Info reguarding pelvic organ prolapse

Hi! I have a guest blog post to post tonight great info!...

A Healthy Pelvis After Childbirth

Although pregnancy and childbirth are completely natural and normal processes, there is always a potential that they can cause injury to the woman. Although there is no way to prevent distress to the pelvic floor or related organs in the woman's body, there are steps that can be taken to strengthen these areas of the body so that damage is reduced and so that recovery is easier.

One of the most common injuries that occurs following pregnancy and childbirth is pelvic organ prolapse. This occurs because the muscles in the pelvic floor are no longer as strong as they once were, and so the pelvic organs slip out of their typical locations to cause discomfort or pain in the woman. Some of the organs that can slip out of place in this manner include the bladder, the uterus and the rectum.

Although a woman cannot prevent situations such as pelvic organ prolapse from occurring, it is quite possible to reduce risk factors and better prepare the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor to handle prolapse in order to reduce the likelihood of stress from this occurrence. For example:

·         Healthy lifestyle: Certain heathy lifestyle choices can make a difference in warding off this type of condition. For example, avoiding constipation through a healthy diet and proper hydration, avoiding obesity, avoiding chronic cough and avoiding strains or heavy lifting can all have a positive impact on the body by minimizing issues relating to the pelvic floor.

·         Pelvic floor exercises: Pelvic floor exercises can be beneficial during pregnancy as well as before pregnancy. A woman who has given birth can also benefit from practicing pelvic floor exercises after a sufficient period of rest. Rest is essential for a woman with a new baby.

·         Rest: Following pregnancy and childbirth, it is essential for a new mother to rest. During this period of rest, the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissue will be given a chance to return to their normal tone. It is important for a new mother not to strain herself too often following childbirth, so that these muscles and ligaments can be given a chance to rest and relax following the stress of childbirth.

There are steps that a woman can take before pregnancy, during pregnancy and after childbirth in order to rebuild the strength of the pelvic floor. Strengthening the pelvic floor is absolutely essential in helping to reduce the risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse and similar injuries that can occur to the area.

Not only can a strong pelvic floor help to prevent this type of condition from occurring, it can also reduce the recovery time required when a prolapse does occur. As such, it is important for all women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to strengthen their pelvic floor and take steps to improve overall health prior to childbirth.

In severe cases of prolapse, women may require surgery to correct the problem. A woman should ask her doctor about traditional surgery versus the use of transvaginal mesh. Unfortunately, transvaginal mesh has been linked to serious complications, including organ perforation and mesh erosion. Women who have been harmed by these dangerous side effects have sought legal counsel and filed mesh lawsuits.

Elizabeth Carrollton writes about defective medical devices and dangerous drugs for Drugwatch.com.

Perineal Massage...yes, I'm a fan!

When I tell my clients about their "homework," perineal massage is high on the list. I swear by it and the olive oil that comes with it. I believe it is best achieved by the partner.

Olive oil not your thing? How about almond oil, coconut oil (smells yummy!), or evening primrose oil.
Coat 2 fingers with the oil.
Insert 2 fingers into vagina up to knuckles.
Press and hold down for 15 seconds.
Widen and hold for 15 seconds.
Create a "U" shape back and forth for 3-5 (5 is better!!) minutes.
At least once a day, or every other day beginning from 36 weeks.

Why do this?

The stretching combined with the oil, will make your perineum soft and pliable. This is the area that needs to stretch while pushing. This helps avoid tears and episotomies.
It also helps you practice your breathing and staying relaxed, that will come in handy during labor.

I believe, when done on a regular basis, by your partner, it greatly reduces your likelihood of tearing.

**Perineal massage should be done prior to labor, this is different then having your care provider do it during the pushing stage.

I know it doesn't sound fun...but I truly believe in it!

In honor of My Sister

This blog is for my big sis, Wendy. I love her dearly. She has attended all my births, and by the third, if I told her she was catch the baby-she would! Just by listening to my stories as a doula, and a homebirthing mom, she became very educated herself.

I joked with her when I was pregnant with my second child, and told her she needed to get pregnant-so we could be pregnant at the same time. A few months later, she was!! This would be her first child.

She was empowered to switch her care provider during her pregnancy, knowing that there were better options for her out there. She had some complications that worried her throughout her pregnancy, but finally the moment arrived! Her water broke early on, and knew it was not necessary for her to rush to the hospital. When we did arrive, she labored SO well! It was only a few hours later, that her little girl was born. No pain medication, just the love and support from her husband and her doula sister.

Knowing my sister like I do, I would think years earlier, she would have gotten pain medication, gotten to the hospital early, and stuck with her original care provider.

Wendy was so strong and brave, and I was honored to be at her birth.

A gift from Dad

I attended a birth this week for a couple that I had just met that very same day. As she was in early labor, we discussed some of the birth options that she would want. Normally, at the birth planning appointment, I ask the partner how he would like to be involved in the birth. But since she was already laboring, I only was able to ask Dad if he was interested in catching the baby and cutting the cord.
All the while, he was wonderful with her. The love between them was very present. He was very quiet, and not knowing him, I couldn't tell what he was thinking. And I wondered what he thought of my presence. But I knew there was trust in me.
My wonderful doula friend Roz, was also at this amazing birth. All of us together, created a wonderful birth team!
After she delivered her son, Dad walked over to me and gave me the biggest hug ever. No words, but no words were needed. I knew how he felt, just by that, I knew that I had done good.
A gift I will always remember.

Being a better Blogger

For me, actually sitting down on the computer besides responding to emails, is very challenging. I told myself I will be a better blogger this year- I promise!!

Waterbirth: Mom catches own baby

Dedicated Doula

Here I am on the left. My 3rd child was due 14 days later. On the right, is my doula: Elizabeth. I had her come in case I needed to rest, either to help my client or...me!
I was with this mommy for her first child and when she was expecting her second, she called me to be her doula again. Yes! Of course I will!
Not knowing at the time of the call, that I too was pregnant again. Come to find out, our due dates were within 2 weeks from each other. But I was not worried, since my babies love my belly so much, that they never want to come out....yes my 3rd was 3 weeks past due.

There is nothing that will stop me from being the doula I love to be. I have missed family functions, I have spent many hoildays in hospitals, and I have doula-ed when I was due myself. All of which, I am very proud of!!