Vocalisation For Labour


Many women will naturally groan, or vocalise through contractions in labour.Vocalisation is a primitive response to pain. If you hurt yourself you cry out. Animals vocalise their pain too, just think of a dog yelping if you tread on it’s tail.

There are several ways vocalising helps you with labour pain.

Firstly, vocalisation allows you to focus on keeping the contraction productive. It can also be something to distract you from the overwhelming sensations of a contraction.

Secondly, a low moan relaxes the vocal chords, throat. Amazingly, by focussing on relaxing the facial and throat muscles, you also help to relax the cervix at the same time.

Thirdly, and I love this little titbit of information, a recent study showed that uttering, moaning, or simply repeating an expletive (Yes you can say F**K) releases endorphins which aid in pain relief! (Actually the study said that any repeated word will work, but expletives were particularly effective as they were emotive)

Fourthly, your baby hears everything – certain tones are calming (think low, steady, ocean sounds) others are fearful – (high pitched, scared, panicky sounds) so by moaning low to the baby, you help keep him and yourself calm.

You can also vocalise along to a tone, some women like to use Crystal Singing Bowls, others like to use binaural sound, others like to use white noise on the radio.

So the trick is to use a tone that is nice and low, feels loose in your throat, and is emotive enough to produce positive  emotions. Given that you do not want to be “thinking” during labour, provided you keep it low – use what comes to you. Many women will roar, growl, or “moo” their baby to them.

Preparing To Try To Conceive


Congratulations, you’re about to embark on one of the most incredible journeys our lives have to offer. The journey to becoming a parent.

You see, when a baby is born, it’s not just the baby that begins a life, it’s a mother who is born too. Becoming a mother is an entirely life changing experience from the moment the two lines appear on your home pregnancy test.

If you are in a position to prepare to try to conceive, there are lots of things you can do to make space for a baby and increase your fertility in your life, spiritually, mentally, and physically.

Get educated now, before even conceiving is a good time to research what type of birth you’ll have, what the implications of medications and pain relieving drugs are, how you would like care providers to treat you, and what kind of support team you’ll have. There is a great list of Trying to Conceive resources here.

Physically:

  • Get your spine checked by a chiropractor, and consider regular spinal adjustments.
  • Ensure you are eating a healthy diet, and consider eliminating toxins such as refined sugars, dairy, wheat, and chemicals.
  • Make sure your diet is filled with lots of sources of folate (green leafy vegetables are great!) and if you are not getting enough folate in your diet, consider a supplement.
  • Ensure you are getting adequate exercise (30 minutes, 3 times a week is a great start)
  • Eliminate or significantly reduce caffeine and alcohol.
  • Check in with your doctor or chosen care provider to make sure you’re in great health.
  • Get in tune with your menstrual cycles
  • Start researching topics such as vaccination,

Having a baby changes your life. Entirely. You become soley responsible for a little human being who is entirely dependent on you.

Mentally

  • Ask yourself if you’re ready for a baby in this stage of your life?
  • Are you financially prepared?
  • Are you emotionally prepared?
  • How will you feel when you are tired and your baby needs you?
  • Are you prepared to give up a lot of your social activities, at least for the short term?
  • Are you prepared for your childless friends to feel left out, or perhaps abandon you?
  • What if your parenting or birthing methods conflict with your family’s or friend’s points of view?
  • What if your parenting or birthing preferences conflict with your partner’s?
  • How will you feel if trying to conceive takes longer than you expected/

Spiritually

  • Make time to meditate and be still
  • Prepare a calm body for your baby to be conceived
  • Visualise holding your baby in your arms, and how you’ll feel
  • Surrender to the journey.
  • Tune in an connect with your unborn child
The more you get in tune with your body and baby, the more wondrous journey you can create as you prepare to become a mother. It’s sometimes helpful to use tools like guided meditation CDs, audios, and books to help you embark on your journey. There is a great resource here at Soulbirth for trying to conceive, that helps you tune into your cycles, become increasingly relaxed during ovulation, prepare emotionally to conceive a baby and increase the bond with your partner. It also helps you improve your health and vitality and be attracted to the right kinds of foods to nurture your growing baby.
Happy Baby making!
Photo credit:VirtualErn

Spot The Difference: Homebirth vs Hospital Birth


 
Welcome Earthside James Tiberius from Fiona Rogerson Baby & Maternity Photographer on Vimeo.

Spot the Difference.

My Hospital Birth
When I was pregnant with my first child, my experiences of pregnancy and birth, were what I’d seen on TV, and what my mom had shared with me through the births of her five daughters. Quite frankly, I thought I knew a lot. So when those two blue lines appeared on my pregnancy test, I wasn’t panicked, I was assured that I’d be in the best care in the private health system.


My doctor simply assumed I’d be birthing in a private hospital, when I told her I had private health insurance. So a referral was written, an appointment was made, and soon I was sitting in the offices of a lovely obstetrician. She made me feel very special, showing me our 9 week old baby on the ultrasound machine, and explained that at 20 weeks, if I hadn’t miscarried, she’d require half of her fee.

I walked away from that appointment, in awe of the tiny creature inside of me, with no feelings other than utter excitement, and a hint of nausea (I was rather morning sick!)

My subsequent appointments involved a similar routine. Arrive, Pee, Weight, Blush, Wait, See the obstetrician, and see the baby – pay at the door.

Perhaps it was the elation of seeing the baby on the screen, perhaps it was my confidence in my knowledge that I was in good hands, but I felt safe, and well looked after at each visit.

The 20 week appointment arrived, and my husband and I decided now was a good time to broach the subject of birth plans, and vaccinations with our Obstetrician. I’d spent the past 10 weeks reading Janet Balakas “New Active Birth” and while I wasn’t certain I felt safe homebirthing, I knew I wanted a natural childbirth, with minimal intervention, and the abil

ity to move around during my labour.

My obstetrician was very receptive, and explained that her job was to ensure a healthy mum and a healthy baby, in that order. And if I was happy to cooperate with those terms, we’d get along like a house on fire. I came away from that appointment appeased, and confident that my ideal birth was a real possibility. Of course, I knew that birth was dangerous, and that I’d be looked after by my doctor, should things go wrong.

The weeks passed, and I began to feel what I assumed was normal for being so pregnant. I was eating take away foods as the cravings hit me, drinking cola, and lots of coffee, and generally ignoring the bathroom scales, as the weight piled on at an alarming rate. My hands were swollen, I felt constantly out of breath, and my groin, hips and back ached constantly.

At 38 weeks pregnant, my blood pressure was too high for my Obstetrian to feel comfortable with any longer, a quick ultrasound was done, my husband was called in, and hospital bags were packed. And so began the journey to my first birth.

I sat shivering in my Obstetricians rooms, on her paper covered table, with no one to hold my hand, as she told me it was time to meet our baby. She briefly explained the induction process, saying she’d start with a Stretch and Sweep, Gel would be administered later that night, and I’d birth in the morning on a Pitocin drip.
I sat and waited, my husband arrived, and we waited alone together, with no real idea what was going on. At about midnight, a midwife popped in and explained she would administer the gel, and do another stretch and sweep. This time, I lay on the bed, writhing away from her hands, sobbing in agony, as the gel was administered. It wasn’t a pleasant time for me, and I found myself apologising for being so weak. Then, we waited.I lay there are she performed the stretch and sweep, clenching my teeth as my clearly unready cervix was wrenched and twisted. My obstetrician apologised for the discomfort, and gave me directions to a hospital room.

We waited for two days, for the birthing room to be available… We were told in no uncertain terms; that we were “the least of their priorities” so we ate, played cards, and waited.
Then came the day of my son’s delivery. I trudged down the halls, very large, and very orange in my pyjamas, was told to strip, and change into a hospital gown in the room. Then the midwife said “Lets find out how brave you are” All of a sudden, I was simply a number, and another process on the clock.

A cannula was inserted into my arm, and the contractions began. With each contraction, my plans for a natural childbirth seemed more and more distant. I was unable to move, unsupported, and afraid. Machines made noises that irritated me, the floor was cold, and the bed was hard. My husband tried to support me, but was as new to the process as I was, and felt helpless with me in so much pain.

After enduring 3 hours of seemingly constant contractions, I begged for an epidural. It was administered nearly immediately, as though they were simply waiting for me to “cave in”. Then, again, I waited.

3 hours later, my son was imminent. The obstetrician arrived, and some nameless midwives stood peering up my vagina. I was told to push. So I pushed. I was told to hold, so I held. I was told to wait, so I waited. I was told to look away, so I did, and in that moment, I was given an episiotomy, and my son was born.

The best part about his birth, was my baby. Everything else, I’d gladly forget.

My Home Birth

Homebirth

My second son, was born at home with a midwife resent. My pregnancy was so much more positive. I was a healthier, happier, fitter, and more focused me.
I met our wonderful Doula, and our plans for a homebirth began.
This pregnancy was a journey of healing for me, where I revisited the hospital birth of my first son, and picked every second of it to pieces, eventually coming to terms and peace with it.

Our midwife was brilliant, lovely, warm, and accepting of our birthing choices, she seemed as excited as I was that a baby was arriving, and made me feel like the only woman in the world to birth, as well as connected to every other birthing woman.
Each month, my antenatal visits were in my home. I saw the same midwife, and student midwife, and chatted about my concerns, or plans over a cup of tea. I never felt rushed, and I always felt listened to.

The whole pregnancy I felt surrounded by support. My lovely doula listened to my concerns, and helped me chat through them, she provided me with books and resources to ensure I felt empowered and knowledgeable, and recommended books to help me make healthy choices.
Despite the support, and encouragement, while I felt safe birthing at home, I was never able to visualise the birth of my child. I could never picture in my mind’s eye, him arriving into my arms.

The evening of his birth, I felt edgy, and nesty, I couldn’t get comfortable, and all of a sudden, the birth that I hadn’t been able to visualise was forefront in my mind. I knew our baby was arriving, and I relished the idea that I was about to birth, and I was going to do it in my dining room, with my husband and son present.

The contractions began, I put on my special birthing necklace made by lovely friends, and climbed into bed to see if I could sleep a bit. As the contractions got stronger, I danced around my bedroom, moaning a little, and chatting to the baby in between. Pretty soon, I was convinced I was in labour, so I woke my husband up, who instantly began fetching heat packs, and re-inflating our birthing pool.

Together we began to get a bit excited, and a bit nervous. The contractions hurt, but they were never bigger than me. My doula arrived, and sent us on a walk around the block, as we walked I clung to my husband through the contractions, and breathed. It was surprisingly cold for February, and i couldn’t stop shivering, so we came home. In the dark of my lounge room, I lent over the couch, as my doula encouraged me, rubbed my back, and I ate chicken sandwiches. I managed to laugh, and even sleep a little.
Then my labour ‘really’ began. I bounced on a fitball, and squatted through each contraction, trying to mentally welcome them. At some point I went to the toilet, this was the only point in my labour I was fearful, because for whatever reason, my contractions were unbearable whilst I was on the loo!

Then, bliss of all bliss, my doula suggested I get into the birth pool. The warm water was delicious on my back, and all of a sudden, my mind relaxed, and I remembered I WAS HAVING A BABY, and I was FEELING my own labour.

My wonderful midwives arrived, and snuck silently into the house, asking permission before they checked the baby’s heart rate, or checked me. Other than that, they sat and held my hands when I needed it, and helped me work through each contraction. my doula, my Midwife, and my amazing husband kept me grounded, kept me moaning nice and low to the baby, and held my hands through each contraction.

Labour progressed pretty quickly, and there were moments where I felt I couldn’t continue, but as the contraction passed I was relishing the fact I could feel MY BODY working. Apparently this was so noteworthy; my midwife included it in my hospital notes.
Then, it happened, that feeling, that “urge to poo” sensation – I got to experience it, every bit of it, as my body began to push my baby out. I could hear myself making new sounds, but wasn’t in control, something bigger than me was bringing my baby into this world, I wasn’t afraid, I was birthing.

And then there he was, arms, legs, open eyes, and a cord thicker than I’d ever seen – looking up at me in the water of the pool. I scooped him up, I had done it. I had BIRTHED my baby. It was him, and me, and the whole world didn’t matter for a moment. We’d done it!

My little baby and I sat in the pool, we breastfed, and snuggled, and got to know each other. His cord remained attached until it stopped pulsing, then his daddy cut it. I birthed the placenta in the pool, and ate a sandwich, and a delicious hot, sweet cup of tea.

Looking back, I don’t regret my first birth. I did the very best I could with the knowledge I had. My homebirth was so healing, and so empowering, that for months afterwards, I felt like queen of the world. It was wonderful for my husband too, and he has become the world’s greatest homebirth advocate. You can see his story here!

Perineal Tears


Often touted as something to be feared, perineal tears are a common, and sometimes unavoidable hazard of giving birth. However, tears do heal, and they are something you can actively minimise.

The routine use of episiotomy, is unncessary, especially when it is performed in the name of protecting the perineum. A natural tear, will go through skin, and many less layers than the episiotomy, which cuts through into the muscular layer.

A natural tear will often heal faster than an episiotomy, often not even requiring stitches.

Natural tears are often less painful than an episiotomy, whilst healing, on account of the fact there is less swelling, and less stitching (less layers to stitch)

Preventing tearing, or at least minimising it, is something you can actively prepare for.

Prior to labour, you can practise perineal massage, and oil the perineal area with olive oil after showering or specialized perineal massage oil.

Allowing your body the optimum chance to stretch slowly, will help avoid a tear. As the baby’s head is crowning, don’t push conciously - it will often come down, and go back up again, giving your perineum plenty of time fan out and accomodate the baby’s head. Breathing the baby out is often a

Breathe the baby out

9lb 6 oz, intact perineum!!

technique taught to birthing women.

The hospital policy of coached pushing is a recipe for perineal damage. Especially when combined with supine positoning (flat on ones back, or with feet in stirrups)

Your best option is to trust your body, and go with it’s urges. Push when you feel the need, stay upright, and move as you feel you need to.

Chiropractic Make Birthing Easier


ChiropracticChiropractic works on the principle that if the spine is functioning optimally, the body will function optimally. By removing nerve interference, chirpractic makes way for optimum health.

So it stands to reason, that a pregnant woman recieving regular chiropractic adjustments, will have a healthier body, to grow and birth her baby with.

Women assume that the “ailments of pregnancy” like fluid retention, and heartburn, are unavoidable unpleasant side effects of gestating. But this is not necessarily the case.  Regular adjustments will allow the body to do what it inately knows how to do, without the discomfort: that is, grow and birth a baby.

New research has again revealed that Chiropractic can assist in birthing-  by removing pelvic distortions, the body can labour and birth at it’s most efficient – the baby can present in optimal position, and the uterus knows how to contract effectively.

Women recieving chiropractic adjustments on average have  a shorter labour too. With the average length of labour for a first time mum being 9 hours.

A good article on this is here:http://www.pr.com/press-release/136771

 

Photo credit: Williamholling

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension


Pregnancy Induced HypertensionPregnancy induced hypertension is often cited as a reason to induce labour,  in medicalised birth. It can be argued that the occurence of a gentle rise in maternal blood pressure, is a naturally occurring and necessary function of the body in order to birth.

However, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, and a healthy pregnancy are a sensible idea. So what strategies can one implement to ensure that their body is in optimum health?

  • Engage the services of a reputed Chiropractor, to eliminate any nerve interference.
  • Practise relaxation, and deep breathing techniques
  • Excercise gently, and regularly
  • Eat a healthy diet – try the Brewer Diet
  • If this is  your second or subsequent child, consider breastfeeding throughout your pregnancy
  • Engage the services of an accupuncturist.
  • Indulge in pregnancy massage (Massage has been shown to dramatically lower blood pressure during pregnancy, and it feels divine)
  • Corn Silk tea has been shown to assist with Pregnancy Induced High Blood Pressure simply brew the silks from a corn cob, as a tea.
  • Visualization of perfect blood pressure
Towards the end of your pregnancy, it is common for your blood pressure to rise slightly, and can be a sign of impending labour. However, the rise should be slight, and not in conjunction with other symptoms such as protein in your urine, dizziness, flashing lights in front of your eyes etc. Always make decisions regarding yours and your babies health with the guidance of your health care provider.
Photo credit: sundaykofax

 

About Leboyer


Birth without Trauma, Dr Frederik Leboyer’s book, outlines his principles for a gentle birth.  He believed that babies born into calm surroundings were more content.

Some of the principles involve birthing the baby into a room of hushed voices, dimmed lights, and a warm bath. Placing the baby on the mother’s chest, allowing the cord to stop pulsating before clamping and infant massage.

Leboyer’s book makes childbirth sound like a harrowing and traumatic event for the baby – which may well be so, and at the least,  creating a calm environment for all involved, will limit cortisone production, and reduce both mother’s and babie’s stress levels.

About Lamaze


The Lamaze Method, was established in 1951 by Dr Fernand Lamaze. It is a childbirth philosophy, that centres around the idea that birth is normal and natural.

The Lamaze Philosphy is:

  • Birth is normal, natural and healthy.
  • The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families.
  • Women’s inner wisdom guides them through birth.
  • Women’s confidence and ability to give birth is either enhanced or diminished by the care provider and place of birth.
  • Women have the right to give birth free from routine medical interventions.
  • Birth can safely take place in homes, birth centers and hospitals.
  • Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in health care, to assume responsibility for their health and to trust their inner wisdom.
  • There are 6 care practises that guide the Lamaze method – they are found here

    Using A Rebozo For Foetal Positioning


     

    A Rebozo, is a traditional Mexican Shawl or Scarfe, used in pregnancy, and labour by traditional Mexican midwives, to massage the pregnant woman.

    Rebozo Massage can be used to turn a posterior baby, at term, or throughout pregnancy to encourage optimum foetal positioning.

    Post birth, the Rebozo shawl can be used as a baby carrier that you can breastfeed your child in comfortably.

    Midwife Mutiny has a lovely video demonstrating Rebozo Technique to turn a posterior baby. Here

    Another great resource for the use of Rebozo during labour can be found at Spinning Babies.com – here

    Natural Pain Relief


    Some ideas for natural pain relief in labour, that you’ll most likely have at your disposal, even in an unplanned birth!

    Water

    Warm water is a muscle relaxant, and can take the edge off contractions. Some ideas for utilising water are:

    • Directed spray from the shower, to where it provides the most relief
    • Use a birth pool.
    • Use the bath
    • Have a bucket filled with VERY hot water, and cloth nappies, wring the nappies out (you might want gloves) and put the hot nappies on your back and tummy, wherever it provides the most relief.

    For a bit more nurturing, you can use aromatherapy oils in the bath while you labour (see here for oil blending ideas)

    Doulas

    Ok, granted you may not have a doula lying around home, but with a planned labour, a doula can help you “hold the space” and provide the encouragement to move through your contractions. They’ll also be able to advise on massage and labouring positions.

    Doulas  can be a real godsend in labour, and post birth – helping you establish breastfeeding, and get off to a good start with your newborn.

    Movement and Positions

    Moving with your body, and listening to its cues, can provide a more comfortable experience. If you’re most comfy standing – stand. If you’re happiest sitting on a stool – sit. Move to where you are provided with the most comfort and relief.

    Squatting and upright positions give you the most pelvic space to allow the baby to pass through – lying semi-reclined, significantly reduces the space the baby has to manouvre  in.

    A doula or midwife might be able to help you move into effective and comfortable labouring positions.

    Staying upright, and in motion can help release endorphins, your bodies natural pain relief.  Try:

    • Rocking (Try a rocking chair if you like, or just rock while leaning on a bed, or fit ball)
    • Swaying
    • Bouncing on a birthing ball
    • Pivoting your hips (gently)
    • Stomping your feet
    • Squatting using a fit ball (don’t expend that precious energy)

    Homeopathics

    Utilising homeopathic remedies can reduce anxiety, take the edge off pain, and help you stay calm. It’s a good idea to speak to a registered homeopath before going into labour. However certain remedies are useful and available over the counter – such as Rescue Remedy

    Massage/Counter Pressure

    If you can afford to hire a swedish masseusse called Sven, do it!! If you’re a bit more like me, and have a partner, who’s never massaged more than my feet…. you might want a few ideas up your sleeve.

    • Rub where it feels best.
    • Use a rolling pin, or tennis ball for counter pressure – it also helps to keep hands less tired.
    • Use something to lubricate your skin – massage oil, cornflour, baby oil.

    Read up on accupressure points for labour. And if you have a doula, they’ll most likely be able to suggest some techniques to try.

    Vocalising

    Channelling your pain through your voice can also release endorphins, and distract you from pain. Many women find it helpful to moan, or roar, or even moo. The trick is to keep the energy of your voice, low, and gutteral.