Hypnobirthing

In my quest of finding the "perfect" childbirth class to take, I came across Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan. There was an instructor in the Valley (who has since moved away) and it worked out that my husband and sister could attend the classes with me. I was instantly impressed with the book, materials, and basic philosiphy behind the method. The book was small and very easy to read. It had so much new information that was not present in many other pregnancy books. The book came with a practice CD, which is a vital part to the program. In Hypnobirthing, or any other similar method, you HAVE to practice your relaxation skills. Most people have to train their bodies to relax, especially under extreme circumstances. Naturally, this will come easier to some people and harder for others.....but everyone can learn.

I think the most important part of this program is understanding the "FEAR" section and how it can effect your birth. I find it ironic that we never hear about the side effects of harboring fear during childbirth and yet this book has an incredible chapter on the origins of fear and how to release it. Obviously, there is a lot to possibly fear, so don't feel guilty....we all do! In reality, that fear is healthy and we only need to learn how to surpress it, rather than get rid of it all together. That same fear, is God-given to help kick in our instincts to protect our babies when needed.

Studies have shown that Hypnobirthing can greatly reduce the length of labor. The philosophy behind that theory makes sense....the more you relax that faster your body is able to work. My first labor would have held up true to this theory.....5 hours after my first contraction my son was born. So those of you looking into this method......go for it and remember to practice!!! Release those fears, relax, and embrace the process your body will go through to bring you your beautiful baby!!

Earth Mama Angel Baby

I was first introduced to Earth Mama Angel Baby after my first son was born. I was attracted to how unique the products were to the pregnancyl & baby markets. There are very few products on the market that cater to the wide assortment that EMAB does and even fewer organic and natural products. My love for them was basically the beginning of my business. There was no where in Alaska to purchase these products, so it gave me a great idea to sell products at discount prices to provide other pregnant moms options.

Here are two of my favorites:




Both of these products are MUST HAVES after a normal vaginal birth. Who knows how many pregnancy books I've read, but in everyone of them they seem to skip over the part about after-birth soreness. I suppose it seems logical, but after my births I really had no idea how sore I would really be. These products helped sooth my stiches and sore bottom. The bottom balm is great for stitches, hemroids, tears or anything else that might be tender. It has a cooling effect and does not sting at all, but feels WONDERFUL!! The Bottom Spray is great for spraying after you go to the bathroom to relieve any soreness. It feels great and gives you that sense of CLEAN in an area you'd rather not touch for awhile!!

I'm currently selling both of these products in my store, so email me if you want to try them!! I have them on sale for 10% off the normal retail price and if you mention you saw them on this blog, I'll ship for free and sell you both for $23.00. They are currently $12.55 each

www.blessingsfromthewomb.com/pregnancy.htm

To Doula or Not to Doula

I often receive emails from women interested in a doula, but not sure they want to spend the money to have one. I'm sure knowing all the other expenses that occur during your pregnancy and birth, it's sometimes hard to justify spending more money.

Here's my advice.......A doula is truly a priceless gift for yourself and your baby, especially if you are feeling that you need that extra support from someone other than your husband/partner. It's hard to explain the emotional encouragement, support, and warmth that a doula can add to your birthing experience, but I can guarantee you that you will benefit greatly~ Doula's in Alaska usually charge an average of $400, but you can often find new doulas who are looking for births to complete their certification requirements, for little to no cost at all. Obviously, paying for a doula will give you more experience, but don't be convinced that paying more will get you more. I tell many of my clients that they really shouldn't base their decision on price, but on the connection they feel with someone. It's vital that you connect with whomever you choose as your doula, because they will be sharing one of the most intimate experiences in your life with you and the last thing you want to feel is uncomfortable. Interview and talk to several doulas, then pick your favorite!!

The good news is that doulas are working hard to get insurance companies to start taking a look at the value of women having doulas. We are hoping that within the next few years, insurance companies will start covering labor support staff. So, if you are using a doula, have your doula give you a receipt with the proper medical code to bill your insurance. Even if they don't cover it, the more requests they get the more likely they are to pay attention!! If they'd only recognize the decrease in costly interventions that having a doula can bring....then maybe they'd be more likely to cover us!! I'm excited for that day, not for my sake, but for the millions of women out there who would love to have a doula and benefit greatly from having one, but just can't afford one. Imagine a world where every women who wanted a doula could have one!!!! We might just see a drastic change in the outcomes of births in this country!!! (Smile!!)

Now for those of you that absolutely can't afford or find a doula for your birth.........There is a handy little book that is perfect for you and your support person to read and bring with you to your birth. It outlines what to do when, different positions to try, encouraging words, and other useful information that will help you........sort of like having a doula in your back pocket!! It's called The Labor Progress Handbook 2nd Edition..... it retails for about $30. Here is a link to purchase it:

http://dona.org/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DB&Product_Code=B-TLPH&Category_Code=B2

Blessings to your beautiful births!!! No matter what you choose, remember that ultimately, you have the power to have a positive birth......it's all in the MIND!!! Your body is a powerful machine that is designed to have babies.....your brain is even more powerful in how you perceive and react to your birthing experience....think positive and positive will happen!!!