Nipple Stimulation for Labor Induction
Nipple stimulation can help induce the onset of labor and decrease the overall length of labor. Let’s talk about nipple stimulation, and why it may help with inducing or augmenting labor. When our nipples are stimulation, the hormone oxytocin is release. This hormone is one of the hormones involved in causing labor to begin and […]
My Postpartum Return to Fitness
How did I navigate my own postpartum recovery and return to fitness? Both of my births were vaginal births, but my second was a home birth with no medical interventions. I did have a first-degree tear, that required maybe one stitch, but very different healing than from my first birth. So, please keep in mind […]
My Postpartum Return to Fitness: Week 0-2
This is the first part of my postpartum return to fitness series: find the other parts here. How did I navigate my own postpartum recovery and return to fitness? Both of my births were vaginal births, but my second was a home birth with no medical interventions. I did have a first-degree tear, that required […]
My Postpartum Return to Fitness: Week 2-5
This is the second part of my postpartum return to fitness series. See the other parts here. Week 2-5: Breath Coordination + Mobility After the first two weeks, I began to progress from stationary breathing to coordinating that breathing to gentle movement. This involved floor-based core exercises that were synced to my breath. This begins […]
The Pelvic Outlet: Anatomy & Movement Support
The Pelvic Outlet: Joints & Ligaments The bottom level of the pelvis is the pelvic outlet; this is the final level of the pelvis that baby descends and rotates through during birth. The outlet’s shape is determined by the balance of the pelvic joints, ligaments, and movements. The outlet space can be increased side to […]
Why Neutral Spine? 3 Pushing tips
When pushing, we recommend the following as general guidance: Neutral Spine Position Space for the sacrum to move Knees in, ankles out If you have followed us long enough, you will know that we recommend neutral positioning of the spine for pushing. This may be different than your typical pushing guidance in the labor room […]
Labor Progress: 6 Clues
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had a crystal ball that told us exactly when we would go into labor and exactly where we were throughout the duration of labor?? We may not have a crystal ball, but there are a lot of clues that could help us better understand where you are in labor! […]
Labor Comfort Science: 1 Cold Washcloths & 2 the Mammalian Dive Reflex
It is easy to use different temperatures to provide labor comfort during birth! A cold washcloth on the face or neck, or a heating pad on the low back or belly can provide a ton of comfort! In my own labors, I used both of these comfort techniques to find relief from labor pain. The […]
Prolapse: 6 Pushing Considerations
Pelvic Organ Prolapse can occur after birth. Pelvic Organ Prolapse is when one or more of the pelvic organs has pushed into the vaginal wall, and are beginning to descend downwards through the vagina. This could include: the bladder; the uterus; and/or the rectum. There are different grades associated with how far the organ has […]
Kegels? Maybe, Maybe Not
Kegels A common exercise recommendation when someone is pregnant is to do kegels. If you complain of leaking or any sort of pelvic floor issue, both medical providers and mom groups alike will probably recommend doing some kegels. The issue is obviously weakness. “Do 500 kegels a day.” “Do them at every stop light.” “Hold […]
Exercising During Pregnancy: Benefits for Your Baby!
Exercising During Pregnancy is beneficial for both you and your baby. It can help you navigate pregnancy with strength and comfort. There is no reason to be in pain during pregnancy, or attribute pelvic girdle pain as a part of pregnancy you need to suffer through. Exercising During Pregnancy is not only safe for most […]
Understand Laboring Down: Wait to Push!
Undestanding Laboring Down So, you’re 10cm!! Completely dilated! It’s time to push! Wait… not so fast. There is more to labor than just dilation. We can decrease pushing time and conserve energy levels if we allow your body to labor down. What is laboring down? First, we need to explore a few concepts. The Fetal […]