I'm 31 weeks today and definitely heading towards pushing on my side with the epidural :) Thanks for all the wonderful information. I haven't sorted my birth plan yet and I've been getting nervous so this is what I needed to crack into it
I just want to thank you so much for God’s work that you are doing here on CZcams! I was referred to your channel by my doula for my 4th birth - I so wish I had you as a resource for my first birth! I went in so ill-prepared, and what’s more, I was induced and I had not taken any time to learn about those options or how they impact the birth process/experience. I am one of those women who lose control/feeling in my legs as the baby gets lower and lower in my pelvis, and so changing positions becomes very difficult. I also tore horribly with my first, and so I have been terrified of doing so again… I just wanted to share the things that were game-changers for me. 1) bringing a peanut ball to help prop up my top leg for side-lying during transition and pushing (one of my birth attendants still was needed to help pull my leg up and keep it from slipping down, but it was much less taxing and they only did that during active pushes. Gotta think about helping your birth supporting persons, too! It’s hard on them to put counter-pressure in the lower back, hold up a leg, etc. I know not everyone needs that kind of support, but I do!) 2) Side-lying! I was able to really rest and allow my body to relax during transition and pushing, and it gave easy access to my lower back for counter pressure. It also helped to prevent tearing and that gave me such peace of mind as well as prevention! 3) tens unit! Not every provider, practice, for hospital allows the use of a tens unit, and even if they allow it… Many are not familiar or comfortable with them. Discuss the option with your provider, and if it is an option, take a look and see if you might benefit from one. For me, I have experienced four births and I only used a tens unit during my last one. I do not know if the tens unit itself is responsible, or if the mental feeling of control it afforded me was the thing that helped. Being able to control the timing of pushing that button to get that surge of relief made a huge difference for me. I do want to note that my lower back was sore beyond belief for much longer time after the birth when I used the tens unit, And I assume that soreness was caused by the unit. It was worth it for me, but unexpected.
Great plan! I have a new one out today that I think you will like. If you watch leave me a comment and let me know what you think. As a doula I think you will really like the tip. czcams.com/video/gPneQyXSiBw/video.html
Thank you so much for everything you do. I only just discovered your channel, and I love the practical, approachable and no frills way you share all the wonderful info you have to offer. I have had two babies already, at home with fully qualified midwives, and I am expecting my 3rd the first week of September. I'm brushing up on all of my labor knowledge and learning new things to keep in my toolbox this time. (Like getting my husband more involved by helping with massage and counter pressure! Those were EXCELLENT videos!) I'm sharing your channel with all my mom friends.
❤️❤️❤️What a sweet message, thank you so much for reaching out! It can be hard to make videos without seeing who is on the other side of the screen. Comments like this make it so worth the effort!!! Great work for refreshing your skills for baby #3. I’m so honored to have played a role in your journey. AND THANK YOU for sharing the channel with friends!!! Every share means so much to me and will help the channel grow and reach more people. I’m always so grateful for times when people tell friends and post in bump groups etc. It’s really so huge. ❤️❤️❤️❤️wishing you so much success for you next birth!!
I told my midwife/doctor multiple times before, and during pushing, that I didn’t want to be on my back. They completely ignored my request, and forced me to anyway.
So glad that you found it helpful! If you have a bump group or community that you think would find this video/channel helpful, I'd love a share! I'm working on reaching more people who could benefit from the videos.
Great video. I’ll bring this up in the next couple days to my doulas. Thankfully from everything they gone over with me so far the hospital I chose to deliver at has progressive policies on most things I value for labor and postpartum. Being forced still onto your back and told to hold your breath sounds pretty horrible. Even if I end up having a nurse or midwife who tries to have me do that I’ll make it very clear to my doula what my wants are ahead of time.
I literally screamed my baby out 😂 Very open glottal haha But it felt really powerful to me. My husband was surprised I could be that loud. Luckily, he had let all the neighbours know beforehand 😅 (I had a low risk pregnancy and two properly trained midwives by my side, so decided to stay home.) It took me 40 minutes to push her out. Would've taken 20 if I hadn't insisted on changing positions in between (and my two lovely midwives supported me in doing so, even though they could see that lying on my back was actually working quite well.) Turns out my body works best pushing on my back! Five pushes and she was here. ❤ No tearing either.
@@trishasamanta9338 I wish you all the best for your delivery! 🤗 I had a handful of dates every day in the last trimester, which might have helped. I also very sternly set my mind to "get this baby out" (I was chanting "out, out" during my contractions 😅)
I gave birth 2 weeks ago and this is how they had me push. Purple pushing. I was on my back, had to hold my own legs, I couldn't make any noises, had me bear down with my chin down and hold my breath for 10-12 seconds while pushing. It was brutal and exhausting. Luckily I didn't rupture any veins in my eyes.
I just found your channel on CZcams and I have been watching your videos for the past couple of hours now :D My question is: what happens if you poop during a water birth? will they get you out of the water for the rest of the pushing?
Welcome to the channel! I'm so glad you found it. No, they usually just grab the poop with a little net and remove it from the water quickly. That usually happens quite close to the birth so moving at that time isn't the easiest...though it can be done.
I’m so nervous that I won’t be able to advocate for myself because this is my first birth I have no idea what to expect. My doula (family member) seems somewhat hesitant about my specificity of interests
This makes a lot of sense. Can you talk with your doula more about the specifics that are a priority for you? You can share this video with your doula and give examples of your desires.
Is your doula certified? Or is it just a family member who wants to help? Cuz a certified doula ought to put your desires first and be willing to help you advocate for the birth you want!! What sort of things are you most concerned about not getting with your birth? Bring those specific concerns up with your doula (and husband) and let them know those things are really important to you. Hopefully they will help you find the words to ask for what you want in labor. 🙏
This comment makes my day!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️So glad it was helpful. If you have a bump group or similar would you consider sharing? It’s amazing how sharing a video helps it reach more people. ❤️Alice
@@birthtoolbox I don’t have a bump group ( I don’t even know what that is ) But anyone I know that becomes preggy I will send your way! I want to take your birthing class . I just found your channel
@@noella4750 LOL! I didn't know what bump groups were until one of my students shared about them with me. They are due date groups on Reddit. Thank you for sharing about the channel. Here is my super secret discount, it will be good through Halloween!! 50% off the Birth Toolbox Course with this link! birthtoolbox.com/50percentoff
I told my doctor I’d like to push in different positions and his response was so dismissive and quite condescending. He told me “I’ve been doing this 40 years with no problems, don’t listen to people’s stories.” He even went on to tell me how dangerous other positions are as if I don’t have any knowledge on biomechanics. He told me on all fours or squatting, no one will be able to catch the baby and then the baby will fall and injure their head causing lifelong brain damage. I walked out there quite mad and discouraged. I don’t like being on my back in general, so I definitely do not want to push in that positive either. It’s to late to change the a birthing centre as I haven’t acquired enough funds to do so and my medical aid (health insurance) is paying for the hospital and won’t cover a birthing centre. Any advice? (Lol I’m in early labour as we speak😂)
I'm so sorry! My advice is just move! It is common that a lot of pushing is done with only a nurse, so it won't really matter during that time. And finally YOU CAN DO IT!!
@@gabrielacortez4893same way that women in coma give birth completely unaided. your uterus is capable of contracting to expel the baby without your conscious effort.
Next video to check out 🎉SPEED UP your LABOR with this ONE simple strategy
czcams.com/video/vEaHQw_xCtk/video.html
Truly a Masters Class. I would definitely need to rematch over and over as my due date approaches. Thank you Alice!
Awww, I’m so glad you found it helpful!!
I'm 31 weeks today and definitely heading towards pushing on my side with the epidural :) Thanks for all the wonderful information. I haven't sorted my birth plan yet and I've been getting nervous so this is what I needed to crack into it
Hey how was it pushing on your back with epidural?
I just want to thank you so much for God’s work that you are doing here on CZcams! I was referred to your channel by my doula for my 4th birth - I so wish I had you as a resource for my first birth! I went in so ill-prepared, and what’s more, I was induced and I had not taken any time to learn about those options or how they impact the birth process/experience.
I am one of those women who lose control/feeling in my legs as the baby gets lower and lower in my pelvis, and so changing positions becomes very difficult. I also tore horribly with my first, and so I have been terrified of doing so again… I just wanted to share the things that were game-changers for me.
1) bringing a peanut ball to help prop up my top leg for side-lying during transition and pushing (one of my birth attendants still was needed to help pull my leg up and keep it from slipping down, but it was much less taxing and they only did that during active pushes. Gotta think about helping your birth supporting persons, too! It’s hard on them to put counter-pressure in the lower back, hold up a leg, etc. I know not everyone needs that kind of support, but I do!)
2) Side-lying! I was able to really rest and allow my body to relax during transition and pushing, and it gave easy access to my lower back for counter pressure. It also helped to prevent tearing and that gave me such peace of mind as well as prevention!
3) tens unit! Not every provider, practice, for hospital allows the use of a tens unit, and even if they allow it… Many are not familiar or comfortable with them. Discuss the option with your provider, and if it is an option, take a look and see if you might benefit from one. For me, I have experienced four births and I only used a tens unit during my last one. I do not know if the tens unit itself is responsible, or if the mental feeling of control it afforded me was the thing that helped. Being able to control the timing of pushing that button to get that surge of relief made a huge difference for me. I do want to note that my lower back was sore beyond belief for much longer time after the birth when I used the tens unit, And I assume that soreness was caused by the unit. It was worth it for me, but unexpected.
Thank you for your kind words, your support and thank you for sharing your tips too!! I know those will be helpful!!
What is a tens unit??
@@noella4750 the lovely @birthtoolbox has some info about them!
As a new doula, I plan to use your videos as great resources for my clients to learn from! Thank you for all of the great information you share!
Great plan! I have a new one out today that I think you will like. If you watch leave me a comment and let me know what you think. As a doula I think you will really like the tip. czcams.com/video/gPneQyXSiBw/video.html
Thank you so much for everything you do. I only just discovered your channel, and I love the practical, approachable and no frills way you share all the wonderful info you have to offer. I have had two babies already, at home with fully qualified midwives, and I am expecting my 3rd the first week of September. I'm brushing up on all of my labor knowledge and learning new things to keep in my toolbox this time. (Like getting my husband more involved by helping with massage and counter pressure! Those were EXCELLENT videos!) I'm sharing your channel with all my mom friends.
❤️❤️❤️What a sweet message, thank you so much for reaching out! It can be hard to make videos without seeing who is on the other side of the screen. Comments like this make it so worth the effort!!! Great work for refreshing your skills for baby #3. I’m so honored to have played a role in your journey. AND THANK YOU for sharing the channel with friends!!! Every share means so much to me and will help the channel grow and reach more people. I’m always so grateful for times when people tell friends and post in bump groups etc. It’s really so huge. ❤️❤️❤️❤️wishing you so much success for you next birth!!
I actually didn't know that pushing on your side can reduce the chance of tearing, so that's cool!
Yes! Hands and knees reduce the risk too.
I told my midwife/doctor multiple times before, and during pushing, that I didn’t want to be on my back. They completely ignored my request, and forced me to anyway.
I’m so sorry. It can be so difficult to advocate for your preferences when you are in such a vulnerable position.
Só glad I came upon this! Thank you!
So glad that you found it helpful!
If you have a bump group or community that you think would find this video/channel helpful, I'd love a share! I'm working on reaching more people who could benefit from the videos.
Great video. I’ll bring this up in the next couple days to my doulas. Thankfully from everything they gone over with me so far the hospital I chose to deliver at has progressive policies on most things I value for labor and postpartum. Being forced still onto your back and told to hold your breath sounds pretty horrible. Even if I end up having a nurse or midwife who tries to have me do that I’ll make it very clear to my doula what my wants are ahead of time.
I'm so glad that you have doulas to help you with your preferences for labor and birth! And thanks for visiting the channel!
My bowels cleaned out automatically when labor started each time I gave birth.
Yes! That is very common.
I know so many women who have that as their first sign of labor!
@@racheldeal8322absolutely
This has been my experience too, with both of my labors.
It's great the way that works, right?
I literally screamed my baby out 😂 Very open glottal haha But it felt really powerful to me.
My husband was surprised I could be that loud. Luckily, he had let all the neighbours know beforehand 😅 (I had a low risk pregnancy and two properly trained midwives by my side, so decided to stay home.)
It took me 40 minutes to push her out. Would've taken 20 if I hadn't insisted on changing positions in between (and my two lovely midwives supported me in doing so, even though they could see that lying on my back was actually working quite well.) Turns out my body works best pushing on my back! Five pushes and she was here. ❤ No tearing either.
Awesome story!! Thank you for sharing. ❤️❤️❤️
Wow! Only 40 minutes? I hope my delivery goes like that....
@@trishasamanta9338 I wish you all the best for your delivery! 🤗
I had a handful of dates every day in the last trimester, which might have helped. I also very sternly set my mind to "get this baby out" (I was chanting "out, out" during my contractions 😅)
I gave birth 2 weeks ago and this is how they had me push. Purple pushing. I was on my back, had to hold my own legs, I couldn't make any noises, had me bear down with my chin down and hold my breath for 10-12 seconds while pushing. It was brutal and exhausting. Luckily I didn't rupture any veins in my eyes.
That is very common and so exhausting! Congratulations on the birth of your child.
I just found your channel on CZcams and I have been watching your videos for the past couple of hours now :D My question is: what happens if you poop during a water birth? will they get you out of the water for the rest of the pushing?
Welcome to the channel! I'm so glad you found it.
No, they usually just grab the poop with a little net and remove it from the water quickly. That usually happens quite close to the birth so moving at that time isn't the easiest...though it can be done.
I’m so nervous that I won’t be able to advocate for myself because this is my first birth I have no idea what to expect. My doula (family member) seems somewhat hesitant about my specificity of interests
This makes a lot of sense. Can you talk with your doula more about the specifics that are a priority for you? You can share this video with your doula and give examples of your desires.
Is your doula certified? Or is it just a family member who wants to help? Cuz a certified doula ought to put your desires first and be willing to help you advocate for the birth you want!!
What sort of things are you most concerned about not getting with your birth? Bring those specific concerns up with your doula (and husband) and let them know those things are really important to you. Hopefully they will help you find the words to ask for what you want in labor. 🙏
Great questions and suggestions.
I really APPRECIATE THIS VIDEO !!!! ❤ it was very helpful and I learned a lot ! Love the Jim comments hahaha guys have no clue
This comment makes my day!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️So glad it was helpful. If you have a bump group or similar would you consider sharing? It’s amazing how sharing a video helps it reach more people. ❤️Alice
@@birthtoolbox I don’t have a bump group ( I don’t even know what that is )
But anyone I know that becomes preggy I will send your way! I want to take your birthing class . I just found your channel
@@noella4750 LOL! I didn't know what bump groups were until one of my students shared about them with me. They are due date groups on Reddit. Thank you for sharing about the channel. Here is my super secret discount, it will be good through Halloween!! 50% off the Birth Toolbox Course with this link! birthtoolbox.com/50percentoff
I told my doctor I’d like to push in different positions and his response was so dismissive and quite condescending. He told me “I’ve been doing this 40 years with no problems, don’t listen to people’s stories.”
He even went on to tell me how dangerous other positions are as if I don’t have any knowledge on biomechanics. He told me on all fours or squatting, no one will be able to catch the baby and then the baby will fall and injure their head causing lifelong brain damage. I walked out there quite mad and discouraged. I don’t like being on my back in general, so I definitely do not want to push in that positive either. It’s to late to change the a birthing centre as I haven’t acquired enough funds to do so and my medical aid (health insurance) is paying for the hospital and won’t cover a birthing centre.
Any advice?
(Lol I’m in early labour as we speak😂)
I'm so sorry! My advice is just move! It is common that a lot of pushing is done with only a nurse, so it won't really matter during that time. And finally YOU CAN DO IT!!
So many take aways!
👍
I did not need to push while giving birth of my three children.
Wow! I love that. Thank you for sharing.
How did you do that? How did you not push? Didn't the nurses and doctors get mad at you?
@@gabrielacortez4893same way that women in coma give birth completely unaided. your uterus is capable of contracting to expel the baby without your conscious effort.
7:22 good to know 👌🏽