Northern Midwife

Please Don't Feed the Baby

2011-12-13T20:10:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know my baby shows interest in your food. But, PLEASE don’t let him taste it. And please don’t get offended. I have chosen to wait to give my baby anything but breast milk until he has teeth. By waiting am allowing his tiny digestive system to mature. “If solids are started before a baby's system is ready to handle them, they are poorly digested and may cause unpleasant reactions (digestive upset, gas, constipation, etc.). Protein digestion is incomplete in infancy. Gastric acid and pepsin are secreted at birth and increase toward adult values over the following 3 to 4 months. The pancreatic enzyme amylase does not reach adequate levels for digestion of starches until around 6 months, and carbohydrate enzymes such as maltase, isomaltase, and sucrase do not reach adult levels until around 7 months. Young infants also have low levels of lipase and bile salts, so fat digestion does not reach adult levels until 6-9 months.”(kellymom.com). Also, by waiting I am hoping to protect my little one from nasty allergies later in life. Until babies are around 6 months old their guts are open. This means that the spaces between the cells of the small intestines will readily allow intact macromolecules, including whole proteins and pathogens, to pass directly into the bloodstream.
Giving baby solids won’t help sleep longer. By giving him anything more than breast milk can cause more issues than it is worth. It can give him a bellyache and causes his digestion to go into overdrive. Do exactly the opposite of what I wanted. A baby that is awake, A LOT.
Believe or not it is actually catching on. There is quite of few different organizations that have all agreed that is a good idea to wait until baby is at least 6 months. This means baby get exclusively breast milk nothing else. Here they are:
• World Health Organization
• UNICEF
• US Department of Health & Human Services
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Academy of Family Physicians
• American Dietetic Association
• Australian National Health and Medical Research Council
• Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
• Health Canada

So, please before you try to make me feel bad because I don’t want him to eat a popsicle or your jello do a little research. Just imagine this way what would happen if I gave your dog food it wasn’t use to. Yup a pretty gruesome thought.

I washed my face with what?

2011-12-12T20:35:00.002-05:00

Over the last several months I have been reading several different blogs that I enjoy. A common topic between a couple is "Oil Cleansing" I was very skeptical. Why would oil clean my face. I bet your thinking the same thing. Well I will try almost everything at least once. So tonight I "Oil Cleansed". So far my face very soft and smooth. Not greasy at all! So this is what I did. I mixed equal parts castor oil and olive oil. Using my finger tips I massaged the oil mixture all over my face. next I took a wash cloth and ran it under HOT water. After ringing the washcloth out I placed the washcloth on my face until it cooled down. I rinsed the washcloth in warm water and then wiped my face off. Viola! I oil cleansed my face. So far so good. I am going to using the Oil Cleansing Method every night for a week at least and check back in with you.

Check back soon!

UPDATE

So I just realized that I didn't explain why you should use the Oil Cleansing Method. Just that I was doing it. Silly me. Can I blame it on the distraction of the cute little boy snuggling on me?

According the chemistry like dissolve like, right? Well what is that wonderful substance that protects out largest organ. You got it! Oil. So what better way to clean the icky oil that has been there all day. With clean fresh oil. Castor oil is a good oil and should at least be one of the oils in your combo. Is is very antibacterial and also cleansing but because of this can also be drying. So that is why you want to mix it with another. Here is a list of oils you can combine it with:

* Jojoba (all skin types, but very desirable for acne-prone skin)
* Sweet almond (all skin types, especially oily)
* Grapeseed (all skin types, especially oily)
* Avocado (dry and aging skin)
* Sunflower Seed (all skin types)
* Olive (all skin types)
* Apricot Kernel (dry, aging, and normal skin)

I did equal parts but that of course is not set in stone. This might change as the week goes on. I encourage you to try and share your experience in a blog comment.

Gobble, Gooble

2011-11-28T18:46:00.000-05:00

Boy was my Thanksgiving weekend was crazy. It officially started at 8am Wednesday and ended 8am today. Wednesday I spent the day baking yummy pies. Thursday was Thanksgiving dinner at my uncle's house. Dawne and Jon came up from Indiana to spend dinner with us. It was awesome seeing them. I stayed up to midnight to try and get some awesome cloth diaper deals and hopefully freebies to! I'll find out tomorrow when I go and check my mail :) Friday we ate breakfast with Dawne and Jon and said goodbye. Then patiently waited for my downstate family to arrive. We got to catch up. And I almost had to visit the ER for stupid allergic reaction. Diphenhydramine to rescue. Saturday was definitely fun filled. We spent the day at Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park. What an amazing Christmas gift from my Grandma. There were 25 of us there. After we had a family dinner, all 30 of us, in a single wide trailer :) We adults got to go out for a bit too Yesterday I attempted to catch up on the laundry when my BRAND NEW dryer decided to shred the belt. UGH! Oh well today is Monday and I am back to work.

My not so dirty little secret

2011-11-19T14:17:00.000-05:00

Many people don’t know that I have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I don’t know if I would call it a secret, I just don’t go around telling people. I was diagnosed while in high school. I think it was around my sophomore year. It is hard to say when RA hit me. I remember dealing with pain for a good portion of my life. The medications you are put on can be nasty with horrible side effects. So I have always tried to avoid the doctor for that reason. In high school I had to stop swimming due the severity of the pain. When I became pregnant with Xavier my RA went in remission. It was amazing. It again hit shortly after is his birth. At that point it was mainly pain when it came back no disability. I tried new medications. One being an anti-malaria medication. I stopped taking it because of the nasty side effects. I changed my diet and had great results! Now I am back to almost constant pain in my joints and I am starting to lose motion in them. My diet isn’t to horribly bad but not where it could be. Got to love an EMS diet, constant grazing. One of the not so wonderful things that come with my RA is Reynaud’s. It effects the circulation in your hands in feet. Making them blue and cold. As they get warm they turn bright red and burn. Lovely isn’t it? Sometimes in referred to as the patriotic disease because your hands turn red, white, and blue. So now I have to decide how long to endure the pain before I do something more about it.

My favorite outfit --- Emerson

2011-11-19T11:55:00.001-05:00

My favorite baby item, beside the cloth diapers , is hands down my Moby wrap. I am not sure how or why I did not use a carrier with Xavier. I use the Moby for EVERYTHING, literally…lol. Once I figured it out how to use it I fell in love with it. For those who haven’t heard of the Moby and aren’t familiar with it. The Moby is an extremely long, wide piece of fabric that wrap and cross on your body and then place your baby in it. The Moby holds the baby close to you and lets you do things hands free. I wear Emerson everywhere. Weither I am grocery shopping, cleaning or doing pretty much anything else. It spreads the weight evenly so it doesn’t kill your back. So yes my favorite outfit is Emerson.

Some benefits of babywearing are:

* Wearing a baby is convenient.
* Wearing a baby promotes physical development.
When a baby is wore attached to his mother, he is in tune with the rhythm of her breathing, the sound of her heartbeat, and the movements his mother makes – walking, bending, and reaching. This stimulation helps him to regulate his own physical responses, and exercises his vestibular system, which controls balance. The sling is in essence a "transitional womb" for the new baby, who has not yet learned to control his bodily functions and movements. Research has shown that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and are healthier than babies who are not. Mechanical swings and other holding devices do not provide these same benefits.
*Babies worn are happier.
Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry and fuss. In indigenous cultures where baby-wearing is the norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day – in contrast to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day. Crying is exhausting for both the baby and his parents, and may cause long-term damage as the baby's developing brain is continually flooded with stress hormones. Babies who do not need to spend their energy on crying are calmly observing and actively learning about their environment. Baby-wearing is especially useful for colicky babies, who are far happier being worn, but placid, content babies and children will also benefit greatly from the warmth and security of being held close.
*Baby-wearing is healthy for you!
It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with your baby in her wrap, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and "weightlifting". A long walk in the wrap is also an excellent way to help a tired but over-stimulated child fall asleep.
*Toddlers appreciate the security
Wrap are usually associated with infants, but they can be very useful for toddlers as well; wraps can accommodate children up to 35 or 40 pounds. The world can be a scary place for toddlers, who feel more confident when they can retreat to the security of the sling when they need to do so. Toddlers often become over-stimulated, and a ride in the sling helps to soothe and comfort them before (or after!) a "melt-down" occurs. It can be very helpful in places like the zoo, aquarium, or museum, where a small child in a stroller would miss many of the exhibits.
*Baby-wearing helps you and your baby to communicate with each other.
The more confidence we have in our parenting, the more we can relax and enjoy our children. A large part of feeling confident as a parent is the ability to read our baby's cues successfully. When we hold our baby close in a sling, we become finely attuned to his gestures and facial expressions. Many baby-wearing parents report that they have never learned to distinguish their baby's cries – because their babies are able to communicate effectively without crying! Every time a baby is able to let us know that she is hungry, bored or wet without having to cry, her trust in us is increased, her learning is enhanced, and our own confidence is reinforced. This cycle of positive interaction enhances the mutual attachment between parent and child, and makes life more enjoyable for everyone.
* Wraps are a bonding tool for fathers, grandparents, and other caregivers.
Wraps are a useful tool for every adult in a baby's life. It makes me smile when I see a new father going for a walk with his baby in a wrap. The baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions, and the two are forging a strong attachment of their own. Fathers don't have the automatic head-start on bonding that comes with gestation, but that doesn't mean they can't make up for this once their baby is born. The same goes for babysitters, grandparents and all other caregivers. Cuddling up close in the sling is a wonderful way to get to know the baby in your life, and for the baby to get to know you!
*Wraps are a safe place for a child to be.
Instead of running loose in crowded or dangerous places, a child in a sling is held safe and secure right next to your body. Wraps also provide emotional safety when needed, so that children can venture into the world and become independent at their own pace.
*Baby-wearing is fun.
Who doesn't love to cuddle a precious little baby? And when your baby is older, having her in the wrap makes conversations easier and allows you to observe her reactions to the wonders of the world around her. It's also fun for baby, because when she is up at eye level, other adults notice and interact with her more. Your child will feel more a part of your life when she is in her wrap, and you will find yourself becoming more and more enchanted with this special little person.

Have you wore your baby lately?

The Gift of Forgetting

2011-11-12T13:38:00.000-05:00

Memories are amazing things. They mold you into you the person you are and will become. I still find it amazing on what the mind remembers. Or should I say what it allows us to remember. Your childhood is supposed to be filled with joy. I would love to say that us what mine was. I use to say that it was filled with joy. Why because that is the memories I remember. But lately the things that I remember are not happy. If my childhood was a movie it would be aired on lifetime. Those that know me don’t really know me. I have chosen even when I remember to quickly forget. Yes all the experiences have made me, me but I don’t want to categorized by what I have experienced.
Many say that I had a hard childhood. They say that based on my mom raised me as a single mom. I didn’t know my dad growing up. That I was graduated high school as single mom and as an orphan. When you read that it doesn’t sound all that pleasant. If only that was the worst of it. Those are the things I chosen to share. I love forgetting. It hides the emotions that I fear. I don’t want to coddle because of what I went through. I just hope that one day I can help someone going through something similar.

I'm so addicted to....

2011-10-29T20:25:00.000-04:00

Hi. My name is Melissa and I am a cloth diaper addict. I have officially been cloth diapering (CDing) for 8 weeks now! Minus 2 sposies (disposable) because of a family emergency while I was doing laundry. I will have to say that I never imagined that cloth diapering would become an addiction for me. I don’t know how I CD Xavier. Over the last 8 weeks I have grown my stash in size due to realizing that 6 covers weren’t enough, that flats (what our grandmothers used) were nice because they are a tad bit trimmer, and a snappie (alternate version to diaper pins). Also I made the switch to cloth wipes. It was gross having a small garbage bag for just the dirty wipes. It has been an enjoyable learning experience.
Here is what I have added to my stash:
• 12 unbleached osocozy flats
• 2 GroVia AI2 shells
• 1 Bummis SuperBrite – small
• 1 Bummis SuperLite – small
• 1 wool soaker
• 1 snappie – size 1
• 1 medium wetbag
• 1 diaper pail liner
• 1 weekend wetbag (that my aunt made)
• 4 dozen cloth wipes (baby washcloths)
One of the really exciting things is Joann Fabrics now carries a line of cding materials that are cute and fun. I am going to attempt in the near future some of my own covers!

Co-Sleeping: Yah or Nah?

2011-10-26T20:17:00.000-04:00

Working in the medical profession I have been taught that co-sleeping is a big no-no. That if you sleep with your baby it will some how kill them. But I have often wondered how something that comes so natural to do can be be so wrong. With my oldest I didn't co-sleep...that often. In the hospital I had dozed off with Xavier in my arms. When the nurse came in a took him. Then proceeded to tell me that if I did that again I would only be able to have my baby if I was supervised. Well that scared the crap out of me. I never slept while holding him in fear that someone would take my baby away from me. There was the occasionally middle of the night feeding that I would doze off and wake up realizing that I could have dropped him. Ten years have passed and I have become more educated. Its amazing how something as simple as fear can drive an entire culture. We are one of few cultures that don't normally sleep with our young near us. Could this contribute to the problems with our youth? If we immediately show our children that the world is a horrible place, full of disappointment and abandonment, how else are they going to react. Which brings up my situation with my newest little one, Emerson. At 10 1/2 weeks old he has never slept in his own bed. He sleeps next to me, where I can feed him on cue. There is nothing sweeter than feeling a baby's breath on your check while they sleep. Or opening my eyes and having my baby boy look at me with his big gummy smile. People comment on how happy of baby he is and how little he cries. Could it be that I co-sleep? Or is it because he was born in the water at home. Or that he is always close to use in his Moby? Or that he is cloth diapered? Could be one of those or all of those. I am NOT spoiling my baby. I AM showing him that in a world full of hate, that he is loved. I will not be "sorry" when he gets older. My favorite time with him is just before we fall asleep at night, it is just him and I.Here is a good article from Dr. Searshttp://www.askdrsears.com/topics/sleep-problems/co-sleeping-yes-no-sometimes

Blog Stalker

2011-09-08T14:41:00.002-04:00

As I read the tiny screen on my phone I realize I am a blog stalker. I love reading blogs. Granted I have my own. But I truly enjoy reading others. It is my main source of entertainment while nursing. I am not sure if I should be ashamed or if I need mediation. Generally the blogs I stalk are people I know. So that is me just checking in… if they didn’t want me to know then they wouldn’t write it. Reading other peoples’ blogs gives me a sense of normalcy. Almost like a therapy. It makes me realize that other people have gone through similar things. Well that is my random thought for the moment.

What have I been up to

2011-09-08T14:33:00.002-04:00

The last three weeks have been crazy hectic. On August 13, 2011 Josh and I welcomed Emerson James. He came into this world weighing 8 pounds 2 ounces and 22 inches long. Adjusting was not as hard as I thought it was going to be. Don’t get me wrong. It has been almost eleven years since I have cared for a newborn. Also there is major differences since then. I am no longer a single teenage parent. I am also cloth diapering and exclusively breastfeeding at the moment. Soon we will introduce the bottle so that when I go back to work it won’t be so rough on the little guy. Breastfeeding has been kinda crazy. Most of you that know me, know I am not modest. So that portion has been hard to get use to. I have to remember while around other people I have to make sure I am covered. This is hard to do. I have yet to find a nursing bra that not only fits properly but also is user friendly. The other hard thing is making sure the nursing pad doesn’t fall out. I am pretty excited that Emerson and I have mastered nursing while lying down. I don’t know if I could get through the night if we hadn’t mastered that. He always seems to want to nurse when I am trying to eat. I think that is because he feels left out. Cloth diapering has been very interesting. The first time watching Josh trying to put a cloth diaper on Emerson was quite comical. It has had a couple good learning experiences but over all has not been bad. Of course the baby looks like he has a big ole ghetto booty compared to when he wore disposable diapers during the first week. Also we are slowly making the switched to using cloth wipes also. It is a big pain to have a separate bag for the dirty disposable wipes when we could just through them in the wet bag with the dirty cloth diaper. Of course me being cheap refuse to spend a crazy amount of money for something pre-made when I can spend a fraction of the cost on something I could make. So in the near future I will be purchasing fleece to make “designer” wipes. Mommy duties call…Till next time

Adventures in Cloth Diapering - Part 1

2011-08-07T16:25:00.003-04:00

So I have to admit less than 10 months ago cloth diapering frightened me. I didn’t want anything to do with it. For one the extra amount of laundry along with the cleaning process was a turn off. I mean who really enjoys playing with someone else’s poop. Ewwww. After reading a friend’s blog and being encouraged by my midwife and her apprentice I gave it a little more thought. It is way better for the environment and we would be saving a TON of money. Still for my baby registries I registered for disposable diapers because I still was terrified of cloth diapering. At around 7 months pregnant I began to research cloth diapers. Instantly I was overwhelmed. I had no idea there were so many choices – All in ones, covers, 2 in ones, pockets, prefolds, and soakers just to name a few of the things I came across. Several nights I thought my head was going to explode! I was pretty much ready to throw in the towel and use disposables. At around this point I was referred to a store in Traverse City called Green Island. We didn’t go in immediately. I waited a couple weeks and then finally 5 days before my due date Josh and I ventured in. We were able to touch everything and were able to ask the questions we had. This was nice to finally do. I finally felt like cloth diapering was something I might be able to handle. Did you know that there is no solid poop in breastfeed babies until they are introduced solid food? We were told that this makes washing extremely easy. On my due date (no signs of labor yet) we headed over to Green Island to make our cloth diaper purchase.
This is what we got:
• 12 infant size unbleached prefolds – fits 7lbs-15lbs
• 24 large size unbleached prefolds – fits 15lbs-30lbs
• 6 GroVia Shells – fits newborn to toddler
• 1 medium size wet bag – for diaper bag
• 1 diaper pail liner
• 6 sample packs of Tiny Bubbles diaper detergent
For this hefty purchase we spent less than $240. This should last our entire diapering experience. Eventually we might need to purchase 12 more large size prefolds once the baby gets bigger. With this stock in the beginning will make so that I should only have to do diaper laundry every 3rd day. To prepare the prefolds for wearing I had to wash and dry them using hot water 4 times to insure proper absorbency. After that it becomes a 3 part process when they are dirty. First is a cold rinse. Then it a normal hot wash using diaper safe detergent. Last is a warm or cold rinse. It is suggested to do cold, hot, and warm so if you lose track or if someone is helping you know where you are in the washing process. For the covers you throw them as they are dirty into the hot wash and then air dry. A little extra work definitely outweighs the expensive cost of disposable diapers. Just a 7 day supply of disposables is around $20. In three months I will have spent around the amount I did on the whole supply of cloth diapers that can be use for several children. Crazy!
Here is a helpful website www.diaperpin.com.
As I am able to cloth diaper I will update my experiences. Baby still hasn’t come yet. Until then Happy cloth diapering!

Me Against the Sewing Machine

2011-07-24T11:18:00.002-04:00

So my journey starts with of course me trying to save to money and do things myself. Where of course part of the time it gets me into some sort of trouble. See I have what some call a “Type A” personality. I like things done my way, perfectly of course. It never turns out the way. Another issue is I am stubborn. Some say it’s the German in me. I think it is just part of what makes me, me. When things don’t go the way they do I get extremely frustrated. Believe or not sometime with outbursts. Much like a toddler who doesn’t get their way. Picture that in your head now. A 27 year old woman that is 38 weeks pregnant throwing tantrum. Kinda comical. So back onto the original subject.

My project this time is what I have referred to as a “Hooter Hider” only because it gets humorous reaction out of most and tends to break the ice about breastfeeding. Which surprisingly is still such a taboo subject in the US. A Hooter Hider is simply a breastfeeding cover. Most ask why not just use a blanket. Well when my baby doesn’t want to be covered while eating his meal he will just pull the blanket off. (Do you eat your meal with a blanket covering you and your food? Most BFing babies don’t like to either.) With the Hooter Hider it has a strap much like an apron so the feeding baby doesn’t expose the “Hooter” to everyone. When I began to search for one commercially made I couldn’t believe how much they charged for a yard of fabric, a little bit of sewing, and some “D” rings. Anywhere between $40-$80 dollars. Sometimes you can find specials or even websites giving them away for free all you have to pay is S&H. I found that shipping itself could be upwards of $15. So I had at first thought that I would go the blanket route. When I had the brilliant idea of making my own.

It took me a week to find the fabric I liked and to gather all the supplies needed. Living in Northern Michigan makes that tough sometimes. So finally yesterday I sat down with my sewing machine (that I barely use) and got to work. I googled several free patterns and decided it would be quick and simple. HA! My beginner sew skills and my sew machine deciding it wanted to do everything but sew a correct stitch made it anything but simple. After several hours I finished my Hooter Hider. It’s not perfect but I made it. What it made me realize is I am definitely not domestic. I would have much rather tear into a car engine or be saving life. What I did deiced is that I am actually going to make a second one. One for the diaper bag and one to go in with the breast pump. I don’t give up easy :)

What are Tinctures?

2011-03-12T10:30:00.003-05:00

Created thousands of years ago by our herbal ancestors who originally crafted extracts by batching plant material with water; liquid herbal extracts have found an almost permanent place to call home within our cupboards. Among the advantages of herbal extracts are their ability to preserve the active constituents, ease of use and their long shelf life. From here we can effortlessly and conveniently add herbal extracts to our water, tea, juice, or they can be taken directly.
This is a great way to administer the healing power of plants to our seemingly excited and aggravated lives. If you live a time sensitive lifestyle and are unable to find the leisure to make your own preparations, then liquid herbal extracts are the most practical products for you.

Single Herbal Extracts- Tinctures manufactured from just one herb. These are commonly used as a supplement to your daily diet.

Combination Herbal Extracts- Tinctures manufactured with a combination of herbs specifically formulated to assist with particular ailments.

Glycerites- An alcohol free extract manufactured with vegetable glycerine as the base. This form of herbal extract is best suited for children, animals, and those with alcohol intake sensitivities.

Benefits of Tinctures
In our pill-popping world, capsules, soft gels and tablets are very popular. Tinctures, however, have many advantages over these modes of delivery. The bio-availability of tinctures is very high in comparison, because unlike pills tinctures don't rely on digestion to break them down. Tinctures are readily absorbed by the body, beginning their work in the bloodstream almost as soon as they enter the mouth. Which is a very significant benefit. Note also that:

* Tinctures can be applied externally as well as internally.
* Tinctures can be stored for long periods of time, even years, without loss of effectiveness.
* Tinctures can be taken relatively accurately because they are administered in drops.

Why are tinctures alcohol based?

Not only is the alcohol in our tinctures indispensable for extracting the active ingredients of an herb, it is also needed to stabilize and preserve them. As well as limiting microbial activity, alcohol has the ability to inhibit enzymatic or hydrolytic reactions in plant extracts.

Alcohol plays the role of a carrier substance conveying active ingredients within the body. Beyond that, it has been scientifically proven that small amounts of alcohol actually enhance the immune system and its defenses.

The amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you'll be surprised to learn, is about the same as what you'd find in an overly ripe banana!

Should one desire, however, the alcohol in a tincture can be almost completely removed by simply adding the required drops to some water that has been brought to a boil. Because alcohol evaporates very easily, almost all of the alcohol will be removed by this method without harm to the medicinal properties of the tinctured herbs. The resulting mixture can be taken as soon as it cools enough to be consumed.

Why do tinctures taste bad?

Many people comment on the sometimes unpleasant taste of tinctures. This is a result of the herbs themselves, which can have a sharp, robust flavour. Often it seems that the stronger and more effective the herbal tincture is, the more pronounced the taste will be. Sometimes the best way to take the recommended dose of a tincture is to put the drops in a bit of water and gulp the whole thing down quickly.

In fact, the taste of a tincture is an important factor in its overall efficacy as the body learns to associate the taste with the healing effects specific to the remedy. It does not take long for the body to register a remedy's taste, which in turn triggers a response in the body, predisposing it and making it receptive to the positive healing properties of the remedy, whether it is a single herb or synergistic combination of herbs. Understanding this process may make taking tinctures a little easier to get used to!

Many tinctures may add to the efficacy of a herbal tea, and this provides a very pleasant way to take a herbal tinctures. For example, in order to enjoy the benefits of a herbal tea a person must often consume rather a lot of it, sometimes five or six cups! However, a dose of Lemon Balm Single Tincture in a cup of Lemon Balm tea boosts the effectiveness of the tea.

Why I Chose a Midwife and Homebirth

2011-02-21T14:51:00.002-05:00

Since I have become pregnant I have been constantly questioned on why we had chosen to have a homebirth instead of a hospital birth. After having an appointment with both a Midwife and an OB it has proven to me over again why I made the decision.
At my second appointment with our midwife she gave me a wonderful folder of information. As I browsed through it I made me feel as though I was making the perfect decision in bringing my new little gift of life into this world. She was a very warm person that made me feel completely comfortable with her helping with my new little one. I was with her for over an hour and not once was look down for my thoughts or beliefs. She was able to answer all my questions and not make feel like I was making the wrong decisions.
A few of the handouts from the midwife included:
*Healthy eating suggestions
*The proper way to prepare GREAT LAKES fish. (Cleaning, filleting, & cooking)
*Safe herbs and herbs to avoid
*A 3 day food dairy
* A congratulations letter personally from the midwife
*A note for the expectant dad
*A list of things to have ready for the birth day
Per the midwifes request I obtained a back-up OB. So that the basic blood work done (CBC, Hep B, & Thyroid) and then if I wanted an ultrasound done. At my first OB appointment the rushed me into the bathroom to pee in a cup and then to take my vitals. Afterwards the nurse told me it was time for my “dating” ultrasound. When I politely declined I was immediately given a dirty look and questioned why. After that I was left in hall alone. Not really sure what or where I was suppose to go. Another nurse took me to a back room and began with a long list of questions. This took over 45 minutes long. When I didn’t want certain tests done she began to suggest that I was killing my baby. When it came to part of questioning where I was asked what I take a normal basis I received another weird look from her. Here is what I take on a daily basis:
*Nature’s Sunshine Prenatal
*Nature’s Sunshine Ionic Minerals
*Barlean’s Essential Woman (good fats)
I didn’t mention the fact that a generally take herbal infusions also to keep my minerals up. So told me I was too young and didn’t need the minerals or good fats. This made me chuckle to myself. After the long list of questions I finally was able to meet the OB. Who had a firm grip to his hand shake. He not once looked me in the eyes. He was friendly but immediately told me I was harming my unborn child by having him/her at home. I was with the OB for a short period of time, maybe 10 minutes and then I was told to make an appointment for an ultrasound. At the last minute the nurse came in said she needed to listen to fetal heart tones (FHT). She kept referring to the baby as a “he” and then asked if my midwife was capable of using a Doppler to listen to FHT or used a fetoscope. She depended on the Doppler to tell her how fast the heart was beating. At this time I was given a folder of paperwork and given the orders for the blood work.
Once home I was able to look the handouts. Not once while looking at all the handouts did I feel all of warm fuzzy feelings should have while pregnancy. If I didn’t have the knowledge of pregnancy and childbirth that I do it would have scared the crap out of me. Everything in the packet was stuff that could go wrong. The only positive piece of paper that was in there was on breastfeeding.

People are constantly questioning and out intrigue that I have decided on a homebirth and midwife with this pregnancy. Now after visiting with an OB I know that I have made the PERFECT decision for myself and my unborn child.

What is Colon Hydrotherapy...

2010-08-17T15:51:00.001-04:00

Commonly referred to as a colonic, high colonic or colonic irrigation, colon hydrotherapy is the cleansing of the colon with pure, filtered water. Colon hydrotherapy has been used for thousands of years to cleanse the colon of impacted waste matter, relieve constipation, and stimulate the peristaltic movement of the colon for improved eliminations.

The colon is responsible for removing toxins from all parts of the body, not just digestive waste. When the colon is functioning properly, it is normal and healthy to have a bowel movement shortly after each meal. However, with the typical modern diet of overcooked, processed and refined foods, chronic constipation and digestive problems are on the rise. In addition, many people do not drink enough water, consuming primarily coffee, sodas, and sugar-laden fruit drinks. The caffeine and acids in coffee and sodas can dehydrate the intestines and promote the breakdown of healthy flora in the digestive tract, while the sugar in many of our foods and drinks feeds the unhealthy bacteria and Candida, leading to overgrowth of yeast. Mental and emotional stress, which are so prevalent in our fast-paced society, can also interfere with proper digestion and elimination.

Unfortunately, when people experience constipation or digestive trouble, they often turn to laxatives for relief. Most laxatives work by irritating the colon wall so that it will contract unnaturally. Over time, these laxatives can become habit-forming, as the colon will no longer move without this stimulation. Fortunately, colon hydrotherapy is safe, gentle and effective and will not lead to dependency. In fact, the expansion and contraction of the colon as the water fills and releases will help to tone and strengthen the colon muscle over time.

Clients often wonder if an enema does the same thing. An enema flushes out approximately 5-10 inches of the lower portion of the colon. After filling with water or a special solution, the person much rush to the toilet for elimination. With a colon hydrotherapy session, the entire length of the colon (typically 5-5 ½ feet) is gently flushed with water using a closed system where the waste is released through a tube that leads directly to the sewer line. No odor is present and no waste or gas is released outside of the tube.

An initial series of 3 or more sessions spaced 2-3 days apart is recommended. Your therapist will discuss your options with you during your first session. After your series, a maintenance plan of one session per month is recommended.

Call for an appointment today.
The Herb Shop
Gaylord, Michigan
(989)732-1205

Disclaimer: The preceding is for information purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or condition, nor should it take the place of medical advice or treatment.

Arnica....O how I love thee!

2010-07-27T10:37:00.004-04:00

On Sunday Josh, myself and around 10 co-workers found ourselves at Area 51(not in New Mexico in Mancelona, Michigan). There we engaged in 5 ½ hours of pure paintball bliss! We had an awesome time! It was a great way to relieve the everyday stress of life. Plus it was great exercise. Needless to say yesterday I could barely move and this morning was not much better. The bruises are fabulous badges of honor. The muscle pain not so much. I started to give and thought about taken some Motrin. The little voice inside me (Josh) said to take Arnica. It made perfect sense.

Arnica (Arnica Montana) has been used for medicinal purposes since the 1500s and remains popular today. Applied topically as a cream, ointment, liniment, salve, or tincture, Europeans and Native Americans have used arnica to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds. It is often the first remedy used for injuries such as sprains and bruises. Arnica in herbal form is primarily restricted to topical (external) use because it can cause serious side effects when taken internally. Arnica is often used in homeopathy, and should be taken internally only in the extremely diluted form common to homeopathic remedies.

So here I sit taking Homeopathic Arnica 30C every so often so I can still move. Even though my bruising is only a few days old they are already starting to fade away. I just wish now that I would have taken the Arnica to Area 51 so the results would have been quicker!

Pregnancy is Natural

2010-07-23T19:35:00.002-04:00

As I surf the internet and read articles on pregnancy, birth, and all the wonders afterwards I am finding my self shaking my head in wonder. How can something that was at one time such a beautiful thing turn into a horrible medical procedure. That has people scared and not trusting themselves and their bodies. I think that major turn is the amount of negative media. So when I come across articles and websites that support the beauty of life I get excited. Yesterday I came across www.mothersnaturally.org. Mothers Naturally is a public education program from the Midwives Alliance of North America. The goal of Mothers Naturally is to increase the number of safe and positive births by educating and informing the public about natural birth options and empowering women to make pregnancy and birth choices appropriate for their lives. Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) was formed in 1982 to unify and strengthen the profession of midwifery, thus improving the quality of health care for women, babies and communities. As a leader in midwifery, MANA has been at the forefront of developing midwifery credentialing and educational organizations.
MANA promotes:

* A woman's right to choose her care provider and place of birth
* Quality midwife care
* Public education and midwifery advocacy
* Competency in midwifery practice and research in the field of midwife care

MANA's sister organization, the Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery (FAM), is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to midwifery model of care. (Source:http://www.mothersnaturally.org/aboutUs/index.php)

Tree of Life

2010-07-06T12:07:00.001-04:00

Not many people give much thought to the placenta. It is a complex and marvelous organ that is often overlooked and forgotten about. The placenta begins its growth journey at conception where it will eventually be able to take over production of the hormones that are responsible for sustaining pregnancy. This generally occurs around the twelfth week. The growing fetus receives all the nutrients it needs from the placenta. The placenta also works as a massive filter to remove all the baby's waste product. Genetically the placenta is two people. It consists of both fetal and maternal cells. The placenta secretes Neurokinin B. Neurokinin B acts as a force field protecting the baby from the mother's immune system. This is the same mechanism that parasites use. The placenta also starts and maintains labor. Once the baby's adrenal glands have fully matured the baby begins to release cortisone. After this this happens the cortisone forces the placenta to convert estrogen into progesterone. The sudden increase in the progesterone causes production of prostogladins. Once the prostogladins are produced the uterus begins to contract.

More traditional midwives, particularly in other cultures, see the third stage of labor, or the birthing of the placenta, as an important part of the whole birth package. These midwives favor natural methods of encouraging the placenta to detach, rather than resorting to drugs. These methods range from encouraging the mother to cough or breathe out forcefully, to nipple stimulation through breastfeeding the newborn. Instead of cutting the umbilical cord as soon as the baby is born, they wait until the baby's breathing is well established. As long as the cord remains attached, a maximum amount of blood flows out of the placenta so that its volume reduces and it can detach more easily.
It is the powerful, life-giving role of the placenta that has led many cultures to see it as a mystical organ that is to be cherished and honored. In some cultures, it is seen as the baby's twin, companion, or even mother, believed to have its own spirit that must be appeased. Various traditions and rituals surrounding the use of the placenta grew because of these beliefs. Some of these traditions are growing more popular in Western culture today as parents become more aware of the benefits of actively connecting with each stage of the birthing experience, for the new baby as well as for the rest of the immediate family.
Through the ages, the placenta has been honored in a variety of ways across the world. As with other aspects of natural birthing, it is the quest of modern parents to rediscover these rituals and traditions, and then decide which best suits their family and living circumstances.
If you are looking for a way to honor your baby's placenta and cherish the third stage of labor, you may find it helpful to start with a blank canvas and begin by selecting a few ideas that resonate with you and fit in with your family character and beliefs, perhaps adjusting it here and there to suit the practicalities of modern life.
This is a ritual that has long been observed in many countries. For nine months, the placenta acted as the life-giving force in the womb, and this is now transferred to the ground where the placenta can nurture the soil. Interestingly, the word whenua in Maori means land as well as placenta, and illustrates the connection between the two in this particular culture. Burying the placenta under a tree is symbolic because of the image of the placenta as the tree of life. Some cultures also burn the placenta, often with the same idea of returning the life force to nurture the land.
If you choose to bury or burn the placenta, you will need to think of a suitable spot. It may present a challenge to find an area of land with some significance for your family if you don't have your own garden.
As well as nourishing the baby, the placenta contains natural oxytocins that help it contract after the birth, as well as many hormones. It is thought that these chemicals can help repair hormonal imbalances in the mother, as well as encourage the flow of breastmilk, which is why mothers through the ages have routinely consumed their placentas in a variety of ways. There are many recipes out there ranging from placenta stew to placenta lasagna to placenta power shake. Some women prefer to eat the placenta on its own. Cooked placenta has been described as dense and spongy much like liver. Another way to enjoy the benefits of the placenta without having to chew it is to place it in capsules. The placenta is cleaned, cooked, and then dehydrated. Once dehydrated it is turned into a powder and placed in capsules. These capsules can also be placed in the freezer and used during menopause to help with those unwanted side effects.
Prints using the placenta are becoming more popular. The side that was attached to the mother is bumpy and course; the other is softer, so you can experiment with different textures. The placenta can be placed on a sheet of thick paper and will leave a tree shaped print once removed if the cord is left hanging down. This can then be painted over using the placental blood that will later turn brown, or it may be filled in or traced over using ink. Instead of an actual print, some mothers prefer to do more original artwork using the blood.

Tips for Using Placenta

Read, Research, Discuss
Find out as much as you can about your options for using the placenta. Think about symbolism as well as your personal reasons for celebrating the third stage of labor. Try to involve the whole family in the decision-making process. Then make sure whoever will be present at the birth is aware of your plans. Write them into your birth plan, particularly if you are having a hospital delivery and may not know which midwife will be on duty that day.

Be Practical
Make sure there is a suitable container or wrapping for the placenta. If you wish to use the fresh placenta you should do so within about five days of the birth, so you will need to have prepared art materials, or whatever you have chosen to use, before the birth. You can refrigerate the placenta, but this will affect the texture and shape if you want to do artwork. If you need some time to decide on your plans, you can put the placenta in the freezer to defrost at a later date.

Be Prepared
You may move or have more children. If possible, try to accommodate changes. For instance, bury the placenta in a pot that can be transported elsewhere, or leave space nearby for the addition of future placentas. For artwork, you may wish to buy more than one identical picture frame or sheet of special paper, so that the placenta print of a sibling can match.

Decide What to Tell
Generally people won't ask, "So what are you doing with the placenta?" so it is up to you whether or not you wish to share your plans. You may wish to be armed with a few scientific or anthropological details about why you chose to use the placenta, but don't feel you need to justify your decision or even talk about it if you would prefer not to.

The Intestional System: Taking out the Trash

2010-07-05T15:57:00.002-04:00

The intestinal system features the colon (or bowel)—a muscular
organ about five feet long. The colon extracts water from the waste matter
and sends it back into the bloodstream. Nerves and muscles in the colon
regulate the time it takes waste matter to travel through the colon and out of
the body. Friendly bacteria in the bowel aid in the breakdown of waste.
Colon health is largely affected by diet. We eat more sugar and processed
foods than ever before, and we regularly abuse our bodies with various
stimulants and sedatives. In addition, we are all exposed to thousands of
toxins and chemicals on a daily basis (air and water pollution, cleaning
products, cosmetics, etc.). All of this impacts bowel health and function.
Stress and lack of muscle tone can also affect colon function.
For health and well-being, it is essential that this “sewer system” of the
body receives regular cleaning and preventative care.
Transit Time
Too Long—Occasional constipation occurs when waste material stays in
the colon too long and too much water is absorbed from it. Toxins can also
be reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
Too Short—Occasional diarrhea occurs when
waste goes through the bowel too quickly and not
enough water is absorbed. Beneficial gut bacteria
may be lost.
NSP’s Intestinal Pack includes one bottle
each of these products:
Bowel Detox provides digestive enzymes to aid
digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract, as well
as ingredients to provide needed bulk to encourage
proper flow of waste through the colon.
Nature’s Three fiber supplement combines
psyllium, oat fiber and apple fiber to support the
normal function of the bowel. Fiber binds with
cholesterol and bile salts and helps reduce the
amount of cholesterol in the blood, which helps
maintain cholesterol levels that are already within
normal limits. It can also reduce transit time.
Bifidophilus Flora Force® provides 4 billion
friendly bacteria per capsule to help create
favorable balance in the gut. These good guys help
with digestion and promote immunity.
Liquid Chlorophyll provides green energy and
helps cleanse and freshen the bowel and body.

http://www.mynsp.com/theherbshop-gaylord

****Any information on this blog is strictly informational and should not be used as medical advice. Any questions you should consult with your health care provider****

The Digestive System: Giving Us the Energy to Go on!

2010-06-28T12:39:00.003-04:00

The process of digestion begins in the mouth and is
completed in the large intestine. It occurs as food is taken
in, broken down, sorted and re-processed—all in an effort
to convert it into a usable, absorbable form that can be
circulated throughout the body to nourish cells and create
energy.
The major organs of the digestive system include the
mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder,
small intestine and colon. Each of these organs works in
a unique way, but they share a common purpose: to help
digest food and absorb nutrients. These exist in the form
of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Each nutrient type
is handled by the digestive system differently, and each
gets broken down at a different point during the digestive
process; but all are aided by the presence of enzymes.
Digestive enzymes are organic substances that speed up
the chemical reactions that break food down into smaller,
more usable particles. Without enzymes, body functions
would happen too slowly to sustain life. Some enzymes
are produced by the body, and others come from the foods we eat.
This system is subject to many weaknesses and inadequacies.
These include digestive transit times that may be too fast or too
slow, a lack of sufficient enzymes and probiotics, and a deficiency
of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Luckily, we can combat these
through diet, exercise, adequate water and fiber intake, regular
detoxification and supplementation.
Since there are more organs in your digestive system than in any
other, it makes sense to support them with quality supplements.
The Digestive Pack from Nature’s Sunshine combines one
each of these products:
Food Enzymes provides a blend of the enzymes needed to break
down proteins, carbohydrates and fats, as well as hydrochloric acid
and bile salts to aid the digestive process. These enzymes can also
help prevent or relieve occasional indigestion.
Bifidophilus Flora Force® is recommended for daily use to
maintain a healthy balance of friendly flora within the intestinal
tract. These beneficial microorganisms help the body break down
food into easily absorbed nutrients and they promote immunity.
Gastro Health® Concentrate offers nutritional support for the
stomach. The ingredients in this proprietary formula may help
inhibit the growth of unwanted invaders. In addition, Gastro Health
can help soothe stomach irritations and relieve occasional associated
stomach discomfort.

All the products listed above are available at The Herb Shop in downtown Gaylord,MI or at http://www.mynsp.com/theherbshop-gaylord

In can be purchase in a pack for up to 45% off.

****Any information on this blog is strictly informational and should not be used as medical advice. Any questions you should consult with your health care provider****

Since my last post....

2010-06-05T14:12:00.005-04:00

Alot has happen since my last post. Memorial weekend was a blast. Xavier and I went camping out at Standard Lake with a group of good friends. Standard lake is located in Charlevoix County in Northern Michigan. We did some fishing caught a couple small mouth bass and some sunfish. Almost have the veggie garden done. It's nothing special just 8x8 raised. I will post pictures later on. Hopefully I will be able to do some canning this year. June 1st I gave up caffeine. I decided that I depended on it way to much. So today is Day 5 :) I still have a massive headache and I am pretty tired but in the end it will be definitely worth it. Since I was giving up caffeine I decided to do a maintenance cleanse to help my body a long. the cleanse I decides to do is called Tiao He Cleanse from Nature's Sunshine. Tiao He Cleanse®, Chinese [Intestinal] is a 15-day nutritional program designed to help the body achieve tiao he—balance and harmony. It combines Chinese nutritional and Western herbal experience. The Tiao He Cleanse is designed to support the cleansing mechanisms of the body by targeting the intestinal and digestive systems.(http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/products/product/stocknumber3050-tiao-he--cleanse-15-day.asp)
Since starting the cleanse I am definitely more regularly but my face has started to break out. Which means that I probably had quite a bit of toxins built up in my system. So i am pretty excited that I getting rid of all that gunk. I will definitely keep you updated on this journey.
Until next time,
Melissa

Benefits of Breastfeeding

2010-05-23T10:41:00.004-04:00

Why is breastfeeding best?

With the upcoming arrival of your new baby, there are many decisions to be made. None more important than deciding which form of nutrition is best for you and your baby. Numerous government and private industry associations today recognize and promote the importance of exclusively providing breastmilk to babies in the first twelve months of life.

Following are compelling, research-based facts about the importance of breastmilk that may help you to make an informed choice:

Best for Baby:

•Research shows that breastfed infants have fewer and shorter episodes of illness.
•Breastfeeding is the most natural and nutritious way to encourage your baby’s optimal development.
•Colostrum (the first milk) is a gentle, natural laxative that helps clear baby’s intestine, decreasing the chance for jaundice to occur.
•The superior nutrition provided by breastmilk benefits your baby’s IQ.
•Breastfeeding is a gentle way for newborns to transition to the world outside the womb.
•The skin-to-skin contact encouraged by breastfeeding offers babies greater emotional security and enhances bonding.
•The activity of sucking at the breast enhances development of baby’s oral muscles, facial bones, and aids in optimal dental development.
•Breastfeeding appears to reduce the risk of obesity and hypertension.
•Breastfeeding delays the onset of hereditary allergic disease, and lowers the risk of developing allergic disease.
•Breastfeeding helps the baby’s immune system mature, protecting the baby in the meantime from viral, bacteria, and parasitic infections.
•Breastfeeding protects against developing chronic diseases such as: celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and childhood cancers.
The benefits of breastfeeding appear to last even after the baby has been weaned.

Lack of Breastfeeding Increases the Risk to the Infant of:

•Ear infections
•Childhood diabetes
•Obesity
•Gastrointestinal and diarrheal infections
•Childhood cancers
•SIDS
•Respiratory infections
•Allergies
•NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis)
Best for Mother:

•Research shows that breastfeeding benefits the health of mothers.
•Breastmilk is always fresh, perfectly clean, just the right temperature, and is the healthy choice at the least cost!
•Increased levels of oxytocin stimulate postpartum uterine contractions, minimizing blood loss and encouraging rapid uterine toning.
•From 3 months to 12 months postpartum, breastfeeding increases the rate of weight loss in most nursing mothers.
•Breastfeeding offers some protection against the early return of fertility.
•Because breastfed babies are healthier, their mothers miss less work and spend less time and money on pediatric care.
•Breastfeeding women report psychological benefits such as increased self-confidence and a stronger sense of connection with their babies.
Lack of Breastfeeding Increases the Risk to the Mother of:

•Urinary tract infection
•Pre-and post-menopausal breast cancer
•Ovarian cancer
•Osteoporosis

The Magnificent Red Raspberry Leaf

2010-05-20T11:48:00.003-04:00

Normally when someone mentions red raspberry the first thing to pop into my head is the delicious red berry that is full of nutrients and antioxidants. Also how wonderful red raspberries taste when dipped into chocolate. Yum! But, the red raspberry plant has more to offer then it's juicy, tasty berries. Red raspberry leaf is a must for all females. Whether your in your teenage years or in the golden years. For woman Red Raspberry is consider a "smart herb". This means that no matter where you are at it health wise it will go where it is most needed.
Red Raspberry leaf can be used for:
* To aid fertility.
* To promote a plentiful supply of breast milk.
* To help stop excess bleeding after birth.
* To treat diarrhea.
* To regulate irregular menstrual cycle and decrease heavy periods.
* To relieve sore throats.
* To reduce fever.
* To strengthen the uterine muscles for childbirth
* To settle the digestive tract
* To help acne
* To help with PMS
* To ease labor and delivery
* To ease morning sickness
* And many more uses....

Red raspberry leaf is also stock piled with tons of health! Red Raspberry leaf provides a rich source of iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium. The magnesium content is especially helpful in strengthening the uterine muscle. Red Raspberry leaf also contains vitamins B1, B3 and E, which are valuable in pregnancy.

Now the question is how do I take it. The thought of eating leaves off the plant seems pretty out there. Well fortunately for us there is multiple other ways to take it. Red raspberry can be taken in capsule, liquid, tea, and tincture. The teas generally have a few other herbs with them to make them more tasty. One important thing to remember with tinctures is they are made with alcohol. But a dose of the tincture in hot water dissipates the alcohol and makes it safe for baby.

****Any information on this blog is strictly informational and should not be used as medical advice. Any questions you should consult with your health care provider****

Excellent article!!!

2010-05-19T18:00:00.000-04:00

Safer Birth in a Barn?
by Beth Barbeau
© 2007 Midwifery Today, Inc. All rights reserved.

[Editor's note: This article first appeared in Midwifery Today Issue 83, Autumn 2007.]

Our deeper understandings of birth can come to us from the most unexpected sources and at the most unanticipated times. One of my most visceral “light-bulb” experiences came in New Mexico in the early 1990s when I was taking a break from midwifery and selling health insurance to self-employed individuals.

One day I drove several hours to meet with the general manager of an immense horse farm, hoping to sell a large policy to cover his many farm hands. I ended up wandering through some of the buildings, searching for my appointment. I mentally noted as I passed that one of the stalls exuded energy that felt like birth. Peeking in, I found a swollen mare pacing restlessly in the afternoon quiet, deeply breathing and blowing.

We were in the middle of the insurance presentation about an hour later when an assistant breathlessly burst in, saying that “so and so” was foaling! The manager stood up immediately and said, “Do you want to see a foal born?” He was startled when I asked if it was the mare I had glimpsed earlier. When I shared that I had trained as a midwife and it just “felt and smelled of birth,” he brightened and lost his taciturn ways, suddenly eager to talk about what he loved.

Until the next few minutes I did not fully understand that I was in a very unusual place: a stud farm for some of the most valuable horses in the world. This particular unborn foal was worth about three million dollars and was expected to be of much greater value after birth because it shared lineage with two Triple Crown winners. The horseman explained what I was about to see as we hurried over. He was adamant about his instructions, stressing the careful attention to detail needed to protect the well-being of this babe of breath-taking value.

“Don’t let the mare see you; crouch here in the hallway where you can peek over the half wall of the foaling box—the stress of seeing strangers at this time could put the foal in danger!”

“The only person allowed near the mare is her familiar stable lad; even her vet is crouched as small as possible in the corner.” (And he was, hunched on his heels, silent and still, head and eyes downcast.)

“We keep the lights dimmed, because bright lights agitate and distract the laboring mare.”

“You’ll see that we’ve removed her halter and lead—you would never restrict the movement of a birthing mare; foals have been lost for less! She must be free to move any way she wants.”

“She’s been in this box stall (when not out to pasture) for weeks, because she must be in a familiar environment to birth smoothly.”

“There is her usual water and hay in the stall—never restrict their food in labor!”

“Don’t say a word. Any sound might disrupt the birth and a disruption puts the foal in danger.”

With these admonishments ringing in my ears, I crouched in the dim, silent passageway outside the birthing box with several others. We watched the mare birth a huge colt with grace, barely pausing in her pacing as he slid with a thump to the floor. All was quiet and still in the long minutes afterwards as the colt organized his breathing, gathered himself and finally staggered up. He was so unusually large and long-legged that he stood on his ankles, his cartilage too soft to support his weight. Still, the horseman was elated with the outcome, passing off the odd and worrisome appearance with a “give him time, he’ll work it out!”

Ironic, isn’t it? The protocols in the world of animal husbandry to protect an offspring at the time of birth—no strangers, dimmed lights, freedom of movement, familiar environment, unlimited nourishment, respectful quiet, no disruptions—are done without hesitation because to do otherwise invites “unexplained distress” or sudden demise of the offspring. These thoughtful conditions are the norm, along with careful observation to determine when to use the technological expertise in true emergencies. When we have veterinarians in our childbirth education classes, they always start to smile and nod when I tell this story. In fact, what did your mom tell you when you found the cat birthing kittens in the drawer? “Shhhhhhh!” And why? Because she MIGHT STOP GIVING BIRTH (AND move the kittens!). These are givens—instinctive givens, even, for animals of all descriptions!

Yet what are the “givens” for the human who births not in a barn, but in a “modern and advanced” hospital? In many cases, 100% the opposite! Usually a minimum of a dozen strangers pass through the world of the laboring mother in her first 12 hours in the hospital—security officer, patient transporter, triage secretary, admission clerk, triage nurse, resident and/or doctor on call, admitting nurse, first shift nurse, break nurse, additional nurse at delivery, doctor or midwife plus possibly students, anesthesiologist, pediatrician, etc. Bright lights in the triage and labor rooms are challenging to dim. Mothers are tethered to monitors or IV poles and are moved through a bright hall with unfamiliar sounds to a new room in a building devoted to illness/trauma that most have visited once briefly if at all. They receive poor quality “clear liquids only.” They are exposed to voices of others in the hall or chatting by the attendants during contractions and endless disruptions throughout! But then, do we ever find that we have an offspring experience “unexplained distress?” Of course, and at frightening rates! Yet, oddly, many of these disruptions are promoted as minor inconveniences or necessary to “protect” the baby.

Curiously, while veterinarians commonly have to defend interventions in light of the additional cost and the risks associated with interfering with nature, providers caring for human mothers within the medical system more commonly are forced to defend why they did NOT intervene! Consider the high rates of inductions, epidurals, artificial rupture of membranes, immediate cord cutting, cesareans and the vigorous defense necessary to fight for anything different, especially if time is involved (time to go into labor, to progress, to push, to allow the cord to stop pulsation or to get “done” bonding). I’ve recently seen outstanding CNMs and obstetricians sacrifice their own political reputations and suffer departmental reprimands for births with great outcomes where they protected the mothers’ yearning for privacy, allowed extended pushing time with great vital signs or, during a healthy normal birth, followed their intuition and honored the mother’s begging to check heart tones frequently by hand during pushing instead of what the mother considered the massive intrusion of wearing the monitor belt. Interventions are considered to be the ultimate protection from litigation in human care, yet they contribute mightily to the high rates of distress in mothers and babies!

In animal husbandry, the first line of defense for protecting the unborn is to protect and nurture the nutritional needs and comfort of the birthing female. In the case of institutionalized birth for humans, however, in spite of evidence to the contrary, the norm is to act as if the nutritional needs and the comfort of the birthing mothers are of concern to, at most, the marketing and public relations department! It’s an affront to common sense that as a society we are currently more accepting of the needs of foaling mares, whelping poodles and high-producing cows than of our birthing humans. From the high rates of fetal distress, meconium staining and breastfeeding problems, the consequences are clearly devastating to our infants, just as any decent horseman would predict.

Beth Barbeau, midwife and educator, began attending homebirths in 1979 as the 16-year-old babysitter for the “big kids.” She has taught Childbirth Education classes for over 25 years, and recently launched “A New Baby in the House” to meet the unique needs of adopting parents. A life-long interest in providing better support and resources to families after the six week visit led Beth this spring to open Indigo Forest Co.: Growing Healthy Lives, a family-focused store and studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She and her stunt choreographer husband, Christopher, are parents to two homebirthed boys, Jianmarco (7) and Marcellin (5).

Just getting started

2010-05-19T17:24:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone! So I finally am getting started writing my blog. I am just getting started in my journey as a midwife so I thought it would be fitting to blog and share my wonderful and sometimes not so wonderful experinces along the way. When I find interesting articles or helpful tips I will be post them to!