Spirited Doula
"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
All rights reserved © Spirited Doula™ Birth Services
TARYN GOODWIN, CD(DONA)
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 Course
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 Experience
March 2009 - Doula Training (Doulas of North America), Jessica Atkins
Annually - Oklahoma WIC Breastfeeding Symposium
June 2009 - Advanced Doula Training with Penny Simkin, PT (Author and Internationally
revered childbirth educator) Topics included:
March 2010 -Current - Birth Arts International Advanced Women's Herb and Aromatherapy Certification Course
Doula Services and Birth Availability
Service Area:
I am currently serving the following OK areas: Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Del City, Midwest City, Mustang, Guthrie, and other surrounding areas.
Fees:
My standard fee is $500.00 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.
Birth doula package:
optimum birth experience.
Placenta Encapsulation
Why ingest my placenta?
The placenta can be mom's gateway to wellness postpartum as it contains high levels of various vitamins, such as B6, which can help curb postpartum depression. Consuming the placenta gives mom back all those nutrients she was providing for her unborn baby. Eating the placenta also increases a mother's blood levels of a hormone known as CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone), a known stress-reducer. This hormone is normally secreted by the hypothalamus. Studies have also shown that eating the placenta can also increase milk production, and slow postpartum hemorrhage.
Your baby's placenta, in capsule form, is believed to:
According to a study performed by the National Institutes of Health:
"During the last trimester of pregnancy, the placenta secretes so much CRH that the levels in the bloodstream increase threefold. However, it was also discovered that postpartum women have lower than average levels of CRH, triggering depressive symptoms. They concluded that the placenta secreted so much CRH that the hypothalamus stopped producing it."
"After childbirth, the hypothalamus doesn't immediately receive the signal to begin producing CRH again, which can lead to postpartum depression. Eating the placenta will raise a mother's CRH levels therefore, reducing postpartum depression."
You only get one placenta! Enjoy the healthful benefits!
The placenta is dried, ground, and encapsulated. The capsules can then be taken daily for a number of weeks. And when you have recovered from birth you can freeze and save some for menopause. One placenta can produce 75-200 capsules. You reap all of the healthful benefits of placenta quickly and discreetly, and the capsules will last indefinitely (for years).
Placenta Encapsulation Services
Within a few days following the birth I will began the encapsulation process. The entire process is finished in about 24 hours.
I operate with extreme caution when handling the placenta. I use Universal Precautions and OSHA/EPA sterilization techniques.
If this is something you are interested in, call me to set up a time to meet and that will give you a chance to ask me any questions you might have.
The fee for this service is $175.00 for non doula clients and $150 for doula clients. I would be happy to work out a payment plan that would be completed by the date of encapsulation.
Disclaimer: The information on this page has not been evaluated by the FDA. The services I offer are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. By choosing to utilize the services on this page you take full responsibility for researching and using the remedies.
I encapsulated baby Madeleine's placenta and her mother shared this wonderful testimonial about her experience:
"When Taryn, my Doula, first suggested that I may be interested in placenta encapsulation postpartum I wasn't completely unfamiliar with the process. I'd had a couple of girlfriends in LA take the pills postpartum with great success. The hope was that taking the placenta pills would bring more energy and help ease any 'baby blues' or postpartum depression. Since I suffered from depression during pregnancy my Ob-gyn thought I may have a higher chance of having PPD. I gave birth to my precious daughter just over a month ago and began taking the placenta pills just a few days after her birthday (and regularly thereafter). Any time I forget to take them I notice a definite decline in my mood and energy. Sure, the idea of eating your own placenta sounds gross - without question. But thankfully it is taken in pill form and I just don't think too much about it. The benefits of placenta encapsulation far outweigh any thoughts of how weird, unusual, or 'gross' it sounds. I'm glad I went ahead and tried something new and different because the placenta pills have really helped me. I haven't suffered from the baby blues at all, and people have consistently remarked that I have a lot of energy for a new mother who doesn't get much sleep. The truth is, though I'm a little more tired than usual, I do feel great, and I truly believe it's because I'm taking the placenta pills." ~ Divini Rae
Pay now - $175 (non-doula clients)
Pay now - $150 (doula clients)
I have successfully completed the training in OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens for Doulas & Professionals in Placenta Encapsulation in accordance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1090.1030
Pureed with Love™
Homemade Baby Food Preparation Class
I am currently planning on hosting another homemade baby food class in August 2010. I am also available for private in-home classes. Pleasecontact me if you'd like to recieve class updates.
Learn how in just 30 minutes a week you can make healthy, wholesome and delicious food for your little one. This class includes health and economic factors, food preparation tips, food demos, taste tests, recipes, and topics including introduction of food groups and food safety. You will be left ready to make your own homemade baby food!
Class topics include:
What is TENS?
TENS is a small battery-operated electrical current generator that provides input to your central nervous system. The TENS unit is small and portable-the size of a pager-so you can walk around or be up with it while using it in labor. TENS is a safe method of pain control. It has no side effects and is controlled by you. And, while TENS does not eliminate pain, many women have found it to be extremely effective in helping them work with their contractions and feel more in control.
The TENS unit sends an electrical "signal" through your skin to the nerves. This signal feels like a warm, comfortable tingling sensation which helps block out some of the other pain stimuli that is also reaching your central nervous system.
Four electrode pads are placed along your spine.
Electrode wires are inserted into the pads and plugged into the TENS unit. The unit is turned on to the level of feeling a mild sensation.
With each contraction you dial up the intensity of the current with the contraction and turn it down to a mild sensation in between.
I am trained on using the TENS in labor and I am offering my unit to doula clients free of charge. If you are interested in using a TENS unit for pain management in labor please contact me.
Event 02 ~ 06.06.2010
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Other Services
Birth Pool Rental
I carry the La Bassine Waterbirth Pool, a large inflatable tub specifically-designed for use in labor.
When immersed in water, your body becomes buoyant, allowing easy movement and positioning during labour and birth. The water also enables you to relax physically and mentally, reducing your pain.
Benefits of the La Bassine Waterbirth Pool:
Dimensions & Water Capacity:
The La Bassine Pool is oval shaped, 5'5" long, 4'5" wide, and 2'1"deep. The pool holds approximately 100 gallons of water and weighs around 900 pounds when filled.
Assembly & Disassembly:
To assemble the La Bassine Pool all that is required is to take it out of the bag and blow it up. Assembly only takes about 5 minutes. To disassemble, first drain the pool water, then remove the disposable liner and discard. Open the valves on the bottom and sides of the pool. Slowly and carefully press and fold until all the air is out, and the pool fits back into the carrying bag.
Rental Includes:
The La Bassine pool with carrying bag, faucet adapter, air pump, disposable liner (latex-free), and instruction manual. Non-doula clients must pick up and drop off the pool themselves.
Rental Cost:
The La Bassine Pool rental fee is $100.00
A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required upon booking, this secures your place on my calender.
Once I receive the contract signed with payment, the pool will be held in your name for the 3 week rental period of your choosing.
For rental availability and details please contact me.
TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
I am trained on using the TENS in labor and my doula clients can use the unit in labor free of charge. If you are interested in using a TENS unit for pain management in labor please contact me.
Medical News Today recently published a press release citing a 2009 review by the Cochrane Collaboration that concluded that women should have the option of using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a non-pharmacological method of pain management in labor.
The full report can be found on the Cochrane Collaborations website. The summary reads:
"TENS is a device which emits low voltage currents which has been used for pain relief in labour. The way that TENS acts to relieve pain is not well understood. The electrical pulses are thought to stimulate nerve pathways in the spinal cord which block the transmission of pain. In labour, the electrodes from the TENS machine are usually attached to the lower back (and women themselves control the electrical currents using a hand-held device) but TENS can also be applied to acupuncture points or directly to the head. The purpose of the review was to see whether TENS is effective in relieving pain in labour. The review includes 19 studies with a total of 1671 women. Fifteen studies examined TENS applied to the back, two to acupuncture points and two to the cranium (head). Results show that pain scores were similar in women using TENS and in control groups. There was some evidence that women using TENS were less likely to rate their pain as severe but results were not consistent. Many women said they would be willing to use TENS again in a future labour. TENS did not seem have an effect on the length of labour, interventions in labour, or the wellbeing of mothers and babies. It is not known whether TENS would help women to manage pain at home in early labour. Although it is not clear that it reduces pain, women should have the choice of using TENS in labour if they think it will be helpful."
Henna & Blessingway Ceremonies
I offer premium henna body art services for expectant mothers. Appointments can either be private, or can be organized as part of a larger group event that is celebrated along with close friends who will also have henna applied to them as a symbolic kinship with the mother-to-be.
In certain cultures, it is believed that applying henna designs to the belly during the latter part of a pregnancy will protect and bless the mother and child during the difficulties of labor.
Henna belly blessings help to celebrate the unique shape of a woman's pregnant belly with a variety of organic, traditional or symbolic designs that complement the figure.
My rate is $30.00 per hour. Count on a minimum of an hour for a simple to medium belly design along with aftercare and wrapping. Larger, more complex and intricate patterns can take up to 2-3 hours, depending on the design chosen.
Group events are charged by an hourly rate and depend on the number of people and complexity of designs chosen by the expectant mother and party participants - a minimum of 2 hours is required for group events. Travel fees may apply.
An interview I did on henna in pregnancy:
"The one tattoo you can get in pregnancy" News Article Pt. 1
"The one tattoo you can get in pregnancy" News Article Pt. 2
8oz Healing Organic Herbal Sitz Bath
$12.00 - Contact meto purchase.
***Comes with instructions and muslin bag for steeping and can also be used as a perineal compress.
Ingredients:
If you have an infection, do not use herbal sitz baths containing calendula flowers or comfrey leaves as they may quickly heal outside tissues over infected areas.
Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information we provide is for educational purposes only and not meant to prescribe, diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
Pureed With Love™ Homemade Baby Food Preparation Class
TENS for labor
The role of the doula
You deserve a great birth experience!
As your doula, I am there to help keep you on course with relaxation & pain coping techniques, to help you stay in rhythm with your body during contractions, to serve as an advocate helping to educate you about your birth choices; I serve as a coach to fathers and partners during labor to help them provide optimum support to you. I humbly serve to help you achieve your birth goals, whatever they may be: medicated or natural, hospital or home birth. Its YOUR birth plan, not mine.
Benefits of having a doula:
Long-term benefits of a doula include, but are not limited to:
• Improved breastfeeding
• Decreased postpartum depression
• Greater maternal satisfaction
• Better mother-infant interaction
(Mothering the Mother, by MH and PH Klaus, JH Kennell)
What does a doula do?
(Excerpts gathered from www.americanpregnancy.org and www.DONA.org. Statistics from Mothering the Mother, by MH Klaus, JH Kennell, and PH Klaus; Addision Wesley Publishing Company, 1993).
Birth Gallery of just a few of my clients
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
Affirmations
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 Lowe Page-2Page-1
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 Orio
The same movements that get the baby in, get the baby out
~ From Birthing From Within
You will emerge from uncertainty into great peace and freedom.
~ Unknown
The Candle Imagine that your pelvis is a candle with a flame in the middle
As 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 Choices
Only with trust, faith, and support can the woman allow the birth experience to enlighten and empower her.
~ Claudia Lowe
