Here is a reply I left to an article by an OB regarding unnecessary c-sections.
Article here:
http://academicobgyn.com/2010/07/27/the-myth-of-the-unnecessary-cesarean/
Dr. Fogelson,
I don't have time to read all the replies, but since you seem to be reading the comments, I will leave one for you. I am very happy to see you mention:
"I completely agree about looking at the factors that promote normal birth:
here’s a few:
1) avoiding unindicated inductions
2) control of gestational diabetes
3) delaying hospital admission until the onset of active labor"
In my area in WV, virtually all OB attended hospital birthing women are induced, and are thus in the hospital the entire labor. We also have the 5th highest rate of c-sections in the nation, and are running about a 50% chance of induced women getting c-sections. The only women I know who escape this are the homebirth moms I know, and the VERY rare lady who refuses induction despite enormous pressure from her doctors. These are done for the convenience and scheduling of the doctors, and always occur PRIOR to the due date!
I can not figure out why women in my area do not question the insanely high c-section rate. They happily go in for their scheduled inductions implicitly trusting that the doctor has their best interests at heart. How have humans managed to survive if so many women are incapable of birth?
I am a natural birth advocate, having had one birth center birth, and two homebirths (one unassisted.) I realize emergency care is sometimes needed, and I am very thankful we have such care available. However, treating all births like emergencies, intervening from beginning to end, causes the very problems women think they are being protected from.
If women are left alone to labor and birth as they choose, almost all will birth fine, and free from any complications. The best thing we could do to greatly minimize c-sections and other things like forceps or vacuum delivery and episiotomies, etc., for women who choose hospitals to birth, is to leave them alone! Give them peace, quiet, and privacy, and minimize interruptions. Let them labor as they choose, freely walking or moving as desired. Let them birth in whatever position desired. I've never known any women who actually chose to birth flat on their back, which hinders birthing efforts, as it narrows the pelvis and compresses blood and oxygen to the baby, often resulting in fetal distress. Keep the dreaded continuous electronic fetal machine away, shown to actually CAUSE unneeded c-sections. A doppler every 30 minutes or so should give plenty of reassurance that baby is well. Also, get rid of the timeline which says if a woman doesn't produce a baby in a certain amount of time, she has "failure to progress" and winds up with a c-section or a forced vaginal birth (forceps, etc.) Do not use pitocin to either induce or hasten labor.
The typical hospital scene however, treats women as cattle, herding them in and out as quickly as possible. Induction, pitocin, labor in bed, "failure to progress," c-section. I hear this story of induction to c-section all the time from women I know.
What's needed is a midwifery model of care for most women. Let labor begin and proceed on it's own. Let the woman do what her body innately knows it needs to do. Tragically, this scenario is the opposite of what most women encounter. Therefore, you will continue to have women who feel violated and cheated, and yes even medically raped.
Birth is a very special, sacred experience in a woman's life, which is not at all respected in our current obstetric model of childbirth care. Not only are most women cheated out of a positive birth experience, the aftercare of the newborn is deplorable. Separating the mother and baby after birth tremendously interferes with the natural bonding hormones and breastfeeding. So many women report feelings of detachment towards their infants, which they very often attribute to a labor and birth in which they were at the mercy of doctors and staff, who completely took over their labors and performed unneeded c-sections. Many of these women have found later healing in homebirth, which is infinitely more peaceful than a hospital birth.
I hope you will continue to advocate lowering c-section rates among your colleagues, and also seek to advocate for a far less interfering approach to childbirth, which will result in far fewer c-sections. Thank you.
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Our Second Birth (at home!)
When Joshua was three years and eight months old, I was due to give birth again. One of the midwives on staff at the birth center where he was born, Angy, had started her own practice doing homebirths! I was so excited. I looked forward to puking in my own toilet. Vomiting on oneself while having hard labor in a speeding car is no fun at all! I love her attitude as she is all about natural birth and non-intervention.
She gave me lots of choices that I was not given with the birth center, such as not making me have the IV antibiotics during labor. For every decision, she gave me the risks, pros and cons, and let me decide. I really appreciated that, and her trust in a woman's body to give birth by itself. I declined most of the routine tests, including ultrasound, so we didn't know if we were getting another boy or a girl.
Two days after my "due date," I woke up at 4 AM after only 4 hours sleep, and proceeded to pace my house for about the next 10 hours while listening to a Christian worship CD nonstop. Being January and very cold, I didn't have many options for places to walk, so I just did laps around my kitchen table and back and forth through the living room. I occasionally tried to sit down, but was very quickly pacing again. I suppose this was the early stage of labor that I didn't really experience the first time when I essentially went straight to hard labor. I wasn't in much pain at all, but just couldn't stop moving.
I then spent the next several hours in my bathtub. The tub is a regular size, (no deep jacuzzi this time), so I had to mostly lie down or lean forward while sitting to keep the water on my belly. I kept adding hot water every so often, while draining off some cold.
Joshua stayed with me practically the whole time I was in the tub. He started out on the other side, then sitting on the edge, then stuck his feet in, and eventually wound up in the tub. It was really sweet and funny. I said, "I can't even labor by myself." He would rub my back and say comforting things. I didn't mind him being there at all. I just breathed through my contractions since I didn't want to be loud and scare him.
Angy came over after I was in the tub, and I asked her to check my cervix, which she only does upon request, not routinely. She says dilation is not a good indication of when the baby will be born, so there is really no reason to check. Plus, it can introduce germs. A woman can very quickly fully dilate from 0 to 10 cm., or walk around for weeks very dilated like I did with my first baby.
I should have left well enough alone, because after an already lengthy labor, I was discouraged to hear I was only 2 cm. I had her check me once or twice more during my very long soak, and don't really remember what I was, but it wasn't enough to make me get excited. She even wanted to feel my belly once during a contraction to make sure they were the strong, productive ones since I was being the silent type. I just breathed through each contraction, concentrating on them one at a time, and reminding myself I was that much closer. As during my first labor, I allowed myself to squeeze my hands together, but made the rest of my body stay relaxed, as I didn't want to fight my body's efforts by tensing up. Angy reminded me to keep my face relaxed along with my body and not to grimace. I asked her at one point how much longer did she think it would be, and I think she said an hour. I can't quite remember when I asked her, though, so I'm not sure of her accuracy!
Everyone always said that second babies come faster, so I was discouraged with how long this was taking, and after my lack of sleep, many miles walked, and then the harder stage of labor, I was so tired, and just wanted to go to sleep, which of course is not possible when you are getting ready to have a baby.
My husband, Matt, would pop in and out of the bathroom checking on me, as would Angy. It was mostly just me and my little boy. Right when it got tough, Matt came in and stayed. He seemed to know when I needed him, and when I was ok alone. I basically wanted to be alone. We had called our families around 4 PM, but I had them all stay out of the bathroom. I told our family that I wanted to labor alone, but they could come in for the birth. Labor is an unbelievably intense time, and I didn't want to be distracted. I needed my full concentration for each contraction. I kept the lights off and burned candles and continued to listen to the same worship CD, (Russ Jones: The Worship Project), which was a huge help. It kept my mind focused on God.
I remember an intense mixture of emotions of pain, and love for my family, and God's presence just before transition. I cried from these overwhelming feelings of love. One song (Revelation Song) I repeatedly listened to that has been so special to me ever since. The chorus says, "Holy! Holy! Holy! is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings, You are my everything, and I will adore You."
Angy had come in to stay about then, and I needed to get out of the tub to throw up. Angy said that getting out of the tub would help move things along, too. It really did, as now the contractions came one on top of the other. I was on the floor, the toilet, leaning on Matt, all over the place. Transition was a blur, it was so intense and painful, though quick. I finally wound up on the toilet again, and my mom came in. She couldn't take being outside anymore, and held one hand, and Matt held the other. I had maybe a couple more contractions like this.
I felt the baby coming, and then squatted in the floor in front of the toilet, and said Matt's mom and sister better get in here, as I knew they were hoping to watch the birth. So, crowded into our tiny bathroom was me, Matt, his sister, our moms, Angy, and her assistant Jennifer, who is also a midwife.
Birth was quick and seemingly effortless. I say that because I didn't have to push hard like I did before. In fact, I didn't push at all. After all that long labor, it only took three contractions as my body pushed our baby out. He was ready to be born, and I squatted in the floor, and out he came.
I did get noisy during birth and I think it scared Joshua, so my father in law took him outside. He had left the bathroom before transition, and I'm glad since I was obviously in pain. I was crying out to Jesus when the baby came out!
I caught our baby's head and Matt caught his body. He turned him over and announced, "It's a boy!" It was very special with Matt and I catching our son. I had a very tiny tear, but we were in great shape. I liked it a lot better being in my own house doing whatever I wanted. Even though I had a midwife there, she watched the birth unobtrusively.
We didn't cut the cord until after it stopped pulsating, and I donated the cord blood. I wanted to do these with my first birth, but didn't get to. I sat on the toilet holding our new son until after we cut the cord and I birthed the placenta, then I got in the shower and felt great.
Everyone was surprised that he weighed 8 pounds and 6 ounces, and that he had a head full of very dark hair. He was 21 inches long, born on 1-16 at 6:48 PM. He was very content while we all loved on him, and welcomed him.
He was a little slow to get the hang of nursing, but caught on sometime that first week, and just like Joshua, nursed strong for almost two years. I've thought that lots of women would have thought something was wrong and just used formula instead. Especially since hospitals often push formula instead of encouraging breastfeeding.
We debated for a week on his name, and finally decided on Matt's original first choice, Daniel Isaiah.
I have a stepson, too, Gabriel, so Matt has had one in a hospital, one in a birth center, and one at home. Home is his favorite and mine. He was serving up pie and coffee during my labor! I cannot fathom trying to labor and birth in a hospital. I pray I never have anything to cause me to have that experience.
For something so incredibly private and intense, home is definitely the place to be.
Our firstborn's birth story!
I had said for years that I was never going to get married or have kids. I always loved children, but didn't want to bring kids into an evil world, and felt I'd rather take in kids already here who needed a loving home. I still want to do this, and have since told God that I want what He wants for me, and will gladly take the children He gives, whether biological or adopted.
God opened my heart to marriage, which is another story I definitely need to share! My husband, Matt, had one son already and wanted more children, but he married me anyway, knowing I was adamantly against having biological children. For the first two years of marriage, he often talked about wanting a baby. That second year, I secretly considered bringing forth a child, while God worked on my heart. I finally decided to give him his heart's desire, and secretly quit taking birth control pills. I never took them again as I later discovered they can cause abortions by not allowing a fertilized egg to implant.
I quickly became pregnant only a couple of months later, but didn't tell anyone, not even Matt, until I was about four months along. It had been such a big deal for me to decide to have a child that I wanted time to myself to process and get more used to my new life, about to be forever radically altered.
I told my husband on the anniversary of our first kiss, my mom on her 50th birthday, and my in law family at Thanksgiving. My mother and sister in law still say they didn't taste their meal that day, as they were so shocked! Matt announced our news at church when people were telling what they were thankful for. Everyone was so thrilled and excited!
I was blessed with an easy pregnancy, and continued to daily cut grass in our lawn care business and give massages. I used the midwives from our local birth center for my prenatal care. I wanted to have a homebirth, but did not know any midwives who would come to my house.
Overall, I was very pleased with the birth center and all their midwives. They were always so warm, friendly, and caring. One thing I didn't like was the one time I saw their on staff OB a few days before labor, only because all the midwives and nurses were gone that day. He painfully jabbed my belly one time, and sat down across the room. Thank God he didn't do an internal exam! This was not the gentle palpating I was used to from the midwives.
I had been quite dilated for weeks before labor, (at my first 37 week internal check, I was already 3 cm. dilated). A midwife had offered to break my water when I was a few days "overdue," but I believe in letting nature take its course. I also wanted to cut grass that day!
Despite my working hard as usual, he was still busy "cooking" in there! I had an internal exam when I was a week over my due date, and I think the nurse stripped my membranes, but she did not say so. I just know that she was feeling around for a while, and it was uncomfortable. She did say I was about 4.5 to 5 cm. dilated. Now, I was still not in labor and had no signs of labor, although I did have a few days of "bloody show" by this time, so I knew labor would soon commence.
I was actually getting ready to go to Lowe's for supplies for one of our many home renovations, when the first real contraction hit about 8:15 PM that evening, and dropped me to my knees. Within an hour, they were coming fast and hard. Around 9:30, we left for the birth center, about 20 minutes away. I threw up many times, including all over myself while hanging my head out the car window. When I got back in the car, I told Matt, "This sucks!" Puking out the car window at high speed, and the wind just blowing it all over me, while in hard labor was no fun! I got to the center before the midwife, and vomited off their porch. As soon as they arrived around 10 PM, and I could get inside, I ripped off my vomit clothes, and got in their very large bath tub.
We had a midwife, nurse, doula, our parents, and Matt's sister all there, but our dads stayed in another room. I had read it was very important to keep relaxed, so I passed contractions by looking in the doula's eyes, and keeping all my muscles relaxed, except for squeezing Matt's hand. I had to poop and got on the toilet, a position I liked. My water broke, and the midwife suggested I try the bed. They had me on my back with legs up, which I hated, but was too tired to tell anyone. In between contractions, all I could do was rest, not talk.
Finally, I managed to tell them, and they helped me up to my knees, but I don't remember being on my knees for very long at all. It seemed like all my pushing efforts were done in that horrendous lying on back position. They told me I pushed for an hour. I don't even remember this, but they told me I had Matt in a headlock at some point! I only remember having three contractions on my back before being able to tell them I wanted to be upright, and I don't remember doing any pushing while on my knees. Time can be difficult to judge when in hard labor!
They told us our baby's heart rate was getting low and they were worried, so my midwife said I needed an episiotomy to get him out fast. It seemed like it was no time at all once I got back upright that she wanted to cut me, and I was back down on my back giving one last great unsuccessful effort to birth our baby, who had been crowning for a while. His head kept coming out a little, then back in. As soon as she cut me, he shot out at 1 AM. I'm sure I could have birthed him fine if I would have had more time, but I didn't want to chance damaging my baby to avoid an episiotomy.
I will also mention that against my desire, which unfortunately I had not verbally stated or written, they immediately clamped his cord, and had my husband cut it. I was too exhausted to stop them. If I would have known the clamp can be removed prior to cutting, I may have been able to muster the energy to have stopped the cutting, and given instruction to remove the clamp. This is something I only recently discovered. I always thought that once the cord is clamped, that it's as good as cut, which isn't true. As long as the cord is still pulsating, the clamp can be removed, and baby will get his blood flow from the cord again.
Even though I had researched and knew the cord should not be cut (or clamped) until after pulsing has ceased, I suppose the midwife didn't know this. She was such a wonderful lady, and I don't think she would have intentionally done something harmful. I don't dwell on it, and he is certainly healthy, but it still disappoints me when I think about it. All babies need their oxygen rich cord blood, and since he had a dangerously low heart rate, he especially needed all the blood his body wanted to take from the cord.
So for my first baby, labor took less than 5 hours. I'm sure I went practically straight into hard labor since I was already so dilated. I could hardly move my legs afterward, which I felt was do to the position I was put in and did not like. It seemed to really fatigue my thigh muscles. In the pictures we took with our family just after his birth, my legs are still spread open under the sheet. I didn't even have the strength to move them! After our families left, I got stitched up and nursed our new baby, then was able to take a shower and felt fine by the next morning when we went home.
It never even occurred to me to want pain relief. I just felt this is what you had to go through to have a baby. I was so glad to have had a natural childbirth and knew I would choose to do so again. We were blessed with a son, who weighed in at 7lbs, 7.75 ounces, and 21 inches long, born on 5-7, the day before his daddy's birthday! Thank You Jesus!!! Seven is my favorite number, by the way.
We named him Joshua Matthew, taken from the hand carved wood plaque Matt's dad had made for us and given to us for Christmas while I was pregnant. Oak leaves, acorns, and a Bible verse are inscribed on it. "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 When we opened our gift, Matt saw the name Joshua and knew that was to be our son's name.
God opened my heart to marriage, which is another story I definitely need to share! My husband, Matt, had one son already and wanted more children, but he married me anyway, knowing I was adamantly against having biological children. For the first two years of marriage, he often talked about wanting a baby. That second year, I secretly considered bringing forth a child, while God worked on my heart. I finally decided to give him his heart's desire, and secretly quit taking birth control pills. I never took them again as I later discovered they can cause abortions by not allowing a fertilized egg to implant.
I quickly became pregnant only a couple of months later, but didn't tell anyone, not even Matt, until I was about four months along. It had been such a big deal for me to decide to have a child that I wanted time to myself to process and get more used to my new life, about to be forever radically altered.
I told my husband on the anniversary of our first kiss, my mom on her 50th birthday, and my in law family at Thanksgiving. My mother and sister in law still say they didn't taste their meal that day, as they were so shocked! Matt announced our news at church when people were telling what they were thankful for. Everyone was so thrilled and excited!
I was blessed with an easy pregnancy, and continued to daily cut grass in our lawn care business and give massages. I used the midwives from our local birth center for my prenatal care. I wanted to have a homebirth, but did not know any midwives who would come to my house.
Overall, I was very pleased with the birth center and all their midwives. They were always so warm, friendly, and caring. One thing I didn't like was the one time I saw their on staff OB a few days before labor, only because all the midwives and nurses were gone that day. He painfully jabbed my belly one time, and sat down across the room. Thank God he didn't do an internal exam! This was not the gentle palpating I was used to from the midwives.
I had been quite dilated for weeks before labor, (at my first 37 week internal check, I was already 3 cm. dilated). A midwife had offered to break my water when I was a few days "overdue," but I believe in letting nature take its course. I also wanted to cut grass that day!
Despite my working hard as usual, he was still busy "cooking" in there! I had an internal exam when I was a week over my due date, and I think the nurse stripped my membranes, but she did not say so. I just know that she was feeling around for a while, and it was uncomfortable. She did say I was about 4.5 to 5 cm. dilated. Now, I was still not in labor and had no signs of labor, although I did have a few days of "bloody show" by this time, so I knew labor would soon commence.
I was actually getting ready to go to Lowe's for supplies for one of our many home renovations, when the first real contraction hit about 8:15 PM that evening, and dropped me to my knees. Within an hour, they were coming fast and hard. Around 9:30, we left for the birth center, about 20 minutes away. I threw up many times, including all over myself while hanging my head out the car window. When I got back in the car, I told Matt, "This sucks!" Puking out the car window at high speed, and the wind just blowing it all over me, while in hard labor was no fun! I got to the center before the midwife, and vomited off their porch. As soon as they arrived around 10 PM, and I could get inside, I ripped off my vomit clothes, and got in their very large bath tub.
We had a midwife, nurse, doula, our parents, and Matt's sister all there, but our dads stayed in another room. I had read it was very important to keep relaxed, so I passed contractions by looking in the doula's eyes, and keeping all my muscles relaxed, except for squeezing Matt's hand. I had to poop and got on the toilet, a position I liked. My water broke, and the midwife suggested I try the bed. They had me on my back with legs up, which I hated, but was too tired to tell anyone. In between contractions, all I could do was rest, not talk.
Finally, I managed to tell them, and they helped me up to my knees, but I don't remember being on my knees for very long at all. It seemed like all my pushing efforts were done in that horrendous lying on back position. They told me I pushed for an hour. I don't even remember this, but they told me I had Matt in a headlock at some point! I only remember having three contractions on my back before being able to tell them I wanted to be upright, and I don't remember doing any pushing while on my knees. Time can be difficult to judge when in hard labor!
They told us our baby's heart rate was getting low and they were worried, so my midwife said I needed an episiotomy to get him out fast. It seemed like it was no time at all once I got back upright that she wanted to cut me, and I was back down on my back giving one last great unsuccessful effort to birth our baby, who had been crowning for a while. His head kept coming out a little, then back in. As soon as she cut me, he shot out at 1 AM. I'm sure I could have birthed him fine if I would have had more time, but I didn't want to chance damaging my baby to avoid an episiotomy.
I will also mention that against my desire, which unfortunately I had not verbally stated or written, they immediately clamped his cord, and had my husband cut it. I was too exhausted to stop them. If I would have known the clamp can be removed prior to cutting, I may have been able to muster the energy to have stopped the cutting, and given instruction to remove the clamp. This is something I only recently discovered. I always thought that once the cord is clamped, that it's as good as cut, which isn't true. As long as the cord is still pulsating, the clamp can be removed, and baby will get his blood flow from the cord again.
Even though I had researched and knew the cord should not be cut (or clamped) until after pulsing has ceased, I suppose the midwife didn't know this. She was such a wonderful lady, and I don't think she would have intentionally done something harmful. I don't dwell on it, and he is certainly healthy, but it still disappoints me when I think about it. All babies need their oxygen rich cord blood, and since he had a dangerously low heart rate, he especially needed all the blood his body wanted to take from the cord.
So for my first baby, labor took less than 5 hours. I'm sure I went practically straight into hard labor since I was already so dilated. I could hardly move my legs afterward, which I felt was do to the position I was put in and did not like. It seemed to really fatigue my thigh muscles. In the pictures we took with our family just after his birth, my legs are still spread open under the sheet. I didn't even have the strength to move them! After our families left, I got stitched up and nursed our new baby, then was able to take a shower and felt fine by the next morning when we went home.
It never even occurred to me to want pain relief. I just felt this is what you had to go through to have a baby. I was so glad to have had a natural childbirth and knew I would choose to do so again. We were blessed with a son, who weighed in at 7lbs, 7.75 ounces, and 21 inches long, born on 5-7, the day before his daddy's birthday! Thank You Jesus!!! Seven is my favorite number, by the way.
We named him Joshua Matthew, taken from the hand carved wood plaque Matt's dad had made for us and given to us for Christmas while I was pregnant. Oak leaves, acorns, and a Bible verse are inscribed on it. "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 When we opened our gift, Matt saw the name Joshua and knew that was to be our son's name.
Our Third Birth (at home unassisted!)
Our third birth was by far my easiest and fastest labor, and my favorite birth. Since our older boys were overdue, one by a week and one by 2 days, I figured this one would be late, too. I had a thought about this one coming a week early, but I must have forgotten that because I decided to replace my bathroom floor the week before he was due. My nesting instinct always seems to manifest itself in major home repairs. Our floor was rotted and we had a sewer smell at times. The smell got really bad, and I did not want to be in labor with that nasty odor.
I was planning a homebirth like I had with my last son. About ten days before my "due date," we took out the sink and toilet, and I spent the next couple of days ripping out the old floor and rotten wood. We live in an old house, and with each pregnancy I was doing lots of major renovations.
On Monday morning, (all my labors started on Mondays), I went to Lowe's to buy new wood. While there, I began to have back pains. Although they were mild, I had not previously had back pains. All my braxton-hicks contractions were always just in my belly. I even cried a little, hoping I wasn't going into labor at Lowe's. I was there about an hour and a half and had to ask questions of various salespeople about our project. I was really distracted trying to talk to these people, and when I finally checked out, I tried to give the cashier both cash and a debit card. I told her I was sorry, and that I had a lot on my mind.
I went home and carried my wood up my 38 steps, and then asked my husband, Matt, if he thought he would have cell phone service where he would be working that day. I told him I didn't think I was in labor, but I kept having these back pains. I told him several times to go on to work as I didn't think it was labor.
Actually, I was in denial. He knew I was in labor before I did. He said he could see it in my eyes. He stayed home and began urgently cutting boards for the floor, which is what I had planned to do that day. I remembered the acupressure points for labor I had found on the internet and decided to try them just in case I was really in labor. The first points I saw were for hastening labor. Since I did not want to be in labor, I passed on those and found some for pain relief. I was not in much pain, but I began to press on those points every time I had a back pain. The back pains kept coming, but I kept hoping I was not in labor. I did really like those points though. They made the back pains really short and they never got very painful. I was way too busy to try and time them.
I cooked breakfast and helped Matt with the floor, even going under the house through a hole in the floor to help hold some boards. The whole time, I just kept holding the points for the pains, which kept coming. I began to think maybe I was in labor and was not sure what to do. We were so unprepared to have a baby that day. We had no bathroom, the house was in shambles, the kids were sick, and I had not been to the store and was out of many basic food items. There was so much to do. The nest was not ready!
I asked Matt if I should clean or work on the floor. He said clean. I wandered from room to room, not knowing what was more important, the kitchen, bedroom, laundry? I decided to make our bed and sweep our bedroom floor as I was planning to fill a pool with water for labor, and I planned to put the pool in our bedroom. I then got out the pool and began to fill it with air. I kept thinking I wished it was already filled with water as I'd really like to get in! Our boys, Joshua and Daniel, were so excited that I was inflating a swimming pool in the house, and kept chattering and peppering me with questions. I finally managed to get the thing blown up, and told Joshua to tell Dad to bring in the hose to fill the pool. I didn't feel capable of getting the hose from outside and hooking it up by that point.
I felt like things were moving fast. Matt took a break from the floor to get the hose, and he hooked it up and began filling the pool. He wanted to call his dad to come help him with the floor, but I told him I didn't care about the floor right now! I had to throw up, which I did in both my previous labors. I went outside and threw up, and then came back in. Matt asked if he should call our midwife, Angy, and I said yes. He had asked me earlier, but I had said no. She laughed and said she was an hour away and probably wouldn't make it, but we knew what to do. I managed to brush my teeth and felt like I had to poop.
I got our temporary toilet, which was a five gallon bucket with our toilet seat on top, and a garbage bag and newspapers inside. I set it in my bedroom by the pool, and sat down on it. My water broke and I felt the baby moving down. I told Matt to bring me the coconut oil, then a spoon to dig it out with, which I then rubbed on myself to help avoid tears. With each contraction, I said, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..." Just like my second birth, I had three contractions as the baby came down with no effort or pushing on my part. On the third one, our new baby was born! Matt turned the baby over and announced, "It's a boy!" I had not had any ultrasounds, so we didn't know what we were getting.
Matt caught our baby wearing his work boots and covered in pressure treated sawdust. We had not even washed our hands as we had no idea the baby would come so fast. He got a bulb syringe from the closet (not new or sterilized, of course) and sucked out his nose and mouth, and a bath towel, which we covered him with as he lay on my lap. I told Matt he could turn the water off now! We called Angy and our parents to share our good news.
We were shocked. I had only realized I was in labor maybe an hour or so prior, and there we were with a baby! He let out a little cry just after he came out, and then just looked at us. He also nursed, peed, and pooped.
Joshua, who was about six and a half years old at the time, went outside when I sat down on the bucket, but Daniel, who was two years and nine months old, stood there and watched the birth. He got a little scared from all the blood, but we told him I was fine, and he got in the pool to play. Then Joshua, who had been outside whooping like an Indian, came in and got in the pool. Matt boiled some scissors and string, and after the placenta came out, he cut and tied off the cord. There probably wasn't much point in sterilizing anything by this time, though. Then, I got off the bucket and got in the pool with the baby, after having the boys get out, to get cleaned up. The water felt wonderful, and the baby really seemed to like the nice, warm water. At least I got to use the pool for something!
The midwives showed up about the time I was getting in the pool, which was about 45 minutes or so after the birth. I was glad it worked out that way. I had told Angy previously that I might not call anyone until after the birth. I had been reading a lot about unassisted birth and really liked the idea of an intimate family birth.
I only had a tiny tear, more like a scrape, and didn't need any stitches. I never had any long contractions and they never got very painful. I had natural childbirth with the other boys, so I know what those long, painful contractions are like. Now, I tell pregnant women about those acupressure points! I found them at
http://childbirthsolutions.com/articles/acupressure-techniques-for-use-during-childbirth-and-pregnancy/.
Our little guy weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces and was 21 inches long. In the midst of all the excitement, we didn't look at a clock when he made his appearance, so we tried to determine the time of birth based upon when Angy's phone showed Matt called. We put 1:25 PM on the birth certificate, but I think we were off a little. I think it was probably between 1:20 and 1:25.
When he was almost three weeks old, and after much discussion, we finally put a name on his birth certificate, Christopher Joseph. Naming a person is very difficult!
Even though I wanted him to come later so I could get the bathroom done and go to the store and have the house nice and clean, we were so thankful it all happened the way it did. We still kept working on the house, only with a new, sweet little baby in it!
I was planning a homebirth like I had with my last son. About ten days before my "due date," we took out the sink and toilet, and I spent the next couple of days ripping out the old floor and rotten wood. We live in an old house, and with each pregnancy I was doing lots of major renovations.
On Monday morning, (all my labors started on Mondays), I went to Lowe's to buy new wood. While there, I began to have back pains. Although they were mild, I had not previously had back pains. All my braxton-hicks contractions were always just in my belly. I even cried a little, hoping I wasn't going into labor at Lowe's. I was there about an hour and a half and had to ask questions of various salespeople about our project. I was really distracted trying to talk to these people, and when I finally checked out, I tried to give the cashier both cash and a debit card. I told her I was sorry, and that I had a lot on my mind.
I went home and carried my wood up my 38 steps, and then asked my husband, Matt, if he thought he would have cell phone service where he would be working that day. I told him I didn't think I was in labor, but I kept having these back pains. I told him several times to go on to work as I didn't think it was labor.
Actually, I was in denial. He knew I was in labor before I did. He said he could see it in my eyes. He stayed home and began urgently cutting boards for the floor, which is what I had planned to do that day. I remembered the acupressure points for labor I had found on the internet and decided to try them just in case I was really in labor. The first points I saw were for hastening labor. Since I did not want to be in labor, I passed on those and found some for pain relief. I was not in much pain, but I began to press on those points every time I had a back pain. The back pains kept coming, but I kept hoping I was not in labor. I did really like those points though. They made the back pains really short and they never got very painful. I was way too busy to try and time them.
I cooked breakfast and helped Matt with the floor, even going under the house through a hole in the floor to help hold some boards. The whole time, I just kept holding the points for the pains, which kept coming. I began to think maybe I was in labor and was not sure what to do. We were so unprepared to have a baby that day. We had no bathroom, the house was in shambles, the kids were sick, and I had not been to the store and was out of many basic food items. There was so much to do. The nest was not ready!
I asked Matt if I should clean or work on the floor. He said clean. I wandered from room to room, not knowing what was more important, the kitchen, bedroom, laundry? I decided to make our bed and sweep our bedroom floor as I was planning to fill a pool with water for labor, and I planned to put the pool in our bedroom. I then got out the pool and began to fill it with air. I kept thinking I wished it was already filled with water as I'd really like to get in! Our boys, Joshua and Daniel, were so excited that I was inflating a swimming pool in the house, and kept chattering and peppering me with questions. I finally managed to get the thing blown up, and told Joshua to tell Dad to bring in the hose to fill the pool. I didn't feel capable of getting the hose from outside and hooking it up by that point.
I felt like things were moving fast. Matt took a break from the floor to get the hose, and he hooked it up and began filling the pool. He wanted to call his dad to come help him with the floor, but I told him I didn't care about the floor right now! I had to throw up, which I did in both my previous labors. I went outside and threw up, and then came back in. Matt asked if he should call our midwife, Angy, and I said yes. He had asked me earlier, but I had said no. She laughed and said she was an hour away and probably wouldn't make it, but we knew what to do. I managed to brush my teeth and felt like I had to poop.
I got our temporary toilet, which was a five gallon bucket with our toilet seat on top, and a garbage bag and newspapers inside. I set it in my bedroom by the pool, and sat down on it. My water broke and I felt the baby moving down. I told Matt to bring me the coconut oil, then a spoon to dig it out with, which I then rubbed on myself to help avoid tears. With each contraction, I said, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..." Just like my second birth, I had three contractions as the baby came down with no effort or pushing on my part. On the third one, our new baby was born! Matt turned the baby over and announced, "It's a boy!" I had not had any ultrasounds, so we didn't know what we were getting.
Matt caught our baby wearing his work boots and covered in pressure treated sawdust. We had not even washed our hands as we had no idea the baby would come so fast. He got a bulb syringe from the closet (not new or sterilized, of course) and sucked out his nose and mouth, and a bath towel, which we covered him with as he lay on my lap. I told Matt he could turn the water off now! We called Angy and our parents to share our good news.
We were shocked. I had only realized I was in labor maybe an hour or so prior, and there we were with a baby! He let out a little cry just after he came out, and then just looked at us. He also nursed, peed, and pooped.
Joshua, who was about six and a half years old at the time, went outside when I sat down on the bucket, but Daniel, who was two years and nine months old, stood there and watched the birth. He got a little scared from all the blood, but we told him I was fine, and he got in the pool to play. Then Joshua, who had been outside whooping like an Indian, came in and got in the pool. Matt boiled some scissors and string, and after the placenta came out, he cut and tied off the cord. There probably wasn't much point in sterilizing anything by this time, though. Then, I got off the bucket and got in the pool with the baby, after having the boys get out, to get cleaned up. The water felt wonderful, and the baby really seemed to like the nice, warm water. At least I got to use the pool for something!
The midwives showed up about the time I was getting in the pool, which was about 45 minutes or so after the birth. I was glad it worked out that way. I had told Angy previously that I might not call anyone until after the birth. I had been reading a lot about unassisted birth and really liked the idea of an intimate family birth.
I only had a tiny tear, more like a scrape, and didn't need any stitches. I never had any long contractions and they never got very painful. I had natural childbirth with the other boys, so I know what those long, painful contractions are like. Now, I tell pregnant women about those acupressure points! I found them at
http://childbirthsolutions.com/articles/acupressure-techniques-for-use-during-childbirth-and-pregnancy/.
Our little guy weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces and was 21 inches long. In the midst of all the excitement, we didn't look at a clock when he made his appearance, so we tried to determine the time of birth based upon when Angy's phone showed Matt called. We put 1:25 PM on the birth certificate, but I think we were off a little. I think it was probably between 1:20 and 1:25.
When he was almost three weeks old, and after much discussion, we finally put a name on his birth certificate, Christopher Joseph. Naming a person is very difficult!
Even though I wanted him to come later so I could get the bathroom done and go to the store and have the house nice and clean, we were so thankful it all happened the way it did. We still kept working on the house, only with a new, sweet little baby in it!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Homebirth vs. hospital birth letter to my pregnant friend
Here's my most recent letter to my pregnant friend that I wrote in response to her mentioning that she would like a waterbirth. Since she is planning a hospital birth, I told her that I didn't think the OB would let her use the tub. I also asked about this on a midwife friend's Facebook page and am posting that discussion as well.
Most pregnant women automatically plan to birth in a hospital, and use an OB for prenatal care. They do not consider other options. Unfortunately, OBs and hospital typically greatly interfere in the natural birth process. Everything about our modern medical model of pregnancy, labor, and childbirth is one interference after another.From the first vaginal ultrasound at the first prenatal appointment, followed by many repeat ultrasounds, which are NOT proven safe, and babies are often shown trying to get away from the ultrasound, the interferences begin.
At the doctor's convenience, artificial induction of labor is scheduled, or even an elective cesarean section. The many interferences continue, and the laboring mom is never left in peace to do what her body needs to do to birth. Electronic fetal monitoring, being confined to bed, episiotomies, and birthing flat on your back are all the norm. If she fails to birth within the doctor's time frame, a c-section results.
Then the interferences with the baby begin. Immediate cord clamping, separating mom and baby, circumcision for boys, formula, vaccines, and more are all very common. Moms should be very thankful if they manage to leave the hospital with themselves and baby in one piece.
The typical homebirth is a night and day difference from the typical hospital birth. Labor begins naturally on it's own, and progresses without interference from anyone. Mom does whatever she feels like doing, and when baby arrives, she holds and feeds her baby without interruption.
Here's my letter to my friend.
Hey Mama!
I've got a FB thread I want you to read at http://www.facebook.com/joyinbirth#!/joyinbirth#wall
I asked a midwife friend on her wall if anyone knew about being able to have a waterbirth at Women's and Children's Hospital. So far, two people responded, the midwife and another friend who is a childbirth instructor. I think you will be very interested in the responses. Also, the midwife, Jennifer, said to call her if you have any questions at 304-552-6909. She was the birth assistant at Daniel's birth, and is a very sweet Christian lady.
A lot depends on what kind of birth you want. If you want a natural, unmedicated waterbirth, you will not get that at a hospital. You really need a midwife if you want that type of birth. OB's and hospitals constantly interfere in labor and birth. Their entire protocol begins and ends with interferences. They induce everyone nowadays, which is a big reason why we have such a high c-section rate. One interference leads to another. Inductions massively increase your risk of a c-section. Unfortunately, that's what popular now among OBs. I guess they like being able to schedule births at their convenience. I don't know anyone who is not induced except for moms using midwives. Jennifer said women have a 50% chance of getting a c-section if they are induced! I believe it! I know lots of women who wound up with a c-sec after induction. The women I know are even being induced BEFORE their due dates!
Anyway, if you don't mind taking drugs and getting an epidural (which are bad and risky in many ways for you and baby--I can tell you all about that if you want), don't mind being induced, (which causes far more painful and frequent contractions and has risks including uterine rupture), and being confined to a bed to labor (YUK!), don't mind a corkscrew in your baby's head to continuously electronically monitor contractions, don't mind lying on your back to birth (which is the WORST possible position to be in!), don't mind an episiotomy and immediate cord clamping and separation from your baby as they do who knows what to him, don't mind the hospital staff feeding him formula, don't mind the high risk of c-section, don't mind being told what you can and can't do and how you are "allowed" to labor and birth, etc, the hospital is a fine place to birth. If you don't like the idea of this likely scenario, then please seriously rethink your intended place to birth.
I am very happy to stay with you and help you in any way no matter where you choose, but I just want to make sure you are aware of what hospital birth looks like. You CAN have a natural, gentle birth in a hospital, but you need to be prepared to fight for one. It can be very hard to fight against a threatening and intimidating hospital staff in the midst of labor, which often requires your full concentration. That's why many women give in to whatever the staff wants to do to her. On the positive side, having a doula present is a proven help as the doula is there to both assist the mom and advocate for her and her wishes. Doulas really help to lower the chance of interferences as she can stand up for the mom when the mom is too focused on labor to stand up for herself. Also, the doula helps the mom remain relaxed and focused, which tremendously helps the mom to progress normally in labor and birth. The hospital environment is contrary to relaxation and focus, but the doula greatly helps. I would be serving you in an unofficial doula role.
Other important things to do to lessen the chance of a c-section are to refuse induction no matter how much they pressure you, and labor at home as long as possible. Don't go to the hospital until you are in active labor. Women who go to the hospital in early labor are far more likely to wind up with all sorts of interferences. An induced woman is at the hospital the whole time! I personally don't think you need to go to the hospital at all, but of course you need to do what's best for you. I don't think you even remotely qualify for being high risk! Our bodies are designed to birth, and they know what to do! Trust your body.
I love you!!!!!!!
Christy
Here's the Facebook thread.
From:
From:
Joy In Birth Midwifery
Thank you all so very much!!! Truthfully, I am very afraid for her to birth in the hospital for all the many reasons you all are so aware of! She has said she doesn't want a c/s, but there is such a high probability of getting one, not to mention all the other many numerous negative interferences with the natural birth process and early bonding with baby. :( It really upsets me how hospitals treat laboring moms, birth, and then the babies. I hate for anyone to suffer these things, but of course am even more concerned for someone so close to me. I know a lady who told me she actually thought the hospital staff was trying to kill her during a labor and birth because of everything that happened. Her story was quite horrific! Epidural didn't work, they didn't believe her, proceeded to do an episiotomy and pour saline over it, which of course she felt, while she was confined lying down and all this was happening! Add some very rude and uncaring L & D nurses to that scene as well. And of course this entire brutal experience occurred during hard labor. I felt so bad for her. Tragically, many women have hospital horror stories to tell. It's no wonder there is such a fear of birth!
Anyway, thanks Jennifer for inviting her to call you. I will definitely let her know that! I'll direct her to this thread as well. You all are so phenomenal! Thank you!!!
More from Joy In Birth Midwifery:
Christy, stories like that literally make me cry. It hurts my heart to know that women are not treated with love, respect, honor, and care. It can be so much better than that. The midwifery model of care is so contrary to the medical model of care. Oh for more births that make women smile in the telling of it!
Most pregnant women automatically plan to birth in a hospital, and use an OB for prenatal care. They do not consider other options. Unfortunately, OBs and hospital typically greatly interfere in the natural birth process. Everything about our modern medical model of pregnancy, labor, and childbirth is one interference after another.From the first vaginal ultrasound at the first prenatal appointment, followed by many repeat ultrasounds, which are NOT proven safe, and babies are often shown trying to get away from the ultrasound, the interferences begin.
At the doctor's convenience, artificial induction of labor is scheduled, or even an elective cesarean section. The many interferences continue, and the laboring mom is never left in peace to do what her body needs to do to birth. Electronic fetal monitoring, being confined to bed, episiotomies, and birthing flat on your back are all the norm. If she fails to birth within the doctor's time frame, a c-section results.
Then the interferences with the baby begin. Immediate cord clamping, separating mom and baby, circumcision for boys, formula, vaccines, and more are all very common. Moms should be very thankful if they manage to leave the hospital with themselves and baby in one piece.
The typical homebirth is a night and day difference from the typical hospital birth. Labor begins naturally on it's own, and progresses without interference from anyone. Mom does whatever she feels like doing, and when baby arrives, she holds and feeds her baby without interruption.
Here's my letter to my friend.
Hey Mama!
I've got a FB thread I want you to read at http://www.facebook.com/joyinbirth#!/joyinbirth#wall
I asked a midwife friend on her wall if anyone knew about being able to have a waterbirth at Women's and Children's Hospital. So far, two people responded, the midwife and another friend who is a childbirth instructor. I think you will be very interested in the responses. Also, the midwife, Jennifer, said to call her if you have any questions at 304-552-6909. She was the birth assistant at Daniel's birth, and is a very sweet Christian lady.
A lot depends on what kind of birth you want. If you want a natural, unmedicated waterbirth, you will not get that at a hospital. You really need a midwife if you want that type of birth. OB's and hospitals constantly interfere in labor and birth. Their entire protocol begins and ends with interferences. They induce everyone nowadays, which is a big reason why we have such a high c-section rate. One interference leads to another. Inductions massively increase your risk of a c-section. Unfortunately, that's what popular now among OBs. I guess they like being able to schedule births at their convenience. I don't know anyone who is not induced except for moms using midwives. Jennifer said women have a 50% chance of getting a c-section if they are induced! I believe it! I know lots of women who wound up with a c-sec after induction. The women I know are even being induced BEFORE their due dates!
Anyway, if you don't mind taking drugs and getting an epidural (which are bad and risky in many ways for you and baby--I can tell you all about that if you want), don't mind being induced, (which causes far more painful and frequent contractions and has risks including uterine rupture), and being confined to a bed to labor (YUK!), don't mind a corkscrew in your baby's head to continuously electronically monitor contractions, don't mind lying on your back to birth (which is the WORST possible position to be in!), don't mind an episiotomy and immediate cord clamping and separation from your baby as they do who knows what to him, don't mind the hospital staff feeding him formula, don't mind the high risk of c-section, don't mind being told what you can and can't do and how you are "allowed" to labor and birth, etc, the hospital is a fine place to birth. If you don't like the idea of this likely scenario, then please seriously rethink your intended place to birth.
I am very happy to stay with you and help you in any way no matter where you choose, but I just want to make sure you are aware of what hospital birth looks like. You CAN have a natural, gentle birth in a hospital, but you need to be prepared to fight for one. It can be very hard to fight against a threatening and intimidating hospital staff in the midst of labor, which often requires your full concentration. That's why many women give in to whatever the staff wants to do to her. On the positive side, having a doula present is a proven help as the doula is there to both assist the mom and advocate for her and her wishes. Doulas really help to lower the chance of interferences as she can stand up for the mom when the mom is too focused on labor to stand up for herself. Also, the doula helps the mom remain relaxed and focused, which tremendously helps the mom to progress normally in labor and birth. The hospital environment is contrary to relaxation and focus, but the doula greatly helps. I would be serving you in an unofficial doula role.
Other important things to do to lessen the chance of a c-section are to refuse induction no matter how much they pressure you, and labor at home as long as possible. Don't go to the hospital until you are in active labor. Women who go to the hospital in early labor are far more likely to wind up with all sorts of interferences. An induced woman is at the hospital the whole time! I personally don't think you need to go to the hospital at all, but of course you need to do what's best for you. I don't think you even remotely qualify for being high risk! Our bodies are designed to birth, and they know what to do! Trust your body.
I love you!!!!!!!
Christy
Here's the Facebook thread.
Christy Lindsey
I have a question for Jennifer and anyone else who may know the answer. My dear friend is planning to birth at Women's and Children's Hospital in a couple of months and mentioned that she'd like to have a waterbirth. I told her that she needs to ask her OB, but I was under the impression that the tub is only used by ...the midwives who have hospital privileges that work through the birth center. Does anyone have any idea about this? Do ANY OB's actually let their patients use the tub?
From:
Sarah DeGroff
No. Only the midwives allow their patients out of bed at all (let alone to use the tub). OB protocol is break their water early (4 cm) and confined to bed until delivery including using bedpan (no getting up even for bathroom). Anyone who disagrees w/ this may want to reconsider their place of birth b/c trying for anything different will put her as a target of hostility by all staff.
MWs will allow some mobility @ CAMC & EFM on for 20 min & off for 40 min. OBs there will want continuous EFM (in bed).
More CAMC birth protocol: after a non-complicated vag birth, mother can expect to hold the baby only 20 min out of the first 3 hours after birth, thusly: after birth, immediate cord clamping & cutting & baby is taken to the other side of the room for routine procedures & evaluation for 40 minutes. Mom is then offered baby to hold for 20 min, then baby is taken away to the nursery for 2 more hours of procedures & evaluation. It is possible for a mother to fight for something different, but it will entail a real power struggle.
MWs will allow some mobility @ CAMC & EFM on for 20 min & off for 40 min. OBs there will want continuous EFM (in bed).
More CAMC birth protocol: after a non-complicated vag birth, mother can expect to hold the baby only 20 min out of the first 3 hours after birth, thusly: after birth, immediate cord clamping & cutting & baby is taken to the other side of the room for routine procedures & evaluation for 40 minutes. Mom is then offered baby to hold for 20 min, then baby is taken away to the nursery for 2 more hours of procedures & evaluation. It is possible for a mother to fight for something different, but it will entail a real power struggle.
From:
Joy In Birth Midwifery
I'm not 100% of the answer to that, not knowing all the policies there (which is something we've talked about trying to acquire), but typically, OBs/nursing staff do not feel comfortable with a mother not doing things the "normal" way, wanting her to have continuous monitoring, etc. I can pretty much say that actually having a BIRTH in the water in hospital is out...labor might be a possibility. But, without being under a midwife's care, even in the hospital, I'd be surprised if they'd even let her labor in it. If she truly desires a waterbirth, she needs a midwife! Have her call me with any questions she has if you think I can be of help.
If she asks her doctor about it, also have her ask how many of his mothers labor in the tub, and how many ask for it. Maybe she'll actually get an honest answer without being paid lip service.
More from me:
If she asks her doctor about it, also have her ask how many of his mothers labor in the tub, and how many ask for it. Maybe she'll actually get an honest answer without being paid lip service.
More from me:
Anyway, thanks Jennifer for inviting her to call you. I will definitely let her know that! I'll direct her to this thread as well. You all are so phenomenal! Thank you!!!
More from Joy In Birth Midwifery:
Christy, stories like that literally make me cry. It hurts my heart to know that women are not treated with love, respect, honor, and care. It can be so much better than that. The midwifery model of care is so contrary to the medical model of care. Oh for more births that make women smile in the telling of it!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Why I chose homebirth
I recently threw in my two cents on a midwife friend's Facebook discussion board, which asked the question, "Why did you choose homebirth?" I wrote one of my "novellas," which is what my husband calls my lengthy Facebook comments, and I thought this would be great to share here as well. Time to get on my soapbox! :)
I have so many reasons for choosing to birth at home! My first was born in a birth center, but I wanted to birth at home then, too. I asked the birth center if they did homebirths when I very first called them, and they said no. I didn't know anyone else or any idea how to find any homebirth midwives, and at that time, I didn't even consider birthing without a midwife. So, I went the birth center route, and was very happy with the midwives, and my overall experience. I never considered wanting pain meds even during hard labor. It just seemed to me that labor is what you go through to have a baby. I did wind up with an episiotomy, and in retrospect, after 2 homebirths, I think it is because my labor was interfered with. I was sitting on the toilet when my water broke. The midwife, nurse, and doula suggested I get on the bed and had me on my back, which I hated, but was too tired to say so! I've never heard of the stranded beetle position that Sarah mentioned, but that sounds like how they had me! On back with legs up and pulled back while pushing for a long time, maybe an hour, I think I was told. Yuck! Anyway, baby's heart rate got too low and they had to cut me to hurry up and get him out for his safety. I felt like I'd been run over by a truck the next day, but did feel fine the following day. I am convinced that if they would have left me on the toilet, I would have birthed fine, and not had to have an episiotomy. Another thing that I didn't like was that they immediately cut his cord. I had wanted to wait until it stopped pulsating, but didn't even have a chance to say anything as it all happened so fast. I'm still surprised and disappointed by that. With his low heart rate, he especially needed his cord blood, although all babies should have their cord blood, except for when an actual dire emergency demands immediate separation, which is very rare.
My next 2 babies were born at home (I had found a homebirth midwife by then, although the last baby arrived before the midwife did!) I did whatever I felt like doing during my labors. I didn't push either time, but both were born in 3 contractions (after reaching the "pushing" stage) on their own as my body moved them down and out. (We also waited, while I held our new babes, until their cords turned white to cut them.) Again, I was sitting on a toilet with one and squatting in front of a toilet with the other. If I would have gone and laid down on my back when my body was trying to birth, I would have greatly thwarted my body's innate ability to birth. I also felt great right away after those births.
So, there's a little background on my birth experiences. For my many reasons to choose home, let's see...
1. Labor and birth are VERY intense experiences. If I am going to have a VERY intense experience, OF COURSE I'm going to want to be HOME where I feel safe and comfortable! Just like if you're sick or dying (varying degrees of intense experiences), you want to be HOME. I can not fathom WANTING to give birth in a hospital. It's not a fun place.
2. You MUST be relaxed to birth. Mammals will only give birth when they feel safe. If a laboring mammal is disturbed, she will stop laboring until she feels safe again. How on earth can any laboring woman feel safe and relaxed in a HOSPITAL of all places?! You'd be much better suited to birth in a quiet field or forest than in a hospital filled with strangers popping in and out, machines, bright lights, noise, and bad odors. This is absolutely NOT the safe, relaxing environment necessary to birth. Stress and tension, which a hospital is full of, directly interferes with the opening of the cervix, which is a sphincter muscle. We are all familiar with another sphincter muscle, and readily understand that this one only opens when a person feels safe and relaxed and alone, or at least with only very trusted people nearby! The cervix is the same, yet we expect a woman to be able to tune out the many incredible distractions in a hospital, and birth that baby. It is no wonder women wind up with so many interventions in hospitals. Think of all the times a laboring woman arrives at the hospital, and labor stops, and then she gets pitocin to artificially cause contractions, which are so strong they can cause uterine rupture! Think also of all the times women wind up with c-sections due to "failure to progress." These are all results of the same cause: SHE DOESN'T FEEL SAFE AND SHE CAN"T RELAX!!! Personally, I am amazed by women who have natural birth in a hospital.
3. No interventions at home! If laboring women are left alone to do whatever their body wants them to do, almost all will have a normal, uncomplicated birth. The reason why there are so many interventions in a hospital is BECAUSE of the interventions. Inducing labor, which seems to be the way OBs treat every woman nowadays, is ASKING for further interventions! Except for the few homebirth moms I know, every single pregnant lady I know of is induced BEFORE her due date! It would be bad enough to induce at all, but BEFORE the due date?!!! The baby is NOT READY TO BE BORN!!! Now that you've got labor off to a horrible start, go ahead and throw in some continuous fetal monitoring (nothing like a sharp corkscrew in baby's head to get him ready for a mean, cruel world), and confine the woman to the bed (lying down, of course), prohibit any food or liquids (let her have a few ice chips so you don't seem like a completely heartless ogre), give her an epidural (which causes chronic back pain for 20% of women, and may numb the wrong half of her body or give her a killer, incapacitating headache for a week, and always removes her body's ability to push out her baby), give her some pain killers (which makes for a very groggy, drugged baby who will likely not want to nurse), and after you've squashed all natural ability to birth, give her an episiotomy and use forceps to get that baby out, or better yet, do a c-section. Hey, why even bother with all the trouble of labor anyway? Let's just schedule a c-section when it's convenient for everyone! Ahhh... nothing like the miracle of birth! (Don't forget lots of formula to feed the groggy baby who is too tired to nurse.)
4. As if all the above weren't enough, hospitals are full of GERMS! I've read horror stories of women (and their new babies) contracting staph infections while in a hospital to birth. We hear all the time of people going into a hospital for one thing and getting some sort of infection FROM the hospital. Why have a newborn baby in a place full of deadly disease?
5. The "agony" of childbirth is far overrated. Natural childbirth is not some superwoman feat of amazing achievement. Giving birth is a totally normal physiological function, which God perfectly designed our bodies to do well. People watch these fake TV shows with a woman acting like she's being tortured while in labor. Our society has the idea that childbirth is at least equal to torture and who could ever be expected to endure something so horrendous? Well... how have women managed to give birth every day for thousands of years with no drugs? Our bodies are perfectly capable of giving birth! Sure, it can hurt, but I'd take a day of pain (more like a few hours) anytime over a lifetime of pain! Remember the 20% of women with chronic back pain following an epidural? Also, people endure far worse pain and live through it. Many people live with excruciating, chronic pain. Labor pain is temporary and very doable. The longest contractions are 60-90 seconds. Anyone can stand some pain for a minute! You just take one contraction at a time, and then you get a baby! By the way, I had fantastic results with my last birth using acupressure points: http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/birth/acupressure/index.php/. I never had any hard labor, and all my contractions were very short and not very painful at all! I used BL 32 only and held the points myself during each contraction, but there are many other points described in the article. Then there are the many horrible effects upon baby from the pain meds. I don't want to drug my baby so I can avoid pain.
6. Baby is MUCH safer! Not only does the hospital want to interfere with mom, they want to get their hands on the new baby! First, they immediately cut the cord, which deprives baby of much oxygen rich blood, just when he is taking his first breaths! They separate baby from all he has ever known, Mom, to do whatever kind of tests and observation they think he needs, when what he really needs is MOM! They put some sort of stinging stuff in his eyes to protect him from Mom's STDs, whether she actually has one or not! They give him a Vitamin K shot, a hepatitis vaccine (which has killed babies), and half of the boys have part of their penises removed, which is excruciatingly painful and traumatic. Unless Mom is adamant, baby will most likely be given formula and pacifiers and kept in the nursery at least part of the time so Mom can "rest." Hospital staff can be very intimidating to parents who want to protect their babies from these routine interventions. I've seen new parents threatened that their baby was going to get invasive digestive tract tests if they couldn't get a groggy c-section baby (induced labor) to consume more formula. I read about a man holding his new baby who was zapped with a tazer by a security guard for daring to try and take his child home before the hospital said they could leave! I think I'd be a nervous wreck trying to protect my new baby from the typical hospital procedures.
7. Birth is NOT an emergency! Hospitals, doctors, and machines are not needed! True complications and emergencies can arise, but they are very rare in un-interfered with natural labors. It's such a blessing that we have hospitals IF we need them. They are major overkill for most births and cause the very emergencies they are intended to prevent! I find it ridiculous that women who are trying to birth are told to wait for the doctor! What?! Any one of the nurses, or mom or dad could catch the baby!!! You'd have to be drugged not to birth when it's time! When my last 2 came out on their own, I sure couldn't have stopped them!
Well, I guess I about covered everything! I am now a huge proponent of un-interfered with natural birth, preferably at home or another comfortable place. I strongly believe that if a woman is left alone and doesn't fear birth (which would interfere with the necessary relaxation of the muscles and of the mind), then her body will instinctively know what to do.
Indeed, a peaceful birth is such a special experience for a woman and her family. The non-drugged, alert baby being gently welcomed into the world with love by his parents and family, and held closely and showered with kisses and smiles and tears of joy, still connected while his cord continues to give him oxygen rich blood, is a very sacred time. There's no comparison between that scene and a typical hospital birth. I think that if people knew the facts, many more would choose homebirth.
Happy birthing! :)
P.S.
I must add more info on an excellent reason to choose natural birth that I only briefly mentioned earlier, the effects of a drugged birth upon the baby. Please read this superb article on the lasting effects of birth upon people. For instance, drugged babies are more likely to become drug addicted adults, and babies who suffer violent births are more likely to become violent criminals. All babies deserve peaceful births.
http://www.natural-pregnancy-mentor.com/birth-and-the-origins-of-violence.html
I have so many reasons for choosing to birth at home! My first was born in a birth center, but I wanted to birth at home then, too. I asked the birth center if they did homebirths when I very first called them, and they said no. I didn't know anyone else or any idea how to find any homebirth midwives, and at that time, I didn't even consider birthing without a midwife. So, I went the birth center route, and was very happy with the midwives, and my overall experience. I never considered wanting pain meds even during hard labor. It just seemed to me that labor is what you go through to have a baby. I did wind up with an episiotomy, and in retrospect, after 2 homebirths, I think it is because my labor was interfered with. I was sitting on the toilet when my water broke. The midwife, nurse, and doula suggested I get on the bed and had me on my back, which I hated, but was too tired to say so! I've never heard of the stranded beetle position that Sarah mentioned, but that sounds like how they had me! On back with legs up and pulled back while pushing for a long time, maybe an hour, I think I was told. Yuck! Anyway, baby's heart rate got too low and they had to cut me to hurry up and get him out for his safety. I felt like I'd been run over by a truck the next day, but did feel fine the following day. I am convinced that if they would have left me on the toilet, I would have birthed fine, and not had to have an episiotomy. Another thing that I didn't like was that they immediately cut his cord. I had wanted to wait until it stopped pulsating, but didn't even have a chance to say anything as it all happened so fast. I'm still surprised and disappointed by that. With his low heart rate, he especially needed his cord blood, although all babies should have their cord blood, except for when an actual dire emergency demands immediate separation, which is very rare.
My next 2 babies were born at home (I had found a homebirth midwife by then, although the last baby arrived before the midwife did!) I did whatever I felt like doing during my labors. I didn't push either time, but both were born in 3 contractions (after reaching the "pushing" stage) on their own as my body moved them down and out. (We also waited, while I held our new babes, until their cords turned white to cut them.) Again, I was sitting on a toilet with one and squatting in front of a toilet with the other. If I would have gone and laid down on my back when my body was trying to birth, I would have greatly thwarted my body's innate ability to birth. I also felt great right away after those births.
So, there's a little background on my birth experiences. For my many reasons to choose home, let's see...
1. Labor and birth are VERY intense experiences. If I am going to have a VERY intense experience, OF COURSE I'm going to want to be HOME where I feel safe and comfortable! Just like if you're sick or dying (varying degrees of intense experiences), you want to be HOME. I can not fathom WANTING to give birth in a hospital. It's not a fun place.
2. You MUST be relaxed to birth. Mammals will only give birth when they feel safe. If a laboring mammal is disturbed, she will stop laboring until she feels safe again. How on earth can any laboring woman feel safe and relaxed in a HOSPITAL of all places?! You'd be much better suited to birth in a quiet field or forest than in a hospital filled with strangers popping in and out, machines, bright lights, noise, and bad odors. This is absolutely NOT the safe, relaxing environment necessary to birth. Stress and tension, which a hospital is full of, directly interferes with the opening of the cervix, which is a sphincter muscle. We are all familiar with another sphincter muscle, and readily understand that this one only opens when a person feels safe and relaxed and alone, or at least with only very trusted people nearby! The cervix is the same, yet we expect a woman to be able to tune out the many incredible distractions in a hospital, and birth that baby. It is no wonder women wind up with so many interventions in hospitals. Think of all the times a laboring woman arrives at the hospital, and labor stops, and then she gets pitocin to artificially cause contractions, which are so strong they can cause uterine rupture! Think also of all the times women wind up with c-sections due to "failure to progress." These are all results of the same cause: SHE DOESN'T FEEL SAFE AND SHE CAN"T RELAX!!! Personally, I am amazed by women who have natural birth in a hospital.
3. No interventions at home! If laboring women are left alone to do whatever their body wants them to do, almost all will have a normal, uncomplicated birth. The reason why there are so many interventions in a hospital is BECAUSE of the interventions. Inducing labor, which seems to be the way OBs treat every woman nowadays, is ASKING for further interventions! Except for the few homebirth moms I know, every single pregnant lady I know of is induced BEFORE her due date! It would be bad enough to induce at all, but BEFORE the due date?!!! The baby is NOT READY TO BE BORN!!! Now that you've got labor off to a horrible start, go ahead and throw in some continuous fetal monitoring (nothing like a sharp corkscrew in baby's head to get him ready for a mean, cruel world), and confine the woman to the bed (lying down, of course), prohibit any food or liquids (let her have a few ice chips so you don't seem like a completely heartless ogre), give her an epidural (which causes chronic back pain for 20% of women, and may numb the wrong half of her body or give her a killer, incapacitating headache for a week, and always removes her body's ability to push out her baby), give her some pain killers (which makes for a very groggy, drugged baby who will likely not want to nurse), and after you've squashed all natural ability to birth, give her an episiotomy and use forceps to get that baby out, or better yet, do a c-section. Hey, why even bother with all the trouble of labor anyway? Let's just schedule a c-section when it's convenient for everyone! Ahhh... nothing like the miracle of birth! (Don't forget lots of formula to feed the groggy baby who is too tired to nurse.)
4. As if all the above weren't enough, hospitals are full of GERMS! I've read horror stories of women (and their new babies) contracting staph infections while in a hospital to birth. We hear all the time of people going into a hospital for one thing and getting some sort of infection FROM the hospital. Why have a newborn baby in a place full of deadly disease?
5. The "agony" of childbirth is far overrated. Natural childbirth is not some superwoman feat of amazing achievement. Giving birth is a totally normal physiological function, which God perfectly designed our bodies to do well. People watch these fake TV shows with a woman acting like she's being tortured while in labor. Our society has the idea that childbirth is at least equal to torture and who could ever be expected to endure something so horrendous? Well... how have women managed to give birth every day for thousands of years with no drugs? Our bodies are perfectly capable of giving birth! Sure, it can hurt, but I'd take a day of pain (more like a few hours) anytime over a lifetime of pain! Remember the 20% of women with chronic back pain following an epidural? Also, people endure far worse pain and live through it. Many people live with excruciating, chronic pain. Labor pain is temporary and very doable. The longest contractions are 60-90 seconds. Anyone can stand some pain for a minute! You just take one contraction at a time, and then you get a baby! By the way, I had fantastic results with my last birth using acupressure points: http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/birth/acupressure/index.php/. I never had any hard labor, and all my contractions were very short and not very painful at all! I used BL 32 only and held the points myself during each contraction, but there are many other points described in the article. Then there are the many horrible effects upon baby from the pain meds. I don't want to drug my baby so I can avoid pain.
6. Baby is MUCH safer! Not only does the hospital want to interfere with mom, they want to get their hands on the new baby! First, they immediately cut the cord, which deprives baby of much oxygen rich blood, just when he is taking his first breaths! They separate baby from all he has ever known, Mom, to do whatever kind of tests and observation they think he needs, when what he really needs is MOM! They put some sort of stinging stuff in his eyes to protect him from Mom's STDs, whether she actually has one or not! They give him a Vitamin K shot, a hepatitis vaccine (which has killed babies), and half of the boys have part of their penises removed, which is excruciatingly painful and traumatic. Unless Mom is adamant, baby will most likely be given formula and pacifiers and kept in the nursery at least part of the time so Mom can "rest." Hospital staff can be very intimidating to parents who want to protect their babies from these routine interventions. I've seen new parents threatened that their baby was going to get invasive digestive tract tests if they couldn't get a groggy c-section baby (induced labor) to consume more formula. I read about a man holding his new baby who was zapped with a tazer by a security guard for daring to try and take his child home before the hospital said they could leave! I think I'd be a nervous wreck trying to protect my new baby from the typical hospital procedures.
7. Birth is NOT an emergency! Hospitals, doctors, and machines are not needed! True complications and emergencies can arise, but they are very rare in un-interfered with natural labors. It's such a blessing that we have hospitals IF we need them. They are major overkill for most births and cause the very emergencies they are intended to prevent! I find it ridiculous that women who are trying to birth are told to wait for the doctor! What?! Any one of the nurses, or mom or dad could catch the baby!!! You'd have to be drugged not to birth when it's time! When my last 2 came out on their own, I sure couldn't have stopped them!
Well, I guess I about covered everything! I am now a huge proponent of un-interfered with natural birth, preferably at home or another comfortable place. I strongly believe that if a woman is left alone and doesn't fear birth (which would interfere with the necessary relaxation of the muscles and of the mind), then her body will instinctively know what to do.
Indeed, a peaceful birth is such a special experience for a woman and her family. The non-drugged, alert baby being gently welcomed into the world with love by his parents and family, and held closely and showered with kisses and smiles and tears of joy, still connected while his cord continues to give him oxygen rich blood, is a very sacred time. There's no comparison between that scene and a typical hospital birth. I think that if people knew the facts, many more would choose homebirth.
Happy birthing! :)
P.S.
I must add more info on an excellent reason to choose natural birth that I only briefly mentioned earlier, the effects of a drugged birth upon the baby. Please read this superb article on the lasting effects of birth upon people. For instance, drugged babies are more likely to become drug addicted adults, and babies who suffer violent births are more likely to become violent criminals. All babies deserve peaceful births.
http://www.natural-pregnancy-mentor.com/birth-and-the-origins-of-violence.html
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Circumcision info
I want to issue a disclaimer first. I am not sharing this info to make any one feel guilty or to judge anyone. I want to share this primarily for parents who are trying to decide whether or not to circumcise their sons, and for parents who need concrete information to show those who are pressuring them to circumcise. Sometimes one parent wants to, and the other doesn't. Or, relatives and friends may be insisting that "it's no big deal" and "he should look like his dad."
When you actually research the issue, it's painfully obvious that it is a very big deal. We tend to be rightfully outraged when we hear of female genital mutilation around the world. Yet, Americans still routinely circumcise (which is male genital mutilation) their newborn sons. About half of American baby boys are circumcised soon after birth.
I have three intact sons. I never even considered removing part of their perfect penises. Man can never improve what God creates. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am thankfully free from the Law, which required circumcision. The Bible tells us that what we truly need is spiritual circumcision of our hearts. Like many events in the Old Testament, physical circumcision was used both to set Jews apart as God's chosen people, and to foreshadow the coming of the Messiah, who would cleanse us from our sins. We are absolutely not required to circumcise to follow Christ. I Corinthians 7:19 says, "Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters."
I invite you to browse the links below, but be warned, the truth about circumcision is extremely disturbing.
This website contains a plethora of learning resources: many articles, recommended books, video clips, and tons of links to other informative websites. This is an incredible site that also includes lots of info on other aspects of "peaceful parenting," such as breastfeeding and co-sleeping, and also exposes the "cry it out" technique of popular parenting.
http://www.drmomma.org/2010/01/are-you-fully-informed.html
Learn about the incredible value of the foreskin, both as protection against contaminants and as the most sexually sensitive part of the penis here: http://www.drmomma.org/2009/09/functions-of-foreskin-purposes-of.html
Here is great site: http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/
Another very informative site:
http://www.stopcirc.com/
Another great site on natural parenting info:
http://iinformedparenting.blogspot.com/2010/01/male-circumcision-more-excellent-info.html
This site has more links and also a reply by me to the blogger's post, in which she described her extreme guilt over circumcising her sons. In my reading, I found many more such letters by anguished parents, who can never undo a choice they made that they deeply regret.
http://onedayatatimenicole.blogspot.com/2010/05/circumcism.html?showComment=1275677894912_AIe9_BEmXuafDv-Hy_OQA-MlM-tnIWNSegya1n8ycxaoLyQBjYlqNNOr23B4STeMXT72AVXbh03s-MxEgGohAQajKcYEIpFBhcxtBZ4B7JoZsibeVioxLaDFrvxStK8Hqao9CiZQQ-oSNnEtH9pCB1nmXccpiHCyruMYM3QJ0BtaK9zSExNwLmNUBsV_8Syy2gB9w7bkwadxSL78O4liugW-nzEr-A9vi3B_dAJhgbnllxmq2ffUzYg#c3283016944928089809
Here is my reply to her post:
Thank you for sharing. I've read before that "we make the best choice we can with the information we have at that time." We can't change the past. You've surely saved many baby boys from the same fate by speaking out about a heartbreaking topic that so many Americans never even consider.
We have three intact sons. My husband and stepson are circumcised. Initially, my husband wanted to circumcise our firstborn. He was concerned about him being "different" from himself. There was no way I was going to allow my brand new, perfect baby to have part of his penis removed!!! My husband didn't have strong feelings one way or the other at the time, so thankfully, he was willing to leave our son intact.
My husband has since said many times that he wishes he still has his foreskin, and our intact boys are mortified at the thought of part of their penis being cut off. My mother in law told me that when she had her boys, the hospital just automatically circumcised them and didn't even ask the parents!
As we bring this issue into open discussion, many more parents will actually think about it, and hopefully research. I can't imagine how anyone who educates themselves on circumcision could still choose one for their son. This elective surgery still persists as "normal" because many people do not question it and think nothing of it.
Just like baby shots and hospital births, formula and day care, many common child rearing practices are NOT good! Just because "everybody does it" doesn't make it good and healthy for our children.
When we take time to learn about these things, we realize it's best to leave things alone. There is no reason to interfere with what God creates. Momma is designed to grow and birth and feed and care for babies who don't need to be injected with poisons and their body parts removed to be better than they were at birth.
PS
I found another excellent link at http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=112410. This is a discussion thread, from moms who regret circumcising their sons. It has been going strong for over five years, and currently has over 560 posts. I do hope and pray that my sharing this crucial info about the truth of what is inflicted upon these helpless babies will save babies from this horrendous fate.
When you actually research the issue, it's painfully obvious that it is a very big deal. We tend to be rightfully outraged when we hear of female genital mutilation around the world. Yet, Americans still routinely circumcise (which is male genital mutilation) their newborn sons. About half of American baby boys are circumcised soon after birth.
I have three intact sons. I never even considered removing part of their perfect penises. Man can never improve what God creates. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am thankfully free from the Law, which required circumcision. The Bible tells us that what we truly need is spiritual circumcision of our hearts. Like many events in the Old Testament, physical circumcision was used both to set Jews apart as God's chosen people, and to foreshadow the coming of the Messiah, who would cleanse us from our sins. We are absolutely not required to circumcise to follow Christ. I Corinthians 7:19 says, "Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters."
I invite you to browse the links below, but be warned, the truth about circumcision is extremely disturbing.
This website contains a plethora of learning resources: many articles, recommended books, video clips, and tons of links to other informative websites. This is an incredible site that also includes lots of info on other aspects of "peaceful parenting," such as breastfeeding and co-sleeping, and also exposes the "cry it out" technique of popular parenting.
http://www.drmomma.org/2010/01/are-you-fully-informed.html
Learn about the incredible value of the foreskin, both as protection against contaminants and as the most sexually sensitive part of the penis here: http://www.drmomma.org/2009/09/functions-of-foreskin-purposes-of.html
Here is great site: http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/
Another very informative site:
http://www.stopcirc.com/
Another great site on natural parenting info:
http://iinformedparenting.blogspot.com/2010/01/male-circumcision-more-excellent-info.html
This site has more links and also a reply by me to the blogger's post, in which she described her extreme guilt over circumcising her sons. In my reading, I found many more such letters by anguished parents, who can never undo a choice they made that they deeply regret.
http://onedayatatimenicole.blogspot.com/2010/05/circumcism.html?showComment=1275677894912_AIe9_BEmXuafDv-Hy_OQA-MlM-tnIWNSegya1n8ycxaoLyQBjYlqNNOr23B4STeMXT72AVXbh03s-MxEgGohAQajKcYEIpFBhcxtBZ4B7JoZsibeVioxLaDFrvxStK8Hqao9CiZQQ-oSNnEtH9pCB1nmXccpiHCyruMYM3QJ0BtaK9zSExNwLmNUBsV_8Syy2gB9w7bkwadxSL78O4liugW-nzEr-A9vi3B_dAJhgbnllxmq2ffUzYg#c3283016944928089809
Here is my reply to her post:
Thank you for sharing. I've read before that "we make the best choice we can with the information we have at that time." We can't change the past. You've surely saved many baby boys from the same fate by speaking out about a heartbreaking topic that so many Americans never even consider.
We have three intact sons. My husband and stepson are circumcised. Initially, my husband wanted to circumcise our firstborn. He was concerned about him being "different" from himself. There was no way I was going to allow my brand new, perfect baby to have part of his penis removed!!! My husband didn't have strong feelings one way or the other at the time, so thankfully, he was willing to leave our son intact.
My husband has since said many times that he wishes he still has his foreskin, and our intact boys are mortified at the thought of part of their penis being cut off. My mother in law told me that when she had her boys, the hospital just automatically circumcised them and didn't even ask the parents!
As we bring this issue into open discussion, many more parents will actually think about it, and hopefully research. I can't imagine how anyone who educates themselves on circumcision could still choose one for their son. This elective surgery still persists as "normal" because many people do not question it and think nothing of it.
Just like baby shots and hospital births, formula and day care, many common child rearing practices are NOT good! Just because "everybody does it" doesn't make it good and healthy for our children.
When we take time to learn about these things, we realize it's best to leave things alone. There is no reason to interfere with what God creates. Momma is designed to grow and birth and feed and care for babies who don't need to be injected with poisons and their body parts removed to be better than they were at birth.
PS
I found another excellent link at http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=112410. This is a discussion thread, from moms who regret circumcising their sons. It has been going strong for over five years, and currently has over 560 posts. I do hope and pray that my sharing this crucial info about the truth of what is inflicted upon these helpless babies will save babies from this horrendous fate.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Nutrition and natural health for pregnancy (& lots of good stuff for everyone else, too!)
I found this article, and since it has so much excellent nutritional information, I wanted to add it to my "online filing cabinet", aka blog. Although written for pregnancy nutrition needs, it is loaded with general info that would benefit everyone.
http://vaccineresistancemovement.org/?p=3270
VRM: Pregnancy Tips
20th April 2010 - By Joel Lord
I was recently alerted by a newly pregnant mother of a child with Autism for tips on minerals & vitamins to help strengthen her immune system during the coming months. She believes vaccines were the cause of her child’s Autism and has begun a shift away from her GP.
Based on all my research thus far this is what I sent her:
I would recommend you find as many natural sources of vitamins and mineral that you can. Best source of FOLIC ACID comes from RAW Organic leafy greens. Make this a frequent snacking food. Seek out the darker organic varieties from your local co-op; however avoid Iceberg lettuce which has zero nutritional value.
Natural sources always provide the healthiest benefits to the body. You also want to consider store bought folic acid does have certain side effects for some including nausea, insomnia, decreased appetite, flatulence, abdominal distension, difficulty concentrating and some bitter taste in the tongue. It has been said that taking too much folic acid can lead to B-12 deficiency masking that can possibly lead to irreversible damage. Also, overdose can be quite dangerous to epileptics as they have been seen to cause seizures. Allergic reactions have also been reported in a few cases.
Some other restoratives that should be high on your list:
VITAMIN C & D3 (both are EXTREMELY important and you should be taking a high quality brand of each)
NOTE: Vitamin D is actually a steroid hormone, VITAL, will give your fetus a real fighting chance during early development and stave off future signs of cancer.
VITAMIN E, the natural form that is high in gamma-E will help dampen immune reactions and reduces several of the potential inflammatory cytokines.
CURCUMIN is recommended as an anti-inflammatory, also clears the Amyloid Plaques of Alzheimer’s Disease and prevents neuro-degenerative disease. Another AMAZING power source that will give your child a big boost in life and stave off a host of disorders including Autism. Found in Tumeric.
SELENIUM IS CRITICAL. USE IT EVERY DAY. ALSO NIACIN, OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS, ZINC & MAGNESIUM. NORWEGIAN COD LIVER OIL IS A VERY GOOD SOURCE OF OMEGA 3.
PS. Obviously I also recommend you avoid ALL vaccines from here on in. you have to protect your Placenta & your baby. Also stop using Fluoride immediately (if you are in the habit of using it). Sodium Fluoride is actually a toxic by-product of Aluminum. You MUST make a concerted effort to keep all Aluminum, Mercury & other toxic heavy metals completely out of your body. Activated Charcoal will fully cleanse your system of many such toxins. N-Acetyl Cysteine is also highly touted for chelation.
Some other foods – eat KALE, CILANTRO & CELERY every day. RAW. Kale is an amazing source of anti-oxidant. The best. Cilantro is one of the best natural ways to absorb heavy metals from the body. Celery, not dairy, constitutes the true source of Calcium bones need for healthy development.
LAETRILE is very significant to overall health. Try to eat APPLE SEEDS (or apricot, peach, plum, cherry, nectarine, almond seeds) as often as possible.
Laetrile or Vitamin B17 technically belongs to a family of compounds called cyanogenic glycosides. The FDA officially banned Laetrile from interstate commerce in 1971 – probably because it works so well and is readily available in your garden. You won’t need a doctor’s permission slip to access this self-styled curative.
In the middle of a peach or apricot is a hard shell. If you break open the hard shell with a nut cracker, pliers or hammer, you will find a small seed/kernel in the middle that looks like an almond. However, it is much softer than an almond and certainly does not taste like an almond. It is this seed that is rich in natural laetrile.
CASE REPORTS: http://campaignfortruth.com/Eclub/230304/CTM-cancer%20is%20laetrile%20useless.htm
While you’re still breast-feeding by the way you need to boost your own system with Potassium daily. BANANAS!!
I personally use this regime every day to maintain my immune system:
COLLOIDAL SILVER – super natural antibiotic, aids in prevention of Morgellans Disease, counters barium damage from chem-trails
http://www.rense.com/CS/cs1.htm
ORGANIC OIL OF OREGANO – counters harmful bacteria
http://www.rense.com/general38/fight.htm
ORGANIC COCONUT OIL – natural detoxifier, anti fungal agent
http://www.naturalnews.com/z026433_coconut_oil_health_moisturizer.html
NONI JUICE – amazing product, life giver, restores the Pineal Gland neutralized by exposure to Fluoride
http://www.consumerhealth.org/articles/display.cfm?ID=19990303205600
ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – reduces high blood pressure, restores alkaline balance in body
http://www.rense.com/1.mpicons/acidalka.htm
These are also excellent considerations for your regular regime,
ASTAXANTHIN – Miracle Antioxidant, anti-Inflammatory nutrient, king of the Carotenoids
http://www.naturalnews.com/026325.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/023177.html
CULEVIT – cancer fighter/natural treatment alternative to chemotherapy, best used in conjunction with Noni Juice
http://healing.fit-leader.com/catalogue/drugs_1.shtml#3
http://www.cancerprev.org/Meetings/2004/Symposia/991/410
ORGANIC PROBIOTIC YOGURT (OR KEFIR IF YOU WANT TO AVOID DAIRY) – rebuilds bacteria lost in process of cleansing
ORGANIC GARLIC – anti fungal agent
TEA TREE OIL – topical, add drop to your Tom’s Fluoride free toothpaste to eradicate bacterial build-up in mouth, also good for the hair
STAR ANISE – natural anti viral protection
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/11/1128_051128_star_anise.html
Sugar free diet is also essential – Refined sugar triggers a gyroscopic mineral imbalance. Also avoid Trans Fats, and empty your fridge of all GMO food.
The Thyroid is weakened & neutralized by processed food & white sugars, All sorts of problems can occur. Diabetes 2 is common amongst the youngest & most vulnerable. So that means a healthy Thyroid on your part will also greatly benefit your baby. Take heed.
The Thyroid Gland is key to overall health. Produces T3 & T4 hormones (Iodine Atoms). T3 & T4 regulate body temperature & metabolic rate of every cell in the body (biochemical reactivity).
Absolutely no Tylenol or Aspirins. This is important so read carefully.
“Tylenol uses up glutathione (GSH) stores and metabolites of acetaminophen accumulates causing direct damage to liver cells. You want their glutathione levels to be optimum because GSH main purpose is for detoxifying and eliminating heavy metals and other environmental toxins. It is essential for the function of the gut, maintains Vitamins C and E, maintains mitochondrial integrity, protects against intracellular viruses and so much more. Anything that compromises the level of glutathione needed to maintain health like Tylenol should be avoided.” Brian Jepson, MD
‘People who take NSAIDs (aspirin) for prolonged periods of time can develop several GI side effects, such as stomach aches, indigestion, or even ulcers. Ulcers can eventually lead to GI bleeding or may even perforate, spilling the contents of the stomach or small intestine into the sterile abdominal cavity. Every time they come in with bleeding, they have a 10% chance of dying.’ Dr. Joseph Mercola
For those concerned the synergy of the various ingredients in the regime will take care of any fever naturally. Anti-inflammatory supplements are key. Your standard headache medication not only suppresses the fever (which is critical to getting well again – an essential part of the body’s own natural healing process) but it also destroys the liver over time, can cause sudden bleeding & depletes the lungs of Vitamin C by depriving their white blood cells & lymphicides of it.
That being said there is an alternate method for a more urgent solution to headaches/pain:
Cayenne Pepper Ointment – Natural Pain Reliever
1. Add – pinch Cayenne Pepper, 1 ounce Bees Wax or lard
2. Blend in hot water & apply contents on sore area topically
5 of the best ways to chelate accumulated heavy metals out of body: 1) Activated Charcoal, 2) Chlorella, 3) Zeolite Rock Powder, 4) Kale, 5) Cilantro.
Also comb through these links in particular for further products to AVOID as well as safe alternatives to vaccines necessary to maintain optimum health throughout your pregnancy.
Health Matters: http://vaccineresistancemovement.org/?p=825
Safe Alternatives To Vaccines: http://vaccineresistancemovement.org/?p=662
EVERYTHING ON THIS LIST SHOULD BE HIGH QUALITY AND STRICTLY ORGANIC. IF YOU USE PILLS TRY TO GET VEGETABLE GELATIN TYPE. AVOID ANIMAL GELATIN.
NOTE: It isn’t necessary to take all of these supplements to reap the optimum benefits. But the synergy of those that you do choose will hopefully be very healthful. It’s a question of balance.
http://vaccineresistancemovement.org/?p=3270
VRM: Pregnancy Tips
20th April 2010 - By Joel Lord
I was recently alerted by a newly pregnant mother of a child with Autism for tips on minerals & vitamins to help strengthen her immune system during the coming months. She believes vaccines were the cause of her child’s Autism and has begun a shift away from her GP.
Based on all my research thus far this is what I sent her:
I would recommend you find as many natural sources of vitamins and mineral that you can. Best source of FOLIC ACID comes from RAW Organic leafy greens. Make this a frequent snacking food. Seek out the darker organic varieties from your local co-op; however avoid Iceberg lettuce which has zero nutritional value.
Natural sources always provide the healthiest benefits to the body. You also want to consider store bought folic acid does have certain side effects for some including nausea, insomnia, decreased appetite, flatulence, abdominal distension, difficulty concentrating and some bitter taste in the tongue. It has been said that taking too much folic acid can lead to B-12 deficiency masking that can possibly lead to irreversible damage. Also, overdose can be quite dangerous to epileptics as they have been seen to cause seizures. Allergic reactions have also been reported in a few cases.
Some other restoratives that should be high on your list:
VITAMIN C & D3 (both are EXTREMELY important and you should be taking a high quality brand of each)
NOTE: Vitamin D is actually a steroid hormone, VITAL, will give your fetus a real fighting chance during early development and stave off future signs of cancer.
VITAMIN E, the natural form that is high in gamma-E will help dampen immune reactions and reduces several of the potential inflammatory cytokines.
CURCUMIN is recommended as an anti-inflammatory, also clears the Amyloid Plaques of Alzheimer’s Disease and prevents neuro-degenerative disease. Another AMAZING power source that will give your child a big boost in life and stave off a host of disorders including Autism. Found in Tumeric.
SELENIUM IS CRITICAL. USE IT EVERY DAY. ALSO NIACIN, OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS, ZINC & MAGNESIUM. NORWEGIAN COD LIVER OIL IS A VERY GOOD SOURCE OF OMEGA 3.
PS. Obviously I also recommend you avoid ALL vaccines from here on in. you have to protect your Placenta & your baby. Also stop using Fluoride immediately (if you are in the habit of using it). Sodium Fluoride is actually a toxic by-product of Aluminum. You MUST make a concerted effort to keep all Aluminum, Mercury & other toxic heavy metals completely out of your body. Activated Charcoal will fully cleanse your system of many such toxins. N-Acetyl Cysteine is also highly touted for chelation.
Some other foods – eat KALE, CILANTRO & CELERY every day. RAW. Kale is an amazing source of anti-oxidant. The best. Cilantro is one of the best natural ways to absorb heavy metals from the body. Celery, not dairy, constitutes the true source of Calcium bones need for healthy development.
LAETRILE is very significant to overall health. Try to eat APPLE SEEDS (or apricot, peach, plum, cherry, nectarine, almond seeds) as often as possible.
Laetrile or Vitamin B17 technically belongs to a family of compounds called cyanogenic glycosides. The FDA officially banned Laetrile from interstate commerce in 1971 – probably because it works so well and is readily available in your garden. You won’t need a doctor’s permission slip to access this self-styled curative.
In the middle of a peach or apricot is a hard shell. If you break open the hard shell with a nut cracker, pliers or hammer, you will find a small seed/kernel in the middle that looks like an almond. However, it is much softer than an almond and certainly does not taste like an almond. It is this seed that is rich in natural laetrile.
CASE REPORTS: http://campaignfortruth.com/Eclub/230304/CTM-cancer%20is%20laetrile%20useless.htm
While you’re still breast-feeding by the way you need to boost your own system with Potassium daily. BANANAS!!
I personally use this regime every day to maintain my immune system:
COLLOIDAL SILVER – super natural antibiotic, aids in prevention of Morgellans Disease, counters barium damage from chem-trails
http://www.rense.com/CS/cs1.htm
ORGANIC OIL OF OREGANO – counters harmful bacteria
http://www.rense.com/general38/fight.htm
ORGANIC COCONUT OIL – natural detoxifier, anti fungal agent
http://www.naturalnews.com/z026433_coconut_oil_health_moisturizer.html
NONI JUICE – amazing product, life giver, restores the Pineal Gland neutralized by exposure to Fluoride
http://www.consumerhealth.org/articles/display.cfm?ID=19990303205600
ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – reduces high blood pressure, restores alkaline balance in body
http://www.rense.com/1.mpicons/acidalka.htm
These are also excellent considerations for your regular regime,
ASTAXANTHIN – Miracle Antioxidant, anti-Inflammatory nutrient, king of the Carotenoids
http://www.naturalnews.com/026325.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/023177.html
CULEVIT – cancer fighter/natural treatment alternative to chemotherapy, best used in conjunction with Noni Juice
http://healing.fit-leader.com/catalogue/drugs_1.shtml#3
http://www.cancerprev.org/Meetings/2004/Symposia/991/410
ORGANIC PROBIOTIC YOGURT (OR KEFIR IF YOU WANT TO AVOID DAIRY) – rebuilds bacteria lost in process of cleansing
ORGANIC GARLIC – anti fungal agent
TEA TREE OIL – topical, add drop to your Tom’s Fluoride free toothpaste to eradicate bacterial build-up in mouth, also good for the hair
STAR ANISE – natural anti viral protection
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/11/1128_051128_star_anise.html
Sugar free diet is also essential – Refined sugar triggers a gyroscopic mineral imbalance. Also avoid Trans Fats, and empty your fridge of all GMO food.
The Thyroid is weakened & neutralized by processed food & white sugars, All sorts of problems can occur. Diabetes 2 is common amongst the youngest & most vulnerable. So that means a healthy Thyroid on your part will also greatly benefit your baby. Take heed.
The Thyroid Gland is key to overall health. Produces T3 & T4 hormones (Iodine Atoms). T3 & T4 regulate body temperature & metabolic rate of every cell in the body (biochemical reactivity).
Absolutely no Tylenol or Aspirins. This is important so read carefully.
“Tylenol uses up glutathione (GSH) stores and metabolites of acetaminophen accumulates causing direct damage to liver cells. You want their glutathione levels to be optimum because GSH main purpose is for detoxifying and eliminating heavy metals and other environmental toxins. It is essential for the function of the gut, maintains Vitamins C and E, maintains mitochondrial integrity, protects against intracellular viruses and so much more. Anything that compromises the level of glutathione needed to maintain health like Tylenol should be avoided.” Brian Jepson, MD
‘People who take NSAIDs (aspirin) for prolonged periods of time can develop several GI side effects, such as stomach aches, indigestion, or even ulcers. Ulcers can eventually lead to GI bleeding or may even perforate, spilling the contents of the stomach or small intestine into the sterile abdominal cavity. Every time they come in with bleeding, they have a 10% chance of dying.’ Dr. Joseph Mercola
For those concerned the synergy of the various ingredients in the regime will take care of any fever naturally. Anti-inflammatory supplements are key. Your standard headache medication not only suppresses the fever (which is critical to getting well again – an essential part of the body’s own natural healing process) but it also destroys the liver over time, can cause sudden bleeding & depletes the lungs of Vitamin C by depriving their white blood cells & lymphicides of it.
That being said there is an alternate method for a more urgent solution to headaches/pain:
Cayenne Pepper Ointment – Natural Pain Reliever
1. Add – pinch Cayenne Pepper, 1 ounce Bees Wax or lard
2. Blend in hot water & apply contents on sore area topically
5 of the best ways to chelate accumulated heavy metals out of body: 1) Activated Charcoal, 2) Chlorella, 3) Zeolite Rock Powder, 4) Kale, 5) Cilantro.
Also comb through these links in particular for further products to AVOID as well as safe alternatives to vaccines necessary to maintain optimum health throughout your pregnancy.
Health Matters: http://vaccineresistancemovement.org/?p=825
Safe Alternatives To Vaccines: http://vaccineresistancemovement.org/?p=662
EVERYTHING ON THIS LIST SHOULD BE HIGH QUALITY AND STRICTLY ORGANIC. IF YOU USE PILLS TRY TO GET VEGETABLE GELATIN TYPE. AVOID ANIMAL GELATIN.
NOTE: It isn’t necessary to take all of these supplements to reap the optimum benefits. But the synergy of those that you do choose will hopefully be very healthful. It’s a question of balance.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Wait! Don't cut that cord!
Here is a great video comparing the common hospital practice of immediately cutting the umbilical cord verses waiting until the cord stops pulsating.
My oldest was born in a birth center with a midwife. I had planned to wait to cut the cord, but had not specified that prior to labor. Surprisingly, they immediately cut the cord, and I was too exhausted to say anything. I had been given an episiotomy to hurry up and get him out since they said his heart rate was too low. This, by the way, I blame on the fact that they didn't leave me alone on the toilet where I had been laboring and my water had just broke. They wanted me to move to the bed and had me on my back, which I hated. I believe this greatly hindered my birthing efforts. It led to prolonged pushing and consequently the low heart rate. All this to say that he would have tremendously benefited from his cord blood.
What happens in delayed cord clamping is that the baby takes exactly how much blood he needs from the cord. When it is immediately cut, he is deprived from all that blood and oxygen.
My last two births were homebirths, and we did not cut the cord until the cord had stopped pulsating and turned whitish and cold. The babies got all the blood and oxygen they needed. For the last, I even waited until I birthed the placenta before cutting the cord. The placenta will usually come out about a half hour or so after birth. This works out well since the mom usually wants to rest and hold her baby for a while before getting up to get cleaned up. Of course, waterbirths take care of the cleaning up part!
Waiting to cut the cord is one more way to enjoy a gentle birth free from interferences, and it is much better for the baby.
My oldest was born in a birth center with a midwife. I had planned to wait to cut the cord, but had not specified that prior to labor. Surprisingly, they immediately cut the cord, and I was too exhausted to say anything. I had been given an episiotomy to hurry up and get him out since they said his heart rate was too low. This, by the way, I blame on the fact that they didn't leave me alone on the toilet where I had been laboring and my water had just broke. They wanted me to move to the bed and had me on my back, which I hated. I believe this greatly hindered my birthing efforts. It led to prolonged pushing and consequently the low heart rate. All this to say that he would have tremendously benefited from his cord blood.
What happens in delayed cord clamping is that the baby takes exactly how much blood he needs from the cord. When it is immediately cut, he is deprived from all that blood and oxygen.
My last two births were homebirths, and we did not cut the cord until the cord had stopped pulsating and turned whitish and cold. The babies got all the blood and oxygen they needed. For the last, I even waited until I birthed the placenta before cutting the cord. The placenta will usually come out about a half hour or so after birth. This works out well since the mom usually wants to rest and hold her baby for a while before getting up to get cleaned up. Of course, waterbirths take care of the cleaning up part!
Waiting to cut the cord is one more way to enjoy a gentle birth free from interferences, and it is much better for the baby.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Message to my pregnant friend (TONS of info!)
"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13
Here is an e-mail I just sent to one of my dearest friends who is pregnant for the first time. Aahhhh, the miracle of new life. I packed so much info and great links into my message that I thought it would make for a great blog post! After all, natural birth is definitely one of my passions!
Hi Mama!
Here's some links for you to peruse... Several of them have birth stories, which I love! I was always so encouraged when pregnant reading birth stories. Enjoy!
For Angy, the midwife I had for Daniel and Christopher and who worked at the birth center when I had Joshua, her website is: http://www.anmidwife.com/
Acupressure points for labor: http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/birth/acupressure/index.php/
More cool links: http://www.wvhomebirth.com/
Local lay Christian midwife I know and much more general birth, etc info:
http://www.midwifeinfo.com/practitioners/view/1987 or
http://www.facebook.com/joyinbirth#!/joyinbirth?v=wall&ref=ts
Great general info: http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/index.php/
(This site has TONS of birth videos, which always make me cry! I've posted my birth stories here, but they have Daniel's birth incorrectly titled as a waterbirth. I guess I forgot to mention that I got out of my tub shortly before birth. I was actually squatting beside my toilet!)
More: http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com/
And more: http://www.birthingnaturally.net/directory/birth/stories.html/
Still more: http://www.naturalbirth.freeservers.com/
Good article: http://www.glorialemay.com/blog/?p=74/
Great birth video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoIiVszj1EU&feature=player_embedded/
Short but sweet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbiSvdH5CLo&feature=related/
Cool thought provoking video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBvSKGBzZd0&feature=related/
Angy also has a monthly homebirth meetup group. I've known about it for years, but have never attended any meetings. I actually plan to attend the next one. It's Saturday, April 24 at Joplin Park in So. Chas and starts at 11 am. It's a family picnic hang out type of meeting with kids welcome, so I thought it would be a great one to attend. Angy will be out of town, but there will be moms there who have had homebirths or are pregnant and planning one. I think they even get people who are neither but plan a homebirth for when they ever get pregnant. Also, there will be other midwives and doulas there.
A doula is someone who helps a laboring woman, by giving her whatever she needs and being with her as needed. I had a doula with Joshua, but didn't feel I needed one with the others. I knew what to expect. When I said I volunteered to stay with you and be your advocate, that's essentially a doula role, to help the mother in any way and be a voice for her if she's in intense labor and unable to fully communicate. This is especially helpful in a hospital setting as the staff may try to push the mom into certain things that she doesn't want, but since she's in intense labor, she can't express her desires clearly. The mom tells the doula her desires for labor and birth beforehand, so the doula can help her stick with her goals even if hospital staff tries to persuade her otherwise. Even at a homebirth, a doula can still help assist the mom in any way by being there for her, offering massage, support, encouragement, etc.
Anyway, if you aren't busy, come with me to the picnic! You'll get to meet lots of other homebirth moms passionate about natural birth. Many moms choose homebirth because they had a bad hospital birth and vow to never do that again. You can have a good birth in a hospital, but it takes a lot more effort and vigilance. Since they tend to treat birth as a "condition" requiring care, they are so bent on interfering at every turn. This constant interference greatly impedes the efforts of the woman's natural birth instincts. For instance, mammals will only birth when they feel safe. If they are threatened, labor will cease and only resume when they feel safe again. We are mammals and it is no wonder that laboring women often go to the hospital only to have labor stall. Well, who would feel safe with all the strangers, machines, noise, bright lights, exams, odors, etc? So, the hospital gives her pictocin to artificially cause contractions. That's also how they induce labor, or cause her to labor before her body is ready. This very often leads to many more interferences and complications. Rates of c-section, foreceps use, episiotomies, and more go way up.
WV has a very high c-sec rate. If you want to avoid a c-sec, stay out of the hospital. If you do go to the hospital, refuse an induction, no matter how much a doctor pressures you! Also, choose natural birth. Epidurals and drugs also greatly interfere with your body's efforts to birth and lead to much higher rates of c-sec, etc. Your body can't/won't push and the baby is drugged and sluggish. Non-drugged babies are alert and typically do not have trouble nursing. Also, 20% of women who get epidurals have lifelong back pain as a result! I have massaged tons of women who said they've had back pain ever since their epidural. I'd take 1 day of pain any day over a lifetime of pain!
A common reason for a c-sec is called "failure to progress." The hospital protocol only allows so much time for the baby to be born. If you take longer to labor or can't relax enough to let your body do what it needs to do, (how could any laboring mom not relax in a hospital setting?) then a c-sec is ordered. Talk about pressure! The mom is told she MUST have the baby within such and such time or she's getting a c-sec. That's going to make her body clam up even more from the stress!
Another thing is that you need to be free to move and do what you want. Hospitals put those insane fetal monitoring devices in the baby's head. It is a sharp, pigtail shaped corkscrew that they literally put in your vagina and screw it into the top of the baby's head!!! I'm not joking! At my birth center birth class, they passed one around to show everyone. The purpose? So, they can monitor contractions!!! Great day! The mom knows when she's having a contraction!!! So, not only do they hurt the baby for a totally unneeded reason, the mom is now confined to the bed! She can't walk around or get into different positions, etc. So, again, she is going to be much more likely to have further problems. Having a baby while laying on your back is the absolute worst position to be in! You are fighting against gravity and the pelvic area is narrowed and the pressure of the baby is on your spine. If the mom is left alone (what a concept!), she will do many things during labor and for the birth will tend to adopt some type of a squat or sitting position. Some women birth on all fours. I've never heard of any woman choosing to lay flat on their back to birth! It's handy for the OB to watch, but not good for mom.
I don't mean to overwhelm you with info. I'm super passionate about natural, un-interfered with birth. The current medical model for birth is to interfere from beginning to end. Doctors don't even wait for women to go into labor. The baby will come when he's ready! By forcing him to come early, that just asks for problems. It's phenomenal that we have hospitals and OBs for actual emergencies. But, if women are left alone to labor as they choose and feel safe, don't fear birth, aren't induced, confined to bed, etc, very few births require emergency care. People think doctors and hospitals are needed to make birth safe. But, really, birth is safe! It's a normal body function. You don't need a doctor to poop! (Hospital germs are a whole other story!) It's all the interventions done by the doctors that cause the problems!
Anyway, you've got time to educate yourself and think about what kind of birth you want. It's your birth, and you are in control. If you don't decide beforehand what you do and don't want, you are at the mercy of the doctors, nurses, and hospital. You are always free to change health care providers. It's not too late to switch to a midwife, intended place to birth, etc. Feel free to pick my brain. :)
Oh, and I always tell pregnant women about the acupressure points I used for my last labor. It was like night and day! I had natural labor with all 3 boys, but only found and used the acupressure points with the last. All my contractions were very short and never got very painful, and I never even had any hard labor! With the first 2, I had to totally concentrate on each contraction, and with the last, I was busy working around the house up until birth! I had no idea I was so close to birth since the contractions never got bad. I just held the points with each contraction. That's one thing I could do for you if you want me around to help during your labor. I held my points myself (I used BL 32), but it'd be even better for someone else to hold them.
I love you!!!
Christy
Here is an e-mail I just sent to one of my dearest friends who is pregnant for the first time. Aahhhh, the miracle of new life. I packed so much info and great links into my message that I thought it would make for a great blog post! After all, natural birth is definitely one of my passions!
Hi Mama!
Here's some links for you to peruse... Several of them have birth stories, which I love! I was always so encouraged when pregnant reading birth stories. Enjoy!
For Angy, the midwife I had for Daniel and Christopher and who worked at the birth center when I had Joshua, her website is: http://www.anmidwife.com/
Acupressure points for labor: http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/birth/acupressure/index.php/
More cool links: http://www.wvhomebirth.com/
Local lay Christian midwife I know and much more general birth, etc info:
http://www.midwifeinfo.com/practitioners/view/1987 or
http://www.facebook.com/joyinbirth#!/joyinbirth?v=wall&ref=ts
Great general info: http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/index.php/
Another super cool site: http://www.birthjunkie.com/
Here are lots of stories of unassisted birth, which are very empowering to read: http://www.unassistedchildbirth.com/ucstories/
I love this site!: http://www.unassistedchildbirth.com/
Here's another: http://www.birthunassisted.com/
(This site has TONS of birth videos, which always make me cry! I've posted my birth stories here, but they have Daniel's birth incorrectly titled as a waterbirth. I guess I forgot to mention that I got out of my tub shortly before birth. I was actually squatting beside my toilet!)
More: http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com/
And more: http://www.birthingnaturally.net/directory/birth/stories.html/
Still more: http://www.naturalbirth.freeservers.com/
Good article: http://www.glorialemay.com/blog/?p=74/
Great birth video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoIiVszj1EU&feature=player_embedded/
Short but sweet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbiSvdH5CLo&feature=related/
Cool thought provoking video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBvSKGBzZd0&feature=related/
Angy also has a monthly homebirth meetup group. I've known about it for years, but have never attended any meetings. I actually plan to attend the next one. It's Saturday, April 24 at Joplin Park in So. Chas and starts at 11 am. It's a family picnic hang out type of meeting with kids welcome, so I thought it would be a great one to attend. Angy will be out of town, but there will be moms there who have had homebirths or are pregnant and planning one. I think they even get people who are neither but plan a homebirth for when they ever get pregnant. Also, there will be other midwives and doulas there.
A doula is someone who helps a laboring woman, by giving her whatever she needs and being with her as needed. I had a doula with Joshua, but didn't feel I needed one with the others. I knew what to expect. When I said I volunteered to stay with you and be your advocate, that's essentially a doula role, to help the mother in any way and be a voice for her if she's in intense labor and unable to fully communicate. This is especially helpful in a hospital setting as the staff may try to push the mom into certain things that she doesn't want, but since she's in intense labor, she can't express her desires clearly. The mom tells the doula her desires for labor and birth beforehand, so the doula can help her stick with her goals even if hospital staff tries to persuade her otherwise. Even at a homebirth, a doula can still help assist the mom in any way by being there for her, offering massage, support, encouragement, etc.
Anyway, if you aren't busy, come with me to the picnic! You'll get to meet lots of other homebirth moms passionate about natural birth. Many moms choose homebirth because they had a bad hospital birth and vow to never do that again. You can have a good birth in a hospital, but it takes a lot more effort and vigilance. Since they tend to treat birth as a "condition" requiring care, they are so bent on interfering at every turn. This constant interference greatly impedes the efforts of the woman's natural birth instincts. For instance, mammals will only birth when they feel safe. If they are threatened, labor will cease and only resume when they feel safe again. We are mammals and it is no wonder that laboring women often go to the hospital only to have labor stall. Well, who would feel safe with all the strangers, machines, noise, bright lights, exams, odors, etc? So, the hospital gives her pictocin to artificially cause contractions. That's also how they induce labor, or cause her to labor before her body is ready. This very often leads to many more interferences and complications. Rates of c-section, foreceps use, episiotomies, and more go way up.
WV has a very high c-sec rate. If you want to avoid a c-sec, stay out of the hospital. If you do go to the hospital, refuse an induction, no matter how much a doctor pressures you! Also, choose natural birth. Epidurals and drugs also greatly interfere with your body's efforts to birth and lead to much higher rates of c-sec, etc. Your body can't/won't push and the baby is drugged and sluggish. Non-drugged babies are alert and typically do not have trouble nursing. Also, 20% of women who get epidurals have lifelong back pain as a result! I have massaged tons of women who said they've had back pain ever since their epidural. I'd take 1 day of pain any day over a lifetime of pain!
A common reason for a c-sec is called "failure to progress." The hospital protocol only allows so much time for the baby to be born. If you take longer to labor or can't relax enough to let your body do what it needs to do, (how could any laboring mom not relax in a hospital setting?) then a c-sec is ordered. Talk about pressure! The mom is told she MUST have the baby within such and such time or she's getting a c-sec. That's going to make her body clam up even more from the stress!
Another thing is that you need to be free to move and do what you want. Hospitals put those insane fetal monitoring devices in the baby's head. It is a sharp, pigtail shaped corkscrew that they literally put in your vagina and screw it into the top of the baby's head!!! I'm not joking! At my birth center birth class, they passed one around to show everyone. The purpose? So, they can monitor contractions!!! Great day! The mom knows when she's having a contraction!!! So, not only do they hurt the baby for a totally unneeded reason, the mom is now confined to the bed! She can't walk around or get into different positions, etc. So, again, she is going to be much more likely to have further problems. Having a baby while laying on your back is the absolute worst position to be in! You are fighting against gravity and the pelvic area is narrowed and the pressure of the baby is on your spine. If the mom is left alone (what a concept!), she will do many things during labor and for the birth will tend to adopt some type of a squat or sitting position. Some women birth on all fours. I've never heard of any woman choosing to lay flat on their back to birth! It's handy for the OB to watch, but not good for mom.
I don't mean to overwhelm you with info. I'm super passionate about natural, un-interfered with birth. The current medical model for birth is to interfere from beginning to end. Doctors don't even wait for women to go into labor. The baby will come when he's ready! By forcing him to come early, that just asks for problems. It's phenomenal that we have hospitals and OBs for actual emergencies. But, if women are left alone to labor as they choose and feel safe, don't fear birth, aren't induced, confined to bed, etc, very few births require emergency care. People think doctors and hospitals are needed to make birth safe. But, really, birth is safe! It's a normal body function. You don't need a doctor to poop! (Hospital germs are a whole other story!) It's all the interventions done by the doctors that cause the problems!
Anyway, you've got time to educate yourself and think about what kind of birth you want. It's your birth, and you are in control. If you don't decide beforehand what you do and don't want, you are at the mercy of the doctors, nurses, and hospital. You are always free to change health care providers. It's not too late to switch to a midwife, intended place to birth, etc. Feel free to pick my brain. :)
Oh, and I always tell pregnant women about the acupressure points I used for my last labor. It was like night and day! I had natural labor with all 3 boys, but only found and used the acupressure points with the last. All my contractions were very short and never got very painful, and I never even had any hard labor! With the first 2, I had to totally concentrate on each contraction, and with the last, I was busy working around the house up until birth! I had no idea I was so close to birth since the contractions never got bad. I just held the points with each contraction. That's one thing I could do for you if you want me around to help during your labor. I held my points myself (I used BL 32), but it'd be even better for someone else to hold them.
I love you!!!
Christy
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I, um, always think that the typical hospital protocol is to get the baby out asap using whatever means necessary, and that letting laboring women use a birthpool doesn't exactly fit in with the "assembly line" style of hospital births. I would LOVE to see her switch to a midwife, but I plan to stay with her and help her in any way I can during her labor no matter where she births. I am going to encourage her to refuse induction and labor at home as long as possible, but I worry because I know she will be relentlessly pressured to get induced. I know far too many women who were induced and wound up with a c-section. :(