Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Magic of Hypnosis

The Magic of Hypnosis for Birth

How helpful is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is an ancient form of healing dating back to the times of ancient India and Egypt.  Hypnosis is still widely used in modern China instead of anesthesia for many surgical procedures. “ it helps the person to stay relaxed and de-stressed,” says Joanne Marrow, PhD., professor emeritus at Cal State Sacramento.    The common side effects of therapeutic hypnosis are: improved self-image and confidence, and a profound sense of achievement and empowerment.

How Does It Work?

How you prepare you mind and body is the singular most important factor for the successful outcome of your birth.  Far too often our joy and excitement are over-shadowed by fear, uncertainty and questionable self-confidence. With the help of a professional Hypnotherapist you can reach and embrace your ability to change your state of fear, worry and stress into calm and self-confidence. When your mind, body, and soul are in harmony, you have essentially created the perfect balance for physical comfort, mental relaxation and emotional confidence. Relaxation, achieved through self-hypnosis techniques, releases the fear and tensions that cause long labor. Therefore, pain is lessened and in some cases even eliminated. This is not to say that you will not experience any sensations during labor and delivery, this is to say that hypnosis can redirect your experience of the intensity of labor from an unmanageable sensation, to something you can comfortably manage.  Fear creates tension and tension creates pain. Fear also makes the body release adrenalin, which contracts all muscles preparing for the ‘fight or flight’ reaction, and catecholamine which is a hormone which closes the cervix in response to fear.  In essence the body recognizes fear as a dangerous situation and tells the body to stop labor and flee.  Using hypnosis before labor to understand where the fears lay and during labor recalling how you have learned to achieve a state of total relaxation, labor can transform into a very pleasant and sacred experience. The negative cycle (OMG what is happening to me I cannot handle this) is replaced with confidence, calm, and comfort (my baby and I are working hard to bring a new life into this world.) Through hypnosis, a naturally induced state of relaxed concentration, suggestions are communicated to the subconscious mind.

Can you do it on your own?

Yes. With the help of self-hypnosis audio tapes or CDs, you can train yourself to reach a state of relaxation that can and will help you achieve the birthing experience you desire.  Of course the help of a professional before the birth and during it insures that you will stay on course.  But if you are willing to stay focus and use the techniques learned you can achieve a painless experience. Our subconscious mind directly influences what we think, how we feel, and the choices we make.

Where Do I Find These CDs?

The suggestions used in our Joy In Birthing Bundle technique assure that old beliefs about birthing are replaced by new empowering beliefs that return birthing to the beautiful, peaceful experience nature intended. You may purchase our CD here. Our goal is to help you embrace the miraculous and sacred rite of passage that birthing is for every woman.

Changing Behavior

Once ingrained in our childhood, most behavior becomes largely automatic; we experience a stimulus or trigger and react without conscious thought.  That is why trying to change behavior, emotions or improve physical performance by using only our self-will often fails.   It has nothing to do with our intentions, or our commitment to the change, or our will power: our minds just don’t work that way.  We need to uncover the roots of the behavior, discover how and when they trigger us in our conscious living, heal and rebirth a new behavior now rooted in self-love and self-acceptance working with a hypnotherapist can help you o just that.
In order to achieve our goals, we need to empower ourselves and be ready to change some aspects of our being to make room for another expression of G-d, or our individual notion of a power greater than ourselves.   Your comfort with your role as a mother often depends on what others have told you about who you are and what you should expect; the role your own mother played in your life; and the information you have gotten from friends, relatives, books and or your care provider.  It is up to you to decide: you can live by what others say you should be/do/ or think; or you can take full responsibility for your state – here and now. If your mental and spiritual programming is based upon fear and worry there is only so much you can do on your own to manage your state during labor and delivery.  The waves of labor will take over your conscious state and you unconscious will run wild with whatever information you have given it.
hypnosis1

Next Hypnosis and Birth workshop with Giuditta Tornetta

Read more about the class visit here
Classes are held the last Sunday of every other month beginning on January 30 2011
Birth and Beyond
1750 Ocean Park Blvd Suite 206
Santa Monica 90405

to enroll call

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

What would you give birth to if you felt safe, nurtured, confident, loved and lovable?

Discovering the womb and taking those first steps to clear, cleanse and open its infinite vastness is an essential piece of the healing journey for every woman, and every man in relationship with a woman.
Womb work doesn’t “do” anything, it “gives” you everything. It’s a discovering, an un-veiling and a re-membering. It’s the true orientation for a woman to be coming from, to be centered in. It gives us back our true house, our place of being so that we may rise up and into the heart with strong rooted foundations and a sense of Earthly reality. It’s the rock upon which we are built.

The Womb is the deep silence, the sound knowledge of truth and the loving embrace that holds us all together, as a life form within all life forms. The womb reveals to us true sight, deep feeling and a sense of support and belonging that is second to none. When all else fails in life, the womb remains as that pillar to lean against, that rock to hold onto and those arms to cry in.

The womb is a part of the soul embodied, here on Earth deep within the human form. Without a doubt it is a woman’s most reliable, trusted and safe home. During the beginning stages of Healing the Womb this will become her most precious and treasured discovery. It is the place that does not move, and you will discover a part of yourself that is eternal, ever-present and easily reached.
The difference between the Soul and the womb is that the womb is physical, located in the body and a part of the body that women know so well. The Soul at first is seemingly etheric, out of reach and non-physical. But they both merge in the human form through the womb.

The Womb leads us to the seed of our being, our first creative spark. It invites us to be re-born, regenerated and resurrected. It is a cave of pure creativity where we are the creator. The Womb is your inner council where you will discover your doctor, surgeon, adviser, confidant, sage, decision-maker and artist. Every face and facet of your being has roots into the womb, and the womb is the clearest domain to have that meeting.
Ultimately the womb leads us to Womb of all life, the beginning and the end of all known and unknown universes. It is the place upon which all of life simply must travel through to be created. When you realize this, you can begin to create within your own womb, placing projects and hearts desires within its field to be birthed into the world.
Transmuting with the womb is another “gift” of the womb. The womb has the facility to be able to contain and transmute negative or harming energies, stripping away the orientation of the negativity into a pure state of neutrality. This stage of working with the womb comes only after it has been cleared, and with the guidance and instruction of a womb teacher.


To live with your womb open brings you a gift and state of being that was previously unknown. You feel beautiful, gorgeous, rich and sensual without the “edge” of threat perceived from other women. You are non-threatening in your beauty and happiness within your body. You ooze nature, life, promise and pure joy.
There is a sense of belonging to nature, to the whole world and that belonging naturally extends to all other life. Again, I could even extend to say that living from the womb is a life lived without fear.
Duality dissolves, there is an inherent “rightness” about life and this ease of being is seen, felt, cherished and hopelessly given to all.

However, an open womb also comes with a self-responsibility as its magnificence is very attracting and will draw attention. During the beginning stages it is advised to place yourself within healthy and productive environments and situations. As you progress you can begin to turn around seemingly negative situations and places back into a non-harming co-existence with the rest of all life.
It is essential that a woman be taken to the fullness of her being. Living without the womb is like living without the Soul. Without the open womb, life will only exist, not be lived through. It simply has to be known, discovered and entered.

Its importance is transmuting, clear sight, creating fields of energy that regenerate yourself and your partner in love making, connection to the web of life and this foundation deep within your being.
The most important reason I saved for last. A clear and open womb is the channel for the next generations of humankind to come through. By giving birth to new souls here on earth is one of the surest ways to elevate the future of mankind. Birthing through the open and healed womb, nurturing and rearing with a mother with an open womb and growing up in an environment where your child sleeps and rests within the field of the womb, will and can be a life lived with only instinctive fears ever being experienced.
That being will grow into an adult faster than the rest of us, and be part of a new generation that herald in the New Humanity.

It is every man’s rightful place to know the power of the womb, and how an open womb holds the key to his own re-birth. By being with a woman either journeying into the open womb, or already established within one, a man has the invitation to become a Divine Man. In no uncertain terms, if a man is with a woman with an open womb he will surely have the chance to face his deepest fears in the sanctity of a loving depth that is steady, enduring and powerful. It won’t necessary be comfortable at all times, but it will bring him the key to his own transformation.

When making love with a woman with an open womb, the man will stand the chance of experiencing a deep trance like meditative state. It has to be known that this nurturing and completely trustworthy energy that is often only used to birth children is also readily available to adults through the open womb. All men, whether they know this or not is searching for this feeling once more. It is a driving force, which often gets distorted into searching for a mother figure. That is not it. That is not what he is searching for. But because of this knowledge being hidden, only now can men identity what it is they are looking for. After love making, together both the man and the woman will fall into or rather pour themselves into a very deep theta state, which is undeniable and vast. Upon completion of this deep journey into realms and dimensions that are countless. Both man and women will return back to the alpha state, fully restored, full of vital energy and in a sense, resurrected.

Throughout the ages in every civilization there has been a hidden pathway, a secret technology which enables the individual to reach the ultimate potential. That greatness is within every one of us. Deep within you, there is this voice waiting to arise … a voice that you know, but which has been buried. This voice is not outside you in gurus or masters. It is the Voice of your Womb.

The Womb is the key generator of tremendous creative potential, vitality, sensuality, heart power and manifestation. It not only births children, but projects, spiritual potential, personal healing and the depths of relating we all yearn for. It brings fullness, balance and loving power to your deepest relationships, and is the crucible for Sacred Union between man and woman, woman to woman, and even man to man. It is vital for men to know, understand and work with as the womb births the divine masculine.

The Womb is the foundation of a woman, the rich soil and immovable centre of silent power that allows the heart to bloom and open safely and fully. It has been covered by fear, betrayal, judgment, ignorance, sexual issues and the loss/ abuse of power. Its wisdom and power have been forgotten by most people, and deliberately hidden by others because it is the link to the Creator, found in every woman.

Conscious birthing, conscious pregnancy and conscious parenting are a big part of the new paradigm for both men and women, and Womb Wisdom is the key to this. Clearing and opening the womb allows the new children to be birthed in a new way at a high vibration. If the mother is clear, then a higher frequency child soul will come into her body. These new children are our future, the basis for an awakened human civilization.
What would you give birth to if you felt safe, nurtured, confident, loved and lovable? Close your eyes and imagine that you could wave a magic wand and suddenly feel completely safe, nurtured, confident loved and lovable. Imagine that you felt completely comfortable and at ease with your body. What would that look like, feel like? What keeps you from being there?

There are many ways to open the Womb. With them all combined, the Womb becomes a Vessel for Source.

Physical: through cleansing, diet, herbs, exercise, healing breath work and energy flow, salt baths, massage, touch, embraces.
Sexual : through Sacred Union
Creative:  Drawing, dancing, being in nature, returning back to natural timings, singing, writing.
Spiritual: meditation, prayers, connecting with the Creator or Higher Self or Higher Power, Mother Nature or whatever you like to call a power greater then yourself.
Mental: though hypnosis, recreating and redesigning past hurtful experiences.

PLACENTA UMBILICAL HEALING

The placenta is the first mother to each of us. It is our first connection and interface to the 3D world, and is our first nourisher, supporter, and companion. It feeds us, and is there for us, providing all we need to survive, to grow, and to be born. It is our sustainer and protector, our first love, the first experience of unconditional love we receive, and the twin with us in the womb.
The placenta is our first guardian, and protector. What consequences arise when we are separated from it? Could it be our first trauma, and separation? When our umbilical cord is prematurely cut, we are separated from our lifeforce and soul connection, still pulsing through the cord connecting us to our first mother. And this separation creates fear, borne out of disrespect, ignorance and contempt for the deeper connection between life, love, mother and child.

The loss, abandonment, and grief that we can experience in our unformed minds and bodies as we enter this world brutally and prematurely cut off from the nurturing, unconditionally loving envelope of the placenta in the womb is a huge conditioning and loss for us that can affect our lives. We actually experience these emotions for the first time in the body in this action of cutting off of placenta cords, for before this we, placenta, womb and mother were one. It is our first separation in this world.
The placenta also holds an aspect of our twin soul or divine double connection, for the first experience we have on the earth plane of our twin soul is the placenta in the womb that we first bonded with. When the trauma of this separation is healed, we can deeply relax and let go, as we find this connection within ourselves, and no longer feel so drawn to finding it outside. We feel our own source of nourishment and deep inner peace, comfort, and contentment that we may look outside for, in intimate relationship within us. We no longer feel the desperate need for another, to find ourselves in somebody outside of our own self. This allows us to engage in life with a new sense of freedom, peace, and balance found from healing your inner loss at this deep separation.

AMYGDALA HEALING

Located deep in the reptilian brain, the amygdala detects danger or emotion associated with past experiences from childhood and / or past lives that were stamped within the brain as being dangerous or emotionally significant. The amygdala, named similarly to Magdalene, handles our emotions and triggers in us the fight-or-flight response just as it did in caveman days.
Past traumas, emotional memories, and barriers to our deepest fulfillments and healings are stored in the amygdala, which keep playing out in vicious cycles of reaction. This needs healing. It affects the feminine part of your brain that holds memories and feelings of having separated from the masculine qualities of strength, courage, power, wisdom and will. It affects the masculine part of your brain that holds memories and feelings of having separated from the feminine qualities of love, nurturing, caring, compassion, empathy, tenderness and kindness.

The amygdala in conjunction with the hippocampus also contributes to the production of sexual feelings and dualities, as well as unusual and fearful phenomenon including out-of-body states, hallucinogenic and dream-like recollections, the experience of god, as well as demons and ghosts. It is the amygdala which enables us to experience emotions such as love and religious rapture, as well as the ecstasy associated with orgasm, and the dread associated with the unknown.
The amygdala is the heart chakra of the brain. When it opens, the whole brain starts to become healed, as the light and love radiates from the amygdala to the other brain centres. It governs heart wisdom, the love brain, and emotional intelligence. Thinking with the heart, responding and feeling with the brain. It is connected to expression in the present moment in a responsive way, to precisely what is occurring.
The amygdala is part of the portal to the feminine entrance to the third eye, found at the back of the brain. When it opens, the third eye starts to open up softly. Essential oils such as rose, amber, frankincense and myrrh help to stimulate and sooth the amygala, especially if done in an activation session.
What if we looked at the word and saw it as a verb? Womb: verb: to create and cultivate safety and healing both inside your body and in your life.

Create a safe foundation within and become more self-confident. A healthy womb is essential to your sexuality, self-worth and joy. Wombing gives you the support and freedom to be wild. Heal your relationship with the feminine. Claim your mothering gifts to nurture yourself. Gain access to your creative energy and fully experience your life. It’s time for you to give birth to you!
Giuditta is holding a “Healing the Womb” workshop in August in Santa Monica.  For more details please follow this link -> Healing the Womb Workshop

Monday, July 12, 2010

Hypnosis for Birth Workshop

 
 
Joy In Birthing
Presents
Two workshops with birth and postpartum doula Giuditta Tornetta
Hypnosis for Birth
          Saturday July 24 - 10 Am to 2 PM
Class held at
1750 Ocean Park Blvd
Suite 206
Santa Monica 90405
$125 per couple
Call 310-435-6054

ONLY 4 SPACE AVAILABLE



Hypnosis for Birth is a class designed for couples/mothers looking to deepen their preparation for labor and delivery, using and ancient and proven method of relaxation: self-hypnosis.  We'll teach you a technique that will help you achieve the birthing experience you deserve and desire. Basic childbirth education combined with hypnosis techniques, position and labor support for the partner will be presented.

Whether you chose a drug-free birth or are unsure about your choices ahead of time, hypnosis can be a powerful tool in assisting a laboring woman through her childbirth experience. Deep inner peace helps Mothers move purposefully and mindfully through the stages of labor to the awesome and joyful moment of birth. Birth plans, induction, pain relief will be discussed.  Snacks will be provided, please bring water and lunch.

Baby Right
A Baby Care Workshop
Saturday July 31, 1pm to 4 pm
Classes held at the Sanctuary Family Wellness Center
11965 Venice Blvd, suite 204,  
Los Angeles CA 90066
 Special offer - $85 x couple
Limited space RSVP today call the Sanctuary at 310- 566-7690

We will explore your baby's basic right his/her needs, co-sleeping, baby wearing PLUS:
How to welcome your baby into the world - the first few hours
Baby appearance at birth - Bathing, diapering, - Soothing techniques, understanding baby's language - To swaddle or not to swaddle,
Baby gear what you should have, - Introducing your pets to the newborn - How to create daily rituals that will last a life-time
Understanding baby's language, cues and moods - Babymoon how to enlist family and friends to help 

Saturday, June 05, 2010

New Data Show Connection Between Childbirth and Spirituality

 
Contact:  Berna Diehl
               202-591-4045
              Berna@JonesPA.com
For Release: May 27, 2010
New Data Show Connection Between Childbirth and Spirituality
- Spiritual beliefs may have a place in the clinical assessment for women having babies -
WASHINGTON—While having a safe and healthy birth is typically a primary concern for pregnant women, new research shows that most women view childbirth as a spiritual experience as well. The just-published research shows that women across diverse cultures correlate having a baby with “growing closer to God.”
The study, published in the spring issue of the Journal of Perinatal Education, found that understanding the spiritual dimensions of childbirth is essential in clinical settings.  As such, authors of the study recommend clinicians include the question, “Do you have any spiritual beliefs that will help us better care for you?” during their clinical assessment.
“Childbirth and motherhood provide many women with an ideal context in which to recognize the spiritual aspect of their lives,” said Lynn Clark Callister, R.N., Ph.D., FAAN, a professor of nursing at the Brigham Young University College of Nursing and study co-author.  “Our research illustrates that for most women, childbirth is a deeply spiritual experience.  As healthcare providers, we need to recognize and support this evidence, and listen to women’s voices to guide their care.”
In their study titled “Spirituality in Childbearing Women,” authors Callister and Inaam Khalaf, R.N., Ph.D., dean and professor of nursing at the University of Jordan Faculty of Nursing, discovered five themes in a secondary analysis of the published and unpublished narrative data collected over the past 20 years from about 250 culturally diverse women.
“This study is both insightful and intuitive,” said Sharon Dalrymple, president of Lamaze International.  “It’s no surprise to see a woman’s spirituality is an important part of her well-being, but it’s interesting to consider how this information can be used by women and their healthcare professionals to enrich and further empower women when they are giving birth.”
The themes that emerged in the study included: childbirth as a time to grow closer to God, the use of religious beliefs and rituals as powerful coping mechanisms, childbirth as a time to make religiosity more meaningful, the significance of a Higher Power in influencing birth outcomes and childbirth as a spiritually transforming experience.
“At Lamaze, we understand childbirth is not just another day in a woman’s life, childbirth is a major life event and it can be a transformative experience that profoundly affects women and their families for generations to come,” continued Dalrymple.  “It is important to acknowledge the inherently spiritual nature of childbirth and create a birth environment that lets women give birth simply and safely.  A key component to creating this environment is avoiding unnecessary medical interventions.”
To support women in their efforts to have safe and healthy births, Lamaze International developed the Six Healthy Birth Practices based on recommendations by the World Health Organization and backed by extensive research that support a woman’s natural ability to give birth.  The Six Healthy Birth Practices are:

•Let labor begin on its own
•Walk, move around and change positions throughout labor
•Bring a loved one, friend or doula for continuous support
•Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary
•Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body's urges to push
•Keep mother and baby together; it's best for mother, baby and breastfeeding
To learn more about Lamaze’s Six Healthy Birth Practices, please enroll in a Lamaze childbirth education class and visit http://www.lamaze.org/Default.aspx?tabid=251.
About Lamaze International
Lamaze International promotes a natural, healthy and safe approach to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting practices.  Knowing that pregnancy and childbirth can be demanding on a woman’s body and mind, Lamaze serves as a resource for information about what to expect and what choices are available during the childbearing years.  Lamaze education and practices are based on the best and most current medical evidence available.  Working closely with their families, health care providers and Lamaze educators, millions of pregnant women have achieved their desired childbirth outcomes using Lamaze practices.  The best way to learn about Lamaze’s steps to a safe and healthy birth is to take a class with a Lamaze certified instructor.  To find classes in your area, or for more information visit www.lamaze.org.
About the Journal of Perinatal Education
Published quarterly by Lamaze International, The Journal of Perinatal Education is the leading peer-reviewed journal specifically for childbirth educators. Through evidence-based articles, the journal keeps educators informed about research and its implications for practice. Journal features provide practical resources and advice educators can use to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their teaching to prepare expectant parents for birth.

Friday, June 04, 2010

Infant Eczema

What is infant eczema?

Infant eczema is a topical skin rash, most frequently showing up any time after birth on the face, arms and legs but rarely in the diaper area. The rash can look like chapped, scaly skin or tiny red bumps that can blister or ooze, and are incredibly itchy. Eczema patches can be spread by scratching so it’s important to keep scratching to a minimum.
Anyone with a family history of eczema or respiratory illnesses has an increased likelihood of also getting infant eczema.

What causes infant eczema?

Infant Eczema is a hypersensitivity of the skin to irritants in the body, whether they be diet-related, respiratory (as in the case of asthma, allergies or hay fever), or a reaction to topical irritants such as chemicals in lotions, synthetic fabrics, or perfumes in laundry detergents, soaps or lotions.
Food sensitivities such as dairy can certainly be responsible for infant eczema, although only about one third of all babies and children have diet-related infant eczema.

Dairy – the #1 Food that can cause allergic reactions in a baby

Dairy is the single biggest culprit causing digestive problems in infants. In breastfed babies who exhibits rashes or stomach problems Moms should stay away from dairies for awhile to see if it may be the case of your baby’s fussiness, or discomfort. You may want to try to completely eliminate it for a period of two to four weeks to determine if it makes an impact in your baby’s comfort level. Kosher items labeled “Parve” are dairy-free. Be sure to read ingredient labels for hidden dairy and avoid the following items:
  • Milk or milk fat
  • Butter
  • Cream
  • Whey
  • Whey protein
  • Casein or caseinates
  • Lactose
  • Paneer
Sometimes your baby will not react to dairy in the form of yogurt or kefir but test with caution.
Other suspected causes are dust, dust mites, mold, pet dander or pollen. Once a baby develops infant eczema there are numerous triggers that cause recurrences such as sun exposure, heat, topical irritants and stress.

Treatments for infant eczema

Do:
  • Keep your house a cool temperature with average humidity by using a humidifier or dehumidifier if necessary.
  • Wash all bedding frequently and use a double rinse cycle on any of baby’s clothing or bedding items.
  • Breastfeed your baby as much as possible to pass your anti-bodies onto your baby.
  • If breastfeeding consider an elimination diet to see if any items in your diet are contributing to your baby’s eczema.
  • Increase essential fatty acids in baby’s (if eating solids) or your diet. Fish oil, olive oil, avocado oil and flax seed oil are all good choices.
  • Only dress your baby in well-ventilated natural fiber clothing.
  • Consider seeing a naturopath if your baby is eating solids and seems to have no food sensitivities.
Avoid:
  • Harsh chemicals
  • Petroleum (can clog the pores)
  • Scents or perfumes added to personal products or laundry detergents for both you and your baby.
  • Synthetic fibers
  • Overdressing your baby
  • Over-stimulating situations and crying as much as possible.
  • Sun exposure

Care for infant eczema

  • Use only lukewarm water when bathing. You can add goat’s milk directly to the bath. For older babies, bathe daily to remove any irritants on skin like dirt, sweat or sun block (best not to use sun block at all.) Newborns don’t need bathing for cleaning purposes, but a warm bath can really sooth and tired and uncomfortable baby. Pouring grape seed oil in the bathtub water also keeps the skin moisturized.
  • Use only a gentle, natural baby soap that doesn’t remove necessary skin oils or contain unnecessary scents or ingredients.
  • Gently pat your baby’s skin mostly dry and then begin your moisturizing routine quickly to trap moisture from the bath in the skin.
  • Instinctually you’d want to use something to alleviate the scaly skin, beware of products with fragrances, or worse cortisone, or steroids.
  • Good moisturizers for eczema are Eucerin Aquaphore and Eucerin Plus Lotion. They soothe the infected skin. Another good remedy, that also works for cradle cap, is 100% food grade Grape Seed Oil, coconut oil/butter again food grade.  What I love about food grade oil is that if you can eat it probably is at its purest state.  For itching, you may use calamine lotion. Ask around or go to your health food store and see what they have. READ LABELS if it has fragrance or color stay away from it.

Are medications for infant eczema safe?

There is legitimate concern about medications marketed for eczema in babies. Dr. Greene’s excellent website has information on infant eczema treatment warnings. We believe that only natural products should ever touch a baby. What is deemed safe today by the FDA may turn into tomorrow’s recall once more testing is conducted.
Most pediatricians prescribe a 1% hydrocortisone cream, such as Locoid Lipocream, they say that one should take caution in African American babies with eczema because this cream bleaches the skin. But, think about it, if it can bleach the skin of an African American baby do you really want to put it on your baby?
The pediatrician should be contacted if the baby’s rashes do not improve with home remedies or if they worsen. Also, a pediatrician should be called if the baby gets a fever or infection or if blisters, redness, pain, oozing fluids or yellow crust occur.

Saturday, May 08, 2010

A Newborn's Conversation with God.


A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me,
even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven,but voices from Earth could be heard and the child

hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name..."

God said, "You will simply call her, Mom."

Happy Mother's Day
Doula Giuditta

Sunday, May 02, 2010

LAC-USC Medical Center - A Doula’s Review

On Wednesday March 21, a group of DASC (Doulas Association of Southern California) doulas are invited to tour the USC County Hospital on Marengo St. in Los Angeles. Our gracious host is legendary lactation guru Kittie Frantz, RN, CPNP-PC, Clinical Instructor in Pediatrics, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. The doulas’ goal is to learn more about LAC-USC’s Labor and Delivery department, postpartum practices and to visit the NICU.  Doulas are prepared with a lot of questions, and visiting a facility and meeting the staff is going to be a valuable learning experience for us. I can only assume that having fourteen doulas in the same room asking questions is probably a first for the staff at LAC-USC.

In the entry to the historic USC County Hospital which now sits abandoned and lonely on the back of the new facility, the builders carved into stone the following edict: “ERECTED BY THE CITIZENS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO PROVIDE HOSPITAL CARE FOR THE ACUTELY ILL AND SUFFERING TO WHOM THE DOCTORS OF THE ATTENDING STAFF GIVE THEIR SERVICES WITHOUT CHARGE IN ORDER THAT NO CITIZEN OF THE COUNTY SHALL BE DEPRIVED OF HEALTH OR LIFE FOR THE LACK OF SUCH CARE AND SERVICES.”

In light of the new health care reform and all the talk we have heard about public health care and care for the uninsured, this gave me pause. Is there actually a hospital in town that would care for the uninsured (including yours truly,) and that is not plagued by long lines, huge crowds, untidiness, danger and maybe even a bit of chaos one associates with a free hospital?  Here is what I discovered: 

A bit of history:

LAC-USC Medical Center sits at the “hub” of the Department of Health Services for Los Angeles County, which is the most populous county of the state. It is not in a great neighborhood, but the building is impressive and new. I read that the medical center’s history is rich and extends to the pre-antibiotic era, the days of the iron lung. The medical center was born in the ‘30s from the social activism that was spawned by the great depression and, when it was built, it was the largest hospital in the United States (with close to 2000 in-patient beds). Kittie informed us that VBACs (vaginal births after cesarean) were first “invented here,” which is a good sign since there are very few doctors and/or hospitals who will even consider attempting this procedure.

Researching on the web I learn that about thirty years ago this hospital became a Burn Center, a Level I Trauma Center, a Neonatal Critical Care Nursery, a Pediatric Critical Care Center, and hosted one of the busiest Obstetric Services in the country delivering 1 out of every 4 babies in California. William Mallon, MD - President of the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians writes that, “When I was an intern [at LAC-USC 1991] we–our team—delivered over 100 infants per 24 hour call.”

Today

Unfortunately LAC-USC has had to reduce its services and the medical center shrunk in 2008 to host only 650 in-patient beds and Obstetrics now averages 2-4 deliveries in a 24-hour period. Of course this last detail brings a smile to my face as it only means that moms have a much greater chance to be cared for personally, find a bed when they reach the hospital in labor and have a comfortable room in postpartum.  But I am getting ahead of myself.

When we meet in the in-patient tower we have to go through an airport security-like check point, which might seem strange but it gives one a sense of safety. The lobby is clean and pleasant and not too populated. Everyone gets a wrist band at the information booth up front and all fourteen doulas and Kittie are now ready for the tour.  Before we begin, Kittie gives us the run down:

·         LAC-USC is a teaching hospital which means that there are doctors and anesthesiologists [or an anesthesiologist] on the premises at all times. For the consumer this translates into the ability to have a VBAC, not having to wait for the attending doctor to arrive at the hospital before you are allowed to push (it has happened to my clients in those hospital who have no residents or midwives on premise) or to manage an emergency by an OBGYN vs. an emergency physician.  It also means having anesthesia promptly available when you want it, and having a highly skilled neonatology staff on hand for emergencies with your baby. LAC-USC is one of the best facilities to handle any type of emergency.
·         Medical students and residents who are chosen to work here are in the top 3 percentile in their academic performance nationwide.
·         There are 10 nurse midwives on staff who work 24/7.  These midwives manage and deliver patients but also are part of the teaching staff.
·         Services are free to those women who have MediCAL .  Delivery for the uninsured or those non-eligible to get MediCAl is only billed at $2,000 and, if you include prenatal care, the total bill will be only $2,500. The fixed rate for the uninsured has one qualification. The baby has to qualify for MediCAL.
·         Child Birth Education classes are offered free of charge and baby care classes (4 of them taught by the residents themselves) are also free.  My readers know I am not a huge proponent of hospital-taught classes, as most educators who work in a hospital have to tailor their presentation to the ‘hospital policies’ vs. the best ways to obtain a natural drug and intervention free birth.  Nevertheless, free is a darn good price and education is better than ignorance.
·         All nurses have been trained as lactation experts and even though there are no lactation consultant on staff, Kittie explains that “if all our nurses are lactation experts then moms who have questions at 2 AM don’t need to wait for the LC (lactation consultant) to arrive for her shift in the morning, or wait around for her availability.”  And since Kittie is on call as well for all lactation questions I can confidently say that breastfeeding will not only be encouraged but closely followed for maximum success.

We are now jazzed and proceed on the tour.  The corridors are clean and Kittie tells us that the administration sought artists to donate their work to embellish the walls and create a calming experience. After all the modern-art-museum-like hallways of Cedars Sinai and UCLA (which also are teaching hospitals that accept MediCAl) are tough acts to follow.

The L & D department is quiet and we are told there are only two women in labor at the moment. The residents are welcoming and we pile up in their room as an avalanche of questions is presented to them.  Frankly, I could not share all the questions and answers or I would have to prepare a twenty page-paper, but suffice to say that all questions were answered, that the residents, who mostly manage critical care in this hospital (as all critical MediCAl patients, even those admitted at the emeritus UCLA or Cedars, are sent here,) were interested in what we have to say, but most importantly are open to witnessing a ‘natural childbirth,’ and willing to make some concessions. We discuss Heplock (a small tube connected to a catheter in a vein in the arm for easy access, which many moms prefer for better freedom of movement and less risk of engorgements following the birth) vs. mandatory IV fluids, intermittent monitoring of mom and babe during labor, freedom of movement during labor, and we hear that all is possible within safety.  Then Karen Grey, RN, CNM, a lovely and seasoned midwife takes us to see a laboring room. Clean, spacious and well equipped, it’s enough to host us all and once again the avalanche of questions comes pouring out. Karen skillfully and with great patience responds to all.  She tells us that if all is well moms can take a shower during labor, (they would use a Doppler to monitor the baby intermittently,) that they have and are open to using a squat bar or allow mom to deliver on all fours if that’s her preference.  To our questions about induction and augmentation of labor, she tells us that they use Cervidil and Pitocin, one as a ripening agent during an induction and the other to augment labor, versus Cytotec, which is a very dangerous, yet widely used drug.  This is good news. Unfortunately, the hospital policy is to induce at 41 weeks of gestation and not later; which is debatable but not unusual, as most hospitals and private doctors feel the same. Then again, I tell my clients that there are no induction patrols that will come to your house and force you to go to the hospital and be induced.  If the baby is ok and there is enough fluid in the placenta, and it is safe to wait a little longer, one can always negotiate the scheduled induction with their provider.

On our way to visit the postpartum wing we meet with Dr. Jamie MacGregor, OB faculty in the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, who is also welcoming and speaks with passion about the critical ‘golden hour,’ the first hour immediately following the birth where moms and babes bond and where successful breastfeeding starts.  I like to call it the two golden hours as it usually takes the babe up to 45 minutes to even want to breastfeed, but this is a good sign, as unfortunately, few OBGYN will even consider immediate skin to skin, option  for the nurses to admit and examine the child in the warmer before they give it back to mom.

The postpartum rooms are nice and comfortable, the nurses are very experienced (we ask how long they have been at this hospital and we hear “I have been here 25 years” “16 years for me,” loyalty to the place of work is a good sign) and as I mentioned before, all are trained in the art of breastfeeding by the guru herself.  Then a quick stop to a very empty nursery, only one baby on the premises and Kittie explains that mom and babe room in and very few newborns make it to the nursery.  Here we meet a lovely nurse Kelley Dantzler, RN who tells us that there is a huge diabetic population that comes to LAC-USC so babies are often checked for blood sugar and they feel comfortable with blood sugar levels at 50 (which is a bit higher than most hospital which consider 40 or 45 the minimum level before they intervene. Once again in a normal labor and delivery situation with a mother who is not diabetic, knowledge and asking questions can go a long way in having the right care.) We also learn that sugar water is not used in the nursery but that only formula is used in case of an emergency (i.e. low blood sugar.) 

Then we enter the NICU, which is huge, and we meet with Dr. Rangasamy Ramanathan, also known as Dr. Ram, who is the head neonatologist in charge of the NICU  and also Pediatric faculty for University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. He graciously stops to answer our questions and give us information on this impressive facility.  LAC-USC has one of the highest levels of critical care units in the city, about 10% of babies in the NICU are transported from other facilities. We can see that parents are welcomed as we observe mom and dad caring for and feeding their little one just to the right of us. The middle of the room is crowded with chairs for potential visiting parents. Dr. Ram answers questions about kangaroo care, (Kangaroo care is a technique practiced on newborn, usually preterm, infants wherein the infant is held, skin-to-skin, with an adult) and Dr. Ram tells us that, Kangaroo care for a pre-term infants may be restricted to a few hours per day, but if they are medically stable that time may be extended. He also tells us about a special room that has been set up for parents who, before taking their little one at home, can spend an overnight in the hospital rooming in with their child, in close proximity to the doctors and nurses available 24/7 to answer any question a new parent might have. It is called the transitional room, and I find this an amazing and unique service as I am sure many parents are afraid of their first night away from the hospital, especially if their little one has been in the NICU for long or have special needs.

Towards the end we discovered yet another pleasant surprise. Walking around the floor a lovely lady is available with her portable multimedia, multilingual translator in the guise of a   laptop, on a trolley rigged with a camera. In case there is a question or need for instructions for  a non-English speaking mom a live interpreter will be reached via computer used as a virtual video-phone. I believe there are nearly 25 language interpreters made available.

We end the visit in the very long corridor that conjoins the two towers of the medical center, as we meet an assistant nurse who stops by to steal a quick hug from Kittie and offers us a big smiling welcome and a little dance.

We leave the hospital after a very informative tour that lasted nearly three hours. I am personally impressed by what I’ve seen. Hoping to actually experience a birth there we all stop at the coffee shop just outside the in-patient tower entrance and enjoy an espresso and some delicious Porto’s pastries as we chat amongst ourselves.

Helpful hints for dealing with LAC-USC Hospital:


1.      If you have insurance do NOT use this hospital as your insurance company will pay very little and you will be stuck with a huge bill.
2.      Be proactive in your care. I can't emphasize this enough.  Know what you want, have a birth plan, find a doula (DASC is now working on a volunteer program for those who cannot afford a doula, visit DASCdoulas.org) and find a student doula who is looking for certification and will offer her services either free or at a very low cost.
3.      Know what your rights are, visit the hospital, go to the classes, get names of the midwives and call or visit them in the clinic and ASK questions and tell them your birthing preferences.
4.      Aside from Obstetrics the clinics are full and the wait is long. Emergency room is overcrowded, but you do not need to go to the emergency room if you are in labor, and that’s good news.
5.      Ask questions and don't stop until you get the answers you want.
6.      It is a county facility so, yes, you will see prisoners handcuffed walking with security officers in the hallways, and some homeless too. Bless them and send love, they need it.
7.      Don't worry if you cannot pay. They have an "ATP" (ability to pay) program. If you qualify, you will be allowed to pay what you can. If that's only $20 per month, then that's what it is. ASK. They will help you fill out the forms.
8.      Make friends with and get to know your nurses. They're the ones who run the day-to-day operations and often are a little more informed than the doctors. Get the nurses on your side.
9.      Have someone who can bring you food to eat. The hospital food, I hear, is not great. Art's Coffee Shop across the street on Zonal makes a superior al pastor burrito and the best fish tacos, so I heard from a former patient. There is a coffee shop in the courtyard that serves good sandwiches and Porto’s pastries. There is also a Subway across the street.
10.  They do have patient parking, and it is free. However it is very limited. There is street parking and meter parking, but it might take a long time to find one and meter might not be a good idea as things might take more then you expect. You may just have to suck it up and pay the $8 to one of the private lots.



Saturday, April 03, 2010

Problems and Hazards of Induction of Labor

From:

www.motherfriendly.org © 2003 by The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS). Permission granted to reproduce with complete attribution.

A CIMS Fact Sheet



The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) is concerned about the dramatic increase and ongoing overuse of induction of labor. The U.S. induction rate has more than doubled since 1989, rising from one woman in ten to one woman in five in 2001.22 This may, however, grossly undercount the true incidence of labor induction. Nearly half of women in a 2002 survey reported that some effort had been made to start labor artificially.5 The World Health Organization recommends no more than a 10 percent induction rate.31 Despite modern techniques, induction of labor still introduces considerable risk compared with natural onset of labor, and many, if not most, inductions are done for reasons that are not supported by sound medical research.

HAZARDS OF LABOR INDUCTION
  • First-time mothers have approximately twice the likelihood of cesarean section with induction compared with natural onset of labor. This risk is due to the procedure itself, not any reason that might have led to inducing labor.9 Inducing labor at 41 weeks in a hypothetical population of 100,000 first-time mothers will result in somewhere between 3,700 and 8,200 excess cesareans and cost an extra $29to $39 million.17
  • women who have had prior vaginal births may increase their chances of cesarean section five-fold if the cervix is not ready for labor, and they are given cervical ripening agents.26 Inducing 100,000hypothetical women with prior births at 41 weeks will result in between 100 and 2,300 excess cesareans and cost an extra $25 to $26 million.17
  • All induction agents can cause uterine hyper stimulation (contractions too long, too strong, and too close together and higher baseline muscle tension).10 Uterine hyper stimulation can cause fetal distress.10This means that, paradoxically, inducing labor because of concern over the baby’s condition may cause the very problem the induction was intended to forestall while the baby might have tolerated natural labor.
  • Induction of labor involves the need for other interventions. IV drip, continuous electronic fetal monitoring, usually confinement to bed. that also can have adverse effects.
  • Rupturing fetal membranes, a routine component of labor induction, can cause fetal distress and increases the likelihood of cesarean section.2,8,11 It may also precipitate umbilical cord prolapse (a life-threatening emergency for the baby in which the umbilical cord slips down into the vagina).7,19 Forty percent of all full term births involving cord prolapse were induced labors, rising to nearly 50% of births involving prolapse at 42 weeks or more.21
  • Induced labors are usually more painful, which can increase the need for epidural analgesia.3Epidurals introduce a higher probability of a host of adverse effects on the labor, the baby, and the mother.
  • women with prior cesarean sections have a slightly increased probability of the scar giving way with Pitocin (oxytocin) induction (8 per 1,000 vs 5 per 1,000 with spontaneous labor onset) and greatly increased risk when prostaglandins (24 per 1,000) are used for cervical ripening or induction.20
Prostaglandins include Cytotec (misoprostol), Prepidil (prostaglandin E2), and   Cervidil (prostaglandin E2).
www.motherfriendly.org Problems and Hazards of Induction of Labor © 2003 by The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS). Permission granted to reproduce with complete attribution.


HAZARDS AND PROBLEMS OF INDUCTION AGENTS
Cytotec (Misoprostol)
  • Cytotec, although widely used as an induction agent, is neither formulated nor intended for use inlabor. Cytotec.s manufacturer, Searle, has repudiated its off-label use as an induction/cervicalripening agent because of Cytotec.s attendant risks.27
  • The FDA states that Cytotec.s major adverse effects include uterine hyper stimulation, which can become severe and result in profound fetal distress; uterine rupture; amniotic fluid embolism, which has a high maternal and infant mortality rate; severe genital bleeding; shock; fetal death; and maternal death.6 Other adverse effects include retained placenta, cesarean section, and passage of meconium(the baby’s first stool) into the amniotic fluid, which can cause a type of newborn pneumonia if inhaled.6
  • Cytotec is commonly believed to pose a life-threatening risk only in women with a uterine scar or with high doses. However, cases of maternal and infant death and hemorrhage requiring hysterectomy have been reported in women with no uterine scar, some of whom were given a minimal dose.13,28,30
  • Cytotec dosage cannot be controlled because the drug is a small pill that must be cut in pieces.
  • Once given, the drug cannot be rescinded or the dosage reduced in case of adverse effects.
  • Cytotec does not decrease cesarean rates compared with prostaglandin E2, which is FDA-approvedfor use in labor.16
  • Cytotec.s only advantages compared with prostaglandin E2 are much reduced cost and fasterlabors.16 Both benefit only hospitals and doctors as short labors are usually intense, tumultuous, anddifficult.
Prostaglandin E2 (Prepidil, Cervidil)
  • Prostaglandin E2 can cause uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress.18 Fetal distress can requirecesarean section.
  • Prostaglandin E2 does not reduce excess cesareans associated with labor induction.18
  • Unless the drug is formulated in a tampon (Cervidil), the drug cannot be rescinded or the dosagereduced in case of adverse effects.
Oxytocin (Pitocin)
  • Complications of oxytocin (Pitocin) include uterine hyperstimulation,25 which can lead to fetaldistress; twice the chance of the baby being born in poor condition;15 postpartum hemorrhage;25and greater probability of newborn jaundice.25 Rare, severe, maternal complications include uterinerupture and water intoxication leading to coma and death. Oxytocin may also cause brain damageor death in the baby.25


www.motherfriendly.org © 2003 by The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS). Permission granted to reproduce with complete attribution. Problems and Hazards of Induction of Labor
Coalition for Improving Maternity Services
P.O. Box 2346
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004
info@motherfriendly.org
Phone toll-free: 888-282-CIMS (2467)
Fax: 904-285-2120


MEDICAL RESEARCH FAILS TO
SUPPORT COMMON INDUCTION RATIONALES
  • Elective induction of labor, that is, induction for no medical reasons such as convenience, exposes babies and mothers to the hazards of induction with no counterbalancing benefit.
  • Inducing labor for suspected big baby produces no benefits but increases the likelihood of cesarean section.12,29
  • No credible evidence supports inducing labor in women with gestational. as opposed to pre-existing. diabetes.
  • routinely inducing labor for prelabor rupture of membranes does not reduce the incidence of newborn infection with the exception of women testing positive for Group B strep who do not receive IV antibiotics during labor.14
  • Inducing labor in women with Group B strep has not been shown to improve outcomes when antibiotics are given regardless of membrane status and is not part of the Centers for Disease Control recommended guidelines.4
  • Studies claiming to support routine induction of labor at 41 weeks of pregnancy have serious flaws.23 No research supports routine induction at any earlier point in pregnancy; no sound research supports routine induction at any point in pregnancy.
  • Proponents of inducing labor at full-term argue that the stillbirth rate and the rates of other newborn complications increase markedly after that date, but, in fact, these rates show no such increase.1,23 Induction at 41 weeks in a hypothetical population of 100,000 first-time mothers would theoretically prevent 120 fetal deaths that would statistically occur in the ensuing week, but:17
  • We don’t know how many of those deaths would actually be prevented by routine induction in that they were unpredictable events in healthy mothers carrying healthy, normally formed babies.
  • That number would be offset by some babies dying as a result of the hazards of induction.
  • Any decrease in fetal deaths would be outweighed by the infertility, miscarriage, and fetal and newborn losses consequent to the excess cesareans. (See The Risks of Cesarean Delivery for Mother and Baby, a CIMS fact sheet.)
  • Forty-one weeks is the median length of pregnancy in healthy first-time mothers.24 This means that one-half of such pregnancies will last longer than 41 weeks.
  • If there is no reason to curtail the natural length of pregnancy, then there is no reason for measures such as stripping or sweeping membranes, which themselves introduce the possibility of risk.
The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS), a United Nations recognized NGO, is a collaborative effort of numerous individuals, leading researchers, and more than 50 organizations representing over 90,000 members. Promoting a wellness model of maternity care that will improve birth outcomes and substantially reduce costs, CIMS developed the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative in 1996. A consensus document that has been recognized as an important model for improving the healthcare and well being of children beginning at birth, the Mother-FriendlyChildbirth Initiative has been translated into several languages and is gaining support around the world.

www.motherfriendly.org Problems and Hazards of Induction of Labor © 2003 by The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS).


References
1.Alexander JM, McIntire DD, and Leveno KJ. Forty weeks and beyond: pregnancy outcomes by week of gestation.Obstet Gynecol 2000;96:291-4.
2.Brisson-Carroll G et al. The effect of routine early amniotomy on spontaneous labor: a meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol1996;87(5 Pt 2):891-6.
3.Cammu H et al. Outcome after elective labor induction in nulliparous women: a matched cohort study. Am J ObstetGynecol 2002;186(2):240-4.
4.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention of perinatal Group B streptococcal disease. MMWR2002;51(No. RR-11).
5.Declercq ER, Sakala C, Corry MP. Listening to Mothers: Report of the First National U.S. Survey of Women.s ChildbearingExperiences. New York: Maternity Center Association, Oct 2002.
6.FDA. Cytotec (misoprostol). Access at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2002/safety02.htm#cytote,2002.
7.Fullerton JT and Severino R. In-hospital care for low-risk childbirth: comparison with results from the NationalBirth Center Study. J Nurse Midwifery 1992;37(5):331-340.
8.Garite TJ et al. The influence of elective amniotomy on fetal heart rate patterns and the course of labor in termpatients: a randomized study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1993;168(6 Pt 1):1827-1832.
9.Goer H. Elective induction of labor.
10.Goer H. The Thinking Woman.s Guide to a Better Birth. New York: Perigee Books, 1999, p 228-9.
11.Goffinet F et al. Early amniotomy increases the frequency of fetal heart rate abnormalities. Br J Obstet Gynaecol1997;104(5):548-53.
12.Gonen O et al. Induction of labor versus expectant management in macrosomia: a randomized study. Obstet Gynecol1997;89(6):913-7.
13.Goodman D. Forced labor. Mother Jones Jan/Feb 2001:17-19.
14.Hannah ME et al. Maternal colonization with group B Streptococcus and prelabor rupture of membranes at term:the role of induction of labor. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;177(4):780-5.
15.Herbst A, Wolner-Hanssen P, and Ingemarsson I. Risk factors for acidemia at birth. Obstet Gynecol 1997;90(1):125-30.
16.Hofmeyr GJ and Gulmezoglu AM. Vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening and labour induction in late pregnancy(Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2000.Oxford: Update Software.
17.Kaufman KE, Bailit JL, and Grobman W. Elective induction: an analysis of economic and health consequences. AmJ Obstet Gynecol 2002;186(4):858-63.
18.Kelly AJ, Kavanagh J, Thomas J. Vaginal prostaglandin (PGE2 and PGF2a) for induction of labour at term(Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2002.Oxford: Update Software.
19.Levy H et al. Umbilical cord prolapse. Obstet Gynecol 1984;64(4):499-502.
20.Lydon-Rochelle M et al. Risk of uterine rupture during labor among women with a prior cesarean delivery. N Engl JMed 2001;345(1): 3-8.
21.MacDorman M et al. Trends and characteristics of induced labour in the United States, 1989-98. Paediatr PerinatEpidemiol 2002;16:263-73.
22.Martin JA et al. Births: final data for 2001. Nat Vital Stat Rep 2002;51(2).
23.Menticoglou SM and Hall PF. Routine induction of labour at 41 weeks gestation: nonsensus consensus. BJOG2002;109:485-91.
24.Mittendorf R et al. The length of uncomplicated human gestation. Obstet Gynecol 1990;75(6):929-32.
25.Mosby. Oxytocin. Mosby.s GenRx Access at: http://www.orgyn.com/resources/genrx/d001945.asp
26.Peck P. Preinduction cervical ripening significantly increases risk of cesarean. Medscape Medical News, 2003.
27.Searle. letter to health care providers. Aug 23, 2000
28.Stein L. Un-informed consent. Metroactive ,2002.
29.Tey A, Eriksen NL, and Blanco JD. A prospective randomized trial of induction versus expectant management innondiabetic pregnancies with fetal macrosomia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1995;172(1 Pt 2):293.
30.Wing DA and Paul RH. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996;175(1):158-64.
31.World Health Organization. Appropriate technology for birth. Lancet 1985;2(8452):436-437.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Win a signed copy of Painless Childbirth: An Empowering Journey Through Pregnancy and Birth



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The winner will be announced on Sunday May 6th 2010

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Swaddling Dilemma

Swaddling Dilemma


Most parents say that swaddling helps their babies get to sleep, stay asleep, and get comforted quickly, especially when they are newborns. My problem with this is that th

e focus is on getting the baby to shut up, settle, be quiet in  his/her crib, on his own. Dos this reminds you of an old adage, seen but not heard .  A baby will fall asleep in mom’s arms just as quickly.  A baby will sleep on dad’s chest just as sweetly, without needing to feel like he is back in the womb.  We are too quick to try to get our newborn to stop crying, or communicating. Have you ever thought about how crying for a baby is really talking? Babies speak one language we don’t quite understand right away, so we quickly respond by shushing, telling the baby “don’t cry,” and we are told that if we turn on vacuum cleaners or hairdryers we’ll see the baby’s gaze switch and they will quiet down. Yes, indeed that works, but what about allowing the baby to talk?  Now I don’t mean we should let a baby cry on his/her own, but have you heard how after a few weeks a mom will hear a baby cry and say, “I know that cry, he is hungry.  Or he needs to be changed. “  Mom’s eventually learn their babies language. So let’s change our perception from the baby is crying to the baby is talking, and let’s ask the baby what he/she needs as we offer, food, comfort, cuddle, empathy and love.
This being said one of the reasons why the swaddling methods, as well as the shushing methods, have come to the forefront is because those are tools we should use when our baby cry is making a mom go deeper into postpartum depression, or is making the baby being at risk of being miss-handled by a frustrated parent.  So, if you feel like you need a break or you will go mad, PLEASE SWADDLE your baby and turn on the vacuum cleaner.  Or better call a postpartum doula and go for a walk.  Don’t feel bad if you find yourself frustrated especially from the lack of sleep.  We all felt that way, and the quieting techniques have grown from the empathy felt by some experts for new moms.  But these techniques have become the norm, the crutch nearly used daily, instead of being the exception, the tool used in only special occasions.
So if you can, and I am only asking to put aside a few months of your life for this: hold your baby, go ahead it is O.K. you are not going to spoil her, in fact you might just teach her that what she says counts and you will listen.
“If your only goal were to get your baby to sleep through the night, then leaving him to cry would accomplish that goal. The problem is that the reason the baby stops crying and sleeps is that he becomes so discouraged he gives up trying to signal that he needs help. In effect, he has learned to sleep through the night……… out of despair rather than contentment.” ~ Dr. Martha Heineman Pieper, Author of Smart Love

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