The Midwives of Bethany Womens Healthcare

"The Twelve Gifts of Birth" at Christmas

2011-12-16T09:16:00.005-07:00

Everyone 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!

"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.

The first gift is Strength...May you remember to call upon it whenever you need it.

The second gift is Beauty...May your deeds reflect its depth.

The third gift is Courage...May you speak and act with confidence and use courage to follow your own path.

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.

The fifth gift is Hope...Through each passage and season, may you trust the goodness of life.

The sixth gift is Joy...May it keep your heart open and filled with light.

The seventh gift is Talent...May you discover your own special abilities and contribute them toward a better world.

The eighth gift is Imagination...May it nourish your visions and dreams.

The ninth gift is Reverence...May you appreciate the wonder that you are and the miracle of all creation.

The tenth gift is Wisdom...Guiding your way, wisdom will lead you through knowledge to understanding. May you hear its soft voice.

The eleventh gift is Love...It will grow each time you give it away.

The twelfth gift is Faith...May you believe.

May your gifts be Peace, Love and Joy this Holiday season!

Donna

Yoga is coming!

2011-12-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

Open house

2011-10-20T08:12:00.002-07:00

Open house is at our BWHC location: 3660 W Bethany Home Rd (south bldg)

Open House

2011-10-20T04:47:00.000-07:00

Hope to see everyone today for the Open House. 4-8PM! Lots of great prizes, food and fun!

Save the date!!

2011-09-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

October 20, 2011

4-8PM

Bethany Womens Healthcare Midwifery Center

3660 W. Bethany Home Road

Phoenix, AZ 85019

You are happily invited to join the Midwives of Bethany Womens Healthcare for the

Grand Opening Celebration

of our Midwifery Center. We can't wait to share all our new programs, our renovated space and patient-centered care with you.

Come bring your family, friends and have some fun with us celebrating our new digs!

The Change goes on...

2011-08-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

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).

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.

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).

Stay tuned. We'll be having an open house soon. Will post the date on both blog and facebook.

Birth Story

2011-07-31T09:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a sweet birth story...please follow the link:
http://kimandgarybarnes.blogspot.com

Changes

2011-06-01T16:34:00.007-07:00

Lots of changes coming at BWHC. Here's just a few:

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!

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"! ;-)

We're interviewing and considering another new midwife and hope to make a decision soon.

And then there's a new Midwifery Center in planning stages...Shhhhh it's a secret for now, but start getting excited!!!

AHCCCS gynecology visits

2011-05-24T15:57:00.003-07:00

Your 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.

Trust...What we knew first

2011-05-18T14:05:00.005-07:00

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:

Reliance on strength and ability
Confident expectation of something
Reliance on integrity
Believing, hoping

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.

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?

ABSOLUTELY!

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...

What We Knew First

The complete wisdom of the universe abides in us at our birth.

Our very cells know how to love, laugh, and live in grace.

We are born knowing how to heal others

and how to heal ourselves.

Our bodies know by intuition how to give birth to a new generation

and how to pass gently from this life.

The irony is that we spend much of our lives

Searching, trying to understand again, and to TRUST

…what we knew first.

Let's REMEMBER... Let's TRUST...

I invite you to explore strategies to remember and practice trusting yourself, your body, BIRTH:

Check out:

Hypnobirthing: www.hypnobirthing.com
"Birthing From Within": www.birthingfromwithin.com

P.S. Late breaking news: Jessica Alba is planning on using hypnobirthing with her current pregnancy!

Getting more social

2011-05-17T20:05:00.002-07:00

Hey there:

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".

Breastfeeding Matters . . .

2011-03-21T13:46:00.010-07:00

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!

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.

FAQ #1:

"Breastfeeding is natural. Why do I need to take a class?"

You are right! Breastfeeding is a natural process. It is also a set of learned behaviors 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 want to breastfeed, you will benefit by taking the classes we offer and starting to form your own support network.

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.

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 Breastfeeding Works! class during your second trimester can make all the difference to you and your baby!

Upcoming Classes

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.

Saturday, April 9, 2011
9:00 a.m. - Noon
Cost: $20

Breastfeeding Works! - 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!

Monday, April 18, 2011
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $10

Employed and Breastfeeding Seminar - 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.

Nursing Mothers Group

Bethany Womens Healthcare
3660 W. Bethany Home Road
Phoenix, AZ 85019

March 2011

Wednesday Mornings: 10 a.m. - Noon

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.

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!

March 23 - Preparing to Breastfeed
Let's start at the beginning. What preparations did you make? Share what was helpful. Share what was not!

March 30 - Arizona's Breastfeeding Report Card
We'll discuss the statistical findings by the Centers for Disease Control about breastfeeding initiation and duration nationwide and in Arizona.

2011-01-07T08:57:00.001-07:00

BETHANY WOMENS HEALTHCARE
3660 W. Bethany Home Road Phoenix, AZ 85019

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics

*** January 2011 ***

Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon

PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF BUILDING A

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!

Jan 5 What Your Baby KNOWS

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!

Jan 12 A New Mother’s Guide to Breastfeeding

We’ll discuss the basics that new mothers need to know BEFORE their babies arrive. What do you wish someone had told you?

Jan 19 Postpartum Body Image

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?

Jan 26 Coping with Sleep Deprivation

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?

Sierra's Birth Story - A Halloween Treat

2010-12-09T08:48:00.001-07:00

A Halloween Treat

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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”.]

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!”
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.

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.

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.

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics

2010-12-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics
*** December 2010 ***
Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon
PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT
ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC

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!

Dec 1 Do I Have Enough Milk?
How do you know? Tips for calibrating a plentiful milk supply in the early weeks will be discussed.

Dec 8 Nursing Mother’s Book Club
What is your favorite book or resource about breastfeeding and why? Bring a copy to show and tell.

Dec 15 Ouch! Is Breastfeeding Supposed to Hurt?
In a word, NO. We’ll discuss why many women believe this, and review the mechanics to prevent this from happening to you.

Dec 22 Baby’s First Holiday Season
Take a break from the busyness of season and enjoy some down time with other mothers.

Dec 29 Your Extended Family and Your Breastfed Baby
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.

Our New Student - Kylee

2010-11-29T15:11:00.003-07:00

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!

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.

Looking forward to meeting you all!
Kylee Lowdon, SNM

November Nursing Mother Group Topics

2010-10-27T16:00:00.001-07:00

BETHANY WOMENS HEALTHCARE
3660 W. Bethany Home Road Phoenix, AZ 85019

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics
*** November 2010 ***
Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon

PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT
ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC

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!

Nov 3 Accidental Holiday Weaning
Find out how “holiday weaning” can sneak up on a mother and what you can do to avoid it.

Nov 10 Nutrition (and Fitness) While Breastfeeding
With the holidays right around the corner, we’ll review healthy food and exercise choices for nursing mothers.

Nov 17 Baby’s First Holiday Season
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!

Nov 24 Happy Thanksgiving!
Share your favorite “new baby” memory from the past year. What unexpected changes did your baby bring into your life? How have you grown?

The Life of a Student Nurse-Midwife by Jaime

2010-10-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Because 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

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.

I would love to answer any questions about being a Student Nurse-Midwife. So shoot!

Jaime Pickering SNM

Teressa's Birth Story

2010-10-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Friday, 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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

10-10-10

2010-10-10T15:04:00.002-07:00

Some 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!

Melissa's Birth Story Part 3

2010-10-10T13:52:00.001-07:00

Kimberly 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.

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.

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.

It was 205am on Sunday September 12th.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

In Conclusion:
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.
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.

October 8th

2010-10-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

It's my son's birthday today and I am on call. I'm wondering what babies I might be catching that will share a birthday with my son :D

Nursing Mothers Group October topics

2010-10-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics
*** October 2010 ***
Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon
PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT
ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC

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!

Oct 6 What Your Baby Expects in Life
A baby’s “expectations” are not learned. They are the instincts and reflexes that are “wired into” all babies around the world. Learn what your baby “expects” the start of life to be like.

Oct 13 Postpartum “Survival” Guide
Many expectant moms worry about postpartum issues. Planning ahead and learning from other mothers can help as you adjust to life with your new baby.

Oct 20 Weight Charts
By collecting data on weight charts, it’s become known that breastfed babies grow differently than babies who consume artificial baby milk. We’ll discuss the newest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control.

Oct 27 BOO! Avoiding Mommy Burnout and “Holiday Mastitis”
A baby brings a whole new (very busy) chapter to your life. As the holidays approach, we often see an increase in both maternal fatigue and “holiday mastitis.” Join our discussion and learn how to avoid both.

Melissa's Birth Story Part 2

2010-10-08T09:02:00.001-07:00

Kevin and I left Shirley's house at about 9pm in her Tahoe. We had swapped vehicles so that they could have our minivan with the girl's car seats already installed. As I got in the Tahoe, I knelt on the passenger side seat and hung over the headrest. There was NO way I was sitting down during a contraction. As we drove home, I told Kevin that I finally understood why women in labor did NOT like being in cars.

When we got home, I decided to give Kevin's poor fists a break and opted to take a hot shower to relieve the pressure in my back. The water felt heavenly. I could have stayed in there all night if I wasn't needing to save some warm water for the birth pool. Kevin wanted to start timing the contractions as he noticed that they were lasting longer then usual. I agreed, and told him I would yell out "time" at the start, and "over" at the end of each contraction. I let the hot water hit my back while I put my hands on the wall in front of me and rocked side to side chanting "open," "open," "open" with each rock. My hips were like the top of a metronome swinging back and forth to the rhythm of each contraction. The words I used were those that I had learned to be very powerful during labor. I wanted to give my body every opportunity to open and relax so I could progress instead of tensing up or trying to fight the power running through my body.
I noticed after yelling out "time" a few times, that the contractions were coming very close together. Kevin came in after a while, and told me that they were now 2-3 minutes apart and about 35 seconds long. I decided to get out of the shower so we could start filling up the pool sooner then later. Things seemed to be progressing quickly, so I threw on my birthing gear {sports bra/swim shorts/dress}, and met Kevin in the living room so he could continue tracking the contractions. We were feeling fairly confident that this might be "it," and so I took the liberty of uncovering the birth pool. As soon as my contractions were close to a minute long that is where I wanted to be. I began using our living room wall to lean on, and put a towel on the laminate flooring underneath me just in case my water broke. I continued working through each contraction, rocking back and forth and saying "open" "open" "peace" "peace" repeatedly until it was over. They had become a little more intense, and I had to concentrate more to get through each one. Kevin noticed that I was having to work more to get through them and suggested calling Kimberly. I told him he was not allowed until they were almost a minute long. We argued a little back and forth, and I could tell he was annoyed, so I told him he could text her an update instead.

At 1020pm, Kevin began timing the contractions again. They were coming every 3-5 minutes and were getting longer and longer. My chanting went from "open" "open" to "I can" "I can", as they became more and more intense. Soon, I was unable to say any words at all. I began vocalizing through them instead with a low "ahh" noise (another way in which you can help your body to stay relaxed and open) which had Kevin asking once again if he could call Kimberly. I had been pretty stubborn up until then, worrying that it would be too early, or that I wouldn't be far enough along to get in the pool. It took a few 50 second contractions that had me speechless with hands shaking to finally agree. Kimberly was on her way, and would be at our home in about 15 minutes.

It was 11pm, and Kevin was trying to fill the birth pool as quickly as possible while we were waiting for Kimberly to arrive. He attached the birth pool hose to our water heater, and within 10 minutes the pool was half way full of warm water. I walked by between a contraction and noticed that there was something in the water. It was mineral build up that had been at the bottom of the water heater and had come out of the hose. Kevin was obviously annoyed as he opened our back doors, and poured all the water out onto our back patio so he could start over again.

At 1115pm Kimberly arrived and helped Kevin to start filling the pool again. This time from our bathroom sink and outside hose. Kimberly listened to Dallin's heart tones during a contraction and he sounded perfect. I was glad that he was tolerating the contractions well. Our doula began warming water on the stove in a big pot and pouring it in, pausing only when she heard me start to vocalize through a contraction. I needed firm fists in my back each time in order to relieve the back pressure. She did a great job of reminding me to breathe deeply and spoke in soft tones to help me relax. At about 1130pm there were 3 inches of water in the pool and Kimberly asked if I wanted to get in. I agreed. Even though it wasn't much at the time, it was relaxing to be in the warm water. I laid my head on the side of the pool and tried to rest as much as possible between contractions. Kevin started playing a hypnobabies script aloud on the computer and I tried to relax and let my body do what it needed to. This is about the point where I lost all track of time. I kept my eyes shut so that I could focus as the contractions became stronger and longer. I found myself drifting off to sleep in between them which helped. My vocalizing became louder and longer with time, but Kevin and Kimberly were there feeding me relaxation cues and sips of water after each contraction. They also continued warming water on the stove and pouring it in to keep the temperature comfortable for me.

Poor Kevin picked up the last pot of water off the stove that he thought was just warm and ended up pouring scalding water on his hands as he was trying to put it into the pool. He was a good sport throughout all these little mishaps. Kimberly had me sit on the seat in the pool so she could check Dallin's heart tones. Once again, he sounded perfect.

At 130am (Sunday Sept. 12th), 2 hours after I had gotten into the pool, I was having very intense contractions. I was tired, especially after not getting much sleep the night before, and I still didn't know if I had progressed very much. I was so busy working through contractions that it had not even ocurred to me that I should have Kimberly check my dilation (she is an RN and is certified to do so). Feeling discouraged, I asked "how much longer do you think I can do this?" Kimberly and Kevin reassured me that I was doing a great job, and that I could definitely keep doing this. I WAS doing it.Their confidence in me lifted my spirits and I continued. But at the peak of the next contraction my body did something that we were not expecting. It started pushing all on it's own. Not once..but twice.

to be continued...

National Midwifery Week

2010-10-06T06:47:00.003-07:00

Celebrate National Midwifery Week!

Hug your midwife!

It's a week to celebrate the role of midwives in birth across the country. Take a minute to hug your midwives this week! And log onto the ACNM website to learn more about who we are and what we're about. It is a wealth of information about the latest in maternal-infant healthcare. Thank you for choosing a midwife to be part of your birth team!

Teamwork

2010-10-05T10:47:00.001-07:00

It's really sweet to experience TOTAL teamwork to make birth the safest experience possible. When everyone works in concert to support families' wishes, gives women's bodies every possible means of support and listens to what baby has to say...even when it moves to the operating room, birth is very special. BIG thanks to ALL who worked to make little Vinchencio's birth special this morning...especially Dr. George Figueroa. He's a fantastic teammate and this CNM appreciates his support and hard work!

Melissa's Birth Story Part One

2010-10-04T17:05:00.002-07:00

***WARNING: this is going to be a long one so get comfy***

Some Background Information:
Three years ago, my twins were born by cesarean section because they were in breech position. While I felt that the c-section was necessary, I left the hospital feeling that so many things that happened to me and my babies there were wrong. Not that the hospital staff was mean or anything like that, but that the protocols in place and the interventions used were in no way "birth friendly". These negative experiences led me to seek out a very different path for my next birth. Soon after the girls were born, I immersed myself in researching everything I could about birth. I began attending birth circle and ICAN meetings, and preparing myself for what I hoped would be a much better birth.

Our Plan:

Have an intervention free VBAC

Labor at home for as long as possible using birth ball/shower/birth pool/hypnobabies

Have our doula Kimberly come over when contractions are almost 60 seconds long and get in the birth pool

Leave to go to the hospital when I am around 7cm dilated

Get into jacuzzi tub at L&D room until I am complete
Push baby out

Be discharged from hospital asap

batta-bing batta-boom!

(40 weeks)
My "guess date" was September 8th, and it came and went without any sign of impending labor. I tried to avoid thinking too much about "the numbers," as I truly believed that this baby would come when he was ready. Even so, I was anxious as any first-time-soon-to-be-laboring-mom would be. I had noticed a new surge of hormones running through my body, and I suddenly felt the need to protect myself emotionally. I didn't want to allow any negativity about him not being here get to me so I avoided phone calls and facebook as much as possible.

Some of Kevin's relatives had planned a baby shower brunch for me on September 10th, which gave me something to look forward to if I had not had the baby by then. That Friday morning, as I was blow drying my hair on the birth ball, I began feeling small menstrual like cramps with my braxton hicks. They weren't very noticeable, and so I wondered if they were really anything. I thought that maybe it was just my empty stomach. I began timing them, just for fun and noticed that they were coming about every 7 minutes. Kevin was getting ready for work, and after going back and forth as to whether I should mention anything to him, I cracked and told him about these alleged "cramps". I told him it might be nothing, and he left for work as I left with the girls and my MIL Shirley.

We had brunch at Wildflower, and I opened presents and enjoyed visiting with relatives. Afterwards we walked around Once Upon A Child and made our way home. On the way, I decided to tell my MIL my "little secret," as she was on call to take the girls when I went into labor. I wanted to do some walking to see if they would progress, and so we headed to Target. I sent my doula Kimberly a text message to give her a heads up just in case.

After perusing Target for about an hour with the girls, my contractions/cramps were coming every 5 minutes and were becoming a little more noticeable. We decided to buy our stuff and go home just in case. Once at home, I had the girls play in their rooms while I rested on my bed listening to a hypnobabies track on my ipod. The contractions seemed to slow down and were less noticeable while resting. I figured this wasn't quite "it," but that my body was definitely gearing up. We ate dinner and at 830pm and Kimberly texted me to see how things were going. I was still having the contractions every 6-8 minutes but they weren't progressing, and I felt that I could sleep through them that night. She told me to let her know if I wanted her to come over and help at any time.

I decided to go to bed early (930pm) just in case things progressed later that evening. I was able to fall asleep quickly while listening to a hypnobabies script, but woke up at 11pm at the peak of a contraction. Unable to get comfortable enough to sleep through them, I got up and watched TV with Kevin in the living room.

I never went back to sleep Friday night and ended up staying in the living room swaying back and forth during contractions or sitting on the birth ball. The contractions were coming about every 4-7 minutes and were lasting about 20 seconds. I was also feeling a lot of pressure in my back with each contraction which had me rocking my hips back and forth and doing pelvic tilts in an effort to relieve the discomfort. Kevin felt bad going to bed while I was in the living room working through contractions, and so he stayed with me.

At 3am on Saturday morning, he suggested that we text Kimberly with an update. We let her know that I hadn't been able to sleep past 11pm that night due to the contractions. She asked if we needed help and if she should come over, but I felt that it was too early. At this point I was so unsure as to what to do since this was my first time experiencing all this. We had no idea if things would progress soon or if it would be another day or two. As frustrating as it was not knowing when and how things were going to happen, this birth was all about trusting and allowing the process to happen in it's own time and not trying to manipulate the situation.
(930am Saturday morning)
I continued doing my thing in the living room, while Kevin tried to get some rest on the couch.It had been a VERY long night.
On Saturday morning (September 11th), before the girls woke up, I asked Kevin to give me a priesthood blessing. This was something I knew I wanted to have in "early labor," so that I could feel peace and assurance going into my birthing time. Kevin gave me a beautiful blessing that was exactly what I needed. It reaffirmed my trust in my body, and it's ability to give birth naturally and without complication. It also built up my confidence as I knew that my Heavenly Father would offer me strength and guidance throughout the process.

At 845 am, the girls were up and my MIL Shirley came over to get them. Kevin and I still hadn't gotten very much sleep, and we thought that active labor *could* start within the next 24 hours. I had also begun losing my mucous plug which told me that things were definitely progressing. I asked Kimberly to come over at 930am to see what she would recommend at that point.
On arriving, she checked Dallin's heart tones during a contraction and he sounded great. She helped me through a few contractions and I mentioned to her the discomfort in my back. She noticed that my stomach was really low that it was probably causing Dallin's head to push up against my back at a weird angle. She began applying counter pressure on my lower back during the contractions, and it immediately took away the discomfort. Kimberly also showed me how to lift my belly right before a contraction to lessen the pressure on my back.
(lifting the belly)
I told her that I was having a hard time using some of the hypnobabies relaxation techniques that I had learned, and so she helped me to relax on the couch while playing a hypnobabies script aloud on the computer. I was finally able to relax enough to sleep, and we decided that it would be best to try and get some rest at that point. I told Kimberly that she was good to go home and that we would keep her updated.

Kevin and I napped on and off for the next couple of hours. At 3pm we decide to go for a walk around the neighborhood to see if my contractions would pick up. Once we started walking they began coming every 4 minutes, but were still only 20 seconds long. Kevin and I would stop with each contraction so he could apply counter pressure to my back. After one lap we agreed that it was far too hot to be outside and we returned home.

At 530pm we went to Shirley's house to see the girls and eat dinner. My contractions were coming every 6 minutes, and Kevin and Shirley would take turns rubbing my lower back during them while I took deep relaxing breaths. We were still so unsure of when active labor was going to start, but we decided to have the girls spend the night at Shirley's house just in case. This turned out to be a very good decision.

to be continued...

Safe Birth Project Uganda 2010

2010-09-20T13:49:00.003-07:00

Four weeks from today, a group of Phoenix midwives (myself included) and nurses are boarding a plane (several, actually) for Uganda. We are heading to the Tororo region in Eastern Uganda to share a course in Life Saving Skills for moms and babies with core community leaders. Most babies in this area are born at home in huts with (and sometimes without) a minimally trained birth attendant. We will be sharing strategies to make pregnancy and birth safer including how to recognize problems early and make a plan. They will be "brainstorming" how they could deal with these emergencies with resources they have available in their community. The idea is to train a core group and teach them how to train others so concepts will be spread over a larger area. This program was designed by midwives and is promoted by the American College of Nurse Midwives. This program has made a large impact in many developing countries. You can follow our project by checking out our blog: www.safebirthproject.blogspot.com. You can also get more information about Hope 4 Kids (and Hope 4 Women) International - the organization we are going with - by checking out their website: www.hope4kidsinternational.org

Doula Services During Midwife Retreat

2010-09-18T12:53:00.005-07:00

It's that time of the year again! It's the time when we five midwives go on a retreat to evaluate our services, assess goal attainment as well as forming new ones. It also gives us the opportunity to strengthen our bonds with each other. Unfortunately, it does leave a short period of time when none of the midwives will be available for call. The dates/times this year are from Thursday, September 23rd at 7pm until Monday, September 27th at 2pm. Dr Rau, a female physician who shares call rotation with our doctors, has graciously agreed to cover the midwives during the weekend from 5pm on Friday until 7am Monday morning. Our own doctors will be available during the remainder of the time.

However, I do have some good news...

Taylor Kalander, a local doula, has also graciously agreed to offer her services for free to those midwifery patients who desire them. She will be available from Friday, September 24th at 6pm until Monday, the 27th at 2pm. Here's a little more info about Taylor...

I am a trained birth doula and postpartum doula working on the last portion of my certifications through Doulas of North America International (DONA). I have experience with multiples, preemies and special needs infants through my work as a nanny. I am a native Southern Californian, but have enjoyed living in Arizona for the last ten years. I am so glad to be working with the clients of Bethany Women's Healthcare and look forward to being a part of your special day!

The nursing staff at Phoenix Baptist Hospital Labor & Delivery have the contact infor for Taylor. If you arrive in labor during those times she is available, simply ask the nurse to contact her! Taylor can also be found on Facebook, Twitter (babylovedoula), and her website will be available soon.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have!

Our Newest Student-Midwife - Jamie

2010-09-18T11:59:00.003-07:00

Jamie comes to us to finish her integration experience through Vanderbilt University. During the integration experience the student functions in the full-scope midwifery role. This time gives her the opportunity to fine-tune her skills and experience the midwifery role, while remaining in a supportive environment. We are very excited to have Jamie here and feel that our clientele will enjoy her as well. She will be with us through the second half of November.

Still in awe...

2010-09-12T15:43:00.003-07:00

Just had to drop a post and express some of what I feel while attending births. Had a beautiful VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) birth this morning. Mom and Dad had been planning this birth for years. After their first birth (twins) by C-section 3 years ago, they decided to work toward a different type of experience. They read, connected with others through birth circles, took classes,exercised, ate nutritious food and hired an amazing doula. I feel privileged to have been the one on call who got to be present for the culmination of all their efforts. They arrived at the hospital completely dilated and elegantly moved through contractions to that magical moment as their little son emerged. What strength and determination.! No matter how long I do this work, I am struck by the tenacity and power of women and the beauty of "natural" birth.

Sharon's Birth Story

2010-09-12T09:07:00.003-07:00

The story actually begins about 3 weeks before Maxine was born. I had started to develop an itchy rash around my belly button area and it just went crazy after that. Before long my body was covered nearly head to foot with a PUPP (sometimes PUPPP) rash, which is common in first time pregnancies and mothers pregnant with multiples. Funny thing is that other mothers I've known in my time have never mentioned this rash. So there was one level of discomfort. Thankfully, it didn't last long. As soon as labor started, the itchiness went away.

The day before I went into labor I developed a soreness in my jaw. I thought that it was do to me clinching my teeth at night or stressing about being passed my due date. Thankfully, it didn't last long. As soon as labor started, the ache in my jaw went away.

Labor started at about midnight on August 31st. I was up for my usual trip to the bathroom, but was feeling some unusual cramping, more than te Braxtons I'd experienced before. I wanted to be sure this was labor so I waited an hour before letting my hubby know. When I woke him with the news he bolted upright and I pushed him down again. I told him to chill out and to get a little more rest before we rustled up the crew. At 2a.m. I was sure it was labor and called the nurse-midwife on-call at the midwifery clinic. She said I should head to the hospital when my contractions were 2-5 minutes apart. They were about a minute or two apart. I tried to eat a banana because I was hungry, couldn't hold it down. Phone calls were made and people started arriving at the house, including the best doula in the woorld, my SIL. Once the car was packed and we were sure about my contractions we headed to the hospital. Thankfully, it didn't take very long to get there. The hospital was only a mile and a half from our house.

My hubby, my SIL and I arrived at Phoenix Baptist Hospital and checked in through the emergency room at around 3 or 4 a.m. We were brought to a triage room where a nuse checked and found I had dilated from 1 to 2 centimeters during the examination. We were admitted to the third floor maternity ward and assigned a laborng room and there we waited for the midwife on-call. We thought it was going to be Lisa but she was just coming off her rotation. Then we were told it was Tiffany but she wasn't scheduled. It turned out to be Lylaine, but she was in a morning meeting until 10a.m., so we wouldn't see her until after that. Thankfully, it didn't make a difference when the midwife arrived. The baby wouldn't be born until nearly 9p.m.

The nurses who attended to me were all right for the most part, many I liked and I am grateful for their attention and support. Others I could have done without, but that's the way the evening went. Some moments were better than others. I was slowly making progress, stalled at around 4 centimeters, but then got stuck again at 6-7 centimeters. During the whole process my SIL/doula and hubby are helping my through everyone one of my contractions. I was blowing rasperries all night long. I got to labor in the whirlpool tub which was nice. Other times I was hanging from my hubby's shoulders, at the counter or on the birthing ball. The whole time trying to concentrate on blowing raspberries which helped process the toughest part of the contractions. But later my lips suffered from all that raspberry blowing. Thankfully, there is chapstick, Burt's Bees in fact. And in the end I have my baby girl.

So while the stalling was happening we had to move onto plan B - induction. I was not looking for to this part. My fear was that things would start to rollercoaster out of control and I would end up in a terrible position that required an emergency C-section. My water bag was broken and it turned out to have Meconium in it. This could spell bad news if Maxine stayed inside too long. I was hopefully then that the process would be over soon. Well, part of my prediction was right. I did end up with an emergency C, but it didn't take a rollercoaster ride to get there. It was more like a wild bumper car ride. The Pitocin made the contractions more intense, sometimes two coming one after the other. At one point I was contracting big time, trying desperately hard to concentrate on blowing raspberries and failing, tossed my cookies and pulled a muscle in my abdomen. After that I threw up my hands and said I'd had enough. I was done. Thankfully, the end was just around the corner and somehow I was laboring for another hour under the Pitocin. I knew things were ending, it was just going to take a bit longer to get there.

A Pitocin blocker was administered and I was getting prepped for a C-section. The surgeon and the midwife commented on how odd my belly looked, when Maxine was doing her peanut-yoga move and they didn't know what that meant. When I saw I was in the process of getting the C-section, I was less scared of that than I was of anything else. I felt like the end was finally near and I would have my baby soon. Sure, the deliver process wasn't what I had planned, but as long as Maxine was born and all right, that's all I cared about. The midwife stayed with me the whole time. The anesthesiologist was the best and when he gave me the spinal tap to numb me from the waist down, it was a breeze. Once the curtain was drapped before me, I was comfortable and somehow feel asleep. The next thing I remember was waking to see my husband in his surgical bunny suit taking pictures and video of the baby being born and the sounds of my daughter crying. She's got such as beautiful cry. My hubby got to videotape her being cleaned and her sinuses and lungs being cleared of the meconium. You could see in the video her color change from bluish to pink as she cries through the procedures (which I will post soon). When she was cleaned they brought her to me so I could give her a kiss and then she and my hubby went to the nursery for Maxine to get some more cleaning and attention. Thankfully, my hubby got to experience a lot of firsts with Maxine. He is very proud of this fact.

It took an hour after I was wheeled into the recovery room before I could see my daughter. I wanted to breast feed her right away but there a couple of complications. 1. The nursery nuse tried the football hold to feed Maxine from the left side and it just wasn't happening. So her first feeding was with her daddy and a bottle of premixed formula. 2. Both Maxine and I were tired. Thankfully, this gave me a chance to rest, but I so wanted to be the first to nurse her. I still get to and have been which has been a joy and definitely an experience that I know I'll never forget. Then something returned that I thought I'd gotten rid of or was gone for good, my tooth ache. Yeah, it returned. I thought again I was pressing my jaw at nght and creating the ache. No, it turned into a legitimate tooth ache. I needed to see a dentist as soon as I was released from the hospital. Everyone was making phone calls to different dental office to see if I could be seen right away. We found a clinic close to home, Encanto Dentistry, who could see me right after I was released from the hospital. They allowed me to nurse while waiting in the chair until it was time to get x-rays. X-rays showed that I had an abscess that needed immediate attention so they planned a root canal, but in the process they discovered there was no way to save the tooth and it would have been best to just extract it. Now mind you, I just had a baby, I was operated on, my hormones were crazy unbalanced and I was in pain from the tooth ache - queue to emotional breakdown. I just cried. But once the tooth was extracted I felt relief right away. Still, this just peaked all my stressors for the last few weeks. I'd honestly had enough and I was done. Thankfully, I was finally done. With the tooth out I could go home, relax, nurse and be with my new family.

It was an ordeal towards the end, crazy as could get and definitely not serene or how I had hoped or planned, but it is done. In the end, I have a beautiful baby girl who is loved by many and spoiled by all. I have a kind and wonderful husband who is attentive, funny and adores his little girl. I have a supportive and fun SIL/doula who I wouldn't trade for the world. I have family and friends who have helped us out beyond compare - we thank you!

*Aside from Tiffany - Turns out Sharon had a heart-shaped uterus! *

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics September 2010

2010-09-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics
*** September 2010 ***
Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon
PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT
ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC

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!

Sept 1 The First Six Weeks
Becoming a breastfeeding mother is an adjustment for many women. We’ll take a detailed look at the first six weeks to help keep your expectations in line with reality.

Sept 8 Teething and Toddling
Developmental milestones are enhanced by the breastfeeding relationship. Our discussion will focus on the challenges of teething and toddling.

Sept 15 101 Reasons to Nurse
Why do you nurse your baby? Why does your baby want to nurse? Why have mothers nursed since time began? Let’s add it all up!

Sept 22 Composition of Human Milk
Join our discussion of the fascinating facts about human milk.

Sept 29 Lactation Amenorrhea
Many women wonder how breastfeeding can work to delay the return of fertility.
This will be an informational discussion only. Your family planning concerns should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Flu Vaccine

2010-09-04T10:18:00.002-07:00

We now have flu vaccine available at the office for patients of Bethany Womens Healthcare. If you are interested in getting vaccinated, give us a call at 602-973-3200.

Keep in mind that Vitamin D3 supplements are looking very promising in decreasing the risk of contracting the flu, especially in children.

And of course, careful handwashing, avoiding those that are sick, a healthy diet can all help prevent contracting the flu :)

Vitamin D3 Research

Chelsea's Birth Story

2010-08-23T13:02:00.003-07:00

When my husband and I went to bed on Sunday night July, 11th and I was 2 days passed my due date, we were both discouraged we had to start another week without our baby. When I got up in the middle of the night for a routine bathroom break, I got back into bed and while trying to get comfortable felt a tug in my belly. It was the strangest sensation, almost like someone plucked a guitar cord inside me. Though not painful at all, the feeling was so strong I could almost hear it. I thought nothing of it, but was putting myself back to sleep thinking about labor for the millionth time and when it happened again, my water broke about 1.5 seconds later. I had heard it could be a gush or a trickle and in my case, a “gush” was an understatement. I hopped right up and yelled to my husband “it’s happening it’s happening!”.

After getting up and washing a load of sheets, we started getting ourselves and our things ready to go. My contractions started about a half hour later and didn’t feel any different than the ones I had been having on and off for the previous couple of weeks. The only difference this time was that they were consistently coming about seven to eight minutes apart. They started getting a little bit stronger right away too. We left our house and headed to the hospital about an hour after my water broke and did a little bit of waiting there. By the time we got into our room at around 6am, I needed my husband’s help through each contraction. Lisa checked me I was only dilated to 3 ½. I thought (I was hoping) I would for sure be at least 5cm. Nope. But, I kept laboring and taking each contraction one at a time. I got in the tub right away and that felt great!! Believe it or not, sitting in the squat position over the toilet felt really relieving too. So for the next few hours I went back and forth between the two. After having the urge to push Lisa checked me again and she said I was 7-8cm now. It was about 9:30am and we realized labor was moving along fairly quickly for me! That was such an encouraging place to be. Knowing that I had done the work and gotten that far, made me feel like I could do it the rest of the way. About an hour and a half after that the urge to push was coming a little bit more frequently. Tiffany was taking care of me at this point and she decided to check and I was dilated to 9cm! That was awesome! At that point different people started coming in and getting the room ready for delivery. I started thinking, “I’m so going to be holding this baby by noon, and you’re practically done!”

Now, the urge to push was coming every couple of contractions and there is no way you cannot bear down when your body is doing what mine was doing. Tiffany checked me again and this time the news was much less encouraging. I could see the look on her face and as I was laying there in the tub she said “Well, you’re still a 9…and since you’re not fully dilated and you’re having the urge to push, your cervix is swelling”. That was a blow I was not prepared for. I had gotten so far and in my mind I was so close to the finish line!! At that point Tiffany was suggesting that I get an epidural and pretty much the only way to avoid doing it, would be to resist the urge to push and lay down on my side until the swelling went down…how ever long that would take. My contractions at this point in labor were really interesting. I was having several that I could sit and breathe through and then one or two that were really intense and gave me the urge to push. My husband asked Tiffany to go out and talk and when he came back he and I talked and we agreed that the epidural was what needed to happen. The anesthesiologist was called but I gave myself a mental pep talk and thought, “Okay, it was mental you can get through them, don’t push! If you can go without pushing until she gets here then you don’t need the epidural!” Right then I was having several less intense contractions that I was able to relax and breathe through. Then, as the anesthesiologist walked in I remember bearing down yelling “I have to push”. That was just confirmation that we were doing the right thing. So, I got the epidural and laid on my side for three hours switching from side to side every half hour.

Sure enough, the epidural did what it needed to do and the swelling went down and my cervix completely dilated. Yay! At this point the baby was at a +1 station and they decided that they wanted him to come down just a little bit further before I began pushing. I really wasn’t able to feel hardly a thing with the epidural so it was fine with me to wait. After another two hours the baby hadn’t come down any further so one of the nurses came in and we started pushing. Pushing with the epidural was a lot different than I was expecting. The nurse told me I was doing great, but I wasn’t able to feel like I could get a good grip since my legs were dead weight and I was numb everywhere. At first the nurse’s input was really encouraging and she kept saying what a great job I was doing, but the pushing seemed to be getting longer and longer and longer and her responses started to change a little bit. After an hour and a half Tiffany came back in and wanted to “observe” my pushing and I knew something was up. We tried some different positions and she told me my pushing was great. That was a relief to hear. Then she checked me and told me that the baby was transverse so every time I pushed he would hit my pelvis and turtle his way back up. That was causing his poor little head to swell and although it wasn’t harmful to him at this point, she could only let me go for another half hour before he needed to be out.

When she informed me of this, I knew I was in for a c-section. I remember looking at her and saying “just tell me”. And, she did. She told me I was doing a great job, but that she was out of tricks and techniques and there was just no way the baby going to make it out vaginally. I instantly felt disappointed in myself and like a failure. My husband asked to have another word with Tiffany and she explained it all to him. After my husband came back and we had a few minutes to ourselves to talk and accept what needed to happen, we surrendered to the c-section. Tiffany came back in she reassured me of how great I did laboring and that we weren’t giving up, we were just doing what needed to happen now.Still pretty disappointed we prepared for the c-section and my 8 pound 14.2 ounce, lopsided-cone headed; baby boy was born at 8:46pm that evening. Hearing his cry was a miracle. He was healthy and finally here.

I didn’t get the experience that I had wanted going into labor, but my experience was amazing nonetheless. I’m so grateful that I was able to experience labor without drugs up to 9cm and even after having an epidural I was still able to experience what pushing was like too. That being said, one of the most important things that I learned throughout this process was how important it is to be able to trust your caregiver. Tiffany wanted me to be able to deliver my baby just as naturally as my husband and I did. She did everything she knew how to do to get us there, but thankfully; she was wise and experienced enough to know when it just wasn’t going to happen. Her goals were my goals and because we did everything that we could physically do to reach them, we didn’t give up and I didn’t fail. For that, I am grateful that Dr. Martin was able to perform a c-section to deliver my beautiful son, Noah. He didn’t come the way that we had hoped, but he came the way he needed to. It would have been nice to have a natural childbirth experience, but I wouldn’t change the experience that I had for anything. I learned so much about myself throughout the entire process. Labor and delivery is an amazing experience no matter what, but thankfully, Bethany’s does VBAC’s and I’ll get to try it all again next time! I’m anxious and looking forward to it already

Midwives Applaud Legislation to Improve Birth Outcomes Utilizing Best Evidence

2010-08-04T14:47:00.002-07:00

I've been a bit remiss in blogging....kinda been busy catching babies left and right! Wanted to share some more great news initially released July 22nd, 2010.

New legislation being introduced,“Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services for the 21st Century Act of 2010 (MOMS 21)” (H.R.5807), is being applauded by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). This legislation will call for the best evidence-based practice to be used in imrpoving maternal health outcomes.

“As we implement health care reform over the coming years, it is imperative that clinicians, researchers, and policymakers work together to improve the quality of health care while also lowering costs,” asserts ACNM President Holly Kennedy, PhD., CNM, FACNM, FAAN. “We have clearly identified the most important evidence-based practices that result in a healthy mother and baby by reducing complications and unnecessary interventions in childbirth. These practices generally are also more cost‐effective, but there are obstacles blocking their adoption. We commend Rep. Roybal‐Allard for making improved maternal health in the U.S. a high priority and for introducing legislation with a defining, unifying principle of support for evidence‐based practice.”

The MOMS 21 bill would:

•Create a national focus on maternity services by establishing an interagency coordinating committee to promote optimal maternit care by all federal agencies involved with the delivery of health services.

•Expand federal research on best maternity practices by establishing a Center for Excellence on Optimal Maternity Outcomes and drecting the Center for Innovation within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to focus additional research on cost‐effective, high‐quality maternity care models

•Develop a comprehensive online database for consumers and health care providers containing up‐to‐date systematic reviews of maternal and newborn care practices

• Authorize a national consumer education campaign to inform women about evidence‐based maternity care practices
(continued)

•Support the education of a more culturally diverse interdisciplinary maternity care workforce with the establishment of targete federal grant programs and an aggressive educational loan repayment program focused on maternity care shortage areas

“Certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) are leading experts in evidence‐based maternity care practices associated with excellent maternal and infant outcomes,” said ACNM Executive Director Lorrie Kline Kaplan. “ACNM is working with federal policymakers to increase the number of skilled midwives and increase access to midwifery care in te U.S. Leading international organizations have also recently issued a united call to increase the number of skilled midwives as themost important policy solution for improving maternal and infant outcomes worldwide.”

Guest Post: Women's Wellness and Chiropractic Care

2010-08-04T14:42:00.002-07:00

Women's Wellness and Chiropractice Care by Dr Ashley

The relationship between the spinal column , reproductive system, nervous
system, endocrine (hormonal) system, and overall health is extensive.
Chiropractic care can help these systems function fully.

Because these systems work synergistically we use hormonal and nutritional
testing along with hormonal and nutritional counseling and treatments if they
are necessary in our tailor made plans for you! Remember you decide your
ultimate goals and together we decide the best way for us to get you there.

Menstrual & Premenstrual Problems

The natural benefits of chiropractic care have relieved symptoms of a wide
variety of pelvic and gynecological conditions, including but not limited to
pain, PMS, bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions.

Infertility

Centuries of case studies have proven the fact that women who have been labeled
"infertile" have been able to conceive, carry to term, and deliver a healthy
baby following chiropractic adjustments. Some of the theories behind these
findings include normalization of hormonal regulation, realignment of
reproductive organs and overall reduction of stress.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomys are known to possibly cause severe problems including depression,
loss of stamina, loss of sex drive, urinary incontinence, bowel problems, icy
feet and toes, diminished sensation from the waist down, bone and joint pain,
memory loss, and other problems. Before any woman decides to have a hysterectomy
it is beneficial to seek non-surgical alternatives. Chiropractic Care and
Naturopathic Care are a great place to start before considering surgery.

Ashley Chiropractic

480-259-0064

3006 S Rural Rd

Tempe 85282

www.ashley-chiropractic.com

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

VBAC Restrictions 'Lighten Up"!

2010-07-27T14:14:00.002-07:00

In the wake of the NIH conference on VBACs, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) updated their statement regarding VBACs and accessibility to them. This is great news and a step in the right direction.

Here's the main highlight...

"The College guidelines now clearly say that women with two previous low-transverse cesarean incisions, women carrying twins, and women with an unknown type of uterine scar are considered appropriate candidates for a TOLAC" .

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics

2010-07-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

SUMMER SCHEDULE *** July & August 2010 *** SUMMER SCHEDULE
Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO MEETINGS BETWEEN THE JULY AND AUGUST DATES LISTED HERE. CALL SHARON AT 602-348-2483 DURING THAT TIME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.

Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon
PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT
ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC

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!

July 7 Growing Independence
Babies grow from dependence on mom and other caregivers toward independence. Share your baby’s journey and how you have nurtured their success.

July 14 Making Time for Mom
How do you recharge your batteries so that you can be the kind of mom you want to be? Share what works for you AND get some new ideas to try.

SUMMER BREAK IS HERE!

August 11 Breastfeeding in Public
Breastfeeding is portable, clean, and so very convenient. What things helped you be more comfortable breastfeeding away from home?

August 18 Recipe Exchange
Bring a recipe or an idea to share that reflects a positive change you’ve made in your family’s eating habits.

August 25 Extended Family and the Breastfed Baby
Help your extended family interact with baby when they can’t feed him or her. There is LOTS of fun to have!

Guest post: Children and Chiropractic Care

2010-07-16T12:29:00.002-07:00

This is the first in a series of posts about chiropractic care by Dr. Ashley. I had no idea that there were so many benefits to chiropractic care!

"Why would I take my child to a chiropractor? His back doesn't hurt. "
-Many parents see the importance of taking their children in for check-ups of
their child's teeth, hearing, eyes, ears, nose, and throat but never considered
the importance of a check-up of their children's spine.

A spinal check up may be one of the most important things you can do for
your child. Why? The birth process alone puts tremendous stress on the newborn
spine that could lead to many health problems. The normal jumping, falling,
running, bumping, flipping of childhood can cause vertebral subluxations, with
serious health consequences if uncorrected. With a healthy spine, a child's body
can better deal with sore throats, ear infections, stomach aches, fevers, and
the many other problems that can be present during childhood.

Emotionally Healthy Children:
Doctors and parents have observed often dramatic improvements in the
physical, emotional, and neurological health of children following chiropractic
care. This includes children with learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, anxiety,
concentration problems, dyslexia, discipline problems, low IQ, and low grades.

Ear Infections:

In many cases ear infections are observed to disappear after spinal adjustments,
saving children from antibiotics and ear-tube surgery. There are many problems
with antibiotic use in children including but not limited to allergic reactions,
GI upset, antibiotic resistance and destruction of the guts intestinal flora
leading to yeast proliferation. Tubes often do not create lasting cures with
infections commonly returning within two months and the tubes can affect hearing
loss later.

*Keeping your child's spine free from vertebral subluxation will boost their
natural defenses against disease and illness.

If your child has any of these conditions make sure his or her spine is healthy:

· Fever
· Colic
· Croup
· Learning Disorders
· Poor posture
· Nervousness
· Constipation
· Bed Wetting
· Weakness or fatigue
· Allergies
· Sinus Trouble
· Stomach Ache
· Loss of hearing
· Ear infections
· Arthritis
· Numbness
· Irritability
· Headaches
· Neck Aches
· Back Aches
· Sore throat
· Eye problems
· Cough
· Skin Disorders
· Asthma
· Wheezing
· Scoliosis or curvature
· Neurologic Conditions
· Bronchitis
· Frequent Colds
· Muscular Dystrophy
· Cerebral Palsy
· Poor Concentration
· Arm and Hand pain
· Painful joints
· Hip, leg, and foot pain
· Shoulder Pain
· Clumsiness
· A foot turned in or out
· One leg shorter
· Unusual Behavior
· And many others......

Ashley Chiropractic

480-259-0064

3006 S Rural Rd

Tempe 85282

www.ashley-chiropractic.com

Book Review: The Doctor and the Diva

2010-07-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

I received a complimentary copy of the book "The Doctor and the Diva" by Adrienne McDonnell with a request for a review on the blog. So I read it and here's the review...

The novel stems from real-life events occuring in the authors' ancestors. The doctor, Ravell, is an up and coming obstetrician who also discreetly specializes in fertility. The diva, Erika von Kessler is an opera singer who is torn between her passion for singing and that of motherhood. The story spans the globe from Boston to Trinidad to Italy in the early 1900's. It is a story about morals, passion, and achieving dreams, sometimes at all costs.

I am often leery of historical fiction as I find it tedious and boring when authors get bogged down in historical detail. However, I found this book to be light, easy-to-read, but yet with enough detail to set the 'scene'. The plot inspires the reader to ask themself how far they might be willing to go to obtain their desires. Whether it's Dr Ravell's moral lapse in violating his sworn oath as a physician. Or a mother who leaves her son behind to pursue her own desires.

Thumbs up - I recommend this book - makes excellent reading by the poolside!

You can go to the author's website here and Penguin Books here.

Guest Post: Informative, empowering, and maybe even life-changing: How Bradley Method classes can help you prepare for birth and beyond

2010-07-09T04:52:00.001-07:00

Jenny David is a local Bradley instructor who I have had the pleasure of getting to know on Facebook and at birth circles. I have found her thoughts and ideas to be unbiased, informative, and just downright wise :) She was more than happy to supply me with a post on this particular method when I asked - Thanks Jenny!

Allison and her husband Dave were looking for something different. They knew they wanted to prepare for a natural, unmedicated birth, but had no idea where to start. Their health care provider offered them information on the childbirth classes offered by the hospital where they would be birthing, but upon investigating further, they feared the hospital class would not prepare them for the birth experience they were hoping for.

“I read about The Bradley Method, and it sounded like exactly what we were looking for. So we found a local instructor, and we spent one evening a week the entire third trimester of the pregnancy in our Bradley class, and it was the best choice we ever made.”

Allison and Dave are not alone. While The Bradley Method is not as well known as some other childbirth methods, since its inception in the early 1970s, over 200,000 women and their partners have prepared for birth using the Bradley Method. For many of these women Bradley classes are not only informative, but empowering and can even be life changing. It’s not for everyone, but for many women and their partners, the Bradley Method is a great choice. Here’s why:

First of all, it’s important to know that the Bradley Method is unambiguous in its message that birth is a natural process and that for most low risk women and babies, the healthiest choice is usually to give birth without the use of drugs or interventions. Our bodies have innate wisdom, and are perfectly designed to give birth; however many of us are not yet in touch with our instinctive birthing selves. Many women who hoped for an unmedicated birth find that, when the time comes, they feel pressured to induce labor, or they are not able to cope with the intensity of labor and end up using the very interventions they were trying to avoid. It’s something many women, including Allison, have heard over and over.

“So many of my friends went into their pregnancies with the attitude that, because it’s a natural process, and women have been doing it for millions of years, they figure they’d just see how it goes. And most of them ended up with inductions, epidurals, and even c-sections. I thought there had to be a better way.”

And there are better ways. One is to increase our comfort in the natural process by understanding it thoroughly.

Bradley classes are comprehensive childbirth education, covering nutrition, exercise, anatomy and physiology of labor & birth, how to make informed choices about care, support and comfort measures for labor, breastfeeding, and postpartum care. Perhaps most importantly, women and their partners learn to use deep relaxation to reduce the fear and tension that can lead to unmanageable pain, and to help make the sensations of birthing more bearable. As with any hard work, the right tools can make labor go more smoothly. Bradley couples have many tools at their disposal.

Dr. Robert Bradley, the founder of the Bradley Method, likened giving birth to an athletic event and advocated a training regimen of sorts. For this reason, Bradley classes are 12 weeks in length. This time frame allows women to increase their fitness through excellent nutrition, conditioning exercises, and to practice a variety of deliberate relaxation techniques. The third trimester of pregnancy is spent preparing physically, mentally, and emotionally for the entire experience of giving birth.

Throughout the class emphasis is placed on empowering the birth partner with those tools to use throughout the pregnancy and birth, allowing them to take an active role in supporting the birthing woman through the birth process. Many couples find that taking a Bradley class together strengthens their relationship, fostering closeness and communication in a completely new way.

Allison remembers, “We started to look forward to our Sunday evening class as a chance to just focus on us as a couple, and on what we wanted for our baby’s birth. It was kind of like a date night, with the added benefit of really helping us to concentrate on the task at hand. When it was over, we sort of missed it!”

Of course, even though the Bradley Method was originally called “Husband Coached Childbirth,“ there’s no requirement that couples are married, that they are opposite gender, or even that they are a couple. All that is necessary is that a dedicated, caring birth partner is present to support the birthing woman. In Bradley classes, it’s not unusual for women to attend with their mom, sister, best friend or doula.

While birth is usually a safe and uneventful process, complications and unexpected situations can arise. Some of these possibilities are discussed in class, and couples are encouraged to develop a birth plan that facilitates communication with their care providers, enabling them to be active partners in all their care decisions. It was this process of taking ownership of her birth plan that Allison found to be empowering.

“It had never occurred to me before that I would have to ask so many questions. I guess I just assumed my doctor would tell me everything I needed to know. Once I started going to Bradley class, a whole world of possibilities opened up. I ended up having fantastic conversations with my doctor based on what I learned in class, and in turn I just felt so much more confident in my relationship with her and in myself. It felt good to know I had choices and that my opinions mattered.”

Allison and Dave, like all new parents, consider their baby boy’s birth to be a peak experience in their lives. “It wasn’t easy, and there were certainly moments of doubt, but throughout the whole labor and birth, I never felt afraid. I did experience pain, and I had a long labor, but Dave was always there, anticipating my every need and I know his amazing coaching was a direct result of what we learned in Bradley class. I birthed my son in exactly the way I wanted to, and it has made me feel like I can do anything. I am changed forever. And in a good way.”

There are several Bradley Method instructors in the metro Phoenix area. Class locations and schedules vary by instructor. You can get more information on the Bradley Method, (including a listing of local instructors) by going to Bradley Birth.

Jenny David is a Bradley Method instructor, birth doula, and freelance writer in the east valley. Visit her website at Valley Childbirth. She’s also on Facebook! Look for Valley Childbirth Support Services.

Don't Put That in Your Mouth!

2010-07-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

A new study was released earlier this month addressing too much weight gain during pregnancy. The study, done in Britain, addresses women who gain too much in the first trimester, and/or throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. I sometimes am asked why weight is so important during pregnancy, or a mom makes a flippant remark about losing it all with breastfeeding. There can be ramifications to inadequate weight gain as well as gaining too much.

It seems there are some links between risk factors in the offspring when momma gains too much weight. Having been there and done that x3, I certainly was guilty of gaining too much (40, 30, 25 pounds). I wish someone had told me why less weight gain was important. I wonder if providers sometimes avoid the weight issue altogether. Perhaps like taking a sexual history, it can make one uncomfortable to delve into a private personal area. Maybe providers are afraid of offending women. But the reality is that we do not do justice by the women we provide care for by avoiding this topic.

The subject matter requires more research before changes in weight gain guidelines are changed. If you would like to see the abstract, click here.

S's Birth Story - Graphic pictures

2010-06-29T03:15:00.000-07:00

I spent a good bit of time getting to know S and her husband during her pregnancy. I was thrilled when she went into labor while I was on call! The following is her pictorial birth story with some light commentary from me. I thought it was awesome that S's friend and family members were very interested in capturing every aspect of her experience so I asked permission to post, what turned out to be some wonderful photos. GRAPHIC PICTURES ahead!!!!!

The happy (or not-so-happy) couple arrived earlier for a labor check. After walking for a bit and being re-evaluated, it was decided that she should go home. If I remember correctly, she was a couple centimeters dilated at this point.

Once S returned, she got serious about laboring :) She was further dilated, admitted for labor, and tossed in the jacuzzi tub to labor further. She had great support from her husband, mother, and best friend. Her dad was also readily available with any assistance needed.

Fresh out of the tub...

Showing dad some different massage techniques....not the most flattering shot of me :P

Working hard! At this point she was around 8cms but the labor was starting to slow down, leaving her stuck at 8 for a while. S was becoming exhausted after hours and hours of labor. At this point we did have some discussion about pain management options.

S getting some rest once the epidural was in place.

Me and S's husband waiting for a baby to present herself.

Providing perineal support as S pushes the head out.

I assist the new daddy as he catches the baby. You can see the cord :) My finger is not in the baby's eye, just the angle :p

Good sized kid for a first baby. Momma did wonderful, pushing for maybe 45minutes.

A natural....

Cara's Birth Story

2010-06-24T15:57:00.002-07:00

Ok, I finally have the opportunity to reflect on my birth experience long enough to share my story with you…

My energy was completely drained for a quick minute here but I have replenished my energy and am ready to take on the world with my new son, Angel Jackson (A.K.A. AJ)

From the moment that I met with my fabulous midwife, Tiffany Jackson, I insisted on going through the birth process with no drugs and doing everything as natural as possible. Tiffany reassured me this was totally possible and reasonable. As I began to share with people my “birth plan” of no drugs, people would laugh at me and tell me I was crazy! Or they would look at me like I grew five heads. I shared these comments with Tiffany and again she reassured me my birth plan was totally possible. I put my faith in Tiffany’s words. So here is how my birth plan played out…

On June 7th, I kissed my husband good-bye and off to work he went. I am a teacher therefore I am blessed to be home from the end of May until August. During the time off, I began to tackle things that I had been putting aside. On the 7th, I got a burst of energy and decided I was going to DEEP clean the house (little did I know that this is called the nesting phase…). I began by bleaching and scrubbing everything I could and ended with carpet cleaning the entire house. My husband had asked me weeks ago to make cheese enchiladas for him as he loves them. I had gone grocery shopping picked up everything to make the enchiladas along with some other goodies. My plan was to take a shower, nap and then make the enchiladas for dinner. I carried out my plan, showered, napped and began to make the enchiladas at about 5:30 p.m. Just as I finished rolling the last enchilada, I felt a trickle of water, as though I had waited too long to get to the bathroom and pee’d on myself. I put the enchiladas in the oven, set the timer and off to the bathroom to handle business. Little did I know this was the start of my water breaking. I sat on the toilet and I pee’d forever, which wasn’t pee as I later found out, this was my water breaking. I called Tiffany and she advised me that it sounds like our son was going to make his arrival earlier than the planned due date of June 24th and to head to Phoenix Baptist Hospital to be checked out.

I waited for my husband to get home and about 6:30 p.m. we headed to the hospital. The contractions were about 3 minutes apart and I started to reconsider at this point my initial birth plan of no drugs. As I sat on the towel in my husband’s car my water continued to flow…..We arrived at the hospital and I instructed my husband to park the car in the parking lot and I could walk to the hospital, all the while reconsidering my no drug plan. I walked into the hospital to be greeted with a wheel chair and a labor and delivery nurse who took me to the labor and delivery floor. I was assigned to an amazing labor and delivery nurse, Stephanie. In the meantime I waited for Tiffany to arrive at the hospital and all the while still reconsidering my idea of no drugs during labor and delivery. Stephanie checked me and I was 5 ½ centimeters at 7’ish. Stephanie put me in the Jacuzzi and what a world of difference this made. I was back to my original mindset of I want to bring my son into this world as natural as possible with no drugs. Tiffany arrived, offering encouragement, compassion, comfort and guidance on how to work through the contractions and the feelings I was experiencing. My husband was my best friend by my side. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to welcome my son into this world!

Tiffany checked me about 9’ish and I was 9 ½ centimeters. With the help of my husband and Tiffany, they removed me from the Jacuzzi and I went to the bed to begin pushing. Stephanie was fabulous with the “Tug of War” pulling and pushing process. This helped me channel my strength into pushing. As I entered the “Ring of Fire” stage of delivery, I “begged” for relief from the pressure that I was feeling in the anal and vagina area. Tiffany, Stephanie and my husband encouraged me to keep going with no drugs as they could see the head. At 10:13pm, AJ was welcomed into this world with my husband, Tiffany and Stephanie by our sides. There was immediate feeling of relief felt both physically and emotionally. Although AJ was born early by 2 weeks, he was healthy and perfect size at 7lbs, 4 oz, 18.5 inches long. Angel Jackson is a blessing to our family and lives.

To all of you that are expecting your child and considering going through with a birth plan of no drugs, have faith in yourselves and your bodies; your body was made to do this. I was told this during a birthing class and didn’t believe it until I actually went through with it. Now, looking back, I wouldn’t change a single thing.

Jessie's Birth Story

2010-06-21T16:17:00.001-07:00

I have finally got around to doing it. Energy has been drained but now I am back at it. Ready to roar.

As pregnant ladies do, I made a birth plan. I wanted no drugs, the least intervention as I could get and I was going to birth my baby the way my body wanted to. As we all know, things don’t always work out the way you plan them.

I know what went wrong. For sake of hurting feelings I won’t point it out…just tell you my story.

My mother came down to AZ from AK to see the birth of her grandchild and for some reason I had a feeling we were going to be early, (due on June 2nd) so Mom came down on May 30th. A week passed by and nothing yet. I had all the common questions, “When is the baby coming?” “How long are the going to let you go?” “Hurry up and have that baby already.”

I know most first time moms go over, but all these repetitive questions made me feel anxious and kind of angry people were expecting me to know when the baby was coming. Like I was in charge of when I birthed.

As the time started getting closer to Mom leaving we started looking at natural ways to trigger labor. We walked and walked and walked.

On June 10th, Thursday, we went to Metro Center Mall and walked around for a couple of hours. I walked stairs, sat in the vibrating chairs, got a foot massage and contractions started. They were getting closer and closer together so we decided, being five minutes away from the hospital, we were going to go. When we got there and I got hooked up to the monitors, the contractions started spacing themselves further apart. Six minutes, seven minutes, so they sent me home. I really at this point just wanted to have the baby. When the nurse in triage called Tiffany, (the midwife on call) I told her I wanted to get my water broken to get things started. They told me to come back in the morning and we would be scheduled for an induction. So we went home still pregnant.

That night, I thought about it. This whole pregnancy I didn’t want any intervention. I hadn’t even taken Tylenol for headaches. Why now at the very end had I chosen to have an induction? Why have the baby come when everyone else wanted the baby, not when the baby wanted to come? I told my mom who was supposed to be leaving that Sunday, “I want to have the baby before you leave, I don’t want your trip to be for nothing!” She said, “Well don’t get induced on account of me leaving, the baby will come when she comes.” (We didn’t know what the sex of the baby was, but she wanted a girl, to have three girl tiger Gemini’s in a row. Her, me, and baby.) So when she said that, I thought ‘you know she is right! Baby will come, forget everyone else.

The next day we decided to go to Arizona Mills, another mall and walk some more. We met up with my cousins there and walked around the mall for four hours. We heard pineapple helped induce labor so I was eating that all day while we walked. We walked and walked, but I didn’t feel any contractions. When we went home our feet were so tired. Husband got home from school and we went about our night.

At 12:35 I felt my first contraction. Out of nowhere they came on and so I decided to time them. Five minutes, seven minutes, six minutes, but they were getting regular. I waited for a little while to make sure it was for real this time, and at 2:30am I decided to wake my mom. It was time, guess baby was waiting for daddy to be able to be there. It was the weekend.

So I called my cousins and told them it was time and we went to the hospital. I got checked in triage and I was at 4 cm almost 5, so they decided to keep me. I went walking. We walked around labor and delivery and contractions got to the point where we had to stop now and again to work through them.

My room was finally ready and I was hooked up to the monitors again for five minutes to check and make sure the baby was doing okay still. When we were done, I got up and walked around the room for a while, was able to get into the tub and labor in there for a while, then I went back into the bed to rest. This went on for like 8 hours. Lisa, the midwife decided to come in and talk options. At this point my water hadn’t broken. I was dilated to 5. We decided to break my water. There was a little meconium in my water, which is normal for overdue mothers. Lisa wasn’t concerned so we continued to labor.

Then my mother in law showed up.

Her, Husband’s sister and Aunty wanted to come into the room and watch. Something I didn’t think was a great idea. I felt it was a private moment, and for those who know our history, it wasn’t something that felt “right.” Husband was torn. He wanted to share this moment with his Mother, at the time I didn’t realize that but he was ready to leave me if I didn’t let her in the room. She made it about her. I was getting at a point where contractions were unbearable, 12 hours of pain without meds, and now I wasn’t progressing. I was stuck at 5 cm. I went to the toilet, and when I came back to sit on the bed more water came out. This time it gushed and was dark with meconium. Lisa came in to talk to me about what we were going to do. It was about the baby now and at this point I was barely able to get through anything. Baby was moving away from the external monitor, so they put an internal monitor in me.

We decided it was time for pitocin to get contractions rolling and cervix dilating. I know from all the birth stories that pitocin makes contractions very painful, so I opted for the epidural. With the epi came the catheter, and oxygen mask. After I got it, I was in heaven compared to the last 12 hours. I told Husband his mom could come in now. I felt no pain, and wasn’t embarrassed anymore. Husband and I were able to get some sleep and even though I couldn’t feel the contractions, I felt some pressure in my anal region. They told me that was the baby’s head and contractions. So I could still feel them, just not as strong. By 6pm I felt urges to push. I asked to be checked and I was fully dilated! I was ecstatic. They told me we would start to push about 6:30pm because we had to wait for a doctor for the baby because of the meconium. Time finally came around and we started to push with the contractions. I couldn’t even feel the baby moving down. People were all around me telling me I was doing great and things were going well, but I couldn’t tell!

7:30 rolls around and they finally could see the head emerging. Seven minutes later I hear, “It’s a boy!” It was such a fantastic feeling getting him out. The pressure was released and I was so happy to hear I had a boy! Half the family was hoping for a boy, and the other half a girl. Guess you can’t go wrong with 50/50 chances! I was just hoping for a healthy baby.

Julian James Cleveland was born on June 12, 2010, weighing in at 7 lbs 12 oz, 20 1/2 inches long. He is a lovely addition to our new family and we love him dearly.

Colleen's Birth Story

2010-06-11T09:22:00.001-07:00

My husband and I started trying to get pregnant in March of 2009. The first few months were unsuccessful, however being an A-type person, I started reading up on pregnancy/delivery even though I wasn't pregnant yet. Before doing this reading, I always just thought I would get pregnant, go to an OB-GYN and have my baby in the hospital with a heavy dose of pain meds. Once I started researching my mind changed completely! I began to form a strong opinion in the complete opposite end of the spectrum. I believe doctors have over-complicated the beauty of childbirth. Afterall, for centuries women were having babies without drugs, and they continued to have more than one so it had to be somewhat tolerable. Also, being a Christian, I began to realize God created my body to handle childbirth without any assistance and that He wouldn't give me any burden I couldn't handle.

In late July we discovered we were pregnant! I liked the idea of a midwife, but I had no idea where I would begin to look for one. Anxious and eager to see someone I ended up going to an OB-GYN office. From the initial visit I could tell they were not 100% behind me doing an all natural childbirth. When I asked what the practice's c-section rate was they said 25%! That was a little too high for my comfort. I decided I'd relax a bit, and take the time to find an office that had midwives. A girl at church recommended Bethany Women' s Center, so I made an appointment---the smartest move I made while pregnant!

My pregnancy, fortunately, did not have many complications nor did I really get seriously uncomfortable. The only hold-up I ran in to was my due date rolled around and still no baby! I tried everything--and I mean EVERYTHING- to spur labor: sex, walking everyday, spicy food, pineapple, massages, pedicures, etc. I went to 42 weeks, and my baby was still not coming on her own. Thoughts of wanting to be induced definitely filled my head, but my husband kept reminding me that the baby would come when ready, and induction would interfere with my plans for a natural childbirth. The midwives worked with me to get the baby to come out, using the most non-invasive plan as possible.

I ended up having a foley catheter put in and was sent home overnight. The idea was the catheter would help dialate me, and labor would start on it's own. The next morning I woke up, and the catheter was still in me and no contractions. We were told to come to the hospital since i was so late. When I got there at 8 am, I walked for an hour before the catheter fell out, but still no real contractions. They sent me walking some more, still nothing. Finally at noon they broke my water, and I had made it to 4cm. I began to feel tiny contractions, as I continued to walk the hospital hallways. Around 4pm I began to feel real pain. I was still walking which helped. But I was devastated when at 7pm, I was only 4.5 cm---I had only dialated half a cm!!! Diane, my midwife, assured me that I was still making progress; it was ok. From 7 pm til 5 am I was having strong contractions every couple minutes. At around midnight they checked me again and I was at 6cm. It was good I was making progress, but I felt like it was going so slow. I was getting very tired and was starting to doubt whether I could do it. I'd been awake for 24 hours and was losing energy fast--I just kept praying that when they checked me again I would be close to 10cm. When they checked me around 5:30 I was relieved to hear I was at 9.5 cms. I knew I could make it.

From there it all went super fast. Within a few minutes I was ready to start pushing. Diane told me the harder I pushed the faster it would go, so I just pushed with all my strength. Diane did an amazing job helping me push effectively. I know talking to friends who had drs. deliver their babies they felt like they didn't know how to push. I have no idea where the energy came from, but I was able to harness it and push her out. THe pushing was definitely the hardest part but also the best, because I knew I was that much closer. An hour and a half later I had a beautiful baby girl lying on my chest. I know every mom thinks her baby is perfect, but Madeline really was so beautiful (some newborns are kinda weird looking)---those extra couple weeks really paid off!! It was one of the most amazing experiences, and I am so proud of myself and thankful to God, my husband, the nurses, and my midwife, Diane, for helping me get through it. I'm not ready to do it again any time soon, but I know I*'ll be ready/capable. And the amazing part is you really do forget the pain you go through.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T09:11:00.002-07:00

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics for June

2010-06-06T17:06:00.001-07:00

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics
June 2010
Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon
PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT
ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC

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!

June 2 Breastfeeding Myths – There is a lot of information out there about breastfeeding. How do you separate what is good information and what is not? We can help!

June 9 What Do Babies REALLY Need? – How did you get to know your baby and what he or she REALLY needs?

June 16 Celebrating Dads & Breastfeeding - For as long as there have been babies, there have been fathers! We’ll take a look at the unique ways that fathers can nurture their babies – which differ from a mother’s ways, of course!

June 23 Your Baby’s Cues and Reflexes – Learn a little more about how to “read” your baby and appreciate infant body language.

June 30 Coping with the Crying Baby – A fussy, crying baby is usually NOT what new mothers expect. BUT, if YOUR baby is fussy and inconsolable, we have
tips for perspective and coping until “this too shall pass.”

Channel 12 Interview with one of our midwives

2010-06-04T09:57:00.004-07:00

Nora's Birth Story

2010-06-03T11:07:00.001-07:00

Eleanor Hazel Rose was born on May 27th at 3:11 p.m. She was 7lbs and 12 oz and 20 inches long. She is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

On Wednesday night I fell asleep on the couch and I awoke abruptly as I thought I was wetting myself! I jumped up, horrified, and rushed to the bathroom! I was so embarrassed that I did not even mention it to John. I got up every hour that night to use the bathroom because I was so paranoid that I would wet the bed. Also my hips and back ached so badly that I eventually got back up and laid in the recliner. In the morning I did mention to John that I thought the baby was so low that I was having trouble holding my pee. Little did I know that my water had broken and I was slowly leaking! John jokingly said, "You love being pregnant." To which I replied, "At this point I am doing it with love!" I went to work, the last day of the school year!

During the morning I began to suspect that I was leaking fluid and not simply having trouble holding my bladder. I noted a few contractions but I was so busy with the kids and end of the year excitement that I did not have time to take much note of them. I had so much to do! When I got a moment I called my sister in law to tell her that I had now begun wetting my pants. I thought this would amuse her. She said that was how her labor had started and she urged me to call my Midwife. I told her I was going to wait until the end of the school day since we only had a half day of school. But she kind of insisted that I call "just to be sure". After I spoke to her I used the bathroom and noticed a pink tinge when I wiped. I called John and told him and called my sister in law again and then the Midwife.

They suggested that I come in to get checked out. I left school somewhat reluctantly. I did not even really get to say goodbye to my students, which made me a little sad. I told them I would probably be back... and I really assumed I would be. On the way to the Midwife I began to notice that the contractions were coming pretty regularly. While we waited we timed them and they were about 3.5 minutes apart! They did not hurt but they were more intense and I could now feel them in my lower back. Once we were called back to the office my Midwife, Diane, checked me out. Low and behold she confirmed that my waters had broken and I was already 4 cm dilated! I was so surprised and nervous! She was so happy and excited for me! I asked who was on call and they told me Lylaine, whom I really liked. Diane said, "Oh Nora, you are going to have a beautiful birth!"

After they checked me out the water really began to gush. They gave me this HUGE diaper to wear. It was absolutely hilarious. John and I both laughed until we cried over the sight of pregnant me wearing a gigantic diaper. It was exactly what I needed because from then on I was really calm and confident. They hooked me up to a fetal monitor for a bit which confirmed the contractions were about 3 and half minutes a part. Diane told us to go home or out to lunch and relax until the contractions were a little longer and harder to work through. SO we ran an errand to Target to get a nightgown and then hurried home to finish packing up my bag!

Labor was certainly progressing and I began walking and pacing through the house doing odd chores and working through the contractions. This lasted for maybe 45 minutes to an hour. Jason, my brother in law, showed up with my nieces to drop off the labor set list he made for me and I continued to pace until the distraction by the kids was too much. I then got into the shower. I labored in the shower for about 30 minutes or so and the contractions started to become really intense and close together. At one point I thought I might get sick or pass out so I quickly got out and told John that he needed to ask his brother to leave.... NOW. Looking back I was definitely in Transition at this point but labor was happening so quickly I did not quite realize it.

I laid down on the bed and by this time the contractions were so intense that I had to really concentrate on breathing and relaxing to get through them. I remember thinking, "I don't know if I can handle this much longer!" and then answering myself, "You can do this, its not meant to last." I took deep breaths, relaxed my whole body, and then said OM as I exhaled. When John timed them they were so long and close together that it was hard to really tell when they began. We quickly decided to go to the hospital!

When we arrived at the hospital I went into Triage where they check to see if you are in labor. They put us in a small room with a curtain and then left us there for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile I was having some serious contractions. I started to get really agitated that no one was coming to check on me. John started pushing every button on the wall and a nurse rushed back and yelled at him saying, "Don't start pushing buttons back here! Every nurse will come running!" John said, "GOOD! Can someone please check her, she is in labor!" The nurse looked irritated and told me that she was going to check me and then send me walking because there were no labor rooms at that time. I told her, "There is no way I can walk" and she said, "Well you might have to." Then she checked to see how dilated I was. Her eyes got huge and she said, "Oh my honey, you are 10 cm!! Are you feeling the urge to push?" She changed her tune pretty quickly. I said, "I WANT MY MIDWIFE!"

She said, "Your Midwife is in a C-Section right now, she might not make it." This is when I started to get really scared. I did not want to give birth with those crazy nurses. She then said that I was going to have to give birth right there in Triage. I was so afraid they were going to leave me alone again. Just as I was really starting to get worried Lylaine poked her head through the curtain and gave me this huge encouraging smile. Tears came to my eyes. I have never felt more relief in my life. She came in and said, "First things first, lets get rid of all this stuff. She took me off the fetal monitor and helped me out of the hospital gown. I already felt better. She asked me if I wanted to try pushing through the next contraction and I said that I did want to try. She was said, "You just push when you are ready, you already know what to do."

Pushing my baby out was really the most amazing thing. Lylaine said to me during an appointment once, "You already know how to give birth." I thought about this a lot over the past few months and felt very confident that when the time came I would know and surely this was the case. There was something so freeing and beautiful in letting my body take over. I felt very protected and supported by Lylaine and so loved by John. Pushing was hard but also very easy.

Lylaine and John held my legs and I just told them when I was ready to push. Between contractions I relaxed and John and I would speak softly to each other and marvel at all that was happening. We celebrated our last few moments, just the two of us. I was so overwhelmed with love for him, my very best friend. I pushed for about 30 minutes and Lylaine continued to encourage me and rub my back and rinse my face with a cool cloth. With each push I could tell I was making progress by the look on John's face and Lylaine's commentary. As the head began to show she encouraged me to reach down and touch it.

Feeling her head emerge was the most intense and exhilarating feelings I have ever had. They call it the "rim of fire" for a reason but at the same moment I knew that it was good because her head was emerging! John told me later that once her head was out Lylaine grabbed her chin and delivered her shoulders in an instant. John said, "Look down No, there is your baby!" I looked and there she was, half out! Lylaine said, "Go ahead and grab her Nora" And so I delivered or "caught" my baby the rest of the way! I just leaned down and pulled her out and on to my chest.

Breathtaking euphoria overtook me as I held my sweet Eleanor skin to skin for the first time. She let out a short cry and then laid completely alert and serene on my chest. She was totally peaceful. I now fully understand the miracle of childbirth. Diane was so right, we had an amazing and beautiful birth.

I am so thankful for all the Midwives at Bethany Women's Center. They were all so wonderful. I am especially thankful for Diane, who took care of me through most of my pregnancy. She was always so patient, kind, and informative.... and she is from Chicago, which is awesome :) Also, Lylaine was so fantastic. She guided me through the end of my labor with true love and grace.

After the baby was caught and I was all fixed up I said, "You know, that was kinda fun!" This really caught the nurses off guard! Throughout my pregnancy I often joked that my birth plan was "birth ecstasy". I said, "If I shoot for the moon, I will surely land somewhere among the stars!" However, what I really worked on was not being afraid. I focused on empowering myself and being confident that I had the instinct and strength to do what generations of women have done, given birth naturally. Through the care of my Midwifes, reading (thank you Ina May), mentoring by my good friend Nicole, reflection... and a fantastically FAST labor, I feel like I truly landed among the stars.

K's Birth story

2010-05-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

After about 3 ½ weeks of BH contractions I was getting anxious to meet the new baby. On May 5th, I was having contractions every 6-7 minutes that were uncomfortable enough that they woke me up. This went on from about 6 a.m. to noon and then they just sort of stopped. The next couple of days I didn’t feel anything and started thinking that the baby might stay in until 42 weeks. On Friday, Jason, my mom, the kids and I went to Costco to buy a bunch of food just in case the baby decided to make an appearance. When we were there we picked up a pizza with lots of basil on it to see if that might help things along. We also headed to Stevanie’s (my amazing friend and chiropractor) office to see if an adjustment and some reflexology might start things moving.

On Saturday morning, May 8th, I woke up with some uncomfortable contractions. They were painful enough to wake me from my sleep at about 6 a.m. I tried to go back to bed but found that while I could lay there through the contractions I couldn’t really sleep through them. I decided to stay in bed as long as I could so that I could rest up just in case this was it. At about 9 I got out of bed and told Jason that I was having contractions. I thought that this was probably it but didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up so I just said I needed to take it easy. I ate some breakfast and took a shower. Around noon I wanted to get out of the house and we started talking about where to go. I really wanted a pretzel so we headed up to the Anthem outlets. At this point I told them that today was probably the day and that I wanted to walk around a little to speed things up. Once we got to Anthem and walked to the food court I was sure that I was going to have a baby. The kids were acting all crazy so we ate the pretzel and decided to head home. We stopped on the way home to look at curtains. When we were in the store I had to stop to breathe through the contractions every 3 minutes or so. Once we checked out and headed home we started to make plans for later that afternoon. I called Emily (another amazing friend) to let her know that the kids were going to be coming over to her house soon because it would be time for us to go to the hospital. Once we were home I texted Stevanie who had offered to come over and adjust me before we headed to the hospital. She texted back that she would be there is 10-15 minutes. When she arrived she adjusted my stomach first (which immediately made my stomach feel much better) and then my back. She worked on my lower back during a contraction and showed Jason the pressure points to help move the contraction from my back to my stomach. There was immediate relief as the pressure from my lower back moved around front- it felt much better to have the contraction fully in my stomach. Then she worked on my entire back. When she adjusted my spine I could feel the baby move- it felt like a pretty big move so it was probably getting right into position. When she was done we loaded everyone up and headed to Emily’s house to drop off the kids and then to the hospital.

We got to the hospital at about five and once there we headed up to the third floor where we were hoping to register. Since it was a weekend we had to register in the ER. Jason headed downstairs to register and my mom and I went into the LDR triage. The nurse checked me and I was 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced. I had not been checked before so I had no idea how much progress that was or if it was progress at all (she couldn’t believe I hadn’t been checked at 41 weeks). She called the midwife on call and I told her that I was fine with heading home. The midwife told the nurse to send me home and so we were just waiting for Jason. He came upstairs about ½ an hour later and I asked the nurse to check me again because I had had a few strong contractions. She checked me again and I was a 3 ½ to 4 so we decided that I should stay. We went to the room and immediately filled up the tub. I jumped in and started the jets- it was amazing. The water really helped ease my discomfort. At about 6 the midwife came in. She was the one midwife in the practice that I hadn’t met yet but I immediately liked her (a lab tech knocked on the door and she yelled at them to leave so I knew that she would have my back ,lol). I labored in the tub for a little while and was feeling the contractions in my lower back. Jason started using the pressure points that Stevanie showed him and that really helped. After a while I got out of the tub to use the restroom. After I was done I decided to go and lay down on my side to see if that would help with the back pain. I labored on my side for a while with Lisa, the midwife, rubbing my back and Jason rubbing my upper arms and shoulders. It was much easier than either of my previous labors and I think that is because there was a constant pressure on my lower back from her massage. We worked this way until about 8:30 when I asked her to check me. I joked that I was probably at a five but she checked and I was at a 9. We talked about it for a little while and decided it was time to break my water. She broke my water and I labored a little more to get to a 10. At this point I told her that I had never felt the need to push with my previous two labors and that I would need coaching. Once I was at a ten I started pushing. This was by far the most difficult part of labor for me. I really didn’t feel a need to push and couldn’t really tell when I was pushing. My mom, Jason, the nurse and the midwife were all trying to talk me through it. At one point I told them that I quit (I was actually joking because I figure that you have to quit at some point but I don’t think anyone took it that way). I was getting scared because I thought that if I didn’t feel the need to push I might not be able to push the baby out. Finally the put a squat bar on the bed and wrapped a sheet around it. I held onto the sheet and that seemed to help me to push. After I had been pushing for a while Lisa started to get a little gruff with me (I guess the baby’s heart rate was dropping and she really wanted me to get the baby out). That seemed to be what I needed and I started pushing harder. I pushed the baby’s head out so quickly that Jason didn’t have time to get to the foot of the bed to catch the baby. At that point we stopped so that they could get the cord off of the baby’s neck- it was wrapped around the neck three times. Once the cord was removed the baby sort of slid out and Jason and I pulled the baby up to my chest. I felt around and announced that it was a boy. He was born sunny side up which explains why I never really felt a strong urge to push (and the back labor). I told everyone that he was so tiny and someone said it was because I was so used to Wyatt. I said that he was a tiny baby and when they weighed him he was only 7 lbs 10 ounces- much smaller than either Mia or Wyatt had been. The placenta was delivered and it was huge. Baby boy looked perfect and started nursing about an hour and a half after he was born. We finally named him Mathieu David when he was six days old.

Giveaway: Breastfeeding With Comfort and Joy

2010-05-24T15:44:00.002-07:00

Go check out this giveaway for Breastfeeding With Comfort and Joy, on the Bellies and Babies blog. I've heard this book is a wonderful read so entered the giveaway my self :)

Mirrors

2010-05-24T15:06:00.003-07:00

I found this poem on Bellies and Babies blog....I found it to be an insightful piece into how we raise our girls in this country. I thought of my 7 and 10 year-old daughters as I read it. I hope to raise them to love themselves as they are.

I saw a friend's Facebook status contain a quote by Redd Fox and absolutely loved it...

"Beauty may be skin deep, but ugly goes clear to the bone."

Nutrition Corner: 15 Foods For Healthier Eating

2010-05-20T09:54:00.007-07:00

I found this list of 15 foods (at WebMD) you can buy at the store for healthier eating and weight loss.

Eggs - I'm always harping on eating more protein and eggs definitely fit that bill. The protein source right at the start of the day helps keep you feel fuller longer. What to avoid? Bread!
Beans - beans contain a weight-loss hormone called cholecystokinin. Beans can also stabilize blood sugar, keeping you feeling satiated longer, as well as help lower cholesterol.
Salad - since salad tends to be almost calorie free (excluding the dressing of course) you should eat large quantities to feel full. You are then less likely to eat too much of less healthy things.
Green tea - contains antioxidants that boost your metabolism.
Pears - this fruit is now the top fiber source in fruits so better to fill you up!
Soup - apparently when you eat soup your brain believes you are full - I knew our brains were suckers!
Lean Beef - certain amino acids contained in lean meats can help you to slim down while still feeling satisfied. Dairy products and fish contain some of the same amino acids.
Olive Oil - boosts the metabolism, extra virgin is the best bet!
Grapefruit - no, no, not the grapefruit diet....but eating half a grapefruit before each meal or drinking one serving of juice three times a day can help you drop weight...fo' real! The phtochemicals reduce insulin levels, which forces the body to burn the calories instead of storing them as 'fluff'.
Cinnamon - helps lower blood sugar levels as well as cholesterol. Put it on everything!
Vinegar - Really? Vinegar? It likely helps you feel fuller faster due to the acid content slowing the passage of food into the small intestine. It also helps prevent the blood sugar spike that can occur with refined carbs. So go ahead and dip you bread in some vinegar...or maybe not!
Tofu - So you thought tofu was worthless and unappealing? Well, guess what...it's good for you and can taste good as well! Tofu is an appetite-squashing protein. Cook with seasonings and it tends to take on the taste and flavor of what you are cooking it with. I love it in a stirfry.
Nuts - while nuts have more fat content, they are more filling and rev the resting metabolism. That means you burn more calories while sitting on the sofa watching TV then you would if you hadn't eaten any nuts! Walnuts specifically can be a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids :)
High-fiber cereal - eating a bowl for breakfast can curb your appetite. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
Hot red pepper - capsaicin is an ingredient found in red pepper, which works by suppressing the appetite.

All of these foods are easy to incorporate into your daily diet...give it a try and let me know what you think!

Healthy Moms, Healthy Baby Refrain

2010-05-16T23:14:00.002-07:00

"one of the reasons the refrain, “healthy mom, healthy baby” only hampers women – it negates the fact that we’re experiencing anything other than pure bliss. "
--Reader Larissa at The Unnecesarean

I love this line. It really says it all about that phrase that we toss around in the hopes of comforting women when things don't go the way they might have hoped. The reader Larissa is hoping to start a project focusing on accumulating women's stories about the good, the bad, and the ugly of women's experiences birthing. Larissa, rightly so, points out that experiencing childbirth isn't solely a sum of physical feelings but also emotional/mental feelings.

If you would like to submit your story, the deadline is 7/31/10 and you can email Larissa at postpartumessays@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing more from her.

Preniva - Must-Have For Every Woman

2010-05-16T23:01:00.002-07:00

Hat tip to Jill at The Unnecesarean

Mother of Many

2010-05-15T10:18:00.007-07:00

My daughters stood and watched this with me, throughly absorbed. Thanks to Jill and crew at Unnesecearean where I found this.

Nutrition Corner: Omega-3s

2010-05-07T08:35:00.002-07:00

Omega-3s rock. That's all there is to it. They are fantastic for you whether you are pregnant or not, and at any stage of your life!

Omega-3s are found largely in fatty fishes such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon. They also can be found in walnuts, flaxseed, and full-fat salad dressings (but use in moderation!). You can also purchase supplements at any store selling vitamins, etc.

Why should you? Here's some of the benefits...

A recent study published by Human Reproduction showed that women with ample omega-3 consumption may have a lower risk of endometriosis. The study involved 70,000+ american nurses followed over a 12 year period. Of these women, those that consumed plenty of omega-3s had a 22% lower risk for endometriosis!
Omega-3s lower inflammation and can decrease your risk for cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.
Omega-3s seem to be highly concentrated in the brain and it is felt that they are important for cognitive and behavioral function. Infants of mothers who did not consume enough omega-3s during pregnancy, were found to have more risk for developing nerve and vision problems.

Symptoms of omega-3 defiency include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation.

Another type of fatty acid necessary in the diet is the Omega-6s. This fatty acid promotes inflammation. Having a careful balance between the omega-3s and the omega-6s can lead to optimal health. Most Americans have 14-25 times the omega-6s then the omega-3s....this isn't good. Using a mediterranean diet tends to lead to a healthier balance of these fatty acids. The Mediterranean diet does not include much meat (which is high in omega-6 fatty acids) and emphasizes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, garlic, as well as moderate wine consumption (unless pregnant of course).

Have I convinced you? I hope so. I recommend omega-3 supplements to all my patients....running out to go pick up some more for myself :)

A's VBAC story

2010-05-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

I had been having surges for the past week off and on. By Saturday night I had called my doula to let her know that we were getting close. On Sunday, I had bloody show so I was wearing a cloth pad and we went to trader joes and while there I felt my legs sorta wet and so we headed home. I definitely had lost some fluid.

I called my doula and so Sunday night she slept the night since I was having contractions every 7 or so minutes and was 80 percent. We tried moving my placenta since it was a bit anterior, but it didn't do a lot of help. I wasn't dilating. Monday I did a lot of walking and the contractions were staying at around 6-7 minutes apart. I again called my doula, she came up around midnight or so from another birth. SHe told me she'd have to head to the other for around 6 am. At around 4:30 I was still having contractions and went to the bathroom and I had a very thick discharge and saw some meconium. We decided that I should probably head into the hospital. She had another doula accompany me. This new doula was very awesome! She was very calming and in spite of not knowing her she was super supportive and helpful. At the hospital they checked me and I had a leak in my fluid so they kept me rather than turning me home. I was 100 percent.

I was having surges every 5-6 minutes at this point. With some walking and rest I wasn't progressing. I was around 2.5 cm around 10 am. I was doing some laps and using the birth ball to get through surges. I swear I was the only one walkin, so I had no idea where all the other birthing moms were. Shortly after that the nurse came in and said that I had to stay on the bed now since she had read the policy and VBAC patients had to be under constant monitoring. At this point, I started crying. I asked to see my midwife. While we waited, the new doula let me know that each thing was my choice and with policies there are ways around it. In my mind I kept thinking that there was just no way I could progress from less than 3 cm to 10 without any movement. The midwife came in and let me know what my options were - stay there and listen or request an AMA form (against medical advice) to allow me to walk. Apparently this policy isn't always enforced, and it is up for review in May. Anyway, while waiting and talking (and plenty of tears) my progression definitely changed. I had been having contractions/surges every 5-6 minutes and after the situation, I had barely 2 contractions over a 45 minute period) and definitely affected how I was feeling about the whole situation. After I signed the form I laid in bed for quite a while and did some thinking. I had received some beads from a birth circle meeting and another set from my friends at a blessingway. I asked for those and thought about all the well wishers I had through this birth. I got up and we tried to do some nipple stimulation and a shower to try to get things going, and I just didn't feel it happening so we requested a breast pump, which I also didn't feel helped the contractions get closer. By this time my doula had come back but was exhausted so shortly after she went home. It was around 6 pm and I spoke with the midwife and we decided that we'd try a small amount of pitocin to try to get my body moving again. I knew that once this happened I'd have to stay on my back so we did some walking again. Ravi and I had a few disagreements - I posted via my blackberry that I needed some "eggplant parmesan" (there's a recipe on the web that "guarantees" labor), and Ravi wanted me to remained focused, I was beginning to waver in my belief that I could get through this. I tried some stadol to get some rest because I had been up for basically 3 days and hopefully it would allow me to relax some. While I was able to get some rest, I wasn’t sure if I had progressed. I asked to be checked (we were minimizing this due to the water being broke) and I was at 4.5. My "agreement" to myself was to do the pit if I wasn't at a 5.

We started the pit and the contractions were within 2 minutes of each other within a few hours but I was in horrible pain. They had been slowly upping the pit and I didn’t feel I was able to handle the pain since I had barely any down time between contractions. I had asked that no order be put for an epidural because I wanted to be sure that I spoke with my midwife again before asking for it. The hospital staff had been mostly awesome to this point because I know they wanted to ask me for an epidural for quite a while but in my birth plan I had asked to not be asked. I called for the nurse and let her know that I wanted the pit turned down. This helped the contractions subside but I knew that wasn’t going to get me closer to having the baby! I was without a doula at this point and was confused and definitely losing focus again. I asked for the midwife, and I swore she was just never coming because every contractions felt like an eternity! While waiting for her to come back, I requested the pit be turned off. The nurse basically told me that if I asked for it, she could, but she couldn’t keep changing it. She turned it off, and I let her know I’d like an epidural. She had to call the midwife who was on her way to get the order. I felt so sad and deserted at this point. No doula, midwife was taking forever, I wasn’t progressing!
Finally just as nurse came in and turned off the pit, the midwife came in and we had a short talk and we agreed that the best bet would be to do the epidural. The anesthesiologist came in and explained the procedure to me. I still think it is a bit funny that they didn’t tell me the side effects of this, but I got the whole “fetal death” talk when I asked for intermittent monitoring. Anyway, we started the pit again along with some antibiotics (this may have happened earlier?) since I had been ruptured for a while and was having cervical checks. The epidural didn’t fully take effect but I was able to get a few hours of sleep. I woke and was feeling the contractions and was able to use breathing to hopefully make them more positive. I had feeling on my left side and most of my vaginal area. Around an hour later I was still awakeand felt the rest of my water break. I asked for the nurse and she came and said I was a 9. I never felt so good in my life! I was getting the urge to “bear down” and she said that it wasn’t time yet. I didn’t really stop myself , but she told me it’d be at least 90 minutes before I’d probably be complete. I looked at the clock- it was 6 am and he was almost all the way in position. Shift change was in an hour. Couldn’t help but think of this! Anyway, the new midwife came in around 6:40 and checked me and said I was definitely at a 10 at this point and baby was fully ready! I could feel that she was trying to help me stretch. She had me do a few test pushes so I’d know what to do. I swear I thought I was pooping (earlier on I had called the nurse to change the bed pad because I swore I pooped, apparently I had farted and there was some show). We worked on where I should be pushing and adjusted the bed (I had wanted to birth squatting but only had use of half a leg so without an additional support person this wasn’t possible. I began pushing with the surges and could feel him progressing again and again. At one point he was crowning and she asked me to feel his head and I said I can’t. Apparently both she and Ravi thought that meant I was giving up, but when I showed them, my arm was too short! Anyway, around 7 am, more people began coming in and I kept saying WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE! It definitely was distracting. A midwife from the UK was in to catch the baby, and I was fine with this, the previous midwife had asked if I was okay with this, which I was. We continued pushing and I felt him begin to come through and was getting tired but knew I had more in me. I was being cheered on by the nurse and two midwives and Ravi. Finally at 7:17, less than 30 minutes of pushing, Rohan Jakob entered the world. I am glad the epidural didn’t fully take effect, without it, I’m sure pushing would have been more difficult. I also am thankful for the entire process of getting this baby here. I now have confidence in my body that I didn’t know I had. I had wavered many times but we made it through.

In the end, he was a vbac and I'm so happy that we were home within 12 hours of his birth. He never left our side :) Official stats (after nursing and pooping and all that jazz)
Born 4/28/10 at 7:17 am19.5 inches long7 lbs, 4 oz13.5'' head

Tons of thanks to my friends who’ve helped me get to this point and especially to Sarah for coming to our house before 5 am to pick up Viveka. I’m so thankful that I knew Viveka was in good hands while we were in the hospital!

Guest Post: Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care

2010-05-05T18:55:00.002-07:00

Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care

Yay... You're Pregnant! This is an amazing time in your life, one that will never be experienced again because each pregnancy is different, be excited. You have, or are working on creating an amazing supporting team for this adventure, and along with your OG/BYN and/or Midwife, Chiropractic Care is essential.

A large percent of pregnant women experience back discomfort or pain during pregnancy due to previously unnoticed imbalances of the spine and pelvis that are accentuated during pregnancy. During this time women undergo many structural and hormonal changes that affect the spine, nerves, joints, ligaments, connective tissues, center of gravity and stability. Specific, GENTLE adjustments elimintate the stresses in your spine and pelvis restoring balance and resulting in greater comfort, health, and vitality.

Chiropractic care is a drugless alternative to pain management. Since nearly all drugs and medications can cause fetal damage or malformations it is important for pregnant women to avoid them as much as possible.

Along with pain management, optimum nerve function is extremely important for mom and baby during pregnancy. Just as mom needs to pay closer attention to good and nutritious foods in order to grow and nurture her new baby, she needs to pay closer attention to the functioning of her nervous system. All life functions come from the nervous system, if the spinal cord is cut, there is no life. Chiropractic care removes all nerve interference from misalignments of the spine and allows life to flow freely... Baby needs 100% of moms life to be flowing freely in order to create 100% of life flow to the baby.

Baby's Position:
Prenatal chiropractic techniques release stress on the pelvis and uterus, helping the unborn child to turn and position itself properly for a healthy birth presentation. If a woman's uterus is constrained as birth approaches, the baby can be prevented from getting into the best possible position for birth. Even if the baby is in the desirable head down position, often times constraint to the uterus affects the babys head from moving to the ideal position for delivery. Any baby position even slightly off during labor can slow down labor, and add pain to both mother and baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?
Of course! A safe alternative to drugs is wonderful for both mother and baby.

2. Is there a time in pregnancy when chiropractic adjustments should stop?
No! Some women even receive chiropractic care during labor to aid in reducing pain with delivery.

3. Should I see a chiropactor only if I have a painful pregnancy?
No! Regular spinal check ups should be as common as weigh ins. Remember that your body is changing i nmany ways and can place a great deal of stress on your spine and nervous system. So rather than wait for problems to arise, prevent them by frequent visits to your chiropractor.

4. What about after pregnancy?
Spinal care can help the postpartum woman return to pre-pregnancy fitness by balancing her spinal column, realigning her pelvic bones and removing vertebral subluxations.

If you have any questions please call me anytime,

Dr. Ashley Waggoner

Ashley Chiropractic

480-259-0064

3006 S Rural Rd

Tempe 85282

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics for May

2010-05-04T10:26:00.002-07:00

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics
May 2010
Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon
PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT
ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC

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!

May 5 Happy Mother’s Day
This holiday is earned day in and day out! Candidly discussing the ups and downs of motherhood can help new mothers cope with the reality behind the holiday.

May 12 Breastfeeding Hormones
Understanding the effect of the hormones involved in breastfeeding will help you understand WHY culturally-popular suggestions for when and how long to breastfeed can backfire.

May 19 Milk Supply Issues
What is the difference between true insufficient milk supply and perceived insufficient milk supply? Sometimes, it is a lack of information – which we will happily share!

May 26 Thriving Breastfed Babies
A brief look at the components of human milk that help your baby absolutely thrive.

Celebrating VBACs

2010-04-27T15:34:00.003-07:00

Can you imagine a Cesarean Section rate of OVER 32%? That's nearly 1/3 of all births!! Now that's just NOT RIGHT!! Yet, that is the most recent rate from preliminary 2008 data from the CDC. Many of those cesareans are because the mother had a cesarean with her first and she was unable to find support to have a VBAC with her second. The VBAC movement (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) began in earnest in the late 80's-mid 90's. However, recently many hospitals have made it difficult if not impossible for a woman to make that choice. As a result, the CDC has recently convened a conference to address this topic. The summit was convened with expectation that the very best research-based EVIDENCE would be presented to address this "controversial" issue. Data shows about 75% of women who attempt a VBAC will have a vaginal birth and VBACs overall are a reasonable choice for most mothers and babies. ALSO, the experts found that repeat cesareans exposed women to greater risk of death than VBAC and added further risk for future pregnancies including placenta previa and placenta acreta. The conference urged restrictive policies be lifted to support women in their pursuit of a TOL and VBAC. As a practice we welcome this evidence and support for the work we do with VBAC women and their families. We have supported women and their families wanting to attempt a TOL and are heartened with recognition regarding the advisability and researched evidenced from "experts". We have started a VBAC class on the second Monday night of each month, beginning on May 10 from 7 to 9PM. If you are considering or have already chosen a VBAC for your pregnancy, please come join us for this informative and fun class! We will help you outline strategies that will optimize your success!

March for Babies - Time is Running out to donate!!!!!

2010-04-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

As March fast approaches, the time for walking to fight prematurity is here again. Every year, in an attempt to raise funds to fight prematurity and birth defects, the March of Dimes hosts March for Babies. The Phoenix, AZ walk is actually April 17th. Bethany Womens Healthcare has a team and we are inviting everyone....and I do mean everyone...to walk, donate, or both with us! Our goal is to raise $1000 for the march of Dimes....will you help?

Click here to go to my homepage to donate or join our team.

My son was born prematurely at 34 weeks after spending a couple weeks in the hospital on magnesium sulfate on and off. While most babies will do fine in the long run at this gestational age, he did not. He experienced bleeding in his brain, which caused permanent brain damage. He is now mildy mentally retarded.

Do you have a story to tell about a child born premature or with birth defects? We would love to share your story on our blog. Email your story to me by clicking on my name then Email and I will post it up.

Consistent lactation lowers maternal vascular risk

2010-04-14T10:43:00.004-07:00

I recently read that women who have more than 3 children are at increased risk for cardiovascular events such as heart attack and strokes later in life. The research study postulates that this may be related to the changes in the circulatory system brought on by repeated pregnancies. If there ends up being some founding to this then breastfeeding may be a counteractive measure that moms can take...

March 1, 2010

Contemporary OB/GYN

Consistent lactation lowers maternal vascular risk

Breastfeeding may protect mothers against the development of vascular disease, according to a recent study. The new data add to existing data for the long-term health benefits of lactation.

The new finding comes from 297 women, 45 to 58 years old, who were enrolled in an ancillary study to the Study of Women Across the Nation (SWAN), called SWAN-Heart. SWAN is a community-based cohort study of racially diverse women conducted at 7 sites across the United States; SWAN-Heart participants were enrolled only at the Pittsburgh and Chicago sites. Women in SWAN reported at least 1 live birth at enrollment and were free of cardiovascular disease at entry.

Lactation history was assessed at enrollment and was self-reported. It was classified as no lactation, inconsistent lactation (breastfeeding at least 1 child for less than 3 months), and consistent lactation (breastfeeding each child for 3 months or more).

SWAN-Heart participants had subclinical cardiovascular disease measured at baseline by 2 screening tools: electron beam tomography with an ultrafast computed tomography (CT) scanner and B-mode ultrasonography (carotid duplex scanning).

Ultrafast CT provides a measure of calcification; in SWAN-Heart, calcification of the aorta and coronary arteries was assessed. B-mode ultrasonography was used to assess carotid adventitial diameter, carotid intima-media thickness, and carotid plaque.

After adjusting for age, parity, measures of socioeconomic status, and lifestyle and family history, a significant association was observed between aortic and coronary calcification and consistent lactation for 3 months postpartum, reported Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, MD, MS, assistant professor, medicine, and obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues.

The odds of aortic calcification was increased by a factor of 3.85, and the odds of coronary artery calcification by 2.78 in the mothers who did not breastfeed compared to the mothers who consistently breastfed. The association between lactation and less aortic calcification persisted after adjusting for body mass index and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In fact, after adjusting for all potential confounders, the risk of aortic calcification increased by more than 5-fold in the mothers who did not breastfeed compared to those who consistently breastfed.

The authors wrote: "These findings build on previous work that has shown that women who do not breastfeed are at greater risk of clinical cardiovascular disease, by providing insight in to the early effects of lactation on a mother's body."

They speculate that the effects of lactation on prolactin and oxytocin may have positive long-term effects on cardiovascular risk profiles because these hormones have been shown to be associated with blood pressure, preclinical atherosclerosis, and vascular resistance.

Schwarz EB, McClure CK, Tepper PG, et al. Lactation and maternal measures of subclinical cardiovascular disease. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;115(1):41-48.

Bitter Melon Extract May prevent Breast Cancer

2010-04-14T10:30:00.003-07:00

Thought this was interesting and wanted to share...

Bitter Melon Extract May Help Prevent Breast Cancer

Study finds extract inhibits signal transduction pathways linked to breast cancer cell growth

Mar 2, 2010

TUESDAY, March 2 (HealthDay News) -- Extract of bitter melon, which is used in folk remedies in Asia and Central America, inhibits the signal transduction pathways associated with breast cancer cell growth and could be used in preventing the disease, according to research published in the March 1 issue of Cancer Research.

Ratna B. Ray, Ph.D., of Saint Louis University, and colleagues discuss their work with bitter melon extract, prepared from raw green Momordica charantia melons, and two breast-cancer cell lines.

The researchers noted greater than 80 percent cell death in both types after treatment with the extract. Treatment also led to a decrease in cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was associated with greater poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and caspase activation. In both types of cells, bitter melon treatment was associated with inhibition of survivin and claspin, which are involved in cell-cycle regulation. Their experiments also showed that treated MCF-7 cells accumulated during the G2-M cell cycle phase.

"Together, these results suggest that bitter melon extract modulates several signal transduction pathways that additively or synergistically induce breast cancer cell death and can be used as a dietary supplement for prevention of breast cancer," the authors conclude.

Violence Unsilenced

2010-04-13T22:18:00.004-07:00

I SPOKE OUT.

Push It!

2010-04-13T16:41:00.003-07:00

I am sitting here at my husband's bedside and am so thankful, among other things, for a laptop and free WiFi! Phoenix Baptist is a wonderful hospital but I have been told there is no WiFi available. I would really be insane by now (we've been here for 6 days now) with no internet! I am taking advantage of this time (and believe me, I have a LOT of time on my hands at the moment) to do some blogging and catch up on my regular blogs I like to read.

I was over on At Your Cervix when I found a link to this wonderful blog carnival on pushing....a a baby out that is. Amy Romano is hosting this carnival on Science and Sensibility blog. I very much enjoyed the post and think you will too.

The Fifth Healthy Birth Blog Carnival: Push it real good!

Herbal Use in Pregnancy Part II

2010-04-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Continuation of herbal remedies (listed by problem)

Perineal Care - postpartum use, calendula or comfrey - make a tea, strain and add to a sitz bath. Vitamin E oil or calndula, comfrey, pilewort, St John's wort, symphytum, hydrastis, and achillea creams or ointments can be topically applied to the perineum. Make comfrey tea and soak sanitary pads in the teat, then freeze and use on perineum.
Postpartum Depression - teas of chasteberry, motherwort, nettle, or raspberry leaf. (Encapsulated placenta is supposed to be wonderful in preventing depression - will get an article up at some point about that!)
Sleep Problems - take a small bed pillow, open one end, add cloves, mint, and rosemary, and sew up open end.
Sore Nipples - wash the nipples with infusions of marigold or comfrey and expose to the air or sunlight. Ointments from calendula, comfrey, plantain, St. John's wort, or yarrow are particulary effective in healing cracked nipples and relieving pain. Wipe breasts prior to feeding baby.
Threatened miscarriage - crampbark or black haw bark taken in the form of a cup of the decoction or drops, or a tincture of chasteberry, or raspberry leaf tea
Varicose veins and hemorrhoids - tea, capsule, or tonic of blessed thistle. Lotions, compresses, or creams made from comfrey, marshmallow, marigold, plantin, yarow, or hawthorn berries. For hemorrhoids, try pilewort cream combined with an equal quantity of comfrey cream or try echinacea an comfrey teas put into a sitz bath, soak 15-30 minutes.
Water retention - dandelion leaf, corn silk, or both used in tea form.

I can't stress enough that seeing a well trained herbalist is the best option for trying herbal remedies. There is an extensive list of herbs that are to be avoided during pregnancy and childbirth so be sure to check with your provider or a skilled herbalist prior to trying ANY herbal remedy.

There are numerous books and websites on herbal medicine, which can be found doing a search on the internet.

Information on herbs in this post and Part I are from Childbirth Education: Practice, Research, and Theory 2nd Edition by Nichols and Humenick.

Dark Chocolate Is Good For You?!?!

2010-04-11T19:40:00.001-07:00

I was sent a suggestion for a blog topic - a yummy one at that - dark chocolate and the health benefits associated. I am a huge chocolate lover - I'm all about anything in support of it being healthy :) So here are some resources I checked out and think you will find helpful and interesting!

This first one is actually from WebMD - it has a lovely slideslow with yummy pictures and some interesting history as well. It discusses chocolate's history as an aphrodisiac and more recently the health benefits.

This article, also from WebMD, discusses how dark chocolate seems to help prevent heart disease. It works by keeping c-reactive protein (CRP) at lower levels. This chemical marker is associated with inflammation which contributes to heart problems.

This article, Health By Chocolate, actually delves more into the type of chocolate you need to get to reap the health benefits.

This article, on chocolate during pregnancy, discusses how dark chocolate used sparingly may help avoid pre-eclampsia!

This is only the beginning of research on dark chocolate. So feel free to head out and grab some chocolate BUT you gotta buy the right kind and it has to be in moderation. No chocolate for every meal of the day ok! Cuz then you will be hearing us lecturing about weight gain!

Group B Strep Testing in Pregnancy

2010-04-04T10:57:00.003-07:00

I was browsing around on the computer, accumulating a little energy prior to starting the Easter dinner, and found this blog post on Group B Strep (GBS) testing at the Arizona Birth Network blog.

I felt like the info offered was very accurate and appropriate. Check it out and feel free to ask any questions you might have! I have on occasion had women decline testing or treatment in the event of a positive result. That's really ok as long as a woman understands the benefits AND the risks of her decision. We each have to determine what our own acceptable risk is for every decision you make in life. This is no different!

April Support Group Topics and a New Class

2010-04-01T08:51:00.001-07:00

Nursing Mothers Group Discussion Topics
April 2010
Wednesday Mornings: 10 AM – Noon
PLEASE PARK ON 37TH AVENUE; CROSS INTO THE PARKING LOT ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC

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!

April 7 He Can’t Be Hungry – He Just Ate!
Babies nurse for many reasons in addition to food. We’ll discuss normal feeding behaviors in breastfed babies AND how mommies can prepare to cope with the demands this can represent.

April 14 What About Dad?
A Dad’s role in the breastfeeding relationship might seem, well . . . invisible. Surprise! What Dads do for babies is also important, though very different from nursing mothers.

April 21 Ah Choo! Allergies and the Breastfed Baby
Breastfed babies have a reduced incidence of allergies. We’ll discuss the protective effective of breastfeeding.

April 28 Taking Fun Vacations with Breastfed Babies
Traveling with a breastfed baby? Join us for a fun discussion and learn some tips from the experienced travelers in the room. Plan ahead for your own get-a-way!

New Class from the BWHC Breastfeeding Support Center

In response to the NEEDS of nursing mothers who are returning to work, we are offering a new class beginning in April: Employed and Breastfeeding Seminar.

First, the basics:

Breastfeeding Works! is the class that ALL expectant parents should attend to learn about the basics of breastfeeding. This puts new moms ahead of the inevitable learning curve
when their babies are born. It includes information about comfortable positioning and latch, how to know that your baby is getting enough to eat, and basic information for trouble-shooting common breastfeeding challenges. You don't have to go it alone!

If you are returning to work, the Employed and Breastfeeding Seminar, is designed for you:

· from 7 to 8 PM, usually on the 3rd Monday of the month
· Call 602-973-3200 to register
· Dads/one support person are welcome and encouraged to attend
· The fee includes attendance for you and your husband, partner or a support person
· Babies and toddlers are welcome – you DON’T need a babysitter
· All class materials are provided, and space is limited.

After reviewing the critical importance of breastfeeding and how the breast makes milk, the evening will focus on:

· how to prioritize so that you can build an ample milk supply early on
· how to add a pumping routine to your life so that you have some milk stored before your return to work or school
· tips to make the transition back to work a little bit easier
· how to negotiate with your employer for a time and place to express your milk
· options to consider if reality is not ideal
· what to do if breastfeeding challenges arise
· information about pumps -- including how breast pumps work and what type of pump is appropriate for your situation
· how to manage the adjustments as you balance your return to work or school

Payment is made when you arrive at 6:45 p.m. the day of your class
· Fee: $10.00
· We accept cash, MasterCard, Visa, and checks payable to Bethany Womens Healthcare

I'm so proud of the many remarkable mothers in our practice who have overcome common challenges when they began breastfeeding. And, then they have adjusted to the return to work AND continued breastfeeding. It just proves that with a good plan, there is NOTHING a woman cannot do!

Sharon Olson, BS, IBCLC

Thanks

2010-04-01T08:47:00.002-07:00

Our blog was listed on a couple sites and wanted to say 'thanks'!

50 Best Blogs for Midwives

Top 25 Pediatric Nursing Blogs

S's Birth story

2010-03-30T18:48:00.001-07:00

S had been coming to us on the recommendation of a doula and friend of mine. She has been so much fun to get to know...and her husband's comic strips too!

She recently gave birth and shares her labor story (and it was exciting from what I hear!) on her blog.

Congrats!

Herbal Use During Pregnancy Part I

2010-03-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Many women are interested in a more natural approach to pregnancy, labor, and birth. This can include the use of herbal remedies to treat common problems, enhancing one's health and well being, or a desire to avoid man-made medications if possible. There are many herbs available to women, with many being safe during pregnancy. The following is NOT an all-inclusive guide to herbal use. There are so many out there that enitire books are written about herbs! I will discuss some of the more common herbs used during pregnancy as well as what to avoid. As always, you should discuss herbal use with your provider before using. Speaking with an herbalist is also a great way to get safe advice.

Herbs are made from one or more plants. It's important to remember that just because it's 'natural', doesn't mean it's safe!

The most common methods for preparing herbs are capsules, teas or infusions, tinctures or extracts, and infused oils. The standard measure for tea is 1 ounce of dried herb or 2 ounces of fresh herb with 1 pint of water. Pour the boiling water over the herb, cover, and steep for 15 minutes, strain and drink! For roots, seeds, or the hard, woody parts measure out the same proportion as the infusions, but boil in the water for 20 minutes. Then strain and drink.

Herbal Remedies (listed by problem)

Cystitis - corn silk thread, horsetail, or marshmallow in tea form

Engorgement - the leaves of a green or white cabbage leaf as a lining in the bra - change when they are limp, or grate a potato and add it to the cabbage leaf along with a small amount of hot water. Mash together and apply as a paste to the breasts. Only for engorgement as cabbage leaves are commonly used to dry up milk as well.

Exhaustion in Labor - infusions of fresh ginger root, alone or added to raspberry leaf tea (don't use the ginger if birth is imminent or in the first postpartum hour. Other options include an infusion of rosemary tea, or a tincture of blue cohosh root.

Headaches - fill a clean white sock with white rice, and add lavendar, rosemary, cloves, or combination thereof. Sew up the open end of sock and warm in the microwave or chill in the freezer. Apply to the forehead (being careful not to burn yourself!).

Heartburn - Teas of ginger, Iceland moss, lemon balm, chamomile, marshmallow, meadowsweet, peppermint, or spearmint. Alfalfa tablets can also be helpful and are a good source of iron as well.

High Blood Pressure - hawthorn and cramp bark combined in tea form.

Insomnia - nervine tea at bedtime.

Lactation - teas of comfrey, dill, milk thistle, red clover alfalfa, nettles, fenugreek, hops, and vervain. Borage, blessed thistle, and wood betony as teas act as an antidepressant and increase milk supply. fennel seeds sipped in a tea throughout the day, then chewed and swallowed, improve milk flow and are thought to decrease infant colic.

Mood Changes - herb baths using the flowers of roses, lavendar, borage, daisies, or chamomile. Teas of raspberry leaf alone or in combo with equal amounts of either spearmint or peppermint teas. St John's wort in capsule or tincture form. Teas of vervainherb, lemon balm, lavendar flower, borage flower, lemon verbena leaf. Fish oil or other sources of omega 3's.

Morning Sickness - anise, black horehound, chamomile, cinnamon bark, cloves, fennel, gentian, ginger root, hops, Iceland moss, lavendar, meadowsweet, red raspberry leaf, rosemary, spearmint or peppermint teas. Chewing or sucking slippery elm tablets or candied ginger. red raspberry capsules or tonic.

Muscle Aches - fill a clean white tube sock with natural buckwheat; add clove, chamomile, and lavendar herbs. Sew up the sock and warm or chill the sock. Placed on affected area.

Pain in Labor - motherwort in tincture form (5-10 drops mixed in a small glass of water every hour), scullcap drunk as an infusion or sipped from a glass of water to which had been added one teaspoon of the tincture, or St John's wort in an infusion, or add 23-30 drops to a glass of water. Black cohosh root in tincture form in half-teaspoon doses.Pasque flower in tea, tincture, or capsule. Basil and gotu kola teas and sage compresses.

To be continued...

Guest Post: Planning a Pregnancy

2010-03-15T11:57:00.003-07:00

Jeanene Traynor, WHNP-BC submitted this guest post on planning a pregnancy. Jeanene works in our office, providing obstetrical care, gynecology services including preconceptional counseling, and minor procedures. Preconceptional counseling is simply a way of optimizing your chances of getting pregnant as well as improving the liklihood of a healthy pregnancy.

Tiffany

PLANNING A PREGNANCY by Jeanene

For a woman to become pregnant, one of her eggs must unite with a man's sperm at just the right time. The egg will be released from the ovary and travel through the fallopian tube. The man's sperm should join the egg during this journey. This means that during intercourse, he will ejaculate and his sperm will travel up through the vagina, cervix, uterus to the fallopian tube, where the egg and sperm unite. The fertilized egg continues to travel, attaching itself to the inside of the uterus. Here the fertilized egg will embed, and continue to grow.

Lifestyle changes for women that will improve pregnancy outcomes include a healthy diet, some form of exercise and eliminating unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs and some prescribed medications.

Each month, a woman having regular intercourse has a 20 - 25% chance of pregnancy. Most couples conceive within one year of unprotected, regular intercourse.

If you are planning to become pregnant, it is good to be up to date on your gynecologic exams and immunizations. A pre-conception appointment is always a good idea; lifestyle changes, medications and nutrition can be discussed at this appointment. Prenatal vitamins can be started three months or so before a pregnancy is planned.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T14:21:00.001-07:00

Vaginal Births After Cesareans: New Insights

2010-03-10T14:11:00.002-07:00

The NIH summit on VBAC safety comes to a close today. A report has been issued and low and behold.....

VBACs are ok and the cesarean rates need to drop. I'm dumbfounded at this shocking noise. Do you detect a touch of sarcasm there?

It's absolutely wonderful that this topic has been brought to the attention of the public and media. But to those of us in the know - doesn't really seem to be anything new or shocking. Here's a copied excerpt from the abstract summary...

Results: We identified 3,134 citations and reviewed 963 papers for inclusion, of which 203 papers met inclusion and were quality rated. Studies of maternal and infant outcomes reported data based upon actual rather than intended router of delivery. The range for TOL and VBAC rates was large (28-82 percent and 49-87 percent, respectively) with the highest rates being reported in studies outside of the U.S. Predictors of women having a TOL were having a prior vaginal delivery and settings of higher-level care (e.g., tertiary care centers). TOL rates in U.S. studies declined in studies initiated after 1996 from 63 to 47 percent, but the VBAC rate remained unimproved. Hispanic and African American women were less likely than their white counterparts to have a vaginal delivery. Overall rates of maternal harms were low for both TOL and ERCD.

While rare for both TOL and ERCD, maternal mortality was significantly increased for ERCD at 13.4 per 100,000 versus 3.8 per 100,000 for TOL. The rates of maternal hysterectomy, hemorrhage, and transfusions did not differ significantly between TOL and ERCD. The rate of uterine rupture for all women with prior cesarean is 300 per 1,000 and the risk was significantly increased with TOL (47/1,000 versus 3/1,000 ERCD). Six percent of uterine ruptures were associated with perinatal death. No models have been able to accurately predict women who are more likely to deliver by VBAC or to rupture.

Women with a prior cesarean delivery had a statistically significant increased risk of placenta previa compared with women with no prior cesarean, at a rate of 12 per 1,000 and risk increasing with the number of cesareans. Compared with previa patients without a prior cesarean delivery, women with one prior cesarean and previa had a statistically significant increased risk of blood transfusion (15 versus 32.2 percent), hysterectomy (0.7 to 4 percent versus 10 percent), and composite maternal morbidity (15 versus 23-30 percent). Perinatal mortality was significantly increased for TOL at 1.3 per 1,000 versus 0.5 per 1,000 for ERCD. Insufficient data were found on nonmedical factors such as medical liability, economics, hospital staffing, structure and setting, which all appear to be important drivers for VBAC.

Conclusions: Each year 1.5 million childbearing women have cesarean deliveries, and this population continues to increase. This report adds stronger evidence that VBAC is a reasonable and safe choice for the majority of women with prior cesarean. Moreover, there is emerging evidence of serious harms relating to multiple cesareans. Relatively unexamined contextual factors such as medical liability, economics, hospital structure, and staffing may need to be addressed to prioritize VBAC services. There is still no evidence to inform patients, clinicians, or policymakers about the outcomes of intended route of delivery because the evidence is based largely on the actual route of delivery. This inception cohort is the equivalent of intention to treat for randomized controlled trials and this gap in information is critical. A list of future research considerations as prioritized by national experts is also highlighted in this report.

Nutrition Corner: Minerals

2010-03-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

We've covered vitamins so let's move on to minerals now. During pregnancy, minerals are typically obtained in adequate numbers between dietary intake and your prenatal vitamin. Let's look at the minerals in detail...

Iron

During pregnancy, iron is needed for the manufacture of hemoglobin in both mom and baby's red blood cells (RBCs). The baby will draw iron from momma, so mom needs to keep her iron levels up. Iron is better absorbed from dietary sources than from supplements. The RDA is 30mg. Most prenatal vitamins contain around 27-35mg. But again, iron is better absorbed by the body if it comes from dietary sources. So, try eating foods such as lean or organ meats, enriched grains, green leafy veggies or dried fruits, and egg yolks.

Calcium

This mineral is important for bones, muscles, and regulatory functions in cells and blood. Again, the baby will draw calcium from momma to help with skeletal growth. Pregnant women need about 1200mg of calcium a day. Good food sources for calcium include milk, cheese, whole grains, leafy veggies, and egg yolks. Tip: if you find yourself having frequent 'charley horses', or leg cramps, try getting more calcium in the form of a supplement or dietary. This usually takes care of those pesky leg cramps!

Phosphorus

Phosphorus works closely with calcium, with the body maintaining a careful ratio in the blood. Our diets in the US are typically very high in this mineral. Typically foods that are high in phosphorus contain only small amounts of calcium. The RDA is 1200mg during pregnancy. Foods high in phorphorus include lean meats, milk, cheese, processed meats, snack foods, and carbonated beverages. No supplementation is needed on this one!

Magnesium

Much of this mineral is stored in the bones, similar to calcium and phosphorus. Active magnesium is found in the nerve and muscular cells. This mineral can also be taken as a supplement to decrease leg cramps, however does not cause any change in blood levels of the mineral. The RDA is 320mg. Dietary sources include green veggies, nuts, wheat bran, soybeans, and wheat germ.

Iodine

Iodine is important for preventing many mental deficiencies in the developing baby's brain. The RDA is 22o micrograms. The source is idodized salt and seafood. It is rare to have a deficiency in this mineral in the US.

Zinc

This mineral is a component of insulin so has an active role in metabolism. The zinc RDA is 15mg. Zinc supplements are not recommended at this time due to lack of evidence that shows a benefit. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, shellfish, Brewer's yeast, wheat germ, wheat bran, pine nuts, bran cereals, and pecan nuts. Other sources that also have zinc include liver, cashew nuts, fish, eggs, and parmesan cheese.

Manganese

This trace mineral is typically ingested in adequate amounts from food sources so supplementatation is not necessary. The mineral plays a role in the formation of bones and cells. The RDA is 2.6mg. Food sources include:

1 cup raisin bran cereal: 1.9 mg
1 cup cooked brown rice: 1.8 mg
1 cup cooked oatmeal: 1.3 mg
1 ounce (19 halves) pecans: 1.3 mg
1 ounce English walnuts (14 halves): 1.0 mg
1/2 cup pineapple chunks: 0.9 mg
1/2 cup boiled spinach: 0.9 mg
1/2 cup black beans: 0.4 mg
1 ounce (23 whole kernels) almonds: 0.6 mg
1 slice whole wheat bread: 0.6 mg1 cup black tea: 0.5 mg
1/2 cup raspberries: 0.4 mg
1/2 cup sliced strawberries: 0.3 mg

Breastfeeding Corner: Time Management

2010-03-04T13:16:00.002-07:00

In its most wonderful sense, breastfeeding provides a time honored bridge into motherhood. The time spent with a baby at her breast is an opportunity for a brand new mom to learn all about her brand new baby, every little detail! For the baby, the time spent at mom's breast eases the adjustment to "life on the outside" with the warmth and comfort of mom's body as the new habitat and the best restaurant in town. This time spent together also provides a new mother with a window of time in which to rest, heal from childbirth, and build a healthy milk supply. It's a responsive relationship where the physical and emotional needs of both mother and baby complement one another and can result in a strong bond that becomes the foundation for a lifetime of growth and trust.

There are many resources for new mothers to tap into when it comes to the common challenges of breastfeeding. A little time spent learning a new skill, patience, knowledgeable help and perseverance can overcome the great majority of breastfeeding challenges. Just ask, and you will be able to find the kind of help you need.

Enter another culprit among breastfeeding challenges: the time management crunch of the 21st century. The speed at which we live our lives, and the instantaneous-ness that has become a built-in part of our cultural expectations seem to be a major hurdle for more and more new mothers to overcome. We can google just about any question and have an answer in a snap. How can it be that it may take several attempts for a baby to latch on, and then the combination of nutritive nursing and non-nutritive/comfort sucking can add up to HOURS in the daily life of a newborn?! The process of breastfeeding requires the time spent with your baby. Time that should not be resented, but enjoyed. This is NORMAL -- but what if your expectations have not adjusted to allow you and your baby to thrive during this relatively short chapter in life? How will you ever adjust to this new reality?

As a mom of four, I've felt that my to do list and calendar have frequently required me to use a shoehorn to make all the "stuff" fit. I have done this for longer than I care to admit, but then what could be more important than meeting the needs of growing children? Time spent is an investment in both their well-being and in my enjoyment of them. I've come to appreciate that the time spent breastfeeding also can assist with the mental adjustment to motherhood. So, how can a new mother cope?

Step 1: Set Priorities
First, decide what is most important to you. Breastfeeding takes time -- and you save money, so it's not a bad trade-off! The time spent when babies are small and vulnerable doesn't last very long: needs change, babies grow and nurse more efficiently, your uncertainties will diminish as you learn more. The initial "work" of breastfeeding lessens considerably after several weeks when life begins to have more of a routine to it and you establish some balance and the "new normal" in your life. My favorite coping tool for stressful times like these is: simplify. Decide what has to be done and what you can live without while you attend to time spent breastfeeding. Your satisfaction and well-being are important here, so honor what you NEED. Simplify the rest.

Step 2: Get Help
Delegating, also known as "asking for help" is the next step in honoring what you and your baby need: time spent with each other. Dismiss the thought that you can or should do it all at the same time. You are someone's mother, not Super Woman! Surprise your friends and family who offer to help by actually telling them how than can. They will enjoy the satisfaction they feel when you actually ask them to shop for your groceries, fold a load of laundry, load your dishwasher, sweep the floor, or put a meal in your crockpot. Many household tasks can be delegated, but nursing your baby is NOT one of them!

Step 3: Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Without support, nursing can be a lonely endeavor. Too many questions can go unanswered, and your uncertainties can influence your enjoyment of the process. Family and friends who are willing to take care of you while you take care of your baby are priceless! Getting to know other mothers who are sharing a similar experience will do wonders for your social life and your sense of well-being. Stop by our Nursing Mothers Group on Wednesday morning if you don't know anyone who is breastfeeding.

Above all, amidst the busy-ness of life, don't forget to enjoy your baby as you ease into motherhood! This busy 21st century will surely survive while you take care of your baby and adjust to the "new normal" in your life. Don't let the sudden shift in your priorities surprise you. It is not uncommon for things that were once "so important" to become less so. Embrace that change. Re-prioritize your life to include the time spent breastfeeding, simplify according to your circumstances, delegate what others are able to do, and surround yourself with supportive family and friends. And, then the time spent breastfeeding becomes a mothering skill and a very sweet memory as your baby grows.

Sharon Olson IBCLC

Gretchen's Story - Her Perspective

2010-03-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Focus, breath, focus, breath, is all I could think to myself on the long bumpy car ride to Phoenix Baptist. Coming from Goodyear it seemed as though I would never make it. Arriving at the hospital at 12:00 p.m., still focusing and still breathing, my contractions were only getting worse. Speaking to anyone would break my concentration of relaxed breathing.

Triage was the first step to seeing my baby boy! Dilation check at 4cm kept me thinking, only 6cm to go! This being my third time to the hospital only made me more anxious because they were actually going to keep me.

Being asked over and over again by the triage nurse, “Would you like an epidural for the pain,” really made me want one. The suggestion from my midwife (Tiffany) to sit in the tub was the best advice I have ever taken. While sitting in the tub I was able to use mental imagery to clear my mind of the contractions that were taking place. After sitting in warm water for about 40 minutes, I was ready to move to my bed. With each contraction getting stronger and closer I kept increasing my water intake, since I chose not to have any IVs; I wanted to make sure I was hydrated for the hard work that lie ahead. Still breathing calmly I wanted a gentle lower back rub. While my husband and Tiffany took turns, I continued to stay as comfortable as possible.

“I need to push!”, I kept telling Tiffany, this led to my final dilation check. At a 9 with bag still intact was a bummer. As the dilation check approached its end my bag broke! It was officially time for me to push! Whew, was I already sweating the first minute into pushing. I knew the hardest part was yet to come, this was just the beginning. Lying on my side was starting to become uncomfortable. It was time to move to my back…….this wasn’t working….back to the side. With my husband holding my leg, Tiffany coaching, and me concentrating and pushing, he finally crowned. A few more hard exhausting pushes and his head was out. The burning was intense but as I kept calm I knew it would be over soon. After feeling like I was going to turn inside-out and a couple more strong pushes, my baby was here!

Bradyn, weighing in at 7lbs 12oz, born at 6:06p.m was a Bradley baby! My labor/delivery could not have gone any better. Everything was perfect! I never imagined that it could be such an amazing experience.

Twitter

2010-02-25T11:50:00.001-07:00

I'm on Twitter now....check me out - CNMtiffany. I'll be tweeting periodically from work to give you a peak into the life of a midwife.

Nutrition Corner: Vitamins

2010-02-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

I was recently emailed by a patient of ours. She is pregnant with her third baby and wants to really make every effort to be healthy. She was wondering what minerals, vitamins, herbs, and spices were safe during pregnancy and in what amounts. I decided to break this down a bit and will talk about vitamins first. A couple posts will follow in the near future with more information about minerals and herbal use during pregnancy. Great questions Amy!

I've always felt that it's a struggle to get everything we need in our daily foods when it comes to minerals and vitamins. Or maybe I'm the one who struggles with that! Anyway, during pregnancy, healthy eating becomes even more critical due to eating 'for two'. Typically a prenatal vitamin (and it doesn't have to be a fancypants one at that!) is adequate for most women coupled with a healthy sensible diet. What follows are the most common minerals and vitamins we need (and why) and the amounts recommended for pregnancy. Keep in mind this is a general overview and that some women may have special needs. Also important to remember - it's better to get most minerals and vitamins from dietary sources as opposed to pill form.

First, a few definitions...

Protein - provides the structural base for all new cells and tissues in the mother and baby.

Carbs - Source of energy

Lipids - Fat....enuff said?

RDA - Recommended Daily Allowance

Vitamins

Thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin contribute to the production of energy. They are found in almost all foods but exceptionally good sources include whole grains, legumes (beans, etc), organ meats, pork, milk, cheese, lean meats, and leafy green veggies. RDAs respectively are 0.5, 0.6, and 6.6mg per 1000 calories eaten. So if you eat a 2000 calorie a day diet, then you should be getting 1mg a day of thiamin to maintain optimal health.
Folic acid is involved in DNA and RNA synthesis so very important for cell growth and division. It was found that having enough folic acid in the diet significantly reduced the liklihood of neural tube defects (NTD) such as spina bifida. It is recommended that women be taking folic acid prior to pregnancy or as soon as pregnancy is known to gain maximal effect. The recommended amount is 0.4mg per day. If a woman has previously had a child with a NTD, then she should be taking 4mg. Orange juice is the largest contributor of folate in America.It can also be found in many foods, however does not absorb as well as the synthetic (pill) form. Go figure!
Vitamin B12 is important for the nervous system. Deficiency in this vitamin is rare as it is present in all foods of animal origin (i.e. milk, eggs, meat, liver, cheese) as well as being manufactured by bacteria in the gut. The RDA is 2.2 mcg.
Vitamin B6 is another important vitamin involved in protein formation and can affect the nervous system as well. the RDA is 2.2mg per day. Some benefit may be gained in taking this vitamin in high doses (25mg three times a day) for women experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy. Good sources for this vitamin include wheat, corn, liver, meat, and milk.
Vitamin A is involved with reproduction, the immune system, and vision among other things. This is one that you don't want to have too much of as it can be harmful to the growing baby. The RDA is 5000-8000 IU depending on what source you look at. Sources of Vitamin A include animal sources (butterfat, liver, egg yolk) and plant sources (drak green or deep yellow vegetables or fruits, fortified margarine).
Vitamin C assists in the formation of connective tissue, skin, tendons, and bones. The RDA is 60mg and this is easily met with dietary intake. Vitamin C rish foods include citrus fruits, papayas, strawberrries, melons, broccoli, potatoes, tomato, cabbage, green or chili peppers.
Vitamin D assist the body in maintaining calcium balance and absorption. Adequate intake is 5 mcg (adequate intake is used when insufficient evidence exists to develop an RDA). Most people are able to get adequate Vitamin D from sunlight exposure. Very few foods contain this vitamin. Cod liver oil and some fish (salmon, mackerel) contain high levels.
Vitamin E assists in absorption of Vitamin A, is an antioxidant, and is responsible for maintaining cellular membranes. It is extremely rare to be deficient in Vitamin E. The RDA is 15mg. Food sources include nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Green leafy veggies and fortified cereals contain significant amounts.
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. No supplementation is necessary unless a known defieciency (rare). Foods rich in vitamin K include green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, asparagus, watercress, cabbage, cauliflower, green peas, beans, olives, canola, soybeans, meat, cereals, and dairy products.

Coming soon.....Minerals!

Guest Post: Victoria's Birth

2010-02-17T05:01:00.003-07:00

From Katie DiBeneddeto's Journal

Monday October 19th 2009

This morning I met Victoria & Tyner at Baptist for Victoria's induction. We got settled into a room and then a nurse came in to do her IV, which sucked because the nurse couldn't do it. Victoria said this always happens though and they always end up having to get the head nurse to come in. Victoria did appreciate though that the nurse quickly realized she couldn't do it and had no problem bringing in someone else. I felt bad for her though because her poor arm was bruised from the couple sticks that didn't work out. Poor thing! A super sweet older nurse was sent in, and Tiffany! I just love Tiffany. She just has such great energy. This was about noon and Tiffany had office hours from 1 to 5 so I guess she was just stopping by before she had to head over and see other moms. The nurse that was brought in was totally rockin and got the IV in on her first try. I told Victoria that next time she should just straight up say "Look honey, I'm sorry, but I know you're not going to be able to get this IV in. Please just skip even trying, get over yourself and bring in your star nurse ASAP". So anyway, once they got the IV in they started a bag of fluid. Pitocin was started a little after 1.

She managed to stay comfortable for the first few increases and then they just started getting stronger and more regular, but she never lost control. I really admired that about her the whole time. Around 2 o clock or so her in laws came for a visit. They were a super sweet couple - they're in from Corvallis, Oregon. They were very encouraging and didn't really intrude at all. Although they did start sort of obsession over the monitor. I know it's hard for people not to do that, but it's still one of my peeves. I always encourage people to look at the mom - that's your best indicator of what's going on. Plus it messes with your head - like a placebo pill or something - "Oh that was a big number (on the contraction monitor), that must have hurt!" and I'm like...."Well look at her face! She's doing just fine". I guess people just take the monitors so literally sometimes. I guess Tyner was motioning or making faces at Victoria or something to see if she wanted his parents to leave, but she wasn't getting it. But Tyner just said to his parents "So, thanks for visiting..." and then took the hint and left. How refreshing!

Then she wanted to eat lunch and of course at first the nurse said no, but then said she'd ask Tiffany and of course Tiffany said yes - it was so early and she could eat whatever she wanted. So she did. We ordered lunch and it was decent for hospital food. We asked a couple of different people for birth balls and Tyner said he never knew whether or not to keep asking. I said I usually just kept asking until I get it. You never know how many patients they have. Once we got it Victoria wanted to get on it just to practice and get the feel for it before things really got intense. She got on and really liked it. We took turns rubbing her back. It was a really nice time too - I got to hear all about how they met and how he proposed and everything. It was so cute to hear them share all of their stories and I'm sure it was a nice distraction for Victoria. They are a really sweet couple. And he was just the best husband (soon to be anyway...) that I had ever seen. So much non verbal communication. She had to use the bathroom a couple of times and one of the times she had a very intense contraction - being on the toilet was not comfortable at all for her.

Tiffany came back around 5:30 and checked her and she was still a 2. Not that that's bad, but I felt so bad for her. I know she was hoping to have been farther along and I knew she was running out of steam. I kept reminding her that her body was doing so much work that couldn't be measured just by checking her cervix. She was also incredibly congested. It took forever to get sudafed. Our nurse was totally out of it. Then Tiffany went to have dinner and said she'd be back later. Victoria ordered some dinner and Tyner went across the street to get some. I stayed with Victoria. She was back on the ball and I was behind her rubbing her lower back. Her dinner came and she sat up in bed and ate it and had a couple of hard contractions during. She is such a friggin trooper though. Then it was shift change and guess who came in? Rian!! I was psyched! And she remembered me too. She is so great. And she got us sudafed in like 15 minutes. She is so incredible awesome.

Soon after my rice sock became Victoria's best friend. I kept running out to heat it up and then Tyner and I took turns putting pressure on her hip while she was laying on her side. Tyner was so fantastic. I've never seen a sweeter partner. He was perfect. They are so good together. She decided to get some stadol because things were just getting to be too much. The nurse started her out real slow and said she'd give her another dose if she wanted it later. Victoria was hilarious after that. It was like she was drunk. Tyner and I were going to sort of nap, but Victoria was like "I'm being so funny right now and you guys are wasting it napping". She is hilarious. Then she said it didn't make the pain go away, it just made it seem farther away. She said it was like her pain was wrapped up like a present. It was in really pretty paper so that's what made her want to open it, but then she would open it and it would be painful and she would tell it to go away. But then the next one would come and it would be wrapped in pretty paper and the whole cycle started over again. It was hilarious, we were all dying with laughter. She told everyone who came in and I think Tyner even got it on video.

Then she got an epidural a bit later. She was in a lot of pain. It's always hard to watch when it gets to that point. But we talked about it a lot and it was what she really wanted, it wasn't like a spur of the moment for no good reason decision. And she had been at it for so long, she was just out of juice. Anybody would be. The anesthesiologist said I'd be trapped back there (in view of the epidural insertion) and Tiffany said it was ok, I was cool. She's so funny. And it was actually fun to watch from that angle. It's so scary though! I can't believe women so readily do it. After that it took a bit for it to kick in, but she was ok. Then Tyner and I napped on and off after she got comfortable.

We woke up a bit later and then all of the sudden there were a bunch of people in the room. That is never good. Apparently the heart rate was dipping and everyone was getting scared. Then Tiffany said they had to do a c section. Victoria was freaking out - I felt so bad for her. She had to sign all these consent forms really fast. It was a horrible situation. But I totally trust Tiffany so I wasn't questioning the c section - that's a really nice feeling. I know Victoria and Tyner did too. I helped Tyner get suited up and then I grabbed their cameras just in case. I asked Tiff, but she said I wouldn't be allowed in. I followed them anyway. As we were walking out I told Tyner I couldn't come in, but I'd be right outside if they needed anything. They wheeled her in and both Tyner and I had to wait outside for the first little bit. There was one chair and Tyner sat in it. I came and stood next to him and asked how he was doing. He just sort of reached out for me so I moved closer to him and held his head against my chest. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I was just overwhelmed. He was so scared and so vulnerable and it was so sweet the way he had just reached out. It took everything in me not to cry. I just held his head really tight and told him everything would be ok and that I knew that waiting was the hardest part. And I just stood there with him. And we waited. Then Tiffany came out and said the heart rate was steadying so they were just going to observe her for a minute. Then they brought her back into the room! I was soooooo relieved. Tyner went over and kissed her. She was shaking though. i can't imagine how scared she must've been. Tiffany siad it just sucks because in a home birth that would have just been no big deal and may have even gone undetected, which isn't a bad thing because variations in heartrate are normal - but in a hospital, where there's huge accountability you can't ignore a heart rate abnormality because of the off chance of something bad actually happening and then you've got record of a dip in the heart rate and no one did anything. It just sucks. After things calmed down we all dozed again.

Then we woke up and she was 10 and it was time to push. It was about 5'o clock in the morning at this point. They got the squat bar and she used that for a bit. Tiffany was at the edge of the bed and Rian and Tyner were helping her hold her legs. They had to give her oxygen at one point just because she had been pushing and was so out of breath. I was trying to stay coordinated with the camera and the video camera at the same time. She was a great pusher and he came out in no time though. It was amazing. I gave Tyner a big hug and put my hand on Victoria's forehead. He was born at 6:05am Tuesday, October 20th. It was amazing. This will never get old. He was such a sweetheart too. And they didn't go out and tell anyone for a while. It was just the three of them for the first hour and they never took Oliver away. It was fantastic.

After a little while they took him to the warmer to get him cleaned up a bit. Then Jesse came in - Victoria's 12 year old son. That was really sweet. Then they invited the grandparents in. I ordered them breakfast. The grandparents didn't stay for too long which was nice. A new nurse came in though and she was not as cool (but no one is as great as Rian). This nurse helped her breastfeed, which is always hard to watch. I wish people didn't make such a big deal out of it. Jesus, he's been out an hour. He's not going to starve himself. Once they were settled I said my goodbye's and headed home. I never even went to sleep. I was too psyched. What a great birth!

Hospital Birth

2010-02-15T09:33:00.003-07:00

I enjoy the blogoshphere. I spend a good bit of time reading blogs. Some of the blogs take a more scientific approach to their content, while others include personal stories of birth (good and bad). I sometimes find myself becoming frustrated and saddened though when I read about women's personal experiences when having a hospital birth.

I find it difficult to wrap my mind around some of the horrible birth experiences I have 'heard'. I didn't have wonderful birth experiences, but wouldn't describe them as horrible or bad either. But some of the stories I see on various blogs are almost unreal seeming. There are cases where legal entities were involved in the care of a woman's pregnancy, confining her to the hospital by court order and others where a woman had to travel 5-6 hours from home to have a VBAC (when she had one already at the very hospital that denied her!). Other cases are of hospital births where women were left feeling, at a minimum, dissatisfied but in some cases, traumatized.

I worked as a labor and delivery nurse for four years, in a tertiary center. This meant that we handled high-risk and low risk, shipping out only those whose babies would require immediate surgery after birth. I know bad stuff happens in the hospital. It can be factory-like, unpleasant, women made to feel powerless and not in control of bodies. I don't deny these things.

What I worry about is the focus on negativity around the hospital birth experience. Until homebirth and OOH birth centers are financially and geographically available to all low-risk women, hospital birth is it for some women. It's the only viable option for whatever reason. I make decent money and have health insurance. But I couldn't afford to pay for a homebirth out of pocket! So all the bad press surrounding hospital birth might be disheartening for those who are destined for the hospital as their birthing backdrop. You know how it goes - everyone's quick to share a bad story, but not a good story :p

There are hospitals....and Phoenix Baptist Hospital (PBH) can't be the only one. We midwives at Bethany Womens attend births at PBH and have been there for several years now. I have seen beautiful births - more than I can count. It is possible to have a wonderful, satisfying hospital birth. Look back at the archives for this blog and you will find a small portion of those stories. So this is why I get frustrated it can be good....even great, in the hospital. We do it all the time.

We encourage women to be a partner in their care. It's not our goal to be the dictator. Instead we want to establish a relationship with women and their families. This is the very first step in having a wonderful experience in the hospital. We truly care about our patients. We didn't become midwives because we wanted to be pulled away from our families and work long hours. No, it's about being with women, empowering women, changing their lives for the better. The five of us are very passionate about this. We RESPECT women. And at the end of the day, I think that makes a big difference. I will tell women when doing a consult for prenatal care. Find someone you trust....if it isn't us, I don't care.....find someone you trust, it's critical.

I hate to see women feel alienated by the very fact that they had a hospital birth. What happened to midwifery being about supporting women...all women... regardless of where they give birth? Who decied that it would be impossible to have a satisfying, enriching experience in the hospital? That this could only occur in the home environment? I think that time spent arguing which is better - hospital or home - is time wasted. Time needs to be spent improving options, educating women, improving hospital birth. The birth community needs to stick together. If we had nearly the coheisiveness of American Congress of OB/GYN (ACOG), we'd probably be a heckuva lot further along in our struggles for women's birth rights/rites.

This stuff with women being forced to abide by court mandates of hospital confinement, etc is outrageous and a slippery slope indeed. But it can be better.....and I see the proof of that all the time.

Fun Fact Corner: Newborn Cries Imitate Language Heard in the Womb

2010-02-15T09:24:00.002-07:00

I was glancing through the latest Quickening, which is the quarterly newsletter from the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), where I came across this little tidbit of info. A study was published in Current Biology (11-09) that found that the melody patterns of babys' cries matched the intonation of the language they most often heard in utero!

E's Birth Story

2010-02-11T11:02:00.003-07:00

I always encourage women to write their birth stories, whether they have them posted here or not. Having a written account of your birth story is such a nice keepsake for years later when details have become fuzzy. I think it's also a nice addition to a baby book. Someday this child will grow up and may be curious about how they arrived in this world. I regret not having written any of my births up - so many little details are lost to me now. And my husband, well, is useless at that sort of thing :p

E was coming in for induction due to having cholestasis (a condition that carries with it a very high risk of stillbirth after 38 weeks gestation). E was actually 38.6 weeks and this would be her fourth child. She had epidurals with the first three and was hoping to have a natural childbirth this time. She was not thrilled about being induced. Fortunately when she arrived that morning and I checked her, she was 3-4/70/-2. So I discussed breaking her water and waiting for labor versus starting pitocin. We both agreed that the ROM (rupture of membranes) was the way to go. I broke her water and sent her off walking.

I left her to her own devices, with instructions to call me when she started getting active. In the meantime I headed off to see postpartum patients and then the office. I checked in by phone a couple times during the afternoon, to be told that she was feeling more contractions and mildly uncomfortable.

I arrived back at the hospital about 5:30pm to find her ordering some dinner. I decided to check her at that point and she was 4/90/-2. I explained that it does take some time for labor to get going after the water breaks. I encouraged her to snack a bit then do some walking. I told her I would go grab some dinner while she did the same.

But then chaos occurred, as it so often does on labor and delivery :) A patient of one of our doctors came up ready to deliver. I was involved with that for about 45 minutes. By the time I finsihed up there, E was getting active. She was no longer interested in eating. The nurse had her get in the tub.

I went to sit with her while she was 'tubbing'. Her husband seemed a little nervous as E was gradually getting more vocal. he sat with other family members in the room. I told E that he was just not used to seeing her like this :) She vocalized her way through each contraction, then rested, even dozing between. At one point she asked me "How will I know it's time?" I told her she would know...her body would just start to push.

Eventually, her husband sat with us in the bathroom. He rubbed her shoulders and poured water on her belly. He seemed to be adjusting to the fact that E's behavior was very normal (I had reassured him several times). He was doing a great job being supportive. At one point she asked if it was too late to get IV pain medicine. I checked her and told her she was 8cms and yes it was too late. She accepted that without any problem.

I encouraged her to change her position in the tub. She moved to her side but after one contraction on her side, she said "The baby is coming! I need to push". We assisted her to the bed. I encouraged her to get in whatever postion she wanted. I re-checked her and she was completely dilated. I told her she could have this baby whenever she was ready.

I had 'warned' her about the ring of fire previously but she was still caught off guard by it I think. She held back a little but then just gathered her strength and pushed her baby right out. We had a bit of a mild shoulder getting stuck, but was quickly relieved and both mom and baby were doing wonderfully.

Text4Baby

2010-02-11T05:39:00.002-07:00

Hmmm, interesting - has anyone signed up for this? If so, what do you think? I might sign up just to see what sort of info comes through but would love to hear some feedback!

U.S. Chief Technology Officer Announces Launch of First Free Mobile Health Service for Pregnant Women, New Mothers

Technology Companies, Health Professionals, and Federal, State, and Local Agencies
Combine Forces to Provide Free Health Information Via Text Messages

Pregnant women and new mothers will be able to get health information delivered regularly to their mobile phones by text message at no charge under an innovative public service program being launched today by a coalition of mobile phone service providers, health professionals, and Federal, State, and Local agencies.

The new program, called text4baby, is a free mobile information service that provides timely health information to women from early pregnancy through their babies’ first year. The service sends important health tips that are timed to the mother’s stage of pregnancy or the baby’s age.
The new service, announced by U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra at a health technology conference in Washington, D.C., aims to use one of the most widely used technologies in America—the mobile phone—to promote maternal and child health. Information provided to moms through text4baby will help them take care of their health and give their babies the best possible start in life. Currently in the United States more than 500,000 babies – 1 in every 8 – are born prematurely and an estimated 28,000 children die before their first birthday, a rate among the highest in the industrialized world. Premature babies can face lifelong health and intellectual development problems.

“Text4baby is the first free mobile health service to be taken to scale in the United States,” said Aneesh Chopra, Chief Technology Officer for the U.S. Government. “We know that mobile phones hold tremendous potential to inform and empower individuals,” said Chopra. “Text4baby represents an extraordinary opportunity to expand the way we use our phones, to demonstrate the potential of mobile health technology, and make a real difference for moms and babies across the country.”

Chopra, who also serves as Associate Director for Technology within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, introduced the new service in a keynote address at a joint session of the Health IT Summit for Government Leaders, the National Health Information Exchange Summit, and the Eighteenth National HIPAA Summit.

Medical expenses for babies born prematurely average about ten times those for babies born after a full-term pregnancy. All told, premature births cost the Nation tens of billions of dollars—at least $26.2 billion in 2005, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ninety percent of Americans have a mobile phone and texting is especially prevalent among women of childbearing age and minority populations, who face higher infant mortality rates.
“Getting connected to prenatal care and other services for a healthy pregnancy is a problem for a lot of women,” said Wanda Jones, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Text4baby provides pregnant women and new mothers with a new tool to obtain vital information that is critical to maternal and child health.”
Women who sign up for the service by texting BABY to 511411 (or BEBE for Spanish) receive three free SMS text messages each week timed to their due date or baby’s date of birth. The messages focus on topics critical to the health of moms and babies, including, nutrition, seasonal flu prevention and treatment, mental health issues, risks of tobacco use, oral health, immunization schedules, and safe sleep.

Text4baby messages also connect women to public clinics and support services for prenatal and infant care.

Many U.S. government agencies are involved in the design, outreach, and evaluation of text4baby, and will serve women and babies who learn about their services through the program. These include the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense Military Health System, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Participating carriers include: Alltel, Assurance Wireless, AT&T, Boost Mobile, Cellular South, Cellcom, Centennial Cellular, Cincinnati Bell, Metro PCS, N-Telos, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless and Virgin Mobile USA.

Text4baby is an educational program of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
(HMHB), made possible through a public-private partnership that includes more than 100 entities. In addition to the Federal partners listed above, founding partners include HMHB, Voxiva, the CTIA Wireless Foundation, and Grey Health Group. Johnson & Johnson is the Founding Sponsor, and Premier Sponsors include WellPoint, Pfizer, and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. The mobile health platform is provided by Voxiva and free messaging services are provided by participating wireless service providers. Implementation partners include BabyCenter, Danya International, Syniverse, Keynote Systems and The George Washington University. Other text4baby partners include national health professional associations; national NGOs; state and local government coalitions from across the country; and MTV Networks.

For more information on text4baby, visit text4baby.org.
For more information on OSTP, visit www.ostp.gov

Fun List of Facts

2010-02-11T05:36:00.001-07:00

I was reading 40 Truly Amazing Facts About Babies and thought I would share as some of this stuff was a surprise to me :)

Nutrition Corner: What Can I Eat?

2010-02-04T15:53:00.003-07:00

Pregnancy is an exciting time but also fraught with nutritional dangers around every corner! Or so many well-meaning friends and family members would have you think. It's difficult to determine what's valid information versus unfounded beliefs. So I thought I would put together a little post about the nutritional good, bad, and ugly during pregnancy.

Have you ever heard the phrase "You're eating for two?" Well, yeah, but the second person is initially the size of a walnut - not a full sized grown-up! It only takes about 300 extra calories a day to maintain a pregnancy. In fact, it takes more calories to maintain breastfeeding (about 500 calories) than pregnancy! We don't even expect women in their first trimester to gain much...maybe 5 pounds at most. At this time during the pregnancy, the baby is growing organs and body parts but not so much in size. During the second and third trimester we expect to see slow and steady weight gain, as this is when the baby is really growing in length and weight. Weight gain during pregnancy is based on your weight and height prior to pregnancy - your provider will discuss this with you and monitor throughout the pregnancy.

So what's good to eat????

Colorful food is typically a safe bet - this usually means fresh fruits and veggies. Veggies are great for snacks as raw food and also wonderful when cooked - just don't overcook as many veggies lose some of their nutritional value. Be careful to wash fruits and veggies very thoroughly as many are treated with pesticides (which aren't so yummy). If organic foods are a possibility (can be more expensive), this is a great way to avoid pesticides and other chemicals. Removing the skins of veggies and fruits is another way to avoid exposure.
Lean meats - protein is critical for your health as well as the development of the baby. Plan to eat lean meats, avoiding red meat as much as possible. Lean meats include pork and chicken. The occasional steak isn't the end of the world :p
Other sources of protein include fish (more on this later), nuts, peanut butter, beans (black beans cooked with some salsa or pico de gallo are yummy!).
The use of herbs and seasonings can create variety amongst meals.

Not So Good?

Let's chat about fish...the March of Dimes website has a wealth of information about nutrition including fish safety. We want you to eat fish because of the health benefits (heart health, mood stability, development of baby's eyes and brain is boosted) however with some caveats. The big concern about fish is the accumulation of mercury, which is toxic in humans. Fish that live long lives (typically big fish) such as sharks, albacore tuna, swordfish, tile fish, etc should be avoided. Regular tuna, such as the canned variety is fine to eat. Fish consumption should be limited to 2-3 times a week, one serving each time. Absolutely no raw fish! Cooked or vegetable sushi is fine.
No undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood. Skip the steak tartare while pregnant!
Luncheon meats such as hotdogs, turkey, ham, etc should either be avoided or cooked until steaming hot.
No lightly cooked eggs...and don't eat raw eggs....ewww gross, who would do that? Just be sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked.
Avoid unpasteurized products such as cheese made from unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized milk and any foods made from it, juices.
Avoid raw sprouts.
Avoid deli foods as they can be contaminated with listeria, even if cooked.

And that pretty much sums of the do's and don'ts of eating when pregnant. Don't freak out if you ate something naughty prior to realizing you shouldn't have - very likely no harm will come of it.

Facebook

2010-02-04T15:44:00.002-07:00

Slowly.....

Slowly....

Slowly, we are making our way into the 21st century! We are overcoming handicaps when it comes to internet technology....well, I'm actually dragging some of the others, kicking and screaming (not mentioning any names....Lynnette and Lisa).

We are now the proud owners of a Facebook group page for BWHC :) So, if you are on FB and want to keep up with us, see pics of staff, events, etc then look us up under Bethany Womens Healthcare.

Guest Post: Choosing a Birth Care Provider

2010-02-04T14:49:00.002-07:00

~Choosing a Birth Care Provider~

Now that it is 2010 many of us want to concentrate on new beginnings. That may mean getting prepared for a baby. There are many different places to have a baby and a plethora of caregivers to choose from. How do you choose what is right for you? First, know your own personal style. Second, research as much as you can. Third, know your options..because there are a lot of them out there!

KNOW YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
Find someone that is a good fit to your personality. For example, do you feel more comfortable around doctors in white suits over more casually dressed but equally knowledgeable and trained midwives? Do you trust yourself before all others or like to hand over all responsibility to someone else? Are you a laid back earthy type or do you prefer going strictly by the book?

RESEARCH
Take the time to see what hospitals and/or birthing centers are near. Find out what services they offer in the maternity unit, what their C-Section rate is, what the staff/patient ratio is, and what procedures/policies do they go by.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
Connect with your care provider and ask questions. Your care provider may be an MD (medical doctor), a CNM (certified nurse midwife), a CPM (Certified Professional Midwife), a LM (licensed midwife-usually only for a particular state or area), or a DEM (Direct Entry Midwife-through apprenticeship program..though may not be licensed)

A doula or HypnoBirthing practitioner may also be part of your arsenal. A doula in Greek means "woman who serves". HypnoBirthing instructors teach hypnosis for childbirth. Keep in mind neither one is permitted/and or trained to deliver. They are there strictly to be of service to the mom's comfort and to assist w/dad's participation.

See if your care provider is open to you having a birth plan. This is a plan that tells the provider what your wishes are and what procedures you are in favor of or not (keeping in mind, above all else, safety first!) .

It is a good idea to create a birth plan that is adaptable if need be. One big factor is it depends on how healthy your pregnancy has been along the way. A healthy pregnancy tends to lean towards a normal, uncomplicated birth with little to no interventions needed. This allows for more choice and flexibility for all involved. A high risk pregnancy may need extra attention and may call for specific interventions.

So in a nutshell, no matter how or where you choose to birth, the most important thing to remember is be a conscious consumer. Interview those that you desire to assist you during pregnancy and birth.

Your baby will be the most special thing you have--so take the time now and know your options. Research, ask questions and enjoy the process!

Amanda Vermilion
HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator
Birthing Mothers Budding Babies
amanda@bmbb.us
480-383-3283

I want to thank Amanda for taking the time to send me a blog post!

Here are some additional questions that you may want to ask a provider you are considering....

1. What is your (or the practice's) cesarean section rate?
2. Do you routinely cut episotomies?
3. When do you feel induction of labor is necessary?
4. If applicable - do you support VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean)?
5. How do you feel about natural childbirth?
6. How do you feel about doulas?
7. Do you provide labor support?

Don't be afraid to ask for a consult with any provider you are considering for care during this special time of your life! We (BWHC) offer free consults where we can answer questions, discuss our practice, and philosophy of care.

The Why Choose a Midwife video

2010-01-24T11:39:00.002-07:00

Unfortunately, Our Bodies Ourselves had to remove the Why Choose a Midwife due to some complications related to licensing. It looks as though they are working on this and hopefully will be back up soon.

Why Choose a Midwife?

2010-01-21T11:33:00.001-07:00

Haiti

2010-01-21T10:54:00.002-07:00

I'm sure you are all aware of the tragedy that has been occuring in Haiti. This country has been struck by so many natural disasters and is already one of the poorest countries. If you are interested in giving help or volunteering, please go to International Medical Corp to find out how to donate or volunteer. One form of donating can be done by texting 85944, which will add a one-time donation of $10 to your cell phone bill.

Deliver My Baby

2010-01-11T18:06:00.002-07:00

This website was created by ACNM (American College of Nurse-Midwives) to help women decide what type of provider they would gain the most benefit from. I don't really like the wording on the page - Who should deliver my baby? This implies that we deliver the baby when really, we just catch. After all, pizza is delivered, not babies. LOL!

Deliver My Baby Quiz

Share With Women: Am I in Labor?

2009-12-27T17:32:00.003-07:00

AM I IN LABOR?

What is labor?
Labor is the work that your body does to birth your baby. Your uterus (the womb) contracts. Your cervix (the mouth of the uterus) opens. You will push your baby out into the world.

What do contractions (labor pains) feel like?
When they first start, contractions usually feel like cramps during your period. Sometimes you feel pain in your back. Most often, contractions feel like muscles pulling painfully in your lower belly. At first, the contractions will probably be 15to 20 minutes apart. They will not feel too painful. As labor goes on, the contractions get stronger, closer together, and more painful.

How do I time the contractions?
Time your contractions by counting the number of minutes from the start of one contraction to the start of the next contraction.

What should I do when the contractions start?
If it is night and you can sleep, sleep. If it happens during the day, here are some things you can do to take care of yourself at home:
● Walk. If the pains you are having are real labor, walking will make the contractions come faster and harder. If the contractions are not going to continue and be real labor, walking will make the contractions slow down.
● Take a shower or bath. This will help you relax.
● Eat. Labor is a big event. It takes a lot of energy.
● Drink water. Not drinking enough water can cause false labor (contractions that hurt but do not open your cervix). If this is true labor, drinking water will help you have strength to get through your labor.
● Take a nap. Get all the rest you can.
● Get a massage. If your labor is in your back, a strong massage on your lower back may feel very good. Getting a foot massage is always good.
● Don’t panic. You can do this. Your body was made for this. You are strong!

When should I go to the hospital or call my health care provider?
● Your contractions have been 5 minutes apart or less for at least 1 hour.
● If several contractions are so painful you cannot walk or talk during one.
● Your bag of waters breaks. (You may have a big gush of water or just water that runs down your legs when you walk.)

Are there other reasons to call my health care provider?
Yes, you should call your health care provider or go to the hospital if you start to bleed like you are having a period—blood that soaks your underwear or runs down your legs, if you have sudden severe pain, if your baby has not moved for several hours, or if you are leaking green fluid. The rule is as follows: If you are very concerned about something, call.

LABOR? WHAT DO I DO NOW?
First . . . If your baby is due more than 3 weeks from today and you are having back pain or stomach cramps, or there is fluid leaking from your vagina, or your baby has not moved for several hours, or you have other troubling symptoms, call your health care provider now!
Or . . . If you are overdue, be sure to see your health care provider at least once a week and talk with her about a plan for your care.

Flu.Gov

2009-12-27T17:24:00.003-07:00

The Flu.gov website has easy-to-read information regarding the flu, vaccination, etc. It also gives H1N1 updates and has a vaccination location finder. Patients of Bethany Womens Healthcare who are pregnant or within 6 months postpartum can come to our office should they desire the vaccine.

YouTube Changing Birth Culture?

2009-12-27T17:16:00.005-07:00

This is an interesting blog post by Amy Romano CNM. She discusses how YouTube could be a potential change agent for birth culture. Cool! A use for technology that is positive and helpful :)

I'll admit....in my desire to share what normal birth looks like, I have 'made' my daughters watch several YouTube birth videos. My 6-year-old, Liberty, finds them absolutely fascinating. She begs to come to work with me and see someone have a baby. I told her maybe someday. My 9-year-old, Daja, is not so interested. But she's also very much a tomboy and shies away from 'female things'. She has been to work with me and watched a birth. She did ok but I don't think she found it as awesome as I always do! She was a little green when the placenta came out. I had hoped to let her touch it (with gloves on, of course) but ended up sending her out of the room. :)