labor preparation

So, you’re interested in a VBAC….
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So, you’re interested in a VBAC….

DSC_0632cThis is a subject that I get asked about frequently. There are many mamas out there, who, for a variety of reasons, are looking into their options concerning a pregnancy and birth after a previous cesarean section. The first question usually centers around whether or not I will take on a VBAC client…so let’s start with that, and then look into some ways to make achieving a VBAC a reality.

When it comes to considering a VBAC mom as a possible homebirth candidate, it’s helpful to have an idea of why the c-section was performed in the first place. You have the legal right to your medical records, so ask for them! Sometimes they don’t shed light on the subject, but frequently you’ll have a clue as to what actually happened, which may not have been clearly explained to you at the time. Was it due to a surprise breech? Was baby’s head in a bad position (such as posterior or asynclitic)? Did your water break, putting you on the clock, and labor didn’t start in time? Was it a case of “failure to progress”, where labor didn’t proceed, or you got “stuck” and then were tired? Or perhaps baby’s heart tones dropped, making it a fast emergency? Whatever the case, understanding what all took place helps to paint the picture, and give me an idea of what hurdles you might face in this next birth. And it might help you in knowing what to prepare for-for instance, if your c-section was due to a bad position of the baby, then we’ll be much more proactive at integrating exercises to help with optimal positioning. There are very few situations which risk a mom out of the option of a homebirth, but getting a clear picture of what happened before helps us to determine your eligibility. And perhaps you would feel more comfortable pursuing your first VBAC in the hospital setting…either way, these next suggestions can be beneficial and productive in helping you prepare for your birth!

I like to tell VBAC moms the same thing I tell first time mamas…preparing for birth is like preparing for a marathon. You don’t just decide to run a marathon today and achieve it tomorrow. It takes WORK to prepare your body for it! Most mamas planning a VBAC have not yet had a baby vaginally, so in that respect, we focus on preparation in the same way we do for a first birth. Not to make things sound negative, but it’s good to be prepared for the long haul-and prepare your body to be able to cope with it. Eating a healthy diet and consistent exercise both contribute to this. Regular walks, workouts, squats, etc. can all help to build up your stamina for labor and pushing. I’d also suggest seeing a chiropractor, especially during the last trimester, which can help to ensure good alignment of your pelvis and good positioning for baby. I highly recommend checking into Gail Tully’s website: spinningbabies.com, as well as following her suggestions in her DVD entitled “Daily Essentials”.

Besides getting your body ready, you need to prepare mentally and emotionally…and this includes educating yourself about the particular risks and concerns that affect VBAC mothers and babies, as well as talking with others who have gone through similar experiences. This support can be invaluable in helping you to work through your past disappointments and set realistic expectations. Some excellent resources that I encourage all VBAC moms to consider are:

  • VBAC Facts by Jen Kamel (She teaches an amazing class based on research surrounding VBAC safety. You can attend a live seminar, or take a webinar at your convenience.)
  • Read books on the subject:

C-Section by Mark Zawkowski, MD,  Natural Childbirth After Cesarean: A Practical Guide by Karis Crawford

  • Look into the “International Cesarean Awareness Network” (ICAN) and glean from their website…there are chapters throughout the US that meet regularly, where you can talk with other moms and learn from their experiences.
  • Join a facebook support group for VBAC mamas, and ask questions and hear about how other mamas achieve their VBAC.
  • Read evidencebasedbirth.com, and consider taking the class they offer online regarding “Failure to Progress”.

 

This information is hopefully enough to get you started with resources…blessings as you pursue your quest for a beautiful, natural and safe birth!

Suggestions for a Healthy Pregnancy
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Suggestions for a Healthy Pregnancy

Recently I’ve been searching for a short, easy-to-read handout on nutrition and exercise. I was having trouble finding what I wanted…something that hit the high points, but wasn’t so detailed that no one would take the time to read it. Here’s what I came up with, though there is SO much more that could be said. I encourage each of you mama’s to research nutrition, supplements and exercise so that you know WHY you are doing what you’re doing for you and your baby!

2266-19942-1-SPDuring pregnancy, your body faces extra demands and nutritional needs. Making wise choices in caring for your physical needs can help to build a healthy baby, improve your energy levels, experience less complications during birth, and have a more rapid recovery. How is that for motivation?

Diet Recommendations:
There are many varied suggestions out there as far as pregnancy diet goes. While it is important for you to do your research and make the best choices for your particular situation, the following are a few principles to go by when it comes to what you eat:
– Major on high-quality protein. Protein helps to give you sustained energy, builds good skin integrity, and keeps your blood sugars in check. Some ideas include: Greek yogurt, cheese, nuts, nut butter, chia seeds, eggs, meat, and seeds.
– Consume a variety of vegetables, preferably organic whenever possible. This helps to provide you with more fiber, and the multitude of natural vitamins and minerals that vegetables contain.
– Add quality oils to your diet. Recent research has proven that quality fats are good for us, contrary to what we used to be told! Coconut oil, olive oil, and butter (esp. if it’s grass fed!) are examples of good fats to be consuming.
– Reduce your intake of carbs-especially simple carbs. While carbohydrates are good in moderation, they shouldn’t be considered the foundation of your diet. Carbohydrates tend to elevate blood sugar levels, as well as adding extra pounds to you and the baby during the last several months of pregnancy. When eating carbs, do your best to make sure they are made of whole grains whenever possible, which provide you with fiber and a slower sugar release. Using a variety of organic grains (such as oats, spelt, rye, etc.) are better choices than only consuming wheat products.
– Stay away from artificial sugars, and limit your intake of refined sugar. Try using maple syurp, honey, coconut sugar or other more natural-type sugars when you need something sweet!
– Try to limit fruit juices, and eat whole fruit instead.
– Keep healthy snacks on hand, so that it’s easiest to make good choices when you’re hungry!
Supplements:
Ideally, your nutritional needs should be met through a healthy, balanced diet. But most of us can still use a bit more help!  The basis of your supplements should include a high-quality prenatal vitamin, one made from natural food sources instead of being chemically engineered. Seeking Health, New Chapter Organic, and Thorne Research are good brands, but there are more out there. Most moms are also lacking in sufficient calcium and magnesium, and I recommended taking a minimum of 1000 mg. of calcium each day. This can also help you to sleep better at night, and experience less muscle cramping and discomfort. Other supplements are normally suggested and added as needed, and we can discuss your particular needs during our prenatal visits.newborn

Exercise:
In preparing for your labor and birth, it’s good to keep in mind that it is similar to preparing for a marathon. No one decides to run a marathon and then does it the next day-it takes lots of preparation and training for the big event. It’s much the same with giving birth. The more prepared and equipped your body is, the better able you’ll be able to handle the challenge and the easier your recovery will be. I highly recommend the following:
– Take a brisk walk at least 3 times each week, trying to go at least 1 mile in distance.
– Incorporate some type of exercise program (even just 10 min. long!) into your daily routine, and make it happen at least 3 times a week. There are many different 10 min. pregnancy workouts on youtube, and many other options you can take advantage of. A routine that incorporates lots of squats and leg-strengthening moves can be especially helpful in getting your body prepared for birth.
– Visit the “spinningbabies” website for information on daily exercises that encourage good alignment for mom and good positioning for baby. I have an excellent DVD on this subject that I encourage each of my clients to borrow and watch.
– Consider visiting a chiropractor during the last trimester to ensure your body is ready for birth!