Embracing Pain

Pain... it is what most women fear about childbirth.  When making decisions about one's birth experience, the question often arises, "How will I handle the pain?"  Fear has great bearing on the sensation of pain.  Grantly Dick-Read, author of Childbirth Without Fear, hypothesized that when one is fearful one tenses her body and, thus, the sensation of pain increases.  This is known as the Fear-Tension-Pain Cycle. It would seem logical, then, that to overcome the fear of pain, we must change the way we perceive it.

Consider this:  In every other instance that we experience pain, its purpose is to alert us to harm or the possibility that something is wrong within our bodies.  Pain can be a sign of an infection or other medical condition.  It may be a response to touching a hot surface or a sharp object.  Pain in childbirth, however, is due to the natural process of bringing life into this world.

Therefore, when preparing for giving birth, one must, in essence, re-tune the mind and body to embrace the sensations of labor.  Renowned midwife, Ina May Gaskin, uses the term "rushes" to describe contractions and HypnoBirthing uses the term "pressure waves."  Imagine for a moment, the sights, sounds and feelings of the ocean waves.  They gradually build then recede.  Practicing imagery and altering the language surrounding the labor process are just two useful tools in re-framing one's thoughts about birthing.

Your care provider, childbirth educator and doula can help you discover more ways to prepare your mind and body to work together in labor.  Remember, each rush brings you closer to embracing your beautiful baby!

Zoe's Birth Story

Zoe’s Birth Story

On November 9th I was sent for an ultrasound to see how baby Zoe was doing since my belly was measuring small. This ultrasound was called a biophysical profile ultrasound; it tested the baby on 5 different things to see how she was doing. According to the ultrasound Zoe scored a 10/10. This was great news.

On November 15th my doctor called me at home and said “How does November 16th sound as a birth day?” I half laughed to this and said “Sounds great to me.” He then went on to tell me that after reviewing my ultrasound and talking it over with the radiologist and another doctor in Medicine Hat they decided it would be best for Zoe to be born as soon as possible. They found the umbilical cord was restricting the blood flow to her and her abdomen had actually shrunk since our last ultrasound. This concerned me but I was so excited to know that I would soon have my baby in my arms. He told me I would need to be admitted into the Medicine Hat hospital by 4:00pm that day and my induction would start on the 16th. Although an induction was not in my birth plan and it was something I really wanted to avoid my instinct told me that it would be better for my daughter to come if she was no longer striving inside of me.
David, my husband, and I packed our bags, told our parents what was going on and headed to Medicine Hat. My mom followed us to Medicine Hat. Once admitted they monitored Zoe for two hours. They said she was doing great and the doctor would be in to see me in a bit. At about 6:00pm the doctor came into the room and checked me for any signs of dilation or effacement. She said I was 0cm dilated and 0% effaced. She also said my pelvis area would only allow her to get two fingers in. She then proceeded to tell me that chances of me having a c-section were very high because my pelvis area was so small and also because I needed to be induced. As the words came out of her mouth a lump in my throat formed. I was devastated about this because I had planned for a natural vaginal birth and was not yet willing to have a c-section. I looked at my husband and then turned to my doctor and told her I would still like to try a vaginal birth. She then said that if baby showed any signs of stress that I would be sent for an emergency c-section right away. I was okay with the fact that if my baby was under stress I would have a c-section. I wanted to do what was best for my baby.

She then told me she was going to insert cervidil to start the induction process. Chances of the cervidil ripening my cervix and starting dilation were only 10% so it would probably take a couple days for anything to start happening. I went to sleep that night but tossed and turned all night. At about 4:00am I could no longer sleep because I was having pains every 2-3 minutes; which I later realized were contractions. The pain was not too bad but there was no way I could sleep or talk through them. I let David continue to sleep since he didn’t actually fall asleep until about 2:00am. At 4:30am my cervidil fell out so I called my nurse in. She said we would have to wait for the doctor to come in but she said chances were the doctor would just insert more cervidil.

At 6:30am my doctor and a resident came in to check how I was doing. They said they would see if the cervidil did anything but they doubted it. The doctors checked me and found I was now 100% effaced and 3cm dilated. This was exciting for me! They told me that we would start pitocin later that afternoon so at this time I was free to labor throughout the hospital.

David, my mom, and I walked through the hospital and I stopped every 2-3 minutes when a contraction came. My contractions were getting more intense and I really needed to focus on breathing. David was amazing at keeping me calm while my mom was there to support us both whenever we needed her. During each contraction I would stop and lean on David as he held me. I focused on breathing until the contraction passed.

At about 10:30am my nurse came to my room and told me she was transferring me to the delivery room and she would start the pitocin. Since my chances of having a c-section were high and I was being put on pitocin they would be monitoring the baby during my labor and delivery. Brandi went over my birth plan and knew I wanted to move during labor but this was not possible since Zoe needed to be monitored. Although I was disappointed that my labor and delivery wasn’t going to go exactly as I planned Brandi, David, and my mom all did a great job at helping me through each contraction. Brandi also assured me that we would do as many position changes as I wanted and she would help me make this possible.

Once I was hooked up to pitocin and they were monitoring Zoe I sat upright in the bed. David and my mom put cold cloths on my head between contractions and on my ears. David helped me breathe through each contraction and told me what a great job I was doing. My mom stood behind David passing him cloths to put on my head and also kept telling me how great I was doing. My contractions started getting more and more intense. As each contraction came I focused on the contraction. I visualized my pelvis widening so my baby could fit through. Each contraction brought a "good pain". A pain with a purpose. Although the break between each contraction was nice I was waiting for the next one to begin, knowing that each contraction meant I was closer to meeting my baby girl. Brandi noticed my contractions getting closer and closer together and getting more intense so she asked if she could check me for dilation. I agreed to this hoping that it would be good news. She said I was at about 6-7cm dilated. I looked at David and said “I don’t know how much longer I can do this.” He told me I was doing amazing and that I was strong and I could do this. He told me to get through a couple more contractions and I would be at 10cm. His encouragement is what got me through. The pain in my back was intense and seemed to be getting worse. My back ached even between contractions. Zoe stayed posterior throughout the labour which caused this severe back pressure.

At 2:20pm I told my nurse that I had to go to the bathroom. She said that it was probably my baby’s head causing me to feel that way and that she was going to check me again for dilation because chances were I was almost fully dilated if I felt the need to have a bowel movement. Brandi checked and said I was at 9cm almost 10 and during my next contractions she was going to make me 10cm. At 2:25pm she announced I was now at 10cm and I could start pushing on my next contraction. The pain at this point was intense but I felt great knowing I had made it to 10cm without any pain medication. This was the one thing that was in my birth plan that I had complete control over. During my next contraction she told me to pull my knees towards my chest and push down into my bottom as if I was going to the bathroom. She coached me through my first contraction telling me how to push and also telling me to get three good pushes during each contraction. After a couple contractions and pushes she yelled out the door and told another nurse to call the doctor. I got to a point where I could no longer feel my contractions so I just let my body take over. I pushed whenever I felt the need to. Sometimes three pushes at a time and sometimes four. My body would start pushing on its own; it was as if I didn’t have a choice. The doctor arrived and told me she wanted each push to be at least 10seconds long. David counted to 10 for me during each push. I could feel Dr. Hoffman stretching my perenium. This bothered me so I tried to block the feeling out of my head. She was also telling a resident doctor what she was doing every time she did something. There voices is something I tried to block out during each contraction. After one of my pushes I remember saying “Oh no I’m peeing.” This was devastating to me. Brandi then told me not to worry that I wasn’t peeing it was my water breaking. I was relieved to hear this; the last thing I wanted to do is pee on my doctor. During labour these things just came out of my mouth, I didn’t even think before I talked.

Brandi said to me during a push that I needed to keep pushing and hard because she could see my baby’s hair. I remember thinking to my self “Thank god I’m almost done.” David later mentioned that he did not believe Brandi when she said this so he looked him self and was shocked to see our baby’s hair. David also said to me “I see her hair hun” with a smile on his face. At one point Brandi asked me if I wanted to see my baby coming out. I remember just saying no and keeping my eyes shut during this time. The pain was intense and I had to stay focused. The doctor said to me “Amanda is it okay if I give you a small episiotomy? You’re ripping a lot and it will make it easier.” I told her to go ahead but this was also something that I did not want. But at that point I just wanted what ever would make it easier for me and my baby.
At 3:09pm my baby girl was put on my chest. I was crying with her and said “Hi my baby girl.” She looked up at me for the first time and my mom took our first picture. It was amazing to see her, hear her, and hold her. At this point the pain and discomfort was gone. I held Zoe while the nurses cleaned her off and then covered us both with a warm blanket. David stood beside us. This was by far the most amazing moment in my life. To have our baby girl with us was amazing. After I held her for a while they took her to be weighed and measured. Zoe was 5lbs 2.7oz and measured 18inches long. She was perfect. David then held her and carried her back to me. I began breastfeeding right after that.

Reflecting back on my labor and the birth of my daughter I realize that very few things in my birth plan were followed. I feel that some of the things were necessary, like the induction. Although I am not sure an episiotomy was necessary it happened and I would like to try and avoid this next time. I have a huge sense of accomplishment that I went through the labour and birth process with no pain medication. November 16th will be a day I will remember for the rest of my life, a day that brought me more joy then I could ever imagine.

A note to myself and my daughter Zoe. Labor is painful, but it is pain with a purpose. As women our bodies are meant to do this without any form of pain medication. Nature and God will not give you more pain then you can handle. You will not die from the pain of labor, so learn to breathe through the pain and just get through each contraction one at a time. Labor without the pain medication is worth the discomfort. Once your baby is born and you see him/her for the first time the pain disappears. Have a great support team and you can have a labor and birth that you will enjoy looking back on.

~Amanda

The Benefits of a Doula

Many thanks to Gina, aka The Feminist Breeder, for sharing this incredible slide presentation.

*Note: After pressing play, use your mouse to move from one slide to the next.The Benefits of a Doula

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When to Say When: Choosing to Complete Childbearing.

I have pondered often about writing this post for many reasons.  I wondered if it was appropriate to discuss completing one's family when many of our readers are just beginning.  I also recognize that many of our readers are also our colleagues, some we work with and some we do not.  Word travels fast, and as this is an intensely personal post, I have worried about the potential fallout.  Ultimately, however, my reason for writing today is to share my thoughts, emotions, joys and fears about saying, "We're done having babies."  You, our friends and clients, deserve to know that your feelings surrounding this topic are valid and you deserve support in whatever stage of childbearing you are in.  Someday many of you may also come to this cross road.

This past year, I turned thirty-one., and my youngest child began kindergarten.  I often thought that the day I took my son to his first day of school I would immediately start crying and my baby buzzer would start wailing.  I never thought I would ever be able to say, "I'm done."  I was shocked when, rather than a longing for another child, I felt a sense of relief and even joy (GASP!) that now a new part of our lives would begin.

It may surprise you that only a couple of years ago, I was thinking of trying for another baby.  I even chatted with my doctor about it.  When we were trying to have our two kids, I remember envisioning these little beings.  I fantasized about their births, feeding them, cuddling them and wondering what they would look like.  Funny thing is, when I thought about adding a third child to our family, I couldn't see a thing.  I couldn't imagine another pregnancy, another birth of my own... none of it, and not for lack of trying.  I had wanted a water birth at home with a midwife and all of the trimmings... but I just couldn't see myself with another baby. Perhaps that was my answer.  I am meant to be a mother of two.

Usually, I am fraught with mommy guilt - I mean major, clutch your heart and rack your brain mommy guilt.  In this case, however, I began to feel that our family was complete and I could see how that would benefit my children.  I could enjoy really watching my kids as they move through each stage and learn new things.  We wouldn't have to cinch the purse strings even tighter to afford another mouth to feed. We could afford to support our children's talents and take them to games, lessons, etc.  Certainly, parents of more than two children can do these things as well, it just turns out that two is our magic number.

I have chosen to undergo a tubal ligation.  Again, I never thought I would make such a permanent decision regarding childbearing; however, once again there are many reasons.  I have been told by several doctors that I may have something called polycystic ovary syndrome.  While it has not been effectively confirmed, I do display many of the symptoms including irregular cycles.  For me, this has meant basically keeping the pregnancy test companies in business over the last ten years.  The constant state of "not knowing" has been stressful.  Hormonal birth control methods have had adverse effects on my wellbeing, therefore, after much research, I have opted for the tubal ligation.

My decision to complete the childbearing phase of my life has not come easy.  In addtion to the  many personal factors, I have also wondered how it would affect my professional life, aside from achieving my goals.  As a birth doula, I was initially concerned about how it would "look."  I am a childbirth professional who no longer will be experiencing childbirth in a personal sense.  I am having a medical procedure rather than using natural methods of birth control.  Am I being a hypocrite?  After much soul searching, I realized that no, I am not.  In fact, I am doing exactly what I promote and encourage - I am taking control of my health and my body.

Looking ahead... Personally and professionally, I have a desire to see what else is out there for me.  I have goals to pursue and tasks to complete.  I'm looking ahead at my future as well has the future of my family.  It's exciting and a little daunting, but it's my future to form!

~ Michelle

Learn, Do, Give

12 Weeks to Go! Diabetes Check...

Well I am 28 weeks now! My belly is growing and our baby is moving about all day. I am loving every moment of this pregnancy. I am also getting excited to meet our baby in about 12 weeks.

My husband and I have been busy doing some house renovations and getting the nursery ready. We decided to do a pink and brown nursery. It is going to look amazing once it is done. Hopefully I will get the room all put together tomorrow. We also made a couple big purchases for our little girl. Our stroller, car seat, playpen, and crib have now all been bought. I had the hardest time making up my mind about exactly which playpen, stroller, and car seat I wanted. Thankfully my husband was with me to help me finally make up my mind. If I can make any suggestions for a mom to be who has not yet started shopping I would say don't over look. I looked at everything, everywhere so many times that nothing seemed "wonderful" to me. I am now very happy with the purchases we have made.

Today I had to do the one thing that I heard everyone dreads during pregnancy; the diabetes check. I must say that I was told that this orange stuff I was going to have to drink would be thick like syrup and taste like undiluted orange pop. I am happy to report that I didn't find it overly bad. It wasn't thick at all! Thin like water. The taste though is not the greatest but not as bad as everyone made it seem. Sitting there for an hour waiting was the worst part. I felt very light headed and really wanted to drink some water. Even after I finally got to leave I still was light headed and really just needed some water to make me feel better. For all of you who have not yet done this test don't worry about it. It isn't the greatest tasting stuff but it is not unbearable.

Well 12 weeks to go until we meet our little girl. We now have doctors appointments every 2 weeks instead of 4. Our doctor here in Brooks does not do deliveries so we will also be switching doctors in the next couple weeks. Thanks for reading!

Why I Choose to Breastfeed

“Happy Breastfeeding Awareness Month!” This is the line that I have repeated over and over to people as I have breast fed my baby anywhere that he has been hungry. What a wonderful time to be able to help raise awareness that breastfeeding is a wonderful thing for moms and babies everywhere.

Isn’t technology amazing?! It is hard to believe that I can carry with me a phone that can send pictures over it and now videos to someone across the world. The world is changing so quickly, however science has never been able to duplicate the formula that makes up mother’s milk. For more information on this check out:  What Every Parent Should Know About Infant Formula.

My body can create for my child the most advanced combination of nutritional and beneficial ingredients to sustain my child’s health. From my mammary glands I produce the most complex combination of antibodies for fighting germs and giving my son the best possible start so that he can explore the complexities of the world with his mouth and with his tongue feel the textures of whatever he can get his hands on. Unfortunately no matter how many times I remove the bits of paper, mud, and sticks from my baby’s mouth he continues to shove something else back in as soon as he can. I shake my head but feel better knowing that by nursing my babe I am giving him what he needs to fight bacteria and that he will develop a stronger immune system because of it.

I was fortunate and breastfeeding for me came very naturally and I have had three babies who have fully enjoyed their time spent at the breast. There is something so beautiful about the quiet time spent with a baby nourishing them at your breast, staring down into the deep trusting eyes of my newborn as he stares back up at me eyes brimming with unconditional love. Those quiet peaceful moments can never be taken away and carry a mother through the trials of raising little ones. Is it no wonder that looking at a sleeping child renews that love that was formed while bonding with the child as a babe at the breast?

Can you imagine what a wonderful place the mother’s breast must be for the newborn? So much of who we are is formed before we can even remember it. My sister told me that her daughter has a preference for the color orange and recalled that the nursing cover she used with her daughter was orange. I still have memories as a child of being held in my mother’s lap and feeling that it was the warmest, most comfortable place in the world. Memories that probably connect back even further than I can recall. For my own babes my breast is a place that they come to for peace and quiet, when it is time to rest, to quiet fears and comfort pain. I am so grateful for my ability to give my children so much through breastfeeding. I feel sad for those who struggle with breastfeeding and have difficulties with lactation. Remember that giving your milk to your child for the first time is something that is a learning experience for both you and your babe. The newborn is not born with the instructions for breastfeeding. It is a time where both of you must learn together and work together. Do not get frustrated if it seems that you are doing things wrong. Breastfeeding should be unforced and natural and can be difficult and even painful. However, persistence usually pays off and can benefit you and your newborn.

Our current culture is a place where breastfeeding is considered to be out of the norm. It makes me laugh to go to the beach and see bikinis with so much skin showing and yet I get thrown awkward, uncomfortable glances while nursing with my baby latched on and my skin covered by my shirt or a blanket. I feel like I need to nurse publicly to help people see that breastfeeding is normal. I hope that others will join me in spreading breastfeeding awareness. My favourite breastfeeding quote I read on a poster said, “It’s not about my right to breastfeed. It’s about my baby’s right to eat.” Every time I feel uncomfortable about being stared at while providing nourishment for my baby I remember that it is not about me and my baby deserves the right to eat when he is hungry regardless of my insecurities. My baby also does not deserve to be fed in a dirty bathroom. I would not want to eat in a place that smelled of excrement.

I have been fortunate that my babies have stood up for their rights by demanding food (quite loudly) and refusing to eat while covered with a blanket forcing me to get over my embarrassment and put my babies needs before my comfort. I have learned to be flexible and supportive of my babies needs. I have also been a mother with children who have felt the need to breastfeed for an extended period. I recently read somewhere that the average breastfeeding age in the world is three years. So I have realized that although among my peers I may stand out as being different, I am well below the average in the world since I usually wean around two years. It is hard for me to quit giving breast milk to my babies until they are ready since I cannot find anything that is as beneficial and supportive of natural growth as the milk that is produced by my breast. I have also not been in a hurry to quit breastfeeding because I use my breast milk quite frequently for other purposes besides just feeding my baby.

Did you know that because of the natural antibodies and healing properties of breast milk it can be used for many other purposes besides just the nourishment of an infant? I use my breast milk frequently on my skin as it is a wonderful and natural cleanser and helps to clear acne and prevent wrinkles. When my baby has goop in the corner of his eye I squirt him in the eye with breast milk to clean it and the immunities in the breast milk help to heal the infection. After breastfeeding I squirt a little milk to rub on my breasts to prevent nipple soreness and cracking. Breastmilk can be used for so many purposes from itchy mosquito bites to sexual lubricant. For more great uses for breast milk check out this website:  Breast Milk and Its Many Uses.

Please consider breastfeeding if you have not before and if you are not a mother then be supportive of those around you who are trying to breastfeed. If you see a mother trying to breastfeed do not make her uncomfortable by trying to avoid looking at her. Look her in the eyes and smile at her. It is so good for babies to have breast milk from their mothers. Remember that it is about the baby and the baby has the right to eat wherever and whenever they are hungry and to have the best start to their lives with natural mother’s milk. If you were breast fed thank your own mother for giving you such a great start in life.