tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21535421727146999282024-03-27T16:52:52.136-07:00The Midwives of Bethany Womens HealthcareBethany Womens Healthcare's midwives and lactation consultant share their thoughts, education, adventures, and more!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-60471304423875978472012-10-08T06:57:00.001-07:002012-10-08T06:57:09.199-07:00National Midwifery Week<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Excitement galore!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">October 7 thru 13 is National Midwifery Week!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a time to celebrate midwives across the country...hooray! As you may or may not know midwife means with woman. It's our great joy, honor and pleasure to be with women as they journey through their lives...including but not limited to their pregnancies, labor and birth. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We just spent the weekend up in Payson on our annual midwife retreat. It was invigorating to spend so much time with my midwife partners. The passion and dedication to women and midwifery was so apparent and contagious. I know all the midwives in our group do not consider our occupation a job or career but rather a calling. We are proud to be midwives and we take that calling very seriously. In doing so we also celebrate all our clients as well- mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers and aunts who have birthed and/or supported women who have birthed. So this week let me call all women to celebrate ourselves. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One way to celebrate ourselves is to care for ourselves. Below is a pledge we can all take that encourages us to be active participants in the type of health care we receive. We must value who we are and recognize the importance of us in the lives of our families and friends. We are needed by our families and by society. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone deserves the type of healthcare we desire and to be active participants in healthcare decisions. So in honor of National Midwifery Week and women everywhere I strongly encourage you to take the following pledge along with all the women in your life. Make caring for yourself one of your callings, value yourself as much as you value all the other women in your life...cause we value each and every one of you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for all the support you've given us midwives at Bethany Women's Health Care and all the support you've given every other woman in your life. Have a wonderful week!</span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ourmomentoftruth.midwife.org/ACNM/files/ccLibraryFiles/Filename/000000002564/OMOT-Feature_TitleYourHealthPromise.gif" /></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Take charge of knowing what your options are—it’s <span style="font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">your</span> body and <span style="font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">your </span>health. Make a promise to yourself today to be the most informed health care consumer you can be. <span style="font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">You</span> deserve it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I promise</span> to take control of my own health. I will make decisions for myself based on facts and the type of care that means the most to me in maintaining my health.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I promise</span> to better understand the choices I have in managing my health care. I will learn more about my personal health preferences and explore the care options available that can best meet my health needs.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I promise</span> to be an active decision maker in my care. Medical procedures performed on my body without my knowledge or understanding are not acceptable.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I promise</span> to put my health first. I will educate myself on ways to improve or maintain my high standard of health and talk to my care provider about how they can help me meet these goals.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I promise</span> to improve my health care experience. I will become informed about different health care providers and approaches to care and use this information to improve my own experience as a health care consumer.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I promise</span> to encourage others to take charge of their health. I am a force for change and will inspire my friends and family to better their own health through awareness and action.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-11091098095880070702012-08-22T06:21:00.001-07:002012-08-22T06:21:44.882-07:00Reflecting on the road with Lynnette<br />
Today as I was leaving the Y after doing my 30 minutes on the bike I saw a former patient working out on the elliptical machine, "trying to lose her last few pounds of pregnancy weight" :) . Her baby is already 3 months old and she's, of course, madly in love with him. We talked briefly, mostly she thanked me for the care she received during her pregnancy and birth. She mentioned that with her first birth in Michigan she couldn't do what we were able to do here, and she was thankful that our kind of care was available to her.<br />
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We frequently hear from women who are thankful for care where they can labor freely without being tethered to the monitors, where they can use the tub for comfort, where IVs are not mandatory, and where their requests are acknowledged and implemented whenever possible, including getting the epidural (if that's part of their plan).<br />
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Today as my husband and I drive north past Flagstaff toward the Grand Canyon with all this beauty around me, those words of gratitude come back to me. I'm always amazed and grateful when I can "get outta town", but today the gratitude that's touching my heart is toward the strong, beautiful women who put their trust in us to guide them through their pregnancies and births. It' s such a gift to us to be allowed to accompany them through such a personal and intimate time in their lives, and I am truly awed and thankful to them for the lessons they teach me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-5hkfsXLJlSrNwyKifm-08Dz3__pqjwBsVDkg0MPIQMoDac2dRLb_Ydnvj0Sqwe9AZ20M1XPZw86QUZrBLupzWNCEmyi7vpWeq_UDnd9xUvo5aBDTRma6w3dtk6Ce6cBbv7x-AcF2wg/s1600/Lynnettesphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-5hkfsXLJlSrNwyKifm-08Dz3__pqjwBsVDkg0MPIQMoDac2dRLb_Ydnvj0Sqwe9AZ20M1XPZw86QUZrBLupzWNCEmyi7vpWeq_UDnd9xUvo5aBDTRma6w3dtk6Ce6cBbv7x-AcF2wg/s320/Lynnettesphoto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also feel gratitude toward Bethany Women's Healthcare and Phoenix Baptist for providing the opportunity for Certified Nurse-Midwives to practice. Unfortunately, as many women know, midwifery care is very limited. I've been lucky enough to be with this practice for12 years and it's easy for me to forget how very lucky I am. I work in a very diverse practice, with wonderful supportive partners and truly beautiful women who seek care from us. Can life get any better? So, as I look at all this natural beauty surrounding me -the Vermillion Cliffs, the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon -I'm also reminded of the natural beauty of pregnancy, birth, and all the strong women I've had the pleasure of spending any time with during the past 12 years. Thank you for your trust, and the lessons you've taught me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-31300771234558005482012-06-30T14:32:00.004-07:002012-06-30T14:32:59.487-07:00Pregnant Patients' Bill of Rights...by Lynnette<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> All healthcare providers get into this profession for their own reasons. Over the years I've considered my own reasons and have come to the conclusion my strongest passion is to give personal, individualized care. A pet peeve of mine is when a rational reason cannot be given for doing a procedure, or when something is being done for the convenience of a provider rather than comfort of the patient, or just because "it's what we always do". </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> When people are in the hospital the combination of being in unfamiliar territory and the attitude of care providers that they are the experts makes it difficult for patients to voice their individual requests. Women deserve and have the right to care that they are actively involved in formulating. The pregnant women's bill of rights defines those rights.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> As the third trimester advances most women settle into the reality of the work they have before them and start preparing for the birth of their baby. Part of that preparation involves dealing with questions about what is going to happen at the hospital. Unfortunately, birth has been hidden away in hospitals for years now and has become a medical event where many families feel they lose control over decisions about their care. Many women have never been a "patient" in the hospital prior to labor and the institutional aspects of a hospital takes them out of their comfort zone. That along with the feeling that nurses and doctors are "experts" who deal with birth everyday so they must know what's best for them make women more willing to hand over control or less likely to question "routine " procedures. Often procedures are just "done" without fully informed consent or explanation- IV starts, continuous monitoring, withholding solid food, limiting ambulation. Knowing your rights will enable you to assert your rights when it comes to procedures you may or may not want or need!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> In addition many providers are so busy in the office there is very little time during visits to ask questions or discuss what the birth will actually be like. Women need to remember that as consumers, paying for the services they are there to get, they have the right to have input in their care. Women also need to keep in mind their provider is in charge of their care, not the hospital staff or institution. Nurses are carrying out orders from the provider, so it is essential that you've discussed and participated in the formulation of the plan of care for you labor, birth, newborn care and postpartum care. You along with your provider make the decisions for yourself and your newborn after you obtained informed consent from your provider. Keep in mind that the consents you sign as you enter the hospital are very broad and that you the right to question and amend those consents. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> The Alliance for the Improvement of Maternity Services (AIMS) has outlined the Pregnant Patient's bill of rights. It's an important document that all pregnant women should read and consider as they prepare for birth. Birth should not be a "one size fits all" event. It's a very individualized, very personal experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. Women and their partners should have input into their care and the bill or rights helps to ensure they are given informed consent regarding procedures so they can have that input, knowing also that plans may need to be changed under various circumstances. But knowing your rights will strengthen your ability to deal with changes as they arise. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The bill of rights gives you freedom in making choices for you and your baby that are aligned with your personal desires to make your birth something to happily anticipated and remember with satisfaction. Please follow this link to read and learn more about the Bill of Rights. <a href="http://www.aimsusa.org/ppbr.htm">www.aimsusa.org/ppbr.htm</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-47810208210260914012012-04-13T18:52:00.001-07:002012-04-13T18:57:07.169-07:00Skin 2 SkinFrom Kate Paxton...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSN43CKcQL9BHz-sy9ovKM1GEj87ghP7IwMSowwyq-tccnN91fh_Ntmi85ruAMSbSrh9cN_ClRVw3VI6NDO3WiNjUWADovIR5hXFewv5VWcnGp7iaSy0ifIB48pahHLQStMuZYtJYnss/s1600/skin-to-skin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSN43CKcQL9BHz-sy9ovKM1GEj87ghP7IwMSowwyq-tccnN91fh_Ntmi85ruAMSbSrh9cN_ClRVw3VI6NDO3WiNjUWADovIR5hXFewv5VWcnGp7iaSy0ifIB48pahHLQStMuZYtJYnss/s1600/skin-to-skin3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Early this morning, I was called to a birth of young woman. Her labor had progressed significantly and it became obvious she would inevitably deliver her baby at just 33 weeks and 5 days. We called in one of my favorite Neonatology Nurse Practitioners (NNP) – she’s aware of the need to evaluate and help babies transition as smoothly as possible. Now this kind little boy – Brannon – helped us tremendously by flinging out his tiny arms and giving a nice big howl. I placed the baby onto the mother’s abdomen and he continued to cry and transition well – allowing us to delay clamping or cutting the cord, so he could get all the extra blood he could from his placenta. The mother was able to speak with the baby and welcome him to this world.<br />
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Perhaps the sweetest moment of every birth is that moment when the baby arrives and snuggles up, babies chest to mother's chest, in mother’s arms. This moment is not just a nice scene – there’s a lot of science to support the practice of skin-to-skin contact in the immediate postpartum period.<br />
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My favorite way to help a baby transition to the “extrauterine environment” – that’s science-speak for ‘the world outside the womb’ – is to deliver the baby to the mother’s abdomen. As long as the babe is stable, this allows for delayed cord clamping and skin-to-skin contact. Delayed cord clamping has been shown to result in improved iron status of babies up to even six months of age. The baby can obtain about a fifth of its blood volume through placental transfusion following the birth – and this may make a big difference in the health and well-being of a baby. For preterm babies – like little Brannon this morning - delaying cord clamping for even a short time can help the babies transition more smoothly. The World Health Organization Reproductive Health Library and the Cochrane review suggest delayed cord clamping is the standard for care of stable infants.<br />
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As we allow the cord to pulse oxygen-rich blood into the baby, who is using his lungs to breathe air for the very first time, a lovely place to put that baby is on the mother’s chest. In a Chochrane review of over 30 studies, the research showed “that babies interacted more with their mothers, stayed warmer, and cried less. Babies were more likely to be breastfed, and to breastfeed for longer, if they had early skin-to-skin contact. Babies were also, possibly, more likely to have a good early relationship with their mothers, but this was difficult to measure.” The WHO Reproductive Health Library described the ideal situation – that “early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) begins immediately after birth by placing the naked newborn baby prone on the mother’s bare chest.” This library also reviewed a great number of studies and found that SSC after birth helped reduce crying, improve the mother-infant interaction, keeps the baby warm, and helps the mother successfully breastfeed.<br />
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The International Breastfeeding Center lists a number of benefits of SSC from birth to the first hour: The baby…<br />
• Is more likely to latch on<br />
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• Is more likely to latch on well<br />
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• Maintains his body temperature normal better even than in an incubator<br />
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• Maintains his heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure normal<br />
<br />
• Has higher blood sugar<br />
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• Is less likely to cry<br />
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• Is more likely to breastfeed exclusively and breastfeed longer<br />
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• Will indicate to his mother when he is ready to feed<br />
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Although we understand how special these first moments are on an intuitive level, there are untold numbers of hormonal and sensory interactions occurring in these precious moments – perhaps areas available for future research. Until then, we can trust that there’s good science to support these midwifery practices. Mothers should be encouraged to hold, smell, kiss and snuggle their newborns on their own chest, with direct skin to skin contact. This is the time when mothers are learning their baby’s cues and babies are learning their mother’s environment. So, consider these practices when writing your birth plan. The midwives at Bethany Womens Healthcare are happy to support these practices for your birth.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-70780626393911304782011-12-16T09:16:00.005-07:002011-12-16T10:12:04.090-07:00"The Twelve Gifts of Birth" at ChristmasEveryone remembers the classic Christmas song " The Twelve Days of Christmas". It reminds us of this special time of year when we share gifts, enjoy family and friends and fill our hearts with love. For some, it is also a time to celebrate birth!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgISjmh0sU7kMCiJ94x8KI-PGqyQLENDIiUmJZFkx4k1yimBlRADnO48ThVWhLoVmAznGPQEvRvjnow2mFRmq2SWkoLP2EMcGhPJd70gw27tMQd74qsMtbTzAGQSFQkLQV2vsi1G78Kd8/s1600/Donna%2527s+baby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgISjmh0sU7kMCiJ94x8KI-PGqyQLENDIiUmJZFkx4k1yimBlRADnO48ThVWhLoVmAznGPQEvRvjnow2mFRmq2SWkoLP2EMcGhPJd70gw27tMQd74qsMtbTzAGQSFQkLQV2vsi1G78Kd8/s320/Donna%2527s+baby.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
"The Twelve Gifts of Birth" by Charlene Costanzo captures the spirit of this joyous season and reminds us of the miracle of birth and the wondrous gifts that we all are born with. I would like to share it with you.<br />
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<br />
<div align="justify">The first gift is Strength...May you remember to call upon it whenever you need it.</div><br />
<div align="justify">The second gift is Beauty...May your deeds reflect its depth.</div><br />
<div align="justify">The third gift is Courage...May you speak and act with confidence and use courage to follow your own path.</div><br />
<div align="justify">The fourth gift is Compassion...May you be gentle with yourself and others. May you forgive those who hurt you and yourself when you make mistakes. </div><br />
<div align="justify">The fifth gift is Hope...Through each passage and season, may you trust the goodness of life.</div><br />
<div align="justify">The sixth gift is Joy...May it keep your heart open and filled with light.</div><br />
<div align="justify">The seventh gift is Talent...May you discover your own special abilities and contribute them toward a better world.</div><br />
<div align="justify">The eighth gift is Imagination...May it nourish your visions and dreams.</div><br />
<div align="justify">The ninth gift is Reverence...May you appreciate the wonder that you are and the miracle of all creation.</div><br />
<div align="justify">The tenth gift is Wisdom...Guiding your way, wisdom will lead you through knowledge to understanding. May you hear its soft voice.</div><br />
<div align="justify">The eleventh gift is Love...It will grow each time you give it away.</div><br />
<div align="justify">The twelfth gift is Faith...May you believe.</div><br />
<div align="justify"></div><br />
<div align="justify">May your gifts be Peace, Love and Joy this Holiday season!</div><br />
<div align="justify">Donna</div><br />
<div align="justify"></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02065353675709738032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-89429414382733175602011-12-05T20:01:00.000-07:002011-12-05T20:01:23.909-07:00Yoga is coming!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawnO-4ebHF6udD8693czFQqUB_uPllocaua0H3Mn7W0ulxdX73QfOwO3hJhdAwihotCXVK8bpjFa71QyKTfLpHSlm4F5n4ynmP7pgQtgD-0gVENVUT7sMs8buFd06M3-PchROVLQUxaY/s1600/Yoga+flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawnO-4ebHF6udD8693czFQqUB_uPllocaua0H3Mn7W0ulxdX73QfOwO3hJhdAwihotCXVK8bpjFa71QyKTfLpHSlm4F5n4ynmP7pgQtgD-0gVENVUT7sMs8buFd06M3-PchROVLQUxaY/s320/Yoga+flyer.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-62989901865104860672011-10-20T08:12:00.002-07:002011-10-20T08:12:46.214-07:00Open houseOpen house is at our BWHC location: 3660 W Bethany Home Rd (south bldg)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-13244160073243544472011-10-20T04:47:00.000-07:002011-10-20T04:47:21.868-07:00Open HouseHope to see everyone today for the Open House. 4-8PM! Lots of great prizes, food and fun!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-71265666399333004912011-09-14T12:32:00.000-07:002011-09-14T12:32:53.085-07:00Save the date!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz7fYxqN958qXKeuRCSTPspXQgqK-bwl9yGctQ_PuKgajShTpFpBmqD-iJgl9OS-K_oplZBz7T1138PiNjGinF-ozEN-5MQExX_aPutrYBrQJ_PYCNLHyY4mNkej9Q-5H6eUM0xdvhzg/s1600/276478_287318601281895_973143083_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz7fYxqN958qXKeuRCSTPspXQgqK-bwl9yGctQ_PuKgajShTpFpBmqD-iJgl9OS-K_oplZBz7T1138PiNjGinF-ozEN-5MQExX_aPutrYBrQJ_PYCNLHyY4mNkej9Q-5H6eUM0xdvhzg/s1600/276478_287318601281895_973143083_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 20, 2011</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4-8PM</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bethany Womens Healthcare Midwifery Center</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3660 W. Bethany Home Road</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Phoenix, AZ 85019</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You are happily invited to join the Midwives of Bethany Womens Healthcare for the </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Grand Opening Celebration</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of our Midwifery Center. We can't wait to share all our new programs, our renovated space and patient-centered care with you. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Come bring your family, friends and have some fun with us celebrating our new digs! </span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-69341411048296633242011-08-19T09:11:00.000-07:002011-08-19T09:11:59.800-07:00The Change goes on...Donna's here and Kim's coming!! Our newest midwife, Donna Barisich, has started! She's hopped right in and is nearly up to speed already! Kim Flanders will be joining us in about a week. We will then be fully staffed once again (with 6 CNMs).<br />
<br />
We are excited about Kim bringing Centering Pregnancy into the practice. She has "trained the trainers", so will be offering valuable insight and strategy for our implementation.<br />
<br />
We are also very excited about the expansion of our practice into the "Midwifery Center" at BWHC (into the South-old Birth Center building where ultrasound and billing are now located). Painting is happening at the moment and we will begin the moving of furniture, desks, etc. today! On Monday, the midwives will be officially moved into the newly renovated space. And Dr. Alan Schapker will be moving back into the North building with our other physicians and nurse practitioner. We hope this move will more efficiently utilize our space and afford a more comfortable waiting room environment (no more SRO).<br />
<br />
Stay tuned. We'll be having an open house soon. Will post the date on both blog and facebook.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-64881127428682242722011-07-31T09:50:00.000-07:002011-07-31T09:50:36.331-07:00Birth StoryHere's a sweet birth story...please follow the link:<br />
http://kimandgarybarnes.blogspot.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-19899138476613689512011-06-01T16:34:00.007-07:002011-06-01T16:57:02.545-07:00ChangesLots of changes coming at BWHC. Here's just a few:<br /><div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gBicr3gdBCuiZbrP03fYYggoSDhVCALmRK0U05wS9HV2fj6atWB2BV2KS8iXBA4bhwkzdBNZUkBvZUFmG91gJYCGF4XOYGokvRw43iB2jtwyPygnnTD-9Wl0MtJomSKbE8D_VyWAJSQ/s200/DSCN1460.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613403622133574898" /></div><div>New CNM, Kate Paxton has just received her privileges at Phoenix Baptist and has started "catching" babies. She's also credentialed to assist with Cesarean section births and has already done her first! Kate comes from Columbia University in New York, but has deep Phoenix roots (her family lives here and her youngest sister was born in our Bethany Birth Center some years ago). Yeah, Kate!</div><div><br /></div><div>Soon Donna Barasich comes...she comes with a wealth of midwifery experience! We are so happy for our patients to have such loving hands to care for our families. We are fortunate to have her grandbabies be born into our practice...thus the pull from the East Coast to Arizona. She'll be arriving mid-August just in time to experience our "dry heat"! ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>We're interviewing and considering another new midwife and hope to make a decision soon. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then there's a new Midwifery Center in planning stages...Shhhhh it's a secret for now, but start getting excited!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-9721836235666559102011-05-24T15:57:00.003-07:002011-05-24T16:05:53.419-07:00AHCCCS gynecology visitsYour gynecology health is important! With current stories in the news regarding cutbacks for Medicaid and Medicare, we want to let our gynecology patients know that AHCCCS (Arizona Cost Care Containment System) is still covering visits in our office. Such things as PAP smears (cancer screening), cultures, family planning and other gynecologic issues are included under your AHCCCS coverage. Please feel free to call our office if you have any questions regarding your gynecology needs and coverage with AHCCCS.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-4049013556573663252011-05-18T14:05:00.005-07:002011-05-18T14:59:50.258-07:00Trust...What we knew first<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMblmqH6R4S6Vl2WW6XqGfZ2i0CiaeA7TpccToTpeAJ1i0WxcnRn9rbgEOrUlmYWav2S8uLHO0YSNvew69Gi8DdHbMGkana6kxufpNEwRubUDhTJVhJ9vmkWAysrRYPM51-xU0xXEi5lo/s1600/DSCN0691.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMblmqH6R4S6Vl2WW6XqGfZ2i0CiaeA7TpccToTpeAJ1i0WxcnRn9rbgEOrUlmYWav2S8uLHO0YSNvew69Gi8DdHbMGkana6kxufpNEwRubUDhTJVhJ9vmkWAysrRYPM51-xU0xXEi5lo/s320/DSCN0691.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608172682924130658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;"></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;font-size:100%;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TRUST... A word we hear frequently, but what does it really mean? Is it something we once knew more about? Something we had more of as a child? Something we can remember? Practice? Words and phrases used to define trust include:</span></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Reliance on strength and ability</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Confident expectation of something</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Reliance on integrity</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Believing, hoping</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As tiny children we had no problem trusting. It was just second nature to us. We had no doubts about our bodies' strength and abilities. (Remember "I can do it MYSELF!"?) We jumped, played, climbed without worry or fear. We expected and believed something wonderful every day. And there was certainly no shortage of belief and hope at Christmas time. </span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So, as women, can we still TRUST? Do we trust the process of BIRTH? Can we have CONFIDENCE in the STRENGTH and ABILITY of our bodies to birth our babies? Can we EXPECT a wonderful birth? Can we rely on the INTEGRITY of our minds to stay focused on the work to be done? Can we BELIEVE and HOPE for the most amazing experience?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ABSOLUTELY!</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Perhaps we have forgotten how to trust ourselves, trust our bodies. It’s almost like we have given them over to the medical machine and forgotten what we once knew. We've lost our confidence, lost our self-reliance, our strength. Perhaps we can take a look backward and consider...</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">What We Knew First</span></i></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The complete wisdom of the universe abides in us at our birth.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our very cells know how to love, laugh, and live in grace.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We are born knowing how to heal others</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and how to heal ourselves.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our bodies know by intuition how to give birth to a new generation</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and how to pass gently from this life.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The irony is that we spend much of our lives</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Searching, trying to understand again, and to TRUST</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">…what we knew first. </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Let's REMEMBER... Let's TRUST...</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I invite you to explore strategies to remember and practice trusting yourself, your body, BIRTH:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Check out:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Hypnobirthing: www.hypnobirthing.com</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"Birthing From Within": www.birthingfromwithin.com</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">P.S. Late breaking news: Jessica Alba is planning on using hypnobirthing with her current pregnancy!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-6694803163367548882011-05-17T20:05:00.002-07:002011-05-17T20:09:38.521-07:00Getting more socialHey there:<div><br /></div><div>We've gotten new energy for our blog! Sorry we've been a bit stale lately, but we're committed to freshening up our blog with cool stuff. We'd love to hear from you about topics you might like to see here! Let us know! Some things coming up...our new midwives...VBAC success stories (by the way, if you have a birth story and possibly photos you would be willing to share, we would LOVE to have your contributions to the blog), more on nutrition during pregnancy. Or catch up with us (and put your stories/photos up) on facebook. We have a new page there and would love to have you "like" us! Thanks for your patience during our blog "dry spell".</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-57180269621878370592011-03-21T13:46:00.010-07:002011-03-21T23:08:00.867-07:00Breastfeeding Matters . . .<span style="color:#000000;"><em>A big "thank you" to The Midwives of Bethany Womens Healthcare for their gracious invitation to join you in cyberspace and post breastfeeding information. I'm Sharon Olson, the lactation consultant at BWHC. I've been board-certified since 2002, and have been helping mothers breastfeed their babies since 1992 when I became an accredited lay breastfeeding counselor. During this time, each of my four breastfed daughters played a role in teaching me something new as well as providing impetus for continuing to learn more -- which continues to this day since research and new findings are ongoing!</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>I teach our breastfeeding classes, facilitate our weekly nursing mothers group, and help mothers during private consultations. Look for my posts regarding new information as well as details about upcoming events at the Breastfeeding Support Center, which is located in Building C, the building closest to Bethany Home Road.</em><br /><em></em><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em><span style="color:#3366ff;">FAQ #1:</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3366ff;">"Breastfeeding is natural. Why do I need to take a class?"</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></em></strong><br /></span><span style="color:#000000;">You are right! Breastfeeding <em>is</em> a natural process. It is also a set of <em>learned behaviors</em> for a mother and baby which new mothers have traditionally learned from other experienced breastfeeding women. If you don't know anyone who is enjoying a successful breastfeeding experience with her baby and YOU <em>want</em> to breastfeed, you <em>will </em>benefit by taking the classes we offer and starting to form your own support network.<br /><br />In generations past when extended families lived closer together, young women and expectant mothers learned how new mothers interacted with their babies by watching others and asking questions. In this way, lots of feminine knowledge about breastfeeding was transferred from one generation to the next.<br /><br />In the last 100 years, as feeding methods changed, much of this feminine knowledge about breastfeeding has sadly been lost to our culture. Many new mothers live far away from their families of origin, and some have never held a baby until their own infant is placed in their arms. Science now proclaims that breastfeeding is best, and we're also learning that without the practical information of times past, some mothers can (and do) struggle with it. And THAT is why taking our <strong><em>Breastfeeding Works! </em></strong>class during your second trimester can make all the difference to you and your baby!<br /><br /></span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;">Upcoming Classes</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br />Call our main number, 602-973-3200, to register for classes so that I prepare enough materials for everyone. Please arrive 15 minutes early on the day of class to pay the fee and pick up your class materials.<br /><br /><strong>Saturday, April 9, 2011</strong><br /><strong>9:00 a.m. - Noon</strong><br /><strong>Cost: $20</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Breastfeeding Works!</strong> - <span style="color:#000000;">Spend 3 hours learning about the normal process of breastfeeding, including your baby's normal behavior and feeding cues, as well as how your body will respond and make milk. Learn practical information so you are comfortable, Dad knows how to help, and your baby thrives! Dads and/or a suspport person are welcome to attend with you. Sitting through this class is more comfortable during your second trimester!</span><br /><br /><strong>Monday, April 18, 2011</strong><br /><strong>7 - 8:30 p.m.</strong><br /><strong>Cost: $10</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Employed and Breastfeeding Seminar - </strong><span style="color:#000000;">Spend 1.5 hours learning how to ease the transition when you return to work or school and desire to continue breastfeeding. Dads, a support person, and baby are welcome to attend with you. We'll discuss pumps, pumping routines that work, storing human milk, and balancing employment with childcare concerns.</span><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /></span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;">Nursing Mothers Group</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"></span><br /></strong><span style="color:#000000;">Bethany Womens Healthcare<br />3660 W. Bethany Home Road<br />Phoenix, AZ 85019<br /><br />March 2011<br /><br />Wednesday Mornings: 10 a.m. - Noon<br /><br />PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF BUILDING A. WE ARE LOCATED ACROSS THE PARKING LOT IN BUILDING C.<br /><br /><em>Join us in the Breastfeeding Support Center. Babies and toddlers always welcome. Bring your questions and concerns. In addition to the discussion topic, we'll explore answers that work for YOU. This is informal and fun!</em><br /><em></em><br /></span><strong>March 23 - Preparing to Breastfeed </strong><br />Let's start at the beginning. What preparations did you make? Share what was helpful. Share what was not!<br /><br /><strong>March 30 - Arizona's Breastfeeding Report Card </strong><br />We'll discuss the statistical findings by the Centers for Disease Control about breastfeeding initiation and duration nationwide and in Arizona.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-32693209324321257362011-01-07T08:57:00.001-07:002011-01-07T08:59:52.225-07:00BETHANY WOMENS HEALTHCARE<br />3660 W. Bethany Home Road Phoenix, AZ 85019<br /><br />Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics<br /><div align="left"><strong>*** January 2011 ***</strong> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF BUILDING A </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Join us in the Breastfeeding Support Center. Babies and toddlers always welcome. Bring your questions and concerns – In addition to the discussion topic, we’ll explore answers that work for YOU. This is informal and fun! </div><div align="left"><br />Jan 5 <strong>What Your Baby KNOWS</strong></div><div align="left">Your baby has the human instincts and reflexes of all babies everywhere, all around the world. Learn how to “read” your newborn baby and appreciate how much he knows about life already! </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Jan 12 <strong>A New Mother’s Guide to Breastfeeding</strong></div><div align="left">We’ll discuss the basics that new mothers need to know BEFORE their babies arrive. What do you wish someone had told you? </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Jan 19 <strong>Postpartum Body Image</strong></div><div align="left">Your postpartum time is loaded with adjustments, and the appearance of your body can be an especially sensitive topic. Does it affect how you feel about breastfeeding? Or, does breastfeeding affect how you feel about yourself? </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Jan 26 <strong>Coping with Sleep Deprivation</strong></div><div align="left">Breastfeeding babies are expected to nurse around the clock in the early months. Is this normal? How do new parents cope? What are normal expectations for this phase of life with your new baby? </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-61263241551334103242010-12-09T08:48:00.001-07:002010-12-09T08:49:54.582-07:00Sierra's Birth Story - A Halloween TreatA Halloween Treat<br /><br />Eleven days past your due date doesn’t seem like much…until you are living it out, getting more impatient by the day, fielding numerous “what’s taking so long” inquiries (as though you are in control of this phenomenon) and dreading the necessary induction if you reach the two week mark.<br /><br />Multiple weeks of Braxton Hicks and phantom contractions made Saturday, October 30th seem pretty consistent with the past 5 weeks or so of waiting. The only difference was the regularity, but every six minutes of very mild contractions doesn’t mean a whole lot. Thus, we began our immensely long to-do list of last minute baby requirements and routine chores/errands. Item 1: finish packing bag for hospital on Tuesday, when we were scheduled to be induced. Good choice. We never made it past that.<br /><br />While lamenting to my younger sister via telephone that things were not happening the way I desired, I felt my water break…at least I thought I did. It wasn’t a big theatrical gush, so I wasn’t completely sure…really, how are you supposed to know? After ascertaining that I had, indeed, lost a bit of my bag of waters we abandoned our to-do list in favor of inspiring the labor that I still did not completely believe was happening.<br /><br />The remainder of the afternoon was rather anticlimactic – contractions were only slightly stronger and no closer together. My parents joined us in the evening for a welcome distraction from obsessing about when things would actually get rolling. They left around 9pm, when I started to get tired, so we could attempt to rest in preparation.<br /><br />I realize now that lying down in any way was a big fat bad idea for me. I didn’t sleep, just switched from side to side during contractions that were becoming more frequent, though only just uncomfortable enough to keep me awake. It is amazing how long you can be in your head, debating the correct course of action and attempting to will yourself to get some sleep, rationalizing that at least you are resting…somewhat. Let me just say that sleep is not overrated, if you can get it.<br /><br />Three o’clock saw the last of my patience; I woke hubs and let Lisa know we would be on our way soon. Hubs gathered up the ‘last minute’ items (this took so much longer than I thought it would…and most of the stuff was probably not necessary) while I attempted to help (until I was ordered to sit down) and then we were in the car and on our way. Driving to the hospital in the middle of the night definitely enhanced our excitement.<br /><br />As we walked in to the ER (since it was after hours) some teen tried to bum a cigarette off of us (seriously?). At triage we learned that I was only at 3 ½ cm, but there was no way they were sending me home at almost 42 weeks gestation and already losing amniotic fluid…so we were led to a room to get settled in (the birthing suite…sweeeeet). As soon as I could, I hopped in the tub (oh tub jets, how I love thee and thy amazing pain relieving powers), where I spent several hours (talk about pruny fingers!) until Lisa arrived around 9am and suggested I get checked and try another laboring position.<br /><br />Back to the bed, lying on my side, contractions became intense. And I was only at 4cm. Lisa rubbed my back and encouraged me to relax through each new wave for about an hour or so. Finally, after over 24 hours of labor, I reached my breaking point and began begging for an epidural. This was an extreme deviation from our intended birth plan, but I believe God’s hand was in this decision, as the rest of the birth would have been extremely difficult without the epidural and quite probably would have led to a c-section. We came pretty close as it was.<br />Once Hubs and I agreed on the epidural (he wanted to make sure I would not have regrets about it) I kept asking if the anesthesiologist could come before the next contraction (negatory). As I waited and got hooked up to every machine in the entire hospital and then some I repositioned to my happy place – sitting cross legged and rocking back and forth, completely zoned out to everything around me (including the spewing IV fluid due to a messed up tube). I was glad to have a break and be able to rest once the medicine began working.<br /><br />My “rest” was short lived – the epidural, it seemed, was what my body needed to enable it to relax enough to dilate…in minutes I went from 4 to 8cm and shortly thereafter I was at 10 and it was time to push! With an epidural this is a very weird proposition. At first I just made the appropriate “pushing” face and hoped it was doing the trick. Eventually Lisa told me to use my stomach muscles, which made so much more sense and helped me to become more efficient. My cheer squad (my parents and Hubs) were so supportive and enthusiastic during this 2 ½ hour process. At the beginning everything was very serene and they would quietly say “push it out” (which made me think of Bill Cosby – “push it out, shove it out, waaaaay out!”) or “don’t stop” (and I kept thinking “don’t stop ‘til you get enough!”). My favorite was Hubs telling me to “crank one out.” I frequently heard, during this time, that the baby was coming…so often that I stopped believing that the current contraction was actually bringing baby into the world.<br /><br />Two hours into pushing Lisa was getting concerned, so she brought in Dr. Harris for consultation. He watched a few pushes and then he brought out his arsenal of baby removal products. First up was an episiotomy, followed by an unsuccessful vacuum attempt (due to baby’s head being at an odd angle) and finally he just reached in and pulled baby out manually. [Sidebar: fourth degree tear – yowza! That battle wound caused me to be known around L&D as “that girl”.]<br /><br />When the head appeared the cheer squad went crazy, reaching a mighty crescendo. It took me a minute to realize that they weren’t bluffing this time and I watched as baby emerged with the biggest pouty lip – ready to berate us for removing him from his warm and comfy home. The moment to discover the gender of our baby arrived moments later and we were so shocked to see that we had a son! My dad (a former ultrasound tech) watched the sonogram DVD months prior and feigned that he couldn’t tell, but the whole time he had a pretty good idea, so when baby arrived my dad shouted “I knew it! I knew it!!” while the rest of us yelled “it’s a boy!”<br />Little Love was then monitored, warmed and cleaned up a bit, and then Papa (Hubs) got to hold him – such a sweet father-son bonding moment. During all of this, my Dad kept returning to the bedside to tell me how perfect and good looking his grandson was. I had to agree.<br /><br />It appears that Boo was just waiting all that time to have a very special Halloween Birthday. Giving birth was the most amazing thing I have ever done, and I wouldn’t change a second of it. I am woman, hear me roar.<br /><br />Shout out to Lisa for her amazing support, encouragement and wisdom during a difficult birth; and to Tiffany for her awesome prenatal and postpartum care, as well as her patience through alllll of my questions.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-50669990802534391282010-12-02T08:49:00.000-07:002010-12-02T08:50:28.594-07:00Nursing Mothers Group Discussion TopicsNursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics<br />*** December 2010 ***<br />Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon<br />PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT<br />ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC<br /><br />Join us in the Breastfeeding Support Center. Babies and toddlers<br />always welcome. Bring your questions and concerns –<br />In addition to the discussion topic, we’ll explore answers that work for YOU. This is informal and fun!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dec 1 Do I Have Enough Milk?<br />How do you know? Tips for calibrating a plentiful milk supply in the early weeks will be discussed.<br /><br />Dec 8 Nursing Mother’s Book Club<br />What is your favorite book or resource about breastfeeding and why? Bring a copy to show and tell.<br /><br />Dec 15 Ouch! Is Breastfeeding Supposed to Hurt?<br />In a word, NO. We’ll discuss why many women believe this, and review the mechanics to prevent this from happening to you.<br /><br />Dec 22 Baby’s First Holiday Season<br />Take a break from the busyness of season and enjoy some down time with other mothers.<br /><br />Dec 29 Your Extended Family and Your Breastfed Baby<br />Family relationships are important. Your extended family can interact with your baby even if they can’t feed him or her. There are a MILLION ways to encourage this so no one feels left out. Come and share what has worked for you and pick up some tips.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-68590921669915973982010-11-29T15:11:00.003-07:002010-11-29T15:13:33.475-07:00Our New Student - Kylee<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCskl6daloihzMjOXxkb4XF-VC973JeScXeT13ciHVmwc0Ghhpe1OL9d0l3xYLNme9yty6TQpvdgAaVtb05lh4ahQDDFtFaOh5Hg2vLmslktW8VbwNk3Yn77ASGV1CNdklf0uDLTbMoE/s1600/IMAG0872.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545097994837987602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCskl6daloihzMjOXxkb4XF-VC973JeScXeT13ciHVmwc0Ghhpe1OL9d0l3xYLNme9yty6TQpvdgAaVtb05lh4ahQDDFtFaOh5Hg2vLmslktW8VbwNk3Yn77ASGV1CNdklf0uDLTbMoE/s400/IMAG0872.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />I guess I should have listened to my mother when she told me in high school that she thought I'd be great at working in women's health. I disregarded her then, but now here I am, having decided to be a Certified Nurse-Midwife! I get to provide care to women and their families, AND I get to catch babies! How lucky am I? So I guess the old saying "mama knows best" was correct!<br /><br />My path has been pretty straight-forward to my goal of being a CNM: I was hooked on women's health as soon as I took my mother/baby course in nursing school. We all have those people in our lives who make a huge impact on us, and my maternity instructor was one of them. I finished nursing school at Northern Arizona University with my mind set on what I wanted to do, began working on Labor and Delivery at a hospital in Phoenix, and there I have been the past four years. I made my way through school part time with a job and a baby, a part of the rich history of the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing. I am so excited that my time has finally come to meet all the wonderful women, babies, and families that I get to be a part of caring for as a student midwife. I see the close bonds that the midwives at Bethany have with the women they care for, and I know it is because they really and truly care. I can't wait to begin forming those bonds, and look forward each day to meeting all of the wonderful families as I learn from the Bethany midwives.<br /><br />Looking forward to meeting you all!<br />Kylee Lowdon, SNMUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-24091292746648624962010-10-27T16:00:00.001-07:002010-10-27T16:00:57.319-07:00November Nursing Mother Group TopicsBETHANY WOMENS HEALTHCARE<br />3660 W. Bethany Home Road Phoenix, AZ 85019<br /> <br />Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics<br /> *** November 2010 *** <br />Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon<br /><br />PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT <br />ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC<br /> <br />Join us in the Breastfeeding Support Center. Babies and toddlers <br />always welcome. Bring your questions and concerns – <br />In addition to the discussion topic, we’ll explore answers that work for YOU. This is informal and fun! <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Nov 3 Accidental Holiday Weaning<br />Find out how “holiday weaning” can sneak up on a mother and what you can do to avoid it. <br /> <br /> <br />Nov 10 Nutrition (and Fitness) While Breastfeeding<br />With the holidays right around the corner, we’ll review healthy food and exercise choices for nursing mothers.<br /> <br /> <br />Nov 17 Baby’s First Holiday Season<br />If the additional busy-ness of the upcoming holiday season is already stressing you out, take a break and enjoy some down time with other mothers. We’ll discuss whatever is on your mind! <br /> <br /> <br />Nov 24 Happy Thanksgiving!<br />Share your favorite “new baby” memory from the past year. What unexpected changes did your baby bring into your life? How have you grown?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-90209081513102075992010-10-20T09:44:00.000-07:002010-10-20T09:45:40.285-07:00The Life of a Student Nurse-Midwife by JaimeBecause of the scarcity of Full-Scope Midwifery practices, Student Midwives often have to branch out from their school locations in order to find CNMs (Certified Nurse-Midwives) to learn from. I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ (Moon Valley High School, Class of 2000!!), but I relocated to Nashville, TN to pursue my education at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. I love Phoenix, and I find myself drawn here every chance I get J<br /><br />So here I am, in my final semester of school. Looking back, I cannot believe how far I have come since I started this journey, but when I look forward, I see how far I have yet to go. I feel so fortunate to have landed in Phoenix, AZ for clinical training. Not only do I have my family here to support me, but I have been learning from the fabulous Midwives at Bethany Women’s Healthcare. Seeing the wonderful relationships that develop between the midwives and the women and families they serve is truly amazing, and it has helped me stay passionate about my goal of becoming a CNM. <br /><br />I would love to answer any questions about being a Student Nurse-Midwife. So shoot!<br /><br />Jaime Pickering SNMUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-67579019740699666062010-10-13T14:36:00.000-07:002010-10-13T14:41:13.895-07:00Teressa's Birth StoryFriday, August 27,th was the day after my due date. I remember it clearly as it was 119 degrees outside, and I was over being pregnant. I decided to swim laps in my pool and walk on the treadmill alternately for over an hour even though I could barely move. I had heard that exercise, pineapple, and lots of walking could bring on contractions, so I did all three. That night, around midnight, I felt my first contractions. I started timing them, and finally decided to go to the hospital around 7am.<br /><br />I was dilated to 3 cm when they checked me, and I decided to stay. I did a lot of walking at first, and remember asking the nurse at what rate I could expect to progress. She said approximately 1cm an hour, so I remember playing mind games with how well I was doing, and stated at 12 noon I wanted to be checked, expecting to be at least 6-7 cm and almost done. Well....I was at 4 cm at noon, and while the pain was bad- it was somewhat manageable in the tub. I had back labor, so the contractions were painful, but they were far enough apart that I could handle it. <br />The pain in my back began to worsen around 1pm, and I tried several positions with a ball and in the tub to try to get the baby to turn. I decided the tub was the most comfortable, so I went back there to wait. Shortly after I got in the tub, my midwife had to leave to deliver another baby. It did not seem like I was progressing, so I thought this would be more than fine. By the time the nurse came in to check the baby’s heartbeat the next time, I was yelling in pain and was thankful to throw up to get a break from the pain. My contractions started happening one on top of another, and I felt like I could barely catch my breath. I literally fell out of the tub with each contraction while the nurse was asking me to “rate my pain from 1-10”. I made her leave, and during one horrible one yelled, “I need an epidural now!” to my poor mother sitting outside the bathroom. She ran to get the nurse I had just told to leave, who needed me to get back to the bed to check me first.<br /><br />It took me about ten minutes to get back to the bed because the contractions literally made me fall over. The nurse thought I was exaggerating my pain I am sure, and thought I was just being dramatic. We got back to the bed, and I was at 6cm, and my water had popped sometime while I had been in the tub yelling. My midwife was still delivering another baby, so she gave the ok for an epidural. I was so frustrated with myself that I had not “stuck it out” with natural childbirth, but I felt like I was passing out and I couldn’t think of an alternative. I remember looking at the clock, which read 3:40pm. I was convinced the clock had stopped for several hours and that it could not possibly still be the same day. The epidural involved getting an IV in and some fluid that the nurse promised would only take ten min. She could not get the IV needle in my arm for about ten minutes, because my contractions were constant. By the time the fluid started entering, I was begging her to make it go faster, and a minute later I was overcome with the urge to push. <br /><br />The nurse looked at me, somewhat shocked, as it had only been 30 minutes since I was at 6cm, and said she should probably check me. I was at 10cm and could not stop pushing. She ran and got my midwife, who ran in as I was already pushing regularly. This part I don’t really remember at all, but it was not painful. I was on a mission, and it felt like my body took over as if it knew exactly what to do. I was told I pushed for less than 15 minutes, and I kept thinking I had to wait, because my daughter’s father was not there yet. <br /><br />Amaya Grace was born at 4:08 pm and weighed 9lbs 2 oz and she was 21 inches long. They put her right on my chest, and I will never forget how she squeezed my finger and turned and looked right at me with huge, beautiful eyes. She had a full head of hair, and was absolutely the most perfect miracle I could imagine. It was almost shock I felt that the whole time I had been waddling around in pain, and wishing away my third trimester, I had the most amazing little girl inside me. <br />Her dad made it about ten minutes later, and was able to cut her umbilical cord. I sat for a long time with her on my chest, not wanting the moment to be over. I felt a great sense of pride in the fact I had made it, although unintentionally for a portion of the time, through natural childbirth, and I was overcome with love for Amaya, as if she had always belonged in my arms, lying on my chest. She is truly an angel sent by God.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-51948814692894112362010-10-10T15:04:00.002-07:002010-10-10T15:09:13.810-07:0010-10-10Some would say today is an auspicious day. 10-10-10. There have been 3 babies in our practice born so far today, one choosing to be born at 10:55 (seems like these would be fun numbers for a numerologist!). Sweet babies all. And STRONG mothers!! Such a gift to attend births. Big thanks to all the supportive nurses at Phoenix Baptist! It's a very good day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153542172714699928.post-52828611708318783362010-10-10T13:52:00.001-07:002010-10-10T13:57:27.608-07:00Melissa's Birth Story Part 3Kimberly didn't seem too worried that I was feeling pushy, but Kevin was a different story. He was frantically running around the house, packing the car, and getting ready to head to the hospital. I was still in "my birth zone," and hadn't noticed, but Kimberly mentioned that he seemed pretty anxious to get on the road. A few moments later, Kevin approached us and said "I think we need to go." They both looked at me, and I responded that I really didn't want to get out of the birth pool. "We REALLY need to go," Kevin repeated, and I once again made it known that I really didn't want to get out of the water. "How am I going to do this in the back of a car?" I cried. Deep down inside I knew we needed to go, but it didn't make the task any easier. "OK," I sighed, as I prepared myself to leave my comfortable watery home.<br /><br />Kevin quickly lifted me up out of the pool and began taking off my wet swim shorts. Kimberly asked me if I wanted some dry underwear to put on, and Kevin threw her a pair he had dug out of somewhere. She began putting them on me, but stopped when we realized that they didn't fit. "I don't need any underwear!" I said, a little annoyed. I figured that I'd be pushing this baby out sooner then later and wearing underwear didn't really make sense at that point. They helped me put my dress on over my sports bra, and we headed out the door. I really wasn't looking forward to the car ride, but Kevin tried to make the experience a little better for me. While I was in the birth pool, he had retrieved every towel,blanket, pillow, and comforter from our house and had constructed a soft nest to labor on in the back of the car. They helped me climb in, and I got on my hands and knees in preparation of the next contraction. Kevin asked Kimberly to ride with us, and she sat in the second row so she could do counter pressure on my back. Her hands were priceless at that point.<br /><br />Once we were all in the car, we took off towards the hospital. I asked Kimberly to call the midwife's office to let them know we are on our way so they could meet us there. She made the call, and Lylaine (the midwife on call) was on her way to the hospital. Our car came to a stop at a red arrow to get onto the 60 freeway. Kevin's anxiety got the best of him and after a few seconds he decided he didn't want to wait anymore. He slammed on the gas as he turned a sharp left onto the on ramp, and I went flying in the back of the car. Naturally, I screamed bloody murder, and told Kevin to stop driving like a mad man. Fortunately it was all smooth freeway from there, and we arrived at the hospital after about 20 minutes.<br /><br />It was 205am on Sunday September 12th.<br /><br />Since it was the weekend, the South Building entrance was closed, and we had to go through the North Building Emergency Room entrance. The buildings connect at a bridge on the 3rd level, and this was our only way to get to the labor and delivery floor. Kevin drove up to the ER doors and helped me out of the back of the Tahoe. Kimberly took my arm, and walked me through the doors while I vocalized through a contraction. There were people in the waiting room, and I could see them staring at me. I really didn't care, and I closed my eyes and continued working through the contraction. Kimberly told the front desk that I was in active labor, having a VBAC, and was feeling pushy. They immediately took me back behind the reception area and gave me a chair to lean over. Surprisingly enough, the lady took her time asking me questions and didn't seem to be concerned that this baby might make his grand entrance at any time. My mouth felt like cotton from all the vocalizing I was doing, and I asked Kimberly for a drink. When Kimberly tried to give me some water the lady quickly interjected, "Only enough to get her mouth wet!" "Yeah," I responded, as in "Yeah right you're gonna keep me from drinking water crazy lady!" You think she would have known better to mess with a woman in labor.<br /><br />Finally we were good to go, and a nurse suddenly appeared with a wheelchair. I declined the free ride, as there was no way I was going to sit during a contraction. Another pregnant woman was coming with us, and I overheard that she was due in a few weeks and having some minor cramping. As we set out on our trek to get to the other building, our caravan had to stop every 2 minutes so I could work through each contraction. I moaned, I rocked, I even pushed a few times. I felt bad to make everyone wait for me, but my body was in charge and I did what it wanted me to. I couldn't help but think that I was probably scaring the daylights out of this young pregnant woman, but my body was not in the apologetic mood and so I continued to do my thing. Finally, after what seemed like the longest hike of my life, we reached the OB Triage. I saw Lylaine's white hair glowing through the window, and it was like seeing an angel. I was so happy to see her, and I immediately knew that she was going to help make my birth just the way I wanted it.<br /><br />Once I was in triage, Lylaine had me lay on the bed just long enough to check my dilation. After a few seconds she announced that I was complete, and she asked if I wanted to walk to my room or be wheeled in on the bed. I opted for the bed as it would get me there quicker, and I immediately got on my hands and knees. They began rolling me out of triage, and Lylaine leaned over and whispered "You push whenever you feel like it," in my ear.<br /><br />Once we were in the L&D room, I stayed on my knees and put my hands up towards the top of the bed. The nurse laid down two straps for monitoring, but before she could even start to put them on me, Lylaine told her that I didn't need them as my baby would be here soon. Instead, she had the nurse hold a monitor to my belly so it could track Dallin's heart tones.<br /><br />Now for some reason, I was under the impression that pushing was the *easy part* of all this. While that may be the case for some moms, it was NOT the case for me. After channeling all the power in my body out through vocalizing, it was hard to start channeling it into pushing instead. After about 20 minutes of pushing, things weren't progressing as much as I had hoped and Lylaine asked if I wanted to try a different position. She had me lay on my side while holding one leg up. I would bear down and push with each contraction while everyone rooted me on and gave me encouragement. Lylaine would start to see the top of his head, but once the contraction was over and I relaxed, it went back in again. I was getting frustrated. I was trying so hard, but I felt like it wasn't doing anything. After another 45 minutes or so, I began worrying that they would call it quits on me or say that I was taking too long. I started saying "I'm trying!," "I'm trying!," hoping that they wouldn't give up on me. Fortunately, my fears never became a reality, and only the opposite occurred. Everyone in the room was so patient and respectful. They remained positive and upbeat the entire time, and never once tried to manipulate my body or control the situation. Finally, my water broke, and it seemed that my pushing was becoming a little more effective. I was getting so tired, and I could feel beads of sweat on my face. Kimberly put a wet washcloth on my neck and gave me water in between pushing. At this point, Lylaine asked Kevin if he wanted to "catch" Dallin, and Kevin said he would. I started pushing harder, and not stopping when the contractions ended. I pushed and pushed, and sweet Kevin began making pushing noises with me. He gave me the motivation I desperately needed at that point. Finally, after a good long push, Dallin's head started to crown and I felt that infamous "ring of fire" that everyone talks about. It really didn't feel that "firey" to me, and I thought "well good, the worst of it is over." Soon Dallin's head was out completely, and I gave one more hard push to get his upper body out. That is where I was caught a little off guard, and I screamed as his shoulders and chest emerged (later I found out that this is where I tore). Lylaine told Kevin to come catch his son, and Kevin immediately placed his hands under Dallin's armpits, and helped bring him out the rest of the way. It was 4:05 am on Sunday September 12th. After 40 hours of on and off labor and an hour and a half of pushing, he was here. Kevin placed Dallin directly on my chest. He was very alert and crying loudly. It was such a surreal moment having him placed in my arms. He was here, and he was healthy and perfect. Everything we had prepared for, hoped for and prayed for was suddenly a reality.<br /><br />The moment I held him, the discomforts and challenges of labor didn't matter anymore. I was completely enthralled with this sweet new being, and there was no room for thoughts of anything else. I felt an immediate peace and joy as I held him. Everything about that moment felt so right.<br /><br />Lylaine waited for the cord to stop pulsing, and then she showed Kevin where to cut it. My placenta came out, and the midwife gave me 4 stitches where I had a 1st degree tear.<br />Once my sutures were done, they brought me some juice and left us alone to bond with Dallin. Kimberly helped me to get him nursing, and once we were good she left as well. About two hours after he was born, they asked us if we were ready to weigh and measure him. The nurse was so respectful of our wishes and never tried to impose anything on us. The girls came to visit him that afternoon, and we left Sunday evening, only 18 hours after he was born. It felt so good to be home.<br /><br />In Conclusion:<br />Going through a natural childbirth was the most physically challenging thing I have ever done. I was still trying to process what I had gone through a few hours later, and I couldn't say that I was ready to do it again any time soon. Even so, an intervention free childbirth was what I had planned and hoped for and I was so grateful I got it! It took educating myself and preparing, as well as surrounding myself with a supportive birth team to be able to accomplish what I wanted. I am so grateful for my wonderful husband, doula and midwife as I know that things wouldn't have been the same without them. While it took a lot of patience, trust, energy and endurance on my part, the benefits of going without interventions were so worth it. My body, the birth process, and my baby were respected the entire time and that made all the difference.<br />What I went through with my girls and their c-section was very intense, and what I went through with Dallin's birth was very intense as well. They both took a lot of sacrifices on my part, although they were different sacrifices. I can however, look back at Dallin's birth and say that everything about it felt right and I have no regrets whatsoever (although we might just plan on staying home next time and having the midwife come to us instead:) I am so grateful for Brenna and Brooke's birth as it taught me so much, and ultimately helped me to attain a much better birth with Dallin.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0