Assignment to Turn in: Research a list of providers and online resources that may be helpful in working with some of the discomforts mentioned in the  prev

Assignment to Turn in:

Research a list of providers and online resources that may be helpful in working with some of the discomforts mentioned in the 

previous section
. These should include medical resources as well as complementary medicine. Some examples may include a nutritionist, a reflexologist, or a naturopath. Make a handout to give to your clients if they have questions.  Make sure to also include resources that may address any language barriers your clients may have.  Attach the handout to this assignment.

1-B Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

As a doula, you will often be asked about how to cope with different pregnancy discomforts. While this is not your main reason for being hired, it is okay to help your client look for resources which may help. You should also have a basic idea of current practices for helping with these discomforts. This is not meant to be a substitute for medical care, but rather a guide to relieving common discomforts. If you feel that medical attention is needed, then please discuss it with the care provider.

Morning Sickness

70-85% of pregnant mothers will have some form of morning sickness. It can range from slight distaste to certain foods to full on vomiting numerous times during the day. While many feel the worst in the morning, it can extend all day. It can begin at the 4th to 6th week and usually is gone by week 16. Most of the time, morning sickness is just uncomfortable and annoying, but it can be severe enough to cause dehydration and problems associated with that. Progesterone is a part of the problem, as the increase in progesterone may make mothers more sensitive to odors. Other than that, morning sickness is still mostly a mystery.

What You Can Do

Eat small, frequent meals: Nausea is a symptom of abnormal blood sugars. Thus, when the stomach is empty, it may exacerbate the feeling of nausea. This may be why the nausea tends to be worse in the morning after not eating all night. Plan to eat easy-to-digest foods in the morning, as well as throughout the day.

Decrease triggers: Some people are sensitive to certain environmental triggers. These may include smells, tastes, sights, or spicy and fried food. Smell can be particularly difficult, because it is heightened during pregnancy. Sometimes it helps to keep a diary of what you are doing or what you are around when you feel nauseated. Try and steer clear of these things as much as possible.

Progressive muscle relaxation: This technique is used mostly for anxiety, but it has also been found to be helpful for those who are experiencing nausea and vomiting. This involves tightening specific muscles groups and then relaxing t