The Holistic Stages of Labor

Nov 092010
 
This is a wonderful article that helps a woman and her care providers understand her labor better than the medical model of the stages of labor. I think if you can embrace this information, you will find yourself learning how to listen well to your body and as a provider learn to watch a woman and understand what she needs.

The Holistic Stages of Labor
Written by Whapio Diane Bartlett

Embarkation
(Pre-labor and Latent Labor)

Labor is a Journey. The preparation has often been elaborate, conscious and consuming. There is usually an all-important ritual of Arrangement preceding the actual event. We call it nesting and Mother has moved about in a final flurry of activity, taking care of all last details…clothes are washed, food fills the freezer, house is ship-shape…all is in order.
Nesting is part of Embarkation. Mother senses that labor is soon. Perhaps contractions and the loss of a bit of the cervical mucus has offered a hint that the journey is about to commence.
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Steady, Steady, Hold, HOLD!

Nov 082010
 

Sunday at church Steve Gooch was preaching. He was talking about “re-uping” to the initial pledge we made to God. He shared a scene from Braveheart after Mel Gibson had completed his freedom speech and how he led the charge to battle.

It is quite timely as I had just completed the last class of my childbirth series and in it we do an exercise called “Warrior.” I always mention Braveheart and the battle preparations. It is not so much so that women will be ready to battle the medical community- but instead to battle the voices within them that try to seed the great doubt that they will often face in labor. This great doubt is definitely watered by the nay sayers- our friends, our family and often our medical support system. But we also carry the seed within us. The fear of the unknown and the fear of us not “performing” the way we hope or the birth unfolding in a way that is out of our control is always within us.

I love the way in the previous scene Mel discusses running from the enemy and how you will still be alive for a while but it will be without freedom. And is that really living. He encourages them to fight even if they fail because they will be fighting for something that is worth dying for. Often times women will choose to give up some of their dreams for their births and instead allow others to take away their freedom. They will perhaps have birth outcomes that will make them disappointed or depressed but more often feeling a bit controlled and manipulated.

I love teaching the classes I teach because I feel we give women options. We open their eyes to what is possible. We help women find courage to fight for the freedom in their births. We also teach that sometimes things are not within our control but that does not mean you are without the ability to make your own decisions as that birth unfolds in a different path than you chose initially.

I leave you with this video clip of Braveheart. I hope you will move into your labor feeling courage and confidence within you… holding steady to that which is right for you.

Braveheart Battle Scene

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Jaundice and the Newborn

Oct 292010
 

Folks come to me all the time talking about their baby being separated from them to go under bilirubin lights. Occasionally someone insists on bringing their baby home and they use light therapy there or even use the bilirubin blanket. I wanted to share what is actually the issue with bilirubin levels in an infant and some protocol that has been shared with me. I just feel you need to know the facts- know the Pediatric Guidelines and know what you can do to help your baby and your breastfeeding relationship not be interrupted.  Continue reading »

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A Trio of Praise

Sep 262010
 

This is a letter I got from a woman who hired Pam Roe to be her labor doula, took Pam’s classes and Teresa’s breastfeeding classes and hired Jennifer Fargar as her postpartum doula. Pam was sick and Guina Bixler filled in as her doula. This is the letter she sent regarding our services:

“We have been absolutely thrilled with all of the services that we have received from Labor of Love.  At first, we didn’t see how we could possibly need 6 weeks of three hour classes to learn about birth…but we loved the class and felt that we learned so much.  Pam was an excellent teacher and we really wish that she could have been at our birth too.  Please let her know that we are thinking of her.  We felt so prepared and confident once we completed the class.   Continue reading »

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Info on hiring us!

Sep 112010
 

“I am interested in hiring a labor doula. What do you need to know and what do I need to do next?”

* First, you have made a great decision regarding including a labor doula at your birth. The studies show :

¨ tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
¨ reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
¨ reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
¨ reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
¨ Feel more secure and cared for
¨ Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
¨ Have greater success with breastfeeding
¨ Have greater self-confidence Continue reading »
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Amanda Shares Her Birth Story

Sep 062010
 

I’d like to preface this story with a note about contractions.  My body is extremely sensitive.  I feel Mittleschmerz when I ovulate, and I start feeling Braxton-Hicks contractions starting around 16 weeks into pregnancy.  I get lots of those practice contractions as I get further along, culminating in about 6 an hour starting around 34 weeks up until I deliver.  I get so used to them, I don’t notice them much.  So when I describe contractions in this story they are the real thing.  The pain starting in my back and lower pelvis and them circled around me, with a definite peak of intensity.

On Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 3 days past my due date, I went to Dr. Fountain’s for my weekly check-up.  I didn’t undress, since everyone at the office knew I didn’t get “checked” at my visits.  Dr. Fountain came in, leaned the chair back, and I pulled up my shirt.  He said, “Whoa! That’s going to be a big baby.”  He measured me and listened to the heartbeat, then he asked with a wink if I had considered being induced.  He already knew I’d say no, which I did, so then he told me that he guessed the baby was going to be 9lbs.  He knew that size wouldn’t be a problem, since my last baby was large, but he also knew I really had a fear of tearing.  I tore really badly with my first baby and discovered that it wasn’t that bad, but I really wanted to minimize the risk this time.  I asked if he would check me.  When he checked, I was 3 cm dilated.  Since I was already past my due date and a bit dilated, I asked if he would sweep my membranes to try and get things started.  I had old blood spotting that evening, but it was just from the doctor poking around.  I also made love with my husband and stayed on my back afterwards to let all the happy prostaglandins bathe my cervix. Continue reading »
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