Before Baby After Baby

10/29/2019

BEFORE BABY - Where to Give Birth?

Nowadays, you have options! You can give birth in a hospital, a birthing center, or even in your own home. Be informed and understand the benefits and risks. Prenatal or Childbirth Classes can help you decide by giving you straight forward information.

10/22/2019

BEFORE BABY AFTER BABY - Two Views of Childbirth

There are 2 views of Childbirth in Healthcare:

1. Birth is a natural bodily process that only needs medical intervention if there is an emergency
2. Birth is a traumatic bodily process that needs medical intervention safely administered
Both views have the goal of providing the best outcome(s) for both mom and baby! However YOU need to be informed of who and what facility agrees with YOUR view of birth.

10/22/2019

BEFORE BABY AFTER BABY - Consent
Informed consent (in healthcare) is when you have been given information about the benefits and risks of a procedure/treatment or the benefit/risks of doing nothing. You sign a consent or you verbal consent. There are only 2 reasons for treatment without consent:
1. An emergency (generally life (harm) or death is involved)
2. Incompetence (the pt is unable to refuse or give permission)

10/22/2019

BEFORE BABY - Shared Decision Making
"Shared decision is a gathering of experts to decide a course of action. It involves the caregiver (your OB or midwife) and the new parents" - Madriella Doula Network. Information is necessary and plentiful. However, the right tools with the right information for you and your family.

10/17/2019

BEFORE BABY
Did you know that during pregnancy there is increased mucus production due to hormones, ergo, nasal congestion? Avoid excessive wheat and dairy productions since they naturally increase mucus (pregnant or not).

10/17/2019

CHILDBIRTH
Childbirth is intense, demanding, unpredictable, painful.

1.How would you describe it?
2.What would you have done differently to get ready for birth emotionally, mentally, financially, and physically?

10/16/2019

BEFORE BABY AFTER BABY
NUTRITION - Happy Body Food!
All real food has a combination of macronutrients and micronutrients. You, your baby, and your breastmilk (if you are breastfeeding) need both. Macronutrients give you energy in the form of fats, carbohydrates, and fats. Micronutrients are vitamins and nutrients that help in other important body functions.

10/15/2019

BEFORE BABY
Many women love to give birth natural (no medication for pain). One thing you could do is to determine ahead of time your "safe word". That's the code word to let your family or spouse know that you are beyond pain...you are suffering! Talk to a doula or childbirth educator to understand the difference between pain and suffering. "No woman should suffer in childbirth" -Penny Simkin

Author/lecturer, doula, childbirth educator, Penny Simkin, PT, talks about pain in labor and the concept of "when pain becomes suffering."

10/14/2019

BEFORE BABY - Normal Pregnancy
During your pregnancy, exercise is important. It is apart of your pregnancy health plan. You may feel out of shape, but remember that everyday during your pregnancy is like adding more things to your backpack...the load is heavier. If you are unable to get guidance or help regarding a prenatal fitness routine, just walk everyday for 30 minutes! Just start slowly and build from 10 minutes to max at 30 minutes.

10/14/2019

BEFORE & AFTER BABY
Nutrition is important. Really. Generally, moms are stressed during pregnancy (for several reasons) and after giving birth. So DO NOT cut calories. That stresses the body even more! The baby WILL take what it needs from your body without leaving the nutrients and energy you need. Good nutrition is vital.

10/13/2019

BEFORE BABY
"Childbirth classes are just like any other classes but the final exam is much, much harder" - Madriella Doula Network. Please take the hospital tour and childbirth classes. Then please take private classes to learn HOW to do well on your "final exam" labor and birth!

10/08/2019

AFTER BABY
The postnatal period is not an easy period either! If you have a friend or family member who is about to give birth, why not start thinking about postnatal recovery therapies? These are the same therapies that she missed during pregnancy: massage, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, and of course therapeutic aromatherapy! I'd be happy and excited to help! (Hot stone therapy would be done after she has the baby).