Category: Birth Support

Choices in Planned Caesarean Births

Posted by on in Birth, Birth Prep, Birth Support, Caesarean, Hospital Birth

One of the benefits of a planned caesarean is that there’s time to consider options, ask questions and make choices beforehand. 

Many hospitals are willing to take extra steps to make a caesarean birth more gentle and family friendly. The following is a list of practises that are being requested as part of a “Gentle Caesarean”. Yes I’m aware that the very nature of a caesarean and the postpartum recovery do not seem gentle to most people. However I appreciate that there are medical staff working hard to make the experience as positive, healthy and family-friendly as possible.  

  • Watching your baby being born. Clear surgical drapes, surgical drapes with a panel that can be lowered to reveal a clear panel, or having the drapes lowered entirely.
  • Cord cutting. Most hospitals don’t allow anyone other than staff to cut the cord in the surgical field. But they can leave a longer cord and have the partner trim it – like a ceremonial cutting of the cord – at the baby warmer.
  • Skin-to-skin contact with the birthing parent, from the chest up.
  • Maternal heart monitors on their side or back, leaving the chest available for holding baby skin-to-skin.
  • Music of your choice – played on the sound system or your headphones.
  • Support through the entire procedure, from the moment of entering the O.R. until heading to the recovery room. Most hospitals allow one support person in the O.R. and recovery room. Some allow doulas to come in as well. 
  • Healthy baby stays with the parent(s); family stays together in O.R. and recovery room. (In some hospitals, healthy babies born by caesarean are automatically taken to NICU or a medical nursery for observation. This has to stop! In that case, the non-birthing parent, partner or companion can accompany baby.)
  • Photos / videos – always bring your device. There’s often a nurse who is waiting for the baby to be born and will take some photos of the birth, the first time parents hold the baby, etc. There are many beautiful moments to celebrate at any birth, including caesareans.
  • Flora for the baby – vaginal seeding. You might ask for a GBS test a week before the surgery before going ahead with this. Note that this is still new enough that most medical staff will not participate. Plan to DIY.
  • Any cultural / spiritual aspects you might wish to include. I’ve seen an obstetrician lead a prayer before starting the surgery and have joined the surgical team in singing happy birthday to a newborn. Some people bring in a little card or symbol or small talisman.
  • Obstetrician of your choice. Certainly a perk of scheduling your birth. 
  • Volume of monitoring machines – ask for the volume to be turned up or down if it’s reassuring for you, or not, to hear things like fetal heartbeat, maternal heart beat. 
  • Delayed cord clamping – up to 1 min is considered safe with caesareans. (I’ve heard of a hospital that keeps the placenta and baby attached after the placenta is removed – definitely not standard of care in most places. Never hurts to ask.)

In some facilities the things on this list may already be standard care. In others, requesting these things will provide an opportunity for staff to gain a new perspective. Patient safety is the primary concern. Some of these practices may be considered safe or not, possible or not, depending on patient health, the facility and/or the staff working in the O.R.

Speak with your doctor well ahead of time about the things that interest you from this list. 

If you get a sea of “no ways,” then ask why not. There could be valid reasons or it could be one unbending person. If it’s the latter then you might wish to explore working with another doctor or giving birth in a different facility, if that’s an option. 

Need help to make a birth plan that builds bridges instead of walls?

I can help you sort through your options and find the best wording. Check out my Birth Plan Prep Consultations which are available in person or on Zoom.

Birth Doula FAQs

Posted by on in Birth Prep, Birth Support, Doula, Education, Labour, Postpartum2 Comments

What’s a doula?
A doula is a professional part of the birth care team. Birth Doulas provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their clients through pregnancy, birth & early postpartum. In much of the world today and throughout history, women support women through labour & birth.

What’s the difference between a midwife and a doula?
Doulas work as part of a team with doctors or midwives, but not instead of. They provide non-medical support and comfort measures (e.g. encouragement, massage, positioning suggestions). They do not perform clinical tasks such as heart rate, blood pressure, or internal exams.

Midwives are medical providers, highly trained in the medical aspects of birth. The carry oxygen, medicines, resuscitation equipment and other gear, and are known as primary care-givers during birth. In North America primary/medical birth care is offered by either a midwife or a physician.

Why choose a doula over simply using a friend or family member as support?
Doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth support. They know the sounds and behaviors of laboring women, and what that may indicate about progress. Doulas are trained in pain-reducing comfort measures, natural methods to keep labor progressing, and to support the laboring people and partners / birth companions. Doulas are familiar with local hospital policies & practices and have often built a rapport with the doctors, nurses and midwives. See http://evidencebasedbirth.com/2012/06/26/why-wouldnt-you-hire-a-doula/

In most Canadian hospitals, maternal patients are allowed 2 support persons – usually that’s a partner and a support person. Some hospitals accommodate a 3rd support person. Homebirths and birth centers encourage women to have all the support they wish.

How does the doula fit in with nursing staff?
Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff, but rather work as part of the team. Doulas provide comfort and support while nursing staff take care of medical needs and charting (often in a supportive manner of course). Nurses change shifts; doulas stay.

How does a doula assist with communication in hospitals during labor & birth?
During prenatal meetings doulas learn what’s important to clients and discuss how to make informed decisions. A doula may remind or encourage their client to ask the questions necessary to understand a procedure and make informed decisions. Doulas do not speak on a client’s behalf nor intervene in their clinical care. They do not make decisions for clients, nor judge the decisions clients’ make, but are there to support those decisions.

What difference does the presence of a trained doula have on birth outcomes?
The presence of a doula tends to result in shorter labours with fewer complications and less interventions. When a doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer caesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression. In case of unplanned circumstances, doula support helps reduce negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience. Studies [1],[2],[3],[4] have shown that babies born with doulas present tend to have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries, breastfeed more easily and have more affectionate mothers in the postpartum period.

Analysis of six randomized trials1 demonstrates that lack of doula presence correlates with:

  • Double the overall caesarean rate
  • 33% increase in length of labour
  • 67% increase in oxytocin use
  • 2 ½ times more requests for epidurals

Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?
A responsible doula compliments and enhances the father / partner / birth-companions in their supportive role rather than acting as a replacement. (While I respect people’s individual circumstances, I will use “father” words for most of this paragraph, as that’s who most often asks this question.) The presence of a doula allows the father to support his partner emotionally during labor & birth without the pressure to remember everything he learned in childbirth class! The father typically has little-to-no actual experience with the birth process, yet is expected to act as a “coach”. Some partners feel (accurately) that this is a huge expectation. Many fathers experience the birth as an emotional journey of their own and find it hard to be objective. A doula is supportive to both the birth-mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent they feel comfortable. Studies have shown that fathers usually participate more actively during labor with the presence of a doula than without one.

When a couple works well together during the birth process they’re better able to handle the challenges of early parenthood. An incredible bond forms or is made stronger.

How often and when do we meet?
After we’ve met and agreed to work together, we’ll meet at least twice more before the birth; as many times as we need to feel prepared. I do not charge extra for additional meetings. It’s never too early to start our meetings and I ask that the two main meetings are complete by 35 weeks, ideally. After your baby is born there will be a minimum of one postpartum visit, more if needed or desired. I welcome questions and communication from my clients between meetings.

Are doulas only useful if planning an un-medicated birth?
The role of the doula is to help attain a safe and pleasant birth, not to choose the type of birth. The presence of a doula is beneficial no matter what type of birth is planned. In fact, people who choose a medicated birth need as much support as those who choose a natural birth, but a different kind of support. For women who know they want a medicated birth, doulas still provides emotional support, informational support and comfort measures to help through labor and the administration of medications. Doulas can help  with possible side affects and by filling in the gap that medication may not cover; rarely does medication take all discomfort away and sometimes there’s a wait involved.

For a people who are facing a caesarean birth, a doula provides comfort, support and encouragement. Often a caesarean is an unexpected situation and parents-to-be can be left feeling unprepared, disappointed and lonely.

What if I planned a drug-free birth then change my mind during labour?
Doulas don’t make decisions for clients or intervene in clinical care, nor do they judge their choices. They provide informational & emotional support while respecting their client’s decisions.

What kind of comfort measures do you use during the labour & birth process?
While there are common comfort measures taught in doula training courses, each doula also brings their own tools and methods. Mine include the following:

  • Positioning suggestions specific for stages of labour, circumstances, client preferences, situations that arise through the birth process
  • Massage & various touch methods
  • Homeopathy & Bach Flowers (optional; no extra charge)
  • Aromatherapy (optional, you provide the oils; only available out of hospital due to scent policies)
  • Encouragement & reassurance
  • Setting up the birth space
  • Heat or cold as desired
  • Hydrotherapy (water for comfort in labour, and/or water-birth)
  • Create space for partner, and recommendations to help partner to offer support
  • A calm, reassuring presence who trusts the birth process

When do we call you in labour?
Details are discussed in our prenatal meetings. Please call at the first signs of suspected labour. From then on you’ll keep us posted on your progress and what’s happening.

When and where do you join us in labour?
That depends on the labouring person, partner, and what’s going on in labour. Early support often takes the form of checking in by phone and/or dropping by your place.  Your doula joins you either at your home or in hospital or birth center once you need in-person support and remains with you until 2-3 hours after the birth.

How does shared-care work?
Doulas often team up to provide enhanced service through busy times, holiday seasons, summertime. Clients benefit from combined experience, education, and availability. Since doulas are on call for up to a month for each client, shared care allows them time for important life events and days off without having to turn clients away or rely on unfamiliar back-up. Clients may wish to meet both doulas prenatally so they’re familiar with whichever one attends birth. In cases of unusually long labours, a doula-colleague may be called in to provide a break for the primary doula.

What if you can’t be at the birth?
In the rare circumstance that your doula can’t be there, you will be well supported. I  work with reliable back-ups who offer excellent care. Fees remain the same. If the back-up is likely to be part of care, a meeting with my doula-colleague can be arranged.

Do we pay more to work with 2 doulas?
No. Fees are outlined in the Client Agreement. The cost covers doula services, no matter how many doulas are involved.

What kind of postpartum support do you offer?
Your birth doula usually stays for 2-3 hours after the birth, until you’re ready to be on your own with your baby. Your doula will be visit on the first day or two postpartum, offering basic breastfeeding support, answering questions, and going over your birth. I am available for questions and can offer resources (educational and community). A second postpartum visit is offered.

What if I need extra help with breastfeeding or baby-care?
The information above describes care provided by birth-doulas. Another kind of doula, a “postpartum doula”, specializes in extended care and breastfeeding support. There are also breastfeeding counselors and lactation consultants that can be arranged through public health or hired privately. I can provide resources and contact info for them. If you’re on the Mother-Baby Unit the nurses or unit Lactation Consultants can provide support.

Where’s that name from?
In ancient Greece “doula” meant the highest female servant who helped the “lady of the house” through child-bearing. Medical researchers Marshall Klaus and John Kennell, who conducted several randomized clinical trials on the medical outcomes of doula attended births, adopted the term to refer to labour support as well as prenatal and postpartum support.

[1] Klaus, M.H.; Kennel, J.H.; Berkowitz, G.; Klaus, P. “Maternal Assistance and Support in Labor: Father, Nurse, Midwife or Doula?” Clinical Consultations in Obstetrics and Gynecology 4 (December 1992).

[2] Sauls, DJ. Effects of labor support on mothers, babies, and birth outcomes. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2002 Nov-Dec; 31(6):733-41.

[3] O’Driscoll, K. and Meagher, D. Active Management of Labor. 2d ed. London: Bailliere Tindall, 1986.

[4] Klaus, M.H. and Kennel, J.H. Parent-Infant Bonding. St. Louis: C.V. Mosby, 1982.

Birth Support on a Budget

Posted by on in Birth Support, Doula, Education, Fees, Prenatal Classes

If rates for full doula care seem too high, please read on.  There are many ways I can contribute to you being prepared and supported through your birth. I offer prenatal classes, birth prep consultations, a lower-priced doula package, birth-plan prep sessions, and creative ideas for paying your doula.  Details for all of this are below.

My current fees of $1500-1800 for full doula support are a fair reflection of my extensive experience, skills and knowledge.  Besides the often long and unpredictable hours, there are costs associated with being a professional doula. Some of these are monetary such as training, missing other work-shifts, association fees, parking and all the normal expenses related to self-employment.  Other costs are not measurable, such as missed family events, being on-call (700+ hours per client), and recovery time from long births.  Experienced doulas are worth the expense and in fact are the first to fill their client list.

I also offer a couple of lower-priced doula support packages starting at $1200. They are described below and as a doula support packages comparison chart.  

If you wish to benefit from my expertise but the cost is out of your range, then you might be interested in attending prenatal classes or accessing other services such as Birth Plan Preparation, or working with me and one of the doulas I’m mentoring.

Birth Preparation and Support Packages (please see the doula support packages comparison chart for details of what’s included in each)

  • Lower-cost doula mentorship package:  Work with me and one of the newer doulas I’m mentoring for $1200. Prenatal preparation is vital for having your ideal birth. Therefore you’ll have all prenatal consultations, including creating a birth-plan and any questions answered along the way, with me and the new doula, who is fully and professionally trained, and meets the requirements of mentorship with me. She’s a professional doula who is building her birth experience. The newer doula will be your primary doula for your labour and birth. We both attend the postpartum visit. (I train Birth and Postpartum Doulas of excellence through Birth Ways International.) Many happy clients have chosen this option.
  • Dial-a-Doula Prep & Birth Support for local or far away clients. Includes everything in the full birth doula support package but with virtual instead of in-person support. I’ve supported people in my own town and as far away as Singapore in this manner! $1000.
  • Birth Prep Package without birth doula support:  I educate and set up clients with the same care my doula clients get. It’s up to you to arrange for another doula or perhaps you are not working with a doula at all.  This involves 3 meetings prenatally to go over options, unpack previous births (if applicable), and create a vision of their ideal birth, and extensive educational support (e-mails, client hand-outs, referrals to local health practitioners, help with birth-plans and sibling-prep), a Directory for the Childbearing Year, a Roadmap to Optimal Birth Prep, and a Postpartum Prep list.  These clients have access to the “client-only” section of my site and lots of great info, and we prepare a birth plan together.  They can also ask me questions via e-mail any time through their pregnancy – to pick my brain or get answers to things that come up along their pregnancy. This is currently $500.

To understand doula fees, please see http://www.cordmama.com/blog/2015/3/23/why-doulas-are-expensive-and-why-youre-glad-they-are

If you have a partner who doesn’t understand paying for extra support, please see http://goodmenproject.com/families/new-dads-advice-just-hire-a-damn-doula-jrmk/

Other Options:

  • We can set up a payment plan.
  • Gift certificates for my services.
  • Raise funds e.g. a collection-box at your baby-shower or Mother-Blessing, or ask people to contribute to your doula rather than buying other gifts.
  • Find a less experienced doula, as they usually have lower fees. See The Doulas of Regina for a listing of local doulas.
  • If there’s no way you can pay for birth support, check out the Doulas of Regina  Relief Fund.  They pay for doulas to attend the births of women who qualify based on financial need.

Checklist and Tips for Making a Birth Plan

Posted by on in Birth, Birth Prep, Birth Support, Pregnancy

Most people who give birth in a hospital are meeting their medical care team for the first time. A good birth plan, which I prefer to call “Birth Preferences”, can build bridges with your medical team. It can help them get to know you and quickly understand what you’d like in your ideal birth.

Before creating your Birth Preferences, learn about the policies and practises at your birthplace, so you know what to put on your wish-list. If you have special circumstances then you can incorporate those into your birth plan. Examples include choices in caesareans and considerations for trauma reduction.

Your Birth Plan document should be only one page with lots of white space and an easy font – at least 12pt. Use respectful and positive, but firm language. “I prefer….” is wishy-washy for something that really matters to you. 

I recommend you use language that reflects who you are. If you have a great sense of humour, feel free to insert fun and levity in your plan. “If Jamie takes a nap, please kick him when he starts snoring.”

Checklist for an excellent Birth Preferences document

This section includes examples. Feel free to copy them or use your own language. 

  1. Start with an opening paragraph that includes:
  • An opening statement that encompasses your attitudes or overall vision e.g. “We’ve prepared for a natural birth” or “An epidural is part of my plan” or “We’re using Hypnobirthing as a tool.”
  • A statement about consent, such as “We’re open to changes after discussion with the medical staff so we can make informed choices.” or “I will ask questions whenever a procedure is recommended and then need a few minutes alone to think.”
  • A kindness to the staff. “Thank you for supporting us through our birth process” or “We appreciate the work you do.”
  1. An additional opening paragraph if there are special circumstances:
  • Medical conditions that need to be known urgently, such as “Lucy is allergic to penicillin”. 
  • Mobility issues or cognitive considerations.
  • Sensitive issues that may affect your birth, if it feels safe to share. (It’s been my experience that this level of personal sharing makes for better treatment.) “Due to previous trauma, no one is to touch me until I am aware of who they are, understand why and what’s involved, and have verbally agreed.”  Or “Robin faints at the sight of blood, even one drop.” Or “We’ve had a previous loss and do not want to discuss it. Please see the prenatal records.”
  1. Then a short list of points for your wishes. It could be titled, “These are our wishes”:
  • If anyone is joining you, name them. E.g. Your doula or “plus-one” such as a friend or mother.
  • The environment you’d like, such as quiet with dim lights, loud rocking music (bring your own), window blinds open for sunshine, privacy.
  • Continue this section with points that are unique to you. Here are a few of my favorite things from the hundreds of birth plans I’ve seen:
    • I must wear my purple socks at all times.
    • Do not offer pain medications; I’ll ask if I want anything.
    • Please run a bath and encourage me to get in.
    • Minimal cervical checks and only by experienced staff.
    • I will eat if I’m hungry; please provide a waiver.
    • Please provide the squatting bar and recommend positions to keep labour moving.
    • Please coach me through pushing. 
    • I will breathe my baby down and appreciate quiet during the bearing-down stage.
    • Essential staff only; no observers or learners. 
    • Students are welcome.

You get the idea!

  • Cord and placenta plans, if any. E.g. We’d like 3 minutes of delayed cord clamping. Or We’re keeping our placenta. Or Please show me the placenta before disposing of it.
  1. Some people add an “In case of Caesarean:” heading, with things that are important to them such as playing a certain song, delayed cord clamping, requesting someone to take photos if possible, keeping family together as long as possible in the OR.
  1. A closing sentence such as “Thank you for taking time to read this page” or “Thank you for being part of our big day!”

Do not include:

  • Disaster planning language e.g. “… unless something goes wrong.” or “… unless it’s needed”.  It’s a given. 
  • Things that aren’t issues. If your local hospital has a policy that all babies are held skin-to-skin by a parent immediately upon birth and for the first hour (that’s the policy in my local hospital), then there’s no need to ask for that. 
  • A shopping list of all the things you don’t want. You don’t have to tell your medical team that you don’t want an episiotomy or a caesarean – they know that. (Well, unless you’re in a place where episiotomies are routinely done – then add that to the list! In almost every Canadian hospital, episiotomies are not routinely done.)
  • The interventions that are only done after discussion, such as induction, which requires a conversation and signed consent form. 
  • Postpartum care of the maternal or newborn patient. “I will breastfeed” or “I will use formula” do not belong on the birth plan. 

Need help to make a birth plan that builds bridges instead of walls?

I can help you sort through your options and find the best wording. Check out my Birth Plan Prep Consultations which are available in person or on Zoom.

Doula Interview Questions

Posted by on in Birth Prep, Birth Support, Doula, Education

Most doulas offer a complimentary initial meet-n-greet to determine if you’d be a good fit to work together. It’s an opportunity to learn how the doula works, their point of view, what they offer, and also to share what you’d like for your birth and support, if you know. Many people don’t know much about what kind of birth they want to plan; experienced doulas can help sort that out.  After all, if you don’t know your options, you have none.

People learn all about their options and choices (there are many!!) in my Prenatal Classes.

Here are some questions you might wish to ask when you’re considering working with a doula for your birth.

BACKGROUND, EDUCATION, PHILOSOPHY

  1. How many births have you attended?
  2. How long have you been in practise?
  3. Where have you worked? (Hospitals, birth centres, homes. Which ones?)
  4. With which primary practitioners have you worked in my area? (Midwives, doctors, OBs).
  5. What’s your educational background in general?
  6. What experience, education and training do you have, specifically related to birth (childbirth education, birth support, breastfeeding, postpartum support and newborn care)?
  7. Do you have complimentary training e.g. natural remedies, modalities for pain management & comfort measures?
  8. What is your philosophy about pregnancy, birth and support?
  9. What’s one thing you wish all parents-to-be knew about birth?
  10. Are there limitations of support?  E.g., natural vs. medicated birth, time-lines for gestation & labour, home vs. hospital birth.
  11. What compelled you to start doing this work?

GENERAL PRACTISE ORGANIZATION

  1. What are you affiliations? e.g. Professional associations, memberships
  2. Do you provide community links and resources for and relationships with other practitioners with skills who may benefit pregnant and postpartum people?
  3. What’s your offer, in detail? e.g. # of prenatal visits, on-call schedule, post-partum support/schedule.
  4. Fees – cost, payment schedule, return policy. What payments do you accept? Do you offer payment plans?
  5. How do you support partners / birth-companions?
  6. How do you like to communicate with your clients?
  7. What expectations do you have of your clients?
  8. Do you have privileges in all or limited birth centres & hospitals?
  9. Do you work with out-of-town clients?
  10. Are there additional perks? Are they included or do they cost extra? e.g. Lending library of books & videos, informational resources, health related therapies, workshops or classes?

PRENATAL CARE

  1. What information is covered in prenatal meetings?
  2. Do you help create a birth-plan?
  3. What kind of preparation tools/materials do you offer?
  4. How do you help prepare clients for their ideal birth?
  5. Do you expect your clients to do any homework?
  6. Do you help your clients prepare for the postpartum stage? If so, how?
  7. Are you available for extra meetings, questions, phone calls? If so, are there additional fees?

LABOR & BIRTH

  1. Do you work with back-up? If so, who and can I meet them if I wish?
  2. Under what circumstances would the back-up attend?
  3. What if you miss the birth?
  4. What if I go into labour before on-call dates?
  5. When do you join your clients in labour?
  6. Where do you join your clients? At home or place of birth?
  7. How long do you stay?
  8. What are your methods or tools for support during the birthing process? e.g. Pain management techniques such as massage & knowledge of positions; complimentary therapies such as homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy.
  9. How do you help keep labour progressing efficiently?
  10. What do you do to help with difficult labours (long, stalled, and/or back labour)
  11. Are you knowledgeable and comfortable supporting labour with medical interventions?
  12. How do you work with my partner and/or anyone else I might wish to be part of my labour?
  13. What if I have a Caesarean birth?
  14. What if I’m transferred to (another) hospital or city?

POSTPARTUM & NEWBORN CARE

  1. Do you help with breastfeeding? How? When? e.g. Immediately after birth or at home in the following days too?
  2. What if I need specialized help with breastfeeding and/or recovery from birth?
  3. What does your support look like in the postpartum stage?
  4. How long do you offer postpartum support?
  5. Do you have resources to help with postpartum recovery? For the birthing person and/or the baby?

MOST IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PARENTS-TO-BE:

  1. Do you feel comfortable enough with this doula to share your baby’s birth?
  2. Are they kind, warm, and have the other personality traits you’d like in a doula?
  3. Is the doula knowledgeable about your particular concerns?
  4. Do they listen and communicate well?
  5. Are they comfortable with your choices or do they seem to have their own agenda?

Angie The Doula – Guide on When To Go To The Hospital

Posted by on in Birth, Birth Prep, Birth Support, Hospital Birth, Labour

If you’re planning a hospital birth then you have to figure out when to go. This guide will help you make that important decision.

Most people don’t know that the majority of naturally-starting labours is usually done at home. Some people want to get to the hospital later in the birth process. They know the longer they’re in the hospital, the more likely they are to have interventions as part of their birth. They may simply enjoy being at home for longer. 

One of the benefits of working with a doula is that we help clients decide when to go. We will remind you that you won’t be officially admitted if you aren’t “far enough along” in labour. Most first time birthers without professional guidance go far too early, often by many hours. This leads to the disappointment of being sent back home. 

Please note that this is a general guide. At your prenatal appointments, ask your medical care provider if there are any specific recommendations for when you should go in. Some pre-existing conditions or medical issues lead to different recommendations from those below.

Photo by Paula O. Licensed under Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

When to go to hospital

Unless you’ve been told otherwise by HCP…

  • Pattern of contractions or sensations (explained below): 311 for a first birth or 411 for subsequent births; even sooner if you have a history of fast birthing. Hot tip: If you feel like eating, then it’s likely too early, based on labour pattern alone.
  • Lots of pressure down low. If contractions end with a grunt or feelings of needing to poop, then get going! 
  • Any signs of labour before 37 weeks.
  • Any health concerns (some “warning signs” are below).
  • Decreased fetal movement that isn’t remedied within an hour or two by eating and resting. This is not a 911 call but it does mean to go presently. Do not sleep on this.
  • When waters release? Maybe, maybe not.
  • If there’s a colour (yellow, brown, green) or foul odour when waters release.
  • Want pharmaceutical help coping with pain.
  • Feel safer at the hospital or want reassurance about your own or baby’s health. You will likely be sent home if all is well and you are not in ‘active labour’ but that’s OK. Consider it a trial-run and some good news that everyone is medically stable.

Before heading in:

  • Have some juice or snack (unless you’ve been instructed to not eat e.g. schedule c/s).
  • Pee before heading out the door.
  • Bring:
    • Health Card
    • Envelope with your prenatal records & birth-plan
    • Any prescription medications
    • Bonus: lip-balm and a hair-tie
  • Be ready to answer these 3 questions:

1.    What’s the labour pattern (just show an app if you’re using one)?

2.    Have waters released? If so was there a colour? 

3.    Is the baby moving normally?

Warning Signs

This is a partial list. Warning signs are covered in detail in prenatal classes and health region documents.

Seek medical attention (do not sleep on these signs or wait in hopes that they pass):

  • Decreased fetal movement
  • Visual disturbances
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Pain in upper abdomen that doesn’t pass
  • Maternal fever

911 call:

  • Red, flowing bleeding or clots
  • Sudden, severe / intense / sharp pain that brings you to your knees and doesn’t pass
  • Cord prolapse when waters release

A note about “being sent home”: It’s OK. Perhaps it’s inconvenient but it can be reassuring to get checked out, be found healthy, and then be sent home. I’ve met a lot of nice staff at various hospitals who will tell you it’s better to come in for nothing than to miss a problem.  

Note about the contraction pattern: 

  • 311 means 3 minutes between the start of one contraction and the start of the next; 1 minute from start to end of the contraction; at least 1 hour of that pattern consistently. (411 is the same except 4 min between contractions.) 
  • Use 411 as your guide if you wish to get there soon into active labour, and likely stay but maybe sent home . 
  • Use 311 as your guide if you want to be more certain of being admitted and have no need or desire to go earlier in the process

I teach a variety of Child Birth Education classes and prenatal workshops online for people all over.  I have been a birth doula since 2002, and have helped over 300 clients with their births and over 1000 through prenatal classes. Learn more about my birth doula services, and contact me with any questions you may have.

Summer pregnancies & hot births!!

Posted by on in Birth, Birth Prep, Birth Support, Comfort, Herbs, Labour, Nutrition, Postpartum, Pregnancy

Oh, the days are hot and even more so when we’re growing a baby or holding a newborn. If you don’t already know, profuse sweating is a normal part of postpartum recovery even during winter. 

Here are some tips for summer survival with a baby-bump that go beyond the obvious, typical lists – wear loose clothing, do things early in the day, stay hydrated, find AC. I think we all know that by now.  

Summer Pregnancy-Safe Drinks

Growing and/or feeding a baby both take a lot of energy and we burn through more electrolytes and minerals in the hot summer. Sugar drinks are not helpful. Pregnant and breastfeeding bodies are more susceptible to blood sugar shifts and the yeast / thrush infections that result from high sugar intake. I have 2 articles for you for healthy, refreshing and cooling drinks (other than plain old water which is of course, important every day). They’re all nutritive during pregnancy and postpartum recovery – actually any time. Kids and adults can consume these. 

Cooling Essential Oil Body Sprays / Mists

Even though every bottle says “don’t use during pregnancy”, there are a lot of oils that are safe. Consult a certified aromatherapist – that’s me, from way before it was cool (pun intended) to be into essential oils. You can make a spritzer with:

  • mint
  • lavender
  • cucumber
  • lemon – actually any citrus oil.

Add any combination of those to aloe, witch-hazel or a flower water such as rosewater.

If you prefer to buy a spray, check out the perineum sprays such as that made by Earth Mama Organics. They can be used all over, not just your bottom! 

Caution #1: Citrus oils can make your skin more sensitive to sun-burn; only use for an indoor spray.
Caution #2: Many commercial refreshers and cooling sprays contain Eucalyptus, which should never be used near babies and pets. Best to avoid it through pregnancy too. Some types are safe but the most commonly used ones are too strong. 

Angie’s Tips for a Cooler Birth:

  • Put a small wireless fan in your birth bag and/or birth place. Some of my clients use handheld fans and others use ones with a big clip. 
  • If you’re having a hospital birth, i.e. in a scent-free environment, then bring an empty squirt bottle and fill it with cold water for misting. 
  • Ice chips! They’re amazing during labour & birth. Suck on them, put them in a washcloth and use as a cold-pack all over the body, put them in a bowl of water and dip a washcloth in to apply on foreheads and necks, add them to juice and water. I rarely attend a birth without using at least a couple of cups of ice-chips. 
  • Temperature fluctuations are amplified during the birth process. This video has tips to regulate temperature during birth and what the partner / birth companions can do.  

C-19 Updates in Birth and Postpartum Care in Regina

Posted by on in Baby Care, Birth, Birth Prep, Birth Support, Dads, Homebirth, Induction, Labour, Pregnancy, Prenatal Classes, Safety

I’ve been keeping in touch with the good people managing the units at Regina General Hospital. Here are all of the recent updates of RGH Labour/Birth Unit and Mother/Baby Units here in Regina, Saskatchewan due to Covid-19. Please note that any of these may change on short notice due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Some additional tips for navigating your birth journey:

I lead RGH Tours live but online multiple times a month.

Article: How to Set Up your Birth Room (i.e. What Your Doula Would Normally Do!)

Easing Labour Pain: An online 2-hr class offered monthly that teaches partners how to provide hands-on birth-support, comfort, and decrease labour pain.

If anyone’s looking for online prenatal classes please contact me. I teach all the sessions live but online so you can ask questions.

*****

Hospital Update

ONGOING SUMMARY of Current Practises in the Labour & Birth Unit and the Mother-Baby Unit:

  • The health region is not on the same timeline of relaxing restrictions as the SK gov’t. Restrictions are still in place at health care facilities.
  • All maternal patients and their designated family members/support persons will be screened for COVID-19 upon arrival at RGH and be required to have a temperature check, wear a mask, participate in hand hygiene and follow physical distancing guidelines.
  • Support persons/visitors who are symptomatic for COVID-19 or who have other risk factors will not be permitted. 
  • Masks are mandatory for partners and support persons throughout the hospital, except for when there’s no staff present in the Mother-Baby Unit. Labouring patients who pass screening are asked to wear masks as long as they’re comfortable doing so. 
  • All waiting rooms are closed. One primary support person is allowed with each maternal patient through registration and the assessment areas. The second support person should wait at home or somewhere outside the hospital until the labouring person is officially admitted and moved to a birth room. 
  • Support people coming in on their own, i.e. not with the labouring patient, can be screened 24/7 at the main RGH doors (14th St entrance). Do not use the ER doors unless you are a patient or are with one.
  • All maternal patients will be offered an optional COVID-19 swab once their admitted to the Birth Unit. Family members/support persons will not be offered a COVID-19 swab.
  • If the maternal patient tested positive for Covid at any time during their pregnancy, then their placenta will be sent for testing. 
  • There are 2 support persons (aged 18+) of the maternal patients choosing, allowed in the BIRTH ROOM; no swapping. 
  • The MOTHER-BABY UNIT allows new families to have 2 additional visitors at a time (11am-8pm). The “no-swapping rule” has been lifted in this unit. Visitors must be aged 18 and over, except siblings of the newborn who are permitted to visit with an adult.
  • Nitrous Oxide / “laughing-gas”/ Entonox is available, “𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 (𝑎𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 + 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑃𝑂𝐶 𝐶𝑂𝑉𝐼𝐷 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡) 𝑜𝑛 𝐿𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑟 & 𝐵𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐻𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙.” 
  • Waterbirth is no longer an option in the hospital, even for those under midwifery care. The installed bath-tub is available for comfort in labour.  Waterbirth is an option at homebirths when one is under midwifery care.
  • Breastfeeding is still being supported at RGH regardless of Covid-status. There are plans and protocols in place so that mother-baby can stay together if the birth-mom is at risk, has symptoms, or tests positive for C-19 in the immediate postpartum. 
  • All waiting rooms are closed. Food outlets have limited seating.
  • Galleys are closed to patients/visitors in both units. The nurses will get food for you in the birth unit but not in the mother-baby unit. Bring snacks! There is no access to the microwaves, kettles, food, water-ice machines. There is no access to the big fridges and freezers, but every room has a small mini-bar fridge.
  • The hospital does not provide warming tools other than blankets from the blanket warmer. If you like a hot-water bottle or heating pad, then bring your own. Staff are not allowed to take people’s heating devices to the microwave or kettle. You can use a plug-in device or fill a hot water bottle with hot tap water.
  • Bring what you would normally bring for your birth and hospital stay. Support people will be given a wristband so they can go to car later for extras and car-seat. You are still allowed to bring your pillow, clothing etc. – whatever you need for comfort.
  • Even though community restrictions are being lifted, great care should be taken with newborns once the family is home. Physical distancing and being only with members of the same household are still recommended. Anyone who enters the house can bring in pathogens/bugs.

03A47318

 

A TIMELINE OF PREVIOUS UPDATES

…. just in case you’re curious about what’s been coming and going and happening through the pandemic.  Note that several of these restrictions have been lifted. The list above is current.

June 08, 2022 – Good news! Nitrous Oxide / “laughing-gas”/ Entonox is available again in Regina, “𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 (𝑎𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 + 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑃𝑂𝐶 𝐶𝑂𝑉𝐼𝐷 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡) 𝑜𝑛 𝐿𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑟 & 𝐵𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐻𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙.” All maternal patients are screened on the way in (answer the usual questions re travel & symptoms) and then offered a swab-test once they’re admitted to the unit.

March 2022

  • Due to Covid, the Nitrous Oxide (“laughing gas”) is not available. It may be available again, depending on some supply issues. 
  • The Mother Baby Unit now allows new families to have 2 visitors at a time (11am-8pm) and they can be anyone you want. (The “no-swapping rule” has been lifted.)
    That said, postpartum hospital stays are usually short – only 1-2 days. There are many benefits to just resting with your new baby and saving the visitors for once you return home.
  • Note: The Labour & Birth Unit remains as is – 2 support persons per maternal patient, no swapping.

Feb 2022. The proof of vaccination / negative test requirements have been lifted.  Support persons no longer have to show proof of anything. 

Nov 8, 2021, partners, visitors, doulas, support persons, everyone EXCEPT the patient being admitted, must show proof of double Covid vaccine or a negative test within the past 72 hours from an SHA approved tester in order to enter SHA hospitals. Anyone who is not double vaxxed and wants to attend the birth might consider serial testing every 72 hours in order to be ready anytime.  

There are 2 support persons allowed in the BIRTH ROOM. From Saskatchewan Health Authority:

“Effective immediately, expectant mothers and families across Saskatchewan will now be permitted to have two designated family members/support persons present during their birthing experience. Designated family members/support persons are chosen by the mother and family and may include but are not limited to partners, family members, coaches, doulas or cultural support persons.

All maternal patients and their designated family members/support persons will be screened for COVID-19 upon arrival and be required to have a temperature check, wear a mask, participate in hand hygiene and follow physical distancing guidelines. Designated family members/support persons who are symptomatic for COVID-19 or who have other risk factors will not be permitted. The designated family members/support persons must be consistent during the duration of the patient’s stay. They may leave the facility but cannot be switched out for another family member or support person. Only designated family members/support persons will be permitted at this time, other visitors, including siblings, will not be allowed.

All maternal patients will be offered an optional COVID-19 swab upon admission. Family members/support persons will not be offered a COVID-19 swab.

Summer 2020

◆ Support people coming in on their own, i.e. not with the labouring patient, can be screened 24/7 at the main RGH doors (14th St entrance). They do not have to go to the ER doors.
◆A 24-hr support person who’s joining a birth or going to MBU for a maternal patient that has already been admitted can enter through the main 14th St doors at any time, 24/7. No need to go through the ER.
◆ A support person entering the hospital with a maternal patient will be screenedwith the maternal patient.

Please note that while the 14th Ave entrance is open 24/7 with a security guard that can screen and let people in, the registration desk is only open from 6am-6pm. Support people can enter this door 24/7 because they are not patients (don’t need to go through the registration process).
 
If you’re in labour and going to RGH as a patient, then you’ll have to go to an entrance that has an open registration desk. On weekends, holidays and evenings/overnights, that will be the ER.

If you have to step outside and get back in, here’s how:

◆ 14th St main entry has a security person around the clock. If you have your proof of screening and are wearing a band it’s easy to get back in 24/7. If you’ve not been screened yet, I recommend you start at this door. If they are unable to screen you, they will send you through the ER doors instead.
◆ The ER can screen 24/7 but please save the ER capacity for people who need it.
◆ 15th St admitting doors are locked overnight. The doors below MBU at 15th St parking lot are locked 24/7. You can not enter the 15th St side of RGH overnight. If you go out those doors, you’ll have to walk around to the 14th St entry.

If your 2nd support person is not at the birth but is invited to MBU, they will be screened on their way into the hospital. They must be named when you are admitted to LBU so remember to tell your nurse. You must get a coloured bracelet for them. I expect someone has to meet them outside the unit to give them the band that will grant them access to the MBU, but ask your MBU nurse about this.

◆ “If the patient fails screening, she becomes a Person Under Investigation (PUI), therefore the support person now becomes a PUI as they have been in ‘close, prolonged contact with a PUI.’ The support will be sent home, however, the patient may have an alternative support person or people who pass screening. ” That means anyone who has been with the labouring person for more than 2 hours will not be allowed in if they are suspected of C-19/exposure.

Folks – you need to plan for this. Plan C. New support people who have not been with you for more than 2 hours AND who pass screening may be allowed into isolation. They will be gowned, masked, gloved throughout and will not be allowed to leave the isolation room. Food will be brought in.

◆ Again, it’s up to you to ensure that a 2nd support person has been named so they can enter the unit. Ask your nurse about this.
◆ Supports must be 19 years and older. (No, I’m not sure what happens in the case of teen pregnancy, young doulas and so on. This is just what I was told.)
◆ The health region is not on the same timeline of relaxing restrictions as the SK gov’t. Restrictions are still in place at health care facilities.
◆ You’ll see staff wearing masks throughout your stay.
◆ Bring what you would normally bring for your birth and hospital stay. Support people will be given a wristband so they can go to car later for extras and car-seat. You are still allowed to bring your pillow, clothing etc – whatever you need for comfort.

Doctor

◆ Labouring women are asked to wear the mask as long as they can stand to do so. Postpartum patients are asked to wear their masks when staff are in the room.

◆ Masks are mandatory for partners and support persons throughout the hospital, except for when there’s no staff present in the Mother-Baby Unit.

◆ People can wear whatever mask they want to enter the building. Public Health does have recommendations on personal masks (on the SHA site). However, once inside the building, people will go through screening and will be given medical masks to wear in the building (the blue ones with folds). The blue medical masks must be worn in all public spaces and the assessment area.

◆ Nitrous-oxide (“laughing”) gas is available for pain management. If a tank is being used (instead of the tubes that go directly into the wall), then the maternal patient must have a negative Covid swab done prior to use. 
◆ If you or baby are at high-risk for birth complications, you may be asked to use an epidural during labour to avoid the need for a general anaesthetic in case of an urgent/stat caesarean. Best to discuss this with your OB ahead of time so you can learn your options and make a plan.
◆ Waterbirth is currently not an option in the hospital. Midwives are not lending pools out for home birth. If you have your own then waterbirth at home is still an option (contact me for info on where to get one).
◆ The installed bath-tub is available for comfort in labour.
◆ Breastfeeding is still being supported at RGH.
◆ There are plans and protocols in place so that mother-baby can stay together if mom is at risk or has symptoms of C-19 in the immediate postpartum.
◆ Even though some community restrictions are being lifted, great care should be taken with newborns once the family is home. Physical distancing and being only with members of the same household are still recommended. Anyone who enters the house can bring in pathogens/bugs.

◆I always tell people to bring their own hot water bottle or Magic Bag to the hospital. That’s because the hospital does not provide any warm tools other than blankets from the blanket warmer. They are lovely but they are not the same as a hot water bottle. The new update is that the staff are not allowed to take people heating devices to the microwave or kettle. Therefore if people want to use heat it will have to be a plug-in device or they can fill the hot water bottle with hot tap water in their own room. Stay warm and stay well during your visit!

◆ Paid parking has resumed in the RGH parking lots. You will need cash for the main lot. Also, the 15th street parking is reserved only for people who have appointments or are being admitted to the hospital. Vehicles are being ticketed again on the streets around the hospital so no more free parking that way.

◆ There is nowhere for the second support person to wait as all waiting rooms are closed. The second support person should wait at home or somewhere outside the hospital until the labouring person is officially admitted and moved to a birth room.

◆ Partners/support persons will be provided with a mask at the entry doors. (Bring a big paperclip or string if you want to save sore ears.) Check out these tips for saving your ears from mask-pain.  Everyone must wear masks in the hallways. Labouring people do not have to wear a mask once they’re in their patient rooms in the birth unit and the mother-baby unit.

◆ Food outlets now allow people to sit in.

◆ Galleys are still closed to patients in both units. The nurses will get food for you in the birth unit but not in the mother-baby unit so people have to bring their own snacks. There is no access to the microwaves, kettles, food, water-ice machines. There is no access to the big fridges and freezers, but every room has a small mini-bar fridge.

Birth Room

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞

● Attend appointments, diagnostics (ultrasound, lab) solo. Routine appointments might be done over the phone or spaced out. High-risk and special circumstances will still get the extra care they need.
● Midwifery offices are doing the discussion part of the consult by phone and then a quick in-person appointment for the hands-on part. They prefer pregnant patients attend alone but will allow partners. No other family members/friends/support are allowed.
● Anyone under midwifery or GP care who tests positive for C-19 at any point in their pregnant, birth or postpartum will be immediately transferred to OB care.
● If you’re an early-bird you may be asked to wait in your car until your appointment time.

𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 (𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫 & 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡)

● Early discharge is being offered as an option for those that are healthy and feel comfortable with newborn care. That means to go home a few hours after your birth instead of staying 24-36 hours.
● Anyone getting a cervidil induction will be monitored and then sent home to wait for labour to start, as per usual, then rescreened at RGH doors and LBU doors upon return.
● Support people are allowed at homebirths but must be screened. If anyone in the home (residents or support people) doesn’t pass screening, then the birth must be transferred to RGH. In that case, the one support person rule applies. Home birthers – screen your people before they come over!

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞

● Doors that don’t have an admitting desk are locked tight; security will not let anyone in. That includes the convenient door just below the MBU.
● Families are being asked to stay in their room as much as possible.
● Support people may not visit any other patient areas.
● Food trays are being provided for new moms in the MBU.
● Breastfeeding class in the unit is still running but only birth mother and baby attend, and only up to 3 participants. If there are less than 3 maternal patients, then partners may be allowed to attend.
● Midwives and public health nurses are still providing postpartum home-visits. Some may be done by phone or video, depending on your needs.

Please contact me if you have any questions about this information or any of my services.

5 Ways Labour Pain is Different than Broken-Bone Pain

Posted by on in Birth, Birth Prep, Birth Support, Comfort, Labour, Pain

Some people compare labour pain to that of breaking bones. Besides scaring pregnant people, that’s not an accurate comparison. On the other hand, some women share stories of pain-free birth. Here are 5 ways the sensations felt in labour are different than “broken-bone pain”.

  1. Broken-bone pain is unrelenting and doesn’t go away without strong pain meds; labour pain comes and goes in a rhythmical manner. In fact, throughout labour, much more time is spent in the rest between contractions. Even in advanced labour, most contractions last between 60-75 seconds but can sometimes get to 90 seconds. Then there’s a rest before the next once. In active labour that rest will generally be between 1-3 minutes. In earlier labour that rest will be up to 10 minutes. There is no rest with broken-bone pain. It’s constant.
  2. Broken-bone pain is all encompassing, resulting in the release of stress hormones and injury responses in our body. Labour pain is accompanied by powerful pain-killing hormones such as endorphins. The female body is equipped for labour with strong, naturally occurring hormones that are released as labour progresses. The effect of these hormones has been compared to morphine by physiologists. (However those hormones are not as concentrated and isolated like morphine. Still, that’s a powerful comparison!) Stress makes pain worse.
  3. Broken bones are a terrible injury; labour is a normal human process.
  4. Broken bones are due to an accident; labour is a known and sometimes planned event. Therefore we can prepare for the intensity of labour. There are many helpful tools and strategies for comfort measures that can be done by the labouring person or their birth companions. We teach many of these in our How to Ease Labour Pain Class.
  5. Doulas! Birth doulas can make a significant difference in how labour is experienced and felt. There’s ample research showing the benefits of doula support through birth, including shorter labours, half the rate of Caesareans, significantly fewer requests for epidurals. To my knowledge, there’s no such thing as “broken-bone doulas”. Everyone around someone with broken bones is providing medical care – good thing too. Ideally, labouring people will have someone knowledgeable with them whose only job is to provide comfort and support.
  6. Broken bone pain is measured in weeks and months; labour is measured in hours.

* It’s interesting to note that I’ve only heard men make this comparison. Many pregnant women fear this will be the case but I’ve never heard anyone who’s gone through labour and had a past experience of broken bones say they were the same thing. I’m one of them. A couple of years before being pregnant, I broke my pelvis. There is absolutely no comparison between the two events.

Doulas and Dads

Posted by on in Birth Prep, Birth Support, Dads, Doula, Labour

Although the information here will reassure any partner, this article intentionally addresses dads-to-be. All the quotes, links and videos are made by dads for dads-to-be, about their most common concerns about birth support:  1) Value; why should we pay for a doula if I’m going to be there?  2) Why do we even need a doula; what does she have that I don’t?  3) How will I be included if a doula attends?

Read More “Doulas and Dads”