To Allow...

How To Interview A Midwife

May people ask me "what questions do I ask when interviewing a midwife?". Although that is a great question, and we will definitely cover that, another component to interviewing is asking yourself "what type of person do I want watching me tromp around naked and then squat in front of her grunting out baby and possibly more?"

Laugh if you want, but it's true. Make sure that you take time to consider what type of midwife you want for that type of a time. 

Perhaps you want a matronly woman, perhaps one to sit in the corner knitting in the rocking chair while you power around, or lounge in the candle lit bathtub. Who knows, she may even have a silver hair or two....

- To Read The Rest, Visit Bellies and Babies

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land

One of the moms wanted to be able to push and deliver while standing up and the tour guide nurse had her talk to the charge nurse. The woman wasn't even in labor yet and they were already pushing the epidural and being very discouraging about it. Apparently doctors just aren't capable (I'd use the word willing) of catching babies unless mom is flat on her back with her feet up in stirrups. Plus with the epidural (which of COURSE she'll request right?) she won't be able to stand. And I heard the words, "We love epidurals. Epidurals help babies come out." Snort.

So I was still there because I had to ask the charge nurse about policies on releasing placentas. All you have to do is sign a release. I asked, "So no court order? Some hospitals require that." She said, "Really? That's dumb. It's YOUR placenta." I'll admit, that kinda made up a few points after the epidural comment.

- To Read The Rest, go to Keen Doula Care

Writing a Birth Story

Birth stories are common to find online these days, usually written by a Mom who has recently had a baby and wants to share her experience with the world. It can be very healing and therapeutic for some women to write out their birth story, from start to finish, about their personal experience with pregnancy, labor, delivery, and maybe even a little about their recovery. If a birth has been traumatic for any reason, sometimes it might take awhile for Mom to feel comfortable writing it down, or she might decide to keep it private. Birth stories can be written for the world to read, as a letter to the child, or in an attempt to educate someone else through Mom’s own experiences.

Whatever the reason, consider writing out your own. Even if it was a year or two ago! Get started simply with what I like to call a “brain purge.” Just start writing- don’t think about grammar, spelling, or even whether or not your thoughts are coherent. The goal is to get it all out and on to paper, and sometimes purging is the easiest way to get started. You might be surprised at what you write!

- To Read The Rest, see Blissful Beginnings

Circumcision Information

Circumcision.

I have blogged about circumcision a few times before. On Circumcision, What About Afterward, How Do You Decide, and Live Journal Rant are my prior posts.

This is usually a very touchy subject, but one that I cover with the families that I work with. I never used to, but I have found about 1/2 of the families that do circumcise end up regretting it. SO.. with that said.. I hope I don't offend.

Below, you will find some information I share with clients and friends.

• Circumcision Information Packet
• The Truth About Circumcision and HIV
• Circumcision Decision Maker - an interactive educational tool.

Additionally, there are some great video resources to take a look at.... 

-To Read the Rest, visit Bellies and Babies

Breastfeeding…On My Heart, In My Soul…Through My Eyes

Beads of sweat forming on her forehead and tears streaming down her face, a sweet momma looks up at me briefly in between long, loving gazes at her newborn.  No words were necessary as her face wore the expression of gratitude and elation.  We sit in silence for a moment listening to the rhythmic thup, thup, thup of that sweet baby at the breast.  I stroke baby’s soft, little head, careful not to disturb the latch that took so long to achieve.  Inside, my heart is floating, and relief floods my soul…

- Read the Rest at BABES

All About Medication

There are many options when it comes to the use of pain medications for labor and birth. Some of these options may not be available at your particular place of birth, so, if you plan on using medication during labor and birth, it is a good idea to consult with the anesthesiologist at your birth place. This will also enable you to talk to the about your concerns and to ask any questions that you  might have about the procedures involved.

As with any/every intervention, the use of pain medication during labor and birth inadvertently always carries risk. Weighing the benefits with the risks will allow for families to make the best choice for their birthing needs and desires.Best odds, interventions should be reserved for emergencies; interventions should never be routine.

When accepting an intervention, such as pain medication, always ask yourself:

• What are the risks?
• What are the benefits?
•  Do I accept the possible risks in order to receive the benefits?

To Read the Rest, visit Bellies and Babies