Designing a Sacred Home Birth Arrival
This post is a class syllabus and progress tracker for part of my “adult-school” curriculum. Overview here.
Subject: Health Sciences & Family Studies
Course Title: Designing a Sacred Home Birth Arrival
Dates: Monday September 1st to December 22nd.
Learning Objective: Research and plan a safe, supportive, and meaningful home birth experience that integrates practical preparation with personal preferences.
Requirements for A+ Grade:
Research, Study and Planning
Week 1: Hypnobirthing vs Physiological Birth ✓
Week 2: The Stages Of Labor ✓
Week 3: Doula & Midwife Roles ✓
Week 4: Media Birth Stories ✓
Week 5: Obtain Health Insurance ✓
Week 6: Contact Providers + Pelvic Floor Health ✓
Week 7: Begin Appts + Third Trimester Support Tactics ✓
Week 8: Item Checklist (Birth, Postpartum, Hayes) ✓
Week 9: Pain Management + Labor Support Tactics
Week 10: Birth Positions and Affirmations
Week 11: Solidify Home Birth Plan
Week 12: Secure Backup Plans
Week 13: Hayes’ Due Date!
Final Capstone Project
Have a healthy, safe at home birth to baby boy!
Week 1 Research Topic: Hypnobirthing vs Physiological Birth
September 1st to September 7th
Hypnobirthing:
Definition: A childbirth preparation method that combines deep relaxation, breathing techniques, visualization, positive affirmations, and self-hypnosis.
Goal: To reduce fear, tension, and pain during labor by reframing birth as a calm, natural process instead of a medical emergency.
Core ideas:
Fear → tension → pain cycle: If you’re afraid, your body tenses, which can increase pain. Breaking this cycle can make birth smoother.
Language matters: replacing words like contractions with surges or waves to reduce fear associations.
Partner involvement: the birth partner learns scripts, massage, and cues to help guide relaxation.
Benefits reported: Many women say it helps them feel calmer, more in control, and less reliant on interventions. Some studies suggest it can shorten labor and lower epidural rates, though evidence is mixed.
How people practice it: Audio tracks, visualization scripts, classes (often 5–6 weeks long), and daily practice of relaxation/affirmations.
Physiological Birth
Definition: A birth process that unfolds without unnecessary medical interventions, relying on the body’s natural physiology.
Key principles:
Hormones like oxytocin, endorphins, and catecholamines are allowed to flow naturally.
No induction, augmentation, epidural, or frequent interruptions — unless medically necessary.
Movement, upright positions, and instinct-led pushing are encouraged.
Environment is calm, private, and supportive to allow the body’s natural rhythm.
Why it matters: Interventions (pitocin, epidurals, continuous monitoring) can interrupt hormonal flow, which may lead to longer labor, more pain, or cascading interventions. Physiological birth emphasizes trusting the body’s innate capacity when it’s safe to do so. If needed, interventions are life-saving. But the baseline intention is: let the body do what it knows how to do, in the right environment, with safety nets available.
In Summary:
Hypnobirthing is a mind-body technique you practice before and during labor.
Physiological birth is about the environment and medical approach in order to create conditions for the body’s natural processes to work without disruption.
Week 2 Research Topic: The Stages Of Labor
September 8th to September 14th
Early Labor (Latent Phase):
A few hours up to 12–24 hours (sometimes even longer, especially for first babies). This phase can last 24+ hours and still be normal, but in the “best case,” you feel rested and not too drained when active labor begins.
Surges start mild and irregular, like period cramps or waves of pressure. Back ache, or tightening that’s noticeable but very manageable. Use surge breathing + affirmations.
Stay mobile, eat lightly / small snacks to keep energy up, listen to hypnobirthing tracks, stay relaxed, go for a short walk to move baby’s head down, yoga ball exercises. You can talk, laugh, move around, eat, nap, distract yourself.
A diffuser with lavender oil can also help promote relaxation.
Clay can massage shoulders or lower back, help set the space.
Emotional cues: Excited, a little restless, maybe nesting or wanting to set up your space.
Active Labor:
4–8 hours (can be shorter for some, much longer for others).
Surges grow stronger, longer (45–60 sec), and more regular (every 3–5 min). Talking through them becomes difficult. You might close your eyes, breathe deeply, lean on someone, sway, or go inward.
Get into warm birthing pool or use yoga ball.
Practice deep surge breathing + visualizations (like picturing the body opening or the baby moving down)
Use acupressure points (especially sacrum and hands).
Stay in dim light, low voices, rhythmic environment.
This is when many shift to the birth pool, use breathing techniques, or really lean on partner support.
Emotional cues: You become quieter, less chatty, more focused. Sometimes you want dim lights, less stimulation.
Physical signs: Belly tightening more visibly, breath deepening, maybe some bloody show.
Transition (“bridge” between dilation + pushing):
15 min to 1–2 hours (shortest but most intense phase).
Surges are very intense, close together, sometimes with shaking, nausea, or self-doubt. You feel done — shaky, sweaty, overwhelmed, emotional. This is called “the doubt phase.” You might say things like: “I can’t do this,” “I need help,” “Make it stop.”
Anchor into visualizations + affirmations.
Continue to use the self-hypnosis techniques you've learned to transport your mind to a relaxed and comfortable place.
Allow instincts to guide positioning.
Remind yourself “this means baby is almost here.”
Clay provides grounding touch, keeps you cocooned.
Emotional cues: Irritability, wanting to run away, sometimes crying or snapping. (All normal — it means baby is very close!)
Physical signs: Trembling, nausea, throwing up, hot/cold temperature changes, pressure in rectum, leg shakes, water may break here if not before.
Pushing Stage:
30 min to 2 hours (first births often longer)
Surges are often shorter, spaced a bit more, but with intense downward pressure.
Energy shifts — you might suddenly feel relief that “the hard part is over.”
Switch to birth breathing (gentle, instinctual, downward).
Let your body lead the timing instead of forced directed pushing. This gives tissue time to stretch and lowers risk of tearing. In the smoothest scenario, pushing feels instinctual and productive without dragging out.
Stay upright if possible (gravity helps).
A strong, primal urge to bear down. If undisturbed, many women naturally breathe their babies down rather than force pushing.
Upright positions (hands-and-knees, squatting, side-lying, water) can shorten this stage.
Placenta Delivery:
10–30 minutes.
Afterglow + lighter surges to release placenta. Often you’re so focused on baby that this stage feels secondary.
Skin-to-skin + breastfeeding can help stimulate oxytocin for natural placenta release.
Optimal situation: Placenta separates naturally, bleeding controlled, I stay stable and grounded.
Week 3 Research Topic: Doula & Midwife Roles
September 15th to September 21st
Midwife Roles (Clinical & Safety):
Monitoring labor & baby – tracking contraction patterns, fetal position, heart rate (traditionally with a Doppler or fetoscope).
Guidance on labor positions & comfort measures – ensuring effective pushing and safe positioning.
Recognizing complications – spotting red flags like excessive bleeding, abnormal fetal heart rate, stalled labor.
Physical support during birth – catching the baby if birth is in water or supporting perineal integrity.
Immediate newborn care – assessing APGAR, clearing airways, cord clamping, warmth, skin-to-skin initiation.
How to fill gaps at home:
Learn basic fetal heart rate checks if you feel comfortable with a handheld Doppler.
Have a written emergency plan: nearest hospital, phone numbers, transport plan.
Prep for immediate newborn care (towels, warm blankets, bulb suction, etc)
Watch reputable home birth tutorials for safe water birth techniques and perineal support.
Doula Roles (Emotional & Physical Support):
Labor support – continuous presence, coaching through contractions, guiding breath, massage, positioning.
Advocacy & reassurance – reminding you of your intentions, affirmations, and ceremony cues.
Comfort measures – acupressure, counterpressure, hot/cold packs, movement suggestions.
Environment management – adjusting music, lighting, temperature, water pool, ensuring the container stays sacred and safe.
Postpartum support – facilitating skin-to-skin, breastfeeding assistance, calming mother after birth.
How to fill gaps at home:
Acupressure, grounding, breath, and presence
Massage, oil anointing, blessing, ritual
Drumming, story journal, ceremonial cues
Prepare a “labor toolkit” with oils, massage tools, water bottle, snacks, music, candles.
Designate someone to watch timing, cue music, or sprinkle petals, so your focus stays on birth.
Week 4 Research Topic: Media Birth Stories
September 22nd to September 28th
The Business Of Being Born Documentary:
Notes: Watching this made me very emotional. I was hysterically sobbing seeing how some women have been treated. It made me feel so valid in the holistic approach I’ve had on pregnancy and birth. Clay and I had a two hour discussion after. It also empowered him to learn more about how to be prepared for our home-birth so we can avoid the hospital unless absolutely necessary.
The Birth Hour Podcast Episodes:
Power of Surrender: Primal and Fearless RV Home-birth with Ashley Fox
Notes: This was a really encouraging story and reminded me the power of the female body. I thought it was sweet that her friends came to support and document the experience.
Positive Pregnancy and Homebirth Water Birth Story with Carly Kennedy
Notes: If the placenta isn’t coming, release bladder.
Two Unexpectedly Unassisted Homebirth Birth Stories in France with Oceane McGhie
Notes: The midwife and doula weren’t there on time so it was a good thing they were very prepared. She spent a lot of time on the toilet alone with the door shut, so maybe I should think about making the bathroom more cozy with candles and flowers because I could see that happening for me too.
Fast, Peaceful Home Birth Story After Loss with Katie Kirk
Notes: She was in a position that she really liked but the doppler showed the baby’s heart rate really increased so the midwife suggested she change position. The baby responded well and calmed down. A good reminder to change positions. Her water broke right before the baby came out, which I didn’t know was possible.
Week 5 Research Topic: Health Insurance
September 29th to October 5th
Dutch Health Insurance:
After researching various insurance companies, Clay and I chose HollandZorg as many suggested it for English-speaking expats and international workers. He signed up for the basic plan (€192/month and I did the plus €210/month)
The customer service representative was VERY helpful and thorough. We were on the phone with him for over an hour and he patiently answered all of our questions.
Although my visa is technically approved, since my final appointment isn’t until October 23rd to receive the ID card, they can’t officially approve my application for coverage. He said they might be able to make an exception, but either way I should utilize the next few weeks to find providers who will accept me as a patient and get registered with them. Then after I receive my Dutch ID on the 23rd, I can begin appointments. At that point, I will 35 weeks pregnant so we’re definitely cutting it close.
Now that we have our Dutch bank account with ABN Amro, we were able to link this for automated billing (on the 1st of each month).
Important Notes / Findings:
We learned that we have to payback from the day we received our BSN (August 7th) so unfortunately we owe €804 for August and September even though no services were received yet.
Using the HollandZorg care finder, we can search for a general practitioner (Huisarts Zorgaanbieders). He said it’s important to register with one who is within 5 km of our home.
The representative suggested we register at the BENU pharmacy (Apotheker) because of it’s convenience and offerings.
After baby is born, we will register him at the Gementee (within 3 days). They will process the paperwork and mail a letter with the BSN. Then we call HollandZorg to give them the BSN so they can add him to our plan. I was shocked to learn that children up to 18 years old are free. The plan even covers the dentist and physio.
Netherlands post-partum maternity care (Kraamzorg) is a professional, home-based service providing support to new mothers and babies for about a week after birth. A trained Maternity Aid (Kraamverzorgende) helps with the health of the mother and baby, provides guidance on infant care and breastfeeding, performs light household chores, and ensures the smooth transition into parenthood. Most women in The Netherlands will receive about 40 hours of this postpartum maternity care. This care is €5.10/hour. My plus plan will reimburse me 60% of the costs, so in total we’ll only pay about €80.
There’s an aspect called “own risk” which is a mandatory amount you pay (in addition to the monthly payment) for the first €385 of your healthcare costs each year. After you've paid the €385, your insurer covers the remaining costs for the year. It is prorated so since we became residents on August 7th, it’ll only be about €155 for 2025.
Find Midwife:
First introductory interview scheduled for Wednesday October 8th. This midwifery practice has amazing reviews. We talked on the phone and they are apprehensive to take me as a patient since I’m so late into pregnancy and haven’t had any other appointments here but they are willing to meet me. I’m really hoping it works out!
Week 6 Research Topic: Contact Providers + Learn About Pelvic Floor Health
October 6th to October 12th
Appointments:
Prenatal Massage on October 10th. I went back to Ning and we created a really nice 30 minute massage routine that focuses on legs, then arms, and a little neck / scalp. I plan to continue seeing her regularly through the rest of pregnancy.
First Midwife Consultation on October 8th. Everything went amazing. The staff was so helpful, kind and compassionate. They answered all my questions, we did a bunch of paperwork, listened to his heartbeat, and scheduled the remaining appointments. They referred me to a clinic to get two blood tests since I don’t know my blood type or iron levels. Thankfully they had walk in appointments so the whole thing was super quick. I have ultrasound appointments October 13th and October 27th. I also have two follow up appointments with the midwives October 28th and November 11th to create my home-birth plan!
Register At Pharmacy:
Completed registration at Frans Hal Pharmacy (which is literally a block from our apartment so it’s incredibly convenient)
Find General Practitioner:
Registered with Huisartsenpraktijk Christiaanse
The Birth Hour Podcast Episodes:
Two Happy Homebirths, Back to Back Pregnancies and Difficult Transition To SAHM with Kiki Van Cleve
Notes: With how quickly I got pregnant, this is a good reminder to be extra cautious after Hayes is born. I definitely want to give my body a chance to recover and to fully focus on Hayes. During labor, Kiki mentioned multiple times that she just wanted to be alone in the bedroom or bathroom. I think I’m going to end up being similar so it’s a good shout to share with those who are present that this could be the case.
Book Rec - What Is A Family by Edith Schaeffer. Encourages woman that they’re not just keeping kids alive as a SAHM, they’re domestic engineers and artists for their children.
Unmedicated Hospital Birth Story with Midwives & Doula with Haley Feickert
Notes: She helped ease my mind that a hospital birth could still be beautiful, especially if the midwifery team is there. I have so much fear around a hospital birth but this was encouraging.
Positive Hospital Water Birth Story and Ancestral Wisdom and Ceremonies for Pregnancy with Justina Perry
Notes: She said the tub helped avoid injuries and made pushing feel much more intuitive. During pregnancy, she did a Mother’s Blessing ceremony, in place of a baby shower. There was a foot bath and prayers and support from their loved ones. Then, at 6 weeks postpartum, she did a womb closing ceremony (known as “Closing The Bones”) since this was the last child she wants to have. It involved a warm meal, sharing her birth story, body binding, herbal bath and honoring the lives she has created. It sounds like such a beautiful tradition!
Pelvic Floor Research:
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a hammock or sling at the base of your pelvis. They stretch from your pubic bone (front) to your tailbone (back) and between your sit bones (sides) — basically the entire “bottom” of your core.
Support: They hold up your bladder, uterus, and rectum.
Control: They help you start and stop urination or bowel movements.
Stability: They work with your abs, back, and diaphragm to stabilize your core and spine.
Sexual function: They play a big role in pleasure and sensation.
The pelvic floor and the nervous system are directly linked. If your body tends to stay in “go-go-go” or “I must stay in control” mode, your pelvic floor often mirrors that by staying subconsciously on guard.
Because your baby, uterus, and hormones are all softening and adding pressure, the focus shifts from tightening to balancing:
You want a responsive pelvic floor — one that can both support (so you don’t leak) and release (so you can birth).
When it’s too weak, it may not offer enough support during pushing, leading to inefficient descent or prolapse risk afterward. There can also be more leakage.
When it’s too tight / too much tension, it’s more like a drumskin — taut and resistant. So when baby pushes down, instead of stretching evenly, the tissue can split or tear. It can also be a harder birth.
A Responsive Pelvic Floor: The solution is learning to let go through breath and awareness. In pregnancy, especially in your third trimester, relaxation of the pelvic floor becomes your best friend. It helps your baby descend more comfortably and prepares your body for birth.
Flower Breathing Practice: Deep, diaphragmatic breathing encourages your pelvic floor to melt downward as you inhale — the opposite of kegels.
Inhale and imagine the perineum blooming open like a flower (an actual childbirth prep exercise).
Relax your jaw and exhale with a soft “ahhh” sound. Your jaw and pelvic floor are connected through the vagus nerve.
Perineal Massage (from 34 weeks onward): Gently stretching the vaginal opening with warm oil helps the tissues become more elastic and teaches your nervous system to relax there.
Squatting, Hip Openers, Birth Positions: Movements that create space in the pelvis — especially with breath — help train your body to stay soft and open instead of gripping.
Keep cycling, walking, and doing gentle yoga/pilates as this movement keeps the fascia around the pelvis healthy and mobile.
Mindset & Safety: Feeling safe and calm is the #1 factor that allows your pelvic muscles to release. That’s why environments, lighting, voices, and support during labor all matter — they signal your body that it’s okay to let go.
Week 7 Research Topic: Begin Midwife Appointments + Dial In Third Trimester Support Tactics
October 13th to October 19th
Appointments:
Ultrasound with midwives on October 13th and blood work results.
Updates: It was super good to have another ultrasound. I felt like Hayes was healthy and everything was going well, but having a professional opinion provides extra peace of mind. He is already in optimal position - head down with his back to my belly! We also got to hear his heartbeat. The only issue is that my iron levels came back really low with my blood work. I honestly kind of anticipated this because it runs in my family, I was vegan for years, and it’s common in the third trimester. We got some iron tablets from the pharmacy we registered at that I’m supposed to take daily for the rest of pregnancy and postpartum. I did some research and it suggested taking with vitamin c to help absorption so we got vitamin c pills as well. I’m really glad to have figured this out because apparently restless leg syndrome and shortness of breath are side effects and those are things I’ve been dealing with.
Prenatal Massage on October 17th that was incredible.
Scheduled appointments for upcoming weeks:
Ultrasound at Midwife Office Monday October 27th
Hospital Patient Intake Monday October 27th
Home Birth Planning Tuesday October 28th
Pregnancy Support Tactics:
Birthing Ball: Clay bought me a yoga bowl. It’s cream colored and it’s so cute! I’ve already loved hanging out on it. I found a few routines to follow on Pinterest.
Dates: Clay also bought a massive box of dates. I started eating 2-6 per day. They’re so yummy with peanut butter, cinnamon and yogurt.
Raspberry Leaf Tea: I visited a local herbal shop and got a bag. The advice online varies when it’s okay to start drinking it. Some sources say 32-34 weeks is okay, but others say to wait until 36 weeks. Now that I’m over 33 weeks, I think I’ll start this week because it falls in the middle of those.
Supplements: I should have done this sooner but I’m now having a daily electrolyte water. I have also started taking a Omega-3, Vitamin D, iron and Vitamin C. I am not perfect at taking them every single day but at least 4 days per week.
The Birth Hour Podcast Episodes:
Surprise Footling Breech, Homebirth Transfer Birth Story with Caitlin Thompson
Notes: This was a really sad birth story. I related so much to her fear of hospitals and medical environments. She shares how devastating and traumatizing the unexpected C-Section was for her, and how she kept wondering how things could have been different. I would feel the exact same way. I guess what I can learn from her story is to truly anticipate that anything can happen, pack the hospital bag, and prepare back up plans. I currently don’t know anything about breech births or other reasons that a hospital transfer would be necessary so it would be good to research what instances could lead to a transfer. She transferred really late (when she was already 10 cm dilated), which led her being taken to a small nearby hospital instead of the better facility further away.
Three Stories: 26 Weeks 1st Birth, Smooth 2nd VBAC then Spontaneous Triplets with Samantha Gunney Hines
Notes: Wow what a crazy episode. I can’t believe how different her three pregnancies were. I am so impressed with her belief in herself to continue having more children after the first being born at 26 weeks and her having a near death experience herself in the process. She encourages listeners to ensure that you actually get the results of your labs, just because they take the tests doesn’t mean they’re always thoroughly examined. She advocated for herself and ensured diligent and timely valuations of the exams that saved her in the 2nd and 3rd pregnancies.
Surprise Footling Breech Homebirth with Hospital Transfer and NICU Stay with Stephanie Pollock
Notes: She had a midwife with her homebirth and baby came out in the pool (feet first). He was totally blue, eyes closed and not breathing. Everyone kind of panicked so they called the ambulance and sadly the EMT flooded his lungs so then they had to take him to the NICU. In hindsight, her and the midwife said he would have been okay with a little more TLC at home. Fortunately, the Ronald McDonald house paid for their NICU stay and food. Afterwards, little baby had a tongue tie and lip tie. Apparently the midwife cut it, which I’m not even sure what it is or what that would entail but I can research more. Stephanie shared that the tone difference between the loving, caring, consenting midwife and the cold, quick, dismissive environment at the hospital.
Week 8 Research Topic: Item Checklist
October 20th to October 26th
Appointments:
No appointments this week but I did have two prenatal massages and went to my prenatal pilates + yoga classes.
Baby Registry Progress:
Our loved ones have been incredibly generous and I’m grateful that everything we “need” on our registry has been purchased.
We’re still making small fun purchases like more clothes, books, stuffed animals, extra supplies, etc but it’s coming along day by day!
We recorded “thank you videos” of us unboxing / showing the items and shared the videos on Facebook.
Home Birth Purchases:
Inflatable Home Birth Pool (+ liner and pump) ✓
Indoor Hose (to fill birth pool) ✓
Sterile Gauze and Cotton Wool ✓
Maternity Pads ✓
Mattress Protector ✓
Sterile Umbilical Clamp ✓
Disinfectant Alcohol ✓
Thermometer ✓
Still To Purchase:
Big items = Car Seat, Stroller, Baby Bouncer
Extra plastic shower curtain liners to put on rugs, bed, couch for home birth.
Week 9 Research Topic: Pain Management Techniques
October 27th to November 2nd
Research:
I purchased the book Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth and it’s been really informative.
Listened To “My Freebirth” podcast episode of From The Heart with Rachel Brathen (friend recommended it to not tear)
Labor Support:
I really like the idea of warm compresses on my perineum. We have an electric kettle that will be able to soak towels for warm compresses quickly.
Cold eucalyptus soaked towels on my head, neck and shoulders also sound lovely. We could prep these in advance in the fridge.
Everything I’ve read encourages dim lighting so we’ve put Wiz lightbulbs in the living room to allow dimming and color changing.
Heated rice socks - put uncooked rice into a sock and heat. They provide warmth to soothe muscle tension, relieve lower back pain from contractions, and ease chills. These can be placed on areas like the lower back, neck, abdomen, or hips.
I found some good Spotify Playlists:
Calm Birth Playlist by Trey (4.5 Hours)
Calm Birth Playlist by Ainsley (3 Hours)
Zen Birth Guided Affirmations (30 Minutes)
Hypnobirthing Playlist (3 Hours)
Breath-work Techniques:
Candle Flame or Raspberry Breathing - Gentle, steady exhales. Imagine blowing on a candle without extinguishing it or a continuous stream of raspberries coming out of your mouth. This keeps your jaw, cervix, and pelvic floor relaxed.
Vocal Toning - Low, guttural and open-throat sounds like “ahhh”, “ommm”, or “huuu” resonate through the pelvis and release tension. Avoid high pitched screams that cause tightening.
Deep Ocean Breathing - Breathe in through your nose, imagining a wave rising and exhale through your mouth as it rolls back out.
Sighing Breath - Exaggerated, audible sighs during contractions. This will release stored emotions and tension.
Breath Ladder - During transition when contractions feel stacked, shorten the inhale/exhale ratio to small, fast breaths at the peak, then one long exhale to release. This helps prevent panic.
Aromatherapy:
I ordered an 8 pack of delicious smelling fall candles, a new pack of palo santo, and a pack of incense. We got essential oils at a local herb shop here so we have eucalyptus, rose, orange, and a special “harmony” blend.
Add 2-3 drops of rose oil to warm compress to inhale between surges.
Hydrotherapy:
Our shower gets really hot so that will be lovely.
We also have the birth pool which I think I’ll spend a lot of time in.
Sexual Stimulation:
Oxytocin is the “love hormone” responsible for initiating and maintaining contractions. Increasing oxytocin naturally helps labor progress, reduces pain perception, and fosters feelings of safety, connection, and surrender.
Cuddling, kissing, or even just resting forehead-to-forehead
Light massage or stroking on your back, arms, or hair helps the body feel safe
Skin-to-skin contact with your partner can calm the nervous system
Nipple stimulation such as gentle sucking, rolling or squeezing can stimulate oxytocin release and strengthen contractions. If contractions begin to pick up, pause during each contraction and resume between them to avoid overstimulation.
Gentle clitoral stimulation or even orgasm (solo or with your partner).
You might wear something loose and silky that feels comfortable but still sensual to feel confident.
Touch + Pressure:
Rebozo Sifting - use a scarf or sheet under your belly or hips to gently rock and release tension.
Hip Squeeze - Clay presses inward during contractions. This opens pelvic outlet and relieves pain.
Sacral Circles - Continuous firm circles on the sacrum with heel of hand or massage tool during surges.
Muscle Shaking - Clay rhythmically shaking thigh and butt muscles to relieve tension during rushes. This can help open the cervix and be even more effective than massage. Shaking can also expand to any part of the body (arms, calves, hands, etc).
Clay has been studying these points.
SP6 (3 finger widths above inner ankle) = strengthens contractions and reduces pain.
BL32 (back dimples) = relieves low back pain and aids descent.
LI4 (between thumb and forefinger) = helps with pain.
Week 9 Research Topic: Birth Positions and Affirmations
November 3rd to November 9th
Appointments:
Kraamzorg In-Home Consultation on November 3rd at 10:30am
Notes: This went SO well! The lady and I had a lot of shared core values when it came to approaching birth and postpartum holistically. Typically, a new mom would get 6-8 hours of care per day but since we signed up so late, they’re really booked. However, she said we will still get 2-3 hours per day for the first 8 days following Hayes’ birth. I still think this is so generous and it’s really reassuring to know I’ll be receiving in-home support.
Hospital Ultrasound on November 5th at 1:30pm
Notes: Everything went great! They tested the flow from the placenta through the umbilical cord and took some other measurements. We listened to his heart beat, which is always my favorite part.
Introductory Meeting at Consultatiebureau November 6th
Notes: This is the child health clinic where we will take Hayes for preventative care until he’s four years old. They monitor growth and development, give vaccines, offer parenting advice and post-natal support. The nurse was so warm. I had to get the Whooping Cough Vaccine and she was very patient about my phobia of needles. We also learned that someone from the clinic will come to our home within 10 days of Hayes being born to check on him. I think it’s really amazing that they come to YOU in those early postpartum days, instead of making a new mom venture out. With his winter due date this is especially wonderful. I can’t imagine I will want to trek through the elements with a newborn.
Affirmations:
“My body was made for this.”
“I allow the process to unfold in its own timing.”
“I stay connected to baby and to the lineage of women who have birthed before me.”
“I open with love and pleasure.”
“Each wave brings me closer to meeting my baby.”
“My body knows how to soften and release.”
“I am safe, loved, and supported.”
Early Labor Movement / Nourishment:
Cat-Cow stretches on hands and knees. It eases back tension and encourages optimal positioning.
Walking around home or outside in the fresh air between surges (gravity helps progress).
On yoga birth ball:
Figure 8 hips or pelvic circles
Slow dancing and swaying with Clay
Nourishment: fruit smoothie, peanut butter, coconut water, oatmeal with honey and fruit, bone broth, gentle soup, tea
When you need to rest without closing the pelvis, lay on your side and tuck a pillow between your knees.
Active Labor Movement:
Forward Leaning Positions - On Clay’s shoulders, over a counter, back of couch, or birth pool edge to relieve pressure on back.
Supported Squat - With Clay behind you or holding a sturdy chair. This opens the outlet, great for descent.
Kneeling upright or in a lunge to help baby descend.
Nourishment: small bites only such as banana slices, applesauce, or honey. Focus on hydration through electrolyte water, coconut water, or frozen fruit popsicles.
Transition Movement:
Stay low and surrendered.
Hands-and-knees or in the pool usually feels best.
Rocking hips in small circles during contractions.
Supported forward leaning, forehead resting on Clay’s shoulder.
Pushing / Birthing:
Upright kneeling or half-squat for gravity’s help
Side-lying if you want a gentler, slower crowning
On hands-and-knees if it feels instinctively right
Golden Hour Stages:
If Hayes is placed skin-to-skin immediately after birth and left undisturbed, he will go through these nine innate stages within 30-90 minutes:
Birth cry – a first breath that clears lungs.
Relaxation – lying quietly on your chest, skin-to-skin, regulating heartbeat and temperature.
Awakening – starts to move head, open eyes, smell the air.
Activity – begins rooting, bobbing head, licking your chest.
Rest – pauses and relaxes.
Crawling – scoots toward the breast using legs and feet!
Familiarization – licks, smells, and nudges the nipple area.
Suckling – self-attaches and begins feeding.
Sleeping – deep rest, safe in your scent and warmth.
After Birth:
Herbal postpartum tea with cinnamon, fennel, and ginger.
A few bites of something grounding and salty to bring you back into your body.
Need to research / find a postpartum tincture (shepherd’s purse, motherwort, and yarrow)
Leave Hayes’ vernix:
Vernix contains antimicrobial peptides that protect against bacteria, fungi, and viruses as your baby’s immune system adjusts to life outside the womb. It acts like a natural “first immune layer.”
It prevents the baby’s skin from drying out or cracking in those first few days. Babies who keep vernix on tend to have smoother, less flaky skin.
It helps insulate the baby and maintain warmth while their body learns to self-regulate temperature
After golden hour, some parents opt for a gentle pat (not rubbing) down of head and hands to remove strong birth fluids but keep vernix.
Let the vernix naturally absorb over 24–48 hours
Week 11 Research Topic: Solidify Home Birth Plan
November 10th to November 16th
Appointments:
Hospital Ultrasound on November 11th at 2:30pm
Blood Draw (to re-test iron levels)
Wed & Fri Walk Ins: 8am-11:30am or 1-4pm
Midwife Birth Planning on November 13th at 12:45pm
Mama Meet Up Sip and Stroll on November 15th at 10am
Home Birth Plan:
Calling Midwife
(Review and memorize the information brochure that they gave us on when to alert them)
Present At Birth
Decision:
Nourishment
(Determine what food and drinks need to be ready such as bone broth, dates, tea, smoothies, electrolyte drinks, organic popsicles, honey for labor and after)
Birth Playlists
Early Labor Link Here:
Active Labor Link Here:
Transition Link Here:
Golden Hour Link Here:
Hospital Transfer Plan
Google Document of Preferences Created ✓
Labor Boundaries
Decision: (photos/videos, personal space, etc)
Postpartum Plan For Announcements
Decision: (who will we share the news with, in what time frame, how, etc)
Postpartum Boundaries
(When will we have first visitors?)
(Will visitors get to hold him?)
(How long can visitors stay?)
Week 12 Research Topic: Secure Backup Plans
November 17th to November 23rd
Appointments:
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(Example - Back up to watch Peaches)
(Example - Hospital registration if emergency)
(Example - Alert Ingrid and Remco of plans)
Week 13 Research Topic: TBD
November 24th to November 30th
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Week 13: Due Date Week!
November 24th to November 30th
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