Pregnancy Health & Help | Pearently

How to decrease crotch pain in pregnancy

pearentlycare — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 17:50:27 +0000

Pregnancy is a long journey. If you are experiencing pain in your lower back, pubic area, buttock, etc., then you need these tips to ease your pain.

Now is the time to get ready for your birth journey. Take your next step by downloading the FREE workbook below to get Annabelle’s 4 Step Process to a birth you will love to remember.

Pelvic girdle pain is a general term for all pelvic pain such as pubic pain. It was previously called symphysis pubis dysfunction.

Pelvic girdle pain is pain anywhere from the lower back, hip, pelvis, down to the thigh, either at the front or back.

You are experiencing pain in the pubic joint and the back in the sacroiliac joint.

Pain can increase throughout your pregnancy as your baby grows, your posture changes, and ‘relaxin’ increases (hormone that softens ligaments to allow the pelvis to open more).

This is common in pregnancy, but it is not normal. Talk to your healthcare provider.

Signs and Symptoms

Difficulty walking (a waddling gait).
Pain when putting weight on one leg, such as climbing stairs, or getting out of the car.
Difficulty lying in some positions, such as on your side and your experience a clicking or grinding in the pelvic area.
Pain during normal activities.
Pain during sex.

Cure = make little changes to your everyday life

If something hurts, don’t do it
Rest more and avoid heavy lifting.
Get dressed sitting down or leaning on your bed.
Sleep with a pillow between your knees, turn inward to change positions, or keep your knees together to turn your hips in bed.
Avoid asymmetrical positions of the pelvis: sitting cross-legged, pushing or pulling to one side, bending and twisting to lift, or carrying anything on one hip.
Sex: lying on side or on all-fours.
Kegel exercises
Butterfly
Pelvic tilts on birth ball

Lightning crotch: sharp or shooting pain in the vagina, rectum, or pelvis (can feel it in the butt). This is a nerve-like pain into your vagina.

This is normal and common in pregnancy.

Cause:

Baby movement → pressure on nerves → sharp pain
Dropping (baby moves to lower part of uterus) → head on cervix and nerves → sharp pain
Quick position changes → round ligament pain (growing belly = more stretching of ligaments that support uterus) → sharp pain

Lightning crotch can be a sign that labor is getting close, but it is not necessarily a sign of active labor.

Is it lightening crotch or contractions?

Is it a sharp shooting pain or cramping?
Is the pain low or high?
Does the pain occur with sudden movements or is the pain frequent and painful?

*Labor means frequent contractions that are PAINFUL!

Cure:

Belly band
Walking
Slow movements
Warm bath with epsom salt (2 cups per bath)

Are you ready to take the next step towards your birth. Download my free workbook below to get started!

Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only. This should not be taken as medical advice or take the place of what your healthcare provider recommends. Please discuss any healthcare information found on this channel with your healthcare provider. Pearently exists as a source of information and knowledge and in no way can we determine whether or not any of the information is specifically best for your individual case. With that in mind, we are grateful to share this information with you and we hope that you find success in your journey to achieve a happy and healthy pregnancy, labor, and birth.

– Sincerely, Team Pearently

The post How to decrease crotch pain in pregnancy first appeared on Pearently.

Cervical Exams in Labor

pearentlycare — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 14:40:27 +0000

It is said that “Cervical exams are for you and your provider to know the progress of labor.” The idea that doctors can give moms an idea of when the baby will be born. But is this really true? Are cervical exams necessary, and do they give us good data?

Discover the answers below…

Now is the time to get ready for your birth journey. Take your next step by downloading the FREE workbook below to get Annabelle’s 4 Step Process to a birth you will love to remember.

What is a cervical exam?

Also called vaginal exams or pelvic exams. This exam is the examining of the cervix, which is part of the uterus (the muscle surrounding your baby).

Your cervix should be closed and thick (5 cm in length) during your pregnancy.

This means that your cervix is competent and can hold your baby inside of your uterus until the time of birth, around 40 weeks gestation.

When is a cervical exam routinely done?

-First OB visit.

-If problems arise in pregnancy (preterm labor, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, etc.).

-It is common in physicians’ offices to start cervical exams at 37 weeks gestation, and perform the exam weekly until labor starts.

-Arrive at the hospital (should you be admitted to the L&D unit or go home?)

-When labor seems to have changed.

-When mom feels like she needs to push (“I feel a lot of pressure!”)

How is the exam performed?

This exam should not hurt. Notify your healthcare provider if she or he is hurting you.

Also, make sure you are relaxed (relax the muscles around your vagina), make sure you have given your healthcare provider permission, and you are ready.

The exam might hurt if your doctor tries to dilate your cervix and strip the membranes (separate the membranes from the cervical wall). This is common for healthcare providers to do at the end of a pregnancy, without your permission. So, make sure you tell the healthcare provider if you consent to this or not.

The exam is done the same way at the office or at the hospital.

The nurse or doctor will place two fingers into your vagina and feel for your cervix. They are checking for three things:

Effacement (shortening, thinning, ripening, ability to stretch) – 0% to 100%.
Dilation (how big is the hole?) – 0 cm to 10 cm.
Station (how high or low baby is inside of mom) – the examiner is feeling for the ischial spines in relation to the top of the baby’s head. 0 station is top of baby’s head at ischial spines, + station is when the baby’s head passes the ischial spines and comes down into the vagina.

Said purpose of cervical exams?

“Why does a doctor need to check your cervix late in pregnancy?”

The exam is very useful for moms with preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, baby is not growing adequately, etc.

An assessment is done using a tool called the Bishop’s score. This is used to determine the likelihood of successful vaginal birth with induction of labor (or if mom will need a C-Section for delivery).

Why does a nurse need to check your cervix in labor?

To notify the doctor or midwife of the progress of labor and when to come.

Is it necessary?

Late in pregnancy?

Why do we need to check the thinning and opening of the cervix if mom does not have a medical condition and the baby is healthy?

In my opinion, cervical exams are not necessary late in pregnancy unless there is a medical indication (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes with the need for induction).

But the exams are not needed routinely if mom and baby are healthy because these cervical exams do not tell us how close you are to labor or the birth of your baby.

Example: You might be 6 cm for a week with no contractions.

I was 0 cm on Monday and then my baby was born on Wednesday afternoon.

In labor?

It is said that these exams are used to determine the progress of labor. The question is…”Is this really encouraging mom or discouraging mom in her labor process?”

Example: At 7 cm you are almost through the hardest part. So, it might be encouraging for you to keep going.

But what about the other side? Maybe your cervix is 3 cm dilated after several hours of labor. But you might progress very quickly and very soon. All of that anxiety was for not.

Is it dangerous?

Research shows that there really is no harm and no benefit to cervical checks at the end of pregnancy.

Now, if mom has suffered sexual abuse, there is question whether this is harmful to her.

Also, if the cervical check leads mom to be discouraged about her labor progress, this could lead to negative effects.

Also, if the doctor strips the membranes, there is possibly a risk for PROM (premature rupture of membranes) with the cervical checks. If Mom’s water breaks, there is increased risk for infection with each cervical exam thereafter. Also if PROM occurs and labor does not start, Mom might find herself going down a road of interventions that she did not desire.

Bottom line:

Cervical checks cause a lot of anxiety, yet they don’t give us a lot of information about the progress of labor.

If you do decide to get cervical exams routinely and throughout labor, then make sure you get “all” of the information (dilation, effacement, and station), and take it with a grain of salt.

Now is the time to get ready for your birth journey. Take your next step by downloading the FREE workbook below to get Annabelle’s 4 Step Process to a birth you will love to remember.

Studies used for this content

Evidence Based Birth – https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-prenatal-checks/

Effect of routine weekly cervical examinations at term on premature rupture of the membranes – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=mcduffie+weekly+cervical+examinations

Relationship of antepartum pelvic examinations to premature rupture of the membranes – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=lenihan+antepartum+pelvic

Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only. This should not be taken as medical advice or take the place of what your healthcare provider recommends. This is educational information not medical advice.

—–

Visit our Website – http://Pearently.com

Disclaimer: Please discuss any healthcare information found on this channel with your healthcare provider. Pearently exists as a source of information and knowledge and in no way can we determine whether or not any of the information is specifically best for your individual case without conducting an in-person assessment. With that in mind, we are grateful to share this information with you and we hope that you find success in your journey to achieve a happy and healthy pregnancy, labor, and birth.

– Sincerely, Team Pearently

All links Keep in mind this video/post contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

The post Cervical Exams in Labor first appeared on Pearently.

Do I need antibiotics before baby is born?

pearentlycare — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 15:09:07 +0000

The Group B Strep screening is performed on all pregnant women around 35-37 weeks gestation. This screening is to test for the bacteria Group B Streptococcus.

Now is the time to get ready for your birth journey. Take your next step by downloading the FREE workbook below to get Annabelle’s 4 Step Process to a birth you will love to remember.

We all have lots of bacteria that live in and around our bodies. Group B Strep is a normal bacteria that lives in the GI tract (gut) of some men and women. It can travel to and colonize the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract. This bacteria lives in the vagina and the rectal area of 1 out of 4 women, but most women don’t show symptoms of infection even though they carry the bacteria.

GBS is not a STI, but research shows that women with some risk factors are more likely to carry GBS: multiple sexual partners, male-to-female oral sex.

Why do we care about this bacteria?

The problem with this bacteria, GBS is that if your baby is born through your birth canal and gets this bacteria on his or her body (baby has immature immune system), there is a 1% chance of your baby developing either pneumonia (lung), meningitis (brain), or sepsis (blood).

These are potentially life-threatening illnesses. They can cause great harm or even death to your baby. So, your healthcare provider wants to know if you are positive for Group B Strep.

How is a Group B Strep screening performed?

You will be laid back on an assessment bed (similar to getting a pap smear) in your healthcare provider’s office. Your doctor will then place a speculum in your vagina, then your doctor will swab your vagina, cervix, and rectum. A total of three areas are swabbed during this test: the rectum, vagina, and cervix.

When the test results are returned, your doctor will notify you if you are Group B Strep positive or negative.

If you are negative, GREAT! You can simply notify the nurses that you are Group B Strep negative when you arrive at labor and delivery.

If you are Group B Strep positive it is very important that you notify the nurse immediately when you arrive on the labor and delivery unit.

How will you be managed?

If you are GBS Positive, you will need to receive antibiotics at least 4 hours prior to your baby being born.

Antibiotics during labor decrease the amount of bacteria in mom and decrease the risk of your baby getting sick (0.2% risk of getting infected after antibiotics rather than 1%).

Antibiotics need to be in your system for a minimum of 4 hours before your baby comes through the birth canal.

Some healthcare providers will want you to receive antibiotics at the onset of labor and receive antibiotics every 4 hours until birth.

Antibiotics take about 20-30 minutes to infuse. Then you can ask for a hep-lock after the infusion.

Are antibiotics harmful to baby?

IV antibiotics given during labor have a short-term negative effect on the baby’s microbiome, but this negative effect can be lessened by breastfeeding.

Antibiotics get rid of good and bad bacteria in mom. The good bacteria from the birth canal have been destroyed! Baby needed those.

Antibiotics also affect the development of gut bacteria in the baby (at least temporarily).

Baby can breastfeed within the first hour of birth and breastfeed until at least 3 months for a healthy gut in the baby.

What if I didn’t get antibiotics? Should my baby be tested?

Maybe you didn’t make it to the hospital in time to receive the antibiotics…

No testing if: If your baby is not showing symptoms within 1 hour of birth, if you did not give birth before 37 weeks, if you didn’t have an infection of the uterus, or if your water did not break greater than 18 hours before giving birth.

Baby needs 48-hours of observations if born to a GBS mom that did not receive antibiotics.

How do I labor at home if I need to get antibiotics?

Be at the hospital 4 hours before. Talk to your healthcare provider.

Can you decrease your risk for carrying GBS?

GBS is linked to your GI tract. Therefore, it is thought that if you can get a healthy gut then you can decrease GBS.

Get a healthy gut to decrease the amount of GBS.

One study showed the benefit of taking 2 Probiotic capsules at night starting at 35-37 weeks. The first randomized trial on using probiotics to reduce GBS colonization in pregnant people had promising results, with 43% of GBS positive women becoming GBS negative by the time of birth.

Women with higher levels of lactobacilli in the vagina have lower levels of GBS. Lactobacilli strongly inhibits the growth of GBS by increasing the acidity of the vagina.

Also, consider a healthy diet: fresh berries, fresh vegetables, garlic, prenatal, and decreased sweets.

Probiotics that I recommend:

PRO45: #1 Clinical Grade Probiotic Formula – https://amzn.to/2UuBBWT

Probiotics 60 Billion CFU – Dr. Approved Probiotics for Women – https://amzn.to/2JqflXO

Studies used for this blog post:

The Evidence On: Group B Strep – https://evidencebasedbirth.com/groupbstrep/

Science Daily – Antibiotics administered during labor delay healthy gut bacteria in babies – Delay increased with longer durations of exposure to the antibiotics https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171128160344.htm

CDC – GBS – https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/prevention.html

Now is the time to get ready for your birth journey. Take your next step by downloading the FREE workbook below to get Annabelle’s 4 Step Process to a birth you will love to remember.

—–

Visit our Website – http://Pearently.com

– Sincerely, Team Pearently

The post Do I need antibiotics before baby is born? first appeared on Pearently.

10 Tips for a FUN and Healthy Pregnancy, Labor, and Delivery

pearentlycare — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 10:00:20 +0000

I had such a fun and healthy pregnancy, but I didn’t know it all (duh, Annabelle). Even though I’m a nurse that has grown up with an OB/GYN dad and Labor Nurse mom, I had a lot of learning to do. I had to talk to numerous moms about how to have a fun and healthy pregnancy. Most of all, I had to get coaching.

What about you? Are you in need of some tips in your pregnancy heading toward one BIG delivery day? I am going to share with you what I learned in my pregnancy, and I hope it is helpful.

10 Tips for a fun and healthy pregnancy

1. Don’t have expectations of what Baby is going to be like.

I had to take a moment before my son was born to think about how things were going to change once he arrived. He was my first child, and I wanted to do things right as a parent.

Take a moment, like I did and think of the child growing inside of you. That baby will be born, grow to be a teenager, and then an adult. What does this mean to you when you think about how you will react to every little thing that happens in pregnancy, and as a parent?

Babies are human beings. They are not a babydoll that we get to dress up, cuddle, and tote around town showing off to others.

They are unique, they cry and fuss, each one has different behaviors from you and dad, and one day that baby will even have failures that you will take personally (even though it won’t be personal).

It is easy to fall into a thought process of conjuring up what your baby is going to be. And that leads to frustration and overwhelmed feelings when things don’t happen like “they should”.

Maybe your baby will be born with something that you didn’t expect, Baby might have colic and cry for hours on end, Baby will have reflux and vomit after every feed and wear 10 outfits a day, etc.

It is not my goal to scare you, but to help you realize that you have no idea of what your baby is going to be like.

The amazing thing is that if your can take things as they come, you will be a much happier, relaxed, and pleasant mom/person/wife/daughter/friend. This starts while you are still pregnant because things change daily, and not always like the textbooks say.

Release your expectations that cause frustration and annoyance in your life.

Release the stress that increases cortisol levels and puts a halt to your labor process.

Release the Mom Mind that has a standard, and wants her baby to fall inside of that standard.

It is time to love your pregnancy, love your baby, and take things as they come. This perspective will put you on the right path to a fun and healthy pregnancy and motherhood.

Before I go any further, I want to mention my FREE Natural Birth Workbook! This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Click the button below to download the workbook…

2. Exercise a little, everyday.

Exercise is vogue, right?

I know plenty of Mamas that want a “belly only pregnancy”. This is good and healthy, but I am here to say that Gym Life moms are not for every mom.

Exercise in pregnancy is not just about not gaining weight. Exercise is good for blood circulation, oxygen to the placenta and baby, mood, strength, endurance, and a lower C-Section rate.

YES! If you walk 30 minutes everyday, and sustain a heart rate 120 beats per minute, then you will decrease your C-Section risk.

Walk around your neighborhood, take a mild hike, walk into work from the farthest spot in the parking lot, and add some resistance training such as weight lifting, squats, or planks into your schedule three days a week.

I am not asking you to be a gym guru, a little bit of daily exercise will dramatically heighten your fun and healthy pregnancy goals!

3. Superfoods, macronutrients, and vitamins are a must.

Simple and tasty tip number three is about adding nutrient dense superfoods to your daily food intake.

These are foods such as sweet potatoes, avocados, quinoa, asparagus, spinach, dates, sprouts, oranges, beans, fish, chicken, and steak.

Make sure every meal has all three macronutrients: healthy fats, high protein, and whole carbohydrates.

Keep taking your prenatal vitamin and folic acid everyday, but add superfoods and 100 ounces of water to your menu everyday.

4. Travel on the weekends.

Travel is fun and can be super easy. Just make it easy, not complicated.

Plan little weekend trips so you don’t have to take time off work. Drive to your location. Stay at an AirBnB. Pack light with dresses, slip on shoes, no makeup or hair dryer. Grab some easy snacks, and don’t forget your pillow.

Get out and have some fun to release any stress that built up over the week.

Maybe you were planning on a BabyMoon, but I suggest making time for more easy trips.

Make sure it is a trip with a lot of walking because exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make for better memories of the trip.

5. Sunshine for 25 minutes daily.

All I will say is that sun is good for humans in every sense of the word, and we don’t get enough of it.

In fact, most people have low vitamin D levels, which makes a bad road ahead. Vitamin D is good for calcium absorption and strong bones, immunity, mood, and fighting off unwanted diseases.

Get outside in the sunshine for 25 minutes everyday without sunblock, even if it’s cold where you live. Take your sunglasses off for a while and soak in every ray of sunshine possible.

6. Wear comfy clothes, but don’t be a slob.

You need to be comfortable in your pregnancy, need I say more.

Well, I will. Don’t go all slob because you want to look back on your pregnancy and say, “I looked good!”

I loved wearing dresses and sandals for meetings, dinners, and church. If it’s cold, then wear your leggings, but add a cute top, makeup, and earrings.

Try buying clothes that are comfy, make you feel confident, and can be worn after pregnancy.

7. Nap time and meditation is necessary.

Pregnancy is hard and stressful at times, especially if you work like I did during pregnancy.

Try to sneak in a nap where you can, even if it’s only a 5 minute power nap.

I recommend taking time to meditate. Turn off distractions and think about fears, anxieties, and stressors that are invading your mind, body, and spirit.

Remember that you cannot take on the stress of outward pressures in your life. You cannot control what is thrown at you, but you can control your response.

Release negative emotions, find energy and positivity, find a new perspective, and give the rest to God.

8. Baby name is who your baby will be.

Everyone has a different perspective on this, but I wanted to call my baby by name while he was growing inside of me.

Bingly began to take on many nicknames in pregnancy. So, my husband and I decided that we wanted his name to be with him through the journey. We began to call him by name, and we felt a connection with him.

He was no longer “him, it, they, bubs, bambino…”

He was Bingly.

Whatever you call your baby now, that is who he or she is to you right now. Take time to think about how you feel about naming your baby now.

9. Mommy role model will provide more than empty words.

Ugh. I had so many women tell me their stories during pregnancy, and ask me the same questions over and over again.

It was nice at first, but then it got old.

I didn’t even want to go out into public or to work in my last few weeks of pregnancy because I was so tired of hearing “when are your due, how far along are you, what gender is it, what is his name…”

You are going to talk to women everyday. They will tell you stories, some good but some horror.

You will want to stay in your house, and you will need someone to talk to on a deep level.

You need a mommy role model to be there for you. She will listen to you, and help you release fears, doubts, and questions.

10. Birth plan, support, and practice are vital to a natural birth.

And last, make your birth plan, get your support person by your side, and practice breathing & relaxation techniques!

This is the fun part as labor approaches, and deciding what you want before labor arrives is so important.

Ask yourself: What does a beautiful birth looks like? Who is by my side? How am I coping with pain? What positions do I use for pushing? How do I avoid unnecessary hospital interventions? How do I get my birth plan?

Now is the time to start answering these questions, get your support person onboard, and practice that plan before labor comes.

It all can be done, and it is so much fun.

I am here to help.

Do you want some help making a plan? I have created my FREE Natural Birth Workbook just for you. This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Download below…

The post 10 Tips for a FUN and Healthy Pregnancy, Labor, and Delivery first appeared on Pearently.

10 Pregnancy Essentials that you really need

pearentlycare — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 20:40:14 +0000

Are you all about getting the things you absolutely need, NOT the things everyone and their Mama says you need?

You know that this time of pregnancy is so special (the shopping time). Every store, site, and person tells you that you need “this and that and those” for a great pregnancy, labor, and birth. Well, I am going to list the things that I could not live without in my pregnancy, and leave the rest of the deciding up to you.

Oh, and before I continue, I want to say how important it is to be ready for the day when your baby decides he or she wants to meet you.

Labor can be daunting and exciting at the same time, but I know that you can do it!

That is why I want to mention my FREE Natural Birth Workbook! This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Click the button below to download the workbook…

Here is my list of absolute essentials in pregnancy, labor, and birth…

Labor shoes.

I will say that I LOVE my Arizona birks. Slide on sandals that are cute and comfy are the bomb in and out of pregnancy. As I headed towards “labor day” I knew that I needed shoes for the hospital. Sure, you can wear slippers or socks, but maybe no one has told you that labor is a messy ordeal. There is amniotic fluid, blood, sweat, and tears (need I go any further?). Away from gross and back to cute, I definitely recommend these slip on Birkenstocks that can be worn throughout your pregnancy as your feet get puffy and you just don’t want to bend over to buckle, tie, velcro, snap, or zip anything else. Added bonus is that they can be your labor shoe because they are “wash and wear again” shoes!

►►►Link for Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals

Belly support.

I need to talk about the baby bump that grows a little bigger and heavier each day. You want to support your baby and your belly so that your back doesn’t ache and your skin doesn’t sag. This belly band is great when leggings or pants below the belly show a little too much skin when the shirt isn’t long enough. Wear this belly wrap with dresses, skirts, pants, shorts, and even if you decide to go pant-less for a while (it’s true). But I definitely recommend wearing dresses as much as possible in pregnancy to allow for good circulation throughout your legs, groin, and abdomen.

►►►Link for Belly Band

Tight pants.

Yes, I did say that dresses are good. But sometimes leggings are necessary (gym day, lounging, etc.) So, you cannot live without these comfy and cute leggings that make your mama body look great and belly feel cozy. These leggings are great because you can skip the belly wrap and just wear the leggings that snuggle your belly and give you the support you need. Plus the stitching on the legs make you look more slim!

►►►Link to Maternity Activewear

Long shirts.

When I was pregnant, I was amazingly surprised that my shirts looked ridiculous on me. I tried to wear regular shirts thinking they would be long enough to meet my pants. Jokes on me. I am a nurse, and I would try to wear a regular t-shirt with my scrub pants. Well, there was not a meet-up down there. My husband had to break the news to me about buying new shirts. I am already tall, and besides buying Big and Tall clothing, I felt out of luck. Then I found these super cute tops. I am a sucker for black and grey, and I was hooked. You should try these out too unless you like the midriff look.

►►►Link for Maternity T-Shirt

Sleep aid.

I need to talk about bedtime, because honestly, I am a lover of sleep. Not that I get it much, but I have fantasies about it. When I was pregnant, especially, I would daydream about the moment I would get to crawl into my big cloud of a mattress, pull up the duvet, and drift into Neverland. BUT that never seemed to happen. I would toss and turn, finally fall asleep and then wake up frantic on my back (circulation problems). This cyclical pattern happened throughout the night(s). Then I decided that a big body caressing pillow would be the solution. I recommend one of these big guys to do the trick. And please, Mama, put him in the closet, or somewhere other than the bed when pregnancy is over. Your husband will not love the idea of “big guy” sleeping in the bed with you forever.

►►►Link for Pregnancy Pillow

Exercise ball or birthing ball.

It is absolutely vital! We are getting closer to delivery day and you need the bouncer. This ball will help you open up your pelvis, get baby into position, and take advantage of gravity for assistance. I have another post on how to make labor progress faster if you want to know more about why the birthing ball is so important. But trust me! You need one. And you need to know how to use it.

Check out FEARLESS Labor & Delivery to learn how to practice relaxation techniques in labor.

►►►Link for Birthing Ball

The robe!

You deliver your bundle of joy, you are wheeled off to postpartum, and then everyone visits you in your hospital room. You can be seen in the hospital gown, PJs, or a pretty robe that says “I just delivered a _____ pound baby and I look this good.” I recommend that you find and wear a robe that feels like you and says “I look this good” when everyone pays their visit. OH! And you need a comfy but cute nursing bra to go under the gown and robe (they won’t see it but you’ll know you look good all around).

►►►Link to Robe

Easy and comfortable bra.

It is so important to feel comfortable, sexy, and supported during pregnancy. I had to have my wireless bras. These bras are soft, comfy, and reliable for around the house, in bed, at the gym, and hey maybe even under a loose dress. I definitely recommend that you add some of these to your lingerie drawer where they can bring some mommy basics into the house.

►►►Link to Bra

Shea butter.

To be honest, your skin will change in pregnancy and post pregnancy. It is so important to take care of your skin. Maybe you are not noticing any skin problems or itchiness yet, but your baby bump will grow and that is when some itching begins. It can be annoying, and the shea butter is so helpful in easing that itchiness. You may be wondering about stretch marks. Stretch marks begin when your skin stretches. The underlying layers of connective fibers that give elasticity to your skin begin to weaken and tear. This causes scarring and discoloration on the surface of your belly, thighs, butt, etc. Shea butter will not repair the damaged connective tissue. Truly, prescription medication and laser therapy are the only options for stretch marks right now. However, your stretch marks may be noticeable at first, but they will fade over time. In the meantime, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Keep your skin soft, pliable, and itch-free with shea butter. I definitely needed it, and loved using it.

►►►Link to Shea Butter

Red raspberry leaf tea.

It is time for labor prep! But this tea is good for so many reasons other than labor prep. I begin my day with a cup of coffee in the morning, and I like to end my day with a hot cup of tea. I 100% recommend that you drink red raspberry tea in your pregnancy to decrease nausea, increase your nutrient and antioxidant intake, shorten labor time, and decrease unnecessary interventions at birth. Yes, it is true that studies indicate that red raspberry leaves are not only high in nutrients, but also may strengthen your uterine wall (your uterus is a muscle getting ready to WORK), and decrease labor time and complications! Wow, those midwives are on to something. Check it out, go make a cup of this amazing tea, and try to sip one cup everyday from now until delivery day.

►►►Link for tea

Mama, we are at the end of the list. Easy as that. These are the essentials that I think are truly “essential” in pregnancy, labor, and birth. Don’t get too much, get just the right amount. And have fun. Happy day.

Xoxo

Annabelle

P.S. Do you want some help making a plan? I have created my FREE Natural Birth Workbook just for you. This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Download below…

The post 10 Pregnancy Essentials that you really need first appeared on Pearently.

Home Remedies for Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

pearentlycare — Wed, 15 May 2019 06:26:20 +0000

Dr. Boyd is here to discuss some of the best home remedies for morning sickness in pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is about more than just morning sickness. If you are like I was (Annabelle), you may be experiencing nausea and vomiting during the day or when you lay down to go to bed at night. Don’t be alarmed, Mama even if you are experiencing sickness in the afternoon and evening hours. This is normal for many pregnant mamas. But what can you do to relieve your morning sickness?

A lot of women are searching for relief. And Dr. Boyd wants to share with you some of the best home remedies to relieve that sickness in pregnancy.

The cause of morning sickness is unknown, but there are a few ideas in the medical community of what might be the cause.

Here are a two theories:

HCG: human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone secreted during pregnancy
Diseases: gallbladder disease, ulcer disease, hypothyroidism

What is the cure? Though there is no definite cure, there are things you can consider when you feel sick: diet, fluids, and medications.

Let’s break it down.

1. Diet: things to eat that can decrease your nausea…

BRATT: Bananas, Rice,
Applesauce, Toast, Tea
Blue corn chips
Try snacking on this healthy version of a chip. The blue corn and sea salt will settle the nausea!

CLICK HERE for chips

Ginger Juice
Ginger root was traditionally used to support healthy digestion. Studies not show that ginger in fact can reduce nausea and an upset tummy.
Use this ginger juice to add to your smoothie, tea, water, and salad dressings.

CLICK HERE for juice

Ginger Powder
This ginger powder is great for keeping in the house or taking on trips in easy form. You just need a little sprinkle in your tea, smoothie, and other drinks.

CLICK HERE for powder

Ginger Tea
This Yogi ginger tea combines ginger and lemongrass for a delicious herbal blend. To get the most out of each cup, I recommend steeping for 5 minutes.

CLICK HERE for tea

Bone broth powder
Bone broth works wonders to settle an upset stomach, decrease nausea, and replenish the electrolytes you may have lost when you were vomiting. Bone broth will also help you meet your protein requirements for the day!

CLICK HERE for bone broth powder

Bone broth liquid

CLICK HERE for bone broth liquid

Frequent small meals (6 to 10 meals per day)

2. Fluids: make sure you stay well hydrated if you are vomiting…

Water (100 ounces per day at a minimum)
Electrolyte replacements:
NOOMA
ROAR
Coconut water

3. Medications: talk to your doctor

Over the Counter (OTC)
- Vitamin B6 (25 mg) with Unisom/doxylamine (25 mg)
- Benadryl (25 mg)
Prescription
- Diclegis
- Zofran
- Vistaril
- Compazine

**This video contains medication and product information. Dr. Boyd is not prescribing medication or telling the consumer to take these medications/products. Please consult with your healthcare provider about your nausea and vomiting and possible medications or remedies that he/she recommends for you during pregnancy.

Do you want some help making a plan for your birth experience? I have created my FREE Natural Birth Workbook just for you. This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Download below…

The post Home Remedies for Morning Sickness During Pregnancy first appeared on Pearently.

Healthy Marriage in Pregnancy with Morgan Cutlip

pearentlycare — Tue, 07 May 2019 19:27:47 +0000

Hello Mama. Today we are talking with Dr. Morgan Cutlip from My Love Thinks about relationships. A healthy marriage in pregnancy can be difficult, and we are getting answers today.

Click the link below to Dr. Morgan Cutlip’s blog:

►►► Blog – http://www.mylovethinks.com/blog/
►►► Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mylovethinks/

It is super important to nurture your relationships, especially once you are pregnant. Having a baby brings in a whole new dynamic to your marriage, and Dr. Morgan Cutlip (relationship consultant) is here to help us. She grew up around this line of work as her dad is a doctor of psychology as well.

She earned her Masters and then went on to earn her Doctorate in Psychology. Years ago Morgan’s dad recognized that he could pinpoint something in relationships that wasn’t working, and he developed a program that has been used by millions of people around the world.

Now Morgan and her dad want to bring that information to you online. Morgan directs research at Love Thinks, LLC to bring you the best evidence-based information for your relationships.

Her published work on How to Avoid Falling for a Jerk won the Family Consumer Science Research Study of the year. She has been a keynote speaker at many events. She has been married for nine years and has two beautiful children.

I want you to click the link below to visit her blog and get to know her. She is also on social media.

►►► Blog – http://www.mylovethinks.com/blog/

Your body is changing, and this changes the dynamics in your marriage. You have to learn how to juggle and balance your life and relationship to have a healthy, thriving marriage with your spouse.

Morgan first says that it is important to remember the normality of things to become imbalanced. It is time to anticipate and adjust.

A recent study shows that 80% of moms think that that it is important to be a “perfect mother.”

Morgan says that we need to squash that thought process. Life is busy, we have a lot to think about in a day, and it is normal to become imbalanced in your relationships. The second piece is that even though imbalance is normal, it is not okay to stay there.

Morgan reminds us that bringing home a newborn shakes a marriage to the core. All of the changes make a relationship very sensitive. Morgan gives the third piece of the equation by saying that you must do regular check-ins and evaluate your needs and expectations in yourself and in your relationships.

You must evaluate your needs and expectations before the imbalance becomes chronic.

Morgan has such a fantastic maxim: Is it a big deals or a little deal? In marriage there are little deals that happen all of the time. We tend to collect “little deals”, harbor them, and sort them in our brain so that we develop hard feelings toward the other.

When we personalize the little deals we end up resenting the other. We tend to put a lot of meaning into these little deals. So, what is the solution? It is important to make as many things “little deals” as possible.

Now, let’s talk specifically about pregnancy and how to balance little things and big things. Morgan gives her words of wisdom on how to calm ourselves down and make what we think are big deals into little deals. Morgan first wants you to give yourself a little grace.

She recommends that you celebrate that pregnancy is a big deal in the beginning and then you must shift your focus. Find things that put your experiences into perspective. When we think about the little things that bring us down then that becomes the overwhelming theme of the pregnancy.

Focus on what you are building, the function of your body, and the experience of growing a human.

Morgan want to encourage you in your pregnancy: education and preparation are key in a fearless pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Morgan encourages anyone who is pregnant or thinking about pregnancy to begin preparing her head, thoughts, and heart for this experience.

Find a community in-person or online. Morgan held onto a big encouragement in her class: “When you get to the place where you feel like you can’t do it anymore than you are almost finished!” This was very powerful for Morgan, and she found it in a class that helped her prepare for the big “birth day.”

Do you want some help making a plan for birth? I have created my FREE Natural Birth Workbook just for you. This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Download below…

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Best Convertible Car Seat from Newborn to 120 pounds – Diono Rainier 2AXT

pearentlycare — Tue, 07 May 2019 17:23:50 +0000

Hi Mama, I am going to recommend a car seat that I think you should buy for your newborn baby. This is a car seat that I think is the best on the market.

Why am I, a nurse recommending a car seat for you to buy before your baby is even born? Well, it is super important to know what options you have, and which ones are the best for the safety of your baby.

You need to get the car seat installed and know how to use it before your baby is born. Get ready now so that you can be a pro when the nurses help you leave the hospital (they are super anal about making sure baby is safe, and rightfully so).

I want the best for all babies, but especially my own baby. That is why I have the Diono Rainier 2 AXT.

Get the 2AXT on Amazon – https://amzn.to/2D4x4kJ

Get the 2AX on Amazon – https://amzn.to/2IiBJmJ

The Diono Rainier 2 AXT is your best option as a car seat. It is a little pricey, but it has so many features. Plus it has the best rating for safety (five stars).

My son loves it because it sits him up higher. He is curious and wants to look out the window. Now he can!

This car seat can be used for newborns up to 120 pounds. You buy one car seat for the season of car seats for your baby. You spend the big bucks once.

It is created out of high steel for high impact. It has nice padding and cushioning. The cup holders are a nice feature even if your baby never uses them (flying bottles and cups). It folds down and is easy for transport with straps that can be purchased separately. It is super easy to install, and it is easy to adjust baby in the seat. My son loves this car seat, and I definitely recommend it.

Don’t get overwhelmed with all of your options, mama. Get informed, and get the car seat that is best for your baby.

The post Best Convertible Car Seat from Newborn to 120 pounds – Diono Rainier 2AXT first appeared on Pearently.

Getting Your Pregnancy Needs Met

pearentlycare — Tue, 07 May 2019 15:33:10 +0000

Today I talked to Cortney Smith about her pregnancy. Cortney had needs in her pregnancy, and she shares how she got those needs met.

Cortney said her pregnancy was an incredible journey, but she had a lot to learn. She had to manage first-trimester body changes, and things she didn’t understand.

She had to accept the fact that she had less energy, emotional changes, and did not always get things done like she was used to doing.

In the first trimester, Cortney experienced discomfort, morning sickness, and nausea all day. She was surprised that her body was changing so much. Through the journey of experiencing discomfort, she discovered how much stronger she is than she had thought.

Being present in the moment is challenging, but it is important in order to enjoy each day.

Her second trimester brought with it more energy. Cortney was excited to begin working out again. She reminds us that exercise is key to a good pregnancy. She recommends any kind of activity in pregnancy, just keep it moving, mama.

Cortney has an incredible husband, and he was her main support during pregnancy. She needed her husband as her emotional and spiritual support.

But she recognizes now that she really needed a group of women for support in her pregnancy too. Support is needed in pregnancy because (let’s be honest), we are SCARED. We need a reminder that we are stronger than we think we are.

Cortney was living away from her family, and her friends were not Mamas yet. She was challenged to find support from other seasoned mamas. However, the local pregnant mom’s group met on a day that was not convenient for Cort.

She was not able to connect with this group. So, she found mamas on the internet. She found support and community through online connections, women that were in the same season of life that she was in at the time.

She needed these sources to answer her questions: “How to approach food cravings, what to pack in my birth bag, and tips for sleeping.” These online sources became her encouragement in time of need.

The internet is a great place for community and information. But it is hard to find good quality sources.

I have an answer for you! We provide that community and information for your pregnancy, labor, and delivery in one place. It is super convenient, and it is credible information for you.

Preparing for labor and delivery is so important. Cortney looked to the internet, but she admits that online information is overwhelming.

The question is: “Where to start and who to trust?” There are classes that mamas can take, but some classes are not convenient. Like Cortney, mamas may have to drive several hours to find a good class.

This only adds to discomfort, stress, and financial pressure. Mamas need a good source of information at their fingertips.

Pearently is convenient for you, on your computer, and in your comfy environment. We provide everything you need for a FEARLESS labor, and delivery. We have 4 easy steps to help you overcome your FEAR of childbirth. We will coach you towards a beautiful childbirth experience.

In the end, Cortney said that she is so excited for what Pearently is offering: community and trusted information for mamas to be fearless and confident in their labor, and delivery.

What about you? Are you ready to overcome your fear and get FEARLESS for Childbirth? Let’s do it together.

I have created my FREE Natural Birth Workbook just for you. This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Download below…

The post Getting Your Pregnancy Needs Met first appeared on Pearently.

Common Fears In Pregnancy?

pearentlycare — Tue, 07 May 2019 15:09:09 +0000

You’re pregnant! You have been waiting for this moment for a long time, but you have this odd feeling…

What is on your mind: joy, excitement, anticipation… or fear? FEAR of childbirth is not uncommon. So, be open with yourself and think about your feelings.

Though fear of labor and birth is not a highly studied topic in the United States, some studies show that 50% of women in the U.S. suffer significant fear when thinking about childbirth! That means that approximately 2 million women are pregnant right now and are filled with fear.

The research studies are a bit skewed, which means that it is probably MORE than 50%. And the fear of baby’s birth-day is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Yes, it definitely needs to be addressed. Fear does not only affect Mama in pregnancy, but it also affects baby.

Fear can lead to long and challenging labor, arrest of labor, greater risk for C-Section, and postpartum blues.

These are terrible effects from something that can be managed. You just need someone to put the resource for help in your hand.

First, it is important to think about your own fears (brainstorm).

Many women think about…

PAIN
Baby’s health and safety
Complications in labor
Ability to communicate needs with the healthcare providers
Not feeling heard and having their birth plan respected
Not understanding their options
Not knowing where baby goes after delivery
And the list continues…

Healthcare providers absolutely know that your emotional needs are important. However, obstetricians and midwives are busy and don’t spend time caring for the psychosocial aspect of their patient’s childbirth experience.

This means that your doctor knows that you have fears about labor, but he/she just doesn’t have time to help you cope or overcome those fears.

So, what do you do? Well, if you are anything like me, your probably start searching the internet for answers. The internet is filled with more information than necessary, and then you get more overwhelmed and scared.

You need someone who has years of training and experience, and has the wisdom to communicate your roadmap with discretion and empathy. You need someone who has walked the road before and will gently take your hand to guide you on the hard path.

I have an answer for you, Mama. You don’t have to allow your fears to grow and be harmful to you or your baby. You can have your concerns addressed from the experience of a nurse, doula, and Mama.

That is why I deeply believe that Pearently is for you. I will help alleviate your FEARS, and give you the guidance that you need to be confident in your labor and birth.

The post Common Fears In Pregnancy? first appeared on Pearently.