by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
Fall is a great time to be pregnant or deliver a baby. It’s the perfect temperature, it is host to a variety of outdoor activities, and it is simply a breathtaking time of year. One way you can embrace the season is by boasting some pregnancy trends. Read on to learn about the maternity items that are totally of the moment, as well as some great baby related items that your little bundle of joy will look absolutely adorable in or utilizing!
1. Bold Blazers
Fall boasts that in-between weather. Some days it’s warm, some days it’s cool (when you’re pregnant, your body temperature always fluctuates). In order to give your go-to denim jacket a rest, many expecting moms slip on a bold blazer. These blazers are highly structured and contoured (and not meant to be buttoned), serving as the perfect layering piece. Shop for a blazer that is featured in a rich eggplant hue; or hot pink tone in order to liven up any casual or dressy ensemble.
2. Floral and Suede
Many pregnant women are showcasing their fashion sense by pairing a floral printed, knee length dress with suede riding boots. Shop for a dress with an A-line silhouette; or look for one that has an empire waist to get a flattering but comfortable fit. Plus, the subtle texture on the boots complements the floral print beautifully, giving the overall look an androgynous feel.
3. Infinity Scarves
The ultimate fall accessory; infinity scarves are still going strong. Pregnant women are adding an infinity to their week day or week end wear to draw the eye upward and take attention away from a bulging belly and their bottom half. Many are wearing an infinity scarf with a comfortable knit tee and quilted vest. An added bonus of this fall item? You can use it as a cover up when you’re nursing your baby. Talk about function and fashion!
4. Baby Moccasins
Moms and Moms-to-be aren’t the only ones who can show off their keen fashion sense! Babies can also get into the fall spirit by sliding on a pair of moccasins. These soft and trendy booties are highly cute and highly comfortable. Be sure to pair them with skinny fit baby jeans or jogger style pants!
5. Adventure Themes
Many of the top baby retailers are turning to an adventure theme when designing their fall baby line. Keep your eyes peeled for unisex items that include bow and arrow prints (in a variety of colors), sassy sayings (like, “Rebel” or the general term, “Adventure”), and also Where the Wild Things Are inspired crown prints and shapes from the beloved children’s book.
So many trends, so little time! These five fashion items are a must for both mom and baby this season. Whether you are expecting or have just delivered, you can embrace the season of fall by dressing the part and enjoying the sights all around you!
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
The holiday season gives us all an opportunity to connect with gratitude. I can’t think of there anything to be more thankful more than being pregnant during the holiday season Think about it: You’re having a baby. Right now, a little one is growing and developing inside of you. S/he is tucked snugly underneath your heart and waiting to meet everyone who loves them and is waiting for them on this side of the Earth. Of course, here’s more to the holiday than being grateful for the bun in your oven. As we count our blessings, let’s also think of ways to stay comfortable while pregnant during the holidays.
Autumn and Thanksgiving
Who doesn’t love autumn? If you’re lucky enough to watch the leaves change color, begin to fall and crunch underneath your feet count your blessings. As the air cools, many people start to think of football and turkey legs. Of course, not everyone loves football, but the season brings us a new kind of cozy nesting time, so similar to pregnancy for many women.
In my house, Thanksgiving brings the season together. I love the scent of pumpkin pie in the oven. I find extra whipped cream to be a necessity when you’re pregnant. Around here, we think that the perfect pie crust can only be formed with copious amounts of love and butter? Personally, I think pumpkin pie should be eaten year-round, but the appeal of it and the scent that is evokes as it wafts through your family’s house as soon as you walk through the front door on Thanksgiving is hard to beat. It screams “Hey, autumn and football and turkey legs are here!”
Pie aside, Thanksgiving dinner is a thing dreams are made of. It’s sumptuous. It invites everyone to congregate, laugh and revel in the splendor that is heaping piles of mashed potatoes, perfectly browned turkey skin and gravy covering it all. Don’t forget the stuffing. In some sects, it may be better-recognized as dressing. Whatever one calls it, there’s never a better excuse to eat a bunch of gravy-soaked bread than Thanksgiving time.
When you are pregnant, thanksgiving dinner brings some great opportunities and a few challenges. Here are things to love and ways to stay comfortable at your thanksgiving feast:
Stretch Pants
Loosened belt buckles and unbuttoned pants are among the hallmarks of thanksgiving. Those people have it rough. They might be able to loosen the grip their jeans have on them long enough to squeeze in one more slice of turkey or helping of green bean casserole, but that’s all.
The pregnant woman gets to bring her best pair of maternity leggings to the dinner table and enjoy as many helpings as she wants. Seriously, this is the only time it’s going to be acceptable by your entire family that you want seconds and thirds. Go for it. No one will say a word. Best of all, your pants won’t cut off your circulation.
Word to the wise, if heartburn and indigestion plague you, eat slowly. Graze all day if you must — as much as one can graze on mounds of fluffy whipped potatoes. Eating a few papaya enzymes before you indulge can be helpful, too. But mostly, it’s the stretch pants.
Nap Time
You know that folktale about Thanksgiving being the perfect day for the men to stuff their faces and fall asleep watching football?, It’s no folktale. Turkey contains high levels of tryptophan, which makes us sleepy. You get to be one of the boys this year. After all the protein and pie
your little heart and big belly desires, feel free to slip away and lie down for a bit. Mommas-to-be need their rest! You have the perfect excuse.
One of the Boys
For better or worse, in traditional American family, most of the women end up in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day removing gizzards and preparing a feast fit for all the kings waiting in the family room watching the big game. This year, take a load off. It’s not great for your circulation or baby to be on your feet all day like that. Take a breather and catch up with Dad and your favorite uncle. If you do find yourself in the kitchen, make sure your focus is on taste-testing for the other ladies in your family more so than it is peeling potatoes and basting meats.
If horseshoes and turkey frying are part of the equation, take that belly outside and enjoy the crisp air that immediately puts the kibosh on your estrogen-fueled hot flashes. Alright, maybe steer clear of the turkey fryer, but lend a hand when it’s time to test the skin for the perfect crispness. Take to Pinterest and find yourself a mocktail recipe that will make you fit right in with your beer guzzling relatives.
The Experienced Mom
If this isn’t your first pregnancy, delight in the fact that you are big and pregnant and it’s hot in this house. Step outside and take a walk. Leave the little ones with Dad and grab a break for yourself. Let them enjoy playing with cousins and grandparents, aunts and uncles. In other words, let everyone else keep an eye on your kids. That’s part of what this holiday is about. If your supermom cousin just had her first, make sure to pass on the tradition and let her know.
If this is your last pregnancy, dig in! Dig into the food, sink into the comfy sofa, and fall in love with autumn and football and Thanksgiving. Baby will be here soon and you’ll be longing for a day when you got to eat your food hot. Next year will be a completely different story!
Written by Danielle Bosley; edited by Donna Harel Kirschner
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
The holiday season can be such a magical time of year, full of lights, laughter, and merriment as we get together and celebrate with family and friends. This season, the promise of a new baby arriving in the next few months brings an extra layer of joy to the festivities for you and your family. But the holidays can also be demanding and stressful, and dealing with a pregnancy on top of it all can add even more stress to your plate. What can you do to make the holidays stress-free for you and your baby?
1. Just say no
The holidays come with many obligations: parties, presents, decorations, the end of year wrap up at work. It can be overwhelming and very stressful to find time to fit everything in. But you don’t have to – and you shouldn’t. It’s okay to say no. Resist the holiday baking if it’s stressing you out and go store-bought instead. Say no to helping with the holiday pageant this year. Avoid the people and situations that cause you stress. The health of you and your baby is the most important concern right now, so listen to your body and say no if it’s too much. People will understand.
2. Online shopping is your best friend
Traipsing around all over town searching for the perfect gift, trudging back and forth across the mall – holiday shopping is hard enough without swollen feet, aching joints, and stopping to pee every half hour. Go online instead! Make life easier on yourself and enjoy the benefits of shopping from the comfort of your living room. A cup of tea, a few clicks, and you’re all done.
3. Plan something to look forward to
Make sure you set aside time for something you really want to do. Start a new tradition, have a cozy night in by the fire, visit with family or friends that make you smile. Having something to look forward to will help keep you positive and lower your stress. The holidays should be a joyful time, so do what makes you happy!
4. Get enough rest
Your calendar fills up fast during the holidays, and during this busy time it’s difficult to fit everything in while ensuring you have enough downtime. But getting enough sleep and rest is crucial to reducing your stress, and is especially necessary when you’re pregnant. Steal a nap here or there when you can. Skip plans if you’re too tired. Go to bed early. Take time to rest every day and try to get a full night’s sleep. You need it to keep up with the demands of your growing baby.
5. Eat, drink, and be merry
Everywhere you look, there are sweet treats and indulgent holiday spreads calling your name! The holidays only come once a year, so enjoy – in moderation. Avoid overeating, and try to eat mostly healthy food so you can properly nourish your baby with the right vitamins and minerals. Bring your own sparkling grape juice or non-alcoholic beverages to holiday dinners and parties so you can toast the season without worrying about whether there’s alcohol in your drink.
6. Let people help you
Now more than ever is the time to accept help. Let your significant other or a friend do the decorating for you. Take a family member up on their offer to watch your other children while you sit and rest. Let someone else host the holiday dinner this year. You don’t have to do it all! Learn how to accept help now, because you’ll need this skill once the baby comes.
7. Trim the tree…and the extras
This time of year always takes a huge chunk out of your pocketbook, and now you have to add buying new clothes and preparing for baby to the list. It can be a huge financial strain on couples, and you may be worried about how you’re going to manage. But you don’t have to spend a lot on the holidays. Cut out the extras – think about what you really need and what isn’t necessary. Reduce the amount you spend on gifts; remember it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag. You can have a wonderful holiday on a budget, and when it’s all over you’ll be grateful you did.
Happy Holidays Mamas-to-be!
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
What do weddings, parties, holidays, and New Year’s Eve have in common? They all stink when you’re pregnant! But, don’t let the lack of adult beverages and soft-cheese snacks ruin your time or your spirits. You can be all smiles when you ring in the New Year this upcoming holiday. Here are several tips that will ensure you have nothing but fun on New Year’s Eve!
Tip #1-Make a Mocktail
If you’re ringing in the New Year at a fancy establishment, you’re in luck because most bartenders are utterly amazing at making mocktails. They will taste so yummy, you’ll hardly even notice (or care) that the alcohol is missing. Even servers at local restaurants will also be able to offer you a few non-alcoholic alternatives, like non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic wine. But, if you’re celebrating at a friend’s house, some thought and planning should probably go into your evening. You can scan the internet to find a mocktail recipe that interests you. Simply gather up your materials, make sure there is a blender on hand; and you can make virgin drinks for not only yourself, but the designated drivers of the evening!
Tip #2-Let Loose, Let it All Hang Out!
So many expecting women spend months concealing their bumps. They remain tired, cranky, and stagnant in their homes. Newsflash! Being pregnant with a baby is a blessing, not a death sentence! So, this New Year’s eve, get all dolled up! Embrace your bump by sliding on a form fitting dress and go dancing. You’ll get an instant high from the exercise on the dance floor, and it will be hard for others not to notice and smile at you while you’re looking happy and having fun. You may even inspire other preggos to get out of their seat and let loose! What a way to ring in your exciting, upcoming year.
Tip #3-Pamper Yourself
Many pregnant women don’t want to leave their home or their sweat pants; let alone stay up to watch the ball drop. But, if you make it a point to pamper yourself, you’re more likely to commit to a festivity and have fun. Make an appointment to get your hair styled, your make up done, or enjoy a pre-natal massage. When you look good, you’ll feel good. And, you’re sure to want to show off your pretty pampering!
Tip #4-Play Chef
There are a number of food items pregnant women should stay away from. But, unfortunately around the holidays, many of those foods are served-brie, shrimp, sushi, subs, queso (the list goes on and on). Why not take control of what gets served by playing chef? Your friends will be thrilled to get some cooking help. And, you’ll be thrilled because you’ll be able to dig into and enjoy all the snack items you’re totally craving!
Tip #5-Host a Soiree at Your House
If you are hosting a New Year’s event, you’re more likely to participate in the festivities. You’ll be so busy playing hostess, you’ll hardly miss drinking. Plus, you’ll be able to control the food and beverages that are being served (a bonus if you are trying to watch your calorie consumption). And, when your feet start to swell and your back starts to ache, you’ll have no qualms about sliding on your slippers and jumping into a pair of active pants. Who cares? After all, it’s your house and you can even sneak off to catch a cat nap in your bed if and when the occasion calls.
Being pregnant on the holidays, especially New Year’s Eve is not a huge deal. Consider the several tips listed above to ensure you have a great night; and keep your thoughts positive. After all, you do have a lot to celebrate in your life and your upcoming year is about to change everything! So, raise a glass (non-alcoholic, of course) and cheers not only to yourself, but your new baby!
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
- 1.Woodland Animal Theme
When thinking of winter, (besides snow) most think of animals hibernating. Turn your nursery into a comforting “den.” Lots of trends are featuring an accent wall that is either constructed with weathered strips of wood (placed horizontally) or faux wood wall paper. Select a wooden, unfinished crib and fill the walls with pictures of colorful, baby woodland animals surrounded in white birch frames. Keep bedding neutral, and bring in a wooden rocking chair with a small leather ottoman, to bring out the hearty, rustic colors and ambience of the room.
- 2.White and Winter White
Shades of white can be so soothing, but also so chic. Splash your baby’s walls with a bright white paint, and allow the accents and furniture to offset this luminous color with contrasting, yet complementary hues of cream, winter white, beige, and even tan. The nursery will look reminiscent of a winter wonderland, but warmer. It’s also ideal if you want to keep your nursery gender neutral if you don’t plan to know the sex of your baby.
- 3.Bare-bone Rustic
Nursery trends are showing that less is more. And, that is quite different from what was featured in the past. Bare bone means that you only fill the nursery with the necessary, essential items like a crib, dresser, and rocking chair. Opt for a rounded, wooden crib to add simple shape. You can add a little print and pattern on the wall by putting up wallpaper that boasts a simple color and pattern, like black and white trees, or even a simple leaf pattern. Bring in rustic elements like moss plants to sit on window sills, or even hearty branches to lay up against the crib for an earthy element. Keep bedding plain, white, and organic; and ditch the crib skirt and bumper!
- 4.70’s Chic
An adorable trend for a girl’s nursery; 70’s Chic can be totally fun and inviting! Explore your local flea markets and antique stores to select unique styles of furniture that can easily be refinished and painted. Splash dressers and nightstands in pastel tones and in argyle prints. Add some pomp-pom lined curtains, some vintage décor pieces like an old tricycle, retro chair, or even miniature suit cases that house dolls and other toys.
- 5.Fuzzy Features
Another nursery trend is texture. Lots of nurseries are boasting fuzzy features and are promoting shaggy rugs, plush blankets, textured drapes, and furry pillows. You can have a lot of fun mixing textures, prints, patterns, and colors as well! Already have carpet in your nursery? Add yet another layer of texture by placing a fuzzy area near your baby’s crib. Not only will it look inviting and peaceful, but it will bring you and your baby lots of comfort during late night feedings, and during scooting and crawling sessions as the months go on!
Be sure to check out some of these awesome winter nursery trends so you can start to plan, design, and decorate your special room for your special delivery!
Source/Ideas:
http://www.kidsinteriors.com/nursery-trends-2017/
There’s nothing more exciting for a new mom than setting up her nursery. If you’re expecting a delivery during winter months, there are numerous ways you can make your baby’s room cute, comfortable, and cozy! Just take a cue from the most recent nursery trends and begin piecing together and designing the nursery of your dreams.
- 1.Woodland Animal Theme
When thinking of winter, (besides snow) most think of animals hibernating. Turn your nursery into a comforting “den.” Lots of trends are featuring an accent wall that is either constructed with weathered strips of wood (placed horizontally) or faux wood wall paper. Select a wooden, unfinished crib and fill the walls with pictures of colorful, baby woodland animals surrounded in white birch frames. Keep bedding neutral, and bring in a wooden rocking chair with a small leather ottoman, to bring out the hearty, rustic colors and ambience of the room.
- 2.White and Winter White
Shades of white can be so soothing, but also so chic. Splash your baby’s walls with a bright white paint, and allow the accents and furniture to offset this luminous color with contrasting, yet complementary hues of cream, winter white, beige, and even tan. The nursery will look reminiscent of a winter wonderland, but warmer. It’s also ideal if you want to keep your nursery gender neutral if you don’t plan to know the sex of your baby.
- 3.Bare-bone Rustic
Nursery trends are showing that less is more. And, that is quite different from what was featured in the past. Bare bone means that you only fill the nursery with the necessary, essential items like a crib, dresser, and rocking chair. Opt for a rounded, wooden crib to add simple shape. You can add a little print and pattern on the wall by putting up wallpaper that boasts a simple color and pattern, like black and white trees, or even a simple leaf pattern. Bring in rustic elements like moss plants to sit on window sills, or even hearty branches to lay up against the crib for an earthy element. Keep bedding plain, white, and organic; and ditch the crib skirt and bumper!
- 4.70’s Chic
An adorable trend for a girl’s nursery; 70’s Chic can be totally fun and inviting! Explore your local flea markets and antique stores to select unique styles of furniture that can easily be refinished and painted. Splash dressers and nightstands in pastel tones and in argyle prints. Add some pomp-pom lined curtains, some vintage décor pieces like an old tricycle, retro chair, or even miniature suit cases that house dolls and other toys.
- 5.Fuzzy Features
Another nursery trend is texture. Lots of nurseries are boasting fuzzy features and are promoting shaggy rugs, plush blankets, textured drapes, and furry pillows. You can have a lot of fun mixing textures, prints, patterns, and colors as well! Already have carpet in your nursery? Add yet another layer of texture by placing a fuzzy area near your baby’s crib. Not only will it look inviting and peaceful, but it will bring you and your baby lots of comfort during late night feedings, and during scooting and crawling sessions as the months go on!
Be sure to check out some of these awesome winter nursery trends so you can start to plan, design, and decorate your special room for your special delivery!
Source/Ideas:
http://www.kidsinteriors.com/nursery-trends-2017/
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
First, stay calm. It might sound easier said than done, but nothing productive will ever come from flipping out. In fact, all that stress can actually delay labor. That might sound ideal in a situation where you don’t want to give birth before you’re in a doctor’s care, but delaying labor when it’s already in progress is never a good thing. It can lead to the need for interventions that aren’t readily available for a woman who isn’t close to the hospital.
When a woman is under stress, the body produces cortisol. That cortisol impedes the release of oxytocin, which keeps contractions coming at regular intervals. Those contractions help to move the baby downward. The pressure of the baby on the cervix helps it to soften further and dilate. Thus, without cortisol, all of this could come to a screeching halt.
Plan B
The best thing you can do if an unexpected delivery outside of the hospital could potentially happen is to be prepared for it. This goes not only for the event of birth itself, but the mental and physical fortitude of the mother-to-be, too. Being prepared for birth involves a little bit more than knowing how and when to breathe.
If the roads are bad, it is best to attempt to have a home birth, not a roadside birth in the freezing cold. There are supplies that expectant parents may want to have on hand. Scissors will be important to cut the umbilical cord after it has stopped pulsating. These can be sterilized in boiling water. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol on hand at home, vodka is a decent substitute.
Even though the ambulance may not be able to make it through the snow and slippery streets to get to you, you will want to call 911. In many cases, they will dispatch you through to your doctor or a paramedic who may be able to help and assist you during the birthing process. Trash bags make an excellent barrier to protect mattresses and other surfaces so that Mom’s amniotic fluid and other birth fluids don’t stain or ruin your bed or sofa.
The Internet can be a great tool during this time, too. While it may not be the best resource for a crash course in how to deliver a baby, it is a great choice for music during labor or reaching out to friends and family via social networking to see if anyone nearby can come to your aid. If you are home alone and don’t have a partner to help you with the delivery, a neighbor is the next best thing. Whoever can get to you will do. If no one is around for miles by some chance, rest assured that women have been having unattended and unassisted births for years. It is both possible and safe.
Getting Through It
Spend the initial hours of early contractions walking, reading or watching television. Take this time to sit down and write a letter to your new baby boy or girl for them to open and read when they’re older. Tell them about your emotions in that moment. This is a great tool to use to keep the mood upbeat and exciting instead of anxiety-ridden and fearful.
There is nothing to fear. Women have been having babies at home for centuries. In fact, much of the research on home births supports it being just as safe as hospital births. Plus, the risk of interventions is far lower. Many women worry about the pain of childbirth. This is totally normal. If you were planning a natural birth, congratulations — you’re about to accomplish just that. If you had your sights set on an epidural or other pain relief, try to relax. Tension will only make contractions more uncomfortable. Keep in mind that there are lots of pain management techniques you can employ during childbirth that don’t involve drugs. This does not have to be a terrible and debilitating experience.
One alternative for pain relief is getting into the shower or bath tub. Submersion in water is a great technique that takes the edge off of contractions. Keeping the water fairly warm and adding more hot water as needed is the best way to manage this process. You can even stay in the tub and birth there, too. Counter pressure is another great tactic that your partner or support person can use. It involves applied steady pressure on the lower back to counteract the pressure of the baby coming down the birth canal.
Remember to change positions throughout labor. While you may have seen the same scene played out again and again in the movies and on television, women in labor should not be laying on their backs waiting for a doctor to tell them when it’s finally time to birth their babies. Keep moving. Let gravity to the work and move that baby down. Push on your hands and knees or even while squatting. Do what feels best to your body.
When Birth Doesn’t Go As Planned
After the baby makes his or her debut, try not to dwell on how things didn’t go as planned. They went how they were supposed to. That is what you should keep in mind. You have a healthy baby and an amazing story that you can tell for the next several decades about the snow storm that forced you to give birth in your bath tub or bed at home. Some might consider that a blessing in disguise.
At one time or another during a pregnancy, most women wonder about what will happen should they not be able to make it to the hospital on time. This concern hits home even more for the moms-to-be who are due during the Winter months. With a snow storm around every corner, black ice and sleet impeding their path to the hospital, what would a mother in labor do in the event that she couldn’t get to the hospital to birth her baby?
First, stay calm. It might sound easier said than done, but nothing productive will ever come from flipping out. In fact, all that stress can actually delay labor. That might sound ideal in a situation where you don’t want to give birth before you’re in a doctor’s care, but delaying labor when it’s already in progress is never a good thing. It can lead to the need for interventions that aren’t readily available for a woman who isn’t close to the hospital.
When a woman is under stress, the body produces cortisol. That cortisol impedes the release of oxytocin, which keeps contractions coming at regular intervals. Those contractions help to move the baby downward. The pressure of the baby on the cervix helps it to soften further and dilate. Thus, without cortisol, all of this could come to a screeching halt.
Plan B
The best thing you can do if an unexpected delivery outside of the hospital could potentially happen is to be prepared for it. This goes not only for the event of birth itself, but the mental and physical fortitude of the mother-to-be, too. Being prepared for birth involves a little bit more than knowing how and when to breathe.
If the roads are bad, it is best to attempt to have a home birth, not a roadside birth in the freezing cold. There are supplies that expectant parents may want to have on hand. Scissors will be important to cut the umbilical cord after it has stopped pulsating. These can be sterilized in boiling water. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol on hand at home, vodka is a decent substitute.
Even though the ambulance may not be able to make it through the snow and slippery streets to get to you, you will want to call 911. In many cases, they will dispatch you through to your doctor or a paramedic who may be able to help and assist you during the birthing process. Trash bags make an excellent barrier to protect mattresses and other surfaces so that Mom’s amniotic fluid and other birth fluids don’t stain or ruin your bed or sofa.
The Internet can be a great tool during this time, too. While it may not be the best resource for a crash course in how to deliver a baby, it is a great choice for music during labor or reaching out to friends and family via social networking to see if anyone nearby can come to your aid. If you are home alone and don’t have a partner to help you with the delivery, a neighbor is the next best thing. Whoever can get to you will do. If no one is around for miles by some chance, rest assured that women have been having unattended and unassisted births for years. It is both possible and safe.
Getting Through It
Spend the initial hours of early contractions walking, reading or watching television. Take this time to sit down and write a letter to your new baby boy or girl for them to open and read when they’re older. Tell them about your emotions in that moment. This is a great tool to use to keep the mood upbeat and exciting instead of anxiety-ridden and fearful.
There is nothing to fear. Women have been having babies at home for centuries. In fact, much of the research on home births supports it being just as safe as hospital births. Plus, the risk of interventions is far lower. Many women worry about the pain of childbirth. This is totally normal. If you were planning a natural birth, congratulations — you’re about to accomplish just that. If you had your sights set on an epidural or other pain relief, try to relax. Tension will only make contractions more uncomfortable. Keep in mind that there are lots of pain management techniques you can employ during childbirth that don’t involve drugs. This does not have to be a terrible and debilitating experience.
One alternative for pain relief is getting into the shower or bath tub. Submersion in water is a great technique that takes the edge off of contractions. Keeping the water fairly warm and adding more hot water as needed is the best way to manage this process. You can even stay in the tub and birth there, too. Counter pressure is another great tactic that your partner or support person can use. It involves applied steady pressure on the lower back to counteract the pressure of the baby coming down the birth canal.
Remember to change positions throughout labor. While you may have seen the same scene played out again and again in the movies and on television, women in labor should not be laying on their backs waiting for a doctor to tell them when it’s finally time to birth their babies. Keep moving. Let gravity to the work and move that baby down. Push on your hands and knees or even while squatting. Do what feels best to your body.
When Birth Doesn’t Go As Planned
After the baby makes his or her debut, try not to dwell on how things didn’t go as planned. They went how they were supposed to. That is what you should keep in mind. You have a healthy baby and an amazing story that you can tell for the next several decades about the snow storm that forced you to give birth in your bath tub or bed at home. Some might consider that a blessing in disguise.
