Seven strategies for an ideal Hospital Birth

Birthing a baby is an outstanding experience in your life during which you become acutely aware of your vulnerability as well as your power.  It takes planning, preparation, a strong desire and a carefully chosen support team by your side to help you achieve this. With the overall caesarean section rate trending upward and now at 32.3% women are often working against the odds to achieve the birth they want in our risk- averse hospital system.

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Suzanne Swan
Edith's birth

Edith Dawn was born Thursday 26 June, 7:19pm, weighing 9lb 6oz, 58cm and a completely natural vaginal birth. This was amazing for many reasons- my size (I'm a thin women), condition (i had hyperemesis gravidarum my whole pregnancy), my low tolerance of pain, and issues with obstetricians prior to delivery.

Born at 40wks +11days we were on a race against the clock. I had a horrid time with obstetricians prior to Edith's birth, with doctors adamant to book in an induction from 39weeks with no medical reason besides scheduling. I was bullied, called a 'problem', informed many times i was killing my baby, and told because i had a birth plan i was setting myself up for a terrible birth. I was not opposed to induction, but did not want her scheduled before day 10 unless there was a medical concern- she will come when she is ready i thought. In tears and extremely upset from both my 39 and 40 wk appointments, Cheryl Sheriff, my doula from Ideal Births, picked up the pieces at a moments notice. I also drew strength from the wonderful support and encouragement of Suzanne Swan and fellow active birthing yoga ladies at Yogababy.

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Yoga keeps expectant mom's stress at bay

Yoga could reduce the risk of expectant mothers developing anxiety and depression, according to the first study on this subject.

Stress during pregnancy is related to negative outcomes for both mother and child.

Premature birth, low birth weight and increased developmental and behavioral problems in the child as a toddler and adolescent have all been linked to stress. High levels of anxiety during pregnancy can also lead to postnatal depression, which in turn is linked to risk of the mother developing depression in later life.

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Suzanne SwanYoga
Amelie Rain's Birth - 17 days over

Amélie was not in any hurry to join us, she was due on the 13th November. However Sally was very keen to have an all natural birth.

Eventually after many false starts Sally had resigned herself to being induced on Saturday morning (30th Nov), we had had several sweeps which did move things along, just not enough. 

She had been having contractions but apparently not strong or often enough. So after another sweep on Friday morning we went home, chilled out for a little, then went for a walk to try to encourage her out!


 

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Suzanne Swan
Traumatic Birth Prevention & Resource Guide

The goal of this guide is to begin a conversation that explains the components of traumatic birth, increases awareness, and promotes prevention. Through multiple professional perspectives, our hope is to begin to shed light on the symptoms, risk factors, treatment and prevention of traumatic birth.

A birth is defined as traumatic if the woman was or believed she or her baby was in danger of injury or death, and she felt helpless, out of control, or alone, and can occur at any point in labor and birth (Beck, 2004a).  It is important to recognize that it is the woman’s perception that determines the diagnosis, whether or not clinical staff or caregivers agree.  Even though physical injury to mother or baby often occurs during a traumatic birth, a birth can still be traumatic without such physical injury. Unfortunately, clinical symptoms of full diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur for mothers andpartners following a traumatic birth, the effects of which impact attachment, parenting, and family wellness.

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Suzanne Swan
What to do during a traumatic labour and birth to reduce the Likelihood of Later PTSD

Between 25% and 34% of women report that their children’s births were traumatic, even though the staff and their support team may not perceive it that way. Birth trauma includes physical injury, danger, or death to mother or baby, or the perception thereof by the mother or partner. It also includes feelings of extreme fear, aloneness, disrespect, lack of control or helplessness.

The good news is that most traumatic birth experiences do not result in the syndrome of PTSD. The feelings (often called Post-Traumatic Stress Effects or Symptoms), associated with traumatic births usually fade in intensity, and become resolved with time, empathic listening, and support from key people in their lives. We may be able to increase the numbers of women who do not develop PTSD if we can identify those who have pre-existing risk factors for PTSD, and recognize when risk factors occur during labour. Appropriate actions, words, and continuous supportive attendance may reduce or reverse the symptoms and prevent PTSD. Seek opportunities for postpartum support and counselling;  Private Counsellor Jane Campbell-Kaye - 3368 1300  or Birthtalk - 3878 7915.

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Suzanne Swan
10 Steps to a Healthy Post-Birth Recovery

Because your baby deserves YOU at your best

For thousands of years, women in traditional cultures around the world have practiced postnatal health recovery using the self care techniques.  The period immediately following the birth is crucial for a new mum’s healthy and confident transition into motherhood.  It is surprising to realise that in western cultures, with all our advanced lifestyles and quality of living, we do not acknowledge the recovery time that is needed post childbirth and an honouring of the woman’s transition into motherhood.

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Suzanne Swan