Labor Bag Must Haves

What's in your labor bag?

I mean, really....what all do you need to bring to a fully equipped hospital or birth center? When it comes down to the last minute planning, many moms and dads-to-be feel more than just a little overwhelmed. Here's a simple list with options for those who want to do-it-all, plan-it-all, pack-it-all.

• Skid proof footwear, preferably something that slips on easily and can take some unwanted fluids. Crocs, anyone?
• Labor/birth gown. Keep the neckline low and the hemline high. You can always cover up with a hospital gown or robe when walking the halls. But for easy nursing access for baby, and less to fuss with below the waist during labor, think skimpy and short. (Hydrogen peroxide gets out most blood spots/stains.)
• Lip balm. Keeps your mouth moist from all those focused belly breaths.
• Hair ties. Think work out strategy for your hair.
• Snacks for you and your dedicated partner. Simple, easily digested foods are best. Yogurt, fruit, soft cheese, peanut butter, honey all travel easily and go down smooth. (Although don't be surprised if you bring it back up later in labor, that's not uncommon.)
• Water bottle filled with labor aid or red raspberry tea. 
• Body lotion, lightly scented. Many women find that their senses are more acute during labor and aromas that they previously found refreshing are over powering. 
• Rechargers/batteries for electronic devices (i.e. cameras, phones, laptop, etc)
• Extra clothes for going home.
• Baby blanket and outfit.
• Baby book for footprints.
• Tennis balls for back rubs. (Put two tennis balls in a clean sock. Tie it off. Makes a nice massage tool for rubbing moms back, legs, shoulders during labor.) 
• Overnight toiletries ( toothbrush, comb, deodorant, etc.) 
• Infant car seat. (You can go to the Police Department in most communities for assistance in proper installation beforehand.)

For those who want to make the labor room even more personal:

• MP3 player with labor playlist.
• Your own pillow.
• Swim trunks for dad. (In case he offers support while you're in the shower).
• Hand held fan.
• Rice bags for warm counter pressure on low back. (Put 2 cups of uncooked rice in a clean, long sock. Tie it off. Warm in microwave.) 

 Prepare for an overnight stay for both you and your partner. Keep a list of last minute things to pack or do before leaving the house. (Do you have pets to crate?)

A little planning goes a long way. But, your baby will be born regardless of the things you remembered to pack (or not). Remember to keep things simple, listen to your heart and your own intuition. Don't worry if you didn't pack everything, you will have just what you need.

Newborns Basic Needs

 A newborn baby has only three demands.  They are warmth in the arms of its mother, 

food from her breasts, and 

security in the knowledge of her presence. 

Breastfeeding satisfies all three

~Grantly Dick-Read

Babies are born with such basic needs. They need food, warmth, safety and comfort. The baby business industry would have a new mom feel inadequate. They push products and programs for everything from feeding to learning. A new parent can easily feel overwhelmed at the amount of marketing, disguised as information. Unless a woman needs to pump her breasts for medical reasons or to go back to work, it is not even necessary to purchase an expensive breast pump. 

Frequent nursing in the arms of her mother, spending time in her arms or sling and co sleeping all encourage the babies neuro development and growth. 

The time will come soon enough when her baby will venture out into the world. But for now, let her snuggle in the safety of her mother's arms.

Increasing Your Milk Supply

Making enough milk for your baby is a concern all new mom's face. While some could pump enough for multiples, many women find that their milk supply less than what their growing baby needs.

First: Determine if there is a real need for more milk.
Is baby gaining enough weight?
Is he/she eliminating appropriate for her age? 

Successful breastfeeding tips:

1. No artificial nipples! (no pacifiers, bottles, etc) for the first few weeks.
2. Rest. Making milk is a new mom's primary occupation, resting gives the body a chance to focus.
3. Hydrate. Drink a 10-12 ounce glass of water every time you nurse. Water in helps milk production. 
4. Herbal tea. Fenugreek, mother wort and red raspberry leaf  herbal teas can help increase milk production.
5. Nursing-In. Take an in house retreat, by taking baby to bed for 2 days, mom and baby naked from the waist up. Skin to skin contact, frequent nursing, extra fluids for mom, healthy meals and snacks, lots of naps for both can help restore a diminished milk supply.

Relax. Get help when you need it. Take care of yourself.

Early Labor To Do List

Labor. Just the sound of the word sounds like work to me. While having a baby is labor intensive (pun intended!), for some there are hours of prodromal (early and light) labor. For me, my labors always started with hours of light contractions that I could easily function around. My philosophy has always been to stay engaged with what you were doing before labor started as long as you can. There will come a point when your body will no longer allow you to be distracted. But in the meant time, find a labor project to keep the mind busy while the body gets things going.

Here is a partial list of some of my early labor activities with my six babies:

• shopping (with my first baby, early contractions started while birthday shopping for family members at the mall).
• walking around the block with my kids 
• playing in the back yard with my kids
• cooking
• taking my daughter to the DMV for her license (funny story!)
• shopping for nursing bras
• grocery run for last minute items
• scrubbing the floor
• making the labor bed
• fixing last minute snacks to hold the kids over
• laundry
• reading with my kids
• picnic in the backyard
• crocheting
• watching movies (on tv)
• pelvic rocks
• scrubbing the bathtub
• out for Mexican food
• eating
• making red raspberry leaf tea
• drinking water, juices, herbal teas with honey
• napping
• cuddling
• making love
• relaxing in our pool

Remember, these were all things I COULD do.
The conditions must be favorable to continue such activities, such as:

• bag of water intact
• contractions light and infrequent
• always with another adult (my husband accompanied me on the walks, and grocery shopping)
• no alarming signs such as heavy bleeding or fever

For me, there was plenty of real life to keep me busy in early labor. Of course, if my life hadn't been so full, I could have worked on a baby blanket or scrap booked our latest vacation. And  of course, the active work such as scrubbing the floor and walking actually help labor along.

Then there  are the women who head straight into active labor with no smooth climb up the mountain. They do not have time to think about a labor project. They already have one!

For those of  you who had long early labor, what activities did you do?

Happy BIRTHday, Sam!

Sam turns 11 on August 12. My baby, my youngest kiddo. And, of course, does not like being referred to as "my baby." But he is. My labor with him was a little crazy. After nightly contractions for nearly a week  past my due date, I was ready to throw in the towel and agree to just keep him in there a little longer. On Friday morning, I woke up with a "to do" list longer than my arm. Light contractions that I heartily ignored kept coming all morning. At 10 am I drove Angela, my 16 year old daughter to the DMV to take her drivers exam.  I tried to help calm her nerves while silently calming my own nervousness inside. Here was my oldest child taking her drivers test while my body pleaded to bring forth my youngest child...at the same time. Crazy! We made it through her test, managed lunch and play dates for the afternoon, and took Angela to the mall for her part time job. She was surprised when I got out of the car to run for some last minute items. (Unfortunately the department store didn't have my size nursing bra in stock and would order for me. When would I need it? Uh, we could barely contain our laughter....) After a dinner of pizza delivered by our local pizza shop, I was ready to deliver this baby. Finally, I decided it was time to actually lay down, maybe rest a bit somewhere around 9 pm. At midnight my husband called the midwife, saying it was time. She was on her way to a home where they were having thier first baby. She promptly turned the car around and headed to my house. She arrive just in time to catch our healthy baby boy, born just before 1 am on August 12. Angela was my doula, a job she didn't ask for, but willingly did. And she was amazing! I love retelling my kids birth stories. No matter how old they are or how old I become, those days will always be some of the best days of my life. Sam, Happy Birthday buddy! I love you!

Breastfeeding: What's In It for Mom?

We all know that breastmilk is the perfect food for newborns. The American Academy of Pediatrics enthusiastically supports breastfeeding for today's infants. Breastmilk is  a live food, easily digested, and helps prevent allergies and ear infections in little ones.

But what about the benefits for mom? Beyond the obvious benefits of convenience (no bottles) and low cost (free), how does breastfeeding benefit a new mom?

• Biggest loser. Breastfeeding moms lose their pregnancy weight easily since they are burning an extra  500 calories a day.
• Keep the tata's. Breastfeeding helps reduce a woman's chance of getting breast and other reproductive cancers.
• Chill time. The hormones responsible for milk production also help mom relax. Oxytocin, relaxin and other hormones released when breastfeeding are calming.

When it comes to taking care of mom and baby, breastfeeding accomplishes both.

Labor Tips for Dads

Most guys come to my childbirth class totally wondering how they got dragged there in the first place. Not for lack of love and caring for their wife and new baby, but because they are out of their comfort zone. I reassure them that they are already the best labor support for their partner. After all, she chose him to be her partner in life. For better or worse. Having a baby is about as much "life" as it gets, and encompasses both the "better and the worse."

Here's a few tips for guys who find their palms sweaty at the thought of supporting their beloved during the most intense and wonderful day of their lives together:

•  Go ahead.....attend childbirth classes and learn along with your expectant wife/partner.
•  Be as involved in her care as you are comfortable, such as going to some of the appointments, helping her make healthy food choices and offering to take walks with her.
• Make plans ahead of time for how your place of employment will handle your sudden absence for the birth. Anything that can be done ahead of time should be taken care of well in advance of her due date.
• Take the guess work out of helping her in labor. Ask her what helps her relax, exactly how she likes to be massaged, etc. Open communication is essential.
• Talk to the belly. Your interest in her growing belly is another way for you to bond as a growing family.
• Take the time to read some of the things she is learning, and ask questions about things you don't understand. Respect her feelings and her wishes on certain subjects, but don't be afraid to engage conversations about sensitive issues. 

Above all, be open, receptive and interested. Your baby's birth is a big event for both of you.