Show notes:

April is Cesarean Awareness Month. Statistics indicate that cesarean sections account for more than 1 in 5 of all childbirths worldwide. In this episode we talk about reasons you might need a cesarean, ways to reduce preventable c-sections, how to determine which is which, what to do if you do find yourself needing to head to the OR during childbirth and what to expect during the time of recovery.

Links mentioned in this episode:

B.R.A.I.N.

Bwana Ni Mchunganji Wangu

Resources used to prepare this episode:

International Cesarean Awareness Network. (2020, January 14). FAQs about Cesareans - International Cesarean Awareness Network. International Cesarean Awareness Network - Education, Support, & Advocacy for Birth Justice & Healing. https://www.ican-online.org/faqs-about-cesareans/

World Health Organization: WHO. (2021, June 16). Caesarean section rates continue to rise, amid growing inequalities in access. who.int. https://www.who.int/news/item/16-06-2021-caesarean-section-rates-continue-to-rise-amid-growing-inequalities-in-access

Show notes:

Today on the show we dive into 2 Peter 1:3-4 and see again the importance of knowing Christ. In episode 6 we saw in verses 1-2 how peace comes from knowing Jesus. In these next two verses Peter tells us that we can have everything we need for life and godliness through that some relationship.

Show Notes:

Joy Bylsma, a pelvic floor therapist, joins me today on the show to talk about:

•           ways to prepare your pelvic floor muscles for childbirth, including perineal massage
•           positions that can be used in childbirth to work with the pelvic floor muscles
•           ways to care for yourself and things to watch out for postpartum

We mention an exercise called the pelvic rock. Here is a video.

I also like this video that teaches pelvic floor awareness in preparation for pushing during labor.

Show Notes:

Benefits of walking, moving around and changing positions throughout labor:

1.        Helps your uterus work more efficiently.

2.       Allows gravity to help pull baby down and wiggle through the pelvis.

3.      Helps mama feel more confident and in control.

4.      Shortens labor by up to an hour or more.

5.      Reduces the need for an epidural.

6.      Reduces the risk of a cesarean section.

Tips to move during labor:

1.        Labor at home as long as possible. (Listen to episode 4 starting at minute 3:30 to hear me talk about how to know when to go to the hospital.)

2.       Choose a birthplace that encourages movement. (Listen to episode 5 for more information on choosing a care provider and birthplace.)

3.      Plan ahead.

a.      Learn and practice different movements and positions prior to labor. (Check out this article from lamaze.org.)

b.      Plan to have someone with you for continuous support.

c.       Taking a childbirth education class can help you and your support person better prepare and be ready for the birth. (If you don’t have local options, check out my personalized third trimester coaching bundle.)

There are still ways you can move, even if you find yourself confined to a bed.

1.        Ask if you can sit on a ball or in a rocking chair.

2.       Get up and go to the bathroom frequently.

3.      Raise the head of the bed so you are in more of an upright position.

4.      Use peanut balls. (Check out this short video or this longer one to see what I’m talking about.)

I used the following resources as I put this podcast together:

Lamaze International. (2021, April 14). Make Sure Movement is Part of Your Labor. https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/TitleLink/Make-Sure-Movement-is-Part-of-Your-Labor

Lawrence, A., Lewis, L., Hofmeyr, G. J., & Styles, C. (2013). Maternal positions and mobility during first stage labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd003934.pub4

Movement Restrictions. (n.d.). https://www.lamaze.org/natural-birthing

Terreri, C. (2021, May 18). Walking During Labor: When, Why, and Where? Lamaze International. https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/TitleLink/Walking-During-Labor-When-Why-and-Where

Infographics from lamaze.org:

6 Simple Steps for a Safe and Healthy Birth

We Like to Move It, Move It!

Show Notes:

Charity Person joins me on this episode to talk about Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a pregnancy disease that may cause weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and debility due to severe nausea and/or vomiting. Charity experienced HG with all three of her pregnancies and shares what she learned about how to cope with this debilitating condition. We also talk about morning sickness and how some of the coping techniques that helped her with HG can also help women who struggle with any amount of nausea in pregnancy.

For more information check out the following links:

https://www.hyperemesis.org/

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/morning-sickness-during-pregnancy/

Show notes:

Today’s show has a devotional focus – nothing specifically to do with pregnancy other than an aid for you as you seek to care more intentionally for your soul during this special time. I talk about 2 Peter 1:1-2 where we see that faith doesn’t come from our own superpowers of believing but from Jesus’ righteousness. And I talk about what that word, “righteousness,” means. This passage goes on to point us towards the secret of finding peace – which can sometimes seem scarce with a little one on the way or in the house.  It has to do with knowing Jesus and I talk about some creative ways to find time for Him after baby comes and seems to take up all your time. One way I didn’t mention, but which is important, is to let Daddy or Grandma or a trusted friend hang out with baby while you spend time with the Lord (& maybe take a shower, too. 😉)

Feel free to contact me with questions or comments at [email protected].

Show Notes:

Things to think about when choosing a care provider:

·       What birthplace do you prefer: hospital, in-hospital birth center, free standing birth center, home?

·       Mid-wife led care vs. physician led care

·       What is available in your area?

·       What fits your preferences and needs?

·       What if your options are limited?

Links to articles with questions to ask a potential care provider:

·       https://www.insidermom.com/top-questions-ask-care-provider-birth/

·       https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/TitleLink/Newly-Pregnant-Vital-Questions-to-Ask-a-Potential-OB-or-Midwife

·       https://pcnguide.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/questions-birthplaces.pdf

Resources:

Lothian, J., DeVries, C., & Lamaze International. (2010). The Official Lamaze Guide. Amsterdam University Press.

Midwife-led continuity models of care compared with other models of care for women during pregnancy, birth and early parenting. (n.d.). Cochrane. https://www.cochrane.org/CD004667/PREG_midwife-led-continuity-models-care-compared-other-models-care-women-during-pregnancy-birth-and-early

Midwife-led units safest for straightforward births. (2014, December 3). NICE. https://www.nice.org.uk/news/article/midwife-led-units-safest-for-straightforward-births

Simkin, P., Bolding, A., Keppler, A., Durham, J., & Whalley, J. (2010). Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn (4th Edition): The Complete Guide (4th ed.). Meadowbrook.

Souter, V., Nethery, E., Kopas, M. L., Wurz, H., Sitcov, K., & Caughey, A. B. (2019). Comparison of Midwifery and Obstetric Care in Low-Risk Hospital Births. Obstetrics &Amp; Gynecology, 134(5), 1056–1065. https://doi.org/10.1097/aog.0000000000003521

Sutcliffe, K., Caird, J., Kavanagh, J., Rees, R., Oliver, K., Dickson, K., Woodman, J., Barnett-Paige, E., & Thomas, J. (2012). Comparing midwife-led and doctor-led maternity care: a systematic review of reviews. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 68(11), 2376–2386. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.05998.x

Ten Tips for Taking Charge of Your Maternity Care. (n.d.). http://www.childbirthconnection.org/maternity-care/ten-tips/

Terreri, C. L. (2018a, December 26). Choosing Your Care Provider - A New Lamaze Infographic Break Down. Lamaze International. https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/TitleLink/Choosing-Your-Care-Provider-A-New-Lamaze-Infographic-Break-Down

Terreri, C. L. (2018b, December 28). Care Provider Red Flags: Signs You May Not Be Getting the Best Care. Lamaze International. https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/TitleLink/Care-Provider-Red-Flags-Signs-You-May-Not-Be-Getting-the-Best-Care

Terreri, C. L. (2019, January 3). Finding the Right Health Care Provider and Birth Place. Lamaze International. https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/TitleLink/Finding-the-Right-Health-Care-Provider-and-Birth-Place

Show Notes:

In this show I talk about some of the differences between spontaneous labor and induced labor. We’ll talk about some scenarios when labor induction is called for and some gray areas where you’ll really need to think to make an informed decision. I also talk about the importance of making informed decisions for your unique circumstances and discuss using the BRAIN acronym to help with that.

List of resources:

FastStats. (n.d.). Births - Method of Delivery. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/delivery.htm

Labor Induction. (n.d.). ACOG. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/labor-induction

Lamaze International. (2009, October 8). Let Labor Begin On Its Own  (1 of 6) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LykV8YCwWIM

Lothian, J., DeVries, C., & Lamaze International. (2010). The Official Lamaze Guide. Amsterdam University Press.

Mozurkewich, E., Chilimigras, J., Koepke, E., Keeton, K., & King, V. (2009). Indications for induction of labour: a best-evidence review. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics &Amp; Gynaecology, 116(5), 626–636. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2008.02065.x

Robles, B., MD. (2022, March 31). Are You Being Induced? Here’s How Long It Takes & What To Expect. Postpartum Trainer, MD. https://postpartumtrainer.com/induce-labor/

Simkin, P., Bolding, A., Keppler, A., Durham, J., & Whalley, J. (2010). Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn (4th Edition): The Complete Guide (4th ed.). Meadowbrook.

Show notes:

In the story of birth, Hormones play an important role in getting things going and keeping them regulated throughout the birthing process:

• Prostaglandins help soften the cervix.
• Oxytocin cranks up the contractions and calls in the endorphins. It also helps with milk let down after baby is born.
• Endorphins act as a natural pain reliever and regulate the contractions.
• Catecholamines are stress hormones that slow labor down early on then give a burst of energy needed to make it through the pushing stage. They also help baby take his first breath and be more alert during the first hour or so after birth.
• Prolactin helps produce milk.

Link to the “balloon video” talking about how contractions work.

Link to an excellent booklet with more information about how supporting your hormones leads to a healthy birth.

I used the following resources as I put this podcast together:

Buckley, S. J. (2015). Executive Summary of Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing: Evidence and Implications for Women, Babies, and Maternity Care. The Journal of Perinatal Education, 24(3), 145–153. https://doi.org/10.1891/1058-1243.24.3.145

Your Amazing Placenta. (n.d.). https://www.lamaze.org/placenta-use

Lothian, J., DeVries, C., & Lamaze International. (2010). The Official Lamaze Guide. Amsterdam University Press.

Simkin, P., Bolding, A., Keppler, A., Durham, J., & Whalley, J. (2010). Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn (4th Edition): The Complete Guide (4th ed.). Meadowbrook.

Show notes

In this episode, I talk about the Gospel which is the good news of Jesus: how he always perfectly obeyed God, so he didn’t deserve death. That means when he was falsely accused and killed on a cross, he was able to make a great exchange. He took upon himself in his death the penalty for all the sins of God’s followers (past, present, and future) and he gives to those of us who believe his perfect record of obedience which brings reconciliation with God. And because Jesus conquered death and rose to life again, we too can have eternal life with Him. If you’d like to hear the Gospel presented another way, you can check out this video or this one.

Childbirth can be a beautiful picture of the gospel. However, we live in a fallen world and sometimes childbirth results in death. We grieve when this happens but as Christians, we can grieve with hope. In the podcast I share about my own experience of loss through miscarriage.

I wrap up the show with a few more thoughts on pain in childbirth and the importance of preparing.

Next week we’ll take a look at God’s design in the “story of birth.”