Denver Health Midwives

June 23, 2009 at 5:39 am (Birth Providers, Birth Stories)
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I love attending births at Denver Health with their amazing midwife team, headed by Eliza Johnson.  For whatever reason, I have attended very long labors with clients, in the care of these lovely midwives. And time after time, laboring mamas are made to feel safe, well-supported, honored, and empowered.
Recently, I was called to support a mama who had been laboring at home for more than 12 hours. Her contractions were intense and frequent and with her descriptions of pain and pressure, we thought it best to head in to the hospital.  However, when we arrived, my client was found to be only 2cm.  So disappointing for her.

Typically, patients are not admitted unless they are at least 4 cm.  However, due to her circumstance, my client was allowed to go upstairs to get a hot bath and try and relax.  Once in the labor and delivery unit, we were met with open arms by midwife Joy and wonderful supportive nurses.  Mama labored for another 16 hours and was supported overnight by amazing midwife Geri and fabulous nurses Bernice and Beth who provided nurturing, empathy, and flexibility while maintaining exceptional health care.  Mama moved from the tub to the side of the bed, laboring long and hard.  In the morning, we were greeted with fresh eyes and hopeful hearts by midwife Susan and nurse Michael who calmly provided excellent support and guidance.  And 4 hours later, baby boy entered the world screaming, greeting his mama and dad.

They were thrilled and couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful everyone had been and what a blessing their birth experience was.

Thank you Denver Health midwives and nursing staff for supporting the birth plan, being flexible when the plan changes, and for providing exemplary care to laboring mamas, their partners, and their babies!

“Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don’t only give your care, but give your heart as well.”  Mother Teresa, quoted on the Nurse Midwives of Colorado website.

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Avoid Back Labour and Posterior Presentation

June 3, 2009 at 5:39 am (Back labor, Comfort Measures)
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Many women feel some pain in their back in labor due to the descent of the baby’s head into the pelvis, causing additional pressure on the back.  However, some women experience continuous painful “back labor” due to the baby’s position throughout labor.  Some babies find it fun to hang out in what we call “sunny-side-up” or posterior position.  So, instead of lying face down, they lie face up, which puts additional pressure on mom’s back as the back of baby’s noggin rests on her back during labor.

Here are some helpful suggestions for back labor:

  • Change positions frequently
  • Use movement, especially sexy circular hip movements
  • Hands and knees positions allow access to the back for massage and use gravity to pull baby toward mom’s belly instead of her back
  • Massage and counter-pressure
  • Apply heat using a rice sock or bed buddy
  • Hydrotherapy – soaking in a labor tub

Another handy, yet sometimes unfamiliar, alternative for many discomforts and dystocia is the use of homeopathics.

Here’s an excerpt from a Midwifery Today article on the topic.  “Homeopathic remedies are a safe and effective means of treating a woman experiencing back labour. Homeopathic medicine along with comfort measures such as counter-pressure, hydrotherapy and positioning are very positive means of assisting the baby to move into the most desirable position for birth and result in more effective contractions with a shorter and a less painful labour for the mother. Homeopathic remedies are easy to administer and act quickly and dynamically to alleviate back pain.”

Additional suggestions for all pregnant mamas prior to labor:

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