Summer Class

With spring semester almost finished (one week until finals!) I am gearing up for my summer series of Bradley classes. This series will begin on June 2 and run for 12 weeks, on Tuesdays at Turo Family Chiropractic in the North Hills. Please send me an email for more details on how to register. Space is limited, and only a couple spots remain open. Thank you! jodymilholland@gmail.com

BIRTH PLAN BASICS

Birth. Plan. In some ways it's very interesting that those two words are used in the same sentence, much less the same phrase. Birth is such an organic, all encompassing, life changing event. The very idea that we could somehow "plan" it reduces the almost mystical quality of the experience. However, unlike planning a vacation or career path, planning for a birth is much more dynamic. After the actual decision making process of choosing a care provider, place to give birth, what tests you will take, how to eat, exercise and basically live your life with this little being growing inside of you...it's actually a matter of choosing how you want to be treated in labor.

As you can see, the process of creating a birth plan starts long before you sit down at the computer with your pile of birth books and windows open with birth plan templates. It begins when you select a provider. His/her birth philosophy will be the one that drives the whole process at some level. If you choose one whose philosophy aligns well with yours, then you're in a good place. If not, then all the planning in the world will not change their minds.

When you take responsibility to educate yourself on prenatal nutrition and exercise, and then follow through, you are in a sense "planning" to either be in optimal health (as much as is in your power) or not.

Only then are you really ready to begin the process of creating a birth plan. Here are three basic essentials to help you get started.

I. Keep it simple. Your provider is more likely to read a 1-2 page birth plan and really give it attention, than a longer winded 4 page document. Bullet points are great. Short, concise phrases get the point across.

II. Organize it according to your style. One way is to break it up into first, second, third stage (including baby care in the third stage.) Another option is to create four simple paragraphs that state your general philosophy. Yet another style could be bullet points listed in order of importance to you.

III. Include a short sentence or two about how much you appreciate their support and care and that you anticipate being able to discuss any deviations from this in case of an emergency. Trust and dialogue are both important aspects of a really good birth team.

One way to really be able to work with your birth plan is to take a childbirth class that teaches you the mechanics of birth, including coaching, and comfort measures that are non invasive.

Your baby's birth will be a day like no other. It will be a day you remember for the rest of your life. Plan for how you wish to be treated, entrust your care only to someone who honors those wishes and then continue on enjoying this beautiful time of growth and change as you await your child's birth day.

Post Partum For The Rest Of Us

So, you planned ahead and have a freezer stocked with prepped chicken cutlets and chopped veggies. Your baby' room looks like a set for the baby edition of Pottery Barn, and your nursing corner in the front room has a basket filled with baby essentials (just in case), a breastfeeding manual, tissues and a place for your water bottle tucked into the corner. Or maybe not. Perhaps all those good intentions got buried under the mountain of little details that go into living.

Not to worry. While a little planning can go a long way in reducing your stress after the baby is born, there is no need to worry if you are coming home to a lived in house, with a crib still in the packing carton and a freezer full of half empty bags of veggies and a some pizzas that were on sale last week. It's ok. Do. Not. Panic.

At the end of the day, what your baby needs can be boiled down to four things:

1. Food
2. Warmth
3. Security
4. Sleep

And you, on the other hand have the ability to provide him with that, with nothing but your own self. You can snuggle down on the end of the sofa, with just you and the baby (with or without a fancy breastfeeding pillow) and bring your baby to your breast and fill his tummy with warm milk, while you fill his soul with security and love. Wrapped in the circle of your arms, he has everything he needs at that moment. (Until, of course, the diaper leaks!) 

You, on the other hand, need a few things too:

1. Food
2. Warmth
3. Security
4. Sleep

Basic, simple needs that can be lovingly filled by your partner, family and closest friends. Eat well, rest often, drink pure water and fresh juices and bask in the newness of the newborn days. Your rest and nutrition go a long ways in ensuring your recovery. While your uterus is getting smaller, your hormones are going up and down and your muscles are tired from 9 months of weight lifting, it may feel a bit overwhelming. Rest, nutrition, and support are the bare bone essentials. 

And, when mama is happy and rested, it affects everyone else. I saw a bumper sticker once that said the best thing a man could do for his children is love their mother. Even if that moniker doesn't fit you or feels a bit old fashioned, there is wisdom in those words. When a woman is taken care of by her community/partner/family in the post partum days, she can more readily heal and ease into her new role as a mother. 

Relax, new mama. You've got this. 

Control Freak

A wise woman once told me to take responsibility for the things I can control in life, and learn to manage well those I can't. For instance, I can choose how I spend my money, what I eat and how often I exercise. The results of those choices are evident in my bank account and whether or not my jeans are getting a bit too tight. I must choose wisely to reap the rewards. And take responsibility for the times when my choices lead to less desirable results. Back to the treadmill I go!

However, there are some things I can't control. My genes, for instance. I didn't ask for a big nose or a longer than average second toe. (Sorry, you didn't want to know that, did you?) I have no control over the air quality when I leave my home or if the water in the water cooler is purified or not. Those are things I just have to learn to manage as best I can, like bring my own water bottle.

When it comes to preparing for birth, it is no different. Many times a woman feels like she is at the mercy of prenatal hormones, her doctors orders or her body's changing shape. She may feel as if she has no control. And, it while it is true that many things are up to genetics, hormonal changes and general changes that occur while growing a baby, there are things she can do to improve her overall health and feelings of well being, even while pregnant. There are also choices that she needs to make while pregnant in order to take responsibility for her own birth experience and to be prepared for postpartum and breastfeeding.

Choices:

• Healthcare provider (Doctor or midwife)
• Place for birth (Hospital, home or birth center)
• Diet (are you getting enough protein?)
• Exercise (remember, birth is much like running a marathon)
• Information and Education
• Birth classes and preparation
• What she takes in from the media concerning her body and birth, in general
• The choice to breastfeed or not
• Create a Birth Plan that reflects your preferences
• Choice of birth partners/doula/supportive birth team

 The other things you just have to manage:

• Gravity (in labor, that means harnessing it to work FOR you)
• Genetics 
• The unexpected (sometimes that means an unplanned Cesarean)
• The unsolicited opinions of friends and family (turn a deaf ear)
• If your healthy prenatal diet causes a weight gain you are uncomfortable with, eliminate the junk food, while continuing to munch your way through veggies, fruits, lean protein and high fiber foods. 

No one makes perfect choices 100% of the time, so don't beat yourself up over that double chocolate muffin you called breakfast. Just make a healthier choice at lunch (or sooner, if possible). Take charge of the things you can, and manage well or simply relax about the things that are out of your control. I have learned that simple principle has helped steer me well when it comes to making choices and accepting those things I can do nothing about. Besides, I think a longer second toe makes for sexy-sandal-wearing feet.

Big Announcement!

Big announcement!

With the change of the calendar comes a change for Birth Joy Childbirth Classes. Dr. Dan Turo, of Turo Family Chiropractic has graciously offered teaching space for my Bradley classes. Dan and his wife Erin were students in my class summer class a year ago. Then I had the privilege of being the doula for the birth of their sweet little boy, Ethan. Dan and Erin are committed to natural health care beginning with prenatal care, infancy, childhood illnesses and on up to elder care. Their positive attitude and enthusiasm for empowering people to take control of their own health is contagious! Dr. Dan is also my chiropractor and I heartily recommend his services to anyone seeking chiropractic care.

 Find out more at:  http://www.turofamilychiropractic.com/

I am eager to begin this next series of classes (beginning January 15) and can't wait to see what the new year brings! To register for classes, please contact me at 724-513-3507 or jodymilholland@gmail.com.

Yours for better health, empowered births and healthier moms and babies!

Namaste~
Jody

Meeting Penny

It was no difficult decision on whether or not to drive across town to meet one of my all time childbirth idols, Penny Simkin. It was a small gathering, organized by another childbirth educator in our area. Even though we got a late start, with me making more than one wrong turn, somehow I managed to get myself, Bethany and our friend Michele there just in time. We were, in fact, some of the first people to show up.

Penny was even more wonderful in person than I imagined she would be. Her warmth and compassion for women in birth was evident in the way she spoke. She was candid about how to help women as they birth in a less than ideal hospital environment. She expressed concern for the plight of underprivileged women, immigrants, non English speaking clients. She wants to see birth workers empower women with realistic choices while educating them in how to work with their labor. It was no secret that she "knows" a lot. She started as a physcial therapist in the late 60's, then trained as a childbirth educator. She expanded that knowlege to include doula work and helped found DONA, an organization to train doula's. I knew that she is smart, educated and experienced.

But I was touched most by her compassion. The expression on her face as she heard the stories of women who felt disempowered or unheard. For the women who felt violated, misunderstood or condescended to, she was all compassion. Concern and warmth lined the edges of her face as she listened to doula's expressing the displeasure at feeling unable to advocate for their client's rights.

And that knowlege, combined with compassion creates a fire and zeal to continue to educate anyone who will listen. She inspired me to be that kind of birthworker. I want compassion for women and families to be the fire that kindles my desire to teach and promote real birth.

Thrush

Thrush is an overgrowth of Candida (yeast ) that naturally occurs in the intestines, vagina and gut. When it overproduces, it causes painful, white pathes on the inside of baby's mouth. They look a little like cottage cheese, and cannot be wiped off. It can also appear as an angry red diaper rash, so baby may have it at both ends.

A suppressed immune system caused by the use of steroids, antibiotics or illness can precede a thrush invasion.

Simple home rememdies include:

1. Gentian Violet, swabbed in baby's mouth and applied externally to mom's nipples. This is a bit messy, so simply put an  oil based barrier (coconut oil or olive oil) on babys lips first.
2. Washing the breasts with a solution of diluted white vinegar and warm water.
3. Avoid  nursing pads that contain plastic, as it will encourage the overgrowth of yeast.
4. Wash all clothing items that come in contact with baby and with mom's breasts in hot water with bleach. Drying garments in the sun can help kill the yeast, as well.

If you and your baby do not respond well to these home remedies, your doctor can prescribe medications:

1. Nystatin is an antifungal liquid that can be applied safely in the baby's mouth.
2. Diflucan is an oral antifungal medication used to treat thrush.

Some symptoms mom may experience as well, include:

1. Sore nipples
2. Cracked skin on nipples.
3. Shooting pain in breasts.

Seek the advice of a medical professional to get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan that is best for you and your baby.


Sources:
http://askdrsears.com/topics/childhood-illnesses/thrush

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/thrush-topic-overview

B I R T H

I was on a forum earlier this morning and saw a woman's request for recommendations for childbirth classes. She is pregnant with her first child and having her baby at a free standing birth center. Comments were made about the different classes offered, and some even mentioned my classes. (That was nice!) But one comment stood out among the rest: "Choose a class that is geared for women birting outside the hosptial." At first, I was thinking, yes, choose a class that is offered outside the hospital, but that is not what the writer was saying. She was making the distinction that classes geared for women going to a hospital will usually "prepare" you for the hospital experience.

If, on the other hand  you want a natural birth with the least amount of intervention,  you need to go to a class that teaches you how to work with your body. It should cover everything from prenatal self care to labor coping techniques. It should offer advice on how to navigate the system (i.e. hospital) in case of transport and inform on alternatives to medically invasive techniques for handling a slow or stalled labor. Emphasis should be on labor support, as well, no matter if that is the woman's spouse/partner/mom/sister/friend, etc....support by an educated person is crucial.

I truly believe my Natural Childbirth Classes fulfill those essentials. With 6 babies of my own (5 natural Bradley VBAC's) and 20 + years of teaching, and over a hundred births as a doula, I feel confident that taking a Bradley Class can prepare you for your birth experience whether inside the hospital, at a birthing center or homebirth.

Labor Bag Must Haves

What's in your labor bag?

I mean, really....what all do you need to bring to a fully equipped hospital or birth center? When it comes down to the last minute planning, many moms and dads-to-be feel more than just a little overwhelmed. Here's a simple list with options for those who want to do-it-all, plan-it-all, pack-it-all.

• Skid proof footwear, preferably something that slips on easily and can take some unwanted fluids. Crocs, anyone?
• Labor/birth gown. Keep the neckline low and the hemline high. You can always cover up with a hospital gown or robe when walking the halls. But for easy nursing access for baby, and less to fuss with below the waist during labor, think skimpy and short. (Hydrogen peroxide gets out most blood spots/stains.)
• Lip balm. Keeps your mouth moist from all those focused belly breaths.
• Hair ties. Think work out strategy for your hair.
• Snacks for you and your dedicated partner. Simple, easily digested foods are best. Yogurt, fruit, soft cheese, peanut butter, honey all travel easily and go down smooth. (Although don't be surprised if you bring it back up later in labor, that's not uncommon.)
• Water bottle filled with labor aid or red raspberry tea. 
• Body lotion, lightly scented. Many women find that their senses are more acute during labor and aromas that they previously found refreshing are over powering. 
• Rechargers/batteries for electronic devices (i.e. cameras, phones, laptop, etc)
• Extra clothes for going home.
• Baby blanket and outfit.
• Baby book for footprints.
• Tennis balls for back rubs. (Put two tennis balls in a clean sock. Tie it off. Makes a nice massage tool for rubbing moms back, legs, shoulders during labor.) 
• Overnight toiletries ( toothbrush, comb, deodorant, etc.) 
• Infant car seat. (You can go to the Police Department in most communities for assistance in proper installation beforehand.)

For those who want to make the labor room even more personal:

• MP3 player with labor playlist.
• Your own pillow.
• Swim trunks for dad. (In case he offers support while you're in the shower).
• Hand held fan.
• Rice bags for warm counter pressure on low back. (Put 2 cups of uncooked rice in a clean, long sock. Tie it off. Warm in microwave.) 

 Prepare for an overnight stay for both you and your partner. Keep a list of last minute things to pack or do before leaving the house. (Do you have pets to crate?)

A little planning goes a long way. But, your baby will be born regardless of the things you remembered to pack (or not). Remember to keep things simple, listen to your heart and your own intuition. Don't worry if you didn't pack everything, you will have just what you need.

Newborns Basic Needs

 A newborn baby has only three demands.  They are warmth in the arms of its mother, 

food from her breasts, and 

security in the knowledge of her presence. 

Breastfeeding satisfies all three

~Grantly Dick-Read

Babies are born with such basic needs. They need food, warmth, safety and comfort. The baby business industry would have a new mom feel inadequate. They push products and programs for everything from feeding to learning. A new parent can easily feel overwhelmed at the amount of marketing, disguised as information. Unless a woman needs to pump her breasts for medical reasons or to go back to work, it is not even necessary to purchase an expensive breast pump. 

Frequent nursing in the arms of her mother, spending time in her arms or sling and co sleeping all encourage the babies neuro development and growth. 

The time will come soon enough when her baby will venture out into the world. But for now, let her snuggle in the safety of her mother's arms.

Increasing Your Milk Supply

Making enough milk for your baby is a concern all new mom's face. While some could pump enough for multiples, many women find that their milk supply less than what their growing baby needs.

First: Determine if there is a real need for more milk.
Is baby gaining enough weight?
Is he/she eliminating appropriate for her age? 

Successful breastfeeding tips:

1. No artificial nipples! (no pacifiers, bottles, etc) for the first few weeks.
2. Rest. Making milk is a new mom's primary occupation, resting gives the body a chance to focus.
3. Hydrate. Drink a 10-12 ounce glass of water every time you nurse. Water in helps milk production. 
4. Herbal tea. Fenugreek, mother wort and red raspberry leaf  herbal teas can help increase milk production.
5. Nursing-In. Take an in house retreat, by taking baby to bed for 2 days, mom and baby naked from the waist up. Skin to skin contact, frequent nursing, extra fluids for mom, healthy meals and snacks, lots of naps for both can help restore a diminished milk supply.

Relax. Get help when you need it. Take care of yourself.

Early Labor To Do List

Labor. Just the sound of the word sounds like work to me. While having a baby is labor intensive (pun intended!), for some there are hours of prodromal (early and light) labor. For me, my labors always started with hours of light contractions that I could easily function around. My philosophy has always been to stay engaged with what you were doing before labor started as long as you can. There will come a point when your body will no longer allow you to be distracted. But in the meant time, find a labor project to keep the mind busy while the body gets things going.

Here is a partial list of some of my early labor activities with my six babies:

• shopping (with my first baby, early contractions started while birthday shopping for family members at the mall).
• walking around the block with my kids 
• playing in the back yard with my kids
• cooking
• taking my daughter to the DMV for her license (funny story!)
• shopping for nursing bras
• grocery run for last minute items
• scrubbing the floor
• making the labor bed
• fixing last minute snacks to hold the kids over
• laundry
• reading with my kids
• picnic in the backyard
• crocheting
• watching movies (on tv)
• pelvic rocks
• scrubbing the bathtub
• out for Mexican food
• eating
• making red raspberry leaf tea
• drinking water, juices, herbal teas with honey
• napping
• cuddling
• making love
• relaxing in our pool

Remember, these were all things I COULD do.
The conditions must be favorable to continue such activities, such as:

• bag of water intact
• contractions light and infrequent
• always with another adult (my husband accompanied me on the walks, and grocery shopping)
• no alarming signs such as heavy bleeding or fever

For me, there was plenty of real life to keep me busy in early labor. Of course, if my life hadn't been so full, I could have worked on a baby blanket or scrap booked our latest vacation. And  of course, the active work such as scrubbing the floor and walking actually help labor along.

Then there  are the women who head straight into active labor with no smooth climb up the mountain. They do not have time to think about a labor project. They already have one!

For those of  you who had long early labor, what activities did you do?

Happy BIRTHday, Sam!

Sam turns 11 on August 12. My baby, my youngest kiddo. And, of course, does not like being referred to as "my baby." But he is. My labor with him was a little crazy. After nightly contractions for nearly a week  past my due date, I was ready to throw in the towel and agree to just keep him in there a little longer. On Friday morning, I woke up with a "to do" list longer than my arm. Light contractions that I heartily ignored kept coming all morning. At 10 am I drove Angela, my 16 year old daughter to the DMV to take her drivers exam.  I tried to help calm her nerves while silently calming my own nervousness inside. Here was my oldest child taking her drivers test while my body pleaded to bring forth my youngest child...at the same time. Crazy! We made it through her test, managed lunch and play dates for the afternoon, and took Angela to the mall for her part time job. She was surprised when I got out of the car to run for some last minute items. (Unfortunately the department store didn't have my size nursing bra in stock and would order for me. When would I need it? Uh, we could barely contain our laughter....) After a dinner of pizza delivered by our local pizza shop, I was ready to deliver this baby. Finally, I decided it was time to actually lay down, maybe rest a bit somewhere around 9 pm. At midnight my husband called the midwife, saying it was time. She was on her way to a home where they were having thier first baby. She promptly turned the car around and headed to my house. She arrive just in time to catch our healthy baby boy, born just before 1 am on August 12. Angela was my doula, a job she didn't ask for, but willingly did. And she was amazing! I love retelling my kids birth stories. No matter how old they are or how old I become, those days will always be some of the best days of my life. Sam, Happy Birthday buddy! I love you!

Breastfeeding: What's In It for Mom?

We all know that breastmilk is the perfect food for newborns. The American Academy of Pediatrics enthusiastically supports breastfeeding for today's infants. Breastmilk is  a live food, easily digested, and helps prevent allergies and ear infections in little ones.

But what about the benefits for mom? Beyond the obvious benefits of convenience (no bottles) and low cost (free), how does breastfeeding benefit a new mom?

• Biggest loser. Breastfeeding moms lose their pregnancy weight easily since they are burning an extra  500 calories a day.
• Keep the tata's. Breastfeeding helps reduce a woman's chance of getting breast and other reproductive cancers.
• Chill time. The hormones responsible for milk production also help mom relax. Oxytocin, relaxin and other hormones released when breastfeeding are calming.

When it comes to taking care of mom and baby, breastfeeding accomplishes both.

Labor Tips for Dads

Most guys come to my childbirth class totally wondering how they got dragged there in the first place. Not for lack of love and caring for their wife and new baby, but because they are out of their comfort zone. I reassure them that they are already the best labor support for their partner. After all, she chose him to be her partner in life. For better or worse. Having a baby is about as much "life" as it gets, and encompasses both the "better and the worse."

Here's a few tips for guys who find their palms sweaty at the thought of supporting their beloved during the most intense and wonderful day of their lives together:

•  Go ahead.....attend childbirth classes and learn along with your expectant wife/partner.
•  Be as involved in her care as you are comfortable, such as going to some of the appointments, helping her make healthy food choices and offering to take walks with her.
• Make plans ahead of time for how your place of employment will handle your sudden absence for the birth. Anything that can be done ahead of time should be taken care of well in advance of her due date.
• Take the guess work out of helping her in labor. Ask her what helps her relax, exactly how she likes to be massaged, etc. Open communication is essential.
• Talk to the belly. Your interest in her growing belly is another way for you to bond as a growing family.
• Take the time to read some of the things she is learning, and ask questions about things you don't understand. Respect her feelings and her wishes on certain subjects, but don't be afraid to engage conversations about sensitive issues. 

Above all, be open, receptive and interested. Your baby's birth is a big event for both of you.

Why I Teach Bradley Childbirth

(This is a copy of an essay I wrote on Facebook the other day...just a repeat here for anyone who might have missed it!)

I have been teaching birthing classes to expectant moms and their partners for over two decades. Mostly my classes were held in my living room, turned classroom. The kids and I would spend class day sweeping, dusting and transforming our family room area into a peaceful and clean oasis for the new mamas and papas. This year I moved my class room to an off site location so that my kids could feel a measure of privacy in our now very small townhome. There just isnt't the space for big classes in the smallish living room, filled with rock band accessories, musical instruments and art supplies.

But I did decide to go ahead and teach my private classes in this smaller setting. So on Monday this week we were doing our "deep clean" ritual, right down to the yucky crumbs under the couch. As we were all grumbling about cleaning, it dawned on me why I still teach. When my first beautiful baby was born by Cesarean section, my body responded by shooting my blood pressure up to dangerous levels. I was sedated and drugged for nearly a week as the doctors and nurses tip toed around my bed, hoping to avert any seizure activity in this young mama. I was numb and out of it. I guess that was to my advantage, because I didin't know until much later how dangerous my situation had become......

Fast forward two and half years. At the suggestion of a friend, I took a Bradley Childbirth Class. Short story, I gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby boy on August 2, 1986 with no drugs or surgery. I was ecstatic! We had decided that if I had a repeat of the first dangerous birth, then he would be our last child.

Happily, the story doesn't end there. With a beautiful strong birth story under my belt, I trained to become a Bradley teacher myself. And went on to have four more awesome babies.....alll without drugs or surgery. .....

So, when my three YOUNGEST children were helping me clean for Bradley, it was a sobering thought...if not for my successful Bradley birth with thier older brother, they might not have been born. With that change of heart and perspective we joyfully cleaned right down to the dustboards and cobwebs.

My heart is full, and I am so grateful that I have the awesome privilege to mother 6 great kids!

Youtube Homebirth

I have no words to add to this. It speaks for itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lljOZZ547i0

B I R T H.

Pure and simple.

The Bottom Line: The Basics of Perineal Massage

The practice of perineal massage is helpful in preventing tears during second stage. While exerting force to push the baby down the birth canal and over the perineum, the tissues must stretch to accomodate the baby's head, shoulders and body. By applying gentle pressure and stroking during the last two weeks of pregnancy, a woman can prepare her body for this intense time of birth. 

Benefits of perineal massage:

1. Helps the tissue to become supple and stretchy.
2. Gives the woman a chance to become accustomed to relaxing when slight pressure is on the perineum.
3. Enhances the birth by providing a tactile focal point for pushing.

This is a simple exercise, but might be easier accomplished with the help of a partner or spouse.

1. Wash hands and trim nails carefully.
2. Use a mild oil such as coconut oil, sweet almond or olive oil to lubricate the index finger.
3. Gently massage the perineal tissue, holding it between the index finger and thumb. 
4. Use mild pressure, which should feel like stretching.
5. Eventually use two fingers, expanding the tissue as you gently massage. 
6. Do not apply too much pressure. 

During birth, it is sometimes helpful for the midwife to apply mild pressure on the perineum to help a woman focus on where to push. By working the tissue ahead of time, it should be more stretchy and pliable.

Comfort Measures During Labor

Women take childbirth classes for a variety of reasons. Typically, learning how to deal with the discomfort of contractions is at the top of most womens list. Last week I surveyed my friends (and Bradley Students) on facebook, just curious about what were the most common comfort measures used in labor.

Twenty two women responded, here are the results.

Hydrotherapy: (they were to check all that applied)
    72 % used the tub, followed by 52 % who stood in the shower.
    Only 22% used cool compresses, followed by 27% who used warm compresses.

Touch Therapy:
    Counterpressure 87% , 43% for effleurage of light stroking, 31% liked the double hip squeeze and  only            4% used accupressure points.

Support person:
       Interesting statistic: exactly 50% used a doula other than their partner/spouse.

Pain Meds:
       Of the 22 that answered the survey, 68 % used no pain meds. Edpidurals only followed at 22%      and          only 9 % said they needed both the epidural and pain meds in the I.V.

  When asked to write about what was most helpful, most women mentioned a support person, such as a doula, their husband or friend. Breathing, working with their bodies, giving in to the contractions, changing positions and being in the tub were common responses.

I think it is important for women to know before they go into labor that they have these options, that a trained support person can help them, and that they don't have to figure it all out by themselves.

Many thanks to my friends and students (a.k.a. friends acquired through teaching!) for answering the survey! It is my pleasure and privilege to know each one of you.

Bright Blessings to you all!

Who takes the child by the hand takes the mother by the heart. ~ 

                                                       German Proverb

 This is for the dad's out there who wonder how they'll do it all....take care of their children, their marriage, their career....listen to the call of your heart. When you nurture and love your children, you reach the heart of your partner in life. When you love and take care of your partner, you also take care of your children. The family is a circle of love. Hold on with all you've got.