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New Birth Quote- Share Your Thoughts
2008-05-07 14:00:00
I just found the following birth quote and I thought it was so true, that I had to post it early. I love helping women build their confidence in their ability to give birth! So, share your thoughts- what do you think about the latest quote?"We have a secret in our culture, and it's not that birth is painful....It's that WOMEN. ARE. STRONG."~ Laura Stavoe Harm
More About: Thoughts , Share , Confidence , Birth , Quote

July and September Childbirth Classes in Central New Jersey
2008-05-07 05:39:00
Looking for a Childbirth Class in Central New Jersey ?Interested in a Different Kind of Childbirth Class?Our Classes are Interactive, Evidence-Based, and FUN!Taught by a Lamaze-Trained Childbirth Educator!You Will:Develop Your Inner ConfidenceLearn about Comfort Measures and Pain Management TechniquesLearn About BreastfeedingLearn About Labor Outcomes: VBAC, Cesareans, EpiduralsYou Will Learn:The Double-Hip SqueezeCounterpressurePelvic TiltsFigure-Eights on a Birth BallNot sure what these are? Then you've come to the right place!Morning Star Childbirth Services is organizing two group childbirth classes in New Jersey that will begin in the second weeks of July and September 2008 in East Brunswick, NJ. Classes are taught by a Lamaze-trained childbirth educator. If you are interested in registering for the July class or finding out more, please email me at noelene @ morningstarchildbirth . com or visit this page. I will get back to you within 48 hours.CURRICULUMPregnancyPhysiology of...

Medical Aspects of Breastfeeding Conference in Englewood, NJ May 13, 2008
2008-05-05 14:00:00
About: This conference will provide clinical breastfeeding information for physicians and other health care professionals to support and promote breastfeeding.Date: Tues, May 13Time: 8:30-1:30Cost: $75 (includes continental breakfast and lunch)Topics: Impact of tongue-tie on breastfeeding; breastfeeding in the NICU; medical and surgical aspects of breastfeedingRegistration: By May 7 hereView the brochure for this conference here: https://www.maternalchildhealth.org/asset s/oe_brochure/30_bfbrochure.pdf
More About: Medical , New Jersey , Breastfeeding , Aspects , Conference

5/04 Quote of the Week- Share Your Thoughts
2008-05-05 05:04:00
So, what do you think of the newest quote of the week?"There's not a good history, in obstetric practice, of careful study of the long-term effects of all these interventions. This is why, if you really want a humanized birth, the best thing to do, is to get the hell out of the hospital!"~ Marsden Wagner, MDDo you think he is being impractical? Do you think he's out of touch with the current birthing culture in America? Perhaps you think he's 100% correct. Share your thoughts!
More About: Thoughts , Week , Quote

"Business of Being Born" Screening and Discussion in Princeton, NJ on May 7
2008-05-05 01:46:00
The Women's Center of Princeton University will host a screening of the documentary "The Business of Being Born" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, in 101 McCormick Hall.The documentary examines childbirth in the United States and weaves personal stories of birth with historical, political and scientific insights into the maternity care system. The film was produced by actress and former talk show host Ricki Lake.The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with the film's director Abby Epstein, who also has directed the award-winning documentary "Until the Violence Stops" and stage productions of "Rent" and "The Vagina Monologues." Other panelists will be Stacey Rees, a midwife with Clementine Midwifery in New York and a 1995 Princeton graduate alumna, and Carolyn Havens Niemann, a midwife with Princeton Midwifery Care and a 1989 Princeton alumna.For more information, contact Amada Sandoval, director of the Women's Center, by calling (609) 258-5565 or e-mailing sandoval@princet...
More About: New Jersey , Discussion , Screening

ICAN Meeting May 5th in Pitman, NJ
2008-05-03 03:04:00
When: May 5th at 10AM . Where: McCowan Memorial Library15 Pitman Ave.Pitman, NJ 08071PH: (856) 589-1656Why: Several mamas who recently had VBACs want to share about their experiences and a couple of mamas are planning VBACs. It will be "open mic" format (no formal topic, just sharing/discussion). FYI: You don't have to have had a c-sec to be involved in ICAN -- anyone interested in birth is welcome!Please Register: Email icanwnj@verizon.net or call Kelly at (856)-875-3456. To learn more about ICAN- visit: http://www.ican-online.org/
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Record National Breastfeeding Rates...Or Are They?
2008-05-01 02:06:00
This article debuts the latest national breastfeeding rate -77%- a 20-year high! WOW! The United States seems to be making great strides in re-establishing normal infant feeding. See below for a few excerpts and my thoughts..."About 77 percent of new mothers breast-feed, at least briefly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said."I think that a 77 percent breastfeeding rate is phenomenal but I also think this statistic is misleading. Its miseading because of the three words "at least briefly." That means that the 77 percent breastfeeding rate includes women who breastfeed for 10 seconds and then use formula. I think it would be interesting to see a statistic that separates women who are still breastfeeding exclusively at six months, women who are breastfeeding and supplementing with formula at six months, and women who only breastfed while in the hospital. "The percentage of black infants who were ever breast-fed rose most dramatically, to 65 percent. Only 36 percent were...
More About: National , Breastfeeding , Record , Rates

Infant Sign Language Class in Media Pennsylvania this Saturday
2008-04-29 15:17:00
Infant Sign Language ClassWhen: Saturday , May 3rdTime: 4-6pmHow to Register: Call (610)892-5051 OR email support@familybirthmark.com for more informationVisit: http://www.familybirthmark.com/
More About: Media , Pennsylvania , Infants

Green Parenting: Cloth Diapers
2008-04-29 01:35:00
The cloth diapers of the 21st century are not your mother's or grandmother's cloth diapers (no more pins!). Additionally, not only are they easier to use and gentle on your baby's bottom, they are eco-friendly!How are Cloth Diapers Easy on my Baby's Bottom?EcoBaby, a website focused on helping parents in eco-friendly parenting, reports that Cloth Diapers don't contain the following chemicals and their accompanying risks:Dioxin: Is linked to causing liver disease, immune system suppression, and genetic damage in laboratory animals.Sodium Polyacrylate: Linked to toxic shock syndrome and allergic reactions.Dyes: Known to damage the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver.How are Cloth Diapers Eco-Friendly?Disposable diapers: "18 billion disposable diapers are thrown in landfills each year, taking as many as 500 years to decompose. Disposable diapers make up the third largest source of solid waste in landfills, after newspapers and food and beverage containers--a significant fac...
More About: Parenting , Green

May 6th South Jersey Birth Network Meeting
2008-04-28 02:31:00
When: May 6thAbout: Myth-buster meeting- Get the research-based facts from conception, pregnancy, birth, newborn care, and the postpartum periodMeetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Magnolia Hill Studios, 1425 Magnolia Road, Vineland, NJ 08361. There is no cost to attend the meetings. Childcare assistance and refreshments are available. For more information or directions contact Anna at 856-498-5620 or email sjbirthnetwork@hotmail.com.
More About: New Jersey , Network , South , Birth , Jersey

Fallout from the Diet and Baby Gender Link
2008-04-26 15:54:00
Midwives are concerned at the possible fallout that may result from the recent link found between the quality of a woman's diet and her baby's gender. This article discusses the need for women to be vigilant about quality food intake so that they can provide the best start to their babies.I hadn't thought about this possible downfall to the latest research but their concern seems valid especially when you consider the natural need and desire by both men and women to want full control over their pregnancy and birth. The bottom line is, whether you want a boy or a girl, eating the best that you can can help to ensure a healthy pregnancy, a health baby, and a healthy adult child as well because nutrition during pregnancy can lead the foundation for your baby's entire life.
More About: Baby , Diet , Pregnancy , Gender , Link

Green Parenting: Eco-Friendly Parenting Choices
2008-04-25 23:23:00
I am going to start a short series on making Eco-Friendly Parenting Choices called Green Parenting. Whether you are just starting out or if you are a pro at Green Living and Green Parenting, join us as we explore the many Green Parenting Choices that you can consider.The first installment of Green Parenting will debut later this weekend where I will explore Cloth Diapers.Here's the schedule for the next month:April 27, 2008: Cloth DiapersMay 9, 2008: Elimination CommunicationMay 23, 2008: Detoxifying your Cleaning Products

Is it a Boy or a Girl? Look at Your Diet!
2008-04-25 23:14:00
There was an interesting article in the NYTIMES today on Tara Parker-Pope's Blog Well. Her post explored how a study has uncovered an interesting link between the sex of the baby and the mother's diet duringHere's an excerpt from Boy or Girl ? The Answer May Depend on Mom?s Eating Habits:"Although sex is genetically determined by whether sperm from the father supplies an X or Y chromosome, it appears that a mother?s body can favor the successful development of a male or female embryo....As well as consuming more calories, women who had sons were more likely to have eaten a higher quantity and wider range of nutrients, including potassium, calcium and vitamins C, E and B12. There was also a strong correlation between women eating breakfast cereals and producing sons."This is an interesting study because it has major implications for women in developing countries, who, as the article suggests, give birth to a slightly higher number of girl babies. This disproportionate birth rate a...
More About: Diet , Pregnancy

Free Babywearing/Cloth Diapering Demo in Brooklyn on Tuesday April 22 at NO
2008-04-22 00:12:00
What: Free babywearing and cloth diapering demo class. Participants will be able to try on several carriers (Ergo, Slinglings, KKAFP, Mammas Milk, Moby and Moby D, Babyhawk and Toddlerhawk, Kozy, Ella Roo Ring Sling, and more). Feel free to bring others you'd like to model!The store has just started carrying Bummis, making them one of the only stores in NYC with cloth diapers, so there will be a cloth diapering demonstration if there is interest.Where: At Still Hip (a great used clothing and gear store) in Clinton Hill Brooklyn .'ll have a bunch of carriers folks can try on (Ergo, Slinglings, KKAFP, Mammas Milk, Moby and Moby D, Babyhawk and Toddlerhawk, Kozy, Ella Roo Ring Sling, and more). Perhaps you have others you'd like to bring to model for folks!Contact Information: http://www.stillhipbrooklyn.com/
More About: April , Demo , Tuesday

How You and Your Partner Can Gain Confidence in the Birth Process
2008-04-19 15:31:00
On a doula forum that I participate in, another doula mentioned that her client's husband had very negative images of birth (as a result of his job as an EMT) and as a result, he did not want to be in the room for the birth of his first child. I had a few suggestions for this doula and I wanted to share them with you all:1. Watch Videos of Normal Birth I cannot stress enough the importance of generating healthy views of birth. One way you can do this is by watching videos of normal birth. The videos you watch at your childbirth classes or at your prenatal appointments with your doula may be enough. One of my favorite videos includes Lamaze's Everyday Miracles- an expose on natural childbirth in the hospital. Another is Gentle Birth Choices- a collection of home, water, and birth-center births.2. Use Imagery of Normal Childbirth to... Replace Negative Images with Positive Images. Both the expecting mom and and expecting dad can practice visualizing the birth process. This will help...
More About: Partner , Confidence , Process

Red Tent Gathering in Media, NJ
2008-04-18 15:15:00
Doulas, birth/postpartum/lactation professionals and advocates are invited to join our Red Tent gatherings on the first Friday evening of each month.Schedule:Networking and snacks from 6-7pmBirth/fourth trimester sharing circles from 7-9Cost: $5All are welcome; please RSVP at www.familybirthmark.com
More About: Media , Pennsylvania , Gathering

Free Babywearing Class in Saratoga, NY on 4/29
2008-04-18 14:37:00
Free Babywearing Class Tues. 4/29Where: Haute Mama Maternity, 27 Church St. Saratoga NYWhen: 10amWho: Courtney Hughes, Ellaroo baby carriers (www.ellaroo.com), sling babies leader (www.slingbabies.org)TThese are introduction to babywearing classes that show the main types of baby carriers and how to use them featuring Ellaroo baby carriers and Snug as a Bug Pouches.Great for moms and dads and pregnant couples too!For more information, email Courtney at babyonmyback@nycap.rr.com.
More About: New York , Free

If You Enjoy This Blog.....Subscribe!
2008-04-18 03:12:00
If you enjoy reading this blog, please feel free to subscribe. You can use the subscribe widget in the right column of this page underneath the About Me Section.Enjoy !
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Buyer Beware: Protect Your Baby from Bisphenol A (BPA)
2008-04-17 00:49:00
Bisphenol A or BPA has been in the news lately. According to this article:"The chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), widely used to make plastic packaging products, has just been declared toxic enough to be linked to a host of severe developmental and reproductive disorders common all across the United States. Breast and prostate cancers and premature puberty are some of the disorders associated with exposure to BPA."At the most, this is another reason to breastfeed. At the least (and for moms who pump), this is a reason to switch bottles.However, BPA can be in a host of other plastic products besides bottles- including sippy cups, storage bottles, and food storage containers.The following companies claim that their products are BPA-free:Medela: All bottles Dr Brown?s: Glass Bottles (all vent system pieces BPA Free), Dr. Browns Polypropylene bottles (due in store?s April 15th) BornFree: All bottles and cups BPA free Avent ?Via? disposable bottles Adiri Natural Nursers For a complete list o...
More About: Baby , Breastfeeding , Buyer , Beware

Orgasmic Birth....Revealed
2008-04-15 22:19:00
Many women, when recounting their birth stories, describe an experience called "orgasmic birth." Orgasmic birth pertains to having an orgasm either while in labor or during the actual the birth of the baby as the child is delivered through the vaginal canal. Orgasmic birth can also be associated with labors that are profoundly sexual in nature even though the laboring mom may not achieve orgasm.Some women even try deliberate clitoral stimulation (with the help of their partners) to help counteract the pain of contractions. This is also a type of orgasmic birth, although different from the spontaneous orgasmic birth described above.This might sound crazy to some, because it seems contradictory to the pain in labor. However, its often experienced by women who are comfortable in their sexuality, who trust that their body knows how to give birth, and who are open to all that labor might bring.In an interview with Robin Elise Weiss on on http://www.about.com/, this is how Debra Pascali B...
More About: Birth

Red Tent Gathering in Pitman, NJ
2008-04-15 09:01:00
Red Tent Temple - Day/Night of Nurturing and Healing by Women for WomenFor one day each month, theHolistic Living Studio in Pitman, NJ (20 minutes from Philly, just south of Cherry Hill) is converted into "The Red Tent". The Red Tent is a space where you can take a nap, journal, bellylaugh, spend time in quiet thought with a cup of tea, share yoga, join a talking circle, rest our head, sing our sacred songs, share our stories, educate and mentor your young daughters and sisters, listen to our elders.Here, women are invited to bring our stories, our talents, our abilities, and our receptivity. The Red Tent Temple is open to all women under the common ground we share of our desire to connect, our deep caring for others and our need for taking care of ourselves. Together we can create the world that we the women want.To help keep everyone in touch with our Red Tent, and to help spread the word to others who might be looking for what the Red Tent has to offer, there is a Red Tent Temple...
More About: New Jersey , Gathering

If you Enjoy this Blog - Subscribe!
2008-04-14 19:46:00
If you enjoy reading this blog, please feel free to subscribe. You can use the subscribe widget in the right column of this page underneat the About Me Section.Enjoy !
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Orgasmic Birth - the Documentary
2008-04-14 19:25:00
Orgasmic Birth - the Documentary Orgasmic Birth Documentary Website: http://orgasmicbirth.com/ The documentary Orgasmic Birth is finished and will be released in May. Hosting screenings will be completed around the world. ABC 20/20 will be airing a segment about Orgasmic Birth on May 16th for their special Mother's Day show. They are planning to use some clips from the film, interview some of the women/couples in the film, Dr. Christiane Northrup and Ina May Gaskin, two of the "experts" in the documentary, and they are also interested in talking with a few women who have had "orgasmic" births. If you or anyone you know has had an orgasmic birth, is willing to be interviewed by 20/20, and lives in the metro NY/NJ /CT area...Please contact Debra (debra@orgasmicbirth.com) with their contact info.If you know people who have had orgasmic births any where in the world.. Or powerful, positive, blissful, ecstatic births please ask them to submit their birth story to the web site: http://www...

Breastfeeding Around the World: Brazil
2008-04-13 14:50:00
Over the next few weeks I'm going to showcase attitudes toward Breastfeeding from countries around the world. I think its interesting to see how different countries view Breastfeeding and how these countries are sometimes influenced by the United States. Here's what a student midwife in Brazil had to say about Brazilian attitudes towards breastfeeding:"Here in Brazil breastfeeding is very natural. Since breasts are only somewhat associated with sexuality, but most of all they represent motherhood and breastfeeding. Women breastfeed anywhere and you'd never even think of asking a woman to do anything while she is breastfeeding. There is a cultural belief that you should not bother women during nursing. We see it as the women is already busy, just as you would talk to someone who is busy working. We have many TV commercials for household products, like laundry detergent, where the women are depicted breastfeeding. The mom comes home from work with her sparkling white shirt, picks...
More About: World , Around the world , The World

AWESOME Breastfeeding Ad
2008-04-12 21:50:00
I wish this advertisement were shown in the U.S. The ad below shows the wonder of breastfeeding- attachment to mom and life to babies. Of course, lets be real. This ad could never be shown in the U.S. because of ignorant attitudes toward breastfeeding. The oversexualization of the breast has produced two awkward and contradictory attitudes towards breasts. On the one hand, showing oversized photos of scantily clad women in push-up bras in Victoria's Secret is OK, but breastfeeding an infant/child in front of said store isn't.Those of you who are breastfeeding moms may have gotten disgusted stares or even asked to leave an establishment because other patrons were "uncomfortable" with you breastfeeding. Stand up for your rights- breastfeeding mothers in NJ have the right to breastfeed in ANY public establishment. Inform the manager that they are breaking the law by interfering with you and your breastfeeding child.I have three questions to ask those that are offended by the breastfe...
More About: Awesome , Breastfeeding

Another Birth Quote
2008-04-09 02:26:00
I guess I'm on a roll tonight...I just wanted to share with you another quote that I think really epitomizes the innate nature of motherhood for women. Its part of our being, our core."Just as a woman's heart knows how and when to pump, her lungs to inhale, and her hand to pull back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth."- Virginia Di Orio
More About: Birth , Quote

Birth Quote
2008-04-09 02:24:00
'The beauty of my body is not measured by the size of the clothes it can fit into, but by the stories that it tells. I have a belly and hips that say, 'We grew a child in here,' and breasts that say, 'We nourished life.' " -Sarah, from I am Beautiful: A Celebration of Women in Their Own Words
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Childbirth Classes in New Jersey
2008-04-03 19:38:00
Are you expecting in New Jersey ? Are you interested in group childbirth classes or private in-home classes? LIMITED TIME ONLY: 15% OFF NEW JERSEY CHILDBIRTH CLASSESMorning Star Childbirth Services provides group and private childbirth classes in Central New Jersey.Both our private and group childbirth classes will help you achieve the goals you have for your birth. Whether you are interested in a natural birth or are just looking for information on your upcoming birth, these are the classes for you! Our classes will provide you with compassionate, evidence-based childbirth education from a Lamaze-trained childbirth educator. Also, our childbirth classes can be taken in addition to or as an alternative to hospital-based classes. Learn About the Topics that are Important to You:Increasing Your Inner ConfidenceRelaxation TechniquesPain ManagementLabor and Birth PositioningBreastfeedingNewborn CareMorningStar Childbirth Services provides Central New Jersey childbirth classes to women of ...
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New Statistics on UK Births - Details about Homebirths in the UK
2008-04-03 18:22:00
Here are two new articles that detail the latest statistics on UK births. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/h ealth-and-wellbeing/health-news/the-big-q uestion-what-are-the-risks-of-home-births -and-are-they-greater-than-in-hospital-80 3504.htmlhttp://www.nhs.uk/news/2008/04Ap ril/Pages/Homebirthriskremainsunclear.asp xI actually think that both of these articles were fair and provide compelling evidence for the safety of homebirth.From the first article in the Independent:"It showed that the death rate during labour or after delivery (called the intra-partum perinatal mortality, which includes stillbirths) is one in 2,000 (0.48 per 1,000) for those who planned a home birth that was successfully completed at home. This is nearly half the average death rate for all births of 0.79 per 1,000. "WOW- what a difference!"Does that make home births safer than hospital births? Yes ? but not if things go wrong. The researchers also found that for parents who planned a home birth and then got ...
More About: United Kingdom , Statistics , Details

More Women Delivering Babies by Caesarean Section
2008-03-28 05:04:00
Read the full article hereHere's an excerpt:"In 10 years, the proportion of American women having surgical deliveries jumped by 62 percent, from 800,000 women in 1995 to 1.3 million in 2005, according to a report released in February by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.That means nearly one in three pregnancies now ends with a C-section.Dr. Jerry Yankowitz, director of maternal-fetal medicine at the University of Iowa, said the increase can be explained partially by medical advancements that decrease the risk of a surgical delivery. A number of women choose to have C-sections out of convenience or to avoid some of the side effects of a vaginal delivery.'You put it all together and it gives doctors more permission to do C-sections," said Yankowitz, 49. "Our threshold (for performing C-sections) today would be much much lower than any past decade.''When you (deliver vaginally) you feel amazed that your body can do that,' said Peterson, who had a natural labor with h...
More About: Women , Babies , Section