Planning an unmedicated birth today seems almost impossible. Most friends, family members, co-workers will share that an epidural is the only way to give birth. Having attended births for almost 25 years now, I will say that for some moms, an epidural birth is a perfect birth for them.
Recently I've attended a few first births that have definitely been "marathons", not "sprints" lasting over 30 hours. What have I witnessed? I think a longer labor really strengthens a couples' sense of endurance and capabilities more than the quicker ones. Their determination to continue to change positions, move forward through the wee hours of the night is a privilege to witness. I've seen dads crash for a 20 minute power nap and then continue on for hours giving support. I've seen the laboring moms doze off in a certain position only to then continue on for hours of walking, lunging, showers, etc. Of course, having an additional support person has helped them both to continue through those hours of work. But this lesson of strength helps these families when they bring their newborn home and are dealing with many sleep deprived days...they have experience to look back on and know they can handle the demands of a newborn. In some cases, those families have re-evaluated their goals after many hours and decided to change their plans. Those families are still amazing because they worked well beyond what they thought their limits were, and in the end were comfortable with choices made.
The one predictable thing about labor - is that it is totally unpredictable. Two factors that are helpful to having an unmedicated birth are: no major medical issues develop and baby cooperates in achieving a great birthing position. Develop goals for your birth, hopefully add a professional support person (doula) to the team, and then enjoy the journey. Whether you end your labor medicated, surgically or unmedicated, holding your newborn will still make the journey worth the effort!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Laughter
Many don't link the thought of "laughter" with a birth. But I have found many births to contain moments of laughter - and those are great memories.
Recently, the couple and I were rolling in laughter about an event during the labor - and kept retelling it and laughing throughout the day.
Of course, everything is funnier at 4am. Once a nurse walked in on a dad and I laughing heartily and said, "There is entirely too much happiness in this room." Yes - and labor rooms can be happy rooms!
A treasured memory is a birth where this couple had several family members visiting. And the moms began to tell this couple's childhood stories. Oh my - we laughed for hours. Still remember this birth fondly.
Once a first time mom had been pushing for almost 3 hours. It was going very slowly. Then, someone told a joke and the mom started laughing hard. Guess what - that baby's head quickly delivered - so we said she 'laughed the baby out'. Isn't that a great memory?
Some worry about bringing a "stranger" into their labor room so they are cautious about adding a doula. But my experience has been that sometimes those long hours can be filled with a couple retelling their life stories - they've heard them many times - but telling a new person seems to be a pleasant passing of the time. And I have worked with so many interesting people and enjoy hearing their life stories.
So when I think of labor rooms - laughter is definitely a part of my description of that room. I even have two jokes I have told in labors before - just to keep the atmosphere light and pleasant. If I work with you - I'll be happy to share them!
Recently, the couple and I were rolling in laughter about an event during the labor - and kept retelling it and laughing throughout the day.
Of course, everything is funnier at 4am. Once a nurse walked in on a dad and I laughing heartily and said, "There is entirely too much happiness in this room." Yes - and labor rooms can be happy rooms!
A treasured memory is a birth where this couple had several family members visiting. And the moms began to tell this couple's childhood stories. Oh my - we laughed for hours. Still remember this birth fondly.
Once a first time mom had been pushing for almost 3 hours. It was going very slowly. Then, someone told a joke and the mom started laughing hard. Guess what - that baby's head quickly delivered - so we said she 'laughed the baby out'. Isn't that a great memory?
Some worry about bringing a "stranger" into their labor room so they are cautious about adding a doula. But my experience has been that sometimes those long hours can be filled with a couple retelling their life stories - they've heard them many times - but telling a new person seems to be a pleasant passing of the time. And I have worked with so many interesting people and enjoy hearing their life stories.
So when I think of labor rooms - laughter is definitely a part of my description of that room. I even have two jokes I have told in labors before - just to keep the atmosphere light and pleasant. If I work with you - I'll be happy to share them!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Take A Breath
I have found over the years that as much as breathing is essential to life - it is just as essential to birth. A mom who is losing focus can be brought back to her pace by monitoring her breathing. Either her coach or doula can guide the pace to a nice slow steady beat and she can continue to progress in labor.
Recently on a birth - I had the mom resting on the bed. I would watch the monitor and when a contraction started, I would just gently say, "Okay, take a breath". The laboring mom realized this was her signal to start working through a contraction. The benefit to her was that in between contractions she could actually doze off and not be "rudely" awakened by a contraction that had already raced ahead of her focus. She felt more rested while laying down.
Breathing is a key part of working through labor - having a nice steady pace to it - keeping the focus of "in through your nose, out through your mouth" to work with the process. When you focus on the depth of your breathing, the pace of your breather, it gives you a tool to use to keep your mind occupied in a positive way to support your labor.
So whether you are in labor - or having a tough day - my gentle reminder is "take a breath".
Recently on a birth - I had the mom resting on the bed. I would watch the monitor and when a contraction started, I would just gently say, "Okay, take a breath". The laboring mom realized this was her signal to start working through a contraction. The benefit to her was that in between contractions she could actually doze off and not be "rudely" awakened by a contraction that had already raced ahead of her focus. She felt more rested while laying down.
Breathing is a key part of working through labor - having a nice steady pace to it - keeping the focus of "in through your nose, out through your mouth" to work with the process. When you focus on the depth of your breathing, the pace of your breather, it gives you a tool to use to keep your mind occupied in a positive way to support your labor.
So whether you are in labor - or having a tough day - my gentle reminder is "take a breath".
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