What to Watch During Pregnancy — Giving Birth with Confidence

I Love Lucy

Everyone has seen, at least some of the I Love Lucy series. The classic TV series was the show to watch in the 1950's. The show broke many social taboo's and pregnancy depicted as normal was one of them. The fact that pregnancy was dealt with at all was new to most viewers and this show was watched by huge audiences.

Today, women have seen birth depicted on almost every media; books, print, movies, personal blogs, websites, etc. But do we really "see" birth? Most women, after having a baby reply, NO. So where can you really learn about birth? Lamaze International Giving Birth with Confidence reported on several films on birth. Check out the blog and order a few films. This blog is wonderful too....


Mama and the Media Part 2: What to Watch During Pregnancy — Giving Birth with Confidence

Celebrate the birth of your children!

Near Argonne Road access to Spokane Centennial trail

I was up in Spokane this weekend. I was attending a workshop on breastfeeding and medications, which was wonderful but I also planned to spend some time with my youngest son and other old friends. Well, it happened to be my oldest sons birthday... sort of. Actually Saturday was the day before his birthday. In the last few years I've made it a point to celebrate the day before my children s birthday, as the day I gave birth.

I always love a walk on The Centennial Trail. My favorite section is off of Argonne Road. I grew up a few miles from the trail head and I always think about my family, especially my dad, as I hear the railroad horns blare.

It's a quiet, peaceful, place and today was just for me. It's good to reflect on your life at special times. Today I remembered the day I gave birth. I was excited mostly. Time went by and the events took care of themselves. It was very hard and I was amazed at how I could manage the contractions, at least early on. The hours continued to go by slowly.

thoughts:

Time to reflect on the changes in my life.

the day my first child was born

Important to you always.

Mark it. Make it special, make sure you tell your best story. what did you learn, who helped you, how did your body respond to the power of birth. Did it rain, was the moon full. what did your baby look like.

Treasure this day. It will be a family story. Make it a gift of love to your child.

Snow surprised us this weekend

Snow surprised us this weekend

This weekend 5 couples joined me in learning about birth. I'm not sure what made this group so special, but it was. I think there is something about focus and the miracle of birth.

We laughed a lot, from the dancing at break, to emphasize movement helps in labor, to the simple wisdom from the dads to be, as they listed the ABC's of labor support.

Maybe it was the spontaneous exchange at another break when it all began with a simple question to our mom to be who has to take insulin for her gestational diabetes. During this brief exchange her partner, gave everyone a brief synopsis of gestational diabetes, why it's important to pay attention to carbs, eating small meals, how it affects the baby, along with the group adding their experiences with having to be tested for gestational diabetes and what they had learned from the nurses or drs. they've met. The mom to be who asked the question and heard from a circle of experience, what was important. I didn't say a word as I quietly observed adult learners who felt safe, respond to a question from their group. Learning that mattered and will be absorbed.

Maybe it was the fun we had in labor stations. The experimenting with positions to find what worked, trying tennis balls in a sock for counter pressure during back labor. Learning about pushing in weird positions and how pulling on a towel will help.

A weekend seminar creates a group with a focus. Make it fun, introduce the key topics in a creative way and let the group work.

As they passed around the googly eyed squishy ball the group identified each of the 6 care practices in responding to "what did you learn".

Is it possible to have the best class ever after teaching for 30yrs? Yes, if it involves families who are beginning their journey into the miracle of birth.

Make the best of what ever life gives you.

The Local Dairy Queen

Now what! I left my ID at home Tuesday evening and I'm unable to get into the building for our childbirth class. I could take the group up to the hospital for the class, but I still didn't have any films or other supplies. I was joined by one of the couples in the class and she laughed and suggested we should just finish the class at the local Dairy Queen about a block away. It was freezing outside and we didn't have a lot of other options. It was our last class and I didn't have a lot planned except car seats, so why not. This was a first though. I've never had class in the Dairy Queen.

We all trouped over to the restaurant and thankfully, the staff was OK with us using the tables in the back. Our group is small, only 4 couples, which also made this option ok.

Car seats, choosing a seat, read the instructions, get your seat checked by a certified technician. I invited the group to come by for an official car seat check at our facility. Car seat checks are offered on Wednesdays and Friday afternoons. Car seats can be complicated but generally once you've gone through a check with a certified technician it makes sense. You can find a certified technician and check facility at the NHTSA site. There are also several other great sites on car seats for families: carseat.org and the manufacturers of seats all have useful information on line.

The last class is important. We need to put the information together. I like to do a labor rehearsal at the last class. This is a review of a typical labor and the couples respond to common situations that might happen. Contractions begin, what do you do? Try to rest, take a walk, find comfortable positions, finish packing your bag. Do something to get your mind off the contractions. Bake cookies, clean, dance, read a book. Let your breathing help you relax. A Long labor, how can your partner help? Be your companion, rub your back, help you get comfortable. Make you a snack. Share this time. Take deep slow breaths. Let your breathing relax you. It's time to go. Your contractions are coming every 5 minutes now and they're lasting at least one minute. You go to the hospital and labor gets harder. Keep moving. Try the birth ball, the rocking chair, the tub. Keep moving, rocking and finding someone to rub your back. It feels good, when you rub my back. You find help from the nurses and your labor continues. Time goes by. What sounds good? A drink of Gatorade, a Popsicle, oh that's wonderful. The evening turns to night, turns to another morning. You find a rhythm, your partner must be tired too, but still at your side, which gives you comfort. The contractions get stronger. You find yourself pushing, the time is finally here, can you do it, yes, finally, with all your effort. Your baby finally is born. Relax and imagine the beautiful baby next to your heart, in your arms now.

Read about normal birth. There are birth stories listed on the side bar to this blog, they will give you an idea of what normal birth is like. Take a few minutes and read some of the the birth stories on the side bar of this blog. Read them to your partner. Think about what you would do as you read the stories.

Nothing really can prepare you for the miracle of birth. A class gives you some information that you can use, questions to ask. Some skills you can try. You will find your way. All of these things will help.

It's only a rehearsal, but the time spent preparing for birth helps you sort out facts and fears. It gives you a chance to learn what happens during labor and birth. It gives your partner a chance to see what happens and how to offer support in labor. You will still have fears. Talk to your partner, your family, your Dr. Birth is a normal event. You can learn about the process. Your body is made to do this. I hope all my students have gotten what they've needed from our Lamaze class. My final words are simply; you will know how to do this and, make the best of what life gives you.

Enjoy this time. You are growing a new life. Take time to be peaceful. Anticipate the joy of meeting this small little person. Prepare simply. Love your baby, sing a lullaby. Soon, very soon, your miracle will be here.

Welcome the miracle of birth