This is a birth story told from a doula & HypnoBirthing practitioner in Florida:
I attended the most wonderful birth yesterday... just shows what is possible even in unfavorable circumstances. This couple is very high strung. Both of them affirmed that they were not good at relaxing. On top of that they chose a hospital that is very unfriendly and a Dr. that is unsupportive and downright nasty. A recipe for disaster in my mind! I really was hesitant to attend this birth but somehow couldn't say no.
Here is how it played out...Mom called me at 7:00 pm to say that labor seemed to be starting. She had surges that were 10 minutes apart but they were light and she would call me when things got rolling. At 10:00 pm, husband called to say surges were 5 minutes apart and could I please come because she doesn't want him near her. Hmm.
I rushed over and found Mom beautifully relaxed and in a great labor pattern. Surges/contractions 4-5 min. apart and strong. She was showing a few of the hallmark of labor signs so I decided we should head to the hospital.
In the car the surges became closer now 2 min. apart. Mom doing great!! We arrived at the hospital to ER where Mom smiled and said can we get up to Labor and Birthing? The nurses asked "Are you a scheduled induction/section?" (She looked way to calm to be in labor). I explained that things were moving quickly and we needed to get up stairs. They ignored us. Didn't believe she was in labor. Too calm! Finally annoyed at my persistance, they had us walk (a really long walk) to the floor.
We were welcomed by the Nurses who again didn't think much was happening. I again give the rundown of the progress and they look at me like I am totally out of my mind..we wait. Mom starts to squat and is strongly breathing baby down. I emphasize again that this baby is coming. We are all calm and decide that squatting in the hall is better than being confined to bed as this hospital requires.
Her membranes release. I tell the nurse. She says I don't see anything...you are ok! I tell her Mom is wearing a pad..this baby is coming! We wait. Another nurse gets the message and offers to take us to a room. This is a great nurse who is also a doula and gets it! We get into the room at 11:20pm. She checks Mom and she is complete/fully dilated.
Mom gets on her hands and knees, breathing down. Nurse #2 says you must get on your back for monitoring. Mom says "No", I hold the monitor. Baby sounds great. Mom continues to breathe down. Nurses leave room to get table, supplies and call the Dr. Mom begins to spontaneously bear down. Nurses come back. Baby is crowning. Mom is laughing! Smiling! Says "This is great! This is beautiful! I love this!", as baby is emerging! She eases baby gently out. It is 11:36pm.
We all are smiling and hubby plays "Sweet Caroline" and we all start singing along as we meet sweet baby Caroline. So joyful. So perfect. It was exactly what she wanted! No interventions! No Dr! No pain! INCREDIBLE! It happened so quickly and beautifully, but we did get some video. I am visualizing that this couple lets the Institute have this one. It would make a wonderful training video. Please send some energy towards that happening!
Still smiling,
Vivian Keeler
www.amazingbirths.com
Thanks, Vivian, for allowing me to share this beautiful story that just goes to show that birth is a normal, natural, healthy event when left alone!
www.AWellLivedLife.Net
www.AWellLivedLife.blogspot.com
Showing posts with label holistic living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holistic living. Show all posts
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Friday, May 2, 2008
Here's some great information...thanks to the Green Mama Team from Holistic Mom Network's national group.
Tip of The Week: 8 Chemicals to Avoid in Personal Care Products
Weekly Tip From The Green Mama Team
8 Chemicals to Avoid in Personal Care Products
1. Sodium Laurel Sulphate (sls) - Acts as a penetration enhancer. This chemical alters the structure of the skin and allows chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin, increasing the amount of chemicals reaching the blood stream.
2. Parabens - Used as a preservative. This chemical may impair fertility; alter hormone levels; increase risks for certain types of cancers; alter reproductive development, cause skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions; and some studies have found parabens in breast tumors.
3. Propylene Glycol - This chemical acts as a penetration enhancer and keeps products from melting in high heat or freezing when it is cold. This chemical alters the structure of the skin by allowing chemicals to penetrate deep beneath it while increasing their ability to reach the blood stream. It can also be a skin irritant and cause allergic reactions.
4. Phthalates - Industrial chemicals used as solvents and plasticizers in cosmetics. Phthalates can damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs and acts as a reproductive toxin in males.
5. Oxybenzone - most often found in sunscreen. Linked to allergies, hormone disruption and cell damage.
6. Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA - An emulsifying agent in cosmetics and as a foaming and cleansing agent to improve how one's mouth feels. May contain impurities connected with certain types of cancers. After absorption through the skin, it can create carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines. Insufficient toxicity data is available to determine the safety of the product when inhaled.
7. Petrolatum - This is a petrochemical that forms a barrier on skin, making lipstick shine and creams smoother and skin softer. This chemical may contain harmful impurities that may break down into chemicals linked to cancer. It also may cause allergic reactions and other significant health problems. It is banned by the European Union.
8. Coal Tar Colors - So-called coal-tar chemicals are found in many "FD&C" or "D&C" colorsused in makeup and hair dye. FD&C Blue 1 and FD &C Green 3 are carcinogenic, and impurities in other colors -- D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5 and FD&C Yellow 6 -- have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.
Tips compiled by Holistic Moms Network Green Mama Team, April 2008.
Sources: Chemicals to Avoid in Everyday Personal Care Products - Healthy U, Northwestern Health Sciences University, www.nwhealth.edu
The Green Guide, Dirty Dozen SSC, Jan.04, www.thegreenguide.com
For further information:“An Organic Guide to Healthy Skin: It's All in the Ingredients”: http://www.nwhealth.edu/healthyU/stayHealthy/cos3.html
(Provides examples of chemicals and organic alternatives to look for)http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1 (Searchable database of millions of cosmetic products, gives detailed information about the content and any ingredients that are potentially harmful)
“Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homemade Herbal Formulas for Glowing Skin & a Vibrant Self” by Stephanie Tourles
“A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients: Complete Information About the Harmful and Desirable Ingredients Found in Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals” by Ruth Winter
To join Holistic Moms Network, go to www.holisticmoms.org
www.AWellLivedLife.net
www.AWellLivedLife.blogspot.com
To learn more about completely natural, safe products for your family that are certified organic to food grade levels, please go to my website & click on Miessence.
Tip of The Week: 8 Chemicals to Avoid in Personal Care Products
Weekly Tip From The Green Mama Team
8 Chemicals to Avoid in Personal Care Products
1. Sodium Laurel Sulphate (sls) - Acts as a penetration enhancer. This chemical alters the structure of the skin and allows chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin, increasing the amount of chemicals reaching the blood stream.
2. Parabens - Used as a preservative. This chemical may impair fertility; alter hormone levels; increase risks for certain types of cancers; alter reproductive development, cause skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions; and some studies have found parabens in breast tumors.
3. Propylene Glycol - This chemical acts as a penetration enhancer and keeps products from melting in high heat or freezing when it is cold. This chemical alters the structure of the skin by allowing chemicals to penetrate deep beneath it while increasing their ability to reach the blood stream. It can also be a skin irritant and cause allergic reactions.
4. Phthalates - Industrial chemicals used as solvents and plasticizers in cosmetics. Phthalates can damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs and acts as a reproductive toxin in males.
5. Oxybenzone - most often found in sunscreen. Linked to allergies, hormone disruption and cell damage.
6. Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA - An emulsifying agent in cosmetics and as a foaming and cleansing agent to improve how one's mouth feels. May contain impurities connected with certain types of cancers. After absorption through the skin, it can create carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines. Insufficient toxicity data is available to determine the safety of the product when inhaled.
7. Petrolatum - This is a petrochemical that forms a barrier on skin, making lipstick shine and creams smoother and skin softer. This chemical may contain harmful impurities that may break down into chemicals linked to cancer. It also may cause allergic reactions and other significant health problems. It is banned by the European Union.
8. Coal Tar Colors - So-called coal-tar chemicals are found in many "FD&C" or "D&C" colorsused in makeup and hair dye. FD&C Blue 1 and FD &C Green 3 are carcinogenic, and impurities in other colors -- D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5 and FD&C Yellow 6 -- have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.
Tips compiled by Holistic Moms Network Green Mama Team, April 2008.
Sources: Chemicals to Avoid in Everyday Personal Care Products - Healthy U, Northwestern Health Sciences University, www.nwhealth.edu
The Green Guide, Dirty Dozen SSC, Jan.04, www.thegreenguide.com
For further information:“An Organic Guide to Healthy Skin: It's All in the Ingredients”: http://www.nwhealth.edu/healthyU/stayHealthy/cos3.html
(Provides examples of chemicals and organic alternatives to look for)http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1 (Searchable database of millions of cosmetic products, gives detailed information about the content and any ingredients that are potentially harmful)
“Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homemade Herbal Formulas for Glowing Skin & a Vibrant Self” by Stephanie Tourles
“A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients: Complete Information About the Harmful and Desirable Ingredients Found in Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals” by Ruth Winter
To join Holistic Moms Network, go to www.holisticmoms.org
www.AWellLivedLife.net
www.AWellLivedLife.blogspot.com
To learn more about completely natural, safe products for your family that are certified organic to food grade levels, please go to my website & click on Miessence.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Welcome!
Hi everyone-
Thanks for visiting my blog! I'm so excited to have this venue to share the information that comes across my desk....things about natural birth, HypnoBirthing, holistic living, attachment parenting, organic products, info about parenting a newborn & toddler, etc.
For my 1st blog, I'd like to post some testimonials from some of my HypnoBirthing clients. Here they are:
"I couldn't believe how wonderful my birth was! To give birth to the first child in two and a half hours?! Without pain relief?! In a darkened, calm room, without forced pushing, nobody who takes my baby away? No stitches? I could not have thought about a better birth for myself. It was the best experience in my life and I am looking forward to doing it all over again. To birth with happiness and joy was amazing!"~ Mareike K. 1st time mom, Midwife in Europe & delivered over 200 babies, Oceanside, CA.
"We feel blessed to have been able to successfully VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), and to have accomplished our goal primarily due to relaxation techniques and the confidence I gained in our HypnoBirthing classes with Carol." ~Katrina & Mike V., 2nd time parents, San Marcos, CA.
"HypnoBirthing was really amazing! It was a great experience...I wouldn't have been able to have a 67 hour completely natural birth without HypnoBirthing. I still had some lingering doubts beforehand, but once labor started, I was able to relax & even sleep between surges in the beginning of labor! When labor got more intense, I was able to remember what Carol had taught me & I was able to stay in the moment & not get overwhelmed. The midwives at UCSD were amazed too & said they had never seen anyone like me--smiling & talking while I was pushing. Our baby is a really mellow baby & very alert. I highly recommend taking Carol's classes & using the UCSD Birth Center." ~ Kristin, 1st time mom, San Diego, CA.
"I will be honest, and tell you I was very scared of the birthing process. When I had my son two years ago, I had an epidural. Although, it was a beautiful birth, I felt I needed to research what would be best for my next baby. When I heard about HypnoBirthing, I knew it was for me. The classes taught me that my fears would affect my birthing experience, whether I had an epidural or not. I knew I wanted to have a peaceful birth. I was empowered by what I learned in Carol’s HypnoBirthing classes. I was so committed to having a peaceful birth that I changed my OB & our hospital in the last few weeks of my pregnancy. When I went into labor with my daughter the tools I learned in class helped me to stay calm. I had her in three hours. I did not scream once. After her birth, my doctor and my husband said I made it look so easy. I was humming through the surges. I will always be grateful for the tools I learned in Carol’s HypnoBirthing classes that empowered me to face my fears. I want to thank you for the support you have shown me and all the resources you have given us. We are very grateful. ~Susan & Miguel N., 2nd time parents, San Marcos, CA.
"In between contractions, I was in such a calm state, the most relaxed I'd been in months! I heard the ocean waves (cd) in the background and the smell of the massage oil that they (my husband & doula) were using on my back and I almost felt like I was at the spa. The HypnoBirthing techniques I learned helped me stay focused on keeping all other muscles relaxed, to focus on each contraction & not "freak out about the whole thing" & to trust my body & my instinct. This helped a ton. Overall it went just as planned. Our daughter is healthy and beautiful and such a calm baby. Thank you for all of your help!"~ Corinne H., 1st time mom, San Diego, CA. (Corinne only attended 2 classes because she went into labor!)
"Hypnobirthing was invaluable to my birthing process. I was able to stay calm and relaxed throughout the entire birth ensuring that I delivered my little girl with ease and without intervention or drugs. I got exactly the birth I wanted thanks to all the care, attention and wisdom that Carol provided."~Jane P. 2nd time mom Encinitas, CA. (Jane took an accelerated 2 day course after feeling like the other non-hospital childbirth education class she was taking didn’t remove the fear she had regarding this birth.)
"Watching Jane’s HypnoBirth was like watching nature in full glory…totally relaxed mom & a peaceful, calm birth. It was one of the most beautiful births I have ever seen,"~ Dee Nipper, Doula to over 400 births.
To learn more about HypnoBirthing, visit my website at www.AWellLivedLife.Net or go to the main HypnoBirthing website at www.hypnobirthing.com.
Thanks for visiting my blog! I'm so excited to have this venue to share the information that comes across my desk....things about natural birth, HypnoBirthing, holistic living, attachment parenting, organic products, info about parenting a newborn & toddler, etc.
For my 1st blog, I'd like to post some testimonials from some of my HypnoBirthing clients. Here they are:
"I couldn't believe how wonderful my birth was! To give birth to the first child in two and a half hours?! Without pain relief?! In a darkened, calm room, without forced pushing, nobody who takes my baby away? No stitches? I could not have thought about a better birth for myself. It was the best experience in my life and I am looking forward to doing it all over again. To birth with happiness and joy was amazing!"~ Mareike K. 1st time mom, Midwife in Europe & delivered over 200 babies, Oceanside, CA.
"We feel blessed to have been able to successfully VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), and to have accomplished our goal primarily due to relaxation techniques and the confidence I gained in our HypnoBirthing classes with Carol." ~Katrina & Mike V., 2nd time parents, San Marcos, CA.
"HypnoBirthing was really amazing! It was a great experience...I wouldn't have been able to have a 67 hour completely natural birth without HypnoBirthing. I still had some lingering doubts beforehand, but once labor started, I was able to relax & even sleep between surges in the beginning of labor! When labor got more intense, I was able to remember what Carol had taught me & I was able to stay in the moment & not get overwhelmed. The midwives at UCSD were amazed too & said they had never seen anyone like me--smiling & talking while I was pushing. Our baby is a really mellow baby & very alert. I highly recommend taking Carol's classes & using the UCSD Birth Center." ~ Kristin, 1st time mom, San Diego, CA.
"I will be honest, and tell you I was very scared of the birthing process. When I had my son two years ago, I had an epidural. Although, it was a beautiful birth, I felt I needed to research what would be best for my next baby. When I heard about HypnoBirthing, I knew it was for me. The classes taught me that my fears would affect my birthing experience, whether I had an epidural or not. I knew I wanted to have a peaceful birth. I was empowered by what I learned in Carol’s HypnoBirthing classes. I was so committed to having a peaceful birth that I changed my OB & our hospital in the last few weeks of my pregnancy. When I went into labor with my daughter the tools I learned in class helped me to stay calm. I had her in three hours. I did not scream once. After her birth, my doctor and my husband said I made it look so easy. I was humming through the surges. I will always be grateful for the tools I learned in Carol’s HypnoBirthing classes that empowered me to face my fears. I want to thank you for the support you have shown me and all the resources you have given us. We are very grateful. ~Susan & Miguel N., 2nd time parents, San Marcos, CA.
"In between contractions, I was in such a calm state, the most relaxed I'd been in months! I heard the ocean waves (cd) in the background and the smell of the massage oil that they (my husband & doula) were using on my back and I almost felt like I was at the spa. The HypnoBirthing techniques I learned helped me stay focused on keeping all other muscles relaxed, to focus on each contraction & not "freak out about the whole thing" & to trust my body & my instinct. This helped a ton. Overall it went just as planned. Our daughter is healthy and beautiful and such a calm baby. Thank you for all of your help!"~ Corinne H., 1st time mom, San Diego, CA. (Corinne only attended 2 classes because she went into labor!)
"Hypnobirthing was invaluable to my birthing process. I was able to stay calm and relaxed throughout the entire birth ensuring that I delivered my little girl with ease and without intervention or drugs. I got exactly the birth I wanted thanks to all the care, attention and wisdom that Carol provided."~Jane P. 2nd time mom Encinitas, CA. (Jane took an accelerated 2 day course after feeling like the other non-hospital childbirth education class she was taking didn’t remove the fear she had regarding this birth.)
"Watching Jane’s HypnoBirth was like watching nature in full glory…totally relaxed mom & a peaceful, calm birth. It was one of the most beautiful births I have ever seen,"~ Dee Nipper, Doula to over 400 births.
To learn more about HypnoBirthing, visit my website at www.AWellLivedLife.Net or go to the main HypnoBirthing website at www.hypnobirthing.com.
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