Archive for August 2009
Preparing For Birth – Common Pregnancy and Childbirth Terms
Below is a compilation of common terms and acronyms that women often will come across during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Check back as more will be added from time to time. AROM – Artificial Rupture of Membranes – using a finger or tool to open the amniotic sac to to allow the fluid to release.…
Read MorePreparing For Birth – Has episiotomy been replaced by this practice?
In recent months I have noticed that during the end part of pushing and through delivery, care providers and/or nurses are doing very, very aggressive vaginal and perineal stretching. This is not the gentle perineal massage I have seen in the past. Even though I do not believe even that is necessary, it certainly was…
Read MoreThe Waiting Game…
Yesterday afternoon, I mailed off my labor doula certification packet to the CAPPA office. From the time they receive it, it will take eternity four to six weeks for them to let me know if I passed, and can be certified. It took me almost the full two years to complete everything I needed to…
Read MorePreparing For Birth – Quotes from Women on What Pushing Feels Like
A couple of weeks ago I went on a quest to find out just what pushing was like for other women. As an educator and doula it is probably one of the more challenging concepts to address. Why? Well some of the imagery can be quite vulgar. “Push like you are pooping.” Do women REALLY…
Read MorePreparing For Birth – Question of the Day #2
How did you react to and what were your feelings, words or thoughts after your baby was born (within the first one or two hours)?
Read MorePreparing For Birth – Question of the day #1
What are the top three things you wish you would have known prior to pregnancy, labor or birth?
Read MorePushing for Birth – another look
“Pushing felt good.” “The urge to push was unstoppable.” “I loved when I got the urge to push!”. “I felt like I was going to split apart.” “It hurt so much more than I thought it would.” “I didn’t want to push.” “Why did I have to hold my breath and tuck my chin?” “I…
Read More101 Reasons to Breastfeed
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcjKeDyTZP8&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1] Remember too, that breastfeeding is what is normal, and is what has kept the human race alive ever since the beginning of time. Of course, I know that there are some woman who have many obstacles to overcome – this is why it’s so important to surround yourself with support. Good support. Support who…
Read MoreI Am Certifiable!
Finally…after nearly two years of work – and a little procrastination, because really…I certainly could have been finished six months ago – I will be ready to seal an envelope containing my labor doula certification packet, and mail it to the wonderful ladies at CAPPA by the end of next week. I will know in…
Read MoreMorning Sickness and Nausea Tips
Nausea is such a common complaint among pregnant women. Usually the extreme nausea passes by the time a woman enters the second to mid-second trimester, however, some women experience it throughout pregnancy. Though no solution is full proof, there are some things that can be done to aide in a calmer digestive system. Remember that…
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