Blog & Updates on Vancouver Prenatal Classes
The Terror Of Tearing: Demystifying The Dreaded ‘tearing’ During Birth
A very common fear before giving birth for the first time is the idea of tearing. And it’s obvious why. The image of having your body ripped open is dreadful and appalling. It’s terrifying. The very idea makes anyone cringe and cower, and gives the impression that birth will be excruciatingly painful, and damaging to your very bodily integrity.
But this particular image is somewhat misleading. It’s an inaccurate analogy that is based on centuries of not understanding everything that happens during birth, and focusing exclusively on the idea of the mechanics of one body bursting out of another. Yes, that sounds scary, like the movie Alien, or The Substance, or countless other iconic images of parasitic host-body horror. But this is not a good metaphor for birth, because it misses all the quiet ways our body can help us birth the baby, and stay intact while doing so.
Here are twelve facts about your perineum that might change the way you think about a baby emerging from your body.
Do You Need a Doula? 8 Reasons Why You Do
Do you need a doula?
Yes you do!
Your birth will be better with a doula. Any birth will be better with a doula. Here are some of the reasons.
Drinking in Labour
Why is hydration so beneficial during childbirth? Read our latest blog post to find our why.
Giving Birth in Vancouver BC
While birth itself could be described as universal, standard practices around birth are very local. What we can expect varies significantly from place to place. Which means that much of the information we get on the internet, or in books, might not reflect common practices in regionally. This can cause confusion around what to expect in our own area. So let’s focus on this location: Vancouver BC and the surrounding lower mainland.
BACK OFF: Why Lying Flat On The Back Is Bad For Birth
I thought the days of being told to lie down while birthing a baby were long over, but just recently…..
The Waters
A common image in futuristic movies is someone floating in a tank of water in order to heal from injuries, illness, or cryogenic stasis. This idea of submersion in an enclosed aquatic tub that is restorative and salubrious is extremely evocative of the womb. Our babies float in exactly such a substance in our bodies, fully submerged, growing and gestating, until they are ready to emerge. This is amniotic fluid, “the waters” that surround and support our baby.
The Holistic Approach Mind/Body/Soul
A holistic pregnancy and childbirth recognizes the impact of the mind, body & spirit, on the experience of pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
The Turtle Trance
Although I had never seen a green sea turtle laying eggs, I have attended many human births. And the similarities struck me at every step of the way.
Ask Childbearing: Why would someone choose to give birth at home?
Why would someone choose to give birth at home? I understand that homebirth is as safe as hospital birth, but are there any specific benefits?
The Power (And Pleasure) Of Loving Touch In Labour And Birth
“Humans are wired to be touched. From birth until the day we die, our need for physical contact remains. There are studies showing that touch signals safety and trust, it soothes. Basic warm touch calms cardiovascular stress. It activates the body’s vagus nerve, which is intimately involved with our compassionate response, and a simple touch can trigger release of oxytocin, aka “the love hormone.”