My KC Doula
Thoughts & Musings
If you are newly pregnant, you may be wondering where the best place for you to give birth in Kansas City would be. We are so lucky to have such phenomenal care providers in every sector in Kansas City so we have put together a quick benefits and risks check list for you to help you decide what would be the best location for you. Take a look and fill out our contact sheet so we can help walk with you as you make this important decision!
There are many options for non-pharmacological pain relief and coping mechanisms during
labor. Here are several to get you started!
Breathing and Sound:
• Rhythmic breathing can help you focus and stay on top of your contractions; pick a
pattern that works well for you and practice it before labor
• Moaning, and low-pitched sounds can help you cope with contractions while also
keeping your pelvis open and loose
• Avoid high-pitched sounds as they have a tightening effect on the pelvic outlet
• Can be helpful if your doula or partner breathes and/or moans with you
• Deep breaths also ensure that your baby is receiving enough oxygen
Massage and Physical Support:
• Firm, steady pressure on shoulders, back and upper arms
• Lighter massage of temples and head
• Back press on sacrum can aid back labor
• Hip squeezes can help relieve pressure during contractions
• Hand and foot massage in between contractions can re-focus and calm
• Any physical touch from partner or doula can offer grounding and reassurance during
labor
• A hot shower, bath, or labor tub (hydrotherapy) can ease the pain of contractions and
allow for better control and calming
• Hot and/or cold packs on sore or painful areas (avoid extreme temperatures)
Positions:
• Sitting on birth ball - aids in relaxation and relief of pressure
• Partner-supported squat - can help by taking your weight off you and allowing gravity to
work to your advantage
• Side-lying with peanut ball or pillow between legs - useful for resting while keeping
pelvic outlet open
• Side lunge - can help further open pelvic outlet if baby seems stuck or stalled
• Hands and knees position - takes pressure off the back if back labor is a problem
• Leaning over bed or birth ball allows for rest between contractions, and relieving
pressure from back
Try some on your own or ask one of your doulas to give you a specific run down of each option! Happy Birthing!
The other day I had a phone call with a perspective client and they said, “thats great but what does a doula DO?” It took me a second to gather my thoughts because I thought I was explaining it pretty well! Sometimes when we’ve been doing something for so long, it starts to feel like a second skin. I can’t imagine NOT knowing what to do in a birth situation and that can make explaining it to others very difficult.
Growing and carrying a human inside of you, while incredible, can also be quite taxing. Your healthcare provider, partner, and doula will always be encouraging you to get good rest, which will be difficult to do if you are experiencing pregnancy insomnia. If you are, you are not alone as it is estimated that about 75% of pregnant people are affected with some level of insomnia in pregnancy.
Many women who have consumed their placentas after birth report positive outcomes such as improved mood, higher levels of energy, alleviated postpartum bleeding, faster postpartum healing and recovery, better bonding with their babies, improved lactation and regularization of hormones following birth. Most people are familiar with the most common method of preserving the placenta, which involves dehydrating and encapsulating the organ but what else can you do with a placenta?
