Birth Circle next Monday!

Hi Friends,

I am hosting the Staunton/Waynesboro/Augusta County Birth Circle next Monday evening at my home in Staunton. It is at 7 p.m. Stay as long as you'd like up 'till 9 p.m. Will you come?

Share stories, experiences, suggestions, or just come to listen.

We will have some goodies, beverages & bring the kids, too!

Fun, fun!

Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy

I am writing today about Pelvic Pain in pregnancy, as a client of mine has been struggling with this for a while.

Specifically, I am thinking, as she mentioned to me, that it may be SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) It occurs when the symphysis pubis joint becomes sufficiently relaxed to allow significant 'gapping' or instability in the pelvic girdle.

SPD is a result of a combination of factors:

• an altered pelvic load
• hormonal and biochemical alterations causing ligament laxity and,
• a weakening of pelvic and core musculature during pregnancy
  

You may have SPD if you have one or more of the following:

• localised to your symphysis pubis, (see pic) including shooting, stabbing and burning pains, grinding and audible clicking sensations and/or persistent discomfort.
  
• Pain radiating to lower abdomen, groin, perineum, thigh, leg and back
  
• Difficulty in walking, climbing up or down stairs, rising up from a chair, impaired weight bearing activities, e.g. standing on one leg or lifting/parting the legs, turning in bed, getting out of the car
  
  

Here are some things pregnant women with SPD can do to minimize their discomfort.

Make a "nest" of pillows for a more restful sleep!

• Avoid activities which cause discomfort, e.g. lifting, carrying, prolonged standing, walking and strenuous exercise


• Rest more frequently in a position which is comfortable, such as:
  lying with your knees bent and supported
  lying on your side with a pillow between your knees
  sitting with your knees slightly apart
  avoid sitting with legs crossed.


• Mild to moderate exercise, including abdominal wall and pelvic floor exercises, is acceptable.


• Avoid straddling and squatting movements, which means moving with knees apart (hip abduction), when getting in and out of car.


• Try to keep knees together, while
  getting in and out of bed.


• When moving in bed, try to keep legs together particularly when moving from side to side.


• Do not push with one foot as this will worsen the pain.


• Push equally with both feet to move about the bed.
  
• Adopt good posture, avoid bending and twisting.
  
• If swimming, avoid the breast-stroke with the legs kicking outwards.
  
• Ice packs can be used for five minutes at a time or an ice cube can be rubbed on the symphysis pubis for 20–30 seconds

Wear a maternity support belt for maximum stability.

The height of fashion, all the moms are wearing them!! :)

Most of this post material taken from: http://mcr.coreconcepts.com.sg/what-is-symphysis-pubis-dysfunction-spd/

Cheatin' at Birth Classes...

How to cheat & NOT take a birth class; not generally recommended, but I have attended more than one set of parents that had never taken a class & was happy with the outcome at the birth of their child.

• First, look into birth doula support during labor. I’ve met women who had no birth know-how going into their birth; who didn’t read books, who did not take classes, and still had a great birth because they had doula support.


• Read one or two of these:
  Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: the Revised Edition
  Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth
  Mothering Magazine’s Having a Baby, Naturally: The Mothering Magazine Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth
  Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation
  Watch these videos:
  Birth As We Know It
  A large collection of natural birth DVDs
  


• If you are interested in childbirth in general, but not sure that totally natural is right for you, try these resources:
  The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth - this is my favorite general childbirth and pregnancy book. This book is not only about natural childbirth, but you should be aware of all your options. Knowing about medical interventions in labor and birth is very important,even if you want a natural birth. The author, Kitzinger errs on the side of natural is best when possible, but always shows you all your options.
  The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth
  Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
  


• Watch this video:
  Laugh and Learn About Childbirth - covers Lamaze based childbirth technique.