What i Do

"Crazy Ideas"

2008-11-20T08:17:00.000-08:00

Those were the actual words spoken to me in two different conversations that although are from two different people, have an important connection. First I heard those two little words, "crazy ideas" from a young girl who came into The Nesting Place to share her birth story, (She had taken one of my classes). She started out by saying she had the most awesome experience and loved the whole process of labor and delivery. She said she "did everything I wanted" but "pissed of my doctor." She went on to explain that her doctor came in as she was pushing, sat down and mentioned something about "numbing" the perineum (the area from the vaginal opening to the anus). She said, "no." He went on to say he wanted to give her an episiotomy (cutting the perineum) and again she said, "no." At this he went and sat in the corner of the room, did nothing until after the baby's head was born. After the birth of a beautiful baby girl, there were a few little "skid marks" (a little tear in the perineum which not only heals faster, doesn't hurt as much) that needed a stitch or two. He asked the new mother if "now can I give you shot" she said, "of course"..his reply was, "I don't see the difference." He then went on to ask her where she got all these "crazy ideas"? Evidently at this point the new dad spoke up and said "We believe God created our bodies to know exactly what to do, so why mess with that"? A great story of empowerment, wouldn't you think?
Well several weeks later I was taking another class on a tour of the hospital birth center when a nurse i know well asked to talk with me. She informed me that one of the doctors wasn't happy with my classes as he was getting too many complaints from his patients..about his own birthing practices and would no longer refer his patients to me. When I heard this, of course I took it very personal and began to worry what I could have possibly done that would lead to such a drastic step, after all I was the ONLY educator excepting his medi-cal patients. Well I called his office immediately and set up a time to go talk with his to see if this was true. And sadly enough, it is!
He explained that we, he & I, have "philosophical differences" and that it was nothing personal. When I asked him what those differences were, he just said, "about medical intervention" When I asked what exactly he was referring to he simply said, "well women are getting these "crazy ideas.".. He wasn't able to give one example, however I did. I mentioned to him that women are researching every option, alternative and best practices regarding their prenatal care, labor & delivery. Women want to be respected and not treated as if they have no idea what's going on. I said women want to make informed choices regardless of our own bias's and they want to "feel birth" He just said, "well some might" ...I won't go into the whole 45 minutes of conversation but I left there with a sadness for his patients who will not get the information they deserve.
All I want to know is why doctors with attitudes like this are still trying to be "baby catchers" and where do they get their "crazy ideas"?

2008-09-25T12:38:00.001-07:00

I believe so many problems of today would be “cured” with good prenatal care. Sounds a little simplistic yet the care of a women and her family through the prenatal period is crucial. Grasping a more holistic approach to childbearing may only encourage healthier bodies, self-esteem, attitudes, relationships, etc. The concept of holistic health is nothing new and although it is an important way of meeting the needs of women and their families it has been sporadic over the past several years. This care should not only include the “clinical” piece, but also address the emotional, spiritual, nutritional and societal needs of the women and her family.
Unfortunately the technology of birth is taking over and women often express their feelings of frustration, an insult of their intelligence and a total disregard by those providers who don’t take the time to listen and remain mindful of their prenatal, childbirth and postpartum desires. Respect, by some providers, appears to give way to malpractice/insurance issues, time constrains, “old school” philosophies, and archaic policies & procedures.
Being “pro-active” is not always popular, yet many feel the only way to be heard is to take a stand for what they believe in, regardless of the “hidden agendas” of others, and follow the path that is best for them.
Working as a team with care-providers is essential. We have some wonderful health-care providers in our area. If you feel you are not valued as an important decision maker in your care, it may be best to search out your options.
I encourage you to seek the best provider for your needs and desires, a provider that not only demonstrates respect towards you and your personal beliefs, but will also communicate options and/or alternatives if intervention is necessary.

Orgasmic Birth

2008-09-25T09:48:00.001-07:00

The Business Of Being Born

2008-09-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

Pregnant In America

2008-09-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

My project...

2007-11-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

I was once that new mom who felt lonely and isolated. I, however, had a great support system and with the aid of others, was able to get through my feelings of despair. In 1983 I started supporting others as a birth Doula (a labor & birth assistant). In 1987 I became a Certified Childbirth Educator. I have raised 6 children while teaching early pregnancy, childbirth preparation, postpartum, breastfeeding and newborn care classes, independent of any hospital or other facility. For the past 3 years I have been contracted through our county hospital to do initial prenatal intakes and develop an education program to meet the needs of our state funded CPSP, Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program, program. This prompted me to take the income I received to finance an education & support center, a personal dream of mine for over 20 years. A month after I opened The Nesting Place, the county closed the hospital and it's clinic. Another hospital bought out the clinic, yet decided not to include the CPSP program. This leaves many women on their own for education and support. I believe the "drop off" in participation is solely a result of the cost to the financially burdened and not for lack of interest.