Relaxation Techniques

Sometimes, the best way to understand something is to see it! Here is a short video demonstrating some great positions to use in labor. All of these promote relaxation and proper alignment.

Watch the You Tube video below.

Lydia Rhodes and Kate Scott, certified nurse-midwives at the Olson Center for Women's Health demonstrate a few relaxation techniques and positions for mothers during labor.

http://youtu.be/s1daFjsKH1M

Birth plans

A great article of why birth plans DO matter and what to include for a natural, Bradley birth:

Writing a Bradley Method Birth Plan  original source
By CAITLINHTP | April 4th, 2012 at 9:50 pm

When you say the term “birth plan,” there are two general reactions: 1) “That’s a really good idea.  If you are sure you do or do not want certain things under certain circumstances, it’s helpful to write it out so your midwife, nurse, and doctor are aware,” and 2) “Birth plans are pointless. You can’t plan birth.  Just go with the flow.”  Since I’m writing a birth plan, I’m obviously in camp #1, but I can understand what those in camp #2 mean when they say you can’t plan birth.  It’s a natural process, things don’t evolve according to a chart, and sometimes, emergencies happen. 

That being said… This is my body and my baby.  I have a right to make informed medical choices.  And, quite frankly, I need to write a birth plan because the statistics regarding what commonly occurs in a hospital are not in line with my personal preferences regarding childbirth.  For example, in 2004, the episiotomy rate was 24.5% (an episiotomy is a surgical incision of the perineum).  I would rather use midwifery techniques to prevent tearing (massage, warm compress) or tear naturally than get an episiotomy (here’s why).  I want to be 100% sure that my midwife, nurses, and doctor are aware that I do not want an episiotomy preformed unless it is a true emergency.

I feel the need to preface the rest of this post by saying that my opinions about my ideal birth are just that… My opinions on my ideal birth. I’m not trying to preach about what other women should do or judge other choices.  Personally, I have always found it interesting to read about what women decide to do and why, even if they do something I would not choose for myself, so that is why I am sharing.

As I sit down to write my birth plan, I’m trying to integrate as much as the Bradley Method as possible.  I am waiting to write a complete summary post on the Bradley Method (probably post-baby), but I really love it so far and would recommend it to any expecting momma, even if you want an epidural, because the 12-week program gives you and your partner so much confidence regarding birth.  Bradley Method teaches natural childbirth techniques, and 90% of Bradley women who have a vaginal birth do it without medication – a pretty good success rate!

The #1 rule of the Bradley Method is not to go to the hospital too soon.  Basically, the later you arrive, the less chance of medical intervention (such as pain medication and drugs to speed contractions; remember, Bradley mommas are trying to avoid these things).  We are taught a variety of physical and emotional signposts to know when we should ideally go to the hospital.  Under normal circumstances, I’ll be laboring at home for as long as I can stand it and is safe – I really don’t want the Husband delivering the baby in our bedroom – and then my birth plan will kick in.

I’m not ready to share my final birth plan quite yet (if you’re interested in reading the draft, feel free to shoot me an email at caitlinjboyle at gmail.com), but here are some highlights.  Note that all of these items have been approved by my midwife; I can’t say that every doctor, midwife, nurse, or hospital would allow these things, but mine do.  Most of these items are in line with Bradley Method teachings, which is why I’m including them:

• Caitlin plans to have a medication-free labor. Please do not offer her an epidural. She does not want any drugs to speed along labor (i.e. Pitocin). If there is an issue, and you believe these medications are necessary, please discuss it with Kristien.
• Caitlin would like to labor out of bed and would like to be encouraged to try different laboring positions.  She may want to deliver out of bed.
• If water has not broken by the time Caitlin arrives, water should be allowed to break naturally. Breaking water should be discussed with Kristien first.
• Kristien would like to announce the gender of the baby to Caitlin.  Please do not spoil the surprise!
• Please do not clamp or cut cord immediately.  Wait at least three minutes prior to clamping or cutting.  (Side note: here’s why.)
• Please allow the placenta to come out naturally (no pulling or Pitocin injections, please).  We will be signing a medical release so we can take the placenta home. (Here’s why.)
• Baby should be placed on Caitlin’s stomach or chest immediately for a minimum of two hours of skin-to-skin contact.

I imagine that, at this point, many of you are thinking, “Dude, if you don’t want them to do anything to do, why aren’t you delivering at home or in a birthing center?”  Good question!  Ultimately, I truly understand that although I can write a birth plan, I cannot plan birth, and scary things do happen.  For me, the best place to be in that scenario is in the hospital with doctors and nurses who can help.  If there is a true medical emergency, I will trust these people to make the appropriate choices for me – screw the birth plan.

Another remark that I commonly hear about birth plans is that the birth doesn’t really matter that much.  All that matters is that the baby comes out, healthy and safe.  While I do think the ‘bottom line’ is true, I do believe that the birth matters, not only in regards to the physical health of my baby, but also for my emotional health.  The birth process does matter to me.  It doesn’t have to be perfect; it doesn’t have to follow my exact birth plan.  But I know this will be a transformative moment in my life, and I want the space around that moment to be one of positivity.  Leaving the hospital with our little boy or girl will be the most amazing thing in the entire world.  But if I can walk out those doors feeling protected, respected, happy, and healthy… then that’s just icing on top of the cake.

One bloggers review of her Bradley birth experience

This blog is an attempt to be a place for my Bradley students to read articles I reference or find extra information. One of these days I will start writing my own articles about these things, but for now I'm so grateful others have already produced some great stuff!

I found this "Post Birth-Review of a Bradley Method classes". This mom answers questions about her experience and how the Bradley method helped her achieve the birth she wanted. Click the link above for the full article, but I wanted to highlight a few points she made.

http://www.healthytippingpoint.com
Some women have said to me, “I want a drug-free birth but if it gets really bad and I can’t handle it, I’ll just get the epidural.”  The women I know with that attitude ended up getting medication (I’m referring again, of course, only to women who had a choice, not ones who medically needed drugs).  The reason that I think this attitude doesn’t work as well as, “I will not get pain relief unless there is a serious medical reason to do so,” is that childbirth is REALLY FREAKING PAINFUL.  If you are open to drugs, you will probably get them during delivery.
....
Lots and lots of readers expressed concerns over my birth plan, stating that I was too committed to a particular birth scenario and was destined to be disappointed.  While this objection to birth plans makes some sense, I’d argue that you must be committed to the idea of a drug-free birth to make it happen.  Did that mean that I was going to have a meltdown if I got pain relief?  Not at all!  During one of our Bradley classes, the instructor told us something that really stuck with me:  Even if you end up getting drugs to ease the pain or speed along contractions, the longer you ‘hold out,’ the longer the baby has had a drug-free birth experience.  
....

What was most helpful for me was knowing what my body was doing and why.  I would’ve FREAKED OUT during transition if I didn’t know what was happening and that it would end soon.  I visualized what was physically happening to my cervix and uterus and pictured the baby moving down.  And I was nervous in the weeks leading up to labor, but again, I felt very well-prepared thanks to Bradley.  I think preparation is key.

C-Section Options

During the 12 weeks of instruction students get in my Bradley classes, we cover choices and options they have regarding their birth. During the week we cover variations and complications, couples are often surprised to know that just because their birth veers from their natural birth plan, doesn't mean they stop having a say in how things go! Parents should be able to give informed consent to all aspects of the birth. In class, we learn how to do that and cover many of the options parents have. I'm sharing on the blog an article that helps parents who have learned they must have a planned cesarean section. It may be disappointing, and a little scary, but when done for the mother's or baby's safety know that you have done what was necessary.

Here are tips for having The Best Cesarean Possible

Don't forget that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now states, "Attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate choice for most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery, including some women who have had two previous cesareans."

Things you can refuse

A couple of weeks ago, consumer reports released an article titled "What to reject when you're expecting"
Find it here:what-to-reject-when-you-re-expecting

It is lengthy, but worth the read. The points are:
1. A C-section with a low-risk first birth
2. An automatic second C-section
3. An elective early delivery

4.Inducing labor without a medical reason

5. Ultrasounds after 24 weeks

6. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring
7. Early epidurals
8. Routinely rupturing the amniotic membranes
9. Routine episiotomies
10. Sending your newborn to the nursery

I appreciate the statistics and studies they show to back up the points. As Dr. Bradley would say, "research is catching up to the Bradley method" (Husband Coached Childbirth).  The Bradley method has been saying these things since the beginning!

On the same note of things to think twice about (and possibly refuse!) is this article :10-childbirth-norms-parents-can-refuse

This article comes from a natural mom's blog and she is sharing her personal choices for pregnancy and birth.I like this article because it reminds you of things that you need to consider and make decisions about. I agree with most of her points, and encourage you to use informed consent when making your own choices. Consult with your own doctor and your own research.

Remember- you become a parent with choices to make from the time you are pregnant (and hopefully even before conception). Don't be afraid to do what feels right to you, even if that means questioning a doctor.!

For my Bradley Students

I found this cute and simple reminder of what to eat and do while pregnant. A bit prettier than your pink nutrition sheets (but still fill them out!! ;-)

Print out copies for your fridge, desk, car....anywhere you need a reminder to eat well.

To get a clear, printable version find it at

http://epicsoup.com/2012/03/21/bradley-method-diet-free-printout/