tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81454211385659460442024-03-13T03:15:49.579-07:00The Beginning of Motherhood: Childbirth educationA labor and delivery nurse, doula, and mother muses about childbirth choices.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.comBlogger356125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-70336833119995161832012-04-05T02:03:00.002-07:002012-04-05T02:03:52.449-07:00Updates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just thought I'd check in to let everyone know that the majority of my blogging time is now spent at my new doula training website. You can find it here: www.trainingdoulas.com<br />
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<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-18081214991481878902012-04-05T02:02:00.001-07:002012-04-05T02:02:36.638-07:00Healthy Pregnancy Exercises<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I'm starting a group at this sight for pregnant moms who want to get/stay in shape for a good pregnancy and birth...please pass on. Sign up then look for New Beginnings Natural Mamas group...</span><a href="http://www.slimkicker.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.slimkicker.com/</a></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-27944305220771413402012-01-17T04:31:00.000-08:002012-04-25T11:40:12.855-07:00Childbirth classes in Maricopa Arizona<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I'm starting up a series of childbirth classes</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. This will be offered cont. on an as needed basis. So e-mail me if you have questions. They should last two hours each</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. The course outline is as follows:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Week 1: Late pregnancy, onset of labor, early labor</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Week 2: Active labor and delivery</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Week 3: Interventions, variations and pain meds</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Week 4: Postpartum, breastfeeding and newborn care</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The cost is $100. I include lessons on essential oils for pregnancy,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">birth, recovery, and infants as a part of the class. If you just want</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">one class that is more tailored to your needs, I can do that for $20 a</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">class and I can meet whenever, where ever you want. I will also offer</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">a class strictly on pain medications during birth for those who</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">desire. It is designed to be 45m and is 15$ a course. The purpose of</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">this course is to help pregnant women and their partners understand</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">causes of pain in childbirth and pharmacologic options for pain</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">management. It will also provide an opportunity to review coping skills</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">which may be used in labor and birth as well as ways to minimize the</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">side effects of medication.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">E-mail me at rachel.leavitt@gmail.com for more information.</span><br />
<div id="__ss_11107535" style="width: 477px;">
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</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-10607537251144876982011-12-16T08:00:00.001-08:002011-12-16T08:04:49.674-08:00Reflexology course<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am just starting up a reflexology course from the Michigan State University. I'm excited to see how to utilize this mode of healing for childbirth. I'll keep you all updated on what I'm learning.....</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-82028114624942647052011-12-14T04:19:00.000-08:002011-12-14T04:19:55.999-08:00The birth plan and the nursing process-a new model.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been working on writing up birth plans in a fashion that is more for the client and doula to make sure they include everything that the birthing mother wants/needs. To do this, I've utilized the <a href="http://www.nursingworld.org/EspeciallyForYou/StudentNurses/Thenursingprocess.aspx" target="_blank">nursing process theory</a>. So, for your enjoyment:) here is a case study I just finished working on for my course.<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span>Case
Study 3</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span>Gestational
Diabetes</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Occasionally
I will be presenting case studies separate from the lesson to help
you integrate the information you have learned as well as reinforce
concepts taught. This particular case has come from a client I had
with the names changed. Her main need did not have to do with
gestational diabetes, but this definitely played a role in her
choices and her goals. I begin with my notes and assessment during
the interview process, then move on to finding out her needs and
planning accordingly. At the end of this, a birth plan was made that
followed her goals and ideas.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Goals</b></span></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To
understand how to apply knowledge of a specific medical diagnosis to
your role as a doula.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To
provide an example of how to incorporate the assessment and
interview into the birth plan and your practice as a doula.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To
provide an example of the all steps in the nursing process.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Reading
assignments:</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pages
244-247 in The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read
the medical terminology in the lesson.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Listen
to the link below:
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://obgynmorningrounds.com/blog/afternoon-lectures/2-72-medical-problems-in-pregnancy-diabetes/">http://obgynmorningrounds.com/blog/afternoon-lectures/2-72-medical-problems-in-pregnancy-diabetes/</a>
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<span style="color: black;"><span>The
Interview, </span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span>Assessment,
and </span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span>Birth
Plan</span></span></div>
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Initial
Interview Data</b></span></span></span></div>
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>First
baby</b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.42in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
had gestational diabetes and took medication for this. She possibly
also had pre-eclampsia. At 37 weeks, she went in for a NST and
found some problems, she was then induced. She labored for a while
and got an epidural. Due to fetal distress, she had an emergency
c-section. During this birth she was separated from her first
husband, but he was there along with her mother. She had a hard time
with him there and didn't want much to do with him.</span></span></span></div>
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.42in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Second
baby</b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.42in;">
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.42in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
had a normal pregnancy and had a planned c-section at 39 weeks. I'm
unsure if VBAC was even offered to her. She had pre-term labor that
was controlled with medications. She had difficulty breastfeeding
because she felt like she was not giving her baby enough milk. Baby
lost weight in the hospital and was <span style="color: black;">supplemented
with formula. This continued at home.</span></span></span></div>
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.42in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>This
pregnancy</b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.5in; margin-right: -0.01in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">She
possibly may be type 2 diabetes but it is controlled with diet. She
has seen a nutritionist for this and wants to avoid taking
medications for it. She would like a repeat c-section because she
feels more comfortable with this. She already has other
complications going on and her husband also feels more comfortable
with this. She is also having numerous urinary tract infections.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Other</b></i></span></span></div>
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
has anxiety/panic attacks but is not taking medication for this.
During her births she had a few panic attacks
and would like help with this. Deep breathing and visualizations
help with this, as well as having a support person close by. She does
not like <span style="color: black;">the
oxygen mask. It makes her anxiety worse. She's okay with it if it
is held close by, but not on. She was frustrated with how long her
baby was taken away after her last two births and wants to make sure
they are with her as soon as possible.</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Care
provider and place of birth</b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
will be delivering with Dr. X. Right now she is trying to decide
which hospital she wants to go to and would like help choosing.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Client
goals or desires</b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.5in;">
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<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
would like to have the baby with her unless there is a serious
medical reason.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Would
like help with breastfeeding</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Help
with anxiety.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Would
like to find a hospital that will support her desires.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wants
help with shoulder/gas pain after c-section.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.51in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.46in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Needs
Identification, Prioritization and Doula Actions</b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.46in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.46in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Physiologic
Needs</b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.46in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Risk
for imbalanced nutrition status related to NPO status during
c-section and gestational diabetes.</span></span></span></div>
<ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-Actions
implemented: Provide clear liquids or other food according to what
is ordered or desired. Plan to have foods that she likes
available.</span></span></span></div>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Risk
for dehydration related to NPO status during c-section.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-Actions
implemented: Remind your client to drink. Plan to have drinks
available that she likes.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Risk
for fatigue related to anxiety about birth.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-Actions
implemented: Address anxiety the day before as well as the day of
her c-section.(See below for actions taken for anxiety).</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Body
temperature fluctuations related to c-section.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-Actions
implemented: Provide warm blankets or heating pads immediately
afterwards. Provide warm fluids if desired. Request warm iv fluids
be hung right after the c-section is finished.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Impaired
mobility related to epidural and c-section. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Help control pain to allow movement sooner(see actions
addressing pain below). </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nausea
related to c-section.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Offer peppermint tea or peppermint oil for nausea.
Offer liquids and foods slowly. A fan may also be used.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Risk
for shaking related to epidural use.</span></span></span></div>
<ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-Actions
implemented: Make sure that warm iv fluids are used
intraoperatively and immediately afterwards. Request warmed
blankets during the operation and afterwards Request warm blankets
while being before, during, and after the surgery. Diffuse
peppermint in the air afterwards or rub some on the feet.</span></span></span></div>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Risk
for itching related to epidural use.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-Actions
implemented: Find something to distract your client from the itching
while it wears off.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Safety
Needs</b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Desires
control related to birthing place.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Research the hospitals in the area to see what their
protocols are regarding infant care afterward, particularly as it
relates to babies born by c-sections and from mothers who have
gestational diabetes. </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Desires
control related to infant bonding.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Make sure staff knows that your client wants the baby
with her as much as possible. Encourage skin-to-skin. </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pain
related to should/gas pain after c-section.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Hot packs to shoulders. Distraction techniques. Get
your client up and moving quickly.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pain
related to incision after c-section.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Ice packs for the first 24 hours, then heat packs. </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pain
related to iv</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Use heat or ice(whichever feels better). Before the iv
is put in, warm the hand where is is going to be placed. </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Information
seeking behavior related to breastfeeding as manifested by desire
for more knowledge and difficult past experiences.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.43in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implementd: Find the closest LLL group. Make sure your client is
able to see a lation consultant. Encouragement. Reassurance.
Place a sing on babies crib that says not to give this baby anything
else by mouth.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anxiety
related to c-section.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.46in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Reflexology. Lavender oil. Music therapy. Encouragment.
Make sure spouse is close by. Teach spouse light tough to use
during c-section.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: -0.02in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anxiety
related to gestational diabetes.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: -0.02in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Point out what your client is able to control(i.e. Food
choices). Focus on signs of good health. Connect them to a
nutritionist if possible. Make sure your clients have any medical
questions answered by their chosen care providers and provide
information they are unablet to obtain.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.48in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i><b>Social
Needs</b></i></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.48in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Opportunity
for enhanced parent/infant bonding.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Provide resources on breastfeeding. Provide resources
and information on bonding.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Risk
for impaired parent/infant bonding related to c-section and
complications from gestational diabetes.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Research hospitals to find one that is committed to mom
and baby staying together. Make sure the staff understands that
your client wants her baby with her as much as possible.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Opportunity
for enhanced relationships.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Discuss plan of care with spouse or significant other.
Make sure spouse is doing all that he wants to do. Discuss what
your clients spouse can do to be involved. </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Isolation
related to c-section policies.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Make sure that someone is always with your client
afterward. Get the majority of the prep work done before your
client goes into the operating room. </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Opportunity
to enhanced connection to the birthing process.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Action
implemented: Allow your client to see as much as she desires of the
c-section birth. Ask to do skin to skin as soon as possible
afterward. </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.48in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.48in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Esteem
Needs</b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.48in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Risk
for body image disturbance related to physical changes and
c-section.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Mirror therapy. </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Opportunities
for enhanced feelings of empowerment.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Make sure your client understands her choices and is
given choices.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Opportunities
for keeping environment focused.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actions
implemented: Request music that your client would like. Make sure
choices made are in accordance with your clients wishes. Speak in
soft tones. Dim lights as much as possible. Be aware of your
clients privacy needs and ask that those be respected as much as
possible.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.42in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Obviously this is not the short and sweet birth plan that you would give to your care -providers, but rather a working birth plan that can be reassessed and changed and is mainly for the doula and her client to understand what exactly the birthing mothers needs are.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.42in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.42in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Because
of the birthing environment we have in our culture, birth plans are
viewed as unuseful and sometimes hostile by some medical personnel.
Therefore, I do not always recommend giving one to the medical
personnel at the hospital, but leave it up to you and your clients
discretion. </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.42in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 1.42in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
the absence of hostility, a birth plan can be a good way to let your
care providers know what your desires and wishes are, so that they
can be prepared to offer you the care that you desire. The one that you write for your care providers will be a lot shorter and mostly just express the birthing mothers immediate desires for her birth. </span></span></span></div>
</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-79050874893310653162011-12-06T03:53:00.001-08:002011-12-06T04:11:31.828-08:00The wonderful world of doula training<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I thought I'd just give you an update on what I am learning and doing with the doula courses. This has now become my focus, so forgive my absence:) <br />
<br />
This has been such a fun journey for me. I love seeing the passion people bring to this topic and I love being able to help add to that passion. Most of all, I love being able to think that I am helping to make a little bit of a difference in a birthing women's life somewhere, because the more people I can train, the more there will be out there to help support and care for women during this time of life. <br />
<br />
Right now, I am working on creating a way to help doula's use a theory that will help in their ability to assess and then provide care according to their assessment. It is a great way to help new doula's in particular utilize the new knowledge they are gaining, as well as help a woman work through their birth plan. It's called the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursing_process">nursing process</a>. While it was made for nursing students, I find it works just as well for those in the doula world. As a part of this, I have been listing just about any sort of thing a doula does for a mom to help with her needs. This has been amazing to see also because the list just keeps growing.<br />
<br />
I also am refining my beginning unit on what a doula is and the benefits of having a doula. That is also pretty amazing to see. There is so much <a href="http://www.childbirthconnection.org/pdfs/CochraneDatabaseSystRev.pdf">research</a> out there on how a doula can benefit a mom. You can check out my<a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RachelLeavitt/introduction-into-labor-support"> first course</a> for free. It describes all those great benefits. Feel free to share with anyone. The course is still in it's infancy, but it's getting better with everyone who takes it, so it's still only $50 for certification.<br />
<br />
And, I have now been able to take on a few postpartum doula clients. So, that's what's up. I'll try and keep up more here on this blog, but most of my research energy is going into my classes right now. I will still try and post any great tidbits I find though here for you guys. <br />
<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-15847569187091348462011-11-04T00:20:00.000-07:002011-11-04T00:21:01.784-07:00New doula certification website<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just got my new website up. It needs work:) But at least it's up. I'm still in the beginning phases, so if anyone is wanting to take advantage of certifying for $50, let me know. I'm debating what to do with this blog, though. It's kind of become my baby, but I think I may retire it soon. I will have a new one up on my new site...and you are welcome to come there. I am also going to work on keeping up with my newsletter and fb page. So check me out here(and I promise, it will get better:)).<br />
<br />
www.trainingdoulas.com</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-36905403627100598212011-11-02T09:19:00.000-07:002011-11-02T09:19:37.634-07:00maternal mortality vs injury related mortality...an interesting contrast<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
"Over the years, researchers and clinicians have made great strides in reducing the number of maternal deaths associated with cardiac disease, infection, and hemorrhage. However, the rate of maternal morbidity from injury has not changed, and researchers now suspect injury is a leading cause of maternal mortality as well as an important, preventable cause of death among pregnant women."-http://hcp.obgyn.net/pregnancy-and-birth/content/article/1760982/1981701<br />
<br />
This is just I thought I had...first off, I'm not not really for or against homebirth...I'm for creating safer, more woman centered birth, where ever that may be. But this quote made me think about how we look at birth. We go to the hospital during birth because birth carries some risk. From this article, though, it is talking about how more women die from injury than in childbirth...so my question is, if we believe we have to be in the hospital to give birth and yet more women are dying from other causes, why do we not believe that we should just always be in the hospital? <br />
<br />
It's a tricky maze of research and logic when we talk about homebirth. This just made me think a little bit more about our reasons for birthing in the hospital and why we feel more comfortable with it.<br />
</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-50926752432520364982011-10-27T21:27:00.000-07:002011-10-27T21:27:36.091-07:00A motherhood blessing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<em>This poem was written by Marcella Capasso, Darin Epperson, Melissa Erekson, Rachel Gee, Lori Hulbert, Melissa Inouye, Neesha McKay, Leslie Paugh, Tanna Romero, Donna Simon, Kim Wilson, and Gwendolyn Wyne</em><span id="more-11242"></span><br /><strong>Mothers’ Poem</strong><br /><em>As sisters in Zion, to cheer and to bless</em></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Dear Sister:</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
As you prepare to birth your baby, we stand around you, united. May you feel our love and support as women who have crossed over the same threshold into motherhood, and as women of faith who offer prayer on your behalf and know that God will hear.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
We rejoice with you in this time of celebration, as you prepare to reap the reward for the hard work of many weeks and months. Finally, your baby is coming.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Remember how pleased Heavenly Father is with your desire to give birth to His spirit children in a world in which a growing number of women choose not to become mothers. Cherish the special spirit that will fill your home with this new child who just left the presence of God. We are sure that ministering angels will be at your side and the side of this new infant as it gets accustomed to its new existence.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
We release you from your everyday concerns: from professional, church, and family responsibilities, and even from your obligation to interact socially with people around you. Feel free, instead, to focus entirely on yourself and on your baby, to get comfortable, to preserve your strength.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
We pray that your mind, heart, and body will be one as you prepare to birth your little one. Remember that this is a means to an end. The moments of pain are nothing that time won’t mend. Think of your baby’s tiny hands, feet, and face, and the beautiful spirit that you are bringing into the human race. May God grant you strength and peace of mind preceding his gift of the greatest joy you’ll find.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
We bless you with strength through your faith and Divine Nature, with the knowledge that you were chosen by Heavenly Father to fulfill this beautiful role; and may you feel honored to do so.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
We invite you to be filled with peace, that you will welcome this wonderful time of motherhood. Understand that your body has been divinely designed to birth your baby and that you are doing so beautifully. As your birthing continues allow your mind to be at ease knowing that your body and baby are working in harmony. We ask that you receive patience to pass through time as your baby descends.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
We bless you with our diverse experiences and perspectives. We remind you that our babies came in many different ways, sometimes in ways that we did not expect or see as ideal at the time. We assure you that courageously adapting to changes as your birthing progresses does not make you any less important, committed, or successful as a mother.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
We give you assurance that even when things seem to be going “wrong,” you are entitled to seek and receive the Spirit’s confirmation that God is mindful of you and that all things will work together for your good.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
We say to you: be strong; have no fear.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
We bless you that pain will help you understand how much the Savior values you; that just as the pain of this pregnancy and birth has taught you how precious your child is, so the pain of the Atonement must make you more precious to the Savior than you can possibly imagine.</div>
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Once your new little one has arrived, we bless you with the patience and endurance to make it through each new day having had little sleep, and a fair amount of frustration. It will all be worth it as you watch that precious little baby sleeping quietly, and loving you unconditionally.</div>
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We bless you that in your birthing and new motherhood, when the time comes to search for courage and grace, you will remember us, your sisters. You will remember that we have felt what you feel, that we walked with God through the shadow of the deep valleys, that we laughed and cried for joy when at long last our baby came.</div>
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If you want to see the history behind this poem, go <a href="http://segullah.org/daily-special/a-blessing-for-mothers-day/">here</a>. It's really very touching.</div>
</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-19117361265355434712011-10-26T21:25:00.000-07:002011-10-26T21:25:23.838-07:00Pregnant and squatting-anyone up for a second round<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ever tried squatting while pregnant. I got to work with a group of ladies tonight where we did just that(well I not pregnant, but they are). We had so much fun learning how to rock and roll with a little bun in the oven while learning how to squat and help facilitate labor, as well as strengthen and stretch muscles that will help us the rest of our lives:) <br />
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Anyone up for another session? I would love to do this again. While it's way more fun hanging out with each other, you can see a little bit of what we were doing from this <a href="http://www.alignedandwell.com/?p=1310&option=com_wordpress&Itemid=223">article</a>. Also, check out this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150434271399579&set=a.486858554578.295977.111576339578&type=1">thread </a>for a discussion on squatting, pushing, and our habit of tucking our tailbones under(which is bad btw). I don't know why I never connected two and two before now, but there you go.<br />
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I think I may write up exactly what we did in my next newsletter.</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-52724027634400516642011-10-24T21:56:00.000-07:002011-10-24T21:56:53.806-07:00Birth Center visit and stats-we need more mother centered care<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I went to meet with a local birth center here in town to try and set up a connection that I can hopefully use for training and volunteer work at. It was interesting to see this place. I had actually given birth with this same group almost 11 years ago, but it was at a different location and different set of midwifes, so it was fun to see how it had grown.<br />
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The first thing I noticed when I walked into their birth rooms was the complete lack of technology. It's there, you just can't see it. It was obviously centered on the work that the mother would be doing, not the medical staff. And after working in the hospital for 5 years, it was like a breathe of fresh air. Really, I think I would cry about it if I was in the mood. To me, this was what birth should be. It's not really about whether or not we want pain control, or the efm, or the birth tube....it's about creating a space for women to birth that was theirs. I know this is the whole philosophy behind homebirth, but for women who don't want to do that(I myself prefer to know that my care provider can have a c-section room ready to go in 5 min without fighting the system), this is the perfect place that can provide that care. I really wish we could have this in hospitals too.<br />
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For those nurses or women who don't get the difference, you need to experience it to see. Very different. In the hospital, you are never on the women's turf...can we change that? I would like to try. Because for women who want epidurals or need more interventions, they deserve to have their own space too.<br />
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Some interesting stats...the birth center transfers about 50% of the women who want to birth there to the hospital before labor even starts. This includes women who have twins, are a vbac, and have other medical issues. Those I kind of get, but the one stipulation that bothered me was the time constraint of 41 weeks. It's something that I need to do some more research on my own, but from what I have seen, I am becoming convinced that a late a baby is either one of two things...natrually late and totally fine, or IUGR and needs to be out sooner. When I get back into school, this is going to be my thesis:)<br />
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OK, so past that stat, they transfer about 30% in labor. Usually for maternal fatigue or mother is requesting an epidural. Cool. No time limits on how long labor can be either(yea!). And their c-section rate is 13%.</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-43845909694505051562011-10-21T12:50:00.000-07:002011-10-21T12:50:12.563-07:00Mark Slaon-a moderate voice in the homebirth wars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For those who are interested, I just added a new blog to my blog list. You can find it here too.<br />
<a href="http://marksloanmd.wordpress.com/">http://marksloanmd.wordpress.com/</a><br />
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I first heard of him when I read his book, Birth Day(which I highly reccomend). <br />
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Just to give you and idea of how he thinks here's a quote from his blog::<br />
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The only home births I encountered were in the neonatal intensive care unit, where over the years I cared for a very small number of babies whose home births had gone wrong. Those experiences formed my then-opinion of home birth–it just wasn’t safe. Like a lot of the doctors and nurses I worked with, I concluded that you’d have to be nuts to birth your baby at home.</div>
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Well, I’m nothing if not flexible. My <em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">you’ve-gotta-be-nuts </em>opinion has been changing in the last few years, a shift that accelerated in May when I spoke in Vancouver at <a href="http://cmnh.ca/cmnh-conferences/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Turning the Tide"><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Turning the Tide: Balancing Birth Experience and Intervention for Best Outcomes</em></a> about the worrisome effects of cesarean birth on the newborn immune system (see my posts in the “Cesareans” category).</div>
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I listened as other speakers talked about planned home birth in British Columbia and elsewhere in Canada. They showed that having a baby at home can be safe for low-risk mothers when such births are attended by well-trained midwives, and are well-integrated with the larger health care system.</div>
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The problems they do encounter tend to stem from riskier home births–women with chronic diseases, bleeding during pregnancy, or who were pre- or post-dates, for example, or who lived far from a hospital when complications arose. And poorly planned or <em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">un</em>planned home births are the riskiest of all.</div>
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In other words, at least in BC, bad outcomes for mother or baby were no more likely to occur in a home than hospital birth for low-risk women (and many outcomes are actually <em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">better</em> at home), but higher-risk home births were, well,<em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">riskier</em>.</div>
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Can home birth become an accepted part of the American way of birth? It’s possible, but there are enormous obstacles. As with just about every issue that touches on childbirth, the opposing sides are well-entrenched and often not speaking to one another, or at least not speaking the same language.</div>
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I think he has a good balance in his views, which is why I do look him. This allows him to look at things like homebirth, with a more moderate eye. </div>
</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-29900823100433709622011-10-19T21:54:00.000-07:002011-10-19T21:54:51.018-07:00Alignment and pre-natal exercises<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If any of you have been on my facebook page, you will notice that I've have become enthralled with the ideas of<a href="http://www.alignedandwell.com/index.php?option=com_wordpress&Itemid=223"> Katy Bowman.</a> She teaches courses on alignment. I thought they were cool for just general health until I started coming across her ideas on pregnancy and birth....then I thought they were way more than cool. My mind started reeling with the possibilities. Here's the deal, the exercises that Katy suggests are help strengthen and stretch the muscles that are needed for childbirth and beyond. They have the potential to open up the birth canal and allow more room. <br />
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Here's some things I've learned and thought about as I've looked at how Katy's work can help women in labor.<br />
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I'm pretty sure most people know that upright positioning increases the diameters in the pelvis. What was found in one article, though, was that squatting did not increase the <a href="http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/obstetric+conjugate">obstetrical conjugate</a>. That got me thinking as to why. This is a measurement that you want to be as big as possible. So I looked at some women sitting in a squat. Most of them were sitting with rounded backs and bottoms. If you check out this <a href="http://www.alignedandwell.com/?p=864&option=com_wordpress&Itemid=223">blog</a>, you can see the difference between a squat that opens up that room and squat that closes it......<br />
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In any case, I'm going to be learning more about how the birth can be facilitated by our alignment and structure. I'm also going to be doing a prenatal workout designed to strengthen and stretch all that needs to be strengthened and stretched:) I'll keep you updated.</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-74264050396143028472011-10-17T22:33:00.001-07:002011-10-17T22:33:46.915-07:00The benefits of a doula<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RachelLeavitt/introduction-into-labor-support-part-5" target="_blank" title="Introduction into labor support part 5">Introduction into labor support part 5</a></strong> <iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/9704542" width="425"></iframe> <br />
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</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-80938619396866926752011-10-12T21:41:00.000-07:002011-10-12T21:41:03.705-07:00How to get your cervix to dilate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Another search term for the week: "how to get your cervix to dilate from a 1 to a 4"<br />
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I have no clue what situation this person was in who searched for this, but the more I watch birthing women, the more I am convinced that the magic key to all questions about cervical dilation is.....PATIENCE :)<br />
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I know, I know. Not the answer you wanted, but it really is true. Research is backing up that answer too. Just do a search on my blog for dilation, and you'll find some. There are things that we can do, both medically and non-traditional, that helps the cervix dilate. You can find some of those on my blog too, as well as my newsletter, but the key is just having patience with yourself and your baby. If you do you will get more sleep, be more prepared for labor really gets going, psychologically, you will fell better about the whole process(forcing your body to do something it's not ready to do is a bit of a roller coaster mentally), and your baby is less likely to have heart rate problems. That said, there are of course always medical indications, but that's a whole other ball game. </div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-33807315881853350322011-10-09T20:52:00.000-07:002011-10-09T20:52:38.145-07:00LDS birth professionals on facebook<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If anyone is interested there is a site that is now up on facebook dedicated to LDS birthing professionals. Here's there description and more info:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LDS-Midwives-Doulas-and-Other-Birth-Professionals/179089732171226?sk=wall">https://www.facebook.com/pages/LDS-Midwives-Doulas-and-Other-Birth-Professionals/179089732171226?sk=wall</a><br />
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"There was a time in LDS history when women were called and set apart as the ward midwife to serve their sisters. As the overarching American culture (the cultural context of the early LDS church) turned away from midwifery and homebirth and toward the hospital, this official calling fell by the wayside and faded out of use. However, woman-to-woman birth support is experiencing a resurgence as wome<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">n around the world are realizing that the need has not faded for a birthing woman to feel supported and understood not only physically and mentally, but spiritually as well during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Many LDS women are discovering that the Spirit is leading them to birth work and pregnant and birthing LDS women have expressed interest in finding birth workers who share their religious beliefs.<br /><br />With this in mind, we have created Birthing in Zion, a resource list of LDS midwives, doulas, obstetricians, gynecologists, childbirth educators, lactation specialists & consultants, and other birth workers. Our purpose is to provide a centralized venue where those wanting a care provider who understands their spiritual needs can come to find what they need.<br /><br /><br />If you would like to be added to the directory, please share the following information in the comments and it will be added to the directory. If you wish to send it by email, please send the following information to service@ldswave.org.<br /><br />Name<br /><br />What stake do you live in? Please include city, state and country.<br /><br />What area do you serve? How far are you willing to travel?<br /><br />Occupation (midwife, doula, OB, IBCLC, etc.–include applicable organizations (CAPPA, BAI, DONA, etc.) or state “volunteer peer support” if not licensed or certified)<br /><br />Preferred method of contact (office, home, or cell phone, e-mail, Website (if applicable)<br /><br />Short Bio (100-200 words) including description of services, experience, philosophy, rates, or anything else you want people to know about you and your work.<br /><br />Certification is not required but please indicate that in “Occupation.” If you are not certified or licensed in your area, please state that you are “volunteer peer support” or working towards certification.<br /><br />Please refer any LDS birth workers you know our site and share our information with them so we can get them listed here. The ideal we are working towards is being able to list LDS birth workers in each stake of the church.<br /><br />If you would like to help maintain and compile the directory, we’re accepting volunteers. Please contact service@ldswave.org for more information."</span></div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-82051487295807442112011-10-07T20:54:00.000-07:002011-10-07T20:54:09.369-07:00The cochrone reviews<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-87925545186406094252011-10-06T21:34:00.001-07:002011-10-06T21:34:07.680-07:00Examples of what a doula can do for you<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div id="__ss_9529737" style="width: 425px;">
<strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RachelLeavitt/introduction-into-labor-support-part-3" target="_blank" title="Introduction into labor support part 3">Introduction into labor support part 3</a></strong> <iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/9529737" width="425"></iframe> <br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-40570541389251353462011-10-04T21:04:00.000-07:002011-10-04T21:04:00.064-07:00What is a doula?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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<strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RachelLeavitt/introduction-into-labor-support-part-2" target="_blank" title="Introduction into labor support part 2">Introduction into labor support part 2</a></strong> <iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/9417693" width="425"></iframe> <br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-89408426332452450932011-10-03T20:47:00.001-07:002011-10-03T20:47:57.018-07:00What does a doula do?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="width:425px" id="__ss_9529737"> <strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RachelLeavitt/introduction-into-labor-support-part-3" title="Introduction into labor support part 3" target="_blank">Introduction into labor support part 3</a></strong> <iframe src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/9529737" width="425" height="355" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="padding:5px 0 12px"> View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/" target="_blank">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RachelLeavitt" target="_blank">Rachel Leavitt</a> </div> </div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-3601616375568887032011-09-30T21:00:00.000-07:002011-09-30T21:00:34.850-07:00What you need for my doula training<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RachelLeavitt/introduction-into-labor-support-part-1-9385441" target="_blank" title="Introduction into labor support part 1">Introduction into labor support part 1</a></strong> <iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/9385441" width="425"></iframe> <br />
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View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/" target="_blank">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RachelLeavitt" target="_blank">Rachel Leavitt</a> </div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-43743478921799359182011-09-30T20:57:00.000-07:002011-09-30T20:58:19.236-07:00Introduction into my doula training<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My postings have been fewer as I have been wrapped up in working on getting together coursework for the doula certification that I will be offering. I never imagined I would find this so fulfilling. So much so, that I decided to share my first unit with you guys:) I hope you enjoy. I'll post a new part every few days. I would love feed back. Also, the book I am using is called The Nurturing Touch at Birth by Paulina Perez. I have two other papers that I would be happy to share with you if you give me your e-mail address. I just have them in pdf format. <br />
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<strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RachelLeavitt/introduction-letter-9445868" target="_blank" title="Introduction letter to doula certification">Introduction letter to doula certification</a></strong> <iframe frameborder="0" height="510" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/9445868" width="477"></iframe> <br />
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View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/" target="_blank">documents</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RachelLeavitt" target="_blank">Rachel Leavitt</a> </div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-29501917133295385312011-09-27T20:34:00.000-07:002011-09-27T20:34:47.470-07:00Research supports the use of music therapy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Research supporting music therapy and it's uses:<br />
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1-those who were in a childbirth program that used music therapy had more positive perceptions of their experience<br />
2-women percieved more support and reported less anxiety or pain<br />
3-a designed program of background music decreased mothers manifestions of tension and verbalizations associated with pain<br />
4-for high risk patients, music therapy helped increase their quality of life while decreasing anxiety<br />
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Reference:<br />
Music Therapy: An Introduction 2nd edition by Jacqueline Schmidt Peters</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-54498557974935022932011-09-27T20:25:00.000-07:002011-09-27T20:26:49.429-07:00Uses for music therapy in birth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm finally have gotten around to looking at some material I have on music therapy in pregnancy and birth. The book I'm looking at tonight is Music Therapy: An Introduction 2nd edition by Jacqueline Schmidt Peters.<br />
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In the book it lists five ways that music therapy can be used to help during birth.<br />
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1-to help focus attention<br />
2-to use as distraction<br />
3-to help stimulate the pleasure response<br />
4-as a conditioned stimulus for relaxation(this is used in hypnobirthing)<br />
5-to help with breathing</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145421138565946044.post-69269554159359895272011-09-23T22:42:00.000-07:002011-09-23T22:42:14.867-07:00Clinical sites for doula's<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The more I work on these courses for doula training, the more excited on I become. Right now, I'm working getting some clinical sites set up for my students that live by me. I am hoping to work with some local ob's. This way I can make sure that my students are able to get the training in that they need. At some point I would like to hook up with some homebirth midwifes for a different experience, but for right now, I feel like it's our hospital mamas that need more support.<br />
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I've also got papers to look through that have to do with music therapy in labor and a paper on cord clamping that I think I'm going to include in my next newsletter. And I've got an idea for a doula textbook in the back of my brain. My problem is, I there is so much to do:)</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774138114705555836noreply@blogger.com0