Monday, October 31, 2011
Group B Strep and Pregnancy
We have been seeing a lot of Group B Strep coming up lately. Check out this article and get informed on what it is, and what it could mean for your pregnancy.
Should moms avoid caffeine while pregnant or nursing?
This topic seems to be one linked with lots of opinions either direction. I’ve known nurses to tell moms they were not “allowed” soda in the hospital, and moms who never altered their intake a bit and felt their children were unaffected. The experts are torn, so how are you to make up your mind?
If you are looking for some data to decide what you should do, check these out…
The March of Dimes says women should limit their caffeine to 200 mg a day, and quotes several conflicting studies:
The Cochrane Review says there is no benefit to avoiding caffeine:
This study found no convincing evidence of link to fetal harm:
Here is info on a study that takes the “other side”:
This study said there is no link to miscarriage risk:
And here is one more recommending limiting intake:
So what do you think? Follow your instincts. If you are a person who is sensitive to caffeine, baby very well may be, too. If you nurse your baby after a cup of coffee and find her sleep patterns altered, you may want to review your personal intakes.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Oh no, I’ve become one of THEM!
I was doing some work on the Cyber Doulas blog recently, and I noticed a rather distinct imbalance of information. There were 30 links to articles about breastfeeding, and another three about formula. Guess what? None of them said, “If it’s the right thing for your situation, go ahead and give that baby a bottle. It’s OK.”
We fed C from a tiny plastic cup, with a syringe, with everything but a bottle. Looking back (with my now far broader knowledge base) I know there are other things I could have done, but at the time, I did all I could. I know now that I was probably suffering from some postpartum depression, and my home situation was definitely not conducive to working through the issues baby and I were experiencing.
And I am kind of sorry for that.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge supporter of breastfeeding. As we speak, I am nursing a baby who will be two years old in less than a month, I recently started a breastfeeding support group in my town, and I am studying to become a lactation consultant. I couldn’t be more supportive of breastfeeding, and I think it is hugely important that women have the support they need in order to nurse their children for as long as they choose.
But I also know – quite personally – that not all women have that support.
I had children young. My son was born three weeks before my 19th birthday, and two daughters arrived in rapid succession. I did not have a strong support system (my ex-husband and I split up for the second, and final, time when baby number three was just shy of two), and there were a lot of things unhealthy in my life.
But I was a good mom, and I did everything for those three little people that I possibly could. Unfortunately, breastfeeding just didn’t seem to be in the cards for us.
My son came into the world following a rather eventful (read: difficult) pregnancy. I was on bed rest for several months for pre-term labor and preeclampsia, and ended up being induced on his estimated due date. Even with all that, I was absolutely adamant that I would have as “natural” a labor as possible. I had taken childbirth education classes, and I knew the benefits, and the risks of medication for baby. I was driven, and with my doula by my side, I fought for what I wanted. Alas, after a long Pitocin-fed labor, baby boy C was delivered by emergency cesarean.
I knew that breastfeeding was the right choice for my baby, and as soon as we could be back together after the surgery, we worked to initiate the breastfeeding relationship. Hours had passed by then, and we were both traumatized from the days we had just experienced.
We had mixed success in the first days. A lactation consultant came to the hospital room to work with us, and while she was supportive and kind, I felt an overwhelming pressure to succeed. There simply didn’t seem to be an option. Human breasts were made to nourish human babies…why was this so hard for me? What was it about me that caused me to struggle with this (seemingly basic) breastfeeding thing? What was my problem?!?
After five days in the hospital we went home, and the struggles continued, as did the pressure. When mixed success started turning into absolute failure, a local program provided a lactation consultant to come to my home. I wanted this to work, so I followed all of their advice. I didn’t give my son a bottle (although it turns out he had been given a few in the hospital, thanks to some “helpful” labor and delivery nurses) or pacifier.
When engorgement became a severe issue, I pumped. Then I pumped some more. And some more. Wow, I pumped a lot in those first weeks.We fed C from a tiny plastic cup, with a syringe, with everything but a bottle. Looking back (with my now far broader knowledge base) I know there are other things I could have done, but at the time, I did all I could. I know now that I was probably suffering from some postpartum depression, and my home situation was definitely not conducive to working through the issues baby and I were experiencing.
When tiny C was three weeks old, I threw in the towel and decided to bottle feed him. It was one of the hardest decisions of my life – and one of the best for my relationship with my son. Without this total awfulness looming over our heads, we were able to move on with our lives and become a happy, healthy mother/son pair.
I stopped feeling like a failure and started feeling like a mom.
One of my strongest memories from this time was women I coined “nursing Nazis.” These women, both online and in person, made me feel as though the decision I had made was akin to leaving my baby on a doorstep somewhere. My heart told me I had made the right choice, but I allowed others to make me second-guess myself. Constantly.
I am well aware that some of those feelings were probably self-created due to the guilt I felt over not breastfeeding. But I also know that not all of them were. And 14-years-later-me has not done enough to help moms in that situation feel good about their parenting choices.
The moral of the story? If it’s the right thing for your situation, go ahead and give that baby a bottle. It’s OK.
Is Nursing Bad?
The Leaky Boob discusses nursing with her older children in the piece, "Is Nursing Bad?"
Placenta Encapsulation Instructions
Placenta Encapsulation Instructions from the Natural Pregnancy Mentor.
Support Midwife Kate McCall
California midwife Kate McCall has been the victim of such injustice. We support her, and we hope you will, too, in any way you can.
Support Midwife Kate McCall
Support Midwife Kate McCall
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Uterine Rupture: A Look at 20 Peer-Reviewed Publications
A peer-reviewed look at uterine rupture. "We are looking at a large number of women. Almost 3 million! The overall uterine rupture was .07%"
Fully or Mostly Breastfeeding Women Have Lowest Blood Sugar Levels After a Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy
Kaiser Permanente has done research showing that little or no formula supplementation is the best thing for getting blood sugars back to normal after gestational diabetes. Interesting read!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Happy anniversary BWF!
The Birth Without Fear blog - definitely one of my favorites - is celebrating its first anniversary! Check out this list of their top ten posts!
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Whose idea was it to begin vaccinating ALL NEWBORNS for a sexually transmitted disease? A piece on the Hepatitis B vaccine from Dr. Sears.
Seeing Moms Breastfeed in Public Is Actually Vital for Our Future
Seeing Moms Breastfeed in Public Is Actually Vital for Our Future - an awesome piece from The Stir.
Monday, October 24, 2011
The 3 R’s in Childbirth Preparation
Here is a great handout from Penny Simkin on The 3 R's in Childbirth Preparation: Relaxation, Rhythm, and Ritual. Interested in learning more? Contact the Cyber Doulas about a childbirth education class.
At Least You Have A Healthy Baby...
To any mommy who was unable to have the birth they wanted, this is a good read!!
At Least You Have A Healthy Baby...
At Least You Have A Healthy Baby...
Gestational Diabetes In African-American Women
Here is a study on Gestational Diabetes In African-American Women. Has anyone had experience with gestational diabetes becoming Type 2?
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Episiotomy: Is it better to tear or be cut?
Episiotomy: Is it better to tear or be cut? an article from iVillage.
The Dr. Brewer Pregnancy Diet
I don't know enough about this to endorse it or steer people away from it, but someone asked me about it, so I am sharing a link.
Brewer Pregnancy Diet
Brewer Pregnancy Diet
After the Birth: What a Family Needs
Oh, you've heard it. "What can we do to help?" or "Let us know if we can do anything!"
Here is a great post on what people can do to help a family out after the birth of their baby. Our advice would be to know what you might want people to do, so you are armed with an answer when they ask! Some people draw up schedules (Could you bring dinner on Thursday? Could you watch the older children on Tuesday?), while others are a little less organized about it. Either way, you can really benefit from knowing what help you might like people to give!
Here is a great post on what people can do to help a family out after the birth of their baby. Our advice would be to know what you might want people to do, so you are armed with an answer when they ask! Some people draw up schedules (Could you bring dinner on Thursday? Could you watch the older children on Tuesday?), while others are a little less organized about it. Either way, you can really benefit from knowing what help you might like people to give!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Claudia's Birth Story
A great birth story - there are many variations on "normal"!
"This is my home water birth after being EXTREMELY overdue and having a broken bag of waters for 3 days..." ~Mary
"This is my home water birth after being EXTREMELY overdue and having a broken bag of waters for 3 days..." ~Mary
Thursday, October 20, 2011
What if Breastfeeding Had No Benefits
What if Breastfeeding Had No Benefits?
One of the co-authors of the new Womanly Art of Breastfeeding discusses a change they have made in the most recent edition.
One of the co-authors of the new Womanly Art of Breastfeeding discusses a change they have made in the most recent edition.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Importance Of Chiropractic
The ladies over at Plus Size Birth have a guest post on the importance of chiropractic during pregnancy. Check it out!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Overcoming Fear to Experience Raw Power - Birth Story
I love the birth stories on Birth Without Fear. This one is about something many women find a struggle - Overcoming Fear. You can do it!
(Plus it is a breech story!)
(Plus it is a breech story!)
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Birth Story - Born in the Caul
Think the water has to be broken for a baby to be born? This birth story will mess with your reality!
Friday, October 14, 2011
October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month
Did you know October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month?
~~*~~*~~*~~
Pregnancy and Infant Loss is a delicate subject and I dare say, not many people know how to go about bridging the gap in communication. I know I sure don't! I have friends who have lost pregnancies. I have friends whose children have died.
What do you say?
How can you say anything?! How can you NOT?!
~~*~~*~~*~~
Pregnancy and Infant Loss is a delicate subject and I dare say, not many people know how to go about bridging the gap in communication. I know I sure don't! I have friends who have lost pregnancies. I have friends whose children have died.
What do you say?
How can you say anything?! How can you NOT?!
Due Date Calculator
Newly conceived and wondering what your Estimated Due Date (EDD) might be? Here is a calculator from Just Mommies. It will give you a rough estimate -- remember that your specific dates may be impacted by lots of other factors!
Breastfeeding — How hard can it be?
Have you ever had this thought? Or maybe had someone else say it? Check out this great blog post on the Baby Legs site (by the way, we love Baby Legs, and our daughters wear them constantly)!
Vaginal Birth After 2 Cesareans…Comfortable with Hypnobabies!
Anyone curious about Hypnobabies? Here is a birth story.
Vaginal Birth After 2 Cesareans…Comfortable with Hypnobabies!
Vaginal Birth After 2 Cesareans…Comfortable with Hypnobabies!
For the Days You Want to Quit Motherhood
Something every mother needs to hear once in a while...For the Days You Want to Quit Motherhood
When C-Sec is the Right Choice
Today I wanted to share two beautiful stories of cesarean births. There can be so much stigma around c-sec deliveries, as though somehow the experience is not beautiful and amazing if this is the way your baby is born. I think these women would disagree!
The first story:
A Necessary Cesarean by Mother’s Instincts
and the second:
A Cesarean is Not a Failure: One Woman’s Story
I find these to be so inspiring, I hope you will, too!
The first story:
A Necessary Cesarean by Mother’s Instincts
and the second:
A Cesarean is Not a Failure: One Woman’s Story
I find these to be so inspiring, I hope you will, too!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
In a tough economy, Americans are having fewer babies.
"The actual number of births from 2008 to 2009 rose only in one state, North Dakota, which also posted one of the nation's lowest unemployment rates at 3.1%."
"The actual number of births from 2008 to 2009 rose only in one state, North Dakota, which also posted one of the nation's lowest unemployment rates at 3.1%."
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
What is Babywearing?
Have you ever wondered what this “babywearing” you hear so much about is? Put simply, babywearing is holding or carrying a baby (or small child) using a cloth carrier. Most parents will find their babies are happier if held – using a carrier just makes that care easier and more comfortable. Plus, it frees up your hands to go about the things you need to do!
What can you do while babywearing? How about everything! Laundry, dishes, taking a walk, making dinner, caring for other children, shopping…the list goes on and on.
Dr. Sears is a big fan of babywearing. Here is a blog post on his personal experience as a babywearing parent.
*Look for other pieces on babywearing on our blog.
*Check out http://www.babywearing.com/ for forums, and learn from other moms and dads who are doing it!
What can you do while babywearing? How about everything! Laundry, dishes, taking a walk, making dinner, caring for other children, shopping…the list goes on and on.
Dr. Sears is a big fan of babywearing. Here is a blog post on his personal experience as a babywearing parent.
There are tons of ways to implement babywearing in your life – different carriers will work for different moms (Example? Karli loves her mei tai, and I have recently become a big fan of a simple tube sling. We both use wraps, as well.) and some will use many different types! So how do you know the difference?
Babywearing International has an awesome glossary of carrier types (and other babywearing terms, like carries). We believe discovering babywearing can have a huge impact on your relationship with your child.
If you are interested in learning more…
*Let us know! We’d be happy to help you out! We are also considering adding a babywearing class to our schedule, so please speak up if that would be something of interest to you.*Look for other pieces on babywearing on our blog.
*Check out http://www.babywearing.com/ for forums, and learn from other moms and dads who are doing it!
Nine Reasons Not To Carry Your Baby Facing Out
I seem to be on a babywearing kick today, then a friend shared this link, so I thought it fit!
Facing in is the best way to carry your baby in their carrier, here is a blog post on why.
Facing in is the best way to carry your baby in their carrier, here is a blog post on why.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding
Here are a few evidence based articles from KellyMom.com talking about the normalcy of extended breastfeeding, as well as the benefits.
Busting the Myths of Extended Breastfeeding
includes information on the nutrition and immunities of breastmilk after baby is older than one year, whether mothers who still breastfeed are able to comfort their child in other ways, whether extended breastfeeding can cause overly dependent children, and information about whether nursing longer makes weaning harder or not.
Toddler Nursing
including what to expect when nursing a toddler and some options when it comes time to wean.
Handling Critism
about breastfeeding in general!
Overview of Extended Nursing articles at Kellymom.com
In case you have more topics you'd like to look up at Kellymom! and don't forget their forums, as well.
The thing I appreciate about www.kellymom.com is that her articles are evidence based, they aren't funded by any certain company with an overarching agenda, etc. She is well researched and states her resources, and they are the results based on real life evidence! ;-)
Busting the Myths of Extended Breastfeeding
includes information on the nutrition and immunities of breastmilk after baby is older than one year, whether mothers who still breastfeed are able to comfort their child in other ways, whether extended breastfeeding can cause overly dependent children, and information about whether nursing longer makes weaning harder or not.
Toddler Nursing
including what to expect when nursing a toddler and some options when it comes time to wean.
Handling Critism
about breastfeeding in general!
Overview of Extended Nursing articles at Kellymom.com
In case you have more topics you'd like to look up at Kellymom! and don't forget their forums, as well.
The thing I appreciate about www.kellymom.com is that her articles are evidence based, they aren't funded by any certain company with an overarching agenda, etc. She is well researched and states her resources, and they are the results based on real life evidence! ;-)
Not Just Another Typical "Teen" Pregnancy and Birth
This blog post on a teen mom should shake up your impressions of the stereotype just a bit!
Top Ten Reasons Why Home Birth Rocks
Blog post from Dreaming Aloud on home birth - Top Ten Reasons Why Home Birth Rocks!
Why I Became A Doula
I wrote this essay for my DONA birth doula certification, and I thought I would share it with you!
My personal journey to become a doula began 13 years before I ever looked into training, or even knew what DONA was. I was very young – three weeks short of my 19th birthday – expecting a baby, and alone. I knew I wanted what was best for my child, and I saw that as a natural birth with few (if any) interventions. When I shared those hopes with my obstetrician (look back, he was amazingly supportive – if only we could all be so lucky), he connected me with an amazing birth doula.
That was the best thing he could have done for me. While the day didn’t go as I hoped – my imagined natural birth turned into an emergency cesarean when my baby boy went into distress – she was like the glue that held everything together. There are a lot of things she didn’t do “right,” but that’s OK! What she did for me is eternally imprinted on my mind, and I can’t imagine the experience without her.
A cross-country move and a slew of life changes meant I did not have access to doula care when my second and third children, two beautiful little girls, were born. Without even realizing it might be up for debate, I had a hospital VBAC, fulfilling my need for a mostly natural birth. Even so, I longed for the support I had in my first birth, and I wished for a way to make that care accessible to women in rural areas like the one I now lived in. My life situation did not lend itself to supporting other women, though, so those thoughts were pushed aside, waiting for the right time.
A decade passed, and I was blessed with the arrival of my fourth child, another perfect baby girl. This time, I was in my seventh month when I found out it was hospital policy to not allow VBACs. I was devastated. While my husband was incredible and I had a great support system in place, I felt lost and alone. There didn’t seem to be any alternatives. I followed the procedure and did as I was told, but I knew I had to be part of a change.
It was then that my thoughts went back to my first birth, and to the concept of doula care. My research led me to DONA, and I am so glad it did. Through DONA and my training with JM Birth, my eyes were opened. I learned that there really are options for women in birth. I quickly found that I was making an impact in a world with a lot to change. Becoming a doula was an opportunity to apply a lifetime of practical knowledge, and share it with women as they transition into motherhood. What could be better than that?
Helping mothers to have the birth that is right for them is not only great for them, it is empowering for me. I find great energy in the tiny role I play in bringing each new life into this world, and it is changing my life. I will never forget the feeling after my first client’s birth, when I realized – I have found what I want to do with the rest of my life.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Think Ricki Lake Is Behind Home Birth Popularity? Think Again
Here is a fun blog post from Mama Birth on Ricki Lake and the popularity of home birth. Is it her "fault"?
Asking Questions and Getting Information from Your Provider
Check out this great blog post on asking questions of your medical care provider! She has lots of great ideas to make the process easier.
Alpha Parent: 15 Tricks of Formula Companies
This blog post from Alpha Parent talks about the "tricks" formula companies use to become mainstream. What do you think?
(And I love their tag line, the "snobby" side of parenting. I might have to spend some time checking her page out.)
(And I love their tag line, the "snobby" side of parenting. I might have to spend some time checking her page out.)
Evangeline Lilly on natural birth
Here's another celebrity in the news talking about natural birth. Check out this interview with Evangeline Lilly of Real Steel.
Why You're a Great Mom
Check out this article from Redbook, "Why You're a Great Mother, No Matter How You Mother."
We totally believe in the power of a mother's instinct!
We totally believe in the power of a mother's instinct!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Footling Breech Birth Photos and Story
Check out this story and photos from a footling breech birth. Birth can be normal in all kinds of different ways!
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