The Birth Song Botanicals Blog

Cesarean Sections: Risks, Prevention, and Herbs for Recovery

Cesarean Sections: Risks, Prevention, and Herbs for Recovery
The high rates of cesarean sections (C-sections) worldwide stem from various factors, including medical indications such as fetal distress or maternal health conditions, technological advances making C-sections safer and more accessible, cultural and litigation concerns, financial incentives, and maternal choice. These factors contribute to overuse or unnecessary use of C-sections, leading to increased healthcare costs and potential risks for mothers and babies. Preventing unnecessary C-sections involves attending regular prenatal check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, educating oneself about childbirth, discussing birth preferences and concerns, staying flexible during labor, considering labor support, and discussing VBAC options if applicable. Doulas can also play a crucial role in preventing C-sections by providing continuous support, advocacy, and guidance during labor and childbirth. Additionally, natural remedies and herbs like St. John's Wort, arnica, and calendula may aid in C-section recovery by promoting healing and reducing discomfort, but it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before use. Continue reading

5 Ways Doula's Help Prevent C-Sections

5 Ways Doula's Help Prevent C-Sections
Doulas can play a valuable role in preventing cesarean sections (C-sections) by providing continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to women during labor and childbirth. While doulas do not have medical training or the authority to make medical decisions, their presence and support have been associated with several factors that may help reduce the likelihood of C-sections. Continue reading

50 questions to ask your Midwife, OB, and Doula

50 questions to ask your Midwife, OB, and Doula

Hey there! Are you pregnant and looking for more information about midwives and doulas?  Awesome, I’m so glad you’re here because today's episode of Apothecary Wisdom is focused on giving a overview of the crucial distinctions and scope of practice of the different types of midwives, obstetricians, and doulas. 

 

Working in the birth community has revealed that the general public is unclear about the important distinctions and differences of these essential birth workers-their training, and the services they provide.  Knowing the scope of practice of the birth professional you are about to hire for your birth is critical in order for you to be informed and have realistic expectations about your care and upcoming birth.

Continue reading

Birth Plan Template For Home Birth- Have An Empowering Birth At Home

Birth Plan Template For Home Birth- Have An Empowering Birth At Home

As a midwife, I really enjoy the anticipation that comes before birth. The way women prepare, expect, and dream about birth is absolutely beautiful and powerful. One aspect of preparing for a safe homebirth, is writing a birth plan. A homebirth birth plan is an essential component of an active and informed birth. 

 

Knowing how to write an effective birth plan is a crucial part of this preparation process. Over the years, I've helped hundreds of women write their homebirth birth plans. One thing is abundantly clear, the women who feel good about how their births went (no matter how it unfolded) were realistically prepared for the intensity and reality of birth. They were not simply lucky. They actively prepared their minds, bodies, souls, partners, and homes for the birth experience.  

Continue reading

Why Home Birth is Safer Than The Hospital- For Natural Birth

Why Home Birth is Safer Than The Hospital- For Natural Birth

I can't tell you how many times I've sat down with a couple discussing their birth options only to hear the woman is desiring a beautiful body led, natural birth and her partner or other family members think she is being foolish, naive, selfish and or dangerous.

  

In this post, I am covering the most popular benefits of home birth and my personal top 3 reasons why I know home birth is way better than hospital birth, for healthy low risk women who want a natural physiological birth.

 

Continue reading

Know the Difference Between a Midwife vs Doula

Know the Difference Between a Midwife vs Doula
You may have heard that a doula is a huge help when delivering your baby. This is completely true, and there are even different kinds of doulas to assist you in the birth of your baby. You may also be considering a midwife for your delivery and care, which is a wonderful choice for low-risk women. However, do you know the difference between midwives and doulas? Midwives and doulas often have very similar philosophies of care, but the care they give is very different. Continue reading

Hospital Bag Checklist

Hospital Bag Checklist

Most of us struggle to pack light for a weekend away. Packing for night or two at the hospital, while you’re giving birth, and then when you have a new addition to the family can be more than overwhelming! What do you need? What does your birth support person need? What does your baby need? The possibilities can seem endless and impossible to navigate. Before you know it, you’ve got three bags full, including half of your baby’s newborn wardrobe. So what do you actually need to pack in your hospital bag? Lets break it down for planned labors, planned C-sections, and planned home births in case of transfer.

For labor and birth support products, go HERE.

Continue reading

Different Kinds of Doula Services for Birth and Postpartum

Different Kinds of Doula Services for Birth and Postpartum
Did you know that there are different kinds of doulas? A doula may focus her practice on only the prenatal and birth period. Or she could be a postpartum doula or a sibling doula. Some doulas may offer all these services, or a different combination all-together! Continue reading