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Happy Labor Day!

9/3/2014

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A MESSAGE FROM
Natalia Hals, LCCE & CD(DONA)
Birth | Postpartum Doula & Childbirth Educator


Happy Labor Day!


Can you believe how fast this year is going! I feel like summer just decided to stick around and now the kids are preparing for school, we are sorting through summer clothes (because all of my kids seem to be having a growth spurt at the same time), rotating the fall clothes in and cleaning out the garage (to get rid of summer gear and to make room for the cars). Fall is one of my favorite seasons. It might be because I am a November baby (my mother reluctantly left her Thanksgiving meal to go to the hospital - maybe she should have had a home birth) or simply because I love sweaters and that the temperature is just cool enough to get rid of pesky bugs so that I can enjoy a nice lounge outside. How do you prepare for season changes? Send me a note at natalia@awomansdesign.com. I'd love to read them and share them on the next newsletter.
 
You are fearfully and wonderfully made, 

Natalia
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Have you seen the article that came out last week: 
How Doulas Have A Huge, Positive Impact On C-Section Rates?
In short, "The new study is not the first to highlight the potential benefits of doula care, both financial and otherwise. A comprehensive Cochrane review of more than 20 trials published last summer found that women who had continuous care during childbirth -- whether by a nurse, midwife, family member or doula -- were more likely to have spontaneous birth without a C-section or use of instruments including a vacuum or forceps; less likely to use pain medications; more likely to have slightly shorter deliveries; and more likely to say they were satisfied with their birth experience after the fact."

In the past few months I have heard some humorous and flattering things about the presumed powers that doulas have. I was told by one father that I had "super doula arms", a nurse asked me to pull out some tricks from my doula bag to help a posterior baby (presenting face up) turn and one midwife returned to the room after I'd joined a couple and said, "You must be the doula?". I nod and return a smile. " She tells my client, "I can tell, because you look so much more relaxed than a half an hour ago." 

As sweet as these comments are and how great it is to see the benefits of doulas becoming more known, the truth is you make the difference in your birth experience. When you seek out labor support, engage in thoughtful discussions with your provider and you are an active participant in your care. That combined with professional labor support makes the difference in how you are left feeling about your experience.  Also know, that even if your insurance covered a small amount or nothing at all, the more they keep getting requests and inquiries along with the studies that are coming out the closer we will be to insurance companies recognizing the value and more reimbursements/coverage. 

With that said, can women have babies without doulas? Absolutely. Should they? Well, I spoke with a mom who'd had five babies without professional labor support, but wanted one with her next baby. She said, "I know I can do it, but with this next birth I wouldn't want to without one."

Please welcome...
I'd like to introduce you all to another beautiful doula I have the pleasure to work with, Hope Lien! Hope will be teaming up with Hallie to support A Woman's Design clients. She is DONA trained birth and postpartum doula as well as an Certified Lactation Counselor. I have such a passion for the postpartum period that it almost brings me to tears and they share the same passion.

"Supporting women gently to be empowered during their pregnancy, birth, postpartum and beyond is my passion. I take great delight in journeying with women of all ages and backgrounds as they enter motherhood. It is very important to me to tailor my care to each individual family. My demeanor is very gentle as I guide and support you throughout your own mothering experience. I have been doing birth work for the past 5 years, and postpartum work for the past 3 years and have worked with children and families for more than 10 years in various capacities." Hope L.
 
If you are interested in more information about postpartum services feel free to contact us at info@awomansdesign.com.



Mark this date!

Date:
 Saturday, October 04 2014
Time: 9:30am to 3:00pm
Location: Burroughs school, 1601 W 50th St., Minneapolis, MN 

The mission of the Twin Cities Birth and Baby Expo is to connect local families with empowering, multicultural resources and education that promote healthy birth and parenting and celebrate the transformative experience of becoming parents.

The Expo showcases local businesses and organizations that operate in line with this mission. We aim to connect parents and families in the Twin Cities with experts, businesses, and organizations that offer education, products, or services promoting healthy birth and parenting from diverse perspectives.

For more information

If I have made a positive difference in your family with professional labor/postpartum support and/or childbirth education, then please nominate my business, A Woman's Design, for the Best of the Twin Cities Birth & Baby Awards! Thanks so much!

 


Birth Availability 

I have births already on the calendar for 2015 and I appreciate the opportunity to be able to get to know my clients early on if possible. I do have one more spot available for October and November birth months. If you or someone you know is considering doula services or would like more information, please feel free to reach out. I love talking babies and labor support!




Classes at The Nesting Place are picking up. Requests for private classes as well. If you are a mom on bed-rest, would prefer a more private education or if you or your partner travels and it is hard to commit to a series Private Childbirth Classes may be a solution. 

The next series of (Re) Discovering Childbirth begins Saturdays, September 20th - October 25th, 2014 from 1:30-4:00pm 

Great Sibling Preparation September 21st, 1:00-2:00pm

Early Pregnancy Workshop September 30th, 6:30-7:45pm

Finding Comfort Workshop October 7th, 6:00-9:00pm

The Fourth Trimester October 14th, 6:30-8:30pm
 


 


 If you are on Facebook you can also "like" my pages (A Woman's Design and The Nesting Place Twin Cities) where I post relevant information about pregnancy, childbirth and parenting daily. 


Latest blog post : "In The Blink Of An Eye"
 
 




Mom & Dad Groups throughout the Twin Cities

About A Woman's Design

A Woman's Design, LLC. Provides Birth And Postpartum Doula Support And Childbirth Education In The Minneapolis, St. Paul And Twin Cities Area. 



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Effects of Fear in Childbirth Part 2- How to Overcome

3/12/2010

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In my last post I spoke of the possible influences that affect the way women and society view childbirth. In this post I would like to help from a different angle. We’ve heard that knowledge is power. I wonder if we’ve really grasped the meaning of this, or is it just another inspiring quote. One way to combat fear head on is to know your enemy or the perceived enemy in most cases.

I am going to use a job interview as an example of having fear and anxiety about the unknown and methods to overcome them
that can be applied to childbirth. When you are interviewing for a job it is not uncommon to begin to have some anxiety about
the interview itself and the outcome. Sometimes we begin to play in our mind all the negative possibilities that can take
place only paralyzing us all the more. There are several books and websites dedicated to preparing potential job hunters for
their interviews. One in particular allbusiness.com has helped me compile this list which I will apply towards childbirth.

1) Do your homework.  Although childbirth is a natural process which a woman’s body is designed to achieve most people do not understand the physiological, psychological and emotional components that go along with it. Childbirth classes help expectant parents learn about and prepare for labor and birth. There are several kinds to choose from.
In childbirth classes you will learn about the labor and delivery process, how your body is working with you (not against you), ways to manage pain and other information that will help you feel more comfortable about the process and knowing what to expect. Research them as much as you can to become familiar with each technique until you find an course that seems right for you.

2) Know where you’re going.
Are you having a home birth, birth center, or giving birth at a hospital? Will your health care provider be an obstetrician, a midwife or your family practitioner? Each option has their strengths and weaknesses and it is best to know beforehand who you’d like to be involved with the delivery of your child.   

 

3) Look the part. Well, your body is already taking care of this one. I would add that it is not only important to take care of yourself physically during this time but your overall well being is important as well. If you exercised before baby keep at it (with doctors guidance). In fact, if you abruptly stop your routines it may cause some stress and anxiety.  If you did not exercise regular before baby, I don't believe doctors recommend starting up a program, but Pilate's, walking, stretching, etc. not only benefit you but baby as well.  There are (thank God) a lot of great maternity clothing now. Have fun, enjoy this time, get a massage, a facial, be pampered. This is your time, in a few months it wont be so much.

4) Rehearse beforehand. Is there a breathing technique or hypno birthing method you would like to use? Most people make the mistake of skimping on the practicing; they figure they can wing it. The problem is with most methods and techniques they benefit you the most with when you put in the work before labor starts. Many times someone will try something and say it didn’t work,  in reality they really didn’t commit to learning it completely. What are some ways you relax, distress? This is the time to practice some comfort measures to see what helps and what would irritate the daylights out of you.



5) Secure your references. Build your support system. Women who labor and deliver alone tend to have less than ideal birth experience. When I say alone, keep in mind that most obstetricians are either taking care of several patients at one time, and most only want to be called to come in when delivery is very near. Most labor and delivery nurses chose that profession because of their sincere desire to serve and comfort women during their most vulnerable time. Unfortunately they also juggle several patients and have to follow procedures and monitors which keep them from the one on one experience with expectant mothers. Midwives can vary depending on if it’s a hospital, home or birth center delivery. They can be more attentive to the laboring mother but as delivery become closer their role rightfully changes from solely nurturing the mother to making sure that a safe delivery is the end result. Whether it’s your best friend, your partner, mother or doula, you will want to consider who you will want with you as each person brings along their experience, fears, and expectations which can positively or negatively influence your birth experience.



6) Arrive early. Or maybe not. Most women (and the fathers-to-be) have anxiety about her water possibly breaking at the movies or trying to determine if she’s having real contractions, Braxton hicks or gas. You will want to discuss with your caregiver at what point you should contact them and head to the hospital, birth center, or should expect them to come over if you are having a home birth. Often women have reported being in labor and rushing to the hospital only to have labor slow down or stop, and this may be due the change in environment, paper work, unfamiliar faces, etc. Whatever the plan is make sure you have it and contact numbers close by and that your support person(s) have access to it a well. Also, taking a tour of the hospital before, finding out their procedures for admitting, labor, delivery and recovery is a good idea.

7) Bring necessary documentation.  Make a checklist of everything you will need to bring to the hospital. Toiletries, music, comfort and focus items to name a few. Consider getting a new robe, a new night gown as a gift for yourself, any medications you take, journal, camera, whatever you can think of. This is helping you to be proactive. Being unprepared can caused unnecessary stress to an already potentially stressful situation.

8) Sell yourself. You have to advocate for yourself. This is your birth experience. Work with your doctor, midwife or doula about the benefits of a birth plan. The great thing about creating a birth plan is it causes you to learn about the pros and cons of interventions, how you would like to handle situations as they arise, etc. The process of creating a birth plan empowers you to take responsibility for your birth experience and may ease some fears of the unknown by leading you to search for more knowledge to make informed decisions. Don’t forget to present a copy to your doctor and discuss it with him and also the nursing staff when you are admitted. Be advised that like weddings, things do not always go as planned. Your birth experience may not go exactly as planned but you will have the information to discuss any changes so that you can make an informed decision that you can live with.

9 Don’t neglect to ask questions. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first baby or fifth, there are no dumb questions. If your doctor or midwife responds impatiently or negatively to your questions, it may be time to look for a new one. If you are hiring a doula she can be a wealth of information and resourceful as well. Connect with mothers who have succeeded with the birth plan you desire. Another warning: stay away from people who only want to tell you horror stories. You’d be surprised (especially as an expectant mom) how things stick to you. Before you know it, you’re staring at the ceiling at 3 am wondering if you will have a 46 hour labor that will end up in a c-section because you were so exhausted and you had a small pelvis and the baby’s shoulder got stuck and they ran out of cranberry juice!


10) Follow up. After your delivery it can be helpful to find out from those involved what they experienced. As you mentally are revisiting your birth experience (journaling is great too) their feedback can help fill in the gaps of things that were missing from your story. It’s not uncommon to hear about things that happened that you didn’t notice because you were so focused and tuned in to your body.

 Please keep this in mind: Every birth will be a different experience. Your level of enjoyment with each experience will be determined on how prepared you are for the journey. Knowledge is power. You will have the power to allow your fears to influence your birth experience or to face them head on and use them to push you to the birth you’ve always wanted.


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    A Woman's Design

    A Woman's Design Doula & Childbirth Educators are here to walk along side you during such a precious time. Whether it is your first journey or tenth, empowering women and families with education and support to trust their inner wisdom and make wise choices in pregnancy, birth and early parenting is the heart of A Woman's Design. 

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Specializing In
Attachment Parenting | Babywearing | Birth Bootcamp | Bottle Feeding | Bradley Method | Breastfeeding | Cesareans Section (Family-Centered/Planned/Repeat) | Cloth Diapering | Epidural Birth | Home Birth | Hospital Birth | Hypnobabies | Induction | Lamaze | Multiples | Natural Birth | Spinning Babies |Vaginal birth Assisted by Medication | VBAC | Water Birth | Birth Doula | Postpartum Doula | Lactaction Support | Prenatal Education | Childbirth Education | Placenta Encapsulation |
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Providing Professional Doula Services to Families in the Twin Cities, Minnesota

Minneapolis - St Paul
Anoka | Hennepin  | Carver | Chisago | Dakota | Ramsey | Washington    

​At the heart & soul of A Woman's Design is the belief that every mother has the inner wisdom to make the best choices for herself and her baby in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting. 
This is your story and we are your supporting cast. Birth. Your Way. 

Copyright © 2012-2018, Natalia Hals. All rights reserved.