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 Certain organizations, under the guise of “Natural Birth” promote practices that are outdated and unsafe.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

Orgasmic Birth and the Midwife: Some Considerations

Orgasmic Birth and the Midwife: Some Considerations

Ultra Sound

A new birth control method for men? Makes you wonder what it does to an unborn child. It is a tool, not a toy.

A new study says:

Scientists are beginning tests to see if ultrasound can be used as a reversible contraceptive for men.

Based on early work, University of North Carolina experts believe a blast of ultrasound to the testes can safely stop sperm production for six months.

Happy Mother's Day

I hope all the mothers out there feel like everyday is Mother's Day. Life as a mom is never easy, you question everything you do. But when your child says "Thank you for all that you do," whether is in words or a smile, makes everything you do worth it. My children aren't perfect, whose are? But those are my six wonderful children, the ones that make me mad, drive me crazy, are messy, are loud, and sometimes lazy, are the same children that make my heart fill with pride with the things they accomplish, bring me to tears by saying "Love you mama, your the best mama in the world" or wrap their arms around me and give the biggest hug. I can't help and think, wow, what a lucky woman I am. To bring six beautiful children into the world created with love. . .

25th Anniversary of Becoming a Mother

25 years ago I gave birth naturally to an amazing daughter, making me a mother for the first time.  Over the years she has never stopped amazing me, she is strong, stubborn, silly and I am so proud she is mine.  We agree and we disagree on many things, but she never stops helping me learn to become,  I hope a better mother, a better woman.  From the moment I found out I was pregnant and placed my hand on my belly, she has touched me.  Thank you.

Good for Baylor!

 Baylor is one of the few colleges offering a new program that allows nurses to go from their bachelor's degree to a doctorate in nurse-midwifery.  I hope more colleges follow suit, in the hopes of lowering the nations c-section rate.

Dr. Mary Ann Faucher says:


"Doctors are expert in diagnosis and treatment of illness -- but birth is not a sickness," said Dr. Mary Ann Faucher, associate professor of nursing and program coordinator of the nurse-midwifery program at the Dallas-based nursing school. 

"We trust birthing; we trust women's bodies," she said. "The best practice is when midwives collaborate with an obstetrician if there are complications."