down home doula

What was your first impression of doulas? Check out our blog on the common myths and facts about doulas at thevbaclink.com/myth-busting-5-facts-about-doulas-th...at-wil/ #doula #birthdoula #doulasupport #doulaservices #vbac #birth #birthsupport #birthteam #pregnant #pregnancy #birthpreparation #birthprep

Dates have been used around the world for centuries as a natural approach to preparation for labor. Several studies now support their effectiveness. Though we d...on’t know exactly why, they do have an impact on the start and progress of labor - likely due to an impact on the hormone oxytocin which helps labor start and progress effectively. A 2011 study found that women who ate dates starting at 36 weeks were: Significantly more dilated when they got to the hospital Had a significantly higher rate of intact membranes Were significantly more likely to go into labor spontaneously (i.e. without induction) And had nearly half the length of first stage of labor A 2014 study found that women who ate dates from 37 weeks on had: Greater cervical dilatation at admission Higher success rates of labor induction when needed A 2017 study concluded that all the above was accurate and yet another study found that eating dates in pregnancy led to less bleeding immediately after birth. Any type of dates work! The ‘dose’ is about 2.5 ounces of dates ( ~6 to 8 small dates or ~4 larger dates) daily, starting at 36 or 37 weeks and until labor begins. I love eating them plain, but you can include them in my herbal bliss bites (recipe on my IGTV), use them to sweeten cashew or almond milk, or include them chopped in yogurt or oatmeal. Amazingly, they also haven’t been shown to be a problem for blood sugar. Did you use dates to prep for your labor? Do you know a pregnant mama who is prepping for labor? Tag her in the comments below so she can learn about the power of this ancient medicine! #ideservebirthsupport #foodasmedicine #foodismedicine #prenatalcourse #prenatalclass #empoweredbirth #naturalbirth #naturalpregnancy #birthwithoutfear #herbalmedicine #herbalist #herbalista See more

Repost from @onestrongmamaprenatal The uterus is incredible! And knowing how it works during birth can help us to have a more efficient and less painful expe...rience. Sign me up! If you’ve ever been around a cat (or any animal) giving birth, you’ll notice that they tend to find a dark, quiet, private spot. We are very much like our animal friends and need to feel safe when we give birth. This can go haywire in modern maternity care: Bright lights. Beeping noises and machines. People we don’t know/trust. Our own fears and insecurities. ...and more. The to getting out of that fear-tension-pain cycle and fight/flight is to- Prepare your mind ahead of time. Give birth where and with who you feel safest (everyone is different!). Keep your muscles loose + limp during your contractions. The tendency is to fight them and tense up, but that will actually make it more painful and can make it take longer! Believe me, I was super tense during my first birth and it sucked! Keep your mind relaxed too! Easier said than done, as it is also normal to freak out...have someone there who will calm you down. #birthdoula for the win here! There’s a reason that those with doulas statistically have shorter labors . Prenatal mind prep helps here too. Our uterus is amazing. We should brag about it! Tag a pregnant friend- they’ll appreciate it! The uterus is an absolutely amazing organ. Each muscle runs a specific direction and has a specific job to do in labor. I am an extremely visual and kinestetic person overall and specifically I learn that way. If your a client then you will get to know my pelvis and doll...her name is Star . #midwife #midwifery #midwife #hbac #vbac #homebirth #pregnant #contractions #childbirth #childbirtheducation

Great advice for managing early labor! The beginning of labor is an exciting and nerve-wracking time, but the most important thing you can do is conserve energy and take care of yourself. Reach out to me today to discuss how a doula can make your birth experience better!

Reposting from The Birth Impact. Such an amazing piece of wisdom. Trust your body, trust your baby!