Tip of the day!! Tag a mama who needs to know this tip đ¤°đź
Tip of the day!! Tag a mama who needs to know this tip đ¤°đź
On your own, you are enough. Thereâs a lot of money to be made by making women believe that th
On your own, you are enough.
Thereâs a lot of money to be made by making women believe that they arenât enough. In the skin care industry, the weight industry, the the birth industry, the breastfeeding industry, in motherhood, and beyond.
Thereâs no secret formula or position or technique when it comes to birth.
Itâs tapping into your intrinsic and innate wisdom to give birth.
Itâs having a supportive environment and team that trusts in that same wisdom.
Itâs tuning into your health in pre- pregnancy and pregnancy to prepare your body for birth and motherhood.
Whatâs challenging is that the one thing the medical industry doesnât have a lot of, is nothing - they have the medications, procedures, and devices. (And when a mama needs those things, THANK GOODNESS, we have them!)
But when it comes to (most) birth(s), what it needs to unfold in the most physiological way, is often, nothing.
No medications.
No procedures.
No devices.
Just freedom - freedom from time constraints, freedom to move, freedom to vocalize.
So for a mama who is striving for a natural and normal physiological birth, look inside yourself. Because the power is already inside of you.
If this doesnât make you scratch your head, I donât know what will. Is it too much for me to s
If this doesnât make you scratch your head, I donât know what will.
Is it too much for me to say that there is money to be made off pregnant women?
How did we take a normal, natural, and physiological process and turn it into, well, not that?
Pregnancy and birth seems to be managed (at least in the US) more as an illness or danger than a natural event in a womanâs life.
Yes, sometimes c-sections are necessary, but they surely should not be the norm.
About 1 in 3 babies born in the US are through cesarean. And many of those c-sections are happening to healthy, low risk mamas who have healthy, full term, head down babies.
So where are we going wrong?
Could it be that the more we treat pregnancy and birth like a danger, the more it becomes one?
So how do avoid unnecessary c-sections then?
+ If you are low risk, consider using a midwife. OBGYNs are surgeons (which is a good thing- we do need them, but not necessarily for a low risk pregnancy).
+ Foster health in pregnancy and birth. Exercise daily, consciously eat real, wholesome foods, reduce stress, eliminate toxins.
+ Prepare your mind for a physiologic birth. Education is key, Mama â¨Check out my free mini birth class linked in bioâ¨
+ See a chiropractor in pregnancy if you can!
+ Know that if youâve had a c-section before, VBACs are generally a really safe option!
+ Avoid unnecessary interventions in labor that limit mobility and affect the natural release and flow of labor hormones.
What kind of birth did you have? What did you love about it? How did you feel empowered from
What kind of birth did you have?
What did you love about it?
How did you feel empowered from it?
Share your story in the comments below đ¤
If you havenât given birth before, how are you planning for an empowered, love-filled experience?
NPO - âNothing by mouthâ Fasting is often prescribed to patients who are preparing for an ope
NPO - âNothing by mouthâ
Fasting is often prescribed to patients who are preparing for an operation.
So why are mamas being told to eat nothing but ice chips during labor?
Not letting mama eat in labor stems from the fear of aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food or fluids are accidentally inhaled into the lungs which has the potential to cause serious issues. This can happen during a c-section.
However, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the risk of aspiration is âalmost nonexistent, especially in healthy patientsâ.
Unless you have an epidural (opioids slows the stomach from emptying) or are at risk for seizures (preeclampsia/eclampsia) eating during labor is safe and beneficial for you and your baby.
Adequate food intake is crucial for keeping your energy and spirits high to keep labor moving in the direction of birth.
If birth stalls, eat some food, drink some water, and rest⌠this is often enough for labor to resume!
Some great labor foods are:
+ Fruit - fresh or dried
+ Cheese
+ Nuts
+ Toast with butter
+ RX bars
+ Real foods that sound good
If you are put on NPO as a medical necessity, here are some things you still can have to keep energy up:
+ Bone broth
+ Honey Sticks
+ Organic gummy bears
+ Tea
+ liquidiv (use code BUILTTOBIRTH for discount!!!)
Did you know about NPO? Whatâs been your experience with eating in labor?
Mama: âIâd like to birth off my back.â Evidence: âLithotomy and supine position should be avoi
Mama: âIâd like to birth off my back.â
Evidence: âLithotomy and supine position should be avoided for the possible increased risk of severe perineal trauma, comparatively longer labor, greater pain, and more fetal heart rate patterns.â
Care Providers: âAlright, letâs get you on your back!â
Wait⌠what?
Let me remind you, Mama. Itâs your body and birth. You CAN birth your baby in positions that get you off your back even if your care provider tells you otherwise.
Have you talked about your birthing preferences with your care provider yet? What was their response?
What position did you give birth in? How did it make you feel? Tell us below đđźđđźđđź
Menstruation, conception, pregnancy, the postpartum period, breastfeeding: all of these process
Menstruation, conception, pregnancy, the postpartum period, breastfeeding: all of these processes are ruled by hormones. Healthy bodily functions are rooted in healthy hormones.
This is true always, but for women trying to conceive, who are pregnant, or postpartum, balanced and healthy hormones are especially crucial.
Hormone dysregulation can look like infertility, fatigue, mood swings, weight fluctuations, anxiety, depression, brain fog, and more.
Here are 3 toxins to remove from your home/lifestyle:
â Seed Oils like Canola, Corn, Cottonseed, Grapeseed, Safflower, Soy, and Sunflower oil
Seed oils are heavy in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) which create tons of free radicals that damage cells. When youâre trying to conceive and grow a baby, you want to be feeding your rapidly changing cells as best as possible. These oils are also associated with increased risk of breast cancer.
Alternative: AVOCADO OIL, COCONUT OIL
â Fragrances
Look on the ingredients list of most things that smell good and youâll see Fragrance. Fragrance is a known hormone disruptor that contains phthalates which are linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, birth defects & respiratory problems. Check your shampoo, hand soap, detergent, candles⌠anything that has a good smell.
Alternative: ESSENTIAL OILS!
â Micro Plastics
Plastics contain endocrine disrupting chemicals that have negative effects on female and male reproductive health. When you use plastic kitchenware, plastic sandwich bags, plastic food containers, etc., they leach micro plastics that go into your body and impact your health. Studies have found micro plastics inside placentas which could potentially affect fetal health and development. PCOS is also linked to an overload of plastic chemicals like BPA in the body.
Alternative: GLASS CONTAINERS, STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE, FOOD GRADE SILICONE REUSABLE BAGS
One tip I have for mamas laboring in a hospital is to treat the space as if it were her own hom
One tip I have for mamas laboring in a hospital is to treat the space as if it were her own home.
Would you question whether you could get out of bed if you were home?
Would you second guess your body if it was telling you to change positions if you were uncomfortable in your home?
Would you hold in a groan or roar if you were home?
Would you restrict nourishment if your body was telling you to feed it at home?
You donât have to ask for permission to get out of bed, to eat food, to make noise, to change positions, Mama.
Itâs your birth. Your body. Your baby.
Youâre in charge. Own your rightful authority.
Listening to your body and baby is the greatest advantage you have in labor. You and your bab
Listening to your body and baby is the greatest advantage you have in labor.
You and your baby know the best way to birth and be born!
Pitocin or Syntocinon contains synthetic oxytocin. Synthetic oxytocin is man made, but not YOU-
Pitocin or Syntocinon contains synthetic oxytocin. Synthetic oxytocin is man made, but not YOU-made.
The way your body responds to synthetic oxytocin versus YOU-made oxytocin is quite different.
Synthetic oxytocin does not cross the blood brain barrier like you-made oxytocin does.
With you-made oxytocin, as it increases throughout labor, it crosses into the brain where another hormone is triggered- beta endorphins.
These beta-endorphins reduce pain and actually help the oxytocin from getting too powerful- more than what your body can handle.
Without oxytocin passing to the brain, endorphins arenât released. This is what makes contractions abnormally frequent and intense.
This is what the PITOCIN package instert states: Elective induction of labor is defined as the initiation of labor in a pregnant individual who has no medical indications for induction. Since the available data are inadequate to evaluate the benefits-to-risks considerations, Pitocin is not indicated for elective induction of labor.
So, Pitocin should really only be used for emergency situations.
Is Pitocin use during labor to speed up the process an emergency?
If your doctor is scheduling your induction days out, is that an emergency?
If youâre âoverdueâ but you, your placenta, and baby are healthy, is it an emergency?
If your baby is measuring big (or small) but is thriving, is that an emergency?
That answer is for you to decide with the insight of your care provider and a reliance on your own intuition.
If Pitocin does become necessary due to medical reasons, donât fear, Mama. You can be grateful for access to interventions when they are there to save lives.
Come prepared to your birth with
+ A foundation of breath work. Proper breathing will CHANGE your labor for better.
+ Decision making strategies. Use your B.R.A.I.N (benefits, risks, alternatives, intuition, nothing)
+ Position and Movement ideas to facilitate labor. My Built to Birth course teaches you
Good gracious, the number of times this happens! When a mama says she wants to go unmedicated
Good gracious, the number of times this happens!
When a mama says she wants to go unmedicated (or shares any of her birth goals), why donât we listen, put away our projections, and pull out all our tools to help her do that?!
Did this happen to you? It happened to me đđźââď¸đđźââď¸
Your whole life prepares you for birth. Our lifestyle, eating habits, childhood injuries, minds
Your whole life prepares you for birth. Our lifestyle, eating habits, childhood injuries, mindset, etc. all play a part in how women birth.
Pregnancy is just an intensive training period.
During this intensive period or time, here are some things you can do:
+ Create good posture habits by lengthening the spine, untucking the pelvis, and aligning the feet under the pelvis.
+ Squatting during the day. When youâre pooping, playing with kids, picking up toys, instead of sitting, SQUAT. Squatting brings balance to the pelvic floor.
+ Replace a chair with a birth ball for a more neutral and mobile pelvis.
+ With a flat back, hinge forward at the hips to stretch out the muscles that run from your feet to your neck.
+ Practice diaphragmatic breathing to bring balance and strength to the core and pelvic floor
+ Eating dates ripens the cervix. Eat 3-6 dates per day beginning at 36 weeks for a more favorable cervix in labor.
+ Invert daily. Inversions lengthen the lower ligaments in the uterus that can become tight or twisted from lifestyle or previous injury. Tangled/tight uterine ligaments make babyâs descent more challenging.
Have you tried any of these? Tell us what you think of them below!
Disturbances cause disruption in the flow of labor. A mice study done in the 1960s showed that
Disturbances cause disruption in the flow of labor. A mice study done in the 1960s showed that disturbances in labor led to a 70% increase in the length of labor. Some mice wouldnât give birth at all under the distrubances. Some mice gave birth more precipitously but the chance of the baby mice dying increased (Iâm not saying that disturbances will lead to maternal/baby death).
Disturbance is the enemy of a physiologic labor.
How can we help?
Ruthlessly eliminate disturbances.
+ Unpleasant noises (beeping machines)
+ Unnecessary discomforts (e.g. IV lock- necessary for some, unnecessary for many)
+ Bright lights
+ Unnecessary logical conversations - during labor the prefrontal cortex which helps with focus and logic needs to slow down while the ancient parts of the brain, the hypothalamus & pituitary gland take over.
These Limbic structures help drive labor.
When we pull mama into a conversation, we yank her out of her primal instinct and plop her into logic. This is a major disruption to the flow of labor.
Listening to music or affirmation meditations (like the Built To Birth meditations) is a powerful way to stay zoned in keep labor flowing.
Knowing & discussing all the options for different scenarios will also save you from having to go into your thinking brain during labor.
This is why a birth plan is so valuable. It can serve as an âif, thenâ guide: IF x happens, THEN my preference is y. Eg. If labor stalls, then I would like to try nipple stimulation.
So, if your care provider comes in to talk about pitocin, if youâve got headphones in, theyâll speak first with your birth partner, your birth partner will know your preferences, and can simply confirm it with you.
Ruthlessly eliminate distrubances, Mama.
Have you tried the Built To Birth affirmation meditations out yet? What do you think? If not, check them out for free on YouTube!
Do you practice diaphragmatic breathing on the regular? If youâre not, youâre missing out! Itâ
Do you practice diaphragmatic breathing on the regular?
If youâre not, youâre missing out! Itâs easy (once you get the hang of it) and itâs SO beneficial.
A strong core is foundational to all other strength in your body.
Your core is comprised of the abdominal muscles AND the pelvic floor. They should be working together!
During pregnancy, natural ab separation happens as the belly grows and a lot of pressure is put on the pelvic floor from the weight of baby and birth.
Left unchecked, this can lead to prolapse, incontinence, a belly that always looks pregnant, back pain, and a feeling of overall weakness.
The easiest place to start, is diaphragmatic breathing. After doing it for awhile, it becomes second nature. After all, this is the way weâre SUPPOSED to be breathing. Most of us just donât because weâre living in a constant state of stress.
Have you tried diaphragmatic breathing?
Breastfeeding can feel like the hardest thing in the world and then, like a light switch, it fl
Breastfeeding can feel like the hardest thing in the world and then, like a light switch, it flips to become the easiest thing in the world.
Common mistakes/misconceptions that can damage the breastfeeding journey:
đ Afraid baby wonât have enough milk before milk comes in. A babyâs belly is the size of a marble at birth. Colostrum is the PERFECT nourishment for them in that period between birth and when mamaâs milk comes in (usually around 48-72 hrs. after birth)
đ Facing babyâs belly up towards the sky during feedings. Bring babyâs belly right to yours- the closer, the better.
đ Enduring pain throughout a feeding. Initial pain when baby latches is normal at the beginning because the breast tissue is getting used to almost constant sucking. Pain THROUGHOUT the feed (beyond first minute) is indication of a poor latch. You might be able to put up with a poor latch for a few feeds but long term, this could be very damaging to the breastfeeding journey.
đ Holding baby with clothes on. Iâm not saying you need to be naked all the time with your newborn, but as much as you can, get your babyâs skin directly on yours. Studies show that skin to skin improves breastfeeding outcomes. Even if baby isnât nursing, put them on your skin.
đ Not flanging babyâs lips out like a fishy đ babyâs lips should be surrounding the areola. Often, the bottom lip gets tucked into the mouth. If this happens, gently tug on babyâs chin to free their lip.
đ Not working with a breastfeeding specialist when things start getting tough. Getting early support changes everything, Mama. You feel heard, you get encouraged, you find answers, you make a game plan. Find a lactation counselor, consultant, support group⌠whatever it takes.
For my mamas out there currently struggling or worried about what lies ahead for their breastfeeding journey - đŁ YOUâVE GOT THIS!
Comment some advice, something you love, or questions you have about breastfeeding
Postpartum is a sensitive time. Mamas want love to be lavished on their babies but they also de
Postpartum is a sensitive time. Mamas want love to be lavished on their babies but they also deeply need to be seen and heard and have love lavished on them. ďż˝
During pregnancy and birth, care is mostly centered around the baby.
After birth, multiple pediatric visits are had to check on Baby, visitors come to hold Baby, ooo and ahh over Baby, bring Baby gifts, and tell them how beautiful and special they are.
But where does this leave the mother?
Under standard hospital care, she gets one postpartum visit. When visitors come, they look past mama to the baby in her arms, they comment that her healthy baby is the best gift in the world, and hopefully, at the very least, tell her what a good job she did giving birth.
But Mamas deserve so much more. They deserve celebration and rituals that empower her as she walks into motherhood.
She deserves someone who will ask how SHE is and how the birth went through her eyes and for them to sit quietly and humbly, as she processes.
She deserves to be held and massaged.
She deserves to be fed and cared for.
For anyone who is visiting a new mama, here is the very BASIC proper etiquette:
đ ALWAYS confirm before coming over.
đ Donât come empty handed- bring a healing meal, a helping hand (dishes, laundry, etc), a self-care gift for MAMA.
đ Make eye contact with mama first before baby.
đ Take tasks away from mama that keep her from her baby. Visitors shouldnât be holding baby while mama hosts.
đ Donât wear perfume.
đ Wash your hands immediately.
đ Donât ask to hold Baby. Let Mama or Dad offer.
đ Donât stay more than 30 minutes unless planned.
đ If mama says she has to nurse, take that as your cue to leave.
What basics did I miss? If you have any to add, comment them down below đđźđđźđđź
AND how can we go above the basic etiquette to bless new mamas? Share below!
Helping baby navigate the pelvis and the soft tissues surrounding the pelvis is the goal of lab
Helping baby navigate the pelvis and the soft tissues surrounding the pelvis is the goal of labor.
To navigate this limited space, MOVEMENT brings IMPROVEMENT.
Best thing you can do is listen to your body and move in response to what itâs telling you. If thatâs working for you, then donât worry about doing any special tricks. ďż˝
If labor slows, youâre being induced, or have an epidural movements need to become more purposeful.
Here are some movements that help open each level of the pelvis đđź
â¨When baby is coming into the top of the pelvis:
Squat - any deep squat with knees apart will help open the inlet. This CAN be done with an epidural using the squat bar attached to the bed. If you want some added movement and some rest, a peanut ball works wonders!
Wide Knees All Fours - Wide knees + feet together open the top of the pelvis. All fours uses gravity to help optimally position baby.
â¨When baby is in the middle of the pelvis/ 0 station:
All Fours Lunge - Asymmetrical movements open the mid pelvis. Kneel with body draped over the birth ball or upright. Sway into the lunge for added movement.
Seated Lunge - This is great with an epidural or if mama needs rest. In a seated position, prop one knee up with a peanut ball while the other lies on the bed.
â¨When baby is in the bottom of the pelvis:
Knees Together, Feet Apart All Fours - With the knees together and feet apart, youâre opening the bottom of the pelvic outlet. All fours uses gravity to your advantage to bring baby down and out.
Side-lying with Peanut Ball & Elevated Top Leg - Roll up a towel and place under the calf of the elevated leg. This is accomplishing knees together, feet apart. This can be done while mama âlabors downâ- fully dilated as baby works through the birth canal before actively pushing.
Tag a mama who could use these movements in labor!
âBreastfeeding is a beautiful thing, one of the most beautiful things that exist in nature. Thi
âBreastfeeding is a beautiful thing, one of the most beautiful things that exist in nature. Think about how a woman can literally feed her baby with her body! In my eyes, this is a certain form of beauty, of divinity! To know that my body can not only form and bring another human being into the world, but that I can actually feed babies with my own milk from my own breastsâ that puts me in a state of awe each time I think about it. It is an honour to be a woman.â
Under that beautiful quote from C. JoyBell C. are many messy moments of my 18 months of breastfeeding baby #2.
Breastfeeding is absolutely beautiful, warm, connecting, and love-filled.
Itâs also painful, inconvenient, exhausting, and lonely at times.
Itâs okay for it to be both.
Motherhood is one of the most humbling and sacrificial transformations.
Breastfeeding is just one aspect of that.
Every journey looks different, but each one beautiful it its own way.
Happy World Breastfeeding Week, mama! Youâve got this đŞđź
â¨CONTINUOUS ELECTRONIC FETAL MONITORING (EFM) ⨠EFM reads and records babyâs heart rate in res
â¨CONTINUOUS ELECTRONIC FETAL MONITORING (EFM) â¨
EFM reads and records babyâs heart rate in response to mamaâs contractions.
The main goal of continuous monitoring was to prevent fetal seizures and reduce cerebral palsy caused by reduced blood or oxygen supply to baby in the womb.
While this goal of continuous monitoring was accomplished (50% lower risk of seizures in the continuous electronic fetal monitoring group), newborn seizures were overall, a very low risk- only 0.2%.
Today, about 85% of women in labor are placed under continuous monitoring despite the lack of evidence supporting its efficacy in low risk pregnancies.
Between continuous and intermittent monitoring, there was no difference between Apgar scores (newborn health assessment right after birth), cord blood gases (which reflect fetal distress), ICU admission, and more.
What was MOST striking, was that women who had continuous monitoring were 63% more likely to have a c-section and 15% more likely to have an instrumental vaginal birth.
If you are low risk, not being induced, or not using an epidural, consider whether intermittent monitoring is a better option for you to reduce the risk of unwanted interventions.
If continuous monitoring is necessary,
+ Keep moving your body (even if your nurses have to keep adjusting the sensors on your belly)
+ Ask if you can use a mobile telemetry unit so youâre not tied to one place
+ Use a peanut ball in bed
+ Learn if your hospital has waterproof monitors so you can take a shower
+ Understand that a false positive of baby being in distress is more likely
+ Prepare your birth team to ask if an intervention is necessary or if waiting 5, 10, 30 minutes is an option
Once a C-section, always a C-section! Wait⌠what? If youâve thought or been told this, but
Once a C-section, always a C-section!
Wait⌠what?
If youâve thought or been told this, but itâs not sitting right with you, itâs because it isnât true!
If youâve had a c-section, you have options⌠SAFE options!
According to ACOG, VBAC is associated with decreased maternal morbidity and a decreased risk of complications in future pregnancies.
This is especially true if you have
+ a low transverse uterine incision
+ had only 1 previous c-section
+ had a previous vaginal birth before
But if these donât describe you (maybe youâve had multiple c-sections, never had a vaginal birth, etc) you STILL have the option to labor after a c-section.
Straight from ACOG - âThe decision to undergo trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) or schedule a repeat cesarean birth is one in which a patientâs values and preferences should be prioritized in a process of shared decision makingâ
Your values and preferences should be a PRIORITY!
Whatâs not a priority? Your care providerâs comfort or convenience.
Mama, YOU are the ultimate decision maker when it comes to YOUR birth.
What questions do you have about c-sections or VBACs?
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