Birth Bodywork and Balance

Perspective | To lower maternal and infant mortality rates, we need more midwives

Midwives to the rescue!

washingtonpost.com Far from being anti-science, studies show, midwives lead to a healthier childbirth process.

Study: Get Moving During Pregnancy to Shorten Labor - Mothering

mothering.com We all know that exercise is good for us, pregnant or not. However, a new study shows that exercising just three times a week may shorten labor!

Reducing Cesarean Rate is a Social Network Issue

“The variation in hospital cesarean rates is so great that the hospital itself becomes the risk factor for major surgery. The variable for whether a vaginal birth is possible has become the address where the labor occurs.“

spinningbabies.com The greatest influence on whether a birthing person has a cesarean is which door they walk through when in labor. It’s not baby’s size, being due or overdue...

The Body Learns To Create Better Outcomes For Second Pregnancy

Good news for second time moms!

babygaga.com Research has found that the cells of the body of a pregnant woman are able to adapt after a first pregnancy and become more efficient.

Do not intervene to speed up birth unless real risks involved, advises WHO

“Even when a medical intervention is wanted or needed, the inclusion of women in making decisions about the care they receive is important to ensure that they meet their goal of a positive childbirth experience.”

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/feb/15/do-not-intervene-to-speed-up-birth-unless-real-risks-involved-advises-who

theguardian.com Women in labour are increasingly being subjected to unnecessary and unwelcome interventions such as caesarean sections, warns WHO

For a More Productive Workplace, Welcome Breastfeeding Moms Back to Their Jobs

entrepreneur.com New mothers who can breastfeed at work return to their jobs sooner. The warm welcome they receive boosts morale and encourages loyalty.

The Seriously Inspiring Winners of the 2018 Birth Photography Competition | Mama Natural

mamanatural.com Labor is a beautiful thing, and some couples hire birth photographers to document that important day’s most raw, vulnerable moments. To celebrate this deeply personal experience and the beautiful images that have frozen it in time, The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers ...

Six Months of Breastfeeding Reduces Mothers’ Risk of Heart Disease

womenshealthtoday.blog New study reveals six months of breastfeeding reduces mothers’ risk of heart disease.

How To Get a Deep Piriformis Stretch With These 12 Exercises

https://dailyhealthpost.com/piriformis-stretch/

dailyhealthpost.com Remember to gently stretch your piriformis muscle to keep sciatic pain at bay.

Why Massages Really Do Keep You Healthy: A Cardiologist Explains

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11315/why-massages-really-do-keep-you-healthy-a-cardiologist-explains.html

mindbodygreen.com We've all seen it on TV or in a movie. The scene is tense and the patient is doing poorly. The doctor calls out urgently. Retractor! Scalpel! Suction! Massage Table!

Got Back Pain? Try Yoga Or Massage Before Reaching For The Pills

Physicians now recommending yoga, massage and acupressure for controlling and treating most back pain.

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/02/20/515675259/got-back-pain-try-yoga-or-massage-before-reaching-for-the-pills

npr.org New guidelines encourage doctors to tell patients to try non-drug therapies for acute lower back pain first.

ACOG Recommends that All Laboring Women Should Have a Doula

http://internationaldoulainstitute.com/2017/01/great-news-anyone-doula-training-american-college-obstetrics-gynecology-recommends-laboring-women-doula/

internationaldoulainstitute.com Due to the numerous positive benefits of having continuous emotional support during birth, ACOG has recognized the importance of making doulas available to all laboring women.

Benefits of postnatal massage

http://www.babycenter.in/a1047929/benefits-of-postnatal-massage

babycenter.in Getting massaged after delivery has its benefits. But there are also some conditions in which it is best not to get massaged. Find out more.

6 surprising health benefits of massage therapy | Page 6 of 6 | Best Health Magazine Canada

Some of these aren't exactly a surprise, but rather a good reminder to take care of yourself!
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/health/6-surprising-health-benefits-of-massage-therapy/6/

besthealthmag.ca Sure, it can help you relax. But massage therapy can do much more than that. Here are six healthy reasons to book an appointment

Having a Doula: Their Benefits and Purpose

"studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%. Doulas often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor.Sep 2, 2016
http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/

americanpregnancy.org Doulas are in close proximity to the mother throughout labor and can help her have a more positive and empowering birth experience.

Prenatal Massage More than a Luxury

My very first blog post! http://birthbodyworkandbalance.com/blog/prenatal-massage-more-than-a-luxury

birthbodyworkandbalance.com Prenatal massage may sound like a luxury, but research shows it’s a valuable tool in promoting optimal health for you and your baby. In fact, it is the most common alternative therapy recommended by doctors and midwives during pregnancy.

Boosting Your Serotonin Activity

Massage Therapy comes in at # 2 for its Serotonin Boosting Abilities!

Not only is serotonin an amazing feel good hormone, but it also helps us to be more productive, less impulsive and have more willpower to make it to our goals!

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/prefrontal-nudity/201111/boosting-your-serotonin-activity

psychologytoday.com 4 ways to boost your serotonin!

How Doulas Could Save Birth {A Nurse’s Manifesto}

https://taprootdoula.com/2014/11/12/how-doulas-could-save-birth-an-ld-nurses-manifesto/?utm_content=buffer6f9fd&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

taprootdoula.com {Image via Dooce} ~ The country that rates 50th in the world terms of maternal mortality. ~ 34,000 women who nearly die each year from pregnancy-related complications. ~ A 32% Cesarean Rate. ~ 21%:…

This Is Your Brain on Silence - Issue 38: Noise - Nautilus

"Two-minute silent pauses proved far more relaxing than 'relaxing' music"

http://nautil.us/issue/38/noise/this-is-your-brain-on-silence-rp

nautil.us One icy night in March 2010, 100 marketing experts piled into the Sea Horse Restaurant in Helsinki, with the modest goal of making…

Why Adding a Doula to Your Birth Plan is So Important

https://fyiliving.com/health/pregnancy/why-adding-a-doula-to-your-birth-plan-is-important

fyiliving.com Adding a Doula for your Birth If you never thought of having a doula as part of your birth plan, you might want to take another look. A doula is a non-medical professional who supports women and makes sure their best interests are kept in mind throughout the pregnancy. We often speak of the benefi…

The Ayurvedic Basics of Summer a.k.a Pitta Season | Banyan Botanicals

As the heat wave continues here are some Ayurvedic Tips to keep you cool
http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/blog-the-banyan-insight/details/ayurvedic-lifestyle-tips-to-keep-you-cool-this-summer

banyanbotanicals.com Just as you wouldn't turn the heat on in your home in the peak days of summer, it is unwise to increase the heat inside your body when it's already hot outside. Rather you should make simple lifestyle, dietary and herbal choices, which help you stay cool and calm.

Acupuncture doubles chance of having a baby with IVF, study suggests

http://snip.ly/qndgw#http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/04/acupuncture-doubles-chance-of-having-a-baby-with-ivf-study-sugge/

telegraph.co.uk Acupuncture could dramatically boost the chances of IVF treatment working, a study suggests.

More Than a Luxury: Massage does a body good

http://www.heraldextra.com/momclick/health-and-fitness/more-than-a-luxury-massage-does-a-body-good/article_4d84b1ee-fa50-11e1-965f-001a4bcf887a.html

heraldextra.com I used to consider the occasional massage a blissful, self-indulgent luxury. But as I've gotten older, I've become more and more convinced that regular rubdowns are an important prescription for

What the f**k is a doula?

I don't agree with everything she says here, but nonetheless it's a pretty acurate and entertaining discription of what a doula is :) https://whatthef**kisadoula.wordpress.com/2013/03/24/what-the-f**k-is-a-doula/

whatthef**kisadoula.wordpress.com Some dictionary defines “doula” as “a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and jus…

World Health Organization(WHO) Recommends Doulas Attend All Births Globally | International...

http://internationaldoulainstitute.com/2016/03/23/world-health-organization-who-recommends-doulas/

internationaldoulainstitute.com Did you know that the World Health Organization WHO recommends doulas attend all births? This is great news for doulas validating the important work they do

5 Ways to Lighten Up in Spring | vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda Blog

Simple Ayurvedic tips to embrace spring. If you'd like more individual suggestions for your constitution get in touch.

mapi.com Kapha season is wet and heavy - use these 5 ayurvedic tips to lighten up and stay active and content.

Massage and Pregnancy: The Benefits of Prenatal Massage

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/prenatal-massage/

americanpregnancy.org Prenatal massages have been shown to improve pregnancy outcome and maternal health. Learn more about the benefits of prenatal massage.

Research Roundup: Massage for Pain Management

amtamassage.org One pain management strategy to consider is massage therapy.

5 Ways Massage Can Improve Your Health — American Massage Therapy Association

amtamassage.org Massage therapy can help reduce stress, manage pain and more.

25 Reasons to Get a Massage

amtamassage.org Find out why massage is good medicine.