One of my biggest fears before giving birth was getting an episiotomy. Scissors near my vagina? No thank you! An episiotomy is when the perineum (the skin between the vagina and anus) is cut to make the vaginal opening larger. It can be done midline or medio-laterally (diagonally), or less common laterally or J-Shaped. It was thought that by making the opening larger, birth would be quicker … [Read more...]
You will Poop (and it’s okay)
Giving birth is a labor of love. It takes time, effort and support. It's also messy. Blood, sweat, tears, amniotic fluid, urine, feces. It's just the nature of the beast! You will poop, and it's okay. Search pinterest and you'll find tons of articles on how to avoid pooping during labor. This puzzles me. There aren't any articles on how to avoid crying during labor, or how to avoid leaking … [Read more...]
4 Exercises to Start Now for an Easier Delivery
Childbirth was not designed to be difficult. Watch any live birthing animal undisturbed and it is clear how much instinct kicks in and relaxed the animal is. This is in stark contrast to the portrayal of the human animal in labor... tense, in pain and often screaming obscenities! So, what's the difference? Modern humans have made a lot of technological advances (chairs, amirite?) that go … [Read more...]
Labor Massage Oil Using Essential Oils
Labor is intense - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Contractions can be a lot of work - but it's your body's way of readying both you and your baby for the moment of birth. Relaxing and releasing tension during labor can help to ease the pain of contractions.This recipe for labor massage oil is the perfect way to do just that. The following article contains affiliate links, meaning I … [Read more...]
My Experience with the Bradley Method
This review has been a long time coming. Earlier this year, my husband and I took a 12 week natural child birthing course called the Bradley Method. It centers on an intervention free labor and birth, with a husband, partner or other loved one acting as a coach, guiding the woman through the childbirth process. The classes are small (usually 8-12 people), which really helped to foster a sense … [Read more...]
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