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What is Fetal Position? And Why Does it Matter?
There are several different fetal positions that your baby can be in, and some are better for giving birth than others. If your baby is in a less-than-ideal position, it can cause painful, long labors and sometimes unfortunately interventions. These shown diagrams pose as a example visual three-step process for identifying baby’s position in the final months of pregnancy that I learned months back in my @spinningbabies training with Tammy Ryan. You may be able to identify baby’s fetal position based on his/her kicks or hiccups (kicks should be up high; hiccups down low). Pretend you can visualize the baby with LOA. The left occiput anterior (LOA) position is the most common in labor. In this position, the baby's head is slightly off center in the pelvis with the back of the head toward the mother's left thigh. The right occiput anterior (ROA) presentation is also common in labor. In this position, the baby's head is slightly off center in the pelvis with the back of the head toward the mother's left thigh. OP- I see this A-LOT supporting births and moms complain of severe back pain through contractions and labor. In occiput posterior position, your baby's head is down, but it is facing moms front instead of her back. If a baby is in this position, sometimes it will rotate around during labor so that the head stays down and the body faces the mother's back (OA position).
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 Women are drowning because they lack support systems. They lack family willing to help. They lack partnerships that allow them adequate time to decompress from being a mom. Most of self care is done as an after thought. It’s done after you cook the kids dinner, after you get the kids in bed, after, after, after you do everything for everyone else.
We don't give exams or offer medical advice. We are not midwives or doctors. Our work is in caring for the practical and emotional needs of laboring women and their partners. We signpost to information. We advocate. We make nourishing food. We listen. We fill a role that women have filled for each other for millennia. This kind of non-judgmental, experienced support from a layperson can make a profound difference in the transition from individual to parent, and the research backs this up. Together we can do all things in supporting you, mama. You are not alone!  The two most common types of episiotomy are: Midline – a cut from the vagina directly towards the anus. Mediolateral – a cut from the vagina at an angle off to one side of the anus. Second Degree: This is the most common type of episiotomy. It extends through the vaginal lining as well as the vaginal tissue. However, it doesn't involve the rectal lining or anal sphincter. Third Degree: A third-degree tear involves the vaginal lining, the vaginal tissues, and part of the anal sphincter.
Prevention to include- 1. Perineal massage. Studies show that perineal massage reduces your chance of tearing during birth. ... 2.Water birth 3. Warm, wet towels 4. Don't lie down 5. Stay calm and breath . . . At Earthbound we believe in providing a safe birthing space for all as well as respecting and educating women by not performing episiotomies unless medically necessary! Not every birth results in a tear, and natural tears typically heal better than episiotomies.  Cervical dilation. It’s often believed that that once you’ve reached full dilation, the medical staff will instruct you to start pushing. But in reality moms should avoid "coached pushing" . During the final stages of (unmedicated) labor a birthing mom will experience the Fetel Ejection Reflex. By working with your body and only pushing when YOU feel the urge, you’re able to better utilize your energy and work with your breath. Your tissues can stretch more slowly and you drastically reduce the risk of tearing. Imagine if someone started screaming at you to “PUSH-PUUUSH” as soon as you sat on the toilet for a bowel movement. It wouldn’t be helpful... because sometimes you just need a moment to get things moving, right? So even if your cervix has reached 10cms, it’s not uncommon to need a moment of rest before you “get the urge”. Only your body possesses the intrinsic wisdom of knowing when everything within you is perfectly aligned to finally push your baby #earthbound
 The lovely yarrow is an antispasmodic with an affinity for the female reproductive system. It has been used to treat the heavy bleeding and intense pains of dysmenorrhea and endometriosis. A uterine stimulant, yarrow is also used to provoke menstruation, increase circulation to the uterus, and to promote its overall health and function. It’s so effective, herbalists will use it along with hormone-balancing herbs to treat ovulation dysfunction. Another cramp-soothing, uterus-loving herb is Lady’s Mantle. It’s also a soothing healer, so it’s a wonderful addition to sitz baths. Contact Ravens Healing wing located in Southern Pines for all your herbal, tinctures and salve needs!
 What is fascia anyway? Fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider's web or a sweater. Current evidence suggests that the muscles and fascia of the lumbopelvic region play a significant role in musculoskeletal function as well as continence and respiration during pregnancy and postpartum. The combined prevalence of lumbopelvic pain, incontinence and breathing disorders is now slowly being understood. It is also clear that synergistic function of all trunk muscles is required for loads to be transferred effectively through the lumbopelvic region during multiple tasks of varying load, predictability and perceived threat. Optimal strategies for transferring loads will balance control of movement while maintaining optimal joint axes, maintain sufficient intra-abdominal pressure without compromising the organs (preserve continence, prevent prolapse or herniation) and support efficient respiration.
If you are looking for other alternative holistic healing for pelvic floor issues or MFR (Myofacial Releases) Please contact @hayleykavapt for pelvic floor dysfunction or @earthbound_yogi for massage therapy/doula services.  Belly binding, belly belts and wraps... There is so many out there that can overwhelm you and sometimes even misguide you where later you may if felt like you’ve wasted your money and feel like they ideally didn’t serve its purpose.
But after personally and professionally doing research and taking endless workshops, I’m here to tell you that the belly binding and belly belts do not serve postpartum mamas anything positive. Two years ago after giving birth to my son, I spent $100 EACH on a belly belt and bengkung belly wrap. I discovered that as both gave me great relief, they also caused more harm than good down the road in my postpartum healing. In fact, they taught me poor core posture which in turn leaves you using more of you upper extremities (neck and ribcage) and lower back. Once you lose your core, you lose everything, especially pelvic floor function. But there’s hope with seeing a pelvic floor PT and RockTape! During pregnancy low back, hip and pelvic discomforts are often common complaints in the final stretch of pregnancy. These discomforts, although temporary are due to the increased amount of hormonal changes creating laxity in the joints in preparation for birth and the increased weight of the growing baby adding pressure to ligaments, muscles and nerves in the woman’s core; these discomforts can sometimes be unbearable for the expectant mother. Being uncomfortable during this time makes it hard to sleep, and move and be active, creating frustration and fatigue. RockTape provides a drug-free alternative way to alleviate these common pregnancy discomforts, in an easy and affordable way. What does it do? A simple belly belt and sling can be applied by your RockTape practitioner. This application will help retrain your brain, fascia and muscles to lift and support your bump, distribute the weight of the baby evenly, reduce pressure on nerves and ligaments, stimulate muscles for improved posture and improve circulation in restricted areas even in the fourth trimester. Wanna know more? Contact us to book your appointment today! Stay tuned for our FREE August education special with First Health in Southern Pines,NC.  Studies have shown that moringa can act as a galactagogue, a natural substance to support lactation, for postpartum mothers. Another study conducted in the Philippines found that breastfeeding mothers who consumed moringa daily saw significant increases in both their breast milk. Below is a yummy recipe for all of YOU!
Ingredients 1 cup (about 15 to 16 large) pitted Medjool dates 1 cup unsalted dry toasted pecans (or pecan pieces) 1/4 cup organic, virgin coconut oil 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 cup moringa leaf powder 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon powder pinch finely ground sea salt 1/4 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut 1/2 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut, toasted (for rolling) Begin by placing the pitted dates, pecans, coconut oil, vanilla, moringa, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and sea salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the chopping blade. Pulse until chopped and a chunky paste is formed. Next, add the 1/4 cup of coconut and pulse a couple of times until incorporated. Remove moringa mixture to a bowl and set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, wax paper or a Silpat . Next grab the remaining 1/2 cup shredded coconut and quickly toast in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. If you need a tutorial on how to toast coconut - click here. Transfer toasted coconut to a shallow bowl and allow to cool for a few minutes. Using a teaspoon, scoop the moringa mixture and gently roll into balls. Dip each ball into the toasted coconut until well coated and transfer to baking sheet. Repeat until all of the mixture is used up. Finally... Place tray in fridge or freezer to set. Once set, transfer bites into a container and keep in the fridge or freezer (depending on which texture you prefer). Eat as desired and Enjoy!  Children registered in parent and me classes will learn how to focus and center themselves with various breathing and visualization techniques. They will also learn self-respect and respect for others with the practice of fun and challenging poses, partner and group poses, lots of yoga games, breathing and basic anatomy.
Prenatal yoga focuses on poses for pregnant women, in order to increase strength and flexibility to prepare you for birth. It also helps pregnant women to develop proper breathing and relaxation techniques for easier and more comfortable labor and fourth trimester. While you are pregnant, it is important to build a strong support system. Oftentimes, this support system will include family and friends. It can be beneficial to expand your support system to include other pregnant mothers. While participating in a prenatal yoga class, you are given the opportunity to meet other expecting mothers whom you can relate to. We will also slowly transition our way through the fourth trimester and navigate safe body postures, belly breathing and how to properly and safely restore and strengthen the pelvic floor. These classes will be located at 205 Davis Road, Southern Pines, NC at First Health Fitness. To register you can drop in or call for the class offerings (910) 692-6129 (All Fitness and Education classes will now be held at First Health Southern Pines)  Currently, we are offering birth and postpartum education with pre/postnatal fitness in hopes to build bridges and positive relationships with First Health. Our classes will be held at 205 Davis Road located in Southern Pines, NC.
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Natasha has 18 years of experience working with birthing and postpartum mothers. She is well versed and rounded with experience in holistic wellness and integrative medicine. Natasha focus is to treat the body as whole instead of a symptom. Archives
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