Natural Childbirth: A Birth Story & Video

August 3, 2011 By

This is the arrival of James Tiberius, photographed by Evoke Art Photography.

My pregnancy was straightforward and healthy – it was a bit of a journey for me, just in the basis that I’m used to connecting spiritually to my babies very early in pregnancy, yet little James and I never felt that connection while he was within me.

I spent the 9 months consciously acknowledging him, chatting with him, and connecting to him in every physical way I could – with the hopes that we might find some sort of spiritual connection. Yet it was to no avail, the baby growing within me was my little physical being, The spiritual connection was to come during labour.

This pregnancy was another step for me to claim my power as a birthing woman. I had never gone into labour without some sort of assistance: my first son was induced – a hospital delivery – about as far from a natural childbirth as I could travel.

My second, home water birthed babe was gently encouraged with a stretch and sweep. A beautiful, natural labour and childbirth, but still helped along by gentle intervention.

I knew I wasn’t broken, and was determined to prove it. Thursday evening, of the 19th of August, I had an overwhelming urge go go for a run. So, pregnant belly in hand, at about midnight, in all of my enormous glory I ran around our block.

My husband made jokes about the water in his glass trembling as I returned up our street. I then had a shower, and snuggled up in bed with my beautiful family.

I was awoken Friday morning at around about six with some familiar sensations – nice, strong, contractions. I turned over, trying to sleep, but was so excited that perhaps, just perhaps I HAD gone into labour all by myself.

Half an hour or so later, I snuck out of bed, hopped in the shower, and texted my three best friends to let them know today was the day, and to light their candles and begin holding the space for my birth. I also called my gorgeous photographer friend Fiona, so she could organise care for her little one.

The boys woke up, and life went on as usual in our house, with me plodding around in the loungeroom and leaning over my fitball when I needed it, my husband rubbing my back, and lovely warm heat packs being brought to be constantly.

Then time for me stopped – I have no real idea of how long things took – Fiona arrived, and bless her heart started playing with the boys and entertaining them. I had a shower, or two… insisted the pool got filled, and called my midwife.

Labour for the next however long was a little scary for me- it felt different to my previous labours, and I found I couldn’t just settle into it. I knew if I went to the toilet it bring on stronger contractions, but I was so terrified of the sensations, I put it off for as long as I could.

Finally, I found my courage, went to the toilet and my waters broke, allowing James to finally move down.

Off the toilet, into the loungeroom, the most powerful sensations I’ve ever felt. There was fear again, fear of the pain, then the realisation that holy cow! I needed to push. With the support of my gorgeous husband, and my beautiful midwife I clambered into the pool.

Time stood still, I gently birthed James’ head. Into my own hands, feeling his divinely soft hair swishing in the water. Then, I leant back, and his shoulders and body slid into his daddy’s waiting arms.

I did it… I went into labour alone.
I birthed my baby and caught him!

I spent a few days post birth being annoyed at myself for the fear I felt – but now in perspective, it’s all been part of my journey with James, and a new step in motherhood for me.

Filed Under: Affirmations, Homebirth, Water Birth Tagged With: , ,

Protecting Your Perineum

August 31, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Your perineum, is the area between your vagina and your anus. It’s the area that takes a fair bit of stretching in childbirth, to accomodate your baby.

It is said that the perineum is designed to stretch and accomodate a baby, however, certain situations can make it more prone to tearing. These include:

  • Poor Birthing positions (such as on your back..)
  • The use of Forceps or Ventous extraction in birth
  • Pushing too hard, or too early (can be as a result of coached pushing)
  • Previous episiotomy scarring

Perineal massage, has anecdotally been shown to reduce the instance of tearing in childbirth, and many women find it an empowering and reassuring activity to embark on prior to labour. It’s best performed daily in the last 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy (Or from approximately 34 weeks). It’s meant to hurt a little, like a chinese burn.

Here’s how you massage your perineum:
After your bath or shower, sit in a comfortable position. The bed is usually a good choice.

Put a water-soluble lubricant (Perineal Massage Oil, KY Jelly, or Olive Oil) on your perineum and on your hands. (If you’re using a lubricant for the first time, be sure to patch test first!)

Press downward towards the rectum and to the sides at the same time until a slight stretching, burning sensation is felt (NOT pain, just like a mild chinese burn)

Hold the pressure gently for about 30 seconds. Breathe Deeply and try to relax.
Keep pressing down with the thumb and slowly and gently

massage back and forth over the sides of the vagina in a ‘U’ movement for 3 minutes.

The idea is to gently stretch the perineum area, to make it as elastic as possible to allow your baby’s head to pass through.

Caution

Avoid pressure on the urethra (at the top of the vaginal opening, where you pass urine) Be sure to massage gently, as vigorous massage can result in bruising or swelling.

Other techniques that may assist in avoiding tears are warm packs and oil massages as the baby crowns. Gentle support of the perineum may well be all that is needed to help it stretch to accomodate a baby.

Birthing in water, improves the elasticity of the skin, and supports the perineum.

Lubricating the area with vitamin E or Jojoba oil daily in the last few weeks of pregnancy may help improve elasticity. You can also try olive oil, or almond oil. Be sure to patch test before you slather the whole area in something you may potentially be allergic to!

Consider nature, cows, rabits, dogs, cats (all animals to the best of my knowledge) birth in instinctive positions, not even considering the impact of tearing. Nature didn’t get it quite as wrong as our obstetritcians would have us believe…

And never underestimate the power of positive visualisation. Visualise your vagina stretching beautifully to accomodate your baby. Your body is very capable, and is designed to birth.Perineum Oil

I have personally birthed 3 babies vaginally, the first baby was born in hospital and resulted in a 3 inch episiotomy. The second baby was born at home in water, with only a mild perineal graze (on the episiotomy scar), the third baby was born at home in water resulting in an intact perineum! (And he wasn’t a small bub, 9lb 6 oz!!)

Filed Under: Perineal Massage, Self Care Tagged With: , , , ,

Why You Need A Birth Pool

August 23, 2008 By Leave a Comment

A Birth PoolWater, is a substance that has been used for healing and pain relief since the beginning of Man.

Labouring in water, or birthing in water has many advantages:

  • Water imparts elasticity to the tissues of the perenium which reduces tearing
  • Water relaxes the muscles, reducing pain perception
  • Water lowers blood pressure.
  • The mother is free to move in the pool, to any position she is comfortable in
  • Birth pools can be used both at home or at hospital.
  • Reduce the risk of intervention

    • A  good article on preparing for a waterbirth is available below:

    http://www.bellybelly.com.au/articles/birth/preparing-for-a-waterbirth

    If you’re interested in more information on birthing pools, and water birth: Try here

    Filed Under: Water Birth Tagged With: , , , ,