Author Archives: Heidi Thaden-Pierce
The Benefits of Water
From The Doula Guide to Birth: Warm water promotes relaxation by increasing circulation and lowering blood pressure, by stimulating the skin on your entire body (like a water “massage”), and in the case of baths, by providing buoyancy which takes … Continue reading
Observations in Labor
Some of the things your care team is observing about you (and you can read about these in your labor progress notes in your medical chart, which is worth getting a copy of for a fun birth timeline!) – Your … Continue reading
Posted in Babies!, Birth, TIPS FOR DOULAS
Tagged Doula Resources, New Doulas, Tips for Doulas
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Belly Dancing
“British anthropologist Sheila Kitzinger says belly dancing originated as a ritual of childbirth as well as seduction… the idea is that the pelvic gyrations help dispere the pain of contractions, orient the fetus, and propel the baby into the world. … Continue reading
Questions for your Hospital
While you are discussing your birth plans/hopes with your care provider, it’s also a good idea to tour the hospital and ask about their policies. When you arrive at the hospital in labor your doctor will likely NOT be there. … Continue reading
Posted in Birth, Hospitals, Pregnancy, Prematurity
Tagged Better Birth Dallas, Better Birth Denton
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Doulas & Support Partners
“A 2007 analysis funded by the National Institutes of Health found that fathers who were more involved throughout pregnancy, including participating in prenatal care, childbirth classes, and being present at the birth, were more likely to participate in child-rearing and … Continue reading
Amniotomy
An amniotomy is when a small hook is used to rupture your amniotic sac (break your water) and it’s done frequently on laboring women. From my course manual with my own notes, an amniotomy is done to: * To induce … Continue reading
Posted in Birth
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Rice Packs
These are lovely during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum for aches and pains and sore muscles. They are simple to make, too, and you just throw them in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes (watch closely after 2 minutes so … Continue reading
Packing List – Hospital
Suggested Supplies: – diaper bag (wipes, coming home outfit, diapers, extra blankets, binkie) – Depends (if you don’t like the hospital mesh undies) – good walking shoes, comfy socks (spares in case yours get dirty, the hospitals do have some) … Continue reading
Posted in Birth, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Projects
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Packing List – Birth Center
This is the list that was provided to me when we welcomed our fourth baby at a birth center here in town (where I now work as a midwife assistant.) I’ve added some of my own suggestions: – favorite drinks … Continue reading
Posted in Birth, Postpartum, Pregnancy
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Pregnancy Projects for Siblings
A fun activity to do with siblings or at a baby shower/blessingway is decorating onesies. You can find a five pack at the store for around $10 and grab some fabric paints (about $1/bottle) and get creative! Here’s a beautiful … Continue reading