This is such a wonderful story about a first-time mom who read Henci Goer's "The Thinking Women's Guide to a Better Birth," and used a Doula. Wahoo!!!
http://mothering.com/her-back
I love how she writes and how her learning and thinking evolve. This was one of my favorite parts:
At one of her appointments she was talking to her Dr. about her cesarean rate. The Dr. didnt' know for sure, but confessed that it was around at least 40% percent. When she saw her patient's shock, she said, "Don't worry, everything is perfectly fine. We just want to make sure that baby of yours isn't getting too big."
Too big, at 18 weeks' gestation? Even so, what could she possibly suggest we do about it?
Bewildered by the sonogram discussion, I suddenly remembered to ask if our doula could attend the birth with us. She (the doctor) shrugged. "Sure, if that will make you more comfortable. Just make sure your doula remembers who's in charge, okay?"
I nodded obediently. On my way out, I passed the appointment desk without scheduling the 18-week sonogram.
That evening, I called our doula to report what the doctor had said. She stated plainly, "Of course I remember who's in charge. You are."
Awesome!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
The Case Against Inducing Labor
Wow, THIS is an incredible article that was just posted by a fellow doula friend...
I myself, have had 2 nductions because 1. I was 9 days overdue and my amniotic fluid levels were low and 2. I was 5 days overdue and they thought I had a 9 1/2 pound baby in there.
For reason number 1, I'm not sure what else I could have done. I would have to consult someone more knowledgable on that. For number 2, I should have waited! I could have pushed out a big baby! Plus, when I had him, he was only 8 lbs. Now my care provider is wonderful, I don't want anyone to think differently. She was wonderful because she told me all of my options. She didn't force or make me choose one option over another. She repeatedly told me that it was up to me and that she would support my decisions. So I only blame myself for not doing more research.
After I had my babies, I started attending births of my amazing sister-in-laws. They all have natural childbirths. Witnessing them changed my life. I thought, "If they can do this, then I can do this!" "Childbirth IS normal and natural, but we are blessed with medical care in case we have a complication....otherwise, you really don't need medical interventions!" Do you know that my aunt had a couple of her babies FOUR weeks overdue? Yeah, and everyone is fine. Amazing. So after witnessing, and learning all of these factors, I decided to become a Doula! I have learned SO much and am amazing at how much knowledge and power women are missing out on. I had no idea it was out there. Society trains us to think that childbirth is scary, painful, and the only way we are to do it is check ourselves into the hospital and sit in bed with our epidural. Well, it doesn't have to be this way. nd you can be sure that I will be avoiding any more inductions with my own pregnancies....
Some points that stood out to me, or should I say, yelled out to me are these:
-Pitocin has a 40 to 50 percent induction failure rate. This is why you hear of induced women who fail to progress and end up with a c-section.
-In 1978, the FDA advisory committee removed its approval of Pitocin for the elective induction of labor.
-The drug has never been approved by the FDA for the use of augmenting labor..(speeding labor along).
-Only 3 percent of women need to be induced for medical reasons.
-Another 3 to 12 percent seem to want to drive their mothers crazy and hang out inside that wonderful, warm, loving womb.
- Your due date that is still only 85 percent accurate, plus or minus 14 days
Actually, the percentage of babies born exactly on their predicted due date is so small it's a wonder we bother with due dates at all. It's perfectly normal for 80 percent of healthy babies to have anywhere from a 38- to 42-week gestation. Several generations ago, a physician might tell an expectant mother that she was due "sometime in late October or early November"; today, women are given a "precise" due date, often determined by ultrasound testing. Many instances of so-called postmaturity result from nothing more than an inaccurate due date. It's probably best to stick with the "late November, early December" method"
-The fact that Pitocin can shorten the normal oxygenating intervals that occur between contractions is a threat to the integrity of the fetal brain and can have lifelong consequences for the affected baby. (One compelling theory, presented at the 1996 annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association by Eric Hollander of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, links autistic children with Pitocin-induced labors. Hollander suspects that Pitocin interferes with the newborn's oxytocin system, producing the social phobias of autism. When he administered oxytocin to autistic patients, it made them four times more talkative, and according to the patients themselves, twice as happy, although not all patients responded.)
-One compelling theory, presented at the 1996 annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association by Eric Hollander of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, links autistic children with Pitocin-induced labors....wow.
** And now, for all of us who have had pitocen, we cannot feel guilty. We can only take this information and share it with our sisters, friends, and empower our own lives for the future....
I myself, have had 2 nductions because 1. I was 9 days overdue and my amniotic fluid levels were low and 2. I was 5 days overdue and they thought I had a 9 1/2 pound baby in there.
For reason number 1, I'm not sure what else I could have done. I would have to consult someone more knowledgable on that. For number 2, I should have waited! I could have pushed out a big baby! Plus, when I had him, he was only 8 lbs. Now my care provider is wonderful, I don't want anyone to think differently. She was wonderful because she told me all of my options. She didn't force or make me choose one option over another. She repeatedly told me that it was up to me and that she would support my decisions. So I only blame myself for not doing more research.
After I had my babies, I started attending births of my amazing sister-in-laws. They all have natural childbirths. Witnessing them changed my life. I thought, "If they can do this, then I can do this!" "Childbirth IS normal and natural, but we are blessed with medical care in case we have a complication....otherwise, you really don't need medical interventions!" Do you know that my aunt had a couple of her babies FOUR weeks overdue? Yeah, and everyone is fine. Amazing. So after witnessing, and learning all of these factors, I decided to become a Doula! I have learned SO much and am amazing at how much knowledge and power women are missing out on. I had no idea it was out there. Society trains us to think that childbirth is scary, painful, and the only way we are to do it is check ourselves into the hospital and sit in bed with our epidural. Well, it doesn't have to be this way. nd you can be sure that I will be avoiding any more inductions with my own pregnancies....
Some points that stood out to me, or should I say, yelled out to me are these:
-Pitocin has a 40 to 50 percent induction failure rate. This is why you hear of induced women who fail to progress and end up with a c-section.
-In 1978, the FDA advisory committee removed its approval of Pitocin for the elective induction of labor.
-The drug has never been approved by the FDA for the use of augmenting labor..(speeding labor along).
-Only 3 percent of women need to be induced for medical reasons.
-Another 3 to 12 percent seem to want to drive their mothers crazy and hang out inside that wonderful, warm, loving womb.
- Your due date that is still only 85 percent accurate, plus or minus 14 days
Actually, the percentage of babies born exactly on their predicted due date is so small it's a wonder we bother with due dates at all. It's perfectly normal for 80 percent of healthy babies to have anywhere from a 38- to 42-week gestation. Several generations ago, a physician might tell an expectant mother that she was due "sometime in late October or early November"; today, women are given a "precise" due date, often determined by ultrasound testing. Many instances of so-called postmaturity result from nothing more than an inaccurate due date. It's probably best to stick with the "late November, early December" method"
-The fact that Pitocin can shorten the normal oxygenating intervals that occur between contractions is a threat to the integrity of the fetal brain and can have lifelong consequences for the affected baby. (One compelling theory, presented at the 1996 annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association by Eric Hollander of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, links autistic children with Pitocin-induced labors. Hollander suspects that Pitocin interferes with the newborn's oxytocin system, producing the social phobias of autism. When he administered oxytocin to autistic patients, it made them four times more talkative, and according to the patients themselves, twice as happy, although not all patients responded.)
-One compelling theory, presented at the 1996 annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association by Eric Hollander of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, links autistic children with Pitocin-induced labors....wow.
** And now, for all of us who have had pitocen, we cannot feel guilty. We can only take this information and share it with our sisters, friends, and empower our own lives for the future....
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Cesareans
If you have had a cesarean in the past, or if you have been told you need a cesarean in the future, this website is for you!
http://www.ican-online.org/
There are some great chiropractors these days. If you have been told that your pelvis is too small, visit a chiropractor. It may be that you just need an adjustment. There are some situations in which a woman's pelvis is too small, but it is rare. It's usually found in women who were malnourished as children or who have been injured. If you have had a baby with shoulder distotia, you man need an adjustment or just a different birthing position. Some chiropractors specialize in pregnant women and will even come to the hospital and adjust you while you are in labor! There is a technique they do called the Webster Technique. This is a pelvic adjustment that makes more room for the baby. Interesting, eh? Our pelvic bones are made to open when we are giving birth, so if everything is aligned, things should go smoothly.
http://www.ican-online.org/
There are some great chiropractors these days. If you have been told that your pelvis is too small, visit a chiropractor. It may be that you just need an adjustment. There are some situations in which a woman's pelvis is too small, but it is rare. It's usually found in women who were malnourished as children or who have been injured. If you have had a baby with shoulder distotia, you man need an adjustment or just a different birthing position. Some chiropractors specialize in pregnant women and will even come to the hospital and adjust you while you are in labor! There is a technique they do called the Webster Technique. This is a pelvic adjustment that makes more room for the baby. Interesting, eh? Our pelvic bones are made to open when we are giving birth, so if everything is aligned, things should go smoothly.
Finding a Doula
How to Find the Right Doula to Support You During Labor and Birth
Research says that having a doula (a trained labor support professional) as part of your labor
support team can keep birth safe and healthy and help you avoid unwanted interventions. But
how do you find someone who is a good fit for you? Here are some tips:
1. Get referrals.
Ask friends, childbirth educators, your doctor or midwife for recommendations. Some hospitals and birth centers provide doula services or referrals. Mothers in a local Birth Network or La Leche League (lalecheleague.org) meeting may have used doulas at their births and may be able to recommend one. Keep in mind that each woman and her birth are unique; youmust decide if this doula is a good match for you.
2. Go online.
Check the websites of the organizations that certify and train doulas, such as DONA International (dona.org). Most of these sites will let you search by location for a doula near you.
3. Interview several doulas, if possible, before choosing one.
Think about what you want your doula to do for you. How will she fit in with the rest of your labor support team? How does your partner want to support you? Does he or she want to participate in the physical support or just be there emotionally for you? Ask the doula how she sees her role at your birth.
4. If cost is a problem, look for low-cost doula support.
If your insurance doesn’t cover doulas and you can’t afford the doula’s fees, look for a doula-in-training. She may not have as much experience with birth as someone who is certified, but she may attend your birth for little or no fee in order to earn her certification. Some communities have volunteer doula services for women in need. Some doulas will write a contract for women to pay over time or even trade for another service that you can offer to her.
5. Trust your intuition.
Once you've followed the steps above, trust your gut feeling. Just as your own intuitive knowledge can guide you in birth, it can also help you decide who should be with you when you give birth.
Questions for Interviewing a Doula:
• What training and education do you have?
• How long have you been a birthing assistant, and how many births have you attended as a doula?
• What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
• Will you meet with us to discuss our birth plans and the role that you will play in supporting us through childbirth?
• How many times will I see you before the birth? Will my partner be included?
• May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?
• When do you try to join women in labor—at home or at the place of birth?
• Describe your role in my birthing. What exactly will you do?
• Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet them?
• What is your fee? What services does it include, and what are your refund policies?
• What is your policy in the event I have a cesarean?
• What other services do you offer? (such services might include breastfeeding support, postpartum for mom and dad, and new baby care.)
• Do you meet with me (us) after the birth to review the birth and answer questions?
• Are there two of your past clients whom I may call?
Research says that having a doula (a trained labor support professional) as part of your labor
support team can keep birth safe and healthy and help you avoid unwanted interventions. But
how do you find someone who is a good fit for you? Here are some tips:
1. Get referrals.
Ask friends, childbirth educators, your doctor or midwife for recommendations. Some hospitals and birth centers provide doula services or referrals. Mothers in a local Birth Network or La Leche League (lalecheleague.org) meeting may have used doulas at their births and may be able to recommend one. Keep in mind that each woman and her birth are unique; youmust decide if this doula is a good match for you.
2. Go online.
Check the websites of the organizations that certify and train doulas, such as DONA International (dona.org). Most of these sites will let you search by location for a doula near you.
3. Interview several doulas, if possible, before choosing one.
Think about what you want your doula to do for you. How will she fit in with the rest of your labor support team? How does your partner want to support you? Does he or she want to participate in the physical support or just be there emotionally for you? Ask the doula how she sees her role at your birth.
4. If cost is a problem, look for low-cost doula support.
If your insurance doesn’t cover doulas and you can’t afford the doula’s fees, look for a doula-in-training. She may not have as much experience with birth as someone who is certified, but she may attend your birth for little or no fee in order to earn her certification. Some communities have volunteer doula services for women in need. Some doulas will write a contract for women to pay over time or even trade for another service that you can offer to her.
5. Trust your intuition.
Once you've followed the steps above, trust your gut feeling. Just as your own intuitive knowledge can guide you in birth, it can also help you decide who should be with you when you give birth.
Questions for Interviewing a Doula:
• What training and education do you have?
• How long have you been a birthing assistant, and how many births have you attended as a doula?
• What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
• Will you meet with us to discuss our birth plans and the role that you will play in supporting us through childbirth?
• How many times will I see you before the birth? Will my partner be included?
• May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?
• When do you try to join women in labor—at home or at the place of birth?
• Describe your role in my birthing. What exactly will you do?
• Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet them?
• What is your fee? What services does it include, and what are your refund policies?
• What is your policy in the event I have a cesarean?
• What other services do you offer? (such services might include breastfeeding support, postpartum for mom and dad, and new baby care.)
• Do you meet with me (us) after the birth to review the birth and answer questions?
• Are there two of your past clients whom I may call?
Free Educational Website
Check this out. This is a free website that provides a lot of great information!
www.mothersadvocate.org
www.mothersadvocate.org
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Healthy Birth Practices
If you don't have time to read a book about childbirth, here is a GREAT place to start. It's also a great resource to give to your husband to read, since some husbands are not likely to read a childbirth book along with you. :) Hopefully there are some husbands out there who do.
THESE are the topics put out by Lamaze to give you a quick overview of a Healthy Birth. Check it out!
Healthy Birth Practice 1: Let labor begin on its own
Healthy Birth Practice 2: Walk, move around and change positions throughout labor
Healthy Birth Practice 3: Bring a loved one, friend or doula for continuous support
Healthy Birth Practice 4: Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary
Healthy Birth Practice 5: Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body's urges to push
Healthy Birth Practice 6: Keep your baby with you to enable the best relationship and to promote breastfeeding
Hey, and just so everyone knows, the new version of Lamaze does not teach "patterned breathing" anymore. So no more hee hee hoo's...unless your doula is coaching you to breath that way for only a moment during pushing if your baby is coming too fast and the doctor needs to untangle the cord or something. :)
The agreement amongst all childbirth educators is that the best way to breath during a contraction is slow and deep. So there you go, easy right?
THESE are the topics put out by Lamaze to give you a quick overview of a Healthy Birth. Check it out!
Healthy Birth Practice 1: Let labor begin on its own
Healthy Birth Practice 2: Walk, move around and change positions throughout labor
Healthy Birth Practice 3: Bring a loved one, friend or doula for continuous support
Healthy Birth Practice 4: Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary
Healthy Birth Practice 5: Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body's urges to push
Healthy Birth Practice 6: Keep your baby with you to enable the best relationship and to promote breastfeeding
Hey, and just so everyone knows, the new version of Lamaze does not teach "patterned breathing" anymore. So no more hee hee hoo's...unless your doula is coaching you to breath that way for only a moment during pushing if your baby is coming too fast and the doctor needs to untangle the cord or something. :)
The agreement amongst all childbirth educators is that the best way to breath during a contraction is slow and deep. So there you go, easy right?
You Can Now Drink Clear Liquids During Labor!
Okay, so my title is supposed to sound sarcastic. But I do have to say that I'm glad that things are headed this way. See this article HERE.
I remember being at the hospital and being ravenously hungry! I just wanted to nibble on a granola bar, or crackers, or SOMEthing. But no one would let me. It made me so mad, I can't even tell you. It took all I could muster to keep from losing control, I was so angry. I could not understand why they were denying me the energy I needed to have a baby! They finally told me that I could have popsicles, so you better believe that I ate the whole bag.
You can imagine how I felt when I learned that other people, such as the President of the Midwives College of Utah, felt the same way that I did. That it's ridiculous to withhold food from a laboring woman. Some of you may know the reasoning as to why they withold food. It's because, in the event that you need an emergency c-section, and if you need to be put under general anesthesia, there is a risk of aspiration if you have food in your stomache. Aspiration is when you vomit and then breath it into your lungs.
So tell me, what about all the other people being admitted to the hospital that day who are going through emergency surgery under general anesthesia? I can tell you that some probably get their stomaches pumped.
Thus, I have decided that during my next labor, I will eat if I want to. (The other thing is laboring womean are usually not too hungry, and won't eat a lot during labor. But they are encouraged to drink a lot!) Okay, so if I get in trouble for eating, I will write up a paper that says, "IF by chance you have to do an emergency c-section, and IF by chance a spinal block does not work, and you have to put me under general anesthesia, you are allowed to pump out my stomach. Thank you very much! Signed, Natalie"
I remember being at the hospital and being ravenously hungry! I just wanted to nibble on a granola bar, or crackers, or SOMEthing. But no one would let me. It made me so mad, I can't even tell you. It took all I could muster to keep from losing control, I was so angry. I could not understand why they were denying me the energy I needed to have a baby! They finally told me that I could have popsicles, so you better believe that I ate the whole bag.
You can imagine how I felt when I learned that other people, such as the President of the Midwives College of Utah, felt the same way that I did. That it's ridiculous to withhold food from a laboring woman. Some of you may know the reasoning as to why they withold food. It's because, in the event that you need an emergency c-section, and if you need to be put under general anesthesia, there is a risk of aspiration if you have food in your stomache. Aspiration is when you vomit and then breath it into your lungs.
So tell me, what about all the other people being admitted to the hospital that day who are going through emergency surgery under general anesthesia? I can tell you that some probably get their stomaches pumped.
Thus, I have decided that during my next labor, I will eat if I want to. (The other thing is laboring womean are usually not too hungry, and won't eat a lot during labor. But they are encouraged to drink a lot!) Okay, so if I get in trouble for eating, I will write up a paper that says, "IF by chance you have to do an emergency c-section, and IF by chance a spinal block does not work, and you have to put me under general anesthesia, you are allowed to pump out my stomach. Thank you very much! Signed, Natalie"
Recommended Childbirth Books
If you are looking for a great book to prepare you for pregnancy and childbook, are some that I recommended. Not that other really popular one that starts with the words, "What to..." Not that it's a bad book - it's a good book. But if you want a really great education not only on pregnancy but especially CHILDBIRTH, you should check out these books. Besides, if you don't know your options, then you don't have any... :) I'm all about "choices in childbirth."
Friday, October 23, 2009
H's Birth
SO... I got home from a 10 hr birth at about 4 AM. I got a little bit of sleep before I was called to attend my next birth. She was off to the hospital to be induced. She kept me updated with her text messages. We were both a little frustrated at first because before they started her on pitocen, her doctor came in and broke her water. Now, I'm under the opinion because I have been taught by midwives that you do not need to break someone's water to induce them. We all know that there are many risks involved when you artificially rupture the membranes too soon: infection, cord prolapse, no more cushion, etc. Plus, this client, her labors go so fast, that she doesn't need her water broken. There are times when it may be more beneficial to have your water broken, but I believe that it is when you are way into labor Not at the get-go. Now it's usually okay when your water breaks first thing on it's own, because.. it's on it's own. It's not artificial. We decided tthat I would head to the hostpital to be with her, since they got her going on pitocen. When I got to the hosptial, she was doing SO amazing! She was working through her contractions beautifully and her husband was so supportive! They were doing so well. I was so impressed that she was doing so well with no bag of waters, and hooked up to intense pitocen. She said that her Dr told her the baby was posterior. So we changed her positions, and it worked! Her baby turned. That was so neat to see. She kept progressing very quickly. She was so strong and so determined! Her husband and I worked together to do some counter pressure and only a few hours later, she felt like pushing! She was in a great position to push the baby out....and the staff came in and laid her back and put her legs up in stirrups. I tried to help her feel comfortable. The baby was coming so fast, she couldn't really do anything about their positioning her. She's a pro anyway, so she could deal with it. And she did! Her little babe was born at 2:10PM and was just the cutest, most alert baby I have seen! It was such a celebration and such an accomplishment! It was so amazing to be there with her, I was so grateful. I am so happy for these beautiful women and that they let me be part of their special experience. I really love being a doula!
T's Birth
I got to the hospital at 5:30 PM. I pushed the call button. The nurse that answered told me, "Sorry, you cannot come in. She already has her two visitors, as per policy during the flu season." I explained that I had called earlier, and they told me that my client could have two doulas." She said, "Nope, I'm sorry." I told her that I understood. So I was ready to just go home. I texted the doula already in there to tell her that I was not allowed in. Pretty soon the director came out to the lobby and told me that they were going to make an exception and let me in. I told her it was okay if they needed to follow policy - I didn't have to go in, but she said it was fine. So she let me to her room.
It was really neat to work in a team. And it ended up being a really good thing because we were there for 10 hrs! The other doula had already been with her for a previous 6 hours. The dad also was grateful for the help from both doulas. I could not believe the huge hug he gave to me afterwards, and I was only the assistant doula. This couple did absolutely amazing. It was her first baby and she went completely natural. Completely! And she did not lose control nor did she scream even once. She used self hypnosis (Hypnobabies) and it was amazing. It took her through her 26 hour labor all the way to the very end. I was so impressed. She had the baby at 2:30 am. It was such a neat experience!
It was really neat to work in a team. And it ended up being a really good thing because we were there for 10 hrs! The other doula had already been with her for a previous 6 hours. The dad also was grateful for the help from both doulas. I could not believe the huge hug he gave to me afterwards, and I was only the assistant doula. This couple did absolutely amazing. It was her first baby and she went completely natural. Completely! And she did not lose control nor did she scream even once. She used self hypnosis (Hypnobabies) and it was amazing. It took her through her 26 hour labor all the way to the very end. I was so impressed. She had the baby at 2:30 am. It was such a neat experience!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
L's Birth
What an incredible day. I was supposed to be to an early morning meeting today, but I slept right through my alarm. I woke up at 7:20 to my phone turning off because the battery was dead. I thought to myself that I better plug it in and charge it up, in case I get a call. I then thought, "What are the chances of that happening in the next 15 minutes." But I plugged it in anyway. Two seconds later, my phone rang. It was L, she said she was heading to the hospital because she was having contractions and she knows she progresses very quickly. So I got ready and headed to the hospital to meet her.
I met her in triage and she was being monitored. Her contractions were irregular and she was dialated to a two. They told her she could walk around for a while, or go home. Since she was 5 days late, she said she was determined to have this baby today, so she was going to walk around. We went and got some breakfast and then rode the elevator to the 6th flor and walked down the stairs. We then repeated and went up the elevator and walked down the stairs. We did this for an hour and it was giving her some good waves. We also sat down for a minute and I did some accupressure points to help induce labor, soften the cervix, and bring the baby down. On our way back to labor and delivery we stopped at the chapel and attended a bit of church.
Back in labor and delivery, the checked her and she really hadn't progressed, so they said she could go home and set an inducation time for the next day. She told them she would be back that night instead.
So I went home and had a normal day until 5:30 when I locked myself out of my house. I had to call for help and waited for it to come. When I finally got my keys out of my house and put my kids in the car to go to a family dinner, I got a call from L. She said that she was headed to the hospital again because her contractions were coming regularly, about 6-9 minutes apart. So instead, I headed to the hospital. On my way I decided to stop for some food to keep me going. I thought it might be a long night since her contractions were so far apart. I got to the hospital about not too long after she called me. They had admitted her. I walked into her room and could tell she was close. 10 minutes later, she had her baby! I was just there to remind her of what she wanted to do while pushing. It was incredibly fast. And she did amazing and all natural too! She had a beautiful, beautiful baby who was alert and healthy. I stayed for a few hours afterwards while they monitored her, and then headed home on a happy high.
I met her in triage and she was being monitored. Her contractions were irregular and she was dialated to a two. They told her she could walk around for a while, or go home. Since she was 5 days late, she said she was determined to have this baby today, so she was going to walk around. We went and got some breakfast and then rode the elevator to the 6th flor and walked down the stairs. We then repeated and went up the elevator and walked down the stairs. We did this for an hour and it was giving her some good waves. We also sat down for a minute and I did some accupressure points to help induce labor, soften the cervix, and bring the baby down. On our way back to labor and delivery we stopped at the chapel and attended a bit of church.
Back in labor and delivery, the checked her and she really hadn't progressed, so they said she could go home and set an inducation time for the next day. She told them she would be back that night instead.
So I went home and had a normal day until 5:30 when I locked myself out of my house. I had to call for help and waited for it to come. When I finally got my keys out of my house and put my kids in the car to go to a family dinner, I got a call from L. She said that she was headed to the hospital again because her contractions were coming regularly, about 6-9 minutes apart. So instead, I headed to the hospital. On my way I decided to stop for some food to keep me going. I thought it might be a long night since her contractions were so far apart. I got to the hospital about not too long after she called me. They had admitted her. I walked into her room and could tell she was close. 10 minutes later, she had her baby! I was just there to remind her of what she wanted to do while pushing. It was incredibly fast. And she did amazing and all natural too! She had a beautiful, beautiful baby who was alert and healthy. I stayed for a few hours afterwards while they monitored her, and then headed home on a happy high.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Article from Vancouver Sun
Sometimes I don't think we realize all of the risks that come with repeat cesareans. Most of the time mothers just realize that they are going to have some more scar tissue, and an uncomfortable recovery with the chance of infection. Doesn't seem like something you can't deal with, right? Right.
Even I learned some new things today about cesareans. I was amazed and I hope that those women who are candidates for VBACs, will look into it. Over 80% of VBACs are successful, and after reading THIS article, you might really want to see if it is an option for you...
If it is not an option for you, it is okay!! These are risks, not guarantees. The technology that is offered to us today is life saving, and I appreciate that...
Even I learned some new things today about cesareans. I was amazed and I hope that those women who are candidates for VBACs, will look into it. Over 80% of VBACs are successful, and after reading THIS article, you might really want to see if it is an option for you...
If it is not an option for you, it is okay!! These are risks, not guarantees. The technology that is offered to us today is life saving, and I appreciate that...
Sunday, October 4, 2009
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