A Gentle Birth Pie

Apr 012013

There are lots of ingredients that go into making a gentle birth pie:

Provider
1. Your gynecologist may not be the best one for your pregnancy care- well woman care vs pregnancy and birth care
2. Communication goes both ways- can you discuss things and be heard and feel listened to now?
3. Back up is important- who covers what- do they share call- will you get to meet them beforehand?
4. Midwifery model vs the medical model of care=What do most women choose? Obstetricians are by far the most common choice in the United States, although certified nurse-midwives are becoming more popular: In 2006, CNMs attended almost 8 percent of deliveries in the United States and over 11 percent of vaginal births. provide handout
5. CIMS questions to ask
6. Marriage – then date- can lead to divorce- when is it too late? Don’t stay where the rules of the games are different than the game you want to play.

“Midwives see birth as a miracle and only mess with it if there’s a problem; doctors see birth as a problem and if they don’t mess with it, it’s a miracle!” Barbara Harper in Gentle Birth Choices

“Unfortunately, the role of obstetrics has never been to help women give birth. There is a big difference between the medical discipline we call “obstetrics’ and something completely different, the art of midwifery. If we want to find safe alternatives to obstetrics, we must rediscover midwifery. To rediscover midwifery is the same as giving back childbirth to women. And imagine the future if surgical teams were at the service of the midwives and the women instead of controlling them.” Michel Odent, MD

“When meeting with my OB, I described—in a light way—the feeling I had about the baby telling me he was coming out vaginally. Unfortunately, this kind of thing does not provide confidence to everyone in the medical community! And much to my dismay, they wanted to schedule me for a C-Section, just like that. Thankfully, at least one very important local midwife did believe me and believe in me (and my baby). She encouraged me to do what I needed and go where I needed to get my try at a VBAC. “– Jenna’s story

“Switching practices mid-pregnancy was perhaps the best decision we have made. Last week I was so fed up with being pregnant that I just about begged her to induce me. Had I stayed with my old practice, they would have scheduled a date right then. But not Janet. She just calmly reminded me that no one stays pregnant forever and that my baby would come when she was ready. She talked through natural things we could do to help get labor started and walked us through what would happen if she doesn’t come by 41 weeks.

As we left her office I turned to D and said, “We picked her for a reason. I don’t really want to be induced. But I was desperate. And instead of letting me cave to my uncomfortableness, she talked me out of it. Gently. I’m thankful for that.” She has been a rock for me during the last half of my pregnancy. I’d recommend her to anyone. {This is Janet Fedullo with Alpharetta Women’s Specialists}”- Chrystal Rowe from the blog Continue reading »

Postpartum Support Services

The postpartum support group is a safe and open place of sharing where mothers, babies and partners are all welcome. There will be a discussion topic pertaining to the fourth trimester that varies from meeting to meeting, but primarily, this time is available for you to ask questions, share concerns, and engage with other new parents experiencing the joys and challenges of having a newborn in the house.

The group is not limited to first time parents. I encourage you to invite other new parents whom you feel may benefit from such a support group, and for as long as you would like to continue coming, I will continue to welcome you.

Every 3rd Saturday of the Month, 9:30-11:30am

Postpartum Preparation and Baby Basics

We begin the class by discussing the various needs of the postpartum mother, including both physical and emotional aspects, and dive into the process of creating a postpartum care plan for the first few months after birth. We also share ways that partners can fully engage in bonding with their newborn child, establishing a solid, core foundation for a lifelong relationship.

Newborn care is covered in depth and includes the following topics: feeding, bathing, body temperature, diapering, swaddling, umbilical cord care, soothing, comfort measures, couple care, infant massage, colic, baby wearing, car seat safety, choosing a pediatrician, what you really need from the big box stores, and much, much more. Most parents spend hours and hours on childbirth preparation classes and very little time thinking about the days after they come home from the hospital. This class is designed to ensure that when you get home, you will feel confident in caring for your newborn.

Each family will leave the class with a solid understanding of things that make .parenthood just a tad bit easier.

Offered every third Saturday of the month from 11:30am – 2:00pm.
Lunch provided

Gentle Sleep Strategies for Effective Sleep Habits

One of the most common complaints of parents is the lack of sleep they experience during the early phases of their little one’s life. This course will help you to understand the sleep/wake cycles of the newborn baby, learn about the varying number of hours the body typically needs at different stages in the first three years of life, and to recognize a variety of parenting models that will provide opportunities for both you and baby to get a peaceful night of sleep. This is not a “one size fits all” approach to sleep training. As a matter of fact, it is not a sleep “training” class at all. Rather, the class is designed to help you understand the needs and cycles that babies go through, to create realistic expectations, and to contemplate what strategies might work best for your household.

Discussion topics will include: stages of the sleep/wake cycle, night time parenting, the science behind Ferber and cry it out, approaches that Dr. Sears recommends, No Cry Sleep Solution, co-sleeping, attachment parenting, infant massage, feeding in relation to sleeping, how parent’s schedules impact baby’s needs, night time care routines, rituals, and repetition, sleep apnea, SIDS, safe sleep environments, swaddling, and napping.

Times: Every 3rd Saturday of the Month, 2:30 – 5:00pm

To register and prepay for a class- contact teresa at Info@alaboroflove.org for our class agreement.

Move for an Easier Birth and Postpartum!

Jan 142013

Feel Great and Prepare for Your Birth!

We feel very strongly that fitness in pregnancy and in the postpartum period is essential for an easier birth and recovery. We offer two different types of classes for fitness- one is more yoga and exercised based, and one includes exercises and yoga but incorporates dancing and can also be done wtih your baby in the postpartum period. Both classes include some mother lore and body work to help improve the position of the baby in utero. Consider joining Charlotte and Teresa in making your birth experience and the time after a birth a wonderfully healthy one! We offer several ways to achieve that!

MOVE YOUR WAY TO AN EASIER BIRTH Workshop!

Instructors: Teresa Howard and Charlotte Scott

The female body is designed for childbirth.

Today’s lifestyles often inhibit this perfect design.

By being active and aware of your body you align with your body’s innate wisdom.

What steps are you taking to take charge and prepare your body for birth?

This workshop is FULL OF TOOLS to aide you in having an easier time during your pregnancy and birth. Movement and Optimal Fetal Positioning are key factors. During these few hours we will explore how yoga directly improves pregnancy and labor, we will use a birth ball to stretch and practice labor support, we will explore the secrets taught in tribal dances that guided women throughout the ages to birth naturally. Many of the techniques and moves you will learn have been proven in studies to shorten labor. You will walk away with your personal plan for a healthier pregnancy and safer birth.
Healthier mamas and healthier babies are our goal!

Dancing For Birth™ for prenatal and postpartum fitness

Instructors: Teresa Howard and Charlotte Scott

Stephanie Larson came to Atlanta in August 2010 and we joined in her training to learn how to bring this technique to our area!

A moratorium has been declared on the back-lying, lithotomy position of birthing by Stephanie Larson, DFB, CD(DONA), CBE, BFA, Founder of Dancing For Birth TM, whose vision is for women world-wide to have the enjoyment of dancing their babies into the world. Larson says women can learn how to harness gravity and move their bodies during labor for more satisfying births.

“Women’s bodies are not designed for birthing on our backs, which prevents the pelvis from opening fully and gravity from helping the birth process” says Larson, who feels that the norms (such as back-lying) and routine interventions which characterize many hospital births are not evidence-based and are hindering instead of helping birthing women. “We are mammals after all. Can you imagine trying to coax an elephant, horse or monkey to give birth on her back with her legs up in the air? Our maternal instincts tell us to move during labor and plant our feet on the floor when it’s time to push. One way to improve women’s birth experiences is to shift the paradigm from horizontal to vertical birth positions” says Larson. Clearly, change is needed, as reported in ‘Evidence-Based Maternity Care’ by Sakala and Corry (Milbank Memorial Fund, 2008) “… many other nations are doing a better job with measures such as perinatal, neonatal, and maternal mortality, low birth weight, and cesarean rates. Nonetheless, per capita health expenditures for the United States far exceed those of all other nations.” The report includes the use of upright birthing positions as a proven, cost-effective, low intervention practice that is widely underused.

Dancing For Birth TM prenatal/postpartum dance classes teach a “language of movement” specially geared for pregnant women and postpartum women wearing their babies in soft slings or wraps. Though the movements are inspired by ancient dance forms like Belly dance (created by/for birthing women) and African dance, the 90-minute weekly classes, which combine dance and fitness with little-known childbirth preparation skills such as optimal fetal positioning, are the wave of the future of birth and resonate with women. “Modern day women want to celebrate birth and be transformed by it!” says Larson. “They have innate wisdom of how to give birth with ease and lovingly mother their children, and Dancing For Birth TM classes help awaken their abilities.” Women often come to class simply for fun and fitness, and find that they gain more than they expected to. “This class was fun and informative. I love dancing and I was excited to learn a little bit of how to incorporate it into this whole [pregnancy and birth] experience. I gained great moves to help me feel good, and birthing positions and knowledge of what I can do to help me through labor”, said Melanie Eng, who is expecting her first baby this year.

“The first step to a satisfying birth,” says Larson, “is to listen to your baby via your body—and move accordingly. For many women this means laboring and birthing actively, in a forward-leaning vertical position, out of bed.” By moving instinctively, using gravity and positioning to their advantage, women can temporarily enlarge the dimensions of their pelvis for the baby’s passage, help their babies rotate and descend, avoid unnecessary interventions and enjoy natural pain relief. “You can be sure that you will gain a lot from Dancing For Birth TM classes no matter what type of birth you are planning,” says Larson, “the benefits include improved grace, strength, agility, endurance, knowledge, empowerment, confidence, and a circle of great new friends for both you and your baby.” Stereotypes lead women to believe that they should take to the bed when they become pregnant, but according to ‘Exercising Through Your Pregnancy’ by J.F. Clapp III, for healthy women, exercising during pregnancy is safe and has many benefits for mom and baby too, “At five years old, the offspring of the women who exercised during pregnancy scored much higher on tests of general intelligence and oral language skills”.

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We offer these classes- beginning with a free trial class offered quarterly and a four week series that allows for drop ins as well. Teresa and Charlotte teach together in Lawrenceville and in Atlanta. Grab your hip scarfs and come join our classes, whether pregnant or with a baby in tow!

Other Classes

Jan 142013

Additional Classes

We are always offering new classes- this is just a short list of what we offer- see our events pages on our facebook pages and our calendar for more information.

Breastfeeding Couple Class, taught by Teresa Howard and Pam Roe is to prepare you prior to the birth of your baby in understanding the whys, hows and whens to breastfeeding to insure success. This is a unique class with new approaches to learning positions and latching techniques.

Infant and Child CPR Class, taught by Guy who is an RN and is also certified with the American Heart Association. Know what to do in an emergency situation to save your child’s life.

Infant Massage Introductory Class taught by Teresa Howard, Leigh William or Charlotte Scott. Learn how to sooth your baby with some basic techniques that you may find invaluable. Come with your baby to have some fun! Better digestion, happier baby, longer sleep and great bonding times!

Move Your Way to an Easier Birth- Optimal fetal positioning techniques to avoid back labor are taught as part of our regular Wisdom for Birth classes but more can be learned though our Dancing for Birth and Prenatal Fitness and Yoga classes.

Growing Green Families: A Smaller Carbon Footprint- taught by Renee Wymer. This a class on being more reflective of chemicals we are exposing our children to and how you can recycle and use products that are more baby friendly.Many new families are looking for ways to reduce exposure to everyday toxins and soften their impact on the earth. You’ll leave this workshop with lots of ideas for simple changes that will make your life healthier and greener.

Cloth Diapering Workshops- taught by Renee Wymer. Ever wonder how to get started with cloth diapering? Renee is a great guide to this money saving and environmentally more friendly way to diaper your baby!

Dancing for Birth- taught by Teresa Howard, Charlotte Scott and Renee Wymer. These classes are great prenatal and postpartum fitness classes with a touch of birth and mothering wisdom flavoring the class. Postpartum moms come wearing their babies in slings and carriers! This class is taught in several locations.

Happiest Families- Happiest Baby on the Block, CALMS/ HUGS parenting and soothing your baby classes.This class is multifaceted. We offer the techniques of Harvey Karp of the Happiest Baby on the Block along with the CALMS techniques for soothing your baby based on Drs. Contey and Takikawa in combination with the HUGS techniques by Jan Tedder. We also offer parenting skills that are tried and true regarding getting sleep as new parents, beginning lasting family rituals, budgeting with a new addition and much more!

Dr. Karp’s 5 soothing techniques to prevent colic and help to calm your baby will be accompanied by a take home DVD with the techniques as well as a white noise CD that has a retail value of $40+. Plus, we include the ideas of CALMS which teach five ways to interact with your baby to keep you and your baby calmer, along with Tedder’s techniques to learn to understand the amazing language of your newborn and help to regulate your baby- therefore having a baby that cries less in the first year and is more independent in the 2nd year of life.

These are essential tools to equip every parent. This is a couples class and it is strongly recommended that both the mom and partner attend to get the full benefit of the class. This class is facilitated by Teresa Howard &Pam Roe.

For more information on classes or events call Teresa at 770-241-2078 or email her at teresa@alaboroflove.org

Please visit our calendar to see when our next classes will be held.

BOLD Birth Refresher Couple Classes

Jan 142013

These classes are for those who have birthed previously. It is only 9 hours of classes over a Friday evening time with just the moms and two Saturdays for the couples . This is not to be taken as an initial class- you must have taken a childbirth class with your previous pregnancy. Teresa Howard teaches this series. The series includes:

Review and learn more pain coping techniques- you will review the things that worked last time and learn new ideas for pain coping that may be new and some old ones revisited.
How to push effectively and with less perineal trauma- often times there are some ideas you did not know about that will help this time around.
Sibling integration- how to make this transition an easier one for the whole family.
Birth trauma resolution and self discovery- preparing a second time or third time often brings up memories that need to be visited and healed from before beginning a new journey.
Partner reminders and resolutions
Baby care and breastfeeding review

Please visit our calendar to see when our next classes will be held. For more information on classes or events call Teresa at 770-241-2078 or email her at info@alaboroflove.org.

Private Classes

Jan 142013

Although we believe that the group interaction is something that helps not only solidify the information, but also makes our classes more fun, we offer private classes in our childbirth class locations or your home for those whose schedules don’t allow a group interactive class setting. We offer these classes in our childbirth class spaces and occasionally in your home. We prefer our class spaces so we have full access to our teaching materials but also so you will not be distracted in your home environment. There are four modules that last about 2.5- 3 hours each that can be selected ala carte to tailor them to your specific needs. For a full class you would need to take all four modules. Each module can be individually priced or the set of four modules are available at a discount.

We teach our private modules to meet your needs, so you help to taylor them for what you are seeking. We try to make each class have some component of Body- Voice and Action. Birth is a mind, body connection- so you have to expand the way you think about birth. A good childbirth class is not just one that teaches you pain coping but does not address concerns and fears that can interfere with you body unfolding in labor. A good childbirth class does not just teach you positions to try in labor and not address interventions that may happen and how to ask good questions to find answers for your birth options. We teach four segments that make this a fully comprehensive class. Look at the couples class for Wisdom for Birth and you can get an idea of some of what is taught in these private classes.

For more information on classes or events call Teresa at 770-241-2078 or email her at teresa@alaboroflove.org.

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