I present to you, the Fetal Heimlich maneuver! I was fortunate to capture this amazing photo and even more thankful my clients agreed to allow it to be shared. It's a natural phenomena in which the intact mother's perineum pressing inward on the baby's ribcage, naturally expelling any mucous/fluids in baby's mouth and nose. Even today, few are aware of the Fetal Heimlich maneuver, its benefits and reason to help prevent medically unnecessary episiotomies or extensive tearing whenever possible. We can not prevent all tears or necessity of episiotomy, but we can support mom's perineum during crowning with use of oil, perineal massage and hot compress. We can also help mom slow those last few pushes down. We can allow mom to choose a more favorable pushing position for her body and comfort level. And no doubt, with the expertise of a fabulous midwife, increase the success rates of protecting more women from what could possibly have been preventable damage to their perineum. I have had the pleasure in now three states, to witness some of the finest midwife work. Allow me to brag on a few... above the amazing Tina Moreno, CNM with her awesome work and support. I have had numerous first time moms have a completely intact perineum with their first baby! Some of my new favorites, here in Athens, Ga, Hillary Midler, CNM & Hannah Turner, CNM they both have remarkably has assisted several of my GA birth family in avoiding damage to perineum... thank you Hillary & Hannah for your dedication to support baby & bottoms! The "until you witness it first hand, you wouldn't believe it" work of Tina Hayes, CNM... I dubbed her the Leonardo da Vinci of birthing. I compare her skillset of protecting the perineum to that of painting the Mona Lisa down below. It's a process full of patience and coaching that works for skilled midwives for many years. Another, controversial topic is the difference in how a skilled midwife handles a nuchal cord as shown below. Some OBGYN's will immediately clamp and cut to free nuchal cords, where as many skilled midwives & OB's will birth baby, if all possible and simply unwrap the cord after birth. The cord is full of what is known as Wharton's jelly, a substance which insulates and provides protection within the umbilical cord. Remember, as long as your placenta has not detached, your baby is receiving oxygen from the cord (not mouth and nose) until the cord is cut. At that time, baby must take its first breath. Ready or not. Did you know, even to current date, we sometimes shockingly witness OBGYN's and even on a rare occasion a nurse midwife, who flat out refuses to perform preventative work? We have heard everything from "No", to "No that's what the baby does", to "you are going to tear into your rectum if you don't let me cut you" (while still forcing the mom to remain flat on her back and refusing to do the work which could prevent damage)?? And, we are not just referring to epidural clients who have little to no use of their legs for other positioning. I've even experienced an OBGYN who spoke the words (when my client reaffirmed she was told she could choose her position), "of course, you can choose your pushing position". What followed was my being bumped from the bedside so, that the nurse could step in and assist the doctor in his way of birthing. Then, as a helpless doula, I had the unfortunate pleasure of watching as he physically pulled the pee pad underneath her, until he had her exactly where he wanted her and all while the head was emerging. He had physically pulled off her side to flat on her back. I was shocked as he continued zero support to baby's head, even after birth of head completely took both hands off allowing the baby to rest solely on her perineum as he clamped & cut while Dad said we wanted delayed cord clamping. We entered the hospital at 9cm, walked to the room, she had a beautiful experience up until this point. The OBGYN maybe spent 10 minutes in the room prior to birth and sadly, my client had to be taken back minutes after giving birth drug free to the operating room to undergo extensive repair under general anesthesia. If you are a provider, don't misconstrue this message, we are not expecting you to work miracles, nor are informed clients unrealistic, we simply are asking, Please just PERFORM THE WORK that is within your power to help prevent damage. In other wards, be open to change and supporting the perineum. Your clients will rave about you, even if a tear happens if you can encourage and be mindful of the wishes of those who are paying you for a service. And, refer their friends! Readers, these extreme examples do not reflect all practitioners, nor a specific title, there are still very good OBGYN's who will do all they can to help prevent damage. I even literally coached a Charlotte OBGYN (like a cheerleader) into protecting my clients bottom. He was such a team player and couldn't believe she had labored drug free and had a successful vaginal birth of what an ultrasound considered too large to birth vaginally. In fact, with the use of oil, compress and support Dr. Lucas was able to birth her 10lb baby boy, with her perineum in tact and just two stitches! Now, that's an awesome OBGYN! Be mindful of the following: - You are paying your providers for a service~ choose wisely. - Tailor sit often, practice deep squats/ natural stretching of the area, avoid soap and other drying agents which can destroy your body's natural PH and oil glands. - Consider including your preference of perineal support/massage on your birth plan. - Laboring down and pushing in a position utilizing gravity can help. - Oil and massage with controlled breathing/positive pushing techniques can help. - Your midwife or doctor does not typically remain bedside throughout hard labor. In many hospital births, we may not see a provider until toward the end of push phase closer to crowning. - An episiotomy can potentially shorten push phase, however, we typically tear in addition to, or as head emerges extend the original episiotomy. - We typically tear around blood vessels. - If ever there is a fear of upward damage into the clitoral area, choose wisely, with the episiotomy, at least one of the benefits is to try to direct in which way the tear goes. - If mechanical assistance is necessary, most common is vacuum extraction or forceps. In the past, episiotomy was most commonly performed in combination with use of forceps due to the size of forceps blades entering the birth canal. - In unique circumstances, an episiotomy could potentially spare a mother a C-section (if baby in trouble) and/ or shorten push phase. Remember, we can't prevent all tearing or necessity for avoiding episiotomy with good positioning and proper push techniques, but even in unusual situations we can attempt to limit excessive damage. In the best case scenario, prevent tearing all together, provided your baby does not enter the world with a hand under its chin or an unusually large head size, of course. It is imperative you choose a practitioner who will honor your preferences, do what is medically best for you and your body and not simply choose a position that's easier for them. Make no mistake, if your definition of a happy "birth" day includes some personal preferences, IT MATTERS WHERE and WITH WHOM YOU BIRTH. There are no re-do's. There is a difference in a provider who says they will support your wishes, who goes along with your birth plan and those providers who actually go above and beyond to encourage their clients to achieve their birthing goals. Education matters, Preparing your body and training matters. Once you know your birthing options, you can best determine where to birth. For example, you desire use of tub or water birth, that will narrow your choices of where. Once you determine where you desire to birth, ask around for supportive provider referrals online, in various mom groups, LLL mtgs., call your local Doula's and Childbirth Educators and ask any nursing friends who they might recommend that aligns with your preferences. Find the provider that's right for you- everyone benefits from a little homework! #fetalheimlichmaneuver #episiotomy #postpartum #postpartumrecovery #postpartumhealing #controlledpushing #nuchalcord #WhartonsJelly #MidwifeAssistedHospitalBirth #Midwifeassisted #Midwife

Couples demonstrate proper squatting and learn how to protect the uterine ligaments and how Dad can help! Shown on the left our #AthensDoulaDreamTeam Doula Apprentice, Nikki Reeves, her husband Todd and their surprise gender baby! In some workshops, we not only talk about how consuming dates can shorten your labor, (ACOG tested) we taste and try them, as well! Special thanks to Doula Apprentice, Dianna Rutledge for treating the class to Dates her way “stuffed with cheese” #YUM! We empower women and their coach to properly educate, prepare and practice for this amazing one day event... your Labor Day! Labor is a one time event in which you can not have a re-do! Imagine a partner who knows how to help you lower pain levels and properly support you through labor... now that’s #Priceless These awesome gals! I am so blessed to train them, assist them and pour in knowledge in which they can bless the next generation with the knowledge that happy “BIRTH” days DO EXIST, regardless of how the baby exits your body. Of course, if you plan, prepare and practice what we teach you, our couples are quite successful in avoiding unnecessary medical interventions and know how to discern and make decisions necessary to stay on track to meet their birthing goals! Special thanks to former Doula Client Alisha for paying it forward today and sharing her amazing skills with expectant moms! We are so thrilled to have her in our #AthensBirthFamily! Baby wearing expert, Alisha Berkland shares options, demos and tips for wearing one or more babies and or toddlers! Other training options include traditional birth training (12 segments of study) in The Bradley Method (r) which is the most detailed of all birth education and 87% successful in drug free natural childbirth. For more information on a Bradley Method class near you: bradleybirth.com For Athens, Ga and north Ga www.bradleybirth.com/pamelasauls For Charlotte, NC www.bradleybirth.com/sarahneri Email Pam @ yourbirthhelper@gmail for more childbirth education options and information! Your Birth Helper is so pleased to host monthly childbirth education workshops now in multiple states, in which couples with busy schedules, and who often do not have access to quality birth training can attend and not only have as much birthing knowledge and tips crammed into a two hour session as possible, but those in attendance enjoy fun, fellowship and laughter in the process! #husbandcoached #symbioticbirth #ACOG #dates #naturalbirth #childbirtheducation #birthprep #birthtraining #laborandbirth #BradleyMethod #secondbirth #M2bFarmFun #AthensBirthFamily #Colbert

This birth was chosen for our YBH Charlotte Birth of the Year, for many unique reasons. First, watching this couple labor together, moved me and others in the room to tears, literally! Second, the husband coach, Wes unknowingly helped write his own birth story. Normally, I write the birth story from the perspective of Doula, in combination with sharing answers to questions I ask the couple, along with educational information that applies, as to better prepare other couple's reading the story. This couple, was so in sync! They remained committed to the natural process, despite such a long and strenuous labor, with so many unknowns, that I decided to focus on his responses to the following. So, without further ado, I share the beautiful, heart warming labor marathon of Elysa & Wesley Espinoza as highlighted from Dad's perspective. If you are expecting a baby, if you feel inadequate to support your mate during labor, if you desire to learn from others a better way to birth, THIS BIRTH STORY IS A MUST READ! We begin with my questions in Bold Wesley's responses in Bold Italic Wes, could you imagine being untrained, clueless and simply being a spectator at your baby's birth? Not at all. We wouldn’t have been able to achieve our birthing goals without the training and guidance from Your Birth Helper. Because of the support, I knew what to expect and was able to be proactive. Without the training and assistance, and with the circumstances of my wife’s labor, I feel like without it, we definitely would have ended up with a c-section and much longer recovery period. In regards to undergoing an induction, my best advice to others would be....? The moment you attempt to fight a chemical attack on your body with natural methods, you’re going to have one heck of a battle. It does not mean it can’t be won. It means you need to be prepared to be tested every step of the way. The body is strong, but the mind is stronger. Educate yourself, set timelines on intervention methods, and know your options. Also, be flexible because plans change. Take it one decision at a time. Ask the staff, “Are there any other options? What are the risks, Why are we moving on from our original plan?” Just make sure you ask why. Why did you choose YourBirthHelper.com? Your Birth Helper came highly recommended by another dad in the area. We connected via social media and he expressed how helpful the team had been in their birth experience. Pam and her team have extensive experience and knowledge for all situations and all birth wishes. This team works with you to craft your ideal birth plan through education and will support you in any way you need. It’s more than simply hiring a doula, it’s joining a family. The couple first attended a Labor Workshop and quickly realized there was much to learn. They determined YBH Doula services could help them obtain their personal birth goals and wanted to make the best of the training time that remained. Therefore, they enhanced their skills and understanding of how to work with her body during labor by attending additional birth classes. Shown here, the couple learns a variety of techniques to help with support of Mom while allowing her to sink down into a contraction. With dad being 6'5" any help to save his back is good. The average contraction is 60-90 seconds, right about the time brachial plexus would start making arms tingle. After contraction, of course mom stands and rocks hips out. How do you feel the labor workshops and intense training classes with Sarah Neri, YBHCE, benefit your experience? I was able to tell what phase my wife was in every step of the way and how to best support her. Without these classes, I would have been clueless and probably in the way a lot. Because of these classes, I was a part of the birth and not just a cheerleader on the sidelines. What was the most memorable part of your labor of love? When I knew Elysa had reached her “DND mode” we ended up staring in to each other’s eyes, for what seemed like hours. She explained after that she felt like she was gaining strength from me, involving me in the labor. We were both able to let go of our fears, doubts and tension when we locked eyes. Another part during labor was when Elysa needed to avoid pushing too early. She had taken the nitrous oxide and her body was relaxing through contractions, causing some involuntary pushing. To prevent this, it was suggested to sing a song. We ended up singing “you are my sunshine” over and over again which not only helped her get through the need to push early, but also connected us and allowed her to focus on moving through the discomfort. What the medical staff could've done to better support us and our birth plan? The majority of the staff was incredible and put our wishes first. If this had happened at another hospital, we most likely wouldn’t have encountered the happy ending we did. At one moment, when my wife entered transition and had been laboring for a very long time, the midwife came in at the end of her shift and proposed having a c-section. She did not provide other options up front and did not provide risks for continuing vaginally. We wanted to take steps before we jumped to that point, so we asked for a few moments to talk through and were able to find another solution (nitrous oxide) that led us to have the birth story we wanted. What would you tell others who think going blindly into this is the way to go? Those men and women whose mentality is: "no need to prepare ahead of time that's what doctors and hospitals are for, "We are just gonna do what they tell us to" or the concept, "Women and their body instinctively know how and what to do to give birth." Good luck! I thought we were being overly cautious with all the preparation we were doing for our first birth. I thought instinct would even carry me. The classes were originally extra precautions taken to learn more about birth, but they definitely came in handy during the laboring process. Instinctively women do a lot of things wrong during contractions. That's where a good coach and doula comes in to help mom correct such things and experience the least amount of discomfort during a contraction. As Pam says, "We have to have a contraction to have a baby, we do not have to do everything wrong and increase pain levels." Anything else you want to share with the readers of this birth story? My favorite parts of the laboring process were when we connected through dancing and singing and not speaking at all. We connected on a spiritual level and grew closer through this experience. We were able to do this because of the prep work in the weeks leading up to the birth. We often discussed our birth plan, how to handle pain and what we needed from each other when game time came. We practiced relaxation together and focused more on what increased comfort. I suggest all couples stay open with one another about birth wishes and needs throughout the entire pregnancy. This way, you’re fully prepared to support one another when it matters most. Even though you both knew women can hemorrhage after birth, describe at that moment how you felt and any advice to others on handling a difficult third stage labor? Our labor was incredibly long and intense due to medical induction methods and other hereditary factors. When she began to hemorrhage, I felt paralyzed. The person I love more than anything in this world was in danger. Time had stopped. There was a moment where I came to and realized I couldn’t express my fears or break down because she needed me to be strong. I prayed and focused on bonding with the baby. We focused on skin to skin and being in the first few moments with our daughter. This was a huge contributor to my wife being able to push through it. The hardest part of labor and birth for me was? After baby’s arrival, Elysa was hemorrhaging a great deal. I wanted to break down, but knew I had to keep it together. While her and the baby were having skin-to-skin contact, I was absolutely terrified I’d lose the most important person in my life. It is important to consider the risks involved in child bearing despite where you plan to have a child. The risks are real. Couples should know and recognize them and speak up if a danger sign presents and that is not just during postpartum, but in general. Your Birth Helper had a former client who almost lost her life after a miscarriage. She did not know she was pregnant when the bleeding began. Women need to also recognize the difference between a normal period and abnormal bleeding. Be informed, speak up and if needed, request another nurse. If you are home, and your provider fails to respond in a timely fashion, seek medical attention from urgent care, emergency room, etc. if you feel your provider is not responding appropriately to your concerns of blood loss,signs of infection, pain, etc. Elysa really managed the third stage exceptionally, I'd love to know what technique she found to help her relax the most during that time other than deep breath breathing and orange juice distraction? Elysa was able to stay calm and relaxed through third stage by focusing on the baby. After nearly three full days of labor and a whole bunch of doubt, she was amazed by the delivery of our beautiful baby girl. Focusing on the baby helped her ignore all the other noise around her. No matter how much time she was going to be able to have with the baby, she was going to soak in every last second. I believe this is what got her through. My team and I, can not say enough good things to say about this Warrior Woman and SuperMan Coach, who endured 68 hours of labor induction to give birth! Special thanks again to Tina Moreno, CNM, for her encouragement and support, the wonderful nurses Erin and Nancy who supported their birth plan through a variety of obstacles the entire journey and Dr. Fox for her medical expertise in third stage labor. Lastly..... WELCOME TO WAVERLY'S WORLD!!! #Drugfree #labordown #husbandcoached #firstbirth #pitocinsurvivor #epiduralfreeinduction #nitrousoxide #csectionavoided #PiedmontObgyn #symbioticbirth #MidwifeAssistedBirth #CharlotteDoulaDreamTeam #CharlotteBirthFamily #CharlotteDoula #Charlotte #DoulaApprentice #Doula

The challenges of our third pregnancy at times were weighing heavily upon me. By far, my biggest challenge, "it difficult to get in the mindset of birth again." The unknowns running through my mind, (who will watch our kids while I am in labor, how will I manage postpartum with a newborn and two active boys, Andrew's new job responsibilities, family visiting from out of state, etc.). Yet also full of surprise, as we would NOT reveal the gender (not even to ourselves) this time around. Second, I had worked very hard to control my gestational diabetes with diet and exercise during my last pregnancy and being able to pass the test and avoid it all together this time, was quite an accomplishment for me! And, of course, my mind, body or baby being stubborn (whichever kept spontaneous labor away) and undergoing unplanned induction created its own obstacles, however, having flexibility in my birth plans. Having the support of my husband (as coach), YBH doula assistance, the midwives of Piedmont OBGYN & staff of CMC Pineville made the perfect combination for accomplishing my third natural birth... Lisa Mitchell Many women find laboring on the toilet to be overly helpful and easier to release the correct muscles to allow the baby to move down with each contraction. Some women also find the position allows them to ease the urge of urinating at the peak of the contraction. Note: very important to empty your bladder at least once an hour! When Lisa and Andrew first considered a baby #3 she asked me what she would do if I was in Georgia. I laughed and replied, "What do you mean?" She said, "We don't want to labor and birth without you!" Now, those are words that make a Doula melt. When clients say, "We couldn't have done it (low intervention natural birth) without you"... I always reply, "Of course you could, you just wouldn't have had as much fun!" Adjectives Doula Nancy Cook, YBHD and I, used to describe Lisa... COMMITTED PERSISTENT STRONG PATIENT PREPARED PHYSICALLY & MENTALLY RELAXED MIND & BODY FOCUSED In modern depictions, a cornucopia is typically a horn shaped basket filled with various types of festive fruit and vegetables. Particularly in North America, we associate the cornucopia with the harvest and Thanksgiving. For Andrew and Lisa Mitchell, this year the cornucopia symbolized blessing overflowing. Ask any farmer and they will agree, the Harvest is always physically challenging, time consuming and tiresome. Labor to bring forth life is also. In fact, it is the most athletic event a woman will ever do. The bible references this overwhelming work in John 16:21. Often referred to as the labor of LOVE, the efforts to expel a child from the mother's body brings forth not just a baby at the end, but many emotions for all involved along the way. In this amazing birth journey , we experience: Great LOVE, powerful contractions, joy, tears, a few unresolved fears and a feeling of guilt (the necessity to have friends watch their other two children) to a void feeling of not be present to care for the other children, what if it is not a girl, etc.. Yes, Labor & Birth can bear fruits of all kinds of feelings for both MOM & DAD. Lets take a photo journey of the couple's labor. It began as an unexpected suggestion to medically induce during her prenatal appointment, due to mom's elevated blood pressure. They did not know what to do, because family was not yet in town to watch over their other two children. They begin by first tackling that hurdle and eventually ask friends if they would be so kind to watch their other two boys, Wes & Lucas so mom and dad could move forward with the induction. This is one of the greatest challenge of couples who do not have relatives nearby. When creating your birth plan, make sure you also consider such plans as who can be available last minute to oversee other children during labor. Don't wait till the last minute, plan ahead, stress of such matters can allow the mom's body to release adrenaline and the release of adrenaline will slow or stop labor. The laboring mom should also mentally prepared herself to be separated from the other children (unless educating siblings of what to expect if children are to be present during labor and birth). There is nothing wrong with children at birth, but you should know your children and whether they would serve to further cause tension. If considering having children at birth definitely make sure you have someone to accompany and oversee them. My best advise, early labor give them simple to do's rub mom's leg, etc., do hard labor/transition alone and then bring the kids in for the actual birth (as in last 1-2 pushes) by strategically placing them in the room where they do not have a birds eye view, but toward head of bed to witness birth and immediately bond. Then be prepared for them to go back out of room should mom should need any repair. Either way, Cover all your bases, remember, if the middle of the night, give your babysitter/family member overseeing kids an earlier heads up to properly wake up, dress, drive over, etc. Lisa's induction choice was to try to avoid pitocin (or at least save it to finish off the ball game) and attempt a less invasive attempt at spontaneous labor with an amniotomy (artificially breaking the bag of waters). This induction method was chosen by the couple after weighing the risks and benefits mostly, because she had endured pitocin last labor (her medical induction at 39 weeks due to her gestational diabetes) and she definitely found it to be more challenging than her first natural labor contractions. Also, to maintain her mobility and not have to endure continuous monitoring throughout. The induction began around 2pm. Shown below, Sarah Rumbaugh, RN attends to Lisa and baby. Your Birth Helper is happy to share nurse Sarah has completed her midwife training and will continue to serve couple's in the art of #SymbioticBirth, but soon in a new capacity. The world needs more supportive birth professionals like Sarah, supportive of natural birth ~ we are happy to share this exciting news! Sadly, spontaneous contractions did not follow the amniotomy. Lisa also tried to encourage contractions with use of breast pump, but unfortunately they just never settled into a working pattern. To avoid being completely exhausted burning up precious energy, they made a decision to resort to pitocin for progressing labor. With proper training, it is often very doable to still manage pitocin contractions without pain medication. Need more proof, Lisa has done it twice and so has many of our clients! The key is train with a team that teaches necessary skills to overcome hard labor and choose wisely your Doula Assistance. Don't be afraid to ask the Doula during consult, "What experience do you have assisting couples through obstacles to still birth naturally?" If you hire a Doula whose clients often end up with epidural or surgery, that may be a good indicator to choose another. If your goal is low intervention natural birth, choose wisely and be mindful who you pay your money to. Make sure you utilize a variety of positions, lying in bed is one of the worst things you can do to manage labor pain. Walking speeds labor by 27% and squatting opens the outlet of the pelvis another 10-15% than any other position. Save the bed for when the contractions are so close together it doesn't make sense to try to move between them or for sleepy hours to conserve energy or sleep in between contractions. Many hospitals and birth centers offer warm blankets, hot or cold packs & some even aromatherapy upon request. Also, don't forget to ask for a peanut ball, birth ball and squat bar. Then just when you think you can't possibly go on, its time to push... Mom rejoices at birth! It's a BOY! Stubborn Baby Joshua (clearly enjoying his womb service) arrived just shy of 11:05 p.m. on November 20th, 2018 Congrats again to The Mitchell family. It has been my utmost pleasure to have assisted the birth of all three of their adorable sons! Shown below: Wes, Lucas and baby Joshua! Special thanks again to Tina Moreno, CNM, Sarah Rumbaugh, RN and my own Nancy Cook, YBHD, RN for assisting with another very special #SymbioticBirth! Your Birth Helper currently serves Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas, as well as, Athens, Ga and all in between. We would love to help you plan and execute your happy "birth"day too!

When I first spoke to Erik and Emma over the phone, we had a lengthy telephone consultation in which they picked my brain on VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and the how to's of being successful. They wanted to explore other options than simply scheduling a repeat c-section. Her first labor she experienced early contractions, but a belly birth followed, because it was found her first baby was in a breech position at 34 weeks. Her doctors did not birth vaginal breech. Also, sadly, in her former practice, no discussion of efforts to try to alter or adjust baby's position medically with external version. She did try chiropractic Webster technique, but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful. The couple made a fabulous decision to enhance their knowledge in the natural process by attending a Your Birth Helper Labor Workshop. Our workshops are normally a group effort, but on this particular day, a baby decided to crash our plans. Once again, I was not able to meet the couple in person. Childbirth Educator, Sarah Neri, YBHCE, led the workshop in the team's absence. The couple quickly realized it was in their best interest to increase their knowledge for the challenges they would face to birth naturally with the odds against them. Shown below, the couple explores Labor Affirmation cards. They learned the importance of believing in her body and the natural process. In addition,to learning proven techniques to manage labor contractions, reduce pain levels, help adjust baby's position if needed, we trained up Erik to better support her during her labor of love. He was eager to help her execute once he understood the what, why and how to's of labor! VBAC candidates have the challenge of getting themselves into spontaneous labor by 41 weeks (induction is not typically an option) and VBAC's are subject to other routine interventions such as constant monitoring during active labor, which can also limit freedom of movement hindering progress. Therefore, we must be real creative at times assuming a variety of positions often, when all possible. Shown here, Emma works to completely open up, loosen hips and counteract contraction pain naturally by placing herself in a full squat (even in early labor at Amelie's French Bakery in Pineville, Nc after enjoying her dessert energy, of course!) as well as, in LDR after admitting. Labor began at 6:00 a.m. Monday, she worked all day at home. Emma and Erik also explored the level of support they were receiving at the OBGYN practice she had been seeking prenatal care and found VBAC support to be lacking. The couple made an excellent decision to increase their odds of VBAC success by transferring care. Since healthy and low risk, she would see the midwives. It was important to them to increase their odds of success by transferring to a practice that not only supports VBAC they encourage it, Piedmont OBGYN. Well most of them. The odds are still better than average there. And, those medical professionals who go above and beyond to support the natural process and low intervention birth and don't push their own way or opinions, are a breath of fresh air to labor & delivery! They also learned their choices and how to prioritize their choices into a printed birth plan, shown below: They made a fabulous decision to increase their birthing skills during more in depth training with Childbirth Educator, Sarah Neri, YBHCE to further empower themselves along their VBAC journey. They understood the challenge before them would be the equivalent of having a first baby in terms of overall length of labor and intensity of push phase. Shown here, Sara stops by for a visit during labor to check in on the couple. She was remarkably surprised by the level of total relaxation during contractions. It is good for Childbirth Educators to witness the proven techniques they teach and to further enhance future training sessions with real time feedback. As the creator of YBH training workshops, I am super proud of my team and their level of skill. Each YBH team member is also fully trained under me in The Bradley Method (r), which is still the very best most detailed natural birth training there is. Unfortunately, not every couple has access to a Bradley class and/or schedules may not allow for a twelve week series, but when possible couples should try to make birth training a priority. You can find classes at www.bradleybirth.com all across the U.S. and abroad. Our YBH training workshops, further enhance your birthing basics with more advance training, email: yourbirthhelper@gmail for upcoming YBH Labor Workshop opportunities in both Charlotte, Athens or anywhere in between. You may even find this amazing couple sharing their best tips and how to's at the next Charlotte workshop! We had the couple focused on good nutrition, daily regular exercise, physical prep of pregnancy muscle groups and practiced a variety of positions, in addition to, practicing labor contractions, practiced properly pushing a baby out and boy would that practice pay off big! Emma & Erick worked tirelessly to prep her body for labor. She and Erik did their baby evacuation homework, as well. All the rain and cold weather in Charlotte hindered her from long walks in the park, but she did all she could inside and as weather permitted. Emma shown here in late labor utilizing asymmetrical position using bed. Erik rubs her back and offers counter support during contractions. Emma remained "Namaste" throughout her many hours of labor. Dad was by her side every minute. Although, no doubt the couple could've remained home to labor much longer the catch 22 was their other child was there and therefore, they made the call to labor elsewhere so Emma could focus solely on this baby. It is terribly challenging to be completely relaxed during contractions when a toddler is in the room. However, the more you practice labor in front of your toddler and give them a small job such as rubbing mom's foot, etc. the better. You do not have to give full details just keep it simple. Mom is going to be working hard with her eyes closed to let the baby come out. It is important you do not yell or jump on mommy but be very gentle. They need to learn gentle touch anyway before you bring a baby home... teach them in advance what to do and what gentle means. Always better to be proactive than reactive. Around 36 weeks gestation, women are tested for group b strep bacteria in the vagina. This does not have to include an internal exam. You can request the group b swab only. If found to be positive, the recommendation is routine antibiotics during labor to protect baby from picking up the bacteria during birth. Emma was found to be positive. Shown below, Emma receives fluids and penicillin. We were fortunate enough the stars aligned for Emma and not only did she have her favorite midwife on call, she also had her favorite LDR nurse! Shown above, look who met them in triage upon arrival, our own Nancy Cook, BSN, YBHD, aka Natural Birth Champion of CMC Pineville! In Dad's words, here are some highlights of their labor: We both had peace of mind knowing that we had a great support team of doula's that could help when I didn't know the right thing to do or when the nurse had to leave the room. We were off to a great start, we had someone from our own Clt Doula Dream Team to welcome us in triage and Nancy Cook, was our first nurse! That was a huge BONUS! Shown here, Emma’s favorite relaxation tool- for TMJ massage!! Her father sent it to her from China. Super cool! I worked, along side my YBH Doula team, to support with my wife, changing positions often, while assisting her in physically relaxing during intense contractions. I have a new appreciation and love for my wife and the work she did to birth our baby naturally. Seeing Emma in such deep relaxation during hard labor was so inspiring that it kept me focused. Shown here after shift change, Nurse Erin now offers her support. After approximately 27 hours of labor, the midwife checked the cervix again and Emma was fully dilated. We were elated!! All the positions, relaxation techniques and labor dancing/ noises had paid off... now, time to labor down and wait for the overwhelming urge to push. We labored down in hands and knees over top of bed and even tried a few practice pushes standing up, as shown here. I felt like Emma was doing so well and it totally reassured me we were in the right place for such a life changing event! Pushing stage is real active work of mind and body, both need to be firm and focused. Having Erik by my side was crucial to my/our success! He made me feel anchored and comfortable, thus able to focus and do my work. Having a well prepared husband also elevated this unique bonding experience! Emma L. After, approximately 2+ hours of total second stage pushing, the head began to emerge! The body followed immediately after! I was overwhelmed with excitement and gloved up for the finale. The midwife said, "get ready" and reached for my hand and instructed me in assisting in birthing my own baby! I did it! I helped catch my second baby!!! Shown here Erik gently places their newborn baby on mom’s chest! It's A GIRL! Baby arrive at 10:58 a.m. Tuesday. Shown above, Mom gets a well deserved kiss from Dad for 29 hours of drug free labor/birth as baby lies skin to skin for warmth. Emma birthed the placenta with ease and then focused on baby as the staff began pitocin to slow her bleeding. Shown below, the tree of life! The awesome organ grown along with baby to transport blood, oxygen, nutrients & waste to and from baby. Emma requested delayed cord clamping and the midwife had me feel to confirm the cord no longer contained a pulse. The blood transfer to baby was complete and time for me to cut the umbilical cord. Everyone did a fabulous job supporting our birthing goals! We could not have been happier with our choice to transfer care to Piedmont OBGYN and CMC Pineville for our low intervention Vaginal Birth After Cesarean! My wife and I, accomplished a DRUG FREE Natural Birth! It was a very happy "Birth"day indeed! The "Birth"day party commences...special thanks to the ongoing support of low intervention #SymbioticBirth to these amazing gals! Your Birth Helper is happy to publicly acknowledge Nurse Nancy, Nurse Erin,& Nurse Lauren for such awesome support of the couple's birth plan and their efforts to execute a natural birth. We can't say enough wonderful things about Midwife Tina Moreno, for always speaking positive energy into the room, encouraging couples along their birth journey (not just supporting their birth plan) and allowing Erik to help catch! You girls added to the peaceful atmosphere and no doubt future couples can only hope to have this level of support for their labor and birth. Your continued support and encouragement does not go unnoticed. Thank you ALL from the bottom of our hearts! Welcome to the World this 7lb. beautiful Baby Nova, no doubt you are LOVED! Your Mom & Dad gave you the very best and safest right of passage into Life! Congrats again to this awesome Family! As Your Birth Helper clients, you begin as students, but you end as Family... #BirthFamily, #CharlotteBirthFamily!!!!! #csectionavoided #husbandcoached #secondbirth #Drugfree #CharlotteDoulaDreamTeam #EpiduralfreeBirth #NaturalInduction #naturalbirth #MidwifeAssistedBirth #CMCPineville #MidwifeAssistedHospitalBirth #CharlotteDoula #Doula #DoulaAssistedBirth #DoulaAssistance #YourBirthHelperLaborWorkshop #YourBirthHelperTrained #YourBirthHelper #SymbioticBirth #VBAC #birth

This wasn't Alice & Forrest Comartos' first rodeo, but being extremely busy business owners and parents of two other children, her mama brain seemed to forget just about everything she had learned in her Bradley Method® all those years ago. It happens! I used a pelvis from her last birth center appointment (had Alice hold it up herself) to demonstrate the opening the baby has to escape and why I needed her up and active to bring forth positive changes, especially as a tiny asian. This is also why Dr. Robert A. Bradley, was adamant, you should prepare for each child as if the first. I like to call it "selfish time!" Your other children will be okay and you need some alone time & couple time, to train for the one you are carrying, as well. This #SymbioticBirth story took me all the way from Athens, Ga to Raleigh & Chapel Hill, NC. Life is busy and heck we hardly have time to get other kids fed, in bed and even speak to our coach/ husband, let alone practice for labor. I mean we know and mean well, but other things take place and before you know it labor is upon you yet again. Time for a quick refresher... Refresher Tip #1 ~ Remember the First Stage Basics I reminded her of the four things measured during an internal exam: station, effacement, dilation and presentation. We refreshed positions and what to do during a contraction. The plan being, we would leave her alone to labor as she desired and in whatever position or manner she desired, as long as as she was contracting regularly and not just burning up precious energy without some form of progress. Sometimes, mom is clearly exhausted and needs sleep/ rest in between contractions. The best tips for managing your labor marathon remain: Don't pay attention to soon, "IGNORE EARLY CONTRACTIONS" as long as possible, during waking hours, " WORK", during sleepy hours, "SLEEP/ REST", "STAY HYDRATED" day & night, "EMPTY BLADDER" at least once an hour, "NO SKIPPING MEALS". Eventually, when labor picks up you naturally won't feel like doing certain things like eating, drinking, etc.. Therefore, it is important to not skip meals early on. Walking is a great way to speed early labor. Studies have shown walking can speed labor by 27% and upright positions also encourage the baby's head to move down thus increasing station (zero station being the narrowest point of decent for baby). Refresher Tip #2 ~ Go Over Push Phase Basics Two cleansing breaths, on the third take a deep breath and hold it. Bear down out your bottom (like a bowel movement), lift your head up, spit the air out and take another deep breath and go again. We strive for 3-4 good pushes with each contraction. Forest and Alice had decided on an "out of hospital birth center" in Ft. Mill, Sc for their first birth. It was an amazing experience despite, a challenging first time push phase- longer than she had hoped. She had desired a water birth, but unfortunately could not get an effective push in the tub. We stood, used classic, asymmetrical, side lie, basically every pushing position there is. The birthing stool ended up being her most effective push and helped complete the task. Their second daughter was born uptown Charlotte, Nc at Baby & Co. birth center and nearly caught by her Doula, (Me). I tried to express she was told she was 4cm dilated the first labor, only to minutes later, have the overwhelming urge to push. I informed the midwife at Baby & Co. to call her backup (baby nurse) when she informed us Alice was 4cm. I had formerly made an assessment of her progress at their home and determined her body was indeed signaling push phase. Now, granted the midwife at the time didn't know me and certainly doesn't have to adhere to anything a Doula may suggest, as we do not practice medicine, but I warned her the same thing happened with her first labor. Although, doula's do not practice medicine, we are the normality experts and after all its a team effort. She did not call in the nurse, despite my asking her to do so multiple times. After just ten minutes of walking, I began hearing vibrations in her voice, we walked a few short steps back to her room and minutes later, the baby's head was out. It appeared for a minute, I would have to catch. I said aloud several times, "hello head" as the midwife had her back to us and wasn't paying attention. Sometimes, babies are completely unpredictable and Alice’s third would fall into the same category. She planned to give birth to baby #3 (also out of hospital) this time with the midwives of Women's Birth & Wellness Center located in Chapel Hill, NC. Her experience at WBWC throughout her entire pregnancy could not have been more pleasant. The morning of her final appointment, I accompanied the couple to their appointment at the center. Talk about a small world. We walk down the hall and I look up and see this awesome gal. She said, "Pam!" I said, "what are you doing here?" Rebeca said, "Remember me? I was the first nurse at Baby & Co. Charlotte." To which I replied, "yup and you were the last one I ever saw, too." We were in the office the day before her birth and Alice was actually contracting. Rebeca shared the choices for her visit. They included an internal exam only or internal exam with membrane sweep. The choice was hers to make. At the time, the early contractions were only lasting around 35 seconds in length. The internal exam revealed 3cm dilated. The couple decided to stay in Chapel Hill and walk, have lunch, etc., instead of returning home to Cary. That would later turn into a very good decision on their part. Alice's mother-in-law, already had a hotel room within a few miles of the birth center and had planned to stay over until the baby came. Meanwhile, after her final prenatal visit, we had some delicious Indian food. While waiting and after food was served, Alice would have to stand up to take her contractions, because she shared, "it did not feel good to sit through them, especially since the contraction is trying to push the head down. Another great sign of progress! After several hours of walking down town Chapel Hill, enjoying a cool drink a decision was made to chill for a few hours at the hotel. Alice was tired and a nap was in order. The couple decided to get a hotel room for the night and stay close to birth center. Alice was super exhausted but woke to contractions. I had her turning and changing positions every 30 minutes. The following morning it would be go time. Her way would be over and the Doula suggestions would finish the job before she was exhausted again. We hit the gym hard the next morning in the Fitness Center of the Hotel. I had made a plan of action for Alice and Forest. It was time to execute "Baby Evacuation!" The time for rest was over the waking hours were for WORK! We started with a small breakfast then waarmed up on the row machine then onto the treadmill utilizing the incline. It was quite successful in generating regular contractions. We rotated back to the row machine, ball sitting and even did some back squats, lunges, full squats and then back to the treadmill. We ended with a trip to the restroom and walking up the stairs. After an hour and half the contractions were on track with active labor. The above photo represents the turning point for Alice and her acceptance that it was time for baby to come out. After a short cry, she walked with me to the truck (pausing to snap this photo as we exited the hotel) and Forest drove us to the birth center. Most people would find it hard to believe we could get a smile out of a laboring mom in late labor/transition, but in between contractions, we often can! We arrived to the birth center, again walked in (no wheel chair) and Alice received the great news she was 9cm dilated, 100% effaced & zero station. We filled the tub and Alice was on track to finally get her water birth she wanted with baby #1... little did we all know how this would play out. She went from being perfectly relaxed and doing full squats sideways in the tub with Forest right by her side to ready to push... the second stage refresher had once again been forgotten. I reminded her of the pattern of breath control and to reach down and grab her leg and pull her legs back. She instead grabbed one leg and held her husband's hand with the other. That improper position did not allow enough room for baby. Once she put elbow to knee and pulled both legs back the head was born with ease. What came next surprised us all. The midwife needed more room to birth the shoulders and unfortunately the tub floor was not allowing that room. We had to quickly get Alice up and out of the tub and back to the bed to birth the rest of the baby. It took all four of us to execute the position change safely. The midwife instructed Forrest to reach down and support the head while she managed to free the shoulders. During the act of birth, the baby had passed meconium, it was a little messy, but totally normal. The nurse and I, helped flipped Alice over, to ready her for her baby on her chest. We realized the issue that held her labor up, when the midwife shared the cord was super short. Once freed, the baby went immediately into the arms of her mother. I was thrilled to have managed to catch most of this exciting birth experience despite my cell phone taking a dip into the birthing tub while quickly removing Alice from water and getting her back to the bed. I am sure Alice would agree, the work performed in the gym that morning was exactly what she needed to finish the job. The owner of the hotel had extended an offer to her, "if she named her baby Hyatt, he would give them a free room for the night." Seeing as though it was a girl, they did not take him up on his offer...lol. Welcome to the World Baby Clara 7lb 15oz. You have two very tough, hard working parents! Their teamwork helped them execute another amazing #SymbioticBirth with the help of YourBirthHelper and the amazing staff of WBWC of Chapel Hill, NC. It was my ultimate pleasure to assist in the birth of Baby Comartos number three! #bradleymethod #NaturalInduction #naturalbirth #MidwifeAssistedBirth #BirthWithoutFear #EpiduralfreeBirth #LaborCoaching #LongLabor #symbioticbirth #ThirdLabor #ThirdBaby #HusbandCoachedChildbirth #Daddyhelpedbirthme

Meet Kate Holbrook! Photographed in the clouds, just 3 days prior to giving birth. She successfully climbed the tallest mountain in the state, full-term and in sandals, I might add. Since our YBH blog has readers from various parts of the world, let me be a little more descriptive. For those of you not familiar, Brasstown Bald is the highest point in the U.S. state of Georgia. Located in northeast Georgia, the mountain at the highest peak is, 4,783 feet above sea level. It was known to the native Cherokee people as Enotah. How did she come to climb the mountain days before having a baby, you might add? Well, her fiancé, Dyla Cantrell, had tricked her into a day out to celebrate one last time before becoming parents. What he really meant was "date of trying to hike their baby down and out"...lol. Both, Kate and Dylan, grew up in the area. They had been sweethearts for years, prior to attending Piedmont College. Both, had also heavily trained for endurance sports in recent years. Since these two were no strangers to preparing the body for competition, it just made perfect sense they would also train to "GIVE BIRTH." They had created new life together and they would also train together to bring forth life. Kate's mother had researched birth training options and the couple made a decision to train twelve weeks in The Bradley Method
®. Their dedication to increasing their knowledge in the natural process also included an hour and twenty minute drive into Athens, GA once weekly. They desired to train Kate's body for labor & birth, as well as, train Dylan as the Coach. Shown here with their classmates, The Mosher's and YBH Doula Apprentice Diana Rutledge and Nikki Reeves. They also made a decision to have the #AthensDoulaDreamTeam present to assist them in overcoming any obstacles that might present during labor. Their training would entail learning how to meet her nutritional needs, teach Mom how to physically relax, acquire a skillset of proper positions, teach Dad how the coach can help, both to avoid what makes labor harder, do the things that speed and make labor easier, learn how to effectively push a baby out, etc. This should be a piece of cake right? I mean after all, Kate had formerly ran over 30 triathlons! Dylan, a cyclist, who has raced thousands of miles, but this time, he would need his endurance to simply stay awake for however many hours her body took to get the baby out. What the couple had going for them is they both understood the labor marathon would be just that, "a marathon. To be more frank, bringing new life into the world naturally is the most athletic event in which a woman will ever participate in! Requiring both MOM and DAD to be in proper shape, having toned and conditioned birthing muscles for Kate, having toned and conditioned muscles needed to assist the laboring woman in a variety of positions, for days of labor, for Dylan! First babies have a way of making us work for them, they don't typically come quickly or easily. Simply put - WE WORK FOR THEM. Let the work begin... Prior to labor, Kate met with me in Athens. We enjoyed or tried to enjoy, a breakfast biscuit full of jalapeno peppers #FIRE..lol, walked the greenway, we enjoyed a dip in the pool, pressure points for labor, etc. Kate and Dylan were adamant about actively working to get into natural labor. They did their homework and finished strong. Formerly, Kate had been reminded, multiple times at her OBGYN office, that her baby was big, measuring big, etc. In fact, Kate did appear larger than most, but as the educator, I often have to remind women, ACOG agrees the laboring woman should be given an adequate amount of time in push phase, before accurately diagnosing CPD, a baby truly too large to clear the narrowest point of moms pelvis. Women who schedule surgery, in advance ,based off an ultrasound measurement, could be enduring major surgery without a true medical reason. In exchange for skipping labor, they now have increased risks also have 6 weeks of recovery time, instead of only 2 weeks and a lot more risks involved for mom and baby. Note: the only thing they could've done differently in the final weeks of pregnancy to possibly change the outcome of labor would've been to decline the internal exam. Although most doctor's will gladly do internal exams weekly beginning 36 weeks, if you are not experiencing danger signs or signs of labor, the internal exam is not medically necessary. You have a choice to simply say, "no thanks." The group B swab necessary at 36 weeks, does not have to include an internal exam. For this couple, the direction in which her labor would play out, began with a decision to have an internal exam during her weekly appointment. Although, informed Kate was only 1cm dilated, her bag of waters broke during the exam in her OBGYN office... this initiated the first crossroad... Do they go home and remain home while trying their best to bring on natural contractions? Or, what the OBGYN suggested, report to their chosen birth place, Northeast Ga Medical Center, immediately (which was way sooner than they had hoped, have the hospital create contractions. Their decision was to go home grab their bags and head back to their birth place and go from there. Kate first utilized the foley catheter to try to avoid Pitocin and maintain freedom to move about. Her labor marathon was a total of 28 hours of labor, all in a hospital setting, with zero time to work free of an audience, let alone free of constant disruptions, which also contributed to a much longer labor. All of nature prefers to labor away from other animals, in a quiet, dark area they walk around, lie down when necessary and change positions often. It just makes sense, because relaxation equals labor progress. There are many benefits to labor, from releasing mothering hormones, colostrum (baby's first food & natural vaccine) to stimulation to take their first breath, to helping jump start organs not formerly functioning, just to name a few. We are all grateful for life saving techniques when truly medically necessary to protect mom & baby, but we do have to be aware many C-sections performed today sadly are not truly medically necessary at all. Kate made a very wise decision to keep intervention to a minimum and to be active and do her part to keep labor progressing. I'm extremely proud of Kate and Dylan for choosing labor. The couple did an amazing job managing contractions drug-free. Utilizing good positions, walking, new mommy dance, lunges, squats, etc. and when Kate took breaks, it was to sit on the birth ball, recline, toilet sitting, use peanut ball, etc. Kate summed up her Labor Marathon this way... When I run triathlons, I am putting my own body in pain! But, when I was in Labor, my body put me through pain! In Kate's labor, once the foley ball had fallen out, IV Pitocin followed to continue strengthening her contractions. The use of Pitocin greatly challenged her body. Despite her former level of athleticism and birth training, exhaustion, missed meals, contractions not picking up yet increasing blood pressure, landed us back at another crossroad. The cervical dilation and station of the baby's head had not changed. We needed a stronger contraction to push the head down to finish off the cervix. She and Dylan continued to face every obstacle together, always staying focused on the main question: "Is Mom okay, is baby okay?" From there, choosing the next step to keep her labor progressing and keep her eye on her birthing goal: A VAGINAL BIRTH! During this challenging phase, her mother was adamant her daughter needed a C-section. I quickly suggested her mom step into the hallway to compose herself. Kate was struggling to sink, remain limp and relaxed through her contractions and we needed complete focus and only positive energy to coach her through this difficult time. This is a very challenging scenario for the mother of the laboring woman to stand idle by and witness the level of pain their child is in. We don't stop labor and choose surgery just because Mom/Dad or their relatives are worn out, tired of laboring, overwhelmed, etc. The good news, Baby Emma was still doing just fine, despite stronger contractions. Kate's body, not so much. Clearly, Baby Emma, is very strong and capable of endurance racing just like her parents! Note: I always suggest to client's, the best time for family to be present is toward the end of push phase. Most just want to view the birth and the majority do not handle hard labor well, especially if mom is drug-free like Kate. Often relatives mean well, but they are sleep deprived and not thinking clearly either. The key to natural birth and/or low intervention #SymbioticBirth is to overcome ONE obstacle at a time! We do not skip bases. There is an order to the proper use of interventions. As a doula, I often find the majority of the time, the hold up is what is going on between moms ears, not what is going on in her uterus. However, for Kate, the use of Pitocin changed everything. After two bags of fluids, she successfully utilized the epidural to stay out of the operating room. They made the following decisions after receiving informed consent: - allow the midwife to remove a forebag of water (in effort to drop the head against the cervix). - utilize an epidural (to allow Pitocin to be increased to strengthen contractions and lower Kate's blood pressure and allow rest). We turned her every 30 minutes and used the peanut ball to give baby every opportunity to get her head engaged lower into the pelvis. Kate did not find the epidural brought her much rest, she was aware of each and every contraction, but it did allow her to release her perineum and although she still had the sensation of growing pressure, she was able to keep from rising up and tensing her gluts. When the midwife made rounds, the good news followed. Kate had successfully relaxed, opened up, labored down and the head was sitting in the birth canal +2 station. Time to PUSH! Immediately, with those words, TIME TO PUSH, a renewed positive energy completely filled the room. Kate's body did work right and her uterus had the power to expel a child despite all the obstacles. The negativity had been replaced with shear excitement with each and every push a little more head presented. Teamwork was evident and everyone began assisting to some degree, we even rotated two moms helped hold legs, and Dylan and I took either side. The growing anticipation of Emma coming out of Kate's body intensified. With each push, Kate continued to grow stronger, conserving energy in between. Allowing the contraction to build, then joining in with use of her abs, the head moved two steps forward and 1 step back each time she exchanged her air. In approximately 45 minutes of contractions, every 5 minutes or less, baby Emma emerged... Next push, Kate uses little grunts and easily bears down to allow baby to ease out in effort to help prevent damage to her perineum. Kate shared, "Labor is by far the hardest, most painful race, I have ever done, except this finish line was by far the most rewarding! Kudos to Dylan and Kate, for completing the most important marathon of their lives, with as few interventions as medically possible. Their baby weighed in at 8lbs 14oz and 21 inches long she found the exit just fine by herself! Another, fabulous #SymbioticBirth ~ the entire Your Birth Helper Doula Team could not be more proud! Welcome to the World Baby Emma Grace! No doubt you are Loved! Note: on average, women with PROM (premature rupture of membranes) if left alone, 92% of them are in natural labor 72 hours later. Induction is most often encouraged for fear of infection. Both are evidence based options. So choose wisely what is the best choice for you. Remember, anytime you can have a spontaneous start to labor and keep your bag of waters intact, it's a much milder felt contraction for Mom and way easier to manage. Considering Kate had to endure both induction and amniotomy, she did a fabulous job remaining drug-free for the majority of her labor and only utilized epidural when it was truly medically necessary to avoid unnecessary surgery ~ hurray for Symbiotic Birth! Special thanks to LDR nurse Ashley, midwife, Kim Blasingame, CNM and the staff of Longstreet Clinic OBGYN for their support of Kate and Dylan's birth plan. #bradleymethod #labordown #pitocinsurvivor #symbioticbirth #PitocinFreeInduction #epiduralfreeinduction #PreventingBirthTrauma #MidwifeAssistedBirth #Midwifeassisted #MidwifeAssistedHospitalBirth #firstbirth #LongstreetClinicOBGYN #NortheastGaMedicalCenter #csectionavoided

Brandi and Jeff began the prep for their happy "birth" day journey with our Charlotte Your Birth Helper team months ago.  With her first daughter, who was born in California, Brandi felt bullied and a great lack of respect for her wishes and was adamant to not repeat that scenario a second time.  As a nurse herself, the way in which she was made to feel during her first labor was highly disappointing.  She of all people understands the necessisty for medical complications and interventions, because she works as a Cardiac ICU Nurse.  What she found to be lacking was general support of "her birth wishes" as a healthy mom.  I have explained to many medical professionals over the years, its not that educated couples will refuse intervention period, its that they want to be left alone if there is no medical reason for the intervention to start with, as in routine interventions just used on the masses. Couples who seek low intervention natural birth, often are very aware that when used properly, those same routine interventions, can serve great purpose, but they want the opportunity as healthy moms/ healthy baby's to also have support when they choose to be left alone to endure the normal progression and path that each individual labor brings and further more receive encouragement to labor naturally.  They know pain management exists and if they change their mind or other decisions have to be made for mom or baby's best interest they welcome informed consent to make the decisions necessary.  I usually write the birth story from my perspective and help to educate in the process, but this story is special and I have very accurate photo's that properly express the level of work mom endured trying to bring her second daughter into the world vaginally, often referred to as VBAC. I asked Brandi a series of questions and I found her answers to be quite self explanatory. Therefore, Brandi will take it from here... As a second time mom, I knew 100% without a doubt that we made the right choice with choosing a doula.  Even in the first few days of postpartum, I still questioned myself, whether I did everything in my power or if I did anything wrong that produced my outcome (much of which may have been hormones).  At the end of the day, I'm able to sit down and recall all of the knowledge I've gained that prepared me to the fullest: the books/articles, exercises I did, foods I ate, herbal supplements I used to prep, positions I practiced, questions I asked, even switching providers and to a practice and hospital who would support my wishes, etc... all because I first had a great doula team to guide me in the right direction.  I trusted my OB the first time to help with similar guidance and never received it.  I am not saying my outcome could have been different, but I would've had someone working with me to support my wishes. (Brandi shown here in active labor leaning in over her bathroom counter) Second, thing I learned is, during L & D, picking the right doula is VERY important. For me, it is the most vulnerable time ever and to let someone in, so up close and personal, is hard.  I could tell this important work is not just a job for YBH it's their passion. That matters! (Contractions were lasting between 120-180 seconds long each five minutes apart when we left for hospital.  Shown here, Brandi relaxes during contraction and attempts to empty bladder.) As for my relationship, I will say that I am glad I know no matter what is going on inside my home when push comes to shove,  Jeff has my back and is there 100% and I him! God has a funny way of things happening at certain times. I'm grateful to have someone ilike him in my corner, all the rest can be worked out! (Brandi with husband Jeff, helping support her as she sinks into her contraction.) (Brandi shown here with Doula, Allison TerMeer applying counter pressure to her S.I. joints to relieve back pain while supported by her husband.) As for the labor and birth experience itself, potential c-section vs. VBAC, we knew from the beginning that a repeat c-section was a possibility, but as you taught us, there is a difference between someone else controlling that and pushing you into it and you doing everything you can to have a successful VBAC, including having a team on board who honors our wishes and helps steer us in that direction. There is also a very important aspect of being medically necessary or not.   We gave it our all! (Brandi utilizing birth ball and leaning into dad for comfort during contractions while nurse, Nancy Cook, checks baby's heart rate.) Having a doctor who gave me extra time to labor and consider options was the icing on the cake.  He did not press us to make a decision as if it was emergent and for that I am grateful.  The back pressure and strength of contractions was challenging for sure. (The moment when you realize the head has not decending and you must consider other options.) Although, it wasn't our first plan, knowing the surgery was truly medically necessary and having the c-section on our terms, laboring as long as we did with support, having so many people by our side to help us try to accomplish VBAC, etc. has made a world of difference!!!  Even my postpartum is better!!  I felt great leaving the hospital!  I had amazing nurses, doulas, midwives, and docs every step of the way!! The experience was amazing and the number one priority was accomplished, I brought home a healthy beautiful baby girl to hold in my arms!!  Brandi Smith Pusateri Brandi worked from when we first met with her in preparation for her redemption day. She controlled her gestational diabetes through managing her diet, she switched practices to a better fit for her and her sweet baby.  She met with me on several occasions to talk about her concerns and when it got closer to baby eviction date, we walked and talked, ate yummy Mediterranean food several times and sought out tips and advice along the way from our team.  Brandi rocked her birth. She got her redemption! Her body did exactly what it was supposed to do.  Allison TerMeer, YBHD VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Cesarean is worth attempting!  Brandi & Jeff would agree, the sense of accomplishment and benefits to the baby of the natural labor process alone is worth trying.  Let me briefly explain, the stress of labor is a "good stress" for babies. The "good stress increases blood flow" to the baby.  Stress hormones send more blood to brain, heart and baby's kidneys.  The hormones mom's body produces during labor can help to stimulate baby's adrenal glands.  The "good stress increases baby's immunity" as the white blood count increases after secretion of adrenal hormones.  The "good stress produces catecholamines" they help baby make the transition to new life outside of the uterus.  The "good stress hormones produce increased levels of surfactant which also helps baby keep its lungs expanded". As this occurs, baby can easier clear amniotic fluid from its lungs. And, thats just to name of few! Kudos to this amazing power couple for their John 16:21 Labor marathon well run!  Brandi and Jeff did everything in their power to achieve a healthy pregnancy, prep her body for labor, and get that sweet baby engaged in her pelvis.  In the end, her surgery was medically necessary for CPD cephalopelvic disproportion (small pelvis) and poor baby wedging her head behind the pelvic girdle.  We describe Symbiotic Birth as the best of the normal process, coupled with the best of medically necessary interventions.  Hands down Brandi & Jeff were thrilled to have experienced their own #SymbioticBirth! Special thanks to Piedmont OBGYN midwives and CMC Pineville nursing staff for their continued VBAC encouragement throughout her labor! And, an extra special thank you to Dr. ALvarez & our own Nancy Cook! Welcome to the world, Baby Alivia Gray Pusateri, you have mom and dad to thank for your 31 hours of "good stress" aka labor stimulation and best start to life!

To attend childbirth classes, or not... that is the question? However, it should be a no-brainer, but instead more and more are not investing their time to properly prepare. They are investing time to research their next cell phone, tablet or new app could help, but not childbirth education. Instead, they are relying on medical staff to instruct them or take over and yet, although this sounds real good to some, increasingly more and more women are describing their hospital experience with zero training: traumatizing! The biggest birthing challenge in today's climate of "just google it" is this one simple question! Let's look at why. Here are several reasons: People think "the doctor will just tell me what to do", "it will come natural and be instinctive", "I can simply google it!" Many are led to believe childbirth education is "no longer relevant", "I can just have an epidural" (no you can't, it's not that simple! You can't have an epidural if your platelets are low, before you have had an IV, two bags of fluids, and after comes a catheter, restricted movement, constant fetal monitoring and often the use of pitocin), so, you see its just not that simple! They say, "no need for classes, I'll just do what my body tells me" (which is most often instictively all wrong for least amount of pain & this lack of preparation increases pain levels, often leading to pain management that could've been avoided had you known what to do), "why spend my money on that" (I have insurance, who cares if I have a hospital bill that is in excess of thousands -no big deal right? Well, does your insurance cover a 100% out of pocket? If not, your time and money investment for Quality Training/ Doula services can save you thousands). What about the classic, "my partner doesn't want to attend class anyways" (Your partner will not have to endure contractions or push a baby out or feed a baby...better think again). This mindset is wrong on every level. Also, mom and baby deserve better and you still need to know the basics of how to have a healthy pregnancy, properly nourish yourself, make extra blood in preparation for losing blood, prepare your birthing muscles for the labor marathon, know what to do and how to get through a contraction/ discomforts of labor, regardless of before epidural, during (if it doesnt work) or after medication wears off, etc.. Even if your mindset is, I am going to skip all of that and "just schedule a c-section", better think again, you will STILL need prenatal training to be the healthiest version of you that you can be to do your part to avoid surgical complications, heal better and faster, etc. know your other choices of belly birth pain management, etc.. A cesarean is still major surgery which carries a multitude of risks and you still need to know how to nurse and still take care of yourself and your baby, regardless of how baby exits your body. And, if for no other reason how about helping spare yourself from trauma. People who choose to go into this process uneducated, often refer to their birth experience and postpartum this way: Scared, Bullied, Robbed of Joy, Drugged/ lethargic, Traumatized, couldn't even interact, let alone nurse or bond with my own child, PTSD, PPD, etc.. To elaborate, every class is NOT the same level of education. A one day or two hour class can only hit some basic highlights, but can not cover even half of what you truly need to know as a first time parent. You can learn the hard way, or learn as you go, but why would you want to do business that way? Dr. Robert A. Bradley, former OBGYN, author of Husband Coached Childbirth and the method itself, was quite adamant, "it takes nine months to properly grow and nourish a baby and it certainly takes that and then some to learn everything you need to know before the baby exits your body, no matter how it exits!" The Bradley Method® is still the most detailed of all birthing methods/ training and the cadilliac of natural birth education. Choose wisely! If in Athens, Ga / north Ga counties or Charlotte area: contact YourBirthHelper@gmail for Childbirth Education options including: YourBirthHelper worshops, 12 week Bradley Training & KOPA Birth training. For other states/areas: www.bradleybirth.com We teach on demand and will come to you. Don't see a local teacher in your area, don't worry reach out today. We can create a class specific to your needs and schedule! Consider hosting a class or workshop and we will bring the learning to you! Simply put, "If you will make time- so will we!" We take ACTION (help couples know options), We SHOW (couples how to plan & succeed to reach their plans), We let our birth stats speak for themselves... Congratulations for the #CharlotteDoula DreamTeam for completing one full year of NO epidurals - NO c-sections (by choice) and our #AthensDoulaDreamTeam has had zero epidurals and zero c-sections at St Mary's hospital!! We create happy "BIRTH" day plans that deliver proven results!!!!! We will promise that we will make sure you feel you received more than your monies worth! Our Your Birth Helper Charlotte Team completed and entire year of zero epidurals & zero c-sections!! With proper training it can be done! Women don't cheat yourself out of a joyous birth experience, with the help of your partner and free of trauma. Regardless, of how your baby exits your body, you can FIND THE JOY in your baby's birth day when you are properly informed, understand all your options and make the decisions best for you! You will also HEAL better and faster having physically prepared, ate right, exercised your birthing muscles, learned skills to best manage contractions and have a trained coach who also has the skillset to assist you through contractions. Your Birth is a one day event much like your wedding, there are no re-do's! Choose wisely with whom you train. Choose wisely with whom you seek prenatal care. Choose wisely a doula team that supports your wishes not just one who will encourage epidural/ surgery bc they are tired. Choose wisely where to birth your baby. And, if you do not have the support of local friends and family after birth, consider being part of the best darn Birth Family around #YOURBIRTHHELPER... with us, you begin as students, but you end as family! We don't go away just because you had a baby. We do LIFE together! #BIRTHFAMILY #CharlotteBirthFamily #AthensBirthFamily

Dear World, welcome Miss Elliana MaeBelle! She is one happy camper! Let me tell you why... her mama ate right, exercised, stayed clear of harmful things to carry her full term and remained healthy and low risk throughout. Elliana weighed in at 6lbs. 6oz., 19.5 inches long to proud parents, Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Mosher. Here are a few other fun facts, believe it or not, her parents met on e-harmony! She was also named after her maternal great grandma, "Belle" and the same name also belongs to her great aunt. Miss Elliana wanted to assist me in sharing three simple steps to helping expectant couples better understand how they can help their baby enter the world a happy camper! First step to being a happy camper (or the parent of one): Find a partner that shares your beliefs, your ambition level, your likes & dislikes, must have's and can't stands. Matching couples based on compatibility, is one thing Eharmony has seemed to perfect. Of course, if people honestly complete the 19+ pages of questions, lol. Now, as the writer, I am not suggesting Eharmony alone is everyone's answer, but KNOW, really KNOW the person you are dating, before you marry them or make a baby. I mean for best chances of being a happy camper. When this couple met, Kori had been focusing her attention on teaching children with autism and resided in Maryland. Matt worked as a family minister and was studying for his second masters in Georgia. Had it not been for e-harmony, odds are they would have never even met, let alone create a baby together. Let's take a quick look at their love story... the couple met May 31, 2014, each drove approximately five hours to the middle which was Greensboro, NC. They had an amazing full day of really getting to know each other over coffee, not just any coffee but Matt's all time favorite, Beansboro (which has since closed R.I.P.), where they talked for hours, then played mini golf and a relaxing walk in a nearby park. Matt defined the relationship in his car before they departed, "You're Beautiful, You have Depth and I want to pursue YOU!" Kori was certainly on board with that! After their wedding, they came to reside in north Ga, where l had the pleasure to be their Childbirth Educator for over twelve weeks. Second step to being a happy camper during pregnancy, labor and birth is proper training. This is way more challenging in today's climate for several reasons. People think "the doctor will just tell me what to do", "it will come natural and be instinctive", "I can simply google it!" Many are led to believe childbirth education is "no longer relevant" nor do you need a doula "the nurse can be your doula". To elaborate, if you take hospital class, expect to learn about "normal protocol at that hospital", every class is NOT the same level of education or preparation. A one day or two hour workshop is still Way better than nothing, but can only cover basic info/ highlights, (in which as a first time parent, can not begin to properly prepare you). You can learn the hard way, or learn as you go, but why would you want to do business that way? Kori and Matt would highly recommend twelve weeks and then some. Dr. Robert A. Bradley, former OBGYN, advocate to get dads into the labor room and author of Husband Coached Childbirth and the method itself, was quite adamant, "it takes nine months to properly grow and nourish a baby and it certainly takes that and then some to learn everything you need to know before the baby exits your body, no matter how it exits!". Matt and Kori chose The Bradley Method® of natural birth. The Bradley Method® to date is still the most detailed of all birthing methods, most thorough natural birth preparation, specific training to overcome obstacles and the Cadillac of all healthy pregnancy, labor and birth education classes. The focus of the class is learning how to work with your body during labor, specific training of both DAD as coach (what to look for, how to help Mom, etc.) and train Mom to properly relax through contractions so she can get the most out of each contraction, use proper positioning and relaxation to avoid unnecessary pain, etc.. Their ultimate goal was: healthy mom & healthy baby, but not just the safest birth possible being drug-free, but also low intervention labor & birth. Now, I like to call this #SymbioticBirth, meaning the best of the medical side, coupled with the best of normality, subjecting the laboring mom and baby to only "medically necessary interventions". Here is what not to say, "I am going to have a natural birth and yet do NOTHING to prepare for it. Recipe for disaster- That is not smart. Since we have no idea what will present throughout the course of labor, one must be prepared to weather strong contractions, overcome hurdles like slow to dilate cervix, or in Kori's case, just avoid induction altogether. The choice to be induced alone, will change your entire experience by increasing pain levels throughout. Kori had also made focusing on what she could control her priority! So much of the process can be out of our hands, but when we focus on proper nutrition, prenatal exercises, training our body for labor and positions that are productive, obtain a basis of understanding of the most common scenarios that present, we also remove the fear from the process. Relaxing during labor can make all the difference, as relaxation equals progress! Kori had learned ACOG (American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology) had recently studied consuming date fruit and the effects of shortening labor successfully. She had also learned in her Bradley® training that walking speeds labor by 27%. In addition, prior to labor beginning, she helped prepare her cervix for labor with dads help and other natural ways like: red raspberry tea, primrose oil, etc. and she worked tirelessly to prep herself for labor. We met for lunch, walking and even pool fun, aka, "girl friend time!" She ate unusual foods and had decided she was ready for baby to come out because she was over eating weird things...lol. In the end, a relaxing day of hiking, much like their first date together helped jump start her labor. They enjoyed a picnic and hike at local state park, Watson Mill Bridge. She is, however, not sure if she can directly relate her shorter active labor phase to the physical preparation, maybe it was the date fruit? Kori would tell you, "it was really hard to get six dates down a day." She hid them in things like pancakes, smoothies, etc. and pushed through. If it could potentially help prepare her body and more specifically her cervix, she was convinced she would somehow get them down. She did not technically know when labor truly began, because the early focus of the Bradley Method® is not payng attention too soon. Therefore, not counting early labor hours from 1-6cm, she had approximately 8 hours of active/ late labor. ACOG considers active labor, "6cm or beyond" and also suggest the laboring Mom should be 6cm or beyond prior to admitting to her birthplace as long as no danger signs present. I always tell my clients you give yourself credit for each and every contraction because its a marathon not a sprint. So, technically Kori was in total labor around 32 hours from start to finish. She and Matt also relied upon their faith to see them through the difficult time of back to back contractions that were all consuming. She is shown here utilizing the squatting position and doing her deep abdominal breathing. The couples favorite verse is Proverbs 3: 5-6. I have no doubt these two will do just that, "Train up their child..." I mean mom & dad were a perfect example of the poster couple for being properly educated, trained, etc.. They researched "the where and with whom to birth" to have support for their personalized birth wishes. They learned in class their choices and created a detailed birth plan in class 7 to elicit specific support for their wishes. Final step for being a happy camper throughout labor and birth: Choose wisely the where & with whom you birth. Consider not just your birth place and practitioner but also having Doula support. Kori chose Womens Healthcare Associates in Athens, St.Mary's for her birth place. Shown above, Doula Apprentice, Nikki Reeves, applies counter pressure to Kori's low back to ease the discomfort of the contractions. She also added YourBirthHelper.com and the #AthensDoulaDreamTeam for support in executing her birth plans. She was informed and understood the definition of "informed consent" and how to be an educated consumer, meaning "who to pay their hard earned money to during labor/birth to have their birth plans not just supported but encouraged!" There is a difference between going along with a birth plan and actually encouraging the couple to meet their goals when labor is challenging. Kori was a champ during the Labor Down phase and allowed gravity to help bring the baby down. She used low register noise and little grunts to avoid pushing too soon. Hillary, their midwife had Matthew put on a pair of gloves, just in case he decided to help catch. He did real good, as you can see below. He accepted his "daddy helped born me" role with great pride under the guidance of Hillary Mitler, CNM. She had stated formerly in class, she did not like the idea of utilizing hands and knees position for pushing, because she felt it would be too hard to turn over after birth while holding baby. She began pushing in classic position and flipped into hands and knees maybe 40 minutes into push phase, once in hands and knees she also had gravity helping her and shortly thereafter with less than an hour of active pushing, well, let's just say she made reaching down and grabbing her baby and flipping over look real easy too!! She also had a supportive mate to help encourage her along her journey into parenthood, for 9 months of pregnancy, throughout labor and even after birth! And, it didn't stop there, together they have overcome nursing challenges, as well. Matt make sure she was eating well & best managing postpartum challenges. Kori would share its not easy being a mom, the lack of sleep alone can be challenging, but it certainly can be way easier to manage when you have a basis of understanding to expect certain things and have a supportive mate by your side to encourage and assist! Congrats again Mosher Family ~ it was our utmost pleasure to serve you during your labor of love! Remember, you begin as students, but you end as Family! Baby Elliana welcome to the best darn #BirthFamily in Georgia ~ your #AthensBirthFamily! #EpiduralfreeBirth #Drugfree #husbandcoached #labordown #symbioticbirth #warriorwoman #MidwifeAssistedBirth #YourBirthHelperTrained #birthfamily #birthwithoutfear #YourBirthHelper #NaturalInduction #DoulaApprentice #handsandknees #birth #LaborCoaching #Daddyhelpedbirthme #SymbioticBirth #BradleyMethod #SymbioticBirth #DelayedCordClamping #DoulaAssistedBirth #womenled #athensbirthfamily #naturalbirth #NaturalBirth #MidwifeAssistedHospitalBirth #DoulaAssistance #hospitalbirth #epiduralfreeinduction #naturalbirth #OvercomingInductionnaturally #DrugFreeBirth #Midwifeassisted #Midwife #HandsandkneesBirth #birth #YourBirthHelper #YourBirthHelpercom #HusbandCoachedChildbirth #bradleymethod

Let me start by defining what is a happy "birth"day. First, the definition can vary greatly among couples. Gwendolyn and Jonathan's target "Birth" day is defined below in her personalized birth plan, but if you want to see what a happy "birth"day looks like (in one photo)... Willard party of four! Our Your Birth Helper team members encourage all couples to learn their options, choose where to birth based on their preferences of what is important to them and create a personalized birth plan with their wishes of things important to the care of mom and baby. Midwife, Kelley Christian, of Summit Midwifery was so impressed by Gwendolyn's birth plan, that she actually asked in the LDR room, if she could take a copy of it with her, (sharing she had never seen one like it). She loved the quick view of choices with icons and that feedback helped put Gwendolyn and Jonathan at ease! For a great start to encourage support of your personal choices: Create a one page Birth Plan of your wishes (learn those ahead of time) for your target birth and don't forget to include protocol for baby such as delayed cord clamping, breastmilk only, skin to skin, PKU, etc.. We also highly suggest you always include a generic line that reads, "In the event of a medical emergency, we will GLADLY alter our preferences for safety of mom and baby." Most would agree their main goal is to have only medically necessary interventions based on personal needs, (not routine protocol for hospital), they are able to labor feeling supported throughout, (not faced with combative staff members demanding their own way- especially, when we are the ones paying the bill) and lastly, that mom and dad are given the opportunity to not just have staff go along with their birth plan, but actually labor in an environment in which the staff encourages them to meet their individual goals during their labor marathon, even if mom herself should be struggling during the self doubt phase of labor. When it comes to being supported and encouraged by a medical team, let me further explain. It doesn't mean mom and dad always get a gold star beside every line item on their birth plan, but in the second birth story of Gwendolyn and Jonathan, they were given the opportunity to be part of decision making- not bullied, nor felt rushed to make decisions that were not emergent, they received informed consent for any issues that presented along the way, they understood the situation and they also understood what the medical staff wanted to do to resolve it. Lastly, maybe more importantly (the one many medical professionals leave out) they understood all their other options. Initially, after having their first child feeling less than prepared for labor, the couple could not believe despite desiring a different experience, many couples refuse to attend a childbirth class/training. This time around, they were more than willing to acquire the skill set needed to help Gwendolyn achieve certain birthing goals. Some have misconceptions that the best plan of action is allowing the medical staff to make all the decisions of what is best. Luckily, for Gwendolyn that was not the case this time around. It is also a common misconception that the second baby should be easier. Simply put, the majority of us work for our babies. Now, labor can give mixed signals for example, an unusual lengthy contraction early on, contractions that remain close together the entire time even during early labor, etc.. Sometimes, men find it comforting to utilize the nearest hospital logistically speaking, that’s not the answer to all your birthing problems and sometimes cause even more, you must be realistic some birth places are more supportive of low intervention, than others. Now, Jonathan would certainly agree he felt more comfortable using the closest for them which was CaroMont Regional Medical center, a quick five minutes from their home. They also had their first son, Benjamin, now 2 yrs 10 months old there. The benefit to Gwendolyn was being able to labor at home as long as possible and transitioning to their chosen birth place closer to late labor. Gwendolyn had planned to attempt natural birth, but had not completely ruled pain managment out. She had utilized epidural for her first labor very early on and wanted to do things different this time. Second Step: HIRE the right Birth Team: They had also attended a YBH workshop and Jonathan was able to learn a skillset of how to personally help his wife better manage contractions at home. They decided to add doula services to their second birth, as well. Gwendolyn also felt more confident because she knew she had 24/7 support from our team for tips and questions. Gwendolyn loved the #BirthFamily concept of being connected and empowered by other women and we do not make decisions for mom and dad, we educate, train and support the decisions they make as educated consumers. Our motto is this, As support people we do not have the right to GIVE up on mom, because labor is taking too long or we are tired, however, MOM has every right to give up on herself. It is up to the couple how they proceed from there. We just support their decisions. But, this time Gwendolyn didn't give up early on, in fact, quite the opposite. She began texting me around 8:42pm and said she was going for a walk in her neighborhood before bed. Contractions were kind of all over the place, not consistently 60 seconds or more, but frequency and length was picking up with the five things to determine real labor. And, definitely the contractions were not slowing or going away despite her due date being ten more days out. Shortly after midnight, the couple was really having to work through the contractions. Jonathan supported his wife throughout reminding her to focus on her relaxation and release and sink with each contraction. The couple used positions they learned in their YBH workshop to relieve discomfort for mom and progress the labor at home. Gwendolyn decided to have Nancy come to their home and she arrived around 1am to lovingly guide, direct and assist them. Words Nancy used to describe Gwendolyn: Calm, Inward, Receptive (to drink, change positions, restroom, etc.) Focused on her goal, Her Family, Her Faith. She was cherished and lovingly supported and encouraged constantly by her husband in every position, determined to have a different experience this time around! And, boy did they!! Gwendolyn is still in shock she walked into the hospital already 7cm dilated. She was so proud of herself as she should be! What a difference some education makes. In triage the couple, informed of their choices, made a decision to move forward with an epidural as they were both physcially exhausted from no sleep for nearly two days. Remember, expectant couples, we always suggest an earlier bedtime near term, because you just never know when labor will sneak up on you. Gwendolyn and Jonathan well... there were not prepared for the moon to take control over her uterus that weekend. Surprise! Sometimes, the universe has a way of bringing a baby before our due date...lol. Gwendolyn shared, "I just remember telling Jonathan on way to hospital, I just want to fall asleep and telling Nancy, I really need a nap." After the initial internal exam, fetal monitoring and IV administration process, Gwendolyn had a contraction and was quite surprised that her epidural was not bringing relief or the ability to allow her to sleep that she had experienced the first time around. To be more specific, she still felt the contractions, the complete numbness was non existent this time around. The lack of relief, coupled by contractions kept her awake, her baby was coming and the nap would have to wait! Now, uneducated she would have been in panic mode, but instead her doula team reminded her of the many benefits associated with "feeling what is going on" especially when it comes time to push a baby out! This created a perspective shift and contributed to the JOY of her birth experience. She, in her words, expressed the lack of epidural relief this way: "I was told by the nurses there was a "hot spot" in my epidural, which is why I could still feel the contractions intensely in my pelvic area. I'm glad and thankful for that hot spot, because I could feel my body working and I actually felt the urge to bear down and push! I also felt the euphoria and the overwhelming relief and bliss that women talk about experiencing when the baby exits their body! I was so numb with my first delivery, that I did not feel any of that euphoria or amazing feeling of actually BIRTHING my OWN BABY! I mean, I could actually feel her come out and it felt sooooo good to push!” “Pushing took the pain of the contraction away... it was INCREDIBLE!” Congrats again Mom, Dad and Big brother Benjamin! It was our pleasure to serve you! The #CharlotteDoulaDreamTeam and YourBirthHelper.com commends you Summit Midwifery for your support of #SymbioticBirth! Welcome to the World, Vanna-Grace, no doubt you will live an exciting adventerous life! #husbandcoached #labordown #YourBirthHelperLaborWorkshop #birthfamily #YourBirthHelper #YourBirthHelperTrained #secondbirth #symbioticbirth #CharlotteDoulaDreamTeam #DoulaApprentice #MidwifeAssistedBirth #CharlotteDoula #DoulaAssistedBirth #DoulaAssistance #PreparingforBirthing #strongwomen #UnplannedHomeBirth #birthwithoutfear #hospitalbirth #MidwifeAssistedHospitalBirth

Couples often expect labor to be shorter the second time around, that is not always the case as Kelsey and Trey Welch recently experienced.  As second time parents, Trey seemed to be way more calm and ready this time than Kelsey herself. Between work, Harper, (their near two year old) and feeling as if little time to actually train or prepare for this baby, they were quite grateful they had formerly completed 12 weeks of childbirth education in The Bradley Method® and planned to rely on that training this time, as well.  To refresh their memory, they attended two Your Birth Helper labor workshops and reviewed positioning to progress labor, etc. and its a good thing, because Kelsey had shared this labor was not just longer than her first, but way more intense. The couple executed their baby evacuation homework with great success and contractions commenced around midnight.  They called me to their home around 11am the next day.  I had the couple try a few new positions to better manage her near 90 second long contractions.  Kelsey, being tiny framed, also found the hip flexor stretches and the peanut ball to be quite helpful during a 30 minute nap before we headed to CMC Pineville.  It was a hot day, but not too hot to take in some good positions in the parking lot before heading into triage. We were quite blessed it was a terribly busy day for the hospital and they had asked Nancy Cook if she would be willing to come in.  It seems everyone in CLT had decided it was a great day for a baby.  One thing a great doula team can do for you even with labor/baby #2, 3 or 4 is provide constant support before, during and after labor and birth.  Having 24/7 support is crucial to some moms remaining calm and relaxed avoiding stress hormones to even begin labor to start with, as well as, support and encouragement during every stage of labor.  Sometimes, its the Coach who finds great comfort in doula support!  To have the reassurance labor is progressing, the position is good and assist in a variety of ways in between nurse and midwife checks, even just giving dad an opportunity to step out for a few minutes to use restroom, eat, etc. Trey and Kelsey both were champs especially with such long contractions, back labor type pain for mom and little time to recoup in between contractions. They say a picture says a thousand words, so... ENJOY & BE ENCOURAGED! Labor can be very manageable. Contractions are hard work yet don't have to consume you unless you do things wrong. The key to avoiding unnecessary pain is train and learn the tricks of the trade and how to best get through hard labor.  When we assume correct positions as shown here, we can keep labor progressing and when mom gets tired because labor is taking a little longer than normal, nature gives you some breaks and it is important mom gets some rest (at least in between contractions), focuses inward on her relaxation and keeps active especially during waking hours.  Don't be afraid to use the shower, tub, squat bars, peanut ball, toilet, etc. variety is key and staying out of the bed is imperative, particularly if mom is having back labor pain, as well.  Trey worked tirelessly around his wife's needs.  Through each contraction, he physically assisted, emotionally supported and verbally coached Kelsey. I could not have been a more proud Childbirth Teacher or Doula.  As Dr. Bradley shared all those years ago, "A Trained Husband Coach can do way more for his laboring wife than any amount of medication."  It was evident Kelsey was prepared, yet tired, motivated, yet at times, overwhelmed by the length of her contractions and them not letting up, but further intensifying.  Kelsey did an amazing controlled job with her labor down phase.  She chose the "singing method."  Her "I surrender ALL" praise and worship song, came in quite handy!  It allowed her to execute brilliantly the baby "inch-worming" its way down the birth canal while we had her in hands and knees over the top of bed.  No further internal exams were necessary, because the head began to descend.  Once the green light was given to actively push, Kelsey pushed approximately 12 minutes and her 8 lb 2 oz baby was in her arms with both Kelsey's and Trey's mom witnessing.  Her preferred pushing position was side lie, with only one leg to manage, in an open pelvis position she skillfully eased her baby out under the instruction of her midwife. Not sure where that big chunk was hiding?  Shall I say, he had two sausage rolls on the back of his neck? Hahaa!!  He began nursing right away and the couple arrived back home the following evening.  Remember, if mom and baby are ok simply ask for early discharge.  You will find your own bed way more relaxing and when other siblings are part of the equation, your little ones meeting their siblings is quite an exciting part of additional children, as well, as did Big SIster, Harper! Congratulations to second time parents, Kelsey & Trey Welch, big sister, Harper and both sets of grandparents!  I am especially proud of Doula Graduate, Allison Termeer! Special thanks again to the amazing Natural Birth Champion, Nancy Cook, RN The awesome midwives of Piedmont OBGYN and The fabulous Jennifer Crumpler, CNM #CharlotteDoulaDreamTeam was happy to be part of another surprise gender birth... Its A BOY!!!!! We are so proud of our clients and commend them for training in advance for their happy "BIRTH" day!!!! Words of advice for expectant Moms / Couples reading this: (no matter what baby), Prepare for each as if you did the first.  I like to call it "selfish time!"  Your other children will be ok, your new baby deserves the time and unless you plan to have your other children at the birth, don't forget to arrange your childcare so YOU and this baby can be the focus when active labor commences because labor is not always easier nor shorter the second time around! #secondbirth #birth #naturalbirth #labordown #handsandknees #husbandcoached #YourBirthHelperTrained #DoulaAssistedBirth #YourBirthHelper #Drugfree #EpiduralfreeBirth #CMCPineville #PiedmontObgyn #MidwifeAssistedBirth