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Hospital or Birthing Center? Choosing the Best Place to Deliver your Baby

There are so many things to think about and research after finding out you’re pregnant. Some things that probably never even crossed your mind, like choosing a car seat out of the 2 billion options that are out there, things that you should or definitely should not eat while pregnant, and choosing where to deliver your baby. For me, it always seemed like a no-brainer, I would deliver my first baby at the local hospital and assumed I would do the same with any other pregnancies I would have in the future.

In my first delivery, I was fairly happy with my hospital experience overall and loved my doctor and most of my nurses. I had a textbook labor, epidural, pushing for 20 minutes or so, meeting and loving on my baby, etc. There were a few little things that bothered me with my hospital stay: I wasn’t able to drink any water once I got into the delivery room (which I did five minutes before going into the room and was perfectly fine), I also didn’t love being hooked up to an IV and machines during and after labor, and I felt like I had kind of had to ask permission when it came to having my baby in my room as opposed to the nursery. I know that every hospital has different rules and procedures, and the things that I didn’t like about my hospital may not have happened in a different one.

Mama Bird Box Pregnancy Gifts When I found out I was pregnant with my second daughter, I planned on delivering her in a hospital as well. This time around, my doctors were a group of midwives that I loved so much and I strongly trusted their suggestions. About halfway through my pregnancy, one of my midwives asked me if I would be interested in delivering at their new birthing center. My initial thought was “yeah right, that’s way too granola for me”, but the more I thought about it and researched, I started to like the idea more and more.

The freedom and control in delivering in a birthing center were very appealing to me. The only concern I had was what if something went wrong and I needed to get to a hospital. I didn’t want to put my baby or myself in danger, but conveniently for me the hospital was right across the street from my birthing center. With the comfort being near the hospital, and the fact that I had a healthy pregnancy, I made the decision to try the birthing center. I absolutely loved my experience with delivering in there and I would go with the same route if I get pregnant in the future, but I wouldn’t say that it’s the perfect choice for everyone. Mama Bird Box Pregnancy Gifts

Mama Bird Box Pregnancy Gifts There are a lot of things to consider when picking the place to deliver your baby…

1) Choose what you feel is safest for you and your baby:

If you’ve had a complicated pregnancy or are wanting to use pain medication of any kind, I would highly recommend going with a hospital birth. Don’t think that if you go with a hospital birth that you won’t have any say in how your labor goes, write a birth plan, but always know that the baby really will only come out on his/her terms whether you have a birth plan or not.

2) Do you want a more intimate setting to deliver your baby?

If you are definitely committed to a labor without any pain medication and want a more personal place to bring your baby into the world, then you should research your local birthing center options. Hospitals can definitely be an intimidating place and if you’re like me, having a home birth is even more intimidating, so a birthing center may be a good middle ground. With my birthing center, I was able to go home just a few hours after having my baby. I was really happy to be home for our first night together and not be woken up extra by machines and strange noises. Although I think a lot of my comfort had to do with being a second-time mom, I probably would’ve been a lot more hesitant to take a few-hours-old baby home if it were my first time.

3) The rise of home births

Home births seem to be making a bit of a comeback now. I obviously can’t speak from experience on this one, but I know some women who have chosen a home birth and couldn’t imagine delivering any other way. If you’re home is your safe place and you’ve talked with your doctors about it, then a homebirth might be a good option for you. Some doctors and midwives will bring all the equipment right to you so you don’t have anything to worry about.

Whichever way you choose to bring your baby into the world, just do what makes you feel safe and relaxed. If you’re relaxed and comfortable, then your baby will be too. Labor is hard, and it’s important to be in a place that helps you even if it’s just the littlest bit. With so many decisions to think about it is important to remember that no matter if you have your baby in bathtub, hospital room or in an Uber on the way to deliver, you will be a great mom to a beautiful baby!

Essential Oils for Pregnancy

I remember getting pregnant for the very first time. Every single inch of me was in uncharted territory. More than just my waistline and bra size began to change. It was nothing noticeable from the outside, but things were happening within that would mold me into who I was as a mother, forever. I began worrying more about what I put in my mouth, on my skin, what I allowed into my home, and into my mind. I began meticulously thinking about that precious little innocent child that I was chosen to protect and nourish. I wanted to be an amazing mom, not for the world, but for those ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes.

At the time, I was in my last semester of nursing school, earning my bachelor’s degree, and was well aware that I couldn’t just toss any pill or syrup into my mouth anymore when discomfort would strike. I knew the side effects and potential harm they could cause my unborn child, my growing body, and eventually, even my milk supply. I knew it was time to make a change that would affect life as I knew it, but I was ready, and more than willing.

That’s where my story begins, much like most of you! You’re on a road to wellness for more than just yourself! You have a family to think of, and a home that you want to fill with goodness and intentional love. The world of holistic wellness is growing all around you, but knowing where to begin can be daunting. One of the most popular forms of alternative therapies currently making its way into most of our homes is the use of essential oils. These gifts of the earth were my gateway to health and happiness as a mother, and it’s my goal to help other curious parents feel confident enough to implement them into their own lives. Let’s begin, shall we!

You may be brand new to the thought of using essential oils, or seasoned! No matter your skill level, pregnancy is a brand new world of safety considerations and application guidelines, so it’s always a good idea to have a solid grasp before you dive in! Essential oils can be the most amazing support during those blessed days of discomfort and emotional roller coaster rides, and when used safely, are perfectly safe for both mom and baby! As an RN, and science buff, I’ve spent the last few years soaking up every ounce of knowledge possible from educated studies, and professional aromatherapists, so the compilation of data I have under my belt is one that I get really excited to share!

I always like to start my educational pieces by disclaiming that because essential oils are naturally derived compounds, they cannot be patented, and therefore are not regulated by the FDA. This is why claims about treating, healing, or curing a particular medical condition cannot be made. You will instead see me reference the oils as being supportive, encouraging, or soothing. They are not magic fairy dust, rather, they give your body the extra help that it needs to do what it was made to do!

Essential oils can be used in 3 different ways. Aromatically, topically, and internally. With pregnant mamas, we mainly stick with the first two, since internal usage can be contradicted due to the sensitive nature of pregnancy itself and potential toxicity. Supplements containing oils that are intended for ingestion, however, are often beneficial and perfectly acceptable. The few times that I do choose to use the oils internally or orally, I make sure that I am heavily diluting the essential oil in a lipid that it will emulsify throughout, such as salt, milk, or honey.

When using oils aromatically, we inhale them from a bottle, disperse them into the air using a diffuser, such as this one, or apply to a cloth or cotton for inhalation. This method is extremely supportive to the respiratory system, mood, emotions, immunity, as well as occasional digestive discomfort.

Topical use is another wonderful way to find relief in a more natural and enjoyable way. You always want to dilute your essential oils into a carrier oil of some sort before applying them to your skin. During pregnancy, absorption of the oils will be increased, exacerbated by the increase of blood flowing through mom’s body, and sensitivities are heightened as well. My favorite carrier oils are fractionated coconut oil (liquid at room temperature due to removal of a fatty acid chain), cold pressed coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, argan oil, avocado oil, castor oil, or tamanu oil. Diluting your essential oils helps to reduce “flash off” of the volatile compounds, while help the oil to make its way into systemic circulation. Diluting the essential oils will not reduce their effectiveness or change their properties, plus it helps you reduce waste!

Oils to avoid applying topically, are those that are considered “hot” or “caustic”. Examples of these are: cinnamon, clove, lemongrass, thyme, oregano, and blends that contain these. If necessary, dilute these oils to a 1% dilution and try to apply to an area that is less sensitive, such as your feet.

When applying certain citrus oils topically, such as grapefruit, lemon, lime, and bergamot, avoid direct UV rays for 24 hours due to the photosensitive nature of these oils.

Another wonderful benefit of using carrier oils, is that you provide yourself a base to make blends! Diluting your oils can be daunting for beginners because of the subjectivity, but I’ve made a chart for you gals to reference! It’s recommended for pregnant women to try to maintain a 2% dilution when using oils more frequently. I find that when approaching something acute ( or short term), a 5% dilution can be fast acting, and still very safe for sensitive moms.

Here is an example to help you decipher the chart. One of my favorite ways to make quick blends is using a 10 ML roller bottle, like the one found here. So, to make a 2% dilution, I would add 6 drops TOTAL of whatever oil(s) I am using, and fill the bottle the rest of the way with a carrier oil!

When using spray bottles for things like soothing perineal support, I usually use a small 2 oz bottle, which is 60 ML in size, therefore, to make a 5% dilution, you would use 90 drops TOTAL, filling the rest with your liquid of choice.

There are certain oils that pregnant moms want to avoid, due to their ability to promote uterine contractions. A good time to utilize these oils benefits is during labor, but be prepared! They can work very effectively! The main two oils are clary sage and myrrh, and any blends in which they may be contained.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, we can dive into some fun oil suggestions that you may find very helpful at supporting your beautiful pregnant body, from head to toe!

Digestive Support

The Morning Tummy Blend:

Lemon + Peppermint + Ginger

inhale deeply, and apply to stomach, and chest

The Burning Belly Oils:

Peppermint + Cardamom + Fennel

apply topically to upper chest area

Energizing and Uplifting

Lemon + Grapefruit + Peppermint

diffuse or inhale from bottle when necessary

Support for Tension

Peppermint + Lavender + Wintergreen* + Frankincense

apply to area needing support, such as temples, shoulders, or forehead.

Muscle and Joint Support

Wintergreen* + Cypress + Marjoram

apply to area needing support, such as back, hips, ankles, or knees

Skin Support

Occasional blemish support:

Melaleuca + Lavender + Frankincense

add to favorite face moisturizer or toner.

Moisturizing and Nourishing:

Geranium + Cedarwood + Sandalwood + Lavender + Frankincense

add to favorite, unscented body cream.

I recommend using a base of equal parts coconut oil,and shea butter, melted using a double boiler, cooled in refrigerator for one hour, then whipped in stand mixer to make your own body butter to which you can add your favorite oils.

Promotes Circulation

Cypress + Frankincense

apply to legs and elevate

Excess Fluid

Grapefruit

apply to areas of concern and drink plenty of water!

Sweet Sleep Support

Lavender + Cedarwood OR Lavender + Vetiver

apply to wrists, temples, chest, and diffuse near bed

Immune Support

White Fir + Lemon + Arborvitae + Frankincense

diffuse and apply to chest and spine

Respiratory Support

Peppermint + Clove + Cardamom + Frankincense + Lavender

Add 1 drop each to steaming mug and inhale vapors

**Note: Wintergreen should be kept at a very high dilution (1%) and should only be used twice a day.

Now, go get some oils, and bless yourself and your growing belly with the gift of empowered self care and daily support! As a mother of two, a nurse, and an essential oil educator, I thrive on education based usage, and mentoring my own team of oil users. I’d love to have you join that team, and receive all of the support you need to thrive on your own oil journey! You can contact me at [email protected]. Check out my blog www.joleighblonde.com, Instagram @joleighblonde, and Periscope feed @Joleigh Blonde for usage, safety, and blend ideas!

xo, Amber

The Magic of a Bath in Motherhood

An evening bath has a magical, intangible quality to me in motherhood. My mother and sisters would agree. My sisters and I grew up seeing our mother’s daily routine include an evening bath. In high school I was a shower girl, and I never really understood why our mom always took a bath. (High schoolers can be ridiculously judgmental over trivial things.) She said she didn’t like showers because of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Maybe. Or maybe she needed to say, “I need a bath to wash away all the stress that has been put on me with two teenagers and an elementary kid. You are a handful and I need to forget about all of it for 10-30 minutes. Alone.”

In my younger years, I enjoyed the occasional bath but only if I was extra cold in the wintertime or I wanted to use a fancy bath product, not at all a necessity.

Within this time I saw my older sister Amy step into motherhood and take on this nightly bath ritual. Before kids, she was the same as me; baths were nice, but not everything. I don’t think we talked too much about why she started taking a bath every night after she became a mom, but if we did I wouldn’t have understood, not really.

The routine of a bath for me started when I was pregnant with my first child. I avoided baths and hot, hot water in my first trimester, but then my belly started growing and my back started aching. During my first pregnancy I had the tub of all tubs at this time, a claw-foot tub. A perfect one. Not too wide, not too deep, and the ideal reclining angle in the back where my head would rest perfectly on the curved edge. I was told getting in the water would help relieve my back pain, but I didn’t have a pool I could access. So I would fill up my perfect tub and feel the weight of my belly float away. And so the ritual began.

The first two or three months after Nora, my first kid, was born, there was no routine for me. Same for when Wesley, the second kid, was born. Everything was interrupted. Babies will always have this sixth sense for needing you the moment you step into the bathroom. For mamas with newborns, setting aside time for anything is impossible. But then, my kids (and so will yours) figured out this thing we call routine. With or without routine, though, after having kids, my person – mind, body, and spirit – calls out for a bath. I still just need a bath.

So why have I come to care so much about taking a bath? For me, I need to wash the day away. I have some days that seem mostly good. There are days that feel all bad and the only redemption in them is that they are over. Most days, however, are a mix of good and bad. Regardless of how the day has gone, I am done at the end of it. If I showed patience with my kids all day, I do not have an infinite amount of it. My patience depletes drastically with each minute that passes before they are in bed. I want to hang on to the good day; I want to end it on a good note, but even holding onto a thread of patience wears on me. It makes me feel tired and emotional in my inner being. So even if my husband sees us having a great day, I want to walk away from it before I snap and undo all of its goodness.

I have had a few occasions when I need to walk away completely when my husband gets home. Out of the house, into my car, and somewhere else. Honestly, most days are not that bad at all, but I still want to have a place for a small retreat. And one that doesn’t require spending money or interacting with other people. I crave time to be alone with my thoughts or a book but without the guilt that there is something more productive to be done. When I’m in the bathtub I’m still kind of productive…good hygiene and all that. But that evening bath that happens after my kids are in bed is more to me than that. I get a quiet time alone, and I come out of a bath with a better perspective on my life. You may scoff, but for me it is so true.

Your “bath” may be actually be a shower or your couch or your car or the streets you run or a solo trip to the grocery store. From this mother, let me encourage you to find a simple thing that can be a part of your daily routine, and retreat, even if it’s only for 5 minutes. My mom would tell you the same thing, too. We are better mothers for it.