor is barbaric and not useful.
I think we have to remember that pain is different for each individual. Some people struggle with small amounts of pain, while others can handle high levels of pain.
We can see in labor at times, pain, while coping with it can help us as we work towards a goal, delivering a baby. Out of control pain, screaming, without focus can cause trauma, complications, and exhaustion.
Different pain relief measures have different side effects related to them, and in your choosing, you should be educating yourself on these for your particular situation. They do not all happen to everyone, but they are not as rare as you would think.
Some common methods of pain relief offered in a hospital setting, would be an Epidural, occasionally you would be offered a narcotic to take the edge off, until you are dilated to a point where an epidural would not slow down labor. But, depending on your hospital's policies, they may offer it at any time in labor, which is something you would want to weigh carefully.
When you receive an epidural, you will first be usually given 1-2 liters of fluid through an I.V. as it often causes blood pressure to drop rapidly, and this helps with that. You will be asked to sit on the bed with your back curled out, or lay on the bed on your side. You are usually allowed to have one support person in the room with you, while they are wearing a mask. They will sterilize a place on your back before numbing it. A needle will be inserted into the epidural space around the spinal cord in the lower back. A small catheter will be inserted and the needle removed. The catheter will be taped to your shoulder or your back to prevent it from being pulled on. If you received a regular epidural, they will also be giving you a urine catheter as you will not be able to walk to the bathroom anymore. Some hospitals will offer though a walking epidural or Intrathecal instead, which can mean you can still walk around, and be without a urine catheter. Often physicians discourage this if they think the labor could be lengthy, headed for a c-section or other complications, because they wear off. They do have their benefits though as well.
(Info taken from American Pregnancy Association website)
Side effects to receiving this pain relief can be wide and varied....
Some common ones-
- Your blood pressure may drop suddenly.
- Severe headache from leakage of spinal fluid. Less than 1% of women experience this, but it can occur for even weeks after you give birth, in the patients it occurs in. They can treat this by giving a blood patch.
-Shivering, shaking, ringing in the ears, backache, soreness where the needle was inserted, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty urinating.
- It can possibly make pushing more difficult, and cause a greater chance of the need for additional interventions such as Pitocin, forceps, vacuum extraction, or c-section can all be needed to progress.
- A few hours after birth- your lower body may still be numb.
-In rare instances- there may be permanent nerve damage where the catheter was inserted.
-There are some studies that breastfed babies that are born with an epidural, may struggle with latching on after an epidural. There are other studies about some of these other risk factors.
Longer second stage possibly
Severe perinial tearing
Among other studies that possible link it to greater chance of c-sections...
However, with all studies, you have to read, educate yourself, and decide for yourself.
A few observations that I have noticed is that women who never suffer pain in labor, tend to have a greater risk for Postpartum depression, struggle with bonding with the baby, as well as an issue with breastfeeding long term. I am not sure of the studies that have been done on that, but this article has several links to studies on the topic.
Natural childbirth V: Epidural side effects and risks
It seems to be somewhat biased though, so look at the links and learn.
However, I have seen there is a time for pain relief besides the natural methods in labor.
A couple of those instances I can think of...
- A mother who is exhausted and just cannot relax effectively because she is just too worn out. A walking epidural or epidural can be a good option as she can sleep, resting and giving herself strength to be able to push.
- Someone who is having an induced labor. An induced labor can at times be more painful than a natural labor, and the pain can be harder to control naturally.
- If the patient is highly strung, low pain tolerance or is living in a highly stressful life situation, sometimes any pain can be hard to deal with and a medical intervention can be very helpful.
I highly encourage a mom who is planning on receiving pain medication, to learn some coping methods of dealing with labor pain, just in case she ends up being able to receive an epidural or something else in time. I have met many mothers that were very traumatized by going through labor pains, when they expected to have none. Some simple coping methods and preparation could possibly help them to get through without the trauma.
I would recommend that any childbirth classes you take, that you still pay attention to any methods of coping with labor pain without drugs, just in case something goes wrong with your birth plan.
On the other hand, I highly recommend if you are planning a completely natural birth, you research common drugs used in pain relief during labor in your local hospital, just in case you find yourself in a position to need to vary from your birth plan and find yourself caught off guard.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Nutrition and exercise during pregnancy
Pregnancy is the one time in your life when you are encouraged to gain weight! Many people take that as a license to eat anything you want, don't do too much as you might injure the baby, and put your feet up as much as possible! While there is small amounts of truth in it, it is mostly a false idea.
- Should you eat anything you want?
You need an adequate diet. This means not too little and not too much food. You need to look at what is a healthy intake of calories for your size and height, and add an extra 300 calories to that diet. You have to remember that all calories are created equal. You should avoid empty calories as every single one counts for the baby now. Empty calories can pack on the pounds without giving your baby the nutrition it needs. Empty calories might be processed sugars, deep fried foods, white processed breads among others. Soft cheeses, raw meat and some seafood should also be avoided. Caffeine has been linked to issues in pregnancy such as raising your risk of miscarriage , but also can mess with your PH levels and make it difficult for iron absorption.
You should focus on trying to get at least 6-8 vegetables every day if possible, 4-6 fruits (if you have no issues with blood sugar) Avoid fruit juices, and go for the whole fruits. 2-4 protein servings per day, depending on your protein needs. 4-6 whole grains, again if you have no issues with blood sugar. Be sure to check with your care provider about your own specific needs, this is a basic chart of what you should be eating, but I am not a nutritionist, so this is just a guideline.
-Why is it important to exercise?
We all enjoy the freedom, or some of us enjoy the freedom to gain weight without worrying about going on a diet, but often that causes some issues with getting the baby weight off after the birth. I think if you eat healthy foods, shun sugar and processed foods, and exercise during pregnancy, the weight you gain is healthier weight, instead of stuff that clings to you! It is hard to stay away from that stuff and exercise, when often you lack the energy. But you will find that regular light exercise, can actually give you more energy.
- What are some exercise that pregnant women are advised to do?
Swimming and walking are some of the top exercises recommended. These are safe for almost anyone who is not at risk for pre-term labor. It is not recommended you take up fast aerobic exercise if it is something new for you.
- What exercise should pregnant women avoid?
Horseback riding, skiing, gymnastics, snowmobiling, skating, some doctors do not recommend bike riding as well for balance issues and exercise where you let your heart rate get too high. Pregnancy is a time to listen to your body and obey. Don't push too hard. You will pay for it! If you feel like you are having contractions, heaviness or any other danger signs, put your feet up and talk to your care provider before continuing.
- What are some of the benefits of exercise?
You can help maintain a healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, healthy weight gain as well as give yourself greater stamina and strength in labor. Often women who exercise have babies get into better positions for labor as well, which helps things go smoother. Kegal exercises can help prevent leakage when coughing, sneezing or jumping after pregnancy as well.
Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience that does not take the toll on your body as some people expect with the proper nutrition and exercise.
As always be sure to check with your care provider before following any of this advice!
- Should you eat anything you want?
You need an adequate diet. This means not too little and not too much food. You need to look at what is a healthy intake of calories for your size and height, and add an extra 300 calories to that diet. You have to remember that all calories are created equal. You should avoid empty calories as every single one counts for the baby now. Empty calories can pack on the pounds without giving your baby the nutrition it needs. Empty calories might be processed sugars, deep fried foods, white processed breads among others. Soft cheeses, raw meat and some seafood should also be avoided. Caffeine has been linked to issues in pregnancy such as raising your risk of miscarriage , but also can mess with your PH levels and make it difficult for iron absorption.
You should focus on trying to get at least 6-8 vegetables every day if possible, 4-6 fruits (if you have no issues with blood sugar) Avoid fruit juices, and go for the whole fruits. 2-4 protein servings per day, depending on your protein needs. 4-6 whole grains, again if you have no issues with blood sugar. Be sure to check with your care provider about your own specific needs, this is a basic chart of what you should be eating, but I am not a nutritionist, so this is just a guideline.
-Why is it important to exercise?
We all enjoy the freedom, or some of us enjoy the freedom to gain weight without worrying about going on a diet, but often that causes some issues with getting the baby weight off after the birth. I think if you eat healthy foods, shun sugar and processed foods, and exercise during pregnancy, the weight you gain is healthier weight, instead of stuff that clings to you! It is hard to stay away from that stuff and exercise, when often you lack the energy. But you will find that regular light exercise, can actually give you more energy.
- What are some exercise that pregnant women are advised to do?
Swimming and walking are some of the top exercises recommended. These are safe for almost anyone who is not at risk for pre-term labor. It is not recommended you take up fast aerobic exercise if it is something new for you.
- What exercise should pregnant women avoid?
Horseback riding, skiing, gymnastics, snowmobiling, skating, some doctors do not recommend bike riding as well for balance issues and exercise where you let your heart rate get too high. Pregnancy is a time to listen to your body and obey. Don't push too hard. You will pay for it! If you feel like you are having contractions, heaviness or any other danger signs, put your feet up and talk to your care provider before continuing.
- What are some of the benefits of exercise?
You can help maintain a healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, healthy weight gain as well as give yourself greater stamina and strength in labor. Often women who exercise have babies get into better positions for labor as well, which helps things go smoother. Kegal exercises can help prevent leakage when coughing, sneezing or jumping after pregnancy as well.
Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience that does not take the toll on your body as some people expect with the proper nutrition and exercise.
As always be sure to check with your care provider before following any of this advice!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Great Links for the week
This post is excellent on how to make your kitchen work for you after you have a baby.
No Work kitchen for after baby
This link deals with exercise, what kinds to do and what kinds to avoid after a baby.
How to have a stronger, more flat stomach!
Here is some other ideas...on 100 ways to encourage a new mom!
No Work kitchen for after baby
This link deals with exercise, what kinds to do and what kinds to avoid after a baby.
How to have a stronger, more flat stomach!
Here is some other ideas...on 100 ways to encourage a new mom!
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