All posts by Lisa Byrd, SC Midwife & Natural Wellness Educator
Can Eating Dates Make Labor Easier?
Dates Make Labor Easier? Who Knew?
AKA- Can eating dates make labor easier or will they just jack up my blood sugar and make my baby and me gain excess weight?
Every single pregnant woman on the planet has probably had thoughts about how to have a shorter, easier labor. Recently, info has been circulating again regarding the study saying that dates make labor easier.
Here’s the scoop.
This promising info is based on a ????small study that was done in 2008 with 114 women divided into two groups. One group ate 6 dates a day in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy and the other didn’t. They were similar in all other major aspects. The outcomes were significant. Of those who consumed the dates the study found:
They had significantly more dilation progress when admitted in labor than the non-consuming women.
Spontaneous labor occurred in 96% of the date eaters vs. only 79% in the non date eaters.
Pitocin induction rates were significantly lower in the date eaters (28%) vs. the non date eaters (47%).
The first stage of labor on average was only 8.5 hours in the date eaters vs. 15 hours on average in the non date eaters.
So those stats look really good, right?
I always ask my clients to weigh interventions (yes...eating dates for a perceived benefit can be called an intervention:) on a risks vs. benefits scale. So what could be the downside to all this optimism?
Sugar!
We know that women who consume lots of simple carbs and sugar in pregnancy grow bigger babies which can contribute to all kinds of bad things like...
Carb-babies grow big and don’t fit through the pelvis as well.
Sugar addicted babies sometimes have difficulty regulating their own insulin after birth causing the need for a bunch of heel sticks to check then correct their glucose levels.
Then there’s the dreaded Gestational Diabetes and all of the interventions and general ‘messing with” that go with that high risk diagnosis.
So what about the sugar content in dates?
If you look at the nutritional profile of a date, they look more like a sugar bomb than a healthy snack so..
Let me start with a little blurb about nutrition...specifically protein and how it affects your glucose levels. Growing the right size baby for your body is one of the best things you can do to keep your birth normal.
For the purpose of this short blog post, I’m going to really simplify the way your body processes its 3 main fuel sources, Protein, Carbs and Fat.
In a nutshell, you ALWAYS need protein. Eat some at every meal and every snack. Protein is the primary building block you need to grow your baby. Proteins are things like meats, cheeses, beans, quinoa, eggs, fish, nuts and nut butters, hummus, etc.
However, you need other macro-nutrients as well which are carbs and fats.
I’ll touch on fat next. The main point I want to get across regarding fats is that “good fats” do NOT make you fat! They grow your baby’s brain and are a clean-burning fuel source for your body. They help you feel full longer and offer all kinds of benefits to your heart, brain, mood, joints and skin.
Good fats are things such as grass fed butter, olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, walnuts, small fatty fish like sardines, mackerel, anchovies, (wild caught) salmon, and herring, just to name a few. Here’s some great info on fats.
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And then there’s the carb lineup.
Carbs get such a bad rap that it’s important to separate out the good from the bad.
Good (whole) carbs that you want to be eating are things like veggies, oatmeal, ezekiel breads, sweet potatoes, quinoa and other whole grains. OH and DATES!
The risk of dates raising your blood sugar is significantly reduced due to their high fiber content. Fiber slows absorption of the date sugar and protects your blood glucose levels much like protein consumption helps protect your blood sugar levels. The effects of daily date consumption and its effects on blood sugar levels is referenced in another small study.
To reduce that risk even further, just eat a bit of protein with your dates to slow their sugar release into your bloodstream.
Alternately, bad carbs...the ones that will help you grow an 11 pound baby..ugh...are things like fast foods, sugary foods, white breads, white rice, white potatoes and fries, anything with white flour in it, not-so-healthy breakfast cereals, bars and bagels and the like.
Don’t do it!! Just say no! Seriously, you’ll thank me after your birth.
The simple key to growing the right size baby for your body is eating whole foods 95% of the time and combining them correctly.
Strive for one of these 2 options at each meal.
1. Eat protein at every meal and snack (I know, now I’m nagging), coupled with a whole carb.
Almonds and dates anyone? How about a smoothie?
Enter your text here...
OR
2. Eat protein at every meal and snack coupled with a good fat.
This sounds like a juicy steak and pile of broccoli with cheese or grass fed butter!
Combinations to avoid
Unless you are purposely trying to put on extra weight, combining fats and carbs together in the same meal is a bad idea.
They collide!
Carbs and fats are basically 2 different sources of energy and when eaten together, one will be used and one will be stored. Your body can’t burn both at the same time and most women don’t need extra pregnancy weight.
That said, for the rare woman who is having a hard time gaining weight, the collision of fats and carbs, coupled with good protein, is exactly her solution and can help her gain enough weight to support a healthy pregnancy.
You can find much more detail on healthy pregnancy eating at TrimHealthyMama.com, including a lot of really yummy recipes for clean eating.
So back to dates…
Other Health Benefits of Dates
Aside from the "dates make labor easier" camp, there are so many resources out there talking about the many benefits of eating dates that I won’t try to reinvent that wheel. Dates will feed you and your baby some amazing nutrients! Here are the cliff notes according to the website Organic Facts.
“Dates are a good source of various vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of energy, sugar and fiber. Essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc are found in dates. It also contains vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A and vitamin K.”
Here are a few more posts talking about all the benefits of dates.
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/dares-and-your-health-the-ideal-food/
http://naturalsociety.com/health-benefits-of-dates-7-reasons-eat-date-fruit/
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Just a few more (VERY IMPORTANT) things that you can do to have a strong pregnancy and easier labor and birth.
As a midwife in SC, I’ve seen some amazingly strong women grow incredibly healthy babies by just doing a few things that I’ve listed below.
I strongly encourage you to take control over the things that are within your control.
These basic tenets of the Midwife Model of Care are the foundation that will support you and help keep all your options open.
Excellent Nutrition
Whole Food-based Vitamins
Exercise Regularly (walks 3-4 times a week is perfect)
Take a Great Childbirth Education Series
Know and Practice “Optimal Fetal Positioning”
Hire a Midwife or Doula
And if the study holds true... eat up because dates make labor easier!
When you’ve been a great steward of your pregnancy, the reward of experiencing your own strength in giving birth is invigorating!!
Girl power!!!
Love and birth joy! Lisa
How about you? Did you eat 6 dates a day in late pregnancy? Do you think that dates make labor easier?
Here are a few “keepin’ it real” anecdotal responses I received on my facebook groups. Be sure to add yours below.
>I did and had a great labor, pushed about 30 minutes...no perineum tearing. Sarah M.
>Just had my third, didn't eat any for the first or second pregnancies. Third I at 6 every day. Water broke naturally (not with the first two) and I had a kick ass labor! Amy G.
>I did. I ate them like mad because they were delicious with my last.. even though I started eating them because of their supposed labor help. My dilation was never checked. My water broke as he was crowning. Labor was right around 6 hours, I suppose. I didn't feel a need to call and let my midwife know it was the real deal until about 3 hours into it. Transition and pushing were about 2-5 minutes (but that was pretty much the case with all three of my homebirths). Tia W.
>I did with first baby. He still went to 41 weeks. I was 4cm from 37 weeks til the morning I was induced. Labor was 4 hours, but all of my labors have been 4-5 hours with or without having eaten dates. Sarah R.
>I did! Labor 8 hrs, kind of an arom at around 5 hrs? I think. I'm not sure how dilated I was when midwife arrived, but I had been 5 cm. So when she checked me I said don't tell me unless it's greater, and she said nothing, so I assume 5cm. Nancy A.
>(midwife) never checked me to say how much I was dilated, but my water broke at 9:22pm and she came out at 1:22pm. First baby. And I believe (midwife) showed up around 2ish and I was already in active labor. Joanna B.
>I did. Still went to 42 weeks, still had 18 hours of unproductive labor that en??ded with a 3rd section :-/ not the story you're looking for, but there's always an exception to every rule. Kristyn L.
>I did! I ate 4-6 dates/day during the last trimester of my third pregnancy. My first two labors were pretty long but my third labor had some prodromal stuff and then maybe 60 minutes of active labor, so....antidotal? Lol. Brittany H.
>I did! I ate 6ish a day during the last few months. I had an awesome natural birth on our due date. But i was also drinking raspberry leaf tea, taking evening primrose and I saw an acupuncturist the week prior. Kristen B.
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21280989
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22214443
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19681613
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/choosing-healthy-fats.htm
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-dates.html
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9 Essential Oils for Lovers
Spice Up Your Relationship by Incorporating These 9 Essential Oils for Lovers!
February. The month we celebrate love! Love is truly life's most precious gift and the physical expression of romantic love can either be incredibly fulfilling, lost and non-existent or for most people, somewhere in between. Using these 9 essential oils for lovers is a beautiful way that you can pour new excitement into your marriage.
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Let's face it. Obstacles can creep into our love lives.
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Fatigue, stress, physical issues of ill-health and self-limiting beliefs are some of the biggest stumbling blocks we have to overcome to enjoy a fulfilling sex life.
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It's really important to find that space where you feel completely free to enjoy physical intimacy with your mate. Consider these ideas to overcome common obstacles.
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De-stress and get enough sleep! We are a culture that runs from one thing to the next. Lives are in high gear for many, which contributes to stress and exhaustion. Make it a priority to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Turn off those screens earlier so you're not overstimulated at bedtime. Draw a warm bath and throw in a handful of sea salt with a few drops of your favorite, relaxing essential oil such as lavender or a relaxing blend. Light a few candles and put on soft music.
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It is so important to FIRST treat yourself with love.
Love yourself enough to do simple things which go a long way towards relaxing and feeling amorous.
Eat well so you feel well. It is an absolute fact that when we eat well (clean proteins, lots of veggies and some fruit, only whole, grainy carbs and lots of pure water), we feel better physically. When we feel well physically, we feel better about ourselves which supports a healthy, sexy life.
Exchange your toxic thoughts and beliefs for healthier ones. Let's face it, we all have some “self limiting beliefs.” Common ones are, “my butt's too big” or “I'm fat” or maybe other thoughts that limit your ability to flow freely in the moment...and in life. Speak to yourself in love. Encourage yourself. Be kind to yourself.
Yes, we all have areas that need work, but using affirmations coupled with essential oils such as bergamot, wild orange or an invigorating blend can help you replace negativity with some emotional self-love and acceptance.
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The reality of the human mind says, "What you say to me is only an opinion. What I say to myself is absolute gospel."
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?What ARE you telling yourself?
I challenge you to re-write your life script by speaking what you want into your life.
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Some examples?
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Look in the mirror every evening and acknowledge your “wins” from the day. Tell yourself, “I love you” and “I am enough.” Seriously! Look yourself in the eye and give yourself some love!
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We are experts at tearing ourselves down but how the heck will we ever get beyond those self-limiting beliefs if our self-inflicted story is one of criticism? There is great power in affirmations. Couple those with emotionally supportive essential oils? Now you have some real power to change things!
When you inhale the aroma of a pure (key word here) essential oil, it can be a powerful way to affect memory, hormones and your emotions through your olfactory receptors and your limbic brain.
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Your limbic brain structures affect long-term memory (hippocampus), the emotions (amygdala), the autonomic nervous system and hormones (hypothalamus), as well as regulating your blood pressure, heart rate, and attention.
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The olfactory system (smell system) is closely associated with the limbic brain and that's why essential oils have such profound physiological and psychological effects on our entire body!
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“Our sense of smell stimulates the nerve endings of the olfactory bulb, which lies at the back of the nose, which in turn stimulates a part of the brain called the limbic system that triggers our libido,”
Blossom Kochhar, renowned aroma therapist.
“The essential oils do magic and stimulate the pituitary gland, the master endocrine gland, which controls hormone production. In-activeness of pituitary gland can lead to low sex drive. So, the oils help keep it in an active state,” Aromatherapist, Dr. Naresh Arora, Chase Aroma Therapy.
Essential oils molecules are so tiny that they quickly penetrate the skin and move into the bloodstream carrying their powerful benefits to the entire body.
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Just a simple overview and basic understanding of how essential oils work to benefit our sexuality gives us a framework to explore their libido enhancing effects further.
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Let's take a look at the "9 Essential Oils for Lovers” and how to use them safely.
The first order of safety is making sure you have a high quality, pure essential oil brand. I mention brands specifically because there is a huge problem with adulteration in the essential oils world. After much research I, personally and professionally only trust one brand for use on my body, my family or my clients. Adulteration is common and the risk is just not worth it!
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Get more info on my trusted brand of essential oils here.
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**A general rule of thumb for diluting high quality essential oils for adult use is 2% to 4%, so roughly, 6-12 drops of your essential oils into 1 TBSP of a carrier oil such as coconut, almond or avocado oil.
Now on to the top 9 ?Essential Oils for Lovers!
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Ginger
Exotic, fiery and fresh
Blends well with cedarwood, coriander, frankincense, wild orange, patchouli and sandalwood
Key qualities: Aphrodisiac, cephalic, stimulating, tonic and warming
Ginger is a warming oil. Always dilute with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut or sweet almond oil when using topically. Great coupled with wild orange for a warming back or foot massage. Can use in a handful of sea salt thrown in to an awesome warming bath. Supports longevity. Enhances fertility.
Black Pepper
Warm and spicy for the body and mind. Enhances alertness and stamina.
Blends well with sandalwood and frankincense
Key qualities: Aphrodisiac, increases blood flow
Black pepper is also a warming oil. Great for warming and supporting great blood flow or circulation. Heavily dilute with a carrier oil. Black Pepper is a middle note when blending with other essential oils such as citrus or florals. Great in massage blends. Boosts energy and stamina (use on bottoms of the feet). Fires up the libido. Increases attraction.
Sandalwood
Musky, sensual and warm
Blends well with frankincense, jasmine, lemon, rose and ylang ylang
Key qualities: Aphrodisiac, grounding, opening, purifying, relaxing and soothing
Spritz sheets with sandalwood and water from a glass spray bottle to induce relaxation and an exotic and sensual atmosphere. Makes a delicious perfume for men or women blended with other oils or alone. Aroma helps release tension and anxiety, fear and other stress related difficulties in the bedroom. Use as a sensual massage oil blended in your favorite carrier oil with ylang ylang or the blend for women. Supports male arousal. Enhances physical sensuality.
Clary Sage (NOT for use in pregnancy unless past your established due date. I would also caution people who have had estrogenic forms of cancer)
Sweet, mellow, musky
Blends well with bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, wild orange and sandalwood
Key qualities: Aphrodisiac, balancing, euphoric, inspiring, intoxicating, relaxing, soothing
Add 5-10 drops into some sea salt, then into your warm bath as an excellent de-stressor. Helps support balancing emotions, irritability and nervousness. Use a few drops of clary sage on pillow to encourage deep sleep and vivid dreams. Apply 6 drops in 1 TBSP carrier oil, topically to the abdomen, to support normal hormonal balance. Brings a sense of calm and confidence. Soothing in labor diffused or diluted in a carrier oil for a back, abdominal or foot massage.
Rosemary
Fresh, strong, woody
Blends well with bergamot, patchouli, geranium, juniper, lavender, thyme and spice oils
Key qualities: Aphrodisiac (especially men), enhances circulation and sensitivity to touch
Rosemary is reputed to support emotions and bolster confidence. Enhances the spiritual dedication to love. Supports healthy male libido and participation by using a few drops in a carrier oil applied to the abdomen, daily. Use in massage oil blend with any of the above mentioned essential oils and a carrier oil. Great in a bath with sea salt, geranium and white fir. Increases blood flow and supports good circulation. Increases sensitivity to touch. Heightens sensations.
Coriander
Anisy, fresh, slightly musky, sweet spicy, woody
Blends well with bergamot, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, jasmine, sandalwood and spice oils
Key qualities: Aphrodisiac, comforting, soothing, purifying, strengthening, warming
Refreshing bath oil. Use 5 drops used in sea salt added to bath for fatigue, exhaustion, head tension and stress. Diffuse to create a sensual mood that is uplifting yet calming. Makes a great aphrodisiac massage oil blend with coupled with any of the oils above.
Ylang Ylang
Balsamic, floral, rich, sensual, slightly spicy, soft and sweet
Blends well with bergamot, jasmine, rose, sandalwood and vetiver
Key qualities: Aphrodisiac, calming, euphoric, sedating, soothing
For a sensual, relaxing massage, use with the blend for women and sandalwood. Supports peace, calm and freedom to play and explore when diffused. The oil of the inner child. Supports the heart on both a physical and emotional level. Use 5-10 drops with sea salt in a warm evening bath to relax and open. Ignites the libido. Increases attraction between people.
Jasmine & Rose (In the Blend for Women)
While Jasmine and Rose absolutes can not currently be purchased from my favorite essential oils company, they are part of the Blend for Women along with other amazing aphrodisiac-type essential oils. This blend is intoxicating and blends with your unique chemistry and pheromones to support enhanced attraction.
Complex, sensual blend
Blends well with any oils that blend with jasmine or rose or perfect alone!
Key qualities: Aphrodisiac, supports hormonal balance, enhances allure
Use as a sensual, chemical-free perfume..just a few drops in a spray bottle with distilled water. Makes a beautiful massage oil blended with any carrier oil. Diffuse to set the mood for love or put a few drops in your bath in a bit of sea salt. Enhances femininity and allure.
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Open your heart, mind and emotions to the use of these 9 essential oils for lovers and see what level of fresh, new excitement they bring to your love life. I don't need any great detail but I'd love to hear a bit about how they affect your lovey dovey endeavors.
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Enjoy!
xoxo, Lisa
How-to Guide for Turning a Breech Baby
a Midwife's Guide to Turning a Breech Baby
One of the most frustrating things in pregnancy is to get to the end and be told that your baby is in a breech position and that, if she doesn't turn, you'll be scheduled for a c-section. There are many things that you can do to increase your likelihood of turning a breech baby. I'm really glad to be able to share those techniques with you here.
?Let's start with prevention
There are some things that you can do in pregnancy to give your baby the opportunity to get into a great position. What we are aiming for is Optimal Fetal Positioning.
Two birth workers, Jean Sutton and Pauline Scott coined the term, "Optimal Fetal Positioning", or OFP for short. OFP is traditional birth wisdom, passed from senior midwives to younger midwives and then later recorded in old textbooks. It is the belief that in most cases, the baby’s position at the beginning of labor predicts the way the birth will unfold.
If I could only teach one thing in pregnancy, it would be Optimal Fetal Positioning. It is THAT important!
?There are entire books and websites dedicated to the subject of optimal fetal positioning. One resource that you'll appreciate knowing about is midwife, Gail Tully's website, Spinning Babies. Gail goes into great detail about belly mapping and exercises to keep your baby in a great position for birth.
Since prevention of poorly positioned babies isn't the focus of this post, I'll just hit the highlights of optimal fetal positioning.
Ideally, your baby will do the best and your labor will be the most straightforward when the back of your baby's head is between your left hip and your belly button.
This position is called LOA which stands for Left Occiput Anterior. Keep in mind, while this is ideal, babies sometimes choose a ROA or right occiput anterior position due to mom's anatomy and still do fine in labor. The challenge with ROA is that is it MUCH easier for a baby to slip into a posterior, or face up position.
The goal is to prevent posterior and breech babies.
Start paying attention to your baby's position by about 32-34 weeks, while the baby is still small enough to easily move.
Here are your optimal fetal positioning basics:
- Don't recline!! This is such an important piece of information. If you'd like to relax in later pregnancy, find yourself a birth ball and lean forward onto it or grab a pillow to support your belly and just lay down on your left side. Reclining is THE number one reason for posterior and breech babies and these positions are the number one reason for c-sections.
- Always sit with your knees lower than your hips. For this to happen, you have to get a bit unladylike and spread those legs, letting your belly hang low. Now is not the time to be prim and proper and cross your legs. That will do nothing to help your baby's position and will restrict your circulation.
- Practice leaning forward as often as possible. A baby's ideal position is facing towards your back. Think about gravity. It pulls the heaviest part so leaning forward pulls the baby's back towards your belly. Alternately consider, if you are leaning backwards or reclining, that cute little smooshy face is being pressed into your spine. It's kind of like laying in a hammock on your face. NOT comfortable at all and that, alone, makes a baby want to move away from an ideal position.
- Lastly, drink at least 2 liters of water every day! Babies always do better when their amniotic fluid is normal and drinking water directly affects your amniotic fluid. If you are forgetting to drink enough water, your amniotic fluid index (afi) falls even further than it normally does in late pregnancy. This puts baby in a dangerous situation because it's much more difficult to move and get off her cord and hard to get into a good position. Drinking enough water is protective on many levels!
You will be urinating much more in late pregnancy so it's important to replace that with good hydration. If you notice that it's more like..water in/water out, add a pinch of sea salt to your water. This small amount of healthy sodium will help your body keep that fluid in your system.
Once you learn the skill of belly mapping, you will be well equipped to ?prevent a persistent posterior or breech position.
15 Techniques for Turning a Breech Baby
- Homeopathic Pulsatilla, 200c under tongue every few days while using other positioning techniques for turning a breech baby.
- Pelvic Rocking, 5 minutes in the morning before getting out of bed and 5 minutes in the evening before laying down in bed. You can do more at other times during the day. In a hands and knees position or leaning on a birth ball, tuck tailbone under like a scared dog then torque the pelvic bones to aim the tailbone at the ceiling. Do not sag and arch your back. It's ALL about the pelvis.
- Elephant walk on your hands and feet. It feels awkward...even hard to do but is amazing at moving baby out of bad positions and into good ones.
- Drink LOTS of water! 2 liters to a gallon a day to give baby lots of ability to move.
- Have a Webster trained chiropractor perform the Webster Breech Turning Technique. Chiropractors are very helpful in turning a breech baby.
- After wading into a warm pool, dive to the bottom. Repeat several times to deweight the baby and allow her to turn. Can also turn somersaults underwater.
- Use a bag of frozen peas over the baby's head. They really dislike this and if they can turn, they often do to get away from the cold. Peppermint essential oil can work in a similar fashion when rubbed over the abdomen near baby's head.
- Accupuncture can work wonders for turning a breech baby. Like chiropractic, you will keep going until your baby turns.
- Visualize baby in a head down position. It may be helpful to place pictures of head down babies all around the house.
- Have Papa talk to baby low on the abdomen. Sometimes music placed low, near the pubic bone or lower will also entice baby to turn.
- Do handstands or walk on your hands in a warm pool. Again, the idea is to deweight and dislodge the baby so she can turn.
- Talk to your baby and ask her to trust you and turn. Reassure her that it will be alright and that you will keep her safe.
- Use an ironing board as a slant board by putting one end on the sofa and the other end on the floor. Lay on your back with your head lower than your feet several times a day. This position works well for turning a breech baby, coupled with the frozen peas on baby's head.
- Use a bright flashlight and draw it down from the rib cage to the pubic bone asking baby to follow the light. Okay...hokey but some say it works.
- Consider consulting an OB about performing an External Cephalic Version, often just called a "version." This can be done with or without uterine relaxing drugs and always with an ultrasound. It's not the most comfortable but I've seen many successful versions done without drugs. It is typically the last technique to consider before scheduling a c-section but keep in mind that most physicians don't like to perform this too late in the pregnancy because of lower fluid levels and the increasing size of the baby. Ideally, turning a breech baby using a version would be done right around 37 weeks.
Don't underestimate the value of talking to your baby, telling her to turn and visualizing that process. You may want to consider doing some hypnobabies or hypnobirth fear release techinques if you are anxious.
I've seen many of these techniques work for turning a breech baby as long as the position is caught early enough in pregnancy. Take heart mama!
I pray peace and blessings over you as your baby responds to your loving intention.
xoxo, Lisa
Reclaiming Birth
Who Controls Your Birth? The power of Reclaiming Birth
I was completely inspired by a recent article in “Pathways to Family Wellness”, the magazine you often find in chiropractic offices. The topic of reclaiming birth was powerfully written in this piece.
The fall 2015 cover grabbed me with this title. “You're Not Allowed to Not Allow Me: Reclaim the Power of Birth” written by birth advocate and Vice President of ImprovingBirth.org, Cristen Pascucci. What a profound title!
Cristen's voice is that of a true protector of normal birth and she highlights a foundational problem in the current maternity care system in the US.
A problem of ownership.
Who owns your birth? For that matter, who owns your health?
Who has the most to gain and the most to lose besides the birthing woman? Who, above all else, has the baby's best interest at heart besides her mother?
Even in 2015, I hear care providers, family members and even the pregnant woman, herself, use the word “allow” in conjunction with basic human rights. Rights such as holding your baby immediately after birth.
The word, “allowing” implies power and who rightly holds the power over your body, pregnancy, birth and baby except you?
When a well-meaning provider makes a controlling statement such as, “we don't allow eating or drinking in labor” or “we can't allow you to walk around in labor after your water is broken,” a birthing woman often mistakenly assumes that these statements are based on medical facts. Often, that opinion is purely a practice-style or a hospital policy. It's definitely not based in evidence or even best practice guidelines.
In medicine, It's generally known that it takes anywhere from 10-20 years for practitioners to fully adopt changes, based on evidence resulting from studies.
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Old habits die hard, and beyond that, hospital policies are not primarily set up to support the evidence. Instead, hospitals are set up as businesses with a business focus.
You are a consumer and should be treated as a partner in your care, not a ward of the system. Imagine for a minute, your partner not “allowing” you to do something.
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What the ??
In a relationship, we would think of this as control and abuse, yet we blindly accept this language as “the way things are” in the "medical model" of maternity care.
Ms. Pascucci references the 2014, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine's (MFM) Guidelines for lowering the primary c-section rate.
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A statement, on these guidelines, was recently made on NPR which said, “Women with low risk pregnancies should be allowed to spend more time in labor, to reduce the risk of having an unnecessary c-section, the nation's obstetricians say.”
She also references a segment on CBS News, Philadelphia, in which a spokesperson said, “That may mean that we allow a patient to labor longer, to push for a longer amount of time, and to allow patients to take more time through the natural process.”
As a South Carolina midwife who practices the “midwive's model of care,” these words are, on one hand, a welcomed relief. They confirming what midwives already know. On the other hand, they are quite maddening for the reasons of control mentioned above.
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Here's why.?
Midwives primarily trust and support the physiological process of birth as it unfolds. We begin with very important conversations with our clients early on, in your prenatal care. We teach you what it means to take responsibility for your health. We offer information on nutrition, exercise and lifestyle choices so you can will make a significant difference in keeping your pregnancy low risk.
You don't just roll out of bed one morning and decide to go run a marathon! You train for it. You give your body every opportunity to succeed. Birth is the same.
The midwive's model of care empowers you by sharing all of your options with you.
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Most women, when offered education and understanding on the benefits, risks and alternatives of their choices, will make the absolute, best decisions for themselves and their unborn baby.
“Allowing” women more time in labor and birth is great but it's really only one piece of the care that women deserve.
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To be truly empowered in “Reclaiming Birth,” you must come to the understanding that every choice you make up until that birth, will have the potential to affect your birth.
This piece of the message from ACOG and the Society of MFM is missing.
As the article goes on, it discusses the fact that the national c-section rate is still climbing and that many hospital's in the US have effectively banned vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
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In essence, they've made policies that do not “allow” women to birth vaginally, even if that's their decision.
One out of every three women who walk through the doors of a US hospital will end up with major abdominal surgery to birth their child. In some hospitals, that statistic is much higher. Some as high as 70%!
Many of these c-sections would not have become medically necessary if women were able to make true informed choices based on the evidence currently available and given prevention-based care and education.
Again! Are we teaching women how to stay low risk, become aware of how their positioning affects their baby's position and offering trust their body's ability to birth or are we still setting them up for the repeat cesarean based on old school thinking and practice? The medical model of maternity care has dropped this ball mainly due to a well founded fear of liability.
True informed consent or, alternately, informed refusal is a legal and ethical standard. You are given the details of procedures and interventions and also given the ability to accept the medical advice and procedure or to refuse it without stern lectures or fear tactics.
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It is not ethical or fair to pull the "bad mom" card just because your decision may not agree with a doctor's opinion.
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When a true medical emergency exists, I have not encountered even one mom who would refuse medical intervention.
The ACOG statement regarding informed consent in maternity care says, “The freedom to accept or refuse recommended medical treatment has legal as well as ethical foundations. In the obstetric setting, recognize that a competent pregnant woman is the appropriate decision maker for the fetus that she is carrying.”
Can I get an AMEN!!??
This statement is completely opposite to the common "medical model" mindset of being “allowed to (insert your pleasure)” or “not allowed” to decline potential, harmful interventions and treatments such as surgical birth.
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As one example, the old diagnosis, "failure to progress" (which is the number one reason for unplanned c-sections) has finally met the evidence which makes that diagnosis, more accurately, "failure to wait."?
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Or how about this one? "Once a c-section, always a c-section" or the now infamous VBAC bans? Again, I encourage you to check the facts.
I invite you to check out the Pathways article referenced above as Ms. Pascucci has some great action points to implement. We will all need to work together to change the dysfunction in the birthing culture, towards a more woman-centered model.
Here are a few more tools for changing the birth culture, beginning with your birth! You have the right to complete information as you choose your care provider, your place of birth and each and every procedure that is offered.
Speak up for your own birthing rights and Reclaim your birth!
Start before your maternity care begins by doing some preconception through birth planning. Here are some ideas to get you started:
The terrain that you plant your baby in is very important. Make sure your internal bio-terrain (your body) is in great health by focusing on nutrition, environmental factors, excellent supplementation, exercise and stress reduction to stay low risk.
Choose your care provider wisely. Interview people! You are the consumer and in the driver's seat. Whether you choose a medical model or midwifery model care provider, make sure you communicate your preferences and ideals and ask for their help to get what you need. Their language will tell you a LOT!
Don't fall into the “eating for two” trap of poor eating. Make 95% of your diet intentional, healthful and life giving.
Read and make an intentional plan for your birth. Tell your care provider about the things that are the most important to you and again, ask for their help to get what you need from your birth.
Don't fall into the induction trap. Read, do your research and understand that a “failed induction” equals a c-section! Avoid that first one by knowing how to stay low risk. There are very few legitimate induction exceptions.
It's ALWAYS about weighing benefits vs. risks. Use this simple acronym to make sure you always have the ability to make informed choices or informed refusals on any intervention being offered.
Use Your Reclaiming Birth B-R-A-I-N
B- Benefits. What are the benefits of the intervention being offered?
R- Risks. What are the risks of the intervention being offered?
A- Alternatives. Are there alternatives to the intervention?
I- Intuition. What does your gut or your intuition say?
N- Nothing. What would happen if you chose to do nothing?
And remember! In most situations in labor, you can ask your care provider to step out of the room so you and your partner can discuss things in private after you've had a chance to gather the facts.
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In my experience, women are most interested in the health of their babies, BUT they are also very interested in their birth experience and how that experience will affect their bonding, their long term mental health and their relationship with their child, forever.
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Some very insensitive practitioners have tried to hold on to the "power grab" by discounting a women's innate need to have their best birth "experience." This is sometimes done by ridiculing a woman's desire for a beautiful birth and playing that "bad mom" card if one desires more than the standard birthing fare.
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Don't settle!? Many women are finding their voice and reclaiming birth.
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If you encounter this type of care, I don't care how far along you are, Seriously consider switching providers.
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Most women will give birth only a handful of times in their lives and you deserve to have competent yet respectful care.
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Find someone who can offer you the care you need, so you can trust that they will support you in birth, the way you deserve.
In the end, everyone's goal is a healthy mama and a healthy baby. However, in this day and age of liability driven birth care, the responsibility falls squarely on you. Know your provider options and the benefits and the risks of your choices to get the best outcome for you and your baby.
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xoxo, Lisa
Interested in Creating YOUR Best Birth?
Get my FREE eBook,
7 Laws of Natural Prenatal Self-Care Here!
2015 Mom Conference! Free Online Training
Happy Mamas Equal Happy Families! Get the Tools You Need to Navigate Parenting Fearlessly!
If you believe that motherhood is the toughest and most beautiful job in the world, we’ve got just the thing for you!
Would you like a little help minimizing the hard stuff and maximizing the wonderful stuff involved in motherhood?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could attend trainings by all the best authors and speakers on motherhood topics? Well, guess what? You can. And it’s free. And you don’t even have to leave your house to participate.
WHAT IS THE MOM CONFERENCE?
The Mom Conference is a totally FREE three-day online event featuring some truly amazing speakers and YOU are invited to attend!
Join over 100,000 moms around the world on October 13, 14, and 15th and come away armed with powerful new strategies for everything from sibling rivalry to healthy eating to finding more joy in motherhood.
WHY ATTEND?
Being a mom can be overwhelming at times, right?! The Mom Conference involves 20 online classes to make motherhood more enjoyable. 20 rock star speakers (mostly moms) will be teaching you how to:
- Help your children to embrace healthy foods while teaching them to cook
- Get your kids to listen without yelling, nagging, or reminding (this will change your life)
- Get in shape and eat the right foods to feel and look better (you’ll learn you can actually eat MORE than you’re eating right now and lose fat and inches!)
- Simple ways to teach your children – babies through teens – the values and character traits that will help them be successful and happy
- Organize any space and keep it that way (what?!)
- Get in shape and come away with an even BETTER body than you had before babies
- Actually accomplish the things you need to accomplish WHILE prioritizing motherhood
- Understand what’s going on in your child’s brain (it’s amazing how much better we can parent when we understand what’s going on in those little heads!)
- Find more joy in motherhood
Sounds amazing, right?
Here is a list of the incredible presenters:
- Dr Laura Markham, Clinical Psychologist, bestselling author and discipline expert at Aha Parenting (Raising Siblings to be Best Friends)
- Jordan Page, family finance expert and founder of funorcheapfree.com (Simple Ideas for Serious Family Fun)
- Katie Kimball, expert on healthy eating for families and founder of Kitchen Stewardship (Want Responsible and Healthy Kids? Teach Them to Cook and Eat Real Food)
- Jonathan Bailor, NYT #1 Bestselling author of The Calorie Myth, founder of SANESolution.com, and CEO for the wellness technology company Yopti® (How to Turbocharge Your Energy & Mood Immediately with the Right Foods)
- Amy McCready, positive discipline expert and author and creator of Positive Parenting Solutions (The Positive Side of Misbehavior – Consequences That Work! )
- Dr. Carrie Contey, expert on personal growth through parenting, founder of carriecontey.com (Slow Down for Way more Space and Joy in Family Life)
- Rich Christensen, NYT #1 Bestselling author on business, goal-setting expert and founder of The Zigzag Principle (Raising Teenage Titans)
- Richard and Linda Eyre, NYT #1 Bestselling authors who run Valuesparenting (Simple and Powerful Ways to Teach Children Values)
- Holly Rigsby, fitness expert who runs http://fityummymummy.com/ (5 Key Strategies To Get an Even Better Body After Babies)
- Jill Nystul, author and founder of http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/ (Dealing with Depression and Other Big Bumps in the Road)
- Shawni Pothier, founder of the popular mom-blog, 71 Toes (Finding More Joy in Motherhood)
- John C. Maxwell, NYT #1 bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold more than 25 million books in fifty languages. (How to Be Present in a Distracted World)
- Crystal Paine, financial and lifestyle expert and founder of Money Saving Mom (The Money-Making Mom: How Every Woman Can Earn More and Make a Difference)
- Rachel Ramsey Cruze, author and financial planning expert at rachelcruze.com/, daughter of Dave Ramsey (Smart Money, Smart Kids)
- Marla Cilley (a.k.a. the Fly Lady), author, home organization and cleaning mentor, founder of FlyLady.net (Are You Living in CHAOS (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome)?)
- Christy Wright, business coach, speaker, Dave Ramsey personality, and writer at ChristyWright.com (Creating Better Life Balance)
- Dr. Robert Mellilo, a clinician, professor, brain researcher and bestselling author at www.brainbalancecenters.com and Tammy Bingham, researcher, autism and developmental expert, entreprenuer (Helping Children Overcome Learning and Developmental Challenges)
- April Perry, productivity expert and co-founder of Power of Moms (Five Steps to Getting More Done with Less Stress)
- Saren Eyre Loosli, family organization expert and co-founder of Power of Moms (The Three Basic Systems Every Family Needs)
- Desiree Ward, healthy eating expert and founder of Unconventional Kitchen (Simple Ways to Feed Your Family Healthy Foods)
And to help you avoid procrastination (we know how it goes!), if you register RIGHT NOW, you’ll have access to the following FREE GIFTS as soon as your registration has been completed!
– FREE Video: Simple Tips for Teaching Children Values (by NYTimes #1 Bestselling Authors, Richard and Linda Eyre)
– FREE Program: Clutter Buster Kit from Power of Moms
– FREE Guide: 75 Quick and Healthy Snacks
Come listen ONLINE and be inspired October 13, 14 and 15th!
See you at The Mom Conference!
xoxo, Lisa?
?Oh wait! I've got an extra special, fun little mom gift for those who register for the Mom Conference via my blog (fuscia button above) AND *attend one specific presentation on essential oils during the conference...SO!
Spread the word to your friends and subscribe to the Crunchy Midwife eNews if you'd like. Think of it kinda like an Easter Egg hunt for moms:) You're gonna like it!!
Let me know when you've found it ok?
DIY Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Make Your Own Dishwasher Rinse Aid, Save Money & Avoid Nasty Chemicals!
Ever opened the dishwasher door to shove in just one more thing?
Breathing in that cocktail of chemicals, at steamy warp speed, can be one of the most toxic things you encounter in your home!
I really like the simplicity of this recipe but I'm not a fan of a vinegar smell so....essential oils to the rescue! Lemon Essential Oil offers a great, clean smell, cuts the heck outta grease and hard water and the vinegar offers quicker drying.?
Reduce your family's toxin exposure and save money with this simple green cleaning trick.
Here's to happy, healthy, super simple living! Cheers:)
xoxo, Lisa
Homebirth and Birth Centers in SC Under Attack Again
This Affects EVERY Birthing woman.
Home Birth, Birth Center or Hospital!
Today, our guest blogger, Nicole Lavallee, midwife and birth protector shares some compelling reasons why you may want to be involved in protecting birth choices in South Carolina.
The Price of Apathy
Nicole Lavallee LM, CPM, LMT
No one came. No one came to express how important women’s childbirth choices are to them. DHEC (the Department of Health and Environmental Control) invited us to a meeting- a “workshop”- to help shape the new birth center regulations.
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The most important “stakeholder” in the childbirth choice game is the consumer. Because there are really only two ways to become a parent- which the majority of us do, sooner or later. And if you choose to grow that little person that makes you a parent in your body, it has to come out- one way or another. And even if you adopt that little person- his/her birth matters to him/her, and therefore to you. Really.
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On some level, I don’t care. At 48, the chances of me having to personally navigate another pregnancy and birth are slim. And even if I were pregnant, and The Man had limited the options of the general public, I am very well connected (and possess a proven pelvis!). I could easily find someone to catch my baby at my birthplace of choice- which is not a birth center. Can you say the same? If you or your daughter or your best friend wanted an out-of-hospital birth, and the laws hindered her/you, is there anyone who would risk breaking the law for her/you?
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Read on.
You might say, “It doesn’t matter to me, I was happy with my natural hospital births.” Good for you. I’m glad. Did you realize that one of the reasons that unmedicated hospital births are even a thing is because of decades of women fighting for women’s rights in childbirth, for women to have a choice to birth where and with whom they chose?
Or you might say, “I have homebirths. No sweat off my back if the birth centers close. If I am not having my baby at home, then I am on my way to the hospital, because my midwife told me we needed to go in.” As a midwife, I could say that, too. I mean, I don’t own a birth center. I could even think to myself, because it would be un-PC to say it out loud, “Sure! Let the birth centers close. All the more business for me!”
But that would be ignoring the fact that the medical establishment has an agenda. Not just in this state. It is a national agenda. It is an agenda to close birth centers that they do not control. It is an agenda to end homebirths with CPMs. And if “they” succeed in closing the independent birth centers in this state, it is encouragement for them to keep pushing until the LMs- the homebirth practitioners- are phased out too.
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Robbie Davis Floyd discusses in Birth as an American Rite of Passage, the extremes on the continuum help to define the “norm” in a society. Homebirths and birth center births help to encourage hospitals to practice more evidence-based medicine. They encourage them to listen more closely to consumers. Because they have competition- they have serious financial incentive to step up. When they don’t have competition, they don’t have to step up.
Did you know that hospital Cesarean rates go up to almost 70% in the United States, and there are many, many places where women are "not allowed" to have a vaginal birth??
As I write that, I say to myself, “How is that even possible?” But it is. And it didn’t happen overnight. It happened a step at a time. Women’s rights and choices being slowly eroded until, voila!, they don’t have any.
You might say, “Well, you have to go to a meeting like that, you are protecting your livelihood”. And my reply is, you may think I am so passionate about women’s rights and the quickly eroding rights of out-of-hospital birthers in this state because I am a midwife. But you would be wrong. I am a midwife because I care so much about the rights and health of women and babies, and I know that what I do makes a difference. Not just in that pregnancy, or that birth, but in the REST OF THEIR LIVES. I go to these meetings not to save my job, but to better mankind. (Hokey, huh?)
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Did you know that the members of the DHEC Board who get to give the thumbs up or down to the regulations are not elected? They are appointed. By our governor, Nikki Haley. So if the AMA, who is a generous campaign contributor, says, “Nikki, tell that Board of yours how dangerous it is for us not to control all the births in this state,” what do you think is going to happen? Unless she thinks it will cost her votes- now or in the future.
I was at a DHEC Board meeting a few months ago where they were discussing the birth center regulations. One of the members was insisting that the language needed to be more restrictive. One of the board members spoke up. “Do we really want to get those women riled up again?” He was referring to the uproar that ensued when DHEC tried to shut down the birth centers in November of 2013, right around Thanksgiving. I mean, what normal person wants to be getting called away from the Thanksgiving dinner table to discuss birth? Not the Board- so they definitely remembered that week and all those unhappy birth consumers.
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National expert in grassroots birth battles, Katie Prown, has taught me a lot about what has worked in other states to gain or maintain birthing choices, and what hasn’t. And the main thing that works is massive public outcry against unfair or restrictive birth practices. And to remember that while money talks, votes, or rather potential votes, of lack thereof, speak louder.
“But I don’t really have time for that”, you say. “I don’t have time to write letters, or go to meetings or rallies. I have ____________________ (a job/three little kids/a sick grandmother/a life).” And I say, “We all have the same amount of time.” You may be choosing to do other things. They may even be really important things. Just don’t be surprised when you wake up some day, and don’t have the choices you think you deserve.
As one of the leaders of that grassroots movement, I’m here to tell you, we (myself and the other leaders) are constantly saying to ourselves, “Should we ask them (the consumers) to write a letter now? Or wait? Well, if we ask them to come to this meeting or write this letter, then we can’t count on them to be “available” next month when we “really” need them. We don’t want to burn them out.” Newsflash- in this day and age, telling “The Man” that we won’t put up with His foolishness is a never ending process! Let me tell you in a way every mom will understand. This is like changing dirty diapers. There is always going to be another one. And the consequences for not changing it and changing it promptly can be overwhelming. And painful.
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If the system is allowed to further restrict the practices of the natural birth practitioners in this state, there will be many more women struggling to avoid unnecessary interventions- many of which lead to unnecessary surgery, unsuccessful breastfeeding, feelings of inadequacy, increase in postpartum depression. Some that lead to death. No one is in a position to help all those women individually, but we can help them to avoid ending up in that situation by improving birth choices and the safety of birth across the board.
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I cannot tell “The Man” what you want. You have to tell him what you want. And keep telling Him. Again and again and again.
Nicole Lavallee is a Certified Professional Midwife, and Licensed Massage Therapist who is trying hard to fight the good fight and encourage others to do the same. You can find more info on her homebirth practice in Columbia, SC by going to her website at www.threeriversbirthservices.com
Lisa's note: I'd love to hear your feedback on this article and ideas for protecting birth centers and home birth in South Carolina and ultimately throughout the United States. Other states are watching and will use what we experience as precedence for their own state's midwifery laws and regulations.
If we don't come up with some really great solutions, our daughters may have no choices at all!
***Stay abreast of current action steps and urgent needs at our SC National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM) Facebook page HERE.**
Oil Pulling Using Essential Oils
Oil Pulling Using Essential Oils
The many health benefits of oil pulling has been understood for centuries by other cultures but is just becoming more popular in America.
Oil Pulling is an ancient detoxification method which involves swishing oil around in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes. Some of the benefits are to reduce harmful bacteria, reduce plaque, support the remineralization of teeth, help gum issues, and overall provide for gum health, thus affecting the entire body.
?You can ramp up those health benefits even more by adding essential oils!
I was poking around online and stumbled across this really cool silicone candy making mold and got the great idea to make my oil pulling efforts even simpler!
I basically pour melted coconut oil into each little hole?, drip in 3-4 drops of my preferred essential oil, then pop in the freezer for an hour to solidify. I keep these in a jar in my fridge and grab one in the morning. EASY!!
NOW, instead of steps 1 & 2 below, I just grab one of my Oil Pulling Melts, pop it in my mouth and swish away!?
Essential oils that support oral (and whole body) wellness
- Protective Blend (supports healthy immunity)
- Clove
- Peppermint
- Basil
- Melaleuca
- Myrrh
How it works
The oil pulls bacteria, parasites and toxins from your body via the saliva. The bacteria count in your mouth is the highest first thing in the morning before eating or drinking. According to Ayurvedic medicine, mucous is poisonous and must be removed.
Helpful tip #1 - Tilt your head and chin up several times during your oil pulling sessions so the oil gets back into your molars. Do NOT gargle in the throat.
Helpful tip #2 - Sesame oil is the traditional oil in Ayurvedic practice. Many people have had great results using raw virgin coconut oil, however.
Helpful tip #4 - Worsening symptoms is an indication that your condition is improving through detoxification. It's called a Herxheimer reaction. This may be lessened by reducing the number of times a day or week you are oil pulling but don't stop completely. Just take it down a notch to a more comfortable level based on your goals and your symptoms. There is absolutely NO danger in oil pulling. This is an aggravation that can be adjusted by reducing the frequency.
Oil Pulling Basics:
- First thing in the morning before eating or drinking, put 1 teaspoon-1 tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth. Use 1 teaspoon if you have a strong gag reflex or are just learning to oil pull. Swish, swish until your oil is liquid.
- Add 2 drops of your favorite essential oil or one that serves your health goal. OR, GRAB ONE OF YOUR PRE-MADE OIL PULLING MELTS!
- Swish the oil around, pulling it through your teeth, back and forth for 15-20 minutes. I like to oil pull while I'm in the shower. It's helpful in case I drool and keeps people from wanting to chit chat:)
- Afterwards, spit the oil into your trash or into a paper towel. Do not swallow it! It is now FULL of toxins and bad bacteria.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water then brush your teeth with a non-chemicalized/non-fluoride toothpaste.
- Understand that you may experience some detoxification symptoms if oil pulling is done several times a week. Start with 2-3 times a week at first. Feel well!
Easy Homemade Deodorant
Homemade Deodorant Using Magnesium Oil
I am SO incredibly excited to share this new recipe with you! I've finally found victory in the homemade deodorant laboratory (aka my kitchen) with my Homemade Magnesium Oil Deodorant.
If you've ever made homemade deodorant, you've probably found a few problems with many recipes. The ones I've tried were effective but either left a white residue that got on my clothes or was messy going on... some burned my pits and a plethora of other issues.
Why the heck would you want to make your own deodorant anyway, you may ask?
There are many hidden health hazards in traditional deodorants. If we continue to slather these potentially hazardous chemicals under our arms we increase our exposure to heavy metals (aluminum), parabens, pthalates, propylyne glycol and triclosan. These killer chemicals are related to cancers, alzheimers, endocrine system disruption, hormone imbalance, birth defects and organ toxicity. Maybe more that we're not yet aware of.
Natural News said that "Several studies have shown a link between increasing antiperspirant use and rising rates of female breast cancer and prostate cancer in men. However, the FDA has not committed to classifying it as a carcinogen. Their position remains one of "wait and see" as more definitive studies are released." I don't know about you but a "wait and see" attitude doesn't cut it for me.
Who the heck wants to wait around to see if these chemicals are going to cause cancer when the studies already show links?
All of this chemical soup is not worth the risk for me.
I'm not willing to stink though either, so that's how my quest began.
For awhile, I was resolved to just begrudgingly purchase the $9 a tube natural deodorants. "Pay it now or pay it later" has been my motto for years. Nine bucks for deodorant stinks all by itself though. That's when I started dabbling with recipes.
Need an extra perk? Magnesium applied to the skin absorbs better than most every other route
Nearly every person in the US is deficient in magnesium. It's considered the "invisible deficiency" because it's so easy to miss and doesn't show up in traditional blood work. It's a cellular deficiency. You can read more about magnesium deficiency symptoms HERE.
In the meantime, I'm loving that I have found such an effective deodorant base that's easy to make and costs me under a dollar to whip up a completed 4 oz. bottle!
Here you go. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Homemade Magnesium Oil Deodorant
What you'll need
1 cup *distilled water (distilled is important to not harbor bacteria)
1-2 TBSP Magnesium Flakes
6 drops of Lavender Essential Oil (Lavender is soothing and skin loving)
6 drops of Melaleuca Essential Oil (great to kill odor causing bacteria)
3 Tbsps of Organic Witch Hazel
How to
Bring distilled water to a boil in stainless saucepan. Add magnesium flakes and stir/simmer until completely dissolved. Cool completely then add witch hazel and essential oils. Pour into glass spray bottle and ta-daa! Use a few spritzes for deodorant purposes. I use even more (10-20 sprays) each morning to boost my body's magnesium stores.
If you find that the magnesium solutions stings at all which is more likely after shaving, add a bit more witch hazel or a little fractionated coconut oil to adjust.
Breathing for Natural Birth
Lymphatic Breathing
A Natural Childbirth Skill You Don't Want to Be Without!
Our lymphatic system is basically the sewer system for our body. Like the circulatory system for the blood, it has millions of vessels but unlike the circulatory system, it doesn't have it's own pump.
The heart keeps nutrients moving through the blood to fuel the cells but there is also waste that cells release and toxins that circulate, which now need to be carried out of the body. When this stagnant waste builds up in the body, we become toxic, sluggish and not able to cope with many stressors and diseases.
Lymph is moved by deep breathing, walking, rebounding and other muscle action. When muscles are squeezed, lymph fluid is pushed along to be filtered by the lymph nodes on the way back through the veins to the heart then on to the liver and kidneys.
?A simple way to keep lymph moving efficiently is through exercise and deep abdominal breathing.
Notice for a moment what kind of breather you are.
Lay one hand on your belly and one on your chest. Which one rises first? This will tell you if you are more of a chest breather or an abdominal breather.
Many people in western cultures are chronically shallow chest breathers. We live in a fast paced world and have forgotten how to soothe ourselves and slow down.
We live in this small space inside our bodies and tend to breathe only in that small space as well. Busy, busy, hurry, hurry, get it done! Sound familiar?
Taking time each day to practice intentional deep breathing will offer you an amazing de-stress coping skill, will oxygenate your baby and provide you an incredible tool to use in labor.
?Simply Deep Breathing
The most basic thing to remember is that you can't expand your lungs fully if they aren't emptied completely first. It's also important to breathe IN through your nose and OUT through your lips.
Start with your exhale through loose lips. Breathe OUT slowly for a count of 8. Hold for a few seconds then breathe IN for a count of 8. NOW...breathe IN even more for another count of 8, hold for a few... then exhale slowly (count of 8) starting over.
This simple breathing exercise, repeated at least 5-10 times daily can do wonders to support your health, your baby and your life!
As a tool for labor
Practice lymphatic breathing for 20-30 minutes a day, laying on your left side with a pillow plumped up under your top knee and your arms and fingers laying loose.
Loosen your lips. Relax your brow. Let your shoulders drop. Feel your belly rise and fall. Expand those lungs fully mama.
Feel your belly rise and fall.
Picture your placenta and baby fully receiving the blessing, love and oxygen you're sending. Feel the warmth. Enjoy each moment.
I know when you're pregnant, it can feel like forever. I promise you, it's not. Take this time to savor. It is such a beautiful season as new life grows within you. It's quickly gone.
Bask in the joy that you are doing everything possible to provide a perfect womb environment to grow your incredible baby.
?Love & birth joy! Lisa