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Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

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Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Childbirth

Gowri Motha 'Gentle Birth Method' - anyone?

46 replies

Pruni · 09/01/2006 21:55

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OP posts:

Report

starlover · 09/01/2006 21:56

no not read it... but i like the sound of it!

do you just lie there and the baby slips out gently?

mummytosteven · 09/01/2006 21:56

I read a little bit of it, and was rather displeased by the suggestion that you should eat a calorie controlled diet to have a smaller baby to have an easier labour. Mind you I take the humph at any book or article that claims you can have a huge amount of influence over your labour.

Pruni · 09/01/2006 21:58

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Pruni · 09/01/2006 22:00

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OP posts:

starlover · 09/01/2006 22:01

pmsl at congested cervix!!!

mine was pretty congested... by the huge baby coming through it

mummytosteven · 09/01/2006 22:01

eh? eating gluten congests your cervix???

mummytosteven · 09/01/2006 22:03

have been doing a quick google, and "congested" cervix does appear to be a medical term, surprisingly!

Pruni · 09/01/2006 22:03

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OP posts:

starlover · 09/01/2006 22:04

post another message.... asking if anyone is on a gluten free diet... and if they had an easier labour

thebecster · 10/01/2006 14:53

I can't testify on the labour front (am 20+1 with first baby). But I've been on a gluten free diet for 4 years 'cos I have coeliac disease, which as far as I know is the only possible reason to be on a gluten free diet. It's a real pain tbh!
I know that if you have coeliac (eg undiagnosed) and have been eating gluten it can cause problems for the baby and for the labour. My Mum is coeliac too, and she only found out last year - she had 3 healthy girls (2 caesarian 1 VBAC), 2 miscarriages, one stillbirth. If you don't have coeliac then I can't imagine eating gluten will make a blind bit of difference to your cervix or anywhere else

freddysays · 10/01/2006 16:08

thought I would chip in my meager imput. I am also reading this theory and like every bit of advice I take on board what I feel is sensible to me and my body. I have elimiated wheat from my diet for the last week (only started reading it then) and I do feel better. I am not feeling so bloated at night and no longer look 5mth pregnant when only 10wks. My constant constipation has also stopped today which is amazing. So for that I think its great. I think its unrealsitic to afford the time and money to have the therapies esp with a toddler in tow.

But I agree with her theory that overeating rather than sensible eating and a sedantry 40 weeks will leave you out of shape for labour. If this happens whether your cervix is congested or not will be pretty irrelevant, if you have not got the stamina or strength by the end of the 40wks, you will most def require intervention...why wouldnt you it hurts like hell and it takes for ever. Of course all this is easier said than done and staying in shape and away from the cakes and comforts is really hard going..I know. But i think there may be something in part of what she says. The whole small baby thing is such a contradiction from what we are taught here even I feel a little concerned by this. my DS1 was 9lb 8 and I was so proud of that.

hana · 10/01/2006 16:16

a friend of a friend followed this method/diet for her pregnancy, and weighed less just after she gave birth than before her pregnancy. Think she talks a lot of sense, but as far as restricting your calories for a smaller baby??

freddysays · 10/01/2006 16:27

I dont think she actually restricts calories infact she states normal intake of calories plus 200. What she does though is ensure you dont take on extra calories and that you avoid wheat/bad fats and sugar. So this means you actually dont gain loads of weight by proxy. Because if you think about it no wheat etc means no bread/cake/biscuits/pasta/pizza and so on and on. What your left with is a high fish/chicken fruit and vegetable and pulse based diet, which is what you should be eating anyway. The problem is though from personal experince what you crave is filling foods like bread, sugar rushes from cakes etc. So it takes masses of will power and planning. I have no idea if I will last it out. She allows for a day off a week if you need it and anyway, you are your own boss so you ultimatley do as you please.

The theory is not to restrict calories for the baby, but it is to prevent excess weight gain for the mother, her theory is that excessive weight gain on the mum passes onto having a larger baby...only time will tell on that one. I want to keep fit but I would like a big healthy baby too. I actually dont believe it should be a paradox. Maybe my last baby was too big..who knows

Pruni · 10/01/2006 19:46

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hunkermunker · 10/01/2006 19:47

I read something about her last year that was totally mad - will try through pg-fogged brain to remember what it was...

Pruni · 10/01/2006 19:49

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mummytosteven · 10/01/2006 19:50

yes pruni that is my gripe, that I think women are guilt tripped into not realising how large a role luck (or maybe as yet unknown scientific factors) plays in whether you have an easy labour or not. I didn't have an easy labour, and I certain didn't put on that much weight, and I walked a fair amount right up to the very end.

Pruni · 10/01/2006 19:53

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freddysays · 11/01/2006 11:04

You may have a point, my last pg I also ate lots and lots and to be honest was pretty precious with myself I wouldnt lift a thing let a lone exercise, and I also had a great experience at labour. I wouldnt call it easy by any means because it wasnt it was bloody hard work and really long but I managed it on gas and air. I can only dream of having the same experience this time round. I could just do the same as it seemd to work last time, eat cake & chill but for what ever reason I want to try out new things, my expectations are kept in check by the range of experience that women (my friends & family) have in labour. Ofcourse I will be gutted if I prevent my self from eating a packet of biscuits & 40 weeks down the line have a horrendous birth. I will feel a little cheated butit would be irrational to think that following this plan will guarantee me a short pain free labour.

I agree there is a real problem with guilt tripping women. We do it to each other as well as allow society to do it to us. But you have to be sensible in what is guilt trip and what is right for you and what is just plain good old advise. If you feel misarable, ill hungry, weak or other from following a particular method, then you must stop. If your expectations are unreasonable you are heading for a fall. The thing is it is you and only you who has to carry the baby, nourish him/her. You have to look after yourslef too. Ultimatley the most important thing is that the mother remains happy, healthy and confident. By what ever means. Fear and gulit should not be used as tools to exercise will over mothers to be or new mothers but they are used constantly and it takes our confidence to read through the muck & take what we need from it all. Just look at all the products that are sold to parents to protect new born babies.

I guess I did not feel guilted by her theory, but I can understand if you have. It is a pretty hard line that she takes and she makes some pretty unsubstantiated claims. But you never know though do you.

For me, its radical and I will see what happens, I feel less sluggish and I am grateful for the digetive properties I have already recieved. THe other thing is I am far far from a meditator. I am the worst person for relaxing, so I want to learn these tools and see if they can help in life or even in labour. I am intrigued. I just wish I had the cash for the reflexology and the willing & compliant partner for the daily massage!!

freddysays · 11/01/2006 11:05

You may have a point, my last pg I also ate lots and lots and to be honest was pretty precious with myself I wouldnt lift a thing let a lone exercise, and I also had a great experience at labour. I wouldnt call it easy by any means because it wasnt it was bloody hard work and really long but I managed it on gas and air. I can only dream of having the same experience this time round. I could just do the same as it seemd to work last time, eat cake & chill but for what ever reason I want to try out new things, my expectations are kept in check by the range of experience that women (my friends & family) have in labour. Ofcourse I will be gutted if I prevent my self from eating a packet of biscuits & 40 weeks down the line have a horrendous birth. I will feel a little cheated butit would be irrational to think that following this plan will guarantee me a short pain free labour.

I agree there is a real problem with guilt tripping women. We do it to each other as well as allow society to do it to us. But you have to be sensible in what is guilt trip and what is right for you and what is just plain good old advise. If you feel misarable, ill hungry, weak or other from following a particular method, then you must stop. If your expectations are unreasonable you are heading for a fall. The thing is it is you and only you who has to carry the baby, nourish him/her. You have to look after yourslef too. Ultimatley the most important thing is that the mother remains happy, healthy and confident. By what ever means. Fear and gulit should not be used as tools to exercise will over mothers to be or new mothers but they are used constantly and it takes our confidence to read through the muck & take what we need from it all. Just look at all the products that are sold to parents to protect new born babies.

I guess I did not feel guilted by her theory, but I can understand if you have. It is a pretty hard line that she takes and she makes some pretty unsubstantiated claims. But you never know though do you.

For me, its radical and I will see what happens, I feel less sluggish and I am grateful for the digetive properties I have already recieved. THe other thing is I am far far from a meditator. I am the worst person for relaxing, so I want to learn these tools and see if they can help in life or even in labour. I am intrigued. I just wish I had the cash for the reflexology and the willing & compliant partner for the daily massage!!

freddysays · 11/01/2006 11:05

You may have a point, my last pg I also ate lots and lots and to be honest was pretty precious with myself I wouldnt lift a thing let a lone exercise, and I also had a great experience at labour. I wouldnt call it easy by any means because it wasnt it was bloody hard work and really long but I managed it on gas and air. I can only dream of having the same experience this time round. I could just do the same as it seemd to work last time, eat cake & chill but for what ever reason I want to try out new things, my expectations are kept in check by the range of experience that women (my friends & family) have in labour. Ofcourse I will be gutted if I prevent my self from eating a packet of biscuits & 40 weeks down the line have a horrendous birth. I will feel a little cheated butit would be irrational to think that following this plan will guarantee me a short pain free labour.

freddysays · 11/01/2006 11:05

You may have a point, my last pg I also ate lots and lots and to be honest was pretty precious with myself I wouldnt lift a thing let a lone exercise, and I also had a great experience at labour. I wouldnt call it easy by any means because it wasnt it was bloody hard work and really long but I managed it on gas and air. I can only dream of having the same experience this time round. I could just do the same as it seemd to work last time, eat cake & chill but for what ever reason I want to try out new things, my expectations are kept in check by the range of experience that women (my friends & family) have in labour. Ofcourse I will be gutted if I prevent my self from eating a packet of biscuits & 40 weeks down the line have a horrendous birth. I will feel a little cheated butit would be irrational to think that following this plan will guarantee me a short pain free labour.

I agree there is a real problem with guilt tripping women. We do it to each other as well as allow society to do it to us. But you have to be sensible in what is guilt trip and what is right for you and what is just plain good old advise. If you feel misarable, ill hungry, weak or other from following a particular method, then you must stop. If your expectations are unreasonable you are heading for a fall. The thing is it is you and only you who has to carry the baby, nourish him/her. You have to look after yourslef too. Ultimatley the most important thing is that the mother remains happy, healthy and confident. By what ever means. Fear and gulit should not be used as tools to exercise will over mothers to be or new mothers but they are used constantly and it takes our confidence to read through the muck & take what we need from it all. Just look at all the products that are sold to parents to protect new born babies.

I guess I did not feel guilted by her theory, but I can understand if you have. It is a pretty hard line that she takes and she makes some pretty unsubstantiated claims. But you never know though do you.

For me, its radical and I will see what happens, I feel less sluggish and I am grateful for the digetive properties I have already recieved. THe other thing is I am far far from a meditator. I am the worst person for relaxing, so I want to learn these tools and see if they can help in life or even in labour. I am intrigued. I just wish I had the cash for the reflexology and the willing & compliant partner for the daily massage!!

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freddysays · 11/01/2006 11:05

You may have a point, my last pg I also ate lots and lots and to be honest was pretty precious with myself I wouldnt lift a thing let a lone exercise, and I also had a great experience at labour. I wouldnt call it easy by any means because it wasnt it was bloody hard work and really long but I managed it on gas and air. I can only dream of having the same experience this time round. I could just do the same as it seemd to work last time, eat cake & chill but for what ever reason I want to try out new things, my expectations are kept in check by the range of experience that women (my friends & family) have in labour. Ofcourse I will be gutted if I prevent my self from eating a packet of biscuits & 40 weeks down the line have a horrendous birth. I will feel a little cheated butit would be irrational to think that following this plan will guarantee me a short pain free labour.

freddysays · 11/01/2006 11:09

Ooooooooops I hit the button too many times, very new to this, I thought it wasnt loading so kept posting it and look what happend, SORRY PEOPLE

I wonder can I get them removed, as if it wasnt bad enough that it was soooooooo long i sent it abotu five times NIGHTMARE x

mummytosteven · 11/01/2006 21:48

lol don't worry about us, happens to us all!

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