22 Weeks Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

I am currently 22 weeks and I'm feeling fabulous! Besides the morning sickness in the first couple weeks I have been feeling pretty fantastic this pregnancy. :)

My husband and I found out the sex of our baby on the day we left for Victoria. Therefore I have not yet had a chance to reveal the gender to our blog followers! Well it's a GIRL! I was super excited when we found out it was a girl. My husband on the other hand was a little shocked but after about an hour it settled in and we started decided about baby names. His excitement really started to kick in then as we went shopping that day for items for our baby girl.

We are finding that there are so many decisions to make! What stroller and car seat should we get? What's the difference besides the hundreds of dollars price difference? Bassinet and Playpen combo? What kind of breast pump? The list goes on and on!

Our birth plan will become our focus in the next couple weeks. This I feel is one of the most important decisions for us. I am the type of person who needs to feel in control and I need to know what's going on. Therefore the birth plan is a huge must do for us. To be honest I never heard of a birth plan before I took my doula training. Now I see how valuable it is and why it's a must have for all soon to be parents. Your doula will be able to help you come up with a birth plan that works for you and your partner. It will help you make decisions on things you may not initially think about, and that you will not have time to think about during labour and childbirth.

The following website is great for helping with birth plan decisions. Remember you can always check out www.wombtocradle.com for resources.

http://www.childbirth.org/interactive/ibirthplan.html

Thanks for reading! I'll keep everyone updated as we start making more decisions.

~Amanda

Lamaze Healthy Birth Pratices - #3: Have Continuous Support

In this installment of our series on the Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices, we explore the need for continuous labour support.  Women who receive such support during labour are less likely to: 

• have regional analgesia
• have any analgesia/anesthesia 
• give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps 
• give birth by cesarean 
• report dissatisfaction or a negative rating of their experience. 

Download the .pdf file Bring a Loved One, Friend, or Doula for Continuous Support.

~ Michelle

Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices - #2: Walk, Move, and Change Positions

Continuing our series on the Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices, here is practice #2: Walk, Move, and Change Positions.  Research shows that compared to those birthing in centres whose policies restrict movement during labor, women who are free to move and change positions throughout the birthing process are more apt to experience the following:

• shorter labors
• more efficient contractions
• greater comfort, and
• less need for pharmaceutical pain relief during labor

(See The Journal of Perinatal Education 2007 Summer; 16(3): 21-34 "Care Practice #2: Freedom of Movement Throughout Labor" Shilling, Romano, DiFranco, et al) 

For more information, please download the pdf. file - Walk, Move, and Change Positions Throughout Labor

~ Michelle

Butterflies and Babies

It is spring... a time of where flowers bloom and so do mamas!  This year, my inspiration has been the chrysalis - a symbol of transformation.  As a mother goes through the processes of pregnancy, labour, birth and parenting, she experiences life-altering changes. When women have an amazing birth experience, they realize their strength, power and true beauty.  Witnessing this is awe-inspiring!

While preparing to write this post, I did a brief search of the word experience.  I was amazed to find that two of its synonyms were elevation and enlightenment.  Truly a woman's spirit is elevated when she is able to enjoy a blissful birth.  She is enlightened by the knowledge she has gained and the strength she has uncovered because now, she believes, she can do anything!  


Birth changes us deeply.  Owning our experiences is essential.  Preparing for birth and making informed decisions is vital.  Hold on to your butterfly spirit....allow yourself to soar!

Labour Support Survey

We would like to help you achieve your desires for childbirth. Knowing a little about your previous experiences gives us insight on how best to support you. We have put together a brief anonymous survey on prior birth experiences and labour support. Please take a moment to complete the survey!

Click here to take the survey