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]]>3 Tips To Sleep Better During Pregnancy
Hey pregnant ladies — now you have one more reason to try and get a good night’s sleep. Here are proven tips to sleep better during pregnancy! Poor sleep can disrupt your baby’s immune system as well as lead to a lower birth rate and other complications. It can be almost as hard to get a good night’s sleep when you’re pregnant as it is when you’re a new parent.
So future mamas now is the time to get plenty of sleep! Okay? Okay.
1️⃣. Work with your doctor. This should probably be your first step, before trying any home remedies. There may be significant health issues or symptoms that are causing your sleeplessness (besides pregnancy, which is not a medical condition, I know). And your doctor will know about any complications you should be aware of.
2️⃣Set the stage. Before you go to bed, dim the lights and try to limit your screen time. Reading a book or magazine before bed will better help your mind to relax. Make sure your bedroom is cool. Don’t bring anything work-related into your bedroom if you can help it, and definitely not into bed with you.
3️⃣. Get some exercise. There are many reasons to exercise during pregnancy — one of them is that it will help you sleep better. Exercise in moderation and check with your doctor about any modifications you should make. Even walking and yoga will help.
To learn more about steps to take and what not to do to have a blissful nights sleep, get a copy of our best-selling Pregnancy Sleep Plan HERE
You will able to
- Reduce the risk of birth complications
- Achieve a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby
- Be more energized and be in a better mood
- Improved focus and stay attentive
- Say goodbye to the vicious cycle of sleepless nights. Sleep well, maintain a positive outlook, and restore the healthy pregnancy you deserve— for good!
You will no longer have to
- Experience a depressed mood and anxiety problems
- Resort to unnatural sleep patterns
- Deal with pregnancy aches and pains preventing you from having a restful sleep
- Stare at the clock, toss and turn for hours when sleep eludes you
- Resort to pills that may adversely affect the healthy development of your baby.
Get your PREGNANCY SLEEP PLAN here!
Join us at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where healthcare experts prepare you for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
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]]>Early Labor Signs:
Early Labor Signs – What to Look Out For?
Is the baby coming? Am I in labor? The truth is, every labor story is different and a woman’s body will almost always give her the signals she needs to recognize that she is in the early stages of labor.
For most pregnant women, the first of the three stages of labor is usually the longest. During this period, strong contractions help your cervix to thin and begin to open. This is called effacement and dilation.
Here are four things to watch for:
- Lightening
Your baby drops lower into your pelvis and relieving some of the pressure on your diaphragm. You may feel lighter and find breathing a little easier.
- Bloody Show
You pass your mucus plug – a thick, pinkish or blood-streaked discharge that has sealed off your cervical canal for the last nine months.
- Rupture of Membranes/Water Breaking
When the fluid-filled amniotic sac surrounding your baby ruptures, fluid leaks from your vagina. This is commonly called the water breaking. The discharge can be a sudden gush of water or just a trickle. If your water breaks, immediately notify your doctor or midwife.
- Early Contractions
One sure sign of labor is consistent contraction. Unlike Braxton Hicks which are infrequent, irregular and painless, early contractions can feel like menstrual cramps or like a lower backache that comes and goes. They usually follow a progressive pattern and become progressive closer, stronger and last longer.
When the contractions occur every three to five minutes, you’re in active labor. Time your contractions, or have someone time them for you.
When to call your doctor
The general rule of thumb is the 5-1-1 rule. Your contractions should be 5 minutes apart and lasting for 1 minute each and continue in that pattern for 1 hour. Once this happens ,you have progressed to true labor and it is now time to head to the hospital.
Definitely call your doctor if you notice any of these:
- Over a tablespoon of bright red bleeding (not pale pink or dark brown).
- If your water breaks, especially if the fluid is green or brown or has a foul odor, it may be a sign that your baby is in distress.
- Your baby is less active, or you have a headache or vision problems.
- And/ or you experience rapid weight gain, this could be a sign of preeclampsia
READ MORE: BAD PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
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]]>Pregnancy Nutrition:
Pregnancy Nutrition: The Importance of Protein By Andrea Short.
The pregnancy nutrition is vital for the health and wellness of you and your developing baby. In this article, Andrea Short, a Maternity Nutrition and Wellness Specialist discusses the importance of including protein in your pregnancy diet.
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A developing baby depends 100% on the mother’s nutritional intake, so it’s important to eat a diet that is nourishing to you and your baby. One nutrient that is very important to increase during pregnancy is protein, as this is vital to ensure a healthy outcome.
During pregnancy, your whole body is changing; your uterus, breasts, the placenta, and fetus. Your baby changes and develops by leaps and bounds on a weekly basis, which requires a jump in the amount of protein you need.
This protein helps grow the new tissues and organs, assists in forming the hair, nails, and bones, helps with milk production and encourages healthy blood production, which increases by 50-60% during pregnancy. The second and third trimesters are when you and your baby are growing the fastest, and consequently, the demands for protein peaks.
What is protein?
Protein is a macronutrient that is made up of amino acids, which are the fundamental building blocks of your cells as well as your baby’s. Not only do you need extra protein to accommodate these growing tissues, but also to avoid consequences of lack of protein such as weakness, fatigue, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia; and consequences for your baby including poor muscle and joint development, muscle or bone deformities, miscarriage, brain damage, and a high risk of birth defects.
It’s common for women to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but eating a diet rich in protein can help lower your risk significantly. Swings in your blood sugar will cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, weakness, nausea, fainting, and hunger pains. While pregnancy already produces these symptoms, they escalate when your blood sugar is not stable. Increasing your protein can keep your blood sugar from spiking and dipping, which is dangerous for you and your baby.
It has been suggested that a diet rich in protein can help reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, which is a dangerous condition that causes high blood pressure, edema, migraines, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain, among other symptoms.
RELATED: WHAT TO EAT WHILE PREGNANT
Many women experience nausea, or morning sickness, during their pregnancy. Women can experience this anytime of the day and during any trimester. Due to nausea, many women don’t, or can’t consume the recommended amount of calories each day. Because of this, I recommend a high-quality protein shake if this is something you can keep down. This is a great way to take in a good amount of calories and protein, and can optionally add in other ingredients such as healthy fats, omega 3’s, fruits, and vegetables. Boosting your protein this way can help ensure you are meeting the daily requirements for you and your growing baby.
The majority of women need a minimum of 75 grams of protein per day when pregnant. Depending on the individual’s weight and physical activity levels. Needs can be as high as 100 grams per day or more. Great sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, milk, nuts, and tofu. Keeping a high-quality protein powder on hand can help fill in the gaps where your diet is lacking.
In conclusion, protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a key role in pregnancy. Not only to assist in developing you and your baby. But also to help avoid unwanted symptoms that can further complicate your pregnancy.
About the Author:
Andrea Short is a Maternity Nutrition & Wellness Specialist and Pre & Postnatal Fitness Specialist. She works with women during all stages of pregnancy and beyond to help them have a healthy pregnancy and baby. Working with postpartum women to strengthen, heal, and build confidence is a huge component of her work. She focuses not only on nutrition and fitness but the overall health and wellbeing of each individual. She is the go-to support system for moms like you for nutrition. Also, fitness, and feeling your best so you can be the best mom for your little ones! Join her private Facebook group here; Like her Facebook page here; Follow her on Instagram here; Contact her here: www.andreashortwellness.com
Join us at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle. Where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
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]]>How To Prepare For Birth:
How To Prepare For Birth: 10 Tips From A Doula, By Olivyah Bowens.
If you are in your third trimester and are nervous about labor and delivery, Olivyah Bowens a certified doula provides ten tips on how to prepare for the birth of your little one.
So you’re pregnant. You’ve bought the crib, planned the baby shower, and picked the perfect name for your new addition, but are you ready for birth? Many women will go through the life-changing experience of birthing a baby but few will be equipped with the knowledge and wisdom to make that experience enjoyable. Yes, enjoyable! After two natural births of my own I can promise you that these 10 tips will make childbirth so much better:
Labor Support
1 Get a doula! The most successful people in this world have one thing in common, they all had mentors. Mentors are great because they can help you avoid mistakes, and give you knowledge that you may have otherwise learned the hard way. Consider a doula your birth mentor! Not only can they answer your questions about childbirth but they will also support you through your entire labor. Studies show that continuous labor support from a doula lowers the possibility of getting a c-section, decreases requests for pain medication, and can shorten labor.
2 Educate yourself! You wouldn’t attempt to go on a road trip if you didn’t know how to drive. Don’t allow yourself to go into childbirth without first learning about it. You’ve got nine months to immerse yourself in all things birth. Even if you are unable to get a doula you can sign up for a childbirth class and read a few books! One of my favorites is “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth”.
3 Stretch! Today most people are sitting too much and this is not good for the muscles that are used in giving birth. Tight and weak muscles in the pelvis and abdomen can make giving birth more difficult. Try stretching your hips and hamstrings every day and make squatting your best friend. (squatting is especially useful in the pushing stage because it opens up the inlet of the pelvis to allow the baby’s head to more easily pass through.)
Tone the Uterus
4 Add RRLT + Dates to your diet! Now this one is fairly easy. Drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea helps tone the uterus (make it stronger) and can help to shorten labor. While dates have been shown to raise the production of oxytocin in the body which is the main hormone responsible for having a spontaneous vaginal delivery. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea should be consumed only after the first trimester as it can cause mild uterine contractions. Dates can be consumed at 36 weeks.
5 Affirmations! Many women have a pre-existing fear of the pain of childbirth. This can increase stress levels and produce more cortisol in the body. Cortisol is not good for laboring women because it can impede the very important production of oxytocin. Re-wiring the way you think about birth can reduce stress and help your body to release the hormones necessary for a less difficult birth. Some women have such positive outlooks on childbirth that they actually have an orgasmic birth. Don’t believe me? Google it!
6 Visualization! Along with affirmations creating a mental picture of what you want your birth experience to look like is a great way of calming those anxieties about birth. I envisioned having quick labor throughout my pregnancy and let’s just say I barely made it into the hospital before the baby came out.
Keep your mouth open
7 Practice opening your mouth! There is a connection between the muscles in the vagina and the muscles in the mouth. Women who keep their mouth open and relaxed during the pushing stage have less tendency to tear. The best time to practice this is, you guessed it when you’re taking a number two!
8 Create a Birth Plan! Do you want continuous fetal monitoring? Should Pitocin be administered in the case of a stalled labor? Would you like delay cord clamping? These are just a few of the questions you have to be prepared to answer during or after birth. Of course, labor is not the best time to be thinking about these things so do yourself a huge favor and answer these questions before going into labor.
Creating a birth plan helps your doctor or midwife know what you want in your birth without having to actually communicate it in the middle of having contractions! It also helps to keep you and whoever will be with you during birth to be on the same page.
9 No negativity. As your belly begins to grow more and more you will probably encounter other moms who are ready to tell you their very traumatic birthing story. Although this can be healing for them it is not at all helpful to an expectant mother. Learn to walk away from scary birth stories and not engage in conversations about traumatic birth experiences. Stay positive!
10 Accept the challenge! Every woman’s labor and delivery is unique but most of us can agree that it is a challenge. Accept the fact that labor can be a challenging process but with the right information and sufficient preparation, you can have an awesome experience.
Happy birthing!
ALSO SEE: HOW BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS YOU AND YOUR BABY
About the Author of How To Prepare For Birth:
Olivyah Bowens is a doula and mother of two from Baltimore, Maryland. She completed her degree in Dance and English while pregnant with her daughter Ozara and recently finished her doula training in Washington D.C while pregnant with her new baby girl Oniyah. Olivyah not only has a passion for natural birth and breastfeeding but is equally passionate about nutrition. As a health enthusiast, she promotes a holistic approach to well-being through her Youtube channel and Instagram page @herholisticpath. She aspires to one day become a midwife and open her own birthing center while continuing to spread knowledge about holistic well being.
Join us over the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare you for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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]]>The post Reduce Pelvic And Back Pain During Pregnancy appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>Reduce Pelvic And Back Pain During Pregnancy:
Best Way To Reduce Your Pelvic And Back Pain During Pregnancy!
Back and pelvic pain is very common amongst pregnant and post-natal women, it is estimated that 30% of pregnant women will experience it.
Why do so many women get back and pelvic pain?
Due to the increase in pregnancy hormones (predominantly relaxing), the ligaments around your pubic symphysis (joint at the front of your pelvis) and sacroiliac joints (SIJ- 2 joints at the back of your pelvis) start to relax to allow the widening of the pelvis for birth.
Remember, this is a good thing (although it may not feel that way at the time!).
Your body is starting to prepare your pelvis for labour and childbirth.
However this hormonal laxity, in combination with an increase in weight during pregnancy and altered posture can result in an increased load through already weakened joints.
This can cause inflammation around the pubic and SIJ joints, which causes pain.
Does this mean I have pelvic instability?
Previously people would refer to this as “pelvic instability”. This term is no longer used as it is incorrect and only inducing fear amongst pregnant women that their pelvis is going to fall off!
Your pelvis is inherently very stable. You wouldn’t be able to walk or move at all if you were truly unstable.
The more correct picture is that your muscles are just not doing a great job at supporting your pelvis and therefore your already inflamed joints get even grumpier.
So the sooner you start gentle strengthening exercises and treatment, the better your chances of reducing pain and improving your function.
Now whilst we can’t change the laxity that is occurring within the pelvic ligaments, we can compensate for this by strengthening the supporting pelvic muscles.
There is fantastic evidence to support the use of exercise to heal pelvic and back pain during pregnancy. As well as strengthening the pelvic muscles, we should also try to avoid putting any extra and unnecessary load on the pelvis.
So should I just put up with it? Or can I actually do something about it?
You can definitely do something to help this!
So many pregnant women think that they have to put up with this because it’s to be expected during pregnancy… no!
Whilst it may be common, that doesn’t mean it can’t be treated.
Besides, if you had a choice, I don’t know a woman that wouldn’t want to rid herself of pain.
To improve pelvic pain you should…
Focus on strengthening the muscles that support your pelvis, including…
- Pelvic Floor
- Deep abdominals (transversus abdominus)
- Multifidus (deep back muscles)
- Adductors (groin muscles)
- Gluteals (butt muscles)
READ: STILL LOOK PREGNANT? DIASTASIS RECTI
Things to avoid…
- Standing on one leg ie. when getting dressed. Placing asymmetrical pressure on the pelvis can aggravate and inflame the pelvic joints due to the uneven loading.
- Swaying your hip to the side when standing.
- Moving the knees apart can place more pressure on the pelvic joints as they stretch. Instead try to imagine you are always wearing a “mini skirt” and keep your knees together, particularly when getting out of bed or out of the car.
- Crossing your legs when sitting, as this can cause uneven rotation on the pelvis which will make it even grumpier.
- Heavy lifting. The pelvis is already suffering under the pressure of a baby in a big uterus… it doesn’t need anything extra putting strain on it’s already inflamed joints. Ask for help from family and friends to lift heavy items if necessary.
- Exercises that place too much pressure on the pelvis such as star jumps, running, single leg exercises, deep squats or skipping.
For pain relief you should try…
- Exercise. Strengthening your pelvic muscles, as mentioned above, specifically your gluteals, pelvic floor and deep abdominals.
- Water exercise. Gentle walking or light exercise in the water will help to offload the weight on the pelvis (and make you feel a little less pregnant!). Try to avoid kicking your legs as this can aggravate your pelvic pain. However using a buoy between your ankles and only swimming with your arms is nice. It is safe for pregnant women to exercise gently in water up to 32 degrees celsius. Make sure to always have a drink bottle nearby to stay hydrated. Your best bet is to find a local pregnancy water class run by a physiotherapist.
- Postural and ergonomic changes
Sleeping with a pillow in between your legs at night time will help to reduce your pain. This will help to make sure that your pelvis doesn’t rotate inwards too much. By placing a pillow in between the knees you keep the hips at the right height and reduce strain on the pelvis and gluteal muscles. - Practice good posture. Be aware of how swayed your lower back may be and try to gently tuck your pelvis under. As the weight of your tummy increases, women will find themselves with a large curve in their lower back to compensate for the change in posture. Or they may find themselves leaning back slightly to compensate. This can place unnecessary pressure on the pelvis.
- Stop crossing your legs.
- Keep your knees together when getting in/out of bed or the car.
- Sit down to get dressed, to avoid standing on one leg.
- Sit with a rolled up towel behind your back to improve your lower back support
You could also try buying…
- An ice or heat-pack. In my clinical experience, ice over the pubic bone and heat over the gluteals tends to work best for relieving pelvic and back pain. Ice for 10-15 minutes, every 2-3 hours… make sure to wrap the icepack in a small towel and don’t place directly onto skin. Use the heat-pack for 10-15 minutes, as often as you like but make sure it is comfortable on your skin and not too hot.
- Compression shorts or a pelvic belt to provide extra pelvic support. This can help to manually support the pelvis if the muscles are too weak to do so. However don’t be fooled… it won’t solve all your problems.. you still need to exercise those muscles! You can get these products from your local physiotherapist, doctor or chemist. Best to be fitted by a health care professional to ensure the sizing is correct.
If you have tried all of this and still struggle with pain, then book in with your local women’s health physiotherapist for treatment.
You don’t need to endure this, you are worthy of a pain-free and enjoyable pregnancy!
xo Physio Laura
Author: My name is Laura Callea, aka Physio Laura. I am a women’s health physiotherapist who is passionate about working with pregnant and postpartum women to help them stay strong and healthy throughout the motherhood journey.
Facebook: facebook.com/physiolaura Instagram: @physiolaura Website: www.physiolaura.com
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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]]>7 Preeclampsia Symptoms Every Pregnant Woman Should Know:
Preeclampsia Symptoms By Preeclampsia Foundation.
For expectant and new moms, it’s the unexpected that can quickly change the course of normal pregnancies. That’s why the Preeclampsia Foundation is dedicated to providing education about preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a serious disease related to high blood pressure. It can happen to any pregnant woman during the second half of her pregnancy. Even more, up to six weeks after delivery. Finding preeclampsia early is important for both mother and baby.
“The more a pregnant woman knows about preeclampsia, the more likely she is to recognize. Also able to report symptoms to her doctor or midwife”. Said Eleni Tsigas, Executive Director of the Preeclampsia Foundation. “That improves time to diagnosis and medical evaluation. Which saves lives – for both mothers and babies. And that’s why we’re so focused on improving awareness of preeclampsia.”
RECOMMENDED – BIRTH STORY: TRU BERRY
Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy such as HELLP syndrome remain a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death. Globally, by conservative estimates, these disorders are responsible for 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths every year. In the United States, preeclampsia affects one of every 12 pregnancies. Also, its incidence has increased by 25 percent over the past two decades.
7 Symptoms Every Pregnant Woman Should Know
Early recognition and reporting of symptoms is the key to timely detection and management of preeclampsia. Women who are pregnant or recently delivered should contact their doctor or midwife. Right away if they experience any of the symptoms listed below. While these symptoms don’t necessarily indicate preeclampsia, they are cause for concern and require medical evaluation.
- Swelling of the hands and face, especially around the eyes (swelling of the feet is more common in late pregnancy and probably not a sign of preeclampsia)
- Weight gain of more than five pounds in a week
- Headache that won’t go away, even after taking medication for pain relief
- Changes in vision like seeing spots or flashing lights; partial or total loss of eyesight
- Nausea or throwing up, especially suddenly, after mid-pregnancy (not the morning sickness that many women experience in early pregnancy)
- Upper right belly pain, sometimes mistaken for indigestion or the flu
- Difficulty breathing, gasping or panting
It’s also important to know that some women with preeclampsia have NO symptoms or they “just don’t feel right”. If you have a sense that something’s wrong, even without symptoms. Trust yourself and contact your healthcare provider immediately. Preeclampsia can only be diagnosed by monitoring blood pressure and protein in the urine (which may or may not be present to diagnose preeclampsia). This is routinely done at prenatal appointments. So keeping all appointments is vital throughout pregnancy and immediately after delivery.
READ: MOM SHARES HER EXPERIENCE WITH PREECLAMPSIA
The video below gives a summary of some of the main points to remember:
About the Preeclampsia Foundation
A U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2000. The Preeclampsia Foundation is dedicated to providing patient support and education. Raising public awareness, catalyzing research, and improving health care practices. Also, envisioning a world where preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy no longer threaten the lives of mothers and babies. More information is available at www.preeclampsia.org or by calling toll-free 800.665.9341.
Join us at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle. Where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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]]>Successful VBAC Tips:
Successful VBAC Tips By Delia Muhammed.
VBAC = Vaginal Birth After C-Section
In this blog post, I lay out tips on what you can do now in your pregnancy to prepare you for successful childbirth. Find part 1 of this article here.
Perhaps, memories of the last birth experience were traumatic and entwined with fear. However, with this birth experience, having good emotional support coupled with good information will help you build confidence and self-esteem.
The key is to believe you CAN do this. Be sure to use the principles shared here and be absolutely sure to do your best. It is all about BELIEVING.
PSYCHOLOGICAL/MENTAL PREPARATION
POSITIVE THINKING – Have a positive mental attitude! “This time, it has to be right”. “My body WILL do the work needed to a birth baby vaginally”.
The father-to-be has to think positively, too. “I want to be more involved this time” “We will take things step-by-step.” “We will decide together when to go into the hospital.”
Both you and the father-to-be have so much to share in relation to how you both see things.
Being on the same page strengthens your determination. Make sure you talk about your worries and fears with each other.
The information you have researched will empower you both to understand childbirth better. The information you get from the doctor would also make things clearer. The fear WILL be there, but you need to BELIEVE in the labor process.
Tell yourself that you will harmonize with the rhythm of your body when things start because your body KNOWS what to do. Hypno birth, affirmations, meditation are ways to help alleviate any fears you may have.
LABOUR STARTS IN THE BRAIN FIRST
The brain conducts the orchestra of organs that produce the labor hormones, ready to take you on your ‘labor walk’.
The key thing is accepting that labor is your friend and not your enemy. Be in harmony with your body. Be aware of how you feel and think.
PHYSICAL WELLBEING
Scar rupture is the greatest concern in VBAC. It is a good time to mention that this condition is rare and affects 1 in 200 – 0.5% of mothers who had a VBAC.
It is also important to AVOID constipation in pregnancy. Keeping hydrated is essential in pregnancy AND labor. Prune juice, dried fruits, and water may be effective at managing constipation.
When labor starts, KEEP BELIEVING and have PATIENCE with what is happening.
It is significant to note that your emotional and physical well being is very important both for now and for AFTER birth.
VBAC mothers you CAN do this. Once a cesarean is NOT always a cesarean.
Read:
• When To Call The Doctor For Your Newborn.
• Birth Control After Baby: Popular Methods And Options
Image: @penciledcelebrities
About the Author:
Delia Muhammad is a Birth Educator, Counsellor, and VBAC specialist from the UK. Delia has been supporting expectant women/ mothers since 1993. She is an international supporter of VBAC mothers due to the high cesarean rate around the world.
Delia can be contacted for birth preparation advice and counseling at:
delia@deliamuhammad.com
deliamuhammad@hotmail.com
Instagram – @yourcomforter / @iwillvbac
Facebook – Delia Muhammad
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]]>Best Labor And Birthing Positions:
Best Labor And Birthing Positions By Miri Sais (Traditional Birth Attendant ).
Generally, there are many ways to give birth. From squatting to standing, since the beginning of time women have been giving birth in almost any position you can imagine. However, this isn’t an exemplar in the delivery room.
For instance, according to the Third National U.S. Survey of Women’s Childbearing Experiences, 90% of American women who give birth, do so, either laying down or in some state of refinement, often with their legs propped up. In Australia only 78% of women give birth laying down, a 12% difference, even still that’s far too much.
Particularly, multiple studies have proven birthing laying down leads to an increase in pain, longer labor, and tearing. Also, it is the most likely of all positions to lead to the use of forceps/vacuum and epitomizes. Moreover, the same is true for the supine (lying face upward), or reclining positions.
Birth Vlog: “SHE MADE ME REALIZE HOW MUCH OF A STRONG WOMAN I AM”
Still, the numbers are slow to improve. The reason being, many women don’t know of any other birthing positions. Further, it is the primary position we see in regards to birth. Be it TV or literature of the women who do know of other birthing positions, a majority view them as risky “alternatives” and aren’t willing to attempt for fear of harming themselves and their baby, this is not true.
Every birthing position has it’s pros and cons, but each and every one has its needed purposes. And it is vital for mothers to know of them, so when the great laboring day comes she is well aware of all her options.
Birthing Position:
Squatting
In general, this position is done with some form of back support, to keep the mother steady and give her a place to shift weight to. Many choose the aid of another person, or two. You can also use a birthing bar.
Pros
• Good advantage of gravity encouraging faster descent
• Opens pelvis giving baby room to maneuver
• Also allows mobility and betters freedom to shift weight and comfort
Cons
• Can be tiring
• Requires some form of support.
Standing
For support in this position, many use a birthing bar to hold on to, or another person to lean against.
Pros
• Strong advantage of gravity, pushing the baby down
• Reduces backache
• Baby is well aligned in the pelvis
• Helps create a pushing urge
Cons
• Harder for birth attendants to monitor baby.
• May require some form of support.
Hand and Knees
Generally, outside of laying down and reclined, the hands and knees position is the next frequently used.
In this position, the mother’s arms are propped up to reduce tiredness.
Pros
• Can help shift or rotate baby if needed
• Baby is well aligned in the pelvis
• Takes pressure off spine thus relieving back pain
• Can help boost baby’s oxygen level
Cons
• Harder for Mother to view what’s happening
• Arms may get tired
Laying Down Or Reclined
There are two variations of laying down, during labor and delivery, you can lay flat down on your back with or without a stirrup. As well as you can recline with legs down, or with stirrups. While these can be the most complicated of the birthing and laboring positions, there are times when these positions are needed.
Pros
• Comfortable for the laboring mother
• Great resting position
• Easier for the birth team to monitor baby
Cons
• Tearing
• Works against gravity
• Very restricted of Mother’s movements
• Compresses all major vessels which reduce blood flow to the baby
• Can lead to more painful and less effective contractions
Birth Position And Laboring Tools:
These are some tools made to help you in laboring and delivery.
Birth Stool And Chair
Supports birthing positions: sitting, squatting
It may not look like much, but this tool does the most. It’s best to support is in the sitting position, but it’s also helpful to hold on to when squatting, especially if it has handled.
Birthing Bar
Supports birthing positions: squatting, standing
Also called the squat bar, this tool is most commonly used for mothers to hold while squatting or standing.
Birthing Ball
Supports laboring positions: squatting, sitting
There’s nothing particularly fancy about the birthing ball, in fact, many people just use an exercise ball. If you chose to use an exercise ball it’s vital to assure that it’s the right size. Unlike the previous two tools, it’s not a good idea to birth while using the birthing ball, but it is good for laboring.
Preparation
Now that you know a little bit about the different birth and laboring positions and the tools that support them, there’s still some preparation work to be done.
As for the acquiring of birth and laboring tools, many should be available at most hospitals. Make sure in your birth plan you check your hospital for the tools you desire.
As for the positions themselves, for the past two centuries laying down has been the position for birthing. It’s the primary position most doctors know and trust. And for fear of complications, doctors may advise against uncommon birth positions. As I said earlier, there are pros and cons to every position. Each opens up the pelvis a different way and has a different relation to the pull of gravity. No position is the absolute best. There’s no position that you should solely rely on, be it hands and knees, squatting, or laying down. Always keep in mind when choosing your delivery position, the positioning of the baby.
Along with knowing positions and the tools available, always stand firm, and trust your instincts. The best position is choosing your birth team wisely, and your greatest tool.
BREASTFEEDING MOM WHO LOST HER SON TO BREASTFEEDING ADVOCATES BOTTLE FEEDING
About the Author: Best Labor And Birthing Positions
Miri Sais is a Traditional Birth Attendant, Prodigy Entrepreneur, and a Certified Market Garden Trainer. She is 2nd generation home birthing babies.
Miri has helped hundreds of families in her 20+ years as a birth attendant and doula and has personally ushered the births of hundreds of healthy babies into the world. She has also guided countless human beings to heal from emotional pain, grief, miscarriage, inner stress, and trauma, tap into their strength and power, live fully and live vibrantly, and reclaim their radiance, joyfulness, calm and overall sense of well-being. She teaches empowered birth which has the ability to heal the soul and awaken the most enlightened version of ourselves. Find more of her on www.Mirisais.com, on her Facebook page, and on her Instagram page.
Join us at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we healthcare experts prepare you for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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Breastfeeding Your Newborn: What To Expect, By Miri Sais.
As a birth attendant, I’ve spent over 20 years helping women learn about breastfeeding. The truth of breastfeeding is vast. It’s impossible to brief in one, or even two, articles. It does not simply latch on, latch off. It is a science and an art. One that requires true dedication and patience. That said, never is it something you should fear. There is nothing of breastfeeding that lacks explanation, and once you have the fundamentals you’re already on the right path.
The base fundamentals of breastfeeding are universal, it is important to remember that every mother and child situation is different.
The Three Stages of Breast Milk
To understand breastfeeding you must first understand breastmilk; which “comes in” three stages. Which are colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk.
Colostrum:
This thick yellow (sometimes clear) substance comes in first. Commonly, the production of colostrum starts half or third into pregnancy. Like most good things colostrum comes in a small dosage. At most, babies only get 1-2 tablespoons of colostrum per feeding. Still, even a few drops of this miracle liquid is more than enough. This mighty mountain does everything, from supplying immune-building antibodies, to help a baby adjust to life outside of the womb by regulating bodily fluids.
Transitional milk:
Days after giving birth your milk will turn white. Easily explained, transitional milk is the combination, and this transition, of colostrum to mature milk. Its main purpose is gradually preparing your baby for mature milk.
Mature milk:
After several weeks you will arrive at your final stage. Mature milk is explained in two parts: foremilk and hindmilk. Over the course of every breastfeeding session, mature milk will change from thin and watery, foremilk, to thick and creamy, hindmilk. Foremilk comes first, low in fat but high in volume and nutrition. However, the more your baby eats the volume lessens, and fat gains, this change is called “hindmilk”.
It is important to note, foremilk and hindmilk are NOT two different types of breastmilk. Rather they are two combining qualities. Neither being more important than the other. Both are key to happy healthy babies. So please do not be confused by hindmilk being fattier. Foremilk is just as vital as it is packed with brain-building nutrients.
Now that you have an idea of how breastmilk works, it’s important to know what steps to take.
Engorgement & Breast Fullness
During the transitional stage you will notice your breast starting to enlarge, likely they will feel a bit tender, and perhaps a bit swollen. This is perfectly normal. Your body is filling your breast with milk.
Not to be confused with engorgement, which is what happens when your body produces too much milk. Instead of tender, when engorged your breast becomes painfully hard. Long term engorgement can lead to severe problems, you can even catch fevers and infection. Engorgement can lead to Mastitis. Please take preventative measures to avoid this.
Gratefully, there are ways to both prevent and treat engorgement:
To Prevent
Do not delay. Make sure you feed your baby when he/she is hungry. Or else your milk supply will just continue to grow.
No rushing. When feeding makes sure your baby has reached his/her fullness before unlatching.
Wear a bra. This is 100% vital, you must wear a supportive bra.
Make sure to rotate each session (keep in mind the hindmilk can be lost in too much rotation. this is where the art of breastfeeding comes in)
To Treat
Massage your breast: a gentle massage before and during breastfeeding will help decrease pain and better your milk flow.
Apply heat: A warm shower or applying a warm rag to your breast before feeding should better your milk flow.
Cold cabbage: To decrease pain and internal swelling, wrap your breast in cold cabbage leaves.
HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES AFTER PREGNANCY
Latching
A proper latch encompasses the entire nipple and some of the areola (the darker area of your breast around your nipple). The exact amount of your areola that the baby should have a latch on, differs for different size breasts and areola. One inch or more of your areola should be in your baby’s mouth to make a good latch.
Here are some ways to identify poor vs proper latch:
Poor Latch
The mouth is barely open
Tongue behind lower gums
Lips are curled in
Chin barely brushes breast
Proper latch
Chin touches breast
The tongue is over the lower gums
Lips are curled out, slightly like a fish
The mouth is opened wide like a yawn
Nutrition
The beauty of breastmilk is it takes all the nutrition from the mother’s food and delivers it to the baby. However, eating food lacking nutrition means breastmilk is lacking viable substance. When nutrition is lacking often babies won’t even want to breastfeed. Which can lead to the baby staying up at night. Breastfeeding is an investment of dedication and nutritional education. I assure you it is worth it and the effects are generational longevity.
You are building strong bones (which don’t stop growing until the age of 21) along with an intelligent brain. Not only for your child but for your grandchildren and their grandchildren. By breastfeeding your child you literally blaze a trail for strong generations to come.
There’s no cheat sheet or shortcut to breastfeeding. It is the first food and one of the first forms of love you’ll share with your child. So cherish each moment and know your bond is stronger with each session.
FEVER AFTER BREASTFEEDING, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION
About the Author :
Miri Sais is a Traditional Birth Attendant, Prodigy Entrepreneur, and a Certified Market Garden Trainer. She is 2nd generation home birthing babies.
Miri has helped hundreds of families in her 20+ years as a birth attendant and doula and has personally ushered the births of hundreds of healthy babies into the world. She has also guided countless human beings to heal from emotional pain, grief, miscarriage, inner stress, and trauma, tap into their strength and power, live fully and live vibrantly, and reclaim their radiance, joyfulness, calm and overall sense of well-being. She teaches empowered birth which has the ability to heal the soul and awaken the most enlightened version of ourselves. Find more of her on www.Mirisais.com, on her Facebook page, and on her Instagram page.
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post Breastfeeding Your Newborn: What To Expect appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
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]]>High Heart Rate Pregnancy:
The High Heart Rate Pregnancy – Know The Risks, By Sandy Charles, MD.
High Heart Rate Pregnancy – Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman’s life. There are many changes involving the heart and the circulatory system. That may occur to allow for the development of a healthy baby.
Early in the first trimester, a woman’s body does three important things in order to create an adequate blood supply for the baby:
1) There is an increase in the total amount of blood within the body.
2) blood pressure decreases to help the heart pump more effectively.
3) The heart starts beating faster.
If you have ever had any issues with your heart prior to pregnancy, like abnormal heart valves. These three changes early in pregnancy can sometimes cause major problems later in pregnancy.
If you experience difficulty breathing or significant leg swelling, it is important that you see your doctor immediately. It is also essential that pregnant women get enough rest. Also, avoid intense physical activity since the heart is already working overtime to keep up with your growing baby!
SIGNS OF LABOR TO WATCH OUT FOR
Because of how blood circulates in our body, the way you sleep can affect how much blood your baby receives during pregnancy.
The best position to ensure that your baby gets the most blood flow as your uterus grows is lying on your left side. On the other hand, lying on your back can significantly decrease the amount of blood flow your baby gets. Because as the uterus grows it can compress on critical vessels in your body.
The fact that blood pressure decreases during pregnancy may cause some pregnant women to feel lightheaded or may even cause some women to faint. In order to avoid this, it is important that you drink plenty of water, avoid long periods of time without eating, and avoid prolonged standing. Always be sure to sit or lie down if you are feeling lightheaded to help prevent you from fainting. Compression socks, which are special socks that help maintain good blood circulation, may also prevent lightheadedness and fainting during pregnancy.
Instead of having a drop in blood pressure during pregnancy, some women develop an abnormally elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Elevated blood pressures later in pregnancy along with signs of organ injury may be caused by preeclampsia, which can place both you and your baby at significant risk and can sometimes be fatal. Preeclampsia sometimes develops without any symptoms, so it is important that you have your blood pressure routinely checked during pregnancy to help avoid any complications.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PREECLAMPSIA
Arrhythmias, which are abnormal heartbeats, are the most common heart abnormality affecting pregnant women. Arrhythmias can cause many women to feel like their heart is racing and they can also cause some pregnant women to feel lightheaded or faint. Always go to your doctor for an evaluation if you feel like you may have an arrhythmia. Your doctor will likely ask you to wear a heart monitor for a day or two in order to assess your heartbeats.
It is also important to limit caffeine intake since increased caffeine intake may sometimes trigger arrhythmias.
Sometimes pregnancy can cause the heart muscle to weaken and the heart’s pumping ability to malfunction, a condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy. Common symptoms of this heart condition include significant difficulty breathing, leg swelling, persistent cough and severe fatigue. The symptoms usually arise toward the end of pregnancy and can sometimes occur up to 5 months after delivery. Thankfully, with the right treatment and medications, a large percentage of women with peripartum cardiomyopathy get better and fully recover.
Tell your provider immediately if you experience these symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or include chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.
Author:
Dr. Sandy Charles is a cardiologist who specializes in women’s heart health. She attended college at Princeton University. She completed medical school and training in Internal Medicine at Columbia University. Also, she completed a fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at New York University. She works at Novant Health Heart and Vascular Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can follow her on Instagram @drsandycharles
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post High Heart Rate Pregnancy – Know The Risks appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
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