Health
Lessons at Indian Hospital About Births
By DENISE GRADY
Published: March 6, 2010
A small, underfunded hospital in Arizona, with about 500 births a year, is outperforming richer institutions when it comes to keeping Caesarean rates down. Click here to read the full story.
This is a great article with another view on the c-section (Caesarean birth) and VBAC debate. This is an issue that is going to continue getting more and more attention (hopefully) as many women are discovering how limited their options are currently because of a previous C-section birth.
Regardless of the reason(s) for the C-section women are now being told in increasing numbers they have no option but to have repeat C-sections for their future births. I've also had clients who have been told they should limit their pregnancies (and therefore their C-sections) to 3 due to the impact on their bodies.
What is your experience on this topic? Weigh in with your thoughts and comments please!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Debate of Pain in Birth
An interesting article from The Irish Times, published February 2, 2010, on the debate of what makes a satisfying birth experience and options to increase comfort in birth.
Article excerpt: Outlining the role of the midwife in pain management in pregnancy and the peripartum period, Denis Walsh, associate professor in midwifery at Nottingham University in the UK, said that the epidural was very effective in complicated labours, for example where the birth was being induced or sped up.
However, in normal pregnancy there was evidence that three forms of care reduced epidural use: one-to-one care in labour given by a midwife; access to water immersion, ie getting into a tub during labour; and access to self- hypnosis or hypnobirthing.
“When those three forms of care are widely available for women, we see quite a low rate of epidural, even in first-time births... Click here to read the full article
MY COMMENTS: This is a debate not only among women, but chilbirth professionals world wide! I appreciate seeing what other countries are finding and how they are approaching birth for their populations. The choice to use midwifery care is an important one, and has consistently shown good results for mother and baby health, and women's satisfaction with their birth experience.
I've been teaching hypnosis skills for birth since 1995. Many of my clients have been couples choosing out of hospital births and water births. It is great to see the statistics on success and satisfication from using hypnosis (and water tubs) - particularly internationally. Hypnosis has been steadily losing its "whoo whoo" reputation as more and more research validate how it works, as well as the benefits it offers. I look forward to continuing to be a part of helping women prepare for birth with skills to truly increase their satisfication with their birth experience and to be more comfortable thru the process.
All the best,
Nancy
Article excerpt: Outlining the role of the midwife in pain management in pregnancy and the peripartum period, Denis Walsh, associate professor in midwifery at Nottingham University in the UK, said that the epidural was very effective in complicated labours, for example where the birth was being induced or sped up.
However, in normal pregnancy there was evidence that three forms of care reduced epidural use: one-to-one care in labour given by a midwife; access to water immersion, ie getting into a tub during labour; and access to self- hypnosis or hypnobirthing.
“When those three forms of care are widely available for women, we see quite a low rate of epidural, even in first-time births... Click here to read the full article
MY COMMENTS: This is a debate not only among women, but chilbirth professionals world wide! I appreciate seeing what other countries are finding and how they are approaching birth for their populations. The choice to use midwifery care is an important one, and has consistently shown good results for mother and baby health, and women's satisfaction with their birth experience.
I've been teaching hypnosis skills for birth since 1995. Many of my clients have been couples choosing out of hospital births and water births. It is great to see the statistics on success and satisfication from using hypnosis (and water tubs) - particularly internationally. Hypnosis has been steadily losing its "whoo whoo" reputation as more and more research validate how it works, as well as the benefits it offers. I look forward to continuing to be a part of helping women prepare for birth with skills to truly increase their satisfication with their birth experience and to be more comfortable thru the process.
All the best,
Nancy
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Pubic Bone Pain in Pregnancy
Today on About.com Robin Elise Weiss has an article on pubic bone pain in late pregnancy:
"Pubic bone pain in pregnancy is also know as Pubic Symphysis Diastasis. This is where, usually in later pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes the pelvis, particularly at the pubic bone, to loosen. In general, this is a good thing as it makes birth easier for mom and baby. However, sometimes the separation is exaggerated and can become quite pain for the mother " Click to read more.
My comments: I've been seeing this with several of my clients in the past few months. It is uncomfortable to say the least! I would make a couple more suggestions that she doesn't make in her article to help alleviate the problem. These would include seeing your chiropractor, accupuncturist, and/or pregnancy massage therapist. All of these professionals have skills and options to help stabilize your pelvis and relieve the pain. Physical therapists can also provide treatment and exercises to stabilize the pelvis.
The important thing is not to ignore the problem or tough it out. This type of pubic bone pain can negatively impact your ability to work with your labor contractions! It is definitely one of those issues best dealt with as soon as possible. Make sure you are informing your midwife or doctor about what is going on. They often will have referrals to professionals who have the specific skill needed to help.
Wishing you a healthy pregnancy and birth,
Nancy
www.HypnosisForBirth.com
"Pubic bone pain in pregnancy is also know as Pubic Symphysis Diastasis. This is where, usually in later pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes the pelvis, particularly at the pubic bone, to loosen. In general, this is a good thing as it makes birth easier for mom and baby. However, sometimes the separation is exaggerated and can become quite pain for the mother " Click to read more.
My comments: I've been seeing this with several of my clients in the past few months. It is uncomfortable to say the least! I would make a couple more suggestions that she doesn't make in her article to help alleviate the problem. These would include seeing your chiropractor, accupuncturist, and/or pregnancy massage therapist. All of these professionals have skills and options to help stabilize your pelvis and relieve the pain. Physical therapists can also provide treatment and exercises to stabilize the pelvis.
The important thing is not to ignore the problem or tough it out. This type of pubic bone pain can negatively impact your ability to work with your labor contractions! It is definitely one of those issues best dealt with as soon as possible. Make sure you are informing your midwife or doctor about what is going on. They often will have referrals to professionals who have the specific skill needed to help.
Wishing you a healthy pregnancy and birth,
Nancy
www.HypnosisForBirth.com
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Morning Sickness Survival Guide
"Just eat a few saltines and you'll be ok".
If you're suffering with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, you're not alone. Most women experience it to some degree during their first trimester. This is largely due to the increased hormones your body is producing to keep your pregnancy healthy as the placenta grows. By the 4th month the placenta is developed enough and things settle down a bit.
In the meantime – try the following tips for some relief.
Avoid foods that cause rapid blood sugar shifts.
Fruit juice, sugary snacks, processed cereal (the kind that comes in a box), anything made with white flour, etc...these types of foods cause your blood sugar to rapidly rise then come crashing down, triggering nausea and vomiting. Eat protein foods and whole foods.
Meat, cheese, yogurt (be careful here- try plain yogurt with fresh or frozen berries mixed in. Many yogurts have way too much sugar), eggs, nuts, nut butters, veggies, and whole grains should be your staples. Even if eating doesn't appeal to you, coaxing yourself to eat a little bit of a protein food every 2 hours will help prevent vomiting. Don't leave the house without carrying a snack with you.
Hydration 101
It's very important that you stay hydrated. You're going to need extra fluids to support the pregnancy, but many women find that drinking water makes them more nauseated. Some things to try:
Your nose is on hyperdrive during early pregnancy! Stinky smells like poopy diapers, kitchen trash, even morning breath may be impossible to totally avoid, but try your best to avoid smelly situations.
And don't be shy about telling someone who has bad breath, noxious perfume or cigarette smells on them that you're in a delicate condition and need some fresh air.
If cooking smells make you ill, take a break from your usual garlic and onion specialties. Don't be a martyr. Hubby will understand that you can't make his favorite sausage and peppers for a while.
Prepare meals that won't stink up the kitchen. Green main dish salads with cold, cut up chicken, steak or hard boiled eggs. Sandwiches are good too.
Aromatherapy
But do try to take it easy, avoid stress as much as possible, and rest as much as you can. You're doing the very important job of growing a baby. Explain to your other children why you're feeling poorly and that it won't last forever. Call in favors and ask friends to come over to play with your 2 year old for an hour so you can sleep, or ask them to cook extra when they make dinner tonight and bring you a dish.
When you feel a bout of nausea coming on, try to lay down for a few minutes in a dark room with your eyes closed. Sometimes if you do this the episode will pass.
More Ideas
Avoid getting overheated or chilled. Extremes in temperature can trigger vomiting.
Clean the toilet daily, even if it's the only household chore you can do right now. Better yet, have someone else do it. And wear your hair up for awhile. If you're going to be throwing up, at least you will have your hair out of the way and a clean bowl to hug!
One midwife told me that she always worries when a Mom comes in for her first prenatal feeling wonderful...the chances of her miscarrying are higher.
When I had my daughter many years ago – this was the prevailing thought. Even now when I hear someone say this, I’m tempted want to slug them! 24-7 morning sickness for 3 plus months is hard to forget!
If you're suffering with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, you're not alone. Most women experience it to some degree during their first trimester. This is largely due to the increased hormones your body is producing to keep your pregnancy healthy as the placenta grows. By the 4th month the placenta is developed enough and things settle down a bit.
In the meantime – try the following tips for some relief.
Keep your blood sugar regulated
One theory about why morning sickness is worse in the morning (and for some women only occurs then) is because when you wake up from sleep, you have low blood sugar. For many pregnant woman, going 8 hours without food is just a bad idea.You might find it helpful to eat a high protein snack before bed, and even to eat a bite each time you get up in the night to go to the bathroom. (Which in the beginning may be quite frequent!)
For some how you start off first thing in the morning was of paramount importance. So either put some food on a plate beside your bed or asked your hubby to bring you a snack first thing in the morning. Take your time. Eat your snack slowly and lie still for a few minutes afterwards. Then slowly get up and immediately go to the kitchen and eat another bite. Again, emphasize protein.
Avoid foods that cause rapid blood sugar shifts.
Fruit juice, sugary snacks, processed cereal (the kind that comes in a box), anything made with white flour, etc...these types of foods cause your blood sugar to rapidly rise then come crashing down, triggering nausea and vomiting. Eat protein foods and whole foods.
Meat, cheese, yogurt (be careful here- try plain yogurt with fresh or frozen berries mixed in. Many yogurts have way too much sugar), eggs, nuts, nut butters, veggies, and whole grains should be your staples. Even if eating doesn't appeal to you, coaxing yourself to eat a little bit of a protein food every 2 hours will help prevent vomiting. Don't leave the house without carrying a snack with you.
Hydration 101
It's very important that you stay hydrated. You're going to need extra fluids to support the pregnancy, but many women find that drinking water makes them more nauseated. Some things to try:
- Smoothies made with fruit, ice and plain yogurt or kefir. The tangy flavor of these two dairy products really hit the spot for many. They also sneak in some extra protein.
- Water served VERY cold with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
- Carbonated water with a small amount of fruit juice for flavor.
- Weakly brewed iced or hot tea with lemon. The small bit of caffeine won't harm your baby. Something about the bitter tannins in tea may help ease nausea.
- Citrus fruits and melons.
Your nose is on hyperdrive during early pregnancy! Stinky smells like poopy diapers, kitchen trash, even morning breath may be impossible to totally avoid, but try your best to avoid smelly situations.
Have someone else take out the trash. Have hubby change your toddler when he's home.
And don't be shy about telling someone who has bad breath, noxious perfume or cigarette smells on them that you're in a delicate condition and need some fresh air.
If cooking smells make you ill, take a break from your usual garlic and onion specialties. Don't be a martyr. Hubby will understand that you can't make his favorite sausage and peppers for a while.
Prepare meals that won't stink up the kitchen. Green main dish salads with cold, cut up chicken, steak or hard boiled eggs. Sandwiches are good too.
Go with your cravings, within reason.
Aromatherapy
Put a couple of drops of lavender, mint or lemon essential oil (these oils are generally regarded as safe to use during pregnancy) on cotton balls and keep these in various locations... the kitchen, bathroom, your purse and in the car. Take a whiff when you feel sick. Put a few drops on your pillow.
Exercise
I know, I know... exercise is the last thing you want to do when you can hardly get your face out of the toilet! But if you force yourself to take even a ten minute walk outside every day, it WILL help.But do try to take it easy, avoid stress as much as possible, and rest as much as you can. You're doing the very important job of growing a baby. Explain to your other children why you're feeling poorly and that it won't last forever. Call in favors and ask friends to come over to play with your 2 year old for an hour so you can sleep, or ask them to cook extra when they make dinner tonight and bring you a dish.
When you feel a bout of nausea coming on, try to lay down for a few minutes in a dark room with your eyes closed. Sometimes if you do this the episode will pass.
Hypnosis
Yes! Some self hypnosis/meditation can help during this time. If nothing else it will help improve your tolerance of the discomfort!Accupuncture is also helpful.
More Ideas
Avoid getting overheated or chilled. Extremes in temperature can trigger vomiting.
Try Sea-Bands, available at large drug stores. They're designed for motion sickness but helps some pregnant women.
Clean the toilet daily, even if it's the only household chore you can do right now. Better yet, have someone else do it. And wear your hair up for awhile. If you're going to be throwing up, at least you will have your hair out of the way and a clean bowl to hug!
Final Note
Sometimes when you're so miserable it's easy to forget what's making you so sick! Remember that statistically, women who experience nausea and vomiting of pregnancy are more likely to carry the pregnancy to term.One midwife told me that she always worries when a Mom comes in for her first prenatal feeling wonderful...the chances of her miscarrying are higher.
So rejoice in your strong hormones! Read pregnancy magazines, birth stories on the Internet, look through maternity clothing catalogs, do whatever you need to do to cheer yourself up and get yourself in the mood for a new baby.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Happy Holidays!
Along with wishes for your every happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year - comes a prayer that this finds you and yours safe, warm, healthy, happy, and loved!
I'm writing this while watching the snow that continues to fall and pile up around us. I don't remember a snowy Christmas time like this since 1996. That was the year my grandson was born. He was a 6 weeks old when the snow hit, and 4 generations got snowed in together for several days. We spent the time playing, snuggling, and marveling at our little man. It is one of my favorite memories even with the power outage and water heater that went bad!
So my hope for you is that in this year of snow that you are reveling in what is truly important in your life and making some great memories. Staying home, playing with your kids, making some cookies and watching the snow pile up isn't such a bad way to spend some December days. Normal weather and life will be back with us soon enough. One of things I love about living in the NW is that the snow is an occasional event - not the norm!
For many years now during the time between Christmas and New Year's I reflect on the ending year and get clear on my intentions and goals for the new year. This has served me well, in good times and in bad. What are your goals and intentions for 2009? Our country (and world) is in a time of challenges and changes, that will push all of us to make some new choices. If you need some help getting clear, and moving into 2009 with some new attitude and tools under your belt - I'm here. I continue to marvel at how blessed I am in my life and work. It is a pleasure working with all my clients (general adn pregnant), and feel priveleged to attend births as a doula. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your process through your life and your births, as well as sharing your birth stories and photos with me. It is amazing seeing how your babies are growing!
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your process through your life and your births! I am also deeply grateful for all the referrals I receive. Sending your family, friends, and clients to me is one of the highest compliments I can receive - Thank You!
Many Blessings,
Nancy
Nancy
Thursday, November 6, 2008
NY Times Article on Hypnosis
The NY Times this week published a great article on the the power of hypnosis and explaining how the power lies in the client! It is exciting to see the research and positive attention hypnosis is getting, moving out of the shadows of woo woo and swinging watches. While not specifically a pregnancy related article it provides some great information around some of the common mis-conceptions people hold about hypnosis and how it works.
The article references a 2001 research results article by Dr. Brian Alman. This research was done at the Department of Preventive Medicine at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Diego, California. It adds and contributes to the growing positive outlook of what hypnosis can offer to creating greater health and wellness.
All of this mirrors what I have found over the past 15 years in my practice with clients. The power to change really does lie within the client - not me. I serve as a facilitator and guide to assist clients in tapping into their mind-body power and creating the changes they desire.
More links to articles and research results can be found at my website at http://hypnosisforbirth.com/hypnosisforbirth/Links.htm. Feel free to contact me with questions or comments.
The article references a 2001 research results article by Dr. Brian Alman. This research was done at the Department of Preventive Medicine at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Diego, California. It adds and contributes to the growing positive outlook of what hypnosis can offer to creating greater health and wellness.
All of this mirrors what I have found over the past 15 years in my practice with clients. The power to change really does lie within the client - not me. I serve as a facilitator and guide to assist clients in tapping into their mind-body power and creating the changes they desire.
More links to articles and research results can be found at my website at http://hypnosisforbirth.com/hypnosisforbirth/Links.htm. Feel free to contact me with questions or comments.
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