Transcript: Childbirth Preparation Methods: Birthing From Within
Preggie Pals
“Childbirth Preparation Methods: Birthing From Within”
[00:00.00]
[Theme Music]
Nicole Morales: There is a holistic approach to childbirth that helps mothers reclaim and celebrate the spiritual, emotional and psychological aspects of birth as a right of passage. It is both informative and transformative as it prepares your heart and mind for parenthood. I am Nicole Morales, a mid-wife; doula and childbirth mentor. And today, we are discussing the basics of birthing from within. This is Preggie Pals, episode 18.
[Theme Music/Intro]
Sunny Gault: Welcome to Preggie Pals, broadcasting from the Birth Education Centre of San Diego. I am your host, Sunny Gault. We would like to hear from our listeners. If you have a comment or suggestion, please call our Preggie Pals hotline 619-866-4775 and leave us a message. If you have an interesting birth story well, we want to hear from you. And I’d love to talk with you guys via video skype about your story, and we’ll include that video on our website for everyone to see. It’s all about growing and learning from other people’s perspectives and their experiences as well. So, if you’re interested in that, go to https://www.preggiepals.com/submityourstory and send us an initially information. Let’s meet our panelists here in the studio.
Jackie Kleber: Hi I am Jackie Kleber, I am 25 I am a birth Doula. The due date with this surrogate baby girl is November 29th. I have one 3 year old and I am going for an un-medicated hospital birth.
Misty Davies: My name is Misty Davies. I am 33, I am a gemologist. I am due October 10th, it’s a little girl, my first and I am hoping for un-medicated hospital birth.
Kate Gittins: My name is Kate Gittins. I am 29. I am a sales representative for Pearson Education. My due date is August 30th and I do not know the gender of our little one. This is my first child. And I’d like a hospital-medicated birth.
Rabeka Harrison: Hello I am Rabeka Harrison. I am 32. I am a skincare professional with Marie Kay. My baby girl is due on the 11th of September. This is my 3rd kid, I’ve 2 little boys at home and I am going to have a water birth.
Sunny Gault: And you finally get your girl; I didn’t know your other two kids were boys. Yeah, you give me hug Rabeka cos I have two boys at home and I am going for a third.
Rabeka Harrison: Oh yeah! Definitely, after this I don’t need to go for anything else [Laughs].
Sunny Gault: Alright, welcome to the show ladies.
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[Featured Segment: The Best Pregnancy Apps]
Sunny Gault: Alright, we are starting a new segment here in Preggie Pals. We are talking about pregnancy apps, that’s seems to be all the rage and there’s tons of companies releasing different apps out there. So we are going to do our own little review of pregnancy apps and see what you guys like and what you didn’t like and today I just wanted to open up to the panelist. I ask them to kinda get out their iPhones here. There are all kind of looking in their iPhones now. About what apps they are actually using and, you know, if they like them and what it enables them to do. So Kate let’s start with you?
Kate Gittins: Yeah, my favorite app is Baby Bump app. It allows you to do lot of different things. They each day tells you something different about your pregnancy and what’s happening within your body. And one of the things that I really like about it is that journal, so each time that I maybe go to a doctor’s appointment I write a little note in there to nurse the baby about what the doctor said and you can actually e-mail this to yourself and print it out for your baby book. So it’s something that you can always refer back to. You can have your weekly photo in there. And then, once you get towards the end of the pregnancy, you can actually has a kick counter as well as contraction monitor, so a lot of different things you can do. There’s actually community site in here to where you can just learn a lot about what other people or questions that they have and contribute to them, so something that I use every day in my pregnancy.
Sunny Gault: Wow! Was that a free app or how did you find it?
Kate Gittins: Yeah it’s free for like the basics stuff. The information and the journal and photos and stuff, but then once you get for the log it’s a dollar to add the extra stuff, so it’s very cheap, affordable.
Sunny Gault: Okay, so you use a lot of app, so you giving it a glowing recommendation it actually it means a lot. [Laughs]
Kate Gittins: Yeah, it’s my favorite. There’s a couple like you can need, there’s ton more you can download. Baby Center is another really good one that I like too.
Sunny Gault: Okay! And Rabeka, I see you have your Android out here.
Rabeka Harrison: Yes.
Sunny Gault: So what do you like?
Rabeka Harrison: Well, I have a bunch of apps for my iTouch and so I don’t really, since this is my 3rd I really didn’t download anything new. The ones that I liked, it was with my 1st I really didn’t have those four years ago, they didn’t have that many great ones. So weird to say, “Oh! It's four years ago.” [Laughs]
Sunny Gault: It’s like Stone Age.
Rabeka Harrison: Yeah, so I feel like we didn’t have phones back then. [Laughs] So, I had it on my iPod and it was 4, it was just a kick counter and contraction counter. Everything else I kind of used online just because I couldn’t find anything that I liked. So, I am actually interested in looking at the Baby Bump and download it.
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Kate Gittins: Yeah! I know.
Rabeka Harrison: I just downloaded it. [Laughs]
Sunny Gault: So do you guys use it when you’re bored? Do you use it as that was it that as time filler like when you’re waiting for the elevator, whatever.
Kate Gittins: Yeah, and I think I like I said that my most favorite part of it is the journal and that comes with the free version and it really just I look through it and I am like you can monitor your weight, you can monitor your mood, your cravings and then what the doctor said about your appointment or just how your feeling that day or if you just want to tell your baby something. And then you can just so save that for them. So it’s kinda of neat.
Sunny Gault: And it’s nice coz your phone’s always on you usually, right?
Rabeka Harrison: Yeah it’s nice to have everything in one spot, cos I was writing things down here and writing it down there and then it like, where did it go. Right so as soon as I have everything in one spot, so Yeah. Especially, with your first year [Laughs] you’re just so excited about everything you like what the heck is going on, so it’s definitely nice to have. I wish I would have had the Baby Bump [Laughs].
Sunny Gault: All right, don’t forget Preggie Pals does have a free app as well and you can listen to it on any device including Android as well as Kindle and Apple products. So they have great features like the ability to star your favorite episodes as well as get instant access to our most recent episode and social networking sites. So, you will never miss another episode. So download your app today. Thanks ladies
[Theme Music]
Sunny Gault: Today, we are kicking off at on-going series focused on child birth preparation methods. Now these are methods used to help to empower you during labour and delivery and in this episode we are discussing birthing from within. Our expert Nicole Morales, who appeared on our sister show, Parents Saver to discuss how to heal after having a traumatic birth. Nicole is a mid-wife, Doula and Child birth mentor. So Nicole, welcome to the show.
Nicole Morales: Thank you very much.
Sunny Gault: I have to be honest that I don’t know a lot about birthing from within so, I am really excited to learn more about this and the purpose of it is to really educate women who may wanna take a class on this. Eventually, I know you do teach classes on this as well. So, let’s start from the beginning with this. What are the main principles that you teach in birthing from within?
Nicole Morales: Birthing from within we, I would say that the first principle is working with coping, coping skills and coping tools. Finding out what you already have in your bag of tools, also developing new ones in class some we use experiential learning. We all hold on to eyes and talk about how we were gonna cope with different things that arise in labour. So that’s one of the first ones. The second one is the labour isn’t just the physical experience and it’s not linear necessarily either. It involves a lot of things. As you walk through the journey of labour, however might look cos it thing is you know we can generalize about what a labour might be like, but there’s, you know, every birth is so unique. But as you walk that journey, you know, they also, they encompasses a lot of emotional and physical and mental things going through that journey and for some people it’s a very spiritual experience as well. So, just having that realization that as you walk that journey, you know, you might have these moments of doubt, unknowing, fear and how you’re going to work through that, how you are going to move from one point to other. When you sometime you don’t even what to do; so that’s I would say some of the principles. We also look at it from four different perspectives; the mother’s perspective, the partner’s perspective, the baby’s perspective. A lot of times, the baby’s perspective of child birth is always, it tends to be left out on this culture. Right, so we do that as well as from the cultural point of view. So we work with women’s fears as well.
Sunny Gault: Okay, Now prior to, you know, today’s episode, have you guys heard of birthing within, our panelist here and what had you heard?
Misty Davies: I have heard about it but I wasn’t, I didn’t really know what it was, so I am curious to get more information.
Sunny Gault: Yeah and Rabeka you know you have had a couple of pregnancies prior so you tried other methods right; what have you tried in the past?
Rabeka Harrison: Avoidance [Laughs] I used to work out so well, was what I think with my first pregnancy; cos I was so scared about it, I heard so many different traumatic birth stories from my friends and relatives and so as soon as you find out your pregnant everybody wants to tell you their story which sometime is good and sometimes it’s not. So, I just want to avoid it and I fear that the day would come but I wouldn’t be there [Laughs] but I ended up doing some stuff online, just looking up information. So, that was definitely, I think I could have planned little better and so with second I really wanted something different cos I think I didn’t get the birth that I wanted. So, I found Hypnobirthing and I loved that and so I think that this is something that with more information, I am big on education so, more information and education for on my part will just give me the, you know, this is my last baby you know as far as I am planning and so, I want it to be, you know, something that’s little bit different from my last but still equally as special.
Sunny Gault: So the big question I guess, Nicole would be, you know how does birthing from within differ from other child birth preparation methods?
Nicole Morales: Well, it’s a really process focused rather than outcome focused. We really look at what the journey of child birth rather than the perfect package at the end I guess, you could say and I am not saying that all of the different methods focus on that but really, about how to be aware and mindful as you are going through this experience, you know, one step at time rather than the whole thing, where you’re going and getting caught up in the end result which of course we know; we all want a healthy baby and a healthy family. But, you know, we never know what the birth fairy brings, brings to us [Laughs] the birth fairy I like that, so it also in the type of education, we use lot of experiential learning, I mentioned ice earlier for pain coping. And so we can start building on how you start reacting to your environment and the things that we are doing in the class. We can build off of that, it can also look at your strengths in the past and your own experiences and how you’ve already have different resources that you can utilize that you’ve had, you’ve experienced, you know, and how come we bring that to refresh and entering your birth journey. So that’s a bit different experiential learning. We are also not necessarily using the intellectual brain. A certain child birth methods use very; the fore brain and the intellectual brain for just, you know, that’s kinda of what we see typical of when we look back to the child birth classes from the past, however many years, you know, somebody at the chalk board and they are lecturing and so we really don’t do that. We do great different things that are, that use different parts in to your brain which is more where you’re gonna be birthing, coz you don’t birth in your intellectual brain. Your birth in this mammalian brain and so we definitely access that using art, we do art in class. And just mostly to create a processes- Story telling as well as you know holding ice [Laughs]. So, it’s different cos it utilizes different methods and its lot of fun, Yeah.
[00:12:51]
Sunny Gault: Are there, I mean I know some of the women in here for example, Rabeka is going for a water birth, are there certain types of ways that we want to birth our children and lend themselves to birthing from within better or no?
Nicole Morales: No, I would say that typically the person who comes to birthing from within is looking at a natural child birth and that’s even usually who we get. But even somebody having a planned caesarean could benefit from birthing from within, because you are really looking at how you’re gonna make a secret birth sacred I mean, your birth sacred no matter how you birth your baby, cos there’s not a right way of birthing at all. In fact, you know, I think that women who have births that they feel empowered by or sometimes once who don’t know exactly how they wanna do it, because we never know what happens within the birth process and so how do you make it no matter which turns it takes a great event for you, so.
Sunny Gault: It sounds so wonderful and so peaceful doesn’t it and I love the idea.
Nicole Morales: I don’t think its necessarily the most I mean, there’s I think the aspects of it that are peaceful but also I think it kinda conjures this love warrior within moms. So it can be kinda of a loud class and, you know, we talk about losing it and how appropriate is that.
Sunny Gault: It’s very real and that’s what I like about it.
Nicole Morales: It’s very real and at times it can be kinda raw and it’s fun. [Laughs]
Sunny Gault: Like what, something’s going on in to the wheels are turning over there.
Nicole Morales: Oh, I just think that the interaction, you know, it’s not all so about what I might have planned, it’s also about what people bringing to class, so, you know, class can change according to the people’s need and the class as well.
Sunny Gault: So you kinda roll with it whatever their needs are?
Nicole Morales: Yeah, and you know we are also tracking people where are they and what do they need, what do they asking for and where are they going, you know, cos you’re mentoring them. What resources may they not be noticing that they have that we can bring attention to, what’s are ready working for them.
Sunny Gault: Okay, so it’s very individual?
Nicole Morales: Yeah, it’s individualized as a group. You know, there’s some solution focused with, there’s more subtleties of what the mentors are doing I guess you could say as far as listening. You know, but yeah, we individualize it certain ways and we also play games. We have some role play games for laborers with their birth fairy card and the time cards and play up with connecting by different scenarios can happen during labour and every and all parents have these cards to throw on the centre, with things they can do and with the difference scenario that the birth fairy brings.
[00:15:31]
Sunny Gault: Ah, ok.
Nicole Morales: So you know do that. You do some labour support.
Sunny Gault: Okay, Ya it’s like what if; what if this happened and what if that happened?
Nicole Morales: Well, in than plus you have these random cards, so if you know like 24 hours later [Laughs].
Sunny Gault: So what do you think is needed? I know you said that lot of women that come to you or the couples that come to you for a natural birth, but what is needed to be successful do you think it’s birthing from with emphasis besides wanting a natural birth?
Nicole Morales: Oh! I think mindful awareness like you approaching a mindfully; so that you’re not going in with this idea that I am not going to be there for my birth [laughs] and not just to say that’s the thing is we are laughing but I think that’s one way we do cope, is that we check out and, you know, but what we are looking at is really being present for the birth of our baby and being connected as a family for the birth of the baby. I think that’s quite important. But also, you know as a hunter, I mean we are talking about gathering lots of information here but we are also like we are hunting what do we want in our birth, what is it taste like, what is it feel like, what is it smell like and how are we going to get all those things so that we can get what we want and prepare for what we want even if what we want is exactly what approaches us but what’s the next best thing. You know, how do we make decision when we don’t know what to do? You know, it’s conjuring that love warrior and you know this is the time in our lives you know you only do it so many times. And you only do this so many times and it’s really about ceasing the day. You know this is it. This is your time to really flourish no matter how you birth your baby, so.
Sunny Gault: I love the idea of viewing birth as a right of passage. You know, you mentioned that earlier in the show and I don’t know if I really viewed it that way. You know, I think much more about the pregnancy as supposed to the birth and maybe that’s because, you know, with this last baby that I had was a planned caesarean based on complications from vaginal birth that I had with my first born. And I just didn’t wanna think about what was happening as I was having the C- section, because it was the one I wanted. You know even though it was planned and I think it was one of the probably one of the best C-sections you can have if you have to have one and I tried to make the most of it. But you know kinda like you Rabeka, I just kind of wanted to check out cos it was not something that….
Jackie Kleber: It’s hard to deal with emotionally.
Sunny Gault: It is very hard to deal with emotionally and I thought that, you know, having a planned caesarean is tuff because you know, I mean I knew that I had to have it right after first have me first born so it was just one of those things that all think ever fully coped with it but I really loved the idea of really thinking about birth as a right of passage. This is how we come in to this world and it can be a very beautiful thing, but like you said stuff is gonna happen how do we cope with that. It’s not a perfect thing.
Nicole Morales: Yeah, it is a right of passage. I mean, it’s not just a birth but it’s also a death. And by saying that, you know, your whole family you know changes with every baby. You know, you as maiden really dies and as a mother you’re born. And as a mother of 2 children you again who you are dies and you’re reborn again as another of 3. And so you know that’s also looking at how are going to gesture your temple of family, you know, in your life so that it can flourish but also there is this morning that happens with each birth, you know, and that’s one way to see birth is that really when you get to that moment, that you know you are re-born in a way.
Sunny Gault: Did you feel that way, you know, as far as wish that she was talking about having other kids and every time you have a baby it’s like you right that relationship that you had with your first born looked differently when you’re second.
Rabeka Harrison: Yeah, and I think it changes like , sorry I got a little emotional.
Sunny Gault: Yeah, I know. [Laughs]
Rabeka Harrison: I just think that for me, my pregnancies were so difficult and I am really uncomfortable too, so for me it is definitely a journey and it is something that I have surrendered to and planned and prepared for so for me. So for me, that it is a sacrifice, it is in my family is more thing. It is changing and it’s definitely a learning experience and it’s something you really can’t, I can’t really fully express but it is wonderful and like varies that different transition after each one. You know what the first two you only have one. You know your clueless and you have no idea what to do with the second like “okay! I have kinda been here before”, and you know for me with the third it’s like, “okay, I have been here before but this its kinda of bitter sweet,” you know. It’s like ok, this is my last or maybe or won’t be but, you know, that’s what I am planning at least so it’s kinda of like……
Nicole Morales: Maybe the third and that third though there’s something I think that happens for you to just appreciate all of these little things for your baby cos you know that how fast they grow up.
Rabeka Harrison: Oh Yeah, my kids are getting huge [laughs] they are still little under but they are huge.
Sunny Gault: What’s the best way Nicole in your opinion to learn this information because for child birth classes it’s not always just about going to class but what is the best way to learn or I guess what are options and then what do you think is the best way?
[00:20:55]
Nicole Morales: Well, the options are taking a child birth class series. There is 6 week one offered out there, 4 week offered. If you can’t find one going on in your region, I know Pam England who is the founder of birthing from within. She does Skype I think, from Alba cookie, she’s amazing. So child birth classes definitely also, you know, you can access different things. She has a blog called birth peeps. You can do that; Also birthing from within book. So, you know, just spruce the book and do some lot of the activities and really just spend some time focusing on this pregnancy. But also, I think one of the biggest resources is yourself and you know, we don’t always look inside if ourselves as to, you know, what our dreams are, what are strengths are or how we have, what are called different coping skills are in the moment. You know, how we are gonna embrace this journey, all the different ways it could unfold. You know, we are really looking at how you’re already parenting and connecting with this child right now, so….
Sunny Gault: Okay, we are gonna take a quick break. When we come back, we are gonna talk more about what you can expect if you decide to take a birthing within class. We’ll be right back.
[Theme Music]
Sunny Gault: Welcome back, we are talking about child birth preparation methods. This is a new series we’ve launched on Preggie Pals and today’s focus is birthing from within and our special expert is Nicole Morales. So Nicole, I know you teach Birthing from within classes. So let’s talk a little about those classes. When should we start taking these classes, when is the good time?
Nicole Morales: I think the best time to start taking classes I am specific your partner can start feeling the baby move, there’s some kind of shift that happens in them, when they can put their hand on your belly and feel that baby move, so anytime between then when the baby comes [Laughs].
Sunny Gault: Oh! cos we have two women in here about to pop, so is it too late at a certain time do you say I am don’t know how much you would like that.
Nicole Morales: Well, you can’t take 6 weeks series and I have to say that, you know, there is different mentors who will do crash courses but I do think that 6 weeks is nice, because there is some sense of integration. You grow each week and then you kind of sit with it and then you come back, and its spiral. It’s like a spiraling education. So, you know, you sit with it sits with you and then when you come back you are growing and what you’re learning inside yourself as well as, you know, as about different things about child birth. And so I prefer the 6 week but then the other ones are fine too and of course you can have a crash series [Laughs] you know. You are due tomorrow. [Laughs]
Misty Davies: Do you have to have a partner in the class?
Nicole Morales: No, you don’t in fact we have people who bring Doula’s, sisters or mothers or even come by themselves. They usually have, I often have a Doula who sits in through class and so they can become if there isn’t any partner activities, they can join in. But no, you don’t have to have a partner.
Sunny Gault: Alright, and then how long are these classes? You said 6 weeks total but I am mean the individual classes when you arrive, is it 3 hours or what is it?
Nicole Morales: It depends, some of the mentors here do it for 3 hours for 4 classes. It’s usually around 12 hour class. I do 2 hours classes for 6 sessions.
Sunny Gault: Okay, let’s talk about what you experience in those classes and I know each class is different and may vary from mentor to mentor. But walk us through what a typical class is like.
Nicole Morales: Well, we all get together and talk and see if there’s something that comes up in conversation so, we might move in to talking about that, and then I guess, so within a class I guess you could say you have an appetizer, side dish and some meat and potatoes or tofu and potatoes [Laughs] if you’re a vegetarian and then some dessert. So typically we get together, see what comes up and then we probably hold on to some ice for a while and talk about what it is like holding that ice and what was working for people and what they’re mind does while they do things and kinda connect that to what we have done before in our previous classes and then we’ll move in to something like optimal baby positioning, how you sit in your chair and how baby can be, [Laughs] you know in a better position. You know for birth, its…..
Jackie Kleber: Well, we’re adjusting our position in our chairs. [Laughs]
Nicole Morales: Then may be something like we’ll do a labor physiology or the models are out there for their obstetrical system, like let’s say 3 months curve for a year supposed to dilate as a centimeter per hour plus 5 centimeter or this stages of labour. And then, may be do some alternative birthing from within model. Something like the Labyrinth and for instance.
[00:25:51]
Sunny Gault: Tell us about the Labyrinth and what that is?
Nicole Morales: Well, the Labyrinth is something that people use in many different cultures around the world. Its multi-cultural I mean, you find it in Peru, you find it in Brazil and some of the government buildings in Brazil, the cathedrals in France and in Ireland and native Americans have different types of Labyrinth that you walk in. The interesting thing is cross culturally, it is about transformation or about the journey, the mindful journey. And, it is a different representation in stages of Labyrinth or Fried-men’s curve because you know the nice thing about labour and that’s different than a maze because it is one path into the centre and one path out. And so, it isn’t a very good representation of child birth cos it’s also about not worrying about getting to that centre. It’s about walking that path and it’s a well warm path that we are walking you know the Labyrinth you know as I said its walk many times in different cultures but, you know, for the path of child birth, you know, it’s also a been a walked by your grandmother and her grandmother and her grandmother. It’s been walked many times and it is well worn. And as you’re walking, even though there’s only one path the centre sometimes there is this moments of wave, am I doing this right, am I going in wrong way, am I closer than I think I am. So these gates have doubt and fear and unknowing as you’re going to the centre are different things that represented our experiences are possibly represented our experience on the way to the centre which is birthing. And getting to the centre, you know, it might take 24 hours or 30 hours or 5 hours I don’t know what will be for you. But, once you get it to the centre and birth your baby walking out, can be 2-3 years. So you can be walking out and still walking in on another labyrinth at the same time. You know if you have more than one child. That’s the idea of the labyrinth, so we would do something like that and for the dessert, for the class we do something sweet, but in there video or poem or special nice ending to the class.
Sunny Gault: As for as curriculum, so to speak is concerned, are there certain things that you make sure throughout the 6 weeks series you definitely hit on and what are those things?
Nicole Morales: I definitely hit on different things with stretches and exercises in pregnancy, some of this personal cos each person, you know, personalizes. I definitely hit on nutrition. I tend to get to people to write down what they eat for a week and I deal with them outside of class and just talk a little bit about blood volume expansion and importance of protein and excitement like that. I also do labour support, hands on labour support, you know in class, there will be positions, there will be massage. I get all the bozo and do different things like that as well as we definitely work with fears. Fears is really a totem in the sense that, you know, we don’t ignore them and I think that’s also another thing that might be different from other different child birth classes rather than know saying over knock, you know we are gonna have this only listen to really great things, we really gonna listen to ourselves. And you know, fears are in this culture are, you know we are affected by the cultures of fear, which are pretty big. We are affected by the person in the grocery store who wants to download all of their birth issue on you. We also have our own intuition and it’s hard to decide for between all of those different things. So really looking at your fears and looking them straight in the eye, looking in all those dark corners of the room and seeing what’s there and you know what it just decides to present it my labour this is how I am gonna cope with it. And then you can shut the door and lock it and then if it does show up during your birth experience then you can say, “okay, this is how I am gonna cope.”
Sunny Gault: And I am sure you get feedback when people, you know, after they have their babies. Do they generally feel like, “okay! You know, what ever I was thrown at I had this skills that I needed to be able to cope with that.”
[00:29:58]
Nicole Morales:Yes, generally. You know. it’s sometimes just knowing that you’re not gonna exactly know what to do is helpful [Laughs] but yeah, you know, I mean, there’s certain amount of resilience to it. But also looking at those experiences and seeing this thing that you did do right, when the unexpected happened or looking at it being able to refrain the birth as it unfolds even if it isn’t what you expected as being sacred or you know instead of framing it as Oh, you know very cold hospital caesarean birth it could be wow you have this great intimacy behind the curtain, my partner and myself so that we can connect during the birth. And oh, I am lying down on this table and the err is not just a table its mud and the energy the earth is coming up through me; however somebody decides to reframe it. Looking at different ways in which you make it yours and claim it.
Kate Gittins: If you chose to do birthing from within, I mean, your typical patients are women, they deliver in hospital or is it like home birth, all different types?
Nicole Morales: For the classes; I am also a mid-wife so; and I do home births and I have my own home birth world, not that I haven’t done Doula work in hospitals but for classes, it varies. I usually have a mix of home, hospital, birth centre, birth centre in the hospital, birth centre out of hospital. It’s usually mixed and the class I am in training right now is all hospital. So I have been for a while since I had all the couples be in the hospital.
Sunny Gault: Is it helpful to group them like that, if possible because it is more……?
Nicole Morales: No! In fact, I think that the hospitals couples are amazing gifts for home births and I think home births couples are amazing gifts for hospital births; birthing families. Because, different question are asked and you are always like Oh it’s good that they are learning about this is, what the one person might say but really they are also experiencing those things. Because you never know what presents.
Sunny Gault: Right, so what are we looking for if we determine that we want to pursue, you know, this type of child birth method, how do you find a good a mentor educator in our area? What’s your recommendations on that?
Nicole Morales: Go on to birthing from within website. That’s the first place to start is that you are gonna see different mentors listed, some are certified mentors, there’s less of those, those of people who have gone through certain amount of peers and certain amount of training and gotten in their full certification. But there is other mentors in there as well who are still in process. That’s the best place to go and give them a call, talk to them, see if you can connect. I think you should do that no matter what you choose as far as whether it is Hypnobirthing, probably or whatever, call your mentor or your teacher and just talk to them and say Hey you know this is what I am thinking and get a feel for them, see if it’s something that you wanna do.
Kate Gittins: What about moms that are, that want a doula, should they get a Doula that’s specifically familiar with birthing from within or what do you recommend?
Nicole Morales: Well, I don’t think that they should, I think having a Doula is a great resource first of all. I think what’s important is that your Doula is opened to you howling and moaning and making noise and being and it’s okay to lose it. And it’s not a right way of birthing. I think that’s the big thing is that there shouldn’t be this way of containing a woman, I mean I think that there is sometimes important to have a container for birth so that moms save their resources but, I think that there is a another place of just appreciating that moms, that birth does not look in particular way or sound a particular way. That it can come in different ways. And just that the Doula’s mindful and present and that they connect with them.
Sunny Gault: Okay, very good! Well, thank you Nicole for being here and for sharing all this information with us, of course resources that we mentioned on today’s show, we’ll be sure to put on the episodes page of our website. So we want to hear about your experiences when it comes to birthing from within. You can just share all this information. You can leave the comment on the website page for this episode and you can also, if you do that, we’ll enter you in a contest so you can win a free copy of the book Labyrinth of Birth and it’s from Pam England which Nicole mentioned earlier and she was talking about the Labyrinths. So, this is the book about that, obviously Pam England is the founder of Birthing from Within;. Pam England has written a book called birthing from within imagine that that we’ll include in our online stores. So there’s some great resources for you if you need some more information.
[Theme Music]
[Featured Segment: Maternity Fashion Trends]
Sunny Gault: Before we wrap today’s show, here’s some maternity fashion trend.
Krystal Stubbendeck: Hello Preggie Pals, I am Krystal Stubbendeck, maternity fashion expert and founder of Borrow for your Bumps. Where you can buy and rent as dynamic maternity styles for a monthly rate. Unless you have a limited clothing budget you probably wondering how you will get through these next few months in maternity dressing without breaking the bank. You want inexpensive choices that still look stylish. In this segment we’ll go through the must have maternity wardrobe essentials that are versatile and won’t break the bank. The first must is a good pair or two of float less leggings the set that is over the belly provide extra support and coverage. Where I say under the belly can feel more normal and familiar. Leggings are extremely versatile and can be dressed up with long tunic worn under the dress or more casually for yoga and running areas. I recommend a black pair and a grey pair. Likely you will be living in during and post pregnancies. So it’s worth paying for a high quality style. I like the fold over legging for the summer months or the under belly cropped legging by LA Made. Another must have is that class white button down, no need to invest in one just sneak the comfortable and elegant top from your man’s closet. Make sure to wear size or 2 larger so it drapes and flatters your new shape. Dress it up with black tailored jeggings by Seraphine for the office or go for the classic look with cuffed boyfriend jeans like Jimmy Jimmy Jeans by Paige Denim and complete the all American look with loafers. You can also add a belt if the style looks too frumpy, don’t forget about an empire waist dress. This is the style which has a belt or a tie below the bust and above the bump. And usually it is long and flowing towards the bottom. This must have dress is perfect for before during and after pregnancy. For a cute day version try the braided halter dress by Maternal America. For a sexy night style try the beaded long cocktail dress by Seraphine. Another must have is the latest trend tummy bands, these life savers create so waist band for extra coverage. Keep your back half from being exposed by adding the tummy bands to many of your pre-pregnancy clothes which will add few more inches to many of your pants, while you’re in transitional phases. The tummy band also replaces the cam Tank top which can be hot during the summer months. The tummy band access an extra layer is made of stretching material which will grow with your bump and also breathable to keep you cool. Who can forget about the little black dress also known as LBD, this look is timeless and fashion staple to any wardrobe style. Choose high quality material like thick cotton jersey or rayon which will have plenty of stretch and with the right fabric you can enjoy this peace long after pregnancy, this dress can be versatile for pairing it with blazer for the office or dressing it up with bold jewelry for a wedding. Cardigans are another must have, especially longer tailored style that can transform your outfit and keep you warm even during summer months when the indoors can be chilly. Choose longer styles that have buttons or tie’s so that they are structured otherwise you could look like frumpy. Our favorite look to pair with cardigans is any skinny pant. You can’t go wrong with black skinny pant and then the nude shoes. Or even a pair of edgy skinny cargo trousers by Seraphine. The edgy zipper details on the skinny cargo are offset by a soft look of cardigans. Our favorite cardigan pick is the elite cardigan by norm which has fun zip tie detail. The last wardrobe must have on our list is go to tee. There’s nothing easier and more comfortable; unless you have the body of Gisele Bundchen hide your midriff by choosing long stretchy style That will grow with you. Those tees with rouche side and high quality fabrics are sure to show off to your bump. And add to fabulous feel to your basic tee; add a blazer, chunky necklace, jeans and animal print flats. Transform your wardrobe with pieces that are comfortable, classic and will last well beyond on your pregnancy months. Don’t forget to check out more maternity must haves at https://www.borrowforyourbump.com and be sure to listen to Preggie Pals for more great pregnancy tips.
[Theme Music]
Sunny Gault: That wraps up our show for today. If you have a specific question relating to your pregnancy, feel free to call our Preggie Pals hotline and you can ask our expert, that number is 619-866-4775. You can also send us an e-mail through our website. If you have an idea for future episode, we would love to hear your ideas. You can email us through the website at https://www.preggiepals.com. Thanks for listening to Preggie Pals, your pregnancy your way.
[Disclaimer]
This has been a New Mommy Media production. Information and materials contained in this episode are presented for educational purposes only. Statements and opinions expressed in this episode are not necessarily those of New Mommy Media and should not be consider facts. For such information in which areas are related to be accurate, it’s not intended to replace or substitute for professional, medical or advisor care and should not be used for diagnosing or treating healthcare problem or disease or prescribing any medications. If you have questions or concerns regarding your physical or mental health or the health of your baby, please seek assistance from a qualified healthcare provider.
[00:40:09] End Of Audio
Episode Transcript
Preggie Pals
“Childbirth Preparation Methods: Birthing From Within”
[00:00.00]
[Theme Music]
Nicole Morales: There is a holistic approach to childbirth that helps mothers reclaim and celebrate the spiritual, emotional and psychological aspects of birth as a right of passage. It is both informative and transformative as it prepares your heart and mind for parenthood. I am Nicole Morales, a mid-wife; doula and childbirth mentor. And today, we are discussing the basics of birthing from within. This is Preggie Pals, episode 18.
[Theme Music/Intro]
Sunny Gault: Welcome to Preggie Pals, broadcasting from the Birth Education Centre of San Diego. I am your host, Sunny Gault. We would like to hear from our listeners. If you have a comment or suggestion, please call our Preggie Pals hotline 619-866-4775 and leave us a message. If you have an interesting birth story well, we want to hear from you. And I’d love to talk with you guys via video skype about your story, and we’ll include that video on our website for everyone to see. It’s all about growing and learning from other people’s perspectives and their experiences as well. So, if you’re interested in that, go to https://www.preggiepals.com/submityourstory and send us an initially information. Let’s meet our panelists here in the studio.
Jackie Kleber: Hi I am Jackie Kleber, I am 25 I am a birth Doula. The due date with this surrogate baby girl is November 29th. I have one 3 year old and I am going for an un-medicated hospital birth.
Misty Davies: My name is Misty Davies. I am 33, I am a gemologist. I am due October 10th, it’s a little girl, my first and I am hoping for un-medicated hospital birth.
Kate Gittins: My name is Kate Gittins. I am 29. I am a sales representative for Pearson Education. My due date is August 30th and I do not know the gender of our little one. This is my first child. And I’d like a hospital-medicated birth.
Rabeka Harrison: Hello I am Rabeka Harrison. I am 32. I am a skincare professional with Marie Kay. My baby girl is due on the 11th of September. This is my 3rd kid, I’ve 2 little boys at home and I am going to have a water birth.
Sunny Gault: And you finally get your girl; I didn’t know your other two kids were boys. Yeah, you give me hug Rabeka cos I have two boys at home and I am going for a third.
Rabeka Harrison: Oh yeah! Definitely, after this I don’t need to go for anything else [Laughs].
Sunny Gault: Alright, welcome to the show ladies.
[Theme Music]
[Featured Segment: The Best Pregnancy Apps]
Sunny Gault: Alright, we are starting a new segment here in Preggie Pals. We are talking about pregnancy apps, that’s seems to be all the rage and there’s tons of companies releasing different apps out there. So we are going to do our own little review of pregnancy apps and see what you guys like and what you didn’t like and today I just wanted to open up to the panelist. I ask them to kinda get out their iPhones here. There are all kind of looking in their iPhones now. About what apps they are actually using and, you know, if they like them and what it enables them to do. So Kate let’s start with you?
Kate Gittins: Yeah, my favorite app is Baby Bump app. It allows you to do lot of different things. They each day tells you something different about your pregnancy and what’s happening within your body. And one of the things that I really like about it is that journal, so each time that I maybe go to a doctor’s appointment I write a little note in there to nurse the baby about what the doctor said and you can actually e-mail this to yourself and print it out for your baby book. So it’s something that you can always refer back to. You can have your weekly photo in there. And then, once you get towards the end of the pregnancy, you can actually has a kick counter as well as contraction monitor, so a lot of different things you can do. There’s actually community site in here to where you can just learn a lot about what other people or questions that they have and contribute to them, so something that I use every day in my pregnancy.
Sunny Gault: Wow! Was that a free app or how did you find it?
Kate Gittins: Yeah it’s free for like the basics stuff. The information and the journal and photos and stuff, but then once you get for the log it’s a dollar to add the extra stuff, so it’s very cheap, affordable.
Sunny Gault: Okay, so you use a lot of app, so you giving it a glowing recommendation it actually it means a lot. [Laughs]
Kate Gittins: Yeah, it’s my favorite. There’s a couple like you can need, there’s ton more you can download. Baby Center is another really good one that I like too.
Sunny Gault: Okay! And Rabeka, I see you have your Android out here.
Rabeka Harrison: Yes.
Sunny Gault: So what do you like?
Rabeka Harrison: Well, I have a bunch of apps for my iTouch and so I don’t really, since this is my 3rd I really didn’t download anything new. The ones that I liked, it was with my 1st I really didn’t have those four years ago, they didn’t have that many great ones. So weird to say, “Oh! It's four years ago.” [Laughs]
Sunny Gault: It’s like Stone Age.
Rabeka Harrison: Yeah, so I feel like we didn’t have phones back then. [Laughs] So, I had it on my iPod and it was 4, it was just a kick counter and contraction counter. Everything else I kind of used online just because I couldn’t find anything that I liked. So, I am actually interested in looking at the Baby Bump and download it.
[00:05:16]
Kate Gittins: Yeah! I know.
Rabeka Harrison: I just downloaded it. [Laughs]
Sunny Gault: So do you guys use it when you’re bored? Do you use it as that was it that as time filler like when you’re waiting for the elevator, whatever.
Kate Gittins: Yeah, and I think I like I said that my most favorite part of it is the journal and that comes with the free version and it really just I look through it and I am like you can monitor your weight, you can monitor your mood, your cravings and then what the doctor said about your appointment or just how your feeling that day or if you just want to tell your baby something. And then you can just so save that for them. So it’s kinda of neat.
Sunny Gault: And it’s nice coz your phone’s always on you usually, right?
Rabeka Harrison: Yeah it’s nice to have everything in one spot, cos I was writing things down here and writing it down there and then it like, where did it go. Right so as soon as I have everything in one spot, so Yeah. Especially, with your first year [Laughs] you’re just so excited about everything you like what the heck is going on, so it’s definitely nice to have. I wish I would have had the Baby Bump [Laughs].
Sunny Gault: All right, don’t forget Preggie Pals does have a free app as well and you can listen to it on any device including Android as well as Kindle and Apple products. So they have great features like the ability to star your favorite episodes as well as get instant access to our most recent episode and social networking sites. So, you will never miss another episode. So download your app today. Thanks ladies
[Theme Music]
Sunny Gault: Today, we are kicking off at on-going series focused on child birth preparation methods. Now these are methods used to help to empower you during labour and delivery and in this episode we are discussing birthing from within. Our expert Nicole Morales, who appeared on our sister show, Parents Saver to discuss how to heal after having a traumatic birth. Nicole is a mid-wife, Doula and Child birth mentor. So Nicole, welcome to the show.
Nicole Morales: Thank you very much.
Sunny Gault: I have to be honest that I don’t know a lot about birthing from within so, I am really excited to learn more about this and the purpose of it is to really educate women who may wanna take a class on this. Eventually, I know you do teach classes on this as well. So, let’s start from the beginning with this. What are the main principles that you teach in birthing from within?
Nicole Morales: Birthing from within we, I would say that the first principle is working with coping, coping skills and coping tools. Finding out what you already have in your bag of tools, also developing new ones in class some we use experiential learning. We all hold on to eyes and talk about how we were gonna cope with different things that arise in labour. So that’s one of the first ones. The second one is the labour isn’t just the physical experience and it’s not linear necessarily either. It involves a lot of things. As you walk through the journey of labour, however might look cos it thing is you know we can generalize about what a labour might be like, but there’s, you know, every birth is so unique. But as you walk that journey, you know, they also, they encompasses a lot of emotional and physical and mental things going through that journey and for some people it’s a very spiritual experience as well. So, just having that realization that as you walk that journey, you know, you might have these moments of doubt, unknowing, fear and how you’re going to work through that, how you are going to move from one point to other. When you sometime you don’t even what to do; so that’s I would say some of the principles. We also look at it from four different perspectives; the mother’s perspective, the partner’s perspective, the baby’s perspective. A lot of times, the baby’s perspective of child birth is always, it tends to be left out on this culture. Right, so we do that as well as from the cultural point of view. So we work with women’s fears as well.
Sunny Gault: Okay, Now prior to, you know, today’s episode, have you guys heard of birthing within, our panelist here and what had you heard?
Misty Davies: I have heard about it but I wasn’t, I didn’t really know what it was, so I am curious to get more information.
Sunny Gault: Yeah and Rabeka you know you have had a couple of pregnancies prior so you tried other methods right; what have you tried in the past?
Rabeka Harrison: Avoidance [Laughs] I used to work out so well, was what I think with my first pregnancy; cos I was so scared about it, I heard so many different traumatic birth stories from my friends and relatives and so as soon as you find out your pregnant everybody wants to tell you their story which sometime is good and sometimes it’s not. So, I just want to avoid it and I fear that the day would come but I wouldn’t be there [Laughs] but I ended up doing some stuff online, just looking up information. So, that was definitely, I think I could have planned little better and so with second I really wanted something different cos I think I didn’t get the birth that I wanted. So, I found Hypnobirthing and I loved that and so I think that this is something that with more information, I am big on education so, more information and education for on my part will just give me the, you know, this is my last baby you know as far as I am planning and so, I want it to be, you know, something that’s little bit different from my last but still equally as special.
Sunny Gault: So the big question I guess, Nicole would be, you know how does birthing from within differ from other child birth preparation methods?
Nicole Morales: Well, it’s a really process focused rather than outcome focused. We really look at what the journey of child birth rather than the perfect package at the end I guess, you could say and I am not saying that all of the different methods focus on that but really, about how to be aware and mindful as you are going through this experience, you know, one step at time rather than the whole thing, where you’re going and getting caught up in the end result which of course we know; we all want a healthy baby and a healthy family. But, you know, we never know what the birth fairy brings, brings to us [Laughs] the birth fairy I like that, so it also in the type of education, we use lot of experiential learning, I mentioned ice earlier for pain coping. And so we can start building on how you start reacting to your environment and the things that we are doing in the class. We can build off of that, it can also look at your strengths in the past and your own experiences and how you’ve already have different resources that you can utilize that you’ve had, you’ve experienced, you know, and how come we bring that to refresh and entering your birth journey. So that’s a bit different experiential learning. We are also not necessarily using the intellectual brain. A certain child birth methods use very; the fore brain and the intellectual brain for just, you know, that’s kinda of what we see typical of when we look back to the child birth classes from the past, however many years, you know, somebody at the chalk board and they are lecturing and so we really don’t do that. We do great different things that are, that use different parts in to your brain which is more where you’re gonna be birthing, coz you don’t birth in your intellectual brain. Your birth in this mammalian brain and so we definitely access that using art, we do art in class. And just mostly to create a processes- Story telling as well as you know holding ice [Laughs]. So, it’s different cos it utilizes different methods and its lot of fun, Yeah.
[00:12:51]
Sunny Gault: Are there, I mean I know some of the women in here for example, Rabeka is going for a water birth, are there certain types of ways that we want to birth our children and lend themselves to birthing from within better or no?
Nicole Morales: No, I would say that typically the person who comes to birthing from within is looking at a natural child birth and that’s even usually who we get. But even somebody having a planned caesarean could benefit from birthing from within, because you are really looking at how you’re gonna make a secret birth sacred I mean, your birth sacred no matter how you birth your baby, cos there’s not a right way of birthing at all. In fact, you know, I think that women who have births that they feel empowered by or sometimes once who don’t know exactly how they wanna do it, because we never know what happens within the birth process and so how do you make it no matter which turns it takes a great event for you, so.
Sunny Gault: It sounds so wonderful and so peaceful doesn’t it and I love the idea.
Nicole Morales: I don’t think its necessarily the most I mean, there’s I think the aspects of it that are peaceful but also I think it kinda conjures this love warrior within moms. So it can be kinda of a loud class and, you know, we talk about losing it and how appropriate is that.
Sunny Gault: It’s very real and that’s what I like about it.
Nicole Morales: It’s very real and at times it can be kinda raw and it’s fun. [Laughs]
Sunny Gault: Like what, something’s going on in to the wheels are turning over there.
Nicole Morales: Oh, I just think that the interaction, you know, it’s not all so about what I might have planned, it’s also about what people bringing to class, so, you know, class can change according to the people’s need and the class as well.
Sunny Gault: So you kinda roll with it whatever their needs are?
Nicole Morales: Yeah, and you know we are also tracking people where are they and what do they need, what do they asking for and where are they going, you know, cos you’re mentoring them. What resources may they not be noticing that they have that we can bring attention to, what’s are ready working for them.
Sunny Gault: Okay, so it’s very individual?
Nicole Morales: Yeah, it’s individualized as a group. You know, there’s some solution focused with, there’s more subtleties of what the mentors are doing I guess you could say as far as listening. You know, but yeah, we individualize it certain ways and we also play games. We have some role play games for laborers with their birth fairy card and the time cards and play up with connecting by different scenarios can happen during labour and every and all parents have these cards to throw on the centre, with things they can do and with the difference scenario that the birth fairy brings.
[00:15:31]
Sunny Gault: Ah, ok.
Nicole Morales: So you know do that. You do some labour support.
Sunny Gault: Okay, Ya it’s like what if; what if this happened and what if that happened?
Nicole Morales: Well, in than plus you have these random cards, so if you know like 24 hours later [Laughs].
Sunny Gault: So what do you think is needed? I know you said that lot of women that come to you or the couples that come to you for a natural birth, but what is needed to be successful do you think it’s birthing from with emphasis besides wanting a natural birth?
Nicole Morales: Oh! I think mindful awareness like you approaching a mindfully; so that you’re not going in with this idea that I am not going to be there for my birth [laughs] and not just to say that’s the thing is we are laughing but I think that’s one way we do cope, is that we check out and, you know, but what we are looking at is really being present for the birth of our baby and being connected as a family for the birth of the baby. I think that’s quite important. But also, you know as a hunter, I mean we are talking about gathering lots of information here but we are also like we are hunting what do we want in our birth, what is it taste like, what is it feel like, what is it smell like and how are we going to get all those things so that we can get what we want and prepare for what we want even if what we want is exactly what approaches us but what’s the next best thing. You know, how do we make decision when we don’t know what to do? You know, it’s conjuring that love warrior and you know this is the time in our lives you know you only do it so many times. And you only do this so many times and it’s really about ceasing the day. You know this is it. This is your time to really flourish no matter how you birth your baby, so.
Sunny Gault: I love the idea of viewing birth as a right of passage. You know, you mentioned that earlier in the show and I don’t know if I really viewed it that way. You know, I think much more about the pregnancy as supposed to the birth and maybe that’s because, you know, with this last baby that I had was a planned caesarean based on complications from vaginal birth that I had with my first born. And I just didn’t wanna think about what was happening as I was having the C- section, because it was the one I wanted. You know even though it was planned and I think it was one of the probably one of the best C-sections you can have if you have to have one and I tried to make the most of it. But you know kinda like you Rabeka, I just kind of wanted to check out cos it was not something that….
Jackie Kleber: It’s hard to deal with emotionally.
Sunny Gault: It is very hard to deal with emotionally and I thought that, you know, having a planned caesarean is tuff because you know, I mean I knew that I had to have it right after first have me first born so it was just one of those things that all think ever fully coped with it but I really loved the idea of really thinking about birth as a right of passage. This is how we come in to this world and it can be a very beautiful thing, but like you said stuff is gonna happen how do we cope with that. It’s not a perfect thing.
Nicole Morales: Yeah, it is a right of passage. I mean, it’s not just a birth but it’s also a death. And by saying that, you know, your whole family you know changes with every baby. You know, you as maiden really dies and as a mother you’re born. And as a mother of 2 children you again who you are dies and you’re reborn again as another of 3. And so you know that’s also looking at how are going to gesture your temple of family, you know, in your life so that it can flourish but also there is this morning that happens with each birth, you know, and that’s one way to see birth is that really when you get to that moment, that you know you are re-born in a way.
Sunny Gault: Did you feel that way, you know, as far as wish that she was talking about having other kids and every time you have a baby it’s like you right that relationship that you had with your first born looked differently when you’re second.
Rabeka Harrison: Yeah, and I think it changes like , sorry I got a little emotional.
Sunny Gault: Yeah, I know. [Laughs]
Rabeka Harrison: I just think that for me, my pregnancies were so difficult and I am really uncomfortable too, so for me it is definitely a journey and it is something that I have surrendered to and planned and prepared for so for me. So for me, that it is a sacrifice, it is in my family is more thing. It is changing and it’s definitely a learning experience and it’s something you really can’t, I can’t really fully express but it is wonderful and like varies that different transition after each one. You know what the first two you only have one. You know your clueless and you have no idea what to do with the second like “okay! I have kinda been here before”, and you know for me with the third it’s like, “okay, I have been here before but this its kinda of bitter sweet,” you know. It’s like ok, this is my last or maybe or won’t be but, you know, that’s what I am planning at least so it’s kinda of like……
Nicole Morales: Maybe the third and that third though there’s something I think that happens for you to just appreciate all of these little things for your baby cos you know that how fast they grow up.
Rabeka Harrison: Oh Yeah, my kids are getting huge [laughs] they are still little under but they are huge.
Sunny Gault: What’s the best way Nicole in your opinion to learn this information because for child birth classes it’s not always just about going to class but what is the best way to learn or I guess what are options and then what do you think is the best way?
[00:20:55]
Nicole Morales: Well, the options are taking a child birth class series. There is 6 week one offered out there, 4 week offered. If you can’t find one going on in your region, I know Pam England who is the founder of birthing from within. She does Skype I think, from Alba cookie, she’s amazing. So child birth classes definitely also, you know, you can access different things. She has a blog called birth peeps. You can do that; Also birthing from within book. So, you know, just spruce the book and do some lot of the activities and really just spend some time focusing on this pregnancy. But also, I think one of the biggest resources is yourself and you know, we don’t always look inside if ourselves as to, you know, what our dreams are, what are strengths are or how we have, what are called different coping skills are in the moment. You know, how we are gonna embrace this journey, all the different ways it could unfold. You know, we are really looking at how you’re already parenting and connecting with this child right now, so….
Sunny Gault: Okay, we are gonna take a quick break. When we come back, we are gonna talk more about what you can expect if you decide to take a birthing within class. We’ll be right back.
[Theme Music]
Sunny Gault: Welcome back, we are talking about child birth preparation methods. This is a new series we’ve launched on Preggie Pals and today’s focus is birthing from within and our special expert is Nicole Morales. So Nicole, I know you teach Birthing from within classes. So let’s talk a little about those classes. When should we start taking these classes, when is the good time?
Nicole Morales: I think the best time to start taking classes I am specific your partner can start feeling the baby move, there’s some kind of shift that happens in them, when they can put their hand on your belly and feel that baby move, so anytime between then when the baby comes [Laughs].
Sunny Gault: Oh! cos we have two women in here about to pop, so is it too late at a certain time do you say I am don’t know how much you would like that.
Nicole Morales: Well, you can’t take 6 weeks series and I have to say that, you know, there is different mentors who will do crash courses but I do think that 6 weeks is nice, because there is some sense of integration. You grow each week and then you kind of sit with it and then you come back, and its spiral. It’s like a spiraling education. So, you know, you sit with it sits with you and then when you come back you are growing and what you’re learning inside yourself as well as, you know, as about different things about child birth. And so I prefer the 6 week but then the other ones are fine too and of course you can have a crash series [Laughs] you know. You are due tomorrow. [Laughs]
Misty Davies: Do you have to have a partner in the class?
Nicole Morales: No, you don’t in fact we have people who bring Doula’s, sisters or mothers or even come by themselves. They usually have, I often have a Doula who sits in through class and so they can become if there isn’t any partner activities, they can join in. But no, you don’t have to have a partner.
Sunny Gault: Alright, and then how long are these classes? You said 6 weeks total but I am mean the individual classes when you arrive, is it 3 hours or what is it?
Nicole Morales: It depends, some of the mentors here do it for 3 hours for 4 classes. It’s usually around 12 hour class. I do 2 hours classes for 6 sessions.
Sunny Gault: Okay, let’s talk about what you experience in those classes and I know each class is different and may vary from mentor to mentor. But walk us through what a typical class is like.
Nicole Morales: Well, we all get together and talk and see if there’s something that comes up in conversation so, we might move in to talking about that, and then I guess, so within a class I guess you could say you have an appetizer, side dish and some meat and potatoes or tofu and potatoes [Laughs] if you’re a vegetarian and then some dessert. So typically we get together, see what comes up and then we probably hold on to some ice for a while and talk about what it is like holding that ice and what was working for people and what they’re mind does while they do things and kinda connect that to what we have done before in our previous classes and then we’ll move in to something like optimal baby positioning, how you sit in your chair and how baby can be, [Laughs] you know in a better position. You know for birth, its…..
Jackie Kleber: Well, we’re adjusting our position in our chairs. [Laughs]
Nicole Morales: Then may be something like we’ll do a labor physiology or the models are out there for their obstetrical system, like let’s say 3 months curve for a year supposed to dilate as a centimeter per hour plus 5 centimeter or this stages of labour. And then, may be do some alternative birthing from within model. Something like the Labyrinth and for instance.
[00:25:51]
Sunny Gault: Tell us about the Labyrinth and what that is?
Nicole Morales: Well, the Labyrinth is something that people use in many different cultures around the world. Its multi-cultural I mean, you find it in Peru, you find it in Brazil and some of the government buildings in Brazil, the cathedrals in France and in Ireland and native Americans have different types of Labyrinth that you walk in. The interesting thing is cross culturally, it is about transformation or about the journey, the mindful journey. And, it is a different representation in stages of Labyrinth or Fried-men’s curve because you know the nice thing about labour and that’s different than a maze because it is one path into the centre and one path out. And so, it isn’t a very good representation of child birth cos it’s also about not worrying about getting to that centre. It’s about walking that path and it’s a well warm path that we are walking you know the Labyrinth you know as I said its walk many times in different cultures but, you know, for the path of child birth, you know, it’s also a been a walked by your grandmother and her grandmother and her grandmother. It’s been walked many times and it is well worn. And as you’re walking, even though there’s only one path the centre sometimes there is this moments of wave, am I doing this right, am I going in wrong way, am I closer than I think I am. So these gates have doubt and fear and unknowing as you’re going to the centre are different things that represented our experiences are possibly represented our experience on the way to the centre which is birthing. And getting to the centre, you know, it might take 24 hours or 30 hours or 5 hours I don’t know what will be for you. But, once you get it to the centre and birth your baby walking out, can be 2-3 years. So you can be walking out and still walking in on another labyrinth at the same time. You know if you have more than one child. That’s the idea of the labyrinth, so we would do something like that and for the dessert, for the class we do something sweet, but in there video or poem or special nice ending to the class.
Sunny Gault: As for as curriculum, so to speak is concerned, are there certain things that you make sure throughout the 6 weeks series you definitely hit on and what are those things?
Nicole Morales: I definitely hit on different things with stretches and exercises in pregnancy, some of this personal cos each person, you know, personalizes. I definitely hit on nutrition. I tend to get to people to write down what they eat for a week and I deal with them outside of class and just talk a little bit about blood volume expansion and importance of protein and excitement like that. I also do labour support, hands on labour support, you know in class, there will be positions, there will be massage. I get all the bozo and do different things like that as well as we definitely work with fears. Fears is really a totem in the sense that, you know, we don’t ignore them and I think that’s also another thing that might be different from other different child birth classes rather than know saying over knock, you know we are gonna have this only listen to really great things, we really gonna listen to ourselves. And you know, fears are in this culture are, you know we are affected by the cultures of fear, which are pretty big. We are affected by the person in the grocery store who wants to download all of their birth issue on you. We also have our own intuition and it’s hard to decide for between all of those different things. So really looking at your fears and looking them straight in the eye, looking in all those dark corners of the room and seeing what’s there and you know what it just decides to present it my labour this is how I am gonna cope with it. And then you can shut the door and lock it and then if it does show up during your birth experience then you can say, “okay, this is how I am gonna cope.”
Sunny Gault: And I am sure you get feedback when people, you know, after they have their babies. Do they generally feel like, “okay! You know, what ever I was thrown at I had this skills that I needed to be able to cope with that.”
[00:29:58]
Nicole Morales:Yes, generally. You know. it’s sometimes just knowing that you’re not gonna exactly know what to do is helpful [Laughs] but yeah, you know, I mean, there’s certain amount of resilience to it. But also looking at those experiences and seeing this thing that you did do right, when the unexpected happened or looking at it being able to refrain the birth as it unfolds even if it isn’t what you expected as being sacred or you know instead of framing it as Oh, you know very cold hospital caesarean birth it could be wow you have this great intimacy behind the curtain, my partner and myself so that we can connect during the birth. And oh, I am lying down on this table and the err is not just a table its mud and the energy the earth is coming up through me; however somebody decides to reframe it. Looking at different ways in which you make it yours and claim it.
Kate Gittins: If you chose to do birthing from within, I mean, your typical patients are women, they deliver in hospital or is it like home birth, all different types?
Nicole Morales: For the classes; I am also a mid-wife so; and I do home births and I have my own home birth world, not that I haven’t done Doula work in hospitals but for classes, it varies. I usually have a mix of home, hospital, birth centre, birth centre in the hospital, birth centre out of hospital. It’s usually mixed and the class I am in training right now is all hospital. So I have been for a while since I had all the couples be in the hospital.
Sunny Gault: Is it helpful to group them like that, if possible because it is more……?
Nicole Morales: No! In fact, I think that the hospitals couples are amazing gifts for home births and I think home births couples are amazing gifts for hospital births; birthing families. Because, different question are asked and you are always like Oh it’s good that they are learning about this is, what the one person might say but really they are also experiencing those things. Because you never know what presents.
Sunny Gault: Right, so what are we looking for if we determine that we want to pursue, you know, this type of child birth method, how do you find a good a mentor educator in our area? What’s your recommendations on that?
Nicole Morales: Go on to birthing from within website. That’s the first place to start is that you are gonna see different mentors listed, some are certified mentors, there’s less of those, those of people who have gone through certain amount of peers and certain amount of training and gotten in their full certification. But there is other mentors in there as well who are still in process. That’s the best place to go and give them a call, talk to them, see if you can connect. I think you should do that no matter what you choose as far as whether it is Hypnobirthing, probably or whatever, call your mentor or your teacher and just talk to them and say Hey you know this is what I am thinking and get a feel for them, see if it’s something that you wanna do.
Kate Gittins: What about moms that are, that want a doula, should they get a Doula that’s specifically familiar with birthing from within or what do you recommend?
Nicole Morales: Well, I don’t think that they should, I think having a Doula is a great resource first of all. I think what’s important is that your Doula is opened to you howling and moaning and making noise and being and it’s okay to lose it. And it’s not a right way of birthing. I think that’s the big thing is that there shouldn’t be this way of containing a woman, I mean I think that there is sometimes important to have a container for birth so that moms save their resources but, I think that there is a another place of just appreciating that moms, that birth does not look in particular way or sound a particular way. That it can come in different ways. And just that the Doula’s mindful and present and that they connect with them.
Sunny Gault: Okay, very good! Well, thank you Nicole for being here and for sharing all this information with us, of course resources that we mentioned on today’s show, we’ll be sure to put on the episodes page of our website. So we want to hear about your experiences when it comes to birthing from within. You can just share all this information. You can leave the comment on the website page for this episode and you can also, if you do that, we’ll enter you in a contest so you can win a free copy of the book Labyrinth of Birth and it’s from Pam England which Nicole mentioned earlier and she was talking about the Labyrinths. So, this is the book about that, obviously Pam England is the founder of Birthing from Within;. Pam England has written a book called birthing from within imagine that that we’ll include in our online stores. So there’s some great resources for you if you need some more information.
[Theme Music]
[Featured Segment: Maternity Fashion Trends]
Sunny Gault: Before we wrap today’s show, here’s some maternity fashion trend.
Krystal Stubbendeck: Hello Preggie Pals, I am Krystal Stubbendeck, maternity fashion expert and founder of Borrow for your Bumps. Where you can buy and rent as dynamic maternity styles for a monthly rate. Unless you have a limited clothing budget you probably wondering how you will get through these next few months in maternity dressing without breaking the bank. You want inexpensive choices that still look stylish. In this segment we’ll go through the must have maternity wardrobe essentials that are versatile and won’t break the bank. The first must is a good pair or two of float less leggings the set that is over the belly provide extra support and coverage. Where I say under the belly can feel more normal and familiar. Leggings are extremely versatile and can be dressed up with long tunic worn under the dress or more casually for yoga and running areas. I recommend a black pair and a grey pair. Likely you will be living in during and post pregnancies. So it’s worth paying for a high quality style. I like the fold over legging for the summer months or the under belly cropped legging by LA Made. Another must have is that class white button down, no need to invest in one just sneak the comfortable and elegant top from your man’s closet. Make sure to wear size or 2 larger so it drapes and flatters your new shape. Dress it up with black tailored jeggings by Seraphine for the office or go for the classic look with cuffed boyfriend jeans like Jimmy Jimmy Jeans by Paige Denim and complete the all American look with loafers. You can also add a belt if the style looks too frumpy, don’t forget about an empire waist dress. This is the style which has a belt or a tie below the bust and above the bump. And usually it is long and flowing towards the bottom. This must have dress is perfect for before during and after pregnancy. For a cute day version try the braided halter dress by Maternal America. For a sexy night style try the beaded long cocktail dress by Seraphine. Another must have is the latest trend tummy bands, these life savers create so waist band for extra coverage. Keep your back half from being exposed by adding the tummy bands to many of your pre-pregnancy clothes which will add few more inches to many of your pants, while you’re in transitional phases. The tummy band also replaces the cam Tank top which can be hot during the summer months. The tummy band access an extra layer is made of stretching material which will grow with your bump and also breathable to keep you cool. Who can forget about the little black dress also known as LBD, this look is timeless and fashion staple to any wardrobe style. Choose high quality material like thick cotton jersey or rayon which will have plenty of stretch and with the right fabric you can enjoy this peace long after pregnancy, this dress can be versatile for pairing it with blazer for the office or dressing it up with bold jewelry for a wedding. Cardigans are another must have, especially longer tailored style that can transform your outfit and keep you warm even during summer months when the indoors can be chilly. Choose longer styles that have buttons or tie’s so that they are structured otherwise you could look like frumpy. Our favorite look to pair with cardigans is any skinny pant. You can’t go wrong with black skinny pant and then the nude shoes. Or even a pair of edgy skinny cargo trousers by Seraphine. The edgy zipper details on the skinny cargo are offset by a soft look of cardigans. Our favorite cardigan pick is the elite cardigan by norm which has fun zip tie detail. The last wardrobe must have on our list is go to tee. There’s nothing easier and more comfortable; unless you have the body of Gisele Bundchen hide your midriff by choosing long stretchy style That will grow with you. Those tees with rouche side and high quality fabrics are sure to show off to your bump. And add to fabulous feel to your basic tee; add a blazer, chunky necklace, jeans and animal print flats. Transform your wardrobe with pieces that are comfortable, classic and will last well beyond on your pregnancy months. Don’t forget to check out more maternity must haves at https://www.borrowforyourbump.com and be sure to listen to Preggie Pals for more great pregnancy tips.
[Theme Music]
Sunny Gault: That wraps up our show for today. If you have a specific question relating to your pregnancy, feel free to call our Preggie Pals hotline and you can ask our expert, that number is 619-866-4775. You can also send us an e-mail through our website. If you have an idea for future episode, we would love to hear your ideas. You can email us through the website at https://www.preggiepals.com. Thanks for listening to Preggie Pals, your pregnancy your way.
[Disclaimer]
This has been a New Mommy Media production. Information and materials contained in this episode are presented for educational purposes only. Statements and opinions expressed in this episode are not necessarily those of New Mommy Media and should not be consider facts. For such information in which areas are related to be accurate, it’s not intended to replace or substitute for professional, medical or advisor care and should not be used for diagnosing or treating healthcare problem or disease or prescribing any medications. If you have questions or concerns regarding your physical or mental health or the health of your baby, please seek assistance from a qualified healthcare provider.
[00:40:09] End Of Audio
