by Alisha Tamburri | Oct 11, 2022 | Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy
**This is a repost of a classic Informed Pregnancy article
“Of course, many mothers-to-be also have strong feelings upon learning their baby is breech – some feel angry, disappointed, depressed, nervous or scared. Some are terrified contemplating the possibility that they may have a surgical birth. Quite often mothers-to-be confide in me that they feel they must have done something ‘wrong,’ and I quickly assure them that this is NOT the truth. While the primary goal of a breech session is encouraging the baby to turn, I also work to help mothers feel more relaxed and peaceful about their upcoming birth, no matter how they eventually deliver, so they can focus on the joy of meeting and holding their newborn.”
It’s late in your third trimester. You’ve been hoping and planning for a vaginal birth and never thought much about delivering via cesarean – until your OB or midwife does a scan and tells you your baby is breech.
Now what? Suddenly your plans to ‘rest and nest’ in preparation for your newborn’s arrival are pushed aside. You read everything you can find about chiropractic techniques, acupuncture, moxibustion, external cephalic version (ECV) and even standing on your head in a swimming pool (Who comes up with these ideas?), desperately searching for a way to get your baby to turn.
You might not read about a method for encouraging babies to turn that I’ve used successfully in my practice for more than 30 years – hypnotherapy. Hypnosis can help loosen tight muscles in your uterus, release stress, and calm your body and your baby. An integral part of the breech turn session is fear release therapy, where moms learn to let go of their fears concerning their pregnancy, labor, parenting, and even the stress of dealing with in-laws.
Of course, many mothers-to-be also have strong feelings upon learning their baby is breech – some feel angry, disappointed, depressed, nervous or scared. Some are terrified contemplating the possibility that they may have a surgical birth. Quite often mothers-to-be confide in me that they feel they must have done something ‘wrong,’ and I quickly assure them that this is NOT the truth. While the primary goal of a breech session is encouraging the baby to turn, I also work to help mothers feel more relaxed and peaceful about their upcoming birth, no matter how they eventually deliver, so they can focus on the joy of meeting and holding their newborn.
The use of hypnosis to help turn breech babies was supported in a groundbreaking 1994 study presented by Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona. The study included 200 women who were carrying their babies in a breech position at 36 weeks gestation or more. The experimental group of 100 women received hypnotherapy from a trained practitioner. The comparison group of 100 did not receive hypnotherapy, although some did ECV, a procedure where the baby is manually manipulated from outside the abdomen to bring about the downward turn.
Looking for more on breech pregnancy and labor? Listen to this popular episode of The Informed Pregnancy Podcast!
While in hypnosis, the mothers in the experimental group were led through guided imagery to bring about deep relaxation. They were helped to imagine their uterus becoming pliable and relaxed in order to allow their babies sufficient room to make a move. Suggestions were then given to visualize their babies effortlessly turning into the proper vertex position for birthing. Each mother was asked to talk to her baby. The hypnotherapist verbally encouraged the baby to release from the breech position, turning downward for a gentle birth.
The result? 81 of the 100 breech babies in the experimental group turned spontaneously. In the group that did not receive hypnotherapy, only 26 babies turned, and an additional 20 turned after ECV.
Hypnosis is a natural state of focused awareness that we all have within ourselves. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis; the hypnotherapist serves as a guide. The power is truly yours! It is inspiring to witness a mother become at peace with herself, her body and baby using only the incredible power of her own mind – a power they often don’t know they possess until they come into my office.
I give moms a recording of their session to listen to every day. This repetition helps mothers maintain the calm state they achieved in hypnotherapy, and encourages a baby who does turn to stay head-down until birth.
Whether or not your baby is breech, hypnotherapy during pregnancy can help to relax your body, mind, muscles and baby. It can also help make you feel more confident and empowered about birthing and becoming a parent – no standing on your head required!
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Alisha Tamburri is a clinical hypnotherapist, birth doula, HypnoFertility therapist, and childbirth educator. She has more than 30 years of experience working with expecting parents, alleviating anxieties and resolving personal and physical challenges through hypnotherapy. Alisha is a pioneer of HypnoBirthing Childbirth Education in California. She is also the proud mother of two daughters, two sons-in-law, and two grandsons.
www.clearmindhypnotherapy.com
by Dr. Nate Fox | Oct 5, 2022 | Health Conditions, Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy
“It is very important not to stop any necessary asthma medications due to a possible pregnancy without speaking to your doctor because an asthma attack in early pregnancy due to stopping medications can also be very dangerous to you, and your baby.”
Asthma is a common medical condition. As such, many women have asthma during pregnancy. Pregnancy may affect asthma and asthma may affect the outcomes of pregnancy. The following is meant to be an overview of asthma during pregnancy.
The Effects of Pregnancy on Asthma
The effects of pregnancy on asthma vary among women. Approximately one-third of women with asthma improve during pregnancy, one-third worsen, and one-third stay the same. Interestingly, pregnant women aren’t likely to experience asthma exacerbations, or shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing, during labor. Additionally, the changes in physiology during pregnancy do not significantly alter spirometry (testing of lung function) values in asthmatic patients, so spirometry remains an excellent technique to detect and manage pregnant women with asthma.
Asthma has been shown to increase the risk of fetal growth restriction, preterm birth and perinatal mortality. However, this is most likely related to the quality of asthma control, and if well-controlled, women with asthma tend to have similar pregnancy to those without asthma. Thus, the key is having the asthma well-controlled!
Click here to listen to Dr. Nate Fox on The Informed Pregnancy Podcast!
Management of Asthma during Pregnancy
Asthma is managed similarly in pregnant and non-pregnant patients, and is primarily based on the severity of the asthma. For women with mild asthma (rare exacerbations and symptoms), usually an inhaled bronchodilator (relaxes and opens the lungs) like albuterol are used as needed. For those who need this “rescue inhaler” more than a few times a week, usually an inhaled glucocorticoid (steroid) is recommended daily or twice daily. For those with even more severe symptoms, additional inhalers and even oral medications are used to keep symptoms under control.
Safety of Asthma Medications in Pregnancy
The inhaled bronchodilators and the inhaled steroids are considered safe in pregnancy in all trimesters, so they are used liberally for pregnant women with asthma. For this reason, if someone has asthma and only requires inhaled medications, they can typically continue the same medications in pregnancy. The oral medications tend to be considered safe as well, but someone who requires oral medications should check with their asthma doctor or OBGYN, ideally prior to getting pregnant. It is very important not to stop any necessary asthma medications due to a possible pregnancy without speaking to your doctor because an asthma attack in early pregnancy due to stopping medications can also be very dangerous to you, and your baby.
Conclusion
Although asthma is a very common condition found in pregnancy, there are many ways to treat symptoms, so it usually will have a minimal impact on the health of your pregnancy. The key is to have tight control during pregnancy, minimizing any chances of an asthma exacerbation.
What’s up doc? Click here to find documentaries about childbirth!
Dr. Nathan S. Fox is a board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist with the subspecialty certification in Maternal Fetal Medicine. Dr. Fox completed medical school and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and his fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. To learn more check out www.mfmnyc.com and www.healthfulwoman.com
by Sara Haley | Oct 4, 2022 | Fitness & Nutrition, Mental Health, Pregnancy
**This is a classic Informed Pregnancy article repost
“When I refer to feeling ‘sexy’ during pregnancy, what I mean is accepting and enjoying your pregnant body. Not only are you undergoing the amazing task of growing a child, but you have the opportunity to flaunt and move the most womanly assets you have – your breasts, belly, hips and butt. Instead of ignoring them or hiding them away, get off the couch and find ways to make those body parts look and feel good. Freedom to move without any inhibitions is sexy.”
Empowerment
“Empowerment” is not just a buzzword. It feeds our self-esteem, our confidence, and our identities. I think that’s why motherhood changes so many of us for the better. While parenting always has its challenges, it can also make us feel strong, feminine and joyful, all at the same time.
Another thing that has always given me a feeling of empowerment is exercise. I would never say that exercise is equally empowering as bringing new life into the world, but working out does fulfill my desire to feel strong, sexy and happy.
Before you roll your eyes and turn the page, let me define what I mean by exercise. I’m not insinuating grueling hours at the gym (unless that’s your thing, in which case, go for it!) For me, exercise means waking my body up, keeping my muscles alive and enjoying the ability to move.
I’m a pre and postnatal exercise specialist and as I write this, I’m 35 weeks pregnant with my second child. I’ve always preached that every pregnancy is different, and now I know that for sure. With my son, I had no pain, no bothersome symptoms, and was still doing jumping jacks on the day he was due (He made his debut ten days later.) This pregnancy has been a different ride in many ways, and no, I don’t think that necessarily means I’m having a girl. I just think I’m three years older and my body is coming from a different place, or perhaps this baby simply has his or her own unique needs, just like all of us! Despite the differences in my pregnancies, one need has not changed for me; I’m still determined to keep my body fit and healthy so that I can have the best possible pregnancy, labor and birth, as well as an easier postnatal recovery.
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When I created a DVD fitness program for pregnant women, I had three main goals in mind. The first was to include exercises that allowed expectant moms to feel and be strong. Secondly, I wanted to inspire and motivate pregnant women with movements that made them feel womanly and sexy. Finally, I wanted to create fun routines so moms-to-be would smile, laugh and enjoy their workouts. I believe the combination of these three powerful elements – strong, sexy and fun – is the perfect recipe for an empowered workout, body, and life.
FEEL STRONG
A strong body and mind are essential for a successful labor. I’m sure all expectant mothers would love to feel the strongest and healthiest they’ve ever been when they go into labor. Lunging to keep your legs and butt strong, stretching your back and chest to release tension and stay limber, and elongating your limbs to work your balance and core are some of the best ways to keep your body safe and strong through your pregnancy.
FEEL SEXY
When I refer to feeling ‘sexy’ during pregnancy, what I mean is accepting and enjoying your pregnant body. Not only are you undergoing the amazing task of growing a child, but you have the opportunity to flaunt and move the most womanly assets you have – your breasts, belly, hips and butt. Instead of ignoring them or hiding them away, get off the couch and find ways to make those body parts look and feel good. Freedom to move without any inhibitions is sexy. Why not put on your favorite maternity dress and go for a walk outdoors somewhere that you love? Feel the sand or the soft grass between your toes, enjoy the breeze blowing through your hair, and hold your baby bump close. Be proud of your amazing body!
HAVE FUN
As you progress through your pregnancy, movements that once seemed fun and enjoyable may start to feel awkward and uncomfortable. Rather than getting frustrated, I’ve found the best way to handle this challenge is to work on changing your state of mind. Working out during pregnancy should not be about burning calories, looking a certain way, or sweating your butt off. Instead, focus on just moving your body each day and finding ways to stay active and have fun.
If traditional workouts aren’t for you, just do something active that makes you smile – head to the beach, run and play with your older children or the family dog, hold hands with your spouse or partner, and enjoy being fully present in the moment. After all, no matter how many children you already have, a new arrival changes everything!
I wish you a healthy and fit pregnancy and a joyful introduction (or re-introduction!) into motherhood.
Check out this episode of the Informed Pregnancy Podcast featuring Sara Haley!
Sara Haley is a fitness expert who specializes in pre- and postnatal exercise. Drawing on more than twenty years of fitness and dance training, Sara has developed her own brand of fitness DVDs, The Daily Sweat®, which includes her award-winning prenatal workout program, Expecting More®. Follow @SaraHaleyFit on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
