Seed in the belly

As I stated in class, I'm not a big into celebrating Halloween, however, if you're going to dress up slash dress up your kids, this is the day to do it, right? And since our Class 5 fell on Oct. 31st, we did it in style. Our absolutely awesome couple, Sierra & Charlie, won the "Best-Dressed Couple" Contest! They also brought homemade vegan pumpkin muffins to share with everyone. 

They informed us that Charlie was the farmer that put the seed in Sierra's belly! P.S. The dread locks are for real :) And yes, there is an actual baby bump under there somewhere!


And they won... a whoopie cushion! J/K- it is an old fashioned hot water bottle, which can be used as a warm compress as we learned in class that can be an effective comfort tool in labor (and throughout pregnancy, or anytime actually, hot or cold). 

Coaches- it is your job to get one of these if your wife/partner would like to try this a comfort measure! 

If you do decide to use a good old hot water bottle, make sure you use hot tap water (not boiling water that could crack the container) and fill it 2/3 full. Securely close the stopper and dry off the bottle completely. Then, make sure turn it upside down over the sink and check for leaks.


While I normally like to link to where you can purchase these types of things for yourself, this particular one I bought from CVS (about $11). I don't want to link to any particular item since there are mixed reviews on most of them and I haven't tried any of them except this one.


We had a great first labor rehearsal! Wonderful job, beautiful moms and attentive coaches!

And now, for those of you who missed it, a quick pic of my two little puppies (a Dalmatian and a pink poodle) who made a brief appearance before class.

It's getting hard to get "comfy"

In addition to the many great comfort suggestions given in "Being Comfortable in Pregnancy" in the Bradley Method workbook in Class 3, I have a few things that I'd like to add that worked for me personally during my pregnancies. Please feel free to chime in with a comment if you have something to add that has worked for you!

• Heartburn
• Avoiding spicy foods helped, but I sometimes ate it knowingly because it wasn't too uncomfortable or a health issue :)
• When I did have some heartburn, I'd prop my head up at night with extra pillows. Yes, my hubby had very little room in bed with me, the baby belly, and all the pillows.
• Varicose Veins
• I put a small box under my desk at work so I could uncross my legs and keep them slightly elevated
• Leg Cramps
• Eat more potassium-rich bananas
• Hemorrhoids/Constipation
• Prophylactically increase fiber (you do not want hemorrhoids!!!)
• Try to "go" at the same time every day to key into your body's signals
• Eat pears (not as strong as prunes and taste much better to me!
• Backache
• I made a small a small pillow and would bring it everywhere for lumbar support
• In a pinch, I used a book or folded towel behind my back 
• Sleeping Problems
• I drank more fluids during the day and slightly less in the evening to avoid having to urinate as often at night, which helped me wake a little less often (like 2 times, instead of 3 - at least it was one less time having to fall asleep again!)
• Hip pain - this one isn't listed in the book, but I had pain in my hips with my first pregnancy especially!
• I would have my hubby (Andy) squeeze my hips while I was on all fours (usually after pelvic rocking) - called the Double Hip Squeeze, which can also be used during labor
• I'd ask Andy to put firm constant pressure on my pelvis/low back (very low) with one palm while I was on all fours - called counter pressure, which can also be used during labor

Pelvic rocking and relaxation are two of the best things to help keep you comfortable! Make sure to try those, no matter what ails you!