Doula Digest - What to pack in your Birth Bag

Posted by Kim:

What should I pack in my Birth Bag?


Preparing for the birth of your child is one of the most exciting times for every mother, but what do you really need to bring with you? With my experience as a doula and mother of three, along with many experienced moms' opinions, we have the most comprehensive list along with many great tricks and inside tips. We hope this not only prepares you, but also educates and empowers you to create the best birth possible for you!

Labor Soothing Tools:
Massage Oil - not only does massage feel good, it also helps the body relax. If you like scents, massage oils are the best way to experience aromatherapy during your birth. But be aware, just because it smells good to you now, you may not enjoy the smell while you are actually in labor.

Massage Ball - using a massage ball creates pressure like a hand, but without the effort or stress on the massager. You will us it FOREVER!

Spikey Ball - rubbing a spiked ball between your hands (or on your feet) during contractions will relieve pain. The tactile stimulation focuses your pain receptors away from your contractions.

Barley Pack - wonderful to heat in the microwave or cool in the refrigerator to relieve sore spots (especially the neck and lower back).

Moist Heat Heating Pad - cordless microwaveable heating pad can soothe back aching. Be sure it is moist heat though!

Personal Items

Birth Outfit - don't be frustrated and intimidated by the hospital gown and environment. We at BINSI feel that you deserve the most practical and functional outfit possible on your big day. Check out our complete line of labor and birth apparel!

Robe - a soft, warm and comfortable robe will make a huge difference.

Slippers - slippers that slide on, are soft and cushioning and have a tread bottom are important. You want to be able to get in and out of them quickly and easily, all while feeling cozy and warm.

Personal Pillow - bringing your own pillow can be important, it is nice to have something soft and comfortable (not plastic) to rest your head on. Make sure you use a colorful cover, so it isn't mistaken for a hospital pillow. One mom even told us she brought a pillow with a red pillowcase to use as a backdrop for her pictures. Hey, its ok to want to look as good as you can!! You deserve it!

Music - bring all the genres of music you like. You may be surprised what you're in the mood for or need during your labor.

Flash Light or Night Light - turn off those horrible overhead lights (especially while you're in the bath) and relax with soft lighting instead of the harsh overhead lights.

Chap stick - the effort you exert, not to mention the breathing techniques you might use, will surely dry your lips.

Ponytail Holders - obviously very important during one of the most physically taxing events of your life. No one wants their hair in their face.

Sour Candy - labor can often create nausea. Having sour candy can help alleviate these symptoms.
Doula– be supported, encouraged and understood during your labor. A doula provides physical and emotional assistance for both you and your partner.

Baby Powder– labor can make you hot and sweaty. Baby powder can be an easy solution to helping you feel dry and fresh.

Bath Pillow – if you are able to labor in the tub, it is nice to have something soft to cradle your head as you relax.

Prenatal Vitamins – the amount of energy you exert during labor and birth is enormous. Remember to give yourself and your baby the best start by staying healthy and nourished.

Toiletries – all the basics (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, hairdryer, makeup, etc.)

For Birth Partners:

Change of clothes –

Comfortable Shoes –

Toiletries –

Food – bring lots of non-fragrant snacks, granola bars and protein bars are great. Even though she won’t be able to eat, you need to stay nourished and in top shape to be there for her as best you can.

Video and/or Still Camera –

Phone List –

Cell Phone (and charger) – preload your friends’ and families’ email addresses into your phone so you can send pictures right from your phone.

Laptop Computer -

Books and Movies – for big brother’s or big sister’s visit.

Medicine – even though you’re in a hospital, if you get sick they won’t give you anything. Make sure to pack a pain reliever and upset stomach medicine – just in case.

Swimsuit – you may want to join her in the tub – which we highly recommend.

Pillow – pillows can be scarce in a hospital, and you’re the last in the line. Make sure you’re comfortable and bring your own.

For after the birth and the trip home:

Maternity Clothes – even though you are no longer pregnant you will most likely not fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes.

Nursing Bra -

Book and/or magazines -

Baby outfits – your baby does not have to only wear a diaper or t-shirt while in the hospital. Bring some outfits for your little one for your stay in the hospital and for the ride home.

Baby Blanket – a soft, cozy blanket helps everyone to feel more relaxed and ready to brave the new world.

Doula Digest - Bradley Birth Education

Posted by Kim:

As part of my doula training I had to take a childbirth education class (not pregnant). It seems like I am always meeting Bradley birth educators and a lot of people are talking about it so I thought I would check it out, plus I really loved the idea of the Husband Coached Childbirth. It sounded like a method that my husband would have liked and appreciated. If only I was as educated then as I am now. I almost feel like I know so much more now that it is a shame that I am not having another baby. This is not to say that I haven't been lobbying for baby #3 for the last year! Back on track......

For convenience sake and the fact that I already knew her I decided to enroll in Michelle Mueller's Natural Childbirth Education class. There were four pregnant couples in the class and as the weeks passed we became a pretty close group. Unlike the birth education class we took. In our class there were about 50 people in our class and there was absolutely no intimacy or sharing of information between the students. WE simply learned what the teacher wanted us to know. Not that she was a bad teacher, we definitely learned the facts, but we didn't get the different perspectives from the students because no one really felt open to share in front of 50 people! Again I digress, back to Bradley.

Our class met for 11 weeks beginning in September and we covered the following topics:

• Exercise
• Nutrition
• Pregnancy/Gestation
• Variations and Options
• Intro to First Stage
• Intro to Second Stage
• Birth Plans
• Coaching
• Postpartum
• Advanced First Stage (Labor Rehearsal)
  
• Advanced Second Stage

Each class started with Michelle asking each couple how their week went, how their nutrition was for week and if they have any concerns (including concerns about their care provider). In addition Michelle would ask each couple if they had been practicing their Taylor sitting, kegels and relaxation techniques. What struck me the most about this class was how fun it was to see each couple grow and develop during their last trimester. There was definitely quite a difference between the first class and the last, boy could I relate to how they all felt as they grew closer and closer to their due date.

The primary theme throughout the class was nutrition, labor management and the intervention spiral. We discussed the common interventions, why they are done, benefits, risks and alternatives. Some common interventions and their alternatives that we discussed were:

• Vaginal Exams - request that they do not do the exams unless there is a compelling medical reasons.
• Non-Stress Test - fetal movement counting
• Induced Labor - Waiting, nipple stimulation, sex, accupressure, herbs, acupuncture, or Castor oil
• Membrane Stripping - Nipple stimulation
• Vaginal exams in labor - Limit exams prior to pushing,
  
• Gowning - Wear own clothes
• Separation of mom from support during admission - Do all admission work ahead of time
• IV - Stay hydrated
  
• Restricting food & drink - eat lightly, drink sips of water, eat ice chips or popsicles. Energy gels or honey.
• Electronic Fetal Monitoring - Use fetoscope or doppler or intermittent EFM
  
• Doptone - Use fetoscope if someone is trained to use it.
• Restricted movement during labor - walk around, change positions often, take a shower or bath
• Amniotomy - Use natural ways to speed up labor like walking, suck thumb, nipple stimulation, acupressure or acupuncture
• Narcotics/Analgesics - Natural methods of pain relief
• Epidural - Natural pain coping techniques: relazation, changing positions, movement, birth ball, visualization, bath or shower
• Augmentation - Use natural methods of speeding up labor
• Episiotomy - Choose a caregiver who does not perform them. Do pre-natal perineal massage. Do not lay on his back to push, practice kegels
• Forceps or Vacuum Extraction - Prevention: good pushing positions and techniques, avoiding epidural

The Cascade Effect of Interventions:

1. Break water to advance labor
2. Gel
3. Pitocin
4. Drugs/Epidural
5. C-Section

Common side effects of the Epidural are:

1. Drop in mom's blood pressure
2. They only work 85% of the time
3. It may only work on one side
4. Epidural headache 25% of the time
5. Pain at the injection site
6. Need for the use of forceps ro vacuum extraction
   
7. C-Section
8. Episiotomy

Overall I really enjoyed this class. I thought Michelle presented a great point of view and each couple could cater the information they learned to their own wants and needs. However, learning about Bradley made me more curious about the other methods of childbirth education. I think I may need to take the other methods so I can learn about them and then be knowledgeable about the different methods my different doula clients may choose to follow. Now I just need to find the time!

To learn more about the Bradley Method of childbirth please visit their website www.BradleyBirth.com