11/20/2012
Mama Glow! Tamera's Doula Latham Thomas Talks to Style Network
Latham Thomas is a maternity lifestyle maven, yogi, author of Mama Glow: A Guide to Your Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy and, as you saw on tonight's Tia & Tamera, Tamera Mowry-Housley's doula. Keep reading to find out what she had to say about working with Tamera, natural childbirth and much more.
How was it meeting Tamera? What did you think of her overall spirits during her third trimester?
Tamera is so lovely and has a bubbly spirit. I love her energy and enthusiasm for learning. She was very engaged in a healthy lifestyle, so her third trimester was great. Tamera really likes to prepare, so she read my book, practiced yoga and took breastfeeding courses. Relaxation was my mandate for her.
What did you think of Tamera's natural birth plan?
I felt that Tamera was totally capable of delivering her baby naturally. I applauded her for believing in the power of her body and for wanting to experience her labor without interventions. Every birth is different and every mother must do what works for her, but far too often women don't realize they have birth options. Education and support makes a tremendous difference. Tamera had a lot of support and learned a lot during this pregnancy, which resulted in her increased confidence in the natural birth process.
How did you make sure Tamera stuck to her natural birth plan for as long as possible?
Tamera and I went over pressure points, counter pressure techniques for relief during contractions, active upright positions to assist with gravity, and various labor positions. We explored the power of water not just for hydration but the shower or bathtub for easing the intense sensations. Another thing that was important was for her to feel safe in the space, so we packed candles and made sure the room was dim. We also made sure she had music and aromatherapy, so that she felt comfortable in the delivery room.
What other concerns did Tamera have?
Tamera is always on-the-go and I had to remind her to slow down. Tamera was concerned with breastfeeding, so we visited a lactation consultant to make sure she felt confident and had the support to breastfeed her baby. Tia had trouble with milk production, and Tamera was afraid she would have the same experience. I helped her make a tea from fenugreek seeds that enhances milk production. It led to her being interested in launching a maternity product line.
How was it having your child through natural birth?
My birth was amazing. Well, my pregnancy was wonderful as well. I gained 14 lbs, and my baby weighed in at 7 lbs, 11 oz. I had so much energy and creative power, which I attribute to my diet and lifestyle. My diet of vegan whole foods coupled with my yoga practice kept me feeling and looking my very best. I share my tips in the book. I had a quick, natural labor and went home with my son six hours after delivering him—it was surreal. My midwife, Stacy Rees, believed in me and I felt like I could do anything. I knew that, with every contraction, the baby was closer to being born, so I breathed through it and let my body guide the process. I felt empowered and wanted to help other women experience empowerment though birth, so I founded Mama Glow, which is a holistic lifestyle company that offers health-related services for women along the childbearing spectrum.
Were you worried at all about Tamera delivering her baby two weeks past her due date?
No, I believe babies come on their birthday. First-time babies take their time! I did, however, coach her on natural induction techniques in hopes that she would go into labor naturally.
You can learn more about Latham Thomas by checking out her Mama Glow website.
