Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum

"Natural Childbirth: A Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, & Postpartum"


Decisions to Consider and Research (Plus Some Links to Get You Started):

• Using a Midwife vs an Obstetrician.
• Hiring a Doula. More Info:http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
• Homebirth vs Birth Center vs Hospital Birth.
• Waterbirth. More Info: http://www.waterbirth.org/waterbirth-information &http://evidencebasedbirth.com/waterbirth
• Opting out of Ultrasound. More Info: http://sarahbuckley.com/ultrasound-scans-cause-for-concern & http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/ultrasoundwagner.asp
• Get Rid of Group B Strep (and avoid Antibiotics):http://wellnessmama.com/8680/avoid-gbs/ & http://thehealthyhoneys.com/how-to-test-negative-for-gbs/#comment-704 & http://evidencebasedbirth.com/groupbstrep/
• Gestational Diabetes Screening. More Info:http://evidencebasedbirth.com/gestational-diabetes-and-the-glucola-test/
• Opting out of Membranes Stripping.
• Avoiding Induction/Pitocin/Augmentation. More Info:http://evidencebasedbirth.com/crank-up-the-pit-2/
• Opting out of Artificial Rupture of Membranes.
• Opting out of Continuous Electronic Fetal Monitoring during Labor. More Info:http://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-based-fetal-monitoring/
• Staying Active in Labor. More Info: http://evidencebasedbirth.com/what-is-the-evidence-for-pushing-positions/
• Avoiding Forceps/Vaccume Extraction/Episiotomy
• Delayed Cord Clamping. More Info: http://cord-clamping.com/2011/09/05/newborn-blood-and-advertising/ 
• Skin-to-Skin immediately after Birth. More Info:http://www.mommypotamus.com/benefits-of-skin-to-skin/ &http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-skin-to-skin-care-after-a-cesarean/
• APGAR Screening done with Baby on Mama's Chest.
• Breastfeeding as soon as possible.
• Avoiding Mother/Infant Separation at any time unless absolutely medically necessary. More Info: http://evidencebasedbirth.com/can-hospitals-keep-moms-and-babies-together-after-a-cesarean/
• Opting out of the Vitamin K Shot and using Vitamin K Drops instead. More Info:http://www.mommypotamus.com/newborn-vitamin-k-shot/ &http://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-for-the-vitamin-k-shot-in-newborns/
• Opting out of the Hepatis B Vaccine (and all vaccines for that matter! Check out our Vaccine info Files here in the Missouri Mamas Group).
• Opting out of the Eye Prophylaxis.
• Opting out of the Heel Stick Test/PKU Test, unless you feel it is necessary considering your family history.
• Opting out of Routine Infant Circumcision. More Info:https://www.facebook.com/notes/on-this-journey/circumcision-resources/721116797922013
• Placenta Encapsulation or Placenta Consumption. More Info:http://thejoyofthis.com/2012/02/01/i-encapsulated-my-placenta-placenta-pictures-included/

Some Helpful Links:

• Evidence Based Birth, a wealth of Info: http://evidencebasedbirth.com/topics/
• 10 Childbirth Myths:http://midwiferyramblings.blogspot.ca/2008/07/10-childbirth-myths-revisited.html?m=1
• Informed Consent in Newborn Procedures: http://modernalternativepregnancy.com/2012/09/24/you-want-to-stick-that-in-my-baby-where-informed-consent-in-newborn-procedures/#.VOtoOebF937
• Important Questions to Ask your Care Provider when Birthing in a Hospital Setting: http://www.bloomingwaterlilies.com/55-questions-to-ask-when-desiring-a-natural-childbirth-in-a-hospital-setting/
• Packing a Bag for Your Natural Childbirth:http://feedmemama.net/2013/12/18/packing-a-bag-for-a-natural-birth/
• Preparing Your House for a Homebirth:http://www.mothering.com/articles/natural-parenting-toolbox-preparing-the-house-for-homebirth/

Preparing Your Body for Childbirth:

• Red Raspberry Leaf Tea starting in the second trimester, working up to drinking 1 or 2 pints by the end of your pregnancy. This can support the strengthening and toning of the uterus. More Info: http://www.mommypotamus.com/homemade-pregnancy-tea-a-nourishing-tonic-for-two/
• Eat 6 dates daily from 36 weeks onward. This has been shown to significantly reduce the need for induction or augmentation of labor. More Info:http://thepeacefulbirthproject.org/2013/10/ancient-wisdom-and-research-agree-amazing-fruit-eases-labor-and-prevents-postpartum-hemorrhage/ &http://vitalitynation.com/pregnant-women-dates/

• Safe Herbs to Use: http://www.diynatural.com/herbs-for-pregnancy-mom-baby/
• Consume plenty of Calcium, i.e. in the form of raw, grassfed dairy:http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/easing-the-pain-of-childbirth-with-a-key-traditional-food/
• Chiropractic Care by a Webster-Certified Chiropractor will prepare your pelvic floor and help get baby in an optimal position. More Info: http://chiropractorsannapolis.com/have-you-heard-of-the-webster-technique/
• For optimal fetal positioning, check out: www.spinningbabies.com. The website contains excellent positions and techniques for helping baby get in a good position for labor and birth.
• Use Perineal Massage, especially if this is your first birth. Coconut Oil or WishGarden Peri-massage Oil Recommended. More Info:http://www.pregnancy.org/article/perineal-massage
• Sit and bounce on an Exercise or Birthing Ball frequently, as it helps Baby position and eases Pregnancy aches and pains.Go on lots of long walks and do your best to stay fit. Keep moving until that baby is here!Bradley Method exercises regularly throughout pregnancy.
• Prenatal Yoga
• Squats. Stop doing squats at 36 Weeks though, to allow baby to get and stay in a good position for labor, then start again once you are in active labor to help baby move down. (More Info: http://birthbootcamp.com/pregnancy-exercises-for-a-great-birth/)
• Avoid/get rid of Group B Strep if you test positive following a routine like these:http://wellnessmama.com/8680/how-i-avoided-and-got-rid-of-gbs/ &http://thehealthyhoneys.com/how-to-test-negative-for-gbs/#comment-704
• Take a Natural Childbirth Preparation Class, such as Alexander Technique, Birth Boot Camp, The Bradley Method, Hypnobirthing, Lamaze, etc. 
• Consider having a close friend of family member throw you a Birth Blessing Ceremony. More Info: http://codenamemama.com/2011/10/26/mother-blessings/
• Surround yourself with affirmation, support, and encouragement. Do what it takes to get the birth you desire.

Getting Labor Started/More Productive Contractions:
***Remember: It's best to wait until baby is ready to come and to work with your body and not force labor prematurely. Due Dates are an estimate only. It is recommended to not attempt any means of inducing labor until 40 or 41 Weeks, natural methods included.

• Prenatal Massage
• Rest and Nap as much as possible. Being well rested and relaxed is important for letting labor begin.
• Have a make out session with your significant other and/or have sex (as long as your water hasn't broken yet).
• Go for long walks and stay active.
• Walk up and down stairs. To get your body doing deep lunges, take them 2 at a time for 15 minutes at a time, then rest and repeat. This might help move baby further down.Chiropractic Care (only a Chiropractor who is skilled at working with Pregnant women).
• Acupuncture
• Pray/Meditate
• Do the exercises on spinningbabies.com website. If Baby is not positioned properly for birth, it can hold things up. So work on getting Baby into an optimal position so labor can begin.
• Nipple stimulation with a Breast Pump: 2 min on, 3 min off, and repeat for 2 hours to get steady Oxytocin flowing.
• Make Parsley Tea. Steep fresh Parsley in hot water for a few minutes, strain, then drink.
• Apply Clary Sage & Myrrh Essential Oils to the inside of your ankles and abdomen for labor/contraction support. Please educate yourself on the proper use of Essential Oils. They are potent and can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Always dilute with a Carrier Oil.
• Last resort: Take Castor Oil, but it can really “clean you out” and make delivery messy for some women.
• Last resort: Have Midwife or Dr strip membranes, and then go for a walk right afterwards.

Support & Pain Management During Labor:

• Hire a Doula! A Birth Advocate can make all the difference in achieving the birth you want. Many regret never hiring one, but it's rarely heard that anyone actually regretted having one there.
• Only have people in the delivery room who are supportive of Natural Birth, INCLUDING your OB or Midwife. If you desire a Natural Birth and they are not supportive, then switch to a different Practitioner, no matter how late in the game you are. It will be worth it.
• Embrace each Contraction, knowing what they are trying to accomplish, so they are more productive.
• Use a Birthing Ball.
• Get in Water, i.e. the shower, or tub, or consider a waterbirth.
• Squat. Squatting uses gravity to help Baby move down, intensifies the urge to push, and can increase Pelvic Outlet by up to 15%.
• Use a Rebozo during Labor. 
• Acupressure: http://www.mamanatural.com/how-to-do-acupressure-when-youre-in-labor
• Try these different Positions:http://www.transitiontoparenthood.com//ttp/parented/pain/positions.htm
• Massage/Counterpressure
• Breathe Deeply
• Use Heat. DIY Heating Pad: http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2012/12/diy-heating-pack-sew/
• Turn off the Lights: Melatonin synergizes with Oxytocin to enhance labor contractions.
• Eat a Honey stick/spoonful of honey for a boost of energy if needed during labor.
• Eat
• Stay Hydrated
• Drink Coconut Water to restore Electrolytes naturally. Or DIY  labor-aid:http://www.mommypotamus.com/how-to-make-a-labor-aid-electrolyte-drink/ 

Essential Oils for Labor & Postpartum:
***Please educate yourself on the proper use of Essential Oils. They are potent and can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Always dilute with a Carrier Oil.


Single Oils: Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Peppermint, White Fir.
Types of Blends: Calming Blend, Digestive Blend, Grounding Blend, Invigorating Blend, & Pain Relief Blend.

• Peppermint, Ginger, or a Digestive Blend to support a nauseated Mother during labor. Usually just inhaling over the open bottle or putting a drop on a tissue to sniff is adequate. 
• Clary Sage & Myrrh rubbed on abdomen and inside of ankles will bring on stronger and more consistent contractions when labor has stalled.
• 2 drops of Black Pepper or a Pain Relief Blend on lower back for supporting Back Labor.
• A Grounding Blend and/or a Calming Blend diffused during labor for a peaceful and calming effect. 
• A Grounding Blend on bottoms of feet through labor, as well as daily at rise and bedtime during Postpartum. 
• Serenity for calming and relaxation during labor, it's great rubbed on back of neck and wrists. Use anytime during postpartum too. 
• Any citrus Essential Oil Single or Invigorating Blend diffused or on wrists can support a tired laboring Mama.
• Lavender and White Fir rubbed on the abdomen to support Afterbirth pains.

Managing Afterbirth Pains:

• White Fir & Lavender Essential Oils applied to abdomen for pain support. Please educate yourself on the proper use of Essential Oils. They are potent and can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Always dilute with a Carrier Oil.
• The Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (mentioned above) helps prepare your body ahead of time, so that your after birth pains will be easier to manage.
• Make Padsicles, with either Herbal water, a Postpartum tea brew, Witch Hazel, or just Water. More Info: http://www.naturalcreation.ca/2009/10/how-to-make-healing-postpartum-pads/Wishgarden Herbs After Ease.

Preparation for a Smoother Postpartum:

• Bengkung Belly Binding. More Info: https://mothernaturale.wordpress.com/bengkung-belly-binding/ & http://phatmummy.blogspot.com/2010/02/step-by-step-instruction-of-traditional.html
• Placenta Encapsulation or Placenta Consumption. More Info:http://thejoyofthis.com/2012/02/01/i-encapsulated-my-placenta-placenta-pictures-included/
• Make a few freezer meals that can be thawed and put in a crock-pot/slow-cooker or oven.Bake Lactation Cookies and freeze for after the birth.
• Put together some snacks ahead of time that you can grab as needed after baby is born, such as trail mix, granola bars, etc.
• Post a list of things family members or friends can do to help you Postpartum, and direct them to the list when they ask how they can help. i.e. laundry, dishes, sweep, etc.
• If you are having a homebirth, prepare your home for the birth:http://www.mothering.com/articles/natural-parenting-toolbox-preparing-the-house-for-homebirth/
• After you are recovering well, look into healing your Diastasis Recti. More Info:http://inspiredrd.com/2012/06/dear-diastasis-recti-im-so-over-you.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+inspiredrd/EjAy+(Inspired+RD)&utm_content=Google+Reader
• Get walking as soon as you feel up to it. 

Product Recommendations for After Birth:

• Motherlove Nipple Cream for Nursing (great alternative to lanolin)
• Medela Softshells Breast Shields for Nursing
• WishGarden Milk Rich (promotes healthy Breastmilk and adequate volume of milk)
• Wishgarden Afterbirth Sitzbath Herbs (great for sitz baths and to use to make pads/gauze packs to freeze)
• Wishgarden Cord Care Powder (for Baby’s umbilical cord)
• Earth Mama Angel Baby New Mama Bottom Spray (for Hemorrhoids and Postpartum soreness)
• Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm (aids in healing, especially after tearing)
• Baby Carriers: Ring Sling, Moby Wrap, Boba Wrap, Mei Tai, Ergo (with infant insert), etc.
• Carlson Labs Baby Natural Vitamin D Drops, 400 IU
• Vitacost Vitamin Infant Health Vitamin D Drops, 400 IU
• Udo’s Choice Infant Blend Probiotics
• Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm (for Baby and Diaper Rash)
• Safe Herbs to Use: http://www.diynatural.com/herbs-for-pregnancy-mom-baby/

Natural Childbirth Resources:

Books:

• "Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: A Doctor's Guide to Natural Childbirth and Early Parenting Choices" - Sarah J. Buckley
• "Childbirth Without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth" - Grantly Dick-Read
• "Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation" - Pam England
• "The Homebirth Advantage" - Mayer Eisenstein
• "Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth" - Ina May Gaskin
• "Spiritual Midwivery" - Ina May Gaskin
• "Real Birth" - Robin Greene
• "Your Best Birth: Know All Your Options, Discover the Natural Choices, and Take Back the Birth Experience" - Ricki Lake
• "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" - Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg
• "HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method" - Marie F. Mongan
• "Diary of a Midwife: The Power of Positive Childbearing" - Juliana van Olphen-Fehr
• "Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife" - Peggy Vincent
• "The Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times" - Jennifer Worth

Documentaries:

• "The Business of Being Born" 
• "More Business of Being Born"
• "Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and The Farm Midwives"
• "Orgasmic Birth"
• "Pregnant in America"
• "Born in the U.S.A."
• "It's My Body, My Baby, My Birth"
• "Laboring Under an Illusion: Mass Media Childbirth vs. The Real Thing"
• "Reducing Infant Mortality" 

Websites:

• http://evidencebasedbirth.com/topics/ – A wealth of info on all things Birth related.
• www.givingbirthnaturally.com – Has a lot of information about natural childbirth, online classes, a gallery of birth videos, and a section of natural childbirth stories
• www.naturallyborn.net – Find and review midwives, doulas, birthing centers, breastfeeding experts, and birth classes. Share your home birth, water birth, and postpartum stories, or read others. Ask their experts your natural birth questions.
• http://inhishands.com/ - Natural childbirth supplies (such as herbs, birthing pools, etc).
• http://usthreebirds.blogspot.com/ - Great blog that has very encouraging natural birth stories.
• http://thebirthingsite.com/ - Their mission is to "empower mothers to go after the birth experience they desire and have the strength to ensure they and their children are given the proper care they deserve during pregnancy, birth and postpartum"
• http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/ - Has categories on education, information, support and birth stories.
• http://mamabirth.blogspot.com/ - Blog written by a natural childbirth educator, also has birth stories on her site.
• http://www.homebirthproject.org/ - A website that gives scholarships to people who want to have a homebirth, but may not be able to afford the total cost of it. They also have a one-on-one mentoring program and Homebirth Circles (groups that meet for support of home birth).