What's a cervix?

This past semester I took Anatomy & Physiology 2 at a local community college. The first day of class back in September, I remember looking at the syllabus and having a little party in my head when I saw we were going to do a unit on Human Reproduction.

Our professor was very ill for 2 weeks of the semester so we ended up rushing through the only unit I was excited for. We did a "crash course" in Human Reproduction. Since it was the end of the semester I had become friendly with many of my classmates. While studying for the test with them, I could not believe how many of the women in my class did not know ANYTHING - I mean NOTHING - about their anatomy. This had me thinking...

I then realized that I didn't know much about the reproductive system until I became a doula. Perhaps this is a sign that we, as women, need to educate ourselves and one another because quite frankly, no one else will.

Get out a mirror and figure out whats going on down there!

This site is a also amazing: Beautiful Cervix

And of course, I must include some of Susun Weed's insight: http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May08/childbearing.htm

And an article relating to birth: What You Don’t Know About Your Cervix Can Ruin Your Birth

Here are some helpful pictures as well:

"The Essential Ingredient: Doula"

"The Essential Ingredient: Doula"

A new video by DONA International

In a recent article about the rising c-section rate, I quite enjoyed this quote:

"Any woman having a baby should care about the cesarean rate,” says Desirre Andrews, president of the International Cesarean Awareness Network, an advocacy group that promotes vaginal birth. “They should be concerned about the likelihood of ending up in the OR because we know what is healthiest is unfettered birth. Women are starting to believe they can't have babies. It's becoming the cultural norm for women to believe they're broken.”

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2010/12/20/c-sections-on-the-rise-especially-for-black-moms/#ixzz18ytPiTMX

Ellie’s Birth

Ellie’s Birth
November 18, 2010

Ellie decided she wanted to make her big appearance on her due date – how punctual. She had been teasing her mommy for weeks with all sorts of Braxton hicks and contractions so I was quite excited to get the call that mommy thought this was the real thing!

Although we had planned to labor at home and only go to the hospital when things were really heating up, Mary thought it would be best to head to the hospital to labor so that we didn’t have to worry about making the trip when things were really close. So, I met the lovely Mary and Todd at the hospital around 3:30pm. Mary was doing a fabulous job managing her contractions – breathing through each one and relaxing in between. She and Todd were stunned, but very excited, to hear that Mary was 7cm dilated. Naturally, they kept comparing this labor to their first experience, but it was far from similar.

When we finally got into a labor & delivery room, we were able to set up. Todd and I tried everything we could think of to keep Mary comfortable. We talked her through contractions, helped her into different positions, reminded her to breathe and believed in her. Mary did a wonderful job during each contraction which were short, but visibly increasing in strength. Mary used her voice to get through some of the contractions. The first time the nurses heard what I consider a beautiful labor noise, they all rushed in to see what was going on. After all, it’s not every day that they see a mom give birth without any drugs. When they left, we all giggled at their reaction, and at how quiet the L&D floor is. But they were all very supportive of Mary’s decision to birth her baby naturally.

By 6:30pm, only 3 hours after we arrived, Mary’s doctor checked her and said she was progressing nicely and that soon she would push her baby into the world. So around 7:00, Mary did just that. She birthed her beautiful, healthy baby girl. Ellie went almost immediately to the breast where she nursed peacefully. Mom and Dad were thrilled to meet their new daughter while the doctor, nurses and doula were lucky enough to witness this miracle. Joy filled the room as Mary and Todd looked into each other eyes and then at their baby girl, back and forth.

Born at the Right Time

Dear Edward:

You were right on time – born on your due date! But the road was not an easy one for your Mom and Dad. From the back and forth’s during the pregnancy to the extended labor process, you had your own plans for how you wanted to enter this world.
When your mom went into labor on November 3rd, she and your daddy labored at home for a good 10 hours before I even arrived. When I got there, your mom was doing a lovely job managing the contractions. She felt a lot of pressure in her back so your daddy and I spent most of our time with our fists in her back! This provided some relief for her during the contractions. I kept urging your mommy to drink her Thyme tea – which she did like a trooper! At 2am, about 17 hours after her labor began, we made the trip to the hospital. When we arrived, we found out not only was your mommy 3 cms, but her water had broken also! We were proud of her hard work but knew we had a long way to go.

Your mom remained calm and maintained a beautiful breathing pattern throughout the entire process. The position you were in wasn’t making it easy for you to come down or for your mom to stay comfortable. Mommy and daddy were hanging in there but were very anxious to meet you and see your cute little face. Not to mention your 4 anxious grandparents waiting for you in the lobby since 5am!

Finally around 6pm on your due date – November 4th, we got the good news that you’d be making your appearance soon! As we geared up for the Second Stage of labor, your mom and dad were clearly excited about the idea of meeting their little one. The mystery of your sex would be revealed, and they could soon revel in the joy and love for their new child.

During this stage, Dad had a few moments of queasiness but he hung in there! Your strong mommy pushed you out very efficiently! After all, she was very ready to meet you. Before we knew it, you were being plopped on your mommy’s chest. A beautiful, healthy boy you were. Your parents rejoiced, smiled and showered you with love and kisses. Your grandparents rushed in to meet you and fell in love right away. You are a special boy, Edward Jacob, and I feel honored to have been a part of your birth.

"It's better for the baby..."

I just got home for a local bar where I ran into an old elementary school friend. I had heard that his brother just had a baby - his 1st - so naturally I wanted to say congratulations and hear how they were doing. We talked briefly and he didn't give many details because after all it was his sister-in-law who gave birth. He said they were elated and that all was well. So I asked, "is she breastfeeding?", and he said "No...they are formula/bottle-feeding" and I said, "Oh, really? Do you know why?" and he said "I don't really know...I think because it's better for the baby."

At that point I kind of just laughed. I didn't really know how to respond to that. After my momentary laughter, I said "Better for the baby?, how?" and he said "well I don't really know." I proceeded to throw a few questions at him to see why he thought or "learned" formula might be better than breast milk. After a few q&a's he finally confessed that he had no clue, and that he was just playing devil's advocate and that it did make sense that breast milk might be healthier for a newborn but that it wasn't "his place" to say anything to his brother or sister-in-law.

Is it ever our place? I don't know. All I know is that our job is to educate each other and if that means talking about why it is SO important to understand that breast milk is healthier for an infant than formula, than so be it. I feel it is my duty, whether it makes an immediate difference or not, to teach other what I have been so lucky to learn.

So finally, if we are talking about what is BEST for baby...I think we can all agree that breast milk wins.

See how it compares for yourself by clicking this link!



"(American Academy of Pediatrics, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, World Health Organization, American Dietetic Association) recommend breast milk as the best infant nutrition for the first year of life."

After the Birth, what a family needs From Gloria Lemay's Blog

After the Birth, what a family needs
From Gloria Lemay's Blog
http://www.glorialemay.com/blog/?p=34


“Let me know if I can help you in any way when the baby is born.” … “Just let me know if you need a hand.” … “Anything I can do, just give me a call.”

Most pregnant women get these statements from friends and family but shy away from making requests when they are up to their ears in dirty laundry, unmade beds, dust bunnies and countertops crowded with dirty dishes. The myth of “I’m fine, I’m doing great, new motherhood is wonderful, I can cope and my husband is the Rock of Gibraltar” is pervasive in postpartum land. If you’re too shy to ask for help and make straight requests of people, I suggest sending the following list out to your friends and family. These are the things I have found to be missing in every house with a new baby. It’s actually easy and fun for outsiders to remedy these problems for the new parents but there seems to be a lot of confusion about what’s wanted and needed…

1. Buy us toilet paper, milk and beautiful whole grain bread.

2. Buy us a new garbage can with a swing top lid and 6 pairs of black cotton underpants (women’s size____).

3. Make us a big supper salad with feta cheese, black Kalamata olives, toasted almonds, organic green crispy things and a nice homemade dressing on the side. Drop it off and leave right away. Or, buy us frozen lasagna, garlic bread, a bag of salad, a big jug of juice, and maybe some cookies to have for dessert. Drop it off and leave right away.

4. Come over about 2 in the afternoon, hold the baby while I have a hot shower, put me to bed with the baby and then fold all the piles of laundry that have been dumped on the couch, beds or in the room corners. If there’s no laundry to fold yet, do some.


5. Come over at l0 a.m., make me eggs, toast and a 1/2 grapefruit. Clean my fridge and throw out everything you are in doubt about. Don’t ask me about anything; just use your best judgment.

6. Put a sign on my door saying “Dear Friends and Family, Mom and baby need extra rest right now. Please come back in 7 days but phone first. All donations of casserole dinners would be most welcome. Thank you for caring about this family.”

7. Come over in your work clothes and vacuum and dust my house and then leave quietly. It’s tiring for me to chat and have tea with visitors but it will renew my soul to get some rest knowing I will wake up to clean, organized space.

8. Take my older kids for a really fun-filled afternoon to a park, zoo or Science World and feed them healthy food.

9. Come over and give my husband a two hour break so he can go to a coffee shop, pub, hockey rink or some other r & r that will delight him. Fold more laundry.

10. Make me a giant pot of vegetable soup and clean the kitchen completely afterwards. Take a big garbage bag and empty every trash basket in the house and reline with fresh bags.

These are the kindnesses that new families remember and appreciate forever. It’s easy to spend money on gifts but the things that really make a difference are the services for the body and soul described above. Most of your friends and family members don’t know what they can do that won’t be an intrusion. They also can’t devote 40 hours to supporting you but they would be thrilled to devote 4 hours. If you let 10 people help you out for 4 hours, you will have the 40 hours of rested, adult support you really need with a newborn in the house. There’s magic in the little prayer “I need help.”

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR PROBLEMS IN BREASTFEEDING by Susun Weed

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR PROBLEMS IN BREASTFEEDING
PART 1

Susun S Weed

With the resurgence of interest in breastfeeding, there is increasing demand for natural remedies for the minor problems that accompany nursing. These remedies, taken from my book Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, offer simple, safe ways for nursing women and their infants to counter problems and stay healthy. This information has been collected from wise women, old wives, and granny midwives. May you benefit from their wisdom.

INCREASING AND MAINTAINING MILK FLOW

One of the easiest problems to remedy is lack of sufficient milk. First, it is important to see to it that nursing takes place in a safe, inviting space where both mom and babe can be relaxed. Second, try to include one or more of these herbs and foods that are well known galactagogues, that is, able to encourage abundant breast milk.

Nourishing herbs, such as raspberry leaves, stinging nettle, oatstraw, and red clover blossoms - prepared as strong infusions*, not taken in pills, capsules, tinctures, or teas - not only encourage a plentiful supply of breast milk, they support the overall health of mother and child. The minerals in these herbs are amazingly abundant, so they counter mineral loss from nursing, and help keep mom calm and alert during those first few weeks of round-the-clock infant care. I don't combine the herbs, but use them individually, to derive the unique benefit of each.

*To make an infusion:

Place one ounce, by weight, of dried herb in a quart canning jar.
Fill to the top with boiling water.
Lid tightly and let steep for at least four hours or overnight.
Then strain.
Drink liquid portion hot, cold, or in between.
Refrigerate what you don't consume at once; use within 48 hours. (Water houseplants with old or excess infusion.)

Foods rich in carotenes, such as cooked apricots, asparagus, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and all cooked leafy greens - including kale, collards, mustard greens, beet greens, parsley, watercress, and dandelion leaves - are considered critical for women wishing to increase or sustain lactation. Carotenes are most available when foods are well cooked: tomato sauce has over 2000 times more of them than a fresh tomato. And carotenes are more easily utilized in the body when consumed with plenty of fat. (Olive or butter are my favorite fats.)

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is famed for its ability to increase milk supply. As the tea is very bitter, this herb is best used as a tincture. A dose is 10 - 20 drops, two to four times daily. Blessed thistle is said to lift postpartum depression and relieve suicidal feelings, too.

Borage leaves (Borago officinalis) are highly respected for their ability to increase milk flow. But because they contain compounds that may have a harmful effect on an infant's liver, it is best to drink borage only as a weak tea, and to take it after, rather than before nursing. Half a cupful of borage leaf tea, made by steeping a spoonful of herb in a cup of water for a few minutes, taken two or three times a day will ensure an abundant supply of milk, act as a mild laxative, and soothe jangled nerves.

Comfrey roots (Symphytum uplandica x) contain the same liver-damaging compounds sometimes found in borage. But comfrey leaves do not. That's a relief, because comfrey leaf infusion is one of the most treasured of all remedies. Comfrey leaf infusion (*”To make an infusion” above) not only to increase the amount and richness of the breast milk, but also to build strong bones and teeth for mother and child, to improve digestion, to check allergies, and to repair ligaments, muscles, or other tissues traumatized during the birth. I love comfrey leaf infusion and drink it freely.

Fennel/barley water is a tried-and-true classic. Soak one half cup pearled (regular) barley in three cups cold water overnight, or boil the barley and water for 25 minutes. Strain out barley. (You may save it and add it to a soup.) Store barley water in refrigerator or cool place until needed. Then heat a cup or two to boiling and add fennel seeds - one teaspoon per cup of barley water. Steep for no longer than 30 minutes. This combination not only increases the breast milk, but eases afterpains and settles the digestion of mom and babe.

Hops (Humulus lupulus) is another old remedy. It is especially for mothers of twins who need lots more milk. Hops tea is a suitable accompaniment to nighttime feedings, as it brings sleep along with increased milk flow. Hops is also used in beer, which tastes better than the tea. No more than one high-quality, additive free beer, such as Guiness Stout, per day is fine. For those who wish to avoid alcohol, there are alcohol-free brews rich in hops and malt available.

Aromatic seeds, such as anise, cumin, fennel, caraway, coriander, and dill increase milk production and tone the digestive system. Their powers are carried through the breast milk, curtailing colic and indigestion. To brew, simply put a heaping spoonful of dried seeds in a cup and fill to the top with boiling water. Let steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink warm with honey. Up to two quarts a day can be consumed.

Triple Blessing Brew. Combine 1/2 ounce dried blessed thistle leaves with 1/2 ounce dried oatstraw or nettle. Place in a quart jar. Add boiling water until the jar is full. Cap tightly and let steep overnight or for at least four hours. Strain out herbs. Refrigerate liquid until needed. Before nursing, pour off one cupful of the brew and heat it nearly to a boil. Pour it over a teaspoon of anise, cumin, fennel, caraway, coriander, or dill seeds (not a spoonful of each). Let it brew for five minutes before drinking. Blessed thistle stimulates the milk flow and helps restore vitality to weary mothers. Both oatstraw and nettle are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, notably calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The aromatic seeds improve the quality and quantity of milk and ease digestion.

Natural Remedies for Problems In Breasfeeding by Susun Weed

Susun Weed is my most favorite herbalist. I use her herbal suggestions to treat myself and also recommend her to my clients for everything!

Here is an article she wrote about Breastfeeding Remedies!

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR PROBLEMS IN BREASTFEEDING
PART 2

~Susun S Weed

With the resurgence of interest in breastfeeding, there is increasing demand for natural remedies for the minor problems that accompany nursing. These remedies, taken from my book Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, offer simple, safe ways for nursing women and their infants to counter problems and stay healthy. This information has been collected from wise women, old wives, and granny midwives. May you benefit from their wisdom.

Part one of this article reviewed ways to increase your milk flow and your milk quality by ingesting herbal infusions, tinctures, seeds, and foods rich in carotenes. Part two of this article shows you numerous simple and safe ways to allay sore breasts, infections, engorgements, and sore nipples due to breastfeeding.

PAINFUL BREASTS, ENGORGEMENT, SORE NIPPLES

Painful, sore breasts and nipples are one of the most common problems encountered during lactation. Virtually every nursing mom will need help on this account at least once. Sore breasts and nipples can prevent nursing, lead to a decrease in milk production, and interfere with the bonding between infant and mother.

There are three main causes of painful breasts.

1. Engorgement

An oversupply of milk engorges the breast tissues, causing tenderness and pain. There is no fever and the breasts are not lumpy. Engorgement may occur as a result of a decision not to milk, when milk comes in very quickly, when mother and child are separated for an extended time, or during weaning.

Remedy A very strong tea of sage is a classic remedy for stopping the flow of milk. It is taken sip by sip, up to three cups a day.

2. A blocked milk tube or duct

This causes swelling of the breast and acute pain. The blocked duct may feel lumpy and bruised, and a red streak may radiate out from it. Cessation of nursing can increase the discomfort and endanger the milk supply. Nursing should be continued, but carefully, nursing and pumping just enough to empty the breast.

Remedy Right before nursing, use a warm compress for 5 - 10 minutes (see following). They all taste fine to baby, so no need to wash your breast before offering it.

3. Mastitis (infection in the breast)

Causes swelling and pain, accompanied by acute tenderness and redness of the breast. The infected breast may be hard, lumpy and swollen. There may be fever as well. This condition is the most dangerous of the three. If not treated promptly, the infection can cause scarring of the ducts and prevent nursing a later child.

REMEDIES FOR MASTITIS

Use hot compresses or soaks at least four times daily. Get plenty of bed rest. Breast infections are almost always a sign of too little rest. Regular naps or rest breaks are important too.

Nurse as often and as long as possible on the infected breast. A breast infection will not make the infant sick.

Propolis is collected and used by bees as glue. It has a history of use against infection in Russia and a strong following among midwives in North America. It is said to accelerate healing time by increasing the body's metabolism and general resistance to disease. A dose of the tincture is 10 to 15 drops twice a day.

Echinacea root tincture is an excellent ally for any woman with mastitis. I use one-half drop per pound of body weight as a single dose. (For a woman who weighs 130 pounds, the dose is 65 drops or two dropperfuls.) The dose is repeated as often as twelve times a day until symptoms remiss. I continue taking Echinacea for at least a week after all symptoms have cleared.

Poke root (Phytolacca americana) tincture stimulates lymph gland activity and clears mastitis quickly. Poke root is potent and potentially toxic; the effect is cumulative. Use no more than two drops of the tincture daily. I combine poke with Echinacea for acute and severe infections.

POULTICES AND SOAKS FOR SORE BREASTS

Poultices, compresses and soaks are the best first aid for painful breasts. A poultice consists of fresh or cooked herbs placed directly on the breasts. A compress is prepared by soaking a cloth and applying that. And a soak is just that: - a soak in hot water.

Hot water alone has beneficial effects for women dealing with sore breasts, no matter what the cause. Hot water stimulates circulation and eases the tension in taut, swollen, breast tissues. Herbs infused in the water used to compress or soak increase the effectiveness.

When applying these external remedies, remember that frequent, consistent, short applications work better than sporadic, lengthy treatments. That is, six or seven treatments of five minutes each spread over the day will be more effective than one treatment lasting for thirty minutes. If infection is present, discard any plant material and wash the poultice materials after each use so as to prevent the spread of the infection.

Soak the breasts in a sink full of warm water. Fill the sink, lean over, and immerse one or both breasts. You can massage the milk out while soaking to further relieve engorgement and ease pain.

Place a handful of fresh or dried parsley leaves in a clean cotton diaper and tie it closed with a rubber band. Put in a pan of water and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Apply the hot (fresh) parsley as a poultice or use the (dried) herb still tied in the diaper as a compress to ease swollen and painful breasts.

Prepare fresh or dried comfrey leaves the same way as parsley. A hot compress or poultice of comfrey leaves soothes sore nipples, softens engorged tissues, reduces the pain of swollen breasts, and helps unblock tubes and ducts. It is generally considered safe to use comfrey root preparations externally, but nursing mothers may be understandably leery to use them for fear of injuring her infant's liver.

A cold poultice of grated raw potato can draw out the heat of inflammation, localize infection and unblock clogged tubes. Grated raw potato is applied directly to the breasts, and covered with a clean cloth. When dry, it is removed and replaced with fresh grated potato.

Marshmallow roots make wonderful soaks that soothe tender tissues and sore nipples, open clogged ducts and tubes, powerfully draw out infection, and diminish the pain of engorged, inflamed breasts. Steep two ounces of dried marshmallow root overnight in half a gallon of water just off the boil. The texture of the finished brew should be slippery and slimy. Heat as needed, pouring the hot liquid into a sink or basin and soak your sore and aching breasts.

Infused herbal oils - such as those made from the flowers of calendula, elder, or dandelion, or from the roots of yellow dock - can ease the pain of tender breasts and sore nipples. Buy them ready-made. Or make them yourself: Gently warm a handful of dried or fresh blossoms in just enough olive oil to cover; keep warm for 20 minutes. Strain, cool, and rub into nipples and breasts whenever there is pain or sensitivity.

PREVENTING SORE NIPPLES

Sore nipples heal rapidly, often within a day or two, but it is still easier to prevent them than to heal them. Nipple sprays intended to prevent sore nipples have been shown to be ineffective, but the following Wise Woman remedies are safe and effective. Note: Persistently or suddenly sore nipples may indicate a thrush infection. Further symptoms of thrush include pink, flaky skin and itchy nipples.

~ Continue to nurse. Neither sore nipples nor thrush are helped by discontinuing nursing; in fact, they may be remedied by more frequent nursing.

~ Expose the nipples and breasts to the air as much as possible to discourage the growth of thrush. Avoid wearing a bra 24 hours a day. Wear nursing bras with the flaps down whenever possible.

~ Expose the nipples and breasts to sunlight for brief periods to strengthen tissues. Increase gradually from thirty seconds in the sun to a maximum of three minutes.

~ Olive oil, sweet almond oil, lanolin, or comfrey ointment rubbed into the nipples throughout the latter part of the pregnancy and the beginning weeks of nursing create healthy, flexible tissues very resistant to cracks, tears, and chapping.

~ Experiment with different nursing positions until you find those in which you are completely comfortable, with the entire areola (dark area) in the baby's mouth, nipple centered.

~ Offer your breast often. Reducing the number of feedings can make the baby so hungry that it tears at the breast.

~ Avoid soap, cologne, deodorant and powder on your nipples or breasts. Do not wash nipples with soap. Soap predisposes the nipples to chapping and cracking.

REMEDIES FOR SORE NIPPLES

~ Crushed ice wrapped in a wet cloth, or a frozen gauze pad, applied to the nipples immediately before nursing is a good local pain killer. This cold treatment also helps bring out soft or small nipples and helps baby feed more easily when the breasts are very full.

~ Comfrey ointment softens and strengthens nipples at the same time. It is exceptionally soothing to sensitive nipples and rapidly heals any fissures or bruises.

~ Yarrow leaf poultices - or yarrow infused oil - provide almost instantaneous pain relief and heal cracked nipples rapidly.

~ Any of the poultices described for painful breasts may be used advantageously. Comfrey and marshmallow are especially effective. Many brief poultices work better than one or two lengthy sessions.
~
The gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf will soothe and heal sore and cracked nipples.

~ Calendula ointment is an old favorite to heal and strengthen nipples. CAUTION: Ointments containing antibiotics, steroids and anesthetic (painkilling) drugs are potentially harmful to both mother and infant.


REFERENCES AND RESOURCES

The Complete Book of Breastfeeding, Sally Olds and Marvin Eiger; 1972 Bantam Books
Nursing Your Baby, Karen Pryor; 1973, Simon and Schuster
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, La Leche League, 1963.
Breastfeeding Basics, Cecelia Worth; 1983 McGraw Hill
La Leche League, 9616 Minneapolis Ave., Franklin Park, IL 60131
Aftercare: Sharon Hamilton; Babies Grow on Milk and Kisses; Arny Galblum Booklets available from Emma Goldman Clinic for Women, 715 Dodge Street, Iowa Cily, IA 52240
The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra; Unity Press

Whip Em Out

In honor of Breast Health Awareness Month:

“I can handle anything that comes my way”

I have been eager to attend a homebirth since even before I was a doula. The idea of birthing your baby in your own home seemed somehow magical to me because all I had ever hear about was hospital births. But two years into being a doula I still hadn’t attended a homebirth! I knew I would eventually but I never knew it would be as amazing as I pictured it.

I met Lily and Robert through the local doula network. After meeting them once, they graciously invited me to attend their upcoming homebirth. When we met, I could tell Lily really knew what she wanted. She was excited to birth this baby! She was confident and instinctively believed in her natural abilities to give birth. I felt excited and lucky to be working with Lily and Robert.

The day Lily went into labor was the one day Robert absolutely had to be at work. He had asked the baby to wait until this day was over to be born. So I went to their home that morning and hung out with Lily while Robert finished his project at work. She was in early labor, and was managing the contractions very well. We talked, walked, ate, and relaxed. She showed me her daily affirmation which read: “I can handle anything that comes my way.”

When Robert arrived home around 1pm, Lily’s labor progressed into active and she was on her way! The midwife arrived at about 4:30pm to assess the situation. She determined that Lily was 4-5 centimeters and definitely going to have the baby sooner than later. I was proud of her, she had worked hard all day so it was nice to hear that it was paying off. She and Robert went into the shower and did some good work. She was breathing and making beautiful labor sounds. The midwife and I let them do their thing. After the shower, Lily walked a bit more and then decided it was time to get into the tub.

Her contractions were picking up. She was powerful – taking each contraction as it came – talking to her baby, asking him gently to come down so that she could meet him. Robert anticipated the arrival of his son. We all comforted Lily, letting her know she was doing exactly what she needed to. A few times I reminded her of her affirmation: “I can handle anything that comes my way.” That seemed to help her get back into her body and focus on what she was doing.

At 8:20pm, Charles Timothy was born in the bath tub. He seemed so content right away, relaxing in his mommy’s arms – staring into her eyes. Mommy and daddy inspected their son and were in awe of the miracle that just took place in their very own home. It was truly an honor to be a part of something so natural yet so extraordinary.

James’ Birth - September 7, 2010

“the secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.”
-buddha

James’ Birth ~ September 7, 2010

Dear James:

On the day you were born, your mommy and daddy’s world was changed forever.
That morning when your labor began, it was happening much quicker than expected. Your mommy and daddy didn’t know what to think! Was this what they had been planning? Not exactly, but they did exactly what they needed to do. They stayed calm, and found comfort in each other. When they called me, they said your mommy’s contractions were getting increasingly stronger, longer and closer together. Active labor didn’t last a very long time – only about 6 hours. Your mommy was overwhelmed by the intensity of it all. The “birth plan” was not exactly in effect. When your mommy and daddy arrived at the hospital, the staff was amazed! Your strong mommy was already in transition! She allowed herself to work with you to get your ready for the world.

But then, when you were ready, something bigger than any of us stepped in and decided you needed to be born in your own way. All of your mommy’s hard work prepared you for your entrance into this world. And though it was not exactly how we’d had it planned, you were here and safe. Your mommy recovered quickly, while your daddy gazed into your eyes with joy. Shortly after delivery, you landed in your mommy’s arms, right where wanted to be.

We learned a great lesson from you that day: birth, just like life, is unpredictable. But you are here and we are grateful for that. Welcome to the world!

Monday, September 6, 2010 - LABOR DAY!

Monday, September 6, 2010 ~ LABOR DAY!

Dearest Ben:

I had the pleasure of meeting your mommy at a yoga studio where she had been practicing yoga throughout her pregnancy with you. She and your daddy invited me to your birth and of course, I agreed. We met, talked, and planned. But nothing could prepare mommy and daddy for the special day on which you made your grand entrance into this world.

On September 4, 2010 (the Saturday before you were born), your mommy called me to tell me that her/your amniotic fluid level was too high and that the midwife and doctor wanted to start an induction that evening. She had hoped she wouldn’t need to be induced because she really wanted to labor at home for a while to help keep herself, you and daddy comfortable for early labor. But she was also very excited to meet you, so she agreed to go in. That night she and your daddy went in to the hospital and started the induction. Very quickly we learned that you can’t plan everything. That night you all tried to rest but it was a rough night.

I arrived the next day (Sunday, September 5th) around 1:30 p.m. to find you and your mommy laboring quite well, with daddy right beside. They updated me on everything and it seemed to be going as good as it could be. You were strong; your heartbeat was perfect – even the nurses were impressed! Early labor came and went as your mom and dad ate, walked the labor and delivery floor and rested when they were tired. Your daddy supported mommy through each contraction. I could tell that they both hoped you would make your entrance sooner than later! Your mommy managed her contractions nicely, breathing in and out, deep and gently.

Finally it was time for mom to get some relief, by getting into the birthing tub where she hoped you would be born. But when her water broke, there was some meconium that alerted the midwife that something about this labor may be stressful for you. That changed the water birth plan very fast. Your mommy stayed cool and calm, making the most of each contraction. She was strong – and so were you and daddy! The 3 of you on a team and doing a great job together.

Active labor went on and on and mommy needed a little relief and rest so she opted for an epidural. But the epidural didn’t seem to bring her what she needed – all she needed you, in her arms! Still, mom and dad stayed really strong. And you did too, continuing on with that steady heartbeat. It was 28 hours or so since your induction began, and boy were you just taking your time. After a few more hours, you were ready to start your entrance. Mommy started by easing you down. She worked very hard at pushing you down and out for a few hours. This was another tough stage. Little did we know it was because of your size, presentation, and position!

Finally, after many hours of labor and pushing, you arrived! You came with your arm right next to your head, as to say “Hooray, I’m here!” Mom and Dad were sure glad you made it into their loving arms safe and sound. All ten of us in the delivery room were stunned at how big you looked! Mommy, Daddy looked at each other in amazement while your Aunt Sarah stood by and smiled, obviously proud of all of the hard work.
You were handsome right from the start! Dad went with you to the warmer while Mom got cleaned up. After about 15 minutes, you landed right where you wanted to be – on your mommy, with your daddy right over her shoulder, watching and protecting the two of you. What a beautiful labor day!

quote of the week:

"the ego must surrender ambitions and allow the journey to unfold"

Quote of the Week:

"Try to remain in the natural state. This is a bit like a river which is flowing quite strongly, in which you cannot see the bed of the river clearly. If there was some way you could put an immediate stop to the flow from the direction the water is coming from and the direction the water is flowing to, then you could keep the water still, and that would allow you to see the bed quite clearly.

Similarly, when you are able to stop your mind from chasing after sensory objects and when you can free your mind from being totally "blanked out," then you will begin to see under this turbulence of the thought processes a kind of underlying stillness, an underlying clarity of mind."

-from Healing Anger: The Power of Patience from a Buddhist Perspective by the Dalai Lama

Fate of Earth - Fate of Birth

"Realizations come only if we practice joyfully, with confidence and courage. Realization doesn't grow within a timid or weak state of mind--it blossoms in the mind free of doubt and hesitation. Realization is fearless. When we see the true nature of reality, there's nothing hidden, nothing left to fear. At last we're seeing reality as it is, full of joy and peace."

--from Tara's Enlightened Activity: An Oral Commentary on "The Twenty-one Praises to Tara" by Khenchen Palden Sherab and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal, published by Snow Lion Publications

"A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three."
-Grantly Dick-Read

"There are eighty-four postures of yoga, but all people, whether Westerner or Easterner, have done them in the womb of the mother. So you are yogis anyway."
-Yogi Bhajan

One of the most amazing women I know, my aunt Mary, shared this quote with me. I love it! My aunt has been on an amazing yogic journey herself. She is becoming a Yoga Instructor. She is extremely passionate about her journey and this amazing practice that has filled her life with so much joy.

Thanks A. Mary, you are a beautiful soul.

Pregnancy & Nutrition

I think nutrition is one of the most underestimated ways you can help yourself and your baby during pregnancy. It is extremely important to eat well during pregnancy. Nutrition will effect how you feel, how your baby feels, your energy level, your health, your overall pregnancy and your BIRTH.

But what does eating right really mean?

Check out the Dr. Brewer Pregnancy diet: http://www.drbrewerpregnancydiet.com/id96.html

This is a great diet to follow during pregnancy.

For what NOT to eat, read this article called 7 Foods So Unsafe Even Farmers Won't Eat Them

It is okay to give in to your cravings but try to stay eating as healthy has possible. As with any "diet" there can be challenges but it is all about self control. Try to remind yourself that everything you eat your baby is also eating...this can help you stay on track!

you are super woman!

When I met Nicole for the first time at our doula talk at Full Circle Family Care, I got feeling that her ideas and visualizations for her birth were strong and real. When we discussed positions for birth, she explained how she couldn’t wrap her head around birthing in the flat-on-your-back position. After all, she is a veterinarian and sees animals giving birth in only positions and environments that feel natural and most comfortable. So I wasn’t surprised when during our pre-natal chat she expressed her desire to have her baby in the most natural way possible.

When Nicole began contracting at 36 weeks, her midwife told her to rest and try to take it easy. Nicole explained to me in an email “I believe my body was just letting me know I needed to slow the pace and take a break, as I feel so much better now.” So wonderful that she was able to listen to her body and relax. Her contractions subsided and baby stayed comfortable inside her mommy.

At 38 weeks, Nicole called me at 1:30am on Sunday night to let me know her water had broken but she was not yet contracting. Her plan was to chill out and try to get some sleep before things picked up. But her baby was on a mission! At 3:30am Nicole called me again and explained that her contractions were 4-5 minutes apart and getting much stronger. It was a quick conversation because she was going to the hospital so we just agreed to meet there. When I arrived at the hospital at 4:15am, I entered the peaceful room where Nicole was laboring quietly and calmly, with her husband and midwife by her side. She was 7cm dilated and moving very quickly. She was doing a beautiful job managing her strong, frequent contractions. About a half hour later, Nicole got into the Jacuzzi tub. Her urge to push came fast and soon enough, she was 10cm and ready to start. The midwife told her that she might want to reach down and feel baby’s head and when she did, tears of joy and love came to her. It was a beautiful, emotional moment to witness. She was moving her baby down in a very nice, calm, natural way. It seemed as though she knew exactly what she was doing. It was very clear that she was in touch with her body and baby, and that they were all working together. With each contraction, she pushed a little bit more, resting and relaxing during contractions with a supportive team by her side.

In just over an hour, she birthed her baby. Watching Nicole reach down and grab her baby and exclaim “mi amore!” so passionately was truly incredible. Anna Victoria was born, weighing 6 pounds, 14 ounces, into the loving arms of her mommy and midwife with daddy by their side. The love that filled the room was moving. She and her husband embraced one another and rejoiced in happiness and awe. I had the chance to snap a few photos of their first few moments as a new family – what precious moments they are.

Baby nursed very nicely and was content as she was just where needed to be - cuddling skin-to-skin with her mommy, falling in love. As the room was cleaned up and cleared out, the air was filled with such energy and peace at the same time. There is something about birth that just changes you...and changes the energy of the world. It is a true gift to experience it time after time.

One of my favorite parts of the birth was at the end when the midwife told mom "you are super woman!" and all mom said was..."I know."

Bonding

In my doula world, mother baby bonding is very frequently talked about and discussed. But I think it is still am important topic to discuss with everyone, not only with moms, doulas, midwives, doctors and other birth professionals.

When a mother fully bonds with her baby during pregnancy, she will gain a better understanding of what actually takes place during labor and birth and why it is important to be an active participant as much as she is able. To trust the natural process of birth, we must understand how strong a connection mother and baby have. Together, they know how to birth. When mom and baby are connected, mom has a strong intuitive knowledge of her body and her baby and what they are doing during labor. This can greatly effect her birth experience. She be able to make decisions for herself and her baby and will own her birth.

This bonding lasts forever, not just during pregnancy and birth. Mom and baby bonding lasts a lifetime and has a significant effect on both lives forever. If everyone could understand how important this bond is, there would be more respect and support for women, women's bodies, pregnancy, the natural birth process, babies, breastfeeding and parenting. After all, they are all naturally linked.

Here is another blogger post about bonding: The bond between mother and baby

The Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights

The Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights took effect May 1, 2010. This new law provides rights to mothers choosing to breastfeed before delivery, in the hospital and birthing facilities, and in the community once discharged from the hospital or birthing facility, including:

* The right to information that is free of commercial interests;
* The right to have her baby stay with her immediately after delivery to facilitate breastfeeding;
* The right to ask that no bottles of formula or water be given to her baby;
* The right to have 24-hour access to her baby with the right to breastfeed anytime;
* The right to refuse any gifts or take home packets containing formula. All hospitals and birthing centers providing maternity care services in New York State will be required to publicly post the Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights and give it to all pregnant women attending prenatal childbirth education classes.

Documentary on Prematurity

Born Too Soon

A documentary about prematurity - IMPORTANT STUFF

Birth Guru

This Dharma quote relates nicely to birth work:

"Sometimes we put our glasses in our pockets or on our heads and later we ask, "Where are my glasses?" This is quite common. We look everywhere else without finding our glasses. That is why we need the guru, who can say to us, "There are your glasses." That is all that the Mahamudra and Dzogchen teachers do: they simply point out. What they are pointing out is something that you already have.
It is not something that they give you. They do not give you new glasses. They cannot afford to give you new glasses, but they can afford to point out where you can find your own glasses.

When we receive pointing-out instructions from our root teacher, we are being introduced directly and nakedly to the reality of mind's nature. These instructions become very effective if we have prepared ourselves to receive them."

Think of your midwives and doulas as your guru - they are there to simply point out and remind you of all that you are CAPABLE of doing as a woman. Birthing is a natural capability that women are born with. If we believe in her, and remind her of what she is doing, her body will do what it knows.

If your care provider does not believe that your body can birth...consider interviewing new providers. Your OB or midwife is there in case of emergency only, and must respect the process of birth for all that it is.

There are 3 Reasons for Breastfeeding...

"There are three reasons for breastfeeding: The milk is always at the right temperature; it comes in attractive contrainers; and the cat can't get it." -Irena Chalmers

The ad above is from Australia and presents a perfect example of how other countries promote BREASTFEEDING as opposed to FORMULA-FEEDING. If this ad was displayed in public places in America, there is no doubt in my mind that we'd have people who'd feel discusted and upset. In other countries, where breastfeeding is the norm, this ad would most likely be posted without arguement and shame. Hopefully as we progress, more people will see that breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural part of life and society as whole will become more comfortable with it.

Hypnobirthing

I am currently taking a Hypnobirthing Class from Muneeza with Let's Birth Calmly in Stamford, CT. It is a wonderful approach to a healthy, calm, relaxed birth. Hypnobirthing uses lighter, nicer words during birth, keeping Mom and Dad positive and connected to her baby.

I hope to be able to use what I learn in the class with my Hypnobirthing clients.

Check out this ABC article about hypnobirthing: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ReproductiveHealth/hypnobirthing-free-women-pain-childbirth-exclude-doctor-drugs/story?id=10512469

How the Media Influences Us

Check out this article about how the media influences our perspective of birth

More and more articles about birth are being published which is good because like it or not, people listen to the media. Let's just hope they are telling the truth about birth. Because the truth is that BIRTH WORKS.

going past your "due date"

There has been a lot of debate about how long a provider will "allow" the mom to stay pregnant. Fact of the matter is, every woman, every baby is different. For the same reason some babies come at 38 weeks, some might need to stay in their first home for 42 weeks.

It is very common for mom to be impatient and feel as if she has been and will be pregnant forever. But really, no one will be pregnant forever. Try to cherish your final days of being pregnant. Use this time to relax, sleep, and pamper yourself. Get a massage, go for a walk, read a book and if you are having trouble sleeping, drink a nice warm mug full of chamomile tea before bed time. Snuggle with and make love to your partner. Stay positive and open. Your baby WILL be born soon!

If you are thinking about induction because you are sick of being pregnant, consider the following:
-Being induced is a medical procedure
-As soon as your induced with prostaglandins or synthetic oxytocin (aka Pitocin), you are going to be monitored closely which means you will be at the hospital, with machines dictating your status and progress
-Research has shown that induction increases your chances of have a C-Section

Unless there is a REAL medical reason to be induced, try to avoid it. If your doctor suggests induction, ask why. Do your research and follow the BRAN model of intervention by asking:

-What are the BENEFITS
-What are the RISKS
-What are the ALTERNATIVES
-What if we do NOTHING

The Oketani Method

My wonderful women's studies professor in Hawaii told me about the Oketani Method. It's a method of breastfeeding from a Japanese midwife who believes that breastfeeding is best and that although there are obstacles, everyone should at least try to breastfeed and seek help if she runs into problems. She has also developed a breast massage healing technique to help women overcome some of the problems such as engorgement, mastitis and other breastfeeding related issues.

I emailed midwife Masayo Awano to ask how I could learn more about the Oketani Method and she was kind enough to send me the written material called "Breastfeeding Your Child: The Oketani Method" translated from Japanese to English. I am very much enjoying reading it. I'm not sure how else to get this material as I wasn't able to find it in English anywhere on the internet. If you are interested in learning how to get material related to Oketani method, please contact me at doulaura@gmail.com.

"You go to the moon when you're at a birth"

I attended a Labor Doula workshop a couple days ago and one of the things the teacher, Judith Halek, said really stuck in my head. She said "You go to the moon when you're at a birth...if you don't know and feel that, you shouldn't be attending births." If only everyone who attends birth (moms, dads, sisters, OBs, midwives, nurses, doulas) could see it as this sacred life changing experience, maybe they would treat themselves, women, and babies with more compassion.

Part of my job as a doula is to teach both men and women about the miracle of childbirth so that they and their partners can achieve their goals for the birth of their baby with a supportive team by their side. It is possible to have a safe, happy, AND healthy birth!

A Joyful Birth Video

Some people may think doulas aren't unnecessary, but in today's society, there is a major lack of support for pregnant, laboring and new mothers. Doulas can provide this very important support to help make your experience the best it can be. Every woman deserves that.

Read an article about how doulas can provide this lost support.

The Face of Birth

SO many new movies and documentaries about birth coming up!! Hopefully this will help women get educated BEFORE birth so that they can make the right choices for themselves.

The Face of Birth website

The Face of Birth Trailer

Amazing stuff. I get goosebumps just watching the trailer!

A Breech in the System

A new documentary about Breech Birth. Click to check out the trailer.

Too often in pregnancy, things are seen as a problem because they MAY pose a risk. It is important to explore your choices to see how you can still make your birth experience as normal and natural as possible.

a doctor's note

"I want women to know that if you’ve had a cesarean birth, an induction, or an epidural, that doesn’t mean you’re not going to bond with your baby or you can’t lo...ve this baby, or any of that. Humans are incredibly adaptable. But why adapt if you don’t have to—if you can let your body do what it was designed to do? I believe that the connection between overuse of intervention and postpartum depression is enormous. If women experienced the ecstasy of birth, they would have the high that would get them through the hormonal changes of the next week. Your body and your inner wisdom give you that high."

-Christiane Northrup, MD

relax and be mindful

The following dharma quote can be useful in every day life and in labor:

"Once mindfulness is continuously established, an unscattered mind is "just there," on the spot, whether we are walking, eating, driving, or performing other activities. We can watch the mind and see how our mental state shapes our world. But when we watch it, we should just relax. Milarepa advises us in a vajra song:

Rest naturally, like a small child.
Rest like an ocean without waves.
Rest with clarity, like a candle flame.
Rest without self-concern, like a corpse.
Rest unmoving like a mountain."

Relaxing and being present and minful in labor can help us be in control of our body and thoughts. Most of the intense energy (aka contractions) felt during labor can be redirected into positive, useful energy if we only realize what it is for. Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most powerful and miraculous things we can do. Feel your body work a miracle!


artwork by Laura Levy

Breastfeeding Media

A new film called Latching On explores (the lack of) breastfeeding in the US.

I also read this article today: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/04/05/breastfeeding.costs/index.html?hpt=T2

At some point we will realize that breastfeeding should be a public health issue but for now, we have to keep trying to educate people.

Birth Made Simple

The fact of the matter is that birth is SIMPLE. It really is. With all of our modern technology, we have forgotten how simple birth can be. Our culture has created this fear centered perspective on birth. BUT there are ways to undo this fear. Educating yourself about the birth process is the first step. Changing the way you see birth can make a huge difference in your own pregnancy, labor and delivery. Helping yourself see birth from the perspective that it is a normal, natural, beautiful process can even help your labor and delivery go more smoothly. After all, your brain is one of the most important and useful parts of your body during birth.

BIRTH MADE SIMPLE

-Birth is NORMAL, NATURAL, and a true miracle
-Women (and many other mammals) have been giving birth vaginally forever
-You and your baby are made to birth
-Surrounding yourself with people who also believe you are a strong woman who can birth will help keep a positive attitude
-Connect with your baby; Pregnancy and birth are a team effort, you and your baby are both contributing to the process
-If you can create a beautiful being in your body, you can do anything
-Create a comfortable setting for birth, your body will be able to do what is it meant to do when you are in a safe, supported environment
-Support during labor is key: your partner, mother, sister, friend, doula, or anyone who believes in you will help keep you feeling safe and strong
-Eat, drink, use the bathroom during labor
-Use your body: moving around during labor will do wonders for progress
-Stay off your back unless it is the most comfortable position for you and baby
-Listen to your body - it knows what you need and what it's doing
-When things in labor change: work with it - stay in control of your mind

Educating yourself about how to make labor go as smooth and natural as possible will contribute to a positive birth experience. Pregnancy and birth is a miracle, and something we are LUCKY to have the opportunity to go through. It is not a burden, it is not scary, it is a blessing. Make it YOURS!

The Unnecesarean

The Unnecesarean

The Unnecesarean

waterbirth

Many people ask me about waterbirth and what it's all about.

If you're interested check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ljdn8qRbIw

"...this time belongs to the mother and baby..."

"The importance of uninterrupted birth is, scientifically, just beginning to be discovered. Michel Odent and others have written about the irreplaceable first hour after birth. This is the time when the love hormone oxytocin is highest, and meant for the mother and baby to meet and set the foundation of their lives together. It is irreplaceable, and even we midwives are often busy getting in the way. Unless there is an emergency, this time belongs to the mother and baby. We need to learn to safeguard this hour for motherbaby and not just talk about it."

~ Jan Tritten, Midwifery Today

US Maternity Care in crisis

Many articles about the Amnesty report stating that US maternity care is poor compared to other developed countries. Intestesting seeing as how we are supposed to have the most access to the latest and greatest technology.

Two of the articles:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/12/amnesty-us-maternal-mortality-rates

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100312/hl_time/08599197163300

"NATURAL was the theme of the pregnancy"

By Julia M.

I always knew I would be a mother. Thinking back, I notice that I have spent much of my life following my mama around, wanting to be just like her. When my mom had her fifth, and last child, I was 14 years old. You might say that the new addition to the family was good birth control for a teenage girl. But her presence was also incredibly inspiring to me. I didn't know I could love someone so much, and dreamed of someday having a baby of my own.
About five years later, I fell in love with a wonderful man, who would soon become my husband. We shared a love of natural living and organic food that became even more important to us when we learned I was pregnant. NATURAL was the theme of the pregnancy - we were sure we did not want to proceed in any other way. We found the perfect group of midwives at a hospital in Cambridge, MA, and did not look back. We sought advice from the amazing yoginis, doulas and conscious mothers in our lives. I was sure that we had been blessed with a boy, but we decided not to learn the sex of the baby before his/her birth. The pregnancy was normal and healthy, but of course, often overwhelming. All in all, I felt like my body was a sacred temple for a beautiful new life. We could not wait to meet the soul which had chosen to be our baby.

I was due on November 28th. By the end of October, I felt that I was carrying the baby very low. My appetite slowed, and my energy soared. I felt joyful anticipation each day. I was nesting. On November 8th, I was feeling a unique and powerful energy surging through my body. We had a busy Sunday, and I was a bit more talkative than usual. Then, at around 8:30 PM, I felt a small gush of fluid. We were home, and I walked into the bathroom, thinking that maybe it was my mucous plug. Within a minute, I was experiencing bigger and bigger gushes of fluid leave my body - my water broke. I grabbed a towel, and yelled for my husband. Our hearts raced as we called the midwives. We heard from a midwife named Julia that I had tested positive for Group B strep, and would need to come to the hospital to receive IV antibiotics. We were too excited to be bothered by the news, however we had planned to labor at home for as long as possible, and felt somewhat rushed. My husband packed the car while I sat on a towel, on our bed, and continued to feel my waters leaving my body. I was nervous, but ready to go.

Ten minutes after my water broke, my contractions began. As this was my first child, we were prepared for a lengthy labor, but my body had a different plan. After nine months of being told not to expect a "Hollywood movie labor," we got exactly that. By the time we reached the hospital, my contractions were 2 minutes apart, and quite intense. The hospital was full, and we were put in an overflow room to labor until a delivery room became available. I was already 4 cm dilated, and my contractions were coming fast and strong. I barely had a break between each, and the pain was almost unbearable. I labored mostly leaning forward in a standing position, and on all fours. I was incredibly sensitive, refusing any kind of touch or sound offered (too bad for my husband who was prepared to support me through each contraction - I wouldn't let him near me). There in the overflow room, midwife Julia checked my cervix to find that I was almost fully dilated. I had made it through transition, and was preparing to push. I was sort of squatting when the pushing began, but the baby's head was not coming down. I did not want to deliver on my back, but after midwife Julia noticed that the baby's head was not able to pass my pubic bone in a squatting position, I laid back and was able to push the baby down. It was just after 1:00AM and I was struggling to push at all. Between each push, I felt I needed to fall asleep. But soon I was told to reach down and feel my baby's head. I could feel a hairy little crown, and got a boost of energy to finish the job. With a few more pushes, my boy was out. He was immediately placed on my body. I couldn't believe how beautiful he was. It was completely surreal. John weighed 7lb 11oz. He nursed well right away. I loved my birth experience with a midwife, and will absolutely seek the same care in the future.
The only unfortunate issue I had physically, was that I had been given 2 stitches which came apart. The day after the birth, I received many more stitches to repair the damage, and I was not entirely numbed for the procedure. Ouch! After having John, I experienced intense "baby blues." The weeks following his birth were manageable otherwise, but extremely difficult emotionally. As my stitches healed, and I was able to get outside to walk, my mood lifted. I began to enjoy my new baby and our love grew exponentially.

Taking Charge of Giving Birth

Taking Charge of Giving Birth is a story written by a Hypnobirthing instructor I know. It's her amazing birth story. Click here to go to her website, which gives a link to the story. It's a MUST READ for ALL women!

VBACs

An interesting article in the New York Times entitled Panel Urges New Look at Caesarean Guidelines addresses some of the issues surrounding VBACs. It talks about the need to further investigate the risks and benefits of VBACs to both mothers and babies.

There are both risks and benefits to choosing to attempt a VBAC. Instead of making the choice unavailable to women, we should work on informing them of the risk so they can make an educated decision. As with all topics related to pregnancy, labor, birth and parenting, providing information and options for each woman can help her make a decision that is right for her and her baby - after all, it is her body.

In the article called Lessons as Indian Hospital About Births New York Times examines the incidence of VBACs at a Navajo hospital in Arizona. Check it out, its interesting stuff!

Gisele's Birth in the news

This article is about Gisele's home, water birth and how she describes it as an amazing empowering experience. It "made headlines for its reported lack of pain." Interesting...

Read it here

Even though there are many amazing, empowering, homebirths, the celeb ones are usually the only ones that make the news. At least its good press about birth!

Delivery-Day Jitters?

"Delivery-Day Jitters? Let us put your mind at ease" - the headline on the cover of American Pregnancy magazine. I was disappointed at the way this magazine thinks they can ease your mind by addressing normal fears about labor and birth. The first fear was about pain. The woman quoted explains "I wanted an epidural when my pregnancy test came back positive." Fear? Yes. Informed? No. The ONLY way the magazine "eased" your mind was by talking about the epidural and how you shouldn't be worried that the epidural won't "work its magic" because the amazing-miracle-working doctor says "it's not a big deal to put in another one." Great.

As a doula, I'd ease delivery-day jitters by explaining where this pain comes from and provide natural suggestions for pain relief before jumping into an epidural. We must educate women so that they understand the importance of experiencing labor naturally for as long as they can. There is no need to be scared when you have support from all angles - family, partner, doula, nurse, midwife and doctor. Together we can all use our tricks to help women in labor.

doulas get some press

I found this article in published in local San Francisco publication. Press for doulas is always an exciting discovery!!

Happy Birthday to my late Grandmother

Although it might be a little off topic, I feel the need to post something about my Grandmother today. It's her birthday, she would have been 79 years old. I'm also thinking about her mom, my great-grandma who I never had the chance to meet. She gave birth to a beautiful baby girl 79 years ago. Who knew that baby would have 8 babies of her own? One of those babies later had me 30 years later and for those 3 women, I am grateful. Happy Birthday Maggie!


My great grandmother and great grandfather

Sharing Articles - gross?

Most people I know think my doula-ing is cool job. And then there are the few who think its "weird" "gross" and just plain "crazy". My friend from high school had a bunch of us over for dinner a few nights ago and someone brought up my constant posting of childbirth related articles on facebook. I thought it was a good way to share these interesting articles with my friends but apparently some of my friends really aren't interested. For example, my friend Kevin commented "Gigs, can you stop posting articles about vaginaL stuff." I thought it was pretty funny but couldn't promise him I'd stop the postings. It's good information that should concern EVERYONE - not just pregnant women!!

Risk in not breastfeeding

Risk in not breastfeeding article

Of course everyone must know by now that breastfeeding is best for mom and baby. I guess the mystery now is why some women choose not to breastfeed. There are a number of reasons for women to not breastfeed their babies but even more reasons why she should. Hopefully one day more women in the United States will see the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby. More education will help us realize that breast is best, no matter what! I just wish our American culture was more accepting and accommodating to breastfeeding mothers, this would make the whole situation easier on mothers. The fact that a working mom would feel burdened by breastfeeding is sad and unacceptable. We need to help women do whats best for her and her baby - not make it harder!


I recently became a fan of a facebook page called "If breastfeeding offends you, put a blanket over YOUR head." Pretty intense stuff coming from mothers, women, feminists and others. My stance on this issue is the same as it is with other feminist issues: choice. If you have the correct information and make an educated decision, more power to you. But please, don't put down others for their choices even if it's not what you would do. My goal as a doula is to help women get educated about these topics.

"Nothing else in the world..."

By Danielle H.

My son was 21 Months old (Natural Hospital birth) and we were planning on a Home birth from day one of pregnancy #2 and so excited for the experience. I had everything ready for the birth for weeks since I had Braxton hicks so bad that I was convinced I would have my daughter early (Never count on having a baby early or on time even when your other children were early). 5 days over due On September 4th 2008 at 10:30 pm, my little Noah was sound asleep and My husband and I were watching television and just winding down for the night when I felt at cramp. I got so excited and I just knew it was time but not more excited then Adam, He was ready to call everyone! After telling him to relax and that I was not sure another one came. My contractions STARTED 4 Minutes apart. As Adam called my midwife and Mother (who has had 4 home births) I went onto my bed to wait for everyone to arrive.

My Mother, Father and sister came first at 11:00. My Mom asked me questions and was wondering how far apart my contractions were and she could tell without my answer that they were close enough where there would be no communicating on my part. My Dad got settled in my living room thinking he would spend the night and wake up to a granddaughter as my sister rubbed my feet to try to get my mind off the pain. My midwife arrived at 11:20 very surprised at my progress. The nurse started my tub with warm water and by 11:30 I had made my way only by the grace of God into that warm tub. Many of my contraction wound together never giving me a break at that ripping pain. My midwife not once checked to see how far I was dilated but knew somehow in her experience by watching my expressions that it would not be long. As I came up from taking a refreshing sip from a Gatorade (very recommended during labor) I asked how much longer because I knew I couldn't keep this up for long. My midwife's response was "You are very close to seeing your daughter". In hearing that I got a second wind and felt the pressure as my water broke. A different type of pain started and it was all pressure and I knew then that I was almost done. I started wanting to push at 11:45 and knowing that it is very crucial to pay attention your body during the pushing stage so you don't tear I slowly pushed out the head. It was so wonderful to see her and know that I was that much closer to meeting our new edition. I finally gave one last push as my daughter slid out and Adam caught her only to lie her on my chest feeling as if it were an Olympic trophy I had Won. Grace Lanee' was born at 11:57 and we finally got to meet our little girl. I walked to bed after 5 minutes and got settled in as comfortable as I could. She weighed in at 8 Lbs 8 Oz and 19 Inches long. Grace nursed after 10 minutes acting like it was what she was born to do. As the midwife and nurses did laundry, cleaned my tub, picked up their stuff and did paper work Noah had woke from his slumber to join in on greeting his new sister. After pictures and kisses everyone seemed to make there way to the door and into their own beds. Adam, Noah, Grace and I had just our family and nothing else in the world to worry about at that moment. It was the sweetest moment to fall asleep in my own bed next to my husband and know that I just birthed my healthy happy daughter and had a lifetime to cherish with her. My Birth ended up being an hour and a half and that included the 13 minute pushing stage.

VBACs in the news!

Retuers article about how VBACs are "okay" after c-section(s). Maybe people are catching on? Click here to check it out!

Click here to read Chicago Tribune's article about repeat C-Sections

BIRTHdays

I've had a totally different outlook on birthdays since I got involved in birth work. When its someone's birthday, I immediately think about the mommy and want to celebrate her and hear all about her experience. This year on my sister's birthday, my mom re-told me her birth story. She started reminiscing about the feeling she had that day - her first contractions, and all the excitement she felt. She was smiling and tearing up at the same time.

For your next birthday, celebrate and thank your mother - she gave you life! Ask about her experience giving birth to you.


Happy Birthday to my friends Liz and Don today! Many thanks to their mommys today!

Rising C-Section Rates

Article about the rise in c-section rates in Westchester.
Click to read

I hope this issue becomes more public because it is a problem. Women need to be made aware of these statistics and find out the proper information about c-sections. They not fool proof.

When I posted this article on my facebook, one of my friends commented "I had 2 planned C-sections, the first was because he was already too big when i was 7 months and when born was 10lbs and the 2nd was because my obgyn didnt advise doing a VBAC, and he was only 7lbs 14oz...either way I wish I went natural, they did a toll on me!"

Contraction Monitor Apps!

I've discovered that the App Store on iPhone has a few different apps to help monitor contractions in labor.

I downloaded the one called "Contraction Master" - it was only $.99

There are a few others:

Labor Mate
Labor and Contraction Timer
Contraction Tracker

Can't wait to use this! My client used it and said it was quite helpful and an easy way to keep track of the frequency and duration of her contractions.

What is a Doula? - Free informational evening

What is a Doula, anyway?

I am having a free information "What is a doula" night at Full Circle with a couple other doulas. Please join us!

Tuesday Feb 23rd @ 7pm
Full Circle Family Care
1241 Mamaroneck Ave
White Plains NY

WW birth

Our January client gave birth last week to a healthy baby boy. Mom did GREAT work at home, laboring for 5 hours with her husband by her side. She felt contractions starting to pick up and thought she should get to the hospital. Doula joined the couple at the hospital and 20 mins later, baby was born! Mom expressed how grateful she was to have the doula there with her to get through the last part of the labor and delivery. She was happy to have support postpartum as well, as her doula was helpful during the first bonding experience - a crucial moment! Doula report: "Dad is excited, and Mom is in heaven" - exactly what we want!

We are so happy for this couple and wish them all the best.

Happy Birthday Gloria!

My most recent birth was an interesting one. I met Charice when she was 37 weeks pregnant after her doctor suggested that she might be interested in having a doula at her birth. Myself and a fellow doula went to her house to meet with her. We met her and her lovely husband and had a wonderful talk about what it means to have a doula and how we might be able to help her get the birth she wanted. Problem was, she didn't really know what type of birth she wanted. Together we gave her a mini childbirth education lesson and by the end of the visit, she seemed more confident in her birth plans, and excited about the thought of giving birth with a doula by her side. My doula partner and I agreed to work with her and went on our way.

A couple of weeks later, Charice started having contractions. My partner, Silvie, went to her house to help her through the early labor contractions. Silvie said Charice managed them very well which was very good news considering one of her biggest concerns was that she would have an anxiety attack during labor because she was very prone to anxiety. Her contractions started and stopped and ended up being a case of a false alarm. When her due date came and went, the doctor said he would have to induce Charice a week after her estimated due date. That day came and I was on-call. So I met Charice and her husband at the hospital 16 hours after they started her induction.

At this point, Charice had been induced with cervidil (a synthetic prostaglandin tampon inserted to help soften and hopefully dilate the cervix), a folly catheter, and pitocin. Her contractions were about 4 minutes apart and she was handling them beautifully, breathing deep and staying calm. I encouraged her to continue doing this as it seemed to be working for her. She was 1 cm dilated, a slow start to a long labor. I stayed by her side, helping her to remember what she was doing and that she would soon get to meet her baby. Every single person who walked in the room said "have you gotten your epidural yet?" and she just shook her head and kept breathing. At one point, one of the doctors tried so hard to convince her to get an epidural, he said "You know, these contractions are NOTHING, you just wait and you will see how painful it is. I don't know why you're doing this without pain medication." Charice just told him that she was doing fine and kept trucking. I was so proud of her for sticking up for herself! Charice's husband supported her decision to try to go as long as she could without an epidural and held her hand through the intense contractions.

15 hours later, Charice was only 4 cm and not feeling great. She hadn't slept since the induction began and was just exhausted from managing the tough pitocin contractions. The doctors were being patient but things weren't looking like they were going to change. They finally convinced her to get an epidural, hoping that she would get some rest. 30 minutes after the epidural was placed, she had an exam which helped the doctors determine that Charice's baby was presenting ear first, which meant C-section.

A half hour later, Charice's baby girl was born, weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce. Charice was overjoyed to finally meet her daughter. The new family fell in love right away and are doing great. Charice said she was a bit disappointed that her birth ended in C-section but happy to have a healthy baby. Doctors promised her that a VBAC for her next baby would be a possibility, and I think that put Charice at ease.

Always a learning experience...