birth center
Posptartum and the Great Abyss
The postpartum period is a critical time for the health, attachment and emotional adjustment for both mother and baby. It has become the expected norm that women are left with very little medical or care provider support/assistance in handling the many norms, transitions and stumbling blocks that present in the first 6 weeks postpartum with…
Read MoreTechnology and the Prenatal “Diet”
In westernized countries, television and the internet have almost completely replaced the generational teaching and learning found in the “circles” of the past. Women would gather over sewing, quilting, canning, and life events including pregnancy and childbirth. They offered support, told their stories, spoke of family life, shared their everyday knowledge, wisdom and expertise while…
Read MoreAffording the Birth You Want
Many times over I have heard something similar to “If only my insurance would cover the childbirth class, doula, that provider or birth location. Then I could have the birth I really want for me and my baby.” That statement sadly says to me that women are settling for a provider, birth location, type of…
Read MoreSome thoughts on birth and being a consumer.
While “teaching” childbirth class the topic of being a consumer is addressed often in a variety of ways. I have a firm belief that a woman has the ability to understand, be well educated, and make her own decisions. It is in no way in my job description to tell someone else how she must…
Read MoreBuilding Your Birth Support Team
As practice through the ages and evidence shows, support during the birth process can be greatly beneficial to both mothers and babies. It is not about having an experience. It is about healthier emotional and physical outcomes for mothers and subsequently for babies as well. Putting together a support team is not as simple as…
Read MorePreparing For Birth – Common Pregnancy and Childbirth Terms
Below is a compilation of common terms and acronyms that women often will come across during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Check back as more will be added from time to time. AROM – Artificial Rupture of Membranes – using a finger or tool to open the amniotic sac to to allow the fluid to release.…
Read MorePushing for Birth – another look
“Pushing felt good.” “The urge to push was unstoppable.” “I loved when I got the urge to push!”. “I felt like I was going to split apart.” “It hurt so much more than I thought it would.” “I didn’t want to push.” “Why did I have to hold my breath and tuck my chin?” “I…
Read MoreComfort Tips for a Hospital Labor and Delivery
No matter how a hospital room is decorated, it is still a hospital room and not your home. It smells different, sounds different, looks different, you name it not your home. What can you do to make is more comfortable for your labor and delivery? Labor at home as long as possible and arrive when…
Read MoreChoosing your birth location – A tip sheet
Choosing the place of birth for your baby – It is incredibly important that you understand where you fit best prior to choosing where to birth your baby. Take hospital and/or birth center tour, call and talk to L&D floor, get facts on home birth by talking to home birth midwives, other moms who have…
Read MoreIncreasing your opportunity for a vaginal birth in a cesarean stricken culture.
Today the cesarean rate is an alarming 31.8% (CDC 2007 preliminary data). Only a maximum of 15% of birthing women should be having cesarean deliveries in order to keep mortality (death) and morbidity (poor outcomes) to the healthiest levels according to the World Health Organization. With the staggering discrepancy in what should be and what…
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