Successful VBAC, HURRAY!

As the mother of three young children, I have had many reasons to pull an all nighter. But my favorite reason to do so is serving a couple as their labor support doula. It all started around 2 pm, when my client gave me a heads up, saying she was having consistent contractions. I met her and her husband shortly before 7 pm at St. Als, and she was dilated 5 cm and 80% effaced. I thought, "wow, this is going to be a fast delivery".

One thing that made this birth different is mom had the goal of a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). VBAC moms are different in that they don't just fear the cesarean like most moms do, but they have experienced one; and know exactly why they don't want to endure one again. VBAC moms have a different determination, and a greater understanding of why delivering vaginally is so important.

We spent the next 7 hours doing all sorts of comfort measures, and mom was AMAZING. She was very instinctual and in tune with her body. She entrained easily with her labor music, moving and swaying to the rhythm it provided. She never tried to fight against the contractions (many moms will do so to try and avoid the pain), and stayed in control. She walked, squatted, used the birth ball, labored in the jacuzzi, threw up, used deep breathing and imagery... everything imagineable. But by 2 in the morning, she was only dilated to a 6. This news was very discouraging, as mom was getting extremely worn out.

After much deliberation, the difficult decision to use pitocin and pain meds was made. I typically do not feel that a decision like this is the best choice, but in this case, it absolutely was. For unknown reasons, labors (VERY seldomly) just don't progress enough on their own. This leaves mom and dad worn out and disappointed. I teach in my classes that all interventions have their place. But when they are overused, moms and babies pay the price (as there is always a risk involved). But when they are used in the correct setting, moms and babies benefit.

After mom was comfortable (about 4 am), we all (mom, dad, grandma and I) tried to get some rest. Then around 6, mom woke up feeling more pressure. She began pushing at 7:20.

Once baby was about half way out of the birth canal, mom was able to reach down and pull her child onto her. I LOVE when care providers have moms do this. It is not only empowering, but a magical moment that really should be given to parents whenever possible. Imagine the difference from having a cesarean birth with your first child, to reaching down and pulling your second child towards you! Brings me to tears.

Weighing in at 8 pounds 2 oz, and 21 inches long!
Born at 8:21 am, after 61 minutes of pushing.

This little girl handled the long labor like a champ, and was nursing within minutes of being born.

Isn't she just adorable?!

And what little girl doesn't have daddy wrapped around her little finger? This dad has been fighting a cold all week, and even had a fever last night. But no matter what, his wife came first, and he was an awesome support to her.

Congratulations on your new baby girl, and THANK YOU for sharing your birth! I was honored to be a part of it!

Latest Lullaby

Writing the MUSIC BIRTH class lullaby is always a highlight for me, and for my students. While some students may feel a little intimidated at first, they always rise to the occasion and have a great experience. This Tuesday my current class wrote their lullaby, and it turned out beautifully.

Welcome, little baby, we're so glad you're here.
We've waited so long, we'll hold you so near.

You bless us with joy, we'll always love you.
We'll hold you so close, may your dreams come true.

So sweet! There are many benefits to writing your baby's lullaby.
1: It promotes prenatal bonding for both mom and dad
2: It gets dad involved in the pregnancy
3: It creates oxytocin (the love hormone), and trains your body to create higher levels of oxytocin when the lullaby is used postpartum.
4: It comforts baby before and after birth
5: When used correctly, it trains baby to feel drowsy whenever he/she hears the lullaby.
6: It promotes self-soothing, so baby falls asleep on his/her own, typically leading to longer stretches of slumber.
7: As the child ages, he/she will feel special and loved by hearing his/her personal lullaby

Remember, children prefer the voices of their parents. So even if you are uncomfortable with your singing voice, your child will still love hearing it!

High-Risk Pregnancy, Natural Birth!

My birthing experience is such a success story considering that my baby was diagnosed with spina bifida. Which, apart from altering our entire life, instantly changed how I was going to give birth. I was informed by the specialist that my baby would be delivered via c-section. My second opinion gave me a "shaky" wait and see. So I had pretty much given up hope that I could deliver naturally. I didn't go to any of the classes, read any of the books or pamphlets, and I didn't even want to think about it because everything in my life was turned upside down. When we finally reached the end of my pregnancy, my doctor decided that I could deliver naturally! My baby had to have an emergency spinal repair within 24 hours of his birth, so I was determined not to add to the list of drugs put into his system.

I called my best friend/doula, and gave her the amazing news. We made plans for her to come and teach me everything I needed to know, but I decided to go into labor instead. :) Dealing with hospital workers is not calming. I do no enjoy the incessant questions, or the constant monitoring. I understand the necessity of it, but it is not enjoyable. When I finally got admitted to my room, I was so grateful to see Marie waiting for me with the most relaxing music. It instantly changed my mood. When I was about to lose it, she taught me some breathing techniques, which I truly believe saved me from giving in and screaming for drugs! If you ask my husband, he will tell you that everything went perfectly until I decided to chomp down on his arm. :) The bruise lasted for weeks. It wasn't personal, just "business".

Once my little baby was delivered, he had to be rushed away with my husband, before I could even hold him. If it weren't for Marie, I would have been left in the delivery room all alone for over an hour. I don't know what I would have done without her. So to sum it all up: Doulas Rock!

A new baby girl!

While most of you were still in bed, I received a phone call to alert me that my client's water had broken! Only about 10% of women will have their water break before they know they are in labor, and it is quite the rush (and sometimes quite the gush!) About an hour and a half later, we were all at the hospital. I found dad comforting mom with soft touch and encouraging words.

Things progressed VERY quickly. Mom was already almost 6 cm dilated when she arrived to the hospital, and an hour later she was ready to push! Short labors are intense, and hard to keep up with mentally and emotionally. Most moms with fast labors feel out of control, but this mom did a fabulous job of staying relaxed, breathing deeply, vocalizing, and staying energized (and maybe a swear word here or there). :)

Dad was a total sweetheart. He was always holding his little girl's hand, and stayed by her side whenever she was separated from her mom.

We knew she was big! Over 9 pounds! No wonder mom had to work SO hard to get her through the birth canal. Add in some shoulder dystocia, and you have some hard pushing to get through.

Here are the proud parents, less than 4 hours after the water had broken! Healthy mom, healthy baby, proud papa, no pain meds, no stitches no interventions... What a great way to start the day! Thanks so much for sharing your birth!

The Circle of Life and Love

(Me with my doula, Ginger.)

No matter what role you play, birth brings people together. As a doula and childbirth educator, I am continually honored by playing a small role in this life changing event. As a mom who has used a doula at each of my own 3 births, I understand the closeness and the fondness women always feel towards their doulas. And as a doula, I know how doulas hold a special place in their heart for each and every family they have worked with. These mutual feelings create a circle that is continually feeding into itself, and often results in lasting relati0nships. I am always touched to get a surprise visit from a couple I have worked with and their new baby. I love the Christmas cards, emails, and communication on Facebook. But this year I had a new first. I was invited to my first birthday party!

Many of you know that in my MUSIC BIRTH childbirth education classes, each class writes a lullaby for their babies. It is always a highlight of the class. So for this birthday party, my husband and I decided to make a recording of the lullaby for this family. (I am SO lucky that I married a man who loves music as much as I do, and has his own recording equipment!)

So today in the mail I got a thank you note from the little birthday boy and his parents, and it totally made my day. Here is an excerpt:

"Thank you for the CD of the lullaby. It is very special to have that recording! You all hold a special place in our hearts for allowing Marie to be a part of our son's birth. Thank you!"

I really do have the best job in the world! A huge "Thank you" to all of my past clients. You have made a difference in my life. I have recently put my career on hold as I have welcomed my third child into the world, and have been focusing just on my own family. But my maternity leave is about to end, as I just got a phonecall this morning from a client in early labor. :) Off to create another circle of love from the circle of life!

Happy Father's Day!

There is nothing like seeing your husband hold your baby for the very first time. You suddenly begin to love him in a way you never have before. And for those of you who are already parents, you already know that there is nothing sexier than a great dad who adores his kids.

In the Music Birth method, Dads play an integral role. Some are the main support givers. Others work side by side with their doula as equal partners in supporting their wives. Either way, they always rise to the ocassion.

Many dads get alone time with the baby before mom even does (since mom is often still busy with the afterbirth). This is a special time for all dads as the bonding process kicks into full gear. Many dads sing their lullaby to their baby at this time.

Some dads have to be brave and follow their newborns into the NICU. Providing for and protecting their families is not always an easy thing to do. But they do it, and they do it wonderfully.

A big "Thank You" to all you awesome dad's out there. I hope you have a great Father's Day because you truly deserve it!

What is Music Birth?

This is a question I find myself answering all the time. It is a complicated one. There are the typical responses: Using music to relax, to bond with your baby, using music to fight and block pain during labor etc. etc. etc... But the best way to truly understand Music Birth is to see it in action. So this blog will be devoted to Music Birth success stories. I will share my personal experiences using Music Birth as I delivered each of my three children (without pain meds!). I will share stories from my perspective as a doula, and I will invite previous clients to share their own experiences. And hopefully together we can all answer the question "What the heck is Music Birth?!"