SROM stands for “spontaneous release of membranes.” Unlike the movies, this only happens about 10% of the time before labor has begun. Some women may experience it as a “pop” followed by an obvious gush of fluid. Others may experience a slight trickling of fluid...
There is a lot more to the position of the baby than just “head down.” Knowing the position of your baby can be key in having a successful and comfortable labor and birth. So much of what is going on during labor is the mother’s body getting the baby into an ideal...
Essential oils can be used during labor to enhance any coping plan. As aromatherapy, it is important to cease the use of oils within about an hour of the baby’s birth. Babies are wired to smell their mother, her colostrum, not to smell lavender or peppermint. It...
The length of labor can vary widely. Many new parents are surprised to discover that their process may be over 30 hours long. First babies are generally longer labors than subsequent deliveries. An average first labor is 12-16 hours of active labor, generally...
As the process of labor unfolds couples are often presented with decisions. Your nurse or doctor/midwife may present a choice to you. Or, it may not be presented as a choice. Whatever may be presented it is important that you understand what will be done and why,...
Stands for “artificial rupture of membranes.” This means that the bag of waters is released on purpose by your doctor or midwife. It is done with an amniohook and does not hurt at all as the amniotic sac does not contain nerves. Reasons for doing this may be to...
Touch and massage can be powerful, effective tools as comfort techniques. During labor the uterus is sending substantial messages to the brain that it is doing this incredible thing called contracting and that it is certainly not a “walk in the park.” As a woman...
Keep your birth plan simple. Nurses do not want to read birthing philosophy essays. Simply create a list of things that are important to you. Use bullet points instead of full sentences. Phrase your requests or desires in a positive way; state what you want...
Your care provider is your doctor or midwife. First of all, decided if you’d like to use a doctor, OBGYN, or a midwife, CNM or DEM. Educate yourself on the difference. Many women choose their care provider based on the recommendation of a family member or friend. ...
