Sunday, December 13, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Not Just Skin
My new favorite website....
www.NotJustSkin.org
I love this line on the homepage:
"We will succeed at developing a warm, nonviolent society to the extent that we are aware and intentional in our choices."
Very true. This means, not accepting blindly what has always been done, and asking the question, "Is this a traditional belief or is it supported by the best clinical evidence?"
I started out looking for some information about how to avoid an episiotomy, or dramatic tearing of the perineum during birth, and found some great information on circumcisions and how to create a non-toxic household. I'll definitely be reading/posting more.
As for the perineum, it turns out that appropriate nutrition can really help to protect your lady parts.
Good nutrition and hydration are very important for tissue health and elasticity. "Good nutrition is vital to your body's work in preparing the perineum for stretching during birth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the tissues of your cervix and perineum to become extremely thick and elastic. Crucial to this process is an adequate intake of protein, vitamin E, and short-chain fatty acids, which consist of two types of 'good' fat, Omega-3 and Omega-6. Short-chain fatty acids are found in nuts and seeds, cold-pressed oils, all types of beans, and fish such as salmon and tuna" "Avoiding an Episiotomy", Nancy Griffin, Mothering Magazine, # 75, summer 1995, (p 60).
Vitamin E can be especially helpful (at least 1,000 mg per day). Food sources include: Wheat germ oil, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, safflower oil, peanuts, corn oil, soybean oil, and lobster.
Vitamin C is also very beneficial for tissue health, cellular integrity, elasticity and regeneration.
Bioflavanoids. These are the compounds that make oranges orange, blueberries blue, and cherries red. These crystalline compounds give foods their bright colors and great taste. More than 4,000 flavonoids are known. While sometimes-called vitamin P, they are not truly vitamins. The medicinal effects of many foods and herbs are due to their flavonoid content. The most well known flavonoids are PCOs (proanthocyanidins), quercetin, citrus bioflavanoids, and green tea polyphenols. Some foods rich in flavonoids are blueberries, cherries, citrus fruits, pears, grapes, cabbage, legumes, plums, and onions.
I will be stocking up on my vitamins, for sure. :)
www.NotJustSkin.org
I love this line on the homepage:
"We will succeed at developing a warm, nonviolent society to the extent that we are aware and intentional in our choices."
Very true. This means, not accepting blindly what has always been done, and asking the question, "Is this a traditional belief or is it supported by the best clinical evidence?"
I started out looking for some information about how to avoid an episiotomy, or dramatic tearing of the perineum during birth, and found some great information on circumcisions and how to create a non-toxic household. I'll definitely be reading/posting more.
As for the perineum, it turns out that appropriate nutrition can really help to protect your lady parts.
Good nutrition and hydration are very important for tissue health and elasticity. "Good nutrition is vital to your body's work in preparing the perineum for stretching during birth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the tissues of your cervix and perineum to become extremely thick and elastic. Crucial to this process is an adequate intake of protein, vitamin E, and short-chain fatty acids, which consist of two types of 'good' fat, Omega-3 and Omega-6. Short-chain fatty acids are found in nuts and seeds, cold-pressed oils, all types of beans, and fish such as salmon and tuna" "Avoiding an Episiotomy", Nancy Griffin, Mothering Magazine, # 75, summer 1995, (p 60).
Vitamin E can be especially helpful (at least 1,000 mg per day). Food sources include: Wheat germ oil, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, safflower oil, peanuts, corn oil, soybean oil, and lobster.
Vitamin C is also very beneficial for tissue health, cellular integrity, elasticity and regeneration.
Bioflavanoids. These are the compounds that make oranges orange, blueberries blue, and cherries red. These crystalline compounds give foods their bright colors and great taste. More than 4,000 flavonoids are known. While sometimes-called vitamin P, they are not truly vitamins. The medicinal effects of many foods and herbs are due to their flavonoid content. The most well known flavonoids are PCOs (proanthocyanidins), quercetin, citrus bioflavanoids, and green tea polyphenols. Some foods rich in flavonoids are blueberries, cherries, citrus fruits, pears, grapes, cabbage, legumes, plums, and onions.
I will be stocking up on my vitamins, for sure. :)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Yay Duggars!
Mackynzie Renee Duggar was born October 8, 2009 at home.
Anna walked around during early labor to help the baby descend, and used the shower for massage. From what the viewers saw, it was a peaceful delivery. I was SO happy to see a gentle birth story instead of the typical screaming, knife wielding, drug pushing, masked situation you usually see on TV births.
HOWEVER, I must point out an inaccuracy that upset me. The Duggars said that they invited their childbirth instructor to attend as their doula at their birth. A doula is not qualified to deliver a baby and provides no medical care. A doula is trained to offer emotional, physical, and psychological support throughout labor and birth.
A Licensed Midwife (LM), or a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) provides prenatal care, delivery of the baby and postpartum care. The midwife is responsible for the safety of the mother and baby. They determine if the labor and birth is progressing well, or if there is a need for hospital transfer (in the case of a birth center or homebirth).
I'm hoping that this woman was trained as a midwife, but the narration just didn't mention it. Homebirth is safe only when a skilled and experienced primary care provider is in attendence.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Dear Doctor
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my letter and inform me of the fact that your entire practice cannot support homebirth (vicarious liability is a powerful thing).
However, I have to let you know that I question the *information* you used in an attempt to scare me out of my homebirth decision.
Although I did not attend medical school, I doubt that there is a way to predict if and how many times an fetus will wrap itself in the umbilical cord. Beyond that, I'm relatively sure you cannot attribute it to the mother.
Finally, the weight of a baby cannot be accurately predicted prebirth, even with maternal measurements and sonograms. So I'm also pretty sure that the weight cannot be predicted sight unseen, based on previous pregnancies and withOUT said measurements and sonograms.
Good try though. Good luck with your fearmongering.....I mean, business.
Sincerely,
an educated pregnant mother
However, I have to let you know that I question the *information* you used in an attempt to scare me out of my homebirth decision.
Although I did not attend medical school, I doubt that there is a way to predict if and how many times an fetus will wrap itself in the umbilical cord. Beyond that, I'm relatively sure you cannot attribute it to the mother.
Finally, the weight of a baby cannot be accurately predicted prebirth, even with maternal measurements and sonograms. So I'm also pretty sure that the weight cannot be predicted sight unseen, based on previous pregnancies and withOUT said measurements and sonograms.
Good try though. Good luck with your fearmongering.....I mean, business.
Sincerely,
an educated pregnant mother
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Doulas Rule
In honor of completing the next step in my DONA Doula training, I'll post the praises of doulas, per the Cochrane Collaboration, which provides "systematic reviews of the effects of healthcare interventions."
http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab003766.html
"Continuous support in labour increased the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth, had no identified adverse effects and women were more satisfied.
Historically women have been attended and supported by other women during labour and birth. However in many countries these days, as more women are giving birth in hospital rather than at home, continuous support during labour has become the exception rather than the norm. This has raised concerns about the consequent dehumanization of women's childbirth experiences. Modern obstetric care frequently subjects women to institutional routines, which may have adverse effects on the progress of labour. Supportive care during labour may involve emotional support, comfort measures, information and advocacy. These may enhance normal labour processes as well as women's feelings of control and competence, and thus reduce the need for obstetric intervention. The review of studies included 16 trials, from 11 countries, involving over 13,000 women in a wide range of settings and circumstances. Women who received continuous labour support were more likely to give birth 'spontaneously', i.e. give birth with neither caesarean nor vacuum nor forceps. In addition, women were less likely to use pain medications, were more likely to be satisfied, and had slightly shorter labours. In general, labour support appeared to be more effective when it was provided by women who were not part of the hospital staff. It also appeared to be more effective when commenced early in labour. No adverse effects were identified."
http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab003766.html
"Continuous support in labour increased the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth, had no identified adverse effects and women were more satisfied.
Historically women have been attended and supported by other women during labour and birth. However in many countries these days, as more women are giving birth in hospital rather than at home, continuous support during labour has become the exception rather than the norm. This has raised concerns about the consequent dehumanization of women's childbirth experiences. Modern obstetric care frequently subjects women to institutional routines, which may have adverse effects on the progress of labour. Supportive care during labour may involve emotional support, comfort measures, information and advocacy. These may enhance normal labour processes as well as women's feelings of control and competence, and thus reduce the need for obstetric intervention. The review of studies included 16 trials, from 11 countries, involving over 13,000 women in a wide range of settings and circumstances. Women who received continuous labour support were more likely to give birth 'spontaneously', i.e. give birth with neither caesarean nor vacuum nor forceps. In addition, women were less likely to use pain medications, were more likely to be satisfied, and had slightly shorter labours. In general, labour support appeared to be more effective when it was provided by women who were not part of the hospital staff. It also appeared to be more effective when commenced early in labour. No adverse effects were identified."
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Orgasmic
This makes me cry.
My favorite is the look on mom's face in the very last scene.
You don't get that kind of joy from drugs.
My favorite is the look on mom's face in the very last scene.
You don't get that kind of joy from drugs.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Health Care
Midwifery is the answer to the question, “how can we afford national health care?” If every motherbaby were attended by a non-interventive but knowledgeable midwife, a national health care program would save billions of dollars on the four million births that occur in the US each year.
Please support the Mothers and Midwives in Action (MAMA) Campaigns effort to make Certified Professional Midwives a part of the health care system.
Increased access to Certified Professional Midwives can address the goals of health care reform:
Please support the Mothers and Midwives in Action (MAMA) Campaigns effort to make Certified Professional Midwives a part of the health care system.
Increased access to Certified Professional Midwives can address the goals of health care reform:
- Ensure quality care for every American – CPMs provide evidence-based, prevention-oriented and health-promoting care, with more babies that are healthy, full weight and full term, and much lower rates of cesarean section and medical interventions.
- Reduce costs – The reduction in interventions, unnecessary cesarean sections, and the associated increased health status of mothers and babies under the care of CPMs would lead to a cost savings to the US health care system.
- Guarantee choice – If CPMs are included in Medicaid reimbursement or a federal insurance program, CPMs and out-of- hospital birth would be available to all women, not just those who can afford to pay out-of-pocket.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Big Baby Bull
Whilst trolling other doula blogs... I came across this from "EnjoyBirth" (a name I love of course):
http://enjoybirth.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/big-baby-bull/
More great info on "BIG" babies...
http://www.pregnancybirthandbabies.com/Big_baby.htm
Good to know that the truth IS out there.
http://enjoybirth.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/big-baby-bull/
More great info on "BIG" babies...
http://www.pregnancybirthandbabies.com/Big_baby.htm
Good to know that the truth IS out there.
Deepak
Mmm....Deepak AND Pregnancy...the mind reels!
I think this is my first Deepak Chopra book. Or maybe not. He feels so familiar, I'm SURE I've read him before. Following is a snippet from his book (Copyright 2005), Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives.
"Whether you see the world as personal or impersonal, from a spiritual or a scientific perspective, you have to marvel at the animating vital force that orchestrates the creation of all living beings."
My note in the margin...
"So be sure to keep OUT of the WAY."
(slightly less eloquant than big *D*).
I think this is my first Deepak Chopra book. Or maybe not. He feels so familiar, I'm SURE I've read him before. Following is a snippet from his book (Copyright 2005), Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives.
"Whether you see the world as personal or impersonal, from a spiritual or a scientific perspective, you have to marvel at the animating vital force that orchestrates the creation of all living beings."
My note in the margin...
"So be sure to keep OUT of the WAY."
(slightly less eloquant than big *D*).
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Measles
Death rate due to Measles in 1900...133 per million people in the United States
Death rate due to Measles in 1960...0.3 per million people in the United States.
This is a 97.7% decline in Measles-related deaths...and this was BEFORE the vaccine was made available (1963). Interesting. No?
What can this decline be attributed to?
How about:
better nutrition (with rapid delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables to cities; and refrigeration)
cleaner water
improved sanitation (removing trash from the streets...and improved sewage systems).
Just sayin...
Death rate due to Measles in 1960...0.3 per million people in the United States.
This is a 97.7% decline in Measles-related deaths...and this was BEFORE the vaccine was made available (1963). Interesting. No?
What can this decline be attributed to?
How about:
better nutrition (with rapid delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables to cities; and refrigeration)
cleaner water
improved sanitation (removing trash from the streets...and improved sewage systems).
Just sayin...
Sunday, August 23, 2009
More from Ina
Remember that this midwife and her team have facilitated over TWO THOUSAND births. In the midwifery model, that includes prenatal care that spends more than the average 10 minutes per visit granted by typical OBs in this country. So, they would know intimate details like the amount of sex a couple has during pregnancy.
"I have noticed that women who continue to make love during pregnancy are less likely to have perineal tears at the birth of the baby."
Hmm....interesting....worth a try, I'd say!!
"I have noticed that women who continue to make love during pregnancy are less likely to have perineal tears at the birth of the baby."
Hmm....interesting....worth a try, I'd say!!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Miracle Sleep
We only started using this at 3 months, but the first night we did, we got at least 6 hours of sleep...yummy. I'm a huge fan.
www.miracleblanket.com
www.miracleblanket.com
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Duggar
I saw Michelle Duggar use this to breastfeed her baby while standing on a float during a parade amongst her 17 other kids. I THINK that's a pretty good sign that this thing is pretty useful, even if the name is a little weird.
My Brest Friend
www.mybrestfriend.com
My Brest Friend
www.mybrestfriend.com
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Cochrane
I JUST glimpsed this amazing website and I am in love.
www.cochrane.com
Its all about evidence-based medicine and health care.
"Evidence-based health care is the conscientious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients or the delivery of health services. Current best evidence is up-to-date information from relevant, valid research about the effects of different forms of health care, the potential for harm from exposure to particular agents, the accuracy of diagnostic tests, and the predictive power of prognostic factors. Evidence-based clinical practice is an approach to decision-making in which the clinician uses the best evidence available, in consultation with the patient, to decide upon the option which suits that patient best. Evidence-based medicine is the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. The practice of evidence-based medicine means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research."
It is chilling how much of birthing decisions are based on "what has always been done" rather than evidence-based information.
I can't wait to review this entire site further.
www.cochrane.com
Its all about evidence-based medicine and health care.
"Evidence-based health care is the conscientious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients or the delivery of health services. Current best evidence is up-to-date information from relevant, valid research about the effects of different forms of health care, the potential for harm from exposure to particular agents, the accuracy of diagnostic tests, and the predictive power of prognostic factors. Evidence-based clinical practice is an approach to decision-making in which the clinician uses the best evidence available, in consultation with the patient, to decide upon the option which suits that patient best. Evidence-based medicine is the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. The practice of evidence-based medicine means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research."
It is chilling how much of birthing decisions are based on "what has always been done" rather than evidence-based information.
I can't wait to review this entire site further.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Mother-Friendly
This may sound like a *touchy-feely* term. Well, it is.
I think we all need to be more touchy-feely when it comes to birth and supporting a birthing mother. My new favorite author and activist this week is Penny Simkin. Through her website I found this, Ten Steps of Mother-Friendly Care, as compiled by the Coalition for Improvement of Maternity Services, www.motherfriendly.com
This is easy stuff people.
1. Offers all birthing mothers with unrestricted access to birth companions, labor support, and midwifery care.
2. Provides accurate, descriptive statistical information about birth care practices.
3. Provides culturally competent care.
4. Provides birthing mother with the freedom to walk, move, assume positions of her choice.
5. Has clearly defined policies, procedures for collaboration, consultation, links to community resources.
6. Does not routinely employ practices, procedures unsupported by scientific evidence.
7. Educated staff in non-drug methods of pain relief and does not promote use of analgesic, anesthetic drugs.
8. Encourages all mothers, families to touch, hold, breastfeed, care for their babies.
9. Discourages non-religious circumcision of the newborn.
10. Strives for the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to promote successful breastfeeding.
I think we all need to be more touchy-feely when it comes to birth and supporting a birthing mother. My new favorite author and activist this week is Penny Simkin. Through her website I found this, Ten Steps of Mother-Friendly Care, as compiled by the Coalition for Improvement of Maternity Services, www.motherfriendly.com
This is easy stuff people.
1. Offers all birthing mothers with unrestricted access to birth companions, labor support, and midwifery care.
2. Provides accurate, descriptive statistical information about birth care practices.
3. Provides culturally competent care.
4. Provides birthing mother with the freedom to walk, move, assume positions of her choice.
5. Has clearly defined policies, procedures for collaboration, consultation, links to community resources.
6. Does not routinely employ practices, procedures unsupported by scientific evidence.
7. Educated staff in non-drug methods of pain relief and does not promote use of analgesic, anesthetic drugs.
8. Encourages all mothers, families to touch, hold, breastfeed, care for their babies.
9. Discourages non-religious circumcision of the newborn.
10. Strives for the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to promote successful breastfeeding.
Monday, June 29, 2009
What is Midwifery?
(snatched from naturalchildbirth.org)
"…most of the women who go to OBs do not know - or at least believe popular misconceptions - about what midwives do. Every woman would want midwifery care for herself and baby if they knew what it truly was…. All the women I know who used midwives were women who wanted individualized care and somebody to be there to support them through their whole birth experience. Somebody who knew them and who they trusted; rather than a practice where you rotate through providers and get whoever is on call. Some had natural births, some with epidurals, etc. but the most important aspect was that relationship and better care."
"…most of the women who go to OBs do not know - or at least believe popular misconceptions - about what midwives do. Every woman would want midwifery care for herself and baby if they knew what it truly was…. All the women I know who used midwives were women who wanted individualized care and somebody to be there to support them through their whole birth experience. Somebody who knew them and who they trusted; rather than a practice where you rotate through providers and get whoever is on call. Some had natural births, some with epidurals, etc. but the most important aspect was that relationship and better care."
Twins!
Wizard and Nugget Donovan make their grand entrance this week!!!
July 1st, what a great birthdate.
Perfect timing. (I hear fireworks are planned this weekend).
My camera is charged up and ready to be filled with chubby baby cheeks and smiling parents.
Eeeeek!!! Too exciting.
July 1st, what a great birthdate.
Perfect timing. (I hear fireworks are planned this weekend).
My camera is charged up and ready to be filled with chubby baby cheeks and smiling parents.
Eeeeek!!! Too exciting.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Birth Stories from Ina May
"There is extraordinary psychological benefit in belonging to a group of women who have positive stories to tell about their birth experiences. This phenomenon is exactly what developed within our village. So many horror stories circulate about birth-especially in the United States-that it can be difficult for women to believe that labor and birth can be a beneficial experience. If you have been pregnant for a while, it's probable that you've already heard some scary birth stories from friends or relatives. This is especially true if you live in the United States, where telling pregnant women gory stories has been a national pastime for at least a century. Now that birth has become a favorite subject of television dramas and situation comedies, this trend has been even more pronounced. No one has explained the situation more succinctly than Stephen King in his novella "The Breathing Method." Commenting on the fear many women have of birth, his fictional character observes, "Believe me: if you are told that some experience is going to hurt, it will hurt. Most pain is in the mind, and when a woman absorbs the idea that the act of giving birth is excruciatingly painful-when she gets this information from her mother, her sisters, her married friends, and her physician-that woman has been mentally prepared to feel great agony." King, you may not know, is the father of several children born at home.
The best way I know to counter the effects of frightening stories is to hear or read empowering ones. I mean stories that change you because you read or heard them, because the teller of the story taught you something you didn't know before or helped you look at things from a different angle than you ever had before."
The best way I know to counter the effects of frightening stories is to hear or read empowering ones. I mean stories that change you because you read or heard them, because the teller of the story taught you something you didn't know before or helped you look at things from a different angle than you ever had before."
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
All Hail Ina May
I have heard about this amazing woman and The Farm that she and her husband founded in Tennesee, but I didn't realize how eloquent she was in describing her simple, yet revolutionary point of view of childbirth.
She-Freakin-Rocks.
www.inamay.com
I finally picked up her "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" and by the first page, I was hooked. She speaks a simple truth and her statistics back her up completely.
The Farm was founded in 1971. From 1971 to 2000, of 2,028 births....
Births Completed - 95.1%
Non-Emergency Transports - 3.6%
Emergency Transports - 1.3%
Vaginal Birth - 98.6%
Cesarean Sections - 1.4%
(US National Average = 24.4%)
Cases with no Preeclampsia - 99.61%
Cases of Preeclampsia - 0.39%
Cases with no hemorrhage - 98.2%
Cases of Postpartum hemorrhage - 1.8%
What the HECK are these women DOING RIGHT??
Why the HECK aren't more people (ahem..DOCTORS) listening to her?
SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE.
"Standards of prenatal care at the Farm are modeled to the recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Deliveries are conducted without analgesia, however, and great emphasis is placed on meeting the emotional needs of the family. Several family members and friends are commonly in attendance and are encouraged to take an active role in the birth.
In addition, the laboring woman is encouraged to stay off her back and remain physically mobile through labor and delivery. In the absence of signs of fetal distress, women are permitted to labor beyond 24 hours, occasionally for 2 to 3 days. They are also encouraged to eat and drink during labor in the belief that this allays maternal exhaustion and the need for operative delivery."
Stay off her back? Eat and Drink? SHOCKING!
And now, for my first Ina May quote (there will be many more to follow)...
"It's not easy to say wheterh the woman in my village have less fear of birth because we know that our capabilities go beyond medical understanding or that our capabilities are greater without anxiety."
I just want to hug this woman and bring her fourteen ice cream sundaes.
(sigh). :)
She-Freakin-Rocks.
www.inamay.com
I finally picked up her "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" and by the first page, I was hooked. She speaks a simple truth and her statistics back her up completely.
The Farm was founded in 1971. From 1971 to 2000, of 2,028 births....
Births Completed - 95.1%
Non-Emergency Transports - 3.6%
Emergency Transports - 1.3%
Vaginal Birth - 98.6%
Cesarean Sections - 1.4%
(US National Average = 24.4%)
Cases with no Preeclampsia - 99.61%
Cases of Preeclampsia - 0.39%
Cases with no hemorrhage - 98.2%
Cases of Postpartum hemorrhage - 1.8%
What the HECK are these women DOING RIGHT??
Why the HECK aren't more people (ahem..DOCTORS) listening to her?
SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE.
"Standards of prenatal care at the Farm are modeled to the recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Deliveries are conducted without analgesia, however, and great emphasis is placed on meeting the emotional needs of the family. Several family members and friends are commonly in attendance and are encouraged to take an active role in the birth.
In addition, the laboring woman is encouraged to stay off her back and remain physically mobile through labor and delivery. In the absence of signs of fetal distress, women are permitted to labor beyond 24 hours, occasionally for 2 to 3 days. They are also encouraged to eat and drink during labor in the belief that this allays maternal exhaustion and the need for operative delivery."
Stay off her back? Eat and Drink? SHOCKING!
And now, for my first Ina May quote (there will be many more to follow)...
"It's not easy to say wheterh the woman in my village have less fear of birth because we know that our capabilities go beyond medical understanding or that our capabilities are greater without anxiety."
I just want to hug this woman and bring her fourteen ice cream sundaes.
(sigh). :)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
What YOU Should Know about Cesarean Birth
THIS BOOKLET IS AWESOME.
If you had, are planning to have, thought about having or KNOW someone that had a Cesarean Section, this is great information for making an educated decision.
In 1970, one in 20 women had a CSection.
Today, one in 3 have a CSection.
Is it really true that one in three babies/moms cannot give birth on their own?
Frightening.
I don't believe it.
There must be other factors at work....such as money and liability perhaps?
If you had, are planning to have, thought about having or KNOW someone that had a Cesarean Section, this is great information for making an educated decision.
In 1970, one in 20 women had a CSection.
Today, one in 3 have a CSection.
Is it really true that one in three babies/moms cannot give birth on their own?
Frightening.
I don't believe it.
There must be other factors at work....such as money and liability perhaps?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Safe Birth
Myth:
Cesarean Section is Safe.
Reality:
Vaginal birth is far safer overall for mothers and babies.
Although cesarean section is safer than in the past, it is major abdominal surgery and poses many extra harms for mothers and babies in comparison with vaginal birth.
Myth:
Planned cesarean is optimal solution for mothers and babies.
Reality:
Vaginal birth is far safer overall for mothers and babies.
Planned cesarean is very convenient for busy hospitals and caregivers.
Myth:
Vaginal birth is harmful for mothers and babies
Reality:
Vaginal birth is far safer overall for mothers and babies than cesarean section.
Some overused medical practices during vaginal birth are harmful to mothers and babies.
Research has not been done to determine whether giving birth through the vagina has intrinsic risks in comparison with cesarean section.
Myth:
Having an elective cesarean section will prevent incontinence later in life.
Reality:
Current research suggests that having a cesarean section will have no effect on incontinence later in life. Having an elective cesarean section poses many harms and limited benefit to mothers and babies.
Tips for Reducing Risk During Pregnancy:
Find doctor or midwife with low rates of intervention
Discuss goals and preferences with caregiver
Choose birth setting with low rates of intervention
Create your own birth statement
Arrange for continuous labor support
Explore options for pain relief
Tips for Reducing Risk During Labor:
Work with caregivers to delay going to hospital
Receive good support throughout labor
If possible, avoid continuous electronic fetal monitoring
Avoid epidural analgesia
Tips for Avoiding Cesareans (during Pregnancy):
If cesarean proposed, make informed decision
If had previous cesarean, make informed decision
If baby is breech, make informed decision
If you fear vaginal birth, consider in-depth counseling
Tips for Avoiding Cesareans (during Labor):
Avoid routine interventions when possible (in addition to electronic fetal monitoring, epidural, induction, artificial rupture of membranes, arbitrary time limits)
If cesarean is proposed, make informed decision.
Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Assisted Birth:
Push in an upright or side-lying position
Avoid time limits for pushing
Let your body guide pushing, when possible
Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Pelvic Floor Injury:
Talk with caregivers about avoiding routine use of interventions that can increase risk
Carry out pelvic floor muscle exercises
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ClickedLink=184&ck=10263&area=2
Cesarean Section is Safe.
Reality:
Vaginal birth is far safer overall for mothers and babies.
Although cesarean section is safer than in the past, it is major abdominal surgery and poses many extra harms for mothers and babies in comparison with vaginal birth.
Myth:
Planned cesarean is optimal solution for mothers and babies.
Reality:
Vaginal birth is far safer overall for mothers and babies.
Planned cesarean is very convenient for busy hospitals and caregivers.
Myth:
Vaginal birth is harmful for mothers and babies
Reality:
Vaginal birth is far safer overall for mothers and babies than cesarean section.
Some overused medical practices during vaginal birth are harmful to mothers and babies.
Research has not been done to determine whether giving birth through the vagina has intrinsic risks in comparison with cesarean section.
Myth:
Having an elective cesarean section will prevent incontinence later in life.
Reality:
Current research suggests that having a cesarean section will have no effect on incontinence later in life. Having an elective cesarean section poses many harms and limited benefit to mothers and babies.
Tips for Reducing Risk During Pregnancy:
Find doctor or midwife with low rates of intervention
Discuss goals and preferences with caregiver
Choose birth setting with low rates of intervention
Create your own birth statement
Arrange for continuous labor support
Explore options for pain relief
Tips for Reducing Risk During Labor:
Work with caregivers to delay going to hospital
Receive good support throughout labor
If possible, avoid continuous electronic fetal monitoring
Avoid epidural analgesia
Tips for Avoiding Cesareans (during Pregnancy):
If cesarean proposed, make informed decision
If had previous cesarean, make informed decision
If baby is breech, make informed decision
If you fear vaginal birth, consider in-depth counseling
Tips for Avoiding Cesareans (during Labor):
Avoid routine interventions when possible (in addition to electronic fetal monitoring, epidural, induction, artificial rupture of membranes, arbitrary time limits)
If cesarean is proposed, make informed decision.
Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Assisted Birth:
Push in an upright or side-lying position
Avoid time limits for pushing
Let your body guide pushing, when possible
Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Pelvic Floor Injury:
Talk with caregivers about avoiding routine use of interventions that can increase risk
Carry out pelvic floor muscle exercises
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ClickedLink=184&ck=10263&area=2
Monday, May 4, 2009
Cinco de Mayo
The fifth of May is also known as INTERNATIONAL MIDWIVES DAY!!!
This site has some great ideas about how to celebrate.
http://mana.org/IntMidDay.html
I intend to submit a request to the state of South Carolina to issue a proclamation to recognize International Midwives Day. YAY!
Midwives are some of the few citizens fighting daily to maintain a women's right to a natural, low-tech birth experience. Thank you Midwives for your faith in women and our innate ability to nurture and birth our children without the help of a scapel.
This site has some great ideas about how to celebrate.
http://mana.org/IntMidDay.html
I intend to submit a request to the state of South Carolina to issue a proclamation to recognize International Midwives Day. YAY!
Midwives are some of the few citizens fighting daily to maintain a women's right to a natural, low-tech birth experience. Thank you Midwives for your faith in women and our innate ability to nurture and birth our children without the help of a scapel.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Beauty
Omigosh. What a beauty. She's got TWO in there!!
Baby boy diaper cake and Baby girl diaper cake.
Yes my services can be contracted. :)
Fresh flowers and champagne. Yep. It was that kind of baby shower. :)
Sssigh....
Baby boy diaper cake and Baby girl diaper cake.
Yes my services can be contracted. :)
Fresh flowers and champagne. Yep. It was that kind of baby shower. :)
Sssigh....
Thursday, April 23, 2009
TWO
Number of loved ones suffering infections by hospitals and hospital procedures in the past two weeks...TWO.
THANKS HOSPITALS!!!
THANKS HOSPITALS!!!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
TWINS
Right now, I am ALL ABOUT learning about twin pregnancies.... :)
Here is the first note from the *learn something new every day* file:
By around the 36th week of twin pregnancy the positions of twins in the womb will not likely change. Generally, because of the sheer lack of space to move around. Here is a simple visual guide to some of the different positions twins may take on during the course of pregnancy. This is an easy way to familiarize yourself with some of terms used to describe different positions. (www.twin-pregnancy-and-beyond.com)
Fun stuff!!! Stay tuned! :)
Here is the first note from the *learn something new every day* file:
By around the 36th week of twin pregnancy the positions of twins in the womb will not likely change. Generally, because of the sheer lack of space to move around. Here is a simple visual guide to some of the different positions twins may take on during the course of pregnancy. This is an easy way to familiarize yourself with some of terms used to describe different positions. (www.twin-pregnancy-and-beyond.com)
Fun stuff!!! Stay tuned! :)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Art and Pregs
Here's one from the *Learn Something New Everyday* file...
I was looking for a strong-pregnant-woman image in honor of a dear friend Kelly who gave natural childbirth to her second child and first daughter this past month. Thank the universe that she educated herself and knew exactly what she did and did not want out of her hospital experience. She had taken steps to have someone she was comfortable with, a certified nurse midwife, present as her primary birth facilitator.
However, after the birth, when healthy mom and baby were recovering, an MD decided (with a phone-in decision...no direct observation or patient visit) based on to two borderline blood pressure readings, that pre-eclampsia was a concern and she would inflict magnesium on the patient. For those that don't know, the primary treatment for pre-eclampsia is yes, delivering a baby. Additionally, mag has these lovely COMMON side effects:
Back to the image I found....Hope II by Gustav Klimt.
Yep that's one beautiful pregnant mama.
During the search, I also found the first Hope by Klimt:
Stunning.
I didn't realize Klimt was so into the pregos.
And finally, through the magic of the internet, I learn that Dave Navarro, formerly of the group Jane's Addition, has a tattoo of Hope on his forearm. The artist in question desperately lacking the talent of Klimt.
Learn something new every day!
I was looking for a strong-pregnant-woman image in honor of a dear friend Kelly who gave natural childbirth to her second child and first daughter this past month. Thank the universe that she educated herself and knew exactly what she did and did not want out of her hospital experience. She had taken steps to have someone she was comfortable with, a certified nurse midwife, present as her primary birth facilitator.
However, after the birth, when healthy mom and baby were recovering, an MD decided (with a phone-in decision...no direct observation or patient visit) based on to two borderline blood pressure readings, that pre-eclampsia was a concern and she would inflict magnesium on the patient. For those that don't know, the primary treatment for pre-eclampsia is yes, delivering a baby. Additionally, mag has these lovely COMMON side effects:
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Palpitations
- Headache
- General muscle weakness
- Lethargy
- Constipation
Back to the image I found....Hope II by Gustav Klimt.
Yep that's one beautiful pregnant mama.
During the search, I also found the first Hope by Klimt:
Stunning. I didn't realize Klimt was so into the pregos.
And finally, through the magic of the internet, I learn that Dave Navarro, formerly of the group Jane's Addition, has a tattoo of Hope on his forearm. The artist in question desperately lacking the talent of Klimt.
Learn something new every day!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Your Best Birth
I'm in love with this book already.
Go buy it and support safe birthing options and
and EVIDENCE-BASED model for maternity care.
Know Your Options
Go buy it and support safe birthing options and
and EVIDENCE-BASED model for maternity care.
Know Your Options
Discover the Natural Choices
TAKE BACK the Birth Experience
TAKE BACK the Birth Experience
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Pregnant in America
AWESOME movie. It's available through netflix. A wonderful and simple documentary of a couple researching their options for the birth of their first child, and how they are treated by the people in the business along the way.
I heard about it from the water birth conference in Myrtle Beach, where I got to meet the one and only Barbara Harper, queen mother of water birth and world traveling advocate of natural childbirth. She's awesome. I learned so much. My favorite statistic was this....
Once you are induced (typically with pitocin), you increase your chance of a c-section 50% !!!
I have no idea why (beyond true emergencies) anyone thinks being induced is a good idea. Pit contractions are hard and fast and almost guarantee a torn va-jay-jay.
I have so much info to share from Barbara Harper and Pregnant in America. For now, here is a bit about epidurals. So many women underestimate their potential to work through a little discomfort, they'd rather pay the hundreds of dollars (thousands?) for medicine that may not work properly, that will necessitate a catheter in your urethra, immobilize you, and force you into THE PHYSICALLY and PHYSIOLOGICALLY WORST POSITION POSSIBLE FOR BIRTH. Here are are just a few additional risks that go along with epidurals...
Is it worth it???
I heard about it from the water birth conference in Myrtle Beach, where I got to meet the one and only Barbara Harper, queen mother of water birth and world traveling advocate of natural childbirth. She's awesome. I learned so much. My favorite statistic was this....
Once you are induced (typically with pitocin), you increase your chance of a c-section 50% !!!
I have no idea why (beyond true emergencies) anyone thinks being induced is a good idea. Pit contractions are hard and fast and almost guarantee a torn va-jay-jay.
I have so much info to share from Barbara Harper and Pregnant in America. For now, here is a bit about epidurals. So many women underestimate their potential to work through a little discomfort, they'd rather pay the hundreds of dollars (thousands?) for medicine that may not work properly, that will necessitate a catheter in your urethra, immobilize you, and force you into THE PHYSICALLY and PHYSIOLOGICALLY WORST POSITION POSSIBLE FOR BIRTH. Here are are just a few additional risks that go along with epidurals...
toxic drug reaction
rash
itchiness
fever
allergic shock
infection
severe headache
nausea
frequent vomiting
frequent shivering
difficulty breathing
unconsciousness
convulsions
septic meningitis
fecal and urinary incontinence
bladder catheterization
bacterial meningitis
hypotension (can lead to emergency c-section)
seizures
trauma
prolonged labor
weaker uterine contractions
inability for woman to push the baby out
increased likelihood of being induced
increased likelihood of forceps
increased likelihood of episiotomy
increase likelihood of c-section
accidental injection of anesthetic into the blood stream
punctured dura
post dural puncture
headache (PDPH)
feelings of emotional detatchment
decreased maternal-infant bonding
complications to the baby
direct drug toxicity to baby
allergic reaction
fetal drowsiness
fetal respiratory insufficiency
fetal distress
abnormal fetal heart rate
fetal hyperthermia
neonatal jaundice
poor fetal muscle strength
death of the baby
increased likelihood of post-partum depression
neurological complications
permanent nerve damage
chronic back pain
chronic migraine headaches
chronic “pins and needles”
numbness and tingling of the lower limbs
chronic bladder dysfunction
loss of sensation and sexual function
damage to spinal cord
paraplegia
cardiac arrest
maternal death
Is it worth it???
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Isla Fisher
Isla is the cute crazy red-head from Wedding Crashers, who is also married to Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat) in real life....(learn something new every day, right?)
Isla Fisher on
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Isla Fisher on
(from O Magazine)
"Women are happy to tell you their terrifying birth stories, but nobody tells you the positive ones. So if you're going to have a baby, you have to read this - its a collection of stories of women's birth experiences plus loads of practical information. In today's world of modern medicine, it's so easy to have the experience of pregnancy and birth taken out of your hands: You're measured and blood-tested and ultrasounded. Sometimes it feels as if the whole experience is happening to you. But women have the right to have the birthing experience we desire - whether it's a Cesarean or a natural birth - and to have the fear of pain removed. A friend, Naomi Watts, gave me this book when I was pregnant. It was such a special time for me, and it was such a relief to read these stories."
So, I don't necessarily agree that Cesareans should be provided upon request, and I think that women need to do their own mental cleansing and exorcising in order to "remove the fear of pain"....but otherwise...I'm so happy she found peace in Ina May's book and is sharing it with O Magazine readers.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Introducing Barbara Harper!!!
I was about to PASS OUT yesterday (okay, it could have been the coffee) when I learned that Barbara Harper was coming to little 'ole Myrtle Beach to give a conference on water birth.
I'm so excited that Barbara will be coming to provide her expert insight and eloquence to our little community. You can find the details here.
From the moment my tired, unmedicated, contracting little body melted into the warm water of my birthing tub, I've been in love with this woman and all the work she has put into educating the world about how gentle and safe birth can be.
Barbara is the founder of Waterbirth International with the overall mission to enhance the well-being of women and children during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood experience, and the specific mission to ensure that waterbirth is an available option for every woman.
She produced this gorgeous documentary (Birth Into Being) about the beauty and spirituality of birth. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this from my best friend in the world and I truly treasure it.
It's just COMMON SENSE PEOPLE. WATER HELPS.
It reduces pain, allows for mobility to achieve the most beneficial birthing position (the WORST being ON YOUR BACK), the bouyancy to relieve the pressures of gravity, the lubrication to help stretch out skin and reduce tearing of the perineum, and sooo much more.
The cost/benefit and pain reduction comparison between epidurals and birthing tubs are something every woman should thoroughly educate herself on before she gives birth. Of course moms do have to do the work to ensure that they are low-risk pregnancies, or those surgeons will be more than happy to strap you down, hook you up to monitors and cut you open one way or another.
I'm so excited that Barbara will be coming to provide her expert insight and eloquence to our little community. You can find the details here.
Friday January 23 6-9pm at the Sands Ocean Club at 9550 Shore Drive off of Lake Arrowhead Road in northern Myrtle Beach. Map here.
On Saturday and Sunday, they will be providing training for nurses, doctors, midwives, doulas and any other professionals who want to be certified in this beautiful art.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
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