What does being a midwife mean to me? That sounds like the start of a high school English paper. “What does being a midwife mean to me”? But I think that’s a rather profound question to ask someone! Think about it…ask yourself, “What does being a mother mean to me?” “What does being a man mean to me?” “What does being a wife mean to me?” So what does being a midwife mean to me?
It means that this family that just hired me has chosen me, out of everyone in the world, to be a part of their memories forever. It means that I will be given the blessing of getting to know them in the most intimate of ways. I will be able to touch and connect with their baby as it grows inside their womb, feeling it grow and mature. This means that my touch is one of the very first experiences this baby will have as I place my hands on the mom’s swollen belly. I will witness this woman at her strongest, even though she will feel like she is at her weakest. I will witness this woman strip away all of society’s input, all of the ‘proper girl’ that she was raised with, all of her inhibitions…and I will see her in her rawest form, the basic animalistic instinctual woman that she is inside.
It means that they are trusting me –trusting me be able to walk the fine balance between being watchful for medical issues while not interfering and thus creating medical issues. They are trusting me to treat them with respect and honor this event for the monumentous occasion that it is. It means that she is trusting me to see her in that vulnerable true state of who she is at the core and won’t judge her for what or who I see her become. It means that they trust me with their very lives, to make decisions that are in their best interest rather than my own.
It means that I have been called to a profession that I feel is more of a lifestyle than a job. This is a time in their life that they will always remember in quite a bit of detail, and I am a part of that story. They will always remember me (and I will always remember them) –so we are connected forever through our shared experiences. I do believe that not only will they remember me, but that my actions have a great effect on the baby –in fact, on the entire family. Facilitating the emotional transition to motherhood is as important as overseeing the physical and medical process. Treasuring and guiding the babymoon period (first month postpartum) can help lay a foundation of breastfeeding and bonding and trust between the mother and baby that can last their entire lives. Even more than that, by giving this family the best start possible, it lays the example for the next generation. I do believe that by giving these families my heart and love, that it can make a difference when this baby grows up and has their own baby, thus making the event even bigger than a “lifetime”…it makes it "generations."
Being a midwife means that on a regular basis I get to take part in a miracle. I get to see the miraculous unfold before me, and witness the incredible. I get to watch as a man falls deeper in love with this woman than he ever thought possible, and the woman realize that she is worthy of that love. I get to see the man transform Into a father as he cradles his newborn in his arms, no longer afraid to cry or show the depth of his feelings as he realizes in that moment that it’s a strength rather than a weakness. I get to see the gift that this man gave to this woman emerge from her body –and I get to see a mother return that gift as she hands the baby over to the father. I get to see as older siblings learn how to give birth, how to become a mother or a father, as they watch their youngest sibling come out. It means that I get to bear (what I believe is) one of the most enormous responsibilities a human can bear…assisting this family through the creation of life. And I’m lucky and blessed to do so.
In short, it means I’m one of the luckiest people on Earth.
Loved and credited to Nurturing Hearts Birth Services
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Inspirational Quotes for Natural Childbirth
I couldn't choose just one so I put up a few of my favorites. Enjoy.
Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers ~ strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength. ~ Barbara Katz Rothmann
There is no way out of the experience except through it, because it is not really your experience at all but the baby's. Your body is the child's instrument of birth. ~ Penelope Leach
Natural childbirth has evolved [was designed] to suit the species, and if mankind chooses to ignore her advice and interfere with her workings we must not complain about the consequences. We have only ourselves to blame. ~ Margaret Jowitt
The parallels between making love and giving birth are clear, not only in terms of passion and love, but also because we need essentially the same conditions for both experiences: privacy and saftey. -Sarah Buckley
The wisdom and compassion a woman can intuitively experience in childbirth can make her a source of healing and understanding for other women. ~ Stephen Gaskin
We have a secret in our culture, it's not that birth is painful, it's that women are strong. ~ Laura Stavoe Harm
The knowledge of how to give birth without outside interventions lies deep within each woman. Successful childbirth depends on an acceptance of the process. ~ Anonymous
"Having a highly trained obstetrical surgeon attend a normal birth is analogous to having a pediatric surgeon babysit a healthy 2-year-old. "~ Marsden Wagner
"Midwives see birth as a miracle and only mess with it if there's a problem; doctors see birth as a problem and if they don't mess with it, it's a miracle!" Barbara Harper
"Treating normal labors as though they were complicated can become a self-fulfilling prophecy." Rooks
"Attending births is like growing roses. You have to marvel at the ones that just open up and bloom at the first kiss of the sun but you wouldn't dream of pulling open the petals of the tightly closed buds and forcing them to blossom to your time line." Gloria Lemay
"Unfortunately, the role of obstetrics has never been to help women give birth. There is a big difference between the medical discipline we call "obstetrics' and something completely different, the art of midwifery. If we want to find safe alternatives to obstetrics, we must rediscover midwifery. To rediscover midwifery is the same as giving back childbirth to women. And imagine the future if surgical teams were at the service of the midwives and the women instead of controlling them." Michel Odent, MD
"There is power that comes to women when they give birth. They don't ask for it, it simply invades them. Accumulates like clouds on the horizon and passes through, carrying the child with it." Sheryl Feldman
"Just as a woman's heart knows how and when to pump, her lungs to inhale, and her hand to pull back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth." Virginia Di Orio
"300,000 women will be giving birth with you today. Relax and breathe and do nothing else. Labor is hard work, it hurts and you can do it." Unknown
"We are made to do this work and its not easy...I would say that pain is part of th glory, or the tremendous mystery of life. And that if anything, it's a kind of privilege to stand so close to such an incredible miracle." Simone in Klasson 2001
"Anything I’ve ever done that ultimately was worthwhile…initially scared me to death." Betty Bender
"What's done to children, they will do to society." Karl Menninger
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" 2 Corinthians 12:9
Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers ~ strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength. ~ Barbara Katz Rothmann
There is no way out of the experience except through it, because it is not really your experience at all but the baby's. Your body is the child's instrument of birth. ~ Penelope Leach
Natural childbirth has evolved [was designed] to suit the species, and if mankind chooses to ignore her advice and interfere with her workings we must not complain about the consequences. We have only ourselves to blame. ~ Margaret Jowitt
The parallels between making love and giving birth are clear, not only in terms of passion and love, but also because we need essentially the same conditions for both experiences: privacy and saftey. -Sarah Buckley
The wisdom and compassion a woman can intuitively experience in childbirth can make her a source of healing and understanding for other women. ~ Stephen Gaskin
We have a secret in our culture, it's not that birth is painful, it's that women are strong. ~ Laura Stavoe Harm
The knowledge of how to give birth without outside interventions lies deep within each woman. Successful childbirth depends on an acceptance of the process. ~ Anonymous
"Having a highly trained obstetrical surgeon attend a normal birth is analogous to having a pediatric surgeon babysit a healthy 2-year-old. "~ Marsden Wagner
"Midwives see birth as a miracle and only mess with it if there's a problem; doctors see birth as a problem and if they don't mess with it, it's a miracle!" Barbara Harper
"Treating normal labors as though they were complicated can become a self-fulfilling prophecy." Rooks
"Attending births is like growing roses. You have to marvel at the ones that just open up and bloom at the first kiss of the sun but you wouldn't dream of pulling open the petals of the tightly closed buds and forcing them to blossom to your time line." Gloria Lemay
"Unfortunately, the role of obstetrics has never been to help women give birth. There is a big difference between the medical discipline we call "obstetrics' and something completely different, the art of midwifery. If we want to find safe alternatives to obstetrics, we must rediscover midwifery. To rediscover midwifery is the same as giving back childbirth to women. And imagine the future if surgical teams were at the service of the midwives and the women instead of controlling them." Michel Odent, MD
"There is power that comes to women when they give birth. They don't ask for it, it simply invades them. Accumulates like clouds on the horizon and passes through, carrying the child with it." Sheryl Feldman
"Just as a woman's heart knows how and when to pump, her lungs to inhale, and her hand to pull back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth." Virginia Di Orio
"300,000 women will be giving birth with you today. Relax and breathe and do nothing else. Labor is hard work, it hurts and you can do it." Unknown
"We are made to do this work and its not easy...I would say that pain is part of th glory, or the tremendous mystery of life. And that if anything, it's a kind of privilege to stand so close to such an incredible miracle." Simone in Klasson 2001
"Anything I’ve ever done that ultimately was worthwhile…initially scared me to death." Betty Bender
"What's done to children, they will do to society." Karl Menninger
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" 2 Corinthians 12:9
Friday, January 21, 2011
Eenie-Meenie-Miney-Moe? I Don't Think So.
When considering what kind of birth you want, every individual preference makes a difference, both during and after delivery. These are some common procedures and tests you will need to make informed decisions about in order to get the kind of experience you want or need and decide which path you will choose to go to ensure that is what you get in the end.
Common Tests and Procedures During Labor and Delivery
Intravenous Fluids (IVs):
A standard procedure in hospital birth settings. The purpose of this is to
(1) Provide the mother with liquids and/or calories instead of allowing her them by mouth,
(2) to administer medications,
(3)with an epidural, to increases blood volume to protect against drops in blood pressure,
(4) to keep a vein open in the event other medications need to be administered. In hospital settings this a 'required' procedure: It will be the first thing to happen after admittance into L&D. Can be waived by refusal and signing a legal waiver.
When are they medically indicated: Only when labor is extremely long, the mother is nauseous and dehydrated, will be receiving local or general anesthesia, or needing IV medications.
Disadvantages of IVs during labor: Can cause temporary blood sugar drops or electrolyte imbalances in both mother and baby after birth, fluid retention in the mother causing discomfort and problems nursing, and discomfort and is constricting during labor, and gets in the way after baby is born. If a mother drinks and eats during labor, an IV line is completely unnecessary unless a situation as above mentioned is present.
Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM):
There are two methods of EFM- external and internal. It is used to monitor the FHT (fetal heart tones) during labor and asses how the baby is responding, and is generally used along with monitoring the intensity, length and spacing of contractions.
When is it medically indicated: When labor is prolonged and pitocin is being considered, when a nurse, doctor or midwife is not with the woman continuously or frequently, when pitocin is being used to augment labor, or when there are doubts about the baby's well being.
Disadvantages of EFM: The mother is extremely constricted, More attention can be paid to the machine than the woman in labor, Interpretation of the printouts is extremely complex and even experts disagree about what different heart patterns mean and whether intervention is necessary, and EFM only monitors the FHT, not actual fetal distress. When a C section is done solely because of EFM tracings (the printouts) the baby usually shows no signs of having suffered fetal distress at all. Intermittent EFM is possible and more accurate by using a handheld Doppler, and this also allows the mother to move freely.
Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM):
To rupture the membranes (or break the bag of waters) a long thin instrument (amnihook)or a glove with a small hook (amnicot) is inserted through the cervix to snag and open the amniotic sac. Usually this results in contractions becoming more intense, which is the goal of this procedure. Also used to induce labor without methods such as prostaglandins or oxytocin, or to check the amniotic fluid for meconium (baby's first bowel movements) which is a sign of fetal distress, or for infection, bleeding or signs of other problems.
When is it medically indicated? To progress and aid in dilation and to intensify contractions when a labor is not progressing in a normal time frame, or if the mother is pushing and feeling uncomfortable with the pressure caused by a low hanging bag of waters.
Disadvantages of AROM: Frequently, it does not stimulate labor, (unless done at the correct time) The chances of infection ascending into the uterus rises by the passage of time and number of vaginal exams, removing the cushion of fluid on baby's head can increase pressure and cause distress, if the baby is malpositioned, there is very little chance of correcting it at that point, and if the baby's head is floating ( head is not settled into the pelvis) increases chances of a prolapsed cord. Another reason is that there is also a somewhat common placental abnormality called a velamentous cord (the umbilical cord comes off of the membranes instead of the placenta) that can rupture during AROM, causing the mother and baby to bleed out. It is not predictable by ultrasound, and very dangerous.
Induction or Augmentation of Labor:
Sometimes a labor needs a kick start or a stalled labor needs a little help. THIS HOWEVER DOES NOT MEAN SOMEONE AT 40 WEEKS NEEDS TO BE INDUCED. Inductions become needed at around 41.5 weeks. This can be done several ways:
Medically-(usually done as soon as the mother requests after 38 weeks) Stripping of membranes (a finger is inserted into the cervix and sweeps around the inside to separate the membranes from the lower segment of the uterus causing the body to release oxytocin. It can be very uncomfortable). AROM (breaking of waters), Prostaglandin gels, suppositories, or tablets to thin and ripen the cervix (Semen also contains prostaglandins), and IV administration of pitocin, the synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin. Pitocin is ran intravenously, and constant EFM is required. Induction by pitocin can be extremely painful and long. If the induction is done for medical reasons and the pitocin fails, Cesarean is the last option.
Homeopathically (and after 41.5 weeks)-Cervical massage (a more thorough and more effective version of the medical model 'stripping' or 'scraping' of membranes) Nipple stimulation (also releases oxytocin), Black and Blue Cohosh (triggers the uterus to start contracting), and finally Castor oil (an unpleasant homeopathic last resort that triggers intestinal cramps, which in turn trigger uterine cramps) . these are done step by step compiling oxytocin levels in the body throughout the day. if the mother does not go into labor by the next morning, then she will take the castor oil. Almost never fails.
If an induction is done for convenience because the mother is tired of being pregnant or is uncomfortable and the pitcoin fails, this also almost always ends in c section as well.
When is it medically indicated: A prolonged pregnancy going past 41 to 42 weeks has very high risk of the placenta calcifying and the baby is at risk, (NOT FOR SIZE) , When the mother or baby is at risk from medical problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, When the baby is not thriving in the uterus, when the bag of waters has been broken a long time and labor has not started (most hospitals says 12-24 hours, but its more like 2-5 days) or the mother is positive for Group B Strep (GBS), When a labor is diagnosed as dysfunctional and the mother fails to develop and natural, normal labor pattern.
Disadvantages of Induction: Interventions required during an induction includes constant EFM, Iv fluids, and others, The woman can become incredibly tired and discouraged, when an induction is non medical such as convenience for the mother or caregiver, routine procedure for reaching the fortieth week without spontaneous labor, the mothers discomfort, or to plan when the baby will be born can lead to dangers such as slow labor and dilation because the baby and body were not ready to deliver yet, usually ending in a c section, the baby could not be completely ready to come out and have trouble breathing or functioning, Induced labors can cause contractions too intense for mother or baby to tolerate, leading to epidural and fetal heat distress. The chances of having a cesarean section increase by four times in first time mothers who have elective inductions, when compared to mothers who have labors that begin spontaneously. The timing of the induction can be bad for the baby who may be according to charts 40 weeks but really could be 38 weeks gestationally developed. This is why babies are fine to go to 42 weeks.
Epidurals:
Epidurals are a cocaine-based drug mixed with opiates that is injected into the epidural space of the spine, creating ideally a complete block of pain from the site down. This form of pain management is used by the majority of women in the USA, and by that I mean almost 90%.
When is it medically indicated? When the mother is so incredibly fatigued from labor and must sleep in order to have the stamina to go on and push (for example has been laboring for over 36 hours), ends up needing pitocin administered (more than the normal, manageable pain from normal labor), or when she is going to have a Cesarean.
Disadvantages of Epidurals: There are really way to many to go into detail about. The most important ones being: drops in blood pressure, epidural headache, extreme nausea, inability to move, catherterization, complete loss of vital bonding hormones and pain management hormones and chemicals, higher risk of fetal distress, trouble pushing, huge risk of Cesarean, problems nursing because the baby is affected by the epidural, and possibly even maternal death.
If you don't medically need it-don't do it. You can do it without drugging yourself and your baby, really. I promise. I will dedicate a whole post to epidurals later going into more detail.
Extractions During Delivery:
Vacuum and forcep extractions are very commonly used in a hospital setting. You will not see a midwife (unless she works in a hospital) use these. They are very invasive and cause a whole world of problems. However, if the mother is not pushing effectively and has an epidural and cannot change position, it becomes a necessity .
When is it medically indicated: When a mother needs an assist to hasten delivery out of the birth canal if fatigue or anesthesia has made her unable to push effectively.
Disadvantages of Extractions: vacuums frequently cause a fluid filled lump and a bruise on the baby's tender head, and serious injury is possible. Forceps usually require an episiotomy and extra anesthesia, may bruise and cut the baby's face or side of the head, can cause serious injury to the neck and head and can also cause damage to the vagina.
Ways to avoid these sorts of extractions are to not get anesthesia during labor so pushing is effective and you can change position. Flat on your back in stirrups is literally one of the worst ways to effectively push out a baby, especially if you cannot feel the urgency to push from an epidural. Also to eat and drink during labor to keep up your stamina and to reduce the risk of fatigue.
Common Tests and Procedures After Delivery
Suctioning
The baby's airway may contain mucous, amniotic fluid, meconium or blood. The most common form of suctioning is to use a rubber bulb syringe to suction the gunk out of the mouth and nose as soon as the head is born. In more sever cases, a Delee is used to do deeper suctioning (mostly used for meconium aspiration)
When is it medically indicated? If the baby is unable to breathe or has aspiration of meconium.
Disadvantages of suctioning: Is an immediate stress and panic for the baby and can cause much discomfort and injury to the mucous membranes. Usually suctioning is unnecessary as the baby can usually work out whatever is in their airways by themselves. If they are crying and responsive- they do not need suctioning. Regardless of that fact most babies are routinely suctioned after birth.
Cutting the Umbilical Cord:
Once the baby is delivered, the cord connecting the baby to the placenta is clamped and cut. I'm not going to give advantages and disadvantages for this one because the only advantage is if the cord is too short to reach the mothers chest. Otherwise- the cord should not be clamped until it has blanched, stopped pulsing and preferably until after the placenta is born. The cord contains up to 1/3 of the baby's blood volume. If it is cut immediately (as is the practice in the hospital) you would be depriving your child 1/3 of its blood volume. Look it up.
Eye Medication:
Most common eye ointment today is erythromycin ointment. It is used to prevent serious infection or blindness due to the bacteria from gonorrhea and chlamydia. These bacteria are in the vagina and can pass to baby during delivery. Hospitals give this to ALL babies after birth unless the parent refuses.
Purposes of EO: To prevent blindness and infection in the eyes of babies born to mothers with STDs.
Disadvantages of EO: It blurs the baby's eyes for the first hour or two in its life before It goes to sleep and its vision is the best that it will be for several more weeks-vital to the bonding between parents and baby. Also, it has been proven to cause more infection in a baby's eyes than if it hadn't been put in at all for babies born to STD free mothers.
Vitamin K Injection:
Required in most US states but very controversial and rarely used in homebirth situations, Vit K is usually administered within an hour after birth. babies are born without a clotting factor in there blood to aid in the passage of the birth canal, otherwise they would experience clotting around their brains. The baby's body will be able to clot blood by day eight (why the bible says to circumcise your sons on the eighth day). Some babies ( a very rare number ) have a disease called vitamin K deficiency bleeding , (VKDB). Giving this injection reduces their risk of bleeding and has since been given to babies as hospital policy.
Purposes of vit k injection: if a parent has a child who may have VKDB or plans to circumcise before day 8.
Disadvantages: Vit K, like almost all injections contain harmful ingredients, and also have a very high concentration of vit k-too much for a baby so young. It has also been quasi-linked to a childhood leukemia and jaundice.
There is also a natural, plant based oral vit k that can be used instead over a period of a month that also effectively helps prevent VKDB.
What You Should Know About The First Few Hours After Baby is Born:
Right after birth, baby needs to go directly onto moms chest, skin to skin. There the baby needs to stay for a period of AT LEAST one hour, preferably two as they get to know each other, for the hormones to start going crazy and the baby to begin nursing. Only then should the baby be removed for the newborn exam.
During the exam, make sure someone is there enforcing that the examiner be gentle with the child as they tend to be rather rough. After the exam is performed, the baby needs to go right back to mom or to dad, again skin to skin.
This is vital for the bonding process. It is beyond sad that this is usually kicked right out of the door in a hospital setting because everything needs to be done and cleaned up fast for the next birth. But it is not something you can ever get back if you miss, so be firm and enforce your rights.
I hope this gives a clear idea of what some of the things you will need to choose and make decisions for during your labor and delivery and the first moments with your baby. Its your baby- YOU need to research all sides, YOU need to be firm. Don't let others make the decisions simply because its easier on them, they could make more money or its policy. You have the right to protect and make decisions for YOUR family.
You want my personal opinion? Of course, as always I recommend homebirth. I did the hospital birth, remember? I had to literally fight tooth and nail while being in labor flat on my back with a posterior baby, being threatened with c section. And guess what? I did it my way and my baby hasn't had a health problem yet, and has only been sick once with a cold. And oh yeah, I don't vaccinate.
But if you do want all those interventions and procedures, You will have to go the hospital route. They'll be happy to oblige.
But remember- Your birth, your choice. But promise me you will make truly informed decisions. Only then will they truly be the right decision for your family. You let someone else choose for you and your rights as a parent are given up, right there. I hope i have enlightened some who needed it.
Common Tests and Procedures During Labor and Delivery
Intravenous Fluids (IVs):
A standard procedure in hospital birth settings. The purpose of this is to
(1) Provide the mother with liquids and/or calories instead of allowing her them by mouth,
(2) to administer medications,
(3)with an epidural, to increases blood volume to protect against drops in blood pressure,
(4) to keep a vein open in the event other medications need to be administered. In hospital settings this a 'required' procedure: It will be the first thing to happen after admittance into L&D. Can be waived by refusal and signing a legal waiver.
When are they medically indicated: Only when labor is extremely long, the mother is nauseous and dehydrated, will be receiving local or general anesthesia, or needing IV medications.
Disadvantages of IVs during labor: Can cause temporary blood sugar drops or electrolyte imbalances in both mother and baby after birth, fluid retention in the mother causing discomfort and problems nursing, and discomfort and is constricting during labor, and gets in the way after baby is born. If a mother drinks and eats during labor, an IV line is completely unnecessary unless a situation as above mentioned is present.
Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM):
There are two methods of EFM- external and internal. It is used to monitor the FHT (fetal heart tones) during labor and asses how the baby is responding, and is generally used along with monitoring the intensity, length and spacing of contractions.
When is it medically indicated: When labor is prolonged and pitocin is being considered, when a nurse, doctor or midwife is not with the woman continuously or frequently, when pitocin is being used to augment labor, or when there are doubts about the baby's well being.
Disadvantages of EFM: The mother is extremely constricted, More attention can be paid to the machine than the woman in labor, Interpretation of the printouts is extremely complex and even experts disagree about what different heart patterns mean and whether intervention is necessary, and EFM only monitors the FHT, not actual fetal distress. When a C section is done solely because of EFM tracings (the printouts) the baby usually shows no signs of having suffered fetal distress at all. Intermittent EFM is possible and more accurate by using a handheld Doppler, and this also allows the mother to move freely.
Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM):
To rupture the membranes (or break the bag of waters) a long thin instrument (amnihook)or a glove with a small hook (amnicot) is inserted through the cervix to snag and open the amniotic sac. Usually this results in contractions becoming more intense, which is the goal of this procedure. Also used to induce labor without methods such as prostaglandins or oxytocin, or to check the amniotic fluid for meconium (baby's first bowel movements) which is a sign of fetal distress, or for infection, bleeding or signs of other problems.
When is it medically indicated? To progress and aid in dilation and to intensify contractions when a labor is not progressing in a normal time frame, or if the mother is pushing and feeling uncomfortable with the pressure caused by a low hanging bag of waters.
Disadvantages of AROM: Frequently, it does not stimulate labor, (unless done at the correct time) The chances of infection ascending into the uterus rises by the passage of time and number of vaginal exams, removing the cushion of fluid on baby's head can increase pressure and cause distress, if the baby is malpositioned, there is very little chance of correcting it at that point, and if the baby's head is floating ( head is not settled into the pelvis) increases chances of a prolapsed cord. Another reason is that there is also a somewhat common placental abnormality called a velamentous cord (the umbilical cord comes off of the membranes instead of the placenta) that can rupture during AROM, causing the mother and baby to bleed out. It is not predictable by ultrasound, and very dangerous.
Induction or Augmentation of Labor:
Sometimes a labor needs a kick start or a stalled labor needs a little help. THIS HOWEVER DOES NOT MEAN SOMEONE AT 40 WEEKS NEEDS TO BE INDUCED. Inductions become needed at around 41.5 weeks. This can be done several ways:
Medically-(usually done as soon as the mother requests after 38 weeks) Stripping of membranes (a finger is inserted into the cervix and sweeps around the inside to separate the membranes from the lower segment of the uterus causing the body to release oxytocin. It can be very uncomfortable). AROM (breaking of waters), Prostaglandin gels, suppositories, or tablets to thin and ripen the cervix (Semen also contains prostaglandins), and IV administration of pitocin, the synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin. Pitocin is ran intravenously, and constant EFM is required. Induction by pitocin can be extremely painful and long. If the induction is done for medical reasons and the pitocin fails, Cesarean is the last option.
Homeopathically (and after 41.5 weeks)-Cervical massage (a more thorough and more effective version of the medical model 'stripping' or 'scraping' of membranes) Nipple stimulation (also releases oxytocin), Black and Blue Cohosh (triggers the uterus to start contracting), and finally Castor oil (an unpleasant homeopathic last resort that triggers intestinal cramps, which in turn trigger uterine cramps) . these are done step by step compiling oxytocin levels in the body throughout the day. if the mother does not go into labor by the next morning, then she will take the castor oil. Almost never fails.
If an induction is done for convenience because the mother is tired of being pregnant or is uncomfortable and the pitcoin fails, this also almost always ends in c section as well.
When is it medically indicated: A prolonged pregnancy going past 41 to 42 weeks has very high risk of the placenta calcifying and the baby is at risk, (NOT FOR SIZE) , When the mother or baby is at risk from medical problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, When the baby is not thriving in the uterus, when the bag of waters has been broken a long time and labor has not started (most hospitals says 12-24 hours, but its more like 2-5 days) or the mother is positive for Group B Strep (GBS), When a labor is diagnosed as dysfunctional and the mother fails to develop and natural, normal labor pattern.
Disadvantages of Induction: Interventions required during an induction includes constant EFM, Iv fluids, and others, The woman can become incredibly tired and discouraged, when an induction is non medical such as convenience for the mother or caregiver, routine procedure for reaching the fortieth week without spontaneous labor, the mothers discomfort, or to plan when the baby will be born can lead to dangers such as slow labor and dilation because the baby and body were not ready to deliver yet, usually ending in a c section, the baby could not be completely ready to come out and have trouble breathing or functioning, Induced labors can cause contractions too intense for mother or baby to tolerate, leading to epidural and fetal heat distress. The chances of having a cesarean section increase by four times in first time mothers who have elective inductions, when compared to mothers who have labors that begin spontaneously. The timing of the induction can be bad for the baby who may be according to charts 40 weeks but really could be 38 weeks gestationally developed. This is why babies are fine to go to 42 weeks.
Epidurals:
Epidurals are a cocaine-based drug mixed with opiates that is injected into the epidural space of the spine, creating ideally a complete block of pain from the site down. This form of pain management is used by the majority of women in the USA, and by that I mean almost 90%.
When is it medically indicated? When the mother is so incredibly fatigued from labor and must sleep in order to have the stamina to go on and push (for example has been laboring for over 36 hours), ends up needing pitocin administered (more than the normal, manageable pain from normal labor), or when she is going to have a Cesarean.
Disadvantages of Epidurals: There are really way to many to go into detail about. The most important ones being: drops in blood pressure, epidural headache, extreme nausea, inability to move, catherterization, complete loss of vital bonding hormones and pain management hormones and chemicals, higher risk of fetal distress, trouble pushing, huge risk of Cesarean, problems nursing because the baby is affected by the epidural, and possibly even maternal death.
If you don't medically need it-don't do it. You can do it without drugging yourself and your baby, really. I promise. I will dedicate a whole post to epidurals later going into more detail.
Extractions During Delivery:
Vacuum and forcep extractions are very commonly used in a hospital setting. You will not see a midwife (unless she works in a hospital) use these. They are very invasive and cause a whole world of problems. However, if the mother is not pushing effectively and has an epidural and cannot change position, it becomes a necessity .
When is it medically indicated: When a mother needs an assist to hasten delivery out of the birth canal if fatigue or anesthesia has made her unable to push effectively.
Disadvantages of Extractions: vacuums frequently cause a fluid filled lump and a bruise on the baby's tender head, and serious injury is possible. Forceps usually require an episiotomy and extra anesthesia, may bruise and cut the baby's face or side of the head, can cause serious injury to the neck and head and can also cause damage to the vagina.
Ways to avoid these sorts of extractions are to not get anesthesia during labor so pushing is effective and you can change position. Flat on your back in stirrups is literally one of the worst ways to effectively push out a baby, especially if you cannot feel the urgency to push from an epidural. Also to eat and drink during labor to keep up your stamina and to reduce the risk of fatigue.
Common Tests and Procedures After Delivery
Suctioning
The baby's airway may contain mucous, amniotic fluid, meconium or blood. The most common form of suctioning is to use a rubber bulb syringe to suction the gunk out of the mouth and nose as soon as the head is born. In more sever cases, a Delee is used to do deeper suctioning (mostly used for meconium aspiration)
When is it medically indicated? If the baby is unable to breathe or has aspiration of meconium.
Disadvantages of suctioning: Is an immediate stress and panic for the baby and can cause much discomfort and injury to the mucous membranes. Usually suctioning is unnecessary as the baby can usually work out whatever is in their airways by themselves. If they are crying and responsive- they do not need suctioning. Regardless of that fact most babies are routinely suctioned after birth.
Cutting the Umbilical Cord:
Once the baby is delivered, the cord connecting the baby to the placenta is clamped and cut. I'm not going to give advantages and disadvantages for this one because the only advantage is if the cord is too short to reach the mothers chest. Otherwise- the cord should not be clamped until it has blanched, stopped pulsing and preferably until after the placenta is born. The cord contains up to 1/3 of the baby's blood volume. If it is cut immediately (as is the practice in the hospital) you would be depriving your child 1/3 of its blood volume. Look it up.
Eye Medication:
Most common eye ointment today is erythromycin ointment. It is used to prevent serious infection or blindness due to the bacteria from gonorrhea and chlamydia. These bacteria are in the vagina and can pass to baby during delivery. Hospitals give this to ALL babies after birth unless the parent refuses.
Purposes of EO: To prevent blindness and infection in the eyes of babies born to mothers with STDs.
Disadvantages of EO: It blurs the baby's eyes for the first hour or two in its life before It goes to sleep and its vision is the best that it will be for several more weeks-vital to the bonding between parents and baby. Also, it has been proven to cause more infection in a baby's eyes than if it hadn't been put in at all for babies born to STD free mothers.
Vitamin K Injection:
Required in most US states but very controversial and rarely used in homebirth situations, Vit K is usually administered within an hour after birth. babies are born without a clotting factor in there blood to aid in the passage of the birth canal, otherwise they would experience clotting around their brains. The baby's body will be able to clot blood by day eight (why the bible says to circumcise your sons on the eighth day). Some babies ( a very rare number ) have a disease called vitamin K deficiency bleeding , (VKDB). Giving this injection reduces their risk of bleeding and has since been given to babies as hospital policy.
Purposes of vit k injection: if a parent has a child who may have VKDB or plans to circumcise before day 8.
Disadvantages: Vit K, like almost all injections contain harmful ingredients, and also have a very high concentration of vit k-too much for a baby so young. It has also been quasi-linked to a childhood leukemia and jaundice.
There is also a natural, plant based oral vit k that can be used instead over a period of a month that also effectively helps prevent VKDB.
What You Should Know About The First Few Hours After Baby is Born:
Right after birth, baby needs to go directly onto moms chest, skin to skin. There the baby needs to stay for a period of AT LEAST one hour, preferably two as they get to know each other, for the hormones to start going crazy and the baby to begin nursing. Only then should the baby be removed for the newborn exam.
During the exam, make sure someone is there enforcing that the examiner be gentle with the child as they tend to be rather rough. After the exam is performed, the baby needs to go right back to mom or to dad, again skin to skin.
This is vital for the bonding process. It is beyond sad that this is usually kicked right out of the door in a hospital setting because everything needs to be done and cleaned up fast for the next birth. But it is not something you can ever get back if you miss, so be firm and enforce your rights.
I hope this gives a clear idea of what some of the things you will need to choose and make decisions for during your labor and delivery and the first moments with your baby. Its your baby- YOU need to research all sides, YOU need to be firm. Don't let others make the decisions simply because its easier on them, they could make more money or its policy. You have the right to protect and make decisions for YOUR family.
You want my personal opinion? Of course, as always I recommend homebirth. I did the hospital birth, remember? I had to literally fight tooth and nail while being in labor flat on my back with a posterior baby, being threatened with c section. And guess what? I did it my way and my baby hasn't had a health problem yet, and has only been sick once with a cold. And oh yeah, I don't vaccinate.
But if you do want all those interventions and procedures, You will have to go the hospital route. They'll be happy to oblige.
But remember- Your birth, your choice. But promise me you will make truly informed decisions. Only then will they truly be the right decision for your family. You let someone else choose for you and your rights as a parent are given up, right there. I hope i have enlightened some who needed it.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Guide
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial acts a mother can do for her child. Dramatic health benefits have been proven to pass from mother to child through breastmilk From antibodies which protect an infant at birth...to the exclusive nutrients in mother's milk which have been shown to prevent a number of childhood diseases...the benefits are incalculable.
There is no other single action by which a mother can so impact the present and future health of her baby.
Yet, in today's society, breastfeeding is often thought of as unnecessary. Young mothers are mistakenly led to believe that formula does very well as a replacement for breastmilk. It emphatically does not! Nothing can duplicate the properties of breastmilk, no matter how many vitamins, minerals and supplements are added to what is basically a chemical formulation.
Breastmilk remains the one and only natural, complete and complex nutrition for human infants. It is nature's formula for ensuring the health and quality of life for infants, as well as on through childhood to adult life. Just as importantly, breastfeeding promotes a very special bond between mother and child that only a mother can provide.
There is no other single action by which a mother can so impact the present and future health of her baby.
Yet, in today's society, breastfeeding is often thought of as unnecessary. Young mothers are mistakenly led to believe that formula does very well as a replacement for breastmilk. It emphatically does not! Nothing can duplicate the properties of breastmilk, no matter how many vitamins, minerals and supplements are added to what is basically a chemical formulation.
Breastmilk remains the one and only natural, complete and complex nutrition for human infants. It is nature's formula for ensuring the health and quality of life for infants, as well as on through childhood to adult life. Just as importantly, breastfeeding promotes a very special bond between mother and child that only a mother can provide.
To fully understand the benefits of breastfeeding, these are some of the major, but by no means all of the benefits of breastfeeding your baby.
BREASTFEEDING FACTS:
Health Benefits to Babies Who Breastfeed
-Children receive the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients & antibodies The varying composition of breastmilk keeps pace with the infant's individual growth and changing nutritional needs
-Have fewer incidences of vomiting and diarrhea in the US (20-35 million episodes of diarrhea occur in children under the age of 5, resulting in over 200,000 hospitalizations and 400-500 deaths in the U.S.)
-Protection against gastroenteritis, necrotizing entercolitis
-Reduced risk of chronic constipation, colic, and other stomach upsets
-Reduced risk of childhood diabetes
-Protection against ear infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections, septicemia (blood poisoning),
-Protection against allergies, asthma, eczema, and severity of allergic disease
-Reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) Statistics reveal that for every 87 deaths from SIDS, only 3 are breastfed.
-Protection against meningitis, botulism, childhood lymphoma, crohn's disease and ulcerative entercolits
-Decreased risk of tooth decay (cavities)Nursing promotes facial structure development, enhanced speech, straighter teeth and enhances vision.
-Breastfed infants develop higher IQ's, and have improved brain and nervous system development; IQ advantage of 10-12 points studied at ages 8, 12, and 18. (Breastfeeding is considered the 4th trimester in brain growth and development...there are specific proteins in human milk that promote brain development)
-Reduced risk of heart disease later in life
-Increased bone density
-Breastfeeding plays an important role in the emotional and spiritual development of babiesBreastfed babies enjoy a special warm bonding and emotional relationship with their mothers
-Antibody response to vaccines are higher
-Are hospitalized 10 times less than formula fed infants in the first year of lifeThe colostrum (first milk) coats the GI tract, preventing harmful bacteria and allergy -triggering protein molecules from crossing into baby's blood
-Decreased risk for vitamin E and Iron deficiency anemiaDecreased risk for acute appendicitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inguinal hernia, pyloric stenosis
-There are factors in human milk that destroy E coli, salmonella, shigella, streptococcus, pneumococcus....and many others
Health Benefits to Moms Who Breastfeed
-Reduced risk of breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers
-Reduced risk of anemia
-Protection against osteoporosis and hip fracture later in life
-Reduced risk of mortality for women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with total time of lactation
-Helps the mother's body return to its pre-pregnancy state faster - promotes weight loss...1/2 of calories needed to manufacture milk is pulled from fat stores... can burn from 500 - 1,500 calories per day.
-Helps delay return of fertility and to space subsequent pregnancies
-Develops a special emotional relationship and bonding with her child
-Breastmilk is free- reducing or eliminating the cost of formula (in the thousands of dollars/per year)
-Breastfed babies are sick less thus reducing healthcare costs to family in Doctor office visits, prescriptions, over the counter medicine purchases, and hospitalizations
-Helps the uterus contract after birth to lower postpartum bleeding
Benefits to the Environment and Society
-Breastfeeding reduces the cost of healthcare by promoting healthier children and mothers..........If all WIC babies in the U.S. were breastfed, our economical savings would be $33,000,000 per month ..........In 1993, 90,000 babies were hospitalized for RSV at a cost of 450 million dollars. Currently, the U.S. spends over 1 billion dollars a year on Otitis Media (ear infections)
-Reduced insurance premiums for both parents and employers
-Breastfeeding reduces global pollution by decreasing the use of resources and energy required to produce, process, package, distribute, promote and dispose of materials created by the manufacture and use of artificial baby milk
-Reduced tax burden on communities and government to ensure children are properly fed-Reduced absenteeism in the workplace due to children's illnesses
Other Benefits from Breastfeeding
-Breastfeeding makes you feel good, the hormones produced during nursing have an endorphin effect giving you a relaxed feeling.
-You have a great excuse to sit down and relax.....
-You can nurse while sleeping...nursing moms get more rest than formula feeding moms.
-Breastfeeding saves moms about 7 hours a week off their feet.
-No screaming baby in the middle of the night waiting on the formula to heat up.
-It's the only time you can ever lose weight without dieting or exercise!
-Breastfeeding is more convenient, when traveling, all you need is to take diapers, the milk is always available, sterile, and the right temperature.
-During times of disaster, you don't have to worry about finding formula.
-Breastfed babies smell great....spit ups don't stain, or smell, and poopie diapers are not offensive...(until solids are introduced)
-Breastfed babies know their moms and will never confuse them with a sitter.The strong bond developed with nursing is much more intense.
-There is no feeling to describe the child suckling at your breast and letting go to give you a big smile; and knowing that the growth of your baby came from what your body produced! Wow! What a feeling! The satisfaction of knowing you are giving your baby the best start in life!
-Breastmilk taste great! Sweet tasting! Variations in taste according to foods moms eats. Have you ever tasted formula? Ugh!
-Breastfeeding requires the use of only one arm....you can do other things while breastfeeding, (except cooking and driving)
-Many, many more benefits, too numerous to list!!!
BREASTFEEDING TIPS AND HELP
Increasing and Maintaining Milk Flow
One of the easiest problems to remedy is lack of sufficient milk. First, it is important to see to it that nursing takes place in a safe, inviting space where both mom and babe can be relaxed. Second, try to include one or more of these herbs and foods that are well known galactagogues, that is, substances that encourage abundant milk.
(1) Nourishing herbs, such as raspberry leaves, stinging nettle, oatstraw, and red clover blossoms—prepared as strong infusions,* not taken in pills, capsules, tinctures, or teas—not only encourage a plentiful supply of breast milk, they also support the overall health of mother and child. The minerals in these herbs are amazingly abundant, so they counter mineral loss from nursing, and help keep mom calm and alert during those first few weeks of round-the-clock infant care. I don't combine the herbs but use them individually to derive each one’s unique benefit.
*To make an infusion: ~ Place one ounce, by weight, of dried herb in a quart canning jar. ~ Fill to the top with boiling water. ~ Lid tightly and let steep for at least four hours or overnight. ~ Then strain. ~ Drink liquid portion hot, cold, or in between. ~ Refrigerate what you don't consume at once; use within 48 hours. (Water houseplants with old or excess infusion.)
(2) Foods rich in carotenes, such as cooked apricots, asparagus, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and all cooked leafy greens—including kale, collards, mustard greens, beet greens, parsley, watercress, and dandelion leaves—are considered critical for women wishing to increase or sustain lactation. Carotenes are most available when foods are well cooked: tomato sauce has over 2000 times more of them than a fresh tomato. And carotenes are more easily utilized in the body when consumed with plenty of fat. (Olive oil or butter are my favorite fats.)
(3) Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is famed for its ability to increase milk supply. As the tea is very bitter, this herb is best used as a tincture. A dose is 10 - 20 drops, two to four times daily. Blessed thistle is said to lift postpartum depression and relieve suicidal feelings, too.
(4) Borage leaves (Borago officinalis) are highly respected for their ability to increase milk flow. But because they contain compounds that may have a harmful effect on an infant's liver, it is best to drink borage only as a weak tea, and to take it after, rather than before, nursing. Half a cupful of borage leaf tea, made by steeping a spoonful of herbs in a cup of water for a few minutes, taken two or three times a day will ensure an abundant supply of milk, act as a mild laxative, and soothe jangled nerves.
(5) Comfrey roots (Symphytum uplandica x) contain the same liver-damaging compounds sometimes found in borage. But comfrey leaves do not. That's a relief because comfrey leaf infusion is one of the most treasured of all remedies. Use comfrey leaf infusion (*To make an infusion, see above) not only to increase the amount and richness of the breast milk, but also to build strong bones and teeth for mother and child, to improve digestion, to check allergies, and to repair ligaments, muscles, or other tissues traumatized during the birth.
(6) Fennel/barley water is a tried-and-true classic. Soak one-half cup pearled (regular) barley in three cups cold water overnight, or boil the barley and water for 25 minutes. Strain out barley. (You may save it and add it to a soup.) Store barley water in refrigerator or cool place until needed. Then heat a cup or two to boiling and add fennel seeds—one teaspoon per cup of barley water. Steep for no longer than 30 minutes. This combination not only increases the breast milk but also eases after-pains and settles the digestion of Mom and baby.
(7) Hops (Humulus lupulus) is another old remedy. It is especially for mothers of twins who need lots more milk. Hops tea is a suitable accompaniment to nighttime feedings, as it brings sleep along with increased milk flow. Hops is also used in beer, which tastes better than the tea. No more than one high-quality, additive-free beer, such as Guinness Stout, per day is fine. For those who wish to avoid alcohol, there are alcohol-free brews rich in hops and malt available.
(8) Aromatic seeds, such as anise, cumin, fennel, caraway, coriander, and dill increase milk production and tone the digestive system. Their powers are carried through the breast milk, curtailing colic and indigestion. To brew, simply put a heaping spoonful of dried seeds in a cup and fill to the top with boiling water. Let steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink warm with honey. Up to two quarts a day can be consumed.
(9) Triple Blessing Brew. Combine 1/2 ounce dried blessed thistle leaves with 1/2 ounce dried oatstraw or nettle. Place in a quart jar. Add boiling water until the jar is full. Cap tightly and let steep overnight or for at least four hours. Strain out herbs. Refrigerate liquid until needed. Before nursing, pour off one cupful of the brew and heat it nearly to a boil. Pour it over a teaspoon of anise, cumin, fennel, caraway, coriander, or dill seeds (not a spoonful of each). Let it brew for five minutes before drinking. Blessed thistle stimulates the milk flow and helps restore vitality to weary mothers. Both oatstraw and nettle are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, notably calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The aromatic seeds improve the quality and quantity of milk and ease digestion.
Latching and Positioning
Knowing how a baby latches on to a breast can help you feel more comfortable about what to expect. VIDEO: Latch Positioning and Breastfeeding
Keep Your Baby Alert for the Feeding! A baby must be awake and alert to be able to latch-on. Not sure how to position your baby when breastfeeding? This video gives you a primer on the three most popular breastfeeding positions.VIDEO: Breastfeeding Positions - How to Position Your Baby During Breastfeeding
Some positioning how-tos: (click on position title for in depth instructions)
Cross-Cradle Position: The most common breastfeeding position used for newborns is the cross-cradle. Here are details on how to latch a baby in this position.
Football Hold: A wonderful position for a mother who has very large breasts or who has had a c-section. This position is also great for premature or very tiny babies.
Cradle Hold: A comfortable, natural position for older babies with better head control
Side-Lying Position: An excellent position for nursing in bed. This position is also great for a mother who has had a c-section.
So now your baby is latched on. Just let him or her nurse. At the beginning of a feed, the baby will take long, well-drawn sucks, then swallow, and pause. When the baby sucks, the nipple and surrounding breast tissue are drawn into a teat by suction created by the baby's mouth. The teat extends back as far as the hard and soft palates. The base of the nipple is held between the upper gums and the tongue which covers the lower gum. The sides of the tongue cup around the teat, which forms a long, narrow space in which the nipple lies. Milk is then expressed from the nipple and pushed toward the back of the mouth by a wavelike motion along the surface of the tongue. If the amount of milk taken in is adequate to activate swallowing, the baby's soft palate rises and closes off the nasal cavity.
As the feeding progresses, the suckle will turn to more of a flutter. Feedings are baby-led, which means that the baby determines when he is done. It's unfair to take a baby off of one breast when he's in a groove. If a baby comes off the breast in a totally relaxed state, the baby is done. At the next feeding, offer the other breast
If the baby or you is frustrated, you should take a break and just hold the baby skin-to-skin, perhaps with a finger in the baby's mouth for comfort. Once everyone has relaxed, try again. Babies learn very quickly, and soon enough you will feel the confidence that goes along with successful breastfeeding. The best advice? Be persistent and consistent. Practice. It will work out beautifully.If the baby is having trouble latching and nursing effectively, you must be patient, persistent and consistent. We don't want to frustrate the baby so that he's turned off from the whole experience, but we do want to keep trying as often as possible. Even if we have a baby who is having difficulty latching, but licks a few times and stops, we know there's potential. In many cases, we need to teach the baby technique. If the baby, for example, has a "peanut-butter tongue" (where the tongue does not come down and out, as it should, to cup the breast, and rather turns upward to the roof of the mouth), we can practice by simply putting our index finger in her mouth, pad side up, to elicit a suck. This teaches her tongue to come down and cup the finger, just like it should at the breast. A lactation consultant can work with you on these techniques and give other tips on how to teach the baby to latch. La Leche League can help as well.
Pain from Nursing
This I know very well. It can feel like a million needles stabbing into your nipples when the baby latches. This is the number one reason mommies give up nursing. getting a correct latch will help prevent this immensly, but until the nipples "toughen up" most women will experience some degree of pain, cracking, swelling and bleeding. What I reccommend is to keep nipples as dry as possible before replacing bra. Also use lanolin and breastmilk to heal sore, cracked nipples. (if using breastmilk, air dry before replacing bra) Another good option is to purchase a "nipple shield" sold by Medela. It is a small, silcone cap that you stick on before nursing and it will allow the baby to nurse with contact to your skin still while protecting you so you can heal. Another beauty of this product is it will help teach the baby to correctly latch.
If you have engorgement issues (swelling when your milk comes in) try a hot shower to release some of the milk or a warm compress. Also nurse as often as your baby will. Soon your milk will regulate itself.Tingling, itchy sensations a few minutes into nursing? This is your 'let down" The suckiling of your baby will trigger your glands to releasse a staedy flow of milk. This can cause uncomfortable, itchy and tingling sensations that are incredibly irritating. Don't worry, everything is normal and it will go away after a few weeks of nursing.
Baby Acting Like He or She No Longer Wishes To Nurse Ever Again Or Never Will Nurse
The solution to this one is incredibly simple. Don't give the baby a bottle. Plain as I can get it. The baby will eventually get hungry, and guess what-- It will start nursing again. Don't worry about the baby starving because He or she will not let it get that far. Keep offering the breast when hungry, and eventually they will understand that they have to nurse to eat. Don't give into them wanting a bottle. Ta da! I hope I helped everyone! If I missed anything, leave me a comment and let me know and I will Edit my Post and correct the problem.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Circumcision Facts
The decison to circumcise your son or not is a decision that must be yours alone. Although I may be an advocate of natural pregnancy, labor and birth, and holistic health I do however choose to circumcise my son and any future sons. (I'm a bit of an oddball in my community lol. Im a conservative christian republican in a field mostly dominated by liberals and hippies lol)
I feel God made us perfect, but in the Bible he never instructs us to do something like circumcise or not to eat unclean meats if he didnt have a reason. The reason we circumcise on the eigth day is becaus ethat is the only time in a males life his vitamin k (the clotting factor in our blood) will ever be that high. prior to the eigth day a baby cannot effectivly clot blood. God's pretty smart, huh?
That is my opinion. But here is a break down of both sides of the argument for those who will be needing to consider what they want to do with their child.
ABOUT CIRCUMCISION
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should be presented with unbiased materials concerning circumcision and make the decision for themselves. This, of course, is after examining the newborn male and determining that it is not medically necessary to go ahead and circumcise.
Biblically speaking, God implemented circumcision with Abraham as a sign of the covenant between God and man. This cutting away of the foreskin represented the cutting away of the flesh and submission to God and His will. Interestingly enough, every “law” that God implemented in the Old Testament of the Bible usually had a “health” reason to back it up. Circumcision served as a mark of the covenant and also served the same purposes that people today choose it: for cleanliness and hygiene. Jews and Christians both circumcise their baby boys, though in the past couple of decades the number of uncircumcised males is increasing with Christians and non Christians alike.
The circumcision procedure is when the foreskin of the penis is removed or cut away. The area around the penis is cleansed, and an anesthetic may be injected into the base of the penis. This injection stings a little but will block further pain. The doctor places a clamp designed for newborn circumcision around the foreskin or uses a specially made plastic ring. After the removal of the foreskin the tip of the penis appears red and is sore. Ointment medications are applied, and a gauze strip is loosely placed around the area. If the plastic ring is used, it will remain on the penis until the area is healed, usually within a week.
There are several disadvantages of circumcision, and these make up some of the reasons parents choose not to circumcise. This section could also be titled the advantages of uncircumcision.
CONS
EXCESSIVE BLEEDING & PAIN
During the procedure, there is some bleeding as the foreskin is cut away. Out of 1,000 patients one is treated with pressure or locally acting agents. Out of 4,000 patients one may require a ligature, and out of 20,000 one may require a blood transfusion. In most of the cases of a blood transfusion, a pre-existing blood condition was found to have caused the excessive bleeding. Also, it’s a given that a baby will feel either the pain of the procedure itself or the needle stick of the anesthesia.
INFECTION
As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection. Statistically only 1 in 500 get infected and need antibiotics. One in 4,000 need antibiotics via intravenous or intramuscular injection.
REPAIR OF DAMAGED CIRCUMCISION
The percentage of those needing a repair surgery after a circumcision is very small. Only one in 1,000 are needed for skin repair (from either too much or too little skin removed). One in 15,000 have a damaged penis, and very rarely one in 1,000,000 will loose the entire penis due to an incompetent doctor. On the side of uncircumcised, if the parents make a conscious effort to keep the penis clean and teach the child as he gets older, this will improve his chances of staying healthy throughout his life with his foreskin intact.
PROS
CLEANLINESS
It is easier to keep a circumcised penis clean. You don’t have to pull back the foreskin, which can’t be forced back until a male child is older. Good hygiene is a must for both the circumcised and uncircumcised.
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Circumcision helps prevent urinary tract infections in both males and their female partners. Urinary tract infections early in life can lead to kidney problems later. Urinary tract infections account for a large percentage of “unexplained” fevers in uncircumcised males. It is a documented fact that uncircumcised males are 10 times more likely to come down with a urinary track infection than circumcised males.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND HIV
Studies in recent years have shown that the percentage of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases are lower in circumcised males. This is due to the fact that the foreskin causes an environment conducive to germs if germs are introduced.
CANCER
A circumcised male is virtually risk-free for penile cancer. However, for the uncircumcised male the chances of coming down with penile cancer are fewer than one in 100,000. Studies have also shown that women are at a greater risk of cervical cancer with an uncircumcised male partner. Another advantage to being circumcised as a baby is that an average of 4% of all uncircumcised males will have to undergo circumcision later in life due to inflammation of the foreskin or the foreskin adhering to the tip of the penis.
Once circumcision has taken place and the penis has healed, the risks of the procedure itself are completely gone. However, the uncircumcised male has to be concerned with the issues mentioned above, though those risks are minimal. Of course, there are many men both circumcised and uncircumcised who live their entire lives with no problems. Ultimately, the decision to circumcise a baby boy lies in the hands of his parents.
I feel God made us perfect, but in the Bible he never instructs us to do something like circumcise or not to eat unclean meats if he didnt have a reason. The reason we circumcise on the eigth day is becaus ethat is the only time in a males life his vitamin k (the clotting factor in our blood) will ever be that high. prior to the eigth day a baby cannot effectivly clot blood. God's pretty smart, huh?
That is my opinion. But here is a break down of both sides of the argument for those who will be needing to consider what they want to do with their child.
ABOUT CIRCUMCISION
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should be presented with unbiased materials concerning circumcision and make the decision for themselves. This, of course, is after examining the newborn male and determining that it is not medically necessary to go ahead and circumcise.
Biblically speaking, God implemented circumcision with Abraham as a sign of the covenant between God and man. This cutting away of the foreskin represented the cutting away of the flesh and submission to God and His will. Interestingly enough, every “law” that God implemented in the Old Testament of the Bible usually had a “health” reason to back it up. Circumcision served as a mark of the covenant and also served the same purposes that people today choose it: for cleanliness and hygiene. Jews and Christians both circumcise their baby boys, though in the past couple of decades the number of uncircumcised males is increasing with Christians and non Christians alike.
The circumcision procedure is when the foreskin of the penis is removed or cut away. The area around the penis is cleansed, and an anesthetic may be injected into the base of the penis. This injection stings a little but will block further pain. The doctor places a clamp designed for newborn circumcision around the foreskin or uses a specially made plastic ring. After the removal of the foreskin the tip of the penis appears red and is sore. Ointment medications are applied, and a gauze strip is loosely placed around the area. If the plastic ring is used, it will remain on the penis until the area is healed, usually within a week.
There are several disadvantages of circumcision, and these make up some of the reasons parents choose not to circumcise. This section could also be titled the advantages of uncircumcision.
CONS
EXCESSIVE BLEEDING & PAIN
During the procedure, there is some bleeding as the foreskin is cut away. Out of 1,000 patients one is treated with pressure or locally acting agents. Out of 4,000 patients one may require a ligature, and out of 20,000 one may require a blood transfusion. In most of the cases of a blood transfusion, a pre-existing blood condition was found to have caused the excessive bleeding. Also, it’s a given that a baby will feel either the pain of the procedure itself or the needle stick of the anesthesia.
INFECTION
As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection. Statistically only 1 in 500 get infected and need antibiotics. One in 4,000 need antibiotics via intravenous or intramuscular injection.
REPAIR OF DAMAGED CIRCUMCISION
The percentage of those needing a repair surgery after a circumcision is very small. Only one in 1,000 are needed for skin repair (from either too much or too little skin removed). One in 15,000 have a damaged penis, and very rarely one in 1,000,000 will loose the entire penis due to an incompetent doctor. On the side of uncircumcised, if the parents make a conscious effort to keep the penis clean and teach the child as he gets older, this will improve his chances of staying healthy throughout his life with his foreskin intact.
PROS
CLEANLINESS
It is easier to keep a circumcised penis clean. You don’t have to pull back the foreskin, which can’t be forced back until a male child is older. Good hygiene is a must for both the circumcised and uncircumcised.
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Circumcision helps prevent urinary tract infections in both males and their female partners. Urinary tract infections early in life can lead to kidney problems later. Urinary tract infections account for a large percentage of “unexplained” fevers in uncircumcised males. It is a documented fact that uncircumcised males are 10 times more likely to come down with a urinary track infection than circumcised males.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND HIV
Studies in recent years have shown that the percentage of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases are lower in circumcised males. This is due to the fact that the foreskin causes an environment conducive to germs if germs are introduced.
CANCER
A circumcised male is virtually risk-free for penile cancer. However, for the uncircumcised male the chances of coming down with penile cancer are fewer than one in 100,000. Studies have also shown that women are at a greater risk of cervical cancer with an uncircumcised male partner. Another advantage to being circumcised as a baby is that an average of 4% of all uncircumcised males will have to undergo circumcision later in life due to inflammation of the foreskin or the foreskin adhering to the tip of the penis.
Once circumcision has taken place and the penis has healed, the risks of the procedure itself are completely gone. However, the uncircumcised male has to be concerned with the issues mentioned above, though those risks are minimal. Of course, there are many men both circumcised and uncircumcised who live their entire lives with no problems. Ultimately, the decision to circumcise a baby boy lies in the hands of his parents.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Is There Any Excuse? Our Babies Lives Are In Our Hands...
God made us perfectly to provide what our babies really need. Before formula, women nursed. Regardless of the issues when they were learning, regardless of the eventual saggier breasts, regardless of the inconvenience or number of children. If they literally COULDN'T, They found someone who could because babies NEED breastmilk. I'll break it down later in a post dedicated to breastfeeding information.
Report Finds that Using Formula Doubles the Death Rate for U.S. Infants
[Press Release]
© 2004 Midwifery Today, Inc. All rights reserved.
The December issue of Natural Family Online magazine (http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/) features a new analysis which finds that formula feeding doubles infant death rates for babies in the United States. Health educator and author Dr. Linda Folden Palmer's report, based on several decades of research from the U.S. and across the world, reveals that the use of infant formula costs the lives of an estimated 9,335 U.S. babies each year.
According to the report, formula feeding costs U.S. babies more than four additional lives per thousand. The final relative risk for formula feeding comes to double the risk of death for U.S. infants who are fed with formula, compared with babies who are fed naturally.
Based on the current U.S. infant death rate of 6.7 and an average breastfeeding rate of 50 percent, the report shows that the U.S. infant mortality rate would climb to 9.4 if all infants were formula-fed and would drop to 4.7 if all were breastfed.
"Infant formula was designed to be a medical nutritional tool for babies who are unable to breastfeed," Palmer said. "Formula does not fully meet the nutritional and immunity needs of infants. It leaves their immune systems flailing."
The report's conclusions are derived from an examination of the available scientific research on infant mortality in the U.S. and across the world. Research included in Palmer's report includes studies showing artificial feeding's impact on overall infant death rates in developing and undeveloped countries; studies providing comparative illness occurrence rates for many illnesses and disorders in the U.S. and other industrialized nations; and reports examining superior survival rates and decreased illness rates among breastfed infants. The report assembles these statistics to build a firm picture of the ratio of infant deaths for U.S. formula-fed babies against those who are breastfed.
The report cites results from numerous studies illustrating the negative impact of formula feeding on the health and survival of infants with various illnesses and health problems, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); heart, circulatory and respiratory failure; diarrhea; respiratory illnesses; cancer; and low birth-weight and preterm babies.
Illness and death rates of breastfed babies who receive formula supplementation are much closer to those of fully formula-fed babies, Palmer's report notes. Numerous studies referenced in the report reveal conclusively that the longer breastfeeding lasts, the greater the measurable difference in illness and death rates.
Available evidence strongly contradicts commonly made assertions that formula feeding does not risk lives in industrialized nations where education and medical advances prevent increased deaths, Palmer said.
"Some insist that the blame for the United States' relatively high infant death rate lies with underprivileged communities," Palmer said. "But after examining the available research, we see that elevated death rates among U.S. blacks cannot be attributed to poverty. Hispanic Americans rank similarly to African American populations for socioeconomic factors, but they match non-Hispanic whites in their lower infant mortality rates. The difference is not socioeconomic; the difference is in rates of formula use versus breastfeeding."
For both condensed and full, referenced versions of Dr. Palmer's report, visit http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/200312-formula-report.htm
Report Finds that Using Formula Doubles the Death Rate for U.S. Infants
[Press Release]
© 2004 Midwifery Today, Inc. All rights reserved.
The December issue of Natural Family Online magazine (http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/) features a new analysis which finds that formula feeding doubles infant death rates for babies in the United States. Health educator and author Dr. Linda Folden Palmer's report, based on several decades of research from the U.S. and across the world, reveals that the use of infant formula costs the lives of an estimated 9,335 U.S. babies each year.
According to the report, formula feeding costs U.S. babies more than four additional lives per thousand. The final relative risk for formula feeding comes to double the risk of death for U.S. infants who are fed with formula, compared with babies who are fed naturally.
Based on the current U.S. infant death rate of 6.7 and an average breastfeeding rate of 50 percent, the report shows that the U.S. infant mortality rate would climb to 9.4 if all infants were formula-fed and would drop to 4.7 if all were breastfed.
"Infant formula was designed to be a medical nutritional tool for babies who are unable to breastfeed," Palmer said. "Formula does not fully meet the nutritional and immunity needs of infants. It leaves their immune systems flailing."
The report's conclusions are derived from an examination of the available scientific research on infant mortality in the U.S. and across the world. Research included in Palmer's report includes studies showing artificial feeding's impact on overall infant death rates in developing and undeveloped countries; studies providing comparative illness occurrence rates for many illnesses and disorders in the U.S. and other industrialized nations; and reports examining superior survival rates and decreased illness rates among breastfed infants. The report assembles these statistics to build a firm picture of the ratio of infant deaths for U.S. formula-fed babies against those who are breastfed.
The report cites results from numerous studies illustrating the negative impact of formula feeding on the health and survival of infants with various illnesses and health problems, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); heart, circulatory and respiratory failure; diarrhea; respiratory illnesses; cancer; and low birth-weight and preterm babies.
Illness and death rates of breastfed babies who receive formula supplementation are much closer to those of fully formula-fed babies, Palmer's report notes. Numerous studies referenced in the report reveal conclusively that the longer breastfeeding lasts, the greater the measurable difference in illness and death rates.
Available evidence strongly contradicts commonly made assertions that formula feeding does not risk lives in industrialized nations where education and medical advances prevent increased deaths, Palmer said.
"Some insist that the blame for the United States' relatively high infant death rate lies with underprivileged communities," Palmer said. "But after examining the available research, we see that elevated death rates among U.S. blacks cannot be attributed to poverty. Hispanic Americans rank similarly to African American populations for socioeconomic factors, but they match non-Hispanic whites in their lower infant mortality rates. The difference is not socioeconomic; the difference is in rates of formula use versus breastfeeding."
For both condensed and full, referenced versions of Dr. Palmer's report, visit http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/BF/200312-formula-report.htm
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A Very Controversial Question: Should you Vaccinate Your Child?
Those who know me know that I am no longer choosing to vaccinate my son, and will not be vaccinating any future children. Not to say that there aren't few select vaccinations I may or may not choose to use, or that I will NEVER vaccinate under circumstances, but I will not be following the vaccination schedule that most people follow as recommended by most doctors. I am not a bad parent, simply an informed parent. I've had several people asking me why and why I think I know better than the doctors so here you go. This is for you. (And those who are on the fence about it or interested.)There are a quite a few reasons not to vaccinate. Here they are :
1. The majority of SIDS cases are actually vaccine-related deaths which have been “written off” as SIDS. (What damage it would do to their wallets if you were told the truth!) But the fact is that in Japan in the mid-70’s, the laws were changed that children should no longer start vaccinations at the age of 3 months but wait until after 2 years. Their rates plummeted!
“Delay of DPT immunisation until 2 years of age in Japan has resulted in a dramatic decline in adverse side effects. In the period of 1970-1974, when DPT vaccination was begun at 3 to 5 months of age, the Japanese national compensation system paid out claims for 57 permanent severe damage vaccine cases, and 37 deaths. During the ensuing six year period 1975-1980, when DPT injections were delayed to 24 months of age, severe reactions from the vaccine were reduced to a total of eight with three deaths. This represents an 85 to 90 percent reduction in severe cases of damage and death.” Raymond Obomsawin, M.D.
2. So should you delay? I’d say yes based on these statistics. However, the fact of the matter is that nearly 100% of the children who contract an illness during an outbreak, are the vaccinated. So what does that tell us? It tells us that the vaccinated actually are not immune to these diseases for which they have been vaccinated. Why? It is because vaccinations bypass the body’s normal immuno-defense system.
When your contract a virus naturally, the virus invades your body through mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth). This is your body’s alarm system. A message is then sent to your brain and body to fight off the invaders. Your body reacts by producing mass amounts of antibodies. When, however, we vaccinate, that normal system of defense is bypassed completely. Instead of the virus entering through mucous membranes (our alarm system), it is injected directly into the bloodstream. Now the body has no time to react. It bypassed the alarm system and now is attacking in full-force. Not only is your body not producing the antibodies needed but your immune system is actually compromised.As you can see, the vaccines don’t really immunize at all. Which brings us directly to:
3. Low efficacy rate: There are no statistics which support the efficacy of vaccines. No proof, whatsoever, that vaccines ever got rid of anything. In fact, Measles deaths had declined by 99.4% before vaccination!
“Up to 90% of the total decline in the death rate of children between 1860-1965 because of whooping cough, scarlet fever, diphtheria, and measles occurred before the introduction of immunisations and antibiotics.”—Dr Archie Kalokerinos, M.D.
“There is no convincing scientific evidence that mass inoculations can be credited with eliminating any childhood disease.”–Dr Robert Mendelsohn MD
“It is pathetic and ludicrous to say we ever vanquished smallpox with vaccines, when only 10% of the population was ever vaccinated.” Dr Glen Dettman.
4. Another reason is the ingredients. There are many toxic substances included in the ingredients of vaccines. These include formaldehyde and mercury. Also, vaccines are grown in the cells of monkeys, guinea pigs, and chick embryos. These cells are nourished with blood serum from calves. There is no way to know what diseases these animals may have been carrying. Additional ingredients listed are listed at Dr. Mercola’s site and by typing “vaccine ingredients” in a google search. You’ll be surprised that tissues and blood from other animals that are in vaccines.
5. Increase in disease and disorders. The numbers prove that there has been a dramatic increase in disorders such as Autism, ADHD, and more. The incidence of other disease has risen.
“Vaccination programs were instituted in the late 1930s, and the first handful of autistic babies were noted in the early 1940s. When vaccination programs were expanded after the war, the number of autistic children increased greatly.”—HarrisCoulter Ph.D.
I can go on and listing reasons against vaccinations. But I can’t find one reason TO vaccinate. They do not prevent disease; weaken the immune system; cause other disorders; and places toxins into the body. Why put your children through the pain and crying? Your instincts cause you to dread taking your kids in for these shots.. follow those primal instincts. Anything nature intended for them won’t cause pain and tears.
For More Information See: http://www.alternative-doctor.com/vaccination/16reasons.html
1. The majority of SIDS cases are actually vaccine-related deaths which have been “written off” as SIDS. (What damage it would do to their wallets if you were told the truth!) But the fact is that in Japan in the mid-70’s, the laws were changed that children should no longer start vaccinations at the age of 3 months but wait until after 2 years. Their rates plummeted!
“Delay of DPT immunisation until 2 years of age in Japan has resulted in a dramatic decline in adverse side effects. In the period of 1970-1974, when DPT vaccination was begun at 3 to 5 months of age, the Japanese national compensation system paid out claims for 57 permanent severe damage vaccine cases, and 37 deaths. During the ensuing six year period 1975-1980, when DPT injections were delayed to 24 months of age, severe reactions from the vaccine were reduced to a total of eight with three deaths. This represents an 85 to 90 percent reduction in severe cases of damage and death.” Raymond Obomsawin, M.D.
2. So should you delay? I’d say yes based on these statistics. However, the fact of the matter is that nearly 100% of the children who contract an illness during an outbreak, are the vaccinated. So what does that tell us? It tells us that the vaccinated actually are not immune to these diseases for which they have been vaccinated. Why? It is because vaccinations bypass the body’s normal immuno-defense system.
When your contract a virus naturally, the virus invades your body through mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth). This is your body’s alarm system. A message is then sent to your brain and body to fight off the invaders. Your body reacts by producing mass amounts of antibodies. When, however, we vaccinate, that normal system of defense is bypassed completely. Instead of the virus entering through mucous membranes (our alarm system), it is injected directly into the bloodstream. Now the body has no time to react. It bypassed the alarm system and now is attacking in full-force. Not only is your body not producing the antibodies needed but your immune system is actually compromised.As you can see, the vaccines don’t really immunize at all. Which brings us directly to:
3. Low efficacy rate: There are no statistics which support the efficacy of vaccines. No proof, whatsoever, that vaccines ever got rid of anything. In fact, Measles deaths had declined by 99.4% before vaccination!
“Up to 90% of the total decline in the death rate of children between 1860-1965 because of whooping cough, scarlet fever, diphtheria, and measles occurred before the introduction of immunisations and antibiotics.”—Dr Archie Kalokerinos, M.D.
“There is no convincing scientific evidence that mass inoculations can be credited with eliminating any childhood disease.”–Dr Robert Mendelsohn MD
“It is pathetic and ludicrous to say we ever vanquished smallpox with vaccines, when only 10% of the population was ever vaccinated.” Dr Glen Dettman.
4. Another reason is the ingredients. There are many toxic substances included in the ingredients of vaccines. These include formaldehyde and mercury. Also, vaccines are grown in the cells of monkeys, guinea pigs, and chick embryos. These cells are nourished with blood serum from calves. There is no way to know what diseases these animals may have been carrying. Additional ingredients listed are listed at Dr. Mercola’s site and by typing “vaccine ingredients” in a google search. You’ll be surprised that tissues and blood from other animals that are in vaccines.
5. Increase in disease and disorders. The numbers prove that there has been a dramatic increase in disorders such as Autism, ADHD, and more. The incidence of other disease has risen.
“Vaccination programs were instituted in the late 1930s, and the first handful of autistic babies were noted in the early 1940s. When vaccination programs were expanded after the war, the number of autistic children increased greatly.”—HarrisCoulter Ph.D.
I can go on and listing reasons against vaccinations. But I can’t find one reason TO vaccinate. They do not prevent disease; weaken the immune system; cause other disorders; and places toxins into the body. Why put your children through the pain and crying? Your instincts cause you to dread taking your kids in for these shots.. follow those primal instincts. Anything nature intended for them won’t cause pain and tears.
For More Information See: http://www.alternative-doctor.com/vaccination/16reasons.html
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