Have you ever heard of lightning crotch in labor? Learn about what happens in labor, early labor, active labor, comfort techniques for labor, what a contraction feels like and much more!
Which Tampa Bay Hospitals Permit Doulas?
As we know, COVID is currently surging throughout the greater Tampa Bay area. As such, visitor policies at local hospitals are frequently changing. So, which local hospitals are permitting doulas to support labor and delivery patients right now? First, we should note that professional doulas are not the same as “visitors.” Doulas are essential members…
Six Tips for a Natural Birth at the Hospital
So you want to have a natural birth at the hospital!? Navigating our current maternity health care system can be a little tricky. However, a natural birth in the hospital is possible. Lots of families before you have done it. It is a feasible and realistic goal. So we say – you can do it!…
Virtual Labor Doula Support
During this current health crisis families are still having babies and in need of labor support. In this time of social distancing and with hospital doula/visitor policies are in flux, we’ve got a plan. We are still here and able to support our clients virtually with the same level of compassionate care. Our Virtual Labor…
How A Peanut Ball is Used in Labor
What is a peanut ball? How is a peanut ball used in labor? There are many important benefits to changing positions regularly in labor. We often suggest that women in labor change positions every 30 mins to an hour. When you are laboring with an epidural you are limited in the number of different positions…
Birth Plans Can Change
“When our birth plan changed and I needed a surgical birth, my doula held my hand in the operating room and helped us to stay calm.” – Haley, St. Pete Beach Birth plans can change, like Haley describes. Many people (mistakenly) think birth doula support is only for a “natural” birth or vaginal birth. What…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Early Labor vs Active Labor – When to Go to the Hospital?
Understanding the differences between these two phases will help you to make a better decision about when to head to the hospital, birth location or call the midwife! What does early labor look like? Contractions come on slowly and gradually get closer together, longer and stronger. At the beginning of early labor most women are…
Ugh, Why Am I Not in Labor Yet?
As I got to the end of my first pregnancy, I was so ready to meet my baby. I’m not quite sure that I was ready to be in labor – that sounded hard – but I really, really wanted to find out what he or she looked like. Technically we didn’t know the sex,…