Traditional Wisdom
Text Kirrah on 0429 308 851 if you have any questions
  • Home
  • Antenatal Classes
    • Group Classes
    • Private Antenatal Classes
  • Massage
  • Packages
    • Belly Binding
    • Postnatal Massage
    • Placenta Services
    • Postnatal Support
  • Contact Me
  • More
    • About Me
    • Blog
    • Lismore Pregnancy & Birth Services
    • The Birth House

4 common questions about birth

10/13/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
1. Is it like the movies?

Most of us probably know by now that what’s on the TV or in the movies is usually a dramatized version of real life. Action and drama sell! It still affects us though. Especially for the children... many ideas about birth are formed early on and it’s not until adulthood that some of these beliefs are explored. I always like to ask people; where did you first hear about birth? How does this affect you today?

2. How will I cope?

Every woman is different, every baby is different and therefore every experience of birth is different. Everyone has a different way of preparing for birth. Some women have an unwavering belief that it will all be ok and go with the flow. Many women are motivated to learn about birth so that they have some tools to work with when the time comes to make the journey into ‘labour-land’. Asking yourself “What do I need to know to give birth?” can help you find some answers. Is it related to confidence? If so... ask yourself how are you nurturing confidence in yourself now, today? Start to foster the positive qualities within yourself so that when your big day comes, you will feel calmer and more confident in your ability.


3. Who can help me birth?

Just as there are many places to give birth, there are a many options for who can help you through pregnancy, birth and beyond. Obviously, having someone close to you like your partner or mother can be a blessing. Birth runs more smoothly when you feel safe and secure. Knowing your care providers and birth supporters will make a big difference to how relaxed you feel when you are birthing. Many healthy women choose to have a midwife support them during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal time. There are options called ‘case load’ or ‘continuity of care’ where the woman can have the same midwife care for her through her pregnancy and birth. When complications arise or surgery is required, then obstetricians are the specialists. 

There is a growing trend for women to also hire a doula. A doula provides emotional, physical and practical support as well as providing information/education (during pregnancy and birth). Each doula is different, but I like to address any fears/worries, help the woman discover her choices and options for birth, provide pregnancy massage and teach breath awareness (plus more!). I then support the woman for as long as she needs during early/active labour and birth. Having continual support from a trained doula can make labour shorter and easier whilst decreasing the likelihood of interventions.

Whoever you choose to support you, it’s important to discuss what it is that you are wanting and make sure your supporters are ‘on the same page’ as you. If you are not happy with your care, or don’t feel comfortable, try to find someone that you connect with.


4. Are there classes I can take?

Yes! If you would like holistic antenatal classes that help you and your partner feel more confident about birth, then I can help. I hold regular classes

0 Comments

How emotional preparation helps you birth

1/5/2013

0 Comments

 
How do you prepare for something like giving birth? Some women feel comfort in reading lots of books or searching online, some delve into it by watching movies or films and others hear stories from friends and family.

It's a pretty important day in the life of a woman and her baby (and her partner if she has one). Birth is something that will affect you for the rest of your life (not just you, but your baby and those people around you too).

I've heard of the amount of time, energy and money that women can spend on planning their weddings. Compared to this, birth preparation probably looks easy!

So, what are some options to help you emotionally prepare for birth?

Picture
Find a pregnancy group!

Look in your local newspaper or search online to see what pregnancy groups are meeting in your town. Connect with other pregnant women (ideally with a facilitator that knows about birth) and start to hear how others are preparing for their births.

This may give you some ideas for what you would like for your birth, for example; having a water-birth, using a birth photographer or therapeutic use for your placenta. These prenatal groups can help you make new friends that may continue into parenthood (where more choices and options will arise that require discussion!).

In Nimbin, Birth & Beyond meets on Fridays 11am-12.30pm and in Lismore a new Birth & Beyond group is meeting on Tuesdays 9.30am-11.30am at Nurture.
Picture
Hire a doula!
Having a doula is a fantastic way to help you prepare for birth. Many offer several prenatal sessions to help you discover what it is you want for your birth, what options are available and generally helping you to feel better about birthing your baby.

And, of course, they are advocates for you during the birth process. Whether you are planning to birth at home, birth center or hospital; they can be an incredible ally for you.
Picture
Join an independent antenatal class!
These can be an incredible eye-opening experience that can help you understand your options and prepare for how your birth may look. We can never know the details of how a birth will unfold but having some tools to help you along the way will make you feel a lot better about your experience. Women who take an active role in the decision making process generally feel better about their birth outcomes (even if this is different to what they envisioned).

I hold regular Birthing From Within prenatal classes. In these workshops there is a greater focus on emotional and spiritual preparation. There is also some focus on the physiology of labour (like how your hormones help you labour and exercises that will assist your body to open). The personal exploration gives you a wider perspective and helps you gain confidence in your birthing abilities. It can also give your partner (or birth companion) more confidence to know what to do in the midst of labour.

Picture
Let's face it, who wouldn't want to do all they can to make this journey as smooth as possible? Birth preparation is an essential part of being a responsible pregnant woman. You owe it to yourself and your baby!
0 Comments

Home births: Alive and Well!

12/12/2012

1 Comment

 
Picture
I feel blessed to have supported at two home-births in the last few weeks. The love that permeates through our homes can create a very sacred birthing space to welcome new life.

I feel that the line between normal life and a miracle unfolding becomes almost transparent in a home-birth. The progression from pregnant woman to birthing woman to mother seems so natural, yet is a divine rite of passage. And of course, not having to go anywhere, but instead friends and family coming to you can ease the transition to postpartum life.

The process of surrender that takes place in birth allows a woman to transition from maiden to mother. Through this process women can more easily embrace the ups and downs of motherhood. The strength that she discovers through birthing her baby will help empower her in times of difficulty.

“Birth helps prepare a woman for the surrendering she will do in mothering”
In the Northern Rivers, we are lucky to have some very dedicated and passionate midwives serving the needs of pregnant and birthing women. There are options of where to birth, how to birth and who to birth with. We even have some government funded home-births starting to happen through the Mullumbimby birthing centre. My hope is that this will help normalise home-births in the eye of the public and by providing financial assistance, will make it available to more people.

If you’re experiencing a healthy pregnancy, would feel more comfortable birthing in your own home and want to birth naturally (without drugs), then home-birth is a great option! A doula and midwife team can provide the perfect support to help you achieve your goals. Costs vary depending on the midwife and many offer payment plans.

If you are considering a home-birth & want to meet a dedicated home-birth midwife, get in touch with me and I can pass on their details.

Picture
Also, you may be interested to know that as well as being a Doula, I am a Birthing From Within Mentor and I hold regular prenatal classes.

These workshops cover everything you need to know about birth and the early postnatal time. You will learn; how to use your breath to cope with intense sensations, exercises to open your mind and body, your birthing options, natural remedies for birth and postnatal, labour support skills and preparing for life with a baby. Next course will be held over 2 saturdays on the 5th and 19th January. For more information check out www.traditionalwisdom.com.au

Birth & Beyond will be having a break from 14th dec-28th dec. We will resume with gentle yoga for mums n bubs on the 4th January.

Nimbin Birth & Beyond meets every Friday from 11am-12.30pm. Sessions are run by donation. For more info (or to hold a session), make contact here. To be added to the mailing list just send an email or text.
1 Comment

3 helpful hints for birth

6/30/2010

0 Comments

 
Focus on Your Breath...

Women all over the world use their breath to help them birth. They focus on their breath and tend to breathe deeply as a way of coping with the intensity of contractions/expansions. 

We always have our breath with us. We are constantly breathing. Women in labour instinctively know how to breathe. Pregnancy provides a wonderful time to take time out and practice some simple breath awareness. If you can incorporate it into your daily life, learning to let go will come easier in labour.

Start by taking a deep breath (do it now!). Notice how long your breath out is. Is it long or short? Is it deep or shallow? If your mind wonders... that’s ok... just come back to your next outward breath. Follow it and focus in on your breath.

Are you feeling better already?

Your breath will oxygenate you and your baby (twice the reason to breath deeply!).

By quietening your mind, it helps you be present on the here and now. Time can pass more quickly when you are focussed on the present and when you can still your busy thoughts.

Move your body...

Keeping active in birth also comes instinctively to a lot of women. Movement helps to reduce pain. It gives the mind a focus and disperses pain in the body. By moving around, this also helps the baby to find the best position (to press against the cervix and help it dilate and also to make it’s way into the pelvis and birth canal).

Try bouncing on a birth ball (yoga ball) or circling your hips. Belly dance is another great way to help your body open. Try large circles with your hips, figure eight movements or pelvic circling. 

Walking and keeping upright are also great for helping labour establish and it keeps gravity on your side! Upright positions or hands and knees can increase the pelvis opening by up to 30% (compared to lying your back). Amazing hey?

Vocalise or use sound

Many women find their voice in birth. Even previously quiet women find their inner tiger (and for good reason too)! There is a strong relationship to our mouth and our cervix/yoni. Having a loose jaw and mouth means we are more likely able to open in birth.

Try clenching your mouth and making a high-pitched sound... what just happened to your pelvic floor? Did you feel it tighten?

Now... feel what happens if you relax your jaw/mouth and make a deep sound or sigh. Did you feel your pelvic floor relax too? This is very important to remember in labour! 

A loose mouth and deep sounds will help you open beautifully. Try it with movement and bring focus to your breath and you’re well on your way to a more natural and enjoyable birthing experience!


For more information about the above or to delve deeper into holistic birth preparation (antenatal classes), please make contact with me! I run regular Birthing From Within prenatal workshops. Phone 0429 308 851 or check out the 'prenatal classes' page
0 Comments
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Birth And Beyond
    Birth Art
    Birth Fear
    Birth Preparation
    Doula
    Home Birth
    Mums And Bubs
    Mums And Bubs Yoga
    Natural Birth Remedies
    Placenta Encapsulation
    Pregnancy Nutrition
    Prenatal Classes

    RSS Feed

About Me | Contact Me | Pregnancy Massage | Blog