Hello, my name is Brenda Minica. I am a San Antonio doula certified with Childbirth International.

Having had seven children of my own I have "been there" and I know how helpful a little encouragement and the right information can be. Even if you don't need a doula in San Antonio, TX right now I would love to help you in whatever way I can!

So please e-Mail me, or connect with me on Twitter or my Facebook group if I can be of service.

With love, Brenda


Jan
22
2010
0

My Precious Baby is Here!

Melody Rose was born on January 21, 2010 at 9:21 AM after 9 1/2 hours of labor, weighing 9 lbs. 4 oz. and 22 1/2 inches long! I had a wonderful peaceful water birth, more details to come soon!IMG_3221 (Large)

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Jul
18
2009
0

Why Have Continuous Support During Labor?

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Jul
12
2009
0

Safe and Healthy Birth Video

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Mar
09
2009
0

How to Bring on Labor the Natural Way!

by Natural Cures Gal

Want to know how to bring on labor naturally? If you want to get things started or you have seen your due date come and go, then you may be looking for ways to get it all over with. More than likely you really don’t want to go with the drugs available to start labor, since many of them come with side effects that can be pretty nasty.

You’ll find that various methods of bringing on labor in a natural manner are available. They won’t harm your child and you don’t have to take any drugs. The following are some great methods that can help you get labor started so you can meet your need little one.

Believe it or not, relaxation is one way that labor can be brought on naturally. When you are uptight, you may not be able to get things started. A nice massage, a great bath, or just spending some time relaxing can help. Aromatherapy can help you relax and can get things started. Try adding the visual of being in labor to your relaxation as well.

You may have heard that having sex is how to bring on labor. Well, it’s actually true. Having sex is one way that you can naturally get labor going. The hormones that end up being released have a whole lot to do with it. So, if you are feeling up to it, this may be one method that you may want to try.

Find a swing and start swinging. This can get labor started too. How does it help? Well, when you swing, it can enable the baby to get in a position that is better for birthing. When the baby is in a good position, it can start the labor for you. Bumping is another option that basically does the same thing – helping get the baby in place for the birth. Get out there on a bump road and bump your way to labor.

Taking a nice, slow walk is an excellent way to help bring on labor naturally. Often the movement of the walking can bring on contractions. When you are upright, pressure is put on your cervix. This can help it to start dilating. However, if you do this, make sure that you don’t go overboard. Drink plenty of water while walking, don’t get overheated, and if you get fatigued, you need to stop.

Acupressure is often used today as a natural way to bring on labor. It is natural and safe, and new studies have shown that this is an effective way to get labor going for many women. It’s very simple, and you can either go to a professional or even get your partner to learn the right methods so he can apply the acupressure for you. Since it’s so easy, it can b done right at home to help start labor for you.

So, you don’t have to rely on drugs to get labor going. With these natural methods of inducing labor, you won’t have to worry. They are natural and safe, and soon you’ll get to meet that little person you’ve been carrying around with you for so long.

About the Author:
Find this article helpful? check out more at: Maternity Acupressure Dr. This is a must see Site. The Natural Cures Gal also strongly recommends this link Article Blaster if you want nearly instant and viral push-button marketing results.
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Mar
04
2009
0

Cesarean Fact Sheet

*Note from Brenda: The cesarean rate in Texas for 2006 was 33.2% and is much higher in certain hospitals in our area. This is an issue that every pregnant woman needs to be informed about.

Cesarean Fact Sheet

 

  • These facts are presented by the International Cesarean Awareness Network with the hope that parents, childbirth educators, doulas, nurses, midwives and doctors together can effectively reduce the rate of unnecessary cesarean sections and their effects.
  • A cesarean (si-‘zar-E-an) section is major abdominal surgery used for the delivery of an infant through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. The incision may be made across the bottom of the abdomen above the pubic area (transverse) or in rare instances, in a line from the belly button to the pubic area (vertical). Learn More: Cesarean section – what happens during delivery.
  • When a cesarean is necessary, it can be a lifesaving procedure for both mother and baby.1 However, psychological outcomes such as negative feelings, fear, guilt, anger and postpartum depression are common consequences of both emergent and elective cesarean sections.2,3,4 A cesarean section is only indicated in the following situations:

 

  • Complete placenta previa at term
  • Transverse lie at complete dilation
  • Prolapsed cord
  • Abrupted placenta
  • Eclampsia or HELLP with failed induction of labor
  • Large uterine tumor that blocks the cervix at complete dilation (Most fibroids will move upwards as the cervix opens, moving it out of baby’s path.)
  • True fetal distress confirmed with a fetal scalp sampling or biophysical profile
  • True absolute cephalopelvic disproportion or CPD (baby too large for pelvis). This is extremely rare and only associated with a pelvic deformity (or an incorrectly healed pelvic break). Fetal positioning during labour and maternal positioning during second stage, most notably when women are in a semi-sitting position, cause most CPD diagnosed in current obstetrics.5
  • Initial outbreak of active herpes at the onset of labor
  • Uterine rupture

 

  • Many reasons given for cesarean, especially prior to labour, can and should be questioned. This includes macrosomia (large baby),6,7,8 maternal age,9 and parity,10 assisted reproductive technology,11 CPD,12 dystocia, failure to progress, breech,13,14 fetal distress or even prolonged second stage.15 There are very few true indications for a cesarean section in which the risks of surgery will outweigh the risks of vaginal birth.16
  • The cesarean section rate remains at an alarmingly higher rate in many industrialized countries than the 10-15% average recommended by the World Health Organization, causing unnecessary risk to both mother and baby.17 Healthy People 2010 recommends a reduction in cesarean births in the US to 15% by 2010.18
  • A cesarean poses documented medical risks to the mother’s health. These risks include infection,19 blood loss and hemorrhage,20 hysterectomy,21,22 transfusions,23 bladder and bowel injury,24,25 incisional endometriosis,26,27 heart and lung complications,28 blood clots in the legs,29 anesthesia complications,30 and rehospitalization due to surgical complications,31 rate of establishment and ongoing breastfeeding is reduced,32 and psychological well-being compromised and increased rate emotional trauma.33 Potential chronic complications from scar tissue adhesions include pelvic pain, bowel problems, and pain during sexual intercourse.34 Scar tissue makes subsequent cesareans more difficult to perform, increasing the risk of injury to other organs and the risk of chronic problems from adhesions.35 One-half of all women who have undergone a cesarean section suffer complications, and the mortality rate is at least two to four times that of women with vaginal births. Approximately 180 women die annually in the United States from elective repeat cesareans alone.
  • Each successive cesarean greatly increases the risk of developing placenta previa, placenta accreta and placental abruption in subsequent pregnancies.36,37,38 Both of these complications pose life-threatening risks to mother and baby. Cesareans also increase the odds of secondary infertility, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy in subsequent pregnancies.39,40
  • A cesarean poses documented medical risks to the baby’s health.41 These risks include respiratory distress syndrome (RDS),42,43,44,45 iatrogenic prematurity (when surgery is performed because of an error in determining the due date), 46,47 persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH),48 and surgery-related fetal injuries such as lacerations.49,50 Preliminary studies also have found cesarean delivery significantly alters the capability of cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) to produce cytokines.51 An elective cesarean section significantly increases the risk to the infant of premature birth and respiratory distress syndrome, both of which are associated with multiple complications, intensive care and burdensome financial cost. Even with mature babies, the absence of labor increases the risk of breathing problems and other complications. Far from doing better, even premature and at risk babies born by cesarean fare worse than those born vaginally.
  • Cesareans can delay the opportunity for early mother-newborn interaction, breastfeeding, and the establishment of family bonds.52,53,54
  • Cesarean rates are influenced by nonmedical factors. These include: individual philosophy and training, convenience of doctor or patient, the patient’s socioeconomic status, peer pressure, fear of litigation, and financial gain.55,56,57
  • In the United States, obstetricians offer defensive medicine as an excuse for the astronomical and sharply rising U.S. cesarean rate. Deliberately performing unnecessary surgery in the belief it avoids lawsuits is indefensible. That many obstetricians seem oblivious to the profound violation of ethical principles is shocking.58,59
  • Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is safer for both mother and infant, in most cases, than is routine elective cesarean, which is major surgery.60,61,62,63,64,65,66 Learn More in our VBAC Section.
  • The risk to your infant from the very low incidence of uterine rupture (less than 1%) after a prior cesarean is much less than the risk to your infant from respiratory distress as a result of a scheduled cesarean.67,68,69,70

 

The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) founded as Cesarean Prevention Movement in 1982, has chapters, individuals, an international newsletter (the Clarion), email line and website ready to give you support and information. For more information, please call               1-800-686-ICAN        or visit http://www.ican-online.org/.

 

 

References:

1. Wagner M. Choosing Cesarean Section. Lancet 2000; 356: 1677-80.
2. Ryding, Elsa Lena, Wijma, Klaas & Wijma, Barbro. Experiences of Emergency Cesarean Section: A Phenomenological Study of 53 Women. Birth 1998; 25 (4), 246-251.
3. Soet, Johanna E., Brack, Gregory A. & DiIorio, Colleen. Prevalence and Predictors of Women’s Experience of Psychological Trauma During Childbirth. Birth 2003; 30 (1), 36-46.
4. Koo, Vincent, Lynch, Janine & Cooper, Stephen. Risk of postnatal depression after emergency delivery. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research 2003; 29 (4), 246-250.
5. Gupta J, Glanville J, Johnson N, et al. The effect of squatting on pelvic dimensions. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1991;42: 19-22.
6. Parry S, Severs CP, Sehdev HM, Macones GA, White LM, Morgan MA. Ultrasonographic Prediction of Fetal Macrosomia: Association with Cesarean Delivery. J Reprod Med 2000;45:17-22.
7. Haram, Kjell, Pirohonen; Jouko, Bergsjo. Suspected big baby: a difficult clinical problem in obstetrics. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 2002; 81 (3), 185-194.
8. Sandmire, Herbert F. & Woolley, Robert J. IN THE LITERATURE Macrosomia: Can We Prevent Big Problems with Big Babies? Birth 25 1998; (4), 263-267.
9. Kozinszky, Zoltán, Orvos, Hajnalka, Zoboki, Tünde, Katona, Márta, Wayda, Kornelia, Pál, Attilla, Kovács, László. Risk factors for cesarean section of primiparous women aged over 35 years. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 2002; 81 (4), 313-316.
10. Qublan, Hussein, Alghoweri, Ahmad, Al-Taani, Mohammad, Abu-Khait, Sami, Abu-Salem, Areej & Merhej, Ahmad. Cesarean section rate: The effect of age and parity. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2002; 28 (1), 22-25.
11. Kozinszky, Zoltán, Zádori, János, Orvos, Hajnalka, Katona, Márta, Pál, Attila & Kovács, László. Obstetric and neonatal risk of pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology: a matched control study. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 2003; 82 (9), 850-856.
12. Brabin, Loretta, Verhoeff, Francine, Brabin, Bernard. Maternal height, birthweight and cephalo pelvic disproportion in urban Nigeria and rural Malawi. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 2002; 81 (6), 502-507.
13. Usta, Ihab M., Nassar, Anwar H., Khabbaz, Antoun Y. & Abu Musa, Antoine A. Undiagnosed term breech: Impact on mode of delivery and neonatal outcome. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 2003; 82 (9), 841-844.
14. Keirse, Marc J.N.C. Evidence-Based Childbirth Only For Breech Babies? .Birth 2002; 29 (1), 55-59.
15. Janni, Wolfgang, Schiessl, Barbara, Peshcers, Ursula, Huber, Sandra, Strobl, Barbara, Hantschmann, Peer, Uhlmann, Natalie, Dimpfl, Thomas, Rammel, Gerhard & Kainer, Franz.. The prognostic impact of a prolonged second stage of labor on maternal and fetal outcome. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 2002; 81 (3), 214-221.
16. Wagner M. Choosing Cesarean Section. Lancet 2000;356: 1677-80.
17. World Health Organization. Appropriate technology for birth. Lancet 1985; 2:436-7.
18. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2010. 2nd ed. With Understanding and Improving Health and Objectives for Improving Health. 2 vols. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, November 2000.Objective 16-9.
19. Henderson EJ & Love EJ. Incidence of hospital-acquired infections associated with cesarean section. J Hosp Infect 1995; 29: 245-255.
20. van Ham MA, van Dongen PW & Mulder J. Maternal consequences of caesarean section. A retrospective study of intra-operative and postoperative maternal complications of caesarean section during a 10-year period. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1997; 74: 1-6.
21. Engelsen, Ingeborg Bøe, Albrechtsen, Susanne & Iversen, Ole Erik. Peripartum hysterectomy-incidence and maternal morbidity. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 2001 80 (5), 409-412.
22. Bergholt, Thomas, Stenderup, Jens Karl, Vedsted-Jakobsen, Agnete, Helm, Peter & Lenstrup, Carsten. Intraoperative surgical complication during cesarean section: an observational study of the incidence and risk factors. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 2003; 82 (3), 251-256.
23. Naef RW III, Washburne JF, Martin RW et al. Hemorrhage associated with cesarean delivery: When is transfusion needed? J Perinatol 1995; 15: 32-35.
24. Eisenkop SM, Richman R, Platt LD & Paul RH. Urinary tract injury during cesarean section. Obstet Gynecol 1982; 60: 591-596.
25. Davis JD. Management of injuries to the urinary and gastrointestinal tract during cesarean section. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 1999; 26: 469-480.
26. Wolf Y, Haddad R, Werbin N, Skornick Y, Kaplan O. Endometriosis in abdominal scars: A diagnostic pitfall. Am Surg 1996; 62(12):1042-4.
27. Wolf GC, Singh KB. Cesarean scar endometriosis: A review. Obstet Gynecol Surv 1989; 44(2):89-95.
28. Lydon-Rochelle M, Holt VL, Martin DP, Easterling TR. Association between method of delivery and maternal rehospitalization. J Amer Med Assoc 2000; 283(18):2411-2416.
29. Lydon-Rochelle M, Holt VL, Martin DP, Easterling TR. Association between method of delivery and maternal rehospitalization. J Amer Med Assoc 2000; 283(18):2411-2416.
30. Kawashima, Y., Takahashi, S., Suzuki, M., Morita, K., Irita, K., Iwao, Y., Seo, N., Tsuzaki, K., Dohi, S., Kobayashi, T., Goto, Y., Suzuki, G., Fujii, A., Suzuki, H., Yokoyama, K. & Kugimiya, T. Anesthesia-related mortality and morbidity over a 5-year period in 2,363,038 patients in Japan. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 2003; 47 (7), 809-817.
31. Lydon-Rochelle M, Holt VL, Martin DP, Easterling TR. Association between method of delivery and maternal rehospitalization. J Amer Med Assoc 2000; 283(18):2411-2416.
32. Lydon-Rochelle MT, Holt VL, Martin DP. Delivery method and self-reported postpartum general health status among primiparous women. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2001 Jul;15(3):241-2.
33. Ryding, Elsa Lena, Wijma, Klaas & Wijma, Barbro. Experiences of Emergency Cesarean Section: A Phenomenological Study of 53 Women. Birth 1998; 25 (4), 246-251.
34. Hesham Al-Inany. Intrauterine adhesions; An update. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 1998; Vol. 80, 11: 986-993.
35. Almeida EC, Nogueira AA, Candido dos Reis FJ, Rosa e Silva JC. Cesarean section as a cause of chronic pelvic pain. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2002 Nov;79(2):101-4.
36. Zaideh, SM et al. Placenta praevia and accreta: Analysis of a two-year experience. Gynecol Obstet Invest 1998; 46(2):96-8.
37. Ananth, CV et al. The association of placenta previa with history of cesarean delivery and abortion: A meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997; 177(5):1071-78.
38. Miller DA, Chollet JA & Goodwin TM. Clinical risk factors for placenta previa-placenta accreta. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997; 177: 210-214.
39. Hemminki, E and Merilainen, J. Long-term effects of cesarean sections: Ectopic pregnancies and placental problems. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996; 174(5):1569-74.
40. Hall MH, Campbell DM, Fraser C & Lemon J. Mode of delivery and future fertility. Brit J Obstet Gynecol 1989; 96: 1297-1303.
41. Wagner M. Choosing Cesarean Section. Lancet 2000;356: 1677-80.
42. Morrison JJ, Rennie JM, Milton PJ. Neonatal respiratory morbidity and mode of delivery at term: Influence of timing of elective caesarean section. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1995; 102:101-6.
43. Hales KA, Morgan MA, Thurnau GR. Influence of labor and route of delivery on the frequency of respiratory morbidity in term neonates. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1993; 43(1):35-40.
44. Levine EM, Ghai V, Barton JJ, Strom CM. Mode of delivery and risk of respiratory diseases in newborns. Obstet Gynecol 2001;97(3):439-42.
45. Parilla BV, Dooley SL, Jansen RD, and Socol ML. Iatrogenic respiratory distress syndrome following elective repeat cesarean delivery. Obstet Gynecol 1993; 81(3):392-5.
46. Lydon-Rochelle MT, Holt VL, Martin DP. Delivery method and self-reported postpartum general health status among primiparous women. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2001 Jul;15(3):241-2.
47. Lydon-Rochelle M, Holt VL, Martin DP, Easterling TR. Association between method of delivery and maternal rehospitalization. J Amer Med Assoc 2000; 283(18):2411-2416.
48. Levine EM, Ghai V, Barton JJ, Strom CM. Mode of delivery and risk of respiratory diseases in newborns. Obstet Gynecol 2001; 97:439–42.
49. Smith J, Hernandez C, Wax J 1997. Fetal laceration injury at cesarean delivery. Obstet Gynecol 90:344-6.
50. Fawcett J, Pollio N & Tully A. Women’s perceptions of cesarean and vaginal delivery: Another look. Res Nurs Health 1992; 15: 439-446
51. Brown, Mark A., Rad, Parmis Y. & Halonen, Marilyn J. (2003) Method of birth alters interferon-gamma and interleukin-12 production by cord blood mononuclear cells. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 14 (2), 106-111.
52. Soet, Johanna E., Brack, Gregory A. & DiIorio, Colle en. Prevalence and Predictors of Women’s Experience of Psychological Trauma During Childbirth. Birth 2003; 30 (1), 36-46.
53. Dahlberg, Karin, Berg, Marie & Lundgren, Ingela. Commentary: Studying Maternal Experiences of Childbirth. Birth 1999; 26 (4), 215-217.
54. Rowe-Murray, Heather J. & Fisher, Jane R.W. Baby Friendly Hospital Practices: Cesarean Section is a Persistent Barrier to Early Initiation of Breastfeeding. Birth 2002; 29 (2), 124-131.
55. Sleutel, Martha R. Intrapartum Nursing Care: A Case Study of Supportive Interventions and Ethical Conflicts. Birth 2000; 27 (1), 38-45.
56. FIGO Committee for the Ethical Aspects of Human Reproduction and Women’s Health. Ethical aspects regarding cesarean delivery for non-medical reasons. Int J Obs & Gynae;64:317-322, 1999
57. Beilin, Y., Friedman, F., Andres, L. A., Hossain, S. & Bodian, C. A. The effect of the obstetrician group and epidural analgesia on the risk for cesarean delivery in nulliparous women. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 2000; 44 (8), 959-964.
58. Greene, M.F. (2001).Vaginal delivery after cesarean section-is the risk acceptable? N Eng J Med 345:54-5.
59. Wagner M. Choosing Cesarean Section. Lancet 2000;356: 1677-80.
60. Lydon-Rochelle M, Holt VL, Easterling TR, Martin DP. Risk of uterine rupture during labor among women with prior cesarean delivery. N Engl J Med 2001;345:3-8.
61. Mozerkewich, EL and Hutton EK.Elective repeat cesarean delivery versus trial of labor: A meta-analysis of the literature from 1989 to 1999. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000 Nov.; Vol. 183, 1187-1197.
62. Gregory KD, Korst, LM, Cane P, Platt, LD, Kahn, K. Vaginal Birth After Cesarean and Uterine Rupture Rates in California. Obstet Gynecol 1999 Dec; Vol.94, 985-989.
63. Rageth JC, Juzi C, Grossenbacher, H. Delivery After Previous Cesarean: A Risk Evaluation. Obstet Gynecol 1999 Mar; 93: 332-337.
64. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (1999). Vaginal birth after previous cesarean delivery. ACOG Practice Bulletin, No. 5. Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
65. Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Vaginal Birth after Previous Caesarean Birth. SOGC Clinical Practice Guidelines Policy Statement No. 68. JSOGC 1997;19:1425-28.
66. Mozurkewich. VBAC Safer than You Think. ObG Management 2002; 14:56.
67. Morrison JJ, Rennie JM, Milton PJ. Neonatal respiratory morbidity and mode of delivery at term: Influence of timing of elective caesarean section. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1995; 102:101-6.
68. Hales KA, Morgan MA, Thurnau GR. Influence of labor and route of delivery on the frequency of respiratory morbidity in term neonates. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1993; 43(1):35-40.
69. Levine EM, Ghai V, Barton JJ, Strom CM. Mode of delivery and risk of respiratory diseases in newborns. Obstet Gynecol 2001;97(3):439-42.
70. Parilla BV, Dooley SL, Jansen RD, and Socol ML. Iatrogenic respiratory distress syndrome following elective repeat cesarean delivery. Obstet Gynecol 1993; 81(3):392-5.

 

This may be copied and distributed with retained copyright.
© International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Feb
11
2009
0

The Business of Being Born

I highly recommend this DVD to help educate yourself about birth in the USA today and what your options are. For those women who choose to give birth in the hospital, education is extremely important to help you make informed decisions about your care. Having good support from your doula has been shown to dramatically decrease the rate of major interventions during labor and birth. Your doula will be an information source in helping you navigate through the many decisions that you will be asked to make during your labor, and she will also be able to help advocate for you at a time when it is commonly very difficult for you to advocate for yourself.

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Feb
10
2009
0

Using a Birth Ball for Pregnancy and Labor

How to Use a Birth Ball For Pregnancy And Labor: Finding Comfort …

This is a great article and video about some of the ways that you can use a birth ball during your pregnancy and labor.  Practicing ahead of time on your own, with your partner, and with your doula will help tremendously in preparation and helping you to feel comfortable with the ball.

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Jan
21
2009
0

What’s So Good About Labor?

Catecholamines
The Process of labor does stress an infant, resulting in a release of stress hormones (catecholamines, pronounced “cat-a-cola-means”) that are crucial for the protection and good health of the baby.
Catecholamines cause vital processes in the baby which help it survive and adapt at birth, according to researchers Hugo Lagercrantz and Theodore Slotkin. The effects of the catecholamines on a baby, which include a slowing of the heart rate, protect it from less oxygen during contractions. The baby is also put into a highly alert state that researchers believe may help in infant attachment at birth.

From: A Good Birth & A Safe Birth

What do Catecholamines do?
*Improves Breathing
*Increases lung surfactant
*Increases lung-liquid absorption
*Improves lung compliance
*Dilates bronchioles
*Protects Heart and Brain
*Increases blood flow to vital organs
*Mobilizes Fuel
*Breaks down normal fat into fatty acids
*Breaks down glycogen (in liver) to glucose
*Stimulates new production of glucose by liver
*Facilitates Bonding?
*Dilates pupils
*Appears to increase alertness

From: “The Stress of Being Born”, Lagercrantz and Slotkin

Endorphins-The Body’s Natural Narcotic
Circulating throughout your body are natural hormones that relax you when stressed and relieve pain when you hurt. Most mothers don’t even know these biologic labor assistants exist and, more important, that they can influence when and how these hormones are released. In the 1970’s researchers studying drug addiction stumbled upon the presence of specialized areas in the brain, called receptor sites, for morphine-like substances. They discovered endorphins (from, endogenous, meaning “produced in the body,” and morphine-like substances), chemical pain relievers produced in the nerve cell that attach to receptor sites on the cell blunting the sensation of pain in these cells. Here’s what we know about these natural remedies and how they can work for you.
*Endorphin levels go up during contractions in active labor (especially during the second stage of labor), are highest just after birth and return to prelabor levels two weeks postpartum.
*Endorphin levels were found to be highest during vaginal deliveries, less high in cesarean births in which the mother had also labored, and lowest in cesarean births performed before mother’s labor had begun.
*Endorphin levels are elevated in newborns who had signs of fetal distress during delivery. The baby also receives these natural pain relievers during birth.
*Endorphin levels are increased during strenuous exercise, and there is no activity in the world that is more strenuous than labor.
*As an added benefit, endorphins stimulate the secretion of prolactin, the relaxing “mothering” hormone that regulates milk production and gives a woman a boost in interacting with her baby. Researchers believe that it is a combination of these hormones that contribute to the “birth high”.
*Endorphins may account for the “high” mothers experience after a birth when sleep eludes them. Also, it seems possible that a mother having a surgical birth without going through labor may experience lower hormone levels after birth, which could account for the sometimes observed delay in milk supply after a cesarean birth.
*Like commercially produced narcotics, endorphins behave differently from woman to woman. This may be why some women are more sensitive to pain than others.
*Instead of the periodic “blast” you get with injectable narcotics (often making you groggy), your endorphins give you steady assistance throughout labor.
*Laboring mothers who are aware of these hormonal effects describe their feelings as “naturally drugged.” Set the birthing conditions that let these labor helpers work for you.

From: The Birth Book by William Sears MD & Martha Sears RN

Labor For a While Before Your Cesarean
You may think, “Why should I go through all that work and pain if I’m going to have a cesarean anyway?” While it may be inconvenient for the hospital or doctor, it is often medically beneficial for your baby if you labor as long as possible before an elective cesarean. Besides indication that baby is ready to be born, some precesarean contractions let the baby benefit from the natural hormones of labor. Studies show that babies delivered by cesarean after mothers labor a while have fewer breathing problems in the first few days after birth than babies whose mothers were not in labor. Labor prepares baby for changes that are coming rather than being snatched from his nest without warning.

From: The Birth Book by Dr. William Sears

http://www.mothersnature.com/pregnancy/info/catech.html

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Jan
15
2009
0

Fetal Oxygen Monitors

Study: Fetal oxygen monitors don’t help

newborns, moms

A large government study has concluded that monitoring fetal oxygen levels during labor does not lead to healthier newborns or reduce unnecessary Caesarean deliveries.

Fetal monitoring has long been controversial. Since the 1970s, doctors have routinely listened to fetal heartbeats despite no real evidence that it did any good. In fact, some research found that it increased the number of C-sections by making doctors nervously reach for a scalpel whenever the monitor showed an abnormal blip.

New technology that measures oxygen levels in the blood of a fetus was thought to offer a better way to tell which babies were truly at risk. In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration conditionally approved one such device, but required further study before allowing it into general use.

The study, published in Thursday’s New England Journal of Medicine, was the biggest to date, involving more than 5,000 women, and was meant to be the definitive word. It was halted early because of overwhelming evidence that the technology was ineffective.

“There’s no reason to use it,” said lead author Dr. Steven Bloom, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “We didn’t find any evidence of harm, but why should we invest valuable health care dollars in something that doesn’t have a proven benefit?”

In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Michael Greene of Massachusetts General Hospital, who had no role in the research, noted that for once, an expensive technology can be stopped before it finds its way into widespread use. Fetal oxygen monitors are not part of routine care.

“This genie has not yet escaped from the bottle,” he wrote.

In fact, Pleasanton, California-based Nellcor, which received FDA approval to market its OxiFirst devices, stopped selling them earlier this year because of a lack of demand, said company spokeswoman Kristin Garvin.

Garvin could not say how many fetal oxygen machines are installed in U.S. hospitals. In a news release 18 months after gaining FDA approval, Nellcor estimated that more than 400 devices have been used to monitor the births of about 9,000 U.S. babies.

Fetal oxygen machines are designed to be used with traditional electronic monitors, which track heart rate to determine whether the fetus is experiencing stress or lacking oxygen.

In the study, doctors monitored the fetal oxygen levels in 5,341 women pregnant for the first time at 14 university hospitals in the United States. Once a woman’s water breaks, a sensor is inserted into her uterus and placed against the fetus’ temple or cheek. The sensor provides an up-to-the-minute reading of the fetus’ oxygen levels. (The fetal oxygen monitors cost about $10,000 each and the sensors about $150 apiece.)

The women were then randomly separated into two groups. In one group, doctors could read the oxygen levels. For the other group, the information was hidden.

In each group, about 26 percent of deliveries were done by C-section. Doctors also found no difference between the two groups in stillbirths, infections or other newborn problems.

The research was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, part of the National Institutes of Health. Researchers had planned on enrolling 10,000 women, but the study was discontinued because no benefit was seen.

In a statement, the FDA said it was reviewing the study and may revise the label on the monitors or inform hospitals about the findings. The agency said it is unlikely it would withdraw its approval of OxiFirst based on this study alone.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/11/22/fetal.monitors.ap/index.html?eref=yahoo

Brenda’s note: I was unable to open this link the last time I checked, I think it must be too old. I would like to give credit to the author of this article if anyone ever finds another good reference for it. Thanks!

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Jan
10
2009
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What First Time Mothers Should Know About Pregnancy And Childbirth

What First Time Mothers Should Know About Pregnancy And Childbirth

For anyone who is pregnant for the first time, the idea of childbirth can be frightening and a bit overwhelming. Typically, a pregnancy takes anywhere from 38 to 42 weeks. Though many first-time mothers indicated that their babies were delivered past their due date, it is always best to be ready and prepared for what is to come during childbirth.

With the advent of modern science and technology in childbirth and childcare, many modern women are afforded more advantages with regards to having a baby than their older counterparts had, and many of these women take advantage of these opportunities. Instead of spending 38 to 42 weeks getting all worked up before the birth of the baby, learn and educate yourself on the process as well as how to care for your newborn.

Nowadays, hospitals and communities offer prenatal classes to prepare you for childbirth during the third trimester. Not only that, libraries as well as the Internet, offer a wealth of information on matters concerning childbirth and child care. Remember though, even with all the preparation every woman’s childbirth is different and unique.

However preparation can equip you with knowledge and this will make you well informed. The thought of childbirth having been gone through by millions of women since the dawn of man offers little consolation to most women. This is because the fear of what is to come is terrifying.

Knowledge however can assist in that it provides a small sense of control over the whole situation. Now women are actively involved in their birthing plans and inform their doctor or midwife how they would like the childbirth to be carried out if all is well with the baby. Although complications can limit your childbirth choices, there are various options that you can choose from for your birth plan.

To prepare for childbirth you can opt to take up childbirth classes, Lamaze classes, hire a doula or labour coach, and read up on the subject. Even though the idea of childbirth and labour can be scary for a first-time mother, in the end it will all be worth it. Once the baby is placed in the mother’s arm, all the pain and discomfort will become nothing but a vague memory.

By learning and understanding the labour and delivery process, you can help prepare yourself for the childbirth. There are many women who claimed that attending Lamaze classes eased their mind as they know what to expect. Having a labour coach, be it your spouse, a partner, your best friend or even a doula can greatly help you throughout the whole process.

As most women opt for natural childbirth, there are others out there who choose a water birth or a home birth. The thing that ties them all together is the fact that each labour and delivery experience will be different for all women.

While you may have had a rough idea as to the type of experiences you would likely have during the birth of your children, take note that there are many other issues and factors that could have an effect on that idea. Remember that the most important thing about all of this is the end result, having a beautiful healthy baby which will make it all worthwhile.

By: Juzaily Ramli

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Juzaily Ramli is the owner of Pregnancy Website. Find out why it is so important to be prepared for your pregnancy at an early stage at Pregnancy Signs and Pregnancy Stages.

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