BirthKuwait Inagural Gala

BirthKuwait Inagural Gala
celebrating 4 years of giving (note: it's by invite only)

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Gentle Birth: A Calm Birth, A Peaceful Birth For Your Baby

Claim your right to empowering birth! Today`s article by Co founder of BirthKuwait: Zuzana Nadova of Midwifery in Kuwait .
Pregnancy and labour are supposed to be natural and normal events. They provide a woman with a unique opportunity to learn about her body and soul. A woman experiences changes in all aspects of her life as the pregnancy progresses, and thus can experience transformation into an intuitive, relaxed and receptive mother. She is given a chance to find out how powerful and competent she is by facilitating bringing a new life to this world.

" Whoever and however you intend to give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life" Ina May Gaskin




 How does your body prepare for labour?

The transition from pregnancy to labor is a sequence of events, that often begins gradually.
The physiological transition from being a pregnant woman to becoming a mother means an enormous change for each woman, both physically and psychologically. Every system in the body is affected and the experience represents a major transition in a woman's life.

During the last few weeks of pregnancy, a number of physical and psychological changes may occur, including:
·      Mood swings
·      Surges of energy
·      Lightening : baby usually " drops down" into the pelvis 2-3 weeks before the onset of labour, breathing becomes easier and heart and stomach function more easily.
·      Engagement of the baby’s head: pelvic floor becomes more relaxed and softened allowing the   baby's head to descend further into the pelvis increasing pressure on the perineum floor.
·      Walking becomes more difficult
·      More frequent trips to the bathroom!
·      Braxton-Hicks contractions, warming-up contractions which may be just your uterus practicing, or might be helping to reposition your baby or help your cervix move into position for birth.
·      Cervix of the uterus becomes soft, effaces (thins), and dilates (opens).  Mom will lose the protective fluid at the end of the cervix called the “mucous plug”, creating slightly pinkish cervical fluid.
·      Feelings of great intensity, from exited anticipation to fearful expectancy.


What is happening during labour? 



Labour is the process of giving birth, from the onset of true labour pains until the completion of delivery.
Labour is usually divided into 3 stages.

1. In the first stage, the cervix dilates (opens) and the baby descends into the pelvis.

Before labour : Baby is engaged ( positioned in a bony pelvis and head is pressing against cervix) and cervix is still closed by the mucous plug


Beginning of labour: release of mucous plug and rupture of amniotic sac ( baby waters) which can happen in the beginning of labour or later as labour progress



Active labor, or the onset of regular contractions: Contractions dilate cervix and push the baby into the birth canal.




During labour cervix dilates (opens) and effaces (thins) to enable baby to pass through birth canal




During labour: as the head of the baby descents into the birth canal, the head needs to mold in order to fit the diameters of bony pelvis.


2. In the second stage, mom’s usually feel the urge to push as the baby descends all the way to the pelvic floor.


3.      In third stage baby is delivered  and  placenta is expelled.



   
According to WHO's recommendations 85%- 95% of pregnant women should be able to give birth spontaneously- without the assistance of obstetric tools or interventions.


Our bodies are designed to give birth: While the process of birth is quite complex, when we allow our bodies to work the way they were designed to, it’s a simple and beautiful process. 
Three primary hormones assist in this process:

OXYTOCIN


Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the brain which gradually increases during pregnancy.
Oxytocin is called the “love hormone”; it helps us to feel peaceful, affectionate, and empathetic, and helps us move into the right side (non-rational) of our brain. Oxytocin is one of the primary hormones that triggers a mother’s instinct to nurture, protect, and bond with her baby. Humans produce the most oxytocin during love making and childbirth. They must feel safe and enjoy privacy to produce the optimum levels of oxytocin.

During labour, Oxytocin stimulates powerful contractions which help thin and open the cervix, move the baby down and out of the birth canal, expel the placenta and limit the bleeding. It also helps women to be calm and relaxed during labor.

After delivery, oxytocin stimulates the let down reflex ( milk ejection reflex) and is released as babies nurse.
Laboring moms naturally produce the needed amount of oxytocin to help labor progress when they feel safe and secure.

Here are some ways to naturally help promote the production of oxytocin:
·      Stay calm and relaxed
·      Seek positive experiences ( laugh, hug, talk to your friends or loved ones, watch a funny film)
·      Delay epidurals and avoid the use of synthetic oxytocin (Syntocin or Pitocin)
·      Nipple stimulation (for example, with a breast pump)

ENDORPHINES


Endorphines are hormones produced in the brain in response to positive stress or pain. They are calming and pain relieving hormones, sometimes referred to as natural opiates (pain killers). An example of this is when runners describe their feelings at the end of a race as feeling “elated” or experiencing the “runners high.” The amount of endorphins in a naturally laboring mother is significantly higher than a marathon runner, that is why you will hear some mothers describe their birth experience as “ecstatic.”

In unmedicated labours, endorphins continue to gradually rise through the labour and can cause an altered state of consciousness that can help woman to flow with the process, even if it is long and challenging. Despite the hard work, high endorphine levels make laboring woman feel alert, attentive and euphoric.

In medicated labours (such as induced labours) , endorphine levels are lower because the natural signal sent to the brain to continue to increase the release of endorphins in response to increasing levels of oxytocin is shut off. This can cause labors which use Syntocin or Pitocin to be excessively painful and create a need for interventions.

How to keep endorphins level high:
  • Staying calm, comfortable and confident
  • Avoiding disturbances (avoid unwelcome people, unnecessary interventions)
  • Delaying epidurals, avoid synthetic oxytocin.

ADRENALINE


Adrenaline is a hormone known as  the “fight of flight" hormone that our bodies produce to ensure survival and to deal with stress. Certain amounts of adrenaline are needed during the labour in order to deal with the physical demands of labour, but excess amounts can be harmful. Women who feel threatened may produce high levels of adrenalin which can slow or stop labour.

Excessive levels of adrenaline can: 
  • Decrease blood flow to uterus and placenta slowing contractions and lengthening labour  and causing distress to the baby
  • Create a sense of panic in the mother
  • May create the need for interventions
You can keep adrenaline levels low by:
  • Staying calm, relaxed and comfortable
  • Trusting in your body and it's capabilities
  • Staying in a private and safe environment
  • Avoiding conflicts and disruptive procedures
How does labour start?

The onset of labour is a process, not an event, therefore it is very difficult to pinpoint exactly when the painless (or sometimes painful) contractions of pre-labour develop  into progressive rhythmic contractions of established labour.

The exact trigger of labour is still unknown. It is believed that when a baby is ready it releases hormones into the mother’s blood to initiate the labour.

What factors affect successfully progressing labour?

The mind and body are connected and they affect each other. This is called the Mind-body connection.
Emotional disturbances are shown to affect the physiological state of woman . Fear, anxiety, stress, anger, fright and  suppressed emotions can hold up a  labour .

Negative feelings heighten the perception of pain and can help elevate the stress hormone
" adrenaline " which may slow or stop contractions. They also reach the baby who can suffer from neonatal distress as well.

Negative emotions also cause tension in muscles , thus making the softening, the thinning and the opening of the cervix difficult.

The simple progress of birth: Maintain a safe and private environment

All labor progression is dependant on the release of the hormone oxytocin but can be inhibited by any interference in a laboring mother’s environment.

For birth to proceed optimally, the limbic system, which the more primitive part of brain (the part that controls instincts, memory and emotions) needs to take precedence over our neocortex (the rational part of the brain). This shift of consciousness, which some call "going to another planet" or "tapping deeply into one self " is aided by the release of birthing hormones and is inhibited by disturbances such as bright lighting, loud conversation, expectations of rationality and use of rational language (like when the nurses ask you questions about early labor etc.) Most women at this point are unable to- and should not be expected to- answer rational questions near the end of labor. Her support system should step in to answer for her, or lean close to whisper questions in a quiet voice in between contractions.

" If we hope to create a nonviolent world
where respect and kindness replace fear and hatred ,
we must begin with how we treat each other at the beginning of life,
for it is where our deepest patterns are set,
from these roots grow fear and alienation or love and trust. "   
~Suzane Arms



Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Prenatal Yoga ~ Your Questions Answered!

Do you want to learn more about the latest trend in pregnancy ~ Prenatal Yoga? 

Come to a free public lecture by Blooma Founder and Trainers Sarah Longacre and and Stacy Seebart to learn more! 

(See some commonly asked questions below)


When: Sunday, January 13, 5:30-6:30pm
Where: Kuwait Women's and Cultural Society (Khaldiya, Block 2)


When should I start Prenatal Yoga?


Prenatal Yoga can be started at any stage of pregnancy. The sooner you begin, the more time you will have to prepare for your upcoming birth, connect with other pregnant moms, and avoid common discomforts of pregnancy. If you are unable to begin classes until the later stages of pregnancy, even one or two classes can be of benefit. 

What should I bring to class? What should I wear? 

Most yoga studios are fully equipped with all of the necessary props and equipment. They will have blankets, blocks, bolsters, straps, mats and more. If you have a mat, feel free to bring it- most students prefer to use their own. You may also like to bring a water bottle, as pregnant moms become dehydrated twice as fast. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in- yoga pants, sweats, T-shirts, etc. Layers are nice, that way if (when) you get too hot as your muscles warm up, you can remove a layer. When you are ready to relax at the end of class you can put your layers back on to keep you warm and comfortable.

Will Prenatal Yoga alleviate common pregnancy discomforts?

The vast majority of mothers who practice yoga in their pregnancies report a decrease in their discomfort. Back pain, insomnia, hip pain, sciatica, leg cramps, and round ligament pain are just a few of the pregnancy discomforts which are easily remedied through a regular yoga practice. In addition, many mothers report improved digestion, decreased swelling, and better sleep at night as a result of yoga practice. Let your instructor know during intros/ check-in if there is something that you would like to address through the yoga practice. Not only will she be able to address it in the practice, other moms may have experienced the same issue and have ideas to help.

How will Prenatal Yoga prepare me for my labor?

A consistent yoga practice can help put your baby in an optimal position for labor, and many of the breathing techniques, postures and movements practiced in class can be used during labor to cope with discomfort and help your labor to progress efficiently. In addition, many questions and concerns regarding the birth experience are addressed in class. Instructors can answer questions or direct you to appropriate resources and other students may have experiences and information to share, as well.

I have never practiced yoga before and I am not flexible. Will Prenatal Yoga be too difficult for me?

Many women come to yoga for the first time when they are pregnant ~ you are not alone! While the practice will offer a challenge for long-time yoga practitioners, it is designed to welcome newcomers as well. Teachers are trained to meet you where you are and offer modifications as necessary. You should communicate with your instructor throughout class, letting her know if something does not feel right and asking for assistance. Whether you are a long-time yoga practitioner, or completely new to yoga, remember to listen to your body and honor your needs in the moment. Your yoga instructors- and the practice itself- will help you to do this.

Keep in mind that all yoga practice- whether prenatal or not- will help increase flexibility. Few yogis have come to the practice already flexible- it’s the practice that made them so! And as a pregnant mom, you are at an advantage. With the increased production of Relaxin (a pregnancy hormone designed to make your ligaments more supple and stretchy) it’s a perfect time to take up yoga!

I have been practicing yoga for years…will Prenatal Yoga be challenging enough for me?

Preparing for labor can be thought of as training for an athletic event, and while Prenatal Yoga is sensitive to the needs of pregnant women, most will find at least part of the practice physically challenging. As an example, some classes may include holding poses such as Warrior (virabhadrasana) or Powerful pose (utkatasana) for a minute while practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques to cope with the discomfort. Other classes use an active vinyasa flow practice. And some classes may use a gentler practice while challenging the mother with mindful meditation.

Like “regular” yoga, Prenatal Yoga comes in many styles, with practices as diverse as the teachers teaching them. If one class does not meet your needs, try another, till you find a class that works for you. And of course, be mindful of your changing body- you may find that the practice you have been used to is not what your body needs during this transformative time.

What does Prenatal Yoga have to offer that a regular yoga class does not?

The focus of Prenatal Yoga is very specific to the childbearing year. The physical practice focuses on relief for common pregnancy discomforts and restoring energy while preparing the body for the rigors of labor. Many poses can even be used as labor coping tools. The meditation aspect of prenatal yoga classes will help you feel connected to your pregnant self and your baby ~ and help you find stillness for your mind as you learn to integrate the changes that come with pregnancy. The community building will help you feel connected to other mothers sharing many similar emotions, questions, and experiences. This is a great opportunity to “compare notes” and make long-lasting friendships! In addition, pregnant moms taking regular yoga classes are often met with misinformed comments and instruction from well-meaning teachers and classmates, preventing them from getting the most out of their practice. Prenatal yoga class offers a safe space to totally immerse in the experience of pregnancy and let go of the distractions of the outside world.

What is the advantage of taking a class as compared to just practicing at home with a book or video?

Coming to class provides you with community and personalized instruction that cannot be provided from a book or video. An instructor can tailor your practice to meet your specific needs and help you troubleshoot when a pose feels awkward or you are experiencing discomfort that requires special attention. The conversation that happens in class can help moms find a provider, learn what to expect in their chosen birthing facility, or hear about maternity care options they would not otherwise learn about. A good prenatal yoga DVD or book is a great way to practice at home between classes, but is not a good substitute for class itself!

Where Can I Find a Prenatal Yoga Class in Kuwait?

The availability of prenatal yoga classes is growing in Kuwait ~ with the training and Blooma certification of 20 new prenatal yoga instructors this January! Please look under resources available for pregnant mothers at www.BirthKuwait.com for the latest class timings and locations available.

Written by Sarah Paksima, mother of four children, expecting her fifth this February! Through her business EngagingBirth, she teaches prenatal yoga and Lamaze childbirth education classes and provides doula services. She is also one of the founders of BirthKuwait.