sounding | Paper Clay Nature

Embodied Childbirth Preparation

June 10, 2018

Posted by Sharon

I am SO EXCITED and truly honored to have the opportunity to facilitate a Dynamic Childbirth workshop in Vermont at ZenBarn on June 24th. And, how amazing was it for Shaina Levee of Birth Love Family to write such a wonderful blog post to introduce me to the community there? Amazing!

While everyone learns in different ways, labor and childbirth is most definitely a physical experience. Therefore, I designed Dynamic Childbirth so that you could prepare your body-mind for labor and birth. You can read about birth all you like, listen to lectures, watch videos, and look at pictures of a cervix dilating. But, when it’s time to give birth, labor takes us deep inside and we act, breathe, visualize, and communicate from our bodies and not from our logic brain. I’m not suggesting that a woman in labor isn’t logical. Quite the opposite! I’m saying that, in my experience, it is important to actually practice movements, breathing, sounding, and communication tools with your body before you need to draw upon this knowledge.

Plus, the real bonus is that you get to hear me sound like a moose. One of the first few times I facilitated Dynamic Childbirth, one of the partners suggested that the sound I was making as I pretended to work with the energy of a deep contraction was that of a moose. We all got a good laugh and it was a great way for everyone to relax around how ridiculous it felt to be in a room full of strangers making deep moaning sounds. As a doula, it takes a lot more than that to make ME uncomfortable, but the whole thing is very new and unique for those who are not familiar with the natural sounds of birthing. Then, about a year later, I had a participant who was from Alaska and he had actually heard a moose. He confirmed that, in fact, I DO sound like a moose when I make that birthing sound.

Come and move, laugh, sound, talk, touch, and breathe! I am really looking forward to meeting you all.

Yoga for Labor and Birth

August 18, 2016

Posted by Sharon

This is a post written over two-years ago, but if you are looking for my current pregnancy and birth support services, classes and workshops CLICK HERE.

Whether you are having a scheduled cesarean birth, are planning a water-birth at home or something in between, yoga provides wonderful tools for working with the energies of labor and birth in an empowering way. The techniques you will learn in this workshop are helpful for both the laboring mom and her entire support team. These ways of breathing, sounding, moving, communicating, making decisions and for touching/interaction, are compatible with all childbirth methods. This is an experiential workshop so wear comfortable clothes and get ready to make some noise, move around and have a lot of laughs while you prepare to welcome your newest family member with love and light! No experience with yoga, meditation, or birth is required. Tuition is for the birthing mother and up to one birth partner/support person. Ideally, Mom comes with her primary labor and birth support person, but if they aren’t available, then come with a friend/neighbor/Aunt/your Mom—-whoever you want! Plus, you are guaranteed to have a chance to watch and listen to me do my best Alaskan moose impression. This workshop is not be missed.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

DATE: Sunday, September 18, 2016

TIME: 2:00 to 5:00 pm

PLACE: Mookshi Wellness Center

PRICE: $50 with pre-registration (this is for up to two adults)

Spread Your Lips for a Better Birth

August 15, 2013

Posted by Sharon

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I have a prediction that this may become one of my most popular blog posts. Just wanted to put that out there right from the start.

Ina May Gaskin has noted that:

Early in my midwifery career, I observed another fascinating relationship pertaining to the Law of the Sphincter. I noticed a strong connection between the sphincters of the mouth/throat and those of the cervix and yoni. A relaxed mouth means a more elastic cervix. Women whose mouths and throats are open and relaxed during labor and birth rarely need stitches after childbirth. (Gaskin, pg. 178)

Research now shows that what Ina May Gaskin observed is also supported by actual anatomical features of the mouth and cervix.(As of 4.16.16 it has come to my attention that this link no longer works.)

Cervix and vocal fold tissue behave similarly in smear tests.

Vocal Folds

Cervix

So mamma, what can you do to keep all your lips relaxed from your mouth to your perineum?

1. Keep people with you in labor who can help you laugh, remind you to sing and chant and keep your face as relaxed as possible. Now, anyone who has been in labor or attended to a woman in labor knows that demanding that someone “relax your mouth” is not only ineffective, but it is not respectful. The best thing to do is help the laboring woman remember by doing a mouth relaxation exercise yourself where she can clearly see you. Watching YOU relax YOUR mouth will remind her to do the same.

2. “Horse Lips”—-flutter the lips on your mouth during contractions. It not only helps regulate breath and manage pain, but it is kind of hilarious and fun too. Practice when you are relaxed and in private while pregnant and you will automatically do it while in labor. It may feel silly when you aren’t in labor, but you will reach for this amazing trick when the going starts to get strong during labor without question.

3. Sounding: The seed syllable to chant for the navel center is RAM. Sit in your strength during labor or stand or dance and chant RAM deep from the basin of your pelvis. In order to pronounce the “RA” part of the chant you have to make an open oval of your mouth. Then, when you go to close your mouth to “M” you hum a bit and the vibration relaxes your lips, tongue, mouth and whole face.

4. Did I mention laughing? Sure, if you’ve never been in labor you might be thinking that I’m one of those folks that insists that labor doesn’t hurt (OK–I KNOW that some people have orgasmic births and some never feel pain, but that isn’t my personal experience and I don’t think you should count on it for your experience.) But, it is FUN! You are having a baby and not a train wreck after all. Let your support team plan to keep things light and smile at you often so you can remember to smile back.

5. Kissing? I’ve got to be honest with you here. Personally, I get super sensitive about my personal space while I’m in labor. The idea of someone blocking my precious airways with their mouth by kissing me and being all up in my face and my space was not attractive. Not in the least. But, you know, if you feel like kissing while you are in labor, it definitely wouldn’t hurt. And, well, it’s really your last chance to make-out and not have to worry about getting pregnant for a while……..so, might as well live it up!

To summarize, it’s important to keep your mouth open and relaxed so your perineum and cervix will relax and open to make way for baby. You can do this effectively by singing, laughing, kissing, fluttering your lips with “horse lips” and sounding deeply from the basin of your belly or chanting RAM or OM if you are open to these sounds.

Want to know how prenatal yoga can help you feel great during pregnancy and help you prepare for birth? CLICK HERE

Did you super love these fascinating labor tips and information on the anatomy of labor and birth? Well, join me for regular updates and be the first to see articles and find out about FREE pregnancy and postpartum events!

RESOURCES:

Ina May Gaskin
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth.

Cervical and Vocal Fold Study

Beautiful Cervix Project

This post was written by Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, MA, E-RYT, DONA Trained Birth Doula and mamma to two lovely littles. I’m based in Pittsburgh, but due to the incredible power of the internet, I work with expectant moms and their partners all over the world to prepare for birth. You can call me for a free phone consultation (412) 855-5692 OR send an e-mail: sharon@yogamatrika.com. I’d be so honored to be a part of your pregnancy and birth! https://www.yogamatrika.com