0 Tip 237: Prenatal exercise/posture for natural birth

These days, most babies are not in the head down and most optimal position in the womb to deliver through natural birth. That is why there is increasing occurrence of cesarean, usage of forceps, vacuum and high intervention of the doctor during labour. The World Health Organization has stated that a cesarean rate over 15% is harmful as it increases maternal death rate and infant morbidity. The USA rate is 33% and is rising and is much higher in some states. Yet, this can be avoided through better prenatal posture and exercises.














Our modern lifestyle today is to blame for the less than optimal position of the baby. If we move back in history, women were in different postures during their daily chores, often times leaning forward washing the dishes in the sink or sowing seeds in the farms, on their hands and knees while cleaning the floor or gardening, or at least sitting upright in straight backed hard wooden chairs. These days, most postures and lifestyle encourage leaning back on a comfortable computer chair or couch.















Hence, the mother need to be extra conscious of the need for good posture and put efforts in prenatal exercises. By sitting straight up or leaning forward, gravity will naturally pull the fetal's head and spine down and forward into the anterior position in the womb. Postures to avoid include sitting back on a couch, recliner or soft chair, sleeping on the back or crossing the legs. It is preferable to sleep on the side (preferably the left side) with a pillow beneath the knees. When sitting, it is best to ensure the knees are always lower than the hip bones. A pillow can thus be placed on the seat. Besides posture, there are 2 exercises as shown on the left. The one on top is called knee chest position to be done 3 times a day for 15 minutes. It gently brings down the fetus out of the pelvis, so it can rotate into a more favorable position. The bottom exercise is called pelvic rock, which can be done after the knee chest position. It is an excellent exercise to relieve back pressure and keep the fetus in the optimal position.














Previously, I also blogged about visiting a chiropractor who is trained in the Webster technique. Besides moving the fetal into a head down position, it also alleviates pelvic and uterine restriction, so the fetal can move to the optimal position on its own. Another blogpost speaks about a Japanese midwife tip to always keep mummy's leg warm.














Getting all this right is key to a smooth and fast labour, besides one that is natural, without intervention by the doctor and no necessary need for knives and other equipment that may harm the baby and the mother.














Being in the delivery room, I am in awe at how a 3164 gram baby with a head circumference of 32cm and a height of 48cm can come out of the womb in 1 hour without any tear on the vagina or the need for the doctor to incise to enlarge the passage. Neither was epidural taken, so Sayaka is fully alert through this natural birth.

(Photos show Sayaka and sister, Haruka at the hospital with friends who have visited us. Video at the bottom shows 10 minute old Sayaka waving peace for 2011).

Detail: Tip 237: Prenatal exercise/posture for natural birth

0 Tip 236: Avoid unnecessary labour induction

My experience of labour with my first child was in Japan at a midwife's center with strong emphasis on natural birth. My second child was delivered in Singapore at end of 2010 and only then, I realized the common habit of doctors in hospitals to induce labour. Fortunately, we had already advised our doctor in advanced of our preference for natural birth and paid the necessary ward class to have our preferred doctor facilitate the delivery, instead of other doctors who have not had communication with us earlier.














It seems like a simple procedure to induce birth. The doctor puts a sterile, plastic thin hook into the vagina, brush against the membranes just inside the cervix to cause artificial rupture and cause the water bag to break. When this happens, contraction can happen at a faster rate especially if it has already started. Often times, the woman at labour does not know what happens as she may not be able to feel the quick 2 seconds procedure and will not be able to see it. The doctor may not even explain the procedure to the parents in advanced, and treat it as part of the labour process. But, is this natural birth and is this necessary if there is no compelling reasons for it?














There are various legitimate reasons why a doctor need to induce labour. Among others, being prolonged pregnancy beyond 42nd weeks, baby being too big for safe labour or the woman has health risks. However, reasons such as doctors wanting to avoid delivering at night or during holiday season should not be excuses to invite mothers to admit to the hospital early for delivery.














Most doctors would act professionally to ask the mother to be admitted to hospital only when there is head engagement where the fetal head has descended into the pelvic cavity so that only a small part can be felt abdominally and most of it felt vaginally. It is known as the baby drop or lightening as there is renewed ease of breathing and release of pressure on the upper abdomen, but higher pressure on the rectum and pelvic floor. The mother can believe the doctor's words when she has increased sensation that the baby will fall out any moment.














Yet, how clear is the definition of head engagement? Would the doctor define it as fully engaged outside the abdomen or just about to engage into the vagina? The doctor may persuade the parents that once the water bag is broken, there may be little time to manage the labour process and advise admission to the delivery room much earlier. Yet, once admission to the delivery room, the parents have little choice to when they want the baby to be delivered as there will be charges associated to time spent in the delivery room.















These days, the hospital will usually provide a slightly earlier estimated due date (EDD) of 40th week gestation instead of the maximum of 42 weeks. There is possibility that this is to manage parent's expectation better in case the babies need to be delivered earlier to better manage hospital space and doctor's availability.














Yet, are we allowing nature to best take its place? Would a child achieve best optimum conditions if allowed to be delivered only when the water bag breaks and in God's perfect timing? Or should we listen to the doctor to please his/our convenience to deliver the baby as soon as slight conditions allow for the delivery? Would a longer gestation period support longevity and better health conditions for the baby? There are some who believe that aiming for natural birth with the longest possible gestation period (if health conditions permit) allows for better health to the baby and that he or she may have a longer life to live. I believe these are among the admirable, pure and excellent things that we should think about and aim to accomplish. Mummy decides this as she will be bearing the pain, yet sometimes mummy looks to daddy to judge on whether to accept what the doctor say as truth or not. Daddy being in the delivery room and in the whole delivery process and doctor visits helps better decision making.














(Photos show 10 minute old Sayaka born in 2010 in Singapore).

Detail: Tip 236: Avoid unnecessary labour induction

0 Tip 235: Chiropractic can create life

Chiropractic, known for its spinal manipulative theraphy would usually stand for sustaining life, but in our case, it did contribute towards creation of life. I have never been a believer of spending money when there is no need for it. Yet, we were trying for our second child for more than 4 months. Tomomi suggested chiropractic may help since there could be an amazing amount of change to her body since her last pregnancy. There is certainly no harm to adjust any misalignments, so we tried for just 2 separate treatments by 2 different chiropractor. After a month, the conception of our second child was successful.

Chiropractic in recent days have gained recognition as an alternative medicine and even are approved by insurers for claims by its insured. There are more chiropractic regulatory boards set up in advanced countries such as USA, Canada and Australia and more patients who believe in its preventive treatment powers.

We are still early believers. I just spent SGD100 for one treatment and had another free trial treatment. Could it be coincidence or proof that just after 2 treatments on my wife, the educated hand technique can make right any misalignment that is causing interference to the nervous system. The idea behind it, is that the flow of our nervous system can be constricted by bones that are out of alighnment which can put pressure on the nerves that go to every organ and system in our body. Most of us have terrible posture, or slouching on a couch can aggravate our spine. This bad positioning pinches nerves, squeezes our internal organs, and creates tension. Adding to that are injuries, like falls or sporting injuries. Our reproductive organs among others, may be in a less than optimal position to function smoothly. With chiropractic care, the misaligned pelvis may be addressed or can even be prevented, making it possible for the woman to achieve a healthy conception. Receiving chiropractic care prior to conception promotes a more regular menstrual cycle (improving the chance of conception) and optimal uterine function. A Doctor of Chiropractic aligns the vertebrae and pelvis through gentle adjustments to the spine without any drug interventions, relieving the pressure on the nerves and allowing one hundred percent of the nerve energy to reach the tissues it serves.

This doesn't mean that women who are not in perfect alignment cannot get pregnant! They do every day, but if you're having problems with conception, consulting a chiropractor may help you. Many of us carry our tension in our shoulders, for example and this translates throughout our bodies. Stress, in general, is not helpful for conception because, as stress leads to increased release of cortisol. A study was published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research by Dr. Madeline Behrendt that examined 15 women who were attempting to become pregnant. Fourteen of the women became pregnant spontaneously following the start of chiropractic adjustments.

There is a chiropractic technique called the "Webster technique" that specifically addresses the position of the baby in the pelvis and optimizing that position for a successful vaginal delivery. Chiropractors do not adjust the baby, per se, but rather by adjusting the mother's alignment and working on relaxing the pelvis, babies can move into the correct position on their own. With the high caesarean rate in the United States, helping women and their babies to be ideally positioned for delivery is important. Equally important is post natal chiropractic care that helps the mother to relieve the stresses put on the body by the rapid growth of the baby. As her belly gets bigger, the woman's center of gravity changes. The growth is so quick that it is often difficult for the low back and pelvis to adjust to this change. As her baby grows, her musculoskeletal system must adjust accordingly to accommodate the growing uterus and prepare for delivery. Many pregnant women experience low back pain, hip pain, and pubic symphysis. I hope this short blogpost gives you a glimpse of the possibilities of chiropractice.














(Photos show Haruka playing lantern with her neighbour during the Mid-Autumn festival and with her church friends in water play at the Science Centre Singapore).

Detail: Tip 235: Chiropractic can create life

0 Tip 231: Keep mother's legs warm

Check out another blog I write: http://lifenewcreation.blogspot.sg to find about taking charge of your health and pursuing longer life span.


I got this tip from a Japanese mid-wife when we were in Tokyo prior to Haruka's birth 3 years ago. Tomomi had always wanted natural birth delivery without the use of epidural. Her reasons being that the baby that is delivered without the use of epidural will be more alert of its surroundings. I am a testament of this when I saw Haruka's eyes wide open looking around the delivery room upon her opening her eyes for the firs time. However, the baby's direction inside the womb can affect delivery. If the baby's head is not headed towards the bottom of the womb when nearing the delivery date, a C-section surgery may be performed instead. Also, Tomomi did not want her delivery to be at a Japanese hospital since doctors there were less likely to listen to the preferences of the mother on delivery and her preference was that the delivery be conducted at a certified midwife's place. Three years ago, Haruka was in the opposite direction when she was around 5-7 months in the womb. We were worried then, but the midwife was confident. She asked us to just let nature takes its course. But she said we can do certain things to motivate the baby in the womb to turn to the opposite direction. We listened in disbelief initially, but tried it anyway. In the next visit after 1 month of trying the tip, Haruka turned to the favorable position!














According to the midwife, the baby inside the womb can fill the temperature of the stomach and body. When mummy is taking cold shower, the baby can sometimes shiver in cold depending if the baby's body is touching the lining of the womb and stomach. When the baby starts to learn to move/swim inside the womb, the baby will naturally choose the most cozy position. When Haruka was still in the womb, it was spring time in Tokyo and was a little chilly. The midwife mentioned that maybe mummy's legs were not as warm as the stomach since there were more clothing covering the stomach than the legs. The baby would thus move towards the top where it was warmer. The midwife advised Tomomi to wear up to waist length socks and additional socks when going outdoors. She also advised Tomomi to take warm showers to keep the baby feeling warm. The midwife taught Tomomi a few pre-natal exercises and advised her to have a pail of warm water to soak her legs when she was feeling cold. When I told this to the Singaporean doctor who is seeing us now for our second child, he said that it was purely a natural process and those steps were not necessary. Our second daughter was also in the opposite direction between 6-7 months in the womb. The Singaporean doctor did not give any advice but just mentioned the difficulty of natural birth if the baby did not turn. The doctor mentioned that there is medical procedure to turn the baby, but usually that is not tried since there is risk involved. So, we tried the midwife tip again this time and within the next month of visit, the doctor reported that the baby's head has turned towards the bottom of the womb.















Even in the womb, babies are using their brains and instincts well. :) This is the marvel of creation. If you check with chinese medicine or other traditional doctors, they may also try a few methods such as acupuncture on the feet by burning joss sticks or other items at pressure points of the feet. I believe the intentions are the same to stimulate warmth in the feet, so the baby would notice the difference in temperature. It has worked twice for us and we will surely try it a third time if we are blessed by God again.














Have you heard of this tip of keeping the legs warm, so the baby will turn in the womb? :) Do share.














(Photos show the process involved for Haruka to wear a kimino and make up for the Shichi-Go-San studio photo taking. More photos and description of the process in the previous blogpost).

Detail: Tip 231: Keep mother's legs warm

0 Tip 224: Early anticipation of new baby

I wrote in my first blog entry that a corporate welcome by the family to the baby that enters the world may be necessary animal instinct to define who family is. It is as important to the new baby to know his/her family early, as well as the other members of the family to appreciate the arrival of the new addition. A new addition in the family poses new dynamics sociologically to each member of the family. And that includes the eldest child.

It is best to start creating new pictures of loving bond of the whole family to the eldest child. I start mentioning the baby in some of my conversations with Haruka, even if the baby may arrive later 6 months in the future. I encouraged Haruka to learn to be a responsible and well behaved elder sister whom the younger baby can regard as sensei (teacher in Japanese). Haruka proudly nods and tries her best to impress me for a while and forgets after a while her role to leave a good example.

I encouraged Haruka to sing and to read near mummy’s belly, but she has not gathered enough motivation to do so yet. I would ask Haruka if she likes to play with the baby in the future and what games she likes to play with the baby. As Barney says, "With just a little imagination, you can have lots of fun."

Kids these days learn very quickly. Even children under age 2 years old can understand the concepts of baby. I took Haruka to each of Tomomi’s medical check up and she could see the fetus in the womb on the computer monitor. I now remind Haruka each time not to scream near mummy as the baby has ears inside the womb. Though Haruka never listens, but she understands. I will check with the doctor later, if Haruka can be nearby and be part of the delivery process. I was very much involved in the delivery room during Haruka's birth where it lasted more than 6 hours without epidural, but lots of hubby hand holding.

Daddy wants the best possible outcome. Now, the task of managing children is magnified. This blog now exemplifies a more authentic daddy role. Just managing one child as previously, may allow for more idealistic aspirations and little down to earth parenting.

With God’s enabling, I pray that I will be a just and loving daddy. May I learn a few tips from my Father in Heaven to share with all of you.

(Photos show Haruka at two separate medical check ups when I managed to sneak a camera shot. Also, Haruka enjoying herself when she was at Ishigaki, Okinawa in August).

Detail: Tip 224: Early anticipation of new baby