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Welcome!A reminder: We are not care providers nor attorneys; we do not practice medicine nor the law. Be sure to use common sense and talk things over with a professional you trust!
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7 Things You Can Do in Pregnancy to Reduce Pain in LaborWill it hurt? How much? What can I do? Wanting to avoid pain medication does not mean that you’re into pain, or that you should feel one bit more than absolutely necessary. Discover ways to reduce pain before you even begin your labor, and to lessen any that you do feel during labor!
Your Homework: ~ What is labor to you? On the spectrum of “An empowering life experience” at one end to “The means to an end” on the other, where do you fall? Partner? Your care provider? ~ List ways that you already deal with pain (think headache, stubbed toe, insomnia). ~ What are some new methods of dealing with pain that you would like to learn / practice? ~ Get some relaxation scripts. Practice relaxation for ten minutes, twice a day to learn this skill. Useful Links*: ~ Mind Over Labor book ~ Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering book ~ How to Find the Perfect Care Provider for Your Birth class ~ 7 Secrets for Being a Truly *Great* Partners class ~ 13 Positions for a Quicker, Easier Labor class ~ 13 More Positions for a Relaxing Birth class ~ 21 Must Haves to Pack in Your Birth Bag class ~ Childbirth Without Fear book |
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3 Choices for Where You Can Give BirthMany people assume that they must give birth in a hospital. You have 2 other choices to consider as well! Along with your choice in care provider, your choice in birth place will play a huge role in how your birth enfolds. Make sure you've really made an educated, intentional decision.
Your Homework: ~ Take a tour of at least 2 hospitals ~ Take a tour of a birth center ~ Find out your birth place’s rate of cesarean Useful Links*: ~ How to Find the Perfect Care Provider for Your Birth class ~ Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering book ~ Born in the USA DVD ~ Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth book ~ Birth Matters book ~ Birth Centers ~ Cesarean Rates by Hospital ~ Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative ~ Baby Friendly USA ~ Homebirth Study |
How to Find the Perfect Care Provider for Your BirthHow do you know you have an amazing care provider? What are some red flags to watch for? When is it too late to switch care providers? Why does this even matter? Here’s what you need to know to find the right care provider for your pregnancy and birth.
Your Homework: ~ Interview 3 more care providers (an OB/MD/DO, a CNM, and a CPM) ~ Find out your care provider’s rates of cesarean and induction Useful Links*: ~ CIM’s 10 Questions to Ask ~ ACOG Refusal of Medically Recommended Treatment During Pregnancy ~ Birth by the Numbers ~ The Midwifery Model of Care ~ Care Provider Interview Notes ~ Midhusband ~ 3 Choices for Where You Can Give Birth class |
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4 Ways to Bond with Your Baby - Before BirthSecure bonds help families be strong! And those bond begin in pregnancy. Here are some things you can do, right now, to strengthen your relationship with your baby.
Your Homework: ~ Write a letter to your baby ~ Talk to your baby ~ Find out about your own births (mother and partner) ~ Make time each day to take a “Fetal Love break” ~ Find a way to celebrate your growing family Useful Links*: ~ What Babies Want DVD ~ Mother Rising book ~ Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering book ~ Window to the Womb book ~ The Attachment Pregnancy: The Ultimate Guide to Bonding with Your Baby book ~ Blessingways book |