The Poetic Doula

There are different phases of labor including early labor, active labor, transition, resting, descent, and crowning.

In early labor, dilation begins. You will have progressive contractions lasting about 30-45 seconds every 5-30 minutes. It is useful to download a contraction timer app to keep up with your labor (especially since you'd like to spend as much time as possible at home). In this stage, you will likely notice what is called a bloody show. You may also lose your mucus plug, and break your water. This isn't always a sign that birth is immediately going to take place, as early labor can last up to 12 hours. On the other hand, keep track of how your body is changing and how contractions are progressing. Snack as needed, drink as needed, and be sure to use the bathroom when you can. Showers are also helpful for comfort.

Getting/going into active labor, the cervix begins to open up to about 6cm. This is very close to active. Contractions will be about every 3-4 minutes, lasting about 1 minute each. At this point, you certainly need to be en route to the hospital. Active labor is when things start to speed up. You are about 8cm dilated and almost ready to push! Stay hydrated, and remember to breathe! As you transition to the pushing stage, contractions will last over a minute with little to no breaks in between. Right before the baby descends, you may have a resting stage. Take advantage of this while you can. When it is time to push, give it all you got (be sure to grunt rather than scream), but when it's time to rest, relax as much as you can.

As the baby descends and you start to crown, you may experience the rim of fire. That's the feeling associated with the last few pushes before the baby comes peaking out. Once you have reached this stage, you've pretty much finished your birth. When you have reached 10cm dilated and it is time to push, you will feel a dire need to p**p. Do not be alarmed, this is normal!

If repositioning of the baby is needed during birth, okra seeds are a good help. Also, try moving around in different positions that helps get the baby active. Allow labor to happen on its own with as little medical intervention as possible. Once your baby is welcomed into their new world, immediate skin-to-skin contact should be a priority (as well as getting the baby accustomed to breastfeeding). The medical doctor or nurse should recommend consultation services for lactation. Lactation cookies can also be purchased at Walmart (I just learned about these but have heard really great things).

Some items that may be very useful during your birth includes:
Disposable ice/heating packs
Rebozo/shawl (To be used by your caregiver/support to help lift belly and reduce discomfort)
Bath pillow
Birthing ball/ peanut ball
Squeeze/stress ball
Massage oil (unscented)
Knee pads
Gloves (for caregiver/support)
Water/foods (clear liquid diet)
Calming scents (such as lavender)

These items are optional and are primarily for comfort measures. For assistance in inducing labor, I recommend the following:
Pineapples
Dates
Okra water
Raspberry leaf tea
Spicy food (although this can help induce labor, I'd be mindful of the intake)
Ni**le stimulation
Walking/dancing/other mild physical movement

**Of course, you always want to consult your medical provider before trying out new methods during your pregnancy, but these are just suggested practices/methods that have been presented as harmless in multiple births throughout history**

Why "The Poetic Doula" ? Let's start with the name.

po·et·ic
/pōˈedik/
(adj): having an imaginative or sensitively emotional style of expression.

Synonyms: expressive, figurative, symbolic, FLOWERY, graceful, elegant, beautiful, imaginative, creative

dou·la
/ˌdo͞olə/
(noun): a professional labor assistant who provides physical and emotional support to you and your partner during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period

So... why The Poetic Doula? Well, I am here to provide support to you and your family from a place of love. Devoted to making your birthing experience one that you've always imagined. Standing beside you every step of the way to make sure all of your creative needs are met. The Poetic Doula is where emotions meet expression meets creativity.

Check out my Birth Doula profile on DoulaMatch.net !

Ciante Smith Birth Doula Profile Ciante Smith Birth Doula Profile, including calendar, certifications, services offered, and client testimonials