I Want To Birth Without Medical Intervention. Can I?
Each month I assist a birth. As a birth assistant I provide emotional support to my clients throughout their labors and help to manage discomfort through breath techniques, labor postures, and massage. Some women want to birth without medication and some choose to use medication. Either way is absolutely okay. What is important is that woman educate themselves about the birth process, the medical interventions available, and the possible outcomes. That way, each woman can make an empowered decision about what she wants for her birth.
Almost nothing is more personal than birth. When we give birth a part of us dies. It is not an easy process. Pregnancy, childbirth, and new motherhood can be difficult journeys. They require huge change and the integration of new experiences. I would use the words harrowing and transformative to describe what I have witnessed in the labor room and after. But, after all of this, there is new life—our beautiful child and a new and wise part of ourselves that emerges over time. If you are interested in learning more about my services email me at sara@mindthemat.com. Check out my prenatal and postpartum 6-week series that runs at Mind the Mat. Next one starts on May 19, 2016.
Below is the inspiring birth story of one of my clients, Lindsey Canaley:
Early on in my pregnancy, I knew I wanted an unmedicated birth. My birth companion, Sara VanderGoot, from Mind the Mat, recommended that I use the midwifery practice at George Washington hospital. My pregnancy was healthy, but I reached my due date with no sign of baby. After a checkup, my doctors told me I had gestational hypertension and recommended immediate induction. Induction, which often leads to additional medical interventions, was my biggest fear. I trusted that the midwives would use intervention conservatively and that they were on board with my wish to birth without medication.
Induction was a long process. I spent close to thirty hours in the hospital before labor really kicked in. Once I was four centimeters dilated (4am on the second day), contractions picked up. Sara was with me from that point until the end of my labor, which was eighteen hours. I handled contractions well through regular movement and counter pressure massage from Sara.
I also spent time laboring in a birthing tub. Water is an amazing natural anesthesia. After laboring most of the day, contractions became strong and I began to vomit, which is normally a sign of going through the most difficult stage of labor called transition. My midwife checked me and I was only seven centimeters dilated. I was completely devastated and unsure if I would be able to make it to ten centimeters. I was exhausted.
Then the midwives had a shift change, and I heard that the midwife coming on was Ashley. I loved all the midwives, but Ashley has a gentle presence that calms me. My energy was waning and Sara suggested that I get back into the birthing tub. Then Ashley came into the room. Within minutes of her being there, I went from leaning on the tub’s edge, fighting through contractions, to kneeling in the tub and breathing through each contraction with a broad chest, a tall spine, and a sense of power and confidence that came from deep within me. I visualized moving my baby down through my body and using my energy to guide her. It felt like just a few minutes before I could feel my baby descend and I had the urge to push. Sara and Ashley coached me through each contraction and helped me push effectively.
Forty minutes later, I could feel my baby’s head crown. I slowed down. Once her head was out, Ashley checked her neck for the cord, then gave me the cue to push one last time. The last push felt effortless and suddenly my daughter was in the water with me. I brought her to my chest and she cried out. The nurses helped me out of the tub and over to the bed so I could deliver the placenta and get a single stitch for a small tear.
It was wonderful to birth with as much time as I needed, without being rushed. My daughter, Alia, was alert and responsive immediately after birth. I was sore and tired, but I felt strong and empowered after my birth experience.
- About the studio
Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga was founded in 2008 by Megan Brown, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Polestar Certified Practitioner of Pilates for Rehabilitation and Sara VanderGoot, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher (e-RYT 200, RYT 500). In their private practices as physical therapist and massage therapist respectively Megan and Sara observed that many of their clients were coming in with similar needs: relief for neck and shoulder tension and low back pain as well as a desire for more flexibility in hips and legs, stability in joints, and core strength.
Together Megan and Sara carefully crafted a curriculum of Pilates and yoga classes to address needs for clients who are pregnant, postpartum, have injuries or limitations, who are new to Pilates and yoga, and for those who are advanced students and are looking for an extra challenge.
2214 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
703.683.2228
