Author Archives: Courtney
Birth Affirmations
The below affirmations can be said during pregnancy, as a way to prepare for labor. Read through and pick ones that really resonate with you. Go back to this list as pregnancy advances, your likes may change. Say a few of these every day. It may feel weird at first, but continue saying them. Your [...]
Hypnobirthing Language
One of the key components in Hypnobirthing is moving away from the medical language of pregnancy and birth and embracing words that invoke natural movement and transition. Below is a list of medical words with the Hypnobirthing alternative following.
Contraction – Surge or Wave
Coach – Birth companion or partner
Catch the baby – receive the baby
Deliver the [...]
Labor & Birth Guide of What to Expect – Part 8
Placenta Birth
Placenta separates from uterine wall
This could take 5 – 90 minutes
May experience painful contractions or none at all
Possible Emotional Responses to Placenta Birth
Surprise that you still aren’t done
Anger at contractions
Engrossment for your baby
What You Can Do During the Birth of the Placenta
Use your breathing during contractions
Keep baby at breast to stimulate the release of [...]
Labor & Birth Guide of What to Expect – Part 7
Crowning and Birth
Baby’s head no longer retreats between contractions
Head is visible
May feel burning and stretching – this is ok – it’s your tissues dilating and stretching so they don’t tear
Possible Emotional Responses During Crowning and Birth
Confusion about the burning pain
Fear of tearing
Fear of the birth of the body
Panic
Trying to escape the pain
Awe as the baby [...]
Labor & Birth Guide of What to Expect – Part 6
Pushing
The urge to push is uncontrollable and involuntary
The same muscles you use to poop are the same muscles you use to push
You will know when you need to push
Possible Emotional Response to Pushing
Fear of tearing
Anxiety
Alarm at the sensations
Thankfulness to be “doing” something
What You Can Do During Pushing
Rest between contractions
Listen to your body
Voice any concerns or [...]
Labor & Birth Guide of What to Expect – Part 5
Rest and Be Thankful Phase
May be able to rest for 5-30 minutes with no contractions
Baby’s head has left the uterus, creating space inside the uterine cavity, leaving the uterus with more slack then ever before
No urge to push
Relief from pain
Possible Emotional Responses to the Rest and Be Thankful Phase
Renewed energy, hope and trust
More awareness of [...]
Labor & Birth Guide of What to Expect – Part 4
Transition
I’ve noticed that a lot of women really want to know when they are in transition. It’s important to keep in mind that you may not experience the outward signs of transition, so try to let your expectations go.
Very intense and long contractions.
Pain has usually peaked
Starting to feel pressure on the vagina and rectum – [...]
Labor & Birth Guide of What to Expect – Part 3
Active Labor
Contractions continue progressing and become stronger and longer. You are now unable to be distracted during a contraction.
Contractions are now lasted 1 minute or longer and are coming every 4 or 5 minutes. This has been happening for over an hour.
Peak of pain intensity is usually reached by 7-9 cm. That means if you’ve [...]
Labor & Birth Guide of What to Expect – Part 2
Early Active Labor
Contractions are becoming stronger, longer and more frequent
May continue to see bloody show (mucus)
Water may release
Possible Emotional Responses to Early Active Labor
Almost certain that you’re in labor, but still unsure, which causes confusion
Apprehensive or confident
May focus on contractions too much. Save that energy girl!
What You Can Do During Early Active Labor
REST
If unable to [...]
Labor & Birth Guide of What to Expect – Part 1
Early Labor
Early labor may last a short amount of time (usually just for moms who have already given birth) or several days.
Possible Signs of Early Labor
Diarrhea
Backache
Cramps – Menstrual like cramps
Nonprogressing contractions – meaning they don’t increase in frequency/duration and may go away
Mucus in your underware – this can be a small [...]
The 4th Trimester
Compared to other mammals, humans are much more fragile at birth. That’s why parents need to be in physical contact and providing constant attention to their babies.
Experts believe humans are born 3-4 months earlier than we should be because when primitive women stood up, the shape of their pelvis became more narrow, which resulted [...]
How to Use Comfort Breathing During Labor
During childbirth classes moms often ask if I will teach them how to breathe during labor. I find that most moms will instinctively find the breath pattern that works for them and there is no right or wrong way to do it. But below is what I teach in my class.
When a contraction begins:
1. Signal [...]
Birth Inerventions
“The first intervention in birth that a healthy woman takes is when she walks out the front door of her home in labor. From that first intervention, all others will follow.” -Michael Rosenthal, OB/GYN
Maternal Deaths
Why are women dying during childbirth during labor? It’s from hospital interventions, which this story touches on. The author could have gone one step further and brought in midwifery care: http://californiawatch.org/health-and-welfare/more-women-dying-pregnancy-complications-state-holds-report
I’d like to highlight some interesting bits from this story:
So he (doctor) set a rule: no elective inductions before 41 weeks of pregnancy, with only a [...]
Choosing a Childbirth Class in Portland
Why is it important for moms to attend a childbirth class?
Most hospital care providers can only spend, at most, 15 minutes with you during your prenatal appointments. That is not enough time to ask your questions, receive informed care and choice and practice labor positions and comfort measures. Even if you are working with a [...]
Does Sex During Pregnancy Spur Labor?
I’m really into these ABC news stories. It’s not that they are incredibly factual (they really aren’t), but I guess I’m just happy that some truths are seeping into mainstream media. In this older ABC news article, they ask if sex during pregnancy can actually spur labor. Well, let me tell you how that all [...]
Things That Can Suck About Being Pregnant
No one ever says you have to be happy. In fact, a lot of women suffer from depression during pregnancy. Of course, this is talked about even less that Postpartum Depression, but it does exist. Yes, you are excited about having a baby and looking forward to being a mom and all that goes with [...]
Taking Back Childbirth
OK – last ABC news article for this week – I promise. I love that they repeatedly call natural childbirth a medical anomaly. Really?!
And so here is another article about natural childbirth that made it to sheep media: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ReproductiveHealth/story?id=5462833&page=2
Private Childbirth Classes in Portland, Oregon
Looking for a custom, personal and interactive childbirth class that focuses on natural and normal childbirth? Well, Full Moon’s Daughter has just that.
The first step is to give us a call (503.737.8834). We’ll talk about when you’re due, where you’re giving birth and what you want to learn. I’ll then email you an agenda based [...]
