"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.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
doulas get some press
I found this article in published in local San Francisco publication. Press for doulas is always an exciting discovery!!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
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
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!!
Friday, February 19, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
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
Click here to read Chicago Tribune's article about repeat C-Sections
Saturday, February 6, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, February 5, 2010
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!"
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.
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
