baby : pregnancy
Since Taylor’s birth, I am more deeply connected to all mothers. We share this sacred rite of passage, and I want the best for all moms and babies.

I cannot fully express the gratitude I feel towards the people who came into my life during my pregnancy. They introduced me to possibilities that I would have never fathomed on my own, and as a way of thanking the universe for these experiences, I want to pass on the good karma and positive vibes to others.

Childbirth isn’t the scary, medical procedure our culture makes it out to be. Childbirth is a healthy and normal physiological process. Labor may be intense but in a completely manageable and almost athletic way, if you know how to prepare for it. On the other hand, labor may be easier than you would ever imagine and progress more quickly than you would expect. (Mine surely did.)

Birth can even be orgasmic. Yes, orgasmic!

So, I may sound like some missionary knocking on people's doors, trying to get them to convert. Yes, in some ways I am. I am so passionate about the positive possibilities of birth that I want to shout it from the rooftops.

While fear is completely healthy and natural (especially for first-time moms), I want more women to know that they don’t have hide from it. And like any good missionary, I also hold no judgement about whatever decisions people make. It's difficult to navigate our healthcare system and question our culture's biases. That, and some events are just out of our control sometimes.

Like I said, I’m just trying to pass on the good vibes that I was so fortunate to receive.

Surround yourself with positive energy. Surging hormones can cause unusually intense emotions during these precious months, so be sure to protect yourself as much as you can from negativity.

Only read books and watch TV shows that put pregnancy, birth and parenthood in a positive light. While I'm not one to run away from reality, I also believe in respecting this sacred rite of passage. While sitcoms and supposedly humorous books about the trials of motherhood can be superficially entertaining, they may do more damage than good.

Please also be careful avoid so-called "educational reality" shows on birth. These shows do not accurately depict birth and often relay misinformation, even when advice or commentary is provided by a health care professional. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend any television programs for women to watch because accurate and uplifting programs do not yet exist in the US.

Eat mindfully. While it's tempting to eat everything in sight during pregnancy, try not to make it a habit. Eat to your (true) hunger and stick to whole (unprocessed) foods.

For more specific dietary guidelines, visit my Weston A. Price page. For nutritional counseling during pre-conception, pregnancy, and post-partum periods, contact Julie Matthews at Healthful Living in San Francisco.

Keep moving. As your belly grows and your energy level wanes, it may be tempting to vege on the couch. Resist the urge and keep moving.

Practicing yoga (even if you've never done yoga before) is an excellent way to connect with your growing baby, to stay physically active and to practice relaxation and meditation. If yoga isn't your thing, take a daily stroll to clear your mind.

Attend a series of childbirth preparation classes that extend over several weeks of your pregnancy instead of a weekend intensive course. Childbirth is far too complex and too important to squeeze into a crash-course. Opt for a series to process all of the information; to allow your questions and any anxieties to be addressed fully; and to cultivate a supportive community with other expectant mothers.

Also consider choosing a series of classes outside of the hospital, where you are more likely to find a more balanced and holistic approach to pregnancy and birth, like those available at Natural Resources in San Francisco.

Get prenatal massages. "Prenatal massage addresses the common discomforts of pregnancy, prepares the woman's body for labor, soothes her nervous system by increasing the secretion of endorphins and serotonin (these cross the placenta and help calm the fetus) and improves her self-image. Massage during labor relieves pain and can shorten labor. Postpartum massage encourages a speedier more effective recovery by promoting the initial cleansing process and, later, by balancing her muscles to their pre-pregnant tone and strength" [Mothering Magazine's website].

Be sure to choose a massage therapist that is certified and truly qualified to give prenatal and postpartum massages.

While pregnant, I received massages at two trendy spas in the city. While the atmosphere was great, I could tell that the therapists might have had some training in pregnancy massage, but they did not have a very confident or knowledgeable touch. After receiving many massages from therapists who specialize in healing, I could just feel the difference physically and intuitively.

** You'll notice that the suggestions below sound much more serious than the ones above. My intention is not to instill fear or paranoia. I want you to be informed as you step into your relationship with your healthcare provider and in every process to and through your child's birth. These matters are best addressed when you've allowed yourself time to think about them and research them -- before you're in labor.

Research and critically examine common labor and delivery procedures and drugs. As an example, epidurals (i.e. drugs derived from cocaine that are injected into a woman's body) have been deemed safe for mother and baby. Women are even assured that epidural drugs do not cross the placental barrier. How is this so? From the beginning of pregnancy, women are cautioned against raw meat, alcohol and hot dogs, and suddenly a drug derived from cocaine is safe. Be an informed and, therefore, empowered pregnant woman.

While not exhaustive, here are a few common terms and drugs. Look into anesthesia, electronic fetal monitoring, Pitocin, Cervidil, Cytotec, Demerol, directed pushing, forceps delivery, group beta strep and addressing G.B.S. with antibiotics or other remedies.

Ask your OB or midwife about their rate of medical interventions (i.e. pitocin, epidurals, c-sections, stripping membranes, breaking of amniotic sac, episiotomies, etc.). The hospital supplies this information to your healthcare provider yearly and even monthly. Research these medical interventions and make sure you're absolutely comfortable with your provider's intervention rates.

Intervention rates should be as follows:
• Induction rate of 10% or less
• Episiotomy rate of 20% or less, with a goal of 5% or less
• Cesarean section rate of 10% or less for community hospitals
• Cesarean section rate of 15% or less for high-risk hospitals
• VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section) rate of 60% or more, with a goal of 75% or more

Ask your OB about his or her surgical procedures, specifically about how they suture his or her patients after a cesarean. For many years, it was accepted practice to suture a woman's c-sectioned body with two layers of sutures plus another layer to close the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity that covers your organs). Doctors attributed this technique to proper healing of a woman's body.

The new trend is to suture only one layer of the uterine incision and leave the peritoneum open. This new method is a few minutes faster and is a cost savings to the hospital (in terms of suture materials and in the amount of time the operating room is used for one patient).

There are many details to research further; however, it's important to know one of the greatest differences between these suturing techniques and how it affects future pregnancies. Women sutured with the single-layer technique are at 4 to 6 times higher risk than the multiple-layer technique to experience uterine rupture when they attempt a V.B.A.C. (vaginal birth after cesarean).

Even with the best laid plans and intentions for birth, c-sections are performed. Ensure that you're one of the women who educates herself on c-sections and demands proper care.

Make decisions that truly resonate with you. If you have any shadows of doubt about your birth support people or birth location, don't be afraid to act on them. It's never too late.

I switched providers at approximately the 32nd week of pregnancy. Despite lingering feelings of doubt about my OB practice and how well their philosophy matched mine, I stayed with them week after week. It wasn't until our doula and childbirth instructor encouraged me to admit the nagging denial that I switched providers. Honor that wise voice inside because you know what's best for you and your baby.

Additional Resources
Refer to The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services' Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative for more information on maternity care. Use their Ten Steps of the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative as a guide in selecting a care provider and birth location.

Be informed about the choices you make in pregnancy and birth. Access evidence-based information at Childbirth Connection. Topics include labor pain, Cesarean section, preventing pelvic floor disfunction, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), and many more.

ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) provides relelvant, evidence-based information for all childbearing women.

Read about more ways to prepare yourself for birth.

updated 09.30.08