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Recent Posts
Category Archives: birth in the usa
Saying the cesarean rate is too high is not (or shouldn’t be) a judgment of c-section moms
I’m just going to say it. The c-section rate is too high. As we’ve seen it steadily increase over the past 13 years, the number of complications related to surgical birth has increased right along with it. It’s difficult, though, … Continue reading
Posted in birth in the usa, cesarean, optimal maternity care
Tagged c-section, cesarean, cesarean childbirth
6 Comments
Quote of the Day
“The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it.” ~Chinese Proverb
Trust me . . . (Part 2)
How can I find a trustworthy provider? It starts with research. Talk to as many people as you can for recommendations. Ask specific questions about how they practice and what people did/did not like about them. Search online. Go to/call the … Continue reading
Posted in OB, birth in the usa, midwife, natural birth, prepare your mind
Tagged maternity care, midwife, OB, trust
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Trust me . . . (Part 1)
Lately, I’ve talked to a few mamas about their birth stories and was perplexed by some of the recommendations their providers gave them. While I don’t know ALL the details and there could have been more to the story than … Continue reading
Posted in OB, birth in the usa, induction, midwife, prepare your mind, vbac
Tagged birth, care provider, labor, maternity care, midwife, OB
6 Comments
Birth Matters
I recently picked up a copy of the new book, Birth Matters: A Midwife’s Manifesta by Ina May Gaskin. Her practice was based on principles of prevention and wellness, as well as a focus on both the physical and emotional … Continue reading
Posted in OB, birth in the usa, cesarean, midwife, natural birth, prepare your mind
Tagged birth matters, cesarean, Ina May Gaskin, natural birth
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Did you miss it? . . . Don’t miss out!
Yesterday, I connected with some amazing ladies (if there were gentlemen, forgive me, but you didn’t speak up during the discussion portion) during my first conference call. We talked about what it means to “Birth Smart”, what individualized maternity care … Continue reading
Posted in birth in the usa, breastfeeding, epidural, natural birth, optimal maternity care
Tagged call
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The Trap of Idealizing the Intervention-free Birth
This is my second guest post from Brittany at Birth Unplugged. She has some wonderful insight into the process of balancing striving for the best outcomes and refraining from judgement (of ourselves and others). This is one of a series of posts related to how … Continue reading
Birth. It’s as Safe as Life Gets
Here is a guest post from Maria Pokluda, a doula and childbirth educator based in Texas who blogs at Belly Up. She shares an interesting perspective on the safety of birth. While it’s important for us to prepare and do whatever we can to minimize our risks, … Continue reading
Happy Birthday to Birth Smart ~ and a GIFT (everyone’s a winner)
One year ago . . . last March . . . I started this website. I have lived in many different places and literally have friends all around the world. I have often found myself answering questions for my remote pregnant … Continue reading
doing the “doula” thing
I have personally experienced the wonderful impact a doula (labor support professional) can have on a birth, which is what started me on the path to becoming a doula and childbirth educator myself. There is growing evidence of the many benefits a … Continue reading
So the baby is born . . . now what?
We often make detailed plans about our wishes for our labors and births, but do we consider what happens once the baby is born? Once important issue to consider is whether to allow the umbilical cord to be immediately clamped and … Continue reading
Posted in birth in the usa, third stage of labor, videos
Tagged delayed cord clamping, umbilical cord
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Prepare your mind: Words for birth
Words and language are powerful. They can shape our perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. Take a moment to consider what words you associate with birth – just list off the first 8-10 words that come to mind. Are these words positive … Continue reading
Risky Business . . . VBAC or ERCS?
Mothers who experience birth via c-section have longer recovery periods. In most cases, after 6 weeks or so, they can heal and move on with life. Unfortunately, for most, that isn’t the end of the impact on their lives. If … Continue reading
Posted in OB, birth in the usa, cesarean, vbac
Tagged birth risks, cesarean, uterine rupture, VBAC
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Results Are In: Austrailan Study Supports Physiological Third Stage!
This is a fascinating guest post from Brittany at Birth Unplugged. I have always been a little puzzled about the research available on this subject, so it is interesting to see new evidence that makes a lot more sense intuitively. Back … Continue reading
Posted in birth in the usa, third stage of labor
Tagged hemorrhage, placenta, third stage of labor
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inductions
Inductions have become very common in US maternity care, in fact, the rates of induction have more than doubled over the past 20 years. They can seem like a very appealing option and are performed for a wide variety of reasons, but like any decision, should … Continue reading
this is only a test . . .
I talked with a mom recently who is 27 weeks pregnant. She was told by a nurse practitioner that her belly was measuring large compared to a previous measurement. Despite the mother showing no other signs of concern: heart rate, blood pressure, … Continue reading
Posted in birth in the usa, ultrasound
Tagged high risk, pregnancy, prenatal testing, ultrasound
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Big Baby
A young family in British Columbia recently welcomed a new baby into their family. He was a big baby . . . over 13lbs. He was not born by cesarean and his mother did not have any drugs during labor. … Continue reading
Posted in birth in the usa, induction, natural birth
Tagged big baby, birth, induction, labor, natural birth, pregnancy, research
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Send a Message to ACOG re: VBAC Access!
Here is another important guest post from Heather Johnson at www.nurturedmoms.com regarding a petition that is active through October 31. Please take a moment to consider this important issue and let your voice be heard. For a long time, birth activists … Continue reading
meet me at the library
I am excited to announce a workshop I have coming up at the Rose Hill Library on Saturday, November 6th at 10:00am. I would love to see you there. “The 6 Traits of Optimal Maternity Care: Essential Knowledge for Anyone … Continue reading
Posted in birth in the usa
Tagged birth, childbirth education, derby, doula, kansas, labor, pregnancy, rose hill, wichita
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