Birth Boot Camp: Class 5

Class 5 is all about the stages of birth.

Deployment: transitive verb – to place in formation or appropriate positions, to arrange for a deliberate purpose, to move. Baby has decided to move out! Knowing what to expect takes the fear out of labor – for moms and their partners! Learn about the different phases of labor and what you can most likely expect to physically take place.

We learned that there are three stages of labor and delivery.

1st Stage: Pre-labor 

1st Stage: Early Labor

1st Stage: Active Labor

1st Stage: Transition

2nd Stage: Pushing Phase

3rd Stage: Delivery of the Placenta

Notes from our insturctor:

"The First Stage of Labor is the time when the uterus is contracting in order to open the cervix and let the baby descend. The basic mechanics of birth are virtually the same for all women. How everything plays out, in terms of duration, sensation, pain, time of onset of labor and virtually everything else varies greatly.

For this reason, part of class five is reading birth stories. You can find a link with over 100 birth stories here. Though the majority are positive, notice how very differently the women labor. Also notice the different choices they make from birth place to birth attendant, to natural birth or narcotic pain relief.

No matter how much we try to map and explain and predict labor, it simply can’t be done. Enjoy the beauty in the individual labor that you and your baby are given. Try to read a few birth stories a day to help prepare your mind for what happens in labor.

This link has a video showing what happens internally when the mother and baby labor together.

Relaxation Exercise: Flower Visualization

In “Deployment: Baby on the Move,” you learned about the process of labor. The image of a flower opening is very effective for a laboring woman. Focus on your breathing as you practice relaxation. The breath should come from deep in your abdomen. Women tend to be shallow, or chest, breathers. Breathing from your abdomen will influence how easily and effectively you are able to relax. Become aware of your breath this week, even in your daily activities.

Recipes that incorporate leafy green vegetables:

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/ingredient/green_vegetables/

Breathing and relaxation exercises/Mindfulness Exercises:

http://www.giftedguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Every-Mindfulness-Exercise-I-Know.pdf"