Austin was born Friday morning at 1:27am , he weighed 5 lbs 9 oz and 19.5 inches long. Mother and baby are doing good, well as far as I know :/ Let me explain ...
Thursday afternoon I decided that I was going to text my client Kim and see how she was doing, this was at around 2:30. She said that she was at the doctors office then and that she had been in a lot of pain and thought it was contractions. I still do not understand why she did not call me at this point to let me know, this was my first possible hint into what was going to happen. So she said that they had her hooked up to the monitors and it was not showing any contractions. She then stated that if contractions felt worse then that pain then she would not be needing me because she would be getting an epidural!! I just sunk down in disbelief. I had talked to her about this before and told her that even if she got an epidural I would still be there by her side to help her with any possible side effects, so for her to say that, stumped me. So I told her to not give up yet, because she was just sitting in a hospital bed at that point and not being able to move and help relieve any of the pain. I also stated to her again that if she did get an epidural that was fine and I would help her even in that time. I told her to give me a call later when she had a chance, I wanted to talk to her and see how everything was going and help her in any way I could. So that was that and I did not hear from her the rest of the night.
Friday morning I woke and still had not heard a thing. That afternoon, still nothing, she hadn't even called me back like I had asked. I started to really worry so I texted her to see if she had any news. Her text back was "yep, things got crazy last night and he was born at 1:27 this morning". My heart dropped, I was completely heartbroken! I had missed out on the one thing I had spent so much time and energy on the last month and was looking forward to SO SO much!! How could this have happened? Why didn't she call me? Did I do something wrong? Was she just using me for info and then was planning on doing it on her own all along? I was so very upset. I texted her back and asked why she did not call me. Her response was that things went so fast that she did not have TIME to call me!! She said that when she arrived she was already 3cm and they asked her to walk around for a little bit and when she came back she was 5cm and then the next time they checked her she was fully dilated. She never told me how long the labor actually was but I still do not understand how she did not have the time to call the person that had spent so much time with her in the last month. First off, she lives 20 minutes from the hospital so right there should have given her or her husband enough time to call. Secondly, her husband or a nurse even could have called me once she was there. I just felt so used at this point, and not to forget I was doing all of this for FREE.
Sorry for all the ranting, I just have had so many mixed emotions the last couple days about all of this and I am still trying to sort it all out. But I am trying to humble myself and not think that this was done to me intentionally, it is their baby and their birth so if they decided they did not want me there that was completely up to them and I understand. I just wish they had told me that they were going to try and do it on their own. I am ecstatic though that they are both healthy because honestly I was very worried about them and it was keeping me up at nights. Please just pray for me to come to peace with this and not hold a grudge or let it affect my future clients or my future doula career. I tend to quit things easily when I get hurt but I am not quiting this time and I will keep moving forward :)
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Client Update
I got a call from my client yesterday, she had just had her appointment with her ob to check on the baby's heart rate. Everything seemed to be the same, except the heart rate showed some worries, so they are now talking about admitting her on Friday or Monday. She will be going back to the doctor on Thursday and they will then decide which day she will go, Friday or Monday.
I am a little worried though, they have now said that when she goes to the hospital they will first break her water and then start her on pitocin! I worry because this is going to make it very hard for her to have the labor and delivery she is hoping for. With them breaking the water early means it could compress the umbilical cord or it could get wrapped around the neck, which then means that the baby's heart rate will drop and then will most likely result in an emergency c-section. Then with the pitocin on top of that, it causes much harder contractions and makes it much more uncomfortable for the mother, which will then possibly result in an epidural (and we all know the side effects there). Plus the pitocin could cause too hard of contractions for the baby as well and the baby may become stressed, which then would result in c-section :/
So our plan is for her to talk to her doctor tomorrow and see if at all possible we could have a few hours when she first gets to the hospital to walk around and try to progress labor naturally. We will see what he thinks about that, I hope he will be okay with it. If not though then I will just try to make her feel as comfortable as possible and help her to deal with the side effects. In the meantime she is working on some natural inductions at home.
I also have a meeting with the nurses at Montgomery Regional Birth Center tomorrow to get an idea of the place and their procedures etc. This is in order to make sure I am not stepping on any ones feet and they know what to expect of me :) So wish me luck...
I am a little worried though, they have now said that when she goes to the hospital they will first break her water and then start her on pitocin! I worry because this is going to make it very hard for her to have the labor and delivery she is hoping for. With them breaking the water early means it could compress the umbilical cord or it could get wrapped around the neck, which then means that the baby's heart rate will drop and then will most likely result in an emergency c-section. Then with the pitocin on top of that, it causes much harder contractions and makes it much more uncomfortable for the mother, which will then possibly result in an epidural (and we all know the side effects there). Plus the pitocin could cause too hard of contractions for the baby as well and the baby may become stressed, which then would result in c-section :/
So our plan is for her to talk to her doctor tomorrow and see if at all possible we could have a few hours when she first gets to the hospital to walk around and try to progress labor naturally. We will see what he thinks about that, I hope he will be okay with it. If not though then I will just try to make her feel as comfortable as possible and help her to deal with the side effects. In the meantime she is working on some natural inductions at home.
I also have a meeting with the nurses at Montgomery Regional Birth Center tomorrow to get an idea of the place and their procedures etc. This is in order to make sure I am not stepping on any ones feet and they know what to expect of me :) So wish me luck...
Friday, August 21, 2009
Fun Fact Friday
Women actually do loose brain cells in the third trimester of pregnancy and then regain it after birth !
If you are having issues with this check out more info here.
This puts my mind at ease because I know I completely lost my mind in the last few months of pregnancy, I couldn't remember a thing!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Client Prenatal #3
Well I met with my client again tonight, we also met on Tuesday but just did not have time to blog about it. I am really get more and more excited every time I see her. I am such a nerd about childbirth, I get so excited and love to see it, even the parts most people turn away from, like my husband :) I think this is why I want to have so many children because I just want to give birth over and over again.
Well our visit on Tuesday she told me that she had had her checkup with the doctor about the baby's weight and heart rate, and the news wasn't the best. She was told that he was below the 10th percentile for his weight, which is what they did not want from him, even though he is 5lbs 13oz now, which seems good to me. So anyways there plan is to see her every other day and check the baby's heart rate and if he seems to be doing well then they will wait til 39 weeks. And then at 39 weeks if her cervix is ready then they will start induction. 39 weeks is next Thursday!! AAHHH!! I need to get on the move. I still have to get my doula bag together!! Anyways, I was okay with the doctor making that choice because he stated that for her cervix to be ready would mean she would need to be at least 3 cms dilated. This means she would almost be in active labor so therefore means the baby is about ready to come anyways, so it should not cause to many problems I hope. He has also stated to her that he does not like to do inductions because they often lead to cesarean section!!! To get an ob to admit that is GREAT, that is a wonderful OB.
Today we met again and she expressed to me that she is 1cm dilated and 50% effaced, which is good, but still does not mean she is going anytime soon. You can stay 1cm, especially with a first baby, for over a month! I let her know this but who knows, it could be any day! AAAHHH!!!! Did I tell you that I am not prepared yet.... So we worked on going over the labor positions tonight in order to provide comfort to her and we also went over different types of induction and found out that they will start her with just the gel on her cervix and they will do that for 2 days and see how it progresses her. This made me really happy to hear because they are not going to try and make it go fast by admitting her and making it happen ASAP! So that is that and things went great tonight again. We decided to just play it by ear for our next appt and see when she might need to meet. So until then, or until the baby is born see ya later :)
Well our visit on Tuesday she told me that she had had her checkup with the doctor about the baby's weight and heart rate, and the news wasn't the best. She was told that he was below the 10th percentile for his weight, which is what they did not want from him, even though he is 5lbs 13oz now, which seems good to me. So anyways there plan is to see her every other day and check the baby's heart rate and if he seems to be doing well then they will wait til 39 weeks. And then at 39 weeks if her cervix is ready then they will start induction. 39 weeks is next Thursday!! AAHHH!! I need to get on the move. I still have to get my doula bag together!! Anyways, I was okay with the doctor making that choice because he stated that for her cervix to be ready would mean she would need to be at least 3 cms dilated. This means she would almost be in active labor so therefore means the baby is about ready to come anyways, so it should not cause to many problems I hope. He has also stated to her that he does not like to do inductions because they often lead to cesarean section!!! To get an ob to admit that is GREAT, that is a wonderful OB.
Today we met again and she expressed to me that she is 1cm dilated and 50% effaced, which is good, but still does not mean she is going anytime soon. You can stay 1cm, especially with a first baby, for over a month! I let her know this but who knows, it could be any day! AAAHHH!!!! Did I tell you that I am not prepared yet.... So we worked on going over the labor positions tonight in order to provide comfort to her and we also went over different types of induction and found out that they will start her with just the gel on her cervix and they will do that for 2 days and see how it progresses her. This made me really happy to hear because they are not going to try and make it go fast by admitting her and making it happen ASAP! So that is that and things went great tonight again. We decided to just play it by ear for our next appt and see when she might need to meet. So until then, or until the baby is born see ya later :)
Sunday, August 16, 2009
My Birth Plan Template.
Please feel free to use! Nothing is more important to have your wishes laid out before you enter the hospital or give birth, but also knowing that your wishes might change once you get there :) Contact me if you would like to know more about birth plans, etc.
Birth Plan for the ___________________ family.
Mother's first and last name:
Father's first and last name:
Due Date:
Coach's first and last name:
Other support people:
Name of obstetrician:
Desired hospital:
Early/First Stage Labor
Environment
__Low lighting
__Quiet room
__Music
__Wear own clothing
__Coach/partner only desired attendees other than medical staff
__I would prefer to wear my contact lenses/glasses
__I want my labor and delivery photographed/video recorded
__I do not want my labor and delivery photographed/video recordedOther
Mobility Choose one.
__Unlimited freedom to move (walking, bathroom, rocking chair, fitness ball, etc.)
__Mobility is not important to me
Shaving/Enema Most hospitals no longer shave the pubic area or use enemas, but just in case. __I would like to avoid the use of an enema.
__I would like to avoid having my pubic area shaved.
I.V.
__ I.V. insertion is acceptable at any point
__ I.V. placement should be attempted only if dehydration occurs
__ Please attempt to insert I.V. on left/right (circle)
Hydration
__ No restrictions
__ Clear fluids
__ Ice chips
__ IV
Monitoring Choose one.
__Intermittent monitoring (Fetoscope, Doppler, etc.)
__Continuous monitoring (External leads, internal monitoring)
__No monitoring except in emergency situations
Catheritization
__I would like to avoid catheterization unless it is absolutely necessary
Pain Relief Offer Choose one.
__Do not offer; I will ask if I desire it
__Offer if I appear uncomfortable
__Offer as soon as possible
Pain Relief Options
__Natural Relaxation techniques
__Hot or cold compresses
__Positioning
__Water therapy (bath, whirlpool, shower)
__Massage
__Accupressure
__Hypnotherapy
I.V. Medication
__Stadol
__Nubain
__Demerol
Other ________________
Epidural
__Walking epidural
__Traditional epidural
Labor Induction/Augmentation
__No induction
__No augmentation
__Cervical gel
__Pitocin
__Rupturing of the amniotic sac
__I prefer my amniotic sac be allowed to rupture on its own
Second Stage Labor
Pushing Check all pushing options which are acceptable.
__Push in position of my choosing
__Squat/Birthing Bar
__Pushing while on hands and knees
__I am not concerned with positioning
__Foot pedals rather than stirrups
__People as leg support rather than stirrups
__Spontaneous pushing (when I feel the need)
__Pushing with medical direction
Delivery
__I would like to touch baby's head when it crowns
__I would like a mirror available to view pushing/crowning/birth
Immediately following delivery
__I want baby placed on my chest immediately after birth
__I would like to breastfeed as soon as my baby is delivered, before he is cleaned off
__I would like my partner/coach to cut the cord
__I would like to cut the cord
__Partner/coach does not want to cut cord
__Please delay cord clamping and cutting until pulsating ceases
__I would like to hold the baby while delivery placenta
__I do not wish a pitocin injection to assist with placenta delivery
__I wish baby to be examined in my presence.
__If baby cannot be examined in my presence, I wish my partner/coach to remain with baby at all times
__I do not wish baby to be placed under heat lamps; I will hold baby and provide body warmth instead
__I want to donate cord blood
__I want to bank cord blood
Episiotomy
__I do not want an episiotomy unless there is an emergency situation
__I would like to attempt perineal massage to stretch the perineum.
__I would like an episiotomy to reduce risk of tearing
__I would like a local anesthetic during repair of tear/episiotomy
__I would not like a local anesthetic during repair of tear/episiotomy
Baby Care
__I wish to breastfeed exclusively
__I wish to breastfeed, but formula supplementation is acceptable
__I wish to formula feed
__I do not want baby to be given a pacifier
__I would like to meet with a lactation consultant as soon as possible
__I want baby circumcised
__I do not want baby circumcised
Privacy
__I would like a private room, I understand that there will be an additional charge
__I would like baby to "room in"
__I would like baby to sleep in nursery
__I would like baby to be brought to me for all feedings
__I welcome all well wishers
__I wish to limit visitors
__I would prefer my door closed with a sign requesting that visitors and staff members knock before entering
__I do not wish to have medical students involved in my care
__Other _____________________
Cesarean
In the event that a cesarean section is deemed necessary, I would like the following:
__Partner/coach present
__Other support present ________________
__Pictures/video
__Screen lowered at delivery
__I would like the procedure described as it is happening
__Partner would like to cut cord
__Other ___________________
In the event that baby requires special care due to trauma or illness
__I would like to breastfeed/pump breast milk
__Partner/coach will accompany baby if transferred to another hospital
__I would like to be transferred to baby's hospital
Mother's Signature __________________________ Date ______
Father's Signature __________________________ Date ______
Birth Plan for the ___________________ family.
Mother's first and last name:
Father's first and last name:
Due Date:
Coach's first and last name:
Other support people:
Name of obstetrician:
Desired hospital:
Early/First Stage Labor
Environment
__Low lighting
__Quiet room
__Music
__Wear own clothing
__Coach/partner only desired attendees other than medical staff
__I would prefer to wear my contact lenses/glasses
__I want my labor and delivery photographed/video recorded
__I do not want my labor and delivery photographed/video recordedOther
Mobility Choose one.
__Unlimited freedom to move (walking, bathroom, rocking chair, fitness ball, etc.)
__Mobility is not important to me
Shaving/Enema Most hospitals no longer shave the pubic area or use enemas, but just in case. __I would like to avoid the use of an enema.
__I would like to avoid having my pubic area shaved.
I.V.
__ I.V. insertion is acceptable at any point
__ I.V. placement should be attempted only if dehydration occurs
__ Please attempt to insert I.V. on left/right (circle)
Hydration
__ No restrictions
__ Clear fluids
__ Ice chips
__ IV
Monitoring Choose one.
__Intermittent monitoring (Fetoscope, Doppler, etc.)
__Continuous monitoring (External leads, internal monitoring)
__No monitoring except in emergency situations
Catheritization
__I would like to avoid catheterization unless it is absolutely necessary
Pain Relief Offer Choose one.
__Do not offer; I will ask if I desire it
__Offer if I appear uncomfortable
__Offer as soon as possible
Pain Relief Options
__Natural Relaxation techniques
__Hot or cold compresses
__Positioning
__Water therapy (bath, whirlpool, shower)
__Massage
__Accupressure
__Hypnotherapy
I.V. Medication
__Stadol
__Nubain
__Demerol
Other ________________
Epidural
__Walking epidural
__Traditional epidural
Labor Induction/Augmentation
__No induction
__No augmentation
__Cervical gel
__Pitocin
__Rupturing of the amniotic sac
__I prefer my amniotic sac be allowed to rupture on its own
Second Stage Labor
Pushing Check all pushing options which are acceptable.
__Push in position of my choosing
__Squat/Birthing Bar
__Pushing while on hands and knees
__I am not concerned with positioning
__Foot pedals rather than stirrups
__People as leg support rather than stirrups
__Spontaneous pushing (when I feel the need)
__Pushing with medical direction
Delivery
__I would like to touch baby's head when it crowns
__I would like a mirror available to view pushing/crowning/birth
Immediately following delivery
__I want baby placed on my chest immediately after birth
__I would like to breastfeed as soon as my baby is delivered, before he is cleaned off
__I would like my partner/coach to cut the cord
__I would like to cut the cord
__Partner/coach does not want to cut cord
__Please delay cord clamping and cutting until pulsating ceases
__I would like to hold the baby while delivery placenta
__I do not wish a pitocin injection to assist with placenta delivery
__I wish baby to be examined in my presence.
__If baby cannot be examined in my presence, I wish my partner/coach to remain with baby at all times
__I do not wish baby to be placed under heat lamps; I will hold baby and provide body warmth instead
__I want to donate cord blood
__I want to bank cord blood
Episiotomy
__I do not want an episiotomy unless there is an emergency situation
__I would like to attempt perineal massage to stretch the perineum.
__I would like an episiotomy to reduce risk of tearing
__I would like a local anesthetic during repair of tear/episiotomy
__I would not like a local anesthetic during repair of tear/episiotomy
Baby Care
__I wish to breastfeed exclusively
__I wish to breastfeed, but formula supplementation is acceptable
__I wish to formula feed
__I do not want baby to be given a pacifier
__I would like to meet with a lactation consultant as soon as possible
__I want baby circumcised
__I do not want baby circumcised
Privacy
__I would like a private room, I understand that there will be an additional charge
__I would like baby to "room in"
__I would like baby to sleep in nursery
__I would like baby to be brought to me for all feedings
__I welcome all well wishers
__I wish to limit visitors
__I would prefer my door closed with a sign requesting that visitors and staff members knock before entering
__I do not wish to have medical students involved in my care
__Other _____________________
Cesarean
In the event that a cesarean section is deemed necessary, I would like the following:
__Partner/coach present
__Other support present ________________
__Pictures/video
__Screen lowered at delivery
__I would like the procedure described as it is happening
__Partner would like to cut cord
__Other ___________________
In the event that baby requires special care due to trauma or illness
__I would like to breastfeed/pump breast milk
__Partner/coach will accompany baby if transferred to another hospital
__I would like to be transferred to baby's hospital
Mother's Signature __________________________ Date ______
Father's Signature __________________________ Date ______
Friday, August 14, 2009
Fun Fact Friday
So as I have been trying to think of some cool things to post on the blog, I thought it might be fun to have a "Fun Fact Friday" where I provide interesting facts about pregnancy, childbirth, doulas, babies, etc. So here is my fun fact for this Friday:
*Did you know that having doula has been proven by many medical studies to:
1. Reduce the length of labor by 25%
2. lessen the likeliness of cesarean section by 40%
3. lessen the likeliness for anesthesia by 40%
-AND-
4. be 33% less dissatisfied with you labor, which in turn will lead to less chance of Postpartum Depression!
So with that said....why not have a doula :)
*Did you know that having doula has been proven by many medical studies to:
1. Reduce the length of labor by 25%
2. lessen the likeliness of cesarean section by 40%
3. lessen the likeliness for anesthesia by 40%
-AND-
4. be 33% less dissatisfied with you labor, which in turn will lead to less chance of Postpartum Depression!
So with that said....why not have a doula :)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
My first client!!! :)
Can you tell just by my title how excited I am?? I just went to my first meeting with my very first doula client. I am soo so excited. She is a sweet girl and has what seems to be a very supportive, loving husband. She is only 20 years old but seems like she is mature for her age, more mature than I think I was then! She has a very unique pregnancy with only a 2 vessel umbilical cord, when it should be 3 and intrauterine growth retardation (which most likely is because of the 2 vessel umbilical cord). They say her baby is about 4.9lbs right now and she is 37 weeks pregnant, so a bit below what is normal which is between 6.5 - 7lbs, but not too bad. I am just so excited to help her and support her in this miraculous time, I dont even care if I'm not getting paid. I feel like it is a gift to me for her to let me witness this miracle. I love birth and everything about it, I think that is why I would love to have many many children if my husband would let me. I will be meeting with her again next week on Monday, so more to come then I am sure! Until then please pray for me that I will be able to provide her and her husband with the support they need and the best care possible for this little baby boy being born any day :)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Special for New Clients!!
I have recently received training through DONA International. I am now offering my services as a birth doula for FREE to the next two clients!! Imagine being able to enjoy and experience all of your labor with support from me. I will be there every step of the way to help you to have the kind of labor you are looking for! Interested in what it is I do? I would be more than happy to sit down with you and answer any questions you may have about doulas! Call me : 540-312-5936 or email: doulaberryman@live.com.For more info on Doulas please view DONA website which has everything you need to know about Doulas and our training.
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