YourBestBirthEver

We are now offering “Infant massage classes”

“Infant massage” is a practical tool parents may use to:

• Reduce colic, constipation or reflux
• Strengthen babies immune system (fewer sick days)
• Block the production of cortisol and norepinephrine (the STRESS hormones)
• Increase Endorphin production (the HAPPY hormone)
• Establish longer sleep patterns (babies sleep longer stretches of time)
• Promote bonding with Mom and Dad
• Facilitate appropriate/ healthy weight gain (especially in multips or preemies)
• Create a special time to relax and unwind
• Promote attachment
• Stimulate the Vagus nerve
  (aids in food absorption)

• Alleviates anxiety (of parent and baby)

• Improve babies circulation

For more Information feel free to email or call!  Registration is required!

Location #1: Little Sunshine Co.

Main Street Ellicott City

June 9^th 5:30-7:30pm or July 17^th 3-5pm

This workshop will be 2 hours long, light refreshments served

Register today!  Class fee $55.00/ covers all handouts and materials

Early Registration date June 1^st- receive $5.00 off (checks accepted)

Register by email Kellspot@verizon.net or by phone 443-904-4774

Location #2: St Agnes Hospital

Session 1- May 15 , 22, 29 June 5, 12

Session 2- Sept. 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, .23rd

This class will be taught in 5- 1 hour classes. Sunday mornings 10-11:00 am

Class fee is $125.00 for the 5 week session/ covers all handouts and refreshments.

Register-by calling the hospital call center at 1-866-690-9355 or visiting

StAgnes.org  listed under classes/ childbirth education

Every women has her own unique path that leads her to the birth of her baby. Women may have strong cultural or religious beliefs that form  her view regarding what her birthing should or should not be like. Most women have a perception of birth, either positive or negative, ingrained in them from an early age. Growing up as a young girl people comment about pregnancy, birth and motherhood.  Somehow the collection of all of these seemingly random social interactions create our perception regarding women hood. For each and every women, finding ” their best birth” is very personal and unique.

At “Your Best Birth” we strive to educate families about the choices they have regarding the birth of their baby. Many times, simply understanding the unique way a women’s body was meant to birth removes the “fear ” that so many women hold on to, in regards to birth.  Nine months of pregnancy , may seam like a long time for some women, but in reality it is the bodies way of preparing for one very special day, the day of birth! The baby is often thought of as an “inactive participant” but in fact, the baby has his/her own way of contributing to the birth. Birth is a delicate dance between mother and baby, and should be honored for the miracle it is! The birth process is just as important for the babies health as the mothers. Understanding how “common interventions” interfere with this dance is the first step in deciding what type of birth is desired.

Medically speaking, 95% of pregnancies are carried by healthy women , with healthy babies.  If this is the case, than why is Maryland’s Cesarean rate above 30%?? This question can be answered when we look at common misconceptions. Most women are unaware that something as simple as “breaking of the waters” can lead to a cesarean. An induction raises a women’s chances of needing a cesarean to 50%.  Many women are scared into an induction or choose one because they do not understand the “snow ball effect” that often occurs, once a single intervention is introduced to the labor. Bottom line is, a women’s body knows when the baby is ready. Unless there is a serious medical emergency, why force a baby to be born that may not be ready! There are legitimate reasons for an induction or even a cesarean, they can be a wise choice in certain situations.  Nationwide our cesarean rate would be closer to 5%, if we were only using major surgery for the patients who truly needed it.

A healthy diet, exercise, and education can greatly reduce a womens risk of developing health problems during the pregnancy. Hypertension, diabetes, and toximia can all be avoided by eating a balanced diet high in healthy protein.

Our goal is not to convince everyone to have a completely natural labor, but we do strive to educate our clients about pregnancy and birth. We seek to empower all our clients so that they may make informed choices regarding their birth and well being. We want everyone of our clients to find “Their Best Birth”.

~ Kelly A. Thomas

CD(DONA), HBCBE, HBIMI

So your first question may be, “Just what is the role of a Doula?

A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical and informational support to expecting mothers, mothers in labor or mothers who have recently given birth. The doula’s role is to help mothers have the safest, most positive and memorable birth experience possible.

The word doula is a Greek word that means women’s servant. Of course, women have been helping other women in childbirth for centuries but in modern times Doulas also act as an advocate for the mother, encouraging and guiding the mother through a positive and safe birth experience with their knowledge and experties in the area of child birth.

Doulas provide comfort and reassurance with pain relief techniques, such as breathing, relaxing, massage and laboring positions. Doulas also encourage participation from the partner and offer reassurance. These modern Doulas are also known as labor companions, labor support specialist, labor support professional, birth assistants or labor assistants.

A doula and client relationships begin months before the baby is due giving the mother plenty of time to ask questions, express fears, concerns, and take an active role in creating a birth plan. Most doulas are knowledgeable in the medical aspect of labor and delivery so they can help their clients get a better understanding of procedures and complications that may arise in pregnancy or during delivery.

Postpartum (after the birth) many labor doulas will spend a short time helping mothers begin the breastfeeding process and encouraging bonding between the new baby and family members.

Postpartum Doulas are there to support you in your first weeks of being a mom. They provide informational support about feeding and caring for the baby. They may even provide physical support by cleaning, cooking meals and filling in when mom needs a break, and they provide emotional support by encouraging a mom during those times when she feels overwhelmed.