Dawn of the Wild Doula

09/24/2021

Let’s just call it what it is.

A membrane sweep is when a provider inserts their finger through your cervix (must be dilated a little) and “sweeps” around to separate the amniotic sac from the uterine lining.

This procedure is marketed as “helping you to avoid induction”, but is, in fact, an induction itself.

The goal of a membrane sweep is to “jumpstart” your labor, to “get things moving”, or any of the other terms your provider might use that mean induction without actually saying it.

Let’s just make it clear - if your body has NOT gone into labor on its own and something else has forced it to, you have been induced.

Like all forms of induction, it doesn’t always work for everyone, and it can have some bad outcomes, most notably...

- severe pain (it’s not a gentle procedure)

- bleeding

- cramping

- accidental (or intentional without your consent) breaking of your waters

- putting you into prodromal labor, which can go on and on for days and wear you out before the real thing even starts

If your waters are broken, you’re put on a clock. The hospital will only “allow” you so much time to labor before they will wheel you into surgery (usually 24 hours).

If you’re worn out by prodromal labor you are more likely to agree to augmentation (likely Pitocin) to potentially speed labor up, to medical pain relief, and to surgery.

Membrane sweeping IS induction.
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09/08/2021

tummy massages help so much♥️

08/09/2021

Anger is a distress signal. ⁣⁣
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Anger in the postpartum period is a red flag that is being overlooked and misunderstood. ⁣⁣
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Studies have shown that moms struggling with PPA/PPA are more likely to have symptoms of rage. ⁣⁣
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This rage is often intense, hard to control and feels very uncharacteristic. ⁣⁣
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Here is a short excerpt from Jill Bucher of ⁣⁣
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“Anger is indeed a normal emotion that we can all have, but being prone to anger can indicate there’s something going on that needs to change.” She [Christine Ou] adds that there is some evidence that shows that if a woman is both angry and depressed, the depression can last longer and be more intense.⁣⁣
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The things that moms are angry about postpartum aren’t earth-shattering. Some feel trapped or helpless as they shoulder so many new responsibilities caring for a new baby while their own needs are left unfulfilled. Others find the reality of motherhood and the supports they receive don’t live up to their expectations. And many feel guilty that they aren’t the picture of the idealized self-sacrificing mother that’s upheld in our society.⁣⁣
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What’s more surprising is that no one’s thought to look at anger as a red flag for postpartum mood disorders sooner. Ou has a theory as to why it has been overlooked: “Culturally, we often aren’t comfortable with the emotion of anger because it can imply that you’re not in control—especially for women.” And women who’ve just had babies are expected to be particularly blissful.⁣⁣
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If you are struggling with postpartum rage please visit . They have several resources and a directory that can help you find a maternal mental health provider in your area. ⁣⁣
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https://www.todaysparent.com/baby/postpartum-care/postpartum-anger-is-the-red-flag-no-one-is-looking-for/⁣⁣

08/06/2021

“This mama labored beautifully all through the night, yet was a little frustrated with her progress. Why is it taking so long? What can I do to speed this up? The age old questions. But then the sun rose, and big sister rose with it. She awoke to her mom laboring in the tub, squealed, and quickly ran back to her room to get her bathing suit on. She got in the tub and within minutes it was time, and the answer was clear. It didn’t take too long, the timing was perfect. These sisters were just waiting for each other. And a few minutes later baby girl was born right into her big sisters hands (with a little help from dad 😉)”

Image and words by BBY Certified Photographer Alexa of Alexa Faye Birth Stories

Instagram: https://instagram.com/alexafayebirthstories

Website: https://www.alexafayephotos.com/

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

08/05/2021

Postpartum hemorrhage is ON THE RISE…

Why? Likely due to the staggering increase in the use of induction, augmentation, epidurals & c-sections.

The most common reason for hemorrhage (up to 80% of cases) is uterine atony - when the muscles of the uterus have been so overworked during labor that they are too exhausted to help stop bleeding after birth.

What’s one of the top reasons for uterine atony to occur?

Induction or augmentation WITH PITOCIN.

So, let’s get this straight - we tell people that it’s too dangerous for them to stay pregnant past a certain date & administer Pitocin to get their labor started or hurry it up.

Because the contractions caused by Pitocin are more frequent/stronger/longer than natural contractions, the uterus becomes exhausted. There is more bleeding than usual because the uterus can’t clamp down & stop it. A hemorrhage is suspected (blood loss is usually visually estimated, not truly measured), and the same drug that caused the problem is given to solve the problem.

The circle of Pitocin is complete.

Because of the highly medicalized active management of labor & birth in hospitals, Pitocin is often given to everyone preventatively in the 3rd stage of labor (unless you know to decline). It’s always optional.

Are there ways to help prevent postpartum hemorrhage naturally?

YES!

👎 NO Pitocin (or other uterotonics) during labor
👎 NO pulling on the cord (cord traction)
👎 NO immediate cord clamping (wait for white)
👎 NO vigorous “fundal massage” or unnecessary manual removal of placenta

👍 YES to immediate skin-to-skin with baby
👍 YES to breastfeed baby right away after birth
👍 YES to waiting for the cord to turn white & the placenta to be birthed on its own

08/04/2021

Imagine if our culture told us that birth was one of the greatest things a women might ever do. Imagine if the stories and images we were exposed to taught us that labor is an incredible and transformational experience. A rite of passage into motherhood

Repost
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07/15/2021

You don't have to hire us to be your birth doula to get our help preparing your
Contact us today for a birth planning consultation with one of our 12 doulas!

07/14/2021