What a question this is!  There was an article in The Sun titled ‘Home Births - Bad or Good?’  It was a really great article, giving you the pro’s and con’s.  The most sensible comment was that if a woman is healthy and low risk, and she wants a home birth, then why not?  The catch is the money…..will the government come good with their promise or let it slip into the too hard basket?

There are plenty of midwives and other health professionals who are willing to set up a standard of care and could have homebirths up and running in no time.  It is a question of whether the government wants our society to go this way.  I say let it….it is what women are calling for, or should I say begging for!  It is just unfair that women who can’t afford a home birth and really want one don’t get the chance to experience it.  This can change a woman forever…..women have an innate desire to birth and they have a plan in their head.  If this plan has to be based on the income she earns then it can change the course of her life, it can deny her the one empowering moment that forms the basis of who she is and who she wants to become.

As was mentioned in the article, many women feel their labour is going well until they have to go into hospital - then they get stressed and their adrenalin rises and slows down the labour.   This is so true, I experienced this myself and also have seen it as women come into the hospital.  I don’t know what it is but women seem to want to come into hospital as soon as possible, this, I believe, is where all the intervention and agony starts.  Women should be educated in their antenatal classes to stay at home as long as possible, this will give them a chance to feel more comfortable for most of their labour.  Women and partneres come into hospital expecting their baby to born soon, this almost never happens, it takes a woman’s body a good couple of hours to adjust to the change of environment and then labour can resume. 

The very experienced obstetrican comments on the debate, and he has valid points, however, he is coming from a position of high risk.  Midwives have a line that they cannot cross, as a midwife, I know this line and I know when a woman crosses it into high risk territory.  It is our duty of care to constantly assess this line and make a judgement on whether a doctor needs to be called.  It is our responsibility to do this and if we don’t we are liable and can lose our career.  Home birth midwives are so very aware of this and have back up plans.  A home birth midwife would not take on a case that had the potential to put the mother or baby at risk.  The comment made by the obstetrician that it is just too risky is his opinion and good luck to him,  but he shouldn’t put his fear on women who choose this option.  Fear is what makes things go wrong, a woman who is relaxed at home and has great midwives on hand will have an amazing home birth experience. 

I say well done to women who choose this option and I hope the government can see a place for home births to be recognised, not dealt with under the radar.  Bring home birth to the forefront and let women have the choice to bring their baby into a calm, loving environment.

If you want to hear more on this topic and other ways to have a fantastic birth experience, then have a look at my book, it has many options and will give you the confidence to stand up and say how you want your birth to be.  Click on this link child-birth-options and let me know what you think.

I have just gone back to work in the maternity unit after having my little boy…..he is not so little anymore, he is 19months.  I had a really long time off with him and enjoyed every minute of it.  I am only working causal now so I am still breastfeeding and spending lots of time with him.  Above is a picture of me, just in case you want to put a face to my name.  There are also some videos on my blog if you have a look through my archives.

The reason I am writing this blog post is because I have been bowled over by the questions and concerns that are facing women whilst they are pregnant.  I looked after t wo women last night and they were both being induced at 39 weeks.  They were both wonderful women and really looking forward to holding their baby in their arms.  The problem was they didn’t know why they were being induced.  One woman had gestational diabeties and the other was perfectly healthy.  My question to all the women out there is ‘why won’t you ask questions of your doctors and find out exactly what is going on?’  I put this question to the women and they both replied with, ‘They didn’t want to ask a stupid question and feel inadequate!’

It is 2009, we are strong, we are educated, we have the internet, we have google and yet when it comes to doctors we are put right back in time to an era of control and dominance.  If women can excel in their careers, have children, have successful relationships, then certainly they can apply this wonderful knowledge and insight to their carer givers.  I urge women to ask as many questions as it takes to get the answers.

Now, working with doctors myself, I know that they are not forthcoming with information, it is like pulling teeth!  That is why it is up to the women to start extracting, one by one!  Look at the doctor in the eye and tell him/her that you are not leaving until you fully understand what is happening to YOUR body!  You have this right, your doctor has the knowledge it is just a matter of asking questions that bring it all out.

I know that it can be hard to do this, so you could start with the small stuff, like, asking the doctor how his/her day was.  This will start to build a rapport.  Most women are great at this, so use this skill to your advantage.  With just a simple open question, you will find that your doctor will become more open and you can then start to ask more questions.  It is great to ask questions when your doctor is performing tasks, such as taking your blood pressure.  You could say, how is it today and what does that mean.  Also, when your doctor is examining your pregnant belly you can ask what he/she is feeling, what position the baby is in, is my baby head down and what does that mean for my impending labour.

All these questions are a great way for you to get used to asking questions and to get used to learning more and more about your body.  Trust in your own skills and believe in yourself, your pregnancy is so short and it is so amazing if you can really be inolved both physically and mentally.

Women are so very self reliant, so it can be hard for some women to feel vulnerable in the presence of their care givers.  Just remember, they have knowledge, but you have the complete power within yourself to make fantastic decisions, so use it.

If you have any questions that you are scared to ask, then let me know and I will answer them for you.  I love to keep women informed and give them the best opportunity to really know their body, know their baby and have confidence in the two as a team.

Good luck with your journey.  I look forward to hearing from the wonderful pregnant women of the world.

Loretta

There is some great information on the internet and I have just come across a really content rich site.  Check out naturalparenting.com.au it is your online guide to parenting.

Natural Parenting has great articles, a business directory and a forum to see what other mums and mums-to-be are up to.  It is also really easy to search through as it is broken up into to catagories.  Take a look and enjoy your education.

I came across an article in the UK Telegraph, they are trying to cut costs and have put caesarean sections on the same rationing list as infertility treatment, cosmetic surgery and acupuncture.

Some women may debate that it is taking away options, however, is a caesarean section really an option, is this just saving women from making a huge mistake?  Have we just become too frightened of childbirth and seen too many celebrities opt for a caesarean?  I will put it to you in another way, would you choose to  have all your teeth removed and wear dentures just to skip the pain of dentist visits?  I think not, if we can just think of caesareans as a great option if we medically need them, then our view of having an elective caesarean will change.

Have a read of the article and let me know what you think.  I really believe this is a great especially when you look at the statistics.  For example, a study in 2007 found a mother opting for a caesarean was four times more likely to die than by choosing a natural birth.  Would you put yourself and your family at the mercy of these statistics……I think not.  So how about we continue to educate ourselves on childbirth and save the caesarean for if and when we need it.

Family and friends are supposed to be there to support you in your childbirth decision, but what happens when they don’t?  I have had many, many questions from women all over the world who are dealing with this everyday so I thought I would write about how you can cope with the opinions of other people.

To research and prepare for your natural childbirth is difficult, you have to really listen to what your body is saying and follow your instincts.  To become fully prepared and ready for your natural childbirth is such a great feeling, howver, this feeling can be easily lost by someone making a negative comment. 

The biggest point that I would like you to take away from this article is that you may never be able to convince your loved ones that you are doing the right thing.  But the good news is that this is not your job, you need only be sure of what you want and continue to have faith in your baby and your body. 

If your choice is to have a home birth or a water birth at home or even a natural birth in the hospital, your loved ones may think this is unsafe and put enormous pressure on you to change your plan.  This pressure can be unrelenting and continue on throughout your whole nine months of pregnancy.   So how do you deal with this?

Firstly, remember my point above, you may never change their opinions and know that it is not your job to do so.  I have compiled a list of ways in which you can discuss your natural birth issues with your loved ones:

• Fully plan for your birth and have back up plans, for example, if your are birthing at home make sure you have a trusted, qualified attendant and book into the nearest hospital so as to call upon their services if needed
• Sit your loved ones down and let them know your plan, explain to them that it is not a discussion, merely information
• Acknowledge that you are aware of their concern, however, you have researched what you want and are happy with your decision. 
• Reiterate that this is not a forum for negative thoughts and ask them to kindly keep their opinions to themselves.
• Explain to them that it is scarey being pregnant and planning for the birth that you want and ask them for positive support.
• Direct your loved ones to relevant websites where they can learn about what you are planning.  Let me know if you need help with this.
• Find those loved ones that support your decision and spend more time with them.
• Make sure your partner is included in your decision making, being a strong team will help combat any negative people.
• Praise yourself everyday on the amazing job you are doing.  Not only are you growing a baby, but your are planning for the best outcome possible for your beautiful baby.

You get one chance to prepare for your birth, you have 9months and when it is all over you are the one that will benefit.  You will remember your birth forever, you will tell your child how they came into this world and your successful birth will give you confidence in all areas of your life.

When I was pregnant with my second child, I really wanted to have a natural birth so I, like so many others, researched until I was just about ready to pop.  I decided on hypnobirthing as a way to cope with labour.  I learnt, I practised and I visualised my dream birth everyday but I was constantly fighting the negative thoughts.  I was working in a birthsuite when pregnant and discussing my birth plan with my midwife friends, most were supportive, however, there were a few that felt it was all just hype and that I will call on the drugs when it came time.  To these people, I asked them to be supportive, and if they couldn’t, then I removed myself from thier company and surrounded myself with the friends who supported me.

I think most people don’t even know that they are being unsupportive so you must point it out.  This may be enough for them to change their tune, if not, then leave.  A woman’s mind is so vulnerable during pregnancy, it takes real effort to keep positive and on the right track.  So surround yourself with positive people and go over your plan daily, visualising your outcome, visualise your baby in your arms and your dream birth realised.

I have written another article on how to stay positive during your natural birth planning, it is called ‘Natural Birth - How To Stay Positive’.  Have a read and implement the strategies into you own routine.

If you have a specific questions about dealing with negative people then let me know, I am happy to answer any questions so as to keep you on track for your amazing birth.  Good luck and make your birthing dreams come true.

Episiotomy…….Why?   For those of you who don’t really know the correct definition, an episiotomy is the cut performed on a woman’s perineum (the tissue between the vagina and the anus) to allow the baby’s head to emerge more quickly during pushing. If you know your anatomy, you also know that a baby whose head is already pushing on the mother’s soft tissues on the perineum, has cleared the bony pelvic passage, and is thus minutes away from being born. 

So why are women cut?  To put it simply, it is at the attendants discretion, this can be an OBGYN, doctor, trainee doctor or even midwives.  Some attendants prefer to cut and believe it is for the best, others refuse to cut unless it is absolutely necessary (I agree with the latter). There are times when an episiotomy is necessary, for example, when a baby’s shoulders are stuck and more room is needed to maneuver the baby out.  Also if the perineum is just too tight and the head won’t emerge and the baby is compromised then an episiotomy may be needed.  More often than not, this situation will fix itself with a position change.  For example from back to front or to kneeling or standing.  Usually a woman will tear to allow the baby to emerge, this is the much more gentle option and will heal much quicker than a surgical cut.  Usually a small tear will heal on its own as it will fit together neatly, no stitches needed.

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), there is no need to routinely administer this cut, which severs skin, nerves and muscles in this sensitive area, and is the equivalent to a third-degree tear. The prevalence of third-degree tears in home births or birth centers with minimalized medical intervention is 0.3%. That’s 3 women in 1000. By contrast, in Hungary, 70% of first-time mothers receive this cut. The rationale: to prevent fourth-degree tears despite the fact that scientific studies have shown that routine administration of an episiotomy actually increases, rather than decreases, the incidence of fourth-degree tears.  If you can picture this, a women is pushing her baby out and the doctor puts a little cut in her perineum to aid in the quick arrival of her baby.  Now, once a cut is performed, the skin has a weak point and as the baby rushes passed this cut, a bigger tear can follow on down the line of the small cut leading to a larger tear.  Therefore, the woman has been surgically cut and then tore resulting in a much larger tear.  This area will then need extensive stitching and time to heal, not to mention the risk of infection.

So why does a woman receive an episiotomy?  Well I will list the reasons so it is easy for you memorise and avoid:

• The baby’s heartbeat is uneven, or too low at this stage, which is totally normal. 
• If a woman is lying on her back whilst pushing this will reduce the diameter of her pelvis by approximately 28%, creating a smaller outlet for her baby and adding to the uneven heartbeat.
• If the woman is trying to push against gravity, ie, on her back, pushing uphill.  The shape of a woman’s pelvis is curved up at the opening of the vagina, thus, lying on her back will create a steep exit for the baby and longer time for the head to be sitting on the perineum.  Most doctors have a time limit in their head and will cut if this time has expired!! Ridiculous!

To recap, lying on your back, pushing up hill and reducing the size of your pelvis will all contribute to your chance of an episiotomy.  So what can you do?  Here is a list of do’s:

• Labour in an upright position to widen your pelvic outlet, this also allows your baby to descend at its own speed.  Your tissues will have had an opportunity to adjust to the pressure of the baby’s head if you are in control.
• Feel when your tissues stretch and pause to give them a chance to adjust and accommodate the size of your baby’s head.

So ladies, get to know your perineum, use a hand mirror and have a look at this area, touch and feel it.  It is meant to stretch and it is a fantastic, elastic part of childbirth.  Don’t fear the perineum, imagine it stretching and imagine the warmth flowing through your body as it allows your baby to emerge out of you and into your arms.  WOW, got to love your peri (midwife talk for perineum)!

If you have a look at my book link you will see that I have interviewed some great, world acclaimed natural birth experts.  They have very strong views on episiotomies and voice them with great passion.  You just have to hear what they say, it is amazing.  Just imagine being armed with all this information before you go into labour…….you will be strides ahead of the rest.

Good luck with your natural birth and please contact me if you have any questions.

Natural Childbirth is falling further and further behind.  The cesarean section rate is rising…………..what will it take to turn this around? 

“Too Posh to Push”  Time Magazine, The Australian and Fox News

“Natural Childbirth Mom’s more attuned to babies’ cry”  US News and ABC News

“Orgasmic Birth”  Sydney Morning Herald, USA Today and ABC 20-20

These headlines are truly shocking! Do they help expectant mothers cope better with their birth preparation, or just cause unnecessary anxiety and stress? I am mother of 2, a midwife of 9 years, an internationally board certified lactation consultant and a passionate advocate for Natural Childbirth.  I continually see women on a daily basis have a poor birthing experience and as a midwife I know that they could have used simple, natural options to make their birth experience one of fulfillment and joy.

Reflecting on the headlines, “Orgasmic Birth”, what does this say?  While possible, the last thing a woman expects to experience during childbirth is an orgasm. She is at her wits end dealing with pain, discomfort and the impending marathon that is childbirth…..and now she hears women are having orgasms! I know this film is about choice and showing how a group of women give birth, but again, the headline gives women more pressure and expectation.

When is it enough?  Why can’t we just give women some real and proven options to have a natural childbirth, rather than pressure?  This is my mission in life, to give women choice and educate them on the wonders of childbirth so they can work with their body and their baby. 

2009 is The Year of Hopefulness as mentioned by OPRAH, so how about we give women hope rather then fear and expectation.  With all the choices available to them, women can create an atmosphere that is positive and allow their confidence to shine.

I have endeavored to help women around the world gain the confidence back in their bodies.  I have interviewed 7 of the worlds leading authorities on natural childbirth techniques such as Acupressure, Acupuncture, Hypnobirthing, Reflexology, The Bradley Method and many more. 

In the 7 part natural childbirth series the experts have opened women’s minds to a new world of possibilities and options they may not have heard before.  Natural childbirth will become more about choosing what type of method works for them rather than just choosing whether to have a cesarean section or not.  Most women will enter into their birth journey with the pretense of ‘trying not to have drugs’, this is all well and good, however, ending up with a fulfilling natural birth is rare.  Women need to plan for their birth and equip themselves with knowledge of how their bodies work, how to work with their body and baby and have complete faith that their body was made to birth.

This new interview series is available online as a complete audio download from www.child-birth-options.com.  A transcript of the interviews is also available as well as a comprehensive birthing plan, an easy to follow exercise and stretching regime, a  breastfeeding survival book and great links to natural childbirth videos.

My aim is to try and change the perception of how woman view birth and hopefully influence the birthing statistics.  After all the choice isn’t between natural childbirth or cesarean section…..it is all about informing women and nurturing their skills and confidence to have a fearless childbirth that will permanently bond them with their child and partner.

I just want to leave you with one thought:

"Why avoid medications and take such good care of our

Body’s all through pregnancy only to pump it full of drugs for the last few hours?"

Take Care,

Loretta

Happy New Year!!  2009 is the the year of hopefulness!!  We, as a natural birth planning group, must embrace 2009 and give hope to all the pregnant women, the soon to be pregnant women and the younger women who are going to take Natural Childbirth into the future.  This year the birth statistics will be fantastic, women will choose where to have their baby, how to have their baby and with whom.   They will base their decision purely on their feelings, not on government bodies and the costs involved.  So come and join me in the Natural Childbirth movement!!

So what is the big deal about Natural Childbirth?  Why are we constantly talking about it and trying to achieve it?  Well, I will tell you why……………………..it is because it is the best for our body, our baby, breastfeeding and the well being of the whole family unit.

An article in a Budapest paper states that the fact of the matter is that there have been trends in childbirth, and in western societies, this trend has been leading towards more medicalised births actively managed by doctors, to the point where now fully one third of births in the United States are surgical births (C-sections) and growing to this amount around the world.  It is now hard to spot any birth in a hospital that hasn’t been intervened with in some way.

So what’s wrong with that, what is wrong with “intervention” if it means that the birth is safer, faster, or the mother feels less pain?

The paper goes on to say that the problem is medical interventions are introduced as a matter of routine (as opposed to necessity) into a well-oiled process, and in the majority of cases, these interventions increase the number of complications, not decrease them, and even introduce new ones.

As I have written many, many times before, Interventions interfere in the natural process, which then necessitates more interventions. Before women realise they are taken down into a cascade of intervention and at the end of which is a C-section.

The paper asks the question on everyone’s lips; what is wrong with a C-section?  Well it is major surgery, with all the associated risks. At base, it’s a lot more risky to both mum and baby than a vaginal birth. For mum, there are all the post-surgery complications, potential infections, and so on.

The biggest point made is that the number of children a woman can have is instantly numbered, and the frequency at which she can have them, already determined for her. Because after a C-section, it is recommended that a woman wait at least 3 years before giving birth again, and the second birth after a C-section is likely to also be a C-section, and I believe few doctors will be willing to administer more than 4 C-sections on anyone.

You see how just one intervention can lead to another then another and before anyone knows, natural childbirth is out the window and a C-section is needed due to the extra stress on the baby and mother.  The mother is then put into a catagory that can never be reversed.  Some states in the US are even recommending that insurance premiums are higher for women who have had a C-section.  Who would choose this life and these restrictions on life.

The baby is also at risk when an unnecessary C-section takes place.  The baby is cut out of its mothers womb and not passed through the vagina.  Missing this step prevents the baby’s lungs from being squeezed and excess fluid removed.  Not removing this fluid can cause the baby to have breathing difficulties and possibly infection.  This will then reflect on breastfeeding by delaying it and delaying bonding time with the family unit.  Breastfeeding needs to be commenced within an hour of birth so as to create an imprint for further successful feeding in the baby’s mind. 

So how does these interventions start, well, as I have passionately written about before, it starts with the horrible word induction!  Let us stop and think for a moment, why can’t we just wait for our precious child to enter the world when they are ready, honestly what is the rush!  Many doctors offer induction like offering a piece of cake with your coffee! It is ridiculous………..as women we need to take a stand and say no to induction unless there is truly a medical problem.  And by doing this women will avoid the very first intervention and remain in control of their own natural Childbirth.

Women, I urge you to fully look into natural childbirth and really figure out what it is you want rather than leaving your life decision in the hands of doctors and medical staff.  We only get one vessel to live this life, our body, so we must take care of it.  Please research and take matters into your own hands I know you will feel immense pride when the birth you chose comes to fruition.

To help you with your education have a look at my book "7 Secrets to Natural Childbirth" it will give you some great advice on planning the natural childbirth you want.

I came across this article in the Sydney Morning Herald:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/lifeandstyle/lifematters/orgasmic-birth-an-old-midwives-tale/2008/12/29/1230399175667.html

Wow, I can’t believe that a woman is really judging this fabulous person, Ina May Gaskin.  Yes, her views are really out there, however, some women fully believe that an orgasm is possible during labour.  And why not, if anyone can achieve this during labour, then well done, and show me how!  Sometimes it takes a person who is really left field to bring something like this to our attention.  I would never judge a woman who describes birth in this way……………….I say go for it.

I personally did not feel this pleasure, however, my birth was definatley very satisfying and amazing.  I can see how women could have an orgasm during birth. 

Natural birth is an amazing event and one that is remembered forever.  If women could realise how important it is to learn how to have a natural birth then I beilieve the birth statistic will change.  To prepare your body for the journey of birth is truly an enriching experience, I have interviewed 7 women on natural birth and they all give great insight and advice into the world of birth.  If you want to get a hold of these interviews then go to www.child-birth-options.com.

Let me know what you think of this article and whether you had an orgasm during your birth!!

Take Care,

Loretta