When my husband and I went to bed on Sunday night July, 11th and I was 2 days passed my due date, we were both discouraged we had to start another week without our baby. When I got up in the middle of the night for a routine bathroom break, I got back into bed and while trying to get comfortable felt a tug in my belly. It was the strangest sensation, almost like someone plucked a guitar cord inside me. Though not painful at all, the feeling was so strong I could almost hear it. I thought nothing of it, but was putting myself back to sleep thinking about labor for the millionth time and when it happened again, my water broke about 1.5 seconds later. I had heard it could be a gush or a trickle and in my case, a “gush” was an understatement. I hopped right up and yelled to my husband “it’s happening it’s happening!”.
After getting up and washing a load of sheets, we started getting ourselves and our things ready to go. My contractions started about a half hour later and didn’t feel any different than the ones I had been having on and off for the previous couple of weeks. The only difference this time was that they were consistently coming about seven to eight minutes apart. They started getting a little bit stronger right away too. We left our house and headed to the hospital about an hour after my water broke and did a little bit of waiting there. By the time we got into our room at around 6am, I needed my husband’s help through each contraction. Lisa checked me I was only dilated to 3 ½. I thought (I was hoping) I would for sure be at least 5cm. Nope. But, I kept laboring and taking each contraction one at a time. I got in the tub right away and that felt great!! Believe it or not, sitting in the squat position over the toilet felt really relieving too. So for the next few hours I went back and forth between the two. After having the urge to push Lisa checked me again and she said I was 7-8cm now. It was about 9:30am and we realized labor was moving along fairly quickly for me! That was such an encouraging place to be. Knowing that I had done the work and gotten that far, made me feel like I could do it the rest of the way. About an hour and a half after that the urge to push was coming a little bit more frequently. Tiffany was taking care of me at this point and she decided to check and I was dilated to 9cm! That was awesome! At that point different people started coming in and getting the room ready for delivery. I started thinking, “I’m so going to be holding this baby by noon, and you’re practically done!”
Now, the urge to push was coming every couple of contractions and there is no way you cannot bear down when your body is doing what mine was doing. Tiffany checked me again and this time the news was much less encouraging. I could see the look on her face and as I was laying there in the tub she said “Well, you’re still a 9…and since you’re not fully dilated and you’re having the urge to push, your cervix is swelling”. That was a blow I was not prepared for. I had gotten so far and in my mind I was so close to the finish line!! At that point Tiffany was suggesting that I get an epidural and pretty much the only way to avoid doing it, would be to resist the urge to push and lay down on my side until the swelling went down…how ever long that would take. My contractions at this point in labor were really interesting. I was having several that I could sit and breathe through and then one or two that were really intense and gave me the urge to push. My husband asked Tiffany to go out and talk and when he came back he and I talked and we agreed that the epidural was what needed to happen. The anesthesiologist was called but I gave myself a mental pep talk and thought, “Okay, it was mental you can get through them, don’t push! If you can go without pushing until she gets here then you don’t need the epidural!” Right then I was having several less intense contractions that I was able to relax and breathe through. Then, as the anesthesiologist walked in I remember bearing down yelling “I have to push”. That was just confirmation that we were doing the right thing. So, I got the epidural and laid on my side for three hours switching from side to side every half hour.
Sure enough, the epidural did what it needed to do and the swelling went down and my cervix completely dilated. Yay! At this point the baby was at a +1 station and they decided that they wanted him to come down just a little bit further before I began pushing. I really wasn’t able to feel hardly a thing with the epidural so it was fine with me to wait. After another two hours the baby hadn’t come down any further so one of the nurses came in and we started pushing. Pushing with the epidural was a lot different than I was expecting. The nurse told me I was doing great, but I wasn’t able to feel like I could get a good grip since my legs were dead weight and I was numb everywhere. At first the nurse’s input was really encouraging and she kept saying what a great job I was doing, but the pushing seemed to be getting longer and longer and longer and her responses started to change a little bit. After an hour and a half Tiffany came back in and wanted to “observe” my pushing and I knew something was up. We tried some different positions and she told me my pushing was great. That was a relief to hear. Then she checked me and told me that the baby was transverse so every time I pushed he would hit my pelvis and turtle his way back up. That was causing his poor little head to swell and although it wasn’t harmful to him at this point, she could only let me go for another half hour before he needed to be out.
When she informed me of this, I knew I was in for a c-section. I remember looking at her and saying “just tell me”. And, she did. She told me I was doing a great job, but that she was out of tricks and techniques and there was just no way the baby going to make it out vaginally. I instantly felt disappointed in myself and like a failure. My husband asked to have another word with Tiffany and she explained it all to him. After my husband came back and we had a few minutes to ourselves to talk and accept what needed to happen, we surrendered to the c-section. Tiffany came back in she reassured me of how great I did laboring and that we weren’t giving up, we were just doing what needed to happen now.Still pretty disappointed we prepared for the c-section and my 8 pound 14.2 ounce, lopsided-cone headed; baby boy was born at 8:46pm that evening. Hearing his cry was a miracle. He was healthy and finally here.
I didn’t get the experience that I had wanted going into labor, but my experience was amazing nonetheless. I’m so grateful that I was able to experience labor without drugs up to 9cm and even after having an epidural I was still able to experience what pushing was like too. That being said, one of the most important things that I learned throughout this process was how important it is to be able to trust your caregiver. Tiffany wanted me to be able to deliver my baby just as naturally as my husband and I did. She did everything she knew how to do to get us there, but thankfully; she was wise and experienced enough to know when it just wasn’t going to happen. Her goals were my goals and because we did everything that we could physically do to reach them, we didn’t give up and I didn’t fail. For that, I am grateful that Dr. Martin was able to perform a c-section to deliver my beautiful son, Noah. He didn’t come the way that we had hoped, but he came the way he needed to. It would have been nice to have a natural childbirth experience, but I wouldn’t change the experience that I had for anything. I learned so much about myself throughout the entire process. Labor and delivery is an amazing experience no matter what, but thankfully, Bethany’s does VBAC’s and I’ll get to try it all again next time! I’m anxious and looking forward to it already
Monday, August 23, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Midwives Applaud Legislation to Improve Birth Outcomes Utilizing Best Evidence
I've been a bit remiss in blogging....kinda been busy catching babies left and right! Wanted to share some more great news initially released July 22nd, 2010.
New legislation being introduced,“Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services for the 21st Century Act of 2010 (MOMS 21)” (H.R.5807), is being applauded by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). This legislation will call for the best evidence-based practice to be used in imrpoving maternal health outcomes.
“As we implement health care reform over the coming years, it is imperative that clinicians, researchers, and policymakers work together to improve the quality of health care while also lowering costs,” asserts ACNM President Holly Kennedy, PhD., CNM, FACNM, FAAN. “We have clearly identified the most important evidence-based practices that result in a healthy mother and baby by reducing complications and unnecessary interventions in childbirth. These practices generally are also more cost‐effective, but there are obstacles blocking their adoption. We commend Rep. Roybal‐Allard for making improved maternal health in the U.S. a high priority and for introducing legislation with a defining, unifying principle of support for evidence‐based practice.”
The MOMS 21 bill would:
•Create a national focus on maternity services by establishing an interagency coordinating committee to promote optimal maternit care by all federal agencies involved with the delivery of health services.
•Expand federal research on best maternity practices by establishing a Center for Excellence on Optimal Maternity Outcomes and drecting the Center for Innovation within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to focus additional research on cost‐effective, high‐quality maternity care models
•Develop a comprehensive online database for consumers and health care providers containing up‐to‐date systematic reviews of maternal and newborn care practices
• Authorize a national consumer education campaign to inform women about evidence‐based maternity care practices
(continued)
•Support the education of a more culturally diverse interdisciplinary maternity care workforce with the establishment of targete federal grant programs and an aggressive educational loan repayment program focused on maternity care shortage areas
“Certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) are leading experts in evidence‐based maternity care practices associated with excellent maternal and infant outcomes,” said ACNM Executive Director Lorrie Kline Kaplan. “ACNM is working with federal policymakers to increase the number of skilled midwives and increase access to midwifery care in te U.S. Leading international organizations have also recently issued a united call to increase the number of skilled midwives as themost important policy solution for improving maternal and infant outcomes worldwide.”
New legislation being introduced,“Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services for the 21st Century Act of 2010 (MOMS 21)” (H.R.5807), is being applauded by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). This legislation will call for the best evidence-based practice to be used in imrpoving maternal health outcomes.
“As we implement health care reform over the coming years, it is imperative that clinicians, researchers, and policymakers work together to improve the quality of health care while also lowering costs,” asserts ACNM President Holly Kennedy, PhD., CNM, FACNM, FAAN. “We have clearly identified the most important evidence-based practices that result in a healthy mother and baby by reducing complications and unnecessary interventions in childbirth. These practices generally are also more cost‐effective, but there are obstacles blocking their adoption. We commend Rep. Roybal‐Allard for making improved maternal health in the U.S. a high priority and for introducing legislation with a defining, unifying principle of support for evidence‐based practice.”
The MOMS 21 bill would:
•Create a national focus on maternity services by establishing an interagency coordinating committee to promote optimal maternit care by all federal agencies involved with the delivery of health services.
•Expand federal research on best maternity practices by establishing a Center for Excellence on Optimal Maternity Outcomes and drecting the Center for Innovation within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to focus additional research on cost‐effective, high‐quality maternity care models
•Develop a comprehensive online database for consumers and health care providers containing up‐to‐date systematic reviews of maternal and newborn care practices
• Authorize a national consumer education campaign to inform women about evidence‐based maternity care practices
(continued)
•Support the education of a more culturally diverse interdisciplinary maternity care workforce with the establishment of targete federal grant programs and an aggressive educational loan repayment program focused on maternity care shortage areas
“Certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) are leading experts in evidence‐based maternity care practices associated with excellent maternal and infant outcomes,” said ACNM Executive Director Lorrie Kline Kaplan. “ACNM is working with federal policymakers to increase the number of skilled midwives and increase access to midwifery care in te U.S. Leading international organizations have also recently issued a united call to increase the number of skilled midwives as themost important policy solution for improving maternal and infant outcomes worldwide.”
Guest Post: Women's Wellness and Chiropractic Care
Women's Wellness and Chiropractice Care by Dr Ashley
The relationship between the spinal column , reproductive system, nervous
system, endocrine (hormonal) system, and overall health is extensive.
Chiropractic care can help these systems function fully.
Because these systems work synergistically we use hormonal and nutritional
testing along with hormonal and nutritional counseling and treatments if they
are necessary in our tailor made plans for you! Remember you decide your
ultimate goals and together we decide the best way for us to get you there.
Menstrual & Premenstrual Problems
The natural benefits of chiropractic care have relieved symptoms of a wide
variety of pelvic and gynecological conditions, including but not limited to
pain, PMS, bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions.
Infertility
Centuries of case studies have proven the fact that women who have been labeled
"infertile" have been able to conceive, carry to term, and deliver a healthy
baby following chiropractic adjustments. Some of the theories behind these
findings include normalization of hormonal regulation, realignment of
reproductive organs and overall reduction of stress.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomys are known to possibly cause severe problems including depression,
loss of stamina, loss of sex drive, urinary incontinence, bowel problems, icy
feet and toes, diminished sensation from the waist down, bone and joint pain,
memory loss, and other problems. Before any woman decides to have a hysterectomy
it is beneficial to seek non-surgical alternatives. Chiropractic Care and
Naturopathic Care are a great place to start before considering surgery.
Ashley Chiropractic
480-259-0064
3006 S Rural Rd
Tempe 85282
www.ashley-chiropractic.com
The relationship between the spinal column , reproductive system, nervous
system, endocrine (hormonal) system, and overall health is extensive.
Chiropractic care can help these systems function fully.
Because these systems work synergistically we use hormonal and nutritional
testing along with hormonal and nutritional counseling and treatments if they
are necessary in our tailor made plans for you! Remember you decide your
ultimate goals and together we decide the best way for us to get you there.
Menstrual & Premenstrual Problems
The natural benefits of chiropractic care have relieved symptoms of a wide
variety of pelvic and gynecological conditions, including but not limited to
pain, PMS, bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions.
Infertility
Centuries of case studies have proven the fact that women who have been labeled
"infertile" have been able to conceive, carry to term, and deliver a healthy
baby following chiropractic adjustments. Some of the theories behind these
findings include normalization of hormonal regulation, realignment of
reproductive organs and overall reduction of stress.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomys are known to possibly cause severe problems including depression,
loss of stamina, loss of sex drive, urinary incontinence, bowel problems, icy
feet and toes, diminished sensation from the waist down, bone and joint pain,
memory loss, and other problems. Before any woman decides to have a hysterectomy
it is beneficial to seek non-surgical alternatives. Chiropractic Care and
Naturopathic Care are a great place to start before considering surgery.
Ashley Chiropractic
480-259-0064
3006 S Rural Rd
Tempe 85282
www.ashley-chiropractic.com
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
VBAC Restrictions 'Lighten Up"!
In the wake of the NIH conference on VBACs, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) updated their statement regarding VBACs and accessibility to them. This is great news and a step in the right direction.
Here's the main highlight...
"The College guidelines now clearly say that women with two previous low-transverse cesarean incisions, women carrying twins, and women with an unknown type of uterine scar are considered appropriate candidates for a TOLAC" .
Here's the main highlight...
"The College guidelines now clearly say that women with two previous low-transverse cesarean incisions, women carrying twins, and women with an unknown type of uterine scar are considered appropriate candidates for a TOLAC" .
Friday, July 16, 2010
Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics
SUMMER SCHEDULE *** July & August 2010 *** SUMMER SCHEDULE
Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO MEETINGS BETWEEN THE JULY AND AUGUST DATES LISTED HERE. CALL SHARON AT 602-348-2483 DURING THAT TIME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.
Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon
PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT
ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC
Join us in the Breastfeeding Support Center. Babies and toddlers always welcome. Bring your questions and concerns –
In addition to the discussion topic, we’ll explore answers that work for YOU. This is informal and fun!
July 7 Growing Independence
Babies grow from dependence on mom and other caregivers toward independence. Share your baby’s journey and how you have nurtured their success.
July 14 Making Time for Mom
How do you recharge your batteries so that you can be the kind of mom you want to be? Share what works for you AND get some new ideas to try.
SUMMER BREAK IS HERE!
August 11 Breastfeeding in Public
Breastfeeding is portable, clean, and so very convenient. What things helped you be more comfortable breastfeeding away from home?
August 18 Recipe Exchange
Bring a recipe or an idea to share that reflects a positive change you’ve made in your family’s eating habits.
August 25 Extended Family and the Breastfed Baby
Help your extended family interact with baby when they can’t feed him or her. There is LOTS of fun to have!
Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO MEETINGS BETWEEN THE JULY AND AUGUST DATES LISTED HERE. CALL SHARON AT 602-348-2483 DURING THAT TIME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.
Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon
PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT
ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC
Join us in the Breastfeeding Support Center. Babies and toddlers always welcome. Bring your questions and concerns –
In addition to the discussion topic, we’ll explore answers that work for YOU. This is informal and fun!
July 7 Growing Independence
Babies grow from dependence on mom and other caregivers toward independence. Share your baby’s journey and how you have nurtured their success.
July 14 Making Time for Mom
How do you recharge your batteries so that you can be the kind of mom you want to be? Share what works for you AND get some new ideas to try.
SUMMER BREAK IS HERE!
August 11 Breastfeeding in Public
Breastfeeding is portable, clean, and so very convenient. What things helped you be more comfortable breastfeeding away from home?
August 18 Recipe Exchange
Bring a recipe or an idea to share that reflects a positive change you’ve made in your family’s eating habits.
August 25 Extended Family and the Breastfed Baby
Help your extended family interact with baby when they can’t feed him or her. There is LOTS of fun to have!
Guest post: Children and Chiropractic Care
This is the first in a series of posts about chiropractic care by Dr. Ashley. I had no idea that there were so many benefits to chiropractic care!
"Why would I take my child to a chiropractor? His back doesn't hurt. "
-Many parents see the importance of taking their children in for check-ups of
their child's teeth, hearing, eyes, ears, nose, and throat but never considered
the importance of a check-up of their children's spine.
A spinal check up may be one of the most important things you can do for
your child. Why? The birth process alone puts tremendous stress on the newborn
spine that could lead to many health problems. The normal jumping, falling,
running, bumping, flipping of childhood can cause vertebral subluxations, with
serious health consequences if uncorrected. With a healthy spine, a child's body
can better deal with sore throats, ear infections, stomach aches, fevers, and
the many other problems that can be present during childhood.
Emotionally Healthy Children:
Doctors and parents have observed often dramatic improvements in the
physical, emotional, and neurological health of children following chiropractic
care. This includes children with learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, anxiety,
concentration problems, dyslexia, discipline problems, low IQ, and low grades.
Ear Infections:
In many cases ear infections are observed to disappear after spinal adjustments,
saving children from antibiotics and ear-tube surgery. There are many problems
with antibiotic use in children including but not limited to allergic reactions,
GI upset, antibiotic resistance and destruction of the guts intestinal flora
leading to yeast proliferation. Tubes often do not create lasting cures with
infections commonly returning within two months and the tubes can affect hearing
loss later.
*Keeping your child's spine free from vertebral subluxation will boost their
natural defenses against disease and illness.
If your child has any of these conditions make sure his or her spine is healthy:
· Fever
· Colic
· Croup
· Learning Disorders
· Poor posture
· Nervousness
· Constipation
· Bed Wetting
· Weakness or fatigue
· Allergies
· Sinus Trouble
· Stomach Ache
· Loss of hearing
· Ear infections
· Arthritis
· Numbness
· Irritability
· Headaches
· Neck Aches
· Back Aches
· Sore throat
· Eye problems
· Cough
· Skin Disorders
· Asthma
· Wheezing
· Scoliosis or curvature
· Neurologic Conditions
· Bronchitis
· Frequent Colds
· Muscular Dystrophy
· Cerebral Palsy
· Poor Concentration
· Arm and Hand pain
· Painful joints
· Hip, leg, and foot pain
· Shoulder Pain
· Clumsiness
· A foot turned in or out
· One leg shorter
· Unusual Behavior
· And many others......
Ashley Chiropractic
480-259-0064
3006 S Rural Rd
Tempe 85282
www.ashley-chiropractic.com
"Why would I take my child to a chiropractor? His back doesn't hurt. "
-Many parents see the importance of taking their children in for check-ups of
their child's teeth, hearing, eyes, ears, nose, and throat but never considered
the importance of a check-up of their children's spine.
A spinal check up may be one of the most important things you can do for
your child. Why? The birth process alone puts tremendous stress on the newborn
spine that could lead to many health problems. The normal jumping, falling,
running, bumping, flipping of childhood can cause vertebral subluxations, with
serious health consequences if uncorrected. With a healthy spine, a child's body
can better deal with sore throats, ear infections, stomach aches, fevers, and
the many other problems that can be present during childhood.
Emotionally Healthy Children:
Doctors and parents have observed often dramatic improvements in the
physical, emotional, and neurological health of children following chiropractic
care. This includes children with learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, anxiety,
concentration problems, dyslexia, discipline problems, low IQ, and low grades.
Ear Infections:
In many cases ear infections are observed to disappear after spinal adjustments,
saving children from antibiotics and ear-tube surgery. There are many problems
with antibiotic use in children including but not limited to allergic reactions,
GI upset, antibiotic resistance and destruction of the guts intestinal flora
leading to yeast proliferation. Tubes often do not create lasting cures with
infections commonly returning within two months and the tubes can affect hearing
loss later.
*Keeping your child's spine free from vertebral subluxation will boost their
natural defenses against disease and illness.
If your child has any of these conditions make sure his or her spine is healthy:
· Fever
· Colic
· Croup
· Learning Disorders
· Poor posture
· Nervousness
· Constipation
· Bed Wetting
· Weakness or fatigue
· Allergies
· Sinus Trouble
· Stomach Ache
· Loss of hearing
· Ear infections
· Arthritis
· Numbness
· Irritability
· Headaches
· Neck Aches
· Back Aches
· Sore throat
· Eye problems
· Cough
· Skin Disorders
· Asthma
· Wheezing
· Scoliosis or curvature
· Neurologic Conditions
· Bronchitis
· Frequent Colds
· Muscular Dystrophy
· Cerebral Palsy
· Poor Concentration
· Arm and Hand pain
· Painful joints
· Hip, leg, and foot pain
· Shoulder Pain
· Clumsiness
· A foot turned in or out
· One leg shorter
· Unusual Behavior
· And many others......
Ashley Chiropractic
480-259-0064
3006 S Rural Rd
Tempe 85282
www.ashley-chiropractic.com
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Book Review: The Doctor and the Diva
I received a complimentary copy of the book "The Doctor and the Diva" by Adrienne McDonnell with a request for a review on the blog. So I read it and here's the review...
The novel stems from real-life events occuring in the authors' ancestors. The doctor, Ravell, is an up and coming obstetrician who also discreetly specializes in fertility. The diva, Erika von Kessler is an opera singer who is torn between her passion for singing and that of motherhood. The story spans the globe from Boston to Trinidad to Italy in the early 1900's. It is a story about morals, passion, and achieving dreams, sometimes at all costs.
I am often leery of historical fiction as I find it tedious and boring when authors get bogged down in historical detail. However, I found this book to be light, easy-to-read, but yet with enough detail to set the 'scene'. The plot inspires the reader to ask themself how far they might be willing to go to obtain their desires. Whether it's Dr Ravell's moral lapse in violating his sworn oath as a physician. Or a mother who leaves her son behind to pursue her own desires.
Thumbs up - I recommend this book - makes excellent reading by the poolside!
You can go to the author's website here and Penguin Books here.
The novel stems from real-life events occuring in the authors' ancestors. The doctor, Ravell, is an up and coming obstetrician who also discreetly specializes in fertility. The diva, Erika von Kessler is an opera singer who is torn between her passion for singing and that of motherhood. The story spans the globe from Boston to Trinidad to Italy in the early 1900's. It is a story about morals, passion, and achieving dreams, sometimes at all costs.
I am often leery of historical fiction as I find it tedious and boring when authors get bogged down in historical detail. However, I found this book to be light, easy-to-read, but yet with enough detail to set the 'scene'. The plot inspires the reader to ask themself how far they might be willing to go to obtain their desires. Whether it's Dr Ravell's moral lapse in violating his sworn oath as a physician. Or a mother who leaves her son behind to pursue her own desires.
Thumbs up - I recommend this book - makes excellent reading by the poolside!
You can go to the author's website here and Penguin Books here.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Guest Post: Informative, empowering, and maybe even life-changing: How Bradley Method classes can help you prepare for birth and beyond
Jenny David is a local Bradley instructor who I have had the pleasure of getting to know on Facebook and at birth circles. I have found her thoughts and ideas to be unbiased, informative, and just downright wise :) She was more than happy to supply me with a post on this particular method when I asked - Thanks Jenny!
Allison and her husband Dave were looking for something different. They knew they wanted to prepare for a natural, unmedicated birth, but had no idea where to start. Their health care provider offered them information on the childbirth classes offered by the hospital where they would be birthing, but upon investigating further, they feared the hospital class would not prepare them for the birth experience they were hoping for.
“I read about The Bradley Method, and it sounded like exactly what we were looking for. So we found a local instructor, and we spent one evening a week the entire third trimester of the pregnancy in our Bradley class, and it was the best choice we ever made.”
Allison and Dave are not alone. While The Bradley Method is not as well known as some other childbirth methods, since its inception in the early 1970s, over 200,000 women and their partners have prepared for birth using the Bradley Method. For many of these women Bradley classes are not only informative, but empowering and can even be life changing. It’s not for everyone, but for many women and their partners, the Bradley Method is a great choice. Here’s why:
First of all, it’s important to know that the Bradley Method is unambiguous in its message that birth is a natural process and that for most low risk women and babies, the healthiest choice is usually to give birth without the use of drugs or interventions. Our bodies have innate wisdom, and are perfectly designed to give birth; however many of us are not yet in touch with our instinctive birthing selves. Many women who hoped for an unmedicated birth find that, when the time comes, they feel pressured to induce labor, or they are not able to cope with the intensity of labor and end up using the very interventions they were trying to avoid. It’s something many women, including Allison, have heard over and over.
“So many of my friends went into their pregnancies with the attitude that, because it’s a natural process, and women have been doing it for millions of years, they figure they’d just see how it goes. And most of them ended up with inductions, epidurals, and even c-sections. I thought there had to be a better way.”
And there are better ways. One is to increase our comfort in the natural process by understanding it thoroughly.
Bradley classes are comprehensive childbirth education, covering nutrition, exercise, anatomy and physiology of labor & birth, how to make informed choices about care, support and comfort measures for labor, breastfeeding, and postpartum care. Perhaps most importantly, women and their partners learn to use deep relaxation to reduce the fear and tension that can lead to unmanageable pain, and to help make the sensations of birthing more bearable. As with any hard work, the right tools can make labor go more smoothly. Bradley couples have many tools at their disposal.
Dr. Robert Bradley, the founder of the Bradley Method, likened giving birth to an athletic event and advocated a training regimen of sorts. For this reason, Bradley classes are 12 weeks in length. This time frame allows women to increase their fitness through excellent nutrition, conditioning exercises, and to practice a variety of deliberate relaxation techniques. The third trimester of pregnancy is spent preparing physically, mentally, and emotionally for the entire experience of giving birth.
Throughout the class emphasis is placed on empowering the birth partner with those tools to use throughout the pregnancy and birth, allowing them to take an active role in supporting the birthing woman through the birth process. Many couples find that taking a Bradley class together strengthens their relationship, fostering closeness and communication in a completely new way.
Allison remembers, “We started to look forward to our Sunday evening class as a chance to just focus on us as a couple, and on what we wanted for our baby’s birth. It was kind of like a date night, with the added benefit of really helping us to concentrate on the task at hand. When it was over, we sort of missed it!”
Of course, even though the Bradley Method was originally called “Husband Coached Childbirth,“ there’s no requirement that couples are married, that they are opposite gender, or even that they are a couple. All that is necessary is that a dedicated, caring birth partner is present to support the birthing woman. In Bradley classes, it’s not unusual for women to attend with their mom, sister, best friend or doula.
While birth is usually a safe and uneventful process, complications and unexpected situations can arise. Some of these possibilities are discussed in class, and couples are encouraged to develop a birth plan that facilitates communication with their care providers, enabling them to be active partners in all their care decisions. It was this process of taking ownership of her birth plan that Allison found to be empowering.
“It had never occurred to me before that I would have to ask so many questions. I guess I just assumed my doctor would tell me everything I needed to know. Once I started going to Bradley class, a whole world of possibilities opened up. I ended up having fantastic conversations with my doctor based on what I learned in class, and in turn I just felt so much more confident in my relationship with her and in myself. It felt good to know I had choices and that my opinions mattered.”
Allison and Dave, like all new parents, consider their baby boy’s birth to be a peak experience in their lives. “It wasn’t easy, and there were certainly moments of doubt, but throughout the whole labor and birth, I never felt afraid. I did experience pain, and I had a long labor, but Dave was always there, anticipating my every need and I know his amazing coaching was a direct result of what we learned in Bradley class. I birthed my son in exactly the way I wanted to, and it has made me feel like I can do anything. I am changed forever. And in a good way.”
There are several Bradley Method instructors in the metro Phoenix area. Class locations and schedules vary by instructor. You can get more information on the Bradley Method, (including a listing of local instructors) by going to Bradley Birth.
Jenny David is a Bradley Method instructor, birth doula, and freelance writer in the east valley. Visit her website at Valley Childbirth. She’s also on Facebook! Look for Valley Childbirth Support Services.
Allison and her husband Dave were looking for something different. They knew they wanted to prepare for a natural, unmedicated birth, but had no idea where to start. Their health care provider offered them information on the childbirth classes offered by the hospital where they would be birthing, but upon investigating further, they feared the hospital class would not prepare them for the birth experience they were hoping for.
“I read about The Bradley Method, and it sounded like exactly what we were looking for. So we found a local instructor, and we spent one evening a week the entire third trimester of the pregnancy in our Bradley class, and it was the best choice we ever made.”
Allison and Dave are not alone. While The Bradley Method is not as well known as some other childbirth methods, since its inception in the early 1970s, over 200,000 women and their partners have prepared for birth using the Bradley Method. For many of these women Bradley classes are not only informative, but empowering and can even be life changing. It’s not for everyone, but for many women and their partners, the Bradley Method is a great choice. Here’s why:
First of all, it’s important to know that the Bradley Method is unambiguous in its message that birth is a natural process and that for most low risk women and babies, the healthiest choice is usually to give birth without the use of drugs or interventions. Our bodies have innate wisdom, and are perfectly designed to give birth; however many of us are not yet in touch with our instinctive birthing selves. Many women who hoped for an unmedicated birth find that, when the time comes, they feel pressured to induce labor, or they are not able to cope with the intensity of labor and end up using the very interventions they were trying to avoid. It’s something many women, including Allison, have heard over and over.
“So many of my friends went into their pregnancies with the attitude that, because it’s a natural process, and women have been doing it for millions of years, they figure they’d just see how it goes. And most of them ended up with inductions, epidurals, and even c-sections. I thought there had to be a better way.”
And there are better ways. One is to increase our comfort in the natural process by understanding it thoroughly.
Bradley classes are comprehensive childbirth education, covering nutrition, exercise, anatomy and physiology of labor & birth, how to make informed choices about care, support and comfort measures for labor, breastfeeding, and postpartum care. Perhaps most importantly, women and their partners learn to use deep relaxation to reduce the fear and tension that can lead to unmanageable pain, and to help make the sensations of birthing more bearable. As with any hard work, the right tools can make labor go more smoothly. Bradley couples have many tools at their disposal.
Dr. Robert Bradley, the founder of the Bradley Method, likened giving birth to an athletic event and advocated a training regimen of sorts. For this reason, Bradley classes are 12 weeks in length. This time frame allows women to increase their fitness through excellent nutrition, conditioning exercises, and to practice a variety of deliberate relaxation techniques. The third trimester of pregnancy is spent preparing physically, mentally, and emotionally for the entire experience of giving birth.
Throughout the class emphasis is placed on empowering the birth partner with those tools to use throughout the pregnancy and birth, allowing them to take an active role in supporting the birthing woman through the birth process. Many couples find that taking a Bradley class together strengthens their relationship, fostering closeness and communication in a completely new way.
Allison remembers, “We started to look forward to our Sunday evening class as a chance to just focus on us as a couple, and on what we wanted for our baby’s birth. It was kind of like a date night, with the added benefit of really helping us to concentrate on the task at hand. When it was over, we sort of missed it!”
Of course, even though the Bradley Method was originally called “Husband Coached Childbirth,“ there’s no requirement that couples are married, that they are opposite gender, or even that they are a couple. All that is necessary is that a dedicated, caring birth partner is present to support the birthing woman. In Bradley classes, it’s not unusual for women to attend with their mom, sister, best friend or doula.
While birth is usually a safe and uneventful process, complications and unexpected situations can arise. Some of these possibilities are discussed in class, and couples are encouraged to develop a birth plan that facilitates communication with their care providers, enabling them to be active partners in all their care decisions. It was this process of taking ownership of her birth plan that Allison found to be empowering.
“It had never occurred to me before that I would have to ask so many questions. I guess I just assumed my doctor would tell me everything I needed to know. Once I started going to Bradley class, a whole world of possibilities opened up. I ended up having fantastic conversations with my doctor based on what I learned in class, and in turn I just felt so much more confident in my relationship with her and in myself. It felt good to know I had choices and that my opinions mattered.”
Allison and Dave, like all new parents, consider their baby boy’s birth to be a peak experience in their lives. “It wasn’t easy, and there were certainly moments of doubt, but throughout the whole labor and birth, I never felt afraid. I did experience pain, and I had a long labor, but Dave was always there, anticipating my every need and I know his amazing coaching was a direct result of what we learned in Bradley class. I birthed my son in exactly the way I wanted to, and it has made me feel like I can do anything. I am changed forever. And in a good way.”
There are several Bradley Method instructors in the metro Phoenix area. Class locations and schedules vary by instructor. You can get more information on the Bradley Method, (including a listing of local instructors) by going to Bradley Birth.
Jenny David is a Bradley Method instructor, birth doula, and freelance writer in the east valley. Visit her website at Valley Childbirth. She’s also on Facebook! Look for Valley Childbirth Support Services.
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