Ultrasound: Weighing the Propaganda Against the Facts
08/01/13
“Despite decades of ultrasonic investigation, no one can demonstrate whether ultrasound exposure has an adverse effect at a particular gestation, whether the effects are cumulative or whether it is related to the output of a particular machine or the length of the examination. How many exposures are too many? What is the mechanism by which growth is affected? A large-scale study (Newnham et al., 1991) showed decreased birthweight, although a later study suggested the babies soon make up the deficit. It should not be forgotten, however, that numerous studies on rats, mice and monkeys over the years have found reduced fetal weight in babies that had ultrasound in the womb compared with controls. Nor should it be forgotten that in the monkey studies (Tarantal et al., 1993) the ultrasound babies sat or lay around the bottom of the cage, whereas the little control monkeys were up to the usual monkey tricks. Long-term follow up of the monkeys has not been reported. Do they reproduce as successfully as the controls? And, as Jean Robinson has noted: "Monkeys do not learn to read, write, multiply, sing opera, or play the violin." Human children do, and perhaps we should consider seriously whether the huge increases in children with dyslexia and learning difficulties are a direct result of ultrasound exposure in the womb. Furthermore, when a woman is scanned her baby’s ovaries are also scanned. So if the woman had seven scans during her pregnancy, when her pregnant daughter eventually presents years later at the antenatal clinic, her developing baby will already have had seven scans. Do women really know what they consent to when they rush to hospital to have their first ultrasound scan, then trustingly agree to further scans?”
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/ultrasound.asp
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/ultrasound.asp
State Laws and Breastfeeding
30/09/12
Don’t be bullied if your breastfeeding baby needs to eat! Know your state laws concerning breastfeeding.
Tex. Health Code Ann. § 161.071 (2001) requires the Department of Health to establish minimum guidelines for the procurement, processing, distribution, or use of human milk by donor milk banks. (HB 391)
Tex. Health Code Ann. § 165.002 (1995) authorizes a woman to breastfeed her child in any location.
Tex. Health Code Ann. § 165.003 et seq. provides for the use of a "mother-friendly" designation for businesses who have policies supporting worksite breastfeeding. (HB 340) The law provides for a worksite breastfeeding demonstration project and requires the Department of Health to develop recommendations supporting worksite breastfeeding. (HB 359)
http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/breastfeeding-state-laws.aspx
Tex. Health Code Ann. § 161.071 (2001) requires the Department of Health to establish minimum guidelines for the procurement, processing, distribution, or use of human milk by donor milk banks. (HB 391)
Tex. Health Code Ann. § 165.002 (1995) authorizes a woman to breastfeed her child in any location.
Tex. Health Code Ann. § 165.003 et seq. provides for the use of a "mother-friendly" designation for businesses who have policies supporting worksite breastfeeding. (HB 340) The law provides for a worksite breastfeeding demonstration project and requires the Department of Health to develop recommendations supporting worksite breastfeeding. (HB 359)
http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/breastfeeding-state-laws.aspx
Delayed Cord Clamping vs. Cord Blood Banking
30/08/12
This subject was never one that came up for my own birth. A client asked her midwife and I started reading. There is a ton of information out there about the benefits of banking cord blood. I personally clung to the research supporting delayed cord clamping.
Here are a few websites that give some great insight into the subject.
http://wellroundedbirthprep.blogspot.com/2011/08/cord-blood-banking-vs-delayed-cord.html
http://kidshealth.org/parent/_cancer_center/treatment/cord_blood.html#
Here are a few websites that give some great insight into the subject.
http://wellroundedbirthprep.blogspot.com/2011/08/cord-blood-banking-vs-delayed-cord.html
http://kidshealth.org/parent/_cancer_center/treatment/cord_blood.html#
What to Reject When Expecting
14/08/12
Consumer Reports weighs in on what procedures to reject when you are expecting. So many interventions tend to bring on more interventions. Be aware of that when you are choosing your care provider and your place of birth.
Speaking from my own experience, I didn’t want certain interventions to ever be an option. This was my main reason for having a home birth. It meant no one would tell me I “don’t need to be a hero” or that my birth wasn’t happening fast enough.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/what-to-reject-when-you-re-expecting/index.htm
Speaking from my own experience, I didn’t want certain interventions to ever be an option. This was my main reason for having a home birth. It meant no one would tell me I “don’t need to be a hero” or that my birth wasn’t happening fast enough.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/what-to-reject-when-you-re-expecting/index.htm
To Breastfeed or Not
30/07/12
This is a podcast and article from our local public radio station, KERA. A lactation consultant from BUMC, a local hospital, was interviewed about breastfeeding and alternatives to breastfeeding if it wasn’t an option. Great story!
-babies that are formula-fed tend to gain weight a a higher, faster rate, which is what is leading to the obesity rate in the US today
-The U.S. Surgeon General and U.S. Department of health have recognized that when women exclusively breastfeed for six months it saves $13 billion a year in health care costs.
-The longer a mom breastfeeds, the less incidences of diabetes.
-Alternatives: The pasteurized donor milk is optimal...the next choice is donor milk. Then after that, it would be the formulas they could use.
http://keranews.org/post/alternatives-women-unable-breastfeed?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kera-northtexasnews+%28keranews.org+-+Latest+News%29
-babies that are formula-fed tend to gain weight a a higher, faster rate, which is what is leading to the obesity rate in the US today
-The U.S. Surgeon General and U.S. Department of health have recognized that when women exclusively breastfeed for six months it saves $13 billion a year in health care costs.
-The longer a mom breastfeeds, the less incidences of diabetes.
-Alternatives: The pasteurized donor milk is optimal...the next choice is donor milk. Then after that, it would be the formulas they could use.
http://keranews.org/post/alternatives-women-unable-breastfeed?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kera-northtexasnews+%28keranews.org+-+Latest+News%29
Growth Charts
29/07/12
I believe the most important feature of these new curves is that they use the breastfed infant as the norm for growth. This is very different from the CDC growth charts that are based on the growth curves of American children 20 years a go. These old CDC charts were developed when infant formula was popular and was introduced as a fashionable and healthy option for American babies.
It is important that your pediatrician looks at your baby and not just his charts. Is your baby big or small like you were? Is you baby growing with each check up? If you are unsure about if your milks doing its job, it probably is, you should talk to a lactation consultant. Most pediatricians are not trained lactation consultants and are limited in their knowledge where lactation is concerned.
http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/who_charts.htm
It is important that your pediatrician looks at your baby and not just his charts. Is your baby big or small like you were? Is you baby growing with each check up? If you are unsure about if your milks doing its job, it probably is, you should talk to a lactation consultant. Most pediatricians are not trained lactation consultants and are limited in their knowledge where lactation is concerned.
http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/who_charts.htm
Why African Babies Don't Cry
19/07/12
I love this article because it shows how simply a mother is everything her child needs. In our society we expect babies to cry, but in Africa they only cry when something is horribly wrong. The babies are almost constantly held and the breast is offered as the first solution to any upset the baby has. Basic and simple. Beautiful.
http://www.drmomma.org/2010/09/why-african-babies-dont-cry.html
http://www.drmomma.org/2010/09/why-african-babies-dont-cry.html
Interactive Birth Plan
16/07/12
I love technology! It is so cool that a mom can get online and make up her birth plan. This birth plan is smart. If you make a decision that contradicts another decision it tells you. In that way it makes sure what you want is consistent.
“You do not have to answer all of the questions, only the ones that interest you. There are also some built in features that will not allow you to choose two mutually exclusive things. For example: You cannot have continuous monitoring with a fetoscope, nor can you breast feed only with a bottle. You may also either print the results page or use it as a guideline for creating your own birth plan.”
http://www.childbirth.org/interactive/ibirthplan.html
“You do not have to answer all of the questions, only the ones that interest you. There are also some built in features that will not allow you to choose two mutually exclusive things. For example: You cannot have continuous monitoring with a fetoscope, nor can you breast feed only with a bottle. You may also either print the results page or use it as a guideline for creating your own birth plan.”
http://www.childbirth.org/interactive/ibirthplan.html
Help! I don’t want to breastfeed!
04/06/12
Everyone knows breastfeeding is best, but so many mothers choose not to. Often it is an insecurity or they see it as gross or sexual. Because of the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, a mother should make this decision after much thought. The author of this article even recommends doing a ton of research and then waiting to decide after the birth. I think that is a great recommendation.
Don’t we always tell our children we would do anything for them. Do we mean we will do anything that isn’t hard or uncomfortable, especially if it is the first and best nourishment they will ever receive?
http://www.bestforbabes.org/help-i-dont-want-to-breastfeed#
Don’t we always tell our children we would do anything for them. Do we mean we will do anything that isn’t hard or uncomfortable, especially if it is the first and best nourishment they will ever receive?
http://www.bestforbabes.org/help-i-dont-want-to-breastfeed#
5 Reasons Why your birth can affect your baby and parenting
04/06/12
Personally, I had a stress free birth and a pretty easy birth. It wasn’t short or without its moments of overwhelmed feeling, but it was calm and happy. I had an amazing group of midwives, a doula, and my family surrounding me. I call them my cheerleaders. I have one of the best, even tempered babies out there (he is adorable too) and I give a lot of credit of that to my birthing experience. There was no trauma associated with my pregnancy or birth and the oxytocin was flowing that day.
I like to remind parents who brush off the birth of a child to “just one day” or that “the only thing that matters is a healthy baby” that a mother remembers the birth of her children for the rest of her life. The child will be a product of that day psychologically. Does your birth plan keep that in mind?
http://babycalm.wordpress.com/2011/07/23/5-reasons-why-your-birth-can-affect-your-baby-parenting/#
I like to remind parents who brush off the birth of a child to “just one day” or that “the only thing that matters is a healthy baby” that a mother remembers the birth of her children for the rest of her life. The child will be a product of that day psychologically. Does your birth plan keep that in mind?
http://babycalm.wordpress.com/2011/07/23/5-reasons-why-your-birth-can-affect-your-baby-parenting/#
How can you tell if your care provider is pro-VBAC?
02/05/12
It seems like a lot of care providers claim they support mothers in their choice to VBAC, but when it comes to the actual event they aren’t so keen on the idea. As with any other issues in birth, being educated is the best defense. Talk to your care provider and start asking questions.
What is your C-section percentage?
What is your VBAC percentage?
Have you ever seen an unmedicated birth?
Are mothers in your care allowed to go beyond 40 weeks? 41? 42?
May I talk to other VBAC clients of yours?
Pay attention to your care provider’s language and you will easily find out if they truly support VBAC!
https://sites.google.com/site/icanofdupage/vbac/pro-vbac
http://vbacfacts.com/2009/06/06/interviewing-care-providers-questions-to-ask/
What is your C-section percentage?
What is your VBAC percentage?
Have you ever seen an unmedicated birth?
Are mothers in your care allowed to go beyond 40 weeks? 41? 42?
May I talk to other VBAC clients of yours?
Pay attention to your care provider’s language and you will easily find out if they truly support VBAC!
https://sites.google.com/site/icanofdupage/vbac/pro-vbac
http://vbacfacts.com/2009/06/06/interviewing-care-providers-questions-to-ask/
Penny Simkin on Delayed Cord Clamping
29/03/12
Penny Simkin is one of our modern day birth experts. This video shows what your baby gains when delayed cord clamping is allowed to take place.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3RywNup2CM&feature=share
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3RywNup2CM&feature=share
Six tips for Gentle but Effective Hostpital Negotiations
29/03/12
These six tips are key if you are choosing a hospital birth. Often the nurse or doctor or nurse you are working with in the hospital is used to how the majority of people decide to birth. They are used to offering, and even sometimes, pushing, interventions or “rules” on to a new set of parents. What many don’t know is that you can waive almost any of the suggestions made to you at the hospital.
For example, at Elizabeth’s birth, the nurse and doctor kept insisting we should break her water to get things going. We continued to negotiate for a few more hours each time in order to let her body go at its own pace. This allowed for her son to continue to move down (and get out of a bad position). Each time a new hospital employee walked in the room Elizabeth made sure they were aware of her expectations and requests for the birth. They were followed almost exactly!
http://givingbirthwithconfidence.org/2011/08/six-tips-for-gentle-but-effective-hospital-negotiations/
For example, at Elizabeth’s birth, the nurse and doctor kept insisting we should break her water to get things going. We continued to negotiate for a few more hours each time in order to let her body go at its own pace. This allowed for her son to continue to move down (and get out of a bad position). Each time a new hospital employee walked in the room Elizabeth made sure they were aware of her expectations and requests for the birth. They were followed almost exactly!
http://givingbirthwithconfidence.org/2011/08/six-tips-for-gentle-but-effective-hospital-negotiations/
In defense of the amniotic sac
05/02/12
AROM is a big decision, no matter how lightly your doctors or nurses try to pass it off. You risk so much breaking your waters with no real assurance that your labor will speed up. The sack of waters is there for a reason! Be educated in your decisions...
“Artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) aka ‘breaking the waters’ is a common intervention during birth. However, an ARM should not be carried out without a good understanding of how the amniotic sac and fluid function in labour.”
http://midwifethinking.com/2010/08/20/in-defence-of-the-amniotic-sac/
“Artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) aka ‘breaking the waters’ is a common intervention during birth. However, an ARM should not be carried out without a good understanding of how the amniotic sac and fluid function in labour.”
http://midwifethinking.com/2010/08/20/in-defence-of-the-amniotic-sac/
Preparing for a natural hospital birth
17/01/12
If you are choosing to birth in a hospital, but still want a natural birth there are ways to make that dream a reality. Mama Birth offers some practical tips on how to do this so that you get the birth you planned instead of the one that is the “easiest” on the hospital staff.
http://mamabirth.blogspot.com/2012/01/preparing-for-natural-hospital-birth.html
http://mamabirth.blogspot.com/2012/01/preparing-for-natural-hospital-birth.html
Midwife Shares shocking facts about C-section Epidemic
10/01/12
Cesarean Sections are often surrounded with controversy. It isn’t that those who support natural birth, like myself, are against them, but we are against the unnecessary Cesarean. There are so many additional risks involved when a Cesarean is given to a mother, and often those risks aren’t discussed with the mother or are overshadowed by a feeling that it is easier to get a Cesarean.
Ina May says it right when she talks about how we should take the profit out of Cesareans. There should be one cost for birth no matter how the baby is born. Many mothers don’t realize that their OB makes so much more money when they make a decision to go with a Cesarean instead of a vaginal birth.
http://thestir.cafemom.com/pregnancy/130981/midwife_shares_shocking_facts_about?utm_medium=sm&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=natural_fanpage
Ina May says it right when she talks about how we should take the profit out of Cesareans. There should be one cost for birth no matter how the baby is born. Many mothers don’t realize that their OB makes so much more money when they make a decision to go with a Cesarean instead of a vaginal birth.
http://thestir.cafemom.com/pregnancy/130981/midwife_shares_shocking_facts_about?utm_medium=sm&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=natural_fanpage
Informing and Educating family about your birth choices
05/01/12
Making a decision regarding where and how your baby will be born is highly personal and can stir up the pot. I know for my own birth I had to justify my decision to some people in my family because I wasn’t using a traditional route and they didn’t know what to expect. I eventually had to have a serious chat and let them know that the prayers for safety were welcome, but I didn’t need the negative. After all, I was doing this naturally. The horror stories will come no matter what birth path you choose.
I tell my clients to be informed and to take comfort in their education. Most people research their next electronics purchase more than they do a birth because “doctors already know everything there is to know.”
http://mamabirth.blogspot.com/2012/01/informing-and-educating-family-of-your.html
I tell my clients to be informed and to take comfort in their education. Most people research their next electronics purchase more than they do a birth because “doctors already know everything there is to know.”
http://mamabirth.blogspot.com/2012/01/informing-and-educating-family-of-your.html
Are doctors causing brain damage by clamping the cord prematurely?
05/01/12
Delayed cord clamping is the first intervention your baby encounters once exiting the womb. If you are in a traditional hospital setting this typically occurs within 30 seconds of the baby being born unless you have made a deal with your care provider, but more research is coming out saying that it may actually cause more harm than good. We are depriving oxygen and blood from our new babies on purpose...
http://medicalmisdiagnosisresearch.wordpress.com/2010/07/31/are-doctors-causing-infant-brain-damage-by-clamping-the-umbilical-cord-prematurely/
http://medicalmisdiagnosisresearch.wordpress.com/2010/07/31/are-doctors-causing-infant-brain-damage-by-clamping-the-umbilical-cord-prematurely/
How to Check Without Checking
05/01/12
I am so intrigued by this article. If you are nearing the end of your pregnancy your care provider has probably mentioned checking you. Once you get to the hospital it is typically a regular thing. It is uncomfortable and unnecessary! Knowing how dilated you are doesn’t give any indication about how soon the baby will come or how quickly you will dilate more. It just gives you an opportunity to put an arbitrary time frame on your labor without taking into account that EVERY birth is different.
“As with any intervention in labor and birth, cervical checks carry risk. The risks include: increased risk of infection, PROM, false readings (i.e. human error), and regret/disappointment at any 'lack' of dilation.”
http://wonderfullymadebelliesandbabies.blogspot.com/2011/07/dilation-how-to-check-without-checking.html
“As with any intervention in labor and birth, cervical checks carry risk. The risks include: increased risk of infection, PROM, false readings (i.e. human error), and regret/disappointment at any 'lack' of dilation.”
http://wonderfullymadebelliesandbabies.blogspot.com/2011/07/dilation-how-to-check-without-checking.html
A Letter to a First Time Pregnant Mama
28/12/11
Please know that you are strong. You are stronger and more powerful than you give yourself credit for. This letter to a first time pregnant mama got me all choked up.
So often the medical mindedness of our society under cuts what women are naturally capable of. Whether you are a first time mom or have done this a hundred times, you may need some reminding of your strength.
You may know not your strength…yet. But I do. And I want to tell you that you are not only strong, but capable of anything. Anything at all. You will know this to be true once you have gone through the initiation of labor and birth. But since you aren’t there quite yet, I want to let you in on a few things.
http://www.redrockmidwifery.com/2011/12/27/letter-to-a-first-time-pregnant-mama/
So often the medical mindedness of our society under cuts what women are naturally capable of. Whether you are a first time mom or have done this a hundred times, you may need some reminding of your strength.
You may know not your strength…yet. But I do. And I want to tell you that you are not only strong, but capable of anything. Anything at all. You will know this to be true once you have gone through the initiation of labor and birth. But since you aren’t there quite yet, I want to let you in on a few things.
http://www.redrockmidwifery.com/2011/12/27/letter-to-a-first-time-pregnant-mama/
You want to do what?
05/12/11
Any intervention is one to be thought over carefully. You need to educate yourself about anything your doctor is proposing. You doctor may have anterior motives like a schedule to keep or catching up on sleep. One of the “lightest” forms of intervention is stripping a mother’s membranes.
“A healthy pregnancy will end when baby and mom are ready so if a care provider routinely does membrane stripping he may have a more medical or highly managed philosophy of birth and this intervention is then likely to be the first of many. Membrane sweeping may also inadvertently undermine a woman's trust that her body will know when to birth. On the other hand, if the pregnancy needs to end, membrane stripping is a great option to try before advancing to other more invasive and higher risk methods.”
http://bellyupbaby.blogspot.com/2011/11/stripping-stretching-sweeping-you-want.html
“A healthy pregnancy will end when baby and mom are ready so if a care provider routinely does membrane stripping he may have a more medical or highly managed philosophy of birth and this intervention is then likely to be the first of many. Membrane sweeping may also inadvertently undermine a woman's trust that her body will know when to birth. On the other hand, if the pregnancy needs to end, membrane stripping is a great option to try before advancing to other more invasive and higher risk methods.”
http://bellyupbaby.blogspot.com/2011/11/stripping-stretching-sweeping-you-want.html
Twin breech vaginal birth
04/12/11
WOW. “Both twins breech. Birthed vaginally. No epidural, not episiotomy, no tears, no forceps. Just my babies and my body. They knew what to do.”
What more can you say. Your body and your baby just instinctively know what to do during birth. This is such an awesome story!
http://trulyblessedlife.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/you-cant-birth-breech-twins-vaginally-wanna-make-a-bet/
What more can you say. Your body and your baby just instinctively know what to do during birth. This is such an awesome story!
http://trulyblessedlife.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/you-cant-birth-breech-twins-vaginally-wanna-make-a-bet/
Trusting birth and trusting ourselves as birthing women
04/12/11
EDUCATE YOURSELF! That is how you can choose the best birth for you and your baby. Don’t just accept the word of your doctor, mom, or even your doula. YOU have to educate yourself. We do so much research about the next pair of shoes or phone we will buy, but when it comes to our unborn child we take the word of someone else.
“Each woman needs to choose the tests, interventions and place of birth that makes her feel the most comfortable and safe. The best way for this to happen is each woman being educated and informed of her choices.”
http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/2011/08/30/trusting-birth-and-trusting-ourselves-as-birthing-women/
“Each woman needs to choose the tests, interventions and place of birth that makes her feel the most comfortable and safe. The best way for this to happen is each woman being educated and informed of her choices.”
http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/2011/08/30/trusting-birth-and-trusting-ourselves-as-birthing-women/
Top maternity hospitals banning elective deliveries
04/12/11
If we are so worried about the rights of the unborn, why would we intentionally put them in the NICU or at a disadvantage later in life because a mom is uncomfortable and “ready”. Insurance companies should appreciate these policies so their costs go down as well.
“Early-term infants have higher rates of respiratory distress. There are also issues with feeding,” says Dr. Lauren Smith, medical director at the Department of Public Health. “The most recent evidence shows that babies born before 39 weeks may also have developmental issues, so when you add up the increased risks and you weigh that against a situation when it’s purely elective, then you really can’t justify it.”
http://www.wbur.org/2011/11/14/early-elective-deliveries
“Early-term infants have higher rates of respiratory distress. There are also issues with feeding,” says Dr. Lauren Smith, medical director at the Department of Public Health. “The most recent evidence shows that babies born before 39 weeks may also have developmental issues, so when you add up the increased risks and you weigh that against a situation when it’s purely elective, then you really can’t justify it.”
http://www.wbur.org/2011/11/14/early-elective-deliveries
Natural birth is actually BETTER
01/12/11
Mama Birth is so wise once again. So many women say that it is their right to choose all kinds of interventions for their births. Our baby doesn’t get to choose the risks we are putting upon it. It also makes me wonder about the statement, “I just want what is best for my baby.” It seems this is short sighted when the mother or doctor are choosing to cut short a pregnancy because the mom is “ready for it to be over.”
“The access to natural birth is not just a feminist issue. It is not just a woman's issue. It is a human rights issue. Whatever we "want" is not necessarily best for our baby. In fact, it might not even be best for us.”
http://mamabirth.blogspot.com/2011/04/natural-birth-is-actually-better.html
“The access to natural birth is not just a feminist issue. It is not just a woman's issue. It is a human rights issue. Whatever we "want" is not necessarily best for our baby. In fact, it might not even be best for us.”
http://mamabirth.blogspot.com/2011/04/natural-birth-is-actually-better.html