Setting up your birth space is one creative way that you can prepare for a comfortable experience!

Bringing a child into the world is a momentous occasion, and creating the right ambiance can enhance the experience and make it even more memorable. Whether you're at a birthing center, a hospital room, or the comfort of your own home, setting the right mood through sensory elements can have a profound impact on the birthing experience.

Let's explore some items that can help create a serene, calming, and soothing atmosphere during this beautiful journey. Doulas, step up your game and invest in some of these items for your birth bag!

These are items that I have in my own doula bag, have recommended to those I’ve supported through birth, or educated in my classes. Some of these items are living in my home!

This blogpost may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small amount if you make a purchase, without you paying more for the item.

1. Electric Candles and Fairy Lights:

Electric candles and fairy lights are perfect for adding a gentle, warm glow to the room. The soft flickering of the electric tea light candles mimics real candlelight, creating a cozy and calming environment. Fairy lights can be draped around the room or hung in a strategic manner to add a touch of magic and charm, and are great for Doulas that want to have these on hand for their clients. If you want to go all out, Twinkle Star comes with 66ft of flexible copper wire, a remote, and are waterproof! You might even like this rose quartz lamp or amethyst lamp.

2. Aromatherapy and Diffuser:

Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to engage the sense of smell and promote relaxation. Using essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or frankincense in a diffuser can fill the room with calming scents, alleviating stress and anxiety for both the expectant mother and her support team. This set comes with the four most used oils for birthing. This DoTerra set is quality. If you want the benefits of clary sage, you will have to order separately. Just make sure that everyone in the room is ok with essential oils, as some people are sensitive and can react to them.

3. Salt Lamp:

Salt lamps not only offer a soothing, warm glow but also help purify the air. The subtle lighting and the gentle hum of negative ions released by the salt lamp create a tranquil atmosphere that promotes relaxation and a sense of peace. The plug-in salt lamp night lights are great for a warm glow, easy to set up. If you want to go big, you can use these salt lamp fairy lights!

4. Star Galaxy Projector Lights:

Transform the room into a celestial wonderland with a star galaxy projector light. These lights project a mesmerizing display of stars and galaxies on the ceiling, providing a serene and dreamy atmosphere that can help distract from any discomfort and keep the mind at ease. Bliss Lights is one that we have used and loved. Doulas, if you keep this in your birth bag… you’ll definitely be stepping up your game.

5. Photo Frames With Cherished Memories:

Display framed photos of cherished memories or loved ones to evoke positive emotions and create a sense of comfort and support. An accordion style stand-up frame is one way to easily keep a few beloved pictures in view, (such as baby’s ultrasound pic) to use as a focal point or to display your favorite affirmations. I’ve even seen a creative setup where pictures were hung with a felt board message displayed! A combo fairy light + picture (with clips) is fun!

6. Bluetooth Speaker:

Music can be incredibly therapeutic during labor and birth. Utilize a Bluetooth speaker to play calming tunes, nature sounds, hypnobirthing tracks, or even a carefully curated playlist that resonates with your preferences. Music can help reduce stress, elevate mood, and create a positive ambiance. The Ankar waterproof speaker is great for obvious reasons.

7. Calming Soundscape Machine:

Incorporate a sound machine that plays calming sounds like ocean waves, rainforest, or white noise to create a peaceful auditory backdrop. This one is great, has a dim light, and can be used for baby afterwards! This soft light meditation machine is a great option.

8. Soft, Comforting Fabrics:

Incorporate soft blankets, cushions, and pillows made from natural, comforting fabrics like cotton or fleece. These textures can provide physical comfort and contribute to a cozy and inviting birth environment. Everlasting Comfort has a great Minky Faux that helps to hide possible staining. Cozy Earth blankets have graced many a hospital bed, and are great for postpartum too.

9. Comfortable Seating:

Provide options for alternative birthing positions to encourage movement and ease of labor, like birthing stools, THE CUB (best ever) and birth balls. Read more about birth balls HERE. If you want to go all out, Cushion Lab makes a cozy seat that people have used on the rocker in the hospital during and after birth.

10. Visual Birth Affirmations:

Positive affirmations can help maintain a calm and confident mindset during labor. Create affirmation cards or print out inspiring quotes that resonate with you. Place them around your birthing space as a constant source of motivation and reassurance.

11. Essential Oil Rollerballs:

Offer the expectant mother the option to use essential oil rollerballs infused with specific essential oils for relaxation or pain relief. The act of applying these oils can also be comforting and provide a moment for mindfulness. Clary Sage, Peppermint for nausea, Citrus for uplifting, and lavender for comfort/anxiety. Read more about the evidence on aromatherapy for birth.

12. Gentle Massage Tools:

Incorporate gentle massage tools like a massage roller, a vibrating peanut ball massager, a non-vibrating peanut, or a handheld massager such as THIS or THIS, to help relax tense muscles and provide comfort during contractions. The soothing touch can be incredibly comforting.

13. Herbal Teas and Infusions:

Offer a selection of herbal teas or infusions that promote relaxation and hydration. Warm beverages can be soothing and comforting, contributing to a peaceful birthing environment.

Creating the right mood for a birth experience is all about embracing elements that engage the senses and promote relaxation and tranquility. By incorporating electric candles, fairy lights, aromatherapy, salt lamps, star galaxy projectors, bluetooth speakers, and other comforting elements, you can enhance the birthing journey and ensure a serene and memorable experience for all.

ENJOY!!!

Disclaimer: The content of this document, such as copy, images, graphics and any other material contained on this website ("Content") is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician, midwife, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition. Never disregard legitimate medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this document. In the event of a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. This company, website or document does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this site. Reliance on any information provided by this document, without consulting medical advice or research is solely at your own risk.

Because they’re clever…

It’s pretty well known by now that eating dates prenatally can help with preparing your cervix, if you’re interested in that kind of thing. There have been studies that show that those who consume 4-6 Deglet Noor dates per day in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy will have a more “favorable” cervix by the time your birthing begins. I know what you’re thinking – that’s a lot of dates. Maybe. But they can be thrown in somewhere… and it’s worth it for all of the sited benefits.

Studies have shown that those who consumed Deglet Noor dates (60-80 grams daily) were more likely to have spontaneous onset of birthing waves, have intact membranes (their water did not break) upon admission to the hospital or active birthing time, and have less postpartum bleeding! Wow! I wasn’t so sure I believed the hype. That is, until I started seeing it with my own eyes.

Dates also have many health benefits. Thanks to Baby Chick for this thoughtful breakdown.

• Fiber – we all know that fiber helps relieve constipation, helps you stay full, but did you know that it also helps lower your risk for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia? Dates contain a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber and thus are helpful in maintaining your digestive system.

• Magnesium – this supports your muscular health and helps to alleviate muscle spasms and cramps during pregnancy.

• Potassium – this is one of the best electrolytes and it helps you maintain water/salt balance which also helps regulate blood pressure and regulate your nervous system.

• Natural sugars (fructose) — it offers high energy, but thankfully has a low glycemic index, easily breaks down in the body and does not usually spike blood sugar levels. This is why eating dates during your pregnancy and/or your labor is an excellent choice. (If you have GDM, please consult your provider and check your BGL to ensure that dates are not giving you a spike.)

• Vitamin K – helps maintain proper blood clotting and keeps your bones healthy.

You can look up many different ways to get your dates in, like smoothies, stuffing them with almond/peanut butter, chopping up and throwing on a salad, in savory dishes, granola ect... You don’t have to eat them all at once, so spread them out throughout the day and get them in however you can. Tip: Lara Bars are made with dates!

Dates are one of my top recommendations for physical prep. Read more about that HERE.

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS NOT INTENDED OR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. ALL CONTENT, INCLUDING TEXT, GRAPHICS, IMAGES AND INFORMATION, CONTAINED ON OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. NORTHERN STAR DOULA MAKES NO REPRESENTATION AND ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEB SITE, AND SUCH INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONFIRM ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM OR THROUGH THIS WEB SITE WITH OTHER SOURCES, AND REVIEW ALL INFORMATION REGARDING ANY MEDICAL CONDITION OR TREATMENT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.

NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. NORTHERN STAR DOULA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

THIS WEBSITE MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS FOR WHICH PROCEEDS GO TO THE BIRTH FUND TO HELP FAMILIES AFFORD A DOULA, WHEN THE OTHERWISE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE.

Let’s face it…

being a new parent is an incredible experience, but it’s a huge learning curve that can be filled with sleepless nights, trouble adjusting, exhaustion, and lots of tears. Baby tears AND parent tears…

Caring for a newborn can be especially challenging when parents need to manage their own physical and emotional recovery after childbirth, especially if the birth went left. Maybe an 2-3 day induction that lead to cesarean. Maybe an assisted birth. Maybe the birth was textbook but you left the hospital, and your baby doesn’t seem to be content for anything, and you are unsure of what you’re doing wrong! This is where hiring a Postpartum Doula can be game-changing. Having the support and expertise of a doula can make a huge difference in parents' ability to function and handle the challenges of those first few weeks of early parenthood. Let’s explore how hiring a postpartum doula can help new parents get better sleep and improve their overall wellbeing.

What is a Postpartum Doula?

A Postpartum Doula is a trained professional who supports a family during the postpartum period, providing assistance with baby care, breastfeeding, emotional support, organization, education, resources, reassurance, and much more. Their goal is to help the family transition smoothly into parenthood, offering practical guidance and support as parents recover from the birth experience and learn how to adjust to life with a newborn. Hiring a Postpartum Doula can be an excellent decision for new parents who want to ensure that they have the best possible support plan in place during this critical time.

Overnight Postpartum Doula

One of the most significant benefits of hiring a Postpartum Doula is that many are trained to offer support during the often challenging overnight hours. Coming home with your new tiny human can feel like a shock to the system after having been supported 24/7 in the hospital for 2-4 days straight, and now the nurse call button you had access to is no longer an option. Having a trained professional to assist with postpartum recovery and overnight newborn care can help parents feel more confident, at ease, and less anxious about their baby's wellbeing as they get some much needed rest and rejuvenation.

You may have heard the terms Night Nurse, or Night Nanny. How do they differ from a professional Postpartum Doula? Well, there are many similarities but a few small differences. A Night Nanny is simply a caregiver for your children in the overnight hours. Night Nannies are there to assume childcare, and that’s about the extent of it. They may do some laundry or dishes related to the children, but they are not usually going to be trained and knowledgable in postpartum care. A Night Nurse is usually a licensed medical professional brought in to provide specialized care to a newborn that has been released from the NICU, or needs medical support around the clock. They are hired to support the medical needs of the newborn (and sometimes mother/parents) coming home from the hospital. RN’s, registered nurses, are usually the ones to perform this task… although many parents use this term incorrectly and apply it to anyone caring for baby overnight which is incorrect. The rates for a night nurse are normally 30% more than that of a Postpartum Doula due to their medical expertise. Not every family will need this high tech level of care. A Postpartum Doula is a trained expert in all things postpartum such as newborn education and care, but also they are trained in the unique nuances of the postpartum period and focus on ease of the parents’ postpartum transition and experience, birth recovery, tailored newborn and lactation education and resources, practical household support, as well as the physical/emotional health, and well-being of the entire family. Unfortunately these terms have been used interchangeably so many parents end up confused about who does what.

Newborn Care While You Sleep

When parents hire an overnight Postpartum Doula, they can rest assured that their baby is in good hands. A Doula can help with basic newborn care while parents sleep, including feeding, diapering, and soothing. Parents can choose to have a Doula with lactation knowledge to assist with the nighttime nursing or pumping, or they can choose uninterrupted sleep while their Doula assumes complete care of the baby, including bottle feeding whether by pumped milk, formula, or both (yes, you can feed your baby whatever way works best for you!) Getting adequate sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health, therefore having an overnight Doula can make a huge difference in how well parents can function during the daytime hours caring for their newborn.

Healing from Difficult Birth

Hiring a Postpartum Doula can also be beneficial for parents who are recovering from a long or difficult birth, especially after complications such as pre-eclampsia, and induction, or a cesarean section (emergency or planned), where recovery is prolonged significantly. A Doula can offer physical and emotional support, including help with breastfeeding, post-birth healing and nourishment, newborn education, as well practical help such as baby laundry, and nursery organization. With the support of a Doula, parents can focus on healing and rest without worrying about doing it all alone, when there is so much to be done.

Improving Postpartum Support

Not everyone is fortune enough to have family nearby, and it’s not likely we would ask (or that a friend would offer) to come stay up with our baby while we get some VERY much needed rest. Society is not set up to support new parents in the ways that we are meant to be supported through such challenging life transitions. They hand you your discharge papers and expect you to figure it out, with the next visit being six weeks away! This is simply not reasonable. And we are certainly not meant to do this alone, yet here we are. With the assistance of a Postpartum Doula, parents can feel much more supported, confident and capable as they navigate the challenges of life with a newborn.

Overall, hiring a Postpartum Doula is an excellent choice for new parents looking for an added layer of support during the sensitive postpartum period. Especially if the parents don’t have the benefit of their own parents/family living nearby. With the assistance of a Postpartum Doula, parents can feel more confident and less overwhelmed as they adjust to life with a newborn. Overall, investing in postpartum support is an investment in parents’, their babies, and their entire family's well being.

Are you in Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New Jersey? Reach out to Northern Star Doula today, by clicking the button below, and let’s connect. We would love to support your family overnight.

For many birthing people, just having their partners by their side, offering a calm touch and encouraging words, throughout the entire experience is the most important thing. Regardless of who is in the room, what they are doing, and what role they are playing, nobody can replace the love and support you have to offer. The professionals may know birth, but YOU know your partner. You have the power to encourage peace, relaxation, and calm like no other.

While you’re in the early phases, do whatever you can to help your partner relax and feel comfortable. You will probably instinctively know how to do this better than anyone else would, because you know them best. If you are planning to go to a birth center or hospital, you will want to have an idea of what tools you have in your tool box and which ones will be helpful to use at home so that you can make the most of the early labor phase. This will help you to feel confident and prepared to provide support until it is time to transition to the place where you’ll be birthing. 

While every birth looks different, and there’s no manual that we can apply to every birthing person and how their labor will begin or unfold, here are some general guidelines of the phases and stages of labor and some things you can do during each phase. You have what it takes to be the support that your partner truly needs. Believe in yourself and believe in your partner’s ability to birth. Remember to breathe and center yourself throughout. You got this.

First Stage (Labor)

Early phase

If it is nighttime when the surges begin, encourage sleep/rest if possible. It’s important to conserve energy & strength for the long haul. Missing out on a whole night of sleep before things begin to pick up isn’t ideal. This goes for you too. If you can ignore these early surges and either go about your day or go back to sleep, that’s preferable. Don’t put your energy and focus into timing the surges until they are coming in a regular pattern and become more intense.

• Encourage nourishment & hydration throughout.

• Watch a lighthearted movie or comedy. Offer they sit on the birth ball while watching.

• Set up the T.E.N.S. unit and get the hang of it while it’s early.

• Stay positive. Provide reassurance and words of affirmation and love.

• Encourage upright positions, restful positions, and ones that feel the best.

• Take a short walk if they are willing and able.

• Encourage bathroom breaks every couple of hours.

• Cuddle and connect. Massage. Anything that feels good will encourage oxytocin.

• Warm up the rice sock if they complain of discomfort in their lower back/hips.

• Make eye contact and smile… Send good thoughts, energy, and love to your partner and baby.

• They may begin to become more vocal as a way to cope. This is normal.

• Remember to breathe, and stay calm yourself. If you are experiencing anxiety, call your midwife/doula for advice.

• Handle Logistics for other children and/or pets.

• Have everything by the door and ready to go. You may have a chance to run things to the car later. You may not. Push the passenger seat back in case they prefer hands and knees for the ride. They may also want to ride in the back seat on their hands and knees.

• Have a towel and plastic bag ready for the car ride in case waters release and for nausea.

• Encourage a shower before leaving, especially if you’re trying to stay home as long as possible in the early phase. This will provide comfort and prevent you from arriving at the hospital or birth center too early.

Active phase

If you are birthing outside of the home, try to stay home as long as possible. It’s usually time to leave when surges are 4-1-1. This is a general guideline but means that surges are coming every 4 minutes (from the start of one to the start of the next), and they are lasting a minute, consistently this way for at least an hour. There is often a feeling that they are “in the zone” and no longer as talkative and interactive as they once were, even between surges. They may not be speaking in full sentences anymore, and they seem to have gone deeply inward. We call this “Labor land.” Labor land is a result of the body’s cocktail of oxytocin and endorphins which flood the body with pain-relieving and relaxation hormones.

If you are unsure, call your midwife/doula. This is only a guide. Sometimes, especially for first-timers, surges can be 4-5 minutes apart for a longer period of time, and it still be the very early phase (too early to head out.) Watch out for emotional signposts and shifts, and other signs, not just numbers.

If/when you set off to the birth center or hospital, do so calmly. Frantic rushing energy can feel unsafe, cause adrenaline release, and even slow things down. Continue calm positive encouragement during the ride, and get the doula on speakerphone if that would be helpful so that you can be relaxed, and concentrate on getting to the birthplace safely.

If you are birthing at home, this would be around the time that you call your doula, and your doula comes to join you, (or your midwife if you are having an assisted home birth.)

• Encourage position changes every 20-30 minutes (every 4-5 surges.) They will usually naturally change positions on their own, but we can guide them gently if they appear to be sitting/lying in one position for an unusually long time. Movement is important for the baby’s descent and rotation through the pelvis.

• Use a gentle touch and/or firm massage on the shoulders, arms, legs, and lower back. This releases oxytocin. If they don’t redirect us, that usually means what we’re doing is ok/working.

• Encourage bathroom breaks every hour or so, spending extra time on the toilet to encourage progress (we call the toilet dilation station.) Backward sitting with a pillow to rest is also a great idea.

• Maintain hydration with liquids such as coconut water, and other electrolyte drinks. Sip-surge-sip.

• Slow dance and sway with them. Hold their weight for them if they’re tired.

• Double Hip Squeeze may work really well now.

• Vocalization (moaning, groaning) may increase. This is a great sign.

• Encourage them to breathe slowly by modeling slow audible breaths - especially if they begin to hold their breath or hyperventilate.

• Provide firm counter-pressure on/around the lower back and hips during surges. They will usually notify us as to what feels good and what doesn’t, don’t worry!

• If they begin to do things repetitively to get through a surge, they may have found their “ritual.” This is a good thing. Even if what they are doing seems unusual.

• Keep their lips and mouth moist by offering sips of a drink and lip balm.

• Provide reassurance on how well they are coping through surges. Remind them of their strength.

• Microwave the rice sock for 45-90 seconds and place it on the lower back. (You can hold it on softly, with counter-pressure, or tie it on with a scarf or Rebozo.)

• Talk if they find that helpful, or remain quiet and use hushed voices to encourage calm.

• Encourage a bath or shower when things begin to become intense. Set up their favorite music or Hypnobirthing tracks to listen to while they’re in there.

• Once the surge pattern has been consistent, getting closer, longer, and stronger, and your partner is well into “labor-land”, it is time to leave for the birth center or hospital. Nausea, bloody “show” when wiping, feeling like they have to go #2 consistently (not just during surges), bearing down during surges, grunting at the peak of a surge, and waters releasing are good signs that it’s time to head out.

Transition

They may begin to experience surges every 2-3 minutes, or that don't seem to fully subside or have much of any noticeable rest between. They may be feeling constant rectal pressure. They may ask when this is “going to be over?” They may also begin to say that they cannot do it, become weepy, and/or cry out for help. They may start to become very nauseous or vomit. Some may start to ask for medication even when that isn’t actually what they want. This is a sign that birth is likely imminent and this can be an overwhelming time that calls for extra support and reassurance. Many people will appear to “come back” from the faraway labor land place they were in, and it can be jarring to their senses due to a normal, purposeful adrenaline spike. At this time — it is likely that you are already at your birthplace, or at least on your way.

• Hold them up if they seem to become unstable on their feet.

• Offer them to kneel on the bed, either on their hands and knees or over the Birth Ball for support.

• Stay/sit right by their side. Hold them if they need this. Hydrate.

• Remind them that feeling intense pressure is normal and that means the baby is moving down.

• Encourage “low” sounds (by modeling) if the moans become high-pitched squeals or screams.

• Breathe slow (model audibly & visually) with them. Hydrate.

• Offer love, safety, praise, affirmation, & encouragement.

• Help/remind them to take their rest between surges.

• Keep your hands on them unless they express otherwise.

• Tell them to focus on your face or another focal point if needed.

• Help them anticipate the next surge and model a slow cleansing breath before it begins.

• Your partner may begin shaking and/or vomiting. This is normal, and you can assure them of that.

• Tell them that you know they can do this if/when they say they can’t. (Most say that at this point.) “You ARE doing it!”

• They may begin to make “grunting” sounds during a surge. Encourage them to trust their body as it begins to bear down on its own. (F.E.R.)

• Help them to get back up on their hands and knees after a cervical exam (if they have one to check dilation), if they plan to push in an upright position utilizing gravity. (Upright is usually best.)

• Remind them that they are safe, that you are by their side, and that you’re going to meet your baby soon!

Second Stage (Pushing)

They may express that they feel overwhelming pressure and begin to make “grunting” sounds during transition, which turn into bearing down as the body begins to push on its own during each surge. Encourage them to trust their body and that they push in a way that feels most effective and comfortable for them. They may express some fear around pushing, and need some extra help with grounding themselves and focusing again after an intense transition. Sometimes surges will completely stop for a “rest and be thankful phase” and to gather energy before the body is ready to push. This is normal. Encourage rest, calm, and privacy if this happens. Remind them that they are strong and that they get to meet baby soon.

• Help them to get comfortable and in a supported position. Encourage upright pushing positions for use of gravity.

• If they appear to have surrendered to their body’s urge to push and are going with it, we hold space and support them in trusting that. We protect the moment and tune in to their needs intently.

• If they appear to want direction with pushing, remind them that we’re here to help. We follow their lead. Low voices and calm energy will be key for most. Yelling push or asking them to hold their breath and bear down is rarely helpful unless they are medicated. If they appear to need assistance, we can inquire as to what they might feel is helpful — would they like the doula to guide them? The midwife? Both? Oftentimes too many voices can be overwhelming, so we check in about this if necessary.

• Place ice-cold rags on their forehead and the back of their neck if they would like. Switch out for new cold ones every 2-3 minutes.

• Continue with encouragement and reassurance.

• Remind them to relax their jaw, and shoulders, if you notice they are tensing.

• Encourage rest between surges.

• Continue to be on standby with hydration and a cold rag.

• Your partner may express several different emotions and/or apprehension about pushing. Bring them back to their breathing and remind them that they can do this. They are close.

• It can be intense to watch your baby emerge, so if you feel woozy, take a deep breath and look away for a moment. Sit down for a minute if you need to. Take a sip of cold water or go splash your face.

• If you are offered to help catch the baby or want to… you will be guided on how to do so.

• Let them know if/when you start to see your baby's head. Offer they touch baby’s head if they wish.

• Once the baby is born, take a moment to process and celebrate!

• If birthing in the hospital, you can promptly remind the providers about delayed cord clamping if that is your wish. If you don’t remind them, they may prematurely cut the cord within 30-60 seconds.

  Congratulations!!

Third Stage (Placenta)

After the baby has been born, the placenta must be birthed. This usually happens between 10-30 minutes of the baby being born — but it may happen sooner or it may take longer. At this point, the baby has not yet received all of its blood from the placenta, so delaying clamping the cord for 2-5 minutes is ideal. You may want to cut the cord. After the cord has been clamped with two clamps, you will be guided on where to cut between these two clamps using scissors. The cord is tougher than it appears and sometimes takes more than a little snip. Although cutting the cord is something they may offer, you don't have to do it if you’re not comfortable. You can say “no thank you.”

• Stay by your partner and/or baby’s side.

• You may need to provide encouragement and support as the placenta is birthed.

• The placenta is an amazing organ, but you may not be interested in seeing it and that’s ok.

• Sometimes stitches are needed to repair any tearing, and you may find that you want to stay up at the head with your partner and baby to provide support.

• If your partner is unable to hold the baby while birthing the placenta or receiving any needed stitches, you may want to hold your baby skin-to-skin.

• Take this time to bond and rejoice that you have all made it through such a transformative event.

• Continue to offer hydration and nourishment as necessary.

• Offer encouragement during the first latch, and “golden hour” which is skin to skin for an hour while imprinting on one other.

• Any non-urgent suturing and/or newborn exams & procedures can wait — so that the golden hour, newborn instincts, first latch, and first family moments are not interrupted. You may have to encourage the team to give you your time unless there’s an urgent or time-sensitive matter that needs tending to.

• Your baby will be imprinting on your face as well and will recognize your voice. Say hello!

• Take pictures of your partner and baby, and ask someone else to take a picture of you all.

Lean on all of the members of the birth team. You’re all in this together and you’re truly a team. This may seem like a lot to remember — but in the moment you will remember the basics of support. And you won’t be alone. If there’s anything that you need, please talk to your provider, nurse, and/or doula. Ask questions. They have your back! And remember to take care of yourself as well… Don’t forget to snack and hydrate when you can. If you feel woozy at any point, have a seat and give yourself a minute, and some grace. You’re going to do great!

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS NOT INTENDED OR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. ALL CONTENT, INCLUDING TEXT, GRAPHICS, IMAGES AND INFORMATION, CONTAINED ON OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. NORTHERN STAR DOULA MAKES NO REPRESENTATION AND ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEB SITE, AND SUCH INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONFIRM ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM OR THROUGH THIS WEB SITE WITH OTHER SOURCES, AND REVIEW ALL INFORMATION REGARDING ANY MEDICAL CONDITION OR TREATMENT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.

NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. NORTHERN STAR DOULA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

I heard that you’re “not allowed” to eat while in labor. My doctor said that it’s hospital policy and that they will “let me” have clear fluids, but that’s it.

Ok, so here’s the deal. That’s not a thing. If you are in a position to eat something and actually want to, that is 100% your call. You need not adhere to strict fasting protocols that have no place in low risk birth experiences. If you are high risk or are planning to have surgery, sure. After all, NPO - which means “nothing by mouth”, is part of a patient’s pre-operative instructions. The general idea behind NPO is that the risk of pulmonary aspiration would be decreased with a fasting protocol in place.

“Pulmonary aspiration is the entry of material such as pharyngeal secretions, food or drink, or stomach contents from the oropharynx or gastrointestinal tract, into the larynx (voice box) and lower respiratory tract, the portions of the respiratory system from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs.”

When aspiration was recognized as a major problem during birth in the 1940s, the practices surrounding anesthesia were less safe, and so aspiration was much more common than it is today. But we are living in a different time. Today we are far more advanced, and complications from pulmonary aspiration are rare.

“It is noted that aspiration during emergency department procedural sedation and and analgesia has not been reported in the medical literature and that aspiration during general anesthesia and labor and delivery is uncommon. The literature provides no compelling evidence to support specific fasting periods for either liquids or solids prior to procedural sedation and and analgesia, and existing guidelines for elective patients are of necessity arbitrary and based upon consensus opinion”.

The guidelines we use today come from the early 1900s, when most birthing people gave birth under the sedation of chloroform or ether alcohol by inhalation, or during something called “twilight sleep.” This effect of twilight sleep was achieved by using a combination of scopolamine and morphine given by intravenous injection.

Although aspiration is a widely feared complication of general anesthesia, clinically apparent aspiration in modern anesthesia practice is exceptionally rare, and in healthy patients the overall morbidity and mortality is low.

- STEVEN M. GREEN, MD, BARUCH KRAUSS, MD, EDM

So should all birthing people be expected to fast during labor/birth to decrease the already low risk of pulmonary aspiration? This routine blanket recommendation comes from a time when our medical technology wasn’t the greatest and anesthesiologists were using very primitive tools to keep a person’s airway open when under general anesthesia. Or they were not using airway tools at all. Obviously things have changed…

And then there’s the fact that labor and birth is a very athletic event. Moreso than a medical one.

Did you know that childbirth requires an extraordinary amount of energy? Researchers analyzed 385 studies published in 1990 or later… and that research suggests that the energy and caloric demands of birthing people are similar to those of marathon runners. No kidding. It’s no wonder things can slow down for many who are deprived of nourishment during their birthing times. Again, NPO - nothing by mouth - is surgery prep. Unless you are considered high risk due to things such as pre-ecclampsia, or using IV opioid medications during birthing, it should be fine to eat lightly and is even considered beneficial.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists state…

“Without adequate nutrition, women’s bodies will begin to use fat as an energy source, increasing acidity of the blood in the mother and infant, potentially reducing uterine contractions and leading to longer labor and lower health scores in newborns. Additionally, the studies suggest that fasting can cause emotional stress, potentially moving blood away from the uterus and placenta, lengthening labor and contributing to distress of the fetus.”

The body needs fuel (food) and hydration (water) to keep energized, prevent exhaustion, and for the uterine surges to remain strong and regular. Without these things, it’s easy to become dehydrated, and exhausted.

I really envisioned myself giving birth while on hands and knees or something similar, but the nurse that conducted the hospital tour says they “don’t allow” people to give birth in any way other than on your back. I’m going to ask my doctor at my next appointment if they will consider “letting me” push on my hands and knees.

Hold up. There’s no such thing as “not allowing” someone to birth in a specific position. It’s a made up fly-by-night protocol, and a lie for someone’s convenience, but it surely isn’t the birthing person’s.

This myth is perpetuated through the experiences of friends and family, the media, and those that tell stories of suddenly needing to lie on their backs once it was time to push. This practice is not evidence based and survives on the backs (pun intended) of the people that fall for and believe that nonsense. It’s not a thing. The birthing person simply says “no thank you” if asked to lay on their back and that’s it. If the medical staff push for it, you can simply say no, and have your birth partner help you move into a position of choice. Your experience matters, and you get to call the shots.

Another thing to note is that pushing on your back can cause decreased oxygenation to the baby. Especially for those with supine hypotensive syndrome - also known as inferior vena cava compression syndrome - which is caused when the weight of the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava while in a supine position, and leads to decreased blood return to the heart. Symptoms can be dizziness, low blood pressure, pallor, nausea, sweating, and tachycardia (increased heart rate.) This can in turn lead to fetal distress.

If you are interested in learning more information about why one should be free to push in their position of choice, check out Healthy Birth Practice #5 - Avoid Giving Birth on Your Back and Follow Your Body’s Urge to Push. Joyce T. DiFranco, RN, BSN, LCCE, FACCE and  Marilyn Curl, RNC, CNM, LCCE, FACCE state that “Throughout the course of labor, including the second stage, birthing people benefit from frequent position changes and, ideally, should be free to select or reject them at will.” And it’s the truth.

Also stated…

“Research today indicates that most people give birth in a supine position using a directed style of pushing despite a growing body of knowledge that confirms that this has disadvantages for both birthing person and baby.”

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon

If your provider is set against you assuming your position of choice, ask your nurse to advocate for you. Let them know that you have chosen to push in a specific position and do not consent to being on your back. If you are feeling nervous, you can ask the provider for some time alone, and share your thoughts with your partner, nurse, and/or doula. Ask one of them to amplify your voice, preferably your partner/husband who is best suited to speak on your behalf. They may have to be straightforward and firm. If your provider tells you that they don’t know how to catch a baby in any other position besides supine, thank them for their help, let them know that you will be pushing in your preferred position, and if they haven’t the skillset to assist you - that you will happily switch care to someone who does. Simple.

I know it may feel confrontational and, being in such a vulnerable state, difficult to use your voice under such extreme pressure - but take a deep breath and speak your piece. Prepare your partner to address this if it should come up. In the weeks leading up to birth, practice scenarios and get comfortable with different ways of saying no. Your provider will get over it. They will not be kept up nights thinking about your birth and how it went down. But you most certainly will. That’s why your decision matters more here. This is your body, your birth, and your baby. It’s called bodily autonomy and it’s a basic human right.

There are many other preference that you may have regarding your birth experience. It is important to consider what your preferences are in advance, and take some time to delve deep into why you have them so that you are more prepared to advocate for yourself when the time comes. You will not want to be willy nilly about certain things, as that can open the door for someone to challenge your decisions without your having a solid reason or rebuttal. Be sure about what, when, and why so that you are empowered and able to speak up when it matters most.

Have these conversations with your providers beforehand, and get a good idea of how they operate in the birth room throughout all stages and phases of labor. If you see red flags, please do not ignore them. You may regret it later on. Settle down with a practice that is supportive of the way their patients choose to give birth. Ask open ended questions - it’s too easy to answer “yes,” “no,” or “we’ll see.” If you have a hunch that your providers are brushing off your concerns, go find one/some that won’t.

Happy Birthing!

Which position did you birth in? Was your provider supportive? Share in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS NOT INTENDED OR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. ALL CONTENT, INCLUDING TEXT, GRAPHICS, IMAGES AND INFORMATION, CONTAINED ON OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. NORTHERN STAR DOULA MAKES NO REPRESENTATION AND ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEB SITE, AND SUCH INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONFIRM ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM OR THROUGH THIS WEB SITE WITH OTHER SOURCES, AND REVIEW ALL INFORMATION REGARDING ANY MEDICAL CONDITION OR TREATMENT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.

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Photo by Jorge Salvador on Unsplash

Hello and welcome! Glad you landed here — whether you’re pregnant and doing some research about things you can do to physically prepare your body for the birth process, or a birth worker looking for something to share with the families that you’re working with.

Of course it’s always a good idea to get enough sleep, exercise, hydrate and eat a healthy, balanced, preferably whole food diet filled with a variety of different organic protein, fiber, fruits and vegetables… but what else can we do to get our bodies in the optimal shape for birth? Let’s talk about that. Here are my 5 favorite recommendations to prepare your body for a more comfortable birth!

Photo by Arek Adeoye on Unsplash

Spinning Babies Daily Activities

Bring comfort to your pregnancy and prepare for an easier childbirth. Lengthen your muscles and increase range of motion in your beautiful pregnant body to make space for baby’s best birth position! Spinning Babies is a wonderful approach to balancing the pelvis and the ligaments and muscles involved, and is a great way to physically set yourself up for a more straightforward and comfortable birthing.

I’m sure you may have already heard stories about “sunny-side up”(posterior/OP) babies, people explaining how their babies were in wonky positions and/or stories about “back labor,” unusually long labors, inductions, lots of discomfort in the weeks leading up to their birth, or difficulties which they thought (or their provider said) necessitated a cesarean birth.

Yes, me too. It’s a common theme — and these days you pretty much can’t go on social media, especially in groups pertaining to pregnancy and birth, without hearing of at least one of these kinds of stories each day. Is there anything we can do about this? Or is this just bad luck, coincidence, and out of our control completely? Maybe not. Probably not. In some cases, yes. But for the most part I firmly believe and so do many of my colleagues and others who work in the field, that baby’s position and the space they have available to rotate and descend can be greatly affected by our posture, movement, and mobility during pregnancy.

What can we do to help prevent some of these “wonky positions” that we hear so much about? Is it only OP positions that seem to cause certain people so much grief? Not always. Feeling your surges in your back is not always indicative of an OP baby. Back pain is usually more about the balance of your pelvis and the resulting fit of the baby than the position alone. There are a few different types of pelvises and even variations of those types. Some posterior babies may fit into certain types of pelvises better than others. There are many reasons for this. One simple thing we can do is be mindful of our balance and posture. Going even further, we can look into the Webster Technique of Chiropractic Care, and the many benefits it can have on balancing the pelvis and creating space for baby to find their ideal position for birth.

Interested in learning more about fetal positioning and belly mapping? << —— Visit Spinning Babies if you’re curious to learn more about what position your baby is in, and download the Spinning Babies Daily Essentials Video - a unique instructional video for comfort in pregnancy now, and in your upcoming birth. These daily activities begin balancing your pregnant body to make space for baby’s best birth position! Highly recommended!

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Chiropractic Care - The Webster Technique

For balance of the pelvis and associated muscles/ligaments for easier birthing. Throughout pregnancy, the body tries to adapt to the weight gain, increase of hormones, and the postural changes that follow. These postural changes increase the risk of sacral/pelvic imbalance at any given time, with or without reason. The sacrum, the pelvis and network of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and associated nerves are all under constant pressure and change. The resulting tense muscles and ligaments may create torsion and prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for their birthing.

Currently, the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) recommends chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to establish pelvic balance and optimize the room a baby has for development. With a balanced and aligned pelvis, babies have a greater chance of moving into their correct position for birth.

Benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy

• Decrease in discomforts such as back, hip, pelvic and groin pain.

• Decrease in Sciatica, and heartburn.

• Better sleep and mobility.

• Reduction of tension in the muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus.

• Reduction of Intrauterine Constraint, creating more space in the pelvis for baby to move freely and engage.

Ideally, the best time to begin The Webster Technique is as soon as possible, but by the 32nd week of pregnancy is preferable especially if the breech position is confirmed. And if you’re beyond the 32nd week of your pregnancy, don’t worry! Better late than never. These techniques are gentle, non-invasive, and drug-free.

Ask your doula or childbirth educator for recommendations for a Webster Certified Chiropractor or use the ICPA search tool to find one in your area!

Probiotics

Urogenital and gastrointestinal infections are often caused by an imbalance in “good” and “bad” bacteria. Certain infections such as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), and Group Beta Strep (GBS)… have been said to be caused by the decrease in, or depletion of the indigenous flora Lactobacilli. Studies have found that probiotic therapies containing Lactobacilli strongly inhibit the growth of GBS and BV by increasing the acidity of the environment and that they may be effective in returning the vaginal flora microbiome to a healthy normal state.

The possible prevention of GBS and avoiding a subsequent recommendation for antibiotics starts with optimizing your vaginal bacteria from the get-go. One of the ways to do this is to take a daily probiotic containing Lactobacilli strains, specifically Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. These two strains usually come together in several of the vaginal flora based probiotics like Jarro’s or Garden of Life. But please don’t forget to look into Lactobacillus Salivarus which has been shown in a study to greatly reduce the chance of GBS colonization.

Screening for GBS is a part of routine prenatal care and is usually done by taking a vaginal/rectal swab culture between 35 and 38 weeks of pregnancy. If the test comes back positive for GBS colonization, an antibiotic called penicillin will be suggested and if you choose to accept this suggestion, given intravenously when your birthing time begins. If you are allergic to penicillin, another similar antibiotic will be offered in its place.

If you plan to stay home during the early stages of your birthing time, one of the things that can thwart those plans are having a positive GBS result. Adding a probiotic to your birth prep toolbox can reduce your chances of getting back a positive GBS result.

With all of this information about GBS, probiotics and scientific data to back it all up, trying to decrease or prevent GBS colonization during pregnancy seems like an excellent choice for reduction and prevention wellness protocol especially if someone is really wanting to avoid IV antibiotics. For more information on the benefits of avoiding IV antibiotics, Birthful has a podcast all about the microbiome.

Check out these studies and read more about GBS and what you can do to reduce/prevent chances of testing positive in my blog.

Photo by Boba Jaglicic on Unsplash

Eat Dates… The fruit, yes.

Eating dates prenatally can help with preparing your cervix, if you’re interested in that kind of thing. There have been studies that show that those who consume 4-6 dates per day in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy (I know - seems like a lot) will have a more “favorable” cervix by the time your birthing begins. 

Studies have also shown that those who consumed Deglet Noor dates (60-80 grams daily) were more likely to have spontaneous onset of birthing waves, have intact membranes (their water did not break) upon admission to the hospital or active birthing time, and have less postpartum bleeding! Wow! So this is why all of your pregnant friends are eating dates…

Dates also have many health benefits. Thanks to Baby Chick for this thoughtful breakdown.

• Fiber – we all know that fiber helps relieve constipation, helps you stay full, but did you know that it also helps lower your risk for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia? Dates contain a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber and thus are helpful in maintaining your digestive system.

• Magnesium – this supports your muscular health and helps to alleviate muscle spasms and cramps during pregnancy.

• Potassium – this is one of the best electrolytes and it helps you maintain water/salt balance which also helps regulate blood pressure and regulate your nervous system.

• Natural sugars (fructose) — it offers high energy, but thankfully has a low glycemic index, easily breaks down in the body and won’t spike blood sugar levels. This is why eating dates during your pregnancy and/or your labor is an excellent choice.

• Vitamin K – helps maintain proper blood clotting and keeps your bones healthy.

You can look up many different ways to get your dates in, like smoothies, stuffing them with almond/peanut butter, chopping up and throwing on a salad, in savory dishes, granola ect... You don’t have to eat them all at once, so spread them out throughout the day and get them in however you can. Tip: Lara Bars are made with dates!

Get Your Dates HERE… and prep your cervix in advance!

Birth Ball

I know you might be tempted to hang around and spend time sinking deeply into those comfy couch cushions — especially in the 3rd trimester, but wait… Is that really the best idea? Well of course you should take time to rest and relax. At the same time, you want to be mindful of your overall posture and use discretion as far as where and how you spend the majority of your days hanging out. Birth balls are a great way to ensure you’re able to relax and prepare your body for birth at the same time.

Spend some time every day sitting upright on your birth ball. Sitting upright (or upright and slightly forward-leaning) helps support and open the pelvis, loosen its ligaments, relax the pelvic floor, and support your lower back. Slouching back into your cushions puts your pelvis in a funky position that it doesn’t much like. There’s no good way to slouch while sitting on the ball - or else you’d probably roll right off! You can take your ball to the office and use it in place of your usual desk chair, use it while watching TV, or just designate times throughout the day that you’re going to get some ball time in.

Please, no couch slouching!

During pregnancy, the birth ball has many benefits…

• Helps balance the ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the back and pelvic area so baby can settle into its optimal position

• Helps strengthen the lower back and relieve discomfort

• Helps to relax and open the pelvis

• May increase blood flow to the uterus

• Puts counter-pressure on the perineum

• Takes pressure off of the leg muscles

• Provides the opportunity for mobility

• Relieves or reduces sciatic and/or symphysis pubis discomfort

You can also do some exercises on your birth ball to enhance the benefits it provides in preparation for birthing. Gentle bouncing, small circles, figure 8’s, side to side (or tail wagging), and pelvic tilts are some of the things you can do in addition to just sitting for comfort. These things help to keep your pelvis mobile and loose.

You can also incorporate your birth ball into your yoga or stretching routine! After blowing your ball up for the very first time, it will deflate a bit over the next few days of use… so make sure to refill it so that your hips are at or higher than your knees when sitting.

Get yourself a birth ball and get acquainted with it. And use your ball during birth to change up positions, lean on to rest, and keep things progressing.

If you’re under 5’4″ you want a 55 cm ball
From 5’4″ – 5’10″ you want a 65 cm ball
If you’re over 5’10” you want a 75 cm ball

Read more about balls HERE

Let’s get on the ball - Literally and figuratively!!

What are some of the things you did to prepare your body for birthing? Comment below!

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS NOT INTENDED OR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. ALL CONTENT, INCLUDING TEXT, GRAPHICS, IMAGES AND INFORMATION, CONTAINED ON OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. NORTHERN STAR DOULA MAKES NO REPRESENTATION AND ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEB SITE, AND SUCH INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONFIRM ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM OR THROUGH THIS WEB SITE WITH OTHER SOURCES, AND REVIEW ALL INFORMATION REGARDING ANY MEDICAL CONDITION OR TREATMENT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.

NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. NORTHERN STAR DOULA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

This website may contain affiliate links for which proceeds go to the birth fund to help families afford a doula, when the otherwise would not have been able.

Eating and drinking as needed during birth is essential — as the demands of your body require sustenance to perform the task at hand. Optimally, you should enter your birthing time already well hydrated, and keep drinking and nourishing especially during the early phases of childbirth, continuing to lightly snack and hydrate as you wish until baby has arrived.

Did you know that childbirth requires an extraordinary amount of energy? Researchers analyzed 385 studies published in 1990 or later… and that research suggests that the energy and caloric demands of birthing people are similar to those of marathon runners. No kidding. It’s no wonder things can slow down for many people birthing in hospitals who are deprived of nourishment during their birthing times. NPO, or nil per os which means “nothing by mouth” - is a part of standard pre-operative instruction protocols… surgery prep. Unless you are considered high risk due to things such as pre-ecclampsia, or using IV opioid medications during birthing, it should be fine to eat lightly and is even considered beneficial.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists state… (If you’re birthing in a hospital, listen up)

“Without adequate nutrition, the body will begin to use fat as an energy source, increasing acidity of the blood in the birthing person and infant, potentially reducing uterine contractions and leading to longer labor and lower health scores in newborns. Additionally, the studies suggest that fasting can cause emotional stress, potentially moving blood away from the uterus and placenta, lengthening labor and contributing to distress of the fetus.”

The body needs fuel (food) and hydration (water) to keep energized, prevent exhaustion, and for the uterine surges to remain strong and regular. Without these things, it’s easy to become dehydrated, and exhausted.

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What should I eat/snack on during the early phase?

As you’re probably (and hopefully) still going to be at home during this phase, feel free to eat whatever you crave - but it’s best to stick with smaller amounts more frequently as this is easier on your digestive system and won’t cause you to feel sluggish or give you indigestion. Choose healthy, delicious foods that will provide your body with the energy and nutrients needed to maintain strength and stamina. Here are some ideas in addition to your faves.

• Rice and Beans.

• Whole grain pasta.

• Sweet potato (roasted or baked)

• Quinoa and avocado, or brown rice and an organic egg.

• Banana or apple slices with nut butter.

• Whole grain toast with nut butter.

• Homemade trail mix or granola.

• Soups or broth.

• SMOOTHIES!

• Avocado toast.

• Oatmeal with fruit and chia seeds.

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What should I eat during the active phase?

As things progress into the active phase, your appetite will begin to naturally decrease. Taking small bites here and there may be all you can tolerate — and that’s fine. You don’t want to overfill your stomach, as nausea can be worsened by doing so. Have a couple options in case you happen to have an aversion to something you usually love the smell or taste of. It’s very common to be repulsed by the things you’ve been craving your entire pregnancy!

Here are a few ideas of things you can prepare for your birthing at home or bringing to your chosen birth center or hospital. Bite-sized portions are ideal. There’s a refrigerator/freezer at the birth center and hospital so keep that in mind. If you care to, or your place of birth does not have a fridge/freezer… you can bring a cooler for all items that need to stay cold. You may also consider this if you have a nice drive ahead of you.

• Fruit salad - apples, bananas, berries, melons.

• Veggies - cucumbers, carrots, celery.

• Nuts and Seeds - cashews, pistachios, sunflower seeds.

• Nut butter single serve packets (great alone or on the veggies/fruit).

• Frozen fruits - grapes and berries.

• Dried fruit or fruit/cereal bars (watch out for added sugar).

• Oatmeal with fruit and chia seeds.

• Soup - Miso, vegetable broth, bone broth.

• Applesauce - the kid pouches are great!

• Honey Sticks.

• Jell-O.

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Foods to avoid during the active phase 

• Oranges or orange juice (acidity).

• Carbonated fizzy drinks.

• Foods that are high in sugar and fat (donuts, pastries).

• Protein and fat together. These slow the rate that your muscles use energy supplied from sugar. (Steak/burgers/fried foods).

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Proper hydration during birthing

Remember to think in advance about your plans for hydrating during the early and active phases of your birthing time. You don’t want to be left with water and ice chips on repeat. It can get old, trust me. And while water is important and refreshing, one can drink too much water and deplete themselves of essential electrolytes which are just as important. And let’s talk about the fact that some find it terribly challenging to eat once the active phase rolls around, so one must get their calories in other ways.

Proper hydration is very important during pregnancy and birthing! Bring your favorite flask or water bottle and drink 8oz per hour. A good rule of thumb is to take a sip between every 1-2 surges. Here are some ideas to switch it up and ensure that you’re giving your body the very best.

• Water.

• Coconut Water (add splash of lemon, honey or agave to taste).

• Infused water - berries, melons, cucumber.

• Lemon-Lime Labor-Aid

• Red raspberry leaf tea.

• Gatorade and other Electrolyte Drinks such as Vitamin Water.

• Organic Juice Boxes (no added sugar).

• Gatorade/RRL tea ice cubes.

• Busca’s Birthing Brew.
  
  
  

  What are some of the things you have planned for early and active birthing time hydration and nourishment? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments!

Remember to stay nourished & hydrated — Happy Birthing!

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003930.pub2/full

https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2015/11/eating-a-light-meal-during-labor

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS NOT INTENDED OR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. ALL CONTENT, INCLUDING TEXT, GRAPHICS, IMAGES AND INFORMATION, CONTAINED ON OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. NORTHERN STAR DOULA MAKES NO REPRESENTATION AND ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEB SITE, AND SUCH INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONFIRM ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM OR THROUGH THIS WEB SITE WITH OTHER SOURCES, AND REVIEW ALL INFORMATION REGARDING ANY MEDICAL CONDITION OR TREATMENT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.

NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. NORTHERN STAR DOULA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is one of the many digestive tract bacteria that live in the body. It can come and go many times throughout a person’s lifetime without it ever causing any issue or illness, and it is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Anywhere from 10-30% of pregnant people are “colonized” with or carry GBS in their bodies without ever knowing it.

Due to the close proximity of the rectum, vagina, and urethra, the bacteria can easily migrate from the digestive system to urogenital tracts. This means that there is a possibility that GBS can be passed to the baby during labor. This is rare and happens to 1 or 2 babies out of 100 when the pregnant person is not treated with antibiotics during labor. It is very rare for the healthy newborn to contract GBS, but the chances of them becoming ill may be lower when treated.

Screening for GBS is a part of routine prenatal care and is usually done by taking a vaginal/rectal swab culture between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. You may request to take the test at 38 weeks if you are wanting more time to self-treat. If the test comes back positive for GBS colonization, an antibiotic called penicillin will be suggested/given intravenously when your birthing time begins. If you are allergic to penicillin, another similar antibiotic will be offered in its place.

If you have had a previous child with GBS disease, have GBS bacteria in your urine at any point during your pregnancy, your GBS status is not known when you go into labor, or if you have tested positive for GBS in a past pregnancy, intravenous antibiotics may also be offered/recommended.

One alternative to the universal approach is the “risk-based approach.” This is when you receive antibiotics based on other risk factors such as having a fever or your water being broken for more than 18 hours. Especially if baby is less than 37 weeks gestation. (This is the method currently employed by care providers in the UK.)

You do have the right to decline antibiotic prophylaxis in labor, and taking the watch and wait approach to see if baby develops symptoms and then treating if they do. If you are GBS positive and you decline abx, while there is an overall very low likelihood (approx 2% chance) that your baby will develop early onset GBS infection.

Now that we know a little more about GBS…Let’s talk about your vaginal microbiome!

This information is for you if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, and would like to try to try to prevent or reduce the colonization of GBS and a subsequent positive test. The possible prevention of GBS and the recommendation for antibiotics starts with optimizing your vaginal bacteria from the get-go. It’s up to you, as your care providers are probably not going to give you information beyond what GBS is, and how and why it is treated during childbirth.

By the time you get tested for GBS, it’s already late in your pregnancy. If you happen to test positive, there aren’t many options offered by medical providers besides IV antibiotics. As you can imagine, the suggestion for IV antibiotics can throw a wrench in your plans for staying home during the early phase of your birthing time. Especially if your waters have released before surges pick up. Most likely, you would be asked to come in as soon as your waters released or labor began so that you were able to receive a minimum of one dose of antibiotics at least 4 hours before the birth of your baby.

Urogenital and gastrointestinal infections are often caused by an imbalance in “good” and “bad” bacteria. Certain infections such as UTI, BV (bacterial vaginosis), and GBS… have been said to be caused by the decrease in, or depletion of the indigenous flora Lactobacilli. Studies have found that probiotic therapies containing Lactobacilli strongly inhibit the growth of GBS by increasing the acidity of the environment and that they may be effective in returning the vaginal flora microbiome to a healthy normal state. Another Study has shown Lactobacillus Salivarus greatly reduces the chance of GBS colonization. So adding that probiotic to your normal regimen of Lactobacillus Reuteri and Rhamnosus strains should be even more effective.

With all of this information about GBS, probiotics, and scientific data to back it all up, trying to decrease or prevent GBS colonization during pregnancy seems like an excellent choice for a reduction/prevention wellness protocol — especially if someone is really wanting to avoid IV antibiotics. Another good reason to prioritize your vaginal flora to prevent or reduce the chance of testing positive for GBS is because many people planning for an unmedicated birth will prefer to spend the early phases of birthing time at home to maximize comfort and to reduce the chance of unnecessary interventions at the hospital. Even those birthing in birth centers will have to worry about coming in early for antibiotics if their waters have released before birthing waves begin, and the possibility of facing a transfer of care if their birthing waves “take too long” to begin… putting them in a higher risk category and leading to the suggestion of induction for PROM (Pre-labor rupture of membranes.) This applies to everyone, but more so for those who have tested positive for GBS. Those who test positive don’t usually have the luxury of waiting for their birthing waves to really pick up and get moving, as someone who tests GBS negative might.

For more information on the benefits of avoiding IV antibiotics, Birthful has a podcast all about the microbiome. I highly recommend that everyone listen to this!!

There are many probiotics on the market. Which ones would I want to take if I am trying to reduce or prevent GBS colonization during pregnancy?

Jarrow Formulas is one brand that has been clinically tested, and contains the strains that are believed to be most effective against GBS and other urogenital infections such as BV and UTI. It can be found in many pharmacies and is also available on Amazon (of course - what can’t we find on Amazon these days?) There are a few different formulas, some with more strains and capsules that are vegetarian and non. Here are a couple different product examples. Seed is a symbiotic and has pre as well as probiotic!

There are other brands on the market, but you want to make sure that if you choose another brand that it contains Lactobacilli strains, specifically Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, and Lactobacillus Salivarus. You may have to buy a separate Salivarus to add to the other combo.

What else can we do to support gastrointestinal and urogenital health during pregnancy?

• Limit sugar and processed food intake. These things can feed bad bacteria colonization.

• Eat a balanced diet and make sure to get enough fruits and vegetables, complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats, and even add in some cultured foods that support healthy gut and vaginal health, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha.

• Stay hydrated: Drink at least 10-12 cups of water every day.

• Practice good hygiene and frequent hand-washing protocols.

• Boost your immune system with vitamins and supplements

• Reduce stress

• Other holistic and wellness methods, such as Aviva Romm’s Protocol

Would you try to minimize your chances of testing GBS+ by taking a probiotic during pregnancy? Why or why not? What, if anything, have you done to prevent GBS during your pregnancy?

References

https://www.parishealingarts.com/group-b-strept-gbs/

https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Group-B-Strep-and-Pregnancy?IsMobileSet=false

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19295645

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16869901

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/groupbstrep/

https://mommypotamus.com/group-b-strep/?fbclid=IwAR1krNyaLKes844bVRDSaYGzuDXG1xCG-rXNjGVpJDJQL-j5WoTCNsXcd2g

Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Northern Star Doula makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician.

NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. NORTHERN STAR DOULA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Proper hydration and nutrition are very important for a healthy pregnancy, birth, and baby - Let’s talk about hydration and some of the things that can happen before or during labor if the body is not properly hydrated.

Since water is responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to our cells, tissues and organs, staying hydrated ensures that essential nutrients are being transported to meet the developmental needs of your growing baby and body. Drinking water also helps to preserve an adequate level of amniotic fluid and supports fetal kidney function by facilitating the amount of waste your baby’s kidneys filter.

The American Pregnancy Association suggests drinking at least 10-12 glasses of water each day. Also, If fitness is part of your daily routine, you should also drink an additional glass of water for each hour of light exercise you do. It’s easy to become sidetracked and not realize you haven’t had a glass of water in a few hours. Be vigilant about getting enough to drink. Carry around your favorite water bottle to remind you of your hydration goals.

During pregnancy, dehydration can cause a host of issues

• Nausea/Vomiting

• Fatigue

• Constipation

• Restless legs

• Headaches

• Overheating

• Low amniotic fluid (Oligohydramnios)

• Premature labor

• Neural and other birth defects

In addition to drinking enough water, limit excess caffeine intake which can also cause increased urine output. Other drinks such coconut water, vitamin water, beet juice, fruit infused waters, nuun tablets, and other electrolyte drinks can help to keep hydration matters in check. Be sure to watch out for the sugar content in certain sports drinks.

What are some of the functions of the amniotic fluid?

• Cushions your baby (shock absorber).

• Allows baby to move.

• Helps baby’s body parts develop normally.

• Keeps baby’s temperature regulated.

• Helps prevent infection.

• Helps keep the umbilical cord floating freely, so that it doesn’t get squished between the baby and the side of your uterus.

Things that can contribute to low amniotic fluid (Oligohydramnios)

• Premature rupture of membranes (PROM). When your amniotic sac breaks or begins leaking before labor actually starts.

• Pregnancy extending beyond estimated guess date.

• Problems with the placenta.

• Birth defects, especially with the kidneys.

• Preeclampsia

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Dehydration

*Oligohydramnios is not by itself a cause for concern. However, the reason behind it is important. Medical induction for Isolated Oligohydramnios is not always the answer. In fact, induction for Oligohydramnios is not recommended in the absence of other indications such as Pregnancy Induced Hypertension, Pre-eclampsia, and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). 

“There is no evidence that isolated oligohydramnios at term is a risk factor for poor outcomes. However, induction for isolated oligohydramnios leads to higher Cesarean rates.” - Rebecca Dekker, PhD  (Evidence Based Birth)

During labor, dehydration can actually contribute to the very “cascade of interventions” that you may just be hoping to avoid. Here’s how...

You begin labor already dehydrated, or become dehydrated and exhausted along the way.

You possibly develop a fever and/or tachycardia (a fast pulse). 

The uterus may not contract efficiently, slowing labor progress.

An IV or Saline lock is inserted so that you can receive fluids for hydration.

Pitocin may be given to speed things up, strengthen and coordinate the contractions.

If IV Pitocin is being used, continuous electronic fetal monitoring will be started to make sure the baby does not become distressed, in case the uterus becomes over stimulated by the Pitocin.

Movement is restricted because of the monitoring, making it necessary for you to remain relatively still on the bed.

Augmenting the labor with Pitocin, the movement limitation and the need for certain medical forms of pain relief can all increase chances of fetal distress, use of forceps, a vacuum, and having an episiotomy or a cesarean.

Large volumes of fluids given by IV have the potential to overload the system with excess fluids causing Hypervolemia. This can increase the chances of fluid accumulating in yours and baby's lungs. This can mean the baby has increased breathing rates at birth, thus needing extra observation in the nicu. This is called transient tachypnoea or “wet lung”.

It is very important enter your birthing time already well hydrated, to keep drinking especially during the early phases of childbirth, and continuing to hydrate in moderate amounts until baby has arrived. The body needs fuel (food) and hydration (water) to keep energized, and for the uterine contractions to remain strong and regular.

If you were running a marathon, you would not be fasting or limiting the amount of hydration and nourishment needed to keep up with your body’s demands. Labor/birth also require these things to perform effectively. It is no different than any other athletic event where the requirements of the body are increased to meet metabolization and oxygenation demands.

If you are in labor for an extended period of time, you could be in danger of dehydration which can cause other complications such as ketosis. Ketosis is a complication of dehydration, and a lack of carbohydrates (or glucose) for energy in the body. It is the result of the abnormal accumulation of ketones in the blood stream, body tissues and urine.

This can happen when the muscles have little, or no, glucose for energy to be able to function efficiently. Once the glucose supply in the blood stream is depleted, the body starts to break down its fat stores for energy instead. This produces ketones, often causing a fever, body weakness and the muscles to function inefficiently, including the uterus.

During childbirth, we have high-energy needs, and our stores of available glycogen are depleted very quickly. When the body has excessive amounts of ketones it can cause us to feel very weak and lethargic, develop a fever and have a fast pulse. This can also minimize uterine contractile efficiency, and labor can begin to slow down (or stop).

I’ll say this again… HYDRATION IS IMPORTANT!!!

The body requires a delicate fluid balance. Dehydration can occur when a person is not drinking enough or receiving enough IV fluids, and fluid overload occurs when a person receives too great a volume of IV fluids. We should be encouraged to drink enough to stay hydrated, and the use of IV fluids can be guided by the individual’s unique situation, needs, and preferences.

The quality of the water is also important… Are you getting your hydration from the tap? I would urge you to reconsider. If using a tap, please filter your water. This is so important.

What are some of the ways you can ensure that you are properly hydrating?

Have you experienced any symptoms of dehydration during pregnancy or childbirth?

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8416460/

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/how-to-increase-amniotic-fluid

https://www.absopure.com/blog/benefits-drinking-water-during-pregnancy/

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/iv-fluids-during-labor/

https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/dehydration-pregnancy/

https://www.livestrong.com/article/505961-the-effects-of-dehydration-in-pregnant-women-on-the-baby/

https://www.lamaze.org/Connecting-the-Dots/what-is-the-evidence-for-induction-for-low-amniotic-fluid-in-a-healthy-pregnancy

Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Northern Star Doula makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician.

NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. NORTHERN STAR DOULA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Photo by Thandy Yung on Unsplash

Let’s talk about cervical exams. To have… or not to have, prenatally?

Well, besides the fact that a cervical exam doesn’t tell us much of anything at all before birthing time actually begins, there are also risks involved.

What are the risks?

• They can be extremely uncomfortable, especially in the weeks leading up to your birthing time when the cervix is supposed to be high, firm, closed, and posterior.

• They can give us an unnecessary, false sense of hope or discouragement.

• An increased risk of infection.

• Bleeding and cramping.

• A signal to your body that there is a threat.

• A chance for premature rupture of membranes, especially if there is a “stretch and sweep”, or stripping of membranes performed. (Sometimes additional consent for a sweep isn’t always obtained first, and is thought of by some providers as “part of the exam” which is unacceptable.)

It’s not uncommon for providers to begin wanting to check the cervix in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes as early as the 36th week of pregnancy. Usually well-meaning providers are looking for information to share with you as you approach the home stretch. Sometime they are requested because people falsely believe the information is important. Most times this is done out of tradition and routine.

What exactly are we hoping to accomplish by assessing the cervix prenatally?

Let’s ask ourselves a few questions.

• What is the purpose of the exam?

• What is it that we are looking for?

• What are we going to do with this information?

• Does the information we gather change the intended course of action?

• If not, then why are we doing it?

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

If we know that cervical dilation is only a very small part of the equation, what are we expecting to gain by learning of the cervix’s current status — and what the cervix is doing before birthing time even begins?

If we know that the cervix can change very quickly, or stay unchanged for an extended period of time... even during birthing time, what exactly are we able to do with the information before birthing time even begins? There are many other important, and often unmeasurable things at play.

In my experience, a cervix can go from completely closed to 10cm in four hours. In contrast, a cervix has the ability to remain at 3/4cm for a few weeks before birthing time even begins. Both are normal scenarios.

The #1 reason for prenatal cervical checks is pure curiosity, and tradition.

If you would like to know your cervical status in the weeks leading up to your guess date, and before birthing time begins, that’s your choice. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t mean much before labor begins. It ONLY tells you what your cervix is doing at that exact point in time and that’s about it. As long as you are aware that your cervix is not a crystal ball, and will not indicate when your birthing time will begin or how your birth will go in terms of length or difficulty. The cervix has a mind of its own and can be very unpredictable before and even during the early and active phases of the birth process.

Besides, who wants to hear their provider say, “You’re only 1cm dilated.”

ONLY???

The word “only” has a negative connotation when speaking in terms of progress, which is what most people are hoping is going on. It can be very discouraging and counterproductive.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Your cervix has a job. That job is to do nothing until it’s time to do something!

But it’s not exactly doing nothing. It has a few main functions in relation to pregnancy and birthing. One main function is to keep your baby protected and safe until it’s time to be born. I’d say a cervix that was “only” 1cm dilated before the baby was ready to be born is doing a great job at performing one of its main functions. When the baby and the body are ready, the cervix will assume its other very important function which is to soften and dilate - usually in conjunction with (and not before) a continuous pattern of uterine surges.

For the data driven, here are a few quotes about the underlying mechanisms and functions of the cervix.

“During pregnancy, the primary biomechanical function of the cervix is to maintain the fetus within the uterus. This requires withstanding multiple forces from the uterus, including the weight of the growing fetus and amniotic sac, as well as passive pressure from the uterine wall.”

“The structure of the cervix is integral to the maintenance of pregnancy, keeping the developing baby in utero and forming a barrier to the ascent of microorganisms from the vagina.”

“The function of the cervix from this moment is to retain and protect the growing conceptus. An effective barrier is primarily accomplished through retaining a sufficient length of closed cervix within which the mucus plug can deter ascent of microbes from the lower genital tract. This is aided by maintaining sufficient strength at the level of the internal os to discourage descent of the fetal membranes and conceptus down the cervical canal, which may shorten this barrier and/or dislodge the mucus plug.”

“Throughout the latter stages of pregnancy, the cervix undergoes this process as a result of increased collagenase activity. Labour onset at term is governed by fetal and placental endocrine signalling, which triggers an inflammatory cascade of cytokines, prostaglandins, and oxytocin release. In response to uterine contractions, the already softened cervix begins to efface and dilate as a result of the pressure being exerted either by the fetal membranes and/or the presenting part.”

Your cervix is performing its job - Isn’t that great news?!

Remember…

• It is your right to refuse cervical exams if you are not comfortable or don’t see a point with having them.

• You can simply say, “No thank you, I will not be having a cervical exam today.”

• And if you’re a go-with-the-flow kind of patient, and it makes it easier, you can just keep your pants on if the only reason for undressing during your appointment is to receive a “routine cervical exam.”

Your body, your choice.

ALWAYS.

Have you had cervical exams during pregnancy? Why or why not?

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214854X1530008X

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4459908/

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-prenatal-checks/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=lenihan+antepartum+pelvic

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=mcduffie+weekly+cervical+examinations

Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Northern Star Doula makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician.

NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. NORTHERN STAR DOULA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy removes interference to the nervous system, enhancing fetal development and uterine function. It also balances the pelvis, eliminating undue tension to muscles and ligaments, enhancing optimal fetal positioning. - Jeanne Ohm

What Exactly Is The Webster Technique? 

ICPA gives their definition as, “A specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment for pelvic balance during pregnancy allowing for optimal fetal positioning (head down/anterior) for an easier, safer birth. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation and/or SI Joint dysfunction. In so doing, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.”

Throughout pregnancy, the growing body tries to adapt to the weight gain, increase of hormones, and the postural changes that follow. These postural changes increase the risk of sacral/pelvic imbalance at any given time, with or without reason. The bones of the pelvis and the supportive network of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and associated nerves are all under constant pressure and change. The resulting torsion and inflammation of imbalanced muscles and ligaments may then prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for their birthing.

McCarron Lake Chiropractic says, “As the baby grows, the center of gravity changes and the back must accommodate for that. This change in the center of gravity, along with the increased weight of pregnancy, can lead to muscles and ligaments that are stretched to the point that they pull the spine out of alignment which can contribute to lower back pain. Chiropractic treatment can put the spine back in proper alignment, which will help the muscles do their job of supporting the lower back and belly.”

Some of the effects of pelvic/sacral misalignment include:

• Pain/tightness the legs and groin.

• Lower back pain.

• Decrease in pelvic diameter/mobility.

• Longer labor possibly leading to unwanted interventions

Currently, the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) recommends chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to establish pelvic balance and optimize the room a baby has for development. With a balanced and aligned pelvis, babies have a greater chance of moving into their correct position for birth.

So ideally, the best time to begin The Webster Technique is as soon as possible, but by the 32nd week of pregnancy is preferable especially if the breech position is confirmed. And if you’re beyond the 32nd week of your pregnancy, don’t worry! Better late than never. These techniques are gentle, non-invasive, and drug-free.

What can I expect from a Webster Technique Chiropractic Visit?

• Full analysis of the muscles, joints, and ligaments of the pelvis/spine.

• Movement screen.

• Diversified, sacral adjustment with gentle soft tissue release.

• Recommended treatment plan with exercises and stretches.

Using a combination of myofascial release (similar to a massage) and manual adjustments, your Webster Chiro sessions will use techniques that gently and safely prepare your body for birthing. What an excellent idea!

Sterling Prenatal Chiropractor, Dr. Will Sonak, with 15 years experience specializing in pregnancy, and pediatrics chiropractic care demonstrates a prenatal adjustment and the Webster Technique.

Benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy

• Decrease in discomforts such as back, hip, pelvic and groin pain.

• Decrease in Sciatica, and heartburn.

• Better sleep and mobility.

• Reduction of tension in the muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus.

• Reduction of Intrauterine Constraint, creating more space in the pelvis for baby to move freely and engage.

  
  As a birth doula, I have seen the difference and so have the families I have supported. Along with other wellness modalities, I personally and highly recommend chiropractic care by someone certified in The Webster Technique.

  
  

So with all of this, you just may want to consider chiropractic care during your pregnancy. To find a Webster Certified Chiropractor near you, click here. Happy Birthing!

Did you utilize chiropractic care during your pregnancy?

If so, did you find benefit?

Let us know!

References:

http://icpa4kids.com/about/webster_technique.htm

http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Pregnancy-Birth/for-many-pregnant-moms-webster-technique-is-the-key-to-a-safer-birth.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779240/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12183701

https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=785127118674864;res=IELHEA

https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/

https://www.mlchiro.com/resources/chiropractic-care-during-and-after-pregnancy/

Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Northern Star Doula makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician.

NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. NORTHERN STAR DOULA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.