Using essential oils to create your own cleaning spray is not only
uplifting for the environment, but it creates a safe, chemical-free
environment for you and your little one as well. The following spray is
perfect for cleaning all surfaces throughout your home. ¼ cup white vinegar
1¾ cups water30 drops essential oils chosen from the following blend options: 15
drops each of lavender and lemon; 10 drops each of eucalyptus,
peppermint, and wild orange; 30 drops doTERRA  On Guard blend;
or 15 drops each of grapefruit and doTERRA  On Guard
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a 16-ounce glass spray bottle. Shake
thoroughly . Spritz on surfaces and wipe clean. PREPARING YOUR BODY
Ancient Ayurvedic teaching suggests many ways to keep your body
balanced and prepare it for labor and birth. Ayurveda of fers daily routines to
follow during your last weeks of pregnancy—focusing on the importance of
building ojas—and emphasizes the value of preparing your vaginal tissues
for birth. The teachings also provide nutritional recommendations for
supporting your body in preparation for delivery . The last month of pregnancy is all about supporting the downward flow
of ener gy (apana vata) and preparing the passageway . The best way to do
this is to really focus on a vata-pacifying diet and lifestyle in the weeks
before your due date. Below are some simple yet powerful practices that
will support you in preparing your mind and body to welcome your little
angel into the world. DAILY RITUALS
Eat sautéed and stewed apples in the morning to support good
digestion (see this page ). Aim to walk three to five miles per day . This gentle movement warms
up the body , increases circulation, and allows for the free flow ofvata. Perform daily self-massage (see this page ). Avoid caf feine, as caf feine constricts the channels and reverses the
downward flow of vata. Drink warm water or warm teas throughout the day to allow the
channels of the body to be open and soft. Drink a hot milk tonic in the evenings (see this page ). Be asleep no later than 10 p.m. each night. Connect with your baby and visualize an ease-filled labor . You and
your baby are in this together! Tell your little one about the birthing
experience coming up, what it might feel like for them, and that you
will be right there on the other side to hold them and help them feel
safe. As a preparation for meeting your baby , consider reading Frédérick
Leboyer ’s Birth without V iolence —a powerful book that will help you to
understand what your baby experiences during labor and how to support
them throughout the process. PERINEAL MASSAGE
One common fear pregnant women tend to have about the birth process is
that the tissues of the perineal area (between the vagina, or vaginal opening,
and the rectum or anus) will tear . An increasingly common recommendation
is that a pregnant woman begin about a month before her estimated due date
to massage or manually stretch the tissues of her perineum to reduce the
likelihood of perineal lacerations and other trauma during birth. The
stretching massage action will soften the muscles, connective tissue, and
skin of the area, making the pliable tissue less likely to tear and reducing
the likelihood of ongoing perineal pain. The perineum is also the perfect
place to apply oil to ground and reduce excess vata dosha. You can useplain sesame oil or licorice-infused ghee. (See this page  for a recipe for
making ghee.) Perineal massage is typically performed to the edge of comfort—until a
slight burning or numbing sensation occurs. This may help you become
more familiar with the sensation of a baby’ s head crowning, so that when
you feel crowning in labor you are more likely to relax into it and less likely
to panic and tense up, or to panic and push too hard and fast, which may
cause tearing. Follow these steps to give yourself perineal massage:
Create a safe environment where you will not be interrupted. Wash your hands thoroughly and trim your fingernails. Use a safe lubricant (sesame oil or ghee are good choices), with a
towel under your bottom to catch dripping oil. Place one or both hands over the vulva and perineum with gratitude
and honor your baby’ s gateway into this world. Insert one or two fingers (or thumbs if that feels best) into your
vagina up to one or two knuckles, whatever feels comfortable. Apply downward pressure (toward your anus) for a few minutes. Slide back and forth between 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. Note any
sensation. Apply pressure to one side and then the other for several
minutes. Breathe deeply and practice fully relaxing into the sensations. The
massage is not only preparing the tissues, but also training your
body how to relax around intense sensation and allow the tissues to
stretch. The mental aspect of allowing, without clenching or
tightening, is part of the preparation too. Stop when you feel you have had enough. Place your hand over your vulva and perineum and send your
gratitude again.BASTI (WARM OIL ENEMA)
Mama can do one or two oil enemas per week beginning at thirty-seven
weeks—this is when baby is considered full term. Basti  in general is the
therapy of choice to eliminate vitiated vata and is one of the best remedies
for reducing pain during late pregnancy and labor . Basti opens mama in a
beautiful way , grounds her , and oleates and nourishes the entire pelvic
bowl. Basti therapy is simple: Pour a quarter cup of warm sesame oil (about
body temperature or slightly warmer) into an enema bag or bottle. (If you’d
like to create an herbal oil blend for the enema, Ayurveda recommends
using ashwagandha, bala, guduchi, and rose.) Lie on your left side and
administer the oil into your rectum through your anus. Hold the oil inside of
you until you have the ur ge to release. YONI PICCHU
Another way to prepare your passageway for birth is a traditional Ayurvedic
treatment called yoni picchu. This practice involves inserting a warm ghee-
or sesame oil–soaked or ganic cotton ball into your vagina. Do this for
fifteen consecutive days (six or seven hours at a time) after thirty-seven
weeks. Inserting it before you go to sleep at night is a practical time. You
can wrap the cotton ball in sterile gauze to assure that no shreds are left
behind. This helps to lubricate and soften your tissues, allowing them to
stretch more easily . It also serves as a powerful way to ground and stabilize
vata dosha, drawing ener gy downward into the pelvic region in preparation
for delivery . SITZ BATHS
Soften the perineum by soaking weekly or twice-weekly in a sitz bath (a
basin that fits perfectly into your toilet seat, so just your groin area isimmersed in the bath) or a half-filled bathtub during the last six weeks of
pregnancy . Prepare the bath using one of these recipes:
Recipe 1:  Steep a handful of linden flowers in 32 ounces of boiled
water for ten minutes. Strain and pour into a sitz bath (or half-filled
bathtub) and soak for twenty to thirty minutes. Recipe 2:  Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream along with 2 drops
each of jasmine, rose, and lavender essential oils to warm water in a
sitz bath or a half-filled bathtub, and soak for twenty to thirty minutes. SUPPORTIVE FOODS, SUPPLEMENTS, AND
BEVERAGES
The following are a list of supportive foods, supplements, and beverages to
be consumed daily during the weeks up to your birth. Red raspberry tea. Starting around thirty-five weeks, enjoy several
cups of red raspberry tea per day . Red raspberry leaf is a mineral-
rich nutritive and uterine tonic that is said to support a natural birth
with minimal bleeding. Traditionally , red raspberry leaf has been
used in late pregnancy to shorten the duration of labor and to reduce
complications of pregnancy . Alfalfa juice powder . Take 2 teaspoons of alfalfa juice powder daily
beginning at twenty-eight weeks in pregnancy to increase blood
volume and blood health, minimize anemia, and reduce blood loss
(depletion) during birth and postpartum. Dates. Ayurvedic teachings recommend eating six or seven dates
per day during the last weeks of pregnancy because this palm fruit
has an oxytocin-like ef fect on the body , leading to increased
sensitivity of the uterus; dates help stimulate uterine contractions
and reduce postpartum hemorrhage in the same way the hormone
oxytocin does. They also support pregnancy and delivery becausetheir natural sugars easily break down in the body and will not spike
blood sugar levels, while still of fering high energy; the high fiber
content of dates helps you stay full, relieves constipation, and lowers
your risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia; they are high in
potassium, which helps maintain water and salt balance in the body ,
assisting in regulating your blood pressure; they are high in
magnesium, which supports muscular health and helps alleviate
muscle spasms and pain; and they are rich in vitamin K, which
maintains proper blood clotting and healthy bones. You can eat
dates straight or add them to smoothies and other ojas drinks to
make those beverages more palatable. Ghee. Ghee, a low-lactose oil created by clarifying butter to remove
the water and milk solids, is believed to lubricate the inner walls of
the uterus, thereby aiding a smooth delivery . It is a primary ojas-
forming food—one of the best ways to nourish all the tissue in your
body and bring about a feeling of wellness and vitality . The butyric
acid in ghee is essential for maintaining good stomach health; it
supports proper digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food
nutrients. It also lubricates the intestines, leading to proper
elimination. (See this page  for a recipe for making ghee.) BUILDING OJAS
During your eighth and ninth months of pregnancy , ojas becomes unstable,
moving from mother to baby . Focus on building ojas in your body , guided
by the list below (adapted from the Birthing Ayurveda  blog on
www .BanyanBotanicals.com ; I highly recommend reading Vrinda Devani’ s
week-by-week pregnancy and postpartum journey on the same website). Ingest more ghee. Start putting ghee, as much as you can tolerate,
on all foods. Add it to warm milk and drink it daily . No need to be
stingy; it is nourishing and supports your digestive fire (agni).Eat ojas-promoting foods. Almonds, dates, whole milk, avocados,
cashews, pumpkin or sesame seeds, sweet and juicy fruits (mangos,
peaches), sweet potatoes or yams, tapioca, and rice pudding are all
foods that build ojas. Make sure the foods are nourishing, fresh, and
wholesome. Eat more vibrantly colored vegetables. They have more life (prana),
and will thus give you more life! Get good rest and avoid overexercising. Sleep, sleep, and sleep some more! Avoid daytime sleeping, though,
as this could make you feel even more heavy . Meditate. Increasing the sense of feeling content in life is one of the
most ef fective ways of increasing ojas. Laugh a lot, give a lot, and love a lot. These activities fill the heart
and grow ojas. Avoid excessive sex. Ojas is released with every orgasm. Do a daily self-massage, if possible. Practice pranayama (breath work). Focus on slow , deep breathing
such as nadi shodhana, or alternate-nostril breathing (see this page )
or abdominal breathing. BIRTH PLAN
I suggest taking time each day in the weeks before birth to really envision
the birth of your dreams. Where are you? What is your mood? What time of
day (or night) is it? Who is there? Be as detailed and as vivid as possible. There is the vision that you hold, and then there are the practicalities of the
process or the details that you want to assure are implemented into your
birthing experience—which is where the “birth plan” comes in. The term
“birth plan” can be misleading. You cannot “plan” your birth; birth is anunpredictable—and actually quite mystical—process. But you can prepare
for it! Experienced midwives and birth workers say that women who are
overly attached to their birth plan, to the extent that they try to control the
process of birth, are often the ones who end up having interventions that
they did not anticipate or want. Understand that the ideal experience that
you are putting into your birth plan is simply a guide. From there, your
deeper work is to trust in the process of birthing itself and whatever arises
in that space. Communicate your vision, wishes, and goals through your
birth plan, and then completely let go and surrender to the process. Birth plans are helpful to support you in finding your vision for your
birth and are also helpful so that your support person can advocate for you
if you are unable to advocate for yourself. Furthermore, a plan can also be
helpful to provide to the hospital staf f so that they are aware of your wishes
and do not make decisions on your behalf that you would not feel
comfortable with. On the next few pages, I of fer notes my partner and I made for our
home birth—specifically for my husband to have on hand so he could know
what was happening and how best to support me. We also gave our
midwives a copy so they could understand the mood we wanted to create. Feel free to use some or all of the following to create your own optimal
birthing experience. DURING LABOR
EARL Y LABOR: 3–6 CM DILA TED
Call midwives and let them know that labor has started. Receive an abhyanga (or do it yourself) and take a warm bath to
begin stabilizing vata. Do an oil enema (basti, this page ) to bring vata downward and
lubricate the tissues.Eat a grounding and nourishing meal. Slow down and take this time to connect with your baby , preparing
yourself and your little one for the journey ahead. Rest between contractions, even just lying down and closing your
eyes for three to five minutes. Rest is vital and will support you on
your journey . ACTIVE LABOR: 6–10+ CM DILA TED
Midwives arrive when contractions are one minute long with three to
five minutes between them. Walk around the house between contractions. Have birthing partner rub warm oil on your hips and thighs in firm,
downward strokes. When a contraction comes, try various birthing positions that you
have learned, or follow what feels best in your body . Consider
changing positions regularly—or as needed. TRANSITION
Contractions are one minute long with two or three minutes between
each one. If (as often happens with mamas during transition) you find yourself
saying, “I can’t (or don’t) want to do it anymore,” take a moment to
notice what you are literally doing—and change it up. For example, if
you are in the birthing tub and start to feel that you can’t or don’t
want to do “it” anymore, get out of the tub and go into your backyard. This feeling often means that baby is moving down and coming
soon. Use low-pitched noises from your gut. Trust the position that your body wants to birth in.Allow natural expulsion of baby rather than ef fortful pushing. Your
body will naturally move your baby out of you. Breathe more rapidly through your mouth as baby begins to crown to
slow down and prevent tearing. Place a warm compress and oil on perineum. Eat small amounts of honey of f a spoon during pushing phase. Refrain from loud or unnecessary talking during crowning and
delivery . Allow dad or mom to receive baby . Offer mama a spoonful of panchakola ghee directly after delivery . ROOM ENVIRONMENT FOR THE BIRTH
Aroma: pure essential oil of cardamom
Temperature: warm
Silence/soft voices in the space
Anyone in the birthing space is fully present with mama—as her
witness and support
Dim lighting
Birthing tub available
Have ready: hot water bottle or heating pad, wet and warm cloths,
warm oil
Music or mantra: make playlist and make sure your birth partner
knows how to access it
SNACKS/MEALS
Rice gruel (see recipe on this page )
Cut-up juicy fruitsBlended soups
Drinks: 40 ounces per hour
Electrolyte water drinks
Warm cashew milk
Warm water
Room-temperature coconut water
Raw local honey
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BIRTHING P ARTNER
Communicating the mama’ s wishes to the maternity team, and
relaying their advice back to her . Support her to make decisions if
things don’t go to plan and speak up for her if she can’t do this
herself. Have a precreated text thread to let important friends and family
members know that labor has started and ask for well-wishes and
blessings. Protect mama’ s privacy: turn phones on silent, close the door ,
restrict visitors. If the room seems to be getting loud, or other people
are chatting about things unnecessarily—protect the space so all
attention can be focused on mama. If you determine that there are too many people and so much
external stimulation that mama isn’t able to relax into her primal,
birthing brain, see what you can do to bring more soothing energy to
the birthing environment. Observe/anticipate mama’ s needs. Do not ask too many questions. Be fully present with your partner . Be in the experience with her, not
trying to fix, change, or necessarily “do” anything—just let her feel
that you are fully there with her , witnessing her in her profoundbirthing process (whether you are letting her know through your
words or simply in how you are showing up to support her). During contractions, you can talk to mama slowly and softly . Affirmations are best, such as “you were born for this,” “your body
knows what to do,” “you are doing this perfectly ,” or whatever
affirmations you have discussed beforehand that feel empowering to
mama. Rather than talking, you may also choose to hold the space
of respectful silence, simply being with her as she rides the waves. If progress seems to stop, hold gentle space for mama and baby and
let the baby know that it is safe to come now; they are so loved and
so wanted. Let baby know that things may feel scary right now , but
not to worry—mama is right on the other side and ready to love and
care for them. You can also assure mama that she is safe, that her
body was made for this, and that her body is wise. This may be a
good time for a bath or massage to allow mama’ s body to soften into
a space of trusting and allowing. You are in the mood of a warrior , not passive. If you are there when
mama is in labor , it is because you are meant to be. You have
something valuable to of fer her . Be present and ready to serve. Deepen your breath so that you can be alert and alive. Make sounds with her , breathe with her , move with her , walk with
her. Give her encouragement rather than direction. Use nonverbal signals: instead of saying “relax your shoulders,”
gently touch her shoulders. Give body work: hip compress, sacrum compress, pressure points. Apply warm oil to her lower back and thighs between contractions. Suggest ideas like taking a bath or shower , trying change in
positions, or walking, and support her as needed.Offer sips of nutritive drinks (not just water). Choose natural sports
drinks, tea with honey , room-temperature juice, warm smoothies. Listen to what she wants. She might not always want to be touched
or spoken to, but being by her side is still helpful. Do not take any
rejection or reaction personally . PAIN COPING TECHNIQUES FOR MAMA
Distract from physical birthing sensations with other senses (tastes,
sounds, visuals, scents, or other sensations). Move toward sensation rather than away from it. Be curious about
the pain. Rather than constrict and tighten around it, see if you can
soften your jaw and your muscles—releasing resistance to your
experience. Notice what’ s already working and do more of that. Become aware of your breath. Simply watch it moving slowly in and
then out, in and then out. Remember that you and your baby are in this together . Build a
partnership with your little one. Maintain mindful awareness without judging, as if you are the
witness to your experience. Find the center of sensation (much like the emptiness/stillness in the
eye of the hurricane). Find the edges of sensation. Notice how sensation is constantly
changing and follow it. You are not stuck or stagnant. Sensation isn’t
rigid; it’ s fluid and always shifting. Try bathing in warm water , whether it is a shower or a bath—or use a
heating pad. Try changing positions, really listening to your body and feeling into
how your body wants to move and what position feels right, rightnow. Massage with warm oil. Make low-pitched sounds. PLANNING FOR A HOSPITAL
BIRTH OR HOSPITAL TRANSFER
Along with creating a plan for our home birth, we printed out a detailed set
of notes to have ready in case a hospital transfer became necessary during
the birth. A similar plan could be used when the intention from the start is to
have a hospital birth. Feel free to use some or all of the instructions and
reminders from the “Hospital Birth Preferences” chart below , and give a
copy to your nurses and doctor upon arrival at the hospital. (Please note that
none of the information in this hospital plan is medical advice; it simply
reflects the conclusions and choices that we came to as a family after doing
the necessary research.) I’d like to preface this hospital plan with a few words about informed
consent. In any birth environment, you are not only part of the experience,
you are in char ge of the experience. You have a legal human and ethical
right to have the final say in anything that happens to you, your body , and
your baby . Unfortunately , some medical practitioners (commonly in
hospitals, but this can occur with midwives as well) either assume consent
for medical procedures (this includes cervical checks) or coerce the mother
into consenting to a procedure by guilting her about her ability to be a good
mother—or even threatening to call social services if the mother denies
their recommendations. Ideally , every person who is present during your labor is in full
alignment with the ways that you want to birth your baby , and they are there
to protect and preserve that objective. Regardless of whether you are at
home or in the hospital, you should not have to put up a fight with your careproviders—or even feel that you might  have to protect your ideals—during
labor or birth. In the occurrence that this isn’ t the case, this is one of the
benefits of having a support person (husband, partner , family member , or
doula) who is familiar with your birth plan and your preferences and can
advocate for you during your labor and birth. A simple way to establish
right from the start that you are aware of informed consent and expect to be
treated not only as a birthing mother but as a capable adult deserving of
respect is to put a statement of informed consent right at the top of your
birth plan for your care providers to read. The physician and midwife Aviva
Romm suggests the following wording: I expect to be tr eated like a
competent adult with the legal right to be the autonomous decision maker
about everything that happens to my body and my baby . Questions to Prepare for Birth
Whether birthing at home with a midwife or at a hospital,
mama will be presented with recommended tests and
procedures during pregnancy , though also during labor and
post birth. It is important to understand that you do not have
to consent to anything—for you or your baby—that you do
not fully understand or feel comfortable with. Following are
some questions that you might ask. TESTS AND PROCEDURES
What will we find out from this test/procedure? How accurate is it? What are the risks? Do they outweigh the benefits? What will you or we do dif ferently based on the results? If
nothing, is there another reason to do it?What are all medical and non-medical alternatives? TREA TMENTS, DRUGS, AND INTER VENTIONS
How will this be helpful? Why must this be done now? What might happen if we wait an hour? A week? Or do
nothing? What are the advantages, disadvantages? This may be the treatment you usually recommend, but what
other approaches can you tell us about? If several treatment choices are possible: Is there a logical
sequence in which to try the dif ferent options? HOSPIT AL BIRTH PREFERENCES
Baby’ s estimated delivery date:
Mother:
Father or partner:
Phone number:
Midwife/Doctor:
Phone number:
Emer gency numbers:
GENERAL  NOTES
Gender is a surprise! Please do not reveal it. We will transfer care back to our midwives directly after giving
birth for all postpartum care. We have been preparing for a natural birth, and our hope is for a
calm and joyful birthing experience. W e appreciate your support
in helping us create a calm and quiet environment at all times—especially during delivery and after birth. Please use soft voices,
dim lights, and keep staf f visits to a minimum. LABOR
Cordless fetal heart monitoring only if necessary
Birthing tub
Freedom to choose and change positions and to guide my own
labor
Freedom to eat and drink
No induction or pain medication (if you must induce, use Pitocin
and not Cytotec). No cervical checks
No medical interventions without fully informed consent
DELIVER Y
Partner or mother will catch baby
No episiotomy
No forceps
Do not reveal gender of baby
AFTER THE BIRTH
Skin to skin immediately after delivery
Natural delivery of placenta (+ we will take placenta home)
Delayed cord clamping
Do not suction my child unless it is necessary to save the baby’ s
life
Do not wash baby or rub vernix of f; I will clean the baby
sometime later
Delay exams for bonding (two hours) and perform all checks on
baby while on my chest
Exclusively breastfeed + no pacifierDo not take our baby out of my room without my or my
husband’ s knowledge and permission
NEWBORN PROCEDURES
No circumcision (male or female)
No vaccines
Do not give RhoGAM
Do not give a vitamin K shot
Do not administer Synagis to our child
Do not put antibiotic ointment in the baby’ s eyes
Do not do PKU testing
IF A CESAREAN SECTION IS NECESSAR Y TO SA VE MY  LIFE
OR THE LIFE OF MY  BABY
Please use a double stitch when repairing my uterine wall and
not a single stitch, to allow for VBAC [vaginal birth after
cesarean] with a future pregnancy
Do not clamp the umbilical cord until it stops pulsing. Please allow my husband to hold our baby until the placenta has
been detached—please check our child while the baby is in his
arms. Please let me have my baby on my chest after the placenta has
been detached, and delay after-birth procedures (see above). AYUR VEDIC HOSPIT AL PACKING LIST
Insurance card and ID
Bluetooth speaker
Phone charger
Essential oil dif fuser
Cardamom + rosewood essential oil
Alternative dim lighting
Washcloths for mama’ s head, body (cooling or warming)Abhyanga oil
Enema bottle for basti
Heating pad, hot water bottle
Electric water kettle
Thermos
Eye mask
Fluffy socks
Hair ties
Labor clothes
Comfy clothes to nurse, sleep, and go home in
Belly wrap
Dad clothes, deodorant, toothbrushes
EAT | DRINK
Honey for spoonfuls during pushing phase
Panchakola ghee for two spoonfuls right after delivery
Mini Instapot (Rice Gruel recipe, this page )
Additional Instapot for warming oil
Rice, spices, sukanat for mama meals (see Kanji recipe on this
page )
Fresh spring water for drinking
Last night as your daddy was rubbing my belly
he looked at me and said, “W e’re going to die one day .”
“Yeah,” I said. “What made you think of that?”
“Don’t you want this to last forever?”
“Yeah…yeah I do.”
As tears gently rolled down my face
and I soaked in the beauty of the moment a little more deeply ,
hugged him a little more tightly ,
stayed awake a little bit longer
because the beauty of remembering how temporary it all really
ismakes me want to love a little more fully ,
be a little kinder ,
and not let a moment pass me by without feeling deeply
into its beauty . So grateful I found a love like this. A love story I wish could go on forever and ever . Sometimes I think I shouldn’t be sad
or that I should not cry ,
because I know you feel everything I feel, little babe. But then I remember:
the heartache is so beautiful actually ,
because sadness
is a symptom
of a heart that has loved. Sadness might be
just the other side. ŚOSYANTĪ HOMA: ANCIENT
RITUAL FOR A SAFE DELIVERY
In the Vedic tradition, a few days before the birth of the baby , among
celebration with the blowing of conch shells, the mama is moved to her
birthing room ( sutika gr ha), traditionally located in the southwest part of
the house, with her headboard facing east. The father then performs a
ceremony called s?osyanti? homa,  with the intention of bringing good
health to the birthing mama and a safe delivery for their babe. Traditionally ,
this is a full ceremony , or yajna —carried out in front of a sacred fire with
Vedic mantras recited by Brahmans, the local priests.The following prayer , inspired by the translation of the traditional
mantras found in Śrīla Gopāla Bha ṭṭ a Gosvāmī’ s Sat Kriya Sara Dipika,
has been simplified to make it accessible while maintaining the essence and
bringing about the same intention. A few days before the birth of your little
one, your partner might use this prayer or write their own to set the
intention for a healthy delivery . This one is meant to be recited as the father
(or partner) makes an of fering of prasadam to the altar . OM V ISNU
OM T AT  S AT
On [today’ s date], for the safe delivery of my child I of fer this
nourishment. I offer my respects to the Earth, which supports us. I offer my respects to the space between heaven and Earth, which
holds us. I offer my respects to the heavens, which give us something to reach
for. I offer my respects to the Universe. O God and Goddess, please receive our of fering and bring forth this
child with ease and grace. May [birthing mama’ s name] feel the
presence of the Divine Goddess supporting her as our child makes
their way into the world.OceanofPDF .come Birth of Your Babe 5 
Do not let our cultur e take the magic and the immensity of this
transition to mother hood away fr om you. W e discuss things like work-
life balance, getting your body back, having it all, bouncing back…
but what we should r eally discuss is the pr ofound portal of a woman
in transition between two worlds. —Narelle Melnick, Ayurvedic postpartum doula
No matter how much you have prepared, how many books you have read,
how thoughtfully you have planned and or ganized and nested and gathered,
there may still be a point during labor where you feel completely lost. You
may for get everything you have learned and wonder if you are capable, if
you are “doing” this right, if your baby will ever come out. Know that your
labor is the perfect experience to prepare you, mama, for your little one. You will stretch, grow , be challenged, and transform in exactly the ways
needed to mother your little angel. You will know a strength and resilience
you never knew . You will give yourself completely , as you move through
the profound portal that leads you toward the most selfless, unconditional
love that you will ever experience. Your body knows what to do. Please trust that. All the ways you have prepared;
a lifetime of experience and growth;
everything that came before
led you here. Mama,
You were born for this.Birth is natural. Your body was made for this. You know what to do. So
much of the doing is simply getting out of the way and allowing your body
to do what it does. Remember every woman that has labored and birthed
before you; feel their strength and wisdom pulsating through your cells. Remember that even in the moments where you for get…your body
remembers. Your body knows how to birth. Your baby will come out. And
you? You will forever be changed. This chapter provides an overview of terms to familiarize yourself with as
your due date is approaching. I also want to introduce you to the natural
flow of labor and some things that you may experience, ways to know if the
doshas become imbalanced and how to support them, and finally some
beautiful Ayurvedic practices to support you in your birthing experience. At the end of this chapter , I share my birth stories. I encourage you to
honor your own birthing experience by writing down every detail you can
remember (after the first few days of soaking up that sweet babe in your
arms, of course!). This is a beautiful and meditative way to process and
integrate your experience and make peace with it, especially if part of your
labor or birth did not turn out the way you hoped. Every birth story is
sacred, as it ends in new life—a spirit soul continuing its journey to the
Divine. I just can’t believe you’re a little person in there,
and I can’t believe I get to see you so soon. I wonder what you’ll look like,
where your freckles will be. I wonder what color your hair is;
if you have hair;
if it will be blond and curly like both of ours were when we were
little babes. I wonder what your temperament is;if you’re happy in there;
if you’re scared at all. I wonder if I will be able to make you feel safe;
if you’ll breathe when you’re out;
if you’ll sleep well
and be comfortable in the world. I wonder
if you’ll remember being inside of me
and if I’ll remember what it feels like. I hope so. Because you are truly the most magical experience of my life. TERMS TO KNOW FOR LABOR
BRAXTON-HICKS CONTRACTIONS
Braxton-Hicks contractions are a tightening of the uterine muscles for one
to two minutes and are thought to be an aid to your body in its preparation
for birth. Braxton-Hicks are your body’ s way of preparing for true labor ,
toning the uterine muscles so that they will all work together , but they do
not indicate that labor has begun or is going to start. Sometimes they are
referred to as prodromal, or “false labor ,” pains, although they do not
generally hurt; they are more of a feeling of tightening and then releasing of
the belly muscles. They start around six weeks gestation but usually are not
felt until the second or third trimester of pregnancy . Braxton-Hicks are irregular in duration and intensity , are unpredictable
and nonrhythmic, and are not usually painful. Unlike true labor
contractions, Braxton-Hicks do not increase in frequency , duration, or
intensity . They lessen and then disappear , only to reappear at some time in
the future. Braxton-Hicks contractions tend to increase in frequency and
intensity near the end of the pregnancy .MUCUS PLUG
During pregnancy , the cervix secretes a thick, jelly-like fluid to keep the
area moist and protected. This fluid eventually accumulates and seals the
cervical canal, creating a thick plug of mucus. The mucus plug acts as a
barrier and can keep unwanted bacteria and other sources of infection from
traveling into your uterus. As your cervix starts to soften or open (dilate) later in pregnancy (called
“cervical ripening,” this softening and dilation of the cervix typically begins
prior to the onset of labor contractions and is necessary for the passage of
the baby), the mucus is released into the vagina. You might notice an
increase in vaginal dischar ge when this happens that can be clear , pink,
brownish, or even blood-tinged. Sometimes it appears as small amounts of
mucus when you wipe, or in your underwear , or it can be a bigger , thicker ,
jelly-like glob. When you lose your mucus plug it does not necessarily mean that you
are actually in labor; it can be anywhere between a few hours to a few
weeks before labor starts. Your mucus plug may not even dislodge until you
are in labor! WATER BREAKING
In movies, a pregnant woman generally seems to experience a gush of
liquid between her legs as the indicator that labor is starting. In reality , the
release of amniotic fluid—“water breaking”—before labor starts only
happens in about 8 to 10 percent of births. For some women, their water
does not break until they are well progressed into labor , or even moments
before the baby is actually delivered. On rare occasions, a baby can be born
“en caul,” meaning that the child is born inside of the unbroken, or partially
broken, amniotic sac. When the water breaks, it means that the amniotic sac that carries your
baby has punctured, and the fluid is starting to drain. It should be clear in
color and odorless. Depending on where the puncture is, the water mightgush out or drip out a little at a time. If labor has not already started, after
your water breaks, labor generally begins (or intensifies) soon after . INDUCTION
Induction  is the term used for artificially starting labor , either through
natural methods or by using medical procedures or drugs. The reasons for
induction vary: sometimes legitimate health threats to the mother or baby
require labor to start immediately; other times induction is simply a
scheduling convenience for the doctor or the birthing mother . Before
utilizing any induction method to start your labor , familiarize yourself with
the dif ferent potential benefits and risks of each method. Induction can have
disadvantages to both mama and baby , and although induction may be the
safest choice in some circumstances, make sure you are educated and
informed of the risks. In the medical model of care, induction methods may involve a care
professional manually breaking the amniotic sac to initiate labor , or using
drugs (such as Pitocin IV  or prostaglandins including Cervidil, Prepidil, or
Cytotec) to expedite the labor process, or both. In the midwifery model of care, induction methods may include sexual
intercourse between the pregnant woman and her partner , breast/nipple
stimulation, or consuming castor oil, as well as a practice of sweeping the
membranes, wherein the midwife separates the bag of waters (amniotic sac)
from the inside of the cervix with two fingers. EPISIOTOMY
An episiotomy is a medical procedure common mostly between 1940 and
1980 in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in the United Kingdom and
Australia. The care provider would cut an incision into the perineal tissue of
the birthing mama in order to prevent tearing and to allow for the baby’ s
head to come out more easily during the pushing phase. This procedure is
mostly outdated and should no longer be done routinely unless there is amedical reason for it, such as a risk to the safety of the baby . Care providers
have learned methods of massaging the perineal tissue around the baby’ s
head to help it come out during pushes without tearing and have found that
even if the mama does tear , the perineal laceration is often smaller than it
would be if an incision were made. You are entering into the mystery . Know that your experience will be unique,
and totally perfect
to prepare you
to care for
your little angel. LABOR
EARLY LABOR
In early labor , you will begin to experience contractions that typically last
thirty to forty-five seconds, though they might be shorter , and may be
regular or irregular . They can be spaced ten or twenty minutes apart with no
regular rhythm. Early labor contractions are sometimes hard to distinguish
from irregular Braxton-Hicks contractions. Real labor contractions will get
closer together with a more regular pattern as time goes on. During early labor , you might experience any of the following labor
signs:
backache (constant or with each contraction)
menstrual-like cramps
lower abdominal pressure
indigestiondiarrhea
sensation of warmth in the belly
mucus plug discharge
water breaking (though rupture of the amniotic sac is more likely to
happen sometime during active labor)
You may feel excitement or fear , relief or anticipation. You might feel
totally relaxed and ready or tense and apprehensive. All of these feelings are
normal: your journey has begun! Say a prayer , create an intention, perhaps
sit at your altar or in nature and connect with your Self, with your baby , and
with the Divine. Sometimes early labor contractions are quite intense, but
usually they will be mild enough for you to talk through them, move around
the house, or stay resting in bed. Relax as much as you can, since you may have a long day or night
ahead of you. If you are tired, try to doze of f between contractions, even if
it is just for a few minutes at a time. If you are having a home birth with an
attending doula or midwife (or both), let them know that things have
started. They will likely tell you to reach out again as things progress or if
anything changes. You should contact your practitioner right away if you experience any
of the following:
Your discharge becomes bright red (actual bleeding could indicate a
problem with the placenta, such as placenta previa or another
condition that needs to be addressed as soon as possible). Your water breaks and the amniotic fluid is greenish. You feel no fetal activity (though any activity may be hard to notice
because you are distracted by contractions—in which case have a
snack or some juice, walk a bit, even jiggle your belly , then lie down,
relax, and see if the baby moves).ACTIVE LABOR
During the phase of active labor , your cervix dilates to 7 centimeters. This
is when you will head to the hospital or birthing center or call your midwife
to come to your home, depending on where you are planning to give birth. Some caregivers prefer a call sooner , so clarify this ahead of time. Your contractions will become more powerful. They become longer ,
typically lasting sixty seconds with a distinct peak halfway through, and
more frequent, coming every three to four minutes though the pattern may
not be regular . One wave at a time;
Rest in between. Do not waste those precious moments of ease
complaining about the past (the last contraction)
or dreading the future (the next). Allow yourself to drop deeply
into the present moment. Soften your jaw ,
allow the weight of your body to be held by the bed,
the water , the wall, the pillows. Relax your arms
your thighs
your belly . Be
in your breath. Then the next wave will begin to rise. Prepare yourself to meet it. Ride it. Experience it,
and then it falls. You have another moment to rest.ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED
Before labor , practice asking for what you need. The journey is yours, and at some point you must realize that it is your
work, and your surrender , that will birth your baby . Still, having the total
presence and support of your birth team will allow you to feel that you are
not in it alone. Stay connected with your little one. Breathe deeply . Stay hydrated. This can be one of your birth partner ’s roles; to keep
offering you drinks and light snacks without asking if you want it…just
offer, and mama will either take it or not. TRANSITION
During the transition from the first phase of labor (early and active labor) to
the second phase (pushing), the cervix will dilate from 7 centimeters to its
final 10-plus centimeters. Transition is the shortest stage, generally lasting
from fifteen minutes to an hour (though it can sometimes last longer). A person in labor may experience more space between contractions
during this time and think that labor is slowing down or stalling. This is a
portal where mama is between worlds. She has climbed a tall mountain and
is given a moment to rest and reflect, though mostly to listen. It is said in
this gap, the time right before baby comes, mama can receive messages
about her little one—almost like she is downloading a manual about who
they are and how to care for them. This space should be honored. Rather
than having mama change positions, walk around, or start pushing,
encourage her to be in the receptive space—until the ur ge to push comes on
strong. In the transition phase, a woman in labor is likely to be feeling intense
sensations:Strong pressure in the lower back or perineum, rectal pressure, or
both, with or without an urge to push
An increase in fluid discharge
Feeling warm and sweaty or chilled and shaky
Crampy legs that may tremble uncontrollably
Nausea or vomiting (or both)
Drowsiness between contractions
Fatigue or exhaustion
Relief or anticipation
PUSHING AND THE BIRTH OF YOUR BABE
At the beginning of the second phase of labor , the pushing stage, your
contractions may be a little further apart, giving you the chance for much-
needed rest between them. With each contraction, the force of your uterus
exerts pressure on your baby to continue to move down through the birth
canal. The descent may be rapid or gradual. When a contraction is over and
your uterus is relaxed, your baby’ s head will recede slightly in a “two steps
forward, one step back” kind of progression. With each contraction, more and more of your baby’ s head becomes
visible. You may notice a strong burning or stinging sensation as your
vaginal and perineal tissue begins to stretch. Your little one is almost here. At some point, you may have the natural ur ge to breathe quicker and more
shallow breaths through your mouth in order to slow down the expulsion of
your little one; this allows your baby’ s head to more gradually stretch out
your vaginal opening and perineum. A slow , controlled delivery can help
keep your perineum from tearing. Your baby’ s head continues to advance with each wave until it
“crowns”—the widest part of the head is finally visible. Generally , if the
baby is in the common birth position, the head will emer ge facing yourtailbone. After the full head is out, the baby then turns to the side as its
shoulders rotate inside your pelvis to get into position for their exit. In the
same contraction, or perhaps the next, the shoulders emer ge, one at a time,
followed by the body . A warm compress on your forehead or back may feel comforting. You did it, mama. You did it, little babe. Welcome to the world, little angel. You are safe. You are so loved and so, so wanted. Welcome, little one. Welcome. DELIVERY OF THE PLACENTA
The third and final phase of labor is the delivery of the placenta. Minutes
after giving birth, your uterus begins to contract again. The first few
contractions usually separate the placenta from your uterine wall. When
your caregiver sees signs of separation, they may ask you to gently push to
help expel the placenta. This is usually one short push that is not at all
difficult or painful. THE GOLDEN HOUR
The golden hour is the hour immediately following birth where mama and
baby have uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact. It is a time for deep bonding
and deep connection for both mama and baby and allows for a gentle
welcome into the world where baby feels safe and at home—as this tiny
person stays close to the only home they’ve ever known. There is no one
poking or prodding mama or baby , and the environment stays as still andquiet as possible. If it is not possible for mama to hold baby skin to skin at
this time, then the partner can take this role. During this hour the baby’ s heart rate stabilizes, temperature regulates,
and mother ’s good bacteria is passed onto baby from her skin. Signs of
stress will decrease from baby as the instinctual close contact is maintained
between mama and babe. Oxytocin is in plentiful supply right after birth,
and this hormone—more commonly known as the “love hormone”—allows
for deep bonding. Mothers who honor this time are shown to have more successful and
ease-filled breastfeeding journeys. Baby can be on mama’ s belly with a
blanket over them to initiate the “breast crawl.” All mammals (if
unmedicated, meaning no drugs at all during labor), if given the chance,
will slowly make their way to mama’ s breasts to feed. Babies are born with
a “stepping reflex” that allows them to scoot up mama’ s chest toward the
breast. Babies will try to align themselves with the nipple, and allowing
them to do this on their own actually improves the chances of a successful
latch. Having the baby directly on mama’ s belly after birth also slows down
the production of the stress hormone adrenaline in the mother , so that it
doesn’ t interfere with the production of the oxytocin and prolactin
hormones that are essential for bonding and breastfeeding. AYURVEDIC PRACTICES DURING
LABOR AND BIRTH
SUPPORTING VATA AS CONTRACTIONS BEGIN
Ayurvedic tradition encourages certain practices during labor to assist in the
birthing process as well as give relief and support to the birthing mama. To
begin with, at the onset of contractions, someone can give the pregnant
mama a full-body warm oil abhyanga—or she can do it herself—with
sesame oil. Afterward mama can take a warm bath.If desired, this bath can be infused with botanicals including herbs such
as white peony root or linden; essential oils such as lavender , patchouli,
cardamom, jasmine, and rose; flower essences such as Birth Formula,
Peaceful Help, Rescue Remedy , and ylang ylang for surrender to a knowing
that life experiences are divinely guided; or aspen and mimulus to mitigate
fear. When mama gets out of the bath, she can apply warm sesame oil around
her vaginal opening and do a warm oil enema with sesame oil to nourish
her whole pelvic region and help move vata downward. Use about ¼ cup of
warm oil for the enema (see this page ). MASSAGES BETWEEN CONTRACTIONS
Any support person at the birth—the partner , a friend or family member , or
the doula or midwife—can of fer the laboring mama relief by providing
warm oil massages between contractions. Or ganic sesame oil is the best to
use, and it can be infused with herbs such as rose and brahmi. The oil can
be put into a plastic squeeze bottle and the bottle then placed in a pot of hot
water to keep it warm throughout the labor . (Many mamas use some sort of
slow cooker set on warm to keep the oil at the right temperature.) Warming
the oil is essential, as any sort of cold applied to mama’ s body during labor
will disturb vata, whereas warmed oil will feel nourishing and supportive. The oil can be rubbed all along mama’ s lower back and thighs in firm,
downward strokes between contractions while she breathes and rests. WARM NOURISHMENT DURING LABOR
In North America, hospitals routinely of fer ice chips to a birthing mama and
restrict all other food and beverages (an IV  solution may provide
hydration). In Ayurveda, this is strongly ill-advised. According to Ayurveda,
if a birthing mother is given anything cold to consume, the conscious
connection between her mind, body , spirit, and womb space is immediately
severed.Warm hydrating teas, soup broths, or warm nourishing smoothies are
perfect to supply the mama with ener gy. Use the ratio of 1 teaspoon of
herbs per 8 cups of water . This will keep the teas hydrating rather than
drying. Hot thin soup broths make a good beverage if mama is having a
difficult time eating solid foods. A little hot water can be added to any of the
mama’ s juices or ener gy drinks to take out the chill, or they can be stored at
room temperature (as long as they are still sealed) prior to labor . Warm
blended smoothies can also be made with dates, ghee, freshly prepared nut
milks, and warm digestive spices. Consuming only hot, warm, or room-temperature food and beverages
that are easier to digest is recommended during labor and following birth. One of the staple Ayurvedic recipes for a birthing and postpartum mother is
a mushy , watery , sweet rice kanji (see this page  for the recipe). This dish
can be prepared by the birthing partner or doula as mama goes into early
labor . She will also benefit from eating spoonfuls of kanji throughout labor . If mama is birthing in a hospital, look into their policy on eating and
drinking during labor ahead of time and have a discussion with the care
providers. Many other benefits of a birthing mama being allowed to eat and
drink during labor can be found in Ina May’ s Guide to Childbirth. Between pushes, while mama rests, a support person or doula can bring
her a spoonful of honey . The reasoning for this is a bit mysterious but it is
just one of those magical mama medicine traditions that will help her to get
more ef fective pushes to bring her baby earthside. According to Ayurvedic texts, mothers should have repeated inhalation
of the herbs cardamom, kustha  (costus root), vacha  (calamus root), and
chitrak. (Best if you can find essential oils of these herbs). Optionally have
an essential oil dif fuser going with cardamom and other essential oils of the
mother ’s choice. WHEN THE BABY IS BORN
Choosing who will catch your baby , if medically appropriate, is highly
significant in Ayurvedic tradition. Some mothers choose to catch their ownbaby , if they are conscious and in a position to do so. Some mamas choose
to invite the father or a sibling to catch the baby . Ayurveda says that the
baby is highly influenced by the qualities of the person who catches them as
they come out of the birth canal, as that person is their first contact with the
world outside of mama’ s womb. The first hands that touch the baby should
be the hands of a person who loves them. If you would like to catch your
own baby or have a close family member or friend catch your baby , have a
discussion with your doctor or midwives in advance so that they are aware
of your wishes and can best support you in this. This is one benefit of a
home birth, as many hospitals have policies against anyone besides a
medical professional catching the baby . Ayurveda teaches that following the delivery of the placenta, mama
should consume two tablespoons of melted panchakola ghee to reignite her
digestive fire (more details in the next chapter). Her abdomen can be gently
rubbed with warm oil and wrapped with a belly wrapping cloth: Apply the
warm oil (sesame is recommended) generously to mama’ s abdomen and
softly rub it in with light circular motions. The cloth can then be wrapped
(gently , but firmly) from her rib cage just below her breasts all the way
down to her hips (see “Postpartum Belly Wrap” on this page ). This should
feel supportive, as it is closing and holding the newly empty space in her
womb. The baby’ s head can be rubbed with warm sesame oil or ghee and then
covered with a cotton or silk cap. Their feet can also be rubbed with oil and
then covered with socks. This helps to stabilize vata and ground little babe
into their body . Ayurveda recommends waiting to cut the cord until it has stopped
pulsing. This allows ojas to be transferred from mama to baby . All medical
tests can usually wait (unless there are complications) so that mama and
baby can utilize the first hour or so to simply be together . Really savor these
moments, mama. Most babies will nurse within the first hour or so after
birth if given the chance. You may have the chills or feel shaky post-birth. This can be perfectly
normal (as vata has been destabilized) and will not last long. Bring inwarmth: warm towels, blankets, warm oil, hot porridge. If you are not
chilled, you can take a shower or bath and put on fresh clothes as your
partner does skin to skin with the babe. Once you are fresh and back in bed,
it is a beautiful time for your birthing partner to of fer you a grounding foot
and leg massage as you nurse your little one. MANAGING THE DOSHAS
DURING LABOR AND BIRTH
During labor and birth, any of the doshas have the potential to become
imbalanced. Below are some ways in which each dosha may display itself
during labor , along with suggestions for how to pacify it. VATA
SIGNS OF EXCESS V ATA DURING LABOR
Due to the extreme work of apana vata to move your baby down and out of
your womb, vata is the main dosha to be concerned with during labor . If
you are birthing in a hospital, the hospital environment (cold, bright,
potentially noisy) can further aggravate vata. Watch for the following signs
of excess vata during labor:
Unripe cervix
Premature rupture of membranes (when water breaks before thirty-
seven weeks and labor doesn’t start soon after)
Irregular contractions
Malposition of baby
Start-and-stop labor
Slow or infrequent contractionsDehydration and associated maternal fever and fast heartbeat
Fearfulness, feeling of anxiety and overwhelm
Irritable or exhausted uterus leading to lack of progress
TO PACIFY  VATA DURING LABOR
Keep yourself warm with warm blankets, heating pads, or hot water
bottles. Take a hot shower . Have a warm sitz bath or tub bath, being sure not to get chilled when
finished. Receive massages of warm sesame oil or warm castor oil. Eat cooked, warm foods and drinks, avoid cold foods and drinks. Keep lights turned low . Rest frequently . Reduce cortical stimulation (unnecessary talking, excessive vaginal
exams, anything that makes you feel uncomfortable). Minimize the number of dif ferent people coming and going from the
room. PITTA
SIGNS OF EXCESS PITT A DURING LABOR
Watch for the following signs of excess pitta during labor (and remember
that sometimes vata—movement—will push pitta, so in general, pacify vata
first):
Fever
Babe being born in less than three hours of regular contractionsEither a series of single contractions lasting two minutes or more or
a contraction frequency of five or more in ten minutes
Excess bleeding; postpartum hemorrhage
Hypoglycemia (blood sugar level lower than normal)
TO PACIFY  PITT A DURING LABOR…
Increase hydration to cleanse acidity from uterus and balance any
blood loss. Stay nourished. Avoid overheating. Drink coconut water for cooling hydration. Use rosewater mist on face and belly . KAPHA
SIGNS OF EXCESS KAPHA  DURING LABOR
Watch for the following signs of excess kapha during labor:
Slow progress due to a large baby
Shoulder dystocia (one or both of the baby’ s shoulders gets stuck
inside the mother ’s pelvis during labor and birth)
TO PACIFY  KAPHA  DURING LABOR…
Keep active and moving to help overcome stagnation. Assure that partner or doula is stimulating and watchful (doing birth
positions with mama, keeping her moving when she needs to)THE BIRTH OF MY SON
It was September 23, your due date, little one. I woke up at 3:45 a.m., like I
had almost every morning for the past two weeks, and got ready to head to
the temple. Since your papa was going anyway , I figured there was no
better way to start the day . Hours later , we were at the DMV  when I started feeling little sensations
in my lower belly , like super -gentle period cramps, or maybe my belly was
rumbling…or maybe I had to poop. They continued throughout the
morning, during our business meeting, and still while having lunch. Before heading to the springs, like we did each evening, I giddily told
your papa that something was happening. A huge smile took over his face,
as he announced, “W e’re going to have a baby!”
We drove to the springs and started timing the space between each
contraction; about ten to fifteen minutes. It was around 5 p.m., and they
were still gentle enough to breathe and move through with ease. We were curious and excited. I still wasn’ t sure if it was real. We swam in the cleansing turquoise waters; in through one spring,
down a short river , and out the main spring. I had three gentle contractions
while swimming, still unsure as to what was happening. Could he be
coming?! On the way home the contractions were coming about ten minutes
apart. We were ready . All the walls had been painted, the birthing room
completely redone, new furniture for the living room, kitchen cabinets
thoroughly cleaned and or ganized, and the fridge fully stocked. I felt like everything had to be perfect for you—as if a great soul were
coming for a visit. My nesting experience was so real; like I needed to
create the perfect environment and atmosphere to welcome you into—so I
could focus on the task at hand: birthing and caring for you once you were
here. I went on the back porch and did some yoga. In savasana, I lay down,
staring up at the sky and the leaves—and the whole atmosphere began tochange. I dropped into this realm of total presence…like all that existed was this
eternal moment. The sun was setting, and we went on a walk to the top of
the hill near our house. Everything was so vivid. The leaves in the trees—it
was as though I could see each one individually moving. The blades of
grass; the sounds of the birds; the colors in the sky . We laughed as I joked
that it felt like we were on drugs. As we walked back through the front door we saw that your papa’ s
phone was flashing. It was our spiritual guide and teacher , Radhanath
Swami. We could not believe it. He asked some things about the Bhakti
Center , his spiritual center in Manhattan that we were directing at the time,
and then he asked how I was doing. “Well actually , Maharaj,” my husband replied, “she’ s just starting
labor .”
He said that his timing is never so good, but Krishna really helped him
with this one and that it must have been the reason he called. He kept
repeating how auspicious it was. He asked to talk to me, as I gently
bounced on the labor ball, tears rolling down my face in disbelief as he
showered me with so many blessings and prayers. He said that it was going
to be hard, that is why they call it labor , but it was a labor of love for a
lifetime of service. That phone call gave me strength for what was to come. He gave me
strength. I felt Krishna’ s presence and love with me from that moment on,
sent through one of His dearest devotees. Sometimes it is hard to give
myself in full surrender and faith to God, so He sent His messenger , whom I
have full faith in, and who has total faith in Him. I knew He was with me. It
was perfect. It would all be perfect, no matter how challenging it would
become. The waves were coming about five minutes apart when we called one of
our midwives and with shyness and excitement told her what was
happening. She said, “This is just the beginning. Get some sleep tonight. Call if anything changes, or I’ll check on you in the morning.” We went tobed. I could not sleep. The excitement, but also the sensations, were
keeping me up. I went into the kitchen and started moving around the house more. I
found it was much more comfortable to be leaning over when a contraction
came. My breath became a lot stronger now , and my husband got up. It was
around midnight. He started preparing a feast! He knew the midwives would be coming
and wanted them to have all the nourishment they needed, as well as for me
to have my favorite snacks. He made a huge pot of kitchari, cut up beautiful
fruits, toasted nuts, and made nourishing drinks. I went into the bath. I remember yelling from the bath a few times,
“Vira! Get some sleep!” I wanted him to be rested for when I really needed
him. The waves started coming on stronger . I sat on my knees in the bathtub
with my eyes closed. Every time a wave would come I would have to get
onto all fours. “Jai Gurudev , Jai Gurudev .” With every wave, I called on His
strength to support me. His presence was so strongly with me, and with
Him, the presence of God. A recording of Badahari’ s kirtan was playing on repeat. Between
contractions my mind was totally , completely , 100 percent absorbed in the
maha mantra like never before. Before heading back to sleep, my husband brought me his phone and
asked me to time the contractions and the space between them. As each
wave approached, I would push the button. As the wave subsided, I would
push it again. I did this for hours. The space between each wave felt like an
eternity—an opportunity for deep, restorative rest. I could not believe the
actual time was only three to five minutes. I thought of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita saying “…time I am” and
saw the gift He was giving me of an extended perception of the space
between. At 4:30 a.m. I called my childhood best friend and asked her to come
over. We walked beneath the moon and stars. The trees would support methrough each contraction, as she listened and guided me through. I
remember feeling like the baby could come at any moment. Around 6:30 a.m. the midwife called and asked if she should come over . She arrived around 7:15 a.m. and checked my dilation. “Y up,” she said,
“Two or three centimeters.” Only two or three centimeters?! I could not
believe it. I felt so defeated. So defeated. I was up the entire night laboring,
had been awake for twenty-seven hours already—the sensations were so
strong, so consistent, and so close together . “Perhaps take a walk, or maybe eat something,” she said. “But most
importantly , get some rest. Call me if anything changes.”
My husband set up pillows on our bed, against the wall so that I could
halfway sit up, leaning against them on my side. I would fall into a deep
sleep for three minutes at a time, before transitioning onto all fours, which
was the only position that I could move through a contraction in at this
stage. For five hours I did this: lie halfway down; fall asleep; as the wave
rushed in, move onto all fours; as it subsided, lay back down. Around noon
I went to the bathroom. My mucous plug came out, which marked the next
stage of intensity . Sounds started moving through me. Sounds that were moved from the
deepest part of me. As my uterus would contract, my body , not me, started
bearing down. It is hard to describe sensation, though easier to look at how
I showed up throughout it all. My ener gy, my awareness, even my eyes were totally focused inward. I
knew I had to call upon a deeper strength than my own and harness all the
strength that existed within me. I needed help, and also needed to know that
I had everything that I needed already . I had to trust. A wave would come. Wherever I was I would drop onto all fours,
whether in the hallway , leaning against the bed, or perched near the
window . My body would push as my insides were moving everything
down. Down. Down. Deep within. And down. Then it would subside. Slowly . Like a wave being pulled back into the ocean. “Rest in between,” he would remind me. “One wave at time.”My body would soften, my breath deepen, as I lay back and rested into
his support. I went into the birthing tub. I asked if I was doing this right. I didn’ t
know . Was he stuck?
_OceanofPDF.com_Ayurveda_Mama_A_Complete_Guide_-_Dhyana_Masla.txt
Summarize the following text section accurately and concisely. Maintain specific details and numerical information, and use anti-repetition mechanisms:

        Using essential oils to create your own cleaning spray is not only
uplifting for the environment, but it creates a safe, chemical-free
environment for you and your little one as well. The following spray is
perfect for cleaning all surfaces throughout your home. ¼ cup white vinegar
1¾ cups water30 drops essential oils chosen from the following blend options: 15
drops each of lavender and lemon; 10 drops each of eucalyptus,
peppermint, and wild orange; 30 drops doTERRA  On Guard blend;
or 15 drops each of grapefruit and doTERRA  On Guard
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a 16-ounce glass spray bottle. Shake
thoroughly. Spritz on surfaces and wipe clean. PREPARING YOUR BODY
Ancient Ayurvedic teaching suggests many ways to keep your body
balanced and prepare it for labor and birth. Ayurveda of fers daily routines to
follow during your last weeks of pregnancy—focusing on the importance of
building ojas—and emphasizes the value of preparing your vaginal tissues
for birth. The teachings also provide nutritional recommendations for
supporting your body in preparation for delivery. The last month of pregnancy is all about supporting the downward flow
of ener gy (apana vata) and preparing the passageway. The best way to do
this is to really focus on a vata-pacifying diet and lifestyle in the weeks
before your due date. Below are some simple yet powerful practices that
will support you in preparing your mind and body to welcome your little
angel into the world. DAILY RITUALS
Eat sautéed and stewed apples in the morning to support good
digestion (see this page ). Aim to walk three to five miles per day. This gentle movement warms
up the body, increases circulation, and allows for the free flow ofvata. Perform daily self-massage (see this page ). Avoid caf feine, as caf feine constricts the channels and reverses the
downward flow of vata. Drink warm water or warm teas throughout the day to allow the
channels of the body to be open and soft. Drink a hot milk tonic in the evenings (see this page ). Be asleep no later than 10 p. m. each night. Connect with your baby and visualize an ease-filled labor. You and
your baby are in this together. Tell your little one about the birthing
experience coming up, what it might feel like for them, and that you
will be right there on the other side to hold them and help them feel
safe. As a preparation for meeting your baby, consider reading Frédérick
Leboyer ’s Birth without V iolence —a powerful book that will help you to
understand what your baby experiences during labor and how to support
them throughout the process. PERINEAL MASSAGE
One common fear pregnant women tend to have about the birth process is
that the tissues of the perineal area (between the vagina, or vaginal opening,
and the rectum or anus) will tear. An increasingly common recommendation
is that a pregnant woman begin about a month before her estimated due date
to massage or manually stretch the tissues of her perineum to reduce the
likelihood of perineal lacerations and other trauma during birth. The
stretching massage action will soften the muscles, connective tissue, and
skin of the area, making the pliable tissue less likely to tear and reducing
the likelihood of ongoing perineal pain. The perineum is also the perfect
place to apply oil to ground and reduce excess vata dosha. You can useplain sesame oil or licorice-infused ghee. (See this page  for a recipe for
making ghee. ) Perineal massage is typically performed to the edge of comfort—until a
slight burning or numbing sensation occurs. This may help you become
more familiar with the sensation of a baby’ s head crowning, so that when
you feel crowning in labor you are more likely to relax into it and less likely
to panic and tense up, or to panic and push too hard and fast, which may
cause tearing. Follow these steps to give yourself perineal massage:
Create a safe environment where you will not be interrupted. Wash your hands thoroughly and trim your fingernails. Use a safe lubricant (sesame oil or ghee are good choices), with a
towel under your bottom to catch dripping oil. Place one or both hands over the vulva and perineum with gratitude
and honor your baby’ s gateway into this world. Insert one or two fingers (or thumbs if that feels best) into your
vagina up to one or two knuckles, whatever feels comfortable. Apply downward pressure (toward your anus) for a few minutes. Slide back and forth between 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. Note any
sensation. Apply pressure to one side and then the other for several
minutes. Breathe deeply and practice fully relaxing into the sensations. The
massage is not only preparing the tissues, but also training your
body how to relax around intense sensation and allow the tissues to
stretch. The mental aspect of allowing, without clenching or
tightening, is part of the preparation too. Stop when you feel you have had enough. Place your hand over your vulva and perineum and send your
gratitude again. BASTI (WARM OIL ENEMA)
Mama can do one or two oil enemas per week beginning at thirty-seven
weeks—this is when baby is considered full term. Basti  in general is the
therapy of choice to eliminate vitiated vata and is one of the best remedies
for reducing pain during late pregnancy and labor. Basti opens mama in a
beautiful way, grounds her, and oleates and nourishes the entire pelvic
bowl. Basti therapy is simple: Pour a quarter cup of warm sesame oil (about
body temperature or slightly warmer) into an enema bag or bottle. (If you’d
like to create an herbal oil blend for the enema, Ayurveda recommends
using ashwagandha, bala, guduchi, and rose. ) Lie on your left side and
administer the oil into your rectum through your anus. Hold the oil inside of
you until you have the ur ge to release. YONI PICCHU
Another way to prepare your passageway for birth is a traditional Ayurvedic
treatment called yoni picchu. This practice involves inserting a warm ghee-
or sesame oil–soaked or ganic cotton ball into your vagina. Do this for
fifteen consecutive days (six or seven hours at a time) after thirty-seven
weeks. Inserting it before you go to sleep at night is a practical time. You
can wrap the cotton ball in sterile gauze to assure that no shreds are left
behind. This helps to lubricate and soften your tissues, allowing them to
stretch more easily. It also serves as a powerful way to ground and stabilize
vata dosha, drawing ener gy downward into the pelvic region in preparation
for delivery. SITZ BATHS
Soften the perineum by soaking weekly or twice-weekly in a sitz bath (a
basin that fits perfectly into your toilet seat, so just your groin area isimmersed in the bath) or a half-filled bathtub during the last six weeks of
pregnancy. Prepare the bath using one of these recipes:
Recipe 1:  Steep a handful of linden flowers in 32 ounces of boiled
water for ten minutes. Strain and pour into a sitz bath (or half-filled
bathtub) and soak for twenty to thirty minutes. Recipe 2:  Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream along with 2 drops
each of jasmine, rose, and lavender essential oils to warm water in a
sitz bath or a half-filled bathtub, and soak for twenty to thirty minutes. SUPPORTIVE FOODS, SUPPLEMENTS, AND
BEVERAGES
The following are a list of supportive foods, supplements, and beverages to
be consumed daily during the weeks up to your birth. Red raspberry tea. Starting around thirty-five weeks, enjoy several
cups of red raspberry tea per day. Red raspberry leaf is a mineral-
rich nutritive and uterine tonic that is said to support a natural birth
with minimal bleeding. Traditionally, red raspberry leaf has been
used in late pregnancy to shorten the duration of labor and to reduce
complications of pregnancy. Alfalfa juice powder. Take 2 teaspoons of alfalfa juice powder daily
beginning at twenty-eight weeks in pregnancy to increase blood
volume and blood health, minimize anemia, and reduce blood loss
(depletion) during birth and postpartum. Dates. Ayurvedic teachings recommend eating six or seven dates
per day during the last weeks of pregnancy because this palm fruit
has an oxytocin-like ef fect on the body, leading to increased
sensitivity of the uterus; dates help stimulate uterine contractions
and reduce postpartum hemorrhage in the same way the hormone
oxytocin does. They also support pregnancy and delivery becausetheir natural sugars easily break down in the body and will not spike
blood sugar levels, while still of fering high energy; the high fiber
content of dates helps you stay full, relieves constipation, and lowers
your risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia; they are high in
potassium, which helps maintain water and salt balance in the body,
assisting in regulating your blood pressure; they are high in
magnesium, which supports muscular health and helps alleviate
muscle spasms and pain; and they are rich in vitamin K, which
maintains proper blood clotting and healthy bones. You can eat
dates straight or add them to smoothies and other ojas drinks to
make those beverages more palatable. Ghee. Ghee, a low-lactose oil created by clarifying butter to remove
the water and milk solids, is believed to lubricate the inner walls of
the uterus, thereby aiding a smooth delivery. It is a primary ojas-
forming food—one of the best ways to nourish all the tissue in your
body and bring about a feeling of wellness and vitality. The butyric
acid in ghee is essential for maintaining good stomach health; it
supports proper digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food
nutrients. It also lubricates the intestines, leading to proper
elimination. (See this page  for a recipe for making ghee. ) BUILDING OJAS
During your eighth and ninth months of pregnancy, ojas becomes unstable,
moving from mother to baby. Focus on building ojas in your body, guided
by the list below (adapted from the Birthing Ayurveda  blog on
www. BanyanBotanicals. com ; I highly recommend reading Vrinda Devani’ s
week-by-week pregnancy and postpartum journey on the same website). Ingest more ghee. Start putting ghee, as much as you can tolerate,
on all foods. Add it to warm milk and drink it daily. No need to be
stingy; it is nourishing and supports your digestive fire (agni). Eat ojas-promoting foods. Almonds, dates, whole milk, avocados,
cashews, pumpkin or sesame seeds, sweet and juicy fruits (mangos,
peaches), sweet potatoes or yams, tapioca, and rice pudding are all
foods that build ojas. Make sure the foods are nourishing, fresh, and
wholesome. Eat more vibrantly colored vegetables. They have more life (prana),
and will thus give you more life. Get good rest and avoid overexercising. Sleep, sleep, and sleep some more. Avoid daytime sleeping, though,
as this could make you feel even more heavy. Meditate. Increasing the sense of feeling content in life is one of the
most ef fective ways of increasing ojas. Laugh a lot, give a lot, and love a lot. These activities fill the heart
and grow ojas. Avoid excessive sex. Ojas is released with every orgasm. Do a daily self-massage, if possible. Practice pranayama (breath work). Focus on slow, deep breathing
such as nadi shodhana, or alternate-nostril breathing (see this page )
or abdominal breathing. BIRTH PLAN
I suggest taking time each day in the weeks before birth to really envision
the birth of your dreams. Where are you. What is your mood. What time of
day (or night) is it. Who is there. Be as detailed and as vivid as possible. There is the vision that you hold, and then there are the practicalities of the
process or the details that you want to assure are implemented into your
birthing experience—which is where the “birth plan” comes in. The term
“birth plan” can be misleading. You cannot “plan” your birth; birth is anunpredictable—and actually quite mystical—process. But you can prepare
for it. Experienced midwives and birth workers say that women who are
overly attached to their birth plan, to the extent that they try to control the
process of birth, are often the ones who end up having interventions that
they did not anticipate or want. Understand that the ideal experience that
you are putting into your birth plan is simply a guide. From there, your
deeper work is to trust in the process of birthing itself and whatever arises
in that space. Communicate your vision, wishes, and goals through your
birth plan, and then completely let go and surrender to the process. Birth plans are helpful to support you in finding your vision for your
birth and are also helpful so that your support person can advocate for you
if you are unable to advocate for yourself. Furthermore, a plan can also be
helpful to provide to the hospital staf f so that they are aware of your wishes
and do not make decisions on your behalf that you would not feel
comfortable with. On the next few pages, I of fer notes my partner and I made for our
home birth—specifically for my husband to have on hand so he could know
what was happening and how best to support me. We also gave our
midwives a copy so they could understand the mood we wanted to create. Feel free to use some or all of the following to create your own optimal
birthing experience. DURING LABOR
EARL Y LABOR: 3–6 CM DILA TED
Call midwives and let them know that labor has started. Receive an abhyanga (or do it yourself) and take a warm bath to
begin stabilizing vata. Do an oil enema (basti, this page ) to bring vata downward and
lubricate the tissues. Eat a grounding and nourishing meal. Slow down and take this time to connect with your baby, preparing
yourself and your little one for the journey ahead. Rest between contractions, even just lying down and closing your
eyes for three to five minutes. Rest is vital and will support you on
your journey. ACTIVE LABOR: 6–10+ CM DILA TED
Midwives arrive when contractions are one minute long with three to
five minutes between them. Walk around the house between contractions. Have birthing partner rub warm oil on your hips and thighs in firm,
downward strokes. When a contraction comes, try various birthing positions that you
have learned, or follow what feels best in your body. Consider
changing positions regularly—or as needed. TRANSITION
Contractions are one minute long with two or three minutes between
each one. If (as often happens with mamas during transition) you find yourself
saying, “I can’t (or don’t) want to do it anymore,” take a moment to
notice what you are literally doing—and change it up. For example, if
you are in the birthing tub and start to feel that you can’t or don’t
want to do “it” anymore, get out of the tub and go into your backyard. This feeling often means that baby is moving down and coming
soon. Use low-pitched noises from your gut. Trust the position that your body wants to birth in. Allow natural expulsion of baby rather than ef fortful pushing. Your
body will naturally move your baby out of you. Breathe more rapidly through your mouth as baby begins to crown to
slow down and prevent tearing. Place a warm compress and oil on perineum. Eat small amounts of honey of f a spoon during pushing phase. Refrain from loud or unnecessary talking during crowning and
delivery. Allow dad or mom to receive baby. Offer mama a spoonful of panchakola ghee directly after delivery. ROOM ENVIRONMENT FOR THE BIRTH
Aroma: pure essential oil of cardamom
Temperature: warm
Silence/soft voices in the space
Anyone in the birthing space is fully present with mama—as her
witness and support
Dim lighting
Birthing tub available
Have ready: hot water bottle or heating pad, wet and warm cloths,
warm oil
Music or mantra: make playlist and make sure your birth partner
knows how to access it
SNACKS/MEALS
Rice gruel (see recipe on this page )
Cut-up juicy fruitsBlended soups
Drinks: 40 ounces per hour
Electrolyte water drinks
Warm cashew milk
Warm water
Room-temperature coconut water
Raw local honey
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BIRTHING P ARTNER
Communicating the mama’ s wishes to the maternity team, and
relaying their advice back to her. Support her to make decisions if
things don’t go to plan and speak up for her if she can’t do this
herself. Have a precreated text thread to let important friends and family
members know that labor has started and ask for well-wishes and
blessings. Protect mama’ s privacy: turn phones on silent, close the door,
restrict visitors. If the room seems to be getting loud, or other people
are chatting about things unnecessarily—protect the space so all
attention can be focused on mama. If you determine that there are too many people and so much
external stimulation that mama isn’t able to relax into her primal,
birthing brain, see what you can do to bring more soothing energy to
the birthing environment. Observe/anticipate mama’ s needs. Do not ask too many questions. Be fully present with your partner. Be in the experience with her, not
trying to fix, change, or necessarily “do” anything—just let her feel
that you are fully there with her, witnessing her in her profoundbirthing process (whether you are letting her know through your
words or simply in how you are showing up to support her). During contractions, you can talk to mama slowly and softly. Affirmations are best, such as “you were born for this,” “your body
knows what to do,” “you are doing this perfectly,” or whatever
affirmations you have discussed beforehand that feel empowering to
mama. Rather than talking, you may also choose to hold the space
of respectful silence, simply being with her as she rides the waves. If progress seems to stop, hold gentle space for mama and baby and
let the baby know that it is safe to come now; they are so loved and
so wanted. Let baby know that things may feel scary right now, but
not to worry—mama is right on the other side and ready to love and
care for them. You can also assure mama that she is safe, that her
body was made for this, and that her body is wise. This may be a
good time for a bath or massage to allow mama’ s body to soften into
a space of trusting and allowing. You are in the mood of a warrior, not passive. If you are there when
mama is in labor, it is because you are meant to be. You have
something valuable to of fer her. Be present and ready to serve. Deepen your breath so that you can be alert and alive. Make sounds with her, breathe with her, move with her, walk with
her. Give her encouragement rather than direction. Use nonverbal signals: instead of saying “relax your shoulders,”
gently touch her shoulders. Give body work: hip compress, sacrum compress, pressure points. Apply warm oil to her lower back and thighs between contractions. Suggest ideas like taking a bath or shower, trying change in
positions, or walking, and support her as needed. Offer sips of nutritive drinks (not just water). Choose natural sports
drinks, tea with honey, room-temperature juice, warm smoothies. Listen to what she wants. She might not always want to be touched
or spoken to, but being by her side is still helpful. Do not take any
rejection or reaction personally. PAIN COPING TECHNIQUES FOR MAMA
Distract from physical birthing sensations with other senses (tastes,
sounds, visuals, scents, or other sensations). Move toward sensation rather than away from it. Be curious about
the pain. Rather than constrict and tighten around it, see if you can
soften your jaw and your muscles—releasing resistance to your
experience. Notice what’ s already working and do more of that. Become aware of your breath. Simply watch it moving slowly in and
then out, in and then out. Remember that you and your baby are in this together. Build a
partnership with your little one. Maintain mindful awareness without judging, as if you are the
witness to your experience. Find the center of sensation (much like the emptiness/stillness in the
eye of the hurricane). Find the edges of sensation. Notice how sensation is constantly
changing and follow it. You are not stuck or stagnant. Sensation isn’t
rigid; it’ s fluid and always shifting. Try bathing in warm water, whether it is a shower or a bath—or use a
heating pad. Try changing positions, really listening to your body and feeling into
how your body wants to move and what position feels right, rightnow. Massage with warm oil. Make low-pitched sounds. PLANNING FOR A HOSPITAL
BIRTH OR HOSPITAL TRANSFER
Along with creating a plan for our home birth, we printed out a detailed set
of notes to have ready in case a hospital transfer became necessary during
the birth. A similar plan could be used when the intention from the start is to
have a hospital birth. Feel free to use some or all of the instructions and
reminders from the “Hospital Birth Preferences” chart below, and give a
copy to your nurses and doctor upon arrival at the hospital. (Please note that
none of the information in this hospital plan is medical advice; it simply
reflects the conclusions and choices that we came to as a family after doing
the necessary research. ) I’d like to preface this hospital plan with a few words about informed
consent. In any birth environment, you are not only part of the experience,
you are in char ge of the experience. You have a legal human and ethical
right to have the final say in anything that happens to you, your body, and
your baby. Unfortunately, some medical practitioners (commonly in
hospitals, but this can occur with midwives as well) either assume consent
for medical procedures (this includes cervical checks) or coerce the mother
into consenting to a procedure by guilting her about her ability to be a good
mother—or even threatening to call social services if the mother denies
their recommendations. Ideally, every person who is present during your labor is in full
alignment with the ways that you want to birth your baby, and they are there
to protect and preserve that objective. Regardless of whether you are at
home or in the hospital, you should not have to put up a fight with your careproviders—or even feel that you might  have to protect your ideals—during
labor or birth. In the occurrence that this isn’ t the case, this is one of the
benefits of having a support person (husband, partner, family member, or
doula) who is familiar with your birth plan and your preferences and can
advocate for you during your labor and birth. A simple way to establish
right from the start that you are aware of informed consent and expect to be
treated not only as a birthing mother but as a capable adult deserving of
respect is to put a statement of informed consent right at the top of your
birth plan for your care providers to read. The physician and midwife Aviva
Romm suggests the following wording: I expect to be tr eated like a
competent adult with the legal right to be the autonomous decision maker
about everything that happens to my body and my baby. Questions to Prepare for Birth
Whether birthing at home with a midwife or at a hospital,
mama will be presented with recommended tests and
procedures during pregnancy, though also during labor and
post birth. It is important to understand that you do not have
to consent to anything—for you or your baby—that you do
not fully understand or feel comfortable with. Following are
some questions that you might ask. TESTS AND PROCEDURES
What will we find out from this test/procedure. How accurate is it. What are the risks. Do they outweigh the benefits. What will you or we do dif ferently based on the results. If
nothing, is there another reason to do it. What are all medical and non-medical alternatives. TREA TMENTS, DRUGS, AND INTER VENTIONS
How will this be helpful. Why must this be done now. What might happen if we wait an hour. A week. Or do
nothing. What are the advantages, disadvantages. This may be the treatment you usually recommend, but what
other approaches can you tell us about. If several treatment choices are possible: Is there a logical
sequence in which to try the dif ferent options. HOSPIT AL BIRTH PREFERENCES
Baby’ s estimated delivery date:
Mother:
Father or partner:
Phone number:
Midwife/Doctor:
Phone number:
Emer gency numbers:
GENERAL  NOTES
Gender is a surprise. Please do not reveal it. We will transfer care back to our midwives directly after giving
birth for all postpartum care. We have been preparing for a natural birth, and our hope is for a
calm and joyful birthing experience. W e appreciate your support
in helping us create a calm and quiet environment at all times—especially during delivery and after birth. Please use soft voices,
dim lights, and keep staf f visits to a minimum. LABOR
Cordless fetal heart monitoring only if necessary
Birthing tub
Freedom to choose and change positions and to guide my own
labor
Freedom to eat and drink
No induction or pain medication (if you must induce, use Pitocin
and not Cytotec). No cervical checks
No medical interventions without fully informed consent
DELIVER Y
Partner or mother will catch baby
No episiotomy
No forceps
Do not reveal gender of baby
AFTER THE BIRTH
Skin to skin immediately after delivery
Natural delivery of placenta (+ we will take placenta home)
Delayed cord clamping
Do not suction my child unless it is necessary to save the baby’ s
life
Do not wash baby or rub vernix of f; I will clean the baby
sometime later
Delay exams for bonding (two hours) and perform all checks on
baby while on my chest
Exclusively breastfeed + no pacifierDo not take our baby out of my room without my or my
husband’ s knowledge and permission
NEWBORN PROCEDURES
No circumcision (male or female)
No vaccines
Do not give RhoGAM
Do not give a vitamin K shot
Do not administer Synagis to our child
Do not put antibiotic ointment in the baby’ s eyes
Do not do PKU testing
IF A CESAREAN SECTION IS NECESSAR Y TO SA VE MY  LIFE
OR THE LIFE OF MY  BABY
Please use a double stitch when repairing my uterine wall and
not a single stitch, to allow for VBAC [vaginal birth after
cesarean] with a future pregnancy
Do not clamp the umbilical cord until it stops pulsing. Please allow my husband to hold our baby until the placenta has
been detached—please check our child while the baby is in his
arms. Please let me have my baby on my chest after the placenta has
been detached, and delay after-birth procedures (see above). AYUR VEDIC HOSPIT AL PACKING LIST
Insurance card and ID
Bluetooth speaker
Phone charger
Essential oil dif fuser
Cardamom + rosewood essential oil
Alternative dim lighting
Washcloths for mama’ s head, body (cooling or warming)Abhyanga oil
Enema bottle for basti
Heating pad, hot water bottle
Electric water kettle
Thermos
Eye mask
Fluffy socks
Hair ties
Labor clothes
Comfy clothes to nurse, sleep, and go home in
Belly wrap
Dad clothes, deodorant, toothbrushes
EAT | DRINK
Honey for spoonfuls during pushing phase
Panchakola ghee for two spoonfuls right after delivery
Mini Instapot (Rice Gruel recipe, this page )
Additional Instapot for warming oil
Rice, spices, sukanat for mama meals (see Kanji recipe on this
page )
Fresh spring water for drinking
Last night as your daddy was rubbing my belly
he looked at me and said, “W e’re going to die one day. ”
“Yeah,” I said. “What made you think of that. ”
“Don’t you want this to last forever. ”
“Yeah…yeah I do. ”
As tears gently rolled down my face
and I soaked in the beauty of the moment a little more deeply,
hugged him a little more tightly,
stayed awake a little bit longer
because the beauty of remembering how temporary it all really
ismakes me want to love a little more fully,
be a little kinder,
and not let a moment pass me by without feeling deeply
into its beauty. So grateful I found a love like this. A love story I wish could go on forever and ever. Sometimes I think I shouldn’t be sad
or that I should not cry,
because I know you feel everything I feel, little babe. But then I remember:
the heartache is so beautiful actually,
because sadness
is a symptom
of a heart that has loved. Sadness might be
just the other side. ŚOSYANTĪ HOMA: ANCIENT
RITUAL FOR A SAFE DELIVERY
In the Vedic tradition, a few days before the birth of the baby, among
celebration with the blowing of conch shells, the mama is moved to her
birthing room ( sutika gr ha), traditionally located in the southwest part of
the house, with her headboard facing east. The father then performs a
ceremony called s. osyanti. homa,  with the intention of bringing good
health to the birthing mama and a safe delivery for their babe. Traditionally,
this is a full ceremony, or yajna —carried out in front of a sacred fire with
Vedic mantras recited by Brahmans, the local priests. The following prayer, inspired by the translation of the traditional
mantras found in Śrīla Gopāla Bha ṭṭ a Gosvāmī’ s Sat Kriya Sara Dipika,
has been simplified to make it accessible while maintaining the essence and
bringing about the same intention. A few days before the birth of your little
one, your partner might use this prayer or write their own to set the
intention for a healthy delivery. This one is meant to be recited as the father
(or partner) makes an of fering of prasadam to the altar. OM V ISNU
OM T AT  S AT
On [today’ s date], for the safe delivery of my child I of fer this
nourishment. I offer my respects to the Earth, which supports us. I offer my respects to the space between heaven and Earth, which
holds us. I offer my respects to the heavens, which give us something to reach
for. I offer my respects to the Universe. O God and Goddess, please receive our of fering and bring forth this
child with ease and grace. May [birthing mama’ s name] feel the
presence of the Divine Goddess supporting her as our child makes
their way into the world. OceanofPDF. come Birth of Your Babe 5 
Do not let our cultur e take the magic and the immensity of this
transition to mother hood away fr om you. W e discuss things like work-
life balance, getting your body back, having it all, bouncing back…
but what we should r eally discuss is the pr ofound portal of a woman
in transition between two worlds. —Narelle Melnick, Ayurvedic postpartum doula
No matter how much you have prepared, how many books you have read,
how thoughtfully you have planned and or ganized and nested and gathered,
there may still be a point during labor where you feel completely lost. You
may for get everything you have learned and wonder if you are capable, if
you are “doing” this right, if your baby will ever come out. Know that your
labor is the perfect experience to prepare you, mama, for your little one. You will stretch, grow, be challenged, and transform in exactly the ways
needed to mother your little angel. You will know a strength and resilience
you never knew. You will give yourself completely, as you move through
the profound portal that leads you toward the most selfless, unconditional
love that you will ever experience. Your body knows what to do. Please trust that. All the ways you have prepared;
a lifetime of experience and growth;
everything that came before
led you here. Mama,
You were born for this. Birth is natural. Your body was made for this. You know what to do. So
much of the doing is simply getting out of the way and allowing your body
to do what it does. Remember every woman that has labored and birthed
before you; feel their strength and wisdom pulsating through your cells. Remember that even in the moments where you for get…your body
remembers. Your body knows how to birth. Your baby will come out. And
you. You will forever be changed. This chapter provides an overview of terms to familiarize yourself with as
your due date is approaching. I also want to introduce you to the natural
flow of labor and some things that you may experience, ways to know if the
doshas become imbalanced and how to support them, and finally some
beautiful Ayurvedic practices to support you in your birthing experience. At the end of this chapter, I share my birth stories. I encourage you to
honor your own birthing experience by writing down every detail you can
remember (after the first few days of soaking up that sweet babe in your
arms, of course. ). This is a beautiful and meditative way to process and
integrate your experience and make peace with it, especially if part of your
labor or birth did not turn out the way you hoped. Every birth story is
sacred, as it ends in new life—a spirit soul continuing its journey to the
Divine. I just can’t believe you’re a little person in there,
and I can’t believe I get to see you so soon. I wonder what you’ll look like,
where your freckles will be. I wonder what color your hair is;
if you have hair;
if it will be blond and curly like both of ours were when we were
little babes. I wonder what your temperament is;if you’re happy in there;
if you’re scared at all. I wonder if I will be able to make you feel safe;
if you’ll breathe when you’re out;
if you’ll sleep well
and be comfortable in the world. I wonder
if you’ll remember being inside of me
and if I’ll remember what it feels like. I hope so. Because you are truly the most magical experience of my life. TERMS TO KNOW FOR LABOR
BRAXTON-HICKS CONTRACTIONS
Braxton-Hicks contractions are a tightening of the uterine muscles for one
to two minutes and are thought to be an aid to your body in its preparation
for birth. Braxton-Hicks are your body’ s way of preparing for true labor,
toning the uterine muscles so that they will all work together, but they do
not indicate that labor has begun or is going to start. Sometimes they are
referred to as prodromal, or “false labor,” pains, although they do not
generally hurt; they are more of a feeling of tightening and then releasing of
the belly muscles. They start around six weeks gestation but usually are not
felt until the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Braxton-Hicks are irregular in duration and intensity, are unpredictable
and nonrhythmic, and are not usually painful. Unlike true labor
contractions, Braxton-Hicks do not increase in frequency, duration, or
intensity. They lessen and then disappear, only to reappear at some time in
the future. Braxton-Hicks contractions tend to increase in frequency and
intensity near the end of the pregnancy. MUCUS PLUG
During pregnancy, the cervix secretes a thick, jelly-like fluid to keep the
area moist and protected. This fluid eventually accumulates and seals the
cervical canal, creating a thick plug of mucus. The mucus plug acts as a
barrier and can keep unwanted bacteria and other sources of infection from
traveling into your uterus. As your cervix starts to soften or open (dilate) later in pregnancy (called
“cervical ripening,” this softening and dilation of the cervix typically begins
prior to the onset of labor contractions and is necessary for the passage of
the baby), the mucus is released into the vagina. You might notice an
increase in vaginal dischar ge when this happens that can be clear, pink,
brownish, or even blood-tinged. Sometimes it appears as small amounts of
mucus when you wipe, or in your underwear, or it can be a bigger, thicker,
jelly-like glob. When you lose your mucus plug it does not necessarily mean that you
are actually in labor; it can be anywhere between a few hours to a few
weeks before labor starts. Your mucus plug may not even dislodge until you
are in labor. WATER BREAKING
In movies, a pregnant woman generally seems to experience a gush of
liquid between her legs as the indicator that labor is starting. In reality, the
release of amniotic fluid—“water breaking”—before labor starts only
happens in about 8 to 10 percent of births. For some women, their water
does not break until they are well progressed into labor, or even moments
before the baby is actually delivered. On rare occasions, a baby can be born
“en caul,” meaning that the child is born inside of the unbroken, or partially
broken, amniotic sac. When the water breaks, it means that the amniotic sac that carries your
baby has punctured, and the fluid is starting to drain. It should be clear in
color and odorless. Depending on where the puncture is, the water mightgush out or drip out a little at a time. If labor has not already started, after
your water breaks, labor generally begins (or intensifies) soon after. INDUCTION
Induction  is the term used for artificially starting labor, either through
natural methods or by using medical procedures or drugs. The reasons for
induction vary: sometimes legitimate health threats to the mother or baby
require labor to start immediately; other times induction is simply a
scheduling convenience for the doctor or the birthing mother. Before
utilizing any induction method to start your labor, familiarize yourself with
the dif ferent potential benefits and risks of each method. Induction can have
disadvantages to both mama and baby, and although induction may be the
safest choice in some circumstances, make sure you are educated and
informed of the risks. In the medical model of care, induction methods may involve a care
professional manually breaking the amniotic sac to initiate labor, or using
drugs (such as Pitocin IV  or prostaglandins including Cervidil, Prepidil, or
Cytotec) to expedite the labor process, or both. In the midwifery model of care, induction methods may include sexual
intercourse between the pregnant woman and her partner, breast/nipple
stimulation, or consuming castor oil, as well as a practice of sweeping the
membranes, wherein the midwife separates the bag of waters (amniotic sac)
from the inside of the cervix with two fingers. EPISIOTOMY
An episiotomy is a medical procedure common mostly between 1940 and
1980 in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in the United Kingdom and
Australia. The care provider would cut an incision into the perineal tissue of
the birthing mama in order to prevent tearing and to allow for the baby’ s
head to come out more easily during the pushing phase. This procedure is
mostly outdated and should no longer be done routinely unless there is amedical reason for it, such as a risk to the safety of the baby. Care providers
have learned methods of massaging the perineal tissue around the baby’ s
head to help it come out during pushes without tearing and have found that
even if the mama does tear, the perineal laceration is often smaller than it
would be if an incision were made. You are entering into the mystery. Know that your experience will be unique,
and totally perfect
to prepare you
to care for
your little angel. LABOR
EARLY LABOR
In early labor, you will begin to experience contractions that typically last
thirty to forty-five seconds, though they might be shorter, and may be
regular or irregular. They can be spaced ten or twenty minutes apart with no
regular rhythm. Early labor contractions are sometimes hard to distinguish
from irregular Braxton-Hicks contractions. Real labor contractions will get
closer together with a more regular pattern as time goes on. During early labor, you might experience any of the following labor
signs:
backache (constant or with each contraction)
menstrual-like cramps
lower abdominal pressure
indigestiondiarrhea
sensation of warmth in the belly
mucus plug discharge
water breaking (though rupture of the amniotic sac is more likely to
happen sometime during active labor)
You may feel excitement or fear, relief or anticipation. You might feel
totally relaxed and ready or tense and apprehensive. All of these feelings are
normal: your journey has begun. Say a prayer, create an intention, perhaps
sit at your altar or in nature and connect with your Self, with your baby, and
with the Divine. Sometimes early labor contractions are quite intense, but
usually they will be mild enough for you to talk through them, move around
the house, or stay resting in bed. Relax as much as you can, since you may have a long day or night
ahead of you. If you are tired, try to doze of f between contractions, even if
it is just for a few minutes at a time. If you are having a home birth with an
attending doula or midwife (or both), let them know that things have
started. They will likely tell you to reach out again as things progress or if
anything changes. You should contact your practitioner right away if you experience any
of the following:
Your discharge becomes bright red (actual bleeding could indicate a
problem with the placenta, such as placenta previa or another
condition that needs to be addressed as soon as possible). Your water breaks and the amniotic fluid is greenish. You feel no fetal activity (though any activity may be hard to notice
because you are distracted by contractions—in which case have a
snack or some juice, walk a bit, even jiggle your belly, then lie down,
relax, and see if the baby moves). ACTIVE LABOR
During the phase of active labor, your cervix dilates to 7 centimeters. This
is when you will head to the hospital or birthing center or call your midwife
to come to your home, depending on where you are planning to give birth. Some caregivers prefer a call sooner, so clarify this ahead of time. Your contractions will become more powerful. They become longer,
typically lasting sixty seconds with a distinct peak halfway through, and
more frequent, coming every three to four minutes though the pattern may
not be regular. One wave at a time;
Rest in between. Do not waste those precious moments of ease
complaining about the past (the last contraction)
or dreading the future (the next). Allow yourself to drop deeply
into the present moment. Soften your jaw,
allow the weight of your body to be held by the bed,
the water, the wall, the pillows. Relax your arms
your thighs
your belly. Be
in your breath. Then the next wave will begin to rise. Prepare yourself to meet it. Ride it. Experience it,
and then it falls. You have another moment to rest. ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED
Before labor, practice asking for what you need. The journey is yours, and at some point you must realize that it is your
work, and your surrender, that will birth your baby. Still, having the total
presence and support of your birth team will allow you to feel that you are
not in it alone. Stay connected with your little one. Breathe deeply. Stay hydrated. This can be one of your birth partner ’s roles; to keep
offering you drinks and light snacks without asking if you want it…just
offer, and mama will either take it or not. TRANSITION
During the transition from the first phase of labor (early and active labor) to
the second phase (pushing), the cervix will dilate from 7 centimeters to its
final 10-plus centimeters. Transition is the shortest stage, generally lasting
from fifteen minutes to an hour (though it can sometimes last longer). A person in labor may experience more space between contractions
during this time and think that labor is slowing down or stalling. This is a
portal where mama is between worlds. She has climbed a tall mountain and
is given a moment to rest and reflect, though mostly to listen. It is said in
this gap, the time right before baby comes, mama can receive messages
about her little one—almost like she is downloading a manual about who
they are and how to care for them. This space should be honored. Rather
than having mama change positions, walk around, or start pushing,
encourage her to be in the receptive space—until the ur ge to push comes on
strong. In the transition phase, a woman in labor is likely to be feeling intense
sensations:Strong pressure in the lower back or perineum, rectal pressure, or
both, with or without an urge to push
An increase in fluid discharge
Feeling warm and sweaty or chilled and shaky
Crampy legs that may tremble uncontrollably
Nausea or vomiting (or both)
Drowsiness between contractions
Fatigue or exhaustion
Relief or anticipation
PUSHING AND THE BIRTH OF YOUR BABE
At the beginning of the second phase of labor, the pushing stage, your
contractions may be a little further apart, giving you the chance for much-
needed rest between them. With each contraction, the force of your uterus
exerts pressure on your baby to continue to move down through the birth
canal. The descent may be rapid or gradual. When a contraction is over and
your uterus is relaxed, your baby’ s head will recede slightly in a “two steps
forward, one step back” kind of progression. With each contraction, more and more of your baby’ s head becomes
visible. You may notice a strong burning or stinging sensation as your
vaginal and perineal tissue begins to stretch. Your little one is almost here. At some point, you may have the natural ur ge to breathe quicker and more
shallow breaths through your mouth in order to slow down the expulsion of
your little one; this allows your baby’ s head to more gradually stretch out
your vaginal opening and perineum. A slow, controlled delivery can help
keep your perineum from tearing. Your baby’ s head continues to advance with each wave until it
“crowns”—the widest part of the head is finally visible. Generally, if the
baby is in the common birth position, the head will emer ge facing yourtailbone. After the full head is out, the baby then turns to the side as its
shoulders rotate inside your pelvis to get into position for their exit. In the
same contraction, or perhaps the next, the shoulders emer ge, one at a time,
followed by the body. A warm compress on your forehead or back may feel comforting. You did it, mama. You did it, little babe. Welcome to the world, little angel. You are safe. You are so loved and so, so wanted. Welcome, little one. Welcome. DELIVERY OF THE PLACENTA
The third and final phase of labor is the delivery of the placenta. Minutes
after giving birth, your uterus begins to contract again. The first few
contractions usually separate the placenta from your uterine wall. When
your caregiver sees signs of separation, they may ask you to gently push to
help expel the placenta. This is usually one short push that is not at all
difficult or painful. THE GOLDEN HOUR
The golden hour is the hour immediately following birth where mama and
baby have uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact. It is a time for deep bonding
and deep connection for both mama and baby and allows for a gentle
welcome into the world where baby feels safe and at home—as this tiny
person stays close to the only home they’ve ever known. There is no one
poking or prodding mama or baby, and the environment stays as still andquiet as possible. If it is not possible for mama to hold baby skin to skin at
this time, then the partner can take this role. During this hour the baby’ s heart rate stabilizes, temperature regulates,
and mother ’s good bacteria is passed onto baby from her skin. Signs of
stress will decrease from baby as the instinctual close contact is maintained
between mama and babe. Oxytocin is in plentiful supply right after birth,
and this hormone—more commonly known as the “love hormone”—allows
for deep bonding. Mothers who honor this time are shown to have more successful and
ease-filled breastfeeding journeys. Baby can be on mama’ s belly with a
blanket over them to initiate the “breast crawl. ” All mammals (if
unmedicated, meaning no drugs at all during labor), if given the chance,
will slowly make their way to mama’ s breasts to feed. Babies are born with
a “stepping reflex” that allows them to scoot up mama’ s chest toward the
breast. Babies will try to align themselves with the nipple, and allowing
them to do this on their own actually improves the chances of a successful
latch. Having the baby directly on mama’ s belly after birth also slows down
the production of the stress hormone adrenaline in the mother, so that it
doesn’ t interfere with the production of the oxytocin and prolactin
hormones that are essential for bonding and breastfeeding. AYURVEDIC PRACTICES DURING
LABOR AND BIRTH
SUPPORTING VATA AS CONTRACTIONS BEGIN
Ayurvedic tradition encourages certain practices during labor to assist in the
birthing process as well as give relief and support to the birthing mama. To
begin with, at the onset of contractions, someone can give the pregnant
mama a full-body warm oil abhyanga—or she can do it herself—with
sesame oil. Afterward mama can take a warm bath. If desired, this bath can be infused with botanicals including herbs such
as white peony root or linden; essential oils such as lavender, patchouli,
cardamom, jasmine, and rose; flower essences such as Birth Formula,
Peaceful Help, Rescue Remedy, and ylang ylang for surrender to a knowing
that life experiences are divinely guided; or aspen and mimulus to mitigate
fear. When mama gets out of the bath, she can apply warm sesame oil around
her vaginal opening and do a warm oil enema with sesame oil to nourish
her whole pelvic region and help move vata downward. Use about ¼ cup of
warm oil for the enema (see this page ). MASSAGES BETWEEN CONTRACTIONS
Any support person at the birth—the partner, a friend or family member, or
the doula or midwife—can of fer the laboring mama relief by providing
warm oil massages between contractions. Or ganic sesame oil is the best to
use, and it can be infused with herbs such as rose and brahmi. The oil can
be put into a plastic squeeze bottle and the bottle then placed in a pot of hot
water to keep it warm throughout the labor. (Many mamas use some sort of
slow cooker set on warm to keep the oil at the right temperature. ) Warming
the oil is essential, as any sort of cold applied to mama’ s body during labor
will disturb vata, whereas warmed oil will feel nourishing and supportive. The oil can be rubbed all along mama’ s lower back and thighs in firm,
downward strokes between contractions while she breathes and rests. WARM NOURISHMENT DURING LABOR
In North America, hospitals routinely of fer ice chips to a birthing mama and
restrict all other food and beverages (an IV  solution may provide
hydration). In Ayurveda, this is strongly ill-advised. According to Ayurveda,
if a birthing mother is given anything cold to consume, the conscious
connection between her mind, body, spirit, and womb space is immediately
severed. Warm hydrating teas, soup broths, or warm nourishing smoothies are
perfect to supply the mama with ener gy. Use the ratio of 1 teaspoon of
herbs per 8 cups of water. This will keep the teas hydrating rather than
drying. Hot thin soup broths make a good beverage if mama is having a
difficult time eating solid foods. A little hot water can be added to any of the
mama’ s juices or ener gy drinks to take out the chill, or they can be stored at
room temperature (as long as they are still sealed) prior to labor. Warm
blended smoothies can also be made with dates, ghee, freshly prepared nut
milks, and warm digestive spices. Consuming only hot, warm, or room-temperature food and beverages
that are easier to digest is recommended during labor and following birth. One of the staple Ayurvedic recipes for a birthing and postpartum mother is
a mushy, watery, sweet rice kanji (see this page  for the recipe). This dish
can be prepared by the birthing partner or doula as mama goes into early
labor. She will also benefit from eating spoonfuls of kanji throughout labor. If mama is birthing in a hospital, look into their policy on eating and
drinking during labor ahead of time and have a discussion with the care
providers. Many other benefits of a birthing mama being allowed to eat and
drink during labor can be found in Ina May’ s Guide to Childbirth. Between pushes, while mama rests, a support person or doula can bring
her a spoonful of honey. The reasoning for this is a bit mysterious but it is
just one of those magical mama medicine traditions that will help her to get
more ef fective pushes to bring her baby earthside. According to Ayurvedic texts, mothers should have repeated inhalation
of the herbs cardamom, kustha  (costus root), vacha  (calamus root), and
chitrak. (Best if you can find essential oils of these herbs). Optionally have
an essential oil dif fuser going with cardamom and other essential oils of the
mother ’s choice. WHEN THE BABY IS BORN
Choosing who will catch your baby, if medically appropriate, is highly
significant in Ayurvedic tradition. Some mothers choose to catch their ownbaby, if they are conscious and in a position to do so. Some mamas choose
to invite the father or a sibling to catch the baby. Ayurveda says that the
baby is highly influenced by the qualities of the person who catches them as
they come out of the birth canal, as that person is their first contact with the
world outside of mama’ s womb. The first hands that touch the baby should
be the hands of a person who loves them. If you would like to catch your
own baby or have a close family member or friend catch your baby, have a
discussion with your doctor or midwives in advance so that they are aware
of your wishes and can best support you in this. This is one benefit of a
home birth, as many hospitals have policies against anyone besides a
medical professional catching the baby. Ayurveda teaches that following the delivery of the placenta, mama
should consume two tablespoons of melted panchakola ghee to reignite her
digestive fire (more details in the next chapter). Her abdomen can be gently
rubbed with warm oil and wrapped with a belly wrapping cloth: Apply the
warm oil (sesame is recommended) generously to mama’ s abdomen and
softly rub it in with light circular motions. The cloth can then be wrapped
(gently, but firmly) from her rib cage just below her breasts all the way
down to her hips (see “Postpartum Belly Wrap” on this page ). This should
feel supportive, as it is closing and holding the newly empty space in her
womb. The baby’ s head can be rubbed with warm sesame oil or ghee and then
covered with a cotton or silk cap. Their feet can also be rubbed with oil and
then covered with socks. This helps to stabilize vata and ground little babe
into their body. Ayurveda recommends waiting to cut the cord until it has stopped
pulsing. This allows ojas to be transferred from mama to baby. All medical
tests can usually wait (unless there are complications) so that mama and
baby can utilize the first hour or so to simply be together. Really savor these
moments, mama. Most babies will nurse within the first hour or so after
birth if given the chance. You may have the chills or feel shaky post-birth. This can be perfectly
normal (as vata has been destabilized) and will not last long. Bring inwarmth: warm towels, blankets, warm oil, hot porridge. If you are not
chilled, you can take a shower or bath and put on fresh clothes as your
partner does skin to skin with the babe. Once you are fresh and back in bed,
it is a beautiful time for your birthing partner to of fer you a grounding foot
and leg massage as you nurse your little one. MANAGING THE DOSHAS
DURING LABOR AND BIRTH
During labor and birth, any of the doshas have the potential to become
imbalanced. Below are some ways in which each dosha may display itself
during labor, along with suggestions for how to pacify it. VATA
SIGNS OF EXCESS V ATA DURING LABOR
Due to the extreme work of apana vata to move your baby down and out of
your womb, vata is the main dosha to be concerned with during labor. If
you are birthing in a hospital, the hospital environment (cold, bright,
potentially noisy) can further aggravate vata. Watch for the following signs
of excess vata during labor:
Unripe cervix
Premature rupture of membranes (when water breaks before thirty-
seven weeks and labor doesn’t start soon after)
Irregular contractions
Malposition of baby
Start-and-stop labor
Slow or infrequent contractionsDehydration and associated maternal fever and fast heartbeat
Fearfulness, feeling of anxiety and overwhelm
Irritable or exhausted uterus leading to lack of progress
TO PACIFY  VATA DURING LABOR
Keep yourself warm with warm blankets, heating pads, or hot water
bottles. Take a hot shower. Have a warm sitz bath or tub bath, being sure not to get chilled when
finished. Receive massages of warm sesame oil or warm castor oil. Eat cooked, warm foods and drinks, avoid cold foods and drinks. Keep lights turned low. Rest frequently. Reduce cortical stimulation (unnecessary talking, excessive vaginal
exams, anything that makes you feel uncomfortable). Minimize the number of dif ferent people coming and going from the
room. PITTA
SIGNS OF EXCESS PITT A DURING LABOR
Watch for the following signs of excess pitta during labor (and remember
that sometimes vata—movement—will push pitta, so in general, pacify vata
first):
Fever
Babe being born in less than three hours of regular contractionsEither a series of single contractions lasting two minutes or more or
a contraction frequency of five or more in ten minutes
Excess bleeding; postpartum hemorrhage
Hypoglycemia (blood sugar level lower than normal)
TO PACIFY  PITT A DURING LABOR…
Increase hydration to cleanse acidity from uterus and balance any
blood loss. Stay nourished. Avoid overheating. Drink coconut water for cooling hydration. Use rosewater mist on face and belly. KAPHA
SIGNS OF EXCESS KAPHA  DURING LABOR
Watch for the following signs of excess kapha during labor:
Slow progress due to a large baby
Shoulder dystocia (one or both of the baby’ s shoulders gets stuck
inside the mother ’s pelvis during labor and birth)
TO PACIFY  KAPHA  DURING LABOR…
Keep active and moving to help overcome stagnation. Assure that partner or doula is stimulating and watchful (doing birth
positions with mama, keeping her moving when she needs to)THE BIRTH OF MY SON
It was September 23, your due date, little one. I woke up at 3:45 a.
15 drops each of lavender and lemon, 10 drops each of eucalyptus, peppermint, and wild orange, or 30 drops of doTERRA On Guard blend.
What is the recommended essential oil blend for perineal massage?
The text does not specify a recommended duration of sleep during pregnancy, but it does mention that the last month of pregnancy is about supporting the downward flow of energy and preparing the passageway, and that it's important to get good rest and avoid excessive exercise.
What is the recommended duration of sleep during pregnancy?
The text does not recommend any specific method for inducing labor, but it does mention that induction can have disadvantages and that it's essential to be informed about the risks.
What is the recommended method for inducing labor?
The text does not provide specific recommendations for preparing for a hospital birth, but it does mention the importance of being aware of the hospital's policies and having a pre-made plan for your birth.
What is the recommended way to prepare for a hospital birth?
The text recommends applying warm sesame oil to the perineum, using a warm compress, and avoiding excessive movement and cold temperatures.
What is the recommended way to soothe excess Vata during labor?