Archive for the ‘birthing choices’ Category
Our friends at the La Leche League let us know that they have produced a calendar that will be avaiable soon. They are $15 and avaiable in October. A nice way to support the local La Leche League group who offers advice & support for breastfeeding mothers and families. To order email Denise or check out their Facebook page.
Article By: Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt
When choosing which prenatal classes to take, the various options can be overwhelming. Here are a few questions to help you focus on what classes will fit your specific needs.
Is this your first child? Most classes are geared towards first-time parents. Many people don’t realize there are classes for second, third, etc. time parents who just need a refresher on the basics of birth and newborns.
Where (& how) are you planning to give birth? If you are planning a home birth, a hospital-oriented prenatal class is probably not for you! Likewise, if you are planning a Cesarean, you may want to find a class that does not spend the bulk of its time on natural birth options. If you are planning a medication-free birth (at home or in the hospital) you will want to research available classes in your area that focus on pain management. These can include hypnosis, massage techniques, breathing techniques, yoga, as well as prenatal classes using the Bradley method or Lamaze. The internet is a great resource to read about various options and to make an informed decision.
If this is not your first birthing experience, what would you change about your previous experience(s)? Many parents look back on their first birthing experience and think about what would have worked better for them. Most of the time this involves choices regarding pain management. If you received an epidural and were dissatisfied with the experience you may want to consider classes in natural pain management such as the ones mentioned above.
What information are you hoping to obtain from classes? Are you looking for information to get you through labour and delivery only; or do you want information about newborn care? Be sure to ask the organizer of the course for a list of topics covered.
Do you have a special need or circumstance? Are you having multiples? Do you have gestational diabetes or other health concerns? Are you over the age of 35? There are many classes specifically designed for different high-risk pregnancies.
Are you looking for a quick class with little time commitment; or are you looking to develop friendships with your fellow classmates? Accelerated programs are often available for parents who are close to their due dates or have time constraints. If you have time though, you may want to choose a class that covers the material slowly over the course of many weeks. These classes often arrange a reunion after the babies are born.
Do you want to take a class as a couple or individually? Traditionally, prenatal classes are geared towards couples. Now we are seeing mom-based and dad-based classes. They generally act as support groups where topics are discussed which may not be approached in co-ed atmospheres.
How many classes can you realistically commit to? Money and time are generally your deciding factors for what you can or cannot do. Narrow your needs down. What must you learn? What is a want versus a need? Many parents choose to commit to one generalized prenatal class, such as with a doula or nurse, and one or two specialized classes, such as pain management classes or support groups.
I recommend parents do their research on available classes in their area during their first trimester and sign up for these courses as soon as possible. They tend to book up fast as many are small classes. That doesn’t mean you are too late if you are in your second trimester, but you may not get your first choice of times or classes. Planning ahead, knowing exactly what you want from your classes, and researching all your options will ensure that you feel prepared and informed heading into this incredible time of your life. ________________________________________________________________________
Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt is co-founder of Balanced Body Mind Spirit. Through her specialization in fertility issues & prenatal care she helps parents conceive and achieve balance while on their journey into parenthood. Nicole offers pre/postnatal & pediatric Massage Therapy; Hypnotherapy for children, fertility and childbirth; Reflexology; & Reiki. She teaches a variety of classes including, Hypnosis for Childbirth, Tools for the Birthing Partner, Focused on Fertility, and Infant Massage. To learn more, visit www.balancedbodymindspirit.com
By Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt
When you first find out you are pregnant, there are many decisions which seem to need to be made right away! The following is a quick checklist of items to think about in the early weeks of first trimester (some might surprise you!):
Birthing Plan - yes, it’s true; you should begin to think about how your ideal labour and delivery would look like. Do you envision a medical delivery with pain medication or planned Cesarean Section? Or do you envision a home birth? Or something in between the two? There is no “right” way to birth - only what feels right to you. These are important ideas to discuss with your partner. Both of you should be 100% honest with each other - free of judgment. Does your partner want to be present? Does he or she want to be involved in the labour and delivery?
Once you know where and what kind of delivery you want, you will be better able to choose your delivery team. Start with what type of healthcare professional you want to deliver your child (doctor or midwife). Midwives book up quickly, so if you are interested, book a consultation appointment as soon as you know you are pregnant, to ensure a spot. If you are planning a hospital birth with a doctor & do not have a particular OB/GYN in mind, ask to join a hospital tour for those hospitals in your area. See where you feel most comfortable & then look for OB/GYN’s affiliated with the hospital. Remember, when you go into labour, your doctor may not be on-call so another doctor may be delivering your baby. Also consider who (if anyone) you would like present in the delivery room - family, friends, a Doula? Make sure these people are on board with your birthing plan. You want everyone present to be 100% supportive of you and your partner.
Complimentary healthcare team: With all the changes your body will endure, there are many options for you in alleviating discomfort and ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Your team may include a Registered Massage Therapist, Chiropractor, Naturopathic Doctor, Hypnotherapist, Homeopathic Doctor, Nutritionist, and/or Acupuncturist, just to name a few! Always ensure that your professional has training in prenatal work. Prenatal courses - although you most likely won’t start any courses until you are in the last half of your 2nd trimester, these classes book up early, so start researching your various options. When thinking about prenatal courses, don’t just focus on the traditional courses (usually offered at hospitals and many private facilities). Although these are extremely valuable classes and should not be missed, there are other prenatal classes which may also be of value to you. There are classes geared towards parents of multiples; classes for the use of hypnosis during delivery; different birthing methods; comfort techniques and the list goes on.
Do your research and see what is offered in your area. Beginning to work on these four items early, as well as ensuring that your full support system is in place, will help keep you and your partner from becoming overwhelmed during the pregnancy; and being less stressed will ensure you make the best decisions for your growing family.
Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt is co-founder of Balanced Body Mind Spirit. Through her specialization in fertility issues & prenatal care she helps parents conceive and achieve balance while on their journey into parenthood. Nicole offers pre/postnatal & paediatric Massage Therapy; Hypnotherapy for children, fertility and childbirth; Reflexology; & Reiki. She teaches a variety of classes including, Hypnosis for Childbirth, Tools for the Birthing Partner, Focused on Fertility, and Infant Massage. To learn more, visit
This page is sponsored by True Blue Natural Family Resources.
It’s great that there are so many choices when giving birth. We’ve complied all the resources in the area, so you can make an informed decision.
Doulas
First Question, we know, we know! What is a Doula? Dona International says that, “A doula who accompanies a woman in labor mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth. A postpartum doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics.”
A doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support to women and their partners during labour and birth. They help and advise on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, massage, and positioning. Assistance to families in gathering information about the course of their labour and their options. Provide continuous emotional reassurance and comfort; non-medical skills such as massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures. Assistance to partners who want to play an active support role.
Doulas in York Regionn
For The Love of The Family
Phone: 905-836-4342
For The Love of The Family provides labour/birth and postpartum support and breastfeeding support. Experience and training with Postpartum Mood Disorders, multiples and advanced breastfeeding difficulties.
Joanne Ilaqua, RPN, trained doula(DONA)
Phone: 905-252-0191
A Registered Practical Nurse and a trained doula(DONA). Most importantly, I am the mother of 4 children.
Currently registered with: The College of Nurses, Doulas of North America (DONA), Doula C.A.R.E., Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) and I hold Level “C” Certification in CPR.
Mona Mathews :Serving York Region
Phone: 905-473-5939
Birth Doula Services& Pre and Post Natal Services
I am a member in good standing with DONA (doulas of North America) And Doula C.A.R.E. ( Canadian Registry of doulas)
Whispering Heart Doula Services Joanne Raines CD(DONA)
Birth & Postpartum Doula Serving York Region and Toronto
Phone: (905) 773-2789
Email: jmraines51@yahoo.com - Please type Doula Services in the subject line.
As a trained, certified, experienced doula, providing you with the information, physical and emotional support to birth your baby and to transition when your little one(s) join your family. Working with you prenatally, through labour, birth and/or postpartum for your most positive experience possible. You’re welcome to visit my website and contact me.
Midwives
Did you know that midwerfry is covered by the Ontario Government? Most women don’t.
A midwife is a registered health care professional who provides primary care to women during pregnancy, labour and birth, including conducting normal vaginal deliveries, and providing care to mothers and babies during the first 6 weeks postpartum.
We are a practice of 8 Registered Midwives. We offer a choice of birthplace: home or hospital. We hold admitting and discharge privileges at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket and York Central Hospital in Richmond Hill. We work in teams to offer 24-hour oncall availability. Our office is located in Aurora. Our regular office hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30 - 4:30 and Friday 10 - 4.
College of Midwives of Ontario
Phone: (416)327-0874
Email: admin@cmo.on.ca
Registered midwives in Ontario act as primary caregivers for pregnant women. They attend labour and delivery in both home and hospital settings. Registered midwives have hospital privileges and may order all of the necessary lab tests for women in their care. On the College’s site you may find a midwife in your area.
