Comfort Measures for Labor

Let's face it, giving birth isn't exactly a stroll through the park. 

For mothers looking for a drug free birth, comfort measures are everything. Our bodies go through a lot of changes during the delivery process and moving in different positions can alleviate some of the discomfort. 

Hey sweetheart, help me out here.

Dad's and partners, do your part! 

Having your partner lend a helping hand in coaching you through each transition, it can encourage them to feel more confident along the way. Practice some of these labor positions with your other half before the big day comes to be as prepared as can be. 

If you're expecting and expecting a doula, she'll be there to walk you through each position before you head into labor. With baby on the way you can re-position your body to alleviate some tension on your pelvic floor, back and hips.  

Photo: ChildbirthConnection.com

Rock a Bye Baby 

As a southern mom to be, a rocking chair is no new invention. Use this comfy chair to your advantage by elevating your feet and gently rocking. The motion will help your mind focus through discomforts and elevating your feet will take strain off your back and promote circulation. Sometimes it's even helpful to sit on a cushion or a heating pad. 

Photo: ChildbirthConnection.com

Slow Dance

We'll call this one "The Waiting Waltz." Your partner can hold or massage your back and rocking back and forth to music helps get your blood flowing and your weight better distributed between contractions. Listening to your favorite slow songs can also help you focus and recenter your mind away from discomfort to put you more at ease.

Photo: ChildbirthConnection.com

Have a Ball

A big exercise ball is your birthing best friend. Balancing on the ball, rocking or using it to support you while you stand can help your baby descend and take some pressure off your hips and lower body. Many women also use a peanut shaped ball between their legs to align their hips and help get the ball rolling on baby's arrival. 

Photo: ChildbirthConnection.com

The Climb

It's not the mountain, it's the climb! Climbing stairs slowly helps distract you from discomforts and encourages your baby to position properly. Your partner can lend a helping hand keeping you focused and motivated while you power through your contractions.

Every birthing body is different. 

What works awesome for some laboring moms won't work for others. Don't be hesitant to test new positions and techniques to alleviate some or your delivery discomfort.  

Summer Vacation Tips for the Mom to Be

Pregnancy is a Trip.

Summer vacations always come with their fair share of challenges, but when you add a pregnancy to the mix, things really heat up. 

Literally. 

Just because you're spending your summer counting down the days to your baby's arrival, doesn't mean you can't plan an incredible summer vacation and keep your cool while doing it. Sometimes you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle to relax. We put together some of our favorite travel tips for expectant moms to help you stay cool while you enjoy a few days away to relax.

You Are Now Free to Move About the Cabin

It's a huge misconception that flying is off limits while you're pregnant. If you aren't counting down the last couple weeks to go, air travel is safe for you and your baby. Many airlines limit air travel for passengers that are within their last 4 weeks of their due date so if your destination involves a plane trip, you'll need a note from your doctor clearing you for travel. 

To stay more comfortable on board, splurge for the extra legroom and park your seat as close as possible to the restroom for ease of use. Don't be shy to bring the pillows or blankets you need to situate yourself comfortably in the seat or wear shoes that are easy to kick off when you need some extra breathing room. Connecting flights are usually better because it gives you a chance to stretch your legs and fuel up along the way. 

Layer Up Buttercup

Dressing in layers is an absolute must for traveling mom's to be. Whether you're cooped up in the car, plane, train or boat it can be tough to stay comfortable or rest when you're too hot or have the air conditioning turning you into a Popsicle. Dress in flowy, breathable layers that are lightweight enough to keep you cool but can give you some relief if you catch a chill.

Rest Up

While it's fun to go zooming around on roller coasters at a theme park, your pregnant summer days are better spent at a slower pace. Incorporate plenty of breaks into your itinerary and even some naps along the way. It'll be less stressful on your mind and body if you don't plan an action packed day out and you save plenty of time to change your mind, explore or even catch some shut eye. After all, it's your vacation! 

No matter where you choose to vacation, some relaxing days away can be just what the doctor ordered.

Always pack your birth plan and even a few baby items just in case, and you'll be ready for a fun filled vacation with your family and friends. 

Now the only question is, 

Where to?!

Fourth of July Fun in Louisville

Summer is here and it's star-spangled. 

We're gearing up for some Fourth of July fun with our family and friends and even though the holiday is falling on a Tuesday, it's not getting in the way of our city's celebration. 

Independence day isn't all about hot dogs and hamburgers, it's an opportunity to let our patriotism shine bright and recognize all the things that make America a beautiful place to be. 

If you're not sure where to celebrate all things red white and blue with the kids, we've put together a few of the events and activities that are always a hit with our family for you to visit. So grab your sparklers and head down to Louisville's Fourth of July celebration!

Jeffersonville Independence Celebration 

Kids love fireworks but it can be tough to keep them from getting fussy while crowds flock to waterfront park for a good view. The Jeffersonville Independence Celebration is a complete family fun day that'll tire out your tots for a relaxed evening of food, fun and fireworks. Families can enjoy inflatables, live music and games as well as the best view of the fireworks that light up the Ohio River. Pack some snacks, a sweatshirt, bug spray and some lawn chairs and head on over for one of the coolest

Bullitt Blast and Shepherdsville City Fair

If a hometown Fourth of July is what's putting some spark in your sparkler, the Bullitt Blast is sure to be an absolute family favorite. There's carnival rides for your thrill seekers, activities for kids and some incredible food to fill those bellies. There's something for everyone at Bullitt Blast and it's an all-day affair that's sure to tire out the kiddies before catching an awesome view of their impressive fireworks show over the Salt River at nightfall. 

Crescent Hill Art & Music Festival

Would it really be a summer celebration without a festival to wander through? The Crescent Hill Art and Music Festival is a hit with flea-market and art loving families in the Louisville area where you can catch a live music performance and get inspired by some incredible local artists. There's tons to see at this annual event and it's the perfect place to sprawl out on a giant blanket and enjoy a Fourth of July picnic party together. 

Jeffersonville's Main Street Parade

Jeffersonville's appropriately named Celebrating Freedom Parade includes everything you could possibly love about a Fourth of July celebration packed into a high-spirited parade down main street. This parade is a fun way to kick off the weekend's festivities as it steps off just before lunchtime. After the parade slows to a close, there's food, games and live music to keep you going at Warder Park. We've never met a kid that doesn't love a good parade and when you're clad in red, white and blue it's hard to not be excited to celebrate Independence Day with your family, friends and neighbors at this exciting parade.

There's no shortage of stars and stripes around Louisville this year.

However you're enjoying the official holiday of summer, remember our service men and women that make sacrifices to keep our Independence a celebration every day. From the Doulas of Kentuckiana family to yours, we wish you and your loved ones a happy, safe and healthy Fourth of July as you begin your summer with tons of fun. 

Nitrous Oxide for Labor Pains

As many first time moms prepare their birth plans, pain management is one of the concerns that most women are apprehensive about. 

"Do I need pain management for my birth?"

Every birth is different and many women experience very little pain through their labor transitions and others need pain management assistance. If you are looking into pain relief options for birth, there are tons of choices that are recommended by health care providers. 

Many hospitals and birthing centers utilize Nitrous Oxide as Pain relief for birth; the same inhaled gas combination that many dentists use for more invasive in-office procedures. 

How does Nitrous Oxide work?

Since this is a gas mixture that is inhaled, it enters the blood stream quickly to help the patient feel more sedated and relaxed through a procedure. Nitrous Oxide can be administered in different strengths depending on the recipient's comfort level.

Because the gas molecules enter the blood stream, this does pass through the placenta to the baby fairly quickly but because it does not leave any chemical byproducts, it is eliminated fairly quickly from the body. Nitrous is fast acting and works through and out of a mother and baby's blood stream more efficiently than some pharmaceutical products. 

Does Nitrous Oxide come with good reviews? 

The results from Nitrous vary with every birth and 20% of patients report the gas providing some form of pain relief, less than 50% find it to be satisfactory and 30% of women find it did not help them. This is a pain management option that has a broad range of results so it's best to consult with your doctor and birth team to see if Nitrous is a good fit for you.

How is the gas administered?

The gas can come from a wall fixture in a hospital setting or in some cases it can be available in a portable canister. With the wall mounted gas, the dosage and strength can be adjusted and controlled but usually won't be able to stretch to a birth suite's tub or shower. With the portable canister, it can be used for home birth and other alternative birth options. The portable mixture is 50:50 Nitrous and Oxygen so for some women it can be too much Nitrous and for others it isn't enough to help them with the pain. 

What are some of the Advantages of Nitrous Oxide for birth?

• Allows a birthing mother to remain in control of their body during birth.
• Using Nitrous places the patient more in control of their pain relief. 
• It does not interfere with contractions and the natural progression of birth.
• The effects are short term and research suggests it leaves no short term effects on mom or baby.
• It can help women remain confident and more comfortable during labor. 

What are some of the Disadvantages of Nitrous Oxide for birth?

• Nausea, headache or vomiting 
• Not a guaranteed pain relief method.
• Some women feel disoriented, confused or drowsy. 
• The oxygen mask can make some patients feel uncomfortable or claustrophobic.
• Any long term side effects are unclear.

Birth Centers Offering Nitrous Oxide for Birth in the Kentucky Area

While Nitrous Oxide isn't new in the medical or birth world, there aren't many birth locations that currently offer Nitrous as a pain management option for birth. In the greater Kentucky area, Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany, IN, Clark Memorial in Jeffersonville, IN University of Louisville in Louisville, KY are the only locations that it is optional for laboring parents. 

The choice is yours.

Whether you're researching pain management solutions or choosing a natural birth, finding preferences that make your birth more comfortable and rewarding. It's your birth so feel empowered to make the decisions that keep you feeling confident. 

Placenta and Postpartum Depression

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

One of the areas of mental health that often go misdiagnosed or mistreated is postpartum depression in new and veteran mothers. 

Each year almost 20% of new mothers in the United States are diagnosed with postpartum depression.

When including mothers that experience infant loss or miscarriage, these numbers total to 900,000 women each year. 

Postpartum depression is a serious mental illness and with the stigma surrounding the diagnosis, many women avoid seeking help or acknowledging that something is wrong. It's not just the women experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety but the safety and well being of their children who may be subject to developmental lags and susceptibility to childhood illnesses when mothers are unable to bond or care for their new baby as well as they should.

In many cases, postpartum depression is sparked by hormone imbalances and stress in our bodies as they recover from birth. Balancing these hormones and chemicals in our bodies during postpartum recovery can often reduce the chances of developing postpartum depression or dramatically improve symptoms. 

Placenta Encapsulation

Placenta encapsulation is a growing postpartum trend in the U.S. that has for centuries helped women abroad feel more control over their body's adjustment to healing after birth.

The placenta is a powerhouse of nutrients and can provide some of the hormones in our bodies that are lost during birth and hormone levels that become strained or reduced as you transition home with your new baby. During encapsulation, your placenta is professionally processed into capsules that can help your body find the balance it needs to encourage healing and rejuvenation. Placenta puts oxytocin back in our bodies and promotes bonding behaviors with your baby and can even help your uterus shrink back down to it's appropriate size. 

A placenta regimen can also restore your body's CRH supply, a hormone that naturally reduces stress and helps manage the stressful transition home during those first few weeks. 

With less strain on a mother's body, many experience a more pleasant and comfortable postpartum recovery. These improvements in mood, emotional and mental health have been used to decrease postpartum depression risks and symptoms in many and continue to be a resource. Some medical professionals recommend to their patients as a healthy alternative to prescribed medications for mood disorders.

If you or a loved one has experienced postpartum depression or are researching prevention measures, placenta encapsulation might be a great option for you. 

Take control of your postpartum recovery to feel more confident through your journey into motherhood. Your doula or postpartum placenta specialist can help you design a routine that works best for you and your family. 

Postpartum depression deserves our support and together we can encourage victims of mental illness, postpartum depression or anxiety to seek the help and resources they need.