carla-ward

Why is movement so important in labor?

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:29:28 GMT

Movement is key to progress, pain relief, and so much more!

The Importance of Movement in Labor

When it comes to birth, movement is more than just comfort—it’s a powerful tool that supports progress, eases intensity, and helps baby find the best position for birth. Your body was designed to move in labor, and when you do, you’re creating space, encouraging alignment, and working with gravity to bring your baby closer into your arms.

Here’s why movement matters—and some favorite techniques you can use:

Why Movement in Labor is So Important...

Encourages Progress: Movement helps your baby rotate and descend through the pelvis.
Eases Discomfort: Shifting positions, swaying, or walking allows muscles to relax and reduces pressure.
Opens the Pelvis: Different movements and positions create more space at different levels of the pelvis (the inlet, mid-pelvis, and outlet).
Promotes Connection: Moving together with your partner, like in a slow dance, builds oxytocin—the hormone of love and labor.

Simple, Effective Movements for Labor

1. Slow Dance

A classic and deeply effective position, slow dancing in labor means standing and leaning into your partner while gently swaying your hips side to side. This movement:

Uses gravity to help baby descend.
Relaxes the body with rhythm and touch.
Builds connection and comfort with your partner.

2. The “Captain Morgan”

Think of the stance like the rum logo! Place one foot up on a low stool, step, or chair, while the other stays firmly on the floor. Gently rock or lean forward and back. This:

Creates asymmetry in the pelvis.
Encourages baby to rotate if they’re in a less-than-ideal position.
Can help labor progress when things feel “stuck.”

3. Asymmetric Movement

Not every movement has to look the same on both sides. By lunging, side-lying with one knee bent, or trying a “runner’s lunge” style position, you’re opening one side of the pelvis more than the other. This:

Gives baby extra space to wiggle and adjust.
Is especially helpful if labor slows or baby seems to favor one side.

4. Walking

Never underestimate the power of walking during early or active labor. Each step rocks the pelvis, opens the hips, and uses gravity to help bring baby down. Walking also:

Keeps your mind focused and calm.
Provides a rhythm to breathe and relax into.

Opening the Pelvis at Every Level

Movement isn’t just about comfort—it’s about using your pelvis wisely.

Opening the inlet (the top of the pelvis): Leaning forward, wide knees, or movements like the Captain Morgan help baby enter the pelvis.
Opening the mid-pelvis: Rocking on a birth ball, swaying in a slow dance, or being on hands-and-knees help baby rotate.
Opening the outlet (the bottom of the pelvis): Squatting, kneeling, or lunging positions widen the space for birth.

Final Thoughts

Movement in labor isn’t complicated—it’s intuitive. Trust your body to guide you. Whether you’re swaying in a slow dance, lunging in a Captain Morgan, walking the halls, or opening the pelvis asymmetrically, each motion is a step closer to holding your baby.

✨ Birth is movement. Movement is progress. ✨

Do I need to take a birth prep class? Let's talk about the vital importance of Childbirth Education!

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 20:40:19 GMT

Why childbirth education is so important for your birthing experience!

Becoming a parent is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and a fair share of nerves. Among the myriad of preparations, one aspect often overlooked is childbirth education. Whether you're a first-time parent or welcoming another bundle of joy into your family, the significance of childbirth education cannot be overstated. Let's delve into why it's crucial and how it can make a world of difference in your birthing experience.

Understanding the Process:

Childbirth is a natural phenomenon, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for those who have never experienced it before. Childbirth education equips expectant parents with valuable knowledge about the stages of labor, common medical interventions, and pain management techniques. Understanding what to expect during labor and delivery can alleviate anxiety and empower parents to make informed decisions about their care.

Empowering Parents:

Knowledge is power, and this holds especially true during childbirth. Childbirth education empowers parents to take an active role in their birthing experience. From creating birth plans to advocating for their preferences during labor, educated parents are better equipped to communicate with healthcare providers and navigate the complexities of childbirth.

Building Confidence:

The unknown can be daunting, but education breeds confidence. Childbirth classes provide expectant parents with the tools and resources they need to approach labor and delivery with confidence. Learning about relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and labor positions can help parents feel more prepared and capable of managing the challenges of childbirth.

Partner Involvement:

Childbirth education isn't just for expectant mothers—it's for partners too. Partners play a vital role in the birthing process, offering support, encouragement, and comfort to laboring mothers. Childbirth classes provide partners with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective birth coaches, strengthening the bond between them and enhancing the birthing experience for both parents.

Community and Support:

In addition to imparting valuable information, childbirth education fosters a sense of community and support among expectant parents. Connecting with other couples who are going through a similar journey can be incredibly reassuring. Sharing experiences, asking questions, and offering encouragement creates a supportive network that can last well beyond the childbirth classes.

Here at Your Body Your Birth Doula and Childbirth Education Services, we offer several options for childbirth education classes:

Small Group In-person Classes

Private In-person Classes

Virtual Self Paced Classes (coming soon!)

Check out the class schedule and consider joining us! It is our honor to be a part of your birthing journey!

World Doula Week 2024

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:56:39 GMT

In honor of World Doula Week...

World Doula Week 2024

World Doula Week is March 22-28th. Kicking off on World Doula Day, the goal of World Doula Week is to showcase the impact that birth and postpartum doulas have on the physiological, social, emotional, and psychological health of women, newborns and families in the postpartum period.

Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide informational, educational and physical support during pregnancy, labor & birth and for the first 12 weeks of the postpartum period.

Benefits of the presence of doulas in birth and in the postpartum period:

-Reduces the incidence of c-sections

-May shorten the length of labor

-Reduces epidural and analgesic requests

-Increases breastfeeding initiation and continuation

-Increases mother’s satisfaction of birth experience

-Can reduce the incidence of postpartum mood disorders

-Increases new parents’ confidence in the care of their newborn

Your Body Your Birth Doula & Childbirth Education Services provides birth doula support to families in Monmouth, Ocean & Middlesex Counties in NJ and is now taking inquiries. You can learn more here www.youbodyyourbirthdoulaservices.com

Throughout history, women have supported each other during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. In today’s society of scattered friends and families, doulas fill this vital role of support for the people birthing the next generation.

Families in Monmouth and Ocean Counties have benefited from working with Your Body Your Birth Doula & Childbirth Education Services since 2017

Marisa M. from Middletown, NJ says…

“My labor was 5 days long - and I couldn’t have done it without Carla. When I couldn’t labor at home by myself anymore, I called her at 2 am and she was there by 3. She helped me labor for the next two days and never left my side. She helped me feel empowered every step of the way. Although I didn’t achieve the completely natural birth I was hoping for, I got super close - and wouldn’t have been able to go 5 days in labor with no epidural without Carla. Carla is not only knowledgeable, experienced and reliable, but she is a kind soul and wonderful person. She made me feel safe during one of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of my life. Since Carla was so integral in helping to bring our baby girl into the world, my husband and I consider Carla a dear friend and forever part of our family❤️ Please hire her for your birth - you will NOT be disappointed!!!”

Having a baby is one of life’s biggest transitions and greatest joys. However, many parents find themselves feeling extremely isolated and overwhelmed during pregnancy and the postpartum period after the initial excitement has subsided.

Hiring a doula can help reverse those feelings and provide the support that new families need to instead have a pregnancy and postpartum period that is filled with feelings of contentment and empowerment.

In honor of World Doula Week, here are the top 4 benefits of hiring a doula:

*Non-judgmental support - a doula does not come in with specific birthing plan or parenting style. Doulas do not push a specific ways of doing things. A doula is there to help you come up with your own birth plan and parenting style. She’ll help you figure out what feels right for your family. Doulas are also expert listeners who have no baggage of a family history with you.

*More enjoyable maternity leave – doulas help ease the transition for new parents. Having a baby is a major life change. Doulas are there to calmly support you through the shift and help you focus on enjoying it, rather than muddling through it alone.

*Expert advice – your doula can share what works for other families, and other ideas and tips based on her training and experience, IF YOU ASK. It’s so wonderful to have all your questions answered as you go instead of relying on Google.

*Decreased risk of postpartum depression & anxiety – research has shown that new mothers who feel supported tend to report less problems with postpartum mental health.

Your Body Your Birth Doula & Childbirth Education Services helps families in Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex Counties, NJ by providing:

Birth Doula Support

Childbirth Education

Lactation Support

Pediatric Sleep Consulting

CPR/Choking Instruction

Reiki Healing Sessions

Contact me today to learn more!

732-598-6468

carla@yourbodyyourbirthdoulaservices.com

www.yourbodyyourbirthdoulaservices.com

The Empowering Support of Doulas: Enhancing Your Birth Experience

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 01:19:06 GMT

Bringing a new life into the world is a momentous journey, and having the right support can make all the difference. One invaluable source of support during labor and delivery is a doula. In this blog post, we'll explore the numerous benefits of hiring a doula for your birthing experience.

1. Emotional Support:

Doulas provide unwavering emotional support throughout the entire birthing process. Whether you're planning a natural birth or opting for medical interventions, a doula offers a comforting presence, reassurance, and encouragement, helping you navigate the emotional highs and lows of labor.

2. Continuous Presence:

Unlike medical professionals who may be attending to multiple patients, a doula is dedicated solely to your needs. Their continuous presence ensures that you have a familiar face offering guidance, comfort, and advocacy during every stage of labor and delivery. This often happens at home, before leaving for the hospital or birth center.

3. Advocacy and Communication:

Doulas act as advocates for your birth preferences, helping to bridge the communication gap between you and the medical team. They facilitate discussions, ensure your concerns are heard, and help you make informed decisions about your birthing experience.

4. Pain Management and Comfort Techniques:

Doulas are well-versed in various pain management and comfort techniques. From massage and breathing exercises to positioning suggestions, they provide hands-on support to help ease the physical discomforts of labor.

5. Partner Involvement:

Doulas work collaboratively with partners, involving them in the birthing process. They offer guidance on how partners can best support the laboring person, fostering a sense of teamwork and connection during this transformative experience.

6. Reduced Interventions and Cesarean Rates:

Studies have shown that having a doula present during labor is associated with a lower likelihood of medical interventions, including cesarean sections. Doulas contribute to a more positive birthing experience, which may result in fewer interventions and increased overall satisfaction.

7. Postpartum Support:

A doula's support extends beyond labor and delivery. They can offer valuable guidance during the initial postpartum period, assisting with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional well-being, ensuring a smoother transition into parenthood.

8. Personalized Education:

Doulas provide personalized education on childbirth, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions. They empower you with knowledge, enabling you to actively participate in your birthing experience.

Hiring a doula can be a transformative decision, enhancing your birthing experience and providing the support needed for a positive start to parenthood. The emotional, physical, and advocacy-based assistance that doulas offer creates a holistic approach to childbirth, empowering you to embrace this incredible journey with confidence and strength. Consider the invaluable support a doula brings as you prepare for the beautiful moment of welcoming your newborn into the world.

Looking for more information? I'd be happy to chat with you! Schedule a discovery call here !

What is all this talk about natural pain management and do I need to learn more?

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 01:14:36 GMT

What is all this talk about natural pain management and do I need to learn more?

One of the most common questions I get asked is. “Why should I learn about Natural Pain Management if I plan on getting an epidural?’’

The answer is really quite simple… most birthers labor for quite some time (either at home or in the hospital) before they feel the need for pain relief. When we employ natural pain management techniques in early labor, navigating contractions becomes a little easier.

I believe there are Three Keys to Natural Pain Management:

1. Mindset

2. Breathwork

3. Movement

Let’s explore these concepts a little further.

Mindset is so important in labor. There is a definitive mind/body connection when we process pain, discomfort, anxiety, and stressors. With labor, we encourage positive mindspeak, using affirmations, trusting the body and the process of labor, and using centering/grounding techniques to remain present, calm, focused, and in tune with our body.

This can manifest in many ways:

self-affirmations such as “I can do this”, “I am not afraid of my contractions”, “I am strong and present” “I am not alone, thousands of women around the world are laboring with me right now " or whatever resonates with you in the moment.

expressed affirmation by partner/birth team – “You’ve got this, you are so strong” and other such positive affirmations.

using hypnosis-based practices such as Hypnobabies, Hypnobirthing or other such meditations.

trusting the process , surrendering to the discomfort of labor, opening up and softening into each contraction/surge/wave.

Breathwork plays into Mindset and can help maintain control, allowing for a natural flow with each wave/surge/contraction. When we experience pain, our natural tendency is to tighten up our body and increase our breathing. This is the opposite of what we need to achieve in labor. Our goal is to develop a slow, even, deep breathing pattern, pushing our breath down through the surge, through baby and out of our body, Breathing in strength, blowing out tension and fear,

Movement goes hand and hand with Mindset and Breathwork. Movement is key to progression in labor. Standing and swaying, squatting, walking, rocking on all fours, offering asymmetric movements are all tools that will help baby engage in and rotate through the pelvis. Change of position every 15-30 minutes is so important, not only for baby’s movement, but also for the birther’s comfort. Tuning into the body and responding to what position the body is seeking is key.

This triad for Natural Pain Management can certainly be used for a natural birth, but can and should be utilized in medicated birth, Induction, and/or Cesarean Birth. Mindset, Breathwork and Movement can be used whether standing, laying in bed, using hydrotherapy (shower, birthing tub, bath), sitting...in any position.

We do not have much control over what our body does when in labor. Where we gain control is how we respond to those contractions/waves/surges. Using our breath, moving with the rhythm of our labor, and remaining positive, focused, and present will allow for a smooth, fluid, and empowered birthing journey, whatever that journey becomes!

Want to learn more? Consider taking my childbirth education classes. Find out more at https://www.yourbodyyourbirthdoulaservices.com/services

Doula vs. Midwife...What's the difference?

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 03:02:45 GMT

What's the difference between a Doula and a Midwife?

A lot of people ask me what the difference is between a doula and a midwife.

A midwife is a medical professional who actually delivers your baby. Midwives also provide medical care throughout pregnancy as well.
A birth doula is a non-medical professional who provides physical, educational and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and immediately afterwards.

But it's so much more than this! I always find it hard to put in words the value of...

*having that extra set of hands in the room

*being that grounding force/energy to help you find your rhythm in labor and MAINTAIN that rhythm throughout your labor

*working with birth partners to enhance support in labor

*offering suggestions for positions to facilitate movement/rotation during labor.

I LOVE WHAT I DOULA!!

Have more questions? I'd be happy to chat with you about your birthing choices!

#doulalife #themonmouthmoms #monmouthcountymoms #birthwithoutfear #njdoula #naturalbirth #birthmyway #yourbodyyourbirthnj #30daysofdoulalife #njdoula #amazingbirth #doulalove #monmouthcountydoula #oceancountydoula #pregnancysupport #naturalbirth #oceancountymoms #oceantownshipnj #oceantownshipnjdoula #neptunenj #oceanportnj #tintonfallsnj #wallnj #middletownnj #redbanknj #avonnj #springlakenj #longbranchnj #westlongbranchnj #coltsnecknjmoms #belmarnj

TENS for Labor

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 03:02:43 GMT

TENS for Labor

What is TENS?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
A handheld battery-operated device generates mild electrical impulses and transmits them via stimulating pads (electrodes), where they stimulate nerve fibers.

Benefits of TENS

Reduction of labor pain with more freedom of movement
controlled by laboring woman
no loss of other sensations or contraction pain
no decrease of mental function
continued active participation by laboring woman
postponement or elimination of request for pain medication/epidural
shorter labor

How does TENS work?
There are two mechanisms by which TENS works, Endorphin Theory and Gate Control Theory
Endorphin Theory - The low frequency, "acupuncture-like" TENS stimulates the release of endorphins. Endorphins are the body's natural pain reliever.
Gate Control Theory- The severity of pain one feels depends on the balance between painful and non-painful (pleasant) stimuli that reach one's consciousness. Pain awareness can be reduced by closing the "gate" to pain by increasing non-painful or pleasant stimuli (the TENS stimuli) thus reducing painful stimuli (contractions). This is also known as distraction or refocusing. The theory holds that the perception of physical pain is modulated by interaction between different neurons, both pain transmitting and non-pain transmitting. By introducing the stimulation, the brain can control the degree of pain that is perceived based on which pain stimuli are to be ignored.

When used on a high frequency, the TENS selectively stimulates certain non-pain-transmitting nerve fibers to send signals to the brain that override other nerve signals carrying pain messages.
When used on low frequencies, the TENS stimulates the production of endorphins by activating opioid receptors.

How effective is TENS?
Research findings on TENS have shown that laboring women using the device use less pain medication than women using a “placebo” TENS device [2]. The majority of women surveyed in the UK National Birthday Trust Survey rated it as moderately or very helpful in relieving pain and would use it again in a future labor [3]. A study that investigated the use of TENS for back pain in labor found that "TENS has a specific beneficial effect on pain localized in the back."[1].

It is very important to start TENS use early in labor, before contractions become overwhelming and intense. This allows the body to recognize and process the stimuli before the pain becomes unbearable and overrides all other stimuli. The effects of the TENS are eliminated when waiting until labor is at a peak.

Is TENS safe?
There is no reported harm to mother or baby with the use of TENS in labor when used at full term (not before 38 weeks gestation)
Contraindications:

Not to be used on inflamed or injured skin or over a rash
Not to be used with a demand type cardiac pacemaker
Not to be used if woman has a seizure disorder
Not to be used in water/tub/shower

In Conclusion:

TENS is a safe, non-drug method of pain control for labor
For some women, it reduces their awareness of back pain
TENS is most effective when begun during early labor
It is a worthwhile adjunct to other non-drug approaches for back pain in labor
TENS should be used with consent from the woman's caregiver

References
[1] Bundsen P, Peterson L-E, Seistam U. Pain relief in labor by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation:
A prospective matched study. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 1981; 60:459-468.
[2] Carroll D, Tramer M, McQuay H, Nye B, Moore A. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in labour
pain: A systematic review. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1997; 104:169-75.
[3] Chamberlain G, Wraight A, Steer P. Pain and Its Relief in Childbirth: The Results of a National Survey
Conducted by the National Birthday Trust. Churchill Livingstone: Edinburgh, 1993.

Fetal Monitoring...Intermittent vs. Continuous

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 03:02:42 GMT

Fetal Monitoring...Intermittent vs. Continuous

While we can understand the value of fetal monitoring when in labor, many Moms are unaware of their options when it comes to the type and duration of monitoring available to them.

Most commonly used is Electric Fetal Monitoring (EFM). With EFM, two straps are placed around Mom's belly, one measures baby’s heart rate (with an ultrasound machine) while the mother’s contractions are monitored with a pressure sensor. Both of these sensors are linked to a recording machine. EFM can be used continuously or intermittently and is used in about 90% of mothers who give birth in US hospitals. Mom's may be unaware that they can request to have intermittent EFM as opposed to continuous EFM when in a hospital setting, when appropriate. Intermittent monitoring allows for freedom of movement. While there may be a point when continuous monitoring becomes necessary (primarily with maternal and/or fetal distress or complications), monitoring can become distracting during labor and are restrictive. Continuous EFM can also lead to a higher rate of Cesareans, forceps, and vacuum births.

Another option is a fetal stethoscope or handheld ultrasound machine (Doppler) to listen to the fetal heartbeat. While listening, the provider places a hand on the mother’s abdomen to assess contractions. Doppler is used frequently in office visits, and is the primary method of monitoring with home birth and in birth centers.
Handheld Dopplers support movement and upright laboring positions, can be used during water therapy (tub or shower) and lend to more continuous support of care providers during birth. Dopplers may not be appropriate for mothers with complications and they are not capable of recording fetal readings.

Open a dialogue with your provider regarding monitoring. Make sure you are aware of your options and are on the same page as your provider!

For more information, there is a great article on EvidenceBasedBirth.com/FetalMonitoring