The Birth Lounge Blog

When Checking in Hinders the Process Today I'm going to be talking about when checking in, actually hinders the process. Now specifically, I'll be talking about birth today, but I think you're going to find this makes sense in other places of your life too. So specifically when, when hindering the birth process, I want you to think about physiological, from a natural standpoint, from an undisturbed undisrupted standpoint. So if we were to allow your body and your baby to do its own thing. Cervical Checks So the first place that I often see checking in disrupting our natural processes is that vaginal checks in the later part of pregnancy. So it used to be routine. And I mean, it still is routine in a lot of places to do vaginal checks starting at 37 weeks. However, the science is actually pretty clear that there's no benefit to having cervical exams before 40 or 41 weeks. Now this all goes back to your due date, right? And we know that first time babies are more likely g...

Can We Predict the Start of Labor? People (me included) say all the time, “Babies come on their own time.” And, this is true, they do. But, they don’t just randomly choose a day. It isn’t luck of the draw or even chance. So if there is something more to it, what *actually* starts labor? Let’s dive a bit deeper! I know you’ve heard this before if you are not new around here, but your baby’s body and your body literally work together to start labor. They have been working together this whole time during pregnancy and will continue to work throughout birth and as long as you breastfeed. My mama would argue she can still feel when something is off from me (I live in Boston and she’s in Mississippi!) Your mama instinct is so strong. There are so many birthing people who say they feel like an induction isn’t the right choice for them and there’s research to show that you might be right!  *You’re going to notice that some of these articles seem old. They are old because this isn’t new. Th...

7 Slippery Slopes of Labor How to stay in control during labor is one of the most FAQs that I receive on a daily basis! Good news! So many of the “unknowns” of birth can be alleviated with the proper education and preparation!  But there is a catch here! The catch is.. how you prepare is uber important. Meaning you can read all the books that you have been told to read, but if you're not reading the right books, then it's really not going to prepare you. You can take all of the childbirth ed classes that your hospital has to offer. But, if your hospital isn't presenting you with all of the options during the childbirth ed course, and they're only presenting you with options that they want you to know, this prevents you from being able to truly make an informed and confident choice.  Being able to freely make a decision after open discussion with your doctor is what we call shared decision making . This means you, your medical team and your support people come together t...

Books to Prepare for Your Ideal Labor  This quarantine has changed so much including how you are preparing for your birth. Across the nation, we have witnessed cancellation of childbirth classes left and right leaving millions of expecting parents feeling stranded and unprepared.  On social media, in my inboxes, in my texts, and frantic phone calls have proved that women are feeling the pressure of having tons of questions and not having anywhere to turn for answers . There are great online choices, but there is also a group of women who aren’t jazzed by that option. If that’s you, don't worry, you can still prepare fully...through reading! I can’t tell you how much I learn from books. I have compiled a list of my favorite books that are incredibly supportive of a safe and gently, controlled birth experience.  Books: Expecting Better - Emily Oster When parents ask me waht books they should read, I understand that most parents aren’t going to bang out a book a month so lo...

5 Tips To Help You Relax During Labor (This article was originally written by HeHe for Mama Goose, see the FULL article  here .) Everyone’s birth story is a little different. This means the way people prep for labor is different and everyone’s goal is different. However, there are 5 tips that can help in any labor, no matter your goal or your story.  1 | Use your senses to your advantage Heat helps muscles relax and this will be the sweet antidote to the contractions. It will not take away the contractions, far from it actually, but it will help relieve the sharpness. 2 | Water inside, water outside Hydration is key! Eating is important, but water is crucial. 3 | Control the environment Consider the people in your room and the energy they bring, consider sounds that may set or break the tone you are looking to set, and consider the lighting for you birth - which can have a HUGE effect on atmosphere and tone.  4 | Find your voice and use i...