1. Visualization This is my personal favorite as I know firsthand the power of visualization for coping with labor sensations. In my second birth story, I wrote about how practicing visualizations in pregnancy helped prepare me for the energetic shifts of labor, during which we experience an altered state of consciousness and move between brainwaveContinue reading “My 3 Favorite Comfort Measures For Labor”
Category Archives: Labor Tools & Comfort Measures
Basic Labor Strategies
Behold, basic labor strategies for a natural birth! Alas, we do know the labor process is largely unpredictable (shall we say wonderfully mysterious?) and typically not wanting to follow any kind of measured, mechanical pattern. This list of ideas can be helpful even if your labor doesn’t compartmentalize itself into neat and easily identified “stages.”Continue reading “Basic Labor Strategies”
What’s In My Doula Bag?
First, I would like to preface by saying I firmly believe in a birthing person’s ability to bring a baby into the world without a whole lot of (or any) “stuff.” I never use all the contents of my bag, I often rely on one or two things, and I sometimes even forgo all ofContinue reading “What’s In My Doula Bag?”
Laughter in Labor
Having a good time in labor actually helps it progress. And why not be open to the possibility of enjoying yourself in labor? After all, it leads to the birth of your child — a momentous event worth celebrating! Studies have shown laughter offers many health benefits, including: helps manage pain – when muscles areContinue reading “Laughter in Labor”
How a Chinese Finger Trap Teaches About Birth
I found a Chinese finger trap in my kids’ leftover party decorations the other day and, on a whim to avoid my present responsibilities, I felt drawn to playing with it. Naturally, my mind wandered to birth, which is pretty normal… but it seemed like the finger trap was trying to tell me something important.Continue reading “How a Chinese Finger Trap Teaches About Birth”