Organic Birth

Today is my birthday. It is also the day I gave birth to my second son, Ian. Ian’s pregnancy started early in the year, so I was growing with the seasons. I started to show as the spring flowers were blooming at their peak. I was round and full at the height of summer. I ripened with the fall pumpkins and falling leaves. Ian was due the week after my birthday.
We had a false alarm. We went to the hospital with regular contractions. After calling our doulas and walking the halls, there didn’t seem to be any change. Our CNM had a meeting she wanted to go to… we told her to go. When she got back, she gave me something to put me to sleep. We were discharged in the morning.
Labor really began while we were enjoying the Home Show at the fairgrounds. As we walked around, pushing the stroller, contractions started coming in a regular pattern. After we got home, I ate and rested. We had chicken wings for dinner; my inlaws were in town for the birth, so my mother in law made dinner. I laid over my birth ball, my plate on the floor in front of me.
By 8pm, we figured we should go to the hospital. We checked in and they did an ultrasound to see what position the baby was in. The nurse got all upset, thinking the baby was breech. He wasn’t. They moved us into the largest birthing room when it became available. It was nice and big, though I really liked the cozy one we had been in.
We walked the halls. We rocked. We sat in the shower. Contractions got more painful and intense. I was not going to have an epidural this time… I had gone through doula training during this pregnancy and I was going to get through labor on my own. They put me on the birth stool… did not like that! I could feel the baby moving down. I had never felt that before and it was confusing and intense. All I wanted was to lay down. Finally, they let me back on the bed. The contractions were extremely intense, and I finally broke down and asked for a half dose of fentanyl. It didn’t help.
I writhed all over the bed complaining about the pain. I think the complaining helped, though. Finally, the baby crowned. This is the only birth I have photos of… and as agonized as I look in them, I treasure them. The CNM pulled him out and there was a loud pop. They thought they may have broken his clavicle… but it turned out to be okay. We were not happy they pulled on him so hard. He nursed well, and we eventually were moved to our postpartum room. Ian was born at 3:03am on my birthday.
I had pushed so hard that I pulled muscles in my legs and could hardly move. I was very happy with my son, however. He was wonderful. He still is.

Women have always had a need to express how they felt about their births. Whether they shared their stories verbally or wrote them down, it was a way to express the intense feelings that birth brings out. Some women have begun using art to express these feelings. It doesn't matter how you express yourself; the important thing is to tell your story. How did you express yourself? Did you share your stories with others? Did your mother or grandmother share their stories with you?

April is cesarean awareness month. It is rather timely, since the new statistics are out on our cesarean rate. The US now has a 32% cesarean rate overall, with some states ranging much higher, like New Jersey, who has an average of 40% cesareans out of all the births taking place. Yikes.

I've had a cesarean. It was my first journey into motherhood that resulted in my child being cut out of me. At the time, I was an innocent. I took an out of hospital childbirth class with an ICEA-certified instructor. We planned a natural birth. From the moment I entered the hospital, the nurses shushed me. Apparently I was disturbing the other mothers. Hmmm. I was taught in class and in the books I had read to make sounds to help push the energy through my body during contractions. Since I had never suffered anything truly painful in my life, this was the most intense, painful experience I had had to date.

I was told my CNM had been there for 24 hours already, and she was tired. She came to look in on me and gave me a pelvic exam. Coincidentally, my water broke during this exam. Looking back, I feel certain she broke my waters at that moment, even though when it happened she looked at me and said, "Oops... looks like your water just broke!" In every labor since then, if the care provider did not break my water, it has unfailingly broken late in active labor... either just before transition or during transition. Oh, if I only knew then what I know now.

The nurses came in later to tell my that my midwife was eating, but she recommended that I have a paracervical so I could rest. It was noon. I had awoken with contractions at 6 am. I wasn't tired. I admit I subscribed to beached whale syndrome... I was in the bed and happy to be there. I didn't want to get up and walk around. It hurt. But I was content to moan through my contractions and just be. The nurses brought in the midwife, who convinced us that "it was for the best" if I got the paracervical.

They don't do paracervicals anymore. It consisted of two very painful injections into the nerve bundles of my cervix. "Ouch" doesn't even begin to cover it. The pain of the contractions went away. I tried to be a good patient and sleep, but I couldn't. But the midwife got a nap.

Before I knew it, an hour had passed and the paracervical wore off. OMG! THE PAIN! All the paracervical did was get rid of my endorphins, leaving me to come back to full blown labor. If they thought I was uncooperative before about staying in bed, I wouldn't let them budge me now. I moaned louder than ever. The nurses had a quick powwow and woke the midwife, who came to their rescue to suggest an epidural.

I was afraid of the epidural. I've never been a big fan of needles, and after the needles in my cervix I really wanted nothing to do with needles. She wore us down. What did we know? We were naive first-timers and all the books I'd read and the classes I'd attended flew out the window. Finally, we agreed. The nurses must have done a private dance in the hall, because I was quiet. One told me, "You're really a nice person when you're not in pain." Gee, thanks.

The epidural was placed. The pain subsided. By 4pm, I was complete and ready to push. We pushed. And pushed. The midwife sat between my knees with her fingers stuck inside me, pushing down, saying, "Push HERE." Umm... I was numb... I thought I WAS pushing there. The OB stuck her head in to see how things were going. Finally, after two hours of getting nowhere, they told us I needed a cesarean.

Suddenly, everyone was in a rush. I was surrounded by people doing things to me. My husband was pushed off to the corner. Before I knew it, I was being wheeled down the hall, getting dizzy from seeing the lights pass overhead.

In the OR, I swear I was all alone. They had moved me to the operating table and strapped me down with my legs together and my arms extended out like a crucifixion. I couldn't move. The epidural wore off. No one came in. I moaned through my contractions, pushing because it was the only thing my body wanted to do even though my legs were strapped together. This went on for some time. I talked to my baby to say it would be all right, trying to reassure myself as much as the baby. I learned later they were trying to locate an anesthesiologist. My husband said it was at least 45 minutes before they came to get him, so I must have been on my own at least a half hour before the anesthesiologist showed up to renew my epidural.

Once the epidural was back in force, the room swarmed with people. I asked the doctor to please tell me what she was doing. I explained that I would rather know than guess. Instead, a few of them talked about vacation plans they had. Hello... I was awake and right there. My husband got to see my uterus, my bladder and intestines. He got to see our little girl. I heard one cry and they whisked her to the nursery, taking my husband with them.

Now the long repair began. I am grateful that the doctor sutured me with two layers and I didn't have staples. But this wasn't my idea of having a baby. After what seemed like an eternity, I was wheeled to recovery where I could finally lay eyes on my daughter. I fell in love immediately, and we managed to begin breastfeeding without too much trouble.

Looking back, however, I see the dangerous cascade of interventions laid out for us and the pressure for us to accept them. I wish I had been stronger. I wish my water hadn't been broken so early. I wish I had resisted all of their suggestions with more resolve. The reason for the cesarean was "failure to progress due to malpresentation." My daughter had slid into place when my water broke with her chin up, not tucked. She was trying to come out forehead first. It didn't make for a good presentation coupled with the epidural.

I'm sure many women share my story. I'm sure it is far more common now with many doctors and hospitals eager to cut. While I didn't let it bother me at first, it did make me seek answers. I read Silent Knife by Suzanne Arms. I studied childbirth education, labor support and eventually became a midwifery student. If I only knew back then. It bothers me so much more now that I can see what happened more clearly.

Since then, I have spoken with many women who experienced similar births; some not as bad as mine and others far worse. We have shared stories and wept. I was one of the lucky ones who went on to have several successful VBACs, both in the hospital and at home. It is so much harder for women to do this now.

We need to speak up for our rights. We need to demand the chance to VBAC if we wish. We need the freedom to walk away from a provider if they pull the wool over our eyes until later in pregnancy when suddenly they begin talking of scheduling that next c-section. We need to show them with our dollars who we prefer to birth with and where we prefer to birth. Talk to your legislators as well. Don't let anyone tell you how you can birth. We deserve the right to let the next birth unfold as it will. Maybe it will be a wonderful vaginal birth. Maybe we will end up needing surgical assistance. But we need the choice to try.

We are designed to feed our babies breastmilk. This wondrous fluid changes at every feeding, giving our babies what they need most at that moment. It gives them immunities to help fight off disease. It sustains their life.

Then came artificial baby milk. As the doctors began to take over childbirth, so they imagined that they should take over baby feeding. Many came up with their own recipes that they sold to their newly delivered patients. It was modern... it had to be good. Right?

Companies like Nestle began their own production of artificial milk. They would buy cow's milk, spend a lot of money to powder it, and mix it with other ingredients and sell it to mothers. First, however, they began partnerships with the doctors. Doctors would get money, gifts and more if they pushed formula on new mothers. Sweet deal, huh? Besides, who needs that nasty old breastmilk? It was so yesterday.

As time went on, this happened over and over again in every country in the world. Never mind that more babies died. Never mind that women's confidence in their own abilities and in their bodies plummeted. We don't want those uppity women to feel they have any power, do we?

Nestle set up salespeople in underprivileged countries dressed as nurses to distribute their milks. Never mind that the labels were not printed in a language these mothers could understand... even if some of them could read. Women were already oppressed, why shouldn't we get the babies on formula, let mom's milk dry up, and then they have to spend almost their entire month's pay just to buy more. We win, right?

That's what Nestle thinks. When the World Health Organization got together with a lot of the bigwigs all over the world to discuss the problems of these dying babies, they came up with a code of ethics regarding the marketing of baby formula. No free samples were to be given, no advertising was to be done. Everyone agreed.

Well, Nestle and the other formula companies didn't practice what they promised. They kept up their advertising and freebies, while trying to look like they were following the code. They didn't want to lose a penny of profit. Who cares about dead babies? Their babies weren't dying. There were no faces for Nestle. Only dollar signs.

Today, we are still fighting Nestle. While breastfeeding rates have picked up, many women don't have any confidence in breastfeeding any longer. They think they can't make enough milk; they think it is sexual to breastfeed; they don't get the support to learn how to do this properly. The formula companies did a terrific job. They convinced generations of women that breastfeeding was useless and that they couldn't do it anyway.

This is what we're up against. Breastmilk is still the best food for babies. It helps prevent diabetes, cancer, obesity and many other afflictions that are at epidemic proportions today. Hmmm. Maybe because few adults today were breastfed as babies. Our mothers were sold a bill of goods and didn't know how good breastfeeding was for us.

So promote breastfeeding. It is wholesome in every way. It provides optimum nutrition, even when mom isn't getting the best nutrition for herself. If you see a woman breastfeeding in public, let her feed her baby in peace. We deserve to feed our babies whenever they are hungry, no matter where we are. This is our babies' right. Every baby deserves the best.

When a mother and baby enter into a breastfeeding relationship, they enter into a magical symbiotic tryst that creates the perfect balance between supply and demand. The baby nurses... the mother makes milk. The baby has a growth spurt and nurses more frequently... the mother makes even more milk that is tailor made for her baby's individual circumstances.

When the baby is nursing, he or she gazes into Mom's eyes, and she lovingly gazes back. Total acceptance. Total love. Is there anything more satisfying than seeing the baby fall asleep with a milky grin on their face? I don't think so.

I've nursed eight children over the course of eighteen years. There has been nothing so nurturing to both our souls than filling their bellies with my milk. I have never felt that I could not produce enough milk. I have been fortunate. Even though the hospital sent us home with free formula, it was something to take up space in the cupboard, never to be used.

When our doctor decreed that our mildly jaundiced son needed formula or he'd become brain-damaged, I marched back to the lactation consultant in the hospital in tears, to be comforted by the truth that he was utterly wrong. We continued breastfeeding and his jaundice went away.

Breastfeeding nourished my children even when all I had to eat was ramen noodles and salad. It kept them quiet in the movie theater and calm in the car. Yes, I sat in the back with them, leaning over so they could nurse safely in their carseat. It boosted their immune systems, even when they were feverish or had stuffed noses.

They talk about the economic value of breastfeeding in The Politics of Breastfeeding by Gabrielle Palmer. If I just used the cost of formula to figure what I've saved, I'm sure we'd all be amazed. Let me see... if I used ready to feed Enfamil, the brand the hospital foisted on me, it would cost about $1,512.00 per year, according to breastfeeding.org. Multiply that by the eighteen years I've been breastfeeding and I've saved a whopping $27,216.00. Of course, that is only a rough estimate, since I nursed on demand... I never fed on a schedule. My babies would eat constantly at times and drop back in demand at others.

If you actually paid breastfeeding mothers what they were worth, I'm sure it would amount to a great deal more. Think about it... breastfed babies have higher IQs, have fewer health problems, are less likely to develop diabetes and heart disease later in life, plus it protects me from breast cancer and diabetes. Add in the cost savings of what those doctor visits and medications would be and you're approaching some serious money.

Of course, some breastfed babies still develop serious illnesses or have other problems. Unfortunately, breastfeeding can't counteract every toxin in our environment or genetic propensity in our families. But, every drop helps. By feeding baby the food designed just for them, they avoid a lot of gastrointestinal issues that formula fed babies may have. Before anyone says that their formula fed baby grew up just fine, the body is meant to adapt. We are blessed with good water here in the United States. We don't have to worry about contamination in our water supply. We live in much better conditions than women in poorer countries who have been hoodwinked into formula feeding, to the detriment of their own and their baby's health. But your formula fed baby may be more prone to obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

Breastfeeding is how we are intended to feed our children. It is an awful shame when formula companies, hospitals and doctors push it on new mothers. Instead of helping them establish their new milk supply, they supplement with formula, which cuts down the new milk supply. Mothers are then told they must supplement all the time, which puts an end to their nursing days. Moms who spend time on medications after birth for various problems also suffer since it isn't safe to nurse while taking some of these medications. Separation from their babies cements the deal. The body shuts off the milk supply, thinking the baby has died or gone away since the demand has not been placed.

If every baby was breastfed for the first year, imagine the health care savings we could have. Imagine the contented babies who got to spend hours in their mother's arms.

Just what is an organic birth? This is a birth where the needs of the mother and baby supersede the needs of everyone else in the room. While most hospitals and doctors will claim that this is what they do, in reality, they are doing what meets their own needs.

Why do women need to lie on their backs in a lithotomy or semi-sitting position? Because it is easiest on the care provider, not on the birthing mom. Why is pitocin given routinely in many situations? To speed up the birth so the staff are not required to wait longer than what they deem necessary. Why are many cases sent to the operating room due to failure to progress? Because most of those cases mean the doctor is tired of waiting.

And what about the baby? Is it really in their best interests to have their umbilical cord cut and be whisked away from mom the moment they are born or shortly thereafter to be placed on a cold, hard surface under a bright light? Is it in their best interests to always have a bulb syringe stuffed down their little nasal passages and their throat? Is a bath really necessary to remove the last remnants of vernix from their skin?

In an organic birth, moms can move about as their labor dictates. They can sway, lean, or lie down. They can give birth in the position that is most comfortable for them, letting gravity help as well as giving their pelvis ample room to widen as needed. Newborn babies are not rushed. They can get their total blood supply from a still functioning placenta and breathe air when they are ready to make the transition. They can stay warm on their mother's body and look deeply into her eyes. Their first taste of liquid love comes from their exploration, not someone's schedule.

All mothers and babies deserve this. In emergency situations, the mother and baby should be together as soon as humanly possible, not kept apart. Even eye contact helps. Organic birth is for every mother. Doctors and hospital staff are there to serve mothers and babies... we are not there to accommodate them. If they don't like the job, they should choose another profession.

Women and babies are at their most vulnerable at birth and just after. They deserve those moments together, not being insulted and kept apart. Birth and breastfeeding should be an empowering thing for women. To feel that power rushing through her body and having a living being emerge is an amazing feat. To nurture that being through the magic of breastmilk is nothing short of an everyday miracle. Women are awesomely made, and it is about time that everyone took notice. Babies are living miracles grown within a woman's body.

If your doctor only wants to do things his way, chuck him to the side and choose a provider who will offer you the organic birth you and your baby deserve. Let your dollars do the talking. Give your business to midwives and obstetricians who put mother and baby first. Make organic birth a reality for more women and babies.

There are many alternative therapies that are perfectly safe during pregnancy and birth. They can help ease the discomforts and challenges brought on during this most special of times.


REIKI

Reiki is a Japanese technique for relaxation that also promotes healing. It uses touch. A warm and soothing energy flows from the hands into the recipient, promoting relaxation and releasing tension. It was established in Japan by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. This form of hands on healing sends energy from the life force that flows all around us into the body of the recipient. The energy will focus on any areas of blocked energy in the body.

It has been used successfully to relax and relieve stress. In some cases, it has also been used to help couples conceive, to ease pregnancy discomforts, and to help relax during labor. It is also useful for healing postpartum and post-surgery.

Reiki can be given in person or sent over distances. The usual reiki appointment is for 60 to 90 minutes. It is completely noninvasive and safe.


ACUPUNCTURE & ACUPRESSURE

Alternative therapies that can be useful in pregnancy include acupuncture and acupressure. Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese method of healing that stimulates the energy channels in the body using thin needles. Qualified acupuncturists can be found all over the world. Many are also trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Acupuncture has been used successfully to regulate the menstrual cycle and aid in conception. Sometimes Chinese herbs are prescribed as well to help balance the hormones. It is not an overnight solution, but one that works gradually to put your body into balance so it works properly. A typical acupuncture treatment lasts from an 15 to 60 minutes.

Acupressure uses the same energy points but the practitioner applies pressure rather than needles to get similar results.


HERBS

Many people resort to herbs as a gentle way to heal problems in the body. Herbs are probably one of the most common alternative therapies that people try.

There are herbs which can help with fertility, with toning the uterus and with labor and postpartum. Always consult a qualified herbalist or midwife who is well-versed in the dosages of herbs. Just because this is plant medicine doesn't mean it can't be overdosed.

There are different schools of herbal medicine. Western herbalism is very prevalent in most Westernized countries, but Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic medicine are catching on. TCM has a fairly good track record of helping with fertility problems and conception. It takes awhile to work, but it balances the body so there are no barriers to conceiving.


CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Chiropractors work on the theory that all ailments are expressed due to subluxations of the spine. By straightening these problems and getting the spine into alignment, the body can relieve itself of the presenting problems.

Chiropractors can help with many of the discomforts of pregnancy. Be sure to find a practitioner who is trained in working with pregnant women. Close to term, if you are sore or if you have a breech baby, seek out a chiropractor trained in the Webster technique. This technique not only aligns your pelvis and makes you feel great afterwards, but it can turn many breech babies to the head down position.

Find Chiropractors Near You Who Do the Webster Technique


HYPNOTHERAPY

Hypnosis can be used in many different ways during pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy, hypnosis can be combined with holistic healing counseling to build up your confidence and to help you alleviate fear of childbirth or pain. A typical session will start with a discussion with the therapist about your particular issues. Hypnosis is introduced with a simple relaxation session to get you used to relaxing into a light trance state. During hypnosis, you are in control at all times. No therapist can make you do anything you don't want to do, nor can they give you suggestions that run against your nature. All hypnosis does is help your subconscious mind become receptive to suggestions that will help you overcome the issue that is troubling you, whether that is stopping smoking, building your self-esteem or facing your fears of labor pains. Working with a hypnotherapist, you can get a custom-designed approach to your issue. If you had a traumatic birth in the past, hypnotherapy can also help you face this issue and come to terms with it in preparation for your upcoming birth.

For those who believe in reincarnation, some hypnotherapists also provide past life therapy that may help you come to terms with issues you are facing so you can let them go and overcome them in this lifetime.

Many women use a form of hypnotherapy during labor commonly marketed as HypnoBabies or HypnoBirthing. Any hypnotherapist can design a custom program to address the issues you want to deal with for labor. The women who use this form of pain control in labor often report a peaceful, stress-free labor and birth. It takes some practice before labor begins, so you teach yourself to respond to the relaxation suggestions. Those who spend the time to do so have good results during labor.


EFT

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) uses the pressure points of acupressure to release emotional baggage. Affirmations are made repeatedly as a pattern of acupressure points are tapped. This method has been used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and many other issues. The most amazing part is that healing seems to take place almost instantaneously. The technique is easy enough for the client to learn the basics so they can use it again if needed for issues that need more work.