Ricki Lake on Dancing With the Stars

Totally off topic and "just for fun," but considering Ricki Lake's support of the birthing community, I thought we could toss a little support her way! Check her out on Dancing With The Stars. Yay her! (And 43 years old!)

A Midwife's Role: Knowledge Infused With Care

Breastfeeding Support

I came across a couple of fun pages to support your breastfeeding journey today.

Yes, I Will Breastfeed My Baby

and

Breastfeeding Basics

Check them out!

Do Hospital Freebies Undermine Breastfeeding?

The Associated Press took a look this week at hospital freebies and their impact on breastfeeding. Those little bags sponsored by the formula companies are big news these days. What do you think? I saw it compared to sending a woman home from her wedding with the divorce papers!

Maternity Clothes - Where to Shop?

What are your favorite sources for maternity clothes? Considering we don't live in a place where you can just run out to the mall and pick something up, it can be tough finding clothes to match that ever-growing baby bump! Here are a few suggestions. Do you have any to add?

Kikis Fashions was suggested by one of our clients -- they have cute stuff and great pricing.

Old Navy has maternity clothes on their website (but not in stores, boo).

And don't forget Motherhood Maternity.They are always a good place to check, and usually have a pretty good selection!

Don't forget to check out the consignment shops. In Williston we have Doodle Bugs, which has a few maternity things on the rack. Do you have favorites in surrounding communities?

Once baby comes, the same sources are good places to check for nursing wear.

Surrender: A Letter To My Baby

I knew I loved Birth Without Fear. But I may not have realized how much until I read this letter she wrote to her unborn baby. It's a great read. And if you haven't checked out her blog yet, I highly recommend it!

The Truth About C-Sections

Dr. Eugene Declercg, Professor of Boston School of Public Health, encourages providers to look at "why we do what we do" in regard to c-section rates.

Sciatica Pain in Pregnancy

Sciatic nerve pain (sciatica) can be a big pain in the butt during pregnancy! This pain is caused by compression of the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve, which works its way down through the hip joint, into the buttocks and down your leg. That means it goes right underneath the uterus. No wonder it can be a problem!

It can cause periodic or constant pain in your back and legs, and many say it is the worst type of lower back pain. Yuck! So what can you do to help relieve some of that pain so you can actually manage to function while waiting for that precious babe to arrive?

Here are some things that have worked for others. Mix and match to find the relief that is best for your own personal situation. (And always check with your medical provider, we are not here to provide medical advice, just help you access all the information possible.)

·         Because sitting can stress the lower back (and you probably have to sit at SOME point, if not often!), pay attention to where you are doing your sitting. Try swapping out that soft chair for a firmer one.

·         If you are able to spend time in bed, lie on the side opposite the pain with your knees bent.

·         Visiting the chiropractor may help. (We hear recommendations of chiropractic treatment for lots of issues during pregnancy – maybe you will have some other unintended benefits!)

·         Acupuncture – many local chiropractors provide this service

·         Heat or cold – try alternating them and see what seems to help

·         Get moving. This is the last thing you want to hear when your back hurts, but inactivity accentuates pain and causes weakening and shortening of connective tissues. Getting moving really can provide some relief! (Don’t take up running in your third trimester, though. How about a nice, gentle walk?)

·         Swimming! Speaking of exercise, swimming can be a great low-impact exercise during pregnancy. The weightlessness of being in water is said to provide spinal relief.

·         Try amber! Karli has some wonderful back strands that can really help when dealing with pain. If you aren’t familiar with amber for pain relief, check this out.

·         Talk to your prenatal care provider about using acetaminophen for pain.

 Does anyone have other methods that have worked for you? We’d love to hear them!

Meconium in the Amniotic Fluid

Gloria Lemay tells you everything you could need to know about meconium in the amniotic fluid in this post on her blog. Check it out!

Great Birth Quote

Just wanted to share an awesome quote I just read on the Brio Birth website...


"The same movements that get the baby in, get the baby out." ~Pam England, author of Birthing From Within.

LABOR Seeks Transfer Stories

Legal Advocates for Birth Options and Rights (LABOR) is looking for transfer/transport stories from attempted home births. If you have anything to share, check them out here.

Analysis Finds VBAC Safe After Multiple Cesareans

This interesting article from 2006 shows VBACS are a safe option, even after multiple c-secs.

Hep B Possible Side Effects

Some information on the Hep B vaccine and possible side effects.

Note: After I posted this one on our FB page, my dear husband pointed out that this may not come across as balanced information. I was just passing along a link for informational purposes, not judging whether you vaccinate or not!

Exercising for Two

This is an interesting blog post from the New York Times on exercising for two.

A Gramma's Perspective

Doulas - a gramma's perspective

Call for Submissions: What Did Your Doula Do For You?

Have a doula story to share?

Ten Ways to Use Breastmilk

Did you know breastmilk has lots of uses other than feeding baby?

Check out this great piece on the miracle liquid!

Natural Birth Gaining New Traction

This news report says natural birth is gaining new traction. What are your thoughts?

Baby in a Hurry!

This woman had a baby on her flight! That little one was in a hurry, and couldn't wait for landing!

Childbirth Educators Course - Early Registration

Tomorrow is the last day to save $50 and get the early registration discount for our Birth Works Professional Childbirth Educator Workshop, in Williston, ND, on October 21-22! 16 approved ICEA contact hours for certification. 16 Nursing CEs available.

Bringing Back the VBAC

Transforing Maternity Care did a great piece titled "Reasonable Choices to Bringing Back VBAC."

Seriously worth a read if this is an issue that impacts you, if you support someone it impacts, or if you are a medical provider!!!

Ten reasons to wear that baby

Ten reasons to wear that baby

·        It’s easier than lugging a bulky stroller around.

·        Worn babies cry less. (43% less)

·        Totally fashionable – that sling or carrier is all the rage. Pick one made from a chic fabric and it’s a ready-made accessory.

·        Studies show babies who are worn learn faster.

·        Your hands are free for the other children. Or vacuum, if you insist.

·        It helps you and baby communicate more effectively (reading cues).

·        The physical closeness of babywearing is a great way to promote bonding.

·        Babywearing facilitates good sleep – and more of it!

·        Because carrying that car seat feels like you’re lugging a bucket of water from the well.

·        It helps keep you fit – with all that weight lifting, you can have another chocolate. Or two.

·        Wearing makes caring for high-needs babies easier.

·        Babies smell good, and they are cute and cuddly.

·        On-the-go breastfeeding is easy peasy!

·        It helps prevent over-stimulation of baby.

·        It’ll make the neighbors jealous! What could be better than having your favorite person snuggled against your chest?

Don’t forget dad, gramma, or the babysitter – they can benefit from baby wearing, too!

(From the inaugaral issue of our new project - Nurture the Magazine - watch for it soon.)

What Formula Is Not

NOTE: We don't share this link to judge anyone. But we do feel breast is best, and we want everyone to be as informed as possible when they make their choices.

What Formula Is Not from The Birthing Site.

VBAC Facts

If you have had a cesarean and are considering having another child, we encourage you to get the facts on VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean).

Too Old to Breastfeed?

Natural Mama NZ is a favorite of mine on Facebook (my husband is from New Zealand, and gran is there, so we have lots of connections that we try to keep up!), and when she posted this piece on "extended" nursing, I had to share it. One of my friends just told me this weekend that if my baby was old enough to discuss breastfeeding with, she was too old to breastfeed. I strongly disagree, and while I do think weaning is on our not-too-distant horizon, I think breastfeeding is one of the best gifts I can give my 19 pound 22-month-old! The list of reasons is incredibly long, and I think she does a pretty good job of addressing a lot of them here!

DONA Documentary: The Essential Ingredient

Here is a video from DONA (our certifying organization) on doulas, and their place in your birth.

This article from MSNBC is a good reminder - always ask questions. Don't ever just take the word of your doctor, midwife, or doula that a procedure or intervention is the right (or only) choice. Do the research! Look for differing opinions, and know that you do have choices. It is your baby, it is your birth.

Birth Plan Options

Have you thought about writing a birth plan? Here are some of the options you should consider.

Celebrity Breastfeeding Supporter

It's always nice to see celebrities bringing a little positive attention to breastfeeding and other natural parenting issues. This guest blog post from Tia Mowry is a nice example.

Know Your Birthing Options

Now that you are pregnant, do you know that you have options in birthing? Learn a bit more about some of your options in this great blog post from the Natural Pregnancy Mentor.

Accepting New Clients

Did you know Crysta and Karli are accepting new clients? If you have thought about getting a doula but need more information, check out our website! We love to work with expectant parents!

Car Seat Safety

This study shows that most parents are installing car seats incorrectly. Are you?

Waterbirth resources

Interested in waterbirth? Here are some great resources!

Breastfeeding and working

Going back to work and breastfeeding? Here are five tips to help make it easier.

Breastfeeding doesn't suck

I love this!

15 Reasons Breastfeeding Doesn't Suck and is Worth A Try

Happy Babies

A great article - please don't use it to pass judgment, but to look at the things we can do to improve our world!

Where are all the Happy Babies?

Anterior Lip

Don't let the Anterior Lip (or directed pushing) ruin a good birth! ;-)  An article from MidwifeThinking.com

Read the comments, too, there's lots of interesting information there! As well as personal stories and experiences.

Birth Story!

Amazing, Beautiful, Real. A must read! at Mama Birth

Elective Cesareans are Riskier than Vaginal Births

from ICAN - Position Statement: Elective Cesareans are Riskier than Vaginal Births.

Want to know the risks to asking for a c-section? Or having one just because you had one before? (Yes, that's considered "elective" in most cases)

Birth Matters - and So Do I

This is an incredibly powerful peace - Please take the time to read it!!
 
... that the birth matters ... and so do I.

Don't want to do your Kegels?

Maybe you don't have to! Or at least not as many. Read more about how squatting is actually more beneficial than the dreaded Kegel.

The Benefits of Placenta

There is much speculation on how much benefit the placenta can give a new mom after birth - here is a website all about it! and a link to a list of studies showing some Placenta Benefits

ALL Births are Beautiful

Don't let them tell you otherwise! A blog post from doula-lly

Do I Need A Doula?

Wondering if you need a doula? Here is a nice piece on what we do, and how your situation might benefit from having a doula involved.

When Due Dates are Wrong

This piece on due dates and their relativity was written by an obstetrician. There is a lot of great information in here on why we call them "estimated due dates" or EDDs, and prefer to use a "due month" when it fits for the mom! There are so many variables, who is to decide exactly when baby is ready, aside from baby?

Five Ways Pitocin Differs from Oxytocin

"Pitocin is the most abused drug in the world today." ~Roberto Caldreyo-Barcia, MD, former president of the International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

This article outlines differences between pitocin and oxytocin. They are not the same, they are not interchangeable, and you need to be aware of what is being put into your body so that you can make informed choices.

Get your Vitamin D Levels Tested

If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, have your vitamin D levels tested. It can have such an impact on your pregnancy as well as your overall health!

http://sondrarose.blogspot.com/2011/08/vitamin-d-deficiency-pregnancy.html

Health Benefits of Goat's Milk

Karli and I belong to a local Healthy Lifestyles group, and recently the group was offered the opportunity to get fresh milk and other products from a North Dakota farmer (see the end of this post for more details). I was excited at the prospect, and trying to sort out the appropriate amounts to order for our family when one of the other members (thank you Anna) mentioned she wasn’t sure yet if she wanted cow’s milk or goat’s milk. This piqued my curiosity, as I didn’t know much about goat’s milk, so I decided to do a little research.

Oh my goodness, I quickly had a new obsession, and was wondering how I hadn’t heard any of this before! Weaning is a hot topic at my house right now (our daughter is 21 months), so when I saw over and over mothers touting the benefits of goat's milk in weaning, I was very much intrigued.

Another reason the benefits of goat's milk struck me so completely is that I am studying to become a Lactation Consultant, and in my most recent class there was a lot of reference to the incompatible nature of cow’s milk for human children.

When I read about the makeup of goat’s milk, it was clear that it was much closer! In fact, Journal of American Medicine says that “Goat’s milk is the most complete food known.” It contains vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, trace elements, enzymes, protein, and fatty acids that are utilized by your body with ease. The human body can digest goat's milk in just 20 minutes. It takes 2-3 hours to digest cow's milk. (Source: http://www.roseofsharonacres.com/raw_goat_milk_benefits)

Goat's milk is said to be the closest thing to human breast milk found in nature. And there is so much more! Science Daily notes that goat’s milk is great for anemia and bone density – in part because the body is able to metabolize more iron and calcium than from cow’s milk.

Here is a story from a mother who experienced first-hand the benefits of goat’s milk for her daughter. And this piece focuses a lot on infants with sensitivities to cow’s milk and how goat’s milk may be a great fit for them.

This is another great article filled with additional information on the benefits of goat’s milk.

This one is advertising a product made from goat milk, but it has a lot of great info on the benefits, nonetheless.

Oh, and let us know if you are interested in getting in on the farm-fresh milk! We are working with Bartlett Farm www.bartlettfarm.us – and hoping we can get enough people together to bring him all the way to Williston (presently someone will have to pick the products up in Minot).

There will be a meeting to discuss the project on September 19, 6:30 p.m. at the Williston Community Library. The Healthy Lifestyles meeting will follow, and guess what the topic is? Doulas and Midwifery! Please join us!

Shameless Self-Cross-Promotion

Hope you don't mind a little shameless self-cross-promotion! I am the guest blogger on the Playdate Crashers Blog today, writing about foster parenting and the first day of school. Totally off-topic, but I'd love it if you checked it out!

Choices in Birth

The Birthing Site.com has posted a short documentary on choices in birth you might find interesting. It is important to be aware that you aren't simply at someone else's mercy in your birth experience - you DO have choices!

Natural birth story

Here is a really short and sweet story of natural birth by a mother in the Phillipines. We hope you find it empowering!

Milksharing story contest

Human Milk 4 Human Babies California is celebrating World Milksharing Week September 24-30 with stories of milksharing. They are looking for moms who have milkshared in some way to share stories, and they've turned it into a fun little contest!

How did milksharing make a difference in your life or that of your baby? How did it feel to give the gift of liquid gold to another mother? Have you wet-nursed someone else's child?

If you are a breast milk donor or recipient, you can submit your story to hm4hbcalifornia@gmail.com from now until September 22, 2011. They will publish all submitted stories as a blog post and then post the link to each story on the HM4HB - California page during World Milksharing Week to help spread the word about modern day milk sharing.

There are prizes, too. Check out their Facebook note for details.

Iatrogenic Birth

Iatrogenic basically means illness or symptoms induced in a patient as the result of a physician's words or actions. With or without the big word, this is a fantastic blog post on interventions in birth, and what they really mean for moms.

Breastfeeding Protects Against SIDS

The University of California, San Francisco has published some extensive research on the connection between breastfeeding and SIDS protection. Read the results here.

Photo of the Day

Picture of the Day!! (Thanks to Alex Firmani - Birth Photographer)

Pitocin and Impact on Toddlers

Does Pitocin during labor impact your child later in life? Some studies have said yes. Here are the results of a survey of moms, showing the perceived impacts on their children at three years of age. Pretty interesting stuff. We'd love to hear your personal stories!

The Other Side of Epidurals

This article on the negatives of getting an epidural is a must read for every mom considering the procedure. Admittedly there isn't a lot of balanced information here, but it's important to seek out sources on BOTH sides of an issue before you make a choice.

Eight Ways to Turn a Breech Baby

Are you concerned your baby might be breech? Here is a blog post from Birth Sense on what it means for a baby to be breech, and some ideas on turning baby.

Avoiding an Unnecessary Cesarean

This blog post provides some information on unnecessary cesareans and what you can do to reduce your risks of having one.

Baby Mamas (Put a Sling on 'Em)

Hooked on breastfeeding!

Rooming in at the Hospital

Here is a great blog post on rooming in during your hospital stay.

"Breasts don't stretch down hallways and under doors." What a fantastic quote! Rooming in is so important, please let us know if you would like more information on why!

Despite all the weird advice you might receive (read the comments for some doozies!), rooming in is definitely the best thing for mom and baby.

Babies cry less and are easier to calm

Moms get more rest

Ability to respond to baby's feeding cues

Make more breast milk, faster

Learning! If this is your first baby, you don't want the first time you care for him/her to be when you leave the hospital alone. Trusting your instincts means practice for a LOT of moms!

None of that weird "baby switching" fear which can be very real for some mothers - especially with all the strange dreams you will be having!

Ability to ensure the care you want for baby (e.g. no pacifiers, bottles, tests, etc.)

That last one can be huge -- if you want to be in control of what happens with your baby, you should be the one providing their care.

The Shape of A Mother

What does the love of a mother look like? This is a website you won't want to live without in your postpartum days!!

The Shape of A Mother

Good maternal nutrition

I came across this quote today, and really liked it...

"No amount of prenatal blood sampling, uterine testing, ultrasounds, amniocentesis, or other physical evaluations can substitute for good maternal nutrition." ~Dr. David Stewart

This is a really good guide to nutrition while pregnant and nursing -- lots of colorful graphs to keep your attention!
 
Here is a pamphlet from ACOG that may be interesting.

What are your thoughts on maternal nutrition?

Breastfeeding - what would you tell yourself right before you started?

This is a really great video. Breastfeeding has been a choice for my family that I can't even put into words - it's perfect. It has enriched my life in more ways than I can make you understand, far beyond offering my baby nature's perfect food!

Inspiring Slide Show for those Expecting Multiples!

Who am I kidding? It's totally inspiring for ANYONE even remotely interested in birth! Please watch this video!!

Birth Photo!!

The modern media does NOTHING to help us prepare for a natural, healthy, normal birth process. TV shows like A Baby Story and 16 and Pregnant and bits and pieces from all sorts of movies show us that birth is scary and medical and dangerous... did you know that's not always the case?

Hypnobirthing Video

This mom really has mastered the ability to relax through her contractions!

Breech Birth Stories

It's important to know that babies can be born in the breech position - and it's important that our health care providers know how to help facilitate that! Here is a personal story of babies turning mid-labor. Just because they start out one way doesn't mean that's the way they'll stay!

Breech Babies

Movie Trailer ~ The Business of Being Born

The Business of Being Born Trailer

Birth High!

When a baby is born naturally, the moment of birth is often accompanied by a rush of the hormone Oxytocin - the LOVE hormone!  What often results is what moms describe as the "Birth High" a moment of sheer pleasure and ecstasy and love for your baby.... which may be what this new mom is feeling right now....

Breastfeeding and Work

Can both be done? Breastfeeding and Going back to Work

HBA2C Birth Story!

I think one of the best things we can do to get ready for labor and birth is to read other people's stories! Here is a wonderful, honesty, raw portrayal of one woman's Home Birth After Two Cesareans!

HBA2C Birth Story ~ Silas!

Inspiration

Pregnancy and Birth is soooo unbelievably beautiful. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

The Business of Being Born clip about Pitocin

Have you seen The Business of Being Born? It comes highly recommended (from me!)  Here is a clip where the topic of interest is Pitocin....

Looking for ICAN? Connect on facebook!

Here is the ICAN offical facebook page. There are local pages, too. ICAN is the International Cesarean Awareness Network and are a great resource for moms looking for more information on VBACs and more.

The website is found at www.ican-online.org

Increasing milk supply

What can you do to increase your milk supply to continue nursing as long as YOU and BABY want to? Here is some of the best advice we have gathered.

Drink lots and water and get plenty of rest, of course, those are going to be key factors in keeping up with baby's milk supply. Nurse often - we recommend on demand - and be sure to offer both breasts at each feeding.

This is an awesome blog post on increasing mother's milk, shared by our friend Kate. She also shared a recipe on another blog for "Major Milk Makin Cookies," which we are going to have to try out!

Dr. Sears posted a note today on the Best Fats for Lactation, which may be of some help, too.

Fenugreek is often recommended, but apparently it makes you smell like maple syrup! While that certainly isn't all bad, it might get old!

This herb was suggested by another friend: Hormonal Changease.

Best of luck!

(Please note, we are not prescribing or recommending any herbal therapies - that is outside our scope of practice as doulas - but we are passing on information provided to us by others on our FB pages.)