ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES AND BEST KEPT SECRETS FOR PREGNANCY AND BIRTH

I have been motivated to include this section on my website as, with all the mothers and babies I see through selling Bio-Baba eco-friendly nappies, I am amazed at how unimpowered women in South Africa are to make choices concerning their pregnancies and births.

In my experience, the average South African woman is treated by the majority of health care professionals as a passive patient who is simply required to attend appointments and generally go for options that are offered by mainstream medicine.

It is understandable that women feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of making choices at this precious time, and it is my intention to empower parents by providing independent information which focuses on wholistic healthcare of both mother and baby rather than the often limited pregnancy and birthing options offered by mainstream gynaecologists and obstetricians.

Many of these stories and anecdotes are personal or have been compiled by parents who have been moved by their own powerful experiences to share information with others. I hope that you will find them useful and that they will aid you in the wonderful and magical journey of pregnancy and birth.

FATHER'S HOME BIRTH STORY

CHOOSING A PLACE TO GIVE BIRTH

CHOOSING BIRTH COMPANIONS

MOXIBUSTION TO INDUCE LABOUR

HOMEOPATHY FOR PREGNANCY AND BIRTH

VACCINATION CHOICES

FATHER'S HOME BIRTH STORY

The birth of Indi Langenhoven Clark – 30 June 2006, 22h43, Cape Town South Africa.

It’s difficult to know where to begin a birth story. Does it start at conception? I’m sure you don’t want to know about that! Does it begin with those first few “gentle” contractions (false starts excluded)?  Or does it begin with the baby’s first cry? If you believe in destiny and all that wonderful hocus pocus, one could even argue it began at our very first meeting when I muttered those immortal words “Yo, baby!” and Genevieve went instantly weak at the knees.

We may not have known it at the time, but it was ultimately our fate that in the winter of 1999 Joshua would be born on a rainy Sunday morning in our cosy flat in Newlands, that three years later, on a balmy Saturday night in our wild, pregnantly painted house in Mowbray, Asha would burst into our lives, while family and friends had an impromptu braai in our back garden and that, another three years on, Indi would grace us with his calm, gentle presence late on a clear June Cape Town night at the same venue.

While I believe in fate to the extent that these three heavenly beings looked down from the clouds and thought “those two mortals look like really groovy dudes” and thus chose us as their parents, I believe that we’re the ones that ultimately determine how all this happens and therein lies the beauty of the birth experience that is unique to each child, mother, father and all who are blessed enough to witness the arrival of a totally new being into this world.

When it gets to 12 days past due date, one really begins to wonder if anything is actually going to happen and to make matters worse, it just never seemed to be the right time. Work was too busy, and of course there was the not inconsequential matter of the soccer world cup and a rugby test against the French, but, as luck would have it, I got that long awaited call on a Friday round lunch time, and, as anyone who’s ever worked with the printing industry will know, Friday is considered part of the weekend from about 10am onwards, so this was as good a time as any to get THE CALL.

I knew that there was no need to panic as things generally start out kind of slow, so I still had time to swing past the shops and stock up on things like tiny nappies, which really brought the reality of what was about to happen home. With this in mind, I made a quick stop at the bottle store to replenish my stocks of post-birth celebratory drinks with the option of a pre-birth nerve calming tipple on the side, should the need arise.

I arrived home before Gen, who had been out with her mom, and looked nervously around the house not quite knowing what to do. Gen arrived shortly afterwards, looking as pregnant as she had when I’d left for work that morning and no closer to having a baby (although I dared not share this opinion with her). We both agreed that the birthing pool, which had been erected in the lounge should be moved to the bedroom. Gen felt the bedroom would be a more intimate space and I knew that the football would be on in the lounge shortly, so I got to work immediately. This move presented the first logistical hitch as the birthing pool was too wide to fit through the bedroom door and therefore had to be dismantled and reassembled, which basically meant a whole lot of screwing and unscrewing, but it was the kind of mindless task I needed to calm my nerves, so I took to it with great fervour and completed it quickly, impressed with my newfound handyman skills. The rest of the birthing pool (which, you may by now have gathered was a sort of “DIY kit”) also fitted together really easily, dispelling the initial doubts I’d had.

While I focused on setting up the bath, the troops began rallying to the call like Luke Watson to the loose ball. Gen’s mom, Aileen, arrived with Joshua and Asha in tow, and our dear friend Laura came to help us with the boys, leaving Adam to tend to Oliver and the twins.  We also decided to call Susan, our beloved mid-wife, who, on her arrival, confirmed that Gen was about 3 to 4cm dilated. Things weren’t progressing quite as quickly as we’d hoped and we agreed that it might be a little easier if the boys, who were clearly very excited, went to sleep first. Joshua was on to our plan right away and would not be coaxed into a “quick drive” in the car and Asha, who usually jumps at the chance, would only come on condition that Gen came too, so the three of us took a leisurely drive through the streets of Cape Town, while Joshua stayed at home with Aileen and Laura entertaining him.

On returning home, we noticed that Susan’s car was not there, sparking a flutter of panic which I did my best to hide (I later learned that she had gone for a cup of coffee at a friend’s house as Gen had agreed she may be able to focus better with a few less people in the house). Laura also returned home, remaining on standby should we need further assistance later in the evening.

Joshua was surprisingly compliant (given his level of excitement) in agreeing to go to sleep, albeit under fear of death should we not wake him up to cut the umbilical cord. On hearing the peaceful snores from the couch Gen seemed to relax and decided to get into the bath, which, to my amazement, was still piping hot (three geyser and five urn loads later). Susan arrived back from her “coffee break” and immediately did another assessment, which revealed a slight progression to 5cm dilated. It was now 9.45pm.

The contractions had started to become more intense and the prospect of many hours ahead seemed rather daunting. This is the part where the man starts to feel a bit helpless. I wondered if the lame sports clichés like “Come on baby, you can do it!” were of any help at all. Fortunately the desperation with which Genevieve clutched my hand made me feel needed as I tried to take my cues from Susan with phrases like “Breathe through the pain. This one’s almost over!” Rather rich coming from me, who actually had no idea what the pain really felt like!

The next hour is difficult to describe. The contractions became really intense. It was almost as if someone had hit the fast forward button. Gen seemed to be in a lot of pain, yet miraculously always in control. Aileen’s tireless massaging of her lower back seemed to work wonders. Anytime she seemed to be losing focus, Susan brought her right back with a firm, soothing tone. At her instruction, Gen shifted position from kneeling to squatting. I sat on the edge of the bath supporting her upper body with my legs. A second midwife arrived. Pieces of equipment appeared. Knowing glances flashed across the bath. Secret midwife code words were whispered. Things were happening – and fast!

Somehow, in the seconds that were now left between contractions, Aileen managed to dash to the spare room and carry Joshua, who was an absolute dead weight into the room and dump him on the bed. Despite vociferous shaking, we were unable to wake him, but he was finally roused by his mother’s cries and, lifting a heavy head, he put both hands over his ears and stared at her inquisitively wondering what all the fuss was about.

Amidst the intensity of this epic scene came the inevitable four-letter word “PUSH.” I’ve probably seen too many movies, which is why I find it to be a really scary word, but the fact that the end was in sight seemed to outweigh any fear that Gen may have been feeling. “You’re lying to me!” she said in total disbelief. Unaccustomed to being called a liar during a birth, Susan tried hard not to laugh while assuring Gen that it really was time to push. Having been finally convinced, a sense of absolute calm seemed to come over her and with a few very controlled and powerful pushes Indi arrived. It was 10.43pm.

The feelings of excitement, joy and jubilation overwhelmed me and that strange feeling that one gets when you want to laugh, cry and shout all at the same time filled my body with life. The love for that helpless, perfect child I helped create. The absolute awe for the woman who brought my child into the world in this beautiful way. The immeasurable gratitude for everyone that was there and gave selflessly in some small way.

I still don’t really understand how Gen knew, for it seemed like his whole body had not yet merged when she announced rather nonchalantly, “It’s a boy!”
“How do you know?” I asked.
“I felt his penis as he swam out” came the reply. Still not convinced, I got Gen to lift him briefly from his comfortable position lying on her chest just long enough to prove that he was indeed a boy!

Needless to say, those promised phone calls friends and family had been eagerly awaiting were made and fingers tapped furiously over the keys of my cell phone sending SMS’s to all corners of the globe, blissfully unaware of the time in Tel Aviv, San Francisco or Dubai. A few close friends and family members who lived nearby came over and shared a celebratory drink, basking in the glow of that beautiful moment. Mom and baby lay tenderly in the bed, like two runners who had just finished a marathon. Joshua gazed proudly over his baby brother, whose cord he cut, while Asha slept peacefully though it all. His surprise was saved for the next morning - being led into the bedroom to “come and see the new baby,” he gave Gen’s tummy its usual kiss, before it was pointed out to him that the little bundle tucked up on the other side of mom was the young sibling he had begun to think would never emerge! “He’s so cute! I love him!” he exclaimed in delight.

One forgets what it’s like to have a new baby in the house. The slightly sweet smell of baby powder on silky soft skin. The skinny, fragile limbs still tucked into their half foetal position. The feel of that soft, bald head against your cheek as he snuggles into your chest, giving teddy bear growls as he struggles to get up the burps. I feel honoured and special to hold this blessed, little soul – so helpless and vulnerable. He still feels as if he is part of us; rather than a separate living, breathing being. Although he has emerged from his warm, comfortable womb, where he was held with love for the first nine months of his life, he now lives in a new womb that we’ll do our best to make just as loving and protective as the one in which he began his small and beautiful journey - a journey we feel most privileged to share.
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CHOOSING A PLACE TO GIVE BIRTH

This for me is one of the MOST important decisions parents can make since it really does have a huge influence on the birth experience as a whole.

When I first discovered I was pregnant and had my prelim examination by the gynae at a Cape Town private hospital I was brimming with questions about my various options, especially since I had recently moved to South Africa from Zimbabwe. One of the questions I asked my gynae was “and what are the government hospitals here like?” Well, his response was to laugh at me deliriously and gaffaw “well – if you want to give birth in a passage – be my guest!” I was MOST put out since this made me feel frightened and bullied into accepting that what he had told me to do (i.e. go the full gynae assisted birth in a private hospital) was my only option.

Fortunately for me, I had recently made friends with someone who ‘knew all the midwives in Cape Town” and who gave me a few numbers. Well – the difference in support was amazing! The midwife team that I chose was the one who phoned me back immediately and who spent literally 40mins on the phone (at their own expense) answering all my questions and giving me extensive options that would suit my budget and fulfil my birth requirements.

In South Africa the options are generally:

Government Hospitals
Despite my original gynae’s opinion (I never went back to him!); I did explore the government hospital route in the end and found that facilities and support vary radically. One thing that I did find out about and that was fantastic are ACTIVE BIRTH UNITS or ABUs. These units are independently operated, dedicated birthing centres attached to some government hospitals – and there was one in Mowbray – how wonderful!
Advantages – private double room with great birthing ambience…we were allowed to bring our own music, candles, incense etc in order to create a safe cocoon in which to birth; your own midwife with whom you have developed a close relationship with is on hand; if any emergency medical procedure is required, you have the hospital facilities close at hand; often have birthing pools and other special birthing aids such as birthing balls on hand; doesn’t cost a fortune (approx a third of the private hospital route).
Disadvantages – you have to meet with the ‘resident gynae’ at the hospital for a check up before your due date…this can be arduous since you will be waiting along with everyone else who needs a check up. Facilities may not be all they are cracked up to be…for my second birth for example, I was determined to have another water birth since my first birth had been so great in the bath. However, when I indicated that I wanted to get into the bath, the kind nurse said “they have turned the water off because they are doing renovations!” XXXX??!?! It did transpire that there was actually enough hot water to fill the bath (after my mother had already commissioned every available kettle in the hospital) – so all is well that ends well…but honestly!

Private Hospital
Advantages – on-hand medical assistance for anaesthetic pain relief, emergency Caesar or other complications…this is the most conventional birth route and is perceived as being ‘the safest’. That said, approximately 90% of births in this environment end up in Caesars…you have to wonder whose best interest is being addressed?
Disadvantages - Sterile hospital environment; medical staff assisting in birth who you have never met before; often no place for father to sleep in room so he may have to go home after you give birth; costs a fortune. Some of the private hospital groups are currently re-vamping their birthing and neonatal facilities to make them more ‘homely’ and secure which is a good thing.

Home Birth – assisted by a midwife/doula
This is the most non-interventionist method and appeals to many – although it is not for the feint at heart.
Advantages – at home surrounded by familiar things and feeling secure can have a profound effect on the birth experience. Many women who go this route have positive and incredibly powerful and transformative birth experiences. (See Andrew Clark’s home birth story). You can give birth where you feel most comfortable as you have a wide range of options; you can walk in the garden (or down the road!) or wallow in the bath etc. Midwives and birth companions (and siblings) can be present.

Disadvantages – can be frightening if labour does not progress well and mum becomes panicked and a trip to the nearest hospital is required. With experienced midwives/doulas this does not usually happen unless a genuine medical emergency arises. There is mess! I remember quite clearly my poor midwife scrabbling in the bottom of the birthing pool after I had given birth collecting ‘my crystals’…I had plonked a whole lot of cornelian crystals (womb energy?!?!) in the bath…poor woman! Mum may not relax if there are too many people around and try to do too much, especially if there are other children in the house.
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CHOOSING BIRTH COMPANIONS

Gynae: a medically trained more often than not gynaecologists in South Africa are male, so if you are looking for female support during labour, then make sure you also get hold of a midwife or doula. Gynaes tend to have a more functional role (rather than emotive support) during birth and gynae assisted births are more likely to end up in Caesareans. That said, their expert medical experience is vital should any major complication occur during the birthing process; no matter what your choice – make sure you are able to access a health facility/call on a fully qualified gynae should the need occur.

Midwife: midwives are specialists in normal pregnancy and birth and are qualified nursing sisters; their training is based solely on the care and well being of mothers and their babies. As a result, an incredibly strong and trusting relationship between the pregnant mother and her midwife often develops since the midwife will have done check-ups throughout the pregnancy and may have given ante-natal classes to prepare the expectant mother for birth. It has been shown that mothers under midwife care have significantly fewer interventions during labour and a lower rate of electronic foetal monitoring (often leading to a whole other range of unnecessary interventions). Most women who have been cared for by a midwife also express much stronger feelings of empowerment and ‘birth satisfaction’ if they have been assisted by a midwife; a sense that they were strong enough to give birth – they did it…very often without drugs – and survived – amazing!

Doula: or ‘birth sister’ is a trained female birth partner; usually these women have had children of their own and have had training in both the physical and emotional facets of birthing. Some studies have shown that the presence of a doula can cut labour time up to as much as half! This just goes to show how important it is to feel ‘supported’ in all ways during the birthing process.

Husband/partner: it is wonderful when both parents can experience the birth of their child together as the bond it forms between them due to the intensity and miracle of the event can never be replaced. However, it must be remembered that (ideally) there are 2 people about to become parents – one who has to push, and the other who has to ‘help’. Very often it is just what nature of ‘help’ that is required by the ‘pushing one’ whether mum and dad have a combined positive birth experience. The traditional movie depiction of a woman screaming hysterically at her forlorn mate is not the normal course of events, but it is advisable to talk through with your husband/partner just exactly what he will be required to do and to openly discuss his own feelings and fear surrounding the ‘big event’. In other words – if the husband also feels nurtured and supported, then he too is more likely to have a positive birth experience. Making lists can also be useful so that everyone is aware of their responsibilities. My husband was ‘in charge’ of lighting candles, putting on nice music, massaging (a lot), holding my hand and puffing like a train and cutting the cord…he did good.

Friend/Family:
In lieu of a husband or partner, many women opt to have family members or close friends around as this can give many women a great deal of the emotional support required to get her through labour. That said, do make sure that all those involved are aware of their responsibilities and respect the birthing mother and healthcare professionals at all times.

For my first birth only my husband and midwife were present since I was not feeling confident enough to have others around. However, by the time number 2 was due to be born I felt that I really did need my mum there (a skilled Quantum healer and reiki practioner) as well as a family friend from the UK (who just happened to be a very experienced midwife!) Since my mum was going to be coming to the hospital anyway – I thought it would be nice for her to have her friend with and I would benefit from this wonderful woman’s presence and experience.

As it turned out – it was perfect…husband in charge of breathing and focus, mum in charge of reiki and Quantum Touch, family friend Julie in charge of reflexology and emotional support, midwife Louette in charge of ‘logistics!’
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MOXIBUSTION TO INDUCE LABOUR

With my first baby, Hugo (who is now 6years old) – I was very fortunate enough to have a wonderful midwife who took no xxxx from the established medical fraternity and was extremely helpful and supportive in my decision to use natural and alterntive remedies during my pregnancy and birth. That said, when I was still waddling around, 10 days overdue, with no amount of castor oil, sex and curry budging a thing, I decided to try inducing my baby with moxibustion! ‘What on earth is that?’ you may very well ask?!?! Moxibustion is an oriental medicine therapy utilizing moxa, or mugwort herb (Its other common name, motherwort, alludes to its use in women's health). The mugwort is usually aged, ground up into a fluff and then pressed into a stick that resembles a large cuban cigar!

I had no idea what to expect from the acupunturist, Dr. Lin, who lives down my round – but thought it was worth a shot since I REALLY didn’t want to be chemically induced. On seeing me, Dr. Lin said, “No problem, I see block – you have baby boy tonight!” Several acupuncture needles were put in my legs, as well as other places that I can’t remember and then my toes were burnt. Yup – that’s right – burnt. Well, not exactly – it was more like the hot smoke was put next to a certain toe (forget which) – it wasn’t painfull or anything – just a tad weird!

Straining up the hill home I thought “Yes – we’ll put that one up to experience then!”. However, after successfully having a beautiful water birth with no compications or pain relief in under 3 hours later that night to a gorgeous little boy, I was in no doubt that whatever Dr. Lin had done had indeed ‘cleared block’!
Post-birth, further investigation into moxibustion and mugwort revealed some interesting facts. According to the Wikipedia “Medical historians believe that moxibustion pre-dated acupuncture, and needling came to supplement moxa after the 2nd century BC… Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. Research, for example at Mugwort (Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by Clare Hanrahan) has shown that mugwort acts as an emmenagogue, meaning that it stimulates blood-flow in the pelvic area and uterus.It is claimed that moxibustion militates against cold and dampness in the body and can serve to turn breech babies.

…In North and South America, indigenous peoples regard mugwort as a sacred plant of divination and spiritual healing, as well as a panacea. Mugwort amongst other herbs were often bound into smudge sticks. Europeans placed sprigs of mugwort under pillows to provoke dreams; and the herb had associations with the practice of magic in Anglo-Saxon times.”

So, unbeknownst to me, in my quest to ensure that my baby was born with as little interference as possible, I had stumbled across an incredibly ancient practice which, with the help of a sacred herb quite successfully induced a quick and effective birth (3 pushes – then Pop!). Just one thing was bothering me – where had I heard that name before?! “Mugworts, mugworts?” Ah yes – of course – Harry Potter – my birth was magic indeed!

By Victoria Penfold
Managing Director
Bio-Baba Eco-friendly nappies
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HOMEOPATHY FOR PREGNANCY AND BIRTH

I was first introduced to homeopathy in the early eighties when it was still in the realm of ‘the weird and the wonderful’; my father used to call it ‘homeopathetics’ whenever my mother used to whip out the arnica. However, opinions have changed radically over the last 30years and most pharmacies now stock homeopathic remedies as an integral part of their pharmacopia.

Since homeopathy remedies are safe and non-toxic, they make perfect sense during pregnancy and birth.

One of the most successful uses of homeopathic medicine is to stimulate contractions in labour and help ease labour pains. Sounds good to me!

Caulophyllum is the most common remedy as it has the ability to strengthen contractions and assist dilation…I started taking this remedy 2 weeks before my due date in both my pregnancies and was blessed with 3 hour labours from start to finish! I am convinced that taking this remedy made a real difference and made my contractions powerful and efficient. *

Arnica is a very useful remedy post birth as it can help with the healing of any bruising from tearing or an episiotomy; it is also great for easing pain associated with those big milk-filled breasts!*

Aconite is a the first remedy of choice for any sort of shock and so is very useful for post birth…don’t forget to dose Dad with this remedy too! *

* this advice is anecdotal and not meant to replace professional medical advice; please consult your healthcare professional, midwife/doula or a qualified homeopath before taking any remedy during pregnancy.
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VACCINATION CHOICES

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate?!?! What a big decision with SUCH conflicting advice! The conventional medical fraternity all seem to think that it is positively irresponsible and down-right neglect not to vaccinate your child; selfish even, as it is supposedly the people who don’t vaccinate their children who allow these deadly diseases to spread.

This of course is not the whole picture and in light of various scares involving autism really does require a little more investigation rather than just ‘going with the flow’. It is one of those decisions that only you as a parent in your own unique circumstances can make for and on behalf of your baby.

In looking for my own answers, I was very fortunate to find a locally written series of booklets called “Awaken to Child Health” by Dr. Raoul Goldberg which were originally published in the South African Journal of Natural Medicine (2002-2004). “Immunisation – should I vaccinate my child?” is Number 8 in the series and is very informative. It contains, amoungst other things useful reference tables regarding the prevalence, morbidity and mortality of disease preventable diseases – very useful if you want know how common something is and how dangerous! Also the effectiveness and duration of efficacy and safety of each vaccine is discussed as well really solid information about exactly how and what is important to consider with regards to your own vaccination choices.

I strongly recommend trying to get your hands on a copy (I think there are 25 booklets in the series altogether and are very reasonable at only R25 (last time I checked)…they are available from the Syringa Therapeutic Health Centre in Cape Town 021 762 2364 or visit www.syringahealth.co.za for more information.

That said, further to my vaccination investigations I was lead to look deeper into ‘why things had got so bad’ and why there was so much controversy surrounding the vaccination question…I still wasn’t getting the whole picture; why were the statistics from the Britain coming back as high as 1 in 100 children diagnosed along the autistic spectrum…this is far worse than cancer and HIV – but where were the answers?

Vaccinations seemed to be a convenient scape-goat due to some of the heavy metal content in some vaccines, but much testing has revealed that this can not be the ONLY part of the picture. I mean we all had the mercury laden vaccinations and lead fillings in our teeth and didn’t all develop weird autistic type behaviour! So, what has changed?

One thing is clear; things are very different from when we were children as far as chemical toxicity is concerned…Today’s baby is exposed to exposed live or killed ‘weakened’ pathogens virtually as soon as they are born. Each vaccine is a complex brew of chemicals: thimerosal, derived from mercury; formalin, a dilution of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen; aluminium sulphate, a toxic heavy metal; phenol, a disinfectant; ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in antifreeze; benzethonium chloride, an antiseptic; and methylparaben, a preservative and antifungal which help preserve, purify and stabilise and nudge the jabs into working harder. If you adhere to the complete vaccination schedule, you will be vaccinating your child up to 30 times before his/her fifth birthday; a good number of these before they are two months old…not to mention all the terrible new chemicals that surround us in our modern homes, air, water, food and indeed, in virtually every product we use in our modern lives.

Another factor that has not really been explored is the link between cell phone and electromagnetic radiation and autism.

With all the chemicals and harmful toxins in our environment, the young foetus/babies’ immune system is required to work overtime to expel these toxins in order to avoid cell and neurological damage. This is obviously not happening and researchers are now turning to cell phones and other electromagnetic radiation for answers. In brief, research by Tamara Mariea, CCN and George Carlo, M.D has indicated a correlation and higher risk for autism and other behaviours and attention deficit disorders with the rise in use of cell phones and wireless computers.

From what I can gather, the basic premise of the research is that cell electromagnetic radiation radically (EMR) reduces the body’s ability to emit toxins through the cell walls with a resultant toxic overload. This risk is especially heightened in small babies bombarded with vaccinations and surrounded by a myriad of other noxious chemicals.

In the United States, one in 150 children are now said to be autistic! I stongly suggest reading further as this is clearly something that needs further attention. Visit www.yourkidscellphone.com for more information.
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