Birth/After Birth
Birth & Postpartum:
The postpardom time is delicate and different for each possible birth experience. Not all mothers go home with their babies, and not all births are traumatic. It's important to ask the people you know going through this time what you can to do to support them through this time and support the forming of their boundaries.
Its important to mention that during this time many people experience postpartum depression. The people who are experiencing pregnancy experience a huge shift in hormones during and after the pregnancy. So when we are thinking about the time we have after birth, it's a good time to take our mental health extra seriously and seek out extra help if were in need.
MidwifeCenter.org(childbirth)
Birth Plans:
A birth plan is typically a typed up document that has all the preferences you have for the interventions you could have throughout your birthing process. There are different stages of a birth with different interventions along the way so you can make your plans along that line if you'd like. Most importantly, plan for the birth you don't want along with the dream birth!
Unexpected Changes:
Some people's birthing plans may change along the course of their pregnancy as more health information becomes available about your child. When our birthing plans change, there are many things to take into account during that time. Sometimes our boundaries may change and our understanding of this change may take some time.
Cervix
The Cervix is an organ that functions as the seal/pathway between the uterus and vaginal canal. The Cervix is the primary organ they are checking for dilation when it comes time for birth, as it can be a descriptor for when or how labor may begin.
Vaginal Canal
The vaginal canal is the organ that is involved in intercourse and the delivering of an infant. This is the area that has to be monitored by people with vaginas for medical changes during their life.
Uterus
The uterus is most famous for the menstrual cycle, and the place where a fetus is developing. There are many things to know about the uterus when it comes to the conditions that can occur during pregnancy. Which is why seeking out evem basic maternal health care is so important.
"The JADA System is intended to provide control and treatment of abnormal postpartum uterine bleeding or hemorrhage when conservative management is warranted." (from their site)
Suggested by Jen Hamilton R.N. (OB), as a device that you should ask your provider about having at their facility during your birthing process. As it is a device that significantly decreases the likelihood of a typically fatal postpardom hemmorhage to result in a loss of life.
Finding an OBGYN:
How and where you decide to seek out maternal fetal healthcare is completely up to you and your support system. We encourage that you make sure that you are asking the same kinds of questions that are advised by many of the birth-care providers. When it comes to questions and concerns it will all be different for different people, and it's something to directly talk to your physicians about. It's important that when looking for care in states with anti-abortion laws and maternal healthcare deserts, we look for a safe and supportive enviroment in which to give birth. These types of support are not accesible to everyone
Knowing what kinds of relationships we have with the people around us can be very important. Our page on Relationships explains some of the ways that we can identify or relationships with others, but also how these relationships may effect us and the people around us. Avoiding Predators can also be something to look into that we prefer that all individuals prepare for.
Founded by: Jen Hamilton RN (OBGYN)
"Hot Mess Express" is a group that Jen Hamilton RN started when trying to find ways to come help moms in need when they have young children or are postpardom, that specifically need stuff like cleaning and laundry done for them. Through the link, you can see if there is a "Hot Mess Express" chapter in your area, if there is you can think about joining to help other mamas, or reach out for the extra support you've been needing. (Completely Free, Just Mamas helping Mamas)
