Curb Walking for Labor
Have started dilating and effacing and want to give your body a little push to get things moving?
Try this simple exercise: Curb walking
Curb walking is an exercise often used as a way to prepare the body for labor and naturally induce. The idea is that walking on the curb or using other variations can encourage the baby to move down in the pelvis and apply pressure to the cervix, which may help release oxytocin and trigger contractions. Curb walking can also promote pelvic movement and help to stretch and tone the muscles that are involved in childbirth.
If you don't have access to a safe curb to walk on, you can try other variations of the exercise, such as walking up and down stairs or wearing one high heel shoe and one flat shoe and walking inside.
Here are some potential benefits of curb walking to induce labor:
Encourages baby to move down: Walking on the curb or using other variations can create a rocking motion that helps to move the baby down in the pelvis, which may stimulate the cervix and encourage labor to start.
Promotes better positioning: If the baby is in an unfavorable position, such as posterior or breech, curb walking may help to encourage the baby to move into a better position for delivery.
May help contractions become more regular: The pressure from the baby's head on the cervix can help to release oxytocin, which is the hormone that stimulates contractions. Walking on the curb or using other variations may help to make contractions more regular and stronger.
It is important to note that curb walking is not recommended for everyone and should only be done with the approval of your healthcare provider. Curb walking may not be effective for all women, and it is important to listen to your body and not overdo It.
Remember: The proper way to curb walk is UP and HIP OUT.
Questions to ask your OBGYN or Midwife
Many expecting mothers choose their doctor or midwife based on the recommendations of friends or other doctors. Others simply look online and go to the first practice that’s nearby or accepting patients. However, your choice of doctor or midwife will have a significant impact on your birth. Not only will you see them throughout your pregnancy, but they influence the medical interventions you do or do not receive during labor.
When considering whom to choose to care for you and your baby during pregnancy and labor pick a provider who aligns with your birth philosophy.
How many births do you and your practice attend each month?
In an uncomplicated delivery, how much of the labor and birth do you typically attend?
Who will assist with the delivery if you aren’t available when I go into labor?
Who do I call if any complications arise during pregnancy? Is someone available to talk with 24/7?
How many of your clients attempt natural birth without epidural or other pain medication?
In what ways do you support moms who want a natural birth?
How do you feel about birth plans?
Do you recommend taking childbirth classes? Do you have any that you recommend?
How do you feel about doulas attending the birth?
Do the other OB-GYNs or midwives in this practice share a similar philosophy about birth?
What is your standard protocol for IVs, IV fluids, and fetal monitoring during labor?
What is your policy on labor inductions? For what reasons are most labor inductions scheduled?
If I’m still pregnant past my due date, at what point do you suggest an induction?
What positions do you feel comfortable with me pushing in as you assist with the delivery? (Lying flat on back, hands, and knees, using a squat bar, side-lying, etc.)
Can I eat during labor?
Is there a tub that I can labor in?
How dilated does my cervix need to be in order to be admitted to the hospital during labor?
Cesarean
Under what circumstances would you recommend a cesarean?
What percentage of the women in your care have a cesarean?
*Cesarean rate in the US is 33%, and in Florida 36%. low (range: 13%-22%), medium (range: 23%-25%), high (range: 25%-36%)
Watch out for red-flag responses. These include:
Vagueness: “I only do cesareans when they are necessary.”
Scare tactics: “I’d like to induce labor when you reach 39 weeks. There’s no reason not to, and even though you’re healthy, you never know what might happen if we wait.”
Patronizing: “Don’t worry; just relax and let me take care of everything.”
Anger: “And what medical school did you go to?”
Bullying: “Decisions will be made by me and are not negotiable.”
*You don't need to ask all these questions. Simply pick the ones that resonate with you.
Creating a birth plan
Creating a birth plan is an essential step in preparing for the arrival of your baby. A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Here are some steps to help you create a birth plan:
Research your options: Start by researching your options for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. This can include things like pain relief options, delivery positions, who you want present during the birth, and postpartum care for you and your baby.
Consider your preferences: Once you have researched your options, think about what is important to you. Consider your desire for a natural birth or a medicated birth, and who you want to be present during the birth.
Discuss with your healthcare provider: Talk to your healthcare provider about your preferences and make sure they are aware of your birth plan. They can provide guidance and information to help you make informed decisions.
Write it down: Once you have identified your preferences, write them down in a clear and concise manner. This will ensure that your healthcare providers know your preferences and can help to ensure that your birth experience is as close to your preferences as possible.
Be flexible: Keep in mind that birth can be unpredictable, and sometimes things may not go according to plan. Be flexible and open to changes if necessary.
Share your plan: Share your birth plan with your partner, family, and healthcare providers. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your preferences are respected.
Here’s an example of a birth plan:
Name: Jane Smith
Due date: June 1, 2023
Partner: John Smith
Doctor/Midwife:
Any other important information such as allergies.
Labor:
I plan to have a natural birth without pain medication, but I am open to the possibility of pain relief if needed.
I would like to be able to move around freely during labor and try different positions to find what is most comfortable for me.
I would like to avoid the use of forceps or vacuum extraction if possible.
I would like to have intermittent fetal monitoring, rather than continuous monitoring.
I would like to avoid unnecessary medical interventions and prefer to let labor progress naturally, as long as it is safe for me and my baby.
Delivery:
I would like to deliver in a birthing tub or a private room with a comfortable bed, rather than a delivery table.
I would like to have my partner present during the delivery.
I would like to push instinctively, rather than be coached through pushing.
I would like to avoid an episiotomy if possible and prefer a perineal massage to help avoid tearing.
I would like to have the option of delayed cord clamping, as long as it is safe for my baby.
Postpartum:
I would like to have skin-to-skin contact with my baby immediately after delivery.
I would like to breastfeed my baby as soon as possible.
I would like to have my baby in the room with me at all times, rather than in the nursery, if possible.
Unless medically necessary, I would like to avoid routine interventions such as bathing my baby.
I would like to be discharged as soon as possible, as long as both me and my baby are healthy and stable.
Please note that this is just an example and every birth plan will be unique to each individual's preferences and needs. It's important to discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider to ensure that your preferences are feasible and in line with safe and appropriate medical care.
Remember, a birth plan is not a guarantee, but it can help to ensure that your preferences are considered and respected during the birth process.
Womb Wisdom
Womb wisdom refers to the idea that the female reproductive system, including the uterus and ovaries, holds deep wisdom and knowledge. This concept is based on the belief that the womb is a powerful center of intuition, creativity, and feminine energy.
In many cultures and traditions, the womb is considered sacred, and there are various practices and rituals that honor and connect with its power. For example, some women engage in womb meditations, where they focus their awareness on their womb and visualize it as a source of healing and creativity. Other practices might involve wearing crystals or carrying sacred objects that are believed to enhance the power of the womb.
Womb wisdom is also associated with the idea of menstrual cycle awareness, where women track and honor the natural rhythms of their menstrual cycles. This practice involves observing the physical and emotional changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, and using this information to cultivate self-awareness and self-care.
Honoring and connecting with womb wisdom can be a powerful way for women to tap into their own intuition, creativity, and feminine energy. It can also help to cultivate a deeper sense of connection with the natural cycles of life and the world around us. By embracing this wisdom and knowledge, we can create a more compassionate and balanced world for ourselves and those around us.
Preparing for Childbirth
Planning for birth involves taking steps to prepare for the physical, emotional, and practical aspects of giving birth. The process of planning for birth typically involves a combination of education, preparation, and decision-making.
Here are some steps you can take to plan for birth:
Educate yourself: Attend childbirth classes, read books or articles, and talk to healthcare providers, doulas, or other mothers to learn about the process of labor and birth, and the various options for pain relief, delivery methods, and postpartum care.
Create a birth plan: Work with your healthcare provider to create a birth plan that outlines your preferences and priorities for labor and delivery. This plan can include things like your preferences for pain relief, your preferred delivery position, and your wishes for postpartum care.
Choose a healthcare provider and birth setting: Choose a healthcare provider and a birth setting that align with your values and preferences. Consider factors such as the provider's approach to childbirth, the hospital or birthing center's policies and practices, and the availability of amenities such as water birth or natural childbirth options.
Prepare for labor and delivery: Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, and consider enrolling in a childbirth education class or hiring a doula for additional support during labor and delivery.
Plan for postpartum care: Consider your needs and preferences for postpartum care, including support for breastfeeding, emotional well-being, and physical recovery.
By taking these steps to plan for birth, you can feel more empowered and prepared for the process of giving birth, and increase the likelihood of a positive and fulfilling birth experience.