My Native Son

Tomorrow my son Eric will be home.  He has spent the last 2 months living in Washington D.C. as an intern through the WINS program (Washington Interns for Native Students).  Eric had the privilege of representing the Caddo tribe.  He worked full time at the Department of Veterans Affairs and also took two college classes.   I know he has made some friends he will have for the rest of his life.  Very proud of him, but so look forward to having him home and hearing the words in person:   "Love you, mama." 

What is Natural Anymore?

In an article written by Abi Cotler O'Roarty in the Huffington Post, states that:


By way of contrast, in the U.S. today, labor is medically induced or augmented 80 percent of the time in hospital births, versus. 9.5 percent in 1991 (Martin and associates, 2009). The use of an Electronic Fetal Monitor throughout labor has also steadily risen since its invention in the 1970s to the current rate of 75 percent, though women continuously hooked up to one cannot move around freely while laboring. And one in three women now have cesarean births, up from 1965 when it was the 4.5 percent that the World Health Organization still recommends.

It seems all women must have their baby by week 41 and most women "need help." We have not made strides in birth but in the reverse. Thank-goodness for doctors like Dr. Biter in San Diego.

End of An Era

Yesterday, life as we have known it changed.  Our last child finished 6th grade at Desert Rose.  We first walked on the campus in 1990 when our oldest started kindergarten, I started volunteering then and my last day was yesterday.   The school holds more good memories than bad, it was such a part of our lives.  We will now have two kids in high school as Isaac graduated from 8th grade, our 5th to go to the same high school where my husband and I met.  So yesterday when I left the campus, I realized it was the last time I was leaving as a parent of a student. . .  I just hope in the fall when it is time to take Alanna to school I go to the right school, old habits can be hard to break!

This is what being a mom is about. . .

The last few days have been so very busy. Sending one son off to live across country for the summer, then having our oldest son graduate from the Antelope Valley College Fire Academy, and then our youngest daughter had her dance team awards.

Our oldest son, has not always had it easy when it comes to learning, but he has worked so hard to learn how he learns best and his dedication is amazing. So yesterday, we were so proud to watch him graduate from the AVC Fire Academy. It is a long 9 month program, with much to learn both academically and physically. He did this while he also worked 2-3 jobs. So to watch him yesterday in his uniform, with a smile that can melt your heart (much like his dad's), just could not have been prouder of him.

All I can say is, wow, am I blessed.

Breastfeeding Video

Great little video. Why can't a woman who needs a c-section breastfeed right after?

OB Birth Plan

This posting on "The Unnecesarean" just makes my blood boil! A doctor handing out his birth plan.

He states:
I do not accept birth plans. Many birth plans conflict with approved modern obstetrical techniques and guidelines. I follow the guidelines of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology which is the organization responsible for setting the standard of care in the United States. Certain organizations, under the guise of “Natural Birth” promote practices that are outdated and unsafe. You should notify me immediately, if you are enrolled in courses that encourage a specific birth plan. Conflicts should be resolved long before we approach your due date. Please note that I do not accept the Bradley Birth Plan. You may ask my office staff for our list of recommended childbirth classes.

Everything in his "birth plan" is at his "discretion." So he feels that any and all decisions about birth should be his. You have no say. The sad thing is, there are women who are going to this man and believe him. As with anything in life, we should always ask questions, become informed and be our own best voice!

Revealing the Real Risks: Obstetrical Interventions and Maternal Mortality

A really good article in Mothering magazine on the risks of having a baby. Some very thought provoking comments. To me it is another good reason to try to have a natural birth.

This is one that should make people stop an think about elective c-sections:

There is good research, both in the US and the United Kingdom, showing that the maternal mortality rate for cesarean section is four times higher than for vaginal birth.7-9 The rate of maternal mortality is still twice as high as for vaginal birth even when the cesarean section is routine, or "elective"; i.e., it is not an emergency procedure. With nearly twice as many cesarean sections as are necessary being done today in the US, the procedure could be a significant part of the reason for the country's rising rate of maternal mortality.10