Or: How to write a letter of complaint to your OB, midwife or hospital… Every birth matters, and YOU have a voice. Significant changes have been made in recent years in our local birth world – changes to policies, procedures and options. Many of these changes happen because you are a consumer of services and … Continue reading “Your voice in birth matters. A lot.”
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How can I become a doula?
From time to time, people ask me for advice on how to become a doula. Here are some of my suggestions: Research doula certification organizations such as DONA, ALACE, CAPPA, ICEA, Birth Arts International, Birthing From Within, Childbirth International, and Charis for courses, fees and training details to find the one that best meets your … Continue reading “How can I become a doula?”
What I’ve Learned From 100+ Months of Breastfeeding
Happy World Breastfeeding Week! Last summer marked my 100th month of breastfeeding. It’s one of those milestones nobody noticed but me, but I think it’s pretty special. It seems crazy that over the last 12 years, I’ve spent more than one hundred months nursing my offspring: 114 months now, to be exact. My first nursed for … Continue reading “What I’ve Learned From 100+ Months of Breastfeeding”
Birth Story: Oliver Michael-Thomas
{second baby: VBAC at home} I’m kind of a baby when it comes to pain. I stub my toe, I scream; I get a sunburn and I whine until it goes away; I get a paper cut and everyone hears about it. Additionally, having a home birth isn’t for everyone; it’s an uphill battle from … Continue reading “Birth Story: Oliver Michael-Thomas”
How to Pay for Doula Services
Some people are surprised by the potential cost of hiring a doula. While some doulas-in-training may offer low-cost or even free services while they gain experience, others may charge anywhere from $300 to over $1200, depending on factors such as experience, location, and demand. Some women feel that they can’t afford the support they want, … Continue reading “How to Pay for Doula Services”
The Induction Talk
You’re perhaps 39 or even 40 weeks pregnant and planning a natural birth. Then, your doctor wants to have The Induction Talk. If this wasn’t part of your plan and you feel uneasy about this option at this time, here are a few ideas to consider as you prepare for this discussion. When your care … Continue reading “The Induction Talk”
Homeschooling: Elementary Curriculum
What curriculum should I use? This seems to be among the biggest concerns of people who are considering homeschooling. I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all curriculum anywhere out there that would work for our family. For us, the beauty of homeschooling lies in the variety of sources to pull from and the freedom to … Continue reading “Homeschooling: Elementary Curriculum”
Birth Story: Samuel Raymond
{first baby, hospital birth} A lot of people knew that we were hoping for a low intervention birth. I have no problem with women making their own decisions about pain management in labor, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with getting or planning to get an epidural. However, for a few reasons I … Continue reading “Birth Story: Samuel Raymond”
Advice from New Parents Part 2
I’ve uncovered a few more “advice to new parents cards” from birth class reunions so it’s time to share more advice that these new parents offer to expectant parents about to face the same journey. The memories are recent for them! My wife and I just had our 2nd child. Already I’ve found a … Continue reading “Advice from New Parents Part 2”
The Baby Blues
by Elizabeth Pantley, author of Gentle Baby Care I remember when I was lying in my hospital bed after the birth of my fourth child, Coleton. I had endured a full day of labor and a difficult delivery (who says the fourth one comes easily?), and I was tired beyond explanation. After the relief of … Continue reading “The Baby Blues”
Make Mealtime Fun for Your Picky Eater
When I was in the process of introducing my fourth child to foods for the first time, she was not buying it. At eight months, she was still resistant to putting most foods in her mouth and preferred to smear them all over her high chair instead. As I contemplated how long it could be … Continue reading “Make Mealtime Fun for Your Picky Eater”
Psychology Today’s Series on Circumcision
In September 2011, Psychology Today began a six-part series on circumcision. The series covers a wide range of related topics from anatomy to ethics, myths to hygiene, and more. Each article is accurate and informative. If you haven’t read up on this topic yet, this is a great place to start. Part 1: Myths About … Continue reading “Psychology Today’s Series on Circumcision”
Homeschooling: Our Weekly Rhythm
OK, I lied. In my post about Homeschool Planning & Organization I told you I didn’t plan our weekly schedule. Well, it looks like I have made a conscious effort to do so in the past. In going through my homeschool files, I happened to come across an attempt at creating a weekly rhythm for our family. … Continue reading “Homeschooling: Our Weekly Rhythm”
Birth Story: Eva Nicole
{first baby, birth center birth} A year has gone by with my sweet princess, a year full of joy and new experiences. It is so nurturing to relive the moment of her birth and now I share it with you… On Sunday, August 26, at midnight, I was awoken by a wave of pain in … Continue reading “Birth Story: Eva Nicole”
Pain, Suffering and Comfort in Labor
Many women, especially those about to face their first labor and birth experience, have some concerns about what it’s all going to feel like… specifically: How much is it going to hurt? Will I be able to tolerate the pains of labor? And what can I do to make it easier?? Answers to the first … Continue reading “Pain, Suffering and Comfort in Labor”
Hidden Dangers in Baby Clothes
Looking through the free clothes basket at a local birth center, I picked up a cute little outfit for my new baby… it was nice and soft, 100% certified organic cotton, Made in the USA, clean. So I didn’t hesitate to take it home, but I am so glad I hesitated to put it on … Continue reading “Hidden Dangers in Baby Clothes”