Tag Archives: labor

full moon baby

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i pulled out of the parking lot last night and onto the road. my first real look at the horizon revealed an absolutely stunning full moon on the rise. it was crimson turning golden and it was huge. a perfect round sphere and it seemed closer than i can recently remember.

i couldn’t help but think of the couple i had just witnessed become parents. i couldn’t help thinking about how similar that crimson sphere looks to the first glimpse of a new life pushing his way into the world. i couldn’t help thinking about how awesome it is to have your child born on the night of a gorgeous moonrise like that, having the celestial bodies sending their blessings. not that the new parents were viewing it. they had much more precious sights to behold.

but it was a moment of immense gratitude for me.

i sound really hippy dippy when i talk about birth. i get that. one of my clients told me recently i’m a little “new age-y.” i’ll take it. the thing is, i love birth work. i absolutely love it. it excites me and gets me closer to my deep love for humanity.  it makes me feel connected. yes, i do actually believe there is a connection between that new life, that courageous and strong mother, that supportive father and that beautiful full moon. i really do.

and let me tell you, if you can’t find that excitement for yourself about your birth then that may be why you need me. if you can’t see or feel the connectedness of it all then you really need me. this is not a call of judgement here. this is simply something i have to offer you and if you need help getting there, then i’m your gal.

birth linkz

Posted in birth links, doula work by

just a few birthy links and reads for you for some weekend reading pleasure:

A new article highlighting the findings of the National Birth Center Study II. the study shows profound evidence that more of our mommas should have access to birth centers:

Evidence for Birth Centers – One of the most important findings of this study was that more than 9 out of 10 women (94%) who entered labor planning a birth center birth achieved a vaginal birth. In other words, the C-section rate for low-risk women who chose to give birth at a birth center was only 6%—compared to the U.S. C-section rate of 27% for low-risk women.

and some more good news that the number of birth centers and parents opting for birth center care is on the rise: 5 Reasons Birth Centers Have Met Their Moment – According to the AABC, the number of centers in the United States has grown by 27% in just the past 3 years, accelerating a growth trend that has been seen for decades. 

and lastly, a W. Eugene Smith photo essay from LIFE magazine from 1951 about Maude Callen, a South Carolina nurse and midwife. I hope people can see past the “poor porn” aspect of these photos because what i see is a great sense of community. Maude was a pioneer nurse midwife. My favorite photo is #8 and also #29.

happy reading. have a fantastic weekend.

birth story

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i went to see A Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin & The Farm Midwives last night with a bunch of birthy folk here in Columbus. I just wanna put it out there how grateful I am to the women of CHOICE for making that screening possible. we are very lucky indeed. If you’re interested in learning about what these women did for the modern natural birth movement then i highly recommend the film. as a person who dreams of living communally, it really tugged at my wish strings.

i’ve included the trailer here. just as a fair warning, if you consider a woman’s exposed breast for nursing purposes not suitable for work, then this trailer is NSFW. if you consider a woman’s naked body during birth not suitable for work then this is probably NSFW. really, it’s got moments NSFW but maybe they shouldn’t be is what i’m saying.

also, little factoid, Robin Pecknold was the composer for the film so, yeah, there’s some of that indie music cred in there. Robby P, just when i thought I could not love you more.

if you’re lucky enough to live near one of these screenings go see it!

and this.

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dear santa,

please, please bring me this. i will wear it proudly around my neck while helping parents bring their babies into the world.

smiles.

pregnantbelly

i wasn’t going to do another post about an material item that i want but this is sort of a celebratory post. i just got to witness another amazing birth. and this time something just clicked. i’ve been grooving along on this path for a while but today pieces fell into place. momma’s got a whole new bag of tricks.

today is the day i became a doula.

hypnobabies

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when i did my DONA doula training my instructor spent a good bit of time speaking about Hypnobabies. i loved the idea of it then and have often thought i would seek Hypnobabies education for myself whenever wrucker #2 is on the way. through my involvement with Birthworkers of Central Ohio i have been able to meet and get to know a few Hypnobabies instructors, one being the sweet miss Maloree Munn. Maloree and her cutie pie son were kind enough to meet up with us for a play date and us mommas got to talk birth. i’ve asked Maloree to answer a few questions about the Hypnobabies program.

ladies gestating babies take note. enter Ms. Munn:

1) can you sum up in 3 sentences or less the essence of hypnobabies?

Oh boy! Ok, Hypnobabies is a COMPLETE childbirth course that also teaches moms to use Hypnosis during their birthing time. Our moms are able to walk, talk, change position and move around during their labor by using our Eyes Open Childbirth Hypnosis. Our Hypno-moms and their birth partner also learn four other hypnosis techniques, which enables the mom to enter hypnosis easily and aids her in an easy, comfortable birth.

2) does hypnobabies differ from other childbirth prep courses? how so?

Yes, it sure does. The Hypnobabies course is very detailed. We teach our moms everything they need to know about natural childbirth, staying healthy and low risk, and how to incorporate hypnosis during their birthing time. Our “Eyes Open Childbirth Hypnosis” is completely unique to Hypnobabies, and is a very popular reason why people choose Hypnobabies. We are the only course that teaches this technique of Hypnosis, which allows our moms to remain comfortable and completely anesthetized while being mobile in their birthing time. One of the most powerful things that our course does for moms is eliminate fear that is associated with pregnancy and birth. We do this by literally re-programming the mom’s brain through Hypnosis CDs, Hypnosis scripts, and their “Daily Pregnancy Affirmations” CD which provide positive suggestions to the mothers about their pregnancy and birth. We also have changed many of the traditional words used in childbirth classes and birth to more positive words. Our classes are taught in a very positive way. And our moms also are taught to have a “Protective Bubble of Peace” which ensures their mind will only accept the positive views on pregnancy and birth.

3) what is your own personal experience with hypnobabies?

When I was pregnant with my son I came across a forum on babycenter.com that was titled “Hypnosis for Childbirth”. I was completely freaked out by the thought of people being Hypnotized to have babies but I was also intrigued. I started reading the posts in this forum. I read comments like “un-medicated and pain free birth”, “30 hours of labor that felt like 10 hours”, “5 hour labor for a first time mom” “really comfortable birth without an epidural.” After hours of reading birth stories and watching Hypnobabies birth videos I knew this was something I had to do. I started the Hypnobabies course when I was 20 weeks pregnant and it was amazing how different my pregnancy was from 20 weeks and on. The second half of my pregnancy was much more positive, I was much more in-tune
with my body and baby, and I just felt better. My confidence level was so much higher when it came to natural childbirth. And I was able to make some really tough decisions at the end of my pregnancy. When my birthing time started I was so calm and relaxed and I knew just what I needed to do. My “pressure waves” really did only feel like pressure. And I was so comfortable the whole time. My husband/birth partner was such a great support and was very involved as well. After 7 hours, and 25 minutes of pushing, I was able to meet the sweetest baby boy that has ever entered my life. My midwife had never seen a first time mom be so calm and relaxed before. She had many questions for me over the next couple of days.

Because my birth experience was so relaxed and peaceful, I am able to remember it so clearly. Once I had my Hypnobabies experience, I had to recommend it to every pregnant woman I came in contact with. Which led me to become an instructor. And it really is the best feeling to be teaching other women how to give birth peacefully. I just love it.

4) what is your most important piece of advice for expecting moms?

Well, I will tell you what I always tell expectant moms: Please look into Hypnobabies if you plan to have a natural birth. It is amazing how peaceful and comfortable your birth can be. And please don’t let anyone tell you how your pregnancy and birth will be for you. Not all moms experience morning sickness, not all moms are miserable their last month of pregnancy, not all moms experience pain or discomfort in their birthing time. Every woman and her body and baby are so different, and your pregnancy and birth can be positive!

I look forward to learning more from Maloree this coming year. If you’re in the Columbus, OH area and are looking for a childbirth education class please consider Hypnobabies education with Maloree! Her information can be found at her page Special Deliveries.

“like a bull”

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i’m boning up on some of my childbirth and labor support material for the birth coming up in just a few weeks. i wanted to share this short passage from Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth:

Barbara’s Reflections by Barbara Wolcott

I guess the most important thing I figured out was that your attitude and how you approach your birth is of utmost importance. In other words, it is important to face each birth like a bull, with full force, no fear or hesitation, with the attitude that you can do this and you aren’t going to hold back. This is your opportunity to remember your power as a woman, inhibitions not allowed. Those contractions are power surges, and each one gets the baby closer to birth. Your baby feels your strength and also your fears. The midwives helped me so much with this and kept reminding me of my strength.

the wonderful story of how you were born

Posted in doula work, parenting apparently? by

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last weekend i was perusing in a used bookstore and i came across the most amazing vintage book geared toward explaining procreation. it’s everything i’ve been looking for in an appropriate explanation of sex, procreation, birth and nursing….and it was written in 1952.

The Wonderful Story of How You Were Born is a pretty fantastic resource by Sidonie Matsner Gruenberg. Besides the fact that it’s a lovely little vintage book with great illustrations and fun to look at, it’s very matter of fact about procreation for all life on earth. Gruenberg doesn’t shy away from using medical terms- seeing the word vagina in a 50s children’s book is pretty cool- but explains them in tangible terms. i feel the book is very respectful to the Creator without being overtly religious. it even explains genes in a way a small child could understand.

i’ve started reading some parts of it to darla but mostly i’ve been reading and re-reading as a way of internalizing the way the author explains the birds and the bees so i have some good material for when the off the cuff conversations come about.

if any of you parents are looking for a good resource i suggest getting a copy of The Wonderful Story of How You Were Born. an updated version from 1971 is also available but the 50s version is much prettier.

oh and i also found a book about Gnomes that i’ve been coveting for a long time. it actually does cover gnome procreation…and a little book of western songs. it was a good day at the bookstore.

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do you doula?

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i’ve found myself with the opportunity to devote the rest of the year to completing my doula training.

that is if people will hire me…

 i’m putting it out into the universe. i gotta get this thing done.

 to the people makin’ babies in Columbus, OH

if you’re looking for low-cost doula care between Oct-Jan drop me a line.

i’d love to support you and your family.

share my info with every prego lady you see!

k, thanks!

6 Healthy Birth Practices

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just another little cut and paste for you from the Lamaze International website

Introduction to the Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices

The Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices can help you simplify the birth process with a natural approach that helps alleviate fears and manage pain. Regardless of your baby’s size, your labor’s length and complexity, or your confidence level, these care practices will help you keep your labor and birth as safe and healthy as possible.