Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Having a baby? Congratulations! Being pregnant is one of the most amazing things that can happen in a woman’s life. It can get overwhelming and there is a ton of information that you have to know. But first, you have to keep in mind that being healthy during and after your pregnancy is really important. You have to take good care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Doing these will benefit you and your baby. Keep yourself healthy with these easy tips.

• Exercise daily. Staying active will give you the strength and endurance you need to carry the weight you will gain during your pregnancy and handle the physical stress of labor.

• Always take time to give yourself a break.

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

• Never drink alcohol during your pregnancy. It can reach your baby fast and can increase your baby’s risk for serious problems. Drinking also increases the chance for miscarriage and stillbirth.

• Don’t take drugs that aren’t prescribed by your doctor. They may harm your baby.

• Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke. It can increase the risk of premature delivery, miscarriage, growth problems.

 

Don’t put yourself and your baby at risk. Feel wonderful and healthy during your pregnancy with the helping hands of midwifes from Spartanburg Birth Center.

Easy Tips to a Healthy Pregnancy

You need a balanced diet to help your baby get all the nutrients he needs to grow at a healthy rate. It is natural to gain weight during your pregnancy and it is, in fact, healthy. Your body needs to change to be able to help you grow your baby and give him the best start in his life. An average woman needs 300 healthy calories more a day that she did before her pregnancy, which will help achieve the right weight while you’re pregnant. Maximize the nutrition you get and avoid junk food.

 

Don’t remove fat from your diet, but as much as possible, pick healthy fat. For example, instead of buying a doughnut or any pastry, why not choose avocado? Its monounsaturated fats are better for you, plus, it has vitamins C and K. Eat foods that gives a lot of nutrition. Great picks like yogurt contains calcium, protein and potassium. It is also a good source of probiotics. It is also important to stay hydrated but make sure to stay away from soda and other sugary fruit drinks. They are full of empty calories. Water, milk, and vegetable juices are way better.

 

Eat smart. Always make sure you are getting a broad range of nutrients. Munch on fruits and vegetables as often as possible. Keep yourself healthy for your baby. If you are considering natural birth, visit Spartanburg Birth Center.

Dad as Birthing Coach in Natural Childbirth

Though the overall experience of childbirth is beautiful, it can still be a distressful event for the mother. The mother in labor transforms into someone who has a bunch of physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Each part of her body will hurt, and she will be impatient and nervous. In natural childbirth, it is very important for fathers to be there for their wives. If you are a doting husband, make sure that you are also a devoted father from the time your child is brought out to this world.

Daddy’s Cheat Sheet

1. Identify the beginning of labor. Learn to differentiate Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor) from the real deal. When the bag of water breaks, observe the frequency and the time intervals of the contractions.

2. Find ways to distract your partner from the pain of the contractions. You can take a walk, watch a movie, or help her fall asleep. Make sure that she gets enough rest before the actual childbirth.

3. Do breathing exercises and various relaxation techniques with your partner during the first stage of labor. This is the time when the contractions become very intense. Coaching is very vital during this phase.

4. The second stage of labor is the actual childbirth. During this time, your job is to make sure that all your partner’s wishes are granted. For instance, if she wants to breastfeed, remind your midwife to hand the baby to your wife to latch. Also, this is the perfect time to document. Take pictures. Those memories will matter a lot to your wife.

5. The last stage of labor is the delivery of the placenta. In this phase, the mother may get chills and feel cold, so it’s advisable that you provide her with warmth. Hold your wife’s hand, or cover her with a blanket as you hold your baby near her. You can also ask the doctor if you can cut the cord to make the experience more unforgettable.

In natural childbirth, you are your wife’s best coach. You are her advocate. This role is vital for your partner to be comfortable and not feel neglected. It’s hard to watch a loved one endure such pain, but being there for her during this time helps take some load off her shoulders. Only you can give her the best encouragements and appreciation for doing something so wonderful for your family. If you need more lessons on how to be an effective birthing coach for your wife, visit the Spartanburg Birthing Center. Childbirth is always a delight, and it becomes more memorable once the experience is shared as a family.

Your Options in Natural Childbirth

Your birthing experience is greatly affected by all the decisions you make from the time you discover that you are pregnant down to the last stages of labor and recovery period. You have quite a few options on how to go about natural childbirth. These techniques have been used for ages and are proven to be successful for those who are allowed to undergo natural childbirth.

 

The Different Techniques

• The Alexander Technique

As pregnancy progresses, you begin to experience a lot of discomforts. There will be intermittent lower back pains, shortness of breath, and even balance and digestive problems. The Alexander Technique prepares your body for delivery. It comprises of proper ways on how to sit, stand, and move safely, easily, and efficiently. It enables you to breathe better, relax, and focus during birth, but it works best in opening the cervix during dilation to assist you in pushing the baby out.

• The Bradley Method

One of the most popular natural childbirth techniques is the Bradley Method. This method emphasizes the non-involvement of drugs throughout delivery. It primarily focuses on maintaining good nutrition, regular exercise, utilization of relaxation exercises, and the husband’s involvement as birthing coach.

• Lamaze

Basically, the Lamaze method is all about distraction. It aims to decrease your perception of pain and relieve discomforts. This includes controlled deep breathing exercises, concentration, massage, and labor control.

• Water Delivery

Water Delivery has gained popularity over the years for its calming effects. The water’s buoyancy helps in reducing the pressure and discomfort.

Childbirth is beautiful and to know that you can be in total control of the whole experience is even better. But it is important to consult your doctor before you decide on whatever birthing technique. The Spartanburg Midwifery team aims to help you achieve the birth experience that you desire. Call or visit us to know what works best for you, your baby, and your whole family.