LaborKit.com Blog : labor

Do you really need a birthplan?

Theresa — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:48:00 GMT

A birthplan is a great tool to work through with your partner or coach so that you both are making informed decisions about the birth YOU want. I had a filled out a standard (but very meaningful to me) birthplan and hoped to have the birth experience I planned for. It didn't work out that way. It was a difficult delivery with complications that ended up being a birth so far from the natural one I had hoped for. Although my birthplan was available to my doctors and nurses, it was no longer a point of reference when birth became more of a medical emergency.

I still believe a birthplan is necessary although I have since talked to nurses that think of birthplans as a "nice idea" for first-time moms but that rarely take them too seriously. I think it’s quite different when you are working with midwifes and doulas who may have a more holistic approach then some in the medical profession and tend to take your wishes and preferences more seriously.

Filling out a birthplan gives you an opportunity to think about pain management, potential medical interventions, breastfeeding and recovery. It will help you think about different scenarios and make tough decisions that you may have a very hard time doing while actually in labor. For example, some hospitals have their own protocol for babies after delivery so you will want to let them know if you want to watch the birth with a mirror, hold the baby immediately after birth or begin breastfeeding right away. Specify what you want and let everyone on the birth team know.

Prior to admittance to the hospital, discuss your plan with your doctor or midwife. Provide your doctor and the hospital with a copy of your plan and also pack a copy in your hospital bag.

All LaborKits come with a comprehensive birthplan for you to fill out as well as a Share The Joy Contact list and a Hospital Checklist. Be prepared for the big day!

A planned c-section is no walk in the park

Theresa — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:25:00 GMT

When I used to hear stories of women who said “I am going in on Tuesday at 9am and will have the baby by 9:15” I would think it sounded like the perfect way to have a baby. They know the date their baby will enter the world, they get to avoid 4-32 hours of labor and I bet they were ready for a new mom and baby photo shoot by 10am!

Well it’s just not that easy or glamorous. My first daughter was delivered by c-section due to complications so my OBGYN and I decided that it was best to have another c-section with my second daughter. Perfect. I am healthy, know what to expect and have a very helpful husband so this should be a breeze. We packed our bags and arrived at the hospital for our 9am “surgery”.

I put on my gown and went to the operating room. I talked with the anesthesiologist who explained the epidural procedure which it pretty straight forward but I was so nervous that my spine wasn't relaxed enough, and he had to try SEVEN times to get the epidural in the right spot. Finally it was in and I quickly lost feeling in my lower body. The surgeon entered, and after feeling only a tremendous amount of pressure, my daughter was born. Then the fun began.

I thought the worst part was over, after all a c-section is major abdominal surgery, but the morphine was making me vomit -- repeatedly. The numbness that was necessary during surgery became very nerve-wracking as it was very, very slow to work its way out of my body and 8 hours later my feet were still numb. It hurt to sit up and the shooting pain from the incision left me wondering if I didn’t just tear my insides apart. What's my point?

It's not to scare women who are having c-sections, it’s to let you know that a PLANNED C-SECTION may be harder than you expect. Recovery can be painful and please do what your doctor says -- although it is a little unrealistic to think you won't lift anything heavier than your new baby for six weeks. We all still have to buy our groceries, lift up our two-year-old and do laundry without the help of nannies. That’s just life. But please do take it easy. I think my recovery was longer because on the days I felt good, I did too much. I probably went through the six weeks "two steps forward, one step back" which is not what I recommend. Accept help, acknowledge that you had major surgery, rest and snuggle your new baby (and two-year-old) as much as possible. Good luck.

Doulas are rising in popularity, but what are they?

Theresa — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:44:00 GMT

The Today Show aired a segment today called "Expecting Parents: What is a doula?" and I was so surprised that people still don't know what a doula is.

A doula is a person that offers support for mom and dad during birth and the postpartum period. They are present for labor and birth and some will support a family when adjusting to life with a new baby. They are there for physical and emotional support. DONA describes a doula as "a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Also, according to DONA, "Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeeding more easily."

The greatest benefit to mom is the ongoing support that she will receive even during a hospital birth. Usually people associate Doulas with homebirths but this isn't so. With chronic nursing shortages, moms just don't get the support that they might like during a stressful, often unknown, physically challenging time. Doulas can help women have the birth experience they want and can work with your obstetrician and nurse to support your choices. Doulas aren't doctors and may have little, if any, medical training -- their role is to assist in labor and delivery to comfort and encourage mom.

If you are interested in hiring a doula, learn more at www.dona.org

If you are a doula, we offer our FREE Certified Trainer Partnership Program designed specifically for certified trainers to help their clients and their business. If you're doula, midwife, prenatal instructor etc. consider becoming a partner to receive all the benefits including; discounts, business listing (with all credentials, contact info and summary of services you provide), and a starter kit. View our brochure for more information or register for free. We want to help moms have the best birth experience possible.