Counter-pressure is a common pain relief technique for labor. It’s recommended in many natural childbirth classes and it does, in fact bring relief. It also brings a lot of jokes about daddies who are exhausted by pushing on mommy’s back – and it brings a lot horror stories about the painful labors it’s used in.
So just what is it used for? It’s recommended when you have back labor.
What is Back Labor and Why am I Having It?
Back labor is persistent pain in your back, specifically low in your back around and just above your tailbone. Your tailbone (technically called your coccyx) is attached to a bony plate at the back of your pelvis. This plate is called your sacrum; above the plate is your spine. The sacrum forms the back of your pelvis and is attached to the rest of your pelvic bones by cartilage that softens during pregnancy (your pelvis isn’t rigid and your baby can move through it!). Read More »
Moms say they choose natural childbirth for many reasons, but some of those reasons come up again and again. In this podcast episode I cover the most compelling issues that lead families to choose natural births. I also cover why wishing for that “natural birth high” is the least selfish thing a mother can want for herself – and most importantly, for her baby!
Several research studies with important implications for families have been in the news recently, so I cover that research, too.
In this episode I cover:
- Recent research about bed rest, pitocin, and fertility boosting diet
- A quick overview of the “Cascade of Intervention”
- Who is “the devil you know” and why that’s better than “the devil you don’t know” (!!!)
- Real side effects that real moms have had from epidural anesthesia
- Why the epidural causes babies to stay “persistently posterior” – who can’t turn easily to be born
- Positions and movement an un-medicated mom will make instinctively to help her baby be born
- How epidurals hurt breast feeding
- The best positions for pushing your baby out
- How natural birth decreases the chance of shoulder dystocia, even for big babies
- Why L&D nurses prefer caring for postpartum moms who’ve gone natural
- Why desiring that “natural birth euphoria” is beneficial for you AND your baby
- What “There You Are” is and how it prevents postpartum hemorrhage
Read More »
What do you do if you’ve just gotten settled with one baby… and find out a new little person is already on the way? Closely spaced pregnancies present some challenges, but bring a whole lot of joy. This podcast episode covers practical tips for managing closely spaced pregnancies, and covers vital information to keep you and your newest little one healthy and happy.
I also talk some about the AAP’s statement on home births and upcoming happenings on the podcast and website 
In this episode I cover:
- How to make sure your new baby is healthy
- How to accept help, and ask for the kind of help you really need
- Pregnancy is a nutritional challenge – here’s how you can handle it even with close babies
- Getting the rest you need when mothering a young baby while pregnant
- Tips to feel great about yourself during close pregnancies
- What you can do to greatly minimize a close pregnancy complication – postpartum hemorrhage
- Tips on handling finances with two close babies
- Why parenting is a huge blessing
- Staying on top of housework when you’re balancing pregnancy and baby
- What you should do during pregnancy to make life smoother with close little ones
Read More »
Natural childbirth is almost always possible for healthy moms and babies, and VBAC is a safe choice for most mothers who’ve had a previous cesarean. I’m a natural birth advocate and my students are frequently VBAC moms preparing for a great vaginal birth. I also realize that sometimes a c-section is necessary, even life saving. I get a lot of questions about “natural cesareans,” so I’ve pulled together some information for you if you know you’ll have a c-section birth for your or your baby’s safety.
First, watch this video (tear-jerker warning, it’s really touching!!) Read More »
April 30, 2013 – 11:40 am
Hey, birth really matters! That’s why I’m joining Roanna Rosewood, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Pam England, Karen Brody, Mother Health International, MamAmor Dolls, Barbara Harper, Rebecca Wood, Susan Weed, Sheri Winston, and other incredible visionaries in giving away more than $1,000.00 worth of valuable gifts to everyone who joins us, right now.. Whether you’re impassioned about birth, women’s health and empowerment or simply want to honor an important mother in your life, this is for you! Read More »
