Spirited Doula™ Oklahoma Birth Services

Home

About Me OKC Doula

Oklahoma City Doula Services

Birth Gallery

Placenta Medicine

Other Services

Dancing For Birth

Spirited Doula Home Butterfly

We must attempt to tell the whole truth about birth, the truth that includes the transformation, mastery, satisfaction, personal power and the difference between pain and suffering.

-Cheri van Hoover

"to speak of birth...to touch people's hearts and souls and to awaken that part of humankind that has forgotten that it matters enormously how a baby comes into the world... that is our task."

- Vicki Chan and Nic Edmondstone from "In Union"

ABOUT THE DOULA

I am pleased to be serving as a doula for Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Del City, El Reno, Edmond, Guthrie as well as other surrounding areas.> read more

BIRTH GALLERY

TENS FOR LABOR

"We are made to do this work and its not easy...I would say that pain is part of the glory..."> read more

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a non-pharmacological method of pain management in labor.

> read more

About Me OKC Doula No Frame

Taryn Goodwin, CD(DONA), Certified Dancing For Birth™ Instructor, Breastfeeding and Childbirth Educator

About me

Throughout the pregnancy and birth of my son I developed an immense passion for pregnancy and birth. I believe that birth is a sacred event that deserves to be nurtured and respected. I also believe that birth for most women is not a medical crisis, but instead a inherently safe, natural event. I trust that women are born with the inner wisdom and strength to birth their babies without intervention. However, I also know when to appreciate medical interventions and pain medicine in labor when they are necessary in a long or complex labor.I have supported women in un-medicated births, medicated births, medically necessary cesarean sections and inductions, waterbirths and both Midwife and Obstetrician attended births. I feel comfortable supporting home births, hospital births and birth center births.Other passions include spending time with my family, traveling, placenta encapsulation, breastfeeding advocacy and education, making homemade baby food, babywearing and painting.Training and ExperienceMarch 2009 - Doula Training (Doulas of North America), Jessica AtkinsAnnually - Oklahoma WIC Breastfeeding SymposiumJune 2009 - Advanced Doula Training with Penny Simkin, PT (Author and Internationally revered childbirth educator) Topics included:When Survivors Give Birth: Understanding and Healing the Effects of Early Sexual Abuse on Childbearing WomenNon-Pharmacological Methods of Pain Relief in LaborWhen pain becomes sufferingTENS Training (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)The OP (Occiput Posterior) fetus: How little we knowPostpartum: The Neglected Phase of ChildbearingMarch 2010 - Current - Birth Arts International Advanced Women's Herb and Aromatherapy Certification CourseJanuary 2011 - Current - Monitrice Training Program (Oklahoma Midwives Alliance)March 2011 - Dancing For Birth Instructor Training, Dallas, TXMay 2011 - Breastfeeding Educator's Workshop - Oklahoma WIC

Proud member of:

Oklahoma City Doula Services No Frame

Doula Services and Birth Availability

Click here to read more about the role of a doula.Service Area:I am currently serving the following Oklahoma areas: Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Del City, Midwest City, Mustang, Guthrie, and other surrounding areas.Fees:My standard fee is $700.00 (usually with a deposit due at booking and the balance due by 36 weeks). However, In the spirit of encouraging doula-supported birth, I will do whatever I can to help work with you on a fee that is within your financial means. We can also easily arrange a series of payments or barter. Doula's have been granted a health insurance billing code which means I can also help you bill your insurance for possible reimbursement.Click to read information on my recent fee changes.Birth doula package:1-2 prenatal visits (Not including our initial free visit)1st visit: We will discuss your options to achieve your optimum birth experience.2nd visit: We will go over relaxation and labor management techniques. I like to do this in your home so we can practice the relaxation for the early labor stage which you will likely experience at home before you go to the birth center/hospitalUnlimited support availability by phone and emailIndividualized handoutsTENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) for labor is free for clientsUse of my lending library (books, videos, exercise balls, etc.), as available24/7 on-call labor support availability the week surrounding your estimated due date.Back-up doula in the event that I am unavailableContinuous labor support throughout your labor and early postpartumAn attempt to get some pictures of your birth and baby if you would like (I am not a professional photographer)Help to establish early breastfeeding and bonding1-2 postpartum visitsAdditional breastfeeding support, resourcing, and advocacy

Birth Gallery No Frame

Birth Gallery of just a few of my clients

Nico
Adamina
Riley
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11

Nico

"I had a wonderful experience with Taryn. Like most things in my life, I didn't realize until the 11th hour of my pregnancy that a doula would be a good idea. I was a vbac client and was starting to get the feeling from my midwife group practice that my planned hospital delivery would not afford me a lot of labor support, even though I was going to a great facility and was a midwife client. In fact my midwife did suggest it, saying that she really wouldn't be showing up until it was really close to pushing time. That stressed me out a lot as I had a young toddler at home, no local family or other kind of support for his care as we were fairly new to the area. I was most concerned about my toddler and what would happen to him when it was time to go to the hospital. So I began making phone calls to doulas.After speaking to a few doulas I called Taryn. She responded so clearly and confidently about how to handle my situation and had ideas that had never occurred to me, plus great resources. Pheeewww! I was so excited and relieved all at once and we hadn't even met in person yet.There were a few more emotional obstacles that Taryn saw me through, such as going 2 weeks past my due date. Taryn helped me to stay calm and confident through this & magically I went into labor on my own within a day of having to be induced.Once we arrived at the hospital I was a little shocked to discover that I was only 2 cm dilated. Taryn helped me walk through my labor around the hospital to get labor progressing. If she hadn't been there to make sense of my pain and experience I probably would have not tolerated my husband pushing me to keep walking as I had with Taryn there to help us. Within about an hour I had dilated to a 5. Taryn had a very magic touch that helped me through my labor and 2 hours of pushing to finally greet my little baby boy via vbac! It was the best experience of my life and I couldn't have done it without her!" -Cindy"Taryn helped make the difference between VBAC and no VBAC." -Alan

Adamina

"My experience with Taryn was incredible! I owe the world to her. It was nice to have someone there to walk me through my labor and delivery. I am a first time mom and didn't know what to expect, and not really had any kind of pain for comparison. She told me what to do and I just did it, which made it a walk in the park. Ok maybe not a walk in the park, but you know what I mean. She knew exactly what to do at exactly the right time. My baby was malpositioned and so was causing severe back pain, so Taryn applied counter pressure to my lower back to relieve the pressure during contractions, which helped tremendously. We tried several other positions as well, which all helped at the precise time. With Taryn by my side I sucessfully delivered a healthy baby girl naturally with no medical intervention. I would recommend her to anyone...specially to first time moms! Thank you so much Taryn! It was a huge blessing to have you and your services! I couldn't have done it without you! God Bless You!" -Meg

Riley

"When I found out I was pregnant I was terrified. I had so many questions, and fears, and concerns, and Taryn helped me deal with all of them. When my midwife suggested inducing me, I cried. I was afraid for the safety of my baby and me, but during my entire labor Taryn was there for me. She recommended different positions to move into to make things more comfortable when labor became more difficult. And when I was tired she told me to trust what my body was telling me and that I was "capable and strong." I truly believe I wouldn't have had such an amazing birth experience without Taryn as my doula. I now consider having a doula a necessity, and wouldn't do it any other way." -Aimee

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

Page 8

"My experience with Taryn is in my mind a unique and amazing one, as I had not even met her before she helped me with our labor and delivery. We had arranged for a doula very late in the pregnancy, as in a mere week before my due date, due to an increasing discomfort with my OB, and fears of inducement and interventions to come. To top it off, Taryn herself was filling in for the doula we attained, as her schedule only allowed her to be with us for a week or so after my due date, and our daughter was not to make her appearance for a week and a half after my due date! Taryn and I had one phone conversation prior to labor, in which I felt comfort and confidence from her easygoing attitude, and the relating of her own birth experience. Fastforward to go time, and in a few hours from the time my water broke, with my contractions coming 3 minutes apart, Taryn arrived at our door in the wee wee hours of the morning after constant communication with her about my very quick progress. With a calming presence and an ease that allowed me to immediately feel comfortable, I decided to go through some contractions with her at home before rushing off to the hospital. Taryn suggested using the TENS unit, which was immediately helpful, and assured me I was doing exactly what I should be with my swaying and rocking hip movements. She also suggested using the exercise ball with some counterpressure on my back, since the back pain was quite bad. With these techniques, that I would have been at a loss for by myself, I was able to get through another hour plus at home. After reaching the hospital, Taryn remained by my side, rubbing my legs and feet, reminding me to relax my body through the increasingly tough contractions, encouraging all of our support in the room in supporting me, and reassuring me when I chose to try Stadol, and then later when I choose the epidural. Although she no longer needed to help me with the pain as much, Taryn continued to support me with extremely helpful suggestions, from getting some rest (a cat nap ensued), to advice for pushing when the time came. Her devotion to making this the best experience we could have was felt throughout. I have often said since our daughter's perfect entrance into the world that I am so grateful for Taryn's availability in our spontaneous need, because I don't know how our experience could have been any better, and that is credited to her presence. In a couple years I hope she is available again, although this time we will start a little earlier! Thank you Taryn!" -Aubree

Page 9

"Taryn, thank you so much for being my doula and helping with my birth. I truly feel that it went so well because of you and Nikki being there. I loved your energy and excitement, they brought so much to the labor/delivery room and I'm so happy with my birth experience because of your help! Thanks again! We love you!" -Casey

Page 10

"Taryn met with my family and answered all of our questions prior to the birth. We felt confident in her ability to help us through this personal process and were excited to include her expertise in our birth. The delivery of my second daughter was not as natural as we had hoped, as I had to be induced. Taryn was there supporting my husband and I through the physically demanding labor. We talked and shared memories while my body continued to progress into the early morning. When my daughter was born, Taryn helped us remember the moment by taking pictures and sharing in the experience. I am grateful for her presence and hard work in our labor. I will never forget her and what she did to make the labor process more personalized and memorable."-Serina

Page 11

"My experience with Taryn was amazing. I had planned on having a natural drug free delivery for months and then decided to get a doula. At six days past my due date my midwife and I agreed it was time for her to come out. I called Taryn to let her know we would be inducing the next day, she was supportive of my decision and helped me make sure this is what I really wanted to do not just something I was being forced into. We got to the hospital at 6am the next morning. When things got intense Taryn suggested using the TENS unit to try to help and it did. Taryn was amazing through the birth, helping me with whatever I needed, and somethings I didn't know I needed. She helped me breathe, rubbed my feet and legs, she help me try different positions to get the baby to move down and relieve the pain, she also helped my husband to know what to do. My midwife came in and checked me and said I could get in the water to help relieve the pain, Taryn and my husband set right beside me the whole time reminding me that I could do this, even when I was telling them that I couldn't, Taryn would say "but you are doing it." My baby girl was born in the water at 6:20pm wide awake and ready to nurse. I couldn't believe how awake she was for hours after birth, but I guess that's how they are when they're not drugged during birth. Taryn stayed with me and help me get her latched on to nurse. She came by the next day to see how I was feeling and brought me this beautiful story of my birth through the eyes of the doula, she had been taking notes, I am so thankful for that. I can now read that story and look back at that day and smile and remember things that I may have otherwise forgotten. My advice to anyone who is pregnant, get a doula, I honestly don't think I could have gotten through it the way I wanted with out her support. Taryn is an amazing doula and now an awesome friend. Thank you Taryn for helping me bring my beautiful baby into the world."-Amanda"She did a very good job, I would suggest her for anyone." -Brent

Page 12

"I knew that I wanted to interview doulas, but I wasn't convinced we would hire one. My midwife was very supportive of the idea, but other people were very negative about it. I had concerns - Would the doula discourage us from making certain decisions? Would she clash with the delivery room staff? Would she take over the role the father wanted to play in the birth?Taryn was the first doula we interviewed, and she was our favorite from the start. She met us in our home, and we felt at ease with her - we didn't feel like she would be working for her own agenda. As my due date got closer, I had minor complications that made it seem that an induction might happen. Taryn talked with me about my situation and my concerns. She gave me some wonderful affirmations and visualizations to use. As it turned out, I was not induced but I did need pitocin to help labor progress. Taryn was there - offering massages and suggestions on positions. She brought my husband snacks. My labor was long and it was hard. I know that I could not have done it without the wonderful support team I had: my husband, Taryn, and my midwife. She was supportive to me and my husband as she guided us through the labor together. She got along with the nurses and staff, keeping out of their way when necessary, but also helping out when they asked her to. While giving birth I was completely vulnerable, but during the labor I felt trust in my team and I always felt completely safe. I believe that Taryn's presence and skills are part of the reason I felt so safe. I am very pleased with how my labor went, and very pleased with all that Taryn brought to the experience.I would like to add that Taryn was a great help after the labor - calming my fears about breastfeeding difficulties and loaning me helpful books." -Laura

Page 13

"I cannot express how thankful and blessed I feel to have had Taryn at our birth. With my first child, I had an emergency c-section that left me full of emotions and fears that I didnt always know how to handle. Taryn was there for both my husband and me as we prepared for an all natural VBAC. Her help did not only come during labor, but long before birth as well. Before the birth, she helped us deal with numerous questions we had regarding the necessity of ultrasounds, ways to avoid further c-sections and my positive group b strep test. On the day I went into labor we called Taryn and she was at our house within the hour. Her mere presence when she walked into my home calmed my nerves. She had almost a magical way of knowing exactly how to relax me during contractions, and her reassuring words kept me mentally on track for the natural labor I wanted. Her extensive knowledge of women and the birth process shined through during so much of my labor and she was able to answer every question I had while labor was progressing. This kept me from doubting myself and my body, which is so important for VBAC moms. Additionally, much of Taryns help was allowing my husband to be fully involved in the birth. She would go get me water or call the nurse, so that my husband never had to leave my side. She would show him different ways he could caress me, or different positions we could get in together to help progress labor along. When transition hit and I started to doubt my abilities, she kept telling me Youre doing it. This is the hardest but shortest part. During the pushing phase there were many times where my emotions were so high and the feelings so overwhelming that I wanted to give up. Since my husband was standing to the side of me and I couldnt really look at him, I found Taryns kind eyes and locked into them. All she did was nod and tell me, This is it, youre doing it and I found strength to go on. My husband and I both say to this day that we dont think we could have had such an awesome, natural and successful VBAC had it not been for Taryns help that day." -Andrea"From a fathers perspective, with this being our first vaginal birth, I had no idea of what to expect. Taryn helped me help my wife by explaining what was happening when things didnt exactly go according to Birthing 101. To be honest, at first, I was a little resistant to the idea of a doula because I saw myself as my wifes coach and thought a doula might replace my role. In hindsight however, Taryn being there did not at all detract me from helping my wife. In fact, her presence at our birth aided me in being the best birthing coach for my wife I could be." -Max

Other testimonials

"There are not words to express how grateful we were to have Taryn with us during our pregnancy and birth. I chose to hire a doula for my second child for various reasons. Although the birth of my older son was fantastic, there were aspects of it I wished were different. I wanted a totally natural labor and delivery without ANY interventions. I also wanted to labor at home. Due to my GBS status and spontaneous rupture of membranes, I had to spend 19 hours in the hospital and many of the interventions I had dreaded were performed. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed. My husband was not completely sold on the idea of having a doula, but after meeting Taryn he was completely on board. She was fantastic throughout my pregnancy. Any time I had questions, I knew she would be available and would have an answer with resources to back it up! She is not only caring, but very knowledgeable too! When I finally went into labor (on my own!), I knew she would be there whenever I called! I labored all day and she was so supportive, even when my opinionated (but loving) mom and sister were pushing me to go in to the hospital during early labor. I waited until my body told me it was time before going into the hospital. Amazingly, we made it to the hospital and I was fully dilated and ready to push! Taryn helped me breathe through the urge to push while they rushed me to a birthing suite. Within minutes my midwife was in the room and it was time to deliver my beautiful baby girl! I was successful in laboring at home as long as possible and avoiding all interventions. For me, having Taryn there was more about the emotional support. Knowing she understood and believed in everything I wanted from my birth experience gave me the confidence to do it! I could not be more pleased with the way everything went! If I am blessed with another child, I will not be doing it without Taryn by my side." - Amie J."My experience with Taryn was awesome. It felt good to know that I had someone to back me in the decisions I was making during the birth of my baby. I went into labor early on a Friday morning and my baby wasn't born until 10am Saturday morning. We called Taryn to come over Friday evening becuase we were sure that it was the real thing. She got to my house at about 8pm and stayed with us throuhout. My husband and I couldn't have done it without her. She helped keep morale up and kept me focused and helped me to remember that even though I was tired or it was painful, my baby would be born soon and it would all be worth it. I consider myself lucky to have had such a wonderful birth at the birth of my son." -Toni T."My wife went into labor in the early morning. Taryn came to our home to help with the early portion of labor, then we moved to the hospital as the labor progressed. Taryn was very familiar with the facility where we delivered, so she was able to get us to Labor and Delivery much more quickly than if we had been by ourselves. She talked us through the process so we knew what to expect, and reassured us every step of the way. Taryn really made me feel at ease with the whole birthing process. She suggested ways for me to connect with my wife and support her through her labor, and helped me get more involved. Taryn really took the pressure off me so that I could enjoy the experience, and know that my wife and baby were in good hands." -Ethan R."Before I became pregnant, I knew I wanted a doula by my side. I was so excited to find a doula I could relate to, here in Oklahoma City. Taryn and I had about four or five meetings, each one was full of information about my journey. I could confide in her and ask her any questions, I felt completely safe and understood. I really like Taryn because she is into the holistic beauty of birth, she is knowledgeable about herbs, exercises, birth literature, meditation, comfort techniques, and most importantly she trusts women's bodies. I wanted a natural, peaceful, drug free birth, and that is exactly what I got. I thank Taryn for being my ally, I could call her anytime with questions or concerns that I came across. She was more available than my busy hospital midwife. Taryn kept me focused, calm and centered. I remember that she had such a strong powerful look in her eyes, (during the time when the pushing was really hurting and I had flickers of self doubt) as she joyously kept reminding me that I was about to meet my little boy. He came soon there after! Taryn also helped me after the birth. She encapsulated my placenta, coming over to my house the very next day to prepare the pills. That medicine has helped me tremendously in feeling good and balancing my hormonal post birth shifts. Taryn also prepared an herbal mixture for sitz bath to aid in the healing. My wonderful doula is also an excellent documenter of momentous occasions. She prepared my "birth notes". Birth notes are my birth story( going into labor, hospital, etc) from her perspective, she had the times in there and everything! It was beautifully written, a tremendous gift for both my son and I. I can't thank her enough for her service to humanity. My experience with Taryn Goodwin was life affirming, gorgeous and sacred." -Gaby B. "I knew as soon as I became pregnant that I wanted a natural normal child birth experience. I found Taryn by chance and from our first consultation I was put at ease. My pregnancy became high risk and Taryn was there to calm my nerves, offer encouragement and support. Taryn was such a calming influence. We talked through all the possible scenarios and of things that could go wrong so when things did not turn out as planned I was much more comfortable with my unplanned cesarean section. Taryn assisted in getting my 35wk6day newborn latched right on and nursing within minutes of returning from the operating room. I was so pleased with all of the support Taryn offered. She helped me feel empowered in my decision making throughout my pregnancy, in the hospital and after I returned home as a new mom. I know I would not have felt as comfortable with my complicated delivery without her support. When we are ready to have another baby there is no one else I'd rather have walking me through it again than Taryn." -Gloria M"I'm a pretty shy person, it takes me a long time to feel comfortable around someone but from the first time I met Taryn I felt so comfortable and relaxed. She has an amazing warmness about her and I am so blessed to have had her as my doula. I had a beautiful homebirth. Taryn seemed to sense what I needed before I even had to ask.I gave birth to a 10.4 pound baby boy in a pool in my living room. Taryn helped me get through the toughest parts of labor, which for me were mostly mental, she had total confidence in me and my body. She also helped my husband be involved in the process, with out her there I'm not sure my husband would have really known how to support me. Even though we both had read and researched, when the time came he still seemed a little unsure of himself. His support meant so much to me and Taryn helped him feel confident. My birth experience was one of the most amazing things I've ever got to experience, and Taryn is one of the reaons why. I highly reccomend her." -Sarah M."I cannot say enough great things about Taryn! I would recommend her to anyone considering having any kind of birth. She is truly an advocate for the families and for what they want. She is always positive and always on your side. She will believe in you even when you don't. I was concerned my husband who is an amazing coach would be left out if we got a doula, but instead she was the exact help he needed. She guided him on how to help me and allowed him to rest when he needed so he could be best able to help me when things got really down to the wire. Our birth was 35 hours long so there were definitely times when he needed a break. Taryn was at the hospital with us and by our sides for over 20 hours of this labor. I am not sure how we ever would have made it through without her. While my birth did not turn out how we had originally planned, it could not have turned out better in my opinion. Taryn helped us get all of the things we truly wanted out of our birth. After 34 hours of labor, our baby was at risk and we went in for an emergency c-section. Even as we were going in to the operating room, Taryn was letting my husband know of his rights and advocating for him to the staff that he wanted to be there the whole way. I can not speak more highly of Taryn and would not hesitate for a second to refer her to anyone." -Candice B."No first time mother knows what to expect when it comes to the preparation, involvement, and feelings of childbirth. Fully trusting somebody to help me through this process was something I was having a hard time with. Within the first few minutes of meeting up with Taryn, I knew that we had made the right decision. I felt like I had known her for years. She was going to help me through the hardest time of my life, and I think it's very important that you have somebody who is very calming, understanding, and helpful.I had a 36 hour natural childbirth and labored at home with her before going to the hospital where we found out I was already 8cm dialated! I was amazed! I had so much fun going through the rushes and trying different positions. She rubbed my feet and kept me completely calm and relaxed the entire time. Not only did she help me, but she helped Zac and I feel extremely close. When contractions got harder, she showed Zac how to compress my hips and (God bless her) they pushed as hard as they could on my hips every contraction for HOURS! Incredible! I was pushing for 3 hours and she knew just what to tell me to keep me pushing through the pain and to focus on holding the baby. It was a PERFECT night. We both had a blast with her!She then took her help above and beyond when I had trouble breastfeeding. She even referred me to somebody who saved my ability to breastfeed my son. She saved a huge part of my life that I will cherish forever, and I will never forget that. Taryn is an amazing person and is now very dear to my heart!I would also highly recommend placenta encapsulation. It is a wonderful process and helped me get through some very hard weeks after birth. I had energy and composure. It was a blessing!I truely love her and couldn't have done it without her immense wisdom and care.' -Evelyn D.

Placenta Medicine No Frame

Placenta Medicine

Why ingest my placenta
How it works
Tincture
Bio
Testimonials
Video

Prints: $25.00

Tincture: $25.00

Other Services No Frame

Dancing For Birth No Frame

Contact me to get information on the next series!5 week series $60.00Post series $40.00 per monthDrop in rate $20.00 per classClass size is limited - Register by contacting me: Taryn_SpiritedDoula.com Location:Birth Matters6701 N. Broadway Extension Suite 211Interested in a free demo class? Contact me to sign up!Feel great and prepare for the birth you want!Dance your way to a happier and healthier pregnancy, a quicker and easier birth and a more content baby!Dancing For Birth™ prenatal/postpartum dance classes incorporate dance moves from around the world that best prepare you to give birth. Birth can be like a marathon, and Dancing for Birth™ classes prepare you for the challenge. You'll become stronger, more agile, more at ease with your body and both mentally and physically ready to embrace your unique birth experience. Weekly classes are offered to keep you dancing thru pregnancy, and postpartum with your baby.Dancing for Birth™ prenatal/postpartum dance class participants report experiencing low levels of discomfort, few or no interventions, brief labors and high levels of satisfaction during their births.You'll learn birth dancing moves inspired by Belly dance, African dance, Ballet, Latin dance and Interpretive movement. It's a feel-good workout that challenges yet relaxes and uplifts you. No experience necessary!At the same time you'll be learning valuable childbirth preparation skills and natural pain coping techniques that will build your confidence in your own birthing ability and wisdom. Birth can be active, ecstatic, orgasmic, transformative, empowering! Did you know that there is an optimal position for your baby to be in when labor begins, and you can help assure that position? You'll gain knowledge to help you have the birth that you envision for your baby.Babies whose moms take Dancing for Birth™ prenatal and postpartum dance classes love the motion of dancing and are easily soothed after birth by being held while you dance. You'll regain your pre-pregnancy shape and tone more quickly when you continue Dancing for Birth™ classes with your baby after he or she is born.BENEFITS OF EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY, LABOUR AND BIRTH:Regular exercise should offset the effects of pregnancy on ligamentous laxity, improve strength, maintain muscle tone, and reduce the incidence of low-back pain and other musculoskeletal complaints. It should also minimize the inevitable upward and outward shift in a woman's center of gravity as her uterus grows and protrudes, by maintaining back strength, good posture and abdominal muscle tone.Recreational exercise may actually decrease the chances of both premature labour and the birth of a very small baby.Women who continue regular weight-bering exercise throughout pregnancy tend to have easier, shorter, and less complicated labours.Women who exercise regularly during pregnancy maintain positive attitudes about themselves, their pregnancies, and their upcoming labour and delivery.Exercising Through Your Pregnancy by James F. Clapp III MD

Affirmations No Frame

These sayings and affirmations are to help you to prepare for labor, they can be repeated to help you have your ideal birth.Just as a womans heart knows how and when to pump, her lungs to inhale, and her hand to pull back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth.~ Virginia Di OrioThe same movements that get the baby in, get the baby out~ From Birthing From WithinYou will emerge from uncertainty into great peace and freedom.~ UnknownThe Candle Imagine that your pelvis is a candle with a flame in the middleAs my contractions come, the flame burns brighter.My body is the wax of the candle, warming and yielding to the flame.The more I breathe, the brighter the candle burns.The wax melts and drips with each contraction.My body becomes looser and opens to the flame.I see my pelvis becoming soft and warm and pliable.I breathe. With each contraction, the candle becomes softer.I melt with the candle.My breath helps the candle burn brighter, melting quicker.I remain soft, warm, and yielding.~ Barbara Harper Gentle Birth ChoicesOnly with trust, faith, and support can the woman allow the birth experience to enlighten and empower her.~ Claudia Lowe300,000 women will be giving birth with you today.Relax and breathe and do nothing else.Labor is hard work and you can do it.~UnknownThe knowledge of how to give birth without outside intervention lies deep within each woman. Successful childbirth depends on an acceptance of the process.~ Suzanne ArmsFocus on what you can do, then do it with all your heart.~ Lois WilsonThrough pain find strengthThrough birth find healingIt is never easy to keep reaching for dreamsStrength and courage can sometimes be lonely friends But those who reach, walk in stardust.~ FlaviaLife only demands from you the strength you possess.~ David HammarskjoldYoure braver than you believe. Stronger than you seem. And smarter than you think.~ Christopher Robin in Poohs Grand AdventureYou are constructing your own reality with the choices you makeor dont make. If you really want a healthy pregnancy and joyful birth, and you truly understand that you are the one in control, then you must examine what you have or havent done so far to create the outcome you want.~ Kim Wildner-Mothers Intention: How Belief Shapes BirthA woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without retense and arrives at her destination, prepared to be herself and only herself.~ Maya AngelouIf I dont know my options, I dont have any.~ Diana KorteRain, after all is only rain; it is not bad weather. So also, pain is only pain; unless we resist it, then it becomes torment.~ the I ChingBirth Affirmations:* My mind and body can handle a labor of any kind* I trust my body to know how to birth this child* I trust my instincts to know what I need in labor* I trust my instincts to do what is best for my baby* I am a strong and capable woman* Only I can give birth to this baby and I accept responsibility for that challenge* My body knows how to birth my baby* I trust my instincts* Babies are born when they are ready* My body is indeed beautifully and wonderfully made* Its good for me to take care of myself. I get to have a voice* I have to be truthful with myself* Listen to my body and heart* I deserve to have the birth I desire* I trust my body* I am a powerful, loving and creative being* I am now willing to experience all my feelings* My pelvis releases and opens as have those of countless women before me* I accept myself completely here and now* I now feel inner peace and serenity* I accept this labor as my labor and believe it is the right one for me and for my baby* Good strong contractions help my baby come into the world* I embrace the concept of healthy pain* I have enough love to go around, the universe always provides* I am strong, confident assured, assertive and very feminine* My body contains all the knowledge necessary to give birth to my babyFor a Subsequent Pregnancy:* This is a new birth and a new baby unique unto itself.* I see my last birth as a learning experience from which I am growing and changing.

No Frame

rb_tree_001

Resources

Recommended Reading:Ina May's Guide to Childbirth -Ina May GaskinThe Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth -Henci GoerBirthing From Within -Pam EnglandPushed -Jennifer BlockThe Birth Book -William & Martha SearsSpiritual Midwifery -Ina May GaskinThe Birth Partner -Penny SimkinMothers and Midwives -Sheryl RivettThe Breastfeeding Book -William & Martha SearsBirth AffirmationsCircumcisionRecommended Videos:Healthy Birth Your Way - IntroLet Labor Begin On Its Own - Step 1 of 6Walk, Move, and Change Positions - Step 2 of 6Have Continuous Support - Step 3 of 6Avoid Unnecessary Interventions - Step 4 of 6Get Upright and Follow Urges to Push - Step 5 of 6Keep Your Baby With You After Birth - Step 6 of 6Birth Images from Ancient Times - The Timeless WayChanges in Birth Practices - The Timeless WayMovie Clips from "The Business of Being Born"Handouts:Choosing a Care Provider Changing Your Care ProviderPositions For LaborFinding a DoulaBirth Planning WorksheetChoosing a Childbirth ClassDoula Organizations:DONA (Doula's of North America)DACO (Doula's of Central Oklahoma)Local Resources:VBAC Information (Vaginal Birth After C-section)Birth Matters (Childbirth Education)Oklahoma La Leche League (Breastfeeding Support)Oklahoma BirthNetwork (Grassroots Advocacy)Cloth Diapering ClassesBabywearing Classes

Contact

rb_tree_001

Taryn Goodwin, CD(DONA)Telephone405.413.7337EmailTaryn_SpiritedDoula.comSocial Media

Page 1Page 2