 Sometimes we act like this topic is taboo and may not want to discuss it… but sex during pregnancy can be FUN! We all know about the birds and bees here, right?
The question on most peoples mind is whether it is safe to have sex during your pregnancy. If you are having a normal pregnancy, then you should be able to have safe sex during the pregnancy. The only time you are not allowed to have sex, is when your physician or midwife insists that you should not. This may be if you have complications that make the sex a no-no. The rest is really based on if you feel like it or not. You may be wondering how it can possibly be safe to have sex while the baby is still in utereo. Well, the way the body works during pregnancy is that the cervix will create a very strong mucous plug that protects the baby from most harmful bacteria. During intercourse the penis will only go as far as the vagina, so no worries about “poking the baby”! On that note, ask your partner to keep things safe just in case; this means using condoms if you aren't monogamous, and avoiding extreme sex toys. Just in case you are wondering if having an orgasm will cause you to go into labor, then we can assure you it usually will not. If you are having a low risk pregnancy, then you do not have to worry about the contractions forcing labor to start. They are often mild and cannot harm the baby. In fact, orgasms are a great tool to tone the uterus in preparation for labor! For many women, sex during pregnancy does not feel the same as sex when you are not pregnant. Some may have heightened arousal or drive during their pregnancy, while others detest it. The science behind this is that during the pregnancy, more blood is flowing to the cervix, vagina, vulva and clitoris. This means that you will feel a heightened sensation that will result in the pleasure you feel during intercourse. There is also extra lubrication produced naturally during pregnancy and may add to the pleasure felt. For others who will not like sex during this time, then it is most likely a sign of the same things happening but with a different reaction. Some women feel that the engorged walls of the vagina make them feel full and therefore uncomfortable. The breasts become extra tender and sensitive especially in the first trimester. For some, this brings feelings of pleasure while others are over sensitized. When it comes to sexual positions to use during pregnancy then you will need to come up with a plan with your partner. Some of the styles like missionary can be difficult late in the pregnancy. Have fun experimenting with the positions that will enable you to enjoy the pleasure of having a romantic evening with your partner without harming the baby. - Birth With Bethany provides natural childbirth classes, professional placenta encapsulation and certified car seat checks to Denton, Grapevine, Fort Worth and Dallas area families.
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 All moms look forward to the birth of their children. Throughout the pregnancy, they worry about whether they will have a heathy baby. How big will their baby be and who will they look like? These are just some of the questions that run through their mind. It is not hard to think of such things as they bring joy to us.
Most women will tell you they dread the pain that comes with giving birth to their child. This is where the Bradley Method® comes in. It is an all natural method that is carried out in small group training classes. This method encourages mothers to ask questions, advocate for themselves, and give birth without the use of medication or outside interference when possible. The Bradley Method ensures that new mothers-to-be are trained well in relaxation exercises that will help reduce anxiety and pain during birth. It is more about being in tune with your body and seeing pain as part of the process, rather than distract yourself from it. This method is based on the foundation that birth is a natural process that needs to be embraced and not suppressed. During the training that is intense and involves having a partner with you, women are taught how to use exercise, a good diet, relaxation, and emotional support, in order to have a healthy, low-risk pregnancy and give birth without an epidural or other common pain management drugs. Students also learn that sometimes birth doesn’t go according to our plan, and are given many options to learn how to make the best decisions for their birth. The birthing partner, who is more than just emotional support, is taught how to help coach their pregnant wife/partner all through the delivery and labor periods. The two will learn about the different phases of labor, variations, breastfeeding, common interventions, relaxation techniques, and how to create their birth preference list. The Bradley Method® is one of the most popular methods in DFW and has a very high success rate. This means that you can look forward to having a beautiful, EMPOWERED birth ONLY if you apply the teachings. Other people, such as your doula, can help you undertake this process and training along with your husband. You don't have to just choose your husband as a birthing coach since you can also use a doula to help provide you and your husband with physical, emotional and informational support during pregnancy and labor. You are asked to follow the Brewer diet plan which consists of foods that will help give the right nutrients to you and the growing baby, in order to help reduce the chances of pre-eclampsia, swelling, fatigue and a lengthy labor. The exercises involved may incorporate your partner to ensure that they are just as involved in the process from the beginning. The key to this method is relaxation, which takes practice! And who couldn’t use some nice R & R right about now? To learn more about Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes for Denton, Grapevine, Fort Worth and Dallas area families, please visit http://www.birthwithbethany.com/class-schedule.html Many people worry about how they will have to carry on after they have their baby. Is it safe to have sex after the baby? When can I have sex after the baby? These are some of the questions that are itching in a new mom (and dads, let's be real here!). It is generally best to wait until at least 6 weeks after giving birth, and with your care provider’s clearance.
Immediately after birth, you may notice that there will still be bleeding and you will feel swollen in the labia and vagina regions. Even if you had a cesarean birth, you will probably still need several weeks of pelvic rest. Take your time and do not rush into intercourse. Even after the 6 weeks are up, the body is still readjusting. You can also decide to have sex and feel mentally ready, but you may be afraid of the pain. In this case, you may need to talk to your partner and take it slow. Start with oral sex or other alternatives to make sure you are comfortable. Explain to your partner that you may not be ready to go all the way or a little cuddling does not have to end up in full coitus. You can also try and enjoy your partner through mutual masturbation to make sure you both feel still loved. Many women need to get their mood just right before going on with the act of making love. Make sure your partner understands that. Keep the lines of communication open to make sure there is no withdrawal. Some people suffer from post-partum depression and can also have the baby blues. Attend one of the support groups with your partner to help them understand how to handle you when you get in that state. Make sure they know this is a phase and you still love them. You may have a low libido when going through these things. You will need to ensure you are getting the help needed so you can care for yourself and your family. Make sure to use a lubricant because vaginal dryness is one of the reasons post-partum sex can be uncomfortable. If you went through a C-section then having sex side by side is the best option to avoid putting any pressure on the wound. Most of all, take your time and enjoy each other! -Birth With Bethany provides natural childbirth classes, placenta encapsulation and certified car seat checks for Denton, Grapevine, Fort Worth, Dallas and Plano area families.  It is an exciting time as you await the arrival of your tiny bundle of joy, and cannot even begin to imagine all the wonderful experiences you will have together. However, some of these experiences may be a little less exciting, or quite uncomfortable to say the least. The most common pregnancy complaints are: cramps, headaches, heartburn, indigestion, swollen ankles/hands/feet, nausea, vomiting, back pain, acne, and constipation.
Prenatal appointments should be done regularly. For those with a straightforward pregnancy, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, recommends visiting their doctor or midwife:
Women with pre-existing medical conditions may require more attention, and are typically supported by an obstetrician. Conditions such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy, even in healthy women. The presence of the following symptoms would warrant an immediate visit to their midwife or doctor: fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, chills, persistent vomiting, fainting spells, unusual vaginal discharge, blurred vision. A visit should be made to the hospital if there is sudden decrease in fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, headaches or changes to vision, and contractions. What you can do to alleviate some of these uncomfortable symptoms: Cramps Many women experience sudden muscle cramps and spasms in their thighs, legs, and feet. Unfortunately, cramps can occur during sleep. Gentle movements during the day that stretch or exercise the legs, ankles, and feet can be useful. During a cramp, the affected area should be stretched. A simple exercise is rotating the foot in a circular motion 8 or 9 times. Acne Some women may develop acne even if it has never been a problem for them. As hormone levels change rapidly – mainly progesterone, acne is fairly common in the first trimester. Excess oil production triggered by the rapid changes in hormone levels, can generate flare-ups from whiteheads, blackheads, to inflamed red bumps. Acne can be treated using mild cleansers. It is important to be aware of which ingredients are in the products being used during pregnancy. Avoiding products containing salicylic acid is recommended. Drinking a lot of water is also helpful. If acne is severe, speak to a doctor regarding over-the-counter treatments. Headaches Headaches are common during the first trimester, due to the fluctuation of pressure in blood vessels, as a result of hormonal shifts. It is important to stay hydrated by consuming a lot of water. Rest and relaxation is important. To treat tension headaches, a cold compress can be placed against the base of the neck. A glass of water with a pinch of ginger powder, taken 3 to 4 times daily can help alleviate the pain from a migraine. Before looking into painkillers, your doctor or midwife should be consulted. Heartburn Heartburn can create an acidic or bitter taste in the mouth, and a burning sensation in the chest. Discomfort can become more severe later on in the pregnancy, as the baby compresses the digestive tract as it grows. It is important to pay attention to your eating habits. Try keeping track of which foods may exacerbate these symptoms. Eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding meals close to bedtime, eliminating spicy foods, or those high in acidity, would help reduce these symptoms. Living in Fort Worth, Dallas and Denton can bring its own set of pregnancy complaints due to the heat, sun, humidity and those Texas-sized mosquitos! Be sure to wear adequate sunscreen, drink plenty of water and wear bug spray! 
A baby is one of the most precious gifts – they are a blessing you receive, while gifting life to a precious little mini-me. That is just the beginning of gifts. Don’t forget about the baby registry. You finally get to live out your childhood fantasy, prancing around a store and picking out a wish list that will actually be fulfilled. Today, the baby registry takes convenience to a whole new level. From the comfort of your own home, you can easily browse and choose the gifts you wish to receive. Friends and family can shop for gifts with essentially the same ease, and comfort of mind knowing that you actually want what they are giving you. Creating a baby registry online with one of the world’s largest shopping websites, Amazon, is a great choice. Amazon allows you to add items from any department to your baby registry. The site offers virtually anything you could buy at a retail store for a much more affordable price, special offers and deals, and product reviews from past consumers.
This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase an item on this list, you're helping support my small business! The Top 5 Baby Registry Items On Amazon Are: Diapers
Diapers aren’t the most exciting gift, but they area necessity. Diapers are quite literally the only item that is always in use – up until potty-training runs smoothly. They are a practical item to add on the registry. For family and friends that may be on the lookout for a more affordable gift, diapers can be paired as an add-on to another part of a gift.
Diaper Genie
The diaper genie is basically an upgrade of the basic garbage can, equivalent to the smartphone version of the home phone. Dirty diapers are dropped into the self-closing contraption, sealing in the scariest odors that the cutest newborn could possibly produce. This is a great gift for any new parent, because no one likes a smelly home.
Thermometer
A thermometer is a great tool to have in the home. For new caregivers, it is handy to have a thermometer to check their baby’s temperature every now and then when they are feeling a little warm. This is a gift that can be used by any member of the household. Plus, a thermometer will always be useful – it is not one of those gifts that a baby can easily grow out of.
Bottle sterilizer
Newborns, and especially preemies, have yet to develop their immune system, hence it is crucial to protect them from the germs and bacteria that can easily cause infection. A bottle sterilizer can be used on baby bottles and other feeding utensils. It is recommended that a sterilizer be used up until the age of one. The sterilization process kills harmful bacteria that can easily spread and come into direct contact with the baby. While you can easily use a pot of boiling water, a bottle sterilizer is most definitely one of the most useful gifts to receive.
Baby monitor
Baby monitors can be used to listen, watch, or even keep track of a baby’s breathing patterns. With the wide range of gadgets available on the market, there is a baby monitor to suit the needs of any type of parent. Monitors allow parents to have a sense of what is going on or even let them know if their baby is awake or crying when they are not in the same room.
Want help creating your registry? Contact Birth With Bethany for your Denton, Dallas and Fort Worth baby registry shopping assistance needs!  As a new parent you only want the best for your child. The best food. The best home. The best car seat. Riding in a vehicle can come with dangers, but consulting a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) before your child is born, or after, can prevent many of these hazards.
It is estimated that 90% of all child car seats today are installed or utilized incorrectly, so it's vital to ensure yours is correct! Bethany Grannan of Birth With Bethany is a CPST who offers car seat shopping assistance as well as private, in-home car seat consultations to DFW area families for a small fee. You may also find occasional car seat check stations at select local hospitals, including a monthly event at Texas Health Presbyterian Denton. To encourage participation, the Safe Kids Coalition provides 8,000+ free inspection events across America. Find one here: http://cert.safekids.org/get-car-seat-checked What can a CPST do for you? Properly installing a car seat can be complicated. You must factor in the weight and age of your child, your type of vehicle, location of the car seat, and existing restraint systems. A CPST is trained in vehicular safety restraints for people ranging in age from infant to adult. They are well-versed in the proper installation and usage of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. Before using a CPST’s services, make sure their certification is current. You should ask to see their technician ID card. A consultation with a CPST will be a hands-on learning experience. You should bring your child, your owner’s manual, and the instructions to install your child’s car seat. After showing you the proper technique to secure your baby you will then be asked to perform this task yourself. The CPST will provide information and perform a variety of tasks. He/she will:
This list is not exhaustive, but gives a good overview of the CPST’s main functions. You can find a Child Passenger Safety Technician through the National CPS Certification Program or at an event hosted by a Safe Kids Coalition. Inspection stations can be found using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s directory. Schedule your in-home car seat check, or car seat shopping concierge today in north DFW from Birth With Bethany!  Yes, Pregnancy Can Improve Your Health Long-Term!
If you’re pregnant, congratulations! Along with all the new hormones coursing through your body will come the inevitable body changes, weight gain, and food cravings that expectant mothers have experienced since the dawn of time. Your doctor or midwife will offer the best advice on managing your pregnancy, but diet and exercise play a major role not only for your baby, but for your ability to deliver safely. In the process, your awareness of healthy living can have a long-term positive impact. Yes, it’s best to get healthy before you conceive. But let’s face it, some women become motivated once they know that a baby is on board! That’s the time to ditch those less-than-healthy habits like smoking, consuming alcohol, using prescription and recreational drugs, eating extra sugar and salt, bingeing, or skipping sleep. But even those who consider themselves fit can still benefit from a more focused approach to exercise and diet. It’s never too late to adopt healthier choices.
Creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle that you stick to beyond the birth will also make you a model of healthy living for your child, helping him/her to avoid obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other conditions for a lifetime. So yes, your pregnancy can make you even healthier than before! Congratulations! You'll be meeting your baby soon! The fear of your water breaking in public, a la every Hollywood movie, is real! However, the likelihood of it actually happening is low. Labors beginning with the water breaking only even happen 10-15% of the time. The other 85-90% happen DURING labor. If and when it does happen, there are a few things you'll want to look for and there's a handy acronym for that. As a licensed nurse, I love a good acronym!  COAT
C - Color. What color is your water? Is it cloudy, clear, brown, speckled, etc? Be sure to let your midwife or OB know. Clear or cloudy is considered "normal". You may see a very slight blood tinge, and that's typically OK too. Remember, any abnormal bleeding, especially blood flow like a period needs to be reported to your care provider immediately. O - Odor. Does it have a smell at all? Some women report their amniotic fluid has a sweet hint to it. Others report no odor. A foul odor warrants a phone call to your provider. A - Amount. Is it a trickle or a gush? T - Time and Temperature. What time did you first notice your water leaking? Note that so you have a timeline. Taking your temperature orally when your water breaks is a good idea. A rise in temperature is the first sign of an infection, so be sure to get a baseline. As always, good, clear, open communication with your doctor or midwife is key. Keep them posted as to any changes you experience or questions you may have. Also continue to monitor baby's movements, as this is a good indicator of their well-being. Bethany is a certified natural birth instructor teaching near Denton, Texas. She's also a child passenger safety technician (car seat tech) and professional placenta encapsulator serving families all over the DFW metroplex. Contact her for a consultation today!  What in the world does Alan Jackson have to do with giving birth?!
Well, according to his song, "It Must Be Love", I think it has everything to do with labor and pregnancy and birth! Falling in love with your baby is a beautiful thing! Let's take a look at the lyrics to one of his most popular songs: First I get cold then hot, Think I'm on fire I'm not, (--sounds like transition stage to me!) Oh, what a pain I've got, it must be love (--yep, labor pains!) There's nothing I can do, All that I want is you, Look what I'm going through, it must be love (--only a mother's love can carry her through the pains of labor!) It must be love, it must be love, I fall like a sparrow, and fly like a dove, You must be the dream I've been dreamin' of (--we can daydream about our babies all day!) Oh, what a feelin', it must be love Something is wrong alright, I think of you all night, Can't sleep 'till mornin' light, it must be love, (--pregnancy-induced insomnia, anyone?) Seein' you in my dreams, Holdin' you close to me, (--we can't wait to hold our sweet new babies!) Oh, what else can it be, it must be love, It must be love, it must be love, I fall like a sparrow, and fly like a dove, You must be the dream I've been dreamin' of Oh, what a feelin', it must be love It must be love, it must be love, I fall like a sparrow, and fly like a dove, You must be the dream I've been dreamin' of Oh, what a feelin', it must be love {Copyright © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group} Every time I hear that song now, I can think of nothing else except relating it to what we as women go through to bring our babies earthside. I wish I had thought of it that way when I was pregnant; I would've used it in my labor playlist! What are some of your favorite songs you've added to your labor playlist?  Usually around the halfway point in my Lewisville, Texas natural childbirth class series, I'm asked something along the lines of, "When do we learn how to breathe? When will we practice techniques?"
The answers: You've been breathing for about 30 years, so hopefully you've got it down! Seriously though, it's simply deep, slow, abdominal breathing. Place your hand on your abdomen and feel it rise and fall, slowly and gently. That's it. As far as practicing techniques, the only other major 'technique' we'll practice is positions for labor in the last class of the series. Of course, I'll go over how to do hip squeezes and counter pressure, but RELAXATION is the name of the game. This is why I read you cheesy relaxation poems and play a chair massage video from YouTube. It's why I assign you homework to find birth affirmations that appeal to you. Those are all 'techniques'! If you're unable to cope with a simple vaginal exam by your provider, see me after class so we can go over how to relax again. This is something *you* MUST practice, daily. Dads- every night before bed. Long soft strokes down her arms, legs, neck and back. Talk to her about your favorite vacation, or how you met. What will our baby look like? What will the dog think? It doesn't have to be complicated; she just needs YOU; present, focused, positive and confident. You got this! |
AuthorI'm Bethany. Wife. Boy Mom. Bradley Method® teacher. Child passenger safety technician. Placenta encapsulator. I like little dogs, big hair and sweet tea. Archives
February 2018
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