One of our cute summer Birth Richmond babies.  

We will miss his mama in prenatal yoga!

Interested in trying prenatal yoga?

Prenatal yoga is an essential part of childbirth preparation.  It's a time to nourish your mind, body and spirit as you prepare for the journey through motherhood. Right now at The Yoga Library, your first prenatal yoga class is on us! Try it, we think you 'll like it.  Find more info at www.theyogalibrary.com.

You can also attend prenatal yoga with  Rachael at Ellwood Thompson's on Sunday mornings, 9 am. All levels welcome!

Love Note

My husband and I wanted a natural birth and a doula to support us in the process. In our initial meeting, it was clear that Rachael shared our birth philosophy and deeply appreciated the challenges and beauty of natural birth. We also liked that she is a yoga teacher and has a strong knowledge of prenatal exercises and labor positions. Above all, she exuded warmth, gentleness, and a quiet confidence.

One benefit of working with Rachael was the chance to attend her prenatal yoga class, which also let me get to know her in the months leading up to delivery. Rachael was always interested in how my pregnancy was going. She was a fantastic resource for pregnancy/birth information, and passed along websites, books, and other materials.

Our baby arrived 10 days late and in a whirlwind fashion. Rachael had a very calming presence during an intense and rapid labor. She offered several comfort/coping tools, such as essential oils and cool washcloths. Because labor was progressing very quickly, the experience was rather confusing—we had expected a much longer and gradual labor. It was very helpful to have Rachael present and to have her guidance. We arrived at the hospital just in time—I was fully dilated and ready to push. Pushing took over an hour, and Rachael reminded me to drink water and offered encouragement throughout the difficult work. She anticipated my needs and worked as a great support to my husband—they made a wonderful coaching team. We were able to have the natural birth experience that we had hoped for.

We highly recommend Rachael as a birth doula. She has strong experience and training in the natural birth process, and an innate gentleness, calmness, and warmth. She strikes an ideal balance between professionalism and a personal touch, and exhibits a great sense of humor, attention to detail, and dedication. We could not be happier to have had her play such an important role in our daughter’s birth story.

Interested in meeting other nursing mothers?

La Leche League has three ongoing meetings, always the 2nd Thursday, 3rd Wednesday, and 4th Tuesday of the month. 

The details and dates for July are as follows:

2nd Thursday July 10th, 6pm Hip to be Round - A Maternity Boutique 

3rd Wednesday July 16th 10 am St. Mark's UMC Midlothian

4th Tuesday July 22nd 6:30 pm Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Short Pump

No class Memorial Day weekend!

Just a reminder, no prenatal yoga class at Ellwoods Sunday May 25! We will resume the following Sunday at 9.  Enjoy the long weekend!

Pranayama and Natural Birth

Pranayama, in a nutshell, is essentially your breath.  There are many different types of pranayama techniques practiced in yoga. During prenatal yoga, we have a special attention to breathwork that slows down your adrenaline and allows your oxytocin to rise during labor.  These same practices relax your mind, release tension throughout the body, and allow yourself to open and peacefully give birth to your baby.  The breath is an integral part of giving birth because it is the thread that weaves the mind and body together.  Here are a few ways to integrate breath into your prenatal yoga practice. 

A good place to start is by using the breath to relax the body.  Find a comfortable seated position, or lay on your left side and close your eyes.  Mentally scan your body, starting with the top of your head and finishing with your toes.  As you exhale, release any tension you are holding, paying special attention to your brow and jaw, allow your shoulders to drop away from your ears, and relax your pelvic floor. Use this time to deepen your inhales and lengthen your exhales, allowing your body to follow your breath, becoming soft and pliable.

In your yoga practice, notice when a particular asana becomes challenging. Practice softening into the pose with your breath.  Notice how your body changes.  This is especially great during Warrior II and other active poses.  Let your breath give you a sense of buoyancy, rather than strain. 

During poses that work on flexibility, practice sending your breath to different parts of your body to release tension.  For example, in Trikonasana or Triangle, send your breath to your side body to allow your muscles to stretch and open, really softening into the stretch.  During a contraction, this same skill helps your pelvis relax and cervix dilate, helping you labor effectively and making way for your baby. 

Keep in mind, that during pregnancy it is especially important to honor your intuition and follow practices that feel right for you.  Namaste!



Love Note

I met Rachael at a "meet the doulas" event that richmond doulas put on. After a short meeting over coffee/tea, I knew that Rachael would not only be a great fit as a doula, but a friend as well. We were new to the area and my husband was out of town for 2 months. 

She was always available, met me for coffee just because, and contacted me regularly in the last few weeks to check in. I had experienced prodromal labor for about 3 weeks. At my midwife appointment at 39 weeks, they said my water hadn't broken, but that I was already 5cm dilated and 80% effaced! I was already half way there! I was told to go home and pack. The midwives thought I would go into labor that night. I let Rachael know and we both napped just in case. When I was still pregnant Friday, I did some yoga poses and accupressure that Rachael suggested just incase the baby was in a bad position and needed to flip. By the afternoon, the contractions were 5 min apart and regular. Rachael suggested we call the midwife who advised us to wait an hour to see if they became more painful. Twenty minutes later, they were finally getting stronger! Rachael met us at the hospital right as we were beeing wheeled into the room. 

I labored in the tub for about 3 hours. Rachael was there to remind me to drink, used aromatherapy when I was feeling nauseous, and rubbed by back when it cramped up. She provided the confident, quiet support that I needed and never overstepped her boundaries. 

When I thought I couldn't go any longer, she reminded me that I could. She was never in the way, and helped support my husband in supporting me. Ultimately I was able to have the beautiful natural birth I had desired. 


Many things played into this, but I firmly believe that hiring Rachael as our doula was one of the smartest things we could do. You can never get too much support during this time of your life, before and after. I highly recommend Rachael to anyone interested in having a beautiful birthing experience!

On Choosing Your Care Provider During Pregnancy

Choosing your care provider is one of the most important decisions you can make during your pregnancy.  Your care provider should have a birth philosophy that honors your own, both as a mother and a patient.  As a doula, I find that mothers who are most happy with their birth experiences  have providers they truly trust.  

The first step in finding your perfect care provider is to think about the type of birth you desire.  If you have a low-risk pregnancy and desire a natural birth, the midwifery model of care might be right for you. There are a few groups of hospital based midwives (CNMs) in Richmond that many moms love. Frequently midwifery groups aim for mothers meet with every midwife prenatally so that your relationship and trust are established before labor begins.  

If you have a great OB, ask about the other doctors in the practice and about the birth climate of the hospital you've chosen.  Your OB may not be able to be present at your birth, so it is important to know you will be supported by like-minded care givers. Additionally, some doctors have privileges at more than one hospital, but not all hospitals have similar policies for laboring women.  Quality of nursing staff can change radically from hospital to hospital, too.

A great place to start investigating is www.vhi.org.  You'll find provider, practice and hospital statistics to give you an idea of general tendencies.  Keep in mind, patient population can shift the numbers— providers who manage higher risk pregnancies might have higher cesarean rates than those who care for lower risk pregnancies. 

As someone who frequently observes the mother-care provider relationship during labor, I cannot stress enough that you should feel your provider respects and supports your wishes during birth.  Stresses of receiving unnecessary interventions or a c-section are absolutely the last thing you need when bringing your baby into the world—you should honestly trust their medical expertise and judgement.  Additionally, your doula can do a much better job supporting you and your partner if your provider is on board with your birth plan. After all, every family deserves to be honored, supported and loved during this special time of life.

Love Note

My birth was the most wonderful experience, with much thanks to Racheal. She was so very helpful throughout my whole pregnancy, she went to doctors visits with me and was also helping me fight my extreme heartburn, to her calming yoga coaching, and patience with me during my 27 hours of labor. I went in active labor the day before Thanksgiving and with my first call to Racheal informing her I lost my plug she was just as excited as I was that we would be meeting my little man very soon. I was told by my doctor to head to L&D and that I would be having a baby for Thanksgiving.

 I called Racheal 1st and she was there like a cool drift of wind, with her warming smile and encouraging words I was prepared for anything. I was offered home twice where I went and ate and with each visit back to L&D she was there within the speed of light everytime. At 7cms my labor came to a hault and we had tried everything to get little man to progress, shower laboring, light exercising, birthing ball, and my cervix had started to swell cause major back pains. I was given a choice C Section or Epidural. Epidural it was, I am so terrified of needles, but with some encouraging words from Racheal I was so ready to meet my little man I had to worry in the world. 

After a hour nap he was ready to enter the world, and with 3 pushes we had delivered a 7lb 12oz baby boy with 12 fingers and 10toes and the lungs of a singer. I was very pleased with Racheal and her determination, I pleaded with her to go home and be with her family for the holiday but she meant she was leaving until he awas here and screaming, afterall she had done for me I feel as if she is a member of my family and not just a Doula. I really couldn't have chosen a better Doula as helpful and encouraging as Racheal, Thanks again for everything!!! Love Jess and Tymon

Using Yoga for Posterior Babies

Your baby's position is important because it affects the type of labor you will experience. If your goal is a happy, healthy and vaginal birth, a well positioned baby (OA) increases your chances of welcoming your child into the world the way you want. Let's get started by going over a few different positions your baby could be in:

This image is courtesy of Gail Tulley,  of Spinning Babies.

If later on in pregnancy you find that your isn't currently OA, don't worry!  Make sure that you have a care provider whom you trust to guide you through your pregnancy and birth.  Gail Tulley's site, www.spinningbabies.com will be a great resource for you, as well as a regular yoga practice. 

Specific yoga practices can help to open the pelvis and encourage your baby to turn, however midwife lore dictates that babies face their placenta, so if you are working to encourage your baby to turn before labor begins, don't be frustrated if your baby doesn't want to move, or does but returns to his or her original position. 

Frequently during early labor, mothers with OP babies, sometimes referred to as sunny side up or posterior,  have contractions that aren't cervix changing, but ones that I believe are working to move the baby into a more favorable position for birth.  If you are unsure of your baby's position but are experiencing a lot of back labor, it could be a sign that your baby is malpositioned, and trying the practices below might help your baby find a better position.  If you suspect that your baby isn't in an ideal position, use early labor as a time to work with your body to realign your baby.  Remember to let your intuition guide you through this experience. 

  

Move through cat and cow poses between contractions, really lifting your tailbone high during cow.  This helps widen your hips and encourages baby to turn. Try to move with your breath, inhaling as your lift into cat, and exhaling as you sink into cow. Make your breath long and pliable, so that your body follows.

Use a rebozo, which is basically a large cloth, like a scarf.  Find tabletop pose, on all fours, and have your doula or birth partner wrap the cloth around your belly and tug gently, alternately on either end of the scarf.  I've seen this jiggling motion between contractions essentially wiggle a baby into a more favorable position.

Try finding child pose with pillows stacked under your chest and forehead. This position widens your hips and helps baby drop down, so during contractions, baby has space and your body can do its thing.

Use a birth ball instead of a chair when sitting, and move your hips in wide circles and figure eights. A birth ball helps to widen your pelvic outlet, rather than a chair, which encourages your hips to close and tilt backward.

Lastly, relax and trust your baby and your body.  By this point I am sure you have a great care provider and support team,  so trust in them, trust in yourself and trust that your baby knows how to be born.  Labor comes from a place of peace, so allow yourself to accept your birth and baby, and trust that your baby will arrive the way that both of you need, however that happens.

Love Note

I became interested in hiring a doula when I was a little over half way through my first pregnancy. I spoke with and interviewed a few different ladies before choosing Rachael. Rachael's knowledge of yoga, aromatherapy, and massage immediately made her stand out to me and my partner. After hiring her, Rachael was very involved and helpful with any questions or concerns that came up. She familiarized herself with the birth plan that we decided on and even offered prenatal classes, rebozo techniques, and herbal supplements to prepare us for the remainder of the pregnancy and birth of our daughter in a natural way. When labor started, Rachael was there every step of the way. Things didn't go as planned. My baby was posterior and my birth plan changed at the last minute. I was disappointed that I was going to have to make the nessesary changes, but Rachael comforted and supported us every step of the way. Her presence was never too much or too little. Everything we needed was handled beautifully and her loving, caring, supportive nature helped give me the confidence to push my baby out. 

Looking back, hiring Rachael was one of the best choices I could have made. I would definately recomend her to others, especially if you have an appreciation for a natural, holistic lifestyle. If and when I am ready for my second child, Rachael will be one if the first to know!

New Prenatal Yoga Classes!

Starting in May, Birth Richmond will be partnering with The Yoga Library in Rockett's Landing to offer two new prenatal classes.  The studio has large, awesome windows and a beautiful view of the city, providing the perfect place to relax and decompress.

 

We will offer a full length class Friday evenings from 6-7:15, as well as "Prenatal On-the-Go" from 8-9 on Saturday mornings.  We hope to see you in class!

Eight Reasons to Practice Prenatal Yoga

Building and maintaining a yoga practice has many benefits for the average person, and many additional benefits for a mother in her childbearing year. 

Illustration by Clare Owens

1.  Prepares the body for childbirth.
Prenatal yoga is based around the intentional strengthening and stretching of muscles used during labor and birth.  The practice of asanas increases flexibility, builds the muscles of the pelvic floor, and tones muscles to help with stamina during labor.

2.  Alleviates the common aches and pains of pregnancy.
Intentional practice can stretch and soothe aching hips, reduce back pain, and aid in the relief of sacral pressure, among many other symptoms.  For example, spending time in viparita kirani (feet up on the wall) is a passive pose that reduces swelling in the feet and legs, promotes healthy blood circulation, calms the mind and can even help relieve hemorrhoid pain.

3. Pranayama, or breath work, is essential to the birth process.
Awareness of the breath is vital during labor and birth.  Pranayama instills the practice and habit of being aware of the breath.  Breathing through contractions allows your body to open, and keeping your mouth and jaw relaxed through intentional and intuitive breathing will help you have a healthy and effective labor.

4. Increases a woman's confidence in her body.
The more a mother-to-be moves and explores her growing body, the more she will trust her body and  intuition during labor.  A mother who labors upright, actively and in different positions has a greater chance of a natural, vaginal delivery.

5.  Helps promote optimal fetal positioning.
The way a mother moves her body can encourage the way the baby will move his or her body.  I've seen cat/cows turn a posterior baby!  For more info on optimal fetal positioning, visit www.spinningbabies.com.

6. Builds the mind-body connection.
The breath integrates the mind and body.  When the mind-body connection is established, a mother is more likely to have a confident, happy birth.

7.  Intentional time spent together with baby.
Intentional time with your baby helps you connect with her, so that she knows she is loved and welcome whenever she chooses to arrive.  Supta badda konasana (leaning back on a bolster in cobbler pose), viparita karani (feet up on the wall), and savasana (deep relaxation) can all be spent meditating and listening to your baby. 

8.  Helps maintain a mindful life.
Many midwives say that women give birth the way they live life.  As a doula, I have come to understand this to be true.  The practice of yoga encourages mindfulness, and this practice can find its way growing into the rest of your life as you grow and birth your baby.

 

Love Note

 

I met Rachael at an event for the VCU Midwives about six weeks before our due date.  We instantly hit it off, as she is so warm and inviting and a very active listener.  I am also familiar with the organization through which she received her training, and know of their high standards.  Rachael met with us at our home, and discussed our wants and concerns about our birth experience.  She asked great questions, and was very supportive of our needs making it easy for us to choose her to be our doula.

Rachael made regular contact with us to check in our our progress, and met with us again in person where she offered us a wonderful guide for my husband that she had created that outlined ways that he could be helpful throughout the labor process.

When we did (finally!) go into labor, Rachael came to our house and worked with me, using a number of comfort measures to help guide me through the contractions.  Rachael was so very encouraging and strong; I felt safe and capable.  We went to the hospital when i felt ready, only to have my contractions pretty much stop altogether.  We were sent back home to sleep and rest up, and even though I felt very discouraged, Rachael helped me to keep positive.

 My water broke the next afternoon, and Rachael met us at the hospital and was an incredible presence and support throughout my entire labor, which all in all turned out to be 36 hours (including the previous day's adventures).  She employed a variety of techniques to help me through my contractions, and maintained a wonderful attitude.  Rachael was very knowledgable and was quick to recognize what I needed at different stages thoughout my labor.  We successfully delievered our 9 lb. 9 oz. son vaginally early the next morning.  I know both my husband and I feel that Rachael was an indispensible part of our birth experience, and would highly recommend her to any expecting parents.

First Moments

New family doing skin to skin right after birth.

New Family

Mom and Dad welcoming their new baby. 

A new love note...

My partner and I were looking to hire a doula as a means of extra support during our childbirth. We had planned a natural labor and were looking for an experienced guide, considering this was our first child. Rachael was the first doula we met, and we both knew she was the perfect one right away. Her bubbly, yet laid back personality really clicked ours.

Rachael was always available for any questions and concerns either my partner or myself had. Email, text, or call, she always got back to us right away. She passed along some of her knowledge about rebozo techniques as well as homeopathic remedies in order to make my pregnancy as easy and delightful as possible. She was always asking for updates and seemed just as excited as we were about my progress! When it came time to labor, Rachael came to the rescue almost immediately after we called her. We had planned on a natural birth, but unfortunately had to induce due to minor complications, which led to an epidural and ended with a little help from the dreaded forceps. 

My birth was very long and intense for both my partner and myself. Rachael was awesome throughout the whole thing, and anticipated all my needs. She provided me with positive affirmations, applied chapstick to my lips, oils and washcloths to my face and neck, and reminded me to eat and drink as much as I could. She took everything that went wrong in stride, and did an incredible job reminding me how strong I am and gave me the confidence I needed to push through it all. She was excellent at giving guidance to my partner with ways to encourage me as well. Having anticipated a natural birth, we both really hit a wall emotionally when it came time to choose between forceps or a c-section. We honestly wouldn't have been able to make a decision without her warm, kind words lifting us up. It was a very scary moment, but we got through it and made the right choice with her encouragement.

Rachael was the guiding light we both needed to make my labor the best it could be. She was absolutely wonderful at meeting both my needs as well as my partner's. I couldn't have asked for anything better from her. Having Rachael there for such an intimate and life changing experience has really made her feel like part of the family. I am already excited at the thought of having her around for our second!

A Beautiful Postpartum Period

Fall in Love with a Doula has been POSTPONED to 2/19

 

Fall in Love with  Doula will be next week, Wednesday the 19th.  Same time, same place, but no snowy forecast! Hope to see you there!

A beautiful Birth Richmond family enjoying their first moments together.

Prenatal Yoga is coming to Ellwood Thompson's

Starting in February, Birth Richmond is partnering with Ellwood Thompson's to offer community based prenatal yoga to the mamas of Richmond!

For more info visit Ellwood Thompson's Community Room.

Early Labor

Early labor is a time that might be filled with anticipation and joy to finally meet the little one you've been growing  for the better part of a year! The excitement is sometimes unbearable.  Many first time moms want to jump into the "labor stuff" right away and begin transformational process to motherhood through birth.

As a birth doula, I see so many first time mothers who want to work too hard during the early parts of labor, only to become overtired for the later parts of birth.  It seems counterintuitive, but I encourage all moms to rest your way through early labor.  Relax and enjoy the last few hours or days to shower yourself and your partner with undivided attention and love as you wait for your little one to arrive. 

Alice Neel

Interested in hiring a doula?

A proud mama doing skin to skin right after birth.
This was their great beginning to breastfeeding since baby was able to instinctively lead by crawling and rooting around his mama's breast  and latching at his own pace.

January Yoga Schedule

c/o daughter of the sun

Mothers and mothers-to-be join together for a 75 minute practice to prepare for labor and birth.  We focus on strengthening key muscles,  relaxation techniques that are helpful during labor, and yoga poses to promote optimal fetal positioning.  We also focus on alleviating common ailments during pregnancy for happier and healthier mamas and babies.

Class meets Sunday mornings at 10, January 12, 19 and 26 at Restore,  401 N. 23rd Street.

Space is limited. To reserve email rachaelgtaylor@gmail.com.

Donations welcome.

La Leche League January Meetings

"Our Mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother."

LLL meetings are a place where babies are always welcome and meetings are free.  Mothers provide support to one another and discuss different aspects of breastfeeding and mothering, and they are a great place to connect with the mothering and birth community.

January 9, 6 pm at Hip to be Round in Carytown

January 15, 10 am at St. Mark's in Midlothian

January 28, 6:30 pm at Mount Vernon Baptist Church

For more info visit http://lllvawv.org/breastfeeding-help/central-virginia/