Womb to Grow Denver

Ina May is coming to Denver!

mywombtogrow — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:20:33 +0000

Save the date for a special Parent Night with Ina May discussing The Postpartum Year.

Friday, May 21st, 6pm

Location: TBD

Denver’s Best Well-woman Care

mywombtogrow — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:51:41 +0000

Recently, a friend posted a question on the WTG fan page asking ”Who’s the best women’s health provider in town?” I’ll share a couple of personal thoughts below, but I thought I’d put it out there to all of you to comment and let us know who your favorite is? Feel free to include website, phone number, etc. in your comment.

Here’s my latest experience:

I had a lovely experience at Mountain Midwifery for my well-woman visit….comfy family-centered office and waiting area, 45 minute visit, lots of my questions answered, great health recommendations and exercise solutions, many natural solutions to squirrely hormone issues, AND I wore a cozy cloth gown instead of those nasty paper things. I met with Tracy Ryan, CNM and she also had a student with her, who was fabulous as well.

I’m about to make an appointment with Anne Walters, CNM for Maya Abdominal Massage, which I’m excited about and will report back after.

So, what do you think ladies?

Share your experience, let us know who you think Denver’s finest is.

How to Have a Better Birth

mywombtogrow — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:11:22 +0000

Injoy and Lamaze International have teamed together to provide online easily accessible information to any expectant parent.

Healthy Birth Your Way: Six Steps to a Safer Birth

Click here to view the videos.

Here’s a list of the print materials.

Healthy Birth Your Way: Six Steps to a Safer Birth

Complete Booklet (18-page PDF)
- Introduction: Birth – As Safe and Healthy As It Can Be (1-page PDF)
- 1: Let Labor Begin on Its Own (2-page PDF)
- 2: Walk, Move Around, and Change Positions Throughout Labor (2-page PDF)
- 3: Bring a Loved One, Friend, or Doula for Continuous Support (2-page PDF)
- 4: Avoid Interventions That Are Not Medically Necessary (2-page PDF)
- 5: Avoid Giving Birth on Your Back, and Follow Your Body’s Urges to Push (2-page PDF)
- 6: Keep Your Baby With You – It’s Best for You, Your Baby, and Breastfeeding (2-page PDF)

Additional Helpful Printouts

Choosing a Care Provider (1-page PDF)
Changing Your Care Provider (1-page PDF)
If You Have Been Induced (1-page PDF)
Maintaining Freedom of Movement (1-page PDF)
Positions for Labor (3-page PDF)
Finding a Doula (1-page PDF)
Creating a Support Team (1-page PDF)
Tips for Labor Support People (2-page PDF)
Birth Planning Worksheet (1-page PDF)
References (2-page PDF)

Denver Health Midwives

mywombtogrow — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:39:09 +0000

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.

Avoid Back Labour and Posterior Presentation

mywombtogrow — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:39:27 +0000

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:

Optimal foetal positioning
Visit a chiropractor during pregnancy for optimal allignment

Welcome!

mywombtogrow — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:18:06 +0000

Welcome to Womb to Grow! Providing pregnancy, birth, and postpartum doula support to families in the greater Denver area.
I am excited to partner with you as you prepare for your pregnancy, childbirth and growing family. Please feel free to browse the site by clicking on the links to the left.