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!!