Peaceful Passages Birthing Support Center of the Central Valley

01/12/2024

Squat, baby, squat!

There are many cultures where squatting is a daily practice. However, the US is not one of them. Practice squatting periodically in your pregnancy to get used to the feeling, because it can be an amazing position for both labor AND birth.

Using a stool, low chair, bench, etc. can provide extra support.

01/12/2024

01/12/2024

A little encouragement for you today and, a challenge. Rewrite your self-talk! When we choose to reframe how we speak to ourselves about VABC, we literally carve new pathways in our brains! A simple recognition and then reset is all it takes to help to turn our minds towards a new out look. ..

01/06/2024

Join the Safe Sleep MovementOne voice can make an impact.Many voices can make a change.Spread the word and help reduce SIDS in Fresno County.

01/06/2024

No one knows your baby better than you. That's why Safe Sleep Baby provides the tools, education, and resources you need to make sure your baby is sleeping s...

01/05/2024

Happy New Year to everyone! The staff at Peaceful Passages hopes that you all had a safe and happy holiday season. We know that the past few years have had a lot more challenges than we hoped for, but here is hoping that 2024 winds up bringing joy and prosperity to us all. We are continually thankful for the support that all of you have given us over the years and allowing us to keep the practice going. We value each of you, and look forward to continuing to work with you in the coming year.

01/04/2024

Led by trained peer facilitators, this group is for parents who have experienced pregnancy loss and also have living children. Whether you had older children before the loss, or have had a “rainbow” baby since the loss, parenting after a pregnancy loss can bring up so many complex feelings. You may feel pressure to enjoy every moment of being a parent, yet you also still grieve the baby you lost. Bereaved parents need a space to talk about their specific experiences and complicated emotions. You are not alone, and we welcome you to join us.

Learn more and register at bit.ly/FindSupportGroup or at the link in our bio 💙

**When registering for Sharewell for the first time skip the unlimited offer on the payment page (all of our groups are free!)**

01/04/2024

01/04/2024

Have you heard of or utilized laid back breastfeeding? Let us know in the comments!

Want to learn more about laid back breastfeeding and other nursing “holds”? Check out our article on it here! 👉 https://breastfeedingusa.org/some-ins-and-outs-of-laid-back-breastfeeding/

01/04/2024

✨ Navigating Unexpected Paths: Making Peace with Repeat Cesarean Birth

If you find yourself struggling to make peace with a repeat cesarean birth, whether planned or unexpected, know that your feelings are valid, and you're not alone on this journey. Here are a few tips for making peace with a repeat c-section.

1. Embrace Your Emotions:
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Allow yourself the space to feel. Whether it's disappointment, sadness, or a mix of emotions, acknowledge them without judgment. Embracing your feelings is a crucial step toward healing.

2. Open Communication:
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Talk to your healthcare team about your emotions and concerns. An open dialogue with your medical professionals can provide clarity, answer questions, and ensure that you feel heard and understood. This is especially helpful if you know ahead of time that your birth plans have switched from VBAC to repeat cesarean. Let your team know your birth preferences and tell them about your triggers.

3. Focus on the beauty of your story
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
While it's natural to mourn the loss of the birth experience you envisioned, remember you did not fail. Your birth is beautiful. Take some time to journal the parts of your story that you can make peace with now, the rest will follow. Even if it's as simple as "I am really thankful they had cranberry juice in my postpartum recovery room".

4. Seek Support:
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Connect with others who have experienced similar journeys. Sharing your thoughts with friends, and family, or through our VBAC link repeat cesearan Facebook group can be incredibly cathartic. Surround yourself with a supportive network that understands and uplifts you.

5. Celebrate Your Strength:
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Recognize the strength within you that has carried you through this unique journey. Every birth story is a testament to your resilience and love for your child. Celebrate the incredible strength that brought you to this moment.

Remember, dear friend, your journey is unique and sacred, and making peace with a repeat cesarean birth is a process. Give yourself the compassion and time you deserve..

01/04/2024

It's what everyone deserves: accessible lactation care and support for families. Local, community-based, and free of charge. Baby Café USA is breastfeeding support for the village.

01/04/2024

📸: . Let's set the record straight on this common misconception about Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). 🌟

🔍 Myth: Many believe that the risk of uterine rupture during VBAC is alarmingly high, causing unnecessary fear among VBAC-hopeful mothers.

Fact: The reality is that the risk of uterine rupture during VBAC is relatively low. According to studies, the incidence of uterine rupture is estimated to be around 0.2% to 1.5%, depending on various factors such as the type of uterine incision, the reason for the previous cesarean, and the management of labor. Of course, each person and birth is unique. You should discuss the risks and benefits of VBAC with your provider and make an informed decision from there.

✅ The majority of VBAC attempts are successful without any complications, and the benefits often outweigh the risks.

‼️ Reducing the risk for uterine rupture:
1. Stay away from induction unless absolutely necessary.

2. Avoid Cytotec (misoprostol) COMPLETELY.

3. Avoid providers who aggressively intervene with and manage labor.

4. Stay mobile. Walk, change position and posture when in active labor.
In early labor and if labor stalls, rest or sleep.

5. Do EVERYTHING you can to make sure your baby is in the most optimal position BEFORE labor begins.

6.. Avoid rupturing membranes if baby is not in optimal position.
Avoid an epidural if possible.

7. Have attentive labor support with you ALL THE TIME.

8. Be aware of typical labor patterns. Any stalls in labor are usually indicative that something needs to change (emotional processing, baby position, rest/sleep, and even Pitocin in some instances). Figure out what needs to change and fix it if you can. A long stall combined with high doses of Pitocin is a prime scenario for uterine rupture.

9. HONOR YOUR INTUITION. If you feel that something is not quite right or if baby’s movement is significantly decreased, insist that your provider or their staff attention to you.

12/27/2023

Breastfeeding *is* a full-time job, mama.

12/27/2023

The CDC reports that about 700 women die annually in the US due to pregnancy complications. But, in 2022, that number rose to more than 1,200 deaths. Just one maternal loss is too much. The numbers continue to rise instead of decline. MoMMA's Voices is here as your maternal mortality and morbidity advocates. We continue to work towards the decline, but we need your help.

If you are a mom, we need your lived experience to be shared with those who can make a difference. Join us: https://www.mommasvoices.org/

12/26/2023

Merry Christmas to our VBAC link family. No matter where you find yourself in your VBAC journey, we are so glad you're here.

12/25/2023

Become a Certified Birth Doula at one of our upcoming Doula Training Workshops, at Peaceful Passages Birthing Support Center.

At Peaceful Passages we believe in equipping future doulas with the highest quality, evidence-based course and classes that will prepare them in their careers as Birth Doulas.

Our trainers will help you learn the skills you will need to provide excellent service to every family you support in pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.

Our training workshop will teach you the benefits of doula care, the history of birth, the significance of doula support to families, comfort techniques and strategies for labor and birth, how doulas can impact maternal mortality and breastfeeding rates, while also directing you towards the steps to begin your doula journey.

Virtual and in person classes available.

Please contact our office to learn more, at 949-688-3967.

12/24/2023

Hey mama, guess what's lighting up December 2023? It's the "Cold Moon"! 🌕❄️ Named for the chilly start of winter in December, this full Moon transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland!

Ever wondered why full moons are so fascinating? 🤔 Consider this: Our bodies are over 60% water, and since moon cycles influence tides, it's logical to think they might influence us too!

When the full moon steals the spotlight, researchers have uncovered some intriguing effects:
📈 An uptick in our stress hormone cortisol
😁 Heightened levels of serotonin, leading to mood shifts
😴 Diminished levels of our sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin
And full moons play tricks on our sleep patterns too:
😴 Prolonged time to drift off to dreamland
💤 Reduced periods of deep slumber
🌙 Overall diminished hours of rest

For expectant mamas, we often associate a full moon with going into labor. But here's the scientific scoop: Most studies fail to establish a direct link between full moons and childbirth. However, a recent study got people talking—out of 8,395 births in a single hospital, deliveries surged by nearly 15% during the full moon.

What's your take on it? 🤔 Have you ever noticed any personal changes during full moons? Share your experiences below! 🌕✨