Still More on The Business of Being Born

I was able to attend the preview of The Business of Being Born. It was well done and very informative. It lets women know what their options are and helps to raise questions that need answered. The documentary interviews several women, midwives, doctors, and professionals. I hope every woman of childbearing age will view it.

More on The Business of Being Born

Just got an invite to another viewing of this awesome film. It will be shown at The Huges Main Library in Greenville on Saturday, October 27 at 2 pm and then again on Sunday at 3:00 at Coffee Underground in Greenville. The cost is $10 per person and half price for expectants moms.

The Business of Being Born

I am so excited! I got a call yesterday from a previous client who is doing a public screening of a new movie coming out called "The Business of Being Born" by Rikki Lake. I believe this movie can have a tremendous impact on women and their families. The Business of Being Born is the website and sneak preview. The date is schduled for mid to late January. More info to follow.

Info for expecting moms

I was sent a link to a new website that I really like. It is vbac.com. Now I know what you are thinking, I have not had a c-section so this page doesn't apply to me. Well, what I like about this site is that is helps you avoid c-sections also. There are many pages about informed consent, client education, and resources to help you find care providers that will work with you on your goals. With the c-section rate over 30% now, something has to change or in the next 5-10 year we will hit 50% or higher.

Perinatal Seminar

Continuing ed is required for Licensed Midwives...this can be rather boring at times, depending on the topic. Today I went to a conference that was awesome. Barbara Davenport CNM presented to the group. She is working to educate the risks involved with elective inductions for women who are less than 39 weeks. This is something I have taught for years. It is wonderful to see it going mainstream!
Most women who are wanting to be induced or who are talked into being induced don't realize the risk they are subjecting themselves and their babies to.

Risk to Babies:

• Preterm birth...yes ultrasounds can be wrong
• Respiratory distress
• Increased admission to NICU

Risk to Moms

• increased c-section rate--for first time moms it is 50%
• failure to progress or labor dystocia
• vacuum extraction or forceps delivery
• shoulder dystocia
• postpartum hemorrhage
• prolonged, more painful labor
• risk of uterine hyperstimulation leading to fetal distress
• 2x risk of amniotic fluid embolism

The new thing I learned was that the fetal brain is only 65% the size of the term brain. The fetal brain grows at a tremendous rate during the last weeks of pregnancy. By just giving that baby an extra week you are giving them a much better chance of coping better once out of the womb.

The other really interesting thing I was reminded of was that the baby is probably the one to initiate labor and by doing so it is the baby who benefits from the extra days inside.

Introduction

I am a SC licensed midwife and have been catching babies in the upstate of SC for about 10 years. I love working with women who want a normal delivery. It is incredible to watch the transformation of a woman to mother. I am passionate about empowering women to be able to give birth. Many have been taught that they are no longer capable this task. I want them to know that their bodies are amazing and designed perfectly.