|
Read June's blog for the latest on birth news, healthy recipes, and recommended reading.  Subscribe to my blog
|
||||||||||||||
| When we think of pain relief in labor, an epidural is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But not every laboring mom wants to have an epidural, and even those who do will spend at least part of their time in labor without it. So how can you labor without any medical pain relief? Below are several resources, which are available no matter where you are laboring: |
 |
1. Breath: The breath is one of your two greatest assets in labor (the other being mobility). When your breathing is slow, long and steady, it helps you stay calm, focused and relaxed. It allows most of your body to relax so that the parts of your body that are needed specifically for labor – such as the uterus – have all the energy they need to do their work. Vocalizing with hummmmmm, or aaahhhhh or ooohhhhh on the exhale vibrates the chest and helps you stay present in your "labor zone" - while also helping the intense energy of the contractions to move through you.  2. Mobility:This is the second of your two greatest assets (breath is the other). Walking, rocking, swaying, making figure eights with your hips, lunging, squatting, and rotating the hips on a birth ball are all strong techniques for helping the baby to move down the birth canal. Note that when you opt for an epidural or an elective labor induction, you lose your ability to freely move around. 3. Showering/Bathing: A hot shower or tub (NOT a spa-type tub – those are much too hot) that's at around 99 degrees can feel very soothing during labor. Try sitting on a stool in the shower while your labor-support person aims the shower head at your lower back during contractions. If you prefer the tub, try getting onto your knees and using the side of the tub for support. In either case, the water has a soothing and calming effect. 4. Touch: Gently stroking a laboring mom's hair, cheeks, arms or legs can help her focus on those sensations rather than those of her contractions. 5. Massage: Deep massage during contractions can help reduce the sensation of pain from the contraction. You can use your hands, knuckles, and elbows, plus tools such as small "knobby" massagers, or even foam pool "noodles" – they can be cut to about 14-inches long and make a great back massager. Hand and foot massaging can also relieve pain. 6. Heat: Sometimes direct heat can ease the pain of contractions. You can use a heating pad, or a pack that can be heated in a microwave. Simply hold them in place with a long scarf, towel or sheet. You can increase your chances of having a baby without pain medications or any other interventions if you follow the Four Keys to a Natural Birth. Trust that your body can do what it already knows intuitively, and trust that in the unlikely event an intervention is needed, help is available. For more information, you might want to read this article about Labor Pain, as well as this easy-to-follow guide about natural comfort measures. | |
| Natural Comfort Measures | Epidural |
Getting close
to your due date?
Getting close
to your due date?
|
What is a Doula?
What is a Doula?
|
A doula is a non-medical labor assistant who physically and emotionally supports a mom and her partner during labor, as depicted in this beautiful montage of Samuel's birth. Thank you to Tara and Angel for sharing their natural birth experience at Breath of Life Birth Center. |
Breath of LIfe Birth Center
Breath of LIfe Birth Center
 Breath of Life is a beautiful birth center based in Largo, FL, with two caring Certified Nurse Midwives who lovingly help moms bring their babies into the world without drugs or high-tech equipment. "High-touch, low-tech" sums up the center's philosophy. Happy Birth Way childbirth educator June Connell is in her fourth year of teaching classes there. If you are a Breath of Life client and would like to sign up and pay for Happy Birth Way classes, you can do that right here. |
Did You Know?
|
Studies are suggesting that babies whose moms ate a variety of foods during their pregnancy are less likely to be picky eaters! So go ahead, moms -- sample some new cuisines! |
Testimonials
"Great environment and flow."
Keith R.
"We know more of what to expect now."
Susan G.
"June is intelligent, humble, patient and always available for questions."
Seth P.
"Having natural coping tools has boosted my confidence."
Regis B.
"I learned that my body will tell me what to do."
Stephanie W.
"Informative, excellent presentation."
Robyn B.
"Wonderful visuals. Thank you!"
Krystin W.
"Learning the husband?s role will definitely help us in labor."
Brian R.
"The class relieved my anxieties about labor and delivery."
Christie D.
"June did a great job answering our questions."
Ashley S.
|
Our Experience >
Cesarean Birth Rate
| The cesarean birth rate in the United States is teetering around the 40% mark. Some of the hospitals in the Tampa Bay area have already exceeded that. Find out here how your hospital is doing. |