Vermont Midwife's Birth Stories Pot Luck Night

Thanks for creating such a needed blog.

I am a homebirth midwife in Vermont and every few months I have a birth stories pot luck. Every one brings a dish to share except the newest mom's they bring their new babies and birth stories. I ask that moms share their story in a way to benefit the soon to be birthers- For example if a mom found parts of labor to be challenging or even scary-talk about it AND tell us what go you though. Of course many tell blissed out love versions and I ask them to talk about how they prepared and what was the hardest part.

I also encourage Papa's to share as well. I think oral tradition is better than childbirth education.I will pass your info to my clients

Cheers

Erin Ryan LM

ErinRyanLM@aol.com

Parenting Prenatally Classes

(Sheri's thoughts) I love that more and more people are realizing how concious babies are in the womb. I know of several national childbirth classes that are also teaching this to parents. I've been interested in the work of the APPAH for a while. This year it is in my home town, San Diego, and I see that Dr. Northrup is speaking.

Hi Sheri,

First and foremost, thank you for your fantastic site! You are doing great work. I'm writing to let you know about the work I am doing and the great success I am having. I am an Early Parenting Consultant/Coach/Educator/Speaker currently completing my PhD in prenatal and perinatal psychology at the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute. I am also a board member of APPPAH the Association of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health. I work with individuals and families from preconception through early childhood to help them get off the the best start possible.

Who are my clients? Mostly women who are either struggling to conceive (I'm a certified Whole Person Fertility Specialist) and/or in the preconception phase of welcoming a child. I also see women and couples who are pregnant and would like to prepare mind/body and spirit for parenthood and birth. I teach a class called Parenting Prenatally. My greatest joy is working individually with moms who are interested in creating a positive birth experience for themselves and their babies. I've had phenomenal success helping moms process through emotional and mental blocks to healthy birth and to go on to have the birth they dreamed of having. Some are first time moms and some are second time moms who had less than ideal first time births. Together we explore what may be in the way of having the birth they would like to have. It's phenomenal work that I can do here in Austin in-person or on the phone with clients from anywhere around the world. Once the baby has been born I work with families to help mom, dad and baby/child clear through challenging birth experiences and create strong, lasting bonds. In addition I offer several parenting classes.

I'm excited to share your site with my clients. My site is in the works
- www.earlyparenting.com.

I wish you well and look forward to connecting sometime soon!
best, Carrie


-------------------------------------------
Carrie Contey, M.Ed., M.A., Ph.D.c
Early Parenting Consultant/Coach/Educator/Speaker
512-275-6170 home/office
512-694-7794 cell
"Supporting families from preconception through preschool and transforming the way we think about babies, birth and parenting"

Study Concludes Planned Homebirth is Safe

(This is great news to women who want more choices during labor. )

Outcomes of planned home births with certified professional midwives: large prospective study in North America
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/330/7505/1416

Objective To evaluate the safety of home births in North America involving direct entry midwives, in jurisdictions where the practice is not well integrated into the healthcare system.
Design Prospective cohort study.

Setting All home births involving certified professional midwives across the United States (98% of cohort) and Canada, 2000.

Participants All 5418 women expecting to deliver in 2000 supported by midwives with a common certification and who planned to deliver at home when labour began.

Main outcome measures Intrapartum and neonatal mortality, perinatal transfer to hospital care, medical intervention during labour, breast feeding, and maternal satisfaction.

Results 655 (12.1%) women who intended to deliver at home when labour began were transferred to hospital. Medical intervention rates included epidural (4.7%), episiotomy (2.1%), forceps (1.0%), vacuum extraction (0.6%), and caesarean section (3.7%); these rates were substantially lower than for low risk US women having hospital births. The intrapartum and neonatal mortality among women considered at low risk at start of labour, excluding deaths concerning life threatening congenital anomalies, was 1.7 deaths per 1000 planned home births, similar to risks in other studies of low risk home and hospital births in North America. No mothers died. No discrepancies were found for perinatal outcomes independently validated.

Conclusions Planned home birth for low risk women in North America using certified professional midwives was associated with lower rates of medical intervention but similar intrapartum and neonatal mortality to that of low risk hospital births in the United States.

Thanks to Susan Hodges, President of Citizens for Midwiferyfor this post
More commentary at http://www.cfmidwifery.org/Resources/Item.aspx?ID=84
www.cfmidwifery.org
1-888-236-4880

University of Colorado Hospital Now Allowing Waterbirth

I am due in November and the hospital that I have chosen to deliver at is the University of Colorado hospital (Fitzsimmons campus). Anne Mariella, my midwife has cut through the red tape and the hospital is now able to provide for planned water births. They have purchased a tub just for the purpose. They are the first hospital in Colorado to do this. We don’t have any birthing centers, so if woman wanted a water birth she would it would have to be at home, or unplanned in the hospital Jacuzzi tub. Now I am able to plan and prepare for a water birth in a hospital setting. I think this is wonderful, and a great stride for Colorado!

Sonja Wieck
Data Acquisition Specialist
Health Grades, Inc.
500 Golden Ridge Road
Suite 100
Golden CO 80401
(720)963-6566 (direct)

Waterbirth in Kansas City, MO

I love to hear of all of the places allowing waterbirths! Thanks for sharing this, Summer:


Sheri - I got news of your blog from the DONA group here in KC. Here's my story.
Hospital in Kansas City, Mo is doing waterbirths!

My name is Summer Hill and my husband and I are Bradley Teachers in Kansas City. We have two little boys, both born naturally using The Bradley Method. Our youngest son, was just born underwater in February 2005. We were so excited to hear that Research Medical Center in Kansas City was doing waterbirths. It was a wonderful experience. The whole labor was a short 3 1/2 hours long, but very much intense. We labored for two hours at home, mostly on the birthing ball and then came to the hospital where we labored about an hour in the tub, which felt so good, then he was born gently underwater with two pushes!

We were so happy to have the choice of a waterbirth at the hospital. Our midwife group, Midwest Midwifery, was so supportive and wonderful and really supported us through a beautiful experience.

We just wanted to spread the news that waterbirth is available at Research Medial Center in Kansas City!

Thanks and we'll help to spread the news about your blog!
Bradley teachers, Summer and Casey Hill, CCE, AAHCC
www.donenaturally.com
913-236-5831

Fayetteville, NC Pediatric Offices Hire IBCLCs to Help Moms With Breastfeeding

In Fayetteville, NC, two pediatric offices have hired an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant to work with their patients and another office has an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant on staff full-time. This seems to be helping new moms get breastfeeding off to a better start and the five local La Leche League groups in the area help too.

Carroll Beckham in Fayetteville, NC

A Positive (multiple) VBAC Story

I love Laura's wisdom. We have so many tools like pelvic tilts, the right doctor and a doula that we can use to increase the likelyhood of having a VBAC. Thanks Laura:


Hi there. I am a modern day success story. I have had 3 successful vbac's naturally after a c-section for "failure to progress". I changed medical providers at 31 weeks when I was pregnant with my 2nd child when the ob (a female one too at that) told me I was "looking big and would more than likely just have another C-section". I said NO WAY to that, educated myself, and found a doula.

Lots of women think they have no other choice than to just settle for another c-section. There are things you can do to prevent having to have a c-section. Simple pelvic tilts are one example. We don't realize how much information is out there. We just trust whatever our practioner says without questioning them these days - even if it goes against what we think we want to do or what would be best for us. We need to trust our own instincts again.

My husband encouraged me to look into using a doula, and to try to give birth the way I always dreamed of giving birth -naturally. We used a doula for all 3 of our other births. My doulas (I had 2 different ones) have taught me so much about myself, childbirth and about the ability we have as women to birth naturally. We "modern" women fear pain way too much. Natural childbirth is painful, but it was the most rewarding experience (in my case the most rewarding experiences) of my life. We are fed these lies that we need epidurals to get through childbirth or we need to be "in control" of the birth, so we plan c-sections around our busy schedules. We have lost our way to being able to just enjoy nature - including nature at work within us as birthing mothers. We need to tell other women about the joy of childbirth instead of fearing them into having a c-section.

Laura Buck
Akron, OH

Case for VBACs Bolstered with New Study

Hi,
I thought this was wonderful news for women who are being forced to have repeat c/sec. It bolsters the case against repeat c/sec.

I like the idea of your bolg,positive birth community stories and research.
I am a postpartum doula since 1990 and own a doula service in NYC that employs 13 other doulas. I will pass along the word of your blog.

Ruth Callahan
www.DoulaCare.com
New York, NY

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Patient choice cesarean impairs newborn outcomes Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2005; 192: 1433-6 Comparing neonatal outcomes following scheduled repeat cesarean versus a trial of labor for term uncomplicated pregnancies. The choice to undergo elective cesarean delivery may have negative consequences for the newborn, with an increased risk of admission to an advanced care nursery, study results suggest. The authors note, "Potential maternal benefits of patient choice cesarean delivery have been described, but there is no published literature that directly compares neonatal outcomes of elective cesarean to outcomes of uncomplicated pregnancies intending to delivery vaginally." To investigate, Nicholas Fogelson and his colleagues at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, USA, conducted a retrospective study of uncomplicated, term pregnancies, comparing neonatal outcomes between 177 women scheduled for elective repeat cesarean prior to labor and 3134 intended for vaginal birth. Short-term neonatal morbidity was found to be more common after elective repeat cesarean than after a trial of labor, with higher rates of transient tachypnea. Accordingly, newborns delivered by elective cesarean were significantly more often admitted to an intermediate or advanced care nursery, or to neonatal intensive care, than those born to mothers who attempted labor. Fogelson et al therefore conclude that clinicians should counsel women considering elective cesarean in an uncomplicated pregnancy about these potential neonatal issues as well as concerns for the mother's own well-being.

Multitude of Associations help to promote Natural Vaginal Births

There are already many existing associations that are promoting Natural Vaginal Births ridden of the medicalized technologies that take away the essence of birth both for mother and child. One of these associations is Midwifery Today who have an electronic newsletter as well as a magazine. They sponsor Conferences worldwide with top physicians and health professionals that respect the sanctity of birth. You can contact Nicolle Tritten at admin@midwiferytoday.com You have Barbara Harper with her Waterbirth International association that holds International Congresses worldwide and works closely with countries such a Russia, The Netherlands, Belgium, England, Scotland, Spain, France, South America, Mexico, the United States, China and now Turkey promoting the benefits of Natural Birth. barbara@waterbirth.org
You have Dr. Michel Odent with his 25 years experience at Pithivers, France and the numerous books he has written already published in several languages, not to mention his Primal Health Research Institute based in London, England. modent@aol.com


You will find many chapters of dedicated “doulas” and “midwives” who give Prenatal and Perinatal classes to young parents to be and work with them not only in preparation for a healthy birth but with all of the health and emotional aspects of motherwood. One of these is Nacer y Crecer in Monterrey, México www.nacerycrecer.com.mx An this is only one of the many associations which have been working for many years to re educate the public to respect the innate intelligence of our bodies in giving birth and also to educate the public as to the importance of the first hour for bonding between child and mother – which does not happen in hospitals.

An International Congress is being held in Oaxtepec, México from the 1st to the 4th of July called “La Naturaleza del Nacimiento”, one of the sponsors being Midwives Alliance of North America. www.naturalezadelnacimiento.sistemex.net

And to give you an example of the power of education in our center AMAYAL, Centro Educacional de la Salud para el Bienestar Humano, A.C. based in Monterrey, México where the index of C-Section is now at 85%, one single gynecologist respectful of natural vaginal birth who joined the cause now has 4 more gynecologists, not to mention pediatricians who promote 100% the natural birthing and are getting ready to form their own Birthing Center to get away from all of the political dealings they have to put up in a Hospital in order to allow a mother to be respect and birth in the natural manner in which Nature intended.

If you would like many more stories I would be happy to connect you with the right people. I would also commend highly the education on the formation of Emotional Intelligence that is taking place through a wonderful team of Psychologists who specialize in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and who have written many books, backed by science on the subject. The formation of Emotional Intelligence starts at conception and a key influence is the way one is born. Wendy McCarty PhD www.wondrousbeginnings.com is just one of many.


Regards,
Barbara B. Powers
BPR Health International
1036 Country Club Drive
Moraga, CA 94556
Tel: 925 377 3000
bbpowers@bprhealth.com

Mesa Nurse Midwife

(Note: This hospital is Longmont United Hospital in Longmont, Colorado. I like this story because I love hearing of jacuzzi tubs, midwives and allowing the dad to catch the baby. )

I had an amazing experience giving birth to my daughter, Mesa, now four months old. Two day before she was born my husband and I went on a long hike in the mountains. She must have sensed our excitement and readiness to meet her, because that night my water broke.

The following morning I went in for an exam, since contractions hadn't yet begun. My midwife was great at providing us with all the information we needed to make the decision not to induce, but to wait for labor to start on its own. Exactly twelve hours after my water broke contractions began. We waited until they were 5 minutes apart before going to the hospital. Throughout this time I felt calm and peaceful, knowing that my body was capable of handling labor and delivery with ease. I knew that Mesa and I would do just fine.

When we got to the hospital our nurse respectfully acknowledged our birth plan and only did external fetal monitoring several times during labor. She allowed my husband and I the privacy we needed. She came in just once every hour, on average, to check in. This helped increase our confidence, as she seemed to trust that we knew how to do this on our own. The warm and comforting hospital room permitted me to further relax, along with the use of the jacuzzi. After six hours of labor, I was ready to push. My midwife came in just then to help deliver Mesa. She allowed my husband, Ernst, to actually deliver her once her head was out.

Ernst placed our new baby girl on my stomach, announced that she was a girl, and later cut the umbilical cord. The entire experience still brings tears to my eyes because it was such an empowering and beautiful event. The nurses, our midwife, and the entire hospital staff acknowledged the sacredness of Mesa's birth and permitted Ernst and I to have a wonderful birthing experience.

Thanks for letting me share my story. -Kimberly Strenge

Sharing Positive Delivery Experiences

I think it's great you're creating a focus on the positive aspects of birth. I make it my personal quest when I see pregnant women to share my positive delivery experiences, and also to tell her to be wary of those eager to share their bad ones. (it seemed when I was pregnant everyone came out of the woodwork to share their horror stories with me!)

I have two sons, now ages 4 and 8. Caleb was born in August 1996 in Houston, Texas. During labor, I meditated on the verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and used yoga deep breathing techniques to stay calm. My wonderful husband was by my side, and the hospital staff was very relaxed. After only 6 hours of labor (he was my first, too!) my beautiful son was born on my 30th birthday! No pain medication, no trauma, just joy (and relief when it was done!)

Four years later, my second son, Benjamin was born in New York. Again, my loving husband was by my side. This labor was so much shorter (only 2 hours total) that by the time I arrived at the hospital, I was ready to push. My midwife arrived soon after, and within 30 minutes, Benjamin was born. His birth was so peaceful that the "bag of waters" never even broke. He was born August 15, 2000.

Hope this helps!
Best wishes on your efforts,
Elaine Trainor

Poland Doctor Creates Concious Motherhood Program

I just received this wonderful letter from a doctor in Poland. This letter gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you doctor for becoming more conscious and helping women to have fantastic birth experiences. I know that you will inspire many other people around you.

Dear Sheri,

It 's nice to read about your plans. I can share with you mine too.

I'm a gynecologist of Indian origin(come from India), working in Poland since last 12 years . My whole life and career has been and a greatly transforming experience over the years - very positive.

I'm mother of 3 children with first 2 hospital births and the last one 5 years back home birth with only my husband to attend( because I couldn't find a midwife who would be there). But I was totally convinced that my body has the innate gift to do it,(inspite of participating in hundreds of hospital births with interventions and complications).

Since then I've come a long way and I'm taking care of pregnant women in a natural way, have started an educationa programme for them during pregnancy based on the belief that their body can do it. The results are very satisfying inspite of the fact that there is no alternative except hospital births in Poland. I have a web site and my web page for them-www.preetigin.republika.pl and www.szkolarodzenia.wroclaw.pl.

I hope to serve women who seek natural pregnancy and delivery and who have faith in their bodies. I have been convinced many times over its possible and my medical background especially is of great help to me. By the way name of my educational programme is "Conscious Motherhood".

Wish you success.
Preeti Agrawal

Newsletter for blog news

Thanks to Dr. Christiane Northrup's e-newsletter today, I am receiving a lot of much needed content to this blog. I'll be adding several today. I hope you will continue to come back daily to look at the new posts. If you want to receive a newsletter with the news, just send your e-mail to me at gbnews@journeyintomotherhood.com and I will add you. That way you won't miss any great news.

Send me any new content greatbirth@journeyintomotherhood.com

Warmly,
Sheri Menelli

Wild Salmon Now More Available to Pregnant Women

During my pregnancy(this year), my midwife friends recommended eating wild salmon because of the high levels of Omega 3 among other reasons. For those of you who are not aware of the difference between farm raised and wild, you can learn more at http://www.vitalchoice.com/links.cfm

I had a very difficult time finding WILD salmon and we live in San Diego. I probably only ate it 3 times during my pregnancy. I can't imagine how difficult it is for people in small towns to find it. I am thrilled to find out today that there is a source for wild salmon by mail order that is endorsed by Dr. Christiane Northrup. http://www.vitalchoice.com/shop/shop2.cfm?category=20

Kudos to Vital Choice Seafood for concentrating on helping pregnant women find a clean, healthy source for Omega 3s.