10 Items You Need for Twins: Duplicate or Not
Everyone, I am so excited to be having Nicole do a guest post for us today! She is going to be talking about a very important topic that all twin parents might possibly be going through! If you’re having twins I highly recommend you check out her website. All of her info will be at the bottom of the blog… enjoy! It can be an overwhelming experience when you find out you’re pregnant with twins. Quickly your mind goes to how can I afford two of everything? Below I’ll dive into 5 things you do need in duplicate and 5 things you don’t. What You Need in Duplicate Though you won’t need everything in duplicate, there are some things that you will. Diapers are the main thing you’ll need in duplicate and that will put a decent dent in your wallet. For a couple of years we had 3 kids in diapers…it wasn’t cheap. We’d stock up when there were deals and we got off-brand Target diapers. They worked well and were cheap compared to the name brands. You’ll likely need twice the amount of wipes as well. We would get them in bulk as much as possible, 8 packs in a box, but don’t go too crazy with the wipes as they can dry out if you buy too many ahead of time. The 8 packs at a time worked out well for us though! Bassinet or Crib Though it’s tempting to save money and space to have your twins sharing a sleeping area, it is not advised. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends babies don’t share a sleeping area due to the increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Even though they look all cute snuggled together, it’s not safe as they may accidentally smother each other. As an aside, it’s not safe to have anything in their bassinet or crib for the first year of their lives including blankets or stuffed animals. Bottles if you’re pumping breastmilk or feeding formula, are something that you’ll need double of for twins, unless you want to be doing a lot of dishes throughout the day. Bouncers are something you don’t have to have two of but I would really recommend it. We used ours for everything from feeding our twins’ bottles to supervised naps, and play time. What You Don’t Need Two Of Diaper Cream if you’re changing diapers in the same spot for both twins, you likely won’t need more than one tube of diaper cream. My twins hardly needed it at all. High Chair is not required to be in duplicate if you don’t have the budget or space for it and/or you don’t plan on feeding your twins at the same time once they can eat solids at 6 months and beyond. Breast Pump is luckily something you don’t need two of since only one is typically covered by insurance and they’re expensive when purchased outright. You’ll likely make twice as much milk as a mother who just had a singleton so be prepared for that, having extra bottles or bags on hand to store breastmilk, but you don’t need a second breast pump at least. Tummy Time Mat is another thing you really don’t need two of. If you get a decent sized one you’ll easily be able to fit them both on it, at least their tummies and heads and their legs can be off the mat. Even though we had two, we typically just used one of them. Diaper Bag you don’t need two of just because you have two babies. I actually used one diaper bag for all 3 of my kids, including my twin newborns and 2 year old. Preparing for Twins Those are just the beginning of things you’ll need for twins, whether you need duplicate or not. Head over to my blog, The Way it Really Is Twin Mom Blog, to get more information about twin pregnancy, what you need for twins, tips for raising twins, and more! Author: Nicole Prom, Ed.S. of The Way it Really Is Twin Mom Blog Nicole Prom Nicole Prom, the founder of The Way it Really Is twin mom blog, is a dedicated blogger who is passionate about empowering twin moms navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood while finding time for themselves. With her genuine and relatable approach, Nicole shares her own experiences, offering valuable insights, practical tips, and heartfelt encouragement to her readers.
The Proven Method For Connecting with your Inner Self!
What does intuitive mean? in·tu·i·tive /inˈto͞oədiv/ adjective using or based on what one feels to be true even without conscious reasoning Just to give you a little insight on how you need to learn to be true even without conscious reasoning. This can happen through the art of journaling. If you speak to any coach, therapist, or self-help person, they will recommend this as well. I’ve done multiple exercises, ones with prompts, mind dumps, or just a pen and paper. Writing is one of those key sessions that allow you to freely do what you need to. One of the key components that childbirth needs is intuition and a lot of people are not connected or don’t feel that same connection to their gut. Let me tell you a story about a time that I just knew I had a gut feeling it happens quite often and I’ve learned to lean into it because if we don’t we can be led astray. At the time I was about 20 years old and I had a client or a client to be shall I say that I was getting a vibe that we weren’t going to click, but I was young and I was desperate to try to help people. So surely I said yes and that I would help her. Well about a week or two later it turns out she had also interviewed other doulas before signing my contract and one of the other doulas had spoken negatively about me and my age, this led to that same client that I had a gut feeling about deciding that I wasn’t the person for her but she said it in a more negative way. (No need to repeat that here.) So what are some of the five ways that I feel like I can connect better with myself? With journaling you need to focus on a few key elements. Trying to connect with my inner self, to connect with whatever the problem may be. In this case it’s not a problem but it’s pregnancy or having a baby. How are you connecting to it? Then you’ve got a visualization technique. How do you visualize it going down in your mind? Are you constantly thinking the negative way or you trying to see if positively? I also believe that you need to reflect on how you can install a self-care routine that would help better benefit yourself making you become more attuned. One of my virtual assistant clients actually recently told me that she believed I was wiser than most people my age. Obviously at the time of writing this I’m 23 years old and I see things in a way that most young women of my stature think. But I’ve learned to become more aware about what my body needs and less of what other people want of me. Of course I’m not perfect and I don’t think we all can reach that either as there is no such thing as perfect it’s all in our mind. No, what I’m saying here in this very long story I’m telling you today it’s all about how you can better connect with your inner self and my key word for that is JOURNAL. I’m the type to use prompts. I prefer it because it gives me something to start off with. My biggest tip is never think about it, set a timer for say 5 minutes, open your journal and write whatever your brain is having. I’ve had certain exercises like this where I’ve become more aware of something that I never even knew I needed. To finish it off with one more personal story, I took a writing class and we were presented with an exercise to write or draw what our present and future selves look like. In that moment my future self was invisible, there was no me to be seen but the present self was chained down with bearing bricks holding me to the ground. I then looked at that picture and wrote down everything that was in that sense representing the bricks. It shocked me how much I had learned about myself that I didn’t even realize what was going on. Journaling can be that for you as well and maybe writing isn’t your medium, maybe it’s drawing or maybe you need to sing, create music or dance. Whatever your passion is that could lead you to becoming more self aware, DO IT! P.S. If you feel like you need more support with intuitive journaling, I created a journal to do just that for expecting parents!
3 Things YOU Need to Discuss Before Baby’s Arrival
As a doula I have one of the greatest roles (in my very biased opinion) and that is educating. A lot of the times I see couples that haven’t discussed some very important things, and the only thing they find is important is the following: where is the baby sleeping? What shall we name him or her? Who do we text first that the baby is coming/is here. I mean those have great significance, but what about everything else? I feel blessed that when we sit down for a prenatal I know that there is so much that can be said or taught, an example why I offer six options of visits. We can always add more if needed. But I am getting off topic, here are three things that you NEED to be discussing before your baby has made their great debut into the world. 1. Help once you’ve arrived from the hospital If you wrote up a birth plan (and you should, here is my reasoning why) then you need to be writing up a postpartum plan. Maybe I’ll expand on this further in the future, but with all the prep work you should have a clear outline as to what help you’ll be needing. Will you be having someone take care of cooking? Or did you meal prep? Are you hiring someone to come (a postpartum doula, a night nurse, a nanny?) Or are you getting help by having a family member or friend come periodically or even stay for a while. How long will visitors be allowed to stay? – This is a big one because as much as we love mothers and mother-in-laws, sometimes they may need an allotted hour or two. 2. Breast or Bottle – or both? Now you might be like, I for sure know I want to breastfeed, and others might say I for sure know I want to bottle feed, but what about both? Are there other options? I bring this to mind as some people look for a wet nurse, or get human milk from local organizations (groups of moms donating milk) called Human Milk 4 Human Babies. This is something that you surely haven’t thought about. If you had kudos to you! What about breastfeeding… if it’s going poor who will you look to for assistance? Are you joining a support group? There are many more things then one or the other, I’d really look into all your options and conceive a plan. 3. Work – Going Back or Staying Home Obviously, finances play a big part in people’s decision when choosing such a big one as going to work or staying home. Sometimes we find that mothers will have full intention of going back to work but being with their child is something that completely side sweeps them as the perfect life. Financially start researching childcare in the area, and a rough estimate of how much money would come in and would go out. This information could save you time down the road when having to make this decision and then you might feel more prepared. (You can remember there is a price increase possibly in childcare options as well and limited space) Having a baby is a lot of work, and maybe this overwhelmed you on all the options you really should be thinking about, now you can tell yourself… wow I read this blog and I had already done these, or you gained insight on your next dinner date’s conversations. Although we know that not everything can be planned, it’s important to have conversations about these important things. Let alone the topics on circumcision, vaccines, schooling and more. Stay strong and keep the conversation flowing. It’s not a one night says it all kind of talk!
The Ultimate Doula’s Guide to Prenatal Yoga
Prenatal Yoga is the perfect way to strengthen your mind and body for birth. As a birth doula (and birthkeeper) I love hearing from clients that they practice Yoga. It’s one type of exercise that most doctors and midwives truly approve of. But why is it so popular? Which type of classes should I be taking? The questions are endless and today I am going to answer them. Is prenatal yoga safe for all stages of pregnancy? Yes, prenatal yoga is known for being safe for all stages of pregnancy. Of course some positions are told to be avoided over others, and some might not bring you the comfort you’re hoping for, but yes it is safe. What are the benefits of prenatal yoga for me and my baby? Lower your blood pressure Cuts down your risk of pre-term labor and other complications. Stabilize your moods Manage your weight And Improve your Labor and Delivery Are just a few of the benefits surrounding prenatal yoga and pregnancy. Are there any specific poses I should avoid during pregnancy? A few poses might be some of the following: Closed Twists Hot Yoga Boat Pose Strong Back Bends Lying Back Poses Abdominal Poses If you find a qualified prenatal yoga class in your area, they won’t even suggest these poses, but if you attend a regular yoga class make sure to avoid them. Can prenatal yoga help prepare for labor and childbirth? Yes, prenatal yoga can help you prepare for labor and childbirth. You’ll find that its breathing exercises are something you can carry over to when you’re getting contractions. Some of the poses might even bring you comfort when you’re going through labor. So it’s a yes all around from this doula! How often and for how long should I practice prenatal yoga? You may find that you can practice for less time during the first trimester with morning sickness, while in the second trimester upwards to an hour. You may want to practice doing yoga for 20-30 minutes every day during all trimesters to give you that sense of standard and balance amongst it. So there are some of the questions surrounding yoga with childbirth. In my perspective as a doula, I believe its a great exercise to be doing during your pregnancy for not only your body but your mind to greater help you with the key things of childbirth.
How To Guide on Eating for Fertility
Firstly I am not a nutritionist, I’m a nutritional doula. I can never diagnose or tell you how to eat. I educate you so you can make informed choices when it comes to your eating habits. My nutritional doula side has been itching to get this out as I had read quite a bit of books on fertility so prepare for some mindful eating tips for fertility. 1. When Should We Be Eating? According to Chinese medicine the best time to eat breakfast is 7am to 9am, as it is the peak time of the stomach. For lunch eating more protein vs carbs is better for your energy levels. The best time to eat carbs is during the evening. Now if you’re anything like me I’m a scheduled eater… if I don’t eat something specifically at 7:30 am, or noon, or even my usual 5pm dinner routine, I can get quite hangry. As a birth doula, I can’t predict my eating schedule, and that’s when things like this are hard to manage. So even though it’s recommended, we all struggle with the day-to-day life being so different for everyone. (Especially if you work in the health care field) 2. Why is Protein so Important? According to studies done on animals low protein can be an indicator of poor egg quality and more protein helps with your FSH and LH hormone production. Protein can be found in quite a few things, and with today’s Protein Powders you can mix it into most meals! Although, personally I am fond of natural protein found in beans, and meat. But the more protein you have can be beneficial for your diet, so try to increase each day to meet your daily needs. 3. All things Iron… Low levels of iron can affect your fertility. It is known that an adequate amount of iron can actually be a guard against miscarriage. Iron deficiency in women is very popular, I myself have anemia and take EasyIron from my local natural nutrition stores. I haven’t even mentioned it but the next time I speak with a naturopath. I wonder why no one has made a connection with my menstruation problems if there is something linking them. I put my doubt here so that you too can always be a detective for your health and promote curiosity trying to learn more about your body. 4. All things Magnesium… Magnesium is another common deficiency and if you’re low on it there is a chance you might be suffering from infertility. Also with it being low you can have an increased risk of miscarriage. Popular foods include: Pumpkin & Chia Seeds Spinach Almonds & Cashews Black Beans Brown Rice Salmon 5. I thought fats were bad for me… It’s the opposite and fats are actually a vital role in our fertility. You can make hormones, transport cholesterol, and helps reduce inflammation. If you are lacking fats you may see an increase in dry skin, PMS, cracked lips, and tender breasts. Eat some butter and thank me later. I always recommend you do your own research, be your own provider to care for your body. You might be like – why I have one and that’s what I hire them for. Well only you know you best, and they may study lots of things for many years, it comes down to putting yourself first. Always. 6. Carb it to me babe… Carbs should make up 55 percent of the food you eat. They are vitally important in maintaining a balance of hormones and blood sugar. There is also a huge difference between fast releasing carbs and slow releasing carbs. 7. What every woman should know about folate… Folate should be a staple in your supplement game. We need a minimum of 400mcg of folic acid daily. At least three months prior to TTC. Follow up with another two months after conception. You can find this in good sources like dark leafy greens and organ meats. And this isn’t everything. Things like vitamin D, B12 vitamins and other minerals are so important. When people are trying to conceive, remember to check your diet for both you and your partner. P.S. If this post didn’t make you hungry… I did not do my job correctly, after writing this, and editing it. I now both desire something to snack on. What a mind game!
Why ALL parents should Create a Birth Plan – Especially for Hospital Birth
Having a birth plan is super important and something I recommend for all parents. Why is my opinion different from that of other doulas? I’ve seen firsthand what it’s like going into a birth without a birth plan. You only have thoughts of how you’d like your birth to go down. Then when it gets there so many things can go awry and you aren’t ready for it. We all know that it’s tricky to plan out a birthday party for a child (or adult) and have an extensive agenda of when to eat the cake, who will be there, and what their role is. So if it’s just that hard for a birthday party, why should you attempt for the unplannable. You won’t know the date the baby comes, or who will be there to attend to you (unless you have a doula and/or midwife), and you surely don’t know how long the whole birth is going to take. But putting a little effort into planning gives you the chance to focus on learning the things that go around. If you know that you don’t want an epidural unless you specifically ask for it by providing a code word, you did the research into why you DON’T WANT an epidural. If you say on your birth plan that you won’t be having an episiotomy then you have a reason for knowing it. Having it written down also gives your doula a chance to stand by your wishes, and do their best to support it against a medical staff who might have more issue (or not fully read it) So what is your take on this hot debate? Are you going to create a birth plan? Or just hope for the best?
3 Unspoken Herbal Remedies for TTC
There are quite a few remedies or herbal antidotes that are often mentioned about when discussing fertility. But before I get to that, let’s discuss what fertility means and how some people see fertility. Some people see fertility only as your trying to conceive, while others see fertility as what women have from when we hit puberty till menopause. However you define it, in this case and point we will be discussing herbs for fertility in the retrospect of trying to conceive (TTC) I will be quoting and using a lot of an article from Susan Weed, so please feel free to read her blog as well. 1. Red Clover These raw blossoms are good to eat with salads, and good to eat with grains like millet and rice. You could also make yourself a infusion with dried red clover and has been known for helping women get pregnant, as well as supporting people with scarring on the fallopian tubes, irregular periods, and unexplained infertility. 2. Partridge Berry (Known as Squaw Weed) It’s meant to be a fertility plant based off their shape. Susan Weed has given a recipe on her blog into how she makes it into a vinegar to use on salads 3. Liferoot This can be made into a tincture and taken to support your fertility journey. With the help of supporting your hormone production and regulating it. As well as, relieve period cramps, and improve your fertility. Which of these herbs have you heard of before and plan to use? Lots of things to try to improve your fertility, if you ever feel you need more guidance feel free to connect with me.
What No One Tells You about Reproductive Health Care
As you all know I am a plus-size woman who has never really fit into the system. I was homeschooled growing up, and I stand up for things that go against my beliefs. Reproductive Health has always been a really important thing to me. I’ve heard the birth stories of my grandmother who was an immigrant and didn’t know English. She was refused to have my grandfather in the room, but because she didn’t understand them she panicked and was tied down. Yes, this was the ‘60s but still… ewww. My mother on the other hand was an older mom, she had so much that could have been taught but the hospital classes at that time didn’t teach enough. As women, we aren’t learning enough about our bodies, and what can happen with them. All of our research on women is outdated, and slowly as there become more doctors and scientists we want to know what is going on with us. I’m not going to lie or be blunt here, so if you can’t handle it don’t keep reading. I’ve seen and heard horrific things about women and what is happening in our communities (even more so with black and native women) I make it as a joke, but sadly I have so much truth to it, during childbirth, or going to a hospital you almost need a bodyguard to protect you. As a doula we try to advocate and stand up for you as much as possible, but our goal is to teach YOU to advocate for yourself. If someone tells you to do something that you don’t want to do, a simple word NO will be enough for you. I could go on about this subject forever, but I really should summarize this for you. Being an advocate for yourself or other women is needed. It can be as simple as standing up for yourself in your own household, then move on and do it somewhere else. As long as you keep working on things eventually it will add up. Be the change we need in this world. To end this story off with a quote I will share this: “I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.”– Maya Angelou.
5 Things You Should Be Doing to Boost Your Fertility
Investing time and energy in preconception care is always a good plan if you’re planning to conceive. I always like to start these blog posts (especially around fertility) that you need to spend at LEAST three months to improve your health. This can help you to maximize your chances at conception. Here are five things you should be doing to boost your fertility. 1. Detox the Liver My first approach I highly suggest to my clients and everyone, is to start looking at the liver. Any naturopath or holistic medicine practitioner would explain that detoxing the liver is a great idea (even if you’re not a heavy drinker). This is something you can choose to do yourself or speak to someone. Sometimes people prefer more guidance and that is alright. If you’re like myself, and you decide just to rip off the elusive bandaid and detox yourself, then you can find a few in a couple of books or by doing a Google search. Supplements include Silymarin, Choline, and milk thistle. Of course, be smart when doing a liver detox, check with a health care provider if you so choose, stop the program if there is pain or discomfort, get plenty of fresh air, keep warm, rest and sleep, don’t do heavy exercise, start the program on the weekend or maybe on the first of a week or month. In the end, go about in the way that makes you happy. 2. Physical Exercise The benefits of regular exercise have been taught to us since we were little, and incorporating a routine that can make you comfortable and something you enjoy is so important. Here are just a few reasons why it might be beneficial. Relieves stress Increase bone density and mass Increase insulin sensitivity Relieves the symptoms of PMS Prepares the body for pregnancy (suffers less from constipation, hemorrhoids, and morning sickness. The Chinese adjust exercise to match the season. Spring, summer, and late summer are times of yang energy and fall and winter are of yin energy. Spring Exercises: Stretching, Walking, Weight Training, and Gently Build up MusclesSummer Exercises: Swimming, Cycling, Dancing and JoggingLate Summer Exercises: Power Walking, Cycling and SwimmingFall Exercises: Pilates, Stretching and WalksWinter Exercises: Deep Breathing, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong 3. Acupuncture Although most fertility is practiced and grounded around Western medicine, acupuncture is a great way to regulate the menstrual cycle or to treat other fertility programs. A reason why this might improve your health is that it can help your general health and alleviate underlying conditions preventing conception or enhance the efficacy of fertility treatments. You might want to find an acupuncture practitioner who focuses on fertility that way if you’re older and you have a reproductive dysfunction it can be more specialized. 4. Improve Cervical Secretions If you’re trying to have a baby, get used to knowing things like your cervical mucus (hell wait till you hear about the mucus plug). Improving your cervical secretions is so important and something a fertility doula might talk often about in her consultation and work practice. If you’re having problems finding fertility mucus then you may be ovulating early in your cycle or at the end of your period. It mainly responds to increased estrogen levels, insufficient mucus may indicate low estrogen levels. There is a list of reasons you may have trouble finding your cervical secretions but there is still time to discover all that out. To improve your volume focus on a couple key points. Eat foods containing B-complex vitamins Drink plenty of water Eat foods containing PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) Lots of things to try to improve cervical secretions, if you ever feel you need more guidance feel free to connect with me. 5. Use Supplements Now you may be reading this and are like, but I take my prenatal vitamins, I already know I have to eat healthy and drink lots of water. Sure you may know all that but honestly, this is highly important. Make sure to use fat-soluble vitamins such as D and E and pair them with B and C vitamins. Depending on what medications you’re already taking it can reduce vitamin and mineral levels. (Folate levels can actually be depleted by contraceptives) Large intakes of Zinc may interfere with iron and copper absorption (and Vitamin C enhances Iron intake) Taking any B vitamins will enhance the absorption of other B vitamins (so even if you take B3 but are like what about the rest, the food you eat, those vitamins can be absorbed better) Coffee and tea can affect absorption of some nutrients (so be aware of that) Another resource is to find a good local herbalist or naturopath who studies herbs that can better help you with your vitamins and intake. Now that I’ve told you all about these holistic approaches to boost your fertility, I hope you put them into action and use these steps to better benefit your body and make it ready for baby. If you ever need more support feel free to reach out and I would love to support you on your journey.
Epidural Or All Natural: What Every Mother Should Know Before Giving Birth
Every mother wants to have the best possible birth possible. For some, the “best” may look differently than for others. Some mothers may think that the “best” birth is that with absolutely zero pain! Other mothers may think the best birth is when the baby is 100% healthy when born. Still other mothers may think giving birth naturally so that her body is touched as little as possible is what she believes could be the best birthing experience. If you are a mother considering the options of getting an epidural or going natural, we are going to discuss that in this article! Grab your pens and notebooks, ladies! It’s time to get real! Epidurals – What Is It? An epidural is when an anesthesiologist inserts a needle into the spine of a woman in labour and injects a numbing solution that numbs her from below her boobs all the way to her toes. Many mothers prefer to get an epidural because they are afraid of the pain of labour. On the other hand, many mothers are afraid of receiving an epidural because they are afraid of how it will affect their bodies, the baby, or their life after giving birth. Now you know what an epidural is. Let’s address some other questions you may have of them. Does Getting An Epidural Hurt? Typically, no, getting an epidural does not hurt. However, it may be uncomfortable for some. When I received my epidural, I remember feeling a strong poking. I winced a little and told the anesthesiologist, “I felt that!” He seemed surprised, but said nothing more after that. Does An Epidural Affect The Baby? No, the anesthetics used for an epidural does not bring any harm to the baby. An epidural numbs the mother from below the boobs all the way down to her toes. What You Need To Know About An Epidural I received an epidural with my first baby. Several things took me by surprise that I wasn’t educated about beforehand. I’m going to share those with you now so you can be informed! 1. An Epidural Can Be Given Poorly Sometimes an epidural is not given accurately and it causes more discomfort for the mother. For example, if the needle is slightly off and the injection isn’t given appropriately, it can numb only part, or half, of the body! Imagine! You’re giving birth and half of your body feels the labor pains and the other half doesn’t! Could you imagine how distracting and uncomfortable that could be for a mother who is trying to birth her child? 2. You Will Need A Catheter What’s a catheter? I’m glad you asked, because if I had known this with my first, I wouldn’t have gotten an epidural. A catheter is a small tube that is inserted up your urethra and into your bladder. Why? After you are given your epidural, you lose control of all muscles from below your boobs! That includes your bladder! So if you get an epidural, congratulations! You also get the wonderful experience of a catheter for the remainder of your labor! After you give birth, they will pull the catheter out. Then, you will need your bladder to “wake up”. You may possibly pee your bed by accident after that because your body is gaining control of its muscles again. 3. Spinal Fluid May Leak Out Of The Spot Of Insertion, Leading To Headaches That Can’t Go Away Thankfully, I did not experience this; but I heard from some mother who had. After your epidural is pulled out of your spine, you may have a “hole” where the needle was. Sometimes spinal fluid can leak from this spot, causing bad headaches that don’t go away easily. For some mothers, their headaches lasted for several months after giving birth! How An Epidural Affects Giving Birth When you get an epidural, you can’t feel anything from below your boobs. This is great for pain management. However, how do you think this will affect giving birth? “Ok, now push,” the doctor told me while trying to give birth to my first baby. I sat there for a second then said, “Um…this is my first baby. I don’t know how to push! What are the muscles I’m even supposed to use?” Do you know what they told me? “It’s like you’re going poo. Just use those muscles like you’re bearing down.” Boy, how I wish I didn’t listen to them! Why? After 20 minutes of bearing down with all my might (and using the WRONG muscles), I gave myself terrible hemorrhoids that will never go away! All because I couldn’t feel which muscles to use and I listened to the poor advice given to me. Why The Push For Epidurals? You may find in certain hospitals the nurses being super pushy to get an epidural. Like literally someone will ask you every 10 minutes if you want an epidural. Why is that? Sadly, it’s because of insurance companies. Insurance companies give hospitals a certain number of epidurals to meet every year (or whatever the time period is). The hospital is required to meet this quota of epidurals set by the insurance companies. Giving Birth Naturally – What Is It? Ok, now let’s discuss giving birth naturally. What does it mean to give birth naturally? When you give birth naturally, you are not using any medications. You will give birth by controlling the pain through focused breathing and mental exercises. Guess what? When the time comes to for your body to push, it’s a mindless thing! Your body will literally take over and push for you. This was my experience! After I was 10 centimeters dilated, my body started pushing. Two things shocked me. First, I felt absolutely zero pain at this point! The contractions to get me to 10 centimetres dilated were painful. However, as soon as the pushing started, all pain disappeared! Secondly, what shocked me was I was using COMPLETELY different muscles than when I
