Whoz Your Doula

Toni's Top Twinkares January 26, 2012

2012-01-26T07:22:00.000-08:00

Okay so I haven't been twinkaring for a while because I went back to facebooking. Gotta love the internet where you can make up your own words and they be accepted as words right? lol! Anywho! here they are my top twinkares of the week.

Congratulations to one Afghan family that beat the odds and had sextuplets without any fertility drugs at all. This was a huge surprise to the 24 year old first time mother who lives in a remote village. A big welcome to the six little ones that don't have names yet. I couldn't have imagined her shock when she was told instead of one there is six!

Okay so you know I love skin to skin! Here are two women who have extensive study on the subject and are very passionate about it. I'm so glad they found each other and are working together to improve hospital implementation of it. The beauty is the connection between midwifery and skin-to-skin. She has stopped catching babies to ensure they are provided with the earliest opportunity to share this special experience with their babies.

Not sure if this pic is true or not but, it makes my favorite pic of the week list. Welcome to the world of midwifery Erykah Badu!

Mostly everyone loves the happiness of a home birth. Babies, Mamas, families, and friends. I saw this video posted by one of my fb buddies and I love all of the born at home tee-shirts.

Of course no twinkare is complete without a home birth video. This sweet video is part three so look for the others on youtube. I absolutely love how there is such a sweet entrance into the world for this little one provided by his siblings. From a doula's point of view it's awesome being able to see the baby rotate after crowing. Enjoy!

Welcome to this world Azheyo!

I was really happy to find out that this article was actually a fake. OMG! the stir it caused on one of fb friends' page. So read it for yourself and tell me what your first thoughts are of it.

Are you an African American midwife or doula of color? If so please take a moment to fill out this submission for a new directory by Sista Midwife. She is taking the big plunge into developing a directory of African American midwives and doulas so help this sista out!

Okay soooo... that's all I have for now. Thanks for visiting and sharing another twinkare with me. Until the next time...

Happy Birthing,

Toni

Drive thru Childbirth Prep

2012-01-25T23:47:00.000-08:00

Waited until it was too late for a traditional class
almost at your due date and not sure what's in store
It's not your first time around and you just need a refresher
looking for a fun and engaging class that will give you evidenced based information
Don't have time for a traditional class

then Drive thru childbirth prep is just for you! This course is available for free for mothers who are little sisters of the Northeast Mississippi Birthing Project and only a $10 donation for all others. Space is limited so pre-registration is appreciated.

Supplies needed for class include:

pregnant woman and partner/coach/doula etc. if available
pillows (as many as you need for comfort
water bottle
yoga mat, blanket, or birth ball
notepad filled with all the questions you have

Next Drive thru Childbirth prep is scheduled for January 29, 2012 2-6pm and will be located at the Link Centre suite #119.

Toni's Top Twinkares January 18, 2012

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, I have been checking out you tube births this week and there are tons of them as you all know! How do you figure out which one to pick as your favorite? Well, every mother dreams of a quick birth but, how many envision a kitchen birth. I love how this mom is like pushing and screaming "not right now". It is a prime example of how some women are while they are in the final stages of labor. For a brief second you feel like not now, I can't go on, I know I can, OMG how can this be happening again to me. AND then, comes the baby! whew! I love the sound of a newborn's first cry. What else is so so sweet! Mix that with the emotional "I can't believe it" and "Oh my Gods" and those first sweet words a mother has been waiting nine months to speak to her child..... well enjoy

I have heard from a lot of women that they are concerned about that drink they had right before they found out they were pregnant. Although no drinking during pregnancy is considered safe, a new study shows that you may have more to worry about if that drink is taken later in that first trimester rather than earlier.

Every time I mention home birth in a group of my black peers I hear "Girl, black folks don't do that!" Well, my sisters, you might find that you are wrong. Did you know a growing number of black women are beginning to birth at home instead of in the hospital setting? In this video the first OB has one standpoint about how black women's health risks in birth are because of lack of education and that big word we keep hearing... socioeconomics. The second OB believes in the ability of a woman's body to birth without the cascade of interventions we so frequently see during hospital births. One woman speaks about how she took the road less traveled by her peers and had a beautiful experience from it. Her doula also discusses how she feels about the role of the doula bringing back the sense of village to the community who has lost it.

So for my picture of the week... I have to prepare you before you scroll the rest of the way down.. It's not the sweet image of a new wet baby nursing in his/her mother's arms. It's not the image of a woman and her sweet blissful smile after having the birth of her dreams... It's not even the scene of a happy young pregnant couple ecstatic about their upcoming birth. Ah sometimes we have to remember that although we think our options of birth are so grim. That dr. so in so is not willing to accept my birth plan as written is the end of the world. That my chosen doula was at another birth and I got the back up. Think to the women in Haiti and in many other countries that are lucky to have some sort of care at all. Those ladies who could, be the one in eight that die.....

Birth Safe, Birth Healthy

Toni's Top Twinkares January 11, 2012

2012-01-11T06:32:00.000-08:00

It's that time again for another TTT!

Everybody loves a dancing pregnant woman! Well, here are five of them.

Are you, or someone you know pregnant and interested in doula care. One of the main things that effects your decision of whether or not to hire a doula is cost. Here is a post to help you know what to expect when it comes to the costs associated with both birth and postpartum doula care.

There is a lot of research going around lately about the effects of stress on premature delivery. This is the entire premise behind how the Birthing Project model works to reduce the likelihood of babies being born prematurely. Mothers are given a volunteer sister friend who will help the mother limit her stress level during her pregnancy and during her initial first months of parenting.

Everybody hears about how beneficial skin to skin is and many hospitals are beginning to acknowledge how important it is as well.

One hospital now has taken the initial skin to skin one step further by promoting a "Magic Hour" in which every baby gets a two and a half hour stretch with no visitors to spend with just his or her parents. No visitors allowed. The hospital holds a 75% breastfeeding rate. hmmm... Do you think there is something to that?

Until the next twinkares Happy Birthing!

Toni's Top Twinkares December 12, 2011

2011-12-10T18:36:00.000-08:00

It's time for another twinkare

1) I love a doctor that gives a care and has a clue about whole health. She even says that the medical community has it all backwards. After you are done watching her video check out herblog with lots more information. She even tells her side of things about whether you are crazy or not to VBAC at home.

2) Have you always wanted to help other mothers with breastfeeding? Breastfeeding USA is training new breastfeeding counselors.

3) Have you wondered why avocado is the new apple a day. Check out why it is such a winner.

4) Yay! Robin Lim has been named CNN hero of the year!

5) I'm so happy the stories of midwives continue to live on. Here is the story of

Anna Grier Midwife

6) Can you believe that only 30% of physician recommendations are evidence based?

7) There is a big debate going on about the safety of co-sleeping right now. Many people wonder how do those who co-sleep do it. Others are opposed to all forms of co-sleeping. One researcher found that there is one factor that lessens a baby's risks of SIDS when co-sleeping. Do you know what that one factor is?

8) So that brings me to my next topic, breastfeeding. If you have read this blog more than once then you probably know how I feel about breastfeeding. No top twinkare is complete without some breastfeeding links right? It was actually good to hear that breastfeeding rates are actually going up. Yay! people are getting a clue! However, the duration is still very much a challenge. Oh and by the way, do you have extra milk? This baby is looking for some.

9) I must be video crazy today but, I can't go without sharing one from Ina May! She discusses how it is easy to scare women about their bodies and how the mother/baby pair's needs should be over that of all others. Midwives should be at the gateway of maternity care! She even mentions the importance of more doulas!

10) While some women are so happy to get the VBAC they want others are happy about their cesarean surgery. One of the biggest things that I have heard lately in terms of why a woman is not a good candidate for a VBAC is the perceived "big baby". How would you talk to your physician if they began to sell you that rap? It's about having a healthy baby after all right? Well, it's all in who you ask. Here's one woman's take on that.

Can't forget my favorite pic today! It's of one full Tia Mowry. Doesn't she look fabulous?

Well that's it. Until the next TTT, Birth Happy, Birth Safe. Hire a doula!

Toni's Top Twinkares December 9, 2011

2011-12-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

I bet you were wondering whether or not I would be back with my top twinkares. Well here I am! I had the privilege of seeing two babies come earthbound this week with two strong mamas so I was a tad bit too occupied to blog!

This video is in honor of all the women who don't have their husband's hands to hold during birth because they are off serving our country. If you are one of those women check out Operation Special Delivery if you need someone to hold your hand during your birth.

I actually got mentioned in one of my friend's blog posts this week so I thought I would share.

This post discusses how midwives empower women to birth. What do you think about that? I personally think women empower themselves with the information that midwives, doulas, and other birth workers give them but, I guess that's basically a matter of semantics. One thing I did like about this article was the information they provided about Sherry Payne. She is so committed to the idea that MANA also holds to unify all kinds of midwives that she holds a CNM and a CPM. Way to go Sherry on that one!

Time magazine number 3 top parenting finding was about how breastfeeding is important to mother baby-bonding. Not news to me but, it's worth sharing for sure.

I'm not quite sure how they are able to keep doing this but, Seven Slings is doing it again! They are giving you 100% off of your sling purchase. that's right pay the shipping and handling and it's yours. Just use the promo code "CHRISTMAS" and it's yours for the shipping. The slings would make a great gift for that new mother you know or if you feel so inclined order one to donate to the Northeast Mississippi Birthing Project.

While we are discussing deals. I saw this giveaway for a Mud Butt Diaper. So if you have a little muddy booty on the way go try to get it.

My favorite pic of this set of top twinkares is:

The picture caught my eye because it was taken in 1979 after the blog author's home birth of her son. It's amazing that at that time the homebirth rate was 12% in that area of Oregon at that time. I wonder if that rate has grown or went down. Birth is truly timeless.

Is your baby at the age for baby food? Here is a great article about making your own. It even gives lots of tips on storing and tells you how you can prepare your baby's food in only an hour per week.

Well that's it. Until the next TTT, Birth Happy, Birth Safe. Hire a doula!

Toni's Top Twinkares December 2, 2011

2011-12-01T22:51:00.000-08:00

Okay so if you know me at all, you know that I am somewhat addicted to fb. I love to read the links that my fb buddies post and share links that I find while surfing and researching. A friend of mine suggested to me, to help me stay off of fb, I should blog more so... here I am blogging more. lol I would like to introduce my new twice weekly post:

Toni's Top Twinkares

Okay, before you ask - I am totally aware that Twinkares is not a word in the dictionary. A Twinkare is a mix between a tweet, link, and share. I'm so excited about this and hope you are too! Finally for me that link I shared on fb last week that I want to reference is not lost in page after page of earlier posts. They are right here for quick access.

1) Why you should stop doing kegals is a post that is over a year old, but, I just read it for the first time and it does shed some light on the subject. Like many other birth workers, I often tell women to strengthen their PF with the age-old Kegals. I did them, my friends all did them, shoot!! my mama probably did them. This post does shed some light on what can be done in lieu of Kegals. This post was so popular that there was a encore.

2) Just how everybody always has something to say about your ever expanding pregnant belly, they also think that you ask them for their two cents when it comes to your place of birth. If you or someone you know is planning a homebirth, then here is some etiquette that you might need to know before you next conversation about 5 Things you Shouldn't say to a Home Birthing Mama.

3)Amy Romano wrote about preterm delivery and how it really is a public health issue.

4) So let them eat dates! A study was done to see the effects of date fruit on delivery outcomes. The results showed that the women who consumed dates in the last four weeks of their pregnancies were less likely to be induced and had shorter labors.

5) I liked this video about How a doula can help before and after pregnancy. It really explains what doulas do for those who have questions about the profession.

How a Doula Can Help Before and After Pregnancy

6) My favorite birth video on you tube this week was of the Birth of Love Gordon. Loved the music and the pictures of Love's grand entrance!

7)Do you like giveaways? Sister's in Cloth is busy over there doing two giveaways and reviews before Christmas. I've gotta get over there and try to win one of those! The deadline for one of them is tomorrow. Boy does time fly when you're having fun. :)

8) Don't stress the baby! A new study finds that maternal separation actually stresses babies out. Why chance putting out tiniest people under unneeded stress? Of course, Nils Bergman has known that for years!

9)information for those of you who think you "have" to have an epidural. There is lots of talk about cutting the epidural off during pushing to help lessen the chances of a mother having an assisted delivery. The problem with this is that once it's off the pain felt by the mother is often unmanageable since the body has to catch up to begin releasing naturally occurring endorphins to help mother better control her pain. This article discusses this idea and discusses laboring down instead of cutting off the epidural as well.

10) ICTC just released information on their black birth survey. It raises concerns about health disparities in black woman and infants. The ICTC surveyed 245 Black women over the last year and received help from Portland State University to complete the numerical analysis. Major issues raised by the survey include

Nearly two-thirds of women did not attend birth education classes prior to delivery.
Nearly one-third of women were concerned about their treatment during the birth of their baby.
The majority of women surveyed have government-paid health insurance coverage.
Over half of the women surveyed were single (not married or in a partnership), and thus without the type of support that having a partner provides.
Only 25% of Black women were still breastfeeding their babies at six months, compared to over 60% for the Oregon population over all, and over 40% as the national average.

I commend Mama Shafia on the work that she has done and continues to do to help save babies and mamas and promote and support doulas and midwives of color. I am still on fire after attending the ICTC black healers and midwives summit in D'iberville Mississippi this past October and hearing Eryka Badu and lots of other strong warriors in our fight to combat infant mortality and maternal mortality in the black community.

Wow I do post a lot on facebook. Ten came before I knew it! Well my favorite birth/baby/breastfeeding google image of the day is:

Isn't it wonderful to see a mother's love for her new baby!

Well until the next TTT! Birth Happy Birth Safe! Hire a Doula!

Honor Your Midwife

2011-12-01T21:40:00.001-08:00

Being a doula, I understand the sacrifice that birth workers make to serve the families that need them. Midwives serve women day or night, whether its raining or snowing, and often miss time with family and holidays for the families that need them. Mississippi Friends of Midwives understands the sacrifices they make and is hosting a great contest to honor the midwife that you love! Make a donation-No minimum or maximum-in her honor. In return your chosen midwife, wherever she lives, will receive a hand signed Christmas Card to let her know she's loved. The midwife with the most honors by dollar amount wins Free Christmas Dinner. So head on over there and show your midwife some love!

The numbers are in

2011-08-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

Okay Mississippi I am not going to rant and rave, like I did last year when the CDC numbers were released on breastfeeding. I am going to say I'm sorry for you not having the information or the support to help make breastfeeding successful for you. This year's CDC breastfeeding report card shows us.......drum roll please....... DEAD LAST in the country again and a drop in our numbers. Big Shocker I know! According to this report only half of all women in Mississippi are willing to even try breastfeeding. Do I need to have a baby to up the numbers for us? Really this is .... okay I said I wasn't going to rant. Mississippi we will continue to be dead last in everything else if we don't start working as a state on these breastfeeding rates. States with higher breastfeeding rates have healthier people period. This is a public health issue that should concern us all. What are you going to do about it?

More and more and more milk

2011-08-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

So you think you don't have enough milk for your baby? Many mothers feel this way at one point or another of their breastfeeding relationship with their baby. Keep in mind that by watching your baby's output you will have a good idea about what his input is. There are lots of reasons why your baby might be fussy at the breast but, milk supply is the first thing most people point a finger to.

Here are a few things you can try to increase your milk supply (not in any order, of course):

1. Nurse the Baby! I know this seems very

self explanatory but, often times moms can forget to feed the baby if baby is very easy going or if a lot of things are going on. One of my good friends recently was telling me how she had to really follow the clock while she was moving because her baby was so easy going he would go hours without nursing. Breastfeeding is supply and demand. The more demand the better the supply.

2. Oatmeal! Yes, a big ole' bowl of oats can increase your milk supply. Add brown sugar, molasses, raisins, whatever your favorite thing is and eat up. Some mothers eat a bowl every morning to ensure the day is full of milkful moments.

3. Atole. A toe what you say? Atole is actually a Hispanic specialty. In the early days and weeks after baby, family and well meaning friends bring atole by the pot to new mothers. It is made a variety of ways with the oatmeal variety being more popular in the US. Most people add strawberry milk mix or cinnamon for flavor. Without this the drink will not be very palatable.

3. Lactation Cookies There are lots of recipes on the web for these surprisingly yummy cookies. The recipes that include brewer's yeast, oats, and flax seed have the best reviews. Bring a dozen or so of these cookies if you are going to visit a new mama and baby. She'll thank you later.

4. Fenugreek has been used for centuries by many women. It is an herbal supplement that can be consumed a variety of ways. Some mothers prefer to take it in the pill form because of it's acquired taste. The powder, if available locally, gets to work faster than the other forms and should be taken under the tongue for fast delivery into the blood stream. You know it's in your blood stream when you have a maple scent. Yes you actually smell like it!

5. Call a Lactation Professional nothing like going to the mechanic for the car to act right! Sometimes it just takes calling somebody for you to see improvements in your supply. Talk over your fears with a lactation professional and see if it is a perceived milk supply issue, a true supply issue, a growth spurt, or any other number of things. It is a good idea to get in contact with a lactation professional very early in your pregnancy. Find a local La Lehce League leader, independent or hospital-based IBCLC, WIC lactation specialist, doula, childbirth educator or midwife to be your go to person for lactation support.

There are many other things you can try to increase your supply. These are just a few of the more common ones that most moms try first.

Big Latch On - Northeast Mississippi

2011-08-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

I was so excited about our Big Latch On event in Northeast Mississippi. We held our Big Latch On in the play area at The Mall at Barnes Crossing. It turns out this was the perfect place for the event. Here are some pictures from it. We will be doing it again next year so mark your calendars now. If you don't have a nursling (like me) come out and show your support. It was a great way to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with other mothers simultaneously all over the world!

whoz your doula

2011-04-15T12:47:00.001-07:00

Upcoming Breastfeeding class

2011-03-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

Breastfeeding Class

April 14th 6:00-9:00pm

$10/ couple with scholarships available

for more information or to register use contact form at:

www.whozyourdoula.com

38% c-section rate in Mississippi

2011-02-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

so I bet you think I am going to make this long post and rant and rage about how horrible our c-section rates are in Mississippi. Well, this time I will do a shameless plug. Don't want to be part of the 38% c-section rate in Mississippi? Well, whoz your doula?

Toni

Oh to be a Mississippi breastfeeder

2010-09-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

My first response to the new cdc breastfeeding report card about where Mississippi stands on breastfeeding. We made it, we are officially dead last on breastfeeding too. You who didn't even try breastfeeding people should be ashamed. How do you not even try to do what's intended for your baby. I don't get it.

EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES I am up to here with it with EXCUSES

We don't do that!
It just seems weird.
I ain't got time for that.
Oh no! I already have to have this baby from down there.
Girl naw! I ain't gonna do that because my mama didn't make no milk
My baby's daddy was allergic to breast milk
My cousin and dem tried to breastfeed and she said it hurt too to bad.
Oh no, these breasts are not for that.
Maybe I will try it.
I can't be eating healthy and stuff. (while smoking during 2nd trimester)
I don't have time for that
I didn't do it with my last baby.
It's going to make my baby spoiled. My mama won't keep um then.
My husband wants to feed the baby.
No way! My friend was breastfeeding her baby and he had teeth.
Ain't nobody gonna be sucking on me.
I gotta go back to work
You know that's a white thang.. black folks don't breastfeed.

What is wrong with you people? Do you think the numbers lie? If you choose to feed your baby
formula from the start you are setting your baby up for a host of problems from birth that will last a lifetime. Even the formula companies put a note on the can of the stuff you choose first to stuff down your sweet little newborns body. What the crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh the crap is formula. Come on Mississippi women don't grab the formula first. It is not a good thing for your baby. I know our reading scores are not that low that you can't turn the can around and read the back. Hello!!!
Do you really want more information. Well read here and here and then you can read here and then here and then here. Oh I'm over it for today. Stay tuned. Watch out Mississippi I am on a personal mission to bring up our scores. Even if it's by one percent. Through education and support for everybody not just expectant mothers. People really need to realize that breast milk is not the alternative formula is. BREASTFEEDING IS NOT BEST!!!! IT'S NORMAL!!! Anything and everything else is a supplement, an alternative, abnormal, a substitute. See your local thesaurus for other names. Okay off the soap box for today.

TONI

Formula Powered

2010-09-17T06:18:00.000-07:00

This shirt Rocks!!

for some.......
this shirt rocks for others.
I'm just glad there is not a shirt that says

My baby skipped the whole breastmilk/formula
thing and went straight to solids

Yeah, yeah you say the age old debate over breast vs. bottle. Well, actually for once it's not. Who is going to sue this company for coming up with this shirt? Do you remember the California mama a while back that was sued for the "got breastmilk" tees? Since they used the word formula, will any of the formula companies sue them? Yeah that's stupid right, because formula is becoming the household name that milk has? A shirt is not going to make or break the mothers decision of whether she breastfeeds or not. Support on the other hand will. Support a mother who is planning on breastfeeding.. now that's advertising.

By the way...Where's the breastmilk powered shirt OLD NAVY?

Toni

:)

2010-08-03T13:40:00.001-07:00

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

2010-06-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

I have been away from the computer for a couple of months. In that time I have been taking care of home and doing lots of reading. One of the books, I have read recently is Monique and the Mango Rains two years with a midwife in Mali. The book was written by a Kris Holloway, a peace corps volunteer during her stay with a midwife during the late 80's early 90's. I didn't really think this book would be so phenomenal to me. I have read other books by return peace corps volunteers but, I think the depth of the relationship of Monique and Kris made this book an exceptional account of a glimpse into a life many of us will never understand. I am not one to give away a movie or a book so I'm not going to tell you much more.
I did a little research, online of course, into the plight of women in other countries when it comes to birth. You know, our biggest complaints here are whether or not to birth in a hospital or at home. The women in many third world countries are faced with life and death decisions. Trained birth providers are so scarce that women die by the thousands just because there was not an appropriately trained provider to attend to her needs.
I know it's starting to sound like a soapbox.................. so off I am going to go. See for yourself one documented account of what birth is like some places. This particular one takes place in Sierra Leone where almost 1 in 8 women die in childbirth. There are 1,000's of mothers and babies that die per year.
Let's look back here to the states. Here, where technology is at it's peak. Here, where transportation is a non-issue with cars passing all times of the night and day. Here, where prenatal vitamins, health care, delivery costs, doctor visits, ultrasounds, and even healthy foods are available, often times free of charge, babies are still dying. What's our excuse? What is the reason why our maternal and infant mortality rates are beginning to reflect that of third world countries?

Toni

50 best birth blogs...

2010-04-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

I was reading over here and she posted about the 50 best blogs for midwives here. I thought I had to share since some of my favorites were listed. Have a good one.

passing it on

2010-04-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

I thought this was worth sharing.... I found it here.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO MIDWIVES, NURSES, DOCS WHO BELIEVE IN NATURAL BIRTH, etc.
I am a licensed midwife at Andaluz Waterbirth Center in Portland, OR. (www.waterbirth. net) The founder of our birth center, Jennifer Gallardo, is currently in Haiti, volunteering as a midwife in the LD&D at the hospital. She says:
"Just saw a 15 year old be brutalized by 5 'midwives' and one doctor. They held her down, covered her mouth, slapped her, held her legs opened while she struggled, cut a huge episiotomy, and pulled baby out. All the while yelling at her." She has only been there a couple days and already has many stories like that one. Prior to starting the birth center in Oregon in 1999, she ran a birth center in Guatemala for 5 years, and also attended hospital births in Guatemala. She says she has never seen women treated so horribly in labor. And of course, this is a place where infant and maternal mortality is very high as well.

She has found a big house to rent that has five rooms we could use for birth rooms, two bathrooms, and space for staff housing. It has running water, and is in a relatively safe area. (I am planning on going to work at it with my infant son.) She is moving forward with opening a birth center there, and we need staff!

We need:
1. Midwives to come volunteer (doctors and labor and delivery nurses also welcome)

2. Students who want to pay tuition for apprenticeship there (as is often the case with birth centers in area of need - the funds must come from somewhere, and the clients cannot pay enough to cover operating costs)

3. Folks to spread the word about this

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN STAFFING THIS BIRTH CENTER IN HAITI, PLEASE EMAIL jesicadolin@ yahoo.com

In dedication to bettering the lives of women, babies, and all those who draw breath on this planet,Jesica

Moby Wrap Sale

2010-04-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

April Showers bring Moby Wrap flowers. From now until May 1 our Moby Wraps are 5% off. Say you saw it on Facebook and your shipping is on me. Tell a friend and you get an additional 5% off of yours when they purchase one. Go to the site and message me your color choice.

WIC and breastfeeding

2010-04-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of buzz about this post about WIC and breastfeeding. She is so right about WIC being different across the states. The MS WIC program is an excellent one. I have really enjoyed working as a lactation specialist. Many of my clients have become friends that I will have for a lifetime.
With all the mandatory changes to all WIC programs lately I think there are great strides everywhere to make it better. The writers min requirements are our min requirements already with the exception of the luxury of a LC. We can make referrals when we need to, but with the loving support we give our mothers there normally is no need. I have probably had to make a referral three times in my four years as a lactation specialist. Normally if we are having a rough situation I can get a more experienced lactation specialist to help. I am available to my clients 24/7 "for real" and they use me that way. I always get texts at 1 and 2 in the morning. I actually have a home visit to make with a mother as soon as her baby is ready to eat again.

I don't think we can blame our breastfeeding rates on just WIC. We need to focus also on the doctor's office or clinic that the mother is receiving her prenatal care at. What about the lack of extensive knowledge some pediatricians have when it comes to breastfeeding? What about the samples they get in the mail? What about the samples they get at the hospital after delivery? We need to also focus on the public's opinion on breastfeeding. We need to make sure that dad's and other family members understand the risks to the baby and mother associated with not breastfeeding as well. As soon as we make breastfeeding a public issue instead of a mother/baby one we will see changes. I can talk to a mother about the risks of not breastfeeding until I am blue in the face but, if her mother is not supportive of it, she still may not be successful. Most people are very concerned with family opinion. There are lots of myths in our society that are making women not want to breastfeed. The fear of pain, isolation, and the all time favorite "you are going to spoil that baby" are what moms are hearing. It is not just the job of WIC to promote breastfeeding. There are a lot of women who come to WIC just for the formula. I know- say it ain't so-, right. A lot of women don't even get on the program in enough time for them to take classes and be contacted by a peer counselor or lactation specialist. Contrary to popular opinion a lot of people already have preconceived ideas about breastfeeding and don't want to hear anything else. Like the people that give the reason that they are not breastfeeding because they did not breastfeed previous children blah blah blah. Well that's another post. Of course, I know I am preaching to the choir but, we should all do our part to prevent the overuse of lower feeding methods for infants. WIC is an excellent program. There are babies that need formula because for one reason or another their mothers weren't able to breastfeed them. What about the mother who works at a fast food restaurant? I can give her a pump in style (which we do offer to our moms returning to work or school) but, is she going to even get breaks to use it? What is her baby supposed to eat while she is gone? There are problems that face the low income mother that others just can't fathom. That's another post too. Note to self blog more
As for the literature given out by WIC, we make a conscious effort to only give out information that is pertaining to the proper nutrition of infants. Breastfeeding. Our office won't even give out magazines that have formula ads in them. I hope all WIC programs are the same. I am fully aware that they probably aren't. As I am fully aware that there are doctors even male doctors who get the utmost information on breastfeeding and there are hospitals who do not give out formula samples, and there are people who do not mind a mother breastfeeding at a restaurant. For every person I can find who is supportive I can find two who are not and that is a public issue not a WIC one.
What is not being mentioned though is that WIC is a supplemental program. Mothers still have to buy some formula when the WIC runs out. It is not a running stream of formula, which is what I think some people think it is. I feel a lot better knowing that some baby is drinking formula other than watered down formula (which I have seen), juice/Gatorade/ soda/water/anything liquid (which I have seen), regular milk( which I have seen), goats milk (which I have seen),or pet milk (which I have seen) in their bottles. Anyway this is already longer than I wanted it to be.
Toni

MS midwives

2010-02-26T20:28:00.000-08:00

I definetly would not sleep well tonight without sharing this post from Kathy about the state of the Mississippi midwife. She has the best rebuttal to the ideas behind why someone even came up with HB 695. Can you believe someone had the nerve to even think, let alone put on paper, that the infant mortality rate would be lower if there were more in hospital births. Whose information are they using? There is also a news report on the subject. So if you live in Mississippi or if you know someone who lives here please let them know that we are not going to let this happen quietly. There is a facebook page where they can go to find out about current efforts by the MS birth community. We want freedom to birth as we desire in Mississippi. We choose to have our babies and would like to birth in the way that we deem is right for our family. Please Mississippi don't take our birthright away.
Toni

why didn't she get any prenatal care?

2010-02-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

I am so tired of mothers being bashed because they did not receive any prenatal care. Before judging look at some of the reasons they didn't receive any. You might understand

1. Difficulty getting an appointment at a time suitable for mother is one barrier and in many studies was found to be the leading one.
2. Long wait times at the primary health providers.
3. Some mothers with other children have problems finding childcare during appointment times.
4. Difficulty finding transportation or the lack of transportation has been proven to be a barrier.
5. There can be a perception that prenatal care is unimportant.
6. Some women do not have care immediately available to them. Others may not have information of where care is available.
7. Shame or scared of being seen in the clinic. This is often a problem with teen mothers
8. Mothers who are teen also are worried about the parental reaction and ramifications to the pregnancy
9. Dislike of the provider or type of care is also a reason some mothers give for not receiving prenatal care.
10. Offensive attitudes from the clinic staff, especially when mothers are teens or having an unwanted pregnancy.
11. Denial, often not wanting to go to appointments because she would then have to face it.
12. Hispanic mothers and mothers with different backgrounds often have language barriers often times making care inaccessible.
13. Depression is also a barrier for some mothers. An unwanted pregnancy often adds to problems if a mother is already depressed or has a form of mental illness.
14. Some mothers do have a lack of or a perceived lack of financial means to pay for care.

Breastfeeding and diabetes

2010-02-18T21:50:00.000-08:00

Just being African American increases the risks of individuals developing diabetes. Some research studying the subject says that this may be in part because of unheatlhy food choices, that are culturally a part of that community. While other researchers believe that it is from the lack of education on the seriousness of the condition.

New research has found that by breastfeeding, this risk can be lowered for the mother and her breastfed child. For every year a mother breastfeeds her children, she reduces her chances of developing diabetes in the next fifteen years by as much as fifteen percent. This is a large percentage for African American women. Some scientist say, even a month or two of breastfeeding offers protection against diabetes. So what about the guys you say? Well, if they are breastfed then their risk is lowered. Research has been found that suggests that the early introduction of cow's milk based infant formulas dramatically increases the outcome of diabetes in those predisposed of it.

Want more info check here and here.

give away

2010-01-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

Molly is giving away the book Birth Space, Safe Place: Emotional Well-Being through Pregnancy and Birth.
Why don't you head over and enter to win it. Or maybe you shouldn't because I really would like to win this book. :)

I tried!

2010-01-14T20:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am ranting today so please excuse me to all of you who are used to my nice, short, calm, subtle posts. Before you read this I want you to know this is not for those mamas that have spent countless hours, days, weeks, even months trying hard to get breastfeeding to work. Neither is this for the mother who medically was unable to breastfeed her child. This is for all you mamas that never put your baby to your breast but, said you tried to breastfeed. Those of you who thought it would mess up your schedule. Especially to those of you who didn't take the time to read the fine print on the back of that formula can that says breast is best but.....

When asked did you breastfeed, what does I tried mean? Personally I had failure to latch, poor supply, emergency c-section, mastitis, plugged ducts, low supply, hospitalized baby, going back to work, failure to thrive, separation, hospitalized mother.....need I go on. I not only tried, I persevered and succeeded.

What does it mean to say you tried?

I do realize that a lot of mothers are still ignoring the proven benefits of breastfeeding. Some of them are not willing to even "try" because they have a preconceived notion that it hurts. Some of them don't want to try it because one of their friends "tried to" and it didn't work out.

It didn't work out? - that's another one what does that mean?

Anyway, I know that there may never be a 100% breastfeeding rate in America. I do not expect every woman to breastfeed. 90% sure would be nice. Of course today I would go for 75%.

I do expect them to hold their babies close to their hearts as soon as they can after birth.
I do expect them to get the information about the risks of not breastfeeding early in their pregnancy to make an informed decision.
I do expect them to get information about proper latch and how their breasts work.
I do expect them to be patient by not offering supplements unnecessarily.
I do expect them to ask for help if they have any pain or discomfort.

The surgeon general recommends breastfeeding. Why don't we see a little warning label on the side of all these cans of formula then? They use it on cigarettes for the hidden risks to unborn babies. Of course, we all know this has not totally stopped some women from smoking while they are pregnant but, there has been an increase in public awareness. The majority of people know that it is risky to smoke when you are pregnant because of the RISKS TO YOUR BABY.

hMMMMMMM, well you are not supposed to choose formula feeding because of the risks to your baby. What is the difference? I tried not to expose my baby to crap that would hurt his/her stomach, brain, body in general, etc. but............................................................., (I want to scream) Why would you intentionally expose your baby to harm? I'm asking. I really would like to know.

Yes, I know your mother fed you formula and you're fine. Is that why you have chosen to do the same thing to your baby? I'm sorry just fine is not fine for my children. I want them to be superb, magnificent, amazing, top-notch, spectacular, excellent, first-rate, accomplished, distinguished, notable, high achievers, incomparable... need I go on. See your local thesaurus. I consider the world's children my own. Do I want the best for them all, yes! ( I never know where my grandchildren are coming from)

So for, you mamas out there that are making this decision to breastfeed or not think of this: People don't normally go around saying they wish they never would have breastfed. They do however wish they would have given it one more try. They do wish they would have had a little more stuck-to-it-tiveness. They do wish they would have it to do all over again. They do wish they would have tried a little harder. Please make the decision for yourself as to whether or not to breastfeed your baby. Don't let anybody else make that decision for you. Not even me.. I guess. Instead of setting out to try to breastfeed set out to just do it.

Toni

You want to color what?

2010-01-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

Okay what are they going to come up with next? I thought that I had heard it all but, guess I didn't. There is now labia makeup for those not so colorful days. lol. The patent is pending on this product that claims to temporarily dye your labia if it has lost it's luster. Really.......... Do you think I'm lying see for yourself at http://www.mynewpinkbutton.com/. Apparently the creator of this new product searched and found other women having the same problem. After speaking with her gyno, she developed this product to paint it pink. Oh, and there is more than one shade of pink. You can choose the pink that suits ya. That's all folks.

Abundance

2010-01-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

Ran across this picture today on abundance. I know I have had days like this.

2010

2010-01-01T19:49:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

another awesome mama

2009-12-18T00:12:00.000-08:00

Another awesome mama having her baby naturally. Very supportive dad and doula.

Doulas getting used

2009-12-13T23:51:00.000-08:00

hmmm. I was reading this the other day and had to comment some on it.
This blog post was very thought provoking. it's true though, we (doulas) are sometimes "Getting used". I know I have heard from nurses. "Oh I am glad you are here". I often wonder what they mean by that. I know a lot of times they are just happy that I will be getting all of the first time mom questions instead of them and that they won't have to worry about other things that I tend to make sure is taken care of for my clients. Sometimes though, I think the nurses are happy that the mother has a guide in the process. A lot of things that the nurses know will help a mother are sometimes things that they just can not suggest.

Some doulas may find it hard to keep the mother at the center of her own birth. Sometimes to be able to step back, or in the case of this blogger, step out can help the mother so much more. We are there to enhance this journey for the mother not own it. I think the best births I have had the privilege of being involved with are the ones where I answered all the questions before hand and the mother used that information to have the birth she wanted. It is hard sometimes in this profession to sit back and just let mothers sometimes do what we feel is not "right" but, we do have to remember that what's good for one may not be necessarily good for another.

We can educate mothers about all of their choices, medical interventions, scientific research, and hospital policies, but, in the end she will and should choose for herself what is "best". That for me is what a doula is there for. The mother should be empowered by the doula to make decisions for herself. This way at the end of the day she was able to journey well.

Liya's Diary from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

2009-12-10T06:32:00.000-08:00

midwife care

2009-11-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

We are getting closer and closer for mothers and babies to get the care they deserve from midwives like that in other countries. With more and more doctors closing practices because of the rising costs of malpractice insurance it is only feasible, as far as maternity care in concerned for midwives to once again become the standard of care for mothers who have low risk pregnancies.
Look here for more information.

Birth Plan

2009-09-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm back. Another thing that needs to be thought of when you are writing your birth plan is it's form. There are two schools of thought on this one. Some people are all for the long 2-3 page birth plans with detailed lists, background info, references etc. Other people are for the concise brief straight to the point birth plan. I personally think both are needed. Let me tell you why. The long descriptive plan will show your health care provider that you have done your research and you are serious about what you are going to do and are not looking into this lightly. It will also show them that you know your stuff and will not be as easily moved on a lot of things. The shorter plan on the other hand is concise, won't take up a lot of time, and gets all your plans across in a fast amount of time. The reason why I think both are needed is because in today's culture we are all about the fast. Our appointments go fast, we eat fast, talk fast, and of course depending on your care provider he/she may want you to birth fast.
By having both plans you have a descriptive one for your doctor to sign off on and a quick reference guide for the hospital staff who could possibly switch out several times during your labor.

BABYWEARING

2009-09-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Happy babywearing week!

http://www.babywearer.com/
A great place to connect with fellow babywearers from everywhere. You might even find someone in your own backyard!

BABYWEARING

2009-09-21T07:07:00.001-07:00

Happy Babywearing week!!
BABYWEARING

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Birth Plan, wish list, Birth wish list

2009-09-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so let's start off with what to call it. There are many schools of thought on what to call your birth plan. The term birth plan is the most widely used but, some people don't like that term because it might lead your care provider to think that you want it this way or no way. Now, depending on who your care provider is this may be a good or a bad thing. Using the term wish list is a little more friendly for some physicians, who may not be used to women birthing naturally or in a way different from "standing orders". This may lead your provider to believe that their is room for change and this is not set in stone and pretty much open for discussion. Again this may be a bad or a good thing depending on your care provider. So think about how you want your plan perceived from the beginning when it is first presented to your care provider. More later, Shalom.

UNNATURAL CAUSES | CALIFORNIA NEWSREEL

2009-09-03T22:03:00.001-07:00

UNNATURAL CAUSES | CALIFORNIA NEWSREEL

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Birth Plan

2009-09-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

In today's birthing environment if you don't want the drive-by birthing of your baby then a birth plan is imperative. For the next two months or so I am going to be providing my birth plan counseling for any woman for free. I really believe that women should know their choices when it comes to birth and nursery care. If you don't care what happens to you and your baby then don't write one. If you have an inkling that you think that you would like to have some control over what happens to the two of you please do not go into the labor room without it. Your birth experience is so important. You will remember it forever, no matter if it is horrible or if it is great. Why not try to give yourself good experiences. So all of my posts for the next month will be related to educating yourself and preparing a birth plan that goes along with your needs so stay tuned for more information. shalom

website at last

2008-07-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

www.whozyourdoula.com

c-section preemies

2008-07-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

It has hit national attention about the rise of c-section preemies. So its not just a bunch of us seeing it anymore. Read this msnbc article for more information. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25193124/

another contest

2008-07-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

Win a Bum Genius 3.0 Starter Kit from Nature's Child - Wholesome Goods for Mothers and Babies

2008-07-03T17:29:00.000-07:00

Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)

2008-07-01T20:11:00.001-07:00

Technorati Profile

2008-07-01T20:06:00.001-07:00

Technorati Profile

why can't we birth the way we want

2008-07-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

I don't understand why we can not birth the way nature intended for us. I do realize that without the modern technology of the cesarean birth that some women would die. Still with all of this technology and knowledge women still do die from childbirth and childbirth related illnesses. I guess even if you go to school forever and a day you still can't save them all. Somethings still are out of our control and left in the hands of the Lord.

ok here I blog

2008-06-29T21:22:00.001-07:00

Ok here I go a blogging.