Natural Birth Methods

Types of Natural Childbirth Techniques

There are a number of different techniques that can be used when trying to have your baby without the use of any medical interventions. The following techniques have been successfully used for many years in aiding natural birth. If you are a candidate for natural childbirth, take time to study the different techniques to determine which might work best for you and your partner. It may also be useful to talk to a doctor or your childbirth Educator about your different options.

The Alexander Technique

In learning how to deal with his own vocal problem, F. M. Alexander (1869-1955) developed a technique for sitting, standing and moving with safety, efficiency, and ease. Anyone, including a pregnant woman, can learn to release muscular tension to increase breathing capacity and restore the body’s original poise and proper posture.
As your body begins to experience lower back pain, balance and digestive problems, and shortness of breath, simple modifications in your movement can help alleviate these symptoms. When the time for delivery arrives, you will be able to breathe better, calm yourself, focus during the birth, help open the cervix during dilation and prepare for effective pushing as the baby comes.

HypnoBirth in Chennai & Hyderabad

Self-Hypnosis to Reduce Pain in Labor and Childbirth

Using self-hypnosis, the mind can be reprogrammed to expect relaxation and pressure rather than fear and pain. This process reduces the amount of adrenaline that is produced, addressing one of the primary causes of dysfunction in labor. A hypno-birth also reduces the need for interventions including cesarean sections.
It is possible for the mind to produce its own anesthesia by training it to do so when needed. As pressure builds in the body it is a signal to the mind to relax even more so as the labor progresses the reaction in the body is one of release rather than fight.
Relaxation allows for the flowing with the birthing process, releasing tension and tightness. As the downward movement is not restricted by constriction of muscles, the labor can be shortened. In turn, this reduces the trauma on the baby, making for a more relaxed newborn.

Dispelling Misconceptions about Hypnosis for Labor and Childbirth

Admittedly, the idea of using hypnosis can conjure up all kinds of images. However, it is commonly used today therapeutically in a variety of areas in medicine, dentistry, and for personal use. There are a few facts about hypnosis that can make thinking about using this as a means of handling labor and birthing pain easier:
· All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. A hypnotherapist serves as a guide only. A person retains full control and can stay in or come out of a hypnotic state at will.
· Willingness, belief and motivation have influence of the ability of a person to be hypnotized.
· Hypnosis is neither sleep nor unconsciousness – a person can come out whenever they want.
· Stronger-willed people are easier to hypnotize (not the other way around)
· Nothing can be done against the will.
· It is simply a way to direct the inner mind toward something positive. It is not mind control.
· It is not a religious or satanic ritual.

Why Hypnosis for Labor and Birth is Important

During the process of learning hypnosis for labor and childbirth, a couple is taught how to surround themselves with positive messages and positive people. They are taught to create a positive picture of childbirth and to expect their experience will be wonderful, peaceful, beautiful, and filled with the good things they want in the birth.
Clearing fear is essential to the ability to embrace and allow positive mental processes and is done early in the process of learning hypnosis for childbirth.
As mentioned earlier, fear has negative outcomes in labor and delivery:
· fear creates tension
· tension creates pain
· fear and anxiety increase adrenaline production and intensifies pain
· fear causes a release of catecholamine that make the uterus work harder, creating more difficult and longer contractions
The removal of fear and the use of hypnosis during delivery have many benefits, including:
· hypnosis minimizes resistance of muscles to pain and delivery time is shortened
· hypnosis helps control nausea and vomiting and helps to stop post-partum depression
· hypnosis creates a peaceful birthing experience and peaceful baby
· hypnosis reduces the need for episiotomies, anesthesia, pain drugs and medical interventions
· hypnosis increases the mother’s confidence in her own ability to manage the birth naturally – she’s in control
Using hypnosis during pregnancy, labor and delivery can make everything more relaxed and it enhances the experience.
There are several types and methods of dealing with pain during labor and delivery. Investigate them on this site.

Water Delivery/Birth in Chennai

10 Reasons to Have a Water Birth

Advocates of water birth provide a long list of benefits, some of which are included here:
· Provides greater comfort and mobility because the mother can move around with greater ease to change position in order to help the baby descend the birth canal.
· There is a reduction in pressure on the abdomen as a result of the buoyancy the water provides. Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation. The result is better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, less pain for the mother and more oxygen for the baby.
· Water buoyancy also helps the mother conserve her energy. Immersion in water reduces the opposition to gravity, supporting the mother’s weight so that her energy can be used to focus on the contractions.
· The comfort of the warm water promotes deeper relaxation. Relaxation causes hormones to respond and the labor progresses better, more efficiently.
· The pelvic floor muscles become relaxed in water.
· Pain is minimized in water reducing the need for medications for pain.
· Water facilitates the second stage of labor. Many women are less inhibited in water and the warm water softens the vagina, vulva, and perineum, leading to fewer tears and injuries.
· A woman feels empowered when she delivers her baby while remaining awake, aware and in control. It enhances the birth experience for her and enriches her life though a sense of personal strength.
· It’s easier for men to become more involved in the entire process because the woman’s pain level and stress is greatly reduced. Usually men cannot endure seeing their partners in extreme pain or stress. Water birth significantly reduces that concern.
· Better interactions with the child ensue as a mother who has had a beautiful experience birthing her child will have an especially positive association with the baby and likewise, the baby who has not had trauma in birth will be relaxed and positive with the mother.
During the water birth, both mother and baby should be attended by someone who is well experienced in water births to monitor the progress of the labor and the condition of the baby. There are special underwater Doppler devices that can keep track of the baby’s heartbeat and, if the birth is done in a hospital or birthing center, IV lines can be run if necessary.

How can I prevent the need to have an episiotomy?

The following measures can reduce the need for an episiotomy:

• Good nutrition–healthy skin stretches more easily!
• Kegels (exercise for your pelvic floor muscles)
• A slowed second stage of labor where pushing is controlled
• Warm compresses and support during delivery
• Use of perineum massage techniques
• Avoiding lying on your back while pushing

 

Lactation consultation/Support

We want to help you succeed at breastfeeding. Learn practical tips including demonstrations of positioning and latch, babies hunger cues and how to know your baby’s getting enough, benefits of breastfeeding to both mom and baby, feeding patterns, growth spurts, sleep states, role of fathers, nutrition for mom, and what breastfeeding resources are available. Bring your questions and issues to discuss.
Many traditional societies have recognized that a new mother is often vulnerable and sensitive and needs encouragement and support. The informal, traditional support system that positively reinforced breastfeeding in the past may no longer be in place where modernization and bottle-feeding have become the norm.
The promotion of breastfeeding is more complex than it may seem on the surface.The superiority of human milk over substitutes is well acknowledged by the scientific and medical communities and the general population.It is not easy to explain why parents choose artificial milk inspite of that knowledge.Many times recommending breastfeeding has been failed when compilcations arise.The reason behind this are complex.To understand these contraindications requires examing many issues involved with infant feeding practices that evolved and will continue to evolve,along with other changes in the society.
The mechanical hum drum of life had somehow made women lose their traditional breastfeeding patterns.In order to go back to the roots MILC was formed.Mothers’ & Infants’ Lactation/Breastfeeding Care Centre (MILC) was started by Dr.Subramaniam,Dr.Meenakshi Subramaniam and Dr.Padmini Balagopal on May 2009 to create an awareness about breastfeeding and to help mothers to breastfeed in comfort.
Under the guidance of Dr.Padmini Balagopal , Happy Mom and MILC centre are working together in spreading the importance of Breastfeeding from 2009 onwards.We been conducting Training Programs for Health Care Professionals,Community health care programs, Talks in Colleges , Workshops in Companies …etc…
We provide you support and comfort in your breastfeeding experience.We are happy to help you in all quires like
• providing breastmilk for your baby
• expecting a baby or nursing your baby
• experiencing breast or nipple pain
• breast abscess
• thrush
• baby jaundice
• preterm baby breastfeed
• mother not feeling well
• medications during breastfeeding
• breastfeeding and pregnancy
• working mother and breastfeeding
• Contraception and breastfeeding
• Adopted/surrogate mother breastfeed(Induce Lactation)
• had difficulty in breastfeeding your 1st baby
• baby is not gaining at least an ounce a day
• worried that your baby is not getting enough breastmilk
• wondering if you are producing enough milk
• not latching well or at all
• baby is very sleepy
• using a nipple shield
• have twins or triplets or more
• baby was born before her/his due date
• supplementing your baby with formula or breastmilk
• pumping in the first few days after delivery
• “breastfeeding is too difficult”

Happy Mom been working with Vijaya Hospital in supporting Human Milk Bank
Vijaya Human Milk Bank
You can make a difference in a baby’s life by Donating Breastmilk
Donating your breast milk is one of the most precious act of kindness you can do for sick babies and preterm babies. Most mothers of newborn produce enough milk for their babies. Unfortunately when a baby is born early, mothers are not able to produce enough milk because they are under great stress or ill themselves.
What do we do in our milk bank???
Our milk bank collects and pasteurizes the donated breast milk using state of the art equipment which is then stored. We distribute this milk to sick and preterm babies in Chennai Neonatal Units.
How can you become a milk donor?
Donating is easy. If you are blessed with extra milk, you can help us by expressing your milk with a breast pump and this milk will be used for sick babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units and your milk will save their lives.
How can you help us???
It is a request to mothers who have excess milk to donate milk.If you are not a potential donor still you could help us by spreading this information to your friends and relatives.
Outreach nurses:
This is a special service we have in our milk bank where in our nurses come to the potential donor’s home (If the mother is not able to come to our Milk Bank) to collect milk and also to do screening blood tests. (HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B &C tests are done free of cost)

Why breast milk for preterm & sick babies than formula feed?
Breast milk improves growth, neurodevelopment, protects the immature gut from infection. Breast milk is the primary diet for preterm babies.

Pregnancy services

Childbirth Class

Childbirth class will give information to expecting couples on decision making with the choices of birth like Normal,painless labor,Induction,c-section etc…. All information are on evidence based approach and thus helping couples to make an informed decision .

We educate on the pain relieving methods Breathing,water,massage etc..
Exercises to ease the expecting mother to empower & to be independent through out the pregnancy.
Imparting knowledge on common myths in regards to food, Life style, sleeping pattern, clothes etc….
Learning comfort techniques during labor and practicing breathing and relaxation that will help to faciliate labor and birth as well as decrease pain and fatigue.
Video sessions,facility tour etc… these will comfort you on the ambiance which you will be during labor.
Guiding the expecting couple on the post delivery days and information on Birth control methods discussed.
We mentally empower you for natural birth along with  family.Sessions are held with the family members to understand your world better.
We do prepare the mother for post delivery days like Breastfeeding,Newborn Care,Post natal Fitness and Mothers club and so on..(Kindly check the services section about post delivery and Breastfeeding)
What to bring
Come in comfortable dress to perform exercises.
Bring Drink and eatables to keep you Hydrated.
Separate mats provided if required you can bring your personal mats.
Medical records.
Notepad and Pen.
Who can Accompany
We encourage family members to attend the sessions. As childbirth will be cherished when a mother receives support from her family. To accomplish this knowledge understanding is required .We create that environment for you.

HypnoBirth Sessions

HypnoBirth is based on the belief that severe discomfort does not need to be a natural accompaniment of birthing when a women is properly prepared and trusts her birthing body.
It is a rewarding , relaxing ,stress free method of Birthing when a woman is properly prepared and trusts her birthing body. Expected couples who wants to choose Natural Birth(kindly look our natural birth choices) as a choice of their birth will be finding HypnoBirth a guide to experience Natural Birth.
Materials and Handouts are given.
Kindly check Contact Us or Events section to know more on our next session on HypnoBirth and its venue.

When to Attend
Anytime you can start your HypnoBirth Class .Preferably after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Who should accompany
Preferably Spouse if not a person who accompanys the expected mother during her birth can accompany.(eg .mother, friend, sister…)

 

Aquanatal Classes for Pregnant moms

Aquanatal is a wonderful form of safe exercise during pregnancy. Aquanatal helps you to feel good about yourself.This session will help a mother be prepared on the way to use the birth during labor. Positions , breathing , comfort techniques taught in this session. The benefits of buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure  makes the participation of Aquanatal not only enjoyable but also advantageous to women both during and after their pregnancy.This is the most preferable sessions for those couples choosing Water Births.
Preparation for Aquanatal Session
After 30 weeks of Pregnancy
Come in a Comfortable dress and a changing dress.
Accompanied with your caretaker (preferably spouse).

Birth Pool Session

It has been widely reported that immersion in water during the first stage of childbirth reduces the pain of labor. Various theories as to the reason for the reduction of pain include the suggestions that the mother is better able to assume a comfortable position and that the warmth of the water may produce a sedative effect; immersion has been shown to decrease the release of several stress and anxiety related hormones.. No anesthesiologist is required, and there is no risk of trauma or the complications of anesthesia. Thus, water immersion during the labor is a relatively ideal method for providing analgesia during labor.

Birthing Again,Refresher Class

This refresher class is designed for experienced parents who want to brush up on birthing skills. Highlights of the class include insightful ways to reflect on your previous birth(s), learn new pain-coping skills to add to what worked before, time to connect with this baby, and ways to prepare siblings for the new arrival .

One Day Childbirth Class

This one day class is a fast paced, streamlined class for couples who are unable to attend a longer series or for those who have had a baby before and want to update their information and birthing skills.

Movement Therapy for Pregnant Mothers

The session will focus on a culmination of different well being tools used to help young parents understand the importance of bonding, the sense of touch and how to apply our surroundings as a positive contribution to our lives .The young parents are encouraged to explore well being and holistic concepts not just for themselves but also to share the same with their entire family, thereby creating a positive atmosphere all around.

Movement therapy and it’s impact on one’s body in a positive manner.  A soothing massage that leads the individuals in a good talk through meditation.

Varmam and Thokkanam Massages

Varmam is the seat of wind,breath or source /seat of life.There are points in human body at which the normal flow of life is at times affected .Thus varma condition develops .as it causes debility it is called varmam.when such points are hit or attacked directly or indirectly condition abnormal results leadind to physical disfunction.Varmakalai defines,describes such conditions and prescribes cures.

.pressing or massaging the affected area with medicated oils is thokkanam.
.drugs powdered and bundled are dipped into heated oils used to treat the affected area is called pottanam.various medicinal roots,leaves ,herbals powders and spices are roasted in herbal oils and packed in bundles.the treatment starts with a body massage using herbal oils suitable for the individual skin.
.Abhyanagam-to anoint –specific oils are chosen for the head and body,according to skin type.Then a soothing steam follows,helping the skin absorb the herbal oils.

Sirodhara-this unique treatment is always done in conjunction with a body massage.After the massage ,warm herbal oil is gently,steadily ,poured on the forehead.this continous pouring of oil is accompanied by a tender scalp massage.

Pregnancy Massage

It is done for the pregnant women , stimulated points found around the pelvic region helps to reduce low back pain, giving treatment for three to five days helps them for normal delivery.
DURATION: One day to five days of treatment can be given

Foot Reflexology

Reflexology involves massage, and the application of pressure, to points on the feet, which correspond to various organs and systems in the body.Reflexology provides a sense of well-being and helps prevent problems from starting.Reduces swelling in feet and ankles.Relieves tired, aching feet. Improves sleep quality and aids in digesstion. Creates a sense of well-being for the foetus.The mother feels supported mentally, physically and emotionally throughout pregnancy.
Reflexology during labour can intensify contractions and shortens labor as a result.

When to Start
It’s safer to start after the twelfth week of pregnancy for general relaxation and only if there is no history of miscarriage or bleeding.After 38 weeks of pregnancy helps in natural induction of labor.
Massages are advised after your physician advice.

About HappyMom

Giving birth to a child is one of the most rewarding and thrilling experiences a family can have. Becoming a parent is an immense exercise in applied knowledge .We recognize that you are a unique woman, giving birth with your own unique experiences, preference and coping style.
HAPPY MOM guides the expectant parents to a deeper understanding of the physical, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of birth, which provides a multi-sensory, holistic approach to childbirth education .We also help you to discover your own inner Mother Nature by providing you with a variety of personalized classes that can assist you in almost every aspect of the childbearing year.