Water Birth in Scotland

Sarah experiences a range of emotions many mama’s encounter as labor begins. We know that not everything will always go as planned during birth (see more about birth plans here), yet she does an amazing job of taking everything in stride.

For those who may not know, the “TENS” (4:51) she is referring to is a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine. It’s a small machine that delivers tiny bursts of electricity to an area of pain. It is used prevalently throughout the United Kingdom as a means of pain management during labor. There are two theories as to why a TENS reduces pain. The first is that it may scramble the pain signals being sent to a laboring mom’s brain. An alternate theory is that the additional stimulation produces a surge of endorphins therefore decreasing pain. TENS machines are not widely used in the United States.

Everley’s Natural Home Birth

Back labor is described as serious lower back pain above and beyond the sensation that comes from normal contractions. It is generally caused by the baby’s position as they descend through the birth canal. Everley’s mama experienced serious back labor, thus making the first two minutes of this video a testament to her strength and faith. Husbands and birth attendants can help mamas experiencing back labor by applying forceful counter pressure directly to the area of pain during contractions.

To connect with Kerri, click here, here, or here.

Owen’s Water Birth at Home

The “nesting instinct” truly does increase as labor draws near. Owen’s mom, Crystal, tidied her bathroom (which doubled as her birthing area), did laundry, and set out all her birthing supplies as she was experiencing what she assumed were Braxton Hicks contractions.

Owen arrives (3:45) wearing a thick coat of vernix. The white, paste-like substance acted as a barrier between himself and the watery world in which he previously resided. Once born, it served as a superb insulator during the first hours of life. Infants have a difficult time regulating their body temperature and should always be kept well wrapped, especially in colder climates.

To connect with Crystal, click here.

Ina May Gaskin: Reducing Fear of Birth

Ina May Gaskin, leader of the Farm midwives and the revival of midwifery in America, explains why dancing, “smooching”, and blowing relaxed raspberries can decrease pain during labor. While this advice was given at a Sacramento Ted Talk in 2013, it is no less relevant today.

The Business of Being Born

Every woman and each birth is different. Many women would never dream of giving birth outside a hospital while a growing group wouldn’t dare give birth in one unless experiencing a medical emergency. Each woman is entitled to pursue the choice she believes is right for herself and her baby. Unfortunately, many women still don’t know there are options to birth outside a hospital. While 2017 marks the 10-year anniversary of the release of The Business of Being Born, the issues highlighted in this movie are still challenges we face today. We must know our options to have options.

Which video is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!