Avoiding A C-Section. Is it Possible?

Pregnancy is such a magical thing. We go nine months dreaming and preparing for the perfect labor and delivery, analyzing every little moment. There are tons of fears and concerns for different people going into labor. Will it hurt? Will I tear? Will I poop? (that’s a whole other topic that we will discuss, but shit happens). One of the biggest concerns parents have going into their big day is, “What if I need a c-section?”. This concern is totally valid. A cesarean is major surgery and usually over with fairly fast. There are many medical reasons for needing a c-section, but the big question is, Can they be avoided? The answer is, YES! A c-section can be avoided, in most cases. However, in the event of a true emergency, sometimes its needed for the health and safety of the birthing person and baby. Please note that if you do end up needing a c-section… that is okay! You are still a bad ass and you are no less than anyone who has had a vaginal birth. We are all AMAZING. 

Anyways, Here are my top things you can do to avoid a c-section:

1.    STAY EDUCATED. Its so important to be educated on your rights during labor. Informed consent is real and you can say NO to anything you do not want. Staying educated will let you know what interventions are actually medically necessary for you or your baby.

2.    CHOOSE YOUR PROVIDER CAREFULLY. There are some providers/birthing places that are cut happy and love to revert to a c-section no matter what. If you are birthing in a hospital, check their c-section rates. 

3.    LABOR AT HOME AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. If the birthing person and baby are healthy and there are no further complications, laboring at home as long as possible can hinder any possible interventions that can lead to a c-section. Examples: Pitocin, AROM(breaking of waters).

4.    AVOID INDUCTION. Although there are multiple factors to this, avoiding an induction will minimize the number of interventions needed. 

5.    HIRE A DOULA. Hiring a professional to educate and help you advocate for yourself can give you some of the best outcomes for your birth. 

In hindsight, we can do everything under the sun to avoid a c-section, but sometimes baby has other plans. It’s important to remember that a healthy baby is really the goal and there is no shame in which way you birth!

Written by: Natalie Story

Alternatives to Glucola for Diabetes Testing

Of all the tests pregnant women go through, the Glucose Challenge Test is arguably the one you hear about most often. Down an electric orange drink, wait, and have your blood drawn...sounds fun, right? Some people don’t mind the drink (called Glucola) while others search for alternatives. There are alternate options for both what you consume and how you test.

Guidelines currently call for a glucose challenge test around 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. The test is typically drinking a sweet drink and then having a blood test done an hour later to determine blood sugar levels. This test is used to help determine the occurrence of Gestational Diabetes which can pose a host of issues to both mom and baby during pregnancy.

If the pregnant person passes this test, they won’t be re-tested. Should they fail it, they’ll have to pass a longer test that involves a higher level of glucose.

Rates of GD have risen in recent decades so it is important to get tested. It’s estimated that anywhere from 5-10% of pregnant people have Gestational Diabetes and it’s important that those people be identified and treated to avoid complications.

Some people just hate the way Glucola tastes, some take issue with the ingredients...for whatever reason, there are definitely people searching for alternatives. The research put out found that the important part of the test was the 50g of sugar, not the source, and concluded that results were the same when a group of women given Glucola was compared to a group of women given Jelly Beans. The tests were the same.

It’s important to always refer back to your OB or Midwife when considering alternatives.

Common alternatives include:

6 oz Orange Juice and 1 Banana

28 Jelly Beans

A Soda with 50g Sugar

16 oz Orange Juice

These are options used by doctors and midwives around the country and definitely worth exploring.

Alternate ways of testing include Blood Sugar Monitoring as well as Hemoglobin A1C Testing. These both require much more testing, more time, and more involvement for you and your healthcare provider and it’s important to consult them on your options.

Blood Sugar Monitoring is exactly what it sounds like. You’ll monitor your own blood sugar levels by pricking your finger multiple times a day for a week and using a blood sugar testing unit.

Hemoglobin A1C Testing is a draw that monitors blood sugar levels over a three month period. It has been used as an alternative to the normal Glucose testing and is routinely used for those with Diabetes outside of pregnancy.

It’s also important to remember that the GD testing is a screening process and not an actual diagnostic. If you happen to fail the first screening, don’t panic immediately. It’s possible that you’ll be fine with the more extended testing!

Gestational Diabetes is something we should definitely monitor and treat but there are alternatives to the traditional screening. By working together with your provider to create a plan for you, you’ll find the perfect way to monitor and ensure your health is optimal and your baby is thriving through your whole pregnancy.

How to Induce Labor Naturally: A Doula's Guide to Natural Induction

37...38...39...weeks keep passing and your baby is still hanging out? We’ve heard it said before that the first part of pregnancy goes so quickly and the last month lasts a year. It totally feels that way. Between a baby that has grown to nearing the size of a watermelon to your shifting center of gravity and ligaments stretching and loosening, there is often a lot of anticipation and discomfort that comes with the final days of pregnancy.

As doulas, we’re often asked about natural induction techniques.

Now, while anything involving induction is clearly some sort of augmentation of normal labor, there are some home remedies that have been suggested to begin or help labor progress. Bear in mind, each person is different and not every technique will work for every person. Some of them are kind of funny and some of them have an origin of scientific evidence. No matter which you choose, always be sure to check in with your doctor and pay close attention to how you’re feeling.

1. Pineapple Juice/Spicy Foods

One of the widest known (and easiest techniques is eating or drinking something to help bring on labor. Pineapple juice is a very common suggestion (and a pretty delicious one). It’s said that the enzymes it contains can help jump-start labor. Honestly, this one is probably worth a shot. If nothing else, it’s a nice, fruity pick-me-up.

Another edible option is spicy food. Wives tales tell us spicy food can help naturally induce labor. The two main theories why this may work are that the spicy foods may stimulate the digestive tract, bringing on contractions. Another is it may stimulate Prostaglandin, one of the things known to help soften the cervix. Regardless, this is a great excuse to grab yourself some Indian food or chips and salsa.

2. Chiro Care

This is a big one! While Chiropractors don’t claim to be able to start labor, Chiropractic care has been known to help get baby into a good position in the pelvis. In order for your cervix to dilate, thin, and efface, baby’s head must be against it. It’s not too far-fetched to think that getting baby positioned properly may help bring on labor. The other main benefit of Chiropractic care is increased comfort throughout pregnancy. Make sure you seek out a Webster Certified Chiropractor, which is one that works specifically with expectant parents.

3. Massage

There is both scientific and anecdotal evidence to back this one up. Anecdotally, there are some pressure points that may help bring on contractions. This is why people often have to be careful when getting pedicures and often seek out acupuncture or acupressure to bring baby out. Scientifically, touch stimulates the production of Oxytocin in our brains. This hormone (also called the “love hormone”) is responsible for the progression of labor. When you get a massage, you’re spending an hour or so stimulating Oxytocin in your brain.

This is also a great opportunity to help your partner connect with you through the process (and spoil you a little bit).

4. Sex

Ah, yes. Sex. We’ve often heard it said that you get baby out the same way you got baby in. Frankly, there’s some truth to that. Semen contains Prostaglandin, the same hormone found in Cervidil which is often used to help induce labor in the hospital. The gel is placed against the cervix in hopes of helping it soften. The DIY version of this is to...well...get it on. In addition, sex and, more specifically, orgasms produce a lot of Oxytocin in our brains. The combo of Prostaglandin and Oxytocin may just be exactly what you need to send you into labor. And, honestly, it’s a fun way to pass the time even if it doesn’t.

Natural Induction of Labor is a highly searched term on Google and a frequently asked question from our clients. We’re often walking people through exactly how they can serve their baby an eviction notice. The last month or so of pregnancy can often drag on so sometimes even just giving these methods a try can help you get through.

Have you tried a Natural Induction? What methods have you heard of? Let us know in the comments!