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 brainwave … Continue reading My 3 Favorite Comfort Measures For Labor
Tag: childbirth
Book Review: “Birth As An American Rite of Passage”
“Birth as an American Rite of Passage” is an important book for learning about the different models and perspectives of childbirth, from the medical or technocratic to the holistic or “natural.” A largely controversial topic, I think the text does a nice job tackling this conversation by sharing information and making thoughtful arguments without ostracizing. … Continue reading Book Review: “Birth As An American Rite of Passage”
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 Led Me to Birth Work
When I was young, I wanted to be a pet shop owner and a book author and illustrator. In my teenage years I desperately wished to be a film critic. I studied journalism at University, hoping to get my foot in the door at a newspaper or magazine to write articles. Then I became unexpectedly … Continue reading What Led Me to Birth Work
When To Call Your Doula in Labor
This is such a common question I felt it important to at least briefly address. When should you call your doula in labor? When is too early... or too late? What's the "sweet spot"? Why does timing matter? I'll cover all this and more below! Do keep in mind that every doula has her own … Continue reading When To Call Your Doula in Labor