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Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 11:33:48 AM
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smootches2uall
Posts: 365
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From: Right below the pinky joint
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I figured that this would be a good idea since there is information in both pregnancy threads on natural childbirth and natural remedies to use during pregnancy.. why not just make its own thread?
If you are a NCBer or are interested in natural childbirth/natural remedies to use while pregnant, feel free to post questions and information here and myself and other NCB veterans will try to help you get the information you need. :o)
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"If you're going to the hospital for the birth of your choice, you're going to the wrong place...they don't sell that there."-Carla Hartley
Birth Junkie Blogger[/
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 12:07:31 PM
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SweetLittleErin
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I'm just saying I am lurking because all this intrigues me. I will probably have hositpal births, but I would like to have them naturally as possible so I am learning. I like to absorb all things pregnancy related because I am probably one of the most clueless people about such things and well...one day I will be forced to learn so I'd rather be ready!
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~Erin~
Baby Isaac Terry due about Oct. 17!!
A Glimpse Of Pink
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 12:14:51 PM
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smootches2uall
Posts: 365
Joined: 7/21/2005
From: Right below the pinky joint
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This is a hot topic on the NCB board I am cohost of right now. Sorry - sometimes I latch on to some things and not others when they are hotbuttons. GBS is a hotbutton in my experience. OK... you ask for it, here's my opinion: are you a precautionary person or a wait and see person? I know, not what you are looking for. The reason I ask is this:
just because you are GBS positive when they do the test does not mean that you will be GBS positive when it is time for birth (GBS is a naturally occuring bacteria in the colon that sometimes gets transmitted to the vagina. The vagina, being a hostile environment for GBS, frequently kills off the GBS in GBS positive women - making it necessary for the body to 'reinfect' the vagina in order for the baby to be at risk. If you have a highly active sex life with your partner, you are even less likely to have many 'outbreaks' as semen contains antibiotical properties that very effectively kills GBS).
just because you are GBS positive at the time of birth does not mean that your baby will be infected (out of every 100 women who are GBS positive (in the vagina) at the time of birth (which they cannot test for it and hope to have the results back for it to count while you are in labor, unfortunately) only 1-2 will have a baby born infected with GBS if no antibiotics are administered)
just because your baby is infected does not mean that they will be harmed (out of those few that are infected, only a small percentage (20-30%) are infected to the point of needing any type of deviated medical attention. There are indications and symptoms that caregivers watch for to see if baby is infected to the point of needing treatment and can start treatment to combat GBS effectively in their systems).
That said, if you are GBS positive, to reduce the risks of baby becoming infected, regardless if you opt for antibiotics or not, here are statements put out by the ACOG regarding the matter.
- internal fetal monitoring may create a small scrape on baby's head where the bacteria can get into the bloodstream. Routine internal monitoring is not a good idea for most Group B strep positive moms. talk with your physician about the risks and benefits of using the internal monitor.
- Discuss ways to avoid excessive digital exams in labor with your provider, as inserting anything into the vagina may push the bacteria closer toward the baby.
- Don't agree to let the provider rupture membranes to induce labor. Rupturing membranes allows access to baby, puts you on a schedule for delivery and increases the chance of prolonged rupture (a risk factor). Rupturing membranes AFTER the IV antibiotics are started LATE in labor may not be as problematic.
- Taking oral antibiotics before labor to get rid of Group B Strep colonization will not reduce the risk to baby. IV antibiotics in labor are the only proven way to protect baby from infection.
Some advocates and practitioners of natural medicine have suggested supplements for the mother in an effort to eradicate GBS prior to delivery. One suggestion is that when a woman tests positive for GBS, she should take a course of garlic, vitamin C, echinacea, and/or bee propolis, and then be retested to determine if she is still carrying GBS.
Other practitioners of herbal remedies and supplements have found GREAT success rates of the following strict regime to eradicate GBS from their bodies all together: a daily regiment of douches and oral remedies. Oral acidopholis and a grapefruit seed extract douche in the morning. Garlic capsules inserted vaginally in the afternoon. And an oral once a day garlic capusle in the afternoon. Finally a goldnenseal root powder douche at night along with another oral acidohpolus.
some resources to look into:
http://www.birthwithlove.com/categories/de...p?PID=453057713
http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnanc...on/group-b.html
http://www.gentlebirth.org/cgi-bin/query.p...s&maxresults=40
This is my PERSONAL (not professional or medical) opinion (not that I like to give it or anything )... About 50% of women carry GBS. About 10-30% of those women carry it at ANY time VAGINALLY during their pregnancy. Of those infected VAGINALLY at ANY time and not given antibiotics (and assumedly no other precautionary - natural - measures) 30-70% of their babies develop Strep-B colonization sites (not in-and-of-itself a bad thing). And only about 3-5% of these develop any type of sepsis (a bad thing).
There are other ways to diagnose, treat, manage, or otherwise protect oneself from reoccuring (or first time occurance) bouts of Strep-B infection rather than giving potentially unnecessary antibiotics (another strongly opinionated subject by yours truly - lol). If you are interested in more information, here are three great articles. One is more medically inclined with lots of research papers cited (and checked by yours truly AGAIN) and the other two are more naturally or holistically inclined (using the same data and research done by the CDC, FDA, and AAP).
http://www.aafp.org/afp/980600ap/keenan.html
http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_preparation/group-b.html
http://www.gentlebirth.org/Midwife/gbs.html
That is all a repost of the information I gave on the Pregnancy Thread but figured it pertained enough to post here as well... because of this information, many women now opt out of GBS testing all together and choose, instead, to treat themselves (homeopathically) at 28 weeks and on as if they HAD GBS - even if they don't or don't know if they do and then opt out of synthetic antibiotics.
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"If you're going to the hospital for the birth of your choice, you're going to the wrong place...they don't sell that there."-Carla Hartley
Birth Junkie Blogger[/
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 12:23:23 PM
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smootches2uall
Posts: 365
Joined: 7/21/2005
From: Right below the pinky joint
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CHOICES IN CHILDBIRTH
"Natural" Childbirth Methods:
Hypnobirthing is: Self-hypnosis by 'distraction (focusing away) for, what you can hope is, a pain-free birth. They teach the physical make-up of labor and birth, and do teach a lot on the postpartum period as well. More 'new age' than Hypnobabies. Only qualms I have with this method are the historical inaccuracies and religous bias/bashing that the founder teaches/believes. Started by Marie Mongan, a professional hypnotherapist. (check out their website HERE)
HypnoBABIES is: Again, using self-hypnosis techniques for, what you can hope is, a pain-free birth. Between the two hypno's, this one seems to have more success. Teaches lots of physiology of pregnancy, labor, and birth... not as much postpartum as hypnobirthing. Created based on master hypnotist Gerald Klein's teachings for introverted self-hypnosis (focusing IN rather than AWAY). Started by Kerry Tuschhoff, a previous hypnobirthing student/teacher. (check out their website HERE)
Bradley Method is: A completely different approach than the previous two methods. We start by teaching women to stay healthy and low-risk through diet and exercise, the building blocks to a healthy and low-risk pregnancy. Then we build off of that with the physiological makeup of pregnancy and labor/childbirth. We teach what we consider true natural relaxation techniques (modelled for us through the natural world) by concentration, meditation, and visualization. We do not teach the 'breathing' (Lamaze). We teach how to be positive consumers and active participants in your healthcare through education of medication and procedures that women are commonly faced with during labor and delivery. Breaking pain/tension cycle by negating fear through education/understanding. We teach S/Os how to help a laboring woman as well as lots of postpartum and b/f education. Founded by Dr. Robert Bradley (a Christian). (check out their website HERE)
Birthing From Within is: more of a free-method - taught through the bias of whatever teacher you happen to work with. They 'teach' mainly through dialogues and exercises, not much 'formal education'. Lots of hands on and working through fear/tension cycle. Acceptance and embracing of birth process is a central focus. Lots of creative (drawing, painting, writing) exercises designed to help you through this. They teach breath awareness, mindfulness, self-hypnosis, and visualizations while also being open to the use of drugs and epidurals. The most 'accepting' of drugs beside Lamaze. Teach active birthing (moving, yelling, accepting pain, etc...) and good nutrition. Very Very New Age - gleaning from Native American practices a lot. Founded by Pam England. (check out their website HERE)
These are the four major unmedicated childbirth methods out there presently.
Lamaze is: no longer considered 'natural' childbirth by their peers. It is so far from Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze's original design that it no longer resembles his method or teachings. They are the 'mainstream' childbirth class taught in most hospital settings. They teach, though less than they used to, 'the breathing' - which has been deemed by the ACOG to be unsafe in labor as it causes hyperventilation for mom and baby - causing many health problems. Beyond this, they teach anatomy of birth, distraction (by psychoprofilaxis) techniques, and hospital policy. I hate to put it this way, but the method has been changed so far from Dr. Lamaze's teachings in his book "Painless Childbirth" that it is now dubbed the 'obedient patient' class for hospital clients. (check out their website HERE)
Medicated Pain Management - Analgesics:
Pudendal Block: An injection of narcotic medication (usually buvidicaine) is given through the vaginal wall and into the pudendal nerve in the pelvis, numbing the perineum.
Pros: given shortly before delivery so less medication reaches baby, quick acting and short term (2-4 hours), alleviates pain associated with the second stage of labor
Cons: does not relieve the discomfort of contractions, short window of time that it can be administered, may cause residual to permanent nerve damage, can puncture fetus, can puncture uterus or arteries of mother.
Paracervical block: An injection of narcotic medication into the tissues around the cervix. A form of local anesthesia.
Pros: decreases contraction and dilation discomfort, short term (1 to 2 hours)
Cons: can puncture uterus causing infection, can puncture placenta causing hemorrhage, can puncture baby,
Stadol: an analgesic (works on whole nervous system instead of one area) which is administered via IV. It is an opiate derivative (narcotic) with an additive to combate the dysphoriate reaction to narcotics.
Pros: near instant relief, takes the ‘edge off’ of hard labors, moderate (2-4 hours) spanning.
Cons: loopy or high feeling, hallucinations, nausea, depressed respiration in mother and baby, decreased cardiac output, decreased oxygen in blood in mother and baby, fetal heart rate deceleration, and/or epidura hematoma (bleeding on the brain) can occur. Roughly 20% of women have a sensitivity or allergy to the narcotic Stadol.
Demerol: a narcotic analgesic which is administered via IV sometime in the early-late phase of first stage. Very closely related to Stadol.
Pros: near instant relief, makes one ‘too high’ to care about pains of labor, moderate (2-4 hours) spanning.
Cons: loopy or high feeling, nausea, irreconcilable fatigue, depressed respiration in mother and baby, decreased cardiac output, decreased oxygen in blood in mother and baby, fetal heart rate deceleration, and/or epidura hematoma (bleeding on the brain) can occur.
Nubain: another narcotic analgesic, administered via IV throughout the first stage of labor.
Pros: Near instant effectiveness, moderately spanning, similar reactions as marijuana
Cons: abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, rhinorrhea, lacrimation, restlessness, anxiety, elevated temperature, respiratory depression in the neonate, and death. Roughly 20% of women have a sensitivity or allergy to the narcotic Nubain.
Medicated Pain Management - Anesthesia:
Spinal (saddle block, intrathecal): an injection of opiates between the vertebrae of the low-mid back, through the epidura, and just beyond the dura – before the spinal cord. This injection is directly into the spinal fluid.
Pros: near instantaneous relief, less medication than epidural, less chance of infection as there is no running line, should completely numb in the uterine area. Should still be able to feel the tightening of the contractions.
Cons: Cons: can be ineffective (either completely or in ‘windows’), readministration means another needle, cause fever, maternal drop in bp, fetal respiratory depression, arresting of labor, inability to push, urinary incontinence, decreased cardiac output of either mother or neonate, increase risk of jaundice, fetal bradycardia (decreasing heartrate with or without contractions), improper engagment (head or presenting part not moving through the pelvis correctly), breastfeeding problems, fetal death, maternal death, or cardiac arrest. Long term consequences can include chronic lower back pain, spinal headache, ruptured discs, or permanent nerve damage.
Epidural: a cocktail of various opiates and narcotic anesthetics placed into a catheter (thin tubing). The catheter is fed between the vertebrae of the low-mid back and into the epidura space before the dura/spinal cord; hence the term ‘epidural’.
Pros: can be given in varying doses, works quickly (within 5-10 minutes), easy to re-administer if it runs out, easy to increase the dose if necessary for a c-section, should completely numb from the uterus to the toes.
Cons: can be ineffective (either completely or in ‘windows’), cause fever, maternal drop in bp, fetal respiratory depression, breastfeeding problems, increase risk of jaundice, fetal bradycardia (decreasing heartrate with or without contractions), improper engagment (head or presenting part not moving through the pelvis correctly), arresting of labor, inability to push, urinary incontinence, fetal death, maternal death, or cardiac arrest. Long term consequences can include chronic lower back pain and ruptured disc.
Walking Epidural: a combination of the epidural and the spinal. An initial injection into the spinal fluid, then a catheter line running continuous low-dose narcotics and opiates to the epidural space of the spinal column.
Pros: quick acting, again can be given in varying doses. easy to re-administer if it runs out, easy to increase the dose if necessary for a c-section, should completely numb in the uterine area while still allowing movement of the legs.
Cons: all of both the epidural and the spinal. In addition, though it is called a walking epidural, a mother does not have full use of her legs and will still be, most likely, confined to bed or sitting in a chair.
Surgical Delivery Options:
Cesarean Section by General Anesthesia: a surgical procedure when a surgeon removes the neonate by incision, through the abdominal wall. In order to get to the uterus, the surgeon must cut through the abdominal wall, the interior membrane, the muscular layer, removing (putting aside) the little intestine, and cutting through the uterine wall. This is done while mother is under general anesthesia - meaning that she is unconscious throughout the operation via IV medication.
Pros: Quick delivery, can save lives of mother or baby.
Cons: major surgery, can mean repeat c-sections for all other deliveries, increase chance of placental retention/abruption/previa in subsequent pregnancies, can lead to hysterectomy, death, hemmorhage, depressed respiration in both mother and baby, major breastfeeding problems, cardiac arrest, decreased cardiac output, infection, intestinal failure, and/or hernia of the abdominal wall.
Cesarean Section by Regional Anesthesia: Usually done with an epidural or combination of a heavy epidural and spinal.
Pros: Quick delivery, can save lives of mother or baby, can be scheduled for convenience, remain awake, less medication gets to baby.
Cons: all of the same risks of epidurals as well as being major surgery, can mean repeat c-sections for all other deliveries, increase chance of placental retention/abruption/previa in subsequent pregnancies, can lead to hysterectomy, death, hemmorhage, depressed respiration in both mother and baby, cardiac arrest, decreased cardiac output, infection, intestinal failure, and/or hernia of the abdominal wall.
In Cesarean Sections, there are two types of incisions and three types of suturing:
Classic Incision: a high risk incision which runs longitudinal. Usually between 3-5 inch incision running from below the belly button to the pubic bone. Generally done in extreme emergencies.
Pros: larger space to work with, faster than a low transverse incision.
Cons: No known successful chance of VBAC, more blood loss, harder recovery, more noticable, higher incidence of suture rupture.
Low Transverse Incision: definitely the incision of choice. It is a smaller incision, below the pubic hair line, from left to right. It is between 2-3 inches long. Done when there is no emergent situation.
Pros: smaller incision, smaller scar, less noticable place, easier recovery, less blood loss, better odds of successful VBAC, lower incidence of suture rupture.
Cons: higher incidence of infection.
Single Layer Suturing: The sutures are used to pull the edges of the incision together and then individual, smaller sutures are used to stop any continued bleeding or pull together areas that aren’t well opposed.
Pros: faster than double layer, less incidences of inflammation, less infection, less endometritis, and less hemorrhage.
Cons: higher incidence of uterine rupture, infection, and placental abnormalities: namely placenta accreta.
Lower Layer Suturing with External Staples: The same as the single layer suturing.. only instead of dissolvable sutures for the initial suturing, they use staples and only 'patch' with dissolvables.
Pros: faster than single layer, less incidences of inflammation, less infection, less endometritis, and less hemorrhage.
Cons: More painful, need of manual removal of staples, higher incidence (than double layer) of uterine rupture, infection, and placental abnormalities; namely placenta accreta.
Double Layer Suturing: The first layer of sutures pulls the cut edges together and then the second, called an “imbricating pattern” pulls uncut tissue together, on top of the first suture layer.
Pros: less chance of placental abnormalities
Cons: increase risk of inflammation, infection, endometritis, and hemorrhage.
Unmedicated pain management techniques:
Accupressure/puncture: From a medical model, they can be viewed as promoting the release of endorphins, blocking the pain receptors to the brain, dilating the cervix, and increasing the efficiency of the contractions. Examples: C7 pressure - This point has a descending action to aid the first and second stages of labour, and can stimulate uterine contractions. This is an excellent point to use when breastfeeding, it relaxes the shoulder and promotes milk supply. Do not use during pregnancy as it can lead to miscarriage.
Hydrotherapy: aka Water birthing. Showers work 3 fold through hydrotherapy, massage, and heat. Tubs work because of the equalization of pressure, weighlessness/boyancy, heat, and nipple stimulation. Hydrotherapy has long been known to be extremely effective when used properly. Benefits include: easing labor discomforts, more freedom of mobility, less stress on the joints, heat therapy, more effective contractions, more pliable tissue for stretching. Hydrotherapy injections have been shown to be useful when a laboring woman has persistant back labor. A small amount of sterile water is injected directly under the epidermis of the lower back to alleviate the pressure caused by baby's decent by offering direct counterpressure.
Vocalization: using tonality for ease of discomfort and creating more effective contractions. Not all noise is the same. In order for vocalization to work as a way to promote relaxation and more rapid dilation, the noise must be conducive to relaxing and dilation. Screaming, screeching, or any high-pitched noise does not come from a relaxed body, nor does it create a relaxing environment for the mother. The type of noise to use in labor is low-toned moans, groans, humming, deep breathing, chanting or sighing. Low-toned nioses are made from a relaxed throat, neck and chest with the mouth and jaw relaxed. You cannot make low-toned noises without being relaxed. Open jaw and relaxed throat also promote the cervix to open and relax as well, allowing for more rapid dilation and less stress = less discomfort. Helping a vocalizer: Pay particular attention to the noise the mother makes. If her voice gets high-pitched or she begins to scream, tell her to open her mouth and take a deep breath. Just opening her mouth should get her to relax her jaw and will bring the tone lower. If the mother is really struggling through a contraction, you may find that you need to make noise for her. Start making a low-toned noise near her face while you try to get her attention. Most mothers will begin to imitate the noise you are making.
Massage: Deep tissue massage throughout labor can aid in assisting the body to completely relax through contractions, allowing the mother to 'get out of the way' of her laboring uterus. Deep tissue massage can easily be combined with hydrotherapy, or accupressure. The sacral points, coccyx, pudendal nerve, and others can be massaged deeply to promote opening of the pelvis, facilitating a more rapid, easier labor.
Hypnosis: An artificially induced altered state of consciousness, characterized by heightened suggestibility and receptivity to direction. One can practice hypnosis by either directing their focus inward or outward (introspection vs. distraction). Inward hypnosis has been proven to facilitate more rapid dilation and shorter labors while also, potentially, making labor near painless. Outward hypnosis can make labor near painless, but has been shown to be not as effective at rapid dilation... thus, labor is not shortened but can be more comfortable. In order for hypnosis to be effective, one must master self-hypnosis by rigid discipline and practice during pregnancy.
Relaxation therapy: all of the above help to promote relaxation. There are three parts to relaxation: mental, emotional, and physical. Many women have had difficult labors until they can effectively let go of mental inhibitions about their bodies or their labors. Many other women have had to work through traumatic memories or thoughts, which effect emotions, regarding their relationships with ppl close to the pregnancy, childbirth itself, or parenting, before the labor can become it's utmost in effective. Fear can make labor much more difficult than it has to be. Finally, physical relaxation: the more physically relaxed one is able to become, the more effectively the uterus can do it's job without the inhibition of stress on other muscles.
_____________________________
"If you're going to the hospital for the birth of your choice, you're going to the wrong place...they don't sell that there."-Carla Hartley
Birth Junkie Blogger[/
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 1:08:11 PM
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dramagirl4God
Posts: 1264
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I'm very excited about this thread! I have had 2 deliveries and 2 epidurals. I REALLY want to do this next one naturally. Problem is the only childbirth course around here are basically here's what's going to happen stuff. I've got specific things that happen when I'm in labor I'd like to know how to deal with. I'm also interested in hearing other people's stories.
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 1:15:20 PM
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RepentanceIsRequired
Posts: 875
Joined: 9/14/2005
From: Home is where the heart is.
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quote:
ORIGINAL: smootches2uall
Stadol: an analgesic (works on whole nervous system instead of one area) which is administered via IV. It is an opiate derivative (narcotic) with an additive to combate the dysphoriate reaction to narcotics.
Pros: near instant relief, takes the ‘edge off’ of hard labors, moderate (2-4 hours) spanning.
Cons: loopy or high feeling, hallucinations, nausea, depressed respiration in mother and baby, decreased cardiac output, decreased oxygen in blood in mother and baby, fetal heart rate deceleration, and/or epidura hematoma (bleeding on the brain) can occur. Roughly 20% of women have a sensitivity or allergy to the narcotic Stadol.
 BLECH!!I had this for my first delivery and hated it!! It took the "edge" off for the first contraction and the rest of the time I was so dizzy that I had to keep my eyes closed for the whole delivery!!
My second delivery happened so fast that I didn't have time for anything. It was so fast that the dr whisked his gloves on and HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHAEL!! 
If I have anymore kids, I will be sticking with the natural childbirth (assuming it's not a long drawn out labor; if that happened, I definitely keep my options open).
_____________________________
--Nicole--
"Icons, incense, chant...smells and bells...served up with tested sound theology, proven faith and a generous portion of beauty...that's home cooking to a hungry soul." -- unworthyseraphim
Mary Christine born 4-4-08
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 2:41:09 PM
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spitzu
Posts: 1017
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Smooches.. I couldn't get either of the gentle birth links/articles about GBS to load.
I was wondering if there are ways to prevent the GBS from even getting into the vagina to begin with. I'm guessing hygiene probably doesn't have anything to do with it, but are there other things we might or might not do that could make a difference?
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<- Me, all cute and little
Some Like It Hot
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 2:52:03 PM
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JoyfulWife
Posts: 379
Joined: 5/3/2005
From: The South
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quote:
I think I've seen you list some midwife websites in the past....can you post those again? I'd like to see if there are any midwives in my area. I really doubt it though.
www.birthpartners.com has a listing of midwives in the US and also outside of the US. I know that there are some other sites, but this is the only one I can think of at the time! If you live in a state where it's illegal to attend/assist a homebirth, there are usually still a lot of "underground" midwives. There just kind of hard to find. I found mine by talking to several different Bradley instructors.
I tried using a birthing ball (just a regular exercise ball), but it didn't do too much for me. I have a friend who swears by them though! I think I used mine more while I was pregnant to ease my bad pain and to help turn Hannah's position than I did during labor. I still really liked having it.
Kathyrn - if your next is a homebirth and you want to do it in water, just get a large children's inflatable pool. That's what we did! It was like having a hot tub right in your house. It was very comfortable, and took a lot of pressure off of me. I think it was like 6 ft by 3 feet or something like that. I didn't end up birthing in it though because being in the water slowed my labor down. I think the water temp was a little too warm - that can slow labor down.
_____________________________
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 2:57:35 PM
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JoyfulWife
Posts: 379
Joined: 5/3/2005
From: The South
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quote:
I was wondering if there are ways to prevent the GBS from even getting into the vagina to begin with. I'm guessing hygiene probably doesn't have anything to do with it, but are there other things we might or might not do that could make a difference?
I have a personal theory on how a lot of women catch it. I'm not sure if it's true, but it would be interesting to research and test. Out of all the women I've known who had GBS, most of them had it with their second and not their first. That kind of makes me wonder if they caught it in the hospital after their first birth. Hospitals are notorious for being infested with strep and staph Also, I've heard that the test has a high false positive rate. I didn't have it done when I was pregnant, but I also never had any kind of internal exam until I was actually in active labor. I also did not have her break my water, and Hannah wasn't preterm.
_____________________________
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 3:19:05 PM
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spitzu
Posts: 1017
Joined: 4/19/2005
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Joyfulwife... IF I'm ever able to get pregnant, I might be wanting to PM you. My goal is a home birth (I even have a midwife picked out and have already been in communication with her. lol)
_____________________________
<- Me, all cute and little
Some Like It Hot
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 3:48:42 PM
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smootches2uall
Posts: 365
Joined: 7/21/2005
From: Right below the pinky joint
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Two great websites besides birthpartners for midwives are www.narm.org and www.mana.org
About GBS and hospitals - that is a great theory. It would not surprise me as I was GBS negative for all but my last. I didn't change anything about my lifestyle except the different number and type of medical personell from my third to last hospital birth. More ppl = more baceria in an already festering zone.
Another thing is that you can contract GBS if you carry it rectally (nearly 60% or more humans do) by wearing thongs or other underwear that 'share space' with your vaginal opening.
_____________________________
"If you're going to the hospital for the birth of your choice, you're going to the wrong place...they don't sell that there."-Carla Hartley
Birth Junkie Blogger[/
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 4:01:02 PM
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3cappuccinosmom
Posts: 2828
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Since red raspberry leaf tea is big in the natural childbirth world, heres the link to my very favorite one:
http://www.bulkherbstore.com/MRRB
You can purchase it already mixed from them, but they also give you the recipe, so if you're an herb grower or know one, you can get your own ingredients. It is *yummy*. Much better than the boxed stuff that I had last time.
_____________________________
"Children are durable and don’t necessarily wilt under adversity, just as our children don’t necessarily thrive under luxury and comfort." Garrison Keillor
Shameless Self Promotion
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 4:35:28 PM
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smootches2uall
Posts: 365
Joined: 7/21/2005
From: Right below the pinky joint
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HERE is a link to a whole BUNCH of medical studies and articles of interest on the advocacy of informed decisions and maternal/neonatal health. Yours truly is wonderfullymade - lol - soooo cheating - just too lazy to repost it ALL.
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"If you're going to the hospital for the birth of your choice, you're going to the wrong place...they don't sell that there."-Carla Hartley
Birth Junkie Blogger[/
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RE: Natural Childbirth/Pregnancy Thread - 1/5/2007 4:40:37 PM
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smootches2uall
Posts: 365
Joined: 7/21/2005
From: Right below the pinky joint
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Yummy books to devour during pregnancy!
“The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth” by Henci Goer - wonderfully written, though, like her other books, it is a little on the weighty side with information (just up my alley). She writes a comprehensive study guide, in very lay-friendly wording, to the medical studies - and why medical studies themselves support NCB without saying so. Fully referencable.
”Birthing from Within” by Pam England - a spiritual journey into the beauty and self-power of childbirth. A little on the hippy side, but I love her poetic writing and no-holds-barred approach to the act of childbirth. New Ageness is a trip though and clashes with Christianity on many levels.
“Guide to Childbirth” by Ina May Gaskin - MY FAVORITE right now. I have read it around 5 times since buy it 9 months ago. Traditional midwifery meets practical application and psychological connection of mind-body. It is full of inspiring birth stories. Her holistic approach to childbirth is refreshing and challenges even the most staunch NCB advocate to trade in their biases just a little more for faith in the miraculous art of birthing.
"Childbirth Without Fear" by Grantly Dick-Read - the pioneer book on childbirth. Written in the early 1900's, the predecessor to Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze and Dr. Robert Bradley, he coins the fear-pain-tension cycle and teaches effective means of breaking that cycle. A revolutionary book, full of history, and a difficult read.
“Husband Coached Childbirth” by Dr. Robert Bradley - originally written in the 1950's, it is a strong book on the Bradley Method - it's history, teachings, and beliefs. It is written in the perspective for the coach and can be a bit chauvenistic, but it is another wonderfully informative read on how laboring animals can teach us how we, as higher species, can eliminate unneccessary pain and discomfort in childbirth by modelling after their behavior and stages of laboring.
“Christ Centered Childbirth” by Kelly J. Townsend - the teachings of Robert Bradley from a Christian POV. Keeping creation and God's design as the forefront and premises for all teachings.
“The Labor Progress Handbook” by Penny Simkin - delving into such sticky situations as dystocia and failure to progress, Penny meets the challenge of reasons given for cesarean deliveries. This book focuses on simple non-invasive interventions to prevent or treat difficult labor. It describes positions, movements and techniques based on principles of anatomy, physiology and psychology of childbirth. This handbook is organized by stage of labor for easy reference. The rationale for all techniques is included based on the authors' clinical experience and wherever possible on the underlying evidence base.
"Natural Chilbirth the Bradley Way" by Susan McCutcheon - written as a follow-up to HCC, this informative and preferred book of the Bradley Method delves into the differences of Bradley vs. 'other methods', the emotional signposts of labor, the physical makeup of labor and birth, and common-sense approaches to relaxation and relief in labor. Filled with relaxation practices and consumer-friendly wisdom, it is a wonderful walking handbook for any NCB student.
"The Pregnancy Book" by Dr. Sears - written as a month-by-month guide, it is an excellent all-in-one guide to pregnancy. This book deals with physical and emotional changes, describes the growth of the fetus, and discusses common concerns during pregnancy. It also focuses on nutrition, exercise, information and support for home births and birthing centers, traveling while pregnant, how to avoid episiotomy, and so on. The approach is gentle, thorough, and includes more information than most month-by-month guides.
"The Birth Book" by Dr. Sears - written as a helpful resource guide, this book covers the gamut of possibilities, and teaches what every woman needs to know to take control of their own birth. It is divided into three parts: "Preparing for Birth," "Easing Pain in Labor," and "Experiencing Birth." Each section outlines options and medical studies supporting a positive birth experience. It details vaginal births; cesareans; VBACs; water births; home births; best birthing positions; drugs; pain; how to design your own birth plan; sexuality of birth; and lots of birth stories. Unbiased and research based, it is a positive companion in working toward informed consent.
"Having a Baby, naturally" by Mothering Mag. - a wonderful book written by the publishers of Mothering Magazine. It contains pregnancy nutrition (and recipes), exercise, childbirth choices, methods of NCB, positions, and postpartum guidance (including newborn care). An easy read and nice referencial guide, I recommend it!
"Immaculate Deception" by Suzanne Arms - very readable, yet historically inaccurate when talking of anything beyond childbirth (ie, her christianity rant), Ms Arms presents a moving work on the loss of childbirth faith in present culture and throughout history. Validating women mourning 'loss of birth', this book confronts the issues surrounding the American culture, our loss of faith in our bodies design and nature's intent, and medical conspiracy to keep the power in the hands of the medical field and money markets themselves.
"The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" by LLL Int. - My favorite book on breastfeeding. A little heavier a read than the Breastfeeding Book, but written from the experts on breastfeeding themselves. It is a great companion for encouragement and information to all breastfeeding mothers and those anticipating breastfeeding. Study-based information and support for common difficulties faced in breastfeeding, it is a must-have.
"The Baby Catcher" by Peggy Vincent - written autobiographically, this book follows one woman's walk through her midwifery career. Filled with childbirth stories and history, the politics faced in the midwifery field, and the ups and downs of the business, this is a delightful and insightful read for liesure and enlightenment (not much in the way for NCB prep though).
“Spiritual Midwifery” by Ina May Gaskin - This book includes updated information on the safety of natural childbirth, birthing stories, and the most recent statistics on births managed by The Farm Midwives. Also presents stories of working with Amish women, showing a different culture with a similar appreciation for natural childbirth. It is more 'religious' in it's approach and can be slightly yuppy in conveyance, but a classic read for NCB advocates none-the-less.
"The Politics of Birth" by Sheila Kitzinger - WOW. thats all I have to say. The Politics of Birth explores ways in which we learn about birth, how we talk and feel about it, assumptions that professional caregivers may make, and the roles and skills of midwives. Topics include home birth and water birth; the use of drugs in childbirth; obstetric and nursing interventions which are often used routinely; Caesarean sections; pressures that care-givers are under, and the choices presented to women that are more apparent than real. Throughout, the author draws on research-based evidence to present both an holistic yet grounded examination of topical issues surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. This is not a "how to" book. The aim of The Politics of Birth is to help the reader develop deeper insight and understanding of how a technocratic birth culture shapes our ideas about birth and obstetric practice.
"The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth" by Sheila Kitzinger - Here, candidly and reasonably presented, is all the information expectant parents need to make their own decisions about everything--from which tests to allow to how to handle pain to where to give birth. Very similar in presentation to the Birth Book. Less biased than other NCB books, but just as informative and fact-based.
"The Breastfeeding Book" by Martha Sears - a comprehensive very reader-friendly guide to what to expect while breastfeeing, the challenges that are commonly faced both physically and socially, and the benefits/physiology of breastfeeding.
"The Birth Partner" by Penny Simkin - This book gives the birth partner a clear understanding of the process of bearing a baby and the role that he or she is to play. Simkin thoroughly examines parturition, from essential supplies for mother and baby to how to handle an emergency delivery. At her best, Simkin makes the birth partner aware of medical decisions that may lie ahead and of the importance of indulging the mother with constant tender loving care and encouragement during labor and delivery.
"The Doula Book" by Marshall Klaus - a Greek word that means "woman caregiver", this book talks about the importance and role of the doula in today's society, while touching on the historocity of the role as well. Doula has come to mean an experienced labor companion who provides parents-to-be with emotional and physical support during labor, delivery and, to some extent, postpartum; describing how a doula can help the birthing process, detailing studies that indicate doula-supported births result in a major reduction in the length of labor, a greater than 50% drop in cesarean sections, a decrease in a mother's need for pain medicatio | | |
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