As a pregnant mom, women get a crash course in the tests that many care providers suggest, recommend, or require as they progress through the 40 weeks of gestation. Or do they? Many women don't know a thing about these tests or dare I say, what to expect in preganacy whatsoever. Nothing, that is, besides old wive's tales, rumors, or secondhand accounts from a friend or family member. Then the buying of "What to Expect when your Expecting", is sometimes the only and I should say, one of the worst books they read. On that subject I just want to direct you to my website and suggest you click on the recommended reading list there. www.danawren-nurture.com
In this week's post I want to try and address some of the important conversations pregnant mom's should have with their care providers and tests that will be required and how to prepare for them.
Common tests
Ultrasound
Glucose test
Sonogram to test amniotic fluid level
GBS test (strep B test)
Ultrasounds
One baseline ultrasound is usually required to assess gestational date and heartbeat.
Beyond that........ they are optional and you can decline them. There is information which questions the effect multiple ultrasounds have on a fetus. There are evidence-based reports to be found on the subject at www.childbirthconnection.org http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10022&ClickedLink=433&area=27
Glucose Test
There is a high incidence of false positives in these test results. So I suggest moms not to panic.
If you test positive for the first test you will be told to return for a second longer test. When you get settled with your decison as to who you are delivering with as your care provider, I suggest getting a list of prenatal tests and the dates on which these tests will be preformed. 2-3 weeks before you are to be tested for Gestational Diabetes, you should cut way back on sweets. Anything with refined sugar, light on white rice, pastas, and days before the test you should even cutback on fruits. After you clear that hurdle you can resume your normal diet. Many women are missed diagnosed, there are many factors in this testing proceedure that increase the false positives. You can again go to www.childbirthconnection.org and find very good evidence-based studies on this test. http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10034
Amniotic fluid level sonogram test
Later in your preganacy a sonogram will be suggested to assess the level of amniotic fluid present surrounding your baby. Drink LOTS of water before your appt. Amniotid fluid is composed partly of the waste of your baby. What you drink and eat the baby does as well. When you drink fluids the baby passes this out into the amniotic sac. Therefore, this amniotic fluid is replaced as it is excreted. If you drink copious amounts of water prior to this test your fluid levels will be just fine. No reason for induction alarms. http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10026&ClickedLink=433&area=27
GBS Test (Strep B)
This test will be done around 34 weeks gestation. To aid in a negative result, we suggest our clients take 2-3 garlic cloves or 3-6 garlic capsules per day 3 days to 1 week prior to your GBS test. We have had clients who have followed this preventative measure have negative test results.
Scroll down to view the Strep B articles and view links, http://midwiferytoday.com/enews/enews0337.asp
Important topics to discuss with your care provider
% of vaginal deliveries
% of cesarean deliveries
% of patients who deliver drug free
% of episiotomies
How they manage post dates (mother who goes over 40 weeks gestation)
What is their protocol for premature rupture of membranes? (water breaking)
If fluid is clear?
If contractions aren't accompanying rupture? (water breaking)
How long after rupture of membranes must you be delivered?
Induction protocols
How often do you find it necessary to induce patients?
What are the most common reasons you induce patients?
Second stage management (pushing)
What positions can I push to bring my baby down?
What positions can I ultimately push my baby out into the world?
Do you provide counter pressure on my perineum?
Can I push as I wish, without holding my breath?
This is just a snapshot of some of the most recurring and persistent topics women should discuss
with their care provider. If your questions are met with impatience, irritation, or answers that don't align with your vision, I suggest you speak to other obstetricians or midwives and find someone who respects your desire to be informed and have the birth you would like to create.
The most important decision you will make in this part of the journey, is who will be your doctor or midwife. Do your homework. Trust your instincts and make your decisions from an informed place and not out of fear.
Be Well,
Dana
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Stepping into the unknown.....
The birth has happened and the baby is born...... now what?
I firmly believe in the power of a positive birth experience and it's ability to empower women in all parts of their lives and relationships. It is the best start to a connected and confident journey with your child and partner.
The childbearing year is surely a journey. One that is traveled step by step where awareness opens up in stages that mirror the phases of pregnancy and the postpartum period. It makes complete sense to me that a woman and her partner focus on the pregnancy and decisions to be made as her body and baby grow full with love and anticipation of the "big event."
I honor that journey and the time it takes for each woman to reach those stages in her own time.
I speak with clients about all those things that come up as a result of this huge change in her life, the change in her identity, her concerns, fears, excitement, and joy surrounding the impending birth.
I also connect that present journey to the needs and support required after the baby arrives.
Many women don't give the postpartum part of the journey as much thought and find themselves overwhelmed or surprised at the immediate role of parenthood.
I hear many women say that they thought they would get to rest after the birth and then be able to begin parenting. This is not the case, mothering begins before the birth and continues with waking every few hours to feed, change, and soothe baby.
Depending on how long/short or complicated/uncomplicated your birth is, moms may be caught unawares by the new demands of their newborns.
This is where having competent, loving, and compassionate support for postpartum comes into play. Whether this support comes from a non-judgemental family member, friend, or professional postpartum doula, it is something a new family should not do without.
Having someone who is educated in breast feeding, bottle feeding, newborn care, healthy nutrition to aid in recovery and breastfeeding, blues, postpartum depression, reading your baby's cues and space organization is invaluable.
Many times after the birth the focus of all is now on the baby alone. Mothers need mothering during this postpartum period to enable them to maximize their energy, recovery, and ability to best take care of their newborn child.
Having a community in place prior to the birth of your baby is great as well.
Socializing with other moms due around your estimated due date via classes for pregnant moms, online communities, and clubs is a good way to make friends with other expectant moms.
This allows for an established network during the postpartum period. Other new moms you can take walks with to the park, call when you are having a rough day, consult with around parenting issues.
Being gentle with yourself during this transition is very important. You have just had a baby and are learning how to care for this new being. Adjustments in your relationship with your partner are normal and can be exciting, but patience is required and compassion for the partner's transition is needed as well. You are on this journey together. Allow for the acceptance of help and ask for what you need. Keep your connection with your partner and yourself by communicating clearly and know that telepathy isn't something most of us can do. : )
The surrender required in pregnancy and birth carries over to the rest of your journey. Strength comes in the form of asking for what you need and accepting all that is given from open hearts, and establishing boundaries where needed.
If your family isn't nearby, can only be present for a short time following birth, or aren't the energy you need postpartum, then I highly suggest you have postpartum doula support. Having an experienced woman there for you and your new family is invaluable.
Ways to prepare for this postpartum transition are available.
Drink---
Red raspberry leaf tea daily ( good to do as a woman for your entire life---it is a uterine toner)
Coconut water (high in electrolytes)
Lots of water with lemon or lime squeezed into it
Organic milk, soy milk, hemp milk, or almond milk
Fresh vegetable juices ( green ones sweetened with apple are excellent for elasticity of tissues, helps a perineum stretch and recover following delivery.
Fruit smoothies ( organic fruits are preferable )
Eat---
Small meals often
Lots of greens
Organic when possible
Cook meals ahead of time and freeze for consumption later
Sleep---
When you are tired
Try to listen to your body's signals for rest
Arrange support
Schedule times/days for family and/or friends to come to your home and help you
have specific tasks for them to do i.e., cook meals, watch baby while you shower, nap, brush your teeth
Hire or have your friends or family hire a postpartum doula as a gift for you ( better than one more onesie! )
Have some recommended names of lactation consultants, chiropractors, and massage therapists
Books
Our Babies Ourselves by Meredith Small
Mothering the new mother by Sally Placksin
The Year after Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
Your Amazing Newborn by Dr. Marshall Klaus and Phyllis Klaus
Becoming a Father by William Sears
The expectant Father by Armin Brott
I wish you the best in this journey and have the utmost confidence in your ability
to grow your baby and your family without sacrificing yourself in the process.
The love you give yourself radiates out to everyone in your life!
I am happy to provide information to anyone regarding this period and my postpartum doula services.
Be Well,
Dana
I firmly believe in the power of a positive birth experience and it's ability to empower women in all parts of their lives and relationships. It is the best start to a connected and confident journey with your child and partner.
The childbearing year is surely a journey. One that is traveled step by step where awareness opens up in stages that mirror the phases of pregnancy and the postpartum period. It makes complete sense to me that a woman and her partner focus on the pregnancy and decisions to be made as her body and baby grow full with love and anticipation of the "big event."
I honor that journey and the time it takes for each woman to reach those stages in her own time.
I speak with clients about all those things that come up as a result of this huge change in her life, the change in her identity, her concerns, fears, excitement, and joy surrounding the impending birth.
I also connect that present journey to the needs and support required after the baby arrives.
Many women don't give the postpartum part of the journey as much thought and find themselves overwhelmed or surprised at the immediate role of parenthood.
I hear many women say that they thought they would get to rest after the birth and then be able to begin parenting. This is not the case, mothering begins before the birth and continues with waking every few hours to feed, change, and soothe baby.
Depending on how long/short or complicated/uncomplicated your birth is, moms may be caught unawares by the new demands of their newborns.
This is where having competent, loving, and compassionate support for postpartum comes into play. Whether this support comes from a non-judgemental family member, friend, or professional postpartum doula, it is something a new family should not do without.
Having someone who is educated in breast feeding, bottle feeding, newborn care, healthy nutrition to aid in recovery and breastfeeding, blues, postpartum depression, reading your baby's cues and space organization is invaluable.
Many times after the birth the focus of all is now on the baby alone. Mothers need mothering during this postpartum period to enable them to maximize their energy, recovery, and ability to best take care of their newborn child.
Having a community in place prior to the birth of your baby is great as well.
Socializing with other moms due around your estimated due date via classes for pregnant moms, online communities, and clubs is a good way to make friends with other expectant moms.
This allows for an established network during the postpartum period. Other new moms you can take walks with to the park, call when you are having a rough day, consult with around parenting issues.
Being gentle with yourself during this transition is very important. You have just had a baby and are learning how to care for this new being. Adjustments in your relationship with your partner are normal and can be exciting, but patience is required and compassion for the partner's transition is needed as well. You are on this journey together. Allow for the acceptance of help and ask for what you need. Keep your connection with your partner and yourself by communicating clearly and know that telepathy isn't something most of us can do. : )
The surrender required in pregnancy and birth carries over to the rest of your journey. Strength comes in the form of asking for what you need and accepting all that is given from open hearts, and establishing boundaries where needed.
If your family isn't nearby, can only be present for a short time following birth, or aren't the energy you need postpartum, then I highly suggest you have postpartum doula support. Having an experienced woman there for you and your new family is invaluable.
Ways to prepare for this postpartum transition are available.
Drink---
Red raspberry leaf tea daily ( good to do as a woman for your entire life---it is a uterine toner)
Coconut water (high in electrolytes)
Lots of water with lemon or lime squeezed into it
Organic milk, soy milk, hemp milk, or almond milk
Fresh vegetable juices ( green ones sweetened with apple are excellent for elasticity of tissues, helps a perineum stretch and recover following delivery.
Fruit smoothies ( organic fruits are preferable )
Eat---
Small meals often
Lots of greens
Organic when possible
Cook meals ahead of time and freeze for consumption later
Sleep---
When you are tired
Try to listen to your body's signals for rest
Arrange support
Schedule times/days for family and/or friends to come to your home and help you
have specific tasks for them to do i.e., cook meals, watch baby while you shower, nap, brush your teeth
Hire or have your friends or family hire a postpartum doula as a gift for you ( better than one more onesie! )
Have some recommended names of lactation consultants, chiropractors, and massage therapists
Books
Our Babies Ourselves by Meredith Small
Mothering the new mother by Sally Placksin
The Year after Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
Your Amazing Newborn by Dr. Marshall Klaus and Phyllis Klaus
Becoming a Father by William Sears
The expectant Father by Armin Brott
I wish you the best in this journey and have the utmost confidence in your ability
to grow your baby and your family without sacrificing yourself in the process.
The love you give yourself radiates out to everyone in your life!
I am happy to provide information to anyone regarding this period and my postpartum doula services.
Be Well,
Dana
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Positivity during pregnancy
I hear over and over again from my clients and pregnant women in general, that they're being told fear filled, scary stories while they are going about their business.
A friend or family member recounting some scary and dramatic pregnancy or birth experience.
It's as if they are a magnet for these people to lay this negative energy onto them.
My intuition tells me that this is because pregnancy and birth brings up so much for many people, especially other women. It is very loaded.
Our culture and society have so much fear around pregnancy and birth and perpetuate this fear dogma at every turn it seems. This is the last thing women need to come into contact with when they are growing a baby and facing their own fears about their changing identity, relationships, and life transitions.
When women are pregnant they often find themselves opening and becoming more vunerable and sensitive. This is actually a strength that prepares them for the flexibility and surrender needed to traverse the challenges and power of birth and parenthood.
I think it is important for pregnant women to surround themselves with positive people and stories of positive birth experiences. If you're opening up, fill yourselves with light and goodness.
This may mean asking friends and family to keep their negative and scary stories to themselves.
It's a practice in asking for what you need and protecting your space and peace of mind in this special time of your life.
If you know women who have had positive birth experiences, ask them to tell their story to you. Read good books that recount positive birth stories. Watch positive birth videos. Whatever you're ready for in your time.
But don't feel like you have to be the dumping ground for other people's fear and negativity. Be the mother lioness and begin practicing your roar!
You can do this in a loving and compassionate way, while standing your ground. If the person doesn't respect your wishes, you can just tell them you have places to be and happy people to see and then walk away or tell them you'll talk to them later.
Below I will list some books and videos that will fill you with positive images of birth and new ways to conceptualize pregnancy and birth.
This time in your life is an opportunity to open to your personal power potential. Grab it with both hands. It's all right there for you.
Be well.
Books
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin (all birth stories)
Ina May's guide to natural Childbirth by Ina may Gaskin (first half of book is birth stories, more recent than the previous book)
Birth as an American Rite of Passage by Robbie Davis-Floyd (from an anthropologicl point of view, looking at our American system of birth)
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer ( De-mystifying the myths around birth that perpetuate the fear I spoke about above)
Videos
Gentle Birth Choices (shows births that again, de-mystify myths around obstacles around women having positive experiences)
Birth Day ( a beautiful example of the way birth can be with your partner and family)
ENJOY!
A friend or family member recounting some scary and dramatic pregnancy or birth experience.
It's as if they are a magnet for these people to lay this negative energy onto them.
My intuition tells me that this is because pregnancy and birth brings up so much for many people, especially other women. It is very loaded.
Our culture and society have so much fear around pregnancy and birth and perpetuate this fear dogma at every turn it seems. This is the last thing women need to come into contact with when they are growing a baby and facing their own fears about their changing identity, relationships, and life transitions.
When women are pregnant they often find themselves opening and becoming more vunerable and sensitive. This is actually a strength that prepares them for the flexibility and surrender needed to traverse the challenges and power of birth and parenthood.
I think it is important for pregnant women to surround themselves with positive people and stories of positive birth experiences. If you're opening up, fill yourselves with light and goodness.
This may mean asking friends and family to keep their negative and scary stories to themselves.
It's a practice in asking for what you need and protecting your space and peace of mind in this special time of your life.
If you know women who have had positive birth experiences, ask them to tell their story to you. Read good books that recount positive birth stories. Watch positive birth videos. Whatever you're ready for in your time.
But don't feel like you have to be the dumping ground for other people's fear and negativity. Be the mother lioness and begin practicing your roar!
You can do this in a loving and compassionate way, while standing your ground. If the person doesn't respect your wishes, you can just tell them you have places to be and happy people to see and then walk away or tell them you'll talk to them later.
Below I will list some books and videos that will fill you with positive images of birth and new ways to conceptualize pregnancy and birth.
This time in your life is an opportunity to open to your personal power potential. Grab it with both hands. It's all right there for you.
Be well.
Books
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin (all birth stories)
Ina May's guide to natural Childbirth by Ina may Gaskin (first half of book is birth stories, more recent than the previous book)
Birth as an American Rite of Passage by Robbie Davis-Floyd (from an anthropologicl point of view, looking at our American system of birth)
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer ( De-mystifying the myths around birth that perpetuate the fear I spoke about above)
Videos
Gentle Birth Choices (shows births that again, de-mystify myths around obstacles around women having positive experiences)
Birth Day ( a beautiful example of the way birth can be with your partner and family)
ENJOY!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog all about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting issues!
I've never been in the blogging community, so please bear with me in this new medium.
I will try and write often and about interesting topics.
Please pass this blog on to your friends, family, and any possible interested parties who you think would benefit from my musings and experience in this field.
I have been a labor support and postpartum doula since 2001. I have attended over 200 births in that time.
I have a doula partner and we are called Birthwise Doulas.
My partner is a wonderful woman named Monet Mindell.
She has equal experience as myself in the field as well as having 5 children of her own.
I will ask her to contribute to this blog on occasion.
Until then, you can find out more about us at our individual websites.
www.monetdoula.com
www.danawren-nurture.com
I am working on the Birthwise website now.
I will try and have my first official post this week!
See you on the web!
Dana
I've never been in the blogging community, so please bear with me in this new medium.
I will try and write often and about interesting topics.
Please pass this blog on to your friends, family, and any possible interested parties who you think would benefit from my musings and experience in this field.
I have been a labor support and postpartum doula since 2001. I have attended over 200 births in that time.
I have a doula partner and we are called Birthwise Doulas.
My partner is a wonderful woman named Monet Mindell.
She has equal experience as myself in the field as well as having 5 children of her own.
I will ask her to contribute to this blog on occasion.
Until then, you can find out more about us at our individual websites.
www.monetdoula.com
www.danawren-nurture.com
I am working on the Birthwise website now.
I will try and have my first official post this week!
See you on the web!
Dana
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