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Will be back at the end of August!
Fifteen things great L&D nurses do, or avoid, in natural births.
Many
L&D nurses are very knowledgeable and respectful, a great support for moms
and a pleasure to be around. Here are some things nurses do, or avoid, to make a
mother’s experience all that more positive. Thankful for the amazing nurses
that have been and are supportive of mothers in labor with a desire for natural
birth.
1. Support
the mom. Supporting
the mother’s wishes is very important for the positive progress of labor. On
the other hand it is great when we know our own limits and comfort zone. So it
is very thoughtful when a nurse doesn’t feel comfortable or supportive of a mom
and her birth choices, that she ask for another nurse that prefers natural
births to switch with. Moms pick up on those vibes and although some may have
the courage or mindset to ask for another nurse others may not.
2. The myth that natural birth plans are a curse for a c-section. It is well known that some L&D nurses when seeing a natural birth plan will think it is just a matter of time before it ends in a c-section. Those thoughts alone can really affect and derail a mother’s chances of natural birth. Supportive nurses check those feeling at the door. It is normal that mothers with natural birth plans that end up having a c-section stand out more than others, specifically because of their strong wishes for a natural birth. However, in the US the c-section rate is 1/3, and in some states and hospitals over 50%, so unfortunately it is very likely that a mother will end up with a c-section, not because of her birth plan but because of unnecessary interventions. Another reason to respect a mother’s birth plan. Supportive nurses respect that birth plan, or if a deviation needs to be made, explains why beforehand; most moms will be flexible if a true need arises.
3. Don’t come in the room unless
absolutely necessary.
Moms know nurses have a job to do and will be glad to help things go smoothly,
but there aren’t too many things as disruptive to a natural birth as the
constant checking, monitoring, and above all controlling or even just watching.
Nurses that don’t have a good reason to come in, don’t, and when they do they knock, keep the voice calm and soft, don’t
talk amongst themselves, don’t talk to mom during contractions and keep the
lighting as low as possible, if more lighting is needed they ask the mom if
that is okay with her. They offer encouraging and supportive words (usually
between contractions) which are always welcome, those are the best kind.
4. Don’t linger. Just like not coming in
unless absolutely necessary, they don’t stay unless absolutely necessary, one
of the things that can slow labor down is for a woman to feel watched or judged.
However, if the mother doesn’t have a doula (or even if she does) and a nurse
feels she could use more emotional and physical support that is always a
wonderful thing for a nurse to do (of course if time permits).
5. Insisting on hospital
protocol.
Most mothers that want a natural birth
are usually pretty well informed and are aware of hospital protocol such as:
hep lock, IV, restrictions about food and water, monitoring, vaginal checks, etc., and the scientific evidence behind those protocols. If a mother refuses to
follow protocol respectful nurses will not continually insist on protocol; they share their training and the protocol requirements and then listen to what the mother is telling her. If the mother wants to go against protocol by making an informed decision, she has the right to informed refusal (and informed consent) so it is wonderful when that is respected by telling her she is understood and that her wishes and her decision respected and noted in her chart.
are usually pretty well informed and are aware of hospital protocol such as:
hep lock, IV, restrictions about food and water, monitoring, vaginal checks, etc., and the scientific evidence behind those protocols. If a mother refuses to
follow protocol respectful nurses will not continually insist on protocol; they share their training and the protocol requirements and then listen to what the mother is telling her. If the mother wants to go against protocol by making an informed decision, she has the right to informed refusal (and informed consent) so it is wonderful when that is respected by telling her she is understood and that her wishes and her decision respected and noted in her chart.
6. Don’t ask pain level or offer
an epidural.
The mother doesn’t need to be reminded about the intensity of her contractions
or have to interpret or quantify her contractions, letting her experience it as
she is. Also, mothers who want a natural birth are very aware they have the
option to receive an epidural (and other coping techniques and medications),
they will ask for one if they want one.
7. Know a doula is there to help.
A doula is there to provide emotional,
physical and informational support to the mother and her partner, and at other
times to just “hold the space” when mom wants or needs space to go through the
birthing process on her own (so if you see a doula sitting in a corner for a
moment, don’t assume she is not doing her job, the doula is most likely
checking in on the mother and making sure her needs are being met). Often times
a mother that has a doula is well prepared to make evidence based decisions.
If a mother is doing something against
protocol it is not because the doula “told her” to do it, the doula is there to
support the mother’s decisions even if those decisions are against protocol or
even against the doula’s own personal beliefs or opinions. A respectful doula
will support the mother without getting in the way of the nursing staff, stay
by the mother’s side but step away when needed. A doula will also be glad to help
the nursing staff in any way she can, such as helping so that the nurses don’t
have to run back and forth with ice, water, towels etc. So if allowed and
helpful, nurses can show the doula where the water, ice, microwave, extra
towels, chuck pads, gloves, vomit pails etc. are; a doula should be more than
willing to help provide the mom with those things and help keep mom and her space
clean and comfortable. Here is a link to a study on doulas and nurses working together. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595283/
8.
Positions. Encourage a mother to be in
any position she chooses. No one should ever tell a mother what position to get
into, if labor is evolving favorably and the mother is listening to her
instincts she will get into the position that is most beneficial and
comfortable for her. Some nurses tell the mother to lie down in preparation for the
OBs or Midwife’s arrival; if the Midwife or OB requests that the mother adopts
a certain position the mother should do so only if she chooses. Supportive nurses don't tell the
mother in what position to get into in preparation for or when pushing, again
if the mother is supported and the labor is progressing adequately the mother
should be encouraged to listen to her instincts and get into the position she
chooses.
9.
Pushing. Encourage the mother to
listen to her body, push instinctively without direction. Nurses respectful of natural birth don’t tell a mother
how or when to push. No: “Deep breath, count to 10, push, push, push!”, that is
purple pushing and not only unnecessary but harmful. The mother should not be “actively”
pushing at all, her contractions will be doing the necessary work to help birth
the baby. It is a common misconception that a mother needs to push in order to
birth her baby, her body will automatically be helping the baby down and out.
10.The baby is
being born and the OB or Midwife has not arrived yet. Sometimes babies come out very
fast, before there is a chance to notify the OB or Midwife, or while they are
on their way. Gentle nurses tell mom to listen to her body, encourage her to catch her own
baby and be prepared to help her if needed, making sure baby does immediate
skin to skin, and that the cord remains intact. Keep calm, help is right there
and everything is going as it should. So they don't need tell mom to stop, to not push, and don’t
put their hands on the baby’s head to keep him/her from being born.
11. Be
the mother’s advocate. Unfortunately
many nurses are often witnesses to obstetrical violence. It is a hard line to
walk between doing what is right for the mother and doing what their job
requires (this often happens to doulas too). It is best to err on the side of the
mother; it is better to do what you know is right than to silently sit by and
allow the mother to suffer unnecessarily (i.e. unnecessary episiotomies, fundal
pressure, purple pushing, mothers forced into positions they don’t want to get
into, talking down to a mother, etc.). What is helpful is to encourage the mother (or her partner) to find
her voice so that she can speak up for what she wants, deserves and is her
right.
12. Assets. A nurse is very valuable and has an
important job to do; monitor the mother
and the baby to make sure that labor, mother and baby are doing well. They are often
more present than the OB or Midwife, who often arrive towards the end of labor or during pushing. Which is another reason nurses are so important, they can have a huge influence on a mother’s labor. A wonderful, loving and supportive nurse can help a mother feel respected, cared for and safe, and in turn help the progress of labor tremendously. Unfortunately the opposite is also true, so in both cases a nurse can directly affect how labor progresses. So before walking into a women’s labor room, it is helpful to take a deep breath and find that space within yourself, that space of love, support, caring and patience, leave everything else outside and remember that inside that room is the
space of a woman giving birth; which is after all one of the most important days of her life, a day she will remember forever, a day that the nurse will always be an important part of,
a wonderful opportunity to make a positive, lasting impression.
and the baby to make sure that labor, mother and baby are doing well. They are often
more present than the OB or Midwife, who often arrive towards the end of labor or during pushing. Which is another reason nurses are so important, they can have a huge influence on a mother’s labor. A wonderful, loving and supportive nurse can help a mother feel respected, cared for and safe, and in turn help the progress of labor tremendously. Unfortunately the opposite is also true, so in both cases a nurse can directly affect how labor progresses. So before walking into a women’s labor room, it is helpful to take a deep breath and find that space within yourself, that space of love, support, caring and patience, leave everything else outside and remember that inside that room is the
space of a woman giving birth; which is after all one of the most important days of her life, a day she will remember forever, a day that the nurse will always be an important part of,
a wonderful opportunity to make a positive, lasting impression.
13. The golden hour. The first hour or two after birth is
extremely important, it is when the maternal newborn bonding occurs and is
strongest. The golden hour starts as soon as the baby is born, when the baby
should be placed immediately on the mother’s chest as the cord pulses out (without
being clamped until after the delivery of the placenta), no suction is needed,
no hat is needed. All the baby and mother needs is the closeness and the
opportunity for eye contact, skin to skin, breastfeeding and bonding. Eye ointments,
vitamin k, weighing, measuring and bathing can all wait until after this golden
hour or longer, and should only done if the mother chooses.
14. Latest
research and recommendations. It is very important to continue reading up and educating ourselves on the current recommendations for birth. It often takes too long for science to back what we already instinctively know, and finally be pushed down the pipeline to be implemented. So it is wise to be ahead of the game and be informed. If a mother comes in requesting something a nurse has never heard of or understands, what a great opportunity to learn something new by looking it up, chances are there is good science behind it.
15. The lesson is always love. In the end all that matters it to treat others with respect and love in everything we do. Birth is one of the most important times to practice that lesson so that we may welcome babies into this world with love and help the mother in her transformation.
Getting ready for Spain
I
will be leaving for Spain on June 8th. I have a couple births coming up
between now and then and am willing to take one more. However, I am
slowing down a bit and will not be offering the free classes or
meditations in the next few months because I am so busy organizing
Barbara Harper's (internationally renown midwife, for you non-birth
junkies) Waterbirth Workshops that will take place in Spain this June.
It will take place in 4 cities in Spain and they are continuing to fill
up! Very excited about that! You can learn more at www.barbaraharperespana.com
Because of these workshops and my annual visits to Spain I will not be around for classes or births in June and July (unless you are in Spain, or want to come with me!). I don't have a return date yet, but will return for any clients that book with me with due dates around or after August. The next blog post will be when I have a return date. Until then I wish you a happy Spring and Summer.
Because of these workshops and my annual visits to Spain I will not be around for classes or births in June and July (unless you are in Spain, or want to come with me!). I don't have a return date yet, but will return for any clients that book with me with due dates around or after August. The next blog post will be when I have a return date. Until then I wish you a happy Spring and Summer.
March classes
Please join us for the following FREE classes
Pregnancy Guided Meditation
March 9th
at 5:30-6:30 pm
Come and join us for a calm and relaxing hour in which you
will quiet your mind and turn within, to create a deeper connection and
awareness to your changing body and growing baby.
It is often hard to find a moment to slow down, sit quietly,
listen to your body and your intuition and especially connect to the baby
growing inside you. This guided meditation will provide you with the
opportunity to be present in the moment and enjoy your pregnancy at a deeper
level. Your partner, should he choose to come, can join you in the journey of
the guided meditation and relaxation offering an opportunity to connect with
you and your baby in a more profound way.
Stay after for a short Q&A to discover ways to create
the pregnancy and birth you desire.
Meditations will usually be held on the first Tuesday of the
month at 10 am and on the 2nd Monday of the month at 5:30 pm.
Please be sure to check the schedule for any changes.
Intervention Intelligence Class
March 23rd 6:30-8:30 pm
March 23rd 6:30-8:30 pm
This class will discuss common medical interventions in
pregnancy and labor, as well as newborn procedures. If you plan to give birth
in the hospital you need to know: what interventions are done and what
procedures are followed, why they are done, what the benefits and risks are,
which ones are optional, and how to go about making the best decision for
yourself and your baby. Recognize that you have choices, discover what a
respectful birth is for you, and learn about different philosophies and
techniques for comfortable childbirth. This way you can make informed decisions
and play an active role in your birth experience.
This class will usually be held on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. Please be sure to check the schedule for any
changes.
LOCATION:
Both classes will be held at The Red Tent in Boca Raton
4838 Northwest Boca Raton Boulevard,
Boca Raton, FL 33431
For more information and to reserve a spot please call 561 808 3142
A wonderful birth!
I have a wonderful birth to share with you and information on classes being held.
I had the pleasure of getting back into the swing of things this new year with one of the most beautiful and sweetest births I have ever had the honor of serving. Luckily it seams that more and more clients are making informed decisions that help them create the birth they want. This last birth was with a repeat client who had a previous difficult hospital birth. With that experience behind them they decided to have a home birth with respectful midwives which lead to a sweet, gentle and fast birth. What does that mean? It means doing what the mother wants, being in the position she wants and were she wants, spontaneous pushing (never told how and and how hard to push), in an upright position as the baby is being born, as the baby gently emerges (no pulling on the head), baby guided into the mother's arms by the mother's hands, while leaning on dad, no suction, no hat, placenta is birthed on its own, the the cord is cut with no hurry, skin to skin, low lights, and taking a moment to take it all in. It truly is so beautiful to witness such a miracle, I feel so blessed!In addition to accompanying women and their partner's in pregnancy and birth I feel it is very important to create a good foundation for a relaxing and trusting birth. That is one of the reasons I enjoy offering pregnancy meditation and childbirth education classes, to help women create that foundation for the birth they want.
We had our first guided meditation on February 3rd, with the company of some lovely pregnant women. In the Childbirth Education tab are the classes and meditations offered the rest of this month. You can also register here. I hope you can join us and that you help us get the word out to help create even more loving births!
As always, thank you for your love and support,
Zeresh, CD, CBE, M.Ed.
561-808-3142
zeresh@alovingbirth.com
www.alovingbirth.com
FREE Classes!
Please join us for the following FREE classes
February 3rd
at 10:00-11:00 am
February 17th
at 5:30-6:30 pm
Pregnancy Guided Meditation
Come and join us for a calm and relaxing hour in which you
will quiet your mind and turn within, to create a deeper connection and
awareness to your changing body and growing baby.
It is often hard to find a moment to slow down, sit quietly,
listen to your body and your intuition and especially connect to the baby
growing inside you. This guided meditation will provide you with the
opportunity to be present in the moment and enjoy your pregnancy at a deeper
level. Your partner, should he choose to come, can join you in the journey of
the guided meditation and relaxation offering an opportunity to connect with
you and your baby in a more profound way.
Stay after for a short Q&A to discover ways to create
the pregnancy and birth you desire.
Meditations will usually be held on the first Tuesday of the
month at 10 am and on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm.
Please be sure to check the schedule for any changes.
February 24th
at 6:30-8:30 pm
Intervention Intelligence Class
This class will discuss common medical interventions in
pregnancy and labor, as well as newborn procedures. If you plan to give birth
in the hospital you need to know: what interventions are done and what
procedures are followed, why they are done, what the benefits and risks are,
which ones are optional, and how to go about making the best decision for
yourself and your baby. Recognize that you have choices, discover what a
respectful birth is for you, and learn about different philosophies and
techniques for comfortable childbirth. This way you can make informed decisions
and play an active role in your birth experience.
This class will usually be held on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm. Please be sure to check the schedule for any
changes.
LOCATION:
Both classes will be held at The Red Tent in Boca Raton
4838 Northwest Boca Raton Boulevard,
Boca Raton, FL 33431
For more information and to reserve a spot please call 561 808 3142
How to Have an Empowering Birth
Well this is a subject that I could really delve into, but for now I will start with the basics. Since I wrote this, over two years ago, my whole idea on empowered and respectful births has changed a lot, and when I get another moment I will write about what I think truly empowered births looks like! But I still think I made some valid points when I wrote this, so for now I will share this with you...
Whichever way you look at it bringing life into this world
is an empowering occasion all on its own. However, all too often parents spend
more time looking into what TV, car or any other item they want to buy, than
they spend preparing themselves for one of life’s most altering events. There
are some simple yet important steps a woman and her partner can take to prepare
for that life changing moment.
An important decision is choosing the right care provider,
if she wants one. Women can chose between an OB,
a hospital midwife, or a homebirth/birth center midwife, or an unassisted birth.
In large part the care provider she chooses will determine the type of care she
will receive because of how they are trained to see or deal with birth. In short, an OB is great for high risk pregnancies, a midwife is
great for a woman with a low risk pregnancy, a home birth with a midwife is
good for a low risk pregnancy in which the woman feels that home is where she
wants to birth, and an unassisted birth is usually chosen by women who trust
birth completely and feel very educated and confident in their ability to birth.
Hand in hand with what care provider to choose goes where a woman wants to give
birth. All options are safe options given the right level of care and knowledge.
In addition to her partner, family, or care provider, having a doula as part of the birth
support team can significantly enhance her birth experience.
A woman needs to be knowledgeable about pregnancy, the birth
process, and her birth choices. One of the ways this can be achieved is by
taking a childbirth education class. That said, not all classes were created
equal. Women have many options to educate and prepare themselves for that
special day; it is beneficial to research those options. Here are some options,
in alphabetical order: Birthing from Within, Bradley, hospital childbirth
classes, hypnosis for childbirth (Blissborn, HypnoBabies), Lamaze, and others. My
personal favorite is a class that uses meditation and relaxation techniques for
childbirth. This method teaches you to regain trust in yourself and the birth
process and to let go of any fear or tension, allowing for a comfortable and positive
birth experience.
Women are often fearful of birth. Society portrays birth as
a scary event, when in reality birth is a natural, safe and marvelous process.
When birth occurs with respect, and women have the right level of care, preparation,
and support, they learn to let go of the fear, regain trust in themselves and
their birthing ability, and embrace their experience. It is ultimately a
woman’s choice of how, where, and who surrounds her when she gives birth.
Therefore it is important that all women educate themselves about their
choices, that they become advocates for their own birth experience, and that
they surround themselves by the right support. It is essential that a woman's wishes are
supported and that she feels confident in her birthing ability and her choices. That
is ultimately what will help her have an empowering birth.