Kegel Exercises

Thoughts from: Theresa Blahut, Student Midwife MMCI

Kegel exercises were originally developed in 1948 by Dr. Arnold Kegel as a method of teaching how to control or improve urinary incontinence in women following childbirth.  Kegel exercises are also called pelvic floor exercises because they treat and prevent pelfic floor weakness.  In women, (yes, Kegel exercises are for men too!) Kegel exercises are helpful for those who have stress incontinence or uterine prolapse.

During pregnancy and delivery, the pelvic floor can become stretched and weakened, which may cause urine control problems for months to years after childbirth.  A weakened pelvic floor can also allow one or more pelvic organs to sag or prolapse.

The principle behind Kegel exercises is to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, thereby improving the sphincter function.  The success of Kegel exercises depends on the proper technique and adherence to a regular exercise program.

One method to help you identify the muscles is to sit on the toilet and start to urinate, and then try to stop the flow of urine midstream by contracting your pelvic floor muscles, also called pubo-coccygeal muscles.  Repeat this action several times until you become familiar with the feel of contracting the correct group of muscles.  Note that if your stomach or buttocks muscles tighten, you are not exercising the right muscles.

Kegel exercises are easy to do and can be done anywhere.  First, as you are sitting or lying down,  try to contract the muscles you would use to stop urinating. You should feel your pelvic muscles squeezing your urethra and anus.  Then, squeeze for three seconds and then relax for three seconds.  Repeat this exercise ten to fifteen times per session.  Try to do three sessions daily.

Kegel exercises are only effective when done regularly; so it would be helpful to set up a daily routine such as while brushing your teeth, while driving and lying down at bedtime.  After four to six weeks, most people notice some improvement. When done prenatally, increased control is gained over these muscles and this is useful during labor and birth.

Thank you to Tree of Life

Below is a sweet email we received from a client of ours that just delivered her first child with us on February 14 (Valentine's Day Baby) 

Tree of Life Staff, 


I want to thank you so much. I did not know what I was going to do, I felt as if my family would be upset with me if I did not do a hospital birth, but that was the last thing I wanted. after seeing all of my friends children that are so swollen from being forced out of their mommies. But with so much pressure from my family i left my midwife, and went to a ob, as soon as i did i knew this was everything i did not want. And my old midwife would not take me back. I had no where to go and my baby was going to be here any day now. Kaleen you let me join when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant. And fulfilled my prefect dream birth. My little love bug born on valentines day, at home, within 4 hours. With the love of my life holding me in the tub, I grabbed my little girl, and yes I did it alone. I am so proud of myself. I truly could never thank you all enough. <3

Welcome sweet baby girl Leianna Jordan

Welcome Leianna Jordan 6lb 3oz born at home last night 30 minutes after the birth team arrived. This is the 2nd baby mommy has had with Tree of Life. 

Tree of Life's Newest Bloom

Welcome Earthside baby girl Lily Belle.....7lbs 8oz.....daddy is deployed overseas so we skyped him in for the birth. He is on the face time in this photo watching her get her first outfit...tear. Congrats Tabitha and Adam......Tree of Life Birth Center.

Preparing Siblings for the New Baby

Thoughts from student midwife: Theresa Blahut

One of the most difficult tasks for children expecting a new brother or sister is the thought of sharing.  Brothers and sisters may have to share their rooms and toys but also their parents attention.  Mothers may be wondering how they can love and give enough time to the new baby as they did with their first.  Addressing these issues with preparation throughout the pregnancy can lead to less friction once the baby comes.

There are several ways to prepare a child for a younger sibling.  The key is to try to make the child feel important and involved in the preparation.  Here are some suggestions:

• Enrolling him or her in a sibling class which usually includes learning to hold baby; making a gift for the new baby.
• Plan a trip to the library to find books on babies.
• Let him/her pick out items for the baby at the store.
• Have a "special" bag of toys and books for him/her when your attention needs to be on baby such as feeding.
• If the new baby will share him/her room, allow them to help arrange the room.

Once the baby arrives, make sure your older child is made to feel important too.  Perhaps give your older child a gift from the baby saying "I am glad you are my brother/sister".  Let your child know that there will be many visitors to see and spend time with the baby.  It is often helpful to have some quiet time alone with the older child at the end of the day.  Always talk to the older child to learn how best to help her through this time of transition.

Sweet Testimonial that we had to share

Kaleen, Rebecca and staff:
I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for Jessi's beautiful birth experience. From the minute Jess knew she was pregnant, she had written her birth plan and you and the student midwives helped her to fulfill all her wishes.

I consider this nothing less than a miracle, because at 37 weeks pregnant, Jess was willing to opt for a hospital birth due to a loss of confidence in her previous care provider. I asked her to reconsider because I was sure she didn't really want to forego her dream birth. (I understand because I was unable to fulfill my dreams of a natural birth-center delivery with Jess almost 19 years ago.)

With Amanda Johnson's encouragement, for which I am extremely grateful, Jessi felt empowered to make her birth plan come true. She e-mailed your office to ask if you would consider taking her as a new patient at an extremely late stage of her pregnancy. I thank you for accepting her!

From the first minute we walked into the birth center, we felt nothing but peace, encouragement, acceptance and love. I know midwifery is how you all make your living, but I also know that you all love what you do … it shows in every action of every person at Tree of Life who touched our lives these past few weeks.

I pray that you all will be blessed abundantly, as you all have blessed the members my family's lives through Jessi's labor and Taiden's delivery.

Thank you again,
Joni Kramer (Jessi's mom and Taiden's grandma)

Tree of Life's Babies of the Week

Tree of Life has had a busy week with new babies

3 home births and 1 birth center birth

David James 8lb5oz was born at home, on Monday Night, after a fast 3hr labor. This mommy laid in bed for 5weeks to let him cook long enough....congrats Camille and Adam! 

Ella Christine 7lb 2oz was born at home, in the water on Tuesday afternoon into the loving arms of her parents Stacie and David. 

Welcome Adelyn Iva 8lb even... mama called Kaleen to come in the early hours on Thursday, within 15 minutes baby was out ...... talked Daddy through the delivery and he did great! When Kaleen arrived mommy and baby in bed breastfeeding ......awesome!

Sweet Taiden 6lb 6oz was born this morning at the birth center into the loving arms of new mama Jessica. She did an amazing job and was surrounded by all the loving support of her mother and grandmother. 

Such a beautiful picture of 4 generations.