joyfulbirthky

3 Ways to Prepare Ahead for Life After Baby

Tue, 14 Mar 2017 19:18:00 GMT

Whether you are expecting your first child or your fifth, there are always lots of preparations to be made. (Lexy McElfresh has some great tips for feel more confident before birth .)

It’s easy to get caught up in buying cute baby clothes and maybe painting a nursery. These are fun things! Preparing for a great birth (yay childbirth classes !) is also essential, but what are some practical ways to prepare ahead of time for life after you bring your baby home?

1. Stock Your Freezer

You’re body is doing so much work as it slowly heals and if you’re breastfeeding, produces milk for your baby. Rest is vital (but not always easy to practice) in the weeks following your baby’s birth. Even if you want to cook or think about a meal plan, it can add a lot of stress when you have to balance a new schedule of feeding, diaper changing, and sleeping whenever you can. Even if there’s a meal train set up for you, you will likely have times it would be helpful to have things you can pop in the oven or warm up quickly.

2. Design Your Support Network

If I were to ask you who your support network is, how many people would you list? Take a few minutes and write down as many people as you can think of that you could reach out to if you need something. Would the teen next door walk the dog for a couple weeks? Which of your friends will you call when you’re feeling the baby blues? Could your sister or aunt take the older kids out for the day or evening so you can have the house to yourself? Think outside your close inner circle, you’d be surprised how much people love to help!

3. Prepare for Lots of Downtime (for You and Your Older Children)

What do you enjoy doing on a rainy day or when you’re snowed in? Read? Puzzles? Netflix? Now’s your chance to catch up on leisure time. Set your expectations low on what you will accomplish during the first several weeks (especially if you plan to breastfeed!) outside of resting, nursing your baby, and enjoying a slower pace of life. Set up a nice station for yourself with snacks, water, diapers, wipes and other mommy/baby care items.

For older children, you can prepare a shoe box with fun items in it like little crafts, busy bags (Pinterest), bouncy balls or even books and movies.

These are just a few ideas for preparing ahead for a sweeter time as you adjust to adding a new baby to your family. Here’s to a beautiful postpartum!

Joyfully,
Abbie

Homebirth in Kentucky

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 19:48:00 GMT

Did you know there are midwives in Kentucky are not legally allowed to attend and assist homebirth? If you or someone you love has ever considered having a baby at home and you live in our great Bluegrass state, you may find it difficult to find a reputable midwife to attend your birth and provide you with prenatal care.

I recently had the wonderful opportunity last month to support Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) being legalized in Kentucky at our state capitol by attending a senate bill hearing. The Kentucky Homebirth Coalition presented this right here in Wilmore when they came to The Family Center several weeks ago. Both of my kids were born in Wilmore, and we still live there today! Here’s a link to an article that was in our local paper, The Jessamine Journal, about the meeting and homebirth in our state. They also interviewed me on my own homebirth experience and doula business!

The Kentucky Home Birth Coalition is working hard to make home birth a better and safer option for families by passing legislature that will legalize Certified Professional Midwives to practice in our state. The one-on-one care that Certified Professional Midwives provide for their clients (and the comforting, safe environment of your own home) is an option for birth that more families need to know about so that they can make an informed decision on where and how they want to give birth.

For New Fathers on Father’s Day

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 06:23:00 GMT

I’ve never felt worthy to be a father — to be given that kind of responsibility for another life. In a lot of ways, I still don’t think — with two kids running around our house — that I have fully embraced this commission and call on my life.

Most men, I think, can relate.

Call it our culture. Call it the failure of ourselves or those who have gone before us. Call it what you want. Regardless, we just aren’t ready when that little life is placed in our arms for the first time.

Ready or not, that child is coming. And those nine months go so quickly. Women have the blessing (and challenge) of carrying this life in their womb for nine months. That child is intertwined with everything they do for nearly a year. It’s not that way for the man.

If you are in the thick of pregnancy or considering having your first (or second, third or fourth) child, engage. Jump all in. Be the man who knows just as much about the birthing process as his wife.

Knowledge is power. With knowledge of birth, you will be able to be there for your wife in a way you couldn’t if you didn’t engage in understanding this miraculous, awe-inspiring process that God chose to use in order to bless us with a beautiful 8-pound human being.

If you’re not sure where to start, Penny Simkin’s The Birth Partner book is full of information to help you in your role. Start there, and don’t stop until that little life stares you straight in the eyes.

All the hard work will be worth it.

Why I (Almost) Didn’t Hire a Doula

Sun, 07 Jun 2015 03:06:00 GMT

Yes, you read that right.

I, Abbie Gibitz, birth doula, didn’t want to hire a doula for my own birth. I remember it like it was yesterday. Almost 4 years ago, sitting in my living room with my midwife and her assistant, pregnant with our first child, telling my midwife I had no intention of hiring a doula.

“We’ll talk about that.” was my midwife’s response.

I wasn’t interested in talking, but I pretended like I would keep an open mind to the subject even though the very word doula kind of weirded me out.

I didn’t like the idea of anyone besides the essential people being at my birth (aka my husband and midwife). I wanted it to be private and I wanted to maintain my modesty. It certainly takes a level of trust to allow someone into such a sacred and vulnerable moment of life such as birth. I didn’t want someone to see me less than perfect, maybe even see me lose control. I remember many moms telling me that all modesty and shame go out the window when you have babies. Not me, thank you very much! Thus, I was sure hiring a doula was not on my “before baby arrives” checklist.

However, my husband and I attended a childbirth class where we learned the benefits of hiring a doula. Those benefits seemed to out way my fears and uncomfortability with hiring labor support.

Instead of being awkward, weird or embarrassing, having a doula was one of the most nurturing and comforting experiences I’ve ever had. My doula was an embodiment of the meaning of the word doula: female servant. She served me and cared for me and my husband, and I really believe that because of her nurturing care in my time of need during labor and birth, I was able to nurture my son as a new mother in a way I couldn’t have done had I not hired her. The decision changed the course of my life, and it’s one I’ll never regret!

Prego Snacks

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 03:21:00 GMT

Every snack you have during pregnancy should include protein. I’ve been asked many times for healthy snack ideas for pregnancy so here is my top 10:

1) Greek yogurt (with optional seeds, granola or nuts!)

2) Lara bars, Kind bars, Luna Bars etc.

3) Apples or bananas with almond butter

4) Fruit and Cheese cubes

5) Hard boiled eggs

6) Trail mix

7) Mixed nuts and berries (Dried or fresh)

8) Fruit and Greek yogurt dip

9) Make your own granola! Here’s my favorite quick and easy recipe: http://www.blessthismessplease.com/2014/08/extra-chunky-naturally-sweetened-granola-walnuts.html

10) Ants on a log:) Why not brighten your day with an old time kid snack like celery, peanut butter and raisins?!

Happy World Doula Week!

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 18:54:00 GMT

March 22-28 is officially titled World Doula Week! We take one week out of the year to celebrate doulas and everything they are doing to support women and families. This week, as I celebrate the doulas who have supported me in my own births and the women who I have had the joy of serving as their doula, I’m also taking some time to celebrate the families who I will serve in the future!

If you sign a contract with me before midnight on March 28, I will take 10% off your doula fee.

Joyfully serving women as they journey fearlessly into motherhood,
Abbie

Pretty Pusher, Anyone?

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 16:38:00 GMT

It’s the little things in life right? Maybe it matters to you what you wear on your birthing day, maybe not. For me, I still know exactly what socks I was wearing the days my kids were born (cupcakes with first, whales with the second!) but maybe that’s because I love crazy socks. :)

While its perfectly fine to wear that glamorous hospital gown the day your baby is born, why not consider a more fashionable option?! After all, I don’t know if it works for you too, but when I look good I feel better about everything!

If you have a moment, go to Pretty Pushers website: http://www.prettypushers.com/

Birth Stories Event!

Mon, 12 May 2014 18:51:00 GMT

Come celebrate birth and bless expectant mommas in Wilmore!!

How I Chose A Doula

Wed, 07 May 2014 01:00:00 GMT

It’s so important to choose a doula that’s right for you. And how fabulous is it that you get to choose the person who is going to support you during one of the greatest moments in your life? I am so thankful I had a doula for both of my births. They were both the amazing support I needed to have the birth experience I wanted. From my experience searching for doulas, I developed three tips:

1. Interview lots of doulas!

2. Ask lots of questions!

Have a list of questions prepared for when you meet with each doula you are interested in working with. Ask about their birth experiences, what comfort measures they use and how they plan to best support you. For a complete list of interview questions, visit www.dona.org .

3. Ask for references and talk to former clients of doulas you interview if possible!

Nothing beats hearing from other women that have worked with your potential doula. Listen to their birth experience and how the doula supported them. Ask yourself if you would like to be supported in a similar way. Ask what the doula’s strengths and weaknesses are. Sometimes it really helps to hear feedback from someone else!

Happy searching!!

Mackenzie’s Birth (part 2)

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 17:45:00 GMT

Everything was happening much quicker than I anticipated. My sister came to get our son and my husband called our doula and midwife to have them come as quickly as possible. I knew I was in active labor, but still assumed I had plenty of time before my baby was born. The contractions were intense and hard to cope with, but I assumed that I was struggling to find a rhythm because my labor support hadn’t arrived yet. My husband was still hoping to get a shower when my doula arrived and I was still dreaming of my water birth once my midwife arrived.

My husband turned on my birth playlist that I had made, but the songs bothered me more than anything and so did the ice he gave me. I was already in transition! My husband Gabe was on the phone with our midwife who was on her way to our house. When she found out I was still sitting on the toilet and that I was starting to push, she firmly instructed my husband to move me now! The goal was to slow things down. It was clear to her that she would not arrive before the baby was born. It was then that my doula walked in. While Gabe ran around getting towels and cloths, my doula stayed with me. After just a little over 20 minutes of pushing , my baby was born into my husband’s waiting hands!

“It’s a girl!” my doula shouted. What a wonderful surprise!! Right after that my midwife’s assistant walked into our house. My daughter was born in our bathroom in just under three hours, just like my dream. It was another supernatural birth, quick and complication free!

Mackenzie’s Birth (part 1)

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 18:08:00 GMT

I always preface my birth story with my second child, Mackenzie Joy, with a dream I had shortly after I found out I was pregnant. I was holding a beautiful baby with dark hair in my arms recounting my birth story to someone. The birth was a short 3 hours, my doula made it there but my midwife did not!

Because Parker was a week and a half early, I was sure baby #2 (we didn’t find out the gender so we would be surprised at the birth) would be even earlier. So as my due date drew closer, I would have toning contractions and wonder if I was in labor. I was more antsy than I was the first time around! So, when I woke up early in the morning four days before my due date with strong contractions, I decided to time them for an hour to be sure that it was for real. After an hour, because they were time-able but still 7-10 minutes apart, I woke up my husband. I still found the contractions very manageable, so I figured I had plenty of time to get everything in order.

I texted my midwife and doula to let them know I was in early labor, Gabe began preparing our house for our home birth, and I made my son breakfast. However, even though the contractions were manageable, I was needing to get on my hands and knees to cope with them comfortably. All of the sudden, I needed to use the bathroom and throw up all at the same time. I dropped everything and ran for the bathroom, yelling for a bucket to get sick in.

Finish the story by heading to Mackenzie's Birth (Part 2) .

Parker’s Birth Story (Part 2)

Thu, 17 Apr 2014 18:25:00 GMT

When I stepped in to the birth tub I saw the birth affirmations we had placed under the pool liner “Perfect love casts out all fear.” I was so encouraged! God was giving me a supernatural birth, and I knew I could do anything with His strength! I soon found out that pushing was hard work! My midwife instructed me to try a supported squat in the water, which really helped progress things. After a while, my legs began to get tired and I asked my midwife if I could change positions. She assured me that I could but I would lose progress. Comfort was not worth that, so I pushed on!

After two hours, my husband caught our son, Parker Elijah, and handed him to me. He was perfect in every way. My midwife plugged in the Christmas lights in our room, something I really wanted to be a part of my beautiful birth. There was never a point where I felt like giving up or that I couldn’t do it. It was a completely fearless, empowering experience. I’ll never forget the sweet, quiet awe in the room, and the closeness I felt with everyone present. It truly was the beautiful, supernatural birth I had dreamed of and prayed for.

The post Parker’s birth (part 2) appeared first on Joyful Birth :: Abbie Gibitz, CD(DONA), MA - Doula for Lexington, KY .

Parker’s Birth Story (part 1)

Thu, 10 Apr 2014 18:00:00 GMT

Before I got pregnant with my son Parker, I had never heard a positive birth story. I didn’t really know giving birth could be beautiful and empowering experience until I attended a childbirth class (check out www.conceptionforward.com ) and read Ina Mae Gaskin’s book “Guide to Childbirth” (a must-read no matter how many babies you have had!). As I heard positive stories and learned that bringing a child in to the world didn’t have to be scary and painful, I began to pray and ask God for a beautiful, supernatural birth (check out the book “Supernatural Birth” by Jackie Mize!).

At 1:40 am my water broke after getting up to use the bathroom, something I seemed to be doing every hour of the night. My heart began to race as I fumbled around for my phone to call my midwife and doula. Because we were planning a home birth, we prepared our bed, made sure everything was in order and then tried to go back to sleep. Contractions were light and 15 minutes apart for the rest of the night and we carried on with our day like normal. My sister informed me it could be awhile, but I was determined to have my baby in my arms by dinner time.

It wasn’t until about noon that active labor began, but once things began they moved quickly. My doula came and encouraged me to get into a position that would really get me into a groove, which was awesome. I sat on a birth ball and leaned on the couch and my husband, who was a world class birth partner. A couple hours later, my midwife arrived. After 4 hours of intense active labor, I was ready to get in the birth tub we had placed in our bedroom and push!

Read more in Parker's Birth Story (Part 2) .

5 Ways to Avoid a Cesarean Section

Sun, 14 Jul 2013 02:13:00 GMT

Today in America, over 30% of births end in a c-section. This is far above the suggested 10-15% from the World Health Organization.

1. Manage Fear

Fear leads to tension in your body. Tension leads to pain. And pain leads to more fear. It’s an ugly cycle that is one of the culprits leading to an unplanned c-section.

2 Avoid Unnecessary Induction

The average first-time mom delivers at 41 weeks and 1 day. Being medically induced greatly increases your rate for c-section. Pitocin, the drug commonly used for induction, leads to stronger, more intense contractions, making it harder for the mom to handle these contractions without other medical interventions and pain relief.

3. Keep Your Bladder Empty During Labor

This might sound funny but it’s true! You should empty your bladder at least once an hour during labor. Doing so will relieve discomfort and leave plenty of room for your uterus to do what it needs to for your baby to make his or her entrance into the world!

4. Eat Healthy During Your Pregnancy

Eating healthy can help you stay low risk during pregnancy, which ultimately lowers your chances of a c-section. Eat lots of protein and dark green veggies!

5. Hire A Doula (A Labor Support Specialist)

Women who birth with a doula are 28% less likely to have a cesarean.