Introduction to Labor and Birth

Essentials:

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
Finding a Doula
http://www.dona.org
http://www.doulasoftheeastbay.com/

Birth Movies with sections on strategies for labor:
http://www.birthingday.org/index.php
Everyday Miracles
https://www.facebook.com/monetnicolebirths/

Class One: Topics

Definition of Full Term Pregnancy
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/11/definition-of-term-pregnancy

Nutrition during Pregnancy
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy

How labor can start:
familytreemidwiferycare.blogspot.com/2015/09/all-first-timers-labor-for-three-days.html?m=1

Bring a Loved One, Friend or Doula for Continuous Support
https://www.lamaze.org/childbirth-practices#hbp3

Signs of Premature Labor
http://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/signs-and-symptoms-of-preterm-labor-and-what-to-do.aspx

Warning Signs During Pregnancy
http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=warning-signs-during-pregnancy-85-P01199

Pelvic Floor Exercise & Kegels
birthbootcamp.com/should-you-kegel/
birthbootcamp.com/strengthen-the-pelvic-floor-without-kegels/
https://pelvicpainrehab.com/pregnancy-and-postpartum-pelvic-health/7525/pregnancy-hormones-101/

Perineal Massage
http://www.midwife.org/ACNM/files/ccLibraryFiles/Filename/000000000656/Perineal%20Massage%20in%20Pregnancy.pdf

Ultimate Guide to Diastasis Recti:
https://www.lifewelllived.fitness/blog/ultimate-guide-to-diastasis-recti

Why Pelvic Physical Therapy Should Be A Standard Of Care Before, During, And After Birth
https://www.bodyfulphysicaltherapy.com/blog

Pelvic/round ligament pain in pregnancy
https://vickihobbs.com/pelvic-pain-during-pregnancy/

PDF Files
Loving Arms Childbirth Services Short Outline
Comfort And Relaxation During Pregnancy

Videos
Birth of Emerick

Class One: Interactive Activity of the week

There will be a an activity for each person and/or the couple for each class.  Please do this after each class for the next week’s class.

• Read Section 1 Links and PDF’s – if you have any questions please be sure to let us know next week.  Birth Imprints:  What is a birth imprint?  What does it mean and why is it important?  We may not consciously remember being born but we carry the memory in our bodies.  In order to be totally present for our own child’s birth, we have to be as in touch with our own experiences as we can, so we don’t bring out own birth experience with us to our baby’s birth.Sometimes families have myths concerning life events such as birth.  Are there any stories passed down in your families about babies, birth, breastfeeding?  For example:  “All of the women in my family have fast labors” or, “None of the women in my family have enough milk”.
• Find out what you can about your own births:
  Was your father present?
  Was your mother given drugs?  What kind?
  Who was with her in labor?
  Forceps, cesarean birth, any other memories?
  Were you breastfed?
  Family mythologies?
• Spend some time observing your breath, practice slow deep breathing.