OK so it's 40 weeks of pregnancy.Bags are packed, your birth plan is written, you feel like any minute now labor will start then NOTHING!!!
Are there ways to induce labor without medical intervention?
The answer is yes. Not everything will work for averybody but here are some ideas you would like to consider.
HOT CURRY-Anything that will stimulate your bowels will increase chance of labor.Emptying bowels may start labor if the uterus is ready.Problem: it may cause you heartburn.
Note-never take castor oil or other laxatives as this can cause baby to become distressed.
NIPPLE STIMULATION-
Nipple stimulation is the gentle rubbing or rolling of the nipple to encourage the start of contractions. The theory is that oxytocin, a hormone that causes contractions, is released in the body when the breasts are stimulated.
SEX-This can help as sperm contains prostaglandins naturally. This is the the hormone that softens the cervix.Dr's use an artificial version to induce labor. Problem is you probably need to have intercourse regularly which for some women is difficult at this stage of pregnancy.
PINEAPPLE- Eating pineapple.Fresh not canned
Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain which is thought to help to soften the cervix and so bring on labour.
You may need to eat a large amount for it to work!
HOMEOPATHY- Homoeopathic remedies use highly diluted versions of more potent substances to treat the body. Pulsatilla and Caulophyllum are two commonly used homeopathic remedies used to stimulate labour.
RASPBERRY LEAF-This can be taken in the form of tea or tablets.If you want to help to prepare the uterine muscles for labour start with one cup of tea a day or one tablet and build up gradually to a maximum of four cups of tea or tablets daily. The tea can be sipped freely during labour, too.It is very important that it is not taken ubtil last 2 mnths of pregnancy.
WIERD OPTIONS TO TRY-
Here is a selection of other methods (some of them a little bizarre) that other mums are said to have found helpful. There is no evidence for any of these .
• Blowing up balloons: the theory is that the build up of abdominal pressure encourages labour to start.
• Bouncing on your birth ball or driving your car down a bumpy road would seem to put the same faith in shaking things up a little
• Get a weepy video and have a good cry
• Wear your best knickers (Murphy's law will ensure that your waters break in them).
Maternity Acupressure Guide
Monday, January 17, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Why have a water birth?
Why Have a Water Birth? Maybe the right question should be why not have a water birth?
This method is safe and provides many benefits for both mother and baby including relief and a less traumatic birth experience for the baby.
Child birth can be a stressful experience for the baby. Properly heated water is claimed to help ease the transition from the uterus to the outside world because the warm liquid is thought to resemble the intrauterine environment.
Water birth is a form of hydrotherapy which, in studies, has been shown to be an effective form of pain management for a variety of conditions especially back pain which a number of woman have during labour. Water allows you to move easily and change positions frequently.The water bouys you up and makes you feel lighter.
Once you're immersed in the warm water of the pool, you're in your own world and can labour undisturbed. If the lights are dimmed and the room is quiet the effect will be heightened. It may help you to feel more in control of your body.
Water birth is believed to aid stretching of the perineum and therefore decrease the risk of s tears. Support from the water slows down the crowning of the babies head and offers perineal support, which decreases the risk of tearing and reduces the use of a surgical procedure called an episiotomy which can cause a number of complications.
Water birth is accepted and practiced in many parts of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as many European countries, including the United Kingdom;Germany many maternity clinics and hospitals have birthing tubs/pools.
Monitoring and emergencies
You may have to stay out of the pool if you develop complications.This could be upsetting but ultimately the health of baby is the most important.
Staff may need to monitor the heart rate if their is a problem like
This method is safe and provides many benefits for both mother and baby including relief and a less traumatic birth experience for the baby.
Child birth can be a stressful experience for the baby. Properly heated water is claimed to help ease the transition from the uterus to the outside world because the warm liquid is thought to resemble the intrauterine environment.
Water birth is a form of hydrotherapy which, in studies, has been shown to be an effective form of pain management for a variety of conditions especially back pain which a number of woman have during labour. Water allows you to move easily and change positions frequently.The water bouys you up and makes you feel lighter.
Once you're immersed in the warm water of the pool, you're in your own world and can labour undisturbed. If the lights are dimmed and the room is quiet the effect will be heightened. It may help you to feel more in control of your body.
Water birth is believed to aid stretching of the perineum and therefore decrease the risk of s tears. Support from the water slows down the crowning of the babies head and offers perineal support, which decreases the risk of tearing and reduces the use of a surgical procedure called an episiotomy which can cause a number of complications.
Water birth is accepted and practiced in many parts of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as many European countries, including the United Kingdom;Germany many maternity clinics and hospitals have birthing tubs/pools.
Monitoring and emergencies
You may have to stay out of the pool if you develop complications.This could be upsetting but ultimately the health of baby is the most important.
Staff may need to monitor the heart rate if their is a problem like
- your labour is progressing very slowly
- you start bleeding during labour
- your blood pressure goes up
- your baby's first poo (meconium) is detected in your waters
- the pool water gets very dirty
- you feel faint or drowsy
Monday, December 27, 2010
Best Breastfeeding Techniques
From the first time baby goes to the breast to the first few weeks after birth, breastfeeding isn't always as easy as it appears.
Breastfeeding seems like the most natural preocess in the world but it can sometimes take practice,encouragement and support for that to happen.
From the moment of birth, your baby comes into world pre-designed to breastfeed.We kind of assume that baby will just know exactly what to do and also that mom will be able to do it all!
Best Breastfeeding Techniques
Breastfeeding seems like the most natural preocess in the world but it can sometimes take practice,encouragement and support for that to happen.
From the moment of birth, your baby comes into world pre-designed to breastfeed.We kind of assume that baby will just know exactly what to do and also that mom will be able to do it all!
Best Breastfeeding Techniques
- Keep baby close to you immediately after birth until she shows you she is ready to feed.This could be sucking on fingers,mouthing or turning toward the nipple "rooting"
- Delay any procedures until sometime after the birth. That means you do not need to rush to weigh baby or give Vitamen K
- Nurse baby as often as possible in the first few hours and days after birth.
- There is no reason to deny baby the oppurtunity to suck. It is almost like "practice". This will also stimulate your body to produce milk. It really is all about "Supply and Demand" Baby demands and your body will supply.
- To latch baby , turn baby toward you, stroke her lower lip slightly with your nipple and wait until baby has a very wide open mouth
- Allow baby to suck on the one breast as long as she wants to and when she comes off the breast offer the second one.
- Baby led feeding. Allow baby to make the scedule . Do not impose a 3 or 4 hourly schedule. This may have a negative impact on your milk supply.If baby has 6-8 wet nappies a day she is getting enough.
- If your breasts or nipples get sore try look at the way baby latches. Also please seek assistance. The best would be somebody who specialsies in assisting moms. A Lactation consultant or midwife is normally a good idea. Unfortunately more ofter than not the GP may not have the skills to help you.
- Avoid unless medically indicated from giving any formula feeds. It can become a viscious circle as there is no stimulation for your breasts to make milk so they make less.... so you need to give more formula.......
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Why Breastfeeding is Best
Why Breastfeeding is best
1. Breastfeeding prevents obesity.
Since breastfed babies themselves control how much they eat, children who are breastfed learn to trust their bodies' signals about how much they need to eat and when.
2. Better teeth.
Breastfed babies have better jaw alignment and are less likely to need orthodontic work as they get older.Think of all the money you can save on braces!
3. Lowered risk of heart disease.
All the evidence isn't complete yet, but some researchers believe that breastfeeding during infancy may lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in later life.It may have to do with learning to metabolize cholesterol early on in life via mom's milk
4. Lowered risk of juvenile diabetes.
Babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop type 1 diabetes mellitus in childhood. Researchers have attributed this lowered risk of diabetes to the delayed introduction of cow milk in breastfed babies. In addition, researchers have shown a lower insulin release in breastfed infants compared to infants fed formula. This is particularly important if you have a family history of diabetes.
5. Lowered risk of multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis, a degenerative muscle disease that strikes adults, may be caused in part by myelin breakdown.Human milk's contribution to the myelin formation may help to prevent multiple sclerosis in later life.
6. Lowered risk of asthma and allergy.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding lowers the chances of a child developing allergies and asthma symptoms. Breastmilk's immune components protect babies from allergens in the first months of life.
7. Other diseases. Research suggests that breastfeeding may also play a role in preventing digestive diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as childhood cancers. This makes sense: nourish an infant's body with the unique food designed for it by nature and that body will function in a healthier way, perhaps for the child's entire life.
Breastmilk's influence on health is probably more far-reaching than researchers have even dared to imagine!!!
Breastfeeding Simply
1. Breastfeeding prevents obesity.
Since breastfed babies themselves control how much they eat, children who are breastfed learn to trust their bodies' signals about how much they need to eat and when.
2. Better teeth.
Breastfed babies have better jaw alignment and are less likely to need orthodontic work as they get older.Think of all the money you can save on braces!
3. Lowered risk of heart disease.
All the evidence isn't complete yet, but some researchers believe that breastfeeding during infancy may lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in later life.It may have to do with learning to metabolize cholesterol early on in life via mom's milk
4. Lowered risk of juvenile diabetes.
Babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop type 1 diabetes mellitus in childhood. Researchers have attributed this lowered risk of diabetes to the delayed introduction of cow milk in breastfed babies. In addition, researchers have shown a lower insulin release in breastfed infants compared to infants fed formula. This is particularly important if you have a family history of diabetes.
5. Lowered risk of multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis, a degenerative muscle disease that strikes adults, may be caused in part by myelin breakdown.Human milk's contribution to the myelin formation may help to prevent multiple sclerosis in later life.
6. Lowered risk of asthma and allergy.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding lowers the chances of a child developing allergies and asthma symptoms. Breastmilk's immune components protect babies from allergens in the first months of life.
7. Other diseases. Research suggests that breastfeeding may also play a role in preventing digestive diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as childhood cancers. This makes sense: nourish an infant's body with the unique food designed for it by nature and that body will function in a healthier way, perhaps for the child's entire life.
Breastmilk's influence on health is probably more far-reaching than researchers have even dared to imagine!!!
Breastfeeding Simply
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Preparing for the birth of your baby.
Examine the options that are available to you.
Questions to ask:
1. Do you want to have a home birth with no medical intervention?
2. Would you feel more comfortable in a medical setting like a Hospital or Birthing Centre?
3. Do you have a condition that would mean you have to have a Caesarean Section?
HOME BIRTH
This is a good choice if you have and uncomplicated pregnancy and would prefer to do things in a natural way
You need to ensure that you have a Midwife who is able to assist you at the time of birth.
Have a back up or emergency plan. We always hope everything goes as we wish but at the same time need to be aware of complications that could arise.
Do you want to use water to deliver in or as a method of pain relief? Consider hiring a birth pool ahead of time.
Identify the area in the home where you would like to deliver, consider the space available.
Once you have enrolled with a Midwife she will give a list of any supplies you will need to have on hand.
HOSPITAL BIRTH
This option gives you the security of having medical staff and interventions available but also allows you to attempt a normal vaginal delivery.
If you have a high risk pregnancy this is the one for you. Unfortunately, too often a hospital environment can lead to unnecessary interventions. That is why it is important to have a Birth Plan. A birth plan allows you to decide before labour on your ideal birth, and document those wishes. It is important to realise that it is basically a wish list as the health of mum and baby are the most important.
The advantage of a hospital birth is that you can, if you wish, take advantage of modern medicine to allow you to benefit from pain relief methods.
In hospital you could opt to use a narcotic like Pethidine or have an epidural anaesthetic.
Pethidine will dull pain but not alleviate it completely.
An epidural normally is associated with an absence of pain. Unfortunately it can also lead to an absence of the urge to push.
CEASARIAN SECTION.
This means that baby is born via an incision on the abdomen. Normally along the “bikini line”.
This is major surgery and can be done electively or as an emergency procedure.
Elective is when the decision for caesarean is made ahead of time and a date and time are scheduled.
Emergency is when a normal delivery has been the aim but something has occurred where the baby needs to be delivered via caesarean. Some of the reasons could be due to baby being in distress, the labour not progressing, and the baby too large for the mother’s pelvis.
Questions to ask:
1. Do you want to have a home birth with no medical intervention?
2. Would you feel more comfortable in a medical setting like a Hospital or Birthing Centre?
3. Do you have a condition that would mean you have to have a Caesarean Section?
HOME BIRTH
This is a good choice if you have and uncomplicated pregnancy and would prefer to do things in a natural way
You need to ensure that you have a Midwife who is able to assist you at the time of birth.
Have a back up or emergency plan. We always hope everything goes as we wish but at the same time need to be aware of complications that could arise.
Do you want to use water to deliver in or as a method of pain relief? Consider hiring a birth pool ahead of time.
Identify the area in the home where you would like to deliver, consider the space available.
Once you have enrolled with a Midwife she will give a list of any supplies you will need to have on hand.
HOSPITAL BIRTH
This option gives you the security of having medical staff and interventions available but also allows you to attempt a normal vaginal delivery.
If you have a high risk pregnancy this is the one for you. Unfortunately, too often a hospital environment can lead to unnecessary interventions. That is why it is important to have a Birth Plan. A birth plan allows you to decide before labour on your ideal birth, and document those wishes. It is important to realise that it is basically a wish list as the health of mum and baby are the most important.
The advantage of a hospital birth is that you can, if you wish, take advantage of modern medicine to allow you to benefit from pain relief methods.
In hospital you could opt to use a narcotic like Pethidine or have an epidural anaesthetic.
Pethidine will dull pain but not alleviate it completely.
An epidural normally is associated with an absence of pain. Unfortunately it can also lead to an absence of the urge to push.
CEASARIAN SECTION.
This means that baby is born via an incision on the abdomen. Normally along the “bikini line”.
This is major surgery and can be done electively or as an emergency procedure.
Elective is when the decision for caesarean is made ahead of time and a date and time are scheduled.
Emergency is when a normal delivery has been the aim but something has occurred where the baby needs to be delivered via caesarean. Some of the reasons could be due to baby being in distress, the labour not progressing, and the baby too large for the mother’s pelvis.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
What to expect Immediately after birth
What to expect Immediately after birth
1. Baby should be given to you immediately to admire ,cuddle and all the rest.There are some things the Midwives will want to check . At 1 and 5 minutes an Apgar sore will be given to baby.This is to assess whether baby has adapted to life outside the womb. There are 5 aspects baby is assessed for. Heart beat, Breathing,Movement, Response and Muscle tone.You may not even realize the "test" has occurred!
2. Delivery of placenta.Whilst you are admiring the fruit of your labour. the midwife will deliver the placenta . This either by active or passive or active method. The active method you receive an injection to speed delivery of placenta passive methods allows for the natural process.(Your Choice)
3. You will be given the opportunity to feed baby after birth.The ideal time to feed baby is during the first hour after birth. Baby has the strongest suck reflex during this time.
4. After all this is done the Midwife will weigh and measure baby. At this time if you are in Hospital ID labels need to be applied.. Your will be offered an injection of vitamin K for baby. You will need to give permission. Vitamen K prevents bleeding disorders in the newborn.
1. Baby should be given to you immediately to admire ,cuddle and all the rest.There are some things the Midwives will want to check . At 1 and 5 minutes an Apgar sore will be given to baby.This is to assess whether baby has adapted to life outside the womb. There are 5 aspects baby is assessed for. Heart beat, Breathing,Movement, Response and Muscle tone.You may not even realize the "test" has occurred!
2. Delivery of placenta.Whilst you are admiring the fruit of your labour. the midwife will deliver the placenta . This either by active or passive or active method. The active method you receive an injection to speed delivery of placenta passive methods allows for the natural process.(Your Choice)
3. You will be given the opportunity to feed baby after birth.The ideal time to feed baby is during the first hour after birth. Baby has the strongest suck reflex during this time.
4. After all this is done the Midwife will weigh and measure baby. At this time if you are in Hospital ID labels need to be applied.. Your will be offered an injection of vitamin K for baby. You will need to give permission. Vitamen K prevents bleeding disorders in the newborn.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Writing a birth Plan
Know your options
The first step in writing a birth plan is to find out what your options are.
Educate yourself about the options that are available. The ideal would be to attend childbirth education classes, a Midwife or Doula. Start the dialog.
Once you know what options are available to you, it is important to determine how you feel about the options. Some things will be very important, and others will seem small or unimportant. There is no right or wrong, it is simply a matter of understanding who you are and how you want things handled.
Your Birth Plan should be about expressing your hopes and expectations of how your labour and delivery should occur.
What are some of the things to put on your plan?
Monitoring Labor- Do you want to be hooked up to a monitor or able to walk around?
Pain Relief-Do you want to use natural methods like relaxation and water or an epidural?
Positions-Sitting/walking/in bed?
Baby Care-Partner to cut cord? Breastfeed in delivery room?
So can you get what you want?
Investigate hospitals or birthing centres in your area,take your plan with you.
Are they going to accommodate your wishes?
Does your partner/doula/midwife support your wishes?
If you have made choices that are not possible you need to reevaluate your decisions.
Regardless of the circumstances of your labor, use your birth plan to help you determine how you will react to labor.
I personally like to think of the Birth Plan as a wish list an expression of what I would prefer.
Ultimately a live healthy baby and mother are the most important outcome!
Put it into perspective when you apply for a job has anybody ever asked your if you were born by vaginal delivery or Cesarean? Things can happen in labour.
My own birth plan was to have a home delivery preferably in water with my midwife.
I ended up as an emergency Cesarean after getting to 10cm dilated (ready to deliver)
Creating your Birth Plan
Creating your Birth Plan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)