Birth Boot Camp: Class 7

Class 7 – Cadence: The Sights and Sounds of Natural Childbirth Cadence: noun – a work song sung during physical activity or training. The moment you’ve been waiting for – the birth of your baby! Cadence: the Sights and Sounds of Birth will tie together the birth videos viewed throughout the class series, giving you a clear picture of birth. Water birth and optimal positioning for mom and baby will be covered. Replace fear with joy and anticipation of meeting your baby for the very first time.

Pushing Positions:

1. Sitting upright, leaning on partner: makes resting between contractions easier
2. Pushing w/one leg raised: help release baby shoulder, mom could catch baby
3. Birthing Stool: mom may feel more in control
4. Side-lying: allows for rest, less likely to tear, mom may feel less in control
5. Squatting: widens pelvis by 30%, uses gravity
6. Sitting upright, leaning on partner: birth tub, great for short women,
7. Hands and knees: good for shoulder dystocia or larger baby, relives back pressure, less likely to tear

Notes from our instructor: 

The pushing part of labor is often what people imagine when they think of birth. In reality, pushing comes at the end of the intense LABOR of labor and is often longer and quite different than you may see portrayed on television. As with pregnancy, labor sensations, and due dates, everybody experiences this stage a little differently.

This article gives some helpful tips and answers to frequently asked questions concerning this very exciting time of birth when you are so close to meeting your baby.

This article looks at the practice of episiotomy and if it is merited. (Hint, it usually isn’t!) It also offers links at the bottom of the page if you would prefer to read the research yourself. The illustrations are helpful in comprehending what is really happening to a woman’s vagina in this often discussed cut. The likelihood of episiotomy varies greatly regionally and from one provider to another. Find out what is common with yours. You won’t regret it.

Many women are concerned with tearing of the perineum. This article has some information regarding things that can help prevent that.

Relaxation Exercise: Rainbow

This is a favorite of many couples. Easy to remember, the imagery is beautiful, inviting, and peaceful. Try practicing relaxation in a variety of positions this week: reclining in a chair, in the bathtub, sitting on a birth ball. 

You will want to be moving around in labor and will need to be able to relax in a number of different positions.

Birthing video:  https://www.facebook.com/circulofloreser/videos/744147002368203/