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Cathy Daub to Speak in Marlton, NJ
2008-03-25 05:23:00
Date: April 5, 2008 Time: 1:00 PMCathy Daub, founder and President of BirthWorks, International and author of Birthing in the Spirit, will be speaking at Border's Bookstore in Marlton, NJ.Learn about a unique childbirth philosophy that can help anyone come closer to realizing their full human potential through the practice of human values.
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Mother's Day Contest
2008-03-25 04:10:00
So...I found this Mother's Day Contest while researching Mother's Day Gifts and I thought it was fitting to post since my audience includes moms and moms-to-be! The contest is being sponsored by That Perfect Something a personal shopping service that helps you with your gift shopping needs.I'm going to submit an entry because I am horrific at finding gifts (hence why I'm looking 1.5 months in advance for a Mother's Day Gift!)"In honor of Mother's Day, That Perfect Something is sponsoring the "My Perfect Mother" contest. Let us help you celebrate your Mother. Just tell us in 250 words or less why your Mother or the person who is just like a Mother to you is the perfect Mother. Share what you would do to give her the perfect Mother's Day. Two Mothers will be selected to receive a Grand Prize and a First Runner up prize. Each week we'll post a few entries that really touched us. If you have a picture of your Mother or of the both of you please include it with your entry. Submit...
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Every Cell In Your Body Knows How....
2008-03-24 00:46:00
Read this Excellent Article with Penny Simkin in the Seattle Times.Here's an excerpt:"Cesarean rates have climbed to 32 percent in Seattle, an all-time high on par with the rest of the nation, and an increase of more than 50 percent in a decade. While a direct link has not been proven, infant and maternal deaths are rising, too.'Things are not so marvelous in birth these days,' says Dr. Michael Klein, who studies worldwide Cesarean trends as an emeritus professor of family practice and pediatrics at the University of British Columbia. 'To say it's medicalized is an understatement. It's industrialized. Somehow, Penny remains optimistic...'In 2003, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists gave a nod to elective C-sections requested by healthy moms who want only one or two children. Aghast, other birth professionals cite studies about C-section's hazards, including greater risk of infection, blood clots, death; surgical injuries; increased infertility and a chanc...
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Formula Freebies Cut Breastfeeding Time
2008-03-23 20:58:00
Read Tara Parker-Pope's latest post on her blog, WellHere's an excerpt:"The benefits of breast milk are well known, and national health programs encourage mothers to nurse infants rather than feed them formula from bottles.But hospitals actually undermine efforts to encourage breastfeeding by including free formula in the care packages they give mothers and babies as they leave the hospital, according to a study last month in The American Journal of Public Health.Researchers surveyed about 3,900 Oregon women who had babies in 2000 and 2001. Among those who were breastfeeding when they left the hospital, more than two-thirds said they had received hospital care packages containing formula.But the care packages had a dramatic impact on patterns of breastfeeding. Women who received the packs were 39 percent more likely to stop exclusive breastfeeding at 10 weeks or sooner than those who didn?t receive free formula, according to the report...According to data from the Centers for Dise...
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Penny Simkin Workshop: When Survivors Give Birth
2008-03-21 04:05:00
Visit Here for More Information and to RegisterSpace is limited to the first 50 Registrants8.0 CEUs will be granted for this seminarfor DONA and Lamaze InternationalWhen: Friday June 6, 2008Time: 8:30 am to 5 pmLocation: Old Bridge, NJ 08857ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:When Survivors Give Birth This workshop is essential education for anyone who works with pregnant and birthing women and their families .Approximately one in four women have experienced early sexual abuse, which means that every obstetric, family medicine and midwifery practice is serving survivors, as are professionals in many other fields. Such a history affects a woman?s relationships with loved ones and care providers, contributes to her fears of labor and birth, and affects her attachment with her baby. It continues to challenge her on issues of breastfeeding and parenting. This workshop explores the physical and emotional challenges that a sexual abuse history may bring to childbirth, and ways the practitioner can better a...
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Ellaroo Recall!
2008-03-19 18:21:00
Visit HERE to Learn More about the Recall Here's an excerpt:Hazard: The aluminum rings on the sling carriers can bend or break. This can cause the fabric to slip through the rings and infants to fall out of the carrier.Incidents/Injuries: Ellaroo has received four reports of the rings bending and two reports of rings breaking. No injuries have been reported.Description: This recall includes Ellaroo Ring Sling baby carriers with item numbers 2101 and 2102 printed on the outside of the product box. The Ellaroo Ring Sling has a fabric carrier with two aluminum rings that is worn by the user to carry an infant up to 35 pounds. The carriers are sold in mahogany, mango stone, brasilia and malay color prints. Only sling carriers with lot numbers 03/07 and 07/04 printed on a label, under the size label, inside the Ring Sling are included in the recall.

Lamaze Series: Informed Consent II
2008-03-19 05:34:00
How Do I Choose my Caregiver and Place of Birth?: Making a decision about who will attend your birth and where you will give birth will include a variety of influences. Not only will you evaluate and assess the information about all of your choices, but be aware of the economic, philosophical, corporate, and family influences that may play a part in the decision-making process. Try this System:1. Research the different options- Midwifery/Obstetric model, Hospital/Home/Birth Center birth, Epidural/Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief, etc., Continuous Labor Support/No Extra Labor Support, Safety, etc.2. Outline a Preliminary Birth Plan or Outline your Birth Goals- Based on your research on your options, outline what kind of birth you'd like to have.3. Interview Care Providers- Interview care providers to assess their thoughts on the most important factors in your birth plan/birth goal4. Think About it- Discuss the outcome of your interviews with your partner or other close family me...
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Lamaze Series: Informed Consent I
2008-03-19 05:11:00
What Is Informed Consent?: When you give Informed Consent, you are making a decision about your plan of care with full understanding of the benefits, risks, and alternatives of that plan of care. How do I Give Informed Consent During Labor?: Making a difficult decision regarding your health and the health of your baby requires that you are prepared for the possibility that you may have to make a difficult decision in the first place. I recommend that you write down the following informed consent question schemes and place one copy in your birth bag RIGHT NOW. Don't wait- or else you'll forget. Only choose one- they all ask the same questions in different ways.INFORMED CONSENT1. Is this an emergency or do we have time to talk? - A great first question because you want to assess the urgency of the situation in order to make a well-thought out rather than emotional decision.2. What would be the benefits of doing this?3. What would be the risks of doing this?4. If we do this,...
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Breastmilk Contains Stem Cells!
2008-03-16 20:08:00
Here's an excerpt:"The Perth scientist who made the world-first discovery that human breast milk contains stem cells is confident that within five years scientists will be harvesting them to research treatment for conditions as far-reaching as spinal injuries, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.He believes that it not only meets all the nutritional needs of a growing infant but contains key markers that guide his or her development into adulthood.'We already know how breast milk provides for the baby’s nutritional needs, but we are only just beginning to understand that it probably performs many other functions,' says Dr Cregan, a molecular biologist at The University of Western Australia."Read the full article here.
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A Natural Cesarean....What do You Think?
2008-03-16 20:03:00
Take a look at what doctors in the UK are calling a natural cesarean. It is truly a step in the right direction when you consider the current cesarean procedure (mom may not hold baby for hours after the birth depending on the circumstances surrounding the birth). The BBC has pictures of the "Natural Cesarean" that is apparently becoming more commonplace in the featured London hospital.

Calm Birth Teacher Certification Training in NYC
2008-03-10 21:25:00
CALM BIRTH: New Potential of Childbirth Teacher Certification Training April 11-13th, 2008431 East 6th St New York City, NY Instructor: Robert Bruce Newman. Mr. Newman is the developer and director of the Calm Birth program. He has presented more than 80 training seminars in West Coast hospitals. The Calm Birth method has been presented at the University of Michigan Medical School and at Bastyr University. It is based on programs of the Harvard University Medical School and the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Changes in the medical paradigm have encouraged the development of new childbirth methods. Based on meditation science that is a good model for present medical practice, the Calm Birth method offers women an empowering vision of their body and potential in childbirth. ?Calm Birth is a sublime gift to all of us. It contains the blueprint for reconnecting with birth wisdom on all levels?Doing the practices will transform the birth process and imprint a peaceful beginn...

Lamaze Series Update!
2008-03-10 21:24:00
The Lamaze Series will begin THIS Sunday...sorry for the delay!
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New Series: Lamaze Series
2008-03-06 03:16:00
I am scheduled to take the Lamaze exam in April and so to integrate my blog and my preparation for the exam, I will be incorporating a new series called the Lamaze Series . Its an attempt to help me remember important topics that will be covered on the exam and to educate my readers at the same time. So....stay tuned- I start reviewing material this weekend and on Sunday night, you'll have the first post on Informed Decision Making (Birth Plans, Communication and Negotiation Skills, and Strategies for Facilitating Normal Birth).

Breastfeeding Law in New Jersey
2008-03-06 02:29:00
The LLL website reviews the NJ Laws on Breastfeeding : "In 1997, New Jersey enacted a law that sets forth the importance of breastfeeding, and clarifies that women have a right to breastfeed her baby in public. This was one of the first laws that provided a fine and penalty for its violation."N.J.S.A. 26:4B-42. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a mother shall be entitled to breast feed her baby in any location of a place of public accommodation, resort or amusement wherein the mother is otherwise permitted.N.J.S.A. 26:4B-5,3. a. The local board of health or such board, body or officers exercising the functions of the local board of health according to law, upon written complaint and having reason to suspect a violation of this act has occurred shall, by written notification, advise the owner, manager or other person having control of the public accommodation, resort or amusement of the initial complaint and of the penalties for any subsequent complaints. Thereupon...

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: RISKS OF FORMULA FEEDING
2008-03-04 17:55:00
Breastfeeding advocates usually propose breastfeeding by referring to the benefits of breastfeeding. I think that this normalizes formula feeding and makes breastfeeding "an extra." However, normal infant feeding is breastfeeding! As such, we should start talking about the Risks of Formula Feeding to a baby:US Formula fed infants have a 10 fold risk of being hospitalized for any bacterial infection. Formula fed preterm infants had lower IQ scores (8 points) at age 7-8 years than breastfed premies, even after adjustment for mother's education and social class. Increased risks of SIDS Lymphomas: 6 to 8 times more likelyType-1 Diabetes: 2 to 7 times more likely ObesityUrinary tract infectionsVision troublesAsthmaAnd Many Many More!
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Baby's Right to Breastfeed?
2008-03-04 17:49:00
Someone recently suggested to me that not only should a woman have the right to breastfeed. BUT, we should also consider a BABY'S RIGHT TO BE BREASTFED! I think its an intriguing point, especially considering all of the risks of formula feeding (higher risk of obesity, diabetes, poor eye development, lower IQ- I could go on and on). Where do mom's rights end and baby's begins? To supplement this itty bitty post, my next post will be in the Food For Thought series: FOOD FOR THOUGHT- The Risks of Formula Feeding

Ina May Gaskin You Tube Video
2008-03-04 01:47:00
Its always a pleasure to hear her speak... Check out the video!http://www.youtube.com/user/GaylaGr oom
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Article on Ina May Gaskin- The Matriarch of Modern Midwifery
2008-02-26 17:42:00
Read the article on Ina May Gaskin that appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer and is being picked up by newspapers across the nation. "She Pushes for Natural Birth" was written by Travis Loller. Here's an excerpt:"Despite living on a commune in rural Tennessee, Ina May Gaskin has had the kind of career success most people only dream about. A midwife who never formally studied nursing, Gaskin has helped to bring home birth and lay midwifery back from the brink of extinction in the United States. An obstetrical maneuver she learned from the indigenous Mayans of Guatemala has made it into scientific journals and medical texts, and her insistence on the rights of a birthing mother empowered a generation of women to demand changes from doctors and hospitals...Now, Gaskin has a film in the works that is in keeping with her anti-establishment, freewheeling nature.' We're doing a movie called The Orgasmic Birth," she says. That's not a metaphor. Under the right circumstances, Gaskin say...
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Birth Doula Services in Central New Jersey
2008-02-25 02:23:00
What is a Labor or Birth Doula?A labor doula, from the Greek word meaning "woman caregiver," is a companion to a woman during labor and just after childbirth. Practically, I will facilitate relaxation techniques including massage, suggest labor and birth positions, and provide breastfeeding support in the immediate postpartum period.What Services Will You Provide As a Doula?Information so that You Can Make Informed Decisions:Close contact throughout pregnancy to make sure all questions and concerns are addressed and answered Information on the risks and benefits of all tests and procedures offered during pregnancy and labor Birth Plan ConsultingUnlimited 24 hour telephone consultation and e-mail support Emotional Support to Help You Prepare for the Birth:Encouragement, praise, and affirmationContinuous emotional support during entire labor and recoveryPreserves and nurtures a positive birth memoryPhysical Support for the Hard Work of Labor:Continuous physical support during entire...
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The Business of Being Born Showing in Ridgewood, NJ
2008-02-23 15:41:00
You are invited to view and discuss"The Business of Being Born" Ricki Lake's important documentaryWhere: Unitarian Society of Ridgewood 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ (directly behind King’s) When: Saturday, March 15 at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16 at 7 p.m. Donation: $10 at the door (limited seating, so plan to arrive early!) Refreshments available On Saturday, one of the producers, Amy Slotnick and Vicki Hedley, a local childbirth educator and student midwife, will be on hand to lead a discussion if you care to stay after the showing.The film is 85 minutes long. On Sunday, the discussion will be led by Vicki Hedley. Quiet babes in arms welcome. There will be onsite babysitting (by donation) for children older than infants, but you MUST reserve space ahead. (to do that, call me at 201-652-4662 before March 8.)Who is this for? Women of all ages – mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, grandmothers -- and their partners--who want to learn more about birth practices and matern...

Babywearing Seminar in Atlantic Co., NJ
2008-02-22 14:19:00
The Art of Baby Wearing Saturday, March 15, 2008 11:00 am to 1:00 pmAll Purpose Room at the Linwood Library (301 Davis Ave.Linwood, NJ 08221)Come and join us for an afternoon discussion on the practice of babywearing with local Babywearing International leader Sarah DeRemer. Topics to include: - Carrier Safety- Why Babywear- Choosing a Safe Carrier- Where to Buy a Quality Carrier- Choosing a Carrier to Meet Your NeedsOpen to all caregivers (male or female) and their infants. A separate play area and childcare will be provided for older children.Refreshments will be served. Feel free to bring carriers you currently own to get advice or assistance in their use. Fee: $3.00 per adult, children free - Registration RequiredPlease call Meredith at 609-204-5067 for more information or to register Sponsored by La Leche League of Linwood
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C-sections Rise Again Around the Region
2008-02-21 04:44:00
Reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Josh Goldstein discusses the exponential growth of cesarean sections in the Philadelphia region in the article "C-sections Rise Again Around the Region " . Read below for an excerpt:"There were ongoing differences within the region: Cesareans accounted for 34 percent of all births at hospitals in New Jersey's Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties in 2006 compared with 31 percent in Pennsylvania's Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia County hospitals. The federal report noted that while C-sections at one time were performed primarily when a vaginal delivery would put the baby or mother at risk of death, the surgical procedure is increasingly performed in "births that would otherwise have been normal.

How To Avoid a Cesarean Section
2008-02-20 04:42:00
1. Start your Research at the Start of Your PregnancyAll too often, expecting families start researching the specifics of their birth plans when they take childbirth classes. That is too late! By that time, you've chosen your caregiver and you've chosen your place of birth. By starting to research early in your pregnancy, you can make choices regarding your caregiver and place of birth that are more in line with your birth philosophy.2. Choose your Care Provider WiselyInterview care providers before choosing one. Don't rely only on friends' suggestions or referrals, interview your care provider, making sure to get definitive answers on key topics important to you. Also, make sure they provide you with estimates of how often they perform episiotomies and cesarean sections.3. Make a Birth Plan and Have it Signed by your DoctorWhen you've completed your birth plan, share it with your doctor and have him/her sign each point on the birth plan to signal their OK. Have them make a cop...
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RCOG and RCOM Release Joint Statement Supporting Homebirth
2008-02-14 18:02:00
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (the UK's version of ACOG) and the Royal College of Midwives have released a joint statement supporting homebirths- no doubt to counter ACOG's recent statement on the same. One major difference I noted between the two statements is that while ACOG cited no research or studies backing up their statement, RCOG and RCOM cited numerous studies to provide an evidence-based statement of support of homebirths. The ACOG statement was obviously biased toward the professional and financial interests of American OB/GYNs.Why is it that homebirth is safe for British women but not for American women? Is there something about American women that precludes us from being able to birth safely at home? Why is homebirth good enough for the rest of the world, but not for US?See below for an excerpt:"The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) support home birth for women with uncomplicated pre...
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The Big Push for Midwives' Response to ACOG
2008-02-12 15:56:00
Here is an excerpt from The Big Push for Midwives' response to ACOG:" The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a trade union representing the financial and professional interests of obstetricians, has issued the latest in a series of statements condemning families who choose home birth and calling on policy makers to deny them access to Certified Professional Midwives. CPMs are trained as experts in out-of-hospital delivery and as specialists in risk assessment and preventative care."It will certainly come as news to the Amish and other groups in this country who have long chosen home birth that they're simply being 'trendy' or 'fashionable,'" said Katie Prown, PhD, Campaign Manager of The Big Push for Midwives 2008. "The fact is, families deliver their babies at home for a variety of very valid reasons, either because they're exercising their religious freedom, following their cultural traditions or because of financial need. These families deserve acc...
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New Jersey C-Section Rates by Hospital
2008-02-12 14:09:00
The Star Ledger has published the 2006 C-Section rates by hospital for New Jersey . Looking at a hospital's C-Section rates is a good idea before choosing a care provider and place of birth because it can give you an indication of what you may encounter and of their philosophy on birth and the use of interventions. I will post later today about how you can avoid a C-Section.The rates are really quite alarming. It is particularly alarming because it suggests that 24%-37% of New Jersey women are incapable of birthing vaginally. The implications for humankind are enormous if this is true. I (and many other birth advocates) don't think that humankind is losing its ability to birth vaginally; rather, the high rate of induction, iatrogenic (caused by medical procedures) emergencies, and elective cesareans keep pushing the cesarean rates upward.Here are some of the statistics for hospitals within my service area:Princeton Hospital : 31%St. Peter's Hospital: 38%RWJ Hospital (New Bruns...
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Postpartum Doula Services in Central New Jersey
2008-02-12 01:25:00
What is a Postpartum Doula?A postpartum doula, from the Greek word meaning "woman caregiver," is a companion to a woman after labor. As your postpartum doula I will help ease your family's transition to life with baby. My goal is to honor your experience as parents and help you increase in your knowledge and confidence in caring for your baby. Ultimately, I hope to work myself out of a job!Practically, I will help you learn how to care for your baby (bathing, feeding, diapering, sleeping, umbilical cord care, and circumcision care), teach you newborn massage, provide you with breastfeeding support, conduct healthful meal preparation in your home, do light errands, and provide helpful local resources.I will also provide you with the emotional and moral support you will need as a new family. I like to think that my job is to "mother the mother" by supporting your circumstances, easing the transition, and most of all, listening to you- listening to your frustrations and concerns, your...
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Breastfeeding FAQ
2008-02-10 04:20:00
Dr. Jack Newman, a committed advocate for breastfeeding, recently completed an article called With Dr. Jack Newman at the online publication website of The Globe and Mail, a canadian publication. The lengthy article includes questions submitted by readers and Dr. Newman's responses. Read below for a few examples [Note: The answers below represent only a handful of questions answered by Dr. Newman in the article and many of the answers below are truncated- please visit the link for the full article.]1) Question: "...For a more balanced overall viewpoint, can you think any example when it would not be appropriate for a woman to breastfeed in public or even breastfeed at all?"Dr. Jack's Answer: "...If a mother and baby have the right to be in a specific public location, I cannot think of any situation that would be inappropriate... As for not breastfeeding at all, there are a few rare situations that would prevent breastfeeding. In the baby these are usually rare metabolic illnesses,...
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Two Angry Moms Screening in NYC
2008-02-10 03:54:00
There will be a private screening of the documentary film Two Angry Moms on Tuesday, March 4 at Soho House 29-35 9th Avenue, New York, New York.There will be two seatings: 4?6 pm and 8?10 p.m. Snacks and cocktails will be served in the library from 6?8 pm. Please rsvp to katherine@be-n-balance.com and specify your time preference and the number in your party. Part exposé, part "how-to", Two Angry Moms chronicles what happens when two fed-up moms take on the system and start a grass-roots movement to establish school food programs aimed at reversing the tide of declining children?s health in our country. Produced by award-winning documentary filmmaker, Amy Kalafa and nutritionist Dr. Susan P. Rubin, Two Angry Moms takes a look at what our children are eating in the schools and what we can do to make a difference in our children's lives. With nearly seventy-three million school aged children in America, this movie is for anyone who is concerned with the way children are eating and wa...
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The Right Way to Swaddle
2008-02-08 20:42:00
The Right Way to Swaddle is a semi-recent post by Tara Parker-Pope on her health blog Well on Nytimes.com. Swaddling is an age-old technique that is currently regaining popularity in American society but is still popular in other cultures around the world. Swaddling can help to soothe and calm the baby because being wrapped up reminds the newborn of the womb. Adding loud "shhhhhh"s and swaying can also help to calm a fussy baby.However, if you choose to swaddle- make sure you do it the right way! As the article notes, tight swaddling around the hips and legs can lead to hip dysplasia. So, ensure that your baby's legs have sufficient room to move around in a swaddle.