I recently attended the National Association of Childbirth Educators  Conference in Surfers Paradise Queensland. The theme of the conference was “The Circle of Life”. Workshops covered a wide range of topics, from pre-conception care to menopause to experiencing grief and loss. Natural therapies were presented along with the orthodox approach to good health.

Janet Balaskas, director of the Active Birth Centre in London opened the conference. She spoke on the Active Birth Movement – Women re-discovering birth. Her message was we must inspire pregnant women to re-discover, to trust, and have confidence in their own power, wisdom and intuition as birth givers and mothers. This applies also to fathers, birth support people, doctors, midwives and childbirth educators.

Janet said “An active birth is safe, cost effective and life enhancing. There is a change of power from a doctor centered approach to the power being with the mother. The labouring woman moves freely, may change position seven to eight times and chooses the most appropriate position to facilitate the birth of her baby. When she labours upright she is in charge.

Her approach to birthing changes from being dependent to being independent, from being controlled to being in control, from being powerless to being empowered.”

She encouraged us to believe an active birthing woman experiences an easier beginning to motherhood, her birthing is a trans-formative and positive experience.

This approach allows the baby to enter life without trauma so its sense of connection with its mother is not interrupted.

“This is how nature intended life to begin,” she said.

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Linda Demy-Gero   Adv Dip HSC (Naturopathy) Dip Herbal Medicine

For many couples conception doesn’t happen easily. Fertility levels are becoming an increasing problem in today’s society and many couples are now turning to pre-conception health care as a means of improving outcomes in pregnancy. This is a non – invasive approach. It is less expensive and free of ethical, religious or social problems. Linda said ” Health professionals too are becoming aware of how a healthy life style prior to conception improves fertility and coupled with improved diet and a cleaner environment improves the chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of abnormalities in babies.”

Following a pre-conception care program can give women a greater chance of having a full term pregnancy. When the mother is healthy she experiences a straight forward labour with less risk of medical intervention and little difficulty in breast feeding.

Couples are advised to seek information four months preceding an attempt to conceive. Linda says “ This is the most vital time, as ova are susceptible to damage 100 days before ovulation and the formation of sperm may take up to 116 days.” Preconception care for men and women can improve reproductive health.

Guidelines include: 

Avoid smoking, active or passive. Smoking affects fertility.

Avoid alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol lowers zinc levels. Zinc is a mineral that is necessary to reproduction.

Limit caffeine.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation. Reduce exposure to computer radiation and keep your mobile phone in your hand bag rather than near your body.

Always wash fruit and vegetables before preparation – using a solution of one tablespoon of vinegar in 500 mls.of water.

Avoid exposure to building renovations containing lead dust. ( constructed prior to1960)

Don’t exercise near heavy traffic.

Avoid antacids, toothpaste and anti perspirants containing aluminium.

Some couples may consider de-toxing.

NUTRITION

A balanced diet. Aiming for a balance of 80% alkaline and 20% acid foods.

Too much acid can kill sperm. Folic acid supplements should be taken during the four months before conception and during the first trimester in pregnancy.

Aim for ideal weight. Being overweight may affect fertility levels. When fat levels are too low the body is unable to produce enough oestrogen and being overweight affects hormonal balance.

Overweight woman are more at risk of developing gestational diabetes and toxaemia in pregnancy.

EXERCISE, STRESS REDUCTION AND POSITIVE THINKING

An exercise program that combines aerobic exercise, flexibility and strengthening  exercises should be done 3 – 4 times weekly. The benefits extend to the birth also were the mother experiences increased energy, stamina and endurance and recovery following the birth will be better.

Reducing stress helps to regulate a woman’s cycle and balances hormones.

Introduce ways of stress management through yoga, meditation, auto suggestion and positive thinking.

HEALTH ISSUES

Address underlying health problems – allergies, candida, genito-urinary infections. These conditions may affect your conception attempt. Seek advice on treatments that are natural and without side effects.

NATURAL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT

A natural fertility management counsellor can assist you to identify potential fertility days and issues around your reproductive health.

PRE-CONCEPTION TESTING

Zinc test, hair analysis, blood pressure, full blood count etc.

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These guidelines do not guarantee a positive outcome always however your whole general health and well being will improve.

There are many minor causes that affect outcomes but they are all cumulative. Genetics also play an important part.

In following a preconception program, women can improve their own reproductive health and the health of their children.

Reference:- The Natural Way to Better Babies (Francesca Naish and Janette Roberts)     

Further reading:- Foresight Study (1995)

I left the conference feeling inspired, re-energised and privileged to have the opportunity to share this time with so many dedicated people who are committed to the task of assisting couples to prepare for the birth of their children, to encourage good parenting skills and to enjoy the experience of active childbirth.

Last week I commenced a childbirth and parenting course with eleven couples and I looked forward to transferring the energy from the conference to empower women and their partners to discover and use active birthing skills and to prepare with joyous anticipation for the birth of their children.

My passion for child birth education had been re-kindled and I look forward to continue playing my part in this very important field as a Child Birth Educator.  

I specialise in Childbirth Education and Parenting which I particularly enjoy as it can be challenging and rewarding but above all most fulfilling. My work as a childbirth educator has covered the last 15 years. I teach yoga and have worked as a stress management consultant and general health educator for 25 years.