Thursday, December 23, 2010

Questions about Birth & Christmas.....

If you are reading my blog via Facebook, please go to www.childbirthtoday.blogspot.com to view the video.

What really was Mary's EDD?

Did she feel contractions?  Did she have back labor?

Did Joseph help her with her breathing?

How long was the Second Stage of Labor?

Did they have a lotus birth?

What would've been Jesus's Apgar score?

Did Jesus latch on right away?


And finally, have you viewed The Social Network Christmas?  Merry Christmas to all !


Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Follow Up to Previous Article

Several subscribers have asked for more information about the test to determine if a cesarean is necessary - a blog I posted earlier today.


I went to the Obstecare website and found this information, along with their reference page:


http://www.obstecare.com/Clinicalsolution.htm


Hope this helps!

New Test to Determine If Cesarean is Necessary

Just as the CDC issued the 2009 Cesarean Section Statics ~ we are now at 32.9%, up from 32.3%, a Swedish company, Obstecare, has developed a test that measures the amount of lactic acid in the amniotic fluid.


In a press release issued today (Dec 22,2010) by a New Jersey Law Firm, "if high levels of lactic acid are present, it is doubtful that the mother will be able to deliver the baby vaginally, as lactic acid at certain levels begins to inhibit contractions. The test could help end difficult labors earlier by indicating that a C-section is necessary."  The press release also said "For the mothers that endure prolonged hours of labor only to have a Cesarean section (C-section) in the end, a new test performed at the early stages of labor could indicate that a C-section should be performed."



Could this become standard for all obstetricians to use before labor and delivery?

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Seasonal Emoticons

It is true.  This blog entry has nothing to do with childbirth.  BUT it has everything to do with those really cool emoticon trees, snowmen and other art done with your computer key board.

Wanna make a snowman?

 __[-]__
.. (*>*)
. (.. : .. )
.( .. : . . )


Or perhaps a Christmas tree?

…………(¯`O´¯)
…………*./ | \ .*
…………..*♫*.
………, • '*♥* ' • ,
……. '*• ♫♫♫•*'
….. ' *, • '♫ ' • ,* '
….' * • ♫*♥*♫• * '
… * , • Merry' • , * '
…* ' •♫♫*♥*♫♫ • ' * '
' ' • Christmas . • ' ' '
' ' • ♫♫♫*♥*♫♫♫• * ' '
…………..x♥x
…………….♥




For ALL of the cool designs and secrets, visit 


http://facebook-emoticons-symbols.blogspot.com/2009/04/basic-symbols-key-alt.html



Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Unsuspecting Doulas

If you are aware of randomized control trials or the Cochrane Review, then you already know the years...no, decades of research documenting the profound benefits of doula care before, during and after labor/birth.

Take a moment, however, to examine the very simple and amazing impact of doulas ~ companionship.

Mankind was never meant to experience life alone.  From the very beginnings, we were given friends, companions, helpmates, mates...the list goes on.  Why?  Because sometimes life is difficult.  Life is a challenge or series of challenges and really, who wants to experience those challenges alone?  Often a challenge not only stretches us physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well!  And when those challenges approach the "overwhelming" point, there is definitely strength in numbers!

But if you have ever breathed, you have already experienced doula care in some form or another.  Here are some examples of doulas in our every day life:

When you were about 2 and wanted your mom or dad to be with you in the bathroom, especially when you flushed.


On the play ground when you were 5.  It was funner to have a playmate than play alone.


In 4th grade, it was nice to have a buddy to go to run errands for the teacher in school than walk through those scary halls alone.


Sleep-overs in middle school and high school.


In football, it is wonderful to have someone block for you!


The first time you put gas into a car.


Freeways have signs that say HOV ~ high occupancy vehicles.


Even a friend who proof-reads a paper for you.


While these are just a few of the "go with me", "help me" moments in life, I am certain you have some of your own. We live in towns and communities.  We are meant to be in contact and friendship with others.  They help us and we help them.

So yes, there is evidence-based proof that doula care is beneficial for positive outcomes in labor and birth.  But deep down in your heart, you know that having a compassionate companion with you during an exceptional life experience makes that life experience easier.

You know that investing in another not only brings joy and calm to that person but to you too.

Your life is richer and so is theirs.

So is it really any wonder why doulas make a difference?

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Congratulations to DONA ~ the new introductory video!

If you are viewing this on Facebook, please go to my blog, www.childbirthtoday.blogspot.com!   And if you have RealPlayer on your computer, you can easily download this video for future use.


Wednesday, December 01, 2010

The 3 1/2 Minute Cheer For Your

For all of the childbirth educators and doulas I have trained in the past 14 years or so....I can't always be there to cheer you on.  And if I didn't lead your seminar or workshop, you also may need some support!  I have found that many people need this, especially in the winter time...when the sun is not out as much and when we cannot go out as much to clear our heads and our hearts.

I found this video on You Tube and found it very encouraging - so I thought I would share it with you.  If you see this blog notification on Facebook, please go to my blog at http://www.childbirthtoday.blogspot.com/ to see the video!