So, I received quite a number of questions via WA or FB asking me whether I vaccinate my girls. Perhaps due to the fact that I am pro on natural birth and quite an organic junkie myself (so hippie).
The answer is yes, I have fully vaccinated both of my girls; all in the wajib list and am considering on doing pneumococcal as their additional vaccination.
Why I vaccinated them is simply because I haven't studied the pros and cons of vaccination, I am not well informed of them, so I opt for the norm.
A friend I knew through a homeschooling group recently asked, "If you trust in modern medications, ie. vaccinations, why did you do natural births then?"
Reason is, I studied a great deal on natural birth before I opted for it. I went to gentle birth classes, which was an eye opener. Read lots of books. Asked lots of experienced people. Of course, that doesn't make me a doctor, I mean a medical doctor. So, I sat down with my gynae and had a long discussion on my case. If you read my story on first birth, you knew how many time I changed gynae until I found one at a very last minutes, two weeks before I gave birth. Who agreed with my terms and conditions and advised me accordingly.
She gave me almost all of the things I wanted on my birthing list. In return, Allah SWT gave her what she wanted from me as well, a healthy low risk pregnant mummy. The gynae was so cool that for my second child, I gave birth in my baju rumah so leisurely. And even added that she suggested me to do homebirth for third baby where she will be sending an MO over.
My point is, we call somebody an expert for a reason. So, with mutual understanding, both of you will get what you want. Doctors are not monsters. They are moms just like us.
When Khaira had frequent cough last time and was always on antibiotics, I came clean to the paed if there's an alternative way I can go about without frequent consumption of antibiotics. I followed her advised and until now, Alhamdulillah Khaira recovered from cough without cough meds and antibiotics anymore, except one time when we got back from oversea. The paed prescribed a cough med and antibiotics after a year and I asked, "Is there any way I could avoid these? Will there be any side effects?"
And I hold on to what the dear paed told me, "It's a drug, of course mild side effects are probable. But, in this case, we have to weigh which one is more important: a mild probable side effect but high possibility that she'll get better or a high probability she'll get worse and no probability of mild side effect."
That clears the air enough for me. I trusted her judgement, because she is an expert in the matter way better than I am.
So, what's my view on those who did not vaccinate their kids?
It's your choice, really. Everyone wants to be the best mother to their child.
When I chose Khaira's previous kindy, I spent months looking for the best kindy because I only want what's best for my daughter. But, if you read my story before, you'd realize the irony: what I thought was best for her, really was not for her, perhaps the worst.
So, sometimes, what you thought is best for your kids, might not be the best for them.
I read that some refused to vaccinate their kids due to eczema. I have lived my entire life with eczema, I have no fingerprints due to that (Imagine my banking and travelling hassle), I used to wake up sneezing every morning until noon, the worst acne ugh!, and even nearly had blood transfusion due to antibiotics intolerant (I have recovered from my eczema after going organic and years of homeopathy treatment), trust me I thank my parents everyday for vaccinating me, because again the weighing down: I'd rather have my eczema, Alhamdulillah.
Then, there's an autism issue, which I dare not touch because like I said, I'm not an expert in the matter. But always come to the paed's point on weighing down the possibility.
If you have studied really thoroughly (I mean from classes, of course I don't trust Internet that much) and discussed with your gynae, if your baby really have intolerant towards vaccination, then who am I to judge? I hope by vaccinating my kids, yours will get the herd immunity.
But, I am having difficulties in understanding those who did not vaccinate their kids because "ikut sunnah", and these vaccinations are "agenda Yahudi". Amboi, sedapnya accusation, sekali fitnah nanti.
When I went to Umrah last time, I was supposed to have my menses a couple of days before I went there (wrong timing, unstable cycle due to breastfeeding), so I asked the Ustaz whether I should take a pill. I saw lots of doa to postpone your menses, can I depend just on them.
And the Ustaz said something that I will hold on into, "In Islam, we are thought to Usaha fist, then Tawakkal comes in".
Took the pill, and doa. All come from Allah swt, not the pills, but of course Allah SWT sees our usaha, even it is smaller than zahrah kan.
That is my thought on vaccination as well.
"Agenda Yahudi" is something lame for me. When I was in gentle birthing communities, some minor voices mentioned about the so called "Agenda Yahudi" as well. But, who knew if it's the other way around.
When people are so obsessed into something, they sometimes failed to look at it as a whole. Then, happen lotus birth and consumption of umbilical cord in Muslim. And claiming methods and meds from doctors are "agenda Yahudi".
Pening.
Oh, on my pills consumption story, after taking the pills, the probable side effects as mentioned by the doctor happened to me in Makkah, I had some spotting for couple of days which made me could not enter the Masjidil Haraam. Boy, was I sad? Let's put it this way, those times I could not enter Masjidil Haraam were the saddest days of my entire life, really. I cried until I got sick. The spotting stopped once I stopped consuming the pills.
Did I regret taking it?
I redha beacuse it is my Qadha' and Qadr.
So, for those who did not vaccinate their kids, if you are aware of the risks and okay with them, again I am in no position to judge you. So far, my friends yang tak vaccinate their kids pon have healthy kids, I trust juga Allah swt pelihara all the hamba yang have unshaken faith and always doa for their kids.
Jangan jadi lalang, follow without in depth knowledge. Ini yang buat orang marah.
Mutual agreement, agree to disagree. No need bashing in FB ok?
Showing posts with label Stories of my hypnobirthing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stories of my hypnobirthing. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Melahirkan Bayi Genius Akhir Zaman - A review
I'm done reading this in less than two weeks. Don't ask my verdict. I'm bias like that towards Puan Lina Karim.
The best RM56 I spent on (RM6 charged by pay pal; RM0 for printing sebab Love printkan, Tq Sayang!).
I especially love Chapter 7.
Some notes worth sharing:
1. Babies start hearing as early as they are 5 months in the womb. If we train them to listen to Quran, in shaa Allah, when they come to the world, they would be familiar with the Quran and at ease everytime they listen to it.
2. They have the sense of touch as early as week 8. Rubbing your tummy will generate a lot of oxytocin receptors. I discussed about oxytocin many times before in my blog. It is a happy hormone that will ease your birthing process and make your baby happier in the tummy (hence healthy and more adaptable because the baby feels loved). So, be happy especially when you are pregnant, unhappiness leads to the development of cortisol; a hormone that can cause brain damage as well as lowering down your baby's antibody.
3. The sense of taste develops during week 13 to 15. So, eat healthily. Dates help the babies to speak earlier later on. Don't forget the happy pills; Vitamin B (Acid Folic is one of them). I took Vit B with Acid Folic during my first trimester to ease up my morning sickness. Apparently, Puan Lina did mention morning sickness helps you clean yourselves internally when you are pregnant, a new insight :)
4. The sense of smell develops at week 11 to 15; they can smell the amniotic fluid which is similar to the smell of their mother; hence they recognize the mother the moment they were born.
6. At week 16 onwards, baby can start seeing and recognizing whether the outside of the tummy is dark or otherwise. After week 27, you can start stimulating them by using torch light directs to your tummy.
7. You can start a routine for your baby since in the tummy. Fix time to solat, sleep, eat and play so that it creates their muscle memory and they can hopefully continue with the sleep routine as they come out of the womb.
So many points I wish to share.. But I guess, it will never be the same; not comparable with Puan Lina's explanation.
My suggestion..
GO.BUY.THIS.BOOK.NOW.
For pregnant mommies who are reading this, happy birthing and enjoy your pregnancy because you're the chosen ones!!~
 |
| Get the ebook here |
The best RM56 I spent on (RM6 charged by pay pal; RM0 for printing sebab Love printkan, Tq Sayang!).
I especially love Chapter 7.
Some notes worth sharing:
1. Babies start hearing as early as they are 5 months in the womb. If we train them to listen to Quran, in shaa Allah, when they come to the world, they would be familiar with the Quran and at ease everytime they listen to it.
2. They have the sense of touch as early as week 8. Rubbing your tummy will generate a lot of oxytocin receptors. I discussed about oxytocin many times before in my blog. It is a happy hormone that will ease your birthing process and make your baby happier in the tummy (hence healthy and more adaptable because the baby feels loved). So, be happy especially when you are pregnant, unhappiness leads to the development of cortisol; a hormone that can cause brain damage as well as lowering down your baby's antibody.
3. The sense of taste develops during week 13 to 15. So, eat healthily. Dates help the babies to speak earlier later on. Don't forget the happy pills; Vitamin B (Acid Folic is one of them). I took Vit B with Acid Folic during my first trimester to ease up my morning sickness. Apparently, Puan Lina did mention morning sickness helps you clean yourselves internally when you are pregnant, a new insight :)
4. The sense of smell develops at week 11 to 15; they can smell the amniotic fluid which is similar to the smell of their mother; hence they recognize the mother the moment they were born.
6. At week 16 onwards, baby can start seeing and recognizing whether the outside of the tummy is dark or otherwise. After week 27, you can start stimulating them by using torch light directs to your tummy.
7. You can start a routine for your baby since in the tummy. Fix time to solat, sleep, eat and play so that it creates their muscle memory and they can hopefully continue with the sleep routine as they come out of the womb.
So many points I wish to share.. But I guess, it will never be the same; not comparable with Puan Lina's explanation.
My suggestion..
GO.BUY.THIS.BOOK.NOW.
For pregnant mommies who are reading this, happy birthing and enjoy your pregnancy because you're the chosen ones!!~
Thursday, August 7, 2014
The (hypno) birth of Aisha Asyikin
The pregnancy of our second daughter was exactly as planned, Alhamdulillah. I conceived a month after I stopped breastfeeding my 2 y.o daughter Khaira; of whom I gave birth via hypnobirthing as well. Read about my first delivery here and birth video is linked here.
It all started on Saturday, 2 days before Raya. I kept on hoping I would deliver Baby Aisha after that Friday night because Love and I planned to have the evening all to ourselves before the baby was born. So we had a wonderful dinner, movie and durian buffet. Then the next day when I woke up, I noticed some blood, but no surges at all.
Afterwards the blood disappeared just like that. I was a bit disappointed because with Khaira, I gave birth to her the same day I had a blood show. Raya went by happily and on the second day raya night, the blood show started again. More bloody, this time with surges but again it went by just like that. Disappointed again.
Starting from the second day Raya onwards, I already had my daily morning or evening walk of about 3km a day. Then, I climbed up and down the stairs to my office at level 4. On 5th day of Raya, I still had my evening walk as usual, no surges at all, no show. Had my whole relatives coming over for dinner. It was super fun.
The next day, 8 days before Aisha's EDD, I woke Love up early for our morning walk. But on the way back around 10.30 am, I felt even more sensational surges. But I was super hungry (the same feeling before I birthed Khaira), so we decided to pick Khaira up and went to mamak for nasi campur.
I timed my surges while we had our brunch. It was straight away a minute surge with only 3 to 5 minutes gap. By the time I finished my brunch, which was an hour later, the surge became more sensational.
So, we went to mom's place straight away. Took a bath, then I told Love to go straight to the hospital because the gap became even shorter to a point I didn't bother to time.
About 5 mins before arriving at the hospital, I already felt the sensation of pushing. I stopped doing my surge breathing and J breathing so that I stopped dilating for a while. Calm breathing, I reminded myself. I'm almost there. It was around 1.40 pm at that time.
The walk from the parking space to the hospital was like one of the longest walk I felt in my life. While Love settled in the registration, I tried sitting at the bench, but ended up squatting because I just felt like pushing so badly.
The nurses quickly offered me a wheelchair. Since the labour room was full, I was offered a ward where the midwife did a VE and said I was fully dilated. Rushed me to the labour room where they requested for another patient at 6 cms dilated to make room for me.
Entered the labour room at 2pm. No enema, no ctg, not even enough time for me to change to hospital garments, I got to the bed and just pushed, ignoring everybody except Love. The first push made me shouted at the doctor and said; "Doktor buat apa tu? Sakit!" As I felt some burning sensation down there; I did not have that with Khaira. That was when Love asked me to look only to realize my baby's head was out!! Omg so biggg!! She weighed 3.1kgs.
At second push; 2 minutes later, the whole body was out. Alhamdulillah so smooth. Felt so better afterwards. I survived with minor natural tear. And the following statement came from my gynae right after I delivered the baby, "You should consider homebirth for your third baby. Easy delivery you're lucky not to have DBA." Apparently DBA is the term they use for 'delivery before arrival'.
So there goes the birth of our 2nd daughter on 2nd of August, 2 minutes in the labour room, we enter at 2pm, she popped our at 2.02pm with 2 pushes. ;)
I must have been so blessed. Alhamdulillah. I would forever feel indebted to Sifu Wai Han whom I met 3 years ago; but changed my life forever. Thank you to family and friends for the endless doa. And thank you to my sweetheart of whom without, I could not even imagine going through this.
My birth story has also been published in Hypnobirthing Malaysia's website. Read it here.
It all started on Saturday, 2 days before Raya. I kept on hoping I would deliver Baby Aisha after that Friday night because Love and I planned to have the evening all to ourselves before the baby was born. So we had a wonderful dinner, movie and durian buffet. Then the next day when I woke up, I noticed some blood, but no surges at all.
 |
| My 189cm hubby and 148cm me |
Afterwards the blood disappeared just like that. I was a bit disappointed because with Khaira, I gave birth to her the same day I had a blood show. Raya went by happily and on the second day raya night, the blood show started again. More bloody, this time with surges but again it went by just like that. Disappointed again.
Starting from the second day Raya onwards, I already had my daily morning or evening walk of about 3km a day. Then, I climbed up and down the stairs to my office at level 4. On 5th day of Raya, I still had my evening walk as usual, no surges at all, no show. Had my whole relatives coming over for dinner. It was super fun.
 |
| Walk at Taman TAR |
 |
| Walk at Taman Wetland Putrajaya |
The next day, 8 days before Aisha's EDD, I woke Love up early for our morning walk. But on the way back around 10.30 am, I felt even more sensational surges. But I was super hungry (the same feeling before I birthed Khaira), so we decided to pick Khaira up and went to mamak for nasi campur.
I timed my surges while we had our brunch. It was straight away a minute surge with only 3 to 5 minutes gap. By the time I finished my brunch, which was an hour later, the surge became more sensational.
So, we went to mom's place straight away. Took a bath, then I told Love to go straight to the hospital because the gap became even shorter to a point I didn't bother to time.
About 5 mins before arriving at the hospital, I already felt the sensation of pushing. I stopped doing my surge breathing and J breathing so that I stopped dilating for a while. Calm breathing, I reminded myself. I'm almost there. It was around 1.40 pm at that time.
The walk from the parking space to the hospital was like one of the longest walk I felt in my life. While Love settled in the registration, I tried sitting at the bench, but ended up squatting because I just felt like pushing so badly.
The nurses quickly offered me a wheelchair. Since the labour room was full, I was offered a ward where the midwife did a VE and said I was fully dilated. Rushed me to the labour room where they requested for another patient at 6 cms dilated to make room for me.
Entered the labour room at 2pm. No enema, no ctg, not even enough time for me to change to hospital garments, I got to the bed and just pushed, ignoring everybody except Love. The first push made me shouted at the doctor and said; "Doktor buat apa tu? Sakit!" As I felt some burning sensation down there; I did not have that with Khaira. That was when Love asked me to look only to realize my baby's head was out!! Omg so biggg!! She weighed 3.1kgs.
 |
| My Asyikins |
At second push; 2 minutes later, the whole body was out. Alhamdulillah so smooth. Felt so better afterwards. I survived with minor natural tear. And the following statement came from my gynae right after I delivered the baby, "You should consider homebirth for your third baby. Easy delivery you're lucky not to have DBA." Apparently DBA is the term they use for 'delivery before arrival'.
So there goes the birth of our 2nd daughter on 2nd of August, 2 minutes in the labour room, we enter at 2pm, she popped our at 2.02pm with 2 pushes. ;)
I must have been so blessed. Alhamdulillah. I would forever feel indebted to Sifu Wai Han whom I met 3 years ago; but changed my life forever. Thank you to family and friends for the endless doa. And thank you to my sweetheart of whom without, I could not even imagine going through this.
My birth story has also been published in Hypnobirthing Malaysia's website. Read it here.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
How I imagine the birth of Baby A would be.
It was the third day of Raya. I woke up for Subuh at in law's house only to discover I had a blood show. Was confident I was gonna birth that day.
I woke Love up. Called my parents, so they quickly packed up their stuff to head home. Surge was mild by then. Packed up my stuff and headed to parents' crib.
Half way, we dropped by for breakfast. KFC seemed a good choice as the other stalls were still close at that time. Had a heavy breakfast and feeling so good about the surge which somehow became stronger quickly compared to with Khaira.
By the time we reached parents' cribs at about 10am, my parents arrived almost at a similar time. They took care of Khaira while I had my rest going through the surges.
At around noon, we time the surge and I decided that it was time to head to the hospital. So we took a slow drive to An Nur while I had some packed KFC for my lunch.
After registration, I was referred to the labor room and that was when my water broke. It felt funny. The nurse did a VE and discovered I was around 6 cms dilated. They gave me enema.
Quickly after enema around 1pm, my gynae came for another VE and said I was already 9 cms dilated. Funny this time around the sensation was much more bearable than with Khaira.
Before they could tie me up to EFM, I felt the sensation of pushing. Love informed the midwife and suddenly it felt so natural to breath the baby out. At one breath, baby's head was out just about when the midwife and gynae was ready. At second breath sharp at 1.15pm, Baby A was born very healthily at 2.7 kgs. She looked so red :)
Less than 5 minutes afterwards, placenta was out. Perineum was intact, it was in fact a smooth easy delivery. Ahamdulillah.
The recovery process was fast. Baby was doing great. Healthy baby. We were discharged the next day. And everything went ever so smoothly; with breastfeeding, recovering and confinement. :)
Alhamdulillah. Syukur.
In shaa Allah. Ameen.
I woke Love up. Called my parents, so they quickly packed up their stuff to head home. Surge was mild by then. Packed up my stuff and headed to parents' crib.
Half way, we dropped by for breakfast. KFC seemed a good choice as the other stalls were still close at that time. Had a heavy breakfast and feeling so good about the surge which somehow became stronger quickly compared to with Khaira.
By the time we reached parents' cribs at about 10am, my parents arrived almost at a similar time. They took care of Khaira while I had my rest going through the surges.
At around noon, we time the surge and I decided that it was time to head to the hospital. So we took a slow drive to An Nur while I had some packed KFC for my lunch.
After registration, I was referred to the labor room and that was when my water broke. It felt funny. The nurse did a VE and discovered I was around 6 cms dilated. They gave me enema.
Quickly after enema around 1pm, my gynae came for another VE and said I was already 9 cms dilated. Funny this time around the sensation was much more bearable than with Khaira.
Before they could tie me up to EFM, I felt the sensation of pushing. Love informed the midwife and suddenly it felt so natural to breath the baby out. At one breath, baby's head was out just about when the midwife and gynae was ready. At second breath sharp at 1.15pm, Baby A was born very healthily at 2.7 kgs. She looked so red :)
Less than 5 minutes afterwards, placenta was out. Perineum was intact, it was in fact a smooth easy delivery. Ahamdulillah.
The recovery process was fast. Baby was doing great. Healthy baby. We were discharged the next day. And everything went ever so smoothly; with breastfeeding, recovering and confinement. :)
Alhamdulillah. Syukur.
In shaa Allah. Ameen.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - A review
Since Ina May's book was a hype among my hypnobirthing friends, I searched for it high and low. Only to discover I could just buy it online.
Here's my first to many moree purchases using Kinokuniya Malaysia online. So efficient, now being a book shopahalic is easier. *take a scissor and considering cutting my credit cards only to realise internet banking can be my next option too, damnnnn*
Anyhow, I finished reading it a couple of days ago. At least for me I found the book rather disappointing :(
It started with a compilation of birth story which 1. I found them a bit scary. Some I even wonder why they share such stories there. I thought it's a gentle birth thingy. Hypnobirthing Malaysia has way cooler stories that you can actually relate. 2. I just couldn't relate all the stories; time difference and no I'm not gonna birth my baby in a farm.
Afterwards, the articles. Some made me better but most lagi laa scary. All the stories on side effects of episiotomy la, epidural la, some weird deseases I never heard of macam Rh negative complete with percentage.
How is that supposed to make me feel better I don't know...
So now, I'm reading Childbirth Without Fear, hoping I got that positive vibrants like the ones I have after reading Hypnobirth.
Sighh..
Anyhow, if you're interested with my review on Hypnobirth, please read it here http://drikeen.blogspot.com/2011/07/hypnobirthing-class-2-breathing-and.html?m=0. I totally suggest this for all of you pregnan t mommies!
Here's my first to many moree purchases using Kinokuniya Malaysia online. So efficient, now being a book shopahalic is easier. *take a scissor and considering cutting my credit cards only to realise internet banking can be my next option too, damnnnn*
Anyhow, I finished reading it a couple of days ago. At least for me I found the book rather disappointing :(
It started with a compilation of birth story which 1. I found them a bit scary. Some I even wonder why they share such stories there. I thought it's a gentle birth thingy. Hypnobirthing Malaysia has way cooler stories that you can actually relate. 2. I just couldn't relate all the stories; time difference and no I'm not gonna birth my baby in a farm.
Afterwards, the articles. Some made me better but most lagi laa scary. All the stories on side effects of episiotomy la, epidural la, some weird deseases I never heard of macam Rh negative complete with percentage.
How is that supposed to make me feel better I don't know...
So now, I'm reading Childbirth Without Fear, hoping I got that positive vibrants like the ones I have after reading Hypnobirth.
Sighh..
Anyhow, if you're interested with my review on Hypnobirth, please read it here http://drikeen.blogspot.com/2011/07/hypnobirthing-class-2-breathing-and.html?m=0. I totally suggest this for all of you pregnan t mommies!
Friday, January 24, 2014
What to do to enhance vaginal elasticity?
1. Good Nutrition to ensure healthy tissue elasticity.
2. Squatting Exercises to stretch the tissues before birth.
3. Exposure to Air to keep the tissues healthy.
4. Daily Kegel Exercises (see Lifelong Pregnancy Exercise)
5. Avoid Soap as it dries tissues (cleanse with plain water instead).
6. Lotion and Massage to soften tissues and help mother become comfortable with her own anatomy.
7. Talk to Your Doctor in Advance about your desires and preparations to avoid episiotomy.
8. Be Patient during birth. An episiotomy can speed up the delivery by a few contractions, but it isn’t worth the resulting pain and recovery trauma.
9. Pull Your Knees Back (or Squat) during birth. Do not spread your legs wide open (which also means stay out of stirrups!).
10. Push With Self Control at the moment of birth to ensure you gently ease the baby’s head out and stop for the shoulders to naturally rotate during the subsequent contraction.
11. Remind Your Doctor at the Time of Birth; don’t assume they recall your wishes in this regards (also have your companion watch and advocate for no cuts during the birth).
12. Don’t Take Medicinal Pain Relief, as it prevents you from being able to push with self control.
Taken from:
http://www.saudilife.net/motherhood/23603-many-mothers-routinely-cut-at-delivery
2. Squatting Exercises to stretch the tissues before birth.
3. Exposure to Air to keep the tissues healthy.
4. Daily Kegel Exercises (see Lifelong Pregnancy Exercise)
5. Avoid Soap as it dries tissues (cleanse with plain water instead).
6. Lotion and Massage to soften tissues and help mother become comfortable with her own anatomy.
7. Talk to Your Doctor in Advance about your desires and preparations to avoid episiotomy.
8. Be Patient during birth. An episiotomy can speed up the delivery by a few contractions, but it isn’t worth the resulting pain and recovery trauma.
9. Pull Your Knees Back (or Squat) during birth. Do not spread your legs wide open (which also means stay out of stirrups!).
10. Push With Self Control at the moment of birth to ensure you gently ease the baby’s head out and stop for the shoulders to naturally rotate during the subsequent contraction.
11. Remind Your Doctor at the Time of Birth; don’t assume they recall your wishes in this regards (also have your companion watch and advocate for no cuts during the birth).
12. Don’t Take Medicinal Pain Relief, as it prevents you from being able to push with self control.
Taken from:
http://www.saudilife.net/motherhood/23603-many-mothers-routinely-cut-at-delivery
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Why I chose gentle birth
I'm an avid follower of gentle birth, and I'm proud of it.
I gave birth to my first baby (and the following, insya Allah), as gentle and natural as possible. It was a wonderful experience I will forever treasure. I thank Allah SWT everyday for it.
I didn't choose gentle birth just because of the benefits I received; i.e. vaginal birth, side effects free from the drugs, and of course pain free.
I chose it because I know it is the best for both my baby and me.
Imagine a baby being forced to go out of your tummy at times he/she is not yet ready. It's like plucking a fruit from a tree while you could wait perhaps two more days for it to ripen. It could have been sweeter and tastier.
Gente birth is like reverting back to nature and have a total dependence on no one but the Almighty. Just like what Islam told us to be. Ever think how women in the old days could give birth easily, even some in this generation accidentally gave birth in the toilet while bowel movement. Masya Allah, "Kun Faya Kun".
But knowing that birth can be as easy as just reverting back to our nature doesn't mean I'm taking it for granted. I prepared as if I was going to the war.
Daily affirmations every day, visualizing every night, exercising every evening, watching what I was eating for the whole 9 months, watching out my position every hour and is it worth it, without a doubt, yes! It's only for 9 months, what is there to complain about?
And in order to do all of the above, a proper guidance is needed. Thank you, Sifu Wai Han and the support I received from GBG and Homebirth :)
Cuma satu, we are only human. Redha. If Allah SWT somehow does not permit us to have one, He must have a reason that we are not aware of. The most important thing is that we have tried the best that we could. With a proper guidance, insya Allah.. we'll fine that thin line between gentle birth and risking the baby.
Like a normal birth, sometimes we may not achieved what we want during gentle birth. But blaming the gentle birth itself is unfair. Qada' dan qadar, have faith.
Outsides people are too easy to judge. Too easy to condemn. That's why I shared my gentle birth techniques only to those who asked.
If you haven't even grasped the concept of gentle birth, you are in no position to judge me, to judge us.
It's our decision. In any position there's a risk and it's one I'm willing to bear because I'm proud to say I have a total dependence in Allas SWT. When we try to do what's best for HIM, He'll be there for us :)
I gave birth to my first baby (and the following, insya Allah), as gentle and natural as possible. It was a wonderful experience I will forever treasure. I thank Allah SWT everyday for it.
I didn't choose gentle birth just because of the benefits I received; i.e. vaginal birth, side effects free from the drugs, and of course pain free.
I chose it because I know it is the best for both my baby and me.
Imagine a baby being forced to go out of your tummy at times he/she is not yet ready. It's like plucking a fruit from a tree while you could wait perhaps two more days for it to ripen. It could have been sweeter and tastier.
But knowing that birth can be as easy as just reverting back to our nature doesn't mean I'm taking it for granted. I prepared as if I was going to the war.
Daily affirmations every day, visualizing every night, exercising every evening, watching what I was eating for the whole 9 months, watching out my position every hour and is it worth it, without a doubt, yes! It's only for 9 months, what is there to complain about?
And in order to do all of the above, a proper guidance is needed. Thank you, Sifu Wai Han and the support I received from GBG and Homebirth :)
Cuma satu, we are only human. Redha. If Allah SWT somehow does not permit us to have one, He must have a reason that we are not aware of. The most important thing is that we have tried the best that we could. With a proper guidance, insya Allah.. we'll fine that thin line between gentle birth and risking the baby.
Like a normal birth, sometimes we may not achieved what we want during gentle birth. But blaming the gentle birth itself is unfair. Qada' dan qadar, have faith.
Outsides people are too easy to judge. Too easy to condemn. That's why I shared my gentle birth techniques only to those who asked.
If you haven't even grasped the concept of gentle birth, you are in no position to judge me, to judge us.
It's our decision. In any position there's a risk and it's one I'm willing to bear because I'm proud to say I have a total dependence in Allas SWT. When we try to do what's best for HIM, He'll be there for us :)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
How dilated Am I? - my view on sarahvine's article
This article is my summary/review from sarahvine's article "How Dilated Am I? Assessing Dilation in Labor WITHOUT an Internal Exam" wrote in her blog.
I wish I would have read her article before I went into labour. But Alhamdulillah, my labour went well after all.
Like most women, I hate vaginal examination (VE). For me personally, it doesn't matter how many cms you have dilated, because it doesn't ensure you how much longer you'll be in labour. Like the theory of 1cm dilation in an hour, mine dilates at 6cms in an hour. So, I guess, the best thing is that trust your instinct. Your body and baby will tell you, insya Allah.
What sarahvine wrote in her blog had accurately happened to me during my labour, so the next baby I think I would be more relaxed knowing that what my instinct told me is true.
1. Sound.
♥ When I was less than 3cms dilated, yup I can still laugh and speak in between contractions. Even sometimes the contractions are so mild, I can still laugh while doing my breathing techniques. Such happy moods to see my Khaira!
♥ After 6 cms dilated, I barely know what is happening outside my body. I just closed my eyes, and listened to the sound of Yassin and Love and that was about it. I barely talked, I was in my own world.
♥ Just before Khaira's head is crowning, I just know she was about to go out because I had the urge of pushing. And here, some people may have been vocalizing, yes the urge was there. But I remained silent because I wanted to save my energy for the pushing stage.
2. Smell.
Yup, there's a smell, been explained in details here.
3. Irrationality.
♥ Sifu Wai Han told me all about it before, the fact that suddenly you feel you cannot go on anymore, or you want a pain relief when you did so well the minute before. This is a sign that the labour is very very very near. I did have the thought of, "What am I thinking? Delivering without any pain relief, am I out of my mind?" I didn't vocalize it, and a minute after that, I already started breathing out my baby :)
4. Feel.
I didn't know about these before, interesting!
♥ "During a contraction, at the beginning of labor, check how many fingers you can fit between the fundus (top of your bump) and the bra line – you will be able to fit 5 fingers."
♥ "When you can fit 3 fingers, I usually tell mothers they can think about going into hospital as they will find they are around 5cm dilated."
♥ "At 1 finger, you are fully dilated."
5. Look.
For me, it's hard to check, needs a mirror plus too focused to do this.
♥ "‘bottom line’, which is shadow that extends from the anus up towards the back along the crease of the buttocks. It begins as 1cm and lengthens to 10cm, and it’s length correlates with cervical dilation."
6. Bloody show
2-3cms dilated. It happened to me the morning I delivered Little Khaira (Gave birth at 6.55pm, started to have a blood show at 3am). It's like the beginning of your period and it stays (and gets more) until you birth your baby. I read an article, it's considered nifas and so we Muslim do not have to pray anymore. Wallahualam.
Anyhow, blood show do not happen to anyone, sometimes their amniotic fluid comes out first.
7. Opening of the Back.
If the area above tailbone started to bulge out during pushing, the baby is sooooo near. I did not observe this, sorry!
In a lighter note, my birth stories had been published in the hypnobirthing website, whee!!
I wish I would have read her article before I went into labour. But Alhamdulillah, my labour went well after all.
Like most women, I hate vaginal examination (VE). For me personally, it doesn't matter how many cms you have dilated, because it doesn't ensure you how much longer you'll be in labour. Like the theory of 1cm dilation in an hour, mine dilates at 6cms in an hour. So, I guess, the best thing is that trust your instinct. Your body and baby will tell you, insya Allah.
What sarahvine wrote in her blog had accurately happened to me during my labour, so the next baby I think I would be more relaxed knowing that what my instinct told me is true.
1. Sound.
♥ When I was less than 3cms dilated, yup I can still laugh and speak in between contractions. Even sometimes the contractions are so mild, I can still laugh while doing my breathing techniques. Such happy moods to see my Khaira!
♥ After 6 cms dilated, I barely know what is happening outside my body. I just closed my eyes, and listened to the sound of Yassin and Love and that was about it. I barely talked, I was in my own world.
♥ Just before Khaira's head is crowning, I just know she was about to go out because I had the urge of pushing. And here, some people may have been vocalizing, yes the urge was there. But I remained silent because I wanted to save my energy for the pushing stage.
2. Smell.
Yup, there's a smell, been explained in details here.
3. Irrationality.
♥ Sifu Wai Han told me all about it before, the fact that suddenly you feel you cannot go on anymore, or you want a pain relief when you did so well the minute before. This is a sign that the labour is very very very near. I did have the thought of, "What am I thinking? Delivering without any pain relief, am I out of my mind?" I didn't vocalize it, and a minute after that, I already started breathing out my baby :)
4. Feel.
I didn't know about these before, interesting!
♥ "During a contraction, at the beginning of labor, check how many fingers you can fit between the fundus (top of your bump) and the bra line – you will be able to fit 5 fingers."
♥ "When you can fit 3 fingers, I usually tell mothers they can think about going into hospital as they will find they are around 5cm dilated."
♥ "At 1 finger, you are fully dilated."
5. Look.
For me, it's hard to check, needs a mirror plus too focused to do this.
♥ "‘bottom line’, which is shadow that extends from the anus up towards the back along the crease of the buttocks. It begins as 1cm and lengthens to 10cm, and it’s length correlates with cervical dilation."
6. Bloody show
2-3cms dilated. It happened to me the morning I delivered Little Khaira (Gave birth at 6.55pm, started to have a blood show at 3am). It's like the beginning of your period and it stays (and gets more) until you birth your baby. I read an article, it's considered nifas and so we Muslim do not have to pray anymore. Wallahualam.
Anyhow, blood show do not happen to anyone, sometimes their amniotic fluid comes out first.
7. Opening of the Back.
If the area above tailbone started to bulge out during pushing, the baby is sooooo near. I did not observe this, sorry!
In a lighter note, my birth stories had been published in the hypnobirthing website, whee!!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Video of Khaira Asyikin's hypnobirth
Pardon me for the lack of updates!!
I was in birth high these past couple of weeks. Remember when you first fell in love, nothing else seems to matter except for your loved ones. Masya Allah, that is kinda how it feels, such beautiful feeling puts me in cloud 9 all the time.
I am so in love with Little Khaira, words could not expressed how I feel. Owh.. WAHMs out there, I soooo envy you guys!
Anyways, video of Little Khaira's birth as promised!
Taken by Love, edited by Love with love..
Alhamdulillah, Dear Allah I could never thank you enough :)
I was in birth high these past couple of weeks. Remember when you first fell in love, nothing else seems to matter except for your loved ones. Masya Allah, that is kinda how it feels, such beautiful feeling puts me in cloud 9 all the time.
I am so in love with Little Khaira, words could not expressed how I feel. Owh.. WAHMs out there, I soooo envy you guys!
Anyways, video of Little Khaira's birth as promised!
Taken by Love, edited by Love with love..
Alhamdulillah, Dear Allah I could never thank you enough :)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The (hypno)birth of Khaira Asyikin
Little Khaira's EDD was on the 30th October 2011, but I had a feeling she would come out to this world a little earlier. I predicted she would come out on the 14th, Love predicted on the 16th.
But after our weekly check up on the 13th, doctor said baby had not yet engaged, it would take more than a week, I got disappointed. I could not wait to see our baby, so I did almost everything to get Little Khaira engaged. Squat, walk for 3kms, bouncing on gym ball, you name it..
So a day before the delivery, I took a slow walk along Taman TAR, about 3kms. I attended Baby Zara's aqiqah and Uniten's convo. At night, I felt some mild and yet a new sensation during my surge. I urinate even more frequently that night, almost once every 2 hours.
At 3am on 17th October, I went for a pee and already had a blood show. I woke Love up for second opinion, wore a pad and the blood show continued until we woke up at 6am. I asked Love, "Should we go to work today?"
Love asked, "Do you think Khaira will come out today?"
I said, "If you asked me, I think yes, she's ready to come out today."
So we decided to take a leave, mild surge like period pain came every now and then, surges were not yet regular, we could not even time them yet. Had a heavy breakfast and lunch because I felt REALLY hungry that day. Nesting instinct?
Love was really sick on that day, he had a throat infection that already infected his tummy. Went to a clinic to get his MC. I got a bit worried by then.
During lunch at 2pm (by this time Mum and Dad kept asking me to go to the hospital), the surge started to get regular. Around 5 minutes apart and each surge lasted for about 40seconds. I decided to stay at home as long as possible, so I took my gym ball and bouncing up and down until the surge got more frequent.
Then the surge started to get as long as 2 minutes for 2 more minutes apart. We packed our stuff and decided to take a slow drive to the hospital at about 3pm. Love stopped by a stall to get me some fresh coconut to keep my amniotic fluid sufficient so Little Khaira will be comfortable inside. So thoughtful.
As we arrived to the hospital at 4.30pm, waited for admission, the surge got stronger. I went inside the labor room at 5pm, midwife did the VE and I was sooo disappointed to know that I was only 3cms dilated by then. 3cms? How could that be possible. I thought I would at least be 7cms dilated by then. I was expected to deliver the next morning, argh!!
Midwife asked me whether I wanted to go home, or I wanted to be admitted, I said I wanted to be admitted to the ward because I had a feeling I was gonna birth at a near time.
Then after the 20minutes of annoying EFM where I couldn't move an inch to adjust my position so that surge would have less sensation, a doctor came to do the VE again. A new doctor, apparently our gynae was on leave. :( So all the birth plan that we were working for, sigh..
Anyway, it was about half an hour after the first VE, and I was already 6cms dilated! Theoretically, you'll be dilated 1 cm every hour. Alhamdulillah, theory is just a theory after all. So they said they expected me to give birth at 9pm today, I was already in labour, I had to stay inside the labour room.
I resisted all the pain relief. No epidural, no injections, no laughing gas, etc.
The pain which was then bearable, became way full of sensation at that time. Almost no gap in between. My source of strength is next beside me, Love was there throughout the delivery and he was everything and more than I could asked for. Alhamdulillah. I am so blessed. He helped me in ways even a healthy person would not be able to help. May Allah SWT bless you, Sayang.
Tried to bear, but at about 6.40pm, I felt a really strong sensation to breathe down. I asked Love to call the nurse. Midwife came and I asked her to check on me, she put on her glove and just about when she wanted to do the VE, I saw her reaction; surprised and started caling the doctors and the nurses.
"OMG. You were so quite!" The midwife said. Apparently, I was already fully dilated!!
With the first breath, baby's head already crowning. And at the fourth breath, Little Khaira was out to this world, not a single cry, eyes wide open at 6.55pm, 2.7kgs. Alhamdulillah :)
Love managed to capture the video of the birth, which I will upload in the near time. Don't worry, it's PG. You'll be surprised at how calm and how easy Little Khaira was born :) Thank you for all the prayers.
Updates:
Video of the birth can be found here.
My birth story has been published in Hypnobirthing Malaysia's website. Read it here.
But after our weekly check up on the 13th, doctor said baby had not yet engaged, it would take more than a week, I got disappointed. I could not wait to see our baby, so I did almost everything to get Little Khaira engaged. Squat, walk for 3kms, bouncing on gym ball, you name it..
So a day before the delivery, I took a slow walk along Taman TAR, about 3kms. I attended Baby Zara's aqiqah and Uniten's convo. At night, I felt some mild and yet a new sensation during my surge. I urinate even more frequently that night, almost once every 2 hours.
At 3am on 17th October, I went for a pee and already had a blood show. I woke Love up for second opinion, wore a pad and the blood show continued until we woke up at 6am. I asked Love, "Should we go to work today?"
Love asked, "Do you think Khaira will come out today?"
I said, "If you asked me, I think yes, she's ready to come out today."
So we decided to take a leave, mild surge like period pain came every now and then, surges were not yet regular, we could not even time them yet. Had a heavy breakfast and lunch because I felt REALLY hungry that day. Nesting instinct?
Love was really sick on that day, he had a throat infection that already infected his tummy. Went to a clinic to get his MC. I got a bit worried by then.
During lunch at 2pm (by this time Mum and Dad kept asking me to go to the hospital), the surge started to get regular. Around 5 minutes apart and each surge lasted for about 40seconds. I decided to stay at home as long as possible, so I took my gym ball and bouncing up and down until the surge got more frequent.
Then the surge started to get as long as 2 minutes for 2 more minutes apart. We packed our stuff and decided to take a slow drive to the hospital at about 3pm. Love stopped by a stall to get me some fresh coconut to keep my amniotic fluid sufficient so Little Khaira will be comfortable inside. So thoughtful.
As we arrived to the hospital at 4.30pm, waited for admission, the surge got stronger. I went inside the labor room at 5pm, midwife did the VE and I was sooo disappointed to know that I was only 3cms dilated by then. 3cms? How could that be possible. I thought I would at least be 7cms dilated by then. I was expected to deliver the next morning, argh!!
Midwife asked me whether I wanted to go home, or I wanted to be admitted, I said I wanted to be admitted to the ward because I had a feeling I was gonna birth at a near time.
Then after the 20minutes of annoying EFM where I couldn't move an inch to adjust my position so that surge would have less sensation, a doctor came to do the VE again. A new doctor, apparently our gynae was on leave. :( So all the birth plan that we were working for, sigh..
Anyway, it was about half an hour after the first VE, and I was already 6cms dilated! Theoretically, you'll be dilated 1 cm every hour. Alhamdulillah, theory is just a theory after all. So they said they expected me to give birth at 9pm today, I was already in labour, I had to stay inside the labour room.
I resisted all the pain relief. No epidural, no injections, no laughing gas, etc.
The pain which was then bearable, became way full of sensation at that time. Almost no gap in between. My source of strength is next beside me, Love was there throughout the delivery and he was everything and more than I could asked for. Alhamdulillah. I am so blessed. He helped me in ways even a healthy person would not be able to help. May Allah SWT bless you, Sayang.
Tried to bear, but at about 6.40pm, I felt a really strong sensation to breathe down. I asked Love to call the nurse. Midwife came and I asked her to check on me, she put on her glove and just about when she wanted to do the VE, I saw her reaction; surprised and started caling the doctors and the nurses.
"OMG. You were so quite!" The midwife said. Apparently, I was already fully dilated!!
With the first breath, baby's head already crowning. And at the fourth breath, Little Khaira was out to this world, not a single cry, eyes wide open at 6.55pm, 2.7kgs. Alhamdulillah :)
Love managed to capture the video of the birth, which I will upload in the near time. Don't worry, it's PG. You'll be surprised at how calm and how easy Little Khaira was born :) Thank you for all the prayers.
Updates:
Video of the birth can be found here.
My birth story has been published in Hypnobirthing Malaysia's website. Read it here.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Our new gynae :)
Alhamdulillah..
Introducing our new gynae..
Dr. Khamsiah Muda from An-Nur. She signed our birth plan, yay!!!
What a happy happy day knowing Little Princess will be delivered by a Muslim female doctor at a Pusat Rawatan Islam.
Alhamdulillah, as I said I have faith Allah SWT will help us along the way.
The appointment this morning was fruitful, smooth sailing, exciting, and calming. Dr. Khamsiah's direction is the same as us, to have as natural birth as possible.
I feel so blessed (T_T).
Introducing our new gynae..
Dr. Khamsiah Muda from An-Nur. She signed our birth plan, yay!!!
What a happy happy day knowing Little Princess will be delivered by a Muslim female doctor at a Pusat Rawatan Islam.
Alhamdulillah, as I said I have faith Allah SWT will help us along the way.
The appointment this morning was fruitful, smooth sailing, exciting, and calming. Dr. Khamsiah's direction is the same as us, to have as natural birth as possible.
I feel so blessed (T_T).
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
List of doctors that support hypnobirthing
I am in my 37 weeks of pregnancy, and after what took my previous gynae a month to study my birth plan, she rejected it without negotiation. How would you think it makes me feel?
I was crushed. I put a very high hope on her, I did not have any back up plan. My BIGGEST mistake.
So just a couple of weeks (or days maybe?) before my delivery, I felt as if I was at the end of the tunnel. Sad. Devastated.
Then I received a message from a friend of mine, Kdy, suggesting me to get the support from a gentle birthing group in facebook. I did so almost immediately, and asked them about my current situations and on what I should do.
The responses were overwhelming, I nearly cried. They were so supportive of my situations and it's calming to see that there are actually a lot of mothers that fight for their natural birth just the way I want mine to be.
You know how many times I got laughed at.. at the thought of having a homebirth. At the thought of resisting epidural. Even at the thought of having vaginal birth because of the size of my body. So. Not. Funny.
Anyways, here I am, sharing you the list of doctors that support natural birth in KL/Selangor area after being suggested by the very supportive mommies out there..
1) KPJ Damansara specialist - Dr. Maziah
2) An-Nur, Bangi - Dr. Khamsiah
3) Pantai Bangsar - Dr. Choong Kuo Hsiang, Dr. Wong Sum Keong
4) Gleneagles - Dr. Teresa Chow, Dr. Ravi, Dr. Jean Woo
5) Columbia Asia, Cheras - Dr. Haw
6) KPJ Seremban - Dr. Subramaniam
7) Sunway Medical - Dr. Wong Chin Yuan
8) Tropicana Medical Center - Dr. Dev Menon
Sedih.. satu orang je doktor Islam yang support natural birth? Sigh..
I'm currently fixing appointments to meet these mesmerizing gynaes. Pray for the best. And to everyone that helps me get through this hard time, may God bless you. They are all beyond repayment. THANK YOU.
I especially love this comment, "there is light at the end of the tunnel. when you want something so badly, the whole universe will conspire with you to achieve it, insyaAllah. so glad you found this group, asyikin. must just simply mean the universe is working with you to achieve the normal gentle birth for you and hub. :)"
I was crushed. I put a very high hope on her, I did not have any back up plan. My BIGGEST mistake.
So just a couple of weeks (or days maybe?) before my delivery, I felt as if I was at the end of the tunnel. Sad. Devastated.
Then I received a message from a friend of mine, Kdy, suggesting me to get the support from a gentle birthing group in facebook. I did so almost immediately, and asked them about my current situations and on what I should do.
The responses were overwhelming, I nearly cried. They were so supportive of my situations and it's calming to see that there are actually a lot of mothers that fight for their natural birth just the way I want mine to be.
You know how many times I got laughed at.. at the thought of having a homebirth. At the thought of resisting epidural. Even at the thought of having vaginal birth because of the size of my body. So. Not. Funny.
Anyways, here I am, sharing you the list of doctors that support natural birth in KL/Selangor area after being suggested by the very supportive mommies out there..
1) KPJ Damansara specialist - Dr. Maziah
2) An-Nur, Bangi - Dr. Khamsiah
3) Pantai Bangsar - Dr. Choong Kuo Hsiang, Dr. Wong Sum Keong
4) Gleneagles - Dr. Teresa Chow, Dr. Ravi, Dr. Jean Woo
5) Columbia Asia, Cheras - Dr. Haw
6) KPJ Seremban - Dr. Subramaniam
7) Sunway Medical - Dr. Wong Chin Yuan
8) Tropicana Medical Center - Dr. Dev Menon
Sedih.. satu orang je doktor Islam yang support natural birth? Sigh..
I'm currently fixing appointments to meet these mesmerizing gynaes. Pray for the best. And to everyone that helps me get through this hard time, may God bless you. They are all beyond repayment. THANK YOU.
I especially love this comment, "there is light at the end of the tunnel. when you want something so badly, the whole universe will conspire with you to achieve it, insyaAllah. so glad you found this group, asyikin. must just simply mean the universe is working with you to achieve the normal gentle birth for you and hub. :)"
Monday, August 8, 2011
Preparing for the birth of my baby :)
11 more weeks to my EDD, can you believe it??
Finally you're coming to us, Little Precious!!! Insya Allah.
I'm about to have the biggest battle of my life so far, the best achievement, and yes.. I'm more than excited to prepare for the birthing of you, Little Precious!!
To do list for the third trimester (Insya Allah, I can do these)!
1) Routine pregnancy exercise.. (Paused for a while due to Ramadhan, insya Allah akan berdisiplin after Ramadhan!)
Love's favourite exercise, Angry Cat a.k.a Gelimat (as what he called it)
2) Do a lot of walking, my aim is to walk the whole Taman TAR every weekends. 2 km a day!! After Ramadhan, ok!
(Note: Walking is good for toning your muscles and improve your posture)
3) Sit on my gym ball for better posture. Bought it last weekend and used it everyday now!
(Note: Sitting on gym ball will give the most optimum position for your baby!)
RM 17.90 at Tesco for 55cms diameter, for petite like me!
4) Drink young coconut water everyday - no ice, no sugar. Alhamdulillah, progressing good these past three weeks.
(Note: Young coconut water can replace your membrane)
5) Eat virgin coconut oil (VCO) capsule everyday.
(Note: VCO helps to ease the labour process.)
RM32 for 60 capsules at HPA.
6) Recite Surah At-Taubah, Surah Yusuf, Surah Luqman, Surah Maryam and Surah Yasin as much as I can. Tips from a friend that had a really easy birth ->; Recite Yasin everyday starting from the 9th month :)
Watch this youtube video ->; Man Natural Submission. Very inspiring!
7) Drink air selusuh. This can be done by hubby dearest and is best done on Air Zam-zam. Boleh beli kat PKNS Bangi for RM10 per bottle.
8) Drink air akar fatimah. (Got this from my uncle whom recently got back from Umrah).
9) Practice my breathing and relaxation technique.
10) Listen to HypnoBirthing CD everyday.
11) Minta maaf kat semua orang esp. student2 yang selalu kena marah. Hehehe..
12) Recite doa for an easy birth. Ehem.. ehem.. Dr. Sumayyy...
13) Rub organic olive oil to the whole body - at east twice a day after bath. (So far my skin stays the way it was before pregnancy, I personally think olive oil is waaayyy better than Bio Oil or Cocoa Butter. I tried them both, btw. Kalau nak cantik, haruslah istiqamah dan berdisiplin. Hee..).
Gambatte ne!
Finally you're coming to us, Little Precious!!! Insya Allah.
I'm about to have the biggest battle of my life so far, the best achievement, and yes.. I'm more than excited to prepare for the birthing of you, Little Precious!!
To do list for the third trimester (Insya Allah, I can do these)!
1) Routine pregnancy exercise.. (Paused for a while due to Ramadhan, insya Allah akan berdisiplin after Ramadhan!)
Love's favourite exercise, Angry Cat a.k.a Gelimat (as what he called it)
2) Do a lot of walking, my aim is to walk the whole Taman TAR every weekends. 2 km a day!! After Ramadhan, ok!
(Note: Walking is good for toning your muscles and improve your posture)
3) Sit on my gym ball for better posture. Bought it last weekend and used it everyday now!
(Note: Sitting on gym ball will give the most optimum position for your baby!)
RM 17.90 at Tesco for 55cms diameter, for petite like me!
4) Drink young coconut water everyday - no ice, no sugar. Alhamdulillah, progressing good these past three weeks.
(Note: Young coconut water can replace your membrane)
5) Eat virgin coconut oil (VCO) capsule everyday.
(Note: VCO helps to ease the labour process.)
RM32 for 60 capsules at HPA.
6) Recite Surah At-Taubah, Surah Yusuf, Surah Luqman, Surah Maryam and Surah Yasin as much as I can. Tips from a friend that had a really easy birth ->; Recite Yasin everyday starting from the 9th month :)
Watch this youtube video ->; Man Natural Submission. Very inspiring!
7) Drink air selusuh. This can be done by hubby dearest and is best done on Air Zam-zam. Boleh beli kat PKNS Bangi for RM10 per bottle.
8) Drink air akar fatimah. (Got this from my uncle whom recently got back from Umrah).
9) Practice my breathing and relaxation technique.
10) Listen to HypnoBirthing CD everyday.
11) Minta maaf kat semua orang esp. student2 yang selalu kena marah. Hehehe..
12) Recite doa for an easy birth. Ehem.. ehem.. Dr. Sumayyy...
13) Rub organic olive oil to the whole body - at east twice a day after bath. (So far my skin stays the way it was before pregnancy, I personally think olive oil is waaayyy better than Bio Oil or Cocoa Butter. I tried them both, btw. Kalau nak cantik, haruslah istiqamah dan berdisiplin. Hee..).
Gambatte ne!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Hypnobirthing - Our birth plan.
Last Sunday, Love and I managed to prepare our birth plan!! Alhamdulillah.
Now to find the right doctor to acommodate all these. Insya Allah. Ameen. Doakan we get the best doctor, midwife and nurses.
Sharing our birth plan as a reference..
During 1st Stage Labor
ENVIRONMENT
• Quiet room, dimmed lights
• Drawn drapes/closed door at all times
• Allow to take photos and videos of birth
HOSPITAL ADMISSION
• Return home if less than 4 centimeters dilated and other factors do not warrant admission
• Decline routine IV prep upon admission.
• Decline discussion on pain tolerance & levels
MOBILITY
• Change positions for comfort & progress in labor
• Freedom to walk & move
• Fluids & light food if labor is prolonged
FETAL MONITORING
• No continuous EFM unless medically necessary
PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS
• No suggestion of anesthetic/analgesics unless requested
INDUCTION/AUGMENTATION
• Natural oxytocin stimulation – nipple/clitoral stimulation – and to be accorded with uninterrupted privacy to do so
• No Pitocin/amniotomy without discussion
• To be fully apprised & consulted before introduction of any medical procedure
VAGINAL EXAMINATION
• Minimal – with permission – to avoid premature release of membranes
During 2nd Stage Labor
PUSHING TECHNIQUES
• Allow natural birthing instincts with HypnoBirthing breathing down until crowning takes place.
• Gentle encouragement during final pushing stage without loud “pushing” prompts
• Assume a birthing position of choice that will least likely require an episiotomy.
PERINEUM
• Episiotomy only if necessary and only after consultation.
• Local anesthesia for repair of tears/episiotomy.
BIRTH
• Use of suction device rather than forceps if medically necessary
• Father will announce sex of baby to mother.
• Wait until cord stops pulsating. Father will cut the cord.
• Immediate skin-to-skin contact, with baby on mother’s stomach. No wrapping of baby.
PLACENTA DELIVERY
• Spontaneous or encouraged with breast stimulation and nursing baby
• No cord traction, Pitocin or manual removal of placenta unless there is evidence of excessive postpartum bleeding (45 minutes allowance of natural placenta delivery)
FOR BABY
• Bright lights temporarily removed during birth & until baby is moved to mother’s chest
• Allow vernix to be absorbed into baby’s skin; delay cleaning/rubbing
• Baby to remain with mother & father for the 1st hour after birth.
• Breastfeeding only. No bottle, formula, pacifier.
• Delay use of Erythromycin or other salve for baby’s eyes to allow optimal sight for bonding.
• Father will stay with mother and baby throughout the hospital stay.
Now to find the right doctor to acommodate all these. Insya Allah. Ameen. Doakan we get the best doctor, midwife and nurses.
Sharing our birth plan as a reference..
During 1st Stage Labor
ENVIRONMENT
• Quiet room, dimmed lights
• Drawn drapes/closed door at all times
• Allow to take photos and videos of birth
HOSPITAL ADMISSION
• Return home if less than 4 centimeters dilated and other factors do not warrant admission
• Decline routine IV prep upon admission.
• Decline discussion on pain tolerance & levels
MOBILITY
• Change positions for comfort & progress in labor
• Freedom to walk & move
• Fluids & light food if labor is prolonged
FETAL MONITORING
• No continuous EFM unless medically necessary
PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS
• No suggestion of anesthetic/analgesics unless requested
INDUCTION/AUGMENTATION
• Natural oxytocin stimulation – nipple/clitoral stimulation – and to be accorded with uninterrupted privacy to do so
• No Pitocin/amniotomy without discussion
• To be fully apprised & consulted before introduction of any medical procedure
VAGINAL EXAMINATION
• Minimal – with permission – to avoid premature release of membranes
During 2nd Stage Labor
PUSHING TECHNIQUES
• Allow natural birthing instincts with HypnoBirthing breathing down until crowning takes place.
• Gentle encouragement during final pushing stage without loud “pushing” prompts
• Assume a birthing position of choice that will least likely require an episiotomy.
PERINEUM
• Episiotomy only if necessary and only after consultation.
• Local anesthesia for repair of tears/episiotomy.
BIRTH
• Use of suction device rather than forceps if medically necessary
• Father will announce sex of baby to mother.
• Wait until cord stops pulsating. Father will cut the cord.
• Immediate skin-to-skin contact, with baby on mother’s stomach. No wrapping of baby.
PLACENTA DELIVERY
• Spontaneous or encouraged with breast stimulation and nursing baby
• No cord traction, Pitocin or manual removal of placenta unless there is evidence of excessive postpartum bleeding (45 minutes allowance of natural placenta delivery)
FOR BABY
• Bright lights temporarily removed during birth & until baby is moved to mother’s chest
• Allow vernix to be absorbed into baby’s skin; delay cleaning/rubbing
• Baby to remain with mother & father for the 1st hour after birth.
• Breastfeeding only. No bottle, formula, pacifier.
• Delay use of Erythromycin or other salve for baby’s eyes to allow optimal sight for bonding.
• Father will stay with mother and baby throughout the hospital stay.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
My last class of hypnobirthing
I'm a hypnobirthing graduate!!!!!
Alhamdulillah. Completed all 5 classes. Two days ago, I asked my doctor to prepare a referral letter so that I can meet my specialist to discuss about hypnobirthing. At the same time, I had my 6th month checkup.
BABY STILL TAMAU TUNJUK DIA BOY OR GIRL!!!
But.. my baby's head already down there. Very nice position, Little Precious.. I'm proud of you!
My baby's position :)
All praise be to Allah SWT.
And I also have my hypnobirthing class to thank for. For teaching me the correct position as in below:
More info in spinningbabies.com.
Whatever position you're in, make sure your knee won't be higher than your hips and make sure you're not crossing your legs. Since baby's head should be down, when you block the path down there, you baby won't be comfortable and hence.. head will move somewhere else.
If your baby's position is not ok, try the posture above for more than 40 minutes a day, allow some time for your baby to correct back his/her position.
Once your baby is already engaged, squat for 40 minutes a day to lock his/her position.
The most optimum position for your baby is head down, face facing your butt and chin down so that she/he can give more pressure, thus easier to be birthed.
Some preparation that you can do to tone your body for birth:
1) Walking
2) Maintain a good posture
3) Pelvic rock (similar to 'Angry Cat' position in yoga)
4) Toning innner thigh and leg mucsles
5) Squatting
6) Pelvic floor exercises
7) Perineal massage
Also during labor, what we have learned in hypnobirthing is that you need the correct birthing position for your baby. Don't just lie down the bed, sometimes when you have sharp pain (pressure ok, pain is not a good sign), that means your baby is not in a good position. You have to move around to ensure that he/she is comfortable.
More on birthing position in "Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method" book.
Three days ago, I had a sharp pain above my tummy, just below my left breast for the whole day. By evening, I lost it. I tried all positions suggested by my pratitioner, not working. The sharp pain was still there, and minor Braxton-Hicks surge come and go.
Called Love, and he gave me one last resort that might be useful during labor if pain is still there.
After Asar prayer, I talked to my baby and told him/her that the position he/she was staying right now hurt me a lot. And if she/he mind to move a little. And just like that, the pain was gone.
Brilliant, Little Precious!
Now, goodbye and all the best to my hypnobirthing friends!
Love and I are hypnobirthing graduates. From a wife who was blur the time my doctor mentioned about estrogen and progesteron to someone who can talk about endorphin and oxytocin. From a husband who could not stand blood (what more to be there for me during labor) to a husband who is now confident to go through homebirthing. (I'm proud of you, Sayang!)
And for all this, Alhamdulillah.
May we have the natural birth that we seek for. Whatever best for us.
When YOU guide us to it, I know YOU'll guide us through it. Insya Allah.
Alhamdulillah. Completed all 5 classes. Two days ago, I asked my doctor to prepare a referral letter so that I can meet my specialist to discuss about hypnobirthing. At the same time, I had my 6th month checkup.
BABY STILL TAMAU TUNJUK DIA BOY OR GIRL!!!
But.. my baby's head already down there. Very nice position, Little Precious.. I'm proud of you!
My baby's position :)
All praise be to Allah SWT.
And I also have my hypnobirthing class to thank for. For teaching me the correct position as in below:
More info in spinningbabies.com.
Whatever position you're in, make sure your knee won't be higher than your hips and make sure you're not crossing your legs. Since baby's head should be down, when you block the path down there, you baby won't be comfortable and hence.. head will move somewhere else.
If your baby's position is not ok, try the posture above for more than 40 minutes a day, allow some time for your baby to correct back his/her position.
Once your baby is already engaged, squat for 40 minutes a day to lock his/her position.
The most optimum position for your baby is head down, face facing your butt and chin down so that she/he can give more pressure, thus easier to be birthed.
Some preparation that you can do to tone your body for birth:
1) Walking
2) Maintain a good posture
3) Pelvic rock (similar to 'Angry Cat' position in yoga)
4) Toning innner thigh and leg mucsles
5) Squatting
6) Pelvic floor exercises
7) Perineal massage
Also during labor, what we have learned in hypnobirthing is that you need the correct birthing position for your baby. Don't just lie down the bed, sometimes when you have sharp pain (pressure ok, pain is not a good sign), that means your baby is not in a good position. You have to move around to ensure that he/she is comfortable.
More on birthing position in "Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method" book.
Three days ago, I had a sharp pain above my tummy, just below my left breast for the whole day. By evening, I lost it. I tried all positions suggested by my pratitioner, not working. The sharp pain was still there, and minor Braxton-Hicks surge come and go.
Called Love, and he gave me one last resort that might be useful during labor if pain is still there.
After Asar prayer, I talked to my baby and told him/her that the position he/she was staying right now hurt me a lot. And if she/he mind to move a little. And just like that, the pain was gone.
Brilliant, Little Precious!
Now, goodbye and all the best to my hypnobirthing friends!
Love and I are hypnobirthing graduates. From a wife who was blur the time my doctor mentioned about estrogen and progesteron to someone who can talk about endorphin and oxytocin. From a husband who could not stand blood (what more to be there for me during labor) to a husband who is now confident to go through homebirthing. (I'm proud of you, Sayang!)
And for all this, Alhamdulillah.
May we have the natural birth that we seek for. Whatever best for us.
When YOU guide us to it, I know YOU'll guide us through it. Insya Allah.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Hypnobirthing Class 4
So, in hypnobirthing class 4, we've learned about hormones and massages.
Here, I share with you about the 2 most important hormones (hormone lain, belajar dengan Sifu Wai Han, ok?)
First is, Oxytocin. Or, we called it as the hormone of love. As the name suggests, those who are in love produce a lot of this hormone in their body. It's in your body when you're in love, when you make love, when you breastfeeding, etc. And the best thing about Oxytocin is.. (*Warning: I'm going to talk about some explicit content, 18sx here).. that when you have enough amount of Oxytocin in your body, it will expel something from your body.
Eg: When you make love, with sufficient amount of Oxytocin, you'll expel some discharge from your body. Men releases the semen, and women releases some discharge that I don't really know the name of, hehe.. Sorry! But, you get my point ryte? (Orang dah kahwin je boleh cakap yes).
When you're breastfeeding, you feel so much love for your baby, you will produce milk. Again, because of Oxytocin.
When you're in labor, your body produces Oxytocin also and what it will expel from your body is your sweet precious baby. So, you need sufficient amount of Oxytocin in your body the moment you're in labor.
How to get sufficient Oxytocin is sooo easy.
Make. A. Lot. Of. Love.
And please, don't waste the semen guys. It's good for both your wife and baby! ;p
The second hormone is Endorphin. We also call this as "Natural pain and stress fighters". It's your body's natural painkiller. It happens when you're excited and focused about something, and again when you make love or breastfeed.
Remember our cyclist, Azizulhasni Awang at the Trackcycling World Cup when a 10 inch wooden splinter stuck all the way through his leg after a crash and he kept on cycling to the end until he won a Bronze medal for that race?
What makes him that strong to ignore the pain in his leg? Endorphin!
His determination and focus to keep going to the end make his body produces sufficient Endorphin and that is what we need during labour. That can be achieved by practicing all the relaxation or hypnotizing techniques learned throughout the hypnobirthing class.
Of course, we also have synthetic Oxytocin and syntethic Endorphin during labor. The syntethic Oxytoxin is what we called as Pitocin.
Doctor uses this to induce you during labor. Pitocin does enhance surge, but that surge won't ensure dilation. There is no love in that fake hormone, how can it expel something from your body ryte?
The syntethic Endorphin can be found in all the pain reliefs available during labor. Epidural, anaesthetic, etc. And the downside of each pain reliefs, you can just read on the webs.
Even major problem is, when you inject syntethic Oxytocin or Endorphin into your body, you might inject more dosage than what your body needs. Of course, the doctor can't tell you for sure how much your body needs Oxytocin/Endorphin.
So, if you have excessive Oxytocin, you're gonna have less Endorphin. If you have excessive Endorphin, you're gonna have less Oxytocin. Meaning, if you induced, it hurts more. If you used epidural, you might have no dilation.
On the massages, there are two type of massages; deep massages and light touch massages.
Deep massages - done during surge; put pressure as in the picture..
Light touch massages - done in between surge; as in the video.. Touch very lightly, circle the arms and ears, massage the head..
Here, I share with you about the 2 most important hormones (hormone lain, belajar dengan Sifu Wai Han, ok?)
First is, Oxytocin. Or, we called it as the hormone of love. As the name suggests, those who are in love produce a lot of this hormone in their body. It's in your body when you're in love, when you make love, when you breastfeeding, etc. And the best thing about Oxytocin is.. (*Warning: I'm going to talk about some explicit content, 18sx here).. that when you have enough amount of Oxytocin in your body, it will expel something from your body.
Eg: When you make love, with sufficient amount of Oxytocin, you'll expel some discharge from your body. Men releases the semen, and women releases some discharge that I don't really know the name of, hehe.. Sorry! But, you get my point ryte? (Orang dah kahwin je boleh cakap yes).
When you're breastfeeding, you feel so much love for your baby, you will produce milk. Again, because of Oxytocin.
When you're in labor, your body produces Oxytocin also and what it will expel from your body is your sweet precious baby. So, you need sufficient amount of Oxytocin in your body the moment you're in labor.
How to get sufficient Oxytocin is sooo easy.
Make. A. Lot. Of. Love.
And please, don't waste the semen guys. It's good for both your wife and baby! ;p
The second hormone is Endorphin. We also call this as "Natural pain and stress fighters". It's your body's natural painkiller. It happens when you're excited and focused about something, and again when you make love or breastfeed.
Remember our cyclist, Azizulhasni Awang at the Trackcycling World Cup when a 10 inch wooden splinter stuck all the way through his leg after a crash and he kept on cycling to the end until he won a Bronze medal for that race?
What makes him that strong to ignore the pain in his leg? Endorphin!
His determination and focus to keep going to the end make his body produces sufficient Endorphin and that is what we need during labour. That can be achieved by practicing all the relaxation or hypnotizing techniques learned throughout the hypnobirthing class.
Of course, we also have synthetic Oxytocin and syntethic Endorphin during labor. The syntethic Oxytoxin is what we called as Pitocin.
Doctor uses this to induce you during labor. Pitocin does enhance surge, but that surge won't ensure dilation. There is no love in that fake hormone, how can it expel something from your body ryte?
The syntethic Endorphin can be found in all the pain reliefs available during labor. Epidural, anaesthetic, etc. And the downside of each pain reliefs, you can just read on the webs.
Even major problem is, when you inject syntethic Oxytocin or Endorphin into your body, you might inject more dosage than what your body needs. Of course, the doctor can't tell you for sure how much your body needs Oxytocin/Endorphin.
So, if you have excessive Oxytocin, you're gonna have less Endorphin. If you have excessive Endorphin, you're gonna have less Oxytocin. Meaning, if you induced, it hurts more. If you used epidural, you might have no dilation.
On the massages, there are two type of massages; deep massages and light touch massages.
Deep massages - done during surge; put pressure as in the picture..
Light touch massages - done in between surge; as in the video.. Touch very lightly, circle the arms and ears, massage the head..
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Hypnobirthing Class 3
In hypnobirthing class 3, basically we were enlightened with the hospital’s procedure upon our admission to birth our baby. Previously, I was so scared to know, but upon hearing all the details, I’ve learned that IGNORANCE IS SO NOT A BLISS! I want to be well educated before my delivery day so that Love and I will be the one making decision for the baby, not the doctor.
We discussed with our practitioner on the procedures and what we wish to avoid. We found the solutions as mentioned below.
Procedures once admitted:
-Change to their gown
-Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) – To monitor the baby’s heartbeat
-Disadvantage: You cannot move about to find the most comfortable position for your baby during surge. If you don’t move about, surge will become painful.
-Our solution: EFM only periodically.
-Vaginal Examination (VE) – To check your dilation
-Disadvantage: Infection from the nurse’s fingers and accidentally rupture the membrane.
-Our solution: I don’t want any VE because I don’t see the advantages of me knowing how much I have dilated!!-Enema - the procedure of introducing liquids into the rectum to evacuate the lower intestinal tract.
-As for now, I need to discuss with my doctor how to go about on this matter.
-Drip
Procedures before birthing:
-Induction
Why induction? Overdue.
What to worry about overdue? Every baby needs different time to be mature in the mommy’s tummy. Your little precious will definitely come out when he/she is ready.
You scared that your baby will be too big? Again, your baby will never be too big for your body to birth. Just have faith :)
You scared of placenta calcification (“aging” of the placenta) ? As long as baby is still moving even though you’re overdue, baby is still safe.
You scared of meconium (baby’s first stool inside your tummy )? Again feel the movement. Or check your membrane once it is released, make sure it is clear.
You scared that your amniotic fluid will run low/run high? The WHO standard for the thickness of your amniotic fluid is from 5 to 22 cm, but the doctor’s standards normally vary. So, if he/she said it is too thin/too thick, ask him/her how thick/thin it is. Whatever it is, your amniotic fluid varies all the time. So if it is running low, just drink a lot of water to make sure you are well hydrated. Best drink – young coconut (without ice or sugar).
You scared that your membrane is already released, but baby still do not want to come out yet? Again, just drink a lot of water to replace the water that is being discharged.
You scared of augmentation (Very slow progress of dilation)? You scared of being tired? Just rest. Labor slows down as you get tired. Don’t worry, your baby will take care of you if you take care of your baby. :)
-Pain relief
1) Epidural
2) Laughing gas (Enthonox)
3) Pethidine jab
You have variety of pain reliefs. Discuss with you practitioner beforehand on the advantages and the disadvantages of each options. Don’t just decide on the day itself, don’t just follow your doctor’s decision blindly. As for me, I pray so that I can have a natural birthing. But if in desperate cases, I think Laughing gas is the safest choice. Epidural is too risky for both mummy and baby.
Procedures during birth
- Caesarean
- Vacuum
- Forceps
Whatever other interventions, I pray I can have a normal birthing with the breathing techniques I've learned and mentioned in my previous post.
Procedures after birth
-Birth of your placenta; sometimes the doctor will pull out the placenta or jab you to enhance surges. But artificial surges do not ensure dilation. So just drink warm water after you deliver to help birth the placenta.
Procedures for babies
-Sigh.. I can’t bear to explain what some of them did to the newborn baby. I just want to be with my baby and Love for an hour after birth, no compromise.
To achieve all these, we have come out with our own “Letter of Agreement” to a doctor that can support all our demands.. Now, we’re in a hunt for a doctor that can understand and can be considerate with all these.
I have learned a lot from my hypnobirthing class. I strongly suggest expecting mommies and daddies to experience the class themselves. My explanations are definitely not enough to enlighten you guys.
Hypnobirthing rocks!
With those who believe in natural birthing :)
P/S: Please note that I am not a certified practitioner of hypnobirthing, I write based on my class and my experience. And if anyone with hypnobirthing experience feels as if some part of the article needs to be corrected, I truly appreciate any feedbacks. Thank you.
We discussed with our practitioner on the procedures and what we wish to avoid. We found the solutions as mentioned below.
Procedures once admitted:
-Change to their gown
-Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) – To monitor the baby’s heartbeat
-Disadvantage: You cannot move about to find the most comfortable position for your baby during surge. If you don’t move about, surge will become painful.
-Our solution: EFM only periodically.
-Vaginal Examination (VE) – To check your dilation
-Disadvantage: Infection from the nurse’s fingers and accidentally rupture the membrane.
-Our solution: I don’t want any VE because I don’t see the advantages of me knowing how much I have dilated!!-Enema - the procedure of introducing liquids into the rectum to evacuate the lower intestinal tract.
-As for now, I need to discuss with my doctor how to go about on this matter.
-Drip
Procedures before birthing:
-Induction
Why induction? Overdue.
What to worry about overdue? Every baby needs different time to be mature in the mommy’s tummy. Your little precious will definitely come out when he/she is ready.
You scared that your baby will be too big? Again, your baby will never be too big for your body to birth. Just have faith :)
You scared of placenta calcification (“aging” of the placenta) ? As long as baby is still moving even though you’re overdue, baby is still safe.
You scared of meconium (baby’s first stool inside your tummy )? Again feel the movement. Or check your membrane once it is released, make sure it is clear.
You scared that your amniotic fluid will run low/run high? The WHO standard for the thickness of your amniotic fluid is from 5 to 22 cm, but the doctor’s standards normally vary. So, if he/she said it is too thin/too thick, ask him/her how thick/thin it is. Whatever it is, your amniotic fluid varies all the time. So if it is running low, just drink a lot of water to make sure you are well hydrated. Best drink – young coconut (without ice or sugar).
You scared that your membrane is already released, but baby still do not want to come out yet? Again, just drink a lot of water to replace the water that is being discharged.
You scared of augmentation (Very slow progress of dilation)? You scared of being tired? Just rest. Labor slows down as you get tired. Don’t worry, your baby will take care of you if you take care of your baby. :)
-Pain relief
1) Epidural
2) Laughing gas (Enthonox)
3) Pethidine jab
You have variety of pain reliefs. Discuss with you practitioner beforehand on the advantages and the disadvantages of each options. Don’t just decide on the day itself, don’t just follow your doctor’s decision blindly. As for me, I pray so that I can have a natural birthing. But if in desperate cases, I think Laughing gas is the safest choice. Epidural is too risky for both mummy and baby.
Procedures during birth
- Caesarean
- Vacuum
- Forceps
Whatever other interventions, I pray I can have a normal birthing with the breathing techniques I've learned and mentioned in my previous post.
Procedures after birth
-Birth of your placenta; sometimes the doctor will pull out the placenta or jab you to enhance surges. But artificial surges do not ensure dilation. So just drink warm water after you deliver to help birth the placenta.
Procedures for babies
-Sigh.. I can’t bear to explain what some of them did to the newborn baby. I just want to be with my baby and Love for an hour after birth, no compromise.
To achieve all these, we have come out with our own “Letter of Agreement” to a doctor that can support all our demands.. Now, we’re in a hunt for a doctor that can understand and can be considerate with all these.
I have learned a lot from my hypnobirthing class. I strongly suggest expecting mommies and daddies to experience the class themselves. My explanations are definitely not enough to enlighten you guys.
Hypnobirthing rocks!
With those who believe in natural birthing :)
P/S: Please note that I am not a certified practitioner of hypnobirthing, I write based on my class and my experience. And if anyone with hypnobirthing experience feels as if some part of the article needs to be corrected, I truly appreciate any feedbacks. Thank you.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Hypnobirthing Class 2 - Breathing and Relaxation technique
What is surge?
Surge (or some might call it contraction) is the tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles during labor. Good news is that, it enchances the effacement and dilation of the cervix and contributing to the descent of the baby.
So, since surge is very important, we want to make sure we have the correct breathing technique in order to help us dilate more, and hence baby will be birthed faster.
In hypnobirthing class, we've learned three basic techniques of breathing.
1) Calm breathing.
It's basically the breathing you have when you are asleep. You use this in between surge. Breathe in at a count of 4 and breathe out at a count of 8 very calmly as if you're asleep.
2) Surge breathing.
Breathe in at a count of 20 and breathe out at a count of 20 very slowly, when you breathe, feel the air inside your tummy like when you are inflating a balloon. You use this during surge. I tried this during one of my Braxton Hicks surge, it helps :)
3) Birth breathing.
The most important breathing. You use this to breathe out your baby. Breathe in to your throat and without holding your breath, let it go down to your tummy and vagina, like a J shape. Best time to practice? Each time you have a bowel movement. Don't push your stool, breath it out, might take longer time to let it out than usual, but it wil come out eventually, more gently. It took me 3 toilets visit before I am satisfied with my birth breathing :)
Why breathe out your baby, why don't just push it out like the doctor asked you to?
1) Because we want to avoid any tear.
2) To save energy.
3) And pushing does not help you dilate more.
Other than the breathing techniques to help you with the surge, there are also relaxation techniques to help you ease the pain.
Basically, hypnobirthing taught you some deep relaxation techniques, where you'll be hypnotized so that you don't feel the pain during surge.
I guess on the relaxation techniques, it's better for you to read from the Hypnobirthing book itself, or better still.. learn from the practitioner so that she can check on your breathing and relaxation technique.
But, my advice is.. if you want to be hypnotized, you must allow yourselves to be hypnotized first. The rest can come easily. You are in charge of your own body. So far, I've managed to numb half of my body, I've managed to paralyze my leg, Insya Allah.. I'm confident for the labor.
Whatever it is, like any other things you've learned.. in order to be succesful you need a lot of practice. And that's just what I'm gonna do until the day I deliver Little Precious.
And in order for you to always remember what you've learned, I always believe in sharing. And hence, that is what I just did.
Doakan, the birth of my baby will be as natural as possible. Insya Allah. Ameen.
P/S: Please note that I am not a certified practitioner of hypnobirthing, I write based on my class and my experience. And if anyone with hypnobirthing experience feels as if some part of the article needs to be corrected, I truly appreciate any feedbacks. Thank you.
Surge (or some might call it contraction) is the tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles during labor. Good news is that, it enchances the effacement and dilation of the cervix and contributing to the descent of the baby.
So, since surge is very important, we want to make sure we have the correct breathing technique in order to help us dilate more, and hence baby will be birthed faster.
In hypnobirthing class, we've learned three basic techniques of breathing.
1) Calm breathing.
It's basically the breathing you have when you are asleep. You use this in between surge. Breathe in at a count of 4 and breathe out at a count of 8 very calmly as if you're asleep.
2) Surge breathing.
Breathe in at a count of 20 and breathe out at a count of 20 very slowly, when you breathe, feel the air inside your tummy like when you are inflating a balloon. You use this during surge. I tried this during one of my Braxton Hicks surge, it helps :)
3) Birth breathing.
The most important breathing. You use this to breathe out your baby. Breathe in to your throat and without holding your breath, let it go down to your tummy and vagina, like a J shape. Best time to practice? Each time you have a bowel movement. Don't push your stool, breath it out, might take longer time to let it out than usual, but it wil come out eventually, more gently. It took me 3 toilets visit before I am satisfied with my birth breathing :)
Why breathe out your baby, why don't just push it out like the doctor asked you to?
1) Because we want to avoid any tear.
2) To save energy.
3) And pushing does not help you dilate more.
Other than the breathing techniques to help you with the surge, there are also relaxation techniques to help you ease the pain.
Basically, hypnobirthing taught you some deep relaxation techniques, where you'll be hypnotized so that you don't feel the pain during surge.
I guess on the relaxation techniques, it's better for you to read from the Hypnobirthing book itself, or better still.. learn from the practitioner so that she can check on your breathing and relaxation technique.
But, my advice is.. if you want to be hypnotized, you must allow yourselves to be hypnotized first. The rest can come easily. You are in charge of your own body. So far, I've managed to numb half of my body, I've managed to paralyze my leg, Insya Allah.. I'm confident for the labor.
Whatever it is, like any other things you've learned.. in order to be succesful you need a lot of practice. And that's just what I'm gonna do until the day I deliver Little Precious.
And in order for you to always remember what you've learned, I always believe in sharing. And hence, that is what I just did.
Doakan, the birth of my baby will be as natural as possible. Insya Allah. Ameen.
P/S: Please note that I am not a certified practitioner of hypnobirthing, I write based on my class and my experience. And if anyone with hypnobirthing experience feels as if some part of the article needs to be corrected, I truly appreciate any feedbacks. Thank you.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Hypnobirthing Class 2 - Falling in love with your baby :)
I was not so keen of changes.
As for now, Alhamdulillah, I have everything that I wanted in life. A very supportive family, a husband whom I deeply in love with (and who love me that deeply in return), a good career, some amazing friends – just complete.
As evil as it sounded, I had this little fear that everything would not be the same once I birthed my Little Precious (LP).
I was not proud of the fact that both Love and I had very minimal conversation with LP.
At times, I wonder if LP could really understand or could even actually listen to me. Even worse, I did not even know what to tell LP since I could not see him/her physically just as yet. It felt like talking to yourself, it felt funny.
And I did not believe in love at first sight.
I had this doubt of whether I can love LP that much the moment I first met him/her. But, I swear my second class of hypnobirthing got me fell in love with LP in ways that I could not ever imagine I would.
There’s a story told by my practitioner where a man was hypnotized and he was back in the moment when he was inside his mother’s womb and this guy felt a moment of ecstasy since the mother was bragging about him.
And there’s a story of a 6 years old girl who was playing with her toy and replicating the exact same moment happened when she was being delivered; the position of her parents, the stuff inside the labour room, even the colour and position of the mom’s slipper.
For more information about it you can read this book --> “Babies remember birth”
Then, it hit me.. If I was to provide the most positive environment to my baby, it has to start from the womb. And the first time LP sees the world, I must provide him/her with the most joyful time so that LP’s first perspective of the world will always be all rainbows and butterflies.
You always remember the first time when you experienced things, right? It’s always there somewhere very deep inside our complicated mind.
I remember my first visit to Italiannies, when Love brought me to a very romantic date and everything was perfect. And everytime I visit Italiannies, that wonderful feeling just lingers. I know my baby will feel the same thing too, the first time he/she sees this world, sees me and Love.
I pray very hard so that I would be able to smile at my very last push in labor, ever so happy to receive my baby and Love would choose his very best Baju Melayu for the delivery. I want an hour of bonding time before the nurse take my baby to nursery. I want to hold my baby, look at him/her and talk to him/her with joy and love.
Last night, we whispered to the baby to give us a sign, “If you’re a boy kick once. If you’re a girl, kick twice."
LP kicked me non-stop each time we asked the questions. He/she listened eventually. I have never loved him/her that much at that moment.
And I’m so thankful that Allah SWT opens my heart to join this class, who knows how badly I needed it after all. :)
P/S: Little Precious, it really doesn't matter whether you're a boy or girl, just give us a sign whenever you're ready. :)
As for now, Alhamdulillah, I have everything that I wanted in life. A very supportive family, a husband whom I deeply in love with (and who love me that deeply in return), a good career, some amazing friends – just complete.
As evil as it sounded, I had this little fear that everything would not be the same once I birthed my Little Precious (LP).
I was not proud of the fact that both Love and I had very minimal conversation with LP.
At times, I wonder if LP could really understand or could even actually listen to me. Even worse, I did not even know what to tell LP since I could not see him/her physically just as yet. It felt like talking to yourself, it felt funny.
And I did not believe in love at first sight.
I had this doubt of whether I can love LP that much the moment I first met him/her. But, I swear my second class of hypnobirthing got me fell in love with LP in ways that I could not ever imagine I would.
There’s a story told by my practitioner where a man was hypnotized and he was back in the moment when he was inside his mother’s womb and this guy felt a moment of ecstasy since the mother was bragging about him.
And there’s a story of a 6 years old girl who was playing with her toy and replicating the exact same moment happened when she was being delivered; the position of her parents, the stuff inside the labour room, even the colour and position of the mom’s slipper.
For more information about it you can read this book --> “Babies remember birth”
Then, it hit me.. If I was to provide the most positive environment to my baby, it has to start from the womb. And the first time LP sees the world, I must provide him/her with the most joyful time so that LP’s first perspective of the world will always be all rainbows and butterflies.
You always remember the first time when you experienced things, right? It’s always there somewhere very deep inside our complicated mind.
I remember my first visit to Italiannies, when Love brought me to a very romantic date and everything was perfect. And everytime I visit Italiannies, that wonderful feeling just lingers. I know my baby will feel the same thing too, the first time he/she sees this world, sees me and Love.
I pray very hard so that I would be able to smile at my very last push in labor, ever so happy to receive my baby and Love would choose his very best Baju Melayu for the delivery. I want an hour of bonding time before the nurse take my baby to nursery. I want to hold my baby, look at him/her and talk to him/her with joy and love.
Last night, we whispered to the baby to give us a sign, “If you’re a boy kick once. If you’re a girl, kick twice."
LP kicked me non-stop each time we asked the questions. He/she listened eventually. I have never loved him/her that much at that moment.
And I’m so thankful that Allah SWT opens my heart to join this class, who knows how badly I needed it after all. :)
P/S: Little Precious, it really doesn't matter whether you're a boy or girl, just give us a sign whenever you're ready. :)
Monday, June 20, 2011
My first hypnobirthing class
Yesterday marked the 5th month of my pregnancy. Alhamdulillah.. Being pregnant has never been better :)
My baby's movement became wilder. I have never been healthier. And after several visits to Dermalogica, I'm about to achieve back my skin condition before I got pregnant. I guess the hormone finally became stable. All praise be to Allah SWT.
Anyway, about July last year, Dr. Sumay introduced me to the concept of hypnobirthing. Hypnobirthing came from the term "hypnosis birthing" where you hypnotize yourself when you give birth to eliminate fear, anxiety and tension.
After reading Kdy's entry on Muhammad's delivery via hypnobirthing and further convinced by stories I read in Parenthood, I decided to sign up in a hypnobirthing class in Shah Alam as early as I was in my 2 months pregnancy.
I seeked for Love's opinion and to my relief, his answer was, "Anything that you want Sayang, anything i can help to make you comfortabe during labor." I am up until this day so glad that he did not at all care about the fees (RM780 for 5 classes) and the commitment of attending 5 classes on 5 Saturdays in a row in Shah Alam. TQ, Sayang! I appreciate.
Last Saturday we had our very first class. It did not look anything like a classroom at all to me. Just a comfortable room, with a few settees and a lot of cushions with 3 other couples who were just as eager as us and the practitioner that we called as Wai Han - a very very nice lady!
I have a lot to share about my first hypnobirthing class, but I guess I leave it all so that you can experience the magic from the practitioner herself.
But before the hypnobirthing class,
- I was so scared of delivering the baby that i did not even want to think about it just as yet.
- I was so scared ofcontraction surge, that i was thinking of using epidural.
- I was so scared that i couldn't love my baby as much as I supposed to.
- Love was scared to be with me inside the labor roome (He could not stand blood)
- I was so scared that my baby got so big because of Love's gene. (He was born 4 kgs)
And got scared of so many other negative thoughts by listening to all the horror stories.
But at the end of the class, Wai Han eliminated all the fears one by one.
Now, I seriously look forward to meet my Little Precious. I know that the surge will bring me closer to my baby and Love gained confidence in helping me birth the baby naturally, no drugs, no stitches, no tears. He finally watched the videos of women gave birth to their baby via hypnobirthing, all that blood doesn't scare him anymore!
What more important is, I have never feel more connected to my baby than before. :) I talked to Little Precious everyday, I enjoyed the movements and I ate healthily for the sake of this Little Precious.
Every decision Love and I make now involves this Little Precious. We made decision as a family.
I will talk more about my hypnobirthing stories, all I can say is that your baby can never be too big for you, or staying too long inside your tummy, that is all the doctor's fear. When Allah SWT guides you to it, He'll guide you through it. Just have faith :)
To end my post, here is my fav hypnobirthing quotation, "A pregnant woman is like a beautiful flowering tree, but take care when it comes time for the harvest that you do not shake or bruise the tree, for in doing so, you may harm both the tree and its fruit."
My baby's movement became wilder. I have never been healthier. And after several visits to Dermalogica, I'm about to achieve back my skin condition before I got pregnant. I guess the hormone finally became stable. All praise be to Allah SWT.
Anyway, about July last year, Dr. Sumay introduced me to the concept of hypnobirthing. Hypnobirthing came from the term "hypnosis birthing" where you hypnotize yourself when you give birth to eliminate fear, anxiety and tension.
After reading Kdy's entry on Muhammad's delivery via hypnobirthing and further convinced by stories I read in Parenthood, I decided to sign up in a hypnobirthing class in Shah Alam as early as I was in my 2 months pregnancy.
I seeked for Love's opinion and to my relief, his answer was, "Anything that you want Sayang, anything i can help to make you comfortabe during labor." I am up until this day so glad that he did not at all care about the fees (RM780 for 5 classes) and the commitment of attending 5 classes on 5 Saturdays in a row in Shah Alam. TQ, Sayang! I appreciate.
Last Saturday we had our very first class. It did not look anything like a classroom at all to me. Just a comfortable room, with a few settees and a lot of cushions with 3 other couples who were just as eager as us and the practitioner that we called as Wai Han - a very very nice lady!
I have a lot to share about my first hypnobirthing class, but I guess I leave it all so that you can experience the magic from the practitioner herself.
But before the hypnobirthing class,
- I was so scared of delivering the baby that i did not even want to think about it just as yet.
- I was so scared of
- I was so scared that i couldn't love my baby as much as I supposed to.
- Love was scared to be with me inside the labor roome (He could not stand blood)
- I was so scared that my baby got so big because of Love's gene. (He was born 4 kgs)
And got scared of so many other negative thoughts by listening to all the horror stories.
But at the end of the class, Wai Han eliminated all the fears one by one.
Now, I seriously look forward to meet my Little Precious. I know that the surge will bring me closer to my baby and Love gained confidence in helping me birth the baby naturally, no drugs, no stitches, no tears. He finally watched the videos of women gave birth to their baby via hypnobirthing, all that blood doesn't scare him anymore!
What more important is, I have never feel more connected to my baby than before. :) I talked to Little Precious everyday, I enjoyed the movements and I ate healthily for the sake of this Little Precious.
Every decision Love and I make now involves this Little Precious. We made decision as a family.
I will talk more about my hypnobirthing stories, all I can say is that your baby can never be too big for you, or staying too long inside your tummy, that is all the doctor's fear. When Allah SWT guides you to it, He'll guide you through it. Just have faith :)
To end my post, here is my fav hypnobirthing quotation, "A pregnant woman is like a beautiful flowering tree, but take care when it comes time for the harvest that you do not shake or bruise the tree, for in doing so, you may harm both the tree and its fruit."
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)