The "Business" of Birthing

Article Excerpt;

FACT

ALL families in the U.S. are charged newborn nursery charges, even if the baby NEVER leaves the mother's room. This "routine" charge amounts to about $1.3 billion dollars annually, for services that are NOT rendered. (I'm not quite sure why this doesn't constitute insurance fraud - billing for services not rendered.)

Midwife's Guide to an Intact Perineum

A wonderful, specific, description of the sensations a mother will experience as she pushes out her baby. Knowledge is power and when you know what sensations to expect during the pushing stage then you are less likely to be scared and thrown off by them when you do experience them.

What to do with the placenta?

Excerpt from article;

"In the United States, where most women give birth in the hospital, the standard procedure with disposing of placentas involves the care provider putting them in hazardous waste containers to be brought to facilities that bury them without much risk of contamination to water and sewage treatment plants. But some, whether they birth in hospitals, birth centers, or at home, have different intentions."

Vaginal Births after MULTIPLE Cesareans!!!

Swine Flu Alert

"U.S. health authorities have made pregnant women one of the highest priority groups for getting the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, but is it actually safe for pregnant women and their babies?"

Excerpt from the article

"Have You Had That Baby Yet???"

Here is a great website to send well meaning friends and family who keep checking in, to see if you have had your baby yet. :-)

Is it safe to eat sushi?

Excerpt from article -

Q. Are there people who are at high risk who should avoid fish?

A. Women who plan to become pregnant, those who are already pregnant or nursing, children up to age 12, elderly people, and anyone with liver disease or any other disease or condition that compromises their immune system should steer clear of raw fish.

It’s also prudent for those at high risk to heed the advice of the FDA and Environmental Protection Agency and stay away from high-mercury fish. The fish highest in mercury are shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.

Castor Oil Inductions

Quote from the article -

Too many women have turned from saying ‘My doctor says’ to saying ‘My midwife says’. Take responsibility for your and your family’s health. It is fine to respect professionals but ask for references on everything you’re not l00 % sure of and use your internet to scope things out. There is so much crap that passes for science without anyone questioning it.

Pregnancy and the H1N1 Flu virus

Excerpt from article -

The package insert from CSL Limited for its Influenza A (H1N1) Monovalent Vaccine states:

"Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with the Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or AFLURIA. It is also not known whether these vaccines can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, or can affect reproduction capacity. Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed."

Dr. Bill Sears shares his thoughts about the vaccine on his Web site, "Here is where we are flying by the seat of our pants, so to speak. The product inserts make it VERY clear that the 'swine' flu versions of these vaccines have NOT undergone any testing to demonstrate whether or not they are safe and whether or not they even work. They are relying on the fact that they are so similar to the regular flu shots that they should work just as well."(2)

The First Cut is the Deepest - What about circumcision?

A few blips from the article -

a 2007 study published in the British Journal of Urology International, saying: "Five locations on the uncircumcised penis that are routinely removed at circumcision are significantly more sensitive than the most sensitive location on the circumcised penis."

Circumcision is also said to prevent penile cancer. However, the American Cancer Society discounts the link between intact foreskin and cancer. According to their website, Cancer.org, "Most researchers now believe those studies [that showed a link] were flawed because they failed to consider other risk factors, such as smoking, personal hygiene and the number of sexual partners. … Most experts agree that circumcision should not be recommended as a way to prevent penile cancer."

Read the whole article for more great information on this very important, very delicate topic.