THE BUDDHA BELLY BLOG
Induce Labor Naturally?
Looking to get labor started? Are there any natural ways to induce labor? There is a LOT of misinformation out there (thanks a lot, Dr. Google!) about DIY ways to kick start childbirth. But do they actually work? Acupuncture? Little evidence that it induces labor, little evidence that it can cause harm. So, maybe? Red…
Food and Drink in Labor?
Food and drink in labor? Many people are surprised to find out that their birth facility or care provider restricts “oral intake” in labor after admission to the hospital. ACOG (the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) says: “There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about the relationship between fasting times for clear liquids and…
Fort DeSoto Camping with Kids
Looking for tips on camping at Fort DeSoto with kids? Recently I took my kids on their very first camping trip ever to Fort DeSoto. It was also my first time camping as a parent! My 11 year-old son’s reaction when he heard we might be going camping was priceless and is what really made…
What Should I Know about Breastfeeding?
“What should I know about breastfeeding?” Of course, every woman is unique AND each breastfeeding journey is, too. It’s good to be cautious of advice that is applied like a cookie cutter to each and every person. But in this case, I feel confident that these three things will help every mother-baby breastfeeding pair. …
Dancing in Labor and Delivery
Dancing in labor? Yes, this is wonderful if you feel so inclined. Let’s discuss why it works. In order for your baby to be born, she must descend and make several movements through the birth canal. Your position can greatly influence her progress during labor and delivery. Using gravity and changing positions frequently is helpful…
Is Having a Doula Important?
Is having a doula important? Imagine you are planning to compete in an Olympic sport. Would you prepare, train, practice, compete and execute the sporting event all on your own? Or would you have a coach, trainer, nutritionist, medical staff and your family nearby to guide, encourage and take care of you as needed? Of…
How Will I Cope with Labor?
How will I cope with labor? What are the options? Some mothers know exactly what they want and others would like to research and learn about their options. Here is a brief summary of some pain relief and coping strategies used in labor. 1. Unmedicated/Comfort Measures Laboring mothers that plan to go without medicine often…
Childbirth: There Is No Right Way
My mother was a hippie. She gave birth to all of her children at home with a home-visiting doctor. Her experience influenced my views of childbirth and how I wanted to birth my babies. Once I was pregnant I did everything I thought was right. I took a 12-week series of Bradley Method Natural Childbirth…
An Oversupply of Breastmilk?
Breastmilk oversupply? Before it happened to me, I really didn’t realize it could be a problem. How could any mother have an oversupply of breastmilk and how could that possibly be a problem? I’d heard about mothers who struggled to keep their milk supply abundant enough for their baby, but oversupply? It sounded like a…
Ack! Why Does My Belly Hurt So Much?
Many pregnant women suffer from a specific discomfort during pregnancy caused by the round ligament. This pain is usually felt low on the front of their abdomen, near the pubic bone, and may continue towards their groin. It may be felt on one side or both. The round ligament connects the uterus to the groin,…
When Is the “Right” Time to Wean?
In America, most babies (approximately 77%) wean – that is, stop breastfeeding – by one year of age, according to the CDC. However, that doesn’t mean YOUR baby will or has to follow this same timeline. The book Breastfeeding: Biocultural Perspectives surmised that the human biological age for weaning from breastfeeding is between two and…
Aromatherapy in Labor
Recall a time in your past that you felt relaxed and comfortable. Was there a nice smell associated with this time? Maybe the smell of a particular flower that you enjoy? Aromatherapy is one tool that can be used for comfort in labor. Essential oils are extracted from plants, flowers and fruit and distilled. They…