Friday, January 28, 2011

Mum gives birth in petrol station

"It all happened somewhere between the biscuits and the anti-freeze," Miss Tyler said

Birth happens, when the baby is ready, weather Mom and Dad are ready or not. I tell my students that if you find yourself in this type of a situation it usually means that there is NO reason to worry because the mother's birthing system and the baby are working PERFECTLY together and there are no problems.

Why Is ACOG So Scared of Midwives?

"Having a CPM attend your birth comes with a major benefit to taxpayers and states as well -- lower c-section rates, and lower complications result in big savings. Washington reported a savings of $2.7 million after just 2 years of use of CPMs. The Department of Health also found that over 87 percent of the time, transfer to a hospital is not required for moms or babies birthing outside the hospital with constant one-on-one care from a CPM"

Throw Your Clocks out the Window

"Instead of looking at the clock, observe the woman. Listen to her. If a dad calls me and announces the contractions are matching some formulaic expectation and I can hear the mom chatting excitedly and barely cracking a sweat during the contraction, I tell them to stay home if they can. Very often they'll call me hours later, and even though the contractions may or may not be different in terms of length and frequency, I'll hear a change. She will be vocalizing in some way, or doing some very focused breathing...her voice will sound a little far away even between the contractions. If I'm present and watching her, her motions will be slower, and more deliberate. She'll have to lean over things and sway her hips. When labour is really rocking and rolling, most women will look quite stoned between their contractions, the idea of distracting themselves by conversing or watching tv ridiculous, and there is a sense they are far away, off in labour land, and moving normally is often difficult. Plus it's aparent they are feeling some spectacularly strong sensations. For first time mothers, this is usually the time to go to the hospital, because labour has had a chance to establish itself...endorphins and oxytocin are flowing beautifully. If a woman goes to the hospital too much before this happens, it can be EXTREMELY difficult to achieve this trance-like state with all the routines and strangers asking questions, often making the labour seem longer and more painful."

Newborn Deliveries Are Scheduled Too Early, According to Hospital Watchdog Group

This is not to say that once a woman reaches 39 weeks gestation there are no longer any risks to "elective" delivery. I wholeheartedly believe that our bodies and babies know that they are doing and just as we put our trust in the natural process of labor and birth as being the safest for Mother and baby, so should we put our trust in the timing of labor to begin on it's own for the safety of Mom and baby.

"Every hospital should publicly report on their rate and actively prevent the practice, and every woman planning to give birth should demand the information,"

Hospital Rates of Early Scheduled Deliveries

"What’s going on at my hospital?
The Leapfrog Group, a non-profit organization that compares hospitals on national standards of safety and quality, asked hospitals to voluntarily report their rate of elective deliveries before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy. The hospital’s rate of elective deliveries is the percentage of non-medically indicated (without a medical reason) births between 37 and 39 weeks gestation, that were delivered by caesarean section or induction. Hospital rates of elective deliveries are listed below by state. Women should look at the rate of early elective early deliveries performed at hospital hospitals in their area and chose one that has a low rate"







36 Obvious Reasons You are Capable Of Natural Birth

Love this list!!! Sometimes we just need to be reminded. :-)

Consider the Source: An interview with Cord Clamping Researcher, Judith Mercer

Excellent information in this interview straight from the source of the research. Once again, we see that science is confirming what nature already knows. :-)

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

"The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed." --Chinese proverb

Breast-Feeding: It Takes a Village to Help Moms Succeed Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2011/01/25/breastfeeding-it-takes-a-village-to-help-mom

“The time has come to set forth the important roles and responsibilities of clinicians, employers, communities, researchers, and government leaders and to urge us all to take on a commitment to enable mothers to meet their personal goals for breast-feeding.”

Post Partum Support

What You Need to Know about Induction of Labor

Flu Vaccine Linked to Infant Seizures?

"The first thing doctors will tell you about febrile seizures is they're usually completely harmless. Any parent who has witnessed one will tell you they're scary as hell, and that's not harmless to a parent's emotional well being. And is getting the flu really that much worse than enduring something like that ... not to mention any long-term effects that may be undiscovered as of yet?"

Our family has chosen to be anti-vax for personal reasons.It is YOUR baby, not the doctors. YOU are the one that has to deal with any side effects, not the doctors. YOU have way more at steak than the doctors do. Be an informed consumer. Do your own research. Make your own decisions (whatever they are) and don't just take their word for it.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

I just renewed my Bradley® teacher certification! Here's to another great year, helping fantastic couples and their precious babies!!!

Monday, January 24, 2011

"With all the attention paid to your new baby, it's easy for your own feelings and needs to get lost in the shuffle. Although all parents engage in some self-sacrifice for their children, keep in mind that your goal isn't just to raise a happy, healthy child. You want that child to be part of a happy, healthy family as well," - Lawrence Kutner

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Cutting food by a third in pregnancy led to fetal brain delays, according to animal study Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/arti

"A 30 percent reduction in food caused marked differences in how brain cells multiplied and connected with one another, with changes found in the frontal cortex, where higher functions controlling behavior and problem-solving are located, the researchers said."

Saturday, January 22, 2011

“When enough women realize that birth is a time of great opportunity to get in touch with their true power, and when they are willing to assume responsibility for this, we will reclaim the power of birth and help move technology where it belongs – in the service of birthing women, not their master.” – Christiane Northrup

Friday, January 21, 2011

Miranda Kerr: I Had a Baby Boy with Orlando Bloom!

They released his name and a beautiful picture of her breastfeeding their newborn! Yay!
"I believe the act of giving birth to be the single most miraculous thing a human being can do and it is surely the moment when a lot of women finally understand the depth of their power and connection to all of nature... You think can’t possibly take the pain, and then you do - and afterward you look at yourself in a whole new way... The memory of pain always recedes. The memory of triumph does not," - Ani DiFranco

Thursday, January 20, 2011

SE MN Childbirth Network presents... "A Midwife...Why?"

Find out how incorporating a midwife in your
pregnancy can be more than beneficial.

Please join us at the
Rochester Athletic Club
Thursday, February 3rd
7pm—Multipurpose Room

The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding FACT SHEET

Here is a nice list of specific things everyone can do to get involved in the call to action to support breastfeeding.

Everyone Can Help Make Breastfeeding Easier, Surgeon General Says in “Call to Action”

"According to the “Call to Action,” breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses that include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Breastfed babies are also less likely to develop asthma, and those who are breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese. Mothers themselves who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

A study published last year in the journal Pediatrics estimated that the nation would save $13 billion per year in health care and other costs if 90 percent of U.S. babies were exclusively breastfed for six months. Dr. Benjamin added that, by providing accommodations for nursing mothers, employers can reduce their company’s health care costs and lower their absenteeism and turnover rates."

It's better for babies, it's better for Moms, it's better for families, it's better for employers, it's better for our health care system, it's better for our nation. Wow!!! How many things can boast that large a span of beneficiaries? Let's not say no to that.

A Touching Look at Touching

"Having been lucky enough to work with therapeutic touch in the past few years I have my own very simple explanation for what is going on; it's your inner healer dancing forward and taking over - connecting and passing on your good thoughts, intentions and a little healing to the growing life within. It is after all, mum's tum you wants to touch. There's nothing more natural than touching a pregnant woman and so people go ahead and touch her."

I never minded people touching my baby bump very much, unless it was a complete and total stranger and then it was a little weird. I totally agree though with the statement quoted above, "
connecting and passing on your good thoughts, intentions and a little healing to the growing life within." I always felt intense amounts of love and good will being channeled into myself and my unborn baby when people would pat, hold and sometimes even hug my belly, and that made me feel like a stronger mother. Like somehow, with all this love and support coming from all these people toward me and my babies, I knew I could succeed and even excel at this mothering thing.

What were your reactions, experiences and feelings in regards to people wanting to touch your pregnant belly?

Laborade

Sounds like it could be a nice alternative to gatorade. What did you drink during your labor(s)?

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Recall: Medela 'Pump In Style Advanced' Breast Pump

MALE SENSITIVITY....

My hubby sent this one to me this morning and it was to good not to pass along. As a childbirth educator I have never received this question before...yet. :-) Enjoy!!!

"The room was full of pregnant women with their partners. The class was
in full swing. The instructor was teaching the women how to breathe
and was telling the men how to give the necessary assurance to their
partners at this stage of the pregnancy.

She said "Ladies, remember that exercise is good for you. Walking is
especially beneficial. It strengthens the pelvic muscles and will make
delivery that much easier." Just take several stops and stay on a soft
surface like grass or a path.

She looked at the men in the room, "and Gentlemen, remember -- You're
in this together -- It wouldn't hurt you to go walking with her".

The room suddenly got very quiet as the men absorbed this information.

Then a man at the back of the room slowly raised his hand.

"Yes", answered the Instructor.

"I was just wondering if it would be all right if she carries a golf
bag while we walk??"

This kind of sensitivity just can't be taught."

Abdominal Breathing for Labor and Birth

Abdominal breathing is a BIG key to the Bradley Method® of natural childbirth classes. If you will focus on replacing chest breathing, which causes a tension, pain, fear cycle, with nice deep, relaxing, abdominal breaths you will eliminate one cause of unnecessary pain in your labor and birth.
"The more people have studied different methods of bringing up children, the more they have come to the conclusion that what good mothers and fathers instinctively feel like doing for their babies is the best after all." - Benjamin Spock

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Surgeon General to Release “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding”

"I feel the most important thing the birthing woman does is to listen to her own body and find out what her body is telling her she needs to do. And that neither the partner, nor the midwife, nor the doula, or whomever, should be giving orders, 'Now do this' or 'Now do that' because that interferes with what she is really trying to get from her body..." ~Marsden Wagner, M.D. (via Birth Without Fear)

Beyond Biology: The Holistic Stages of Labor

This is one of the most powerful and intuitive accounts of the labor and birth process that I have ever read before. I was brought to tears several times by the power I felt and remembered from my own births as I read it. It is lengthy, but you will not be sorry if you take the time to go all the way through it.
"No medication can deliver complete pain relief without risks," - Dr. William Sears

Why you shouldn’t “try” to have an unmedicated birth.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the logic of this one!!! A MUST read for anyone considering an un-medicated birth.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Healthcare Reform Increases Medicare Reimbursement for Midwives

"Many consumers choose midwifes for low-risk pregnancies because of lower costs. A statewide survey in Pennsylvania, for example, found that the average charge of a midwife delivery at a birth center is $4,600 compared to $7,737 for a vaginal delivery at a hospital.

Christine Haas, executive director of Pittsburgh's Midwife Center for Birth and Women's Health, said, "The new law will help make midwife and birth center services more accessible and viable, which will ultimately lower costs to the health-care system as well as improve outcomes.""
"Breastfeeding is the biological norm for mothers and babies. It is a relationship that provides stress reducing hormones to the mother as well as stimulation, connection, and protection from illness to the baby. It even feeds the baby." - Alice Martino Roddy

Friday, January 14, 2011

"There is power that comes to women when they give birth. They don't ask for it, it simply invades them. Accumulates like clouds on the horizon and passes through, carrying the child with it." - Sheryl Feldman
"One thing you can depend upon is that your birthing with be *powerful*! Powerful pressure, powerful stretching, powerful pushing sensations and intense joy. Expect these powerful sensations and emotions, appreciate them for what they are; they bring your baby to you." --Hypnobabies (Official)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

1st baby wearing 2nd baby

Click on the title link to be redirected to the article.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Saturday, January 8, 2011

“One of the most important things I have learned about birthing babies is that the process is more of an unfolding marvel than a routine progression of events.” –Tori Kropp

Friday, January 7, 2011

Bleeding Gums in Pregnancy

Click on the title link to be directed to the article.

Bradley® Classes Listed in Community Education

My #13 Bradley® series is now listed in the Kasson-Mantorville Winter/Spring 2011 brochure!!! Come check it out and pass it along. :-)

Click on the title link to be directed to the class listing.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Toothpaste chemical 'that can leave unborn babies brain damaged' Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1334533/Toothpaste-chemical-lea

"A chemical in toothpastes and soaps has been linked with brain damage to babies in the womb."

Click on the title link to read the entire article.

Breastfed Babies End Up Stronger Kids -- Literally

"Study finds children who were breastfed have stronger leg muscles than those who didn't"

Click on the title link to read the entire article.
"Breastfeeding is an instinctual and natural act, but it is also an art that is learned day by day. The reality is that almost all women can breastfeed, have enough milk for their babies and learn how to overcome problems both large and small. It is almost always simply a matter of practical knowledge and not a question of good luck." - La Leche League
"There is no other organ quite like the uterus. If men had such an organ they would brag about it. So should we" ~Ina May Gaskin

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Breastfeeding Answers from La Leche League

"Welcome! Here you will find answers to your breastfeeding and parenting questions, drawn from the various resources on our site, conveniently grouped by topic."

How Dilated Am I? Assessing Dilation in Labor WITHOUT an Internal Exam.

"It’s the magic question weighing on most laboring mothers’ minds: (as well as the minds of her partner or birth attendants!) How much longer? Is there any way to tell how far along I am in the birthing process?"

Baby loss healing journal

"Created as a healing journal for mothers who have lost their babies, Mending Invisible Wings is filled with healing words, drawings, poems and exercises. Each exercise includes an action, an affirmation and a self-nurturance activity designed to help the mother move through her grief. There are also plenty of blank pages where she can express her grief through words or pictures. If you have recently lost a baby, or if you know someone who has, Mending Invisible Wings could be an important step in the healing process."

Brand New Bradley Method® web site!!!

Come and check out the new and improved, better than ever Bradley Method® web site. It's got a great new look and lay out, as well as awesome new features that are easier to use than ever!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

"Birth is not an emergency. It is simply an emergence." - Jeannine Parvati Baker

Monday, January 3, 2011

“The guys who fear becoming fathers don’t understand that fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man. The end product of child raising is not the child but the parent.” - Frank Pittman