SPIRITUAL MIDWIFERY ON THE FARM

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There's no need to do breathing exercises ... in fact, you can become rigid and have preconceived notions from doing certain such mechanical exercises. The midwife, the birth attendants, and the husband can all help the mother in proper breathing when that becomes necessary.

It's an important part of birth preparation for a couple to make special efforts to get along well with each other. If you don't get along together well you'll probably have a hard time with natural childbirth, because the nature of birthing energy is that it works well with love ... while less harmonious vibrations interfere with the progress of a woman in labor.

So- if you're in the habit of not telling each other how you feel and of stacking up small bad feelings-you should make an effort now to say what you feel. And say it with love and with a sense of cooperation, and with the understanding that you're going to work your differences out and come to an agreement. If you need help, you might consult a friend: Sometimes a third person's viewpoint is all it takes to resolve a situation.

Besides all these ways of taking care of yourself, you need regular prenatal care from your midwife or your doctor. You should make:

At least one visit in the first trimester

At least two visits in the second, provided there are no complications

At least four visits in the last trimester. Weekly visits in the last month of pregnancy are advisable, so that your midwife or doctor can check the baby's position and presentation and keep track of the infants size in relation to your pelvic size.

During these visits your midwife or doctor will check your blood pressure and the albumin (protein) in your urine to see if your kidneys are stressed. They'll also check your urine for glucose (sugar), which would indicate a diabetic or temporary diabetic state. And she or he will keep track of your blood-iron levels and weight gain.

If your blood is Rh negative, you should be tested periodically for antibodies. These are all important tests and observations, and are a necessary part of a healthy pregnancy.

FINDING A MIDWIFE

These days, to find a midwife requires a good nose in this country, because there just aren't that many of them ... but you can locate one if you ask around.

You should keep looking until you find someone that you feel comfortable with (you'll be glad you did when it's time to have the baby). And don't be afraid to check your midwife out: Talk with her at length about how she'll handle the birthing, about her support and medical backup, whether she has access to a hospital if it's needed, how much she charges, how much -experience she's had. Don't hold back. Keep asking questions until you're absolutely sure you trust her. If you can, get in touch with some of the ladies she's delivered and talk to them, too.

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