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Natural Approaches To Depression During Pregnancy

The media makes pregnancy out to be one of the happiest times in a woman’s life. Pregnant women are always portrayed as being overjoyed and looking forward to their new life with their baby. The reality is that many women develop depression during pregnancy, and it often continues after the birth of their child. There are many different factors that could lead to depression in a pregnant woman, including the fact that many prescription antidepressants aren’t safe for women to take while pregnant. When a woman has to give up her antidepressants in order to carry a healthy child to term, her mental health can suffer greatly.

Fortunately, there are many signs that can identify depression in a pregnant woman. For example, rapid mood swings or noticeable changes in her sleep patterns could be a symptom of depression. A lack of enthusiasm about the pregnancy or baby and thoughts of death and suicide are also markers for depression in a pregnant woman. If a pregnant woman speaks of having feelings of worthlessness, or if there is a noticeable change in her eating habits, these are also indicators of depression during pregnancy. If someone you know is displaying symptoms, you should encourage them to seek help within her community, or from a licensed therapist to ensure that her mental health is addressed early in her pregnancy.

Natural Remedies for Depression

 

Unfortunately, commonly prescribed antidepressants and MAOIs on the market can be harmful or fatal to the fetus. However, there are many natural remedies for depression that will have no negative impact on the mother or the unborn baby. The following list is a sampling of some of the popular natural remedies for depression.

Keep A Diary

You may find that documenting and journaling your thoughts and emotions can help you to get to the cause of the problem. You may be sad after visits from a certain family member, or after seeing particular clients at work. Keeping a diary of your activities and feelings helps to clear your mind and might even reveal what is causing your depression. 

Get Some Exercise

You don’t have to do high-impact aerobics in order to feel better. Yoga is an excellent choice for a pregnancy workout and is also a great postpartum program for weight loss and toning. It also has high impact rates on depression. Another healthy option is brisk walking or light jogging. Always be sure to consult with your doctor before starting a new workout routine while pregnant. 

Get Some Rest

Pregnancy alone causes women to feel exhausted, If you don’t get adequate rest, you’ll quickly feel like you’re suffering from chronic fatigue. Be sure to get plenty of rest, at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night if possible. This will greatly improve the way your pregnant body feels, and also will improve your mood. 

Women’s Peer Support Groups

Pregnancy groups on Facebook are a great example of peer support groups that could help you feel better. Many of those ladies are experiencing a lot of the same emotions that you’re also feeling. It helps to know that you aren’t alone. Wherever you can find groups of supportive women in similar situations, you may find help with your feelings of depression. 

Turn to Your Faith

Regardless of your beliefs or denomination, many people find that prayer and/or church services can help to lift them out of depression. If it is something that you regularly practice, then allow your spirituality to elevate your mood. 

Avoid Inflammatory Foods

Foods such as carbohydrates, refined sugars, and caffeine can actually make your depression worse. Stick with a healthy diet that consists of fresh fruits and vegetables. Include probiotics and prenatal vitamins in your daily regimen for some extra pep in your step. 

Sunlight/Lightbox

Sunlight, or a high-intensity light in a lightbox (to simulate sunshine), could be what you need to feel refreshed and add happiness to your mood. Sunlight allows your skin to produce Vitamin D, which plays an essential role in your mental health. 

 

If you’re feeling hopeless, please know that this is not abnormal for pregnant and post-partum women. Reach out to your spouse or family members to help you get the treatment you need. You want to be healthy and happy for your growing family. 

Professional help is available to you 24/7, call  1-800-273-8255

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Ways to Prepare for Pregnancy as a Family

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Pregnancy is an exciting and memorable time for both the mother and father to be. There are lots of preparations and planning to do as you get ready for the child. The bliss you enjoy during gestation is determined by the preparations you make before you get pregnant. For this reason, to help you have a simple pregnancy term and successful delivery, your preparations should start as soon as you start trying to get pregnant. This helps your body get ready for the changes you are likely to go through when you conceive. Additionally, it enables you to be receptive of the inevitable lifestyle changes after gestation. Here are some of the pregnancy preparations to do as a family before you start your term.

Talk About it as a Family

Being expectant affects not only the mother but everyone else in the family. For this reason, there is a lot to talk about and critical decisions to make before you get pregnant. For instance, you need to talk with your partner about handling the issues that may change after getting pregnant. This mainly involves duties and responsibilities that you may be unable to handle when you are pregnant. Additionally, discuss issues concerning the baby after birth. This involves issues such as your priorities and expectations in parenting. Talking about these issues even before you get pregnant unites you, thus, making gestation and parenthood easier.

Make Lifestyle Changes to Prepare as a Family

There are some lifestyle changes necessary to make before you start your gestation term. For instance, you need to strive to have a healthy weight before you get pregnant. Being underweight or overweight in gestation presents some challenges that will put you or your baby at risk. Therefore, as the family, you work together to ensure that the mother-to-be has a recommendable weight for gestation. Other lifestyle changes that you need to make include quitting alcohol or smoking. Making these lifestyle changes before you get pregnant helps you prepare your body to go without these substances throughout the gestation term. It is easier to adapt to such changes if you handle them as a family.

Go for A Pre-Gestation Checkup

Before you get pregnant, you and your partner should visit a doctor together. This visit gives the doctor a chance for a pre-gestation checkup, which helps determine whether your body is ready for gestation. The doctor will then treat some of the issues that may prevent you from getting pregnant or negatively affect your gestation. Additionally, the health care provider will advise you on some ways to make conception easier to prepare for as a family. Going through these checkups as a family or with your partner will ensure they offer you the support you need throughout the pregnancy.

Prepare Your Finances as a Family

As mentioned above, the gestation term will have a great impact on all areas of your life. For this reason, the time before you get pregnant is the time to brace yourself financially and get ready for all changes. Remember that you will have an extra expense during gestation and even more after birth. Additionally, after you conceive, you may not be in a position to work sufficiently and earn as much as you do before the gestation. Therefore, take time and prepare your finances as a family. Come up with a plan to help you manage the pregnancy and raise the baby after birth without struggling financially.

Conclusion

The process of becoming a parent starts before you conceive. Every preparation that you make now determines how easy or complicated your pregnancy term will be. Going through these pre-gestation preparations as a family helps make everybody equipped for the changes ahead after conception. If you’re looking for a pre-conception coach to help you prepare as a family contact us.

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Benefits of Massage During Labor

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Massage is one of the oldest healing traditions. It has therapeutic properties induced by manipulating your soft-tissue or muscles to enhance your general well-being and health. More so, it influences how a woman goes through labor as well as the progression of labor.

There are numerous benefits of the nurturing and sensitive touch of a massage to a pregnant woman during labor, especially if the masseur is in tune with the mother’s body and quickly picks up on cues.

Labor pain is often caused by the contraction of uterine muscles and pressure at the cervix. The pain can be felt as an intense cramping in the lower abdomen, back, groin, or as an achy feeling. Other women experience pain in the thighs, or their sides as well.

Massage helps relieve this pain, anxiety, and muscular discomfort. It is beneficial with low back aches and common leg cramps. Touch techniques to a pregnant woman’s lower back relieve back labor and general lower back pain.

Massage Reduces Medical Interventions

There are risks with medicinal approaches that something unwanted may happen, such as an upset stomach, liver damage, tolerance, palpitations, or nausea. These vary from one patient to another.

With the right massaging techniques, medical interventions, such as forceps, cesarean birth, and synthetic oxytocin hormone are reduced. A masseur can also increase a woman’s pain perception and threshold during labor, thus, reducing the need for pain medications.

Massage Reduces Anxiety

Anxiety is considered normal, however it may be considered a medical disorder when it reoccurs from time to time during pregnancy. Anxiety and depression prevalence in pregnancy doubled between 2015 and 2018 in the US alone. It leads to excessive fear, feeling of apprehension, nervousness, and worry.

Massage during labor is proven to decrease the chances of postpartum depression. It also provides emotional support, reassurance, and decreases fear and anxiety. Typically, after a woman in labor is massaged, they feel relaxed and have enhanced confidence in themselves, and the birth process.

Massage Reduces Labor Pain

In a research study dubbed Pregnancy and Labor massage in 2010, it was found that women who were massaged during labor experienced much less pain. Their labor lasted an average of three hours shorter and with minimal need for medication.

During the study, partners for pregnant women were instructed on how to work the legs and back. It was noted that these were the areas that experience the most pain. They were required to do it every first fifteen minutes of every hour of labor.

Massage Enhances Psychological Functioning

Vagal activity is a process that results in various effects, such as reduction of heart rate, vasoconstriction or dilation of vessels, immune system regulation, glandular activity in the lungs, heart, and digestive tract. Massages help improve oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for reduced anxiety, blood pressure, and it can have a sedative effect.

According to Tiffany Field, moderate massages elicit a significant increase in vagal activity. It increases cerebral flow in various brain regions concerned with stress and depression regulation. Psychological stressors reduce vagal activity during pregnancy, but increased vagal activity decreases blood pressure, cortisol, and heart rate.

Massage Speeds Labor

Massaging helps reduce the need for the augmentation of contractions with synthetic oxytocin. When using an effective stimulating-abdominal massaging techniques, the strength and frequency of contractions may also increase.

Final Word

Most massaging techniques are safe during pregnancy and labor, though there may be exceptions. If you have any queries about massage during labor, it is best to talk to your healthcare provider. Above all, the benefits of massaging during labor precedes ignorance of the same by far. It is a great way to reduce labor pain and ease the journey of a pregnant woman.

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What to Expect During Your Second Trimester

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The second trimester marks the second phase of the pregnancy journey. This trimester ranges from the 13th to the 28th week. Essentially, this trimester lasts between the fourth, fifth, and sixth months of pregnancy.

For most women, the second trimester is the easiest and most comfortable. The fatigue and morning sickness gradually begins to fade. Additionally, your energy levels are higher than in the first trimester.

Lots of body changes happen during this trimester. Your pregnancy belly begins to show as the trimester progresses. You also start to feel baby movements towards the end of this trimester. An ultrasound between the 18th and 22nd week will help determine the baby’s progress in the tummy. Here are the significant changes to expect during the second trimester.

1. Weight Gain

Typically, your weight increases as the pregnancy journey advances. The primary reason for weight gain is the increment in the size of your baby.

Towards the 20th week, the body weight grows by eight to ten pounds for most women. Essentially, your body weight increases by a pound every week. In some cases, the weekly weight gain might be half a pound. The average weight increment throughout this trimester ranges from 12 to 14 pounds.

2. Backaches

Back pains become more prevalent during this trimester. Weight gain during this phase builds up pressure, mainly on your lower back.

It will help if you use a couch or chair with a stable back support feature. Most women prefer sleeping on the side to ease the back pains. Additionally, shoes with low heels are more comfortable during this phase.

If the backache becomes unbearable, consider going for a professional pregnancy massage. Alternatively, you could request your partner, friend, or caregiver to gently rub your back.

3. Abdominal Cramps

You might experience mild cramps in the lower abdomen from time to time during the second trimester. Usually, the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby. Abdominal cramps arise due to pressure on the pelvic muscles as the uterus expands. Other causes of mild abdominal cramps include gas accumulation and constipation.

Taking a warm shower will come in handy to soothe the pain. You could place a bottle filled with warm water around your lower abdomen. Soft belly rubs also help to minimize the pain. In case you’re experiencing sharp pain, seek immediate medical attention.

4. Leg Cramps

Leg cramps are quite common in the second trimester, particularly during sleep. Often these pains occur due to the baby’s pressure on the blood vessels. Additionally, the baby may also be causing pressure buildup in the nerves connecting to the legs.

Other leading causes of leg pains include calcium and magnesium deficiency. Make sure to stick to a healthy diet rich in calcium and magnesium minerals.

5. Mild Swelling

You may experience mild swelling in your ankles, face, hands, and feet halfway through this trimester. The main reason for swelling is increased fluid retention for your growing baby. In some cases, swelling occurs due to reduced blood circulation in the body. Indulging in physical exercises is vital to control the swelling. Additionally, avoid sitting or standing for a long duration. While sleeping, make sure to change sides occasionally.

6. Dizziness

Pregnancy requires your body to pump lots of blood. Subsequently, you may experience low blood pressure. Dizziness arises due to low blood pressure or hormonal variations in the body. If you’re experiencing frequent bouts of dizziness, consider embracing a healthy diet. Moreover, take more fluids to alleviate dizziness symptoms.

Other notable changes include skin sensitivity, bleeding gums, and nasal congestion. Amid all the changes that come with pregnancy, remember to create beautiful memories during this trimester.

Have questions about your pregnancy? Contact our midwives.

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8 Facts About the Placenta

The placenta is a vital organ that enables your baby to grow inside your womb. Within a few days of conception, this organ begins to grow. It takes over with the umbilical cord by the time your baby is 12 weeks old. This organ supplies antibodies, oxygen, and nutrients to your unborn child.

Here are eight interesting facts about the placenta.

1. Hormones
The placenta functions as a gland, secreting the HCG hormone that is responsible for the birthing process. It also produces estrogen and progesterone. All of these hormones are necessary in order for your baby to grow.
2. Immune System Support
This organ will transfer antibodies from the mother to the baby. It will provide around 3 to 6 months of immunity after the child is born.
3. Healing Fetal Cells
The placenta sends fetal cells to the mother in case of injury. These cells can also go to areas where there is diseased tissue in the mother, offering profound healing.
4. It Takes Two
This organ is created by both the dad and the mom. The cluster of cells formed when fertilization begins becomes the placenta and the baby. Both the sperm and the egg contribute to this process.
5. Disposable Placenta
The placenta is the only human organ that ejects itself when it is done. A new organ will be formed during each pregnancy and then is ejected when the pregnancy is over.
6. Edible
The placenta is edible. Many mothers eat this organ to help increase energy, boost milk supply, reduce postpartum bleeding, and balance hormone levels. This practice is done in many different cultures. The most common way to consume the placenta is through encapsulation. This is where the organ is cooked and dehydrated down and then put into capsules.
7. Spiritual Benefits
Many cultures believe that the placenta is sacred in pregnancy. In some cultures, it is known as an elder sibling or sacred twin. A Lotus birth will involve leaving the organ attached until the umbilical cord falls off naturally.
8. Cancer
The placenta will form in the body even if there is cancer present and will not be attacked by cancer. Researchers are trying to learn more about why this organ is not attacked by cancer. This may help in the future to protect against various cancers.

The placenta is truly a miracle organ helping your baby to grow and get adequate nutrition. The miracle of life would not happen without this amazing organ.

To learn more, reach out to us directly.
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Birth Plan: Why You Need a Midwife and Doula

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The Birth Plan

If you are an expectant mother, then you understand the importance of having a birth plan. Each couple will have a different plan for their pregnancy and birth; this plan is associated with their wishes and values. Do you have a birth plan? Does your birth plan include a Midwife and Doula? First, it is necessary to understand how a Midwife and Doula can help you before, during and after your pregnancy.

Midwives and Doulas

Ever since the beginning of humanity, women have been giving birth, and they have had individuals who were there to support them in their birthing process. Midwives and Doulas are the individuals who help mothers to create and fulfill their desired birthing plan. Even though these specialists have job descriptions that pertain to pregnancy and delivery, their responsibilities are actually quite different.

The Work of a Doula

Doulas are individuals who are particularly concerned with the mother’s comfort and care before, during and after the birthing process. Doulas are able to give the mother the comfort that she needs. This comfort can include massages, soft music, aromatherapy, encouraging words or other techniques that will help the mother to have the best birthing experience possible. A Doula is not a medical professional and cannot perform any medical procedure. She cannot help a woman give birth, she is only there for the comfort of the mother who is in labor.

What is a Midwife?

A midwife is a medical professional who works directly with a mother who is giving birth. The job of this specialist may vary according to the state where she practices. Generally, midwives have received training from an accredited establishment that has licensed them as a midwife.  Midwives are able to help the mother in the delivery process. A Midwife also has the skills and knowledge to know when a delivery may require the skills of an obstetrician.

Your Birth, Your Choice

You have a choice when it comes to your birth plan and who attends (doctor, midwife, doula etc). There are traditional methods, holistic methods and natural methods that you can choose from for your labor and delivery. There is nothing that can be more special or personal than giving birth, and a midwife and doula will help make the experience more comfortable and personalized.
We’d love to help. Contact us today.
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What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions take place during the third trimester of pregnancy. These are different from regular contractions. Whether you are an experienced mom-to-be or a first-time mom, Braxton Hicks contractions can be worrying for you. In this article, we will explain Braxton Hicks contractions and how to know the difference.

Your Body is Getting Ready for Birth

We can look at these contractions as a practice for your body as it changes to prepare for birth. Some midwives even call them practice contractions to help pregnant women understand exactly why their body is contracting as early as the second trimester, NCT reports. We tend to associate any form of contractions with labor, but practice contractions are a way for your body to prepare itself to give birth.

How do They Feel?

Practice contractions begin as early as the second trimester. They are caused by your uterus beginning to prepare for the birthing process. What to Expect explains Braxton Hicks contractions begin at the top of the uterine muscles and will spread downward for 30 seconds. The timing of these practice contractions is irregular and last between 20 seconds and two minutes.

The intensity of these contractions is not the same as real labor contractions. They will cause your abdomen to take on a “pointed” appearance. When occurring early in your pregnancy, practice contractions will not be intense and can be eased with a change of body position. As you move through your pregnancy, you will find your practice contractions will become intense. Your contractions will not be as easy to halt with a change of body position.

Knowing the Difference Between Contractions

There are some ways of understanding the difference between practice contractions and real labor pains. The real labor contractions you face will be regular in length and intensity, growing closer together and more intense as you move closer to giving birth. In the majority of cases, a real labor contraction will last between 30 and 70 seconds in length, with a more intense feeling.

The pain and intensity of labor contractions are accompanied by other signs of labor. The Braxton Hicks contractions are easier to control and are not as intense as labor pains. Your cervix is not affected by practice contractions in the same way as it is with labor contractions that cause you to dilate.

For more information and support, reach out to us directly.

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Insomnia During Pregnancy

Are you pregnant and dreaming of the days when you would get tired and doze off easily? Getting a calm and consistent sleep now can seem like a tall order, thanks to insomnia during pregnancy.
Insomnia is a common culprit during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is lack of sleep, or the ability to maintain sleep throughout the night. According to ejog, 44.2% and 63.7% of insomnia cases occurred in the first and third trimesters, respectively.

What Causes Insomnia During Pregnancy?

In the first trimester, hormonal imbalances greatly attribute to sleep disorders. Stress also contributes to sleep deprivation. New mothers-to-be are often anxious about being a new mother, delivery, and the labor process.

Other factors responsible for restlessness include:

Diet causing stomach discomfort at night
Constant bathroom visits
Hunger
Nausea
Heartburn
Hot flashes
Dreams
Shortness of breath
Restless legs and leg cramps
Back pains
Breast tenderness

Simple Remedies for Insomnia During Pregnancy

1. Lifestyle Overhaul

Work on your diet and sleep. Incorporate the following:

• Drink lots of water during the day but limit the intake hours at bedtime. This will help you avoid frequent trips to the bathroom.

• Steer clear of coffee, strong tea, and spicy foods. Caffeine keeps you awake for long durations and limits iron ingestion for the baby. Excessively spicy foods often cause heartburn and bloating, thus keeping you awake.

• Pull the plug on screens before bedtime. The blue light from mobile screens, tablets, and televisions often affects your eyes and may keep you awake throughout the night.

• Feed to sleep. Adopt a healthy diet that won’t cause you any stomach discomfort and will facilitate seamless digestion. Try having your dinner early and refrain from going to bed while hungry. A warm glass of milk also attracts sleep greatly.

• Exercise. Be active during the day to attract sleep easily. Take a 30-45 minute walk daily, or even jog.
• Take a warm bath and have your partner massage you.
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. Tranquil environments help to attract sleep.
• Install a meditation app on your phone to calm you down.

2. Medication and supplements for insomnia

Control your restless legs by adopting folic acid and iron-rich foods. Folic acid nourishes pregnancies by forming healthy red blood cells and lubricating the gut.

There are so many options for supportive supplements. To get recommendations based on your unique circumstances, contact us today.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT helps to counter restlessness by changing ones thought cycles. CBT relaxes the mind from unnecessary stress, tension and grief. You thus consolidate your thoughts and exude positive energy all throughout.

There are many other forms of holistic modalities and therapies that may help you through insomnia during pregnancy.

Lack of sleep when expectant is ubiquitous. With minor changes, it is possible to conquer insomnia. We’d love to help.

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What to Expect in Your First Trimester

You’ll have a virtually invisible but amazing transformation during your first trimester. Knowing what emotional and physical changes are in store during this early time in your pregnancy can help you face them head-on. Above all, your first trimester is a time to celebrate and feel incredible.

Physical Changes

A missed period is usually the first sign that you’re pregnant, but you can experience several other physical changes coming quickly in the next few weeks of your first trimester. They include:

  • Constipation – Having higher levels of progesterone in your system will slow down how quickly food makes its way through your digestive tract, and this can cause constipation. You should add fiber to your diet to help prevent constipation, and you’ll want to drink a lot of fluid.
  • Fatigue – During your first trimester, your normal progesterone levels will spike. This will cause fatigue, and adding light exercise to a healthy diet can help minimize it. Be sure to rest as much as you can too.
  • Food Aversions or Cravings – You may develop sensitivities to certain odors and your tastes might change. You could find yourself craving odd combinations of food or not being able to tolerate things you usually love.
  • Heartburn – Hormones will cause the valve between your esophagus and stomach to relax, and this lets stomach acid get into your esophagus. As a result, you may experience heartburn. Eating frequent and small meals while avoiding fried or spicy foods can help lower the risk.
  • Nausea and Vomiting – Morning sickness usually starts the month after you become pregnant. This can be with or without vomiting. You want to drink plenty of fluids and avoid having an empty stomach to reduce how nauseous you feel.
  • Swollen, Tender Breasts – Your breasts may become sensitive or sore within the first month or two. The discomfort levels usually go down after a few weeks.
  • Urinary Frequency – You could find yourself running to the bathroom more frequently. Your blood levels increase when you’re pregnant, and the kidneys will filter extra fluid into your bladder to cause you to have to go to the bathroom more.

Emotional Changes During the First Trimester

Being pregnant can make you feel anxious, delighted, exhausted, and exhilarated. Sometimes, it may be all at one time. Emotional stress is very common with pregnant women, and it typically starts right away. You might worry about the financial impacts of a baby, your baby’s health, and how you’ll adjust to parenthood. If you currently work, you could worry about how you’ll balance your career and your family. Mood swings are very common. If your mood swings get very intense or severe, it’s a good idea to contact your health care provider.

Prenatal Care

The first visit to your doctor will focus on looking for risk factors, assessing your health, and finding out your baby’s gestational age. Your doctor will ask you specific questions about your history. You want to be honest, and your doctor will tell you about screening for chromosomal abnormalities. In conclusion, your doctor will most likely recommend check ups once every four weeks for the first 32 weeks of your pregnancy.

For a deeper level of care, education, and planning throughout your pregnancy process, contact Midwife 360. We are here to support you.

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5 Benefits of a Home Water Birth

Throughout your pregnancy, the one thing that lingers in your mind often is the time of giving birth. There are a variety of birth options available today. Depending on your overall health and preference, you can choose to give birth from home, and a highly recommended method is a water birth.

Did you know today, thousands of women worldwide are choosing home water births? To find out why, keep reading.

What exactly is a home water birth? It is merely a birth that happens at home and is attended by a qualified midwife or doctor. In this case, the baby is born in the water, usually a birth pool. You may choose to labor in the water and get out to deliver, or you could decide to deliver in the water. The concept behind a water birth is that it will be gentler for the baby since it has been in the amniotic sac for nine months.

Are you thinking of having a water birth? Or are you still unsure whether it’s worth it? Let’s dive into some of the benefits of home water births to help you make an informed decision.

Benefits of a home water birth

Water births are becoming more popular each day. Wondering why? According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, water births comes with some incredible benefits, making them a worthwhile pursuit. These benefits include:

Increased relaxation

Most women choose water births because of the relaxation benefits the water gives. How so? The answer lies in the water temperature and motion that helps in relaxation throughout the labor. Contractions usually lose their rhythm if you are tense. Once you are in the warm water, you feel relieved and relaxed, making contractions less stressful and shorter.

Being fully immersed in water also lowers your blood pressure, giving you a more relaxed feeling. Water birth is also less stressful for your baby.

Pain relief

If you want natural birth pain relief, then water birth is your friend. Many women opt to deliver their baby in the water because they won’t need pain relief medication like an epidural. Being in the warm water makes it easier for you to manage your painful contractions.

A higher sense of privacy

A birthing pool and a dimmed room is privacy on another level. Who would not feel relaxed in such a situation? Compared to bright labor wards, the ambiance in your home is significantly more comforting. Your focus is solely on labor with this form of privacy. For some people, quietness is pivotal to keeping them calm.

Increased sense of control

The water’s buoyancy effect lessens your body weight, allowing you to move freely and switch angles until you find a comfortable position. In a nutshell, being in the water makes you safer, secure, and more comfortable.

Reduced chances of episiotomy

An episiotomy is a surgical cut performed to enlarge your vaginal opening while giving birth. To avoid tearing and stitches, water birth comes in handy. It makes the perineum to be more relaxed and elastic. As a result, it reduces the incidences of tearing and enlarging the vaginal opening.

Water births present a gentler welcome to the world for you and your baby. Delivering in a birth pool comes with tons of benefits that make it a worthwhile option to consider. Benefits range from reduced labor pain and increased relaxation, to the privilege of giving birth surrounded by your loved ones.

Contact us today for more information about home water births.