Peaceful Childbirth Tips

Part 1: Relaxation

Childbirth practices around the world all seem to carry three similar traits, known as the 3 R's. Some cultures lean on one of the R's more strongly than others but in truth, they all work wonderfully when done in sync with each other.

Below are some tips that I have come to find as the most helpful. They all encompass the 3 R's in one way or another:

Let's start with the first R: RELAXATION

1) Setting the stage -- Relaxation looks different from woman to woman. The key is to envision the most relaxing atmosphere that looks right for you -- and make your birthing room like it!

So let's create the ULTIMATE spa day for your birth experience!!

Here are some suggestions to make your birthing space a personalized spa:
   a) Essential Oils - Lavender in an oil diffuser (add Wild Orange for an uplifting scent)
   b) Dim Lighting and/or LED candles
  c) Music - Calming like a spa or motivating like a workout. Whatever sets the mood for each stage of labor!
  d) Comfy clothes - You really don't HAVE to wear those ugly gowns at the hospital. Your own cozy robe can help you feel at ease in a hospital or birthing center room.
  e) Things that feel like home - Blankets, pillows, slippers, birth art, music, significant trinket, etc. Bring WHATEVER makes you feel most at home. This is YOUR space so make it your OWN. You'll be glad you did!

2) Touch -- A day at the spa wouldn't be complete without a massage now would it?!

You deserve some TLC during labor. Make sure your partner knows what you like and don't like beforehand. Practice techniques and positions that feel the most comforting to you. Soft touch that induces goosebumps increases seratonin and oxytocin, the happy hormones that keep labor progressing. Alternatively, firm pressure can ease those achy spots and feel grounding. Foot massages and acupressure are relationship savers!! Email me for a special handout for your significant other to do on you throughout your pregnancy and labor! Lastly,  counter-pressure can ease back labor when nothing else can. It is the #1 mainstay support amongst laboring women.

3) Water -- What spa doesn't have a jet tub option?!

Also referred to ask the "Aquadural"-- it works wonders. Water has a calming effect on laboring mothers. There is just something about water. I have never heard any complaints about water in labor, whether it be by tub or shower. A water birth can have amazing results for minimizing tearing and having a very calm baby emerge.

4) Chiropractic -- Now the birthing team is complete!

A natural modality in healthcare, chiropractic care has been proven to short labor and assist baby in getting into an optimal occipital fetal position for birthing (occiput: head down facing mom's spine). Make sure your chiropractor practices the Webster technique in case of a breech or posterior positioned baby. They will know how to safely and gently turn the baby into a better position in the last weeks of pregnancy.

Speaking of baby's optimal fetal position, practice popular poses like hands and knees, yoga ball bouncing and moving those hips around.

Lastly, PLEASE don't rest in a reclining sofa or chair. The year of the La-z-Boy recliner was a momentous year for C-Section rates and posterior positioned babies.
​Read more on posterior babies here: https://spinningbabies.com/learn-more/baby-positions/posterior/

There you have it! RELAXATION...Ahhhhh...Now go rest up and anticipate Part 2 to come very soon -- where we talk about RHYTHM.

Blessings to you all beautiful people!