Natural childbirth, are you crazy? July 20, 2007

As a pregnant mom, I find that I’m constantly involved with conversations revolving around birth stories. I have had women say they had a natural childbirth and after further query they meant that they had a vaginal birth. So according to them natural and vaginal are one in the same. Well, I want to dispel that myth and find some helpful hints to have a beautiful childbirth where mom is in control.

First of all a natural birth really is an unmedicated, vaginal birth. To many, an unmedicated birth seems stupid. However, there are many wonderful benefits to a natural birth. Here are some tips to keep in mind while you are in the throws of birthing:

• Trust your body. Women have been giving birth for thousands of years without the help of an epidural. Listen to your body and follow your instincts.
• Avoid laying on your back. I must be honest. With my first birth I did just this and almost ended up with a c-section. Try to sit up on a birthing ball or take a walk (if you can) or even a warm shower to ease your pain.
• Have a coach or doula. I hope you will have someone with you that is educated in natural birthing techniques and is well versed in your birthing plan. As they encourage you through your birth, recognize they are there to help you. Don’t be afraid to let them help.
• Relax. Many of us want to tense up as our body experiences a lot of discomfort. Focus your energy on the muscles of your uterus as it contracts to get baby out. Take even and deep abdominal breaths to keep yourself as relaxed as possible. Try dimming the lights and putting on some Enya to get you into that zen zone.
• Don’t beat yourself up. Complications can arise no matter how hard you are trying to have your “ideal” birth. If there is a chance of having you or your baby’s life to be in danger and medical intervention is inevitable, don’t feel like you failed. Holding that precious, healthy baby in your strong arms is a success, no matter how you got there.

If you are serious about more information on natural childbirth, you can look into the Bradley Method, which is a 12 week course, or search the internet for further info. I plan on using my own advice with my birth. I’ll let you know how it goes after he makes his debut.

Fertility options continue to change… July 2, 2007

A new procedure for the IVF method has recently surfaced in the news giving hope to otherwise barren women. When a woman goes through IVF she must be exposed to massive amounts of hormones to stimulate her ovaries to produce mature, viable eggs. These hormones can wreak havoc on a woman’s body and emotions. This new procedure allows for the eggs to be extracted from the ovary in its immature form, thus bypassing the need for hormone injections. The egg can then be frozen for a few months. After it has been fertilized, it is placed into the mother-to-be’s womb, just like a routine IVF. A woman in Montreal received this treatment last year and successfully birthed a little girl.

Of course, I am a big fan of letting nature run its course. However, if your body is unable to get pregnant on its own, I believe this option has so many less side effects for the mother-to-be. This procedure has many more trials to go through before it will be considered for the general population, but for a woman who cannot tolerate the hormonal rush from traditional IVF, such as those who need chemotherapy or who have polycystic ovarian syndrome, this has great potential.

Oh the horror of the scales… June 27, 2007

Being pregnant is definitely not the time to get overanxious about the scales and what they read. So, how do we cope and not get overly upset about the creeping numbers?

We have to face the fact, that we WILL gain weight. Okay so now that is out of the way, how much are we going to gain and can we lose it all? I’m a firm believer of “anything is possible”. After my first pregnancy and 30 pound weight gain, I did get back to my pre-pregnancy weight within a few months. However, with this pregnancy (I’m gaining a little slower) I have been on modified bedrest for almost 4 months and I worry about how much I’m eating and whether I will tip the scales over my 25-35 pound gain range, once this is said and done. Point is, I’m with you about the weight worry and since I have more time to dwell on it, it’s driving me crazy. So I’m going to make some suggestions for both of us that we can follow and focus on something more important than those stupid scales or the nurse “tsk, tsking” us if we gained more than the recommended pound a week.

1. The most important reality here, is that we are growing another human life! Okay, and if that isn’t enough we need to gain enough weight for his and your health.
2. You’re pregnant, not FAT! Realize that many of those pounds are breasts (yay!), uterus, baby, placenta, blood volume and fat stores. It’s recommended to eat an average 300 extra calories a day (so we can’t literally eat for two=(
3. If you find that you are bored and want to eat, call a friend or take a walk. If you are on bedrest, try some easy exercises like isometric contractions and ankle circles.
4. If you do gain more than the recommended amount, let it go. Once the weight is there you can’t get rid of it, until baby comes. Since you can’t change it, release it and move on. This is the hardest for me since I like to dwell on it. Big waste of thoughts and energy. By the way, you will find that some months you will gain more than others as baby has growth spurts. Just keep that in mind when the scales take a huge jump.
5. Take heart, you CAN lose the weight after the baby is born. Breast feeding can burn an extra 500 calories a day. So a very nice side effect.

Hang in there! Enjoy your diet, your pregnancy, and enjoy some ice cream (just not the whole half gallon!)

How to turn a breech baby… June 24, 2007

So I had another little jaunt to the hospital on Friday due to some complications. Luckily the baby and I are healthy, but the baby is breech at this time. I’m almost 7 months pregnant so I have some time for him to turn, but it started me thinking about ways to turn a baby safely and naturally. Breech presentations (where baby’s butt or feet are in the pelvis rather than the head) are a common reason for cesarean sections. In this country 30% of births are by c-sections. It can be a very safe option when mom and baby are in distress. However, a vaginal birth is much more preferred, barring any other significant issues. Here are a few options to try to coax baby into turning.

1. See a chiropractor. Many times us pregnant women are lucky enough to have low back issues causing a less than ideal situation for little one. When there are low back problems they can cause restraints in our pelvis, causing baby to want to stay in a breech position. Getting adjusted is a wonderful way to release that pressure in your pelvis. Sometimes, the chiropractor can use a technique call the Webster’s technique to help turn the baby in the third trimester. It’s a gentle procedure that works with the pelvis.
2. A knee chest position where your head, shoulders are on the mattress with your butt in the air (looks like how my two year old sleeps) while your hips and knees are bent to a little more than 90 degrees without touching tummy. Hold for 15 minutes and repeat every two waking hours for five consecutive days. I tried this one last night and I think the baby moved some. At least he wasn’t kicking my bladder all night.
3. Try visualization – I don’t know the success rate of this option but it never hurts to try. Visualize him/her turning into a head first position and talk to your baby about it. Keep yourself relaxed and your mind free of stress. Repeat this a few times throughout the day.
4. Lastly, your OB or midwife may try an external cephalic version. This can be very painful and you must have no other complications involved before it can be attempted. I would use this as a last resort.

Most likely, if your baby is full-term, he/she will turn. The odds are in your favor at 96%. So keep the faith and I’ll let you know how successful I am with my exercises.

Infertility, how do you deal? June 13, 2007

Hearing about infertility has become increasingly more common. 12% of women suffered from infertility in 2002. Infertility is defined as being unable to conceive after a year of unprotected sex.

How do you control your feelings that accompany infertility, especially when we are used to getting instant results? How many of you have experienced resentment towards a pregnant friend who wasn’t even trying who got pregnant immediately? The unfairness of it can be debilitating.

I can’t tell you how to feel or what to do, but I believe a positive attitude is very important. It took me six months to conceive my second child which isn’t a really long time at all, but while you’re waiting for your ovulation and then wondering if this month it took, it’s next to impossible to think about anything else. Now that I am pregnant and having been on bedrest for 3 months, I am so much more grateful to know that I have a healthy baby in my womb. While six months seemed forever to me, I’m reminded of the story of my grandmother who tried for 12 years before she conceived my mother. In the 1940’s infertility was very hush-hush and there was no drug therapy or IVF treatment options.

Below are some tips that I believe are important to keep in mind as you struggle with achieving parenthood status.

• Let it go – this one is the hardest. I found that when I realized I couldn’t make my pregnancy happen by obsessing over it, I finally let go of that stress. Guess what happened? I was pregnant that following month.
• Maintain good health for you and your partner. Not only should you stop smoking, taking prenatal vitamins, and maintaining a healthy weight, but you should also take care of your mental status.
• Try chiropractic – many times women have restrictions in their spine that can lead to malfunctioning of the reproductive system.
• Have date nights! Assuming you still like your spouse after going through baby-making stress, go out with him and enjoy yourselves. Put the focus on each other and how special your relationship is instead of ovulation kits and clockwork lovemaking.
• Of course meeting with a fertility specialist is another option, but give the above some attention first, and then get evaluated.

Babymaking can be an incredibly romantic, loving time with your spouse but it can also put the most stress on it. Remember that this person is someone you have chosen to be with for the long haul. Nurture that relationship first and foremost and the rest will happen.

Exercise while on bedrest June 6, 2007

Luckily only 20% of moms-to-be are given orders to be on bedrest. I’ve been given the opportunity to be one of the few and as an exercise fanatic, this really puts the kabosh on my normal exercising regimen. For those of you moms that are stuck in bed, I want to share some exercises that I find beneficial to help maintain some resemblance of muscle tone. As always, check with your health care provider to make sure that these are appropriate for you.

1. Use a wedge or pillows to put your upper body at a 45 degree angle whether on the floor or in bed (whichever you are allowed). Take a set of hand weights – if it has been a while since exercising try soup cans and then work up to 2-5 pound weights. While laying in this position perform two sets of 8-10 chest presses breathing out as you push up and breath in while lowering the weights.
2. Try some tricep extensions – while in the same position, point your arms straight up with your weights and slowly lower them to your forehead (please don’t make contact). Repeat 8-10 times.
3. Get those biceps baby ready – while in a sitting position (I prefer a chair) and using a soup can or a light weights perform slow curls 8-10 times.
4. Shoulder presses – again in the chair take your weights and slowly raise your arms over your head and then back down to your shoulders.

Once you get the hang of it and our body has handled it, work up to 12-15 reps and try two sets. Always exhale during the contraction and breath in during the release. This helps assure that you don’t build up too much abdominal pressure. Make sure you do these every other day. Good luck!

5 Tips to Combat the Bedrest Blues May 28, 2007

I know I’m only appealing to a minority of pregnant women, but being confined to the bed or couch can be a downer at times. I was on bedrest during my first pregnancy for a month and this pregnancy has been nearly 3months so I have had some experience in this department. Here are some simple tips to help get through the never-ending days.

1. Invite friends and family over. It can be a lonely road when you are at home with no one to talk to. Sometimes people are afraid to bother you since they don’t want to overstimulate you. Call them and let them know you could really use some company.
2. If people are offering to help you around the house or with childcare, USE IT! This is not the time to be proud and just think it will all get done. Your partner/spouse cannot do it alone. As a sidenote to this one – no one will cook and clean and take care of things like you so GET OVER IT! Trust me, once you have let go of some of your standards, it will be much easier to relax.
3. Keep a positive attitude. You have the sole responsibility to grow a baby in your womb. It will help you and the baby if you keep a mindset that is positive. Check out my article on happiness.
4. Find a hobby or activity that allows you to have a sense of accomplishment. For me, I started this blog. For others, it could be making baby clothes, starting an online business, or even personal devolopment. Whatever gives you pleasure and a sense of control in your life.
5. Most important of all – be thankful at the end of every day that your baby is safely developing in your womb. Each passing day you are still on bedrest is another day for your child to grow.

Happy baby baking!

Ouch, my back hurts… May 24, 2007

“Ouch, my back hurts and I don’t even want to think about attempting to tie my shoes”. Sound remotely familiar? Many poor, unsuspecting pregnant women deal with low back pain at some point during their pregnancies. What to do about it is another matter.

As a natural health care provider, I’m a big advocate of avoiding medication – especially while pregnant. So, here you are with pain shooting down your legs – you can’t sleep, you can’t roll over in bed (thanks to that bump in the front), and forget about the stairs. What do you do?

After you have consulted with you health care provider, I would suggest visiting a chiropractor. Just because you are pregnant does not mean chiropractic is not an option. For those of you who have never been or had only been while non-pregnant, this option is ideal for pregnancy. Chiropractic involves an adjustment to the spine that allows the spine, and thus the body, to function more appropriately. Imagine as your bump takes on a shape of its own, there is a shift in your center of gravity causing your lower back to want to cave forward, further stressing your pelvis and lower back. To add insult to injury, your ligaments are more lax causing a lack in spinal stability.

Once you take the plunge to visit a chiropractor you will be evaluated and a complete history will be taken. Please ask lots of questions so that you can feel comfortable with your experience and health care. This is so important. Don’t just let the experience occur without you being present with what will be happening to your body. When you are satisfied with your chosen chiropractor and you have both agreed to proceed with care, you will go through the adjustment which will help correct the stress on your body.

However, I must caution you. Unlike taking an Ibuprofen, you may not get immediate relief. It takes time to work with the body to allow it to heal and work in a more appropriate position. Please be patient. If you are are in significant pain, your chiropractor should give you instructions on exercises and/or advice to ice or heat.

There are so many options out there to alleviate back pain. As your body takes on the adventure of pregnancy and your hormones are closely following, treat your body as the sacred temple that it is. The beautiful thing about pregnancy is, it’s a temporary condition and this pain, too, shall pass.