Just Dance
Childbirth Educators usually encourage their families to consider dancing their babies out. Why? Well, it’s an upright position which helps gravity do it’s job of bringing the baby down before it comes out (essential to the process, really). Dancing allows her pelvis to be nice and loose, and every move of her hips provides a tiny bit […]
Ready or Not?
As the couples file out of the classroom at the end of my Childbirth Preparation series, I usually ask them something: “Are you ready?” This might seem like a loaded question, and it is. I’m hoping that I’ll hear something along the lines of, “I guess I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” or “I’m […]
Breathing – It’s Not Just for Labor Anymore!
As a Childbirth Educator, I’m charged with teaching my students about ways they can successfully cope with contractions. This includes all sorts of techniques: position changes, medications, hydrotherapy and the original coping technique: breathing. Breathing gets a bad rap, as far as I’m concerned. In movies and TV shows, Childbirth Preparation classes are a joke, […]
Comparisons… Why do we do it to ourselves?
Comparison is the thief of joy. So said Teddy Roosevelt, our 26th President. I’m guessing that he was not talking about women and their birth experiences, but this quote absolutely applies to what can happen when we compare our own birth stories with others. Recently I facilitated a postpartum support group for new parents and […]
Words Matter
How do you want your families to remember you in the retelling of their birth story? What impact do you want to have? Words matter… More than you know!
Pain AND Pleasure?
It is possible to both experience pain and enjoy the process of giving birth! The key is recognizing when the line between pain and suffering has been crossed.
Truth or Dare!
Pregnancy, birth and parenting require you to play “Truth or Dare” on the regular! In either case, it requires a ton of courage and vulnerability.
That First Look
The moment when you first lock eyes with your baby is magical… Take all the time you need and look – really look – at this new human being you’ve brought into the world.
Second Stage Labor
Everything you ever wanted to know about the 2nd Stage of Labor (with a killer song to boot!)
Birth Fear Busters
It’s normal for there to be some fear about labor and birth – but these four fear busters can help!