The Caesarean

So, after 2 births and 2 Caesareans, I have become very curious about the theories revolving around the causes of caesareans.  I was pleased to read a book by Michel Odent called The Caesarean.   I really enjoyed Odent's writing that stepped over "politically correct" boundaries numerous times, in order stay authentic to his beliefs and observations.  He mainly states that a woman needs privacy and NO neocortex stimulation for the birthing process to be most successful.

Since reading this book I have modified my role as a professional birth supporter to incorporate more of my own authentic, non-judgmental, mother-type nurturing.  I feel like women giving birth need to feel safe and nurtured, in order to relax and let their bodies' natural function progress without intervention.  After attending two relatively traumatic births, I started feeling like I should be doing more.  When in reality, I am doing exactly what I should be and could almost do less "persuading."  "Persuading" the mom that she is doing a good job and "persuading" her body to do more.  I honestly trust in the women's ability to find her unique coping strategies during birth.  I trust that her body will do what it needs to do to birth a child.  I trust that the baby is doing what he/she needs to do to be born.

Breast Crawl

I love to see videos of births from other countries.

Circumcision Movie

This is an interesting movie about circumcision...

My First Baby

Here is a picture of my first baby born under my watch...

Carson

My Personal Artist

I know you can't help noticing the beautiful painting at the top of this blog.  It is by an up and coming Swedish artist, Sofie Trigo Wagner.  The original painting was done 3 years ago, and after I showed interest in buying the painting, Sofie decided to repaint it for me.  She sends me updates of the painting as she works on it.  The most recent update is at the top of the page.  I can't wait to get my hands on the original!

  You can see more of Sofie's work here:  http://student.nackademin.com/dg07104/2d.html

This was the original painting done 3 years ago

I (She) Did It!

  I attended my first birth a couple of days ago!  I will post the full story once I get permission from the new parents.  I can tell you that I spent about 22 hours with them and it was wonderful!  I learned so much, and I felt like I did a good job in supporting both of them through one of the most amazing experiences in their lives.  I can now honestly say that I have found another calling in my life.  I will hopefully be assisting women during birth for many years to come.  I feel a deep gratitude for this couple inviting me into their lives and initiating my new career.  I am also very grateful to my friend, Shelley, for giving me the opportunity to attend her childbirth education classes at the hospital that this couple delivered at and all of the super helpful advice she has given me.  

  I have gained a lot of perspective after attending a hospital birth (I had two homebirths myself). I now see the benefits of having a competent medical staff to assist in the delivery of a child. Even though it may take a little bit more leg work, a woman can have a beautiful, nurturing, and empowering experience in a hospital.  I know my new mama did and so did I!

My 1st Birth...almost

So, I'm waiting for my first mama to enter into active labor.  She had early contractions, then they conveniently stopped so that she could finish up her work before taking her maternity leave tomorrow!  I talked to her again at 9pm.  She had been having consistent contractions for about 4 hours, but not real strong.  She is so cute and trying not to get too excited.  She said, "Well, I think he will be here by St. Patrick's Day."  Uh, yeah! 

I am also trying not to get super excited.  My in-laws arriving from Pennsylvania will be a nice distraction for this evening.

Hopefully, I will have a nice birth story to post tomorrow!