We understand that your due date can sneak up on you and before you know it you do not have the time for a six week course. Due in Days will cover Comfort Measures, breathing techniques, birth positions, hospital culture, breastfeeding and bonding. During your six hour class you will have help creating a birth plan and enjoy a short partners yoga session. You will leave feeling better prepared and empowered. Please call us for more information. View this short testimonial then call 559-930-2032
Today on Progressive Parenting my guest Lisa Gartin and I discussed unnecessary procedures after the baby is born. Oft times much energy is spent in hospital childbirth education classes on the actual birth, that very little time is spent on what’s next. We went over what is typical at most hospitals. Bulb Suctioning, Bathing, Delayed Cord Clamping, Separation of Mother and Baby, Circumcision and more. We talked about how these things affect the baby for years to come and the affects of the mother. Most importantly we discussed how you can avoid the things you want. In the next month or so you will be able to download this show, until then this recording is available for $2.00 (+ postage) call 559-930-2032 to order a copy.
Here is a video to enlighten you on some routine procedures that may do more harm than good
On today’s show(Progressive Parenting 88.1 FM KFCF), Marsden Wagner MD. commented on the absurdity of hospital taught childbirth “preparation” class. Essentially, you are looking at a conflict of interests. Do you want to learn about one of the most amazing moments in your life from someone who’s hands are tied by the very place you are planning on birthing at? Or, do want to learn from someone who has no limitations put on them regarding how much information she can give you.
Most most independent childbirth educators are willing to work on a sliding scale and some even take split payments. Some Doulas offer discounts to parents in the military and different prices forpeople covered by medical. They prefer you take a class than not.
Every childbirth educator I have every met is a staunch advocate for mothers and babies. Most are also Doulas and are very involved in the birth community. And isn’t that the kind of passion you would be lookin for if you are interested in a normal birth?
For more information on Independent Childbirth Courses taught in Fresno inquire at www.childbirthresourcenetwork.org or www.mommymattersonline.com or call 559-930-2032
BABY 101
Come and Mingle with other expectant parents while you enjoy a delicious complementary lunch and fabulous prizes. Admission is FREE but space is limited!
Everything You Need to Know About Cord Blood Banking
by Dr. Stewart Mason, MD, FACOG
Parenting and Baby Wearing:
Learn How to Wear Your Baby in a Sling
by Gena Kirby
www.mommymattersonline.com
Each mom-to-be will be entered to win great raffle prizes!
Where and When
SLATES RESTAURANT
7445 N. Fresno St. #103 Fresno Ca 93720
Saturday August 1st 2009
11am-1pm
RSVP Sabrina Jobes 866-761-4463
sponsored by
We will be showing the Business of Being Born at the Annex August 1st at 6pm please arrive at 5:30 for best seats 559-930-2032
I get questioned all the time about what it is that I do. My answer always changes. There is so much to what I do as a Doula, and it differs from woman to woman and couple to couple. Sometimes I’m very hands on and verbal because that’s what that couple needs, other times I can be off to the side only whispering words of support. It all depends on what mom and dad need at the time. Regardless of the length of labor, I am committed 100% to that mother and baby and father. I love what I do and I can’t imagine the day when I no longer do this. I love my work and love every single one of the families I’ve had the privilege of spending precious hours with.
- ser·vant
- Pronunciation:
- \ˈsər-vənt\
- Function:
- noun
- Etymology:
- Middle English, from Anglo-French, from present participle of servir
- Date:
- 13th century
: one that serves others <a public servant> ; especially : one that performs duties about the person or home of a master or personal employer
Doula means female servant and that’s what I am. I am there for the mother and the father. I am there for them mentally and physically. I anticipate needs and fulfill requests. I encourage, support, and give of myself. I give my knowledge, experience, and my soul.
Watch these videos to get a better idea for your self.
If you have any questions or are inspired to become a Doula yourself, please feel free to contact me at 559-930-2032
or visit my website for more details
Babies born in Cuba, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland have a better chance of surviving after childbirth than babies born in the United States. The early moments of mother infant bonding are more important than we know. We are more technologically advanced in our country and we are not doing any better and we’re actually doing worse, we spend more money per mom and baby then anywhere else in the world and we are getting worse results. Why? How can this be true in America? It is true, and parents need to step up and educate themselves with the information they need to have a safe and beautiful birth.
Debby Takikawa director of the film What Babies Want is making a film to bring light to this topic. Her intent with this video is to encourage policy makers to consider a health care system that holds prevention of these calamities as a high priority. The midwifery model of care for healthy low-risk women is a simple solution which addresses many of these issues simultaneously.
She is advocating for a health care system in which it will be standard procedure for mothers and babies to thrive and not merely survive through birth and early life. She believes the midwifery model of care will save our health care system millions of dollars each year.
If you are inspired visit her website Reducing Infant Mortality
Dads seem to be forgotten or pushed off to the side when it comes to birth. I believe that dad can play a vital role during this very special time. I believe it is of the up most importance that dad be just as educated about the process as mom. It’s dads job to protect his family and unless he knows how to do this he can be left to feel powerless. Doulas can help dad during the labor process just as much as mom. A Doula can show dad how to be as helpful as possible. She can be there to remind him of all he’s learned. She can empower him to protect his family. Be sure to watch this trailer to get a feel for what men who were not empowered felt like
Recently I asked some of my Doula clients which Blessing Shower gift was the most helpful or their favorite. People are always asking me what to give their friends that will stand out in their minds so here’s the LIST! 
Top Ten Favorite Blessing Shower Gifts
10.Gift Certificate for mom at a SPA
9. Wrap and Ring Sling tied
8. Muslin Swaddling blankets at 42″X42″ it’s the perfect size
7.Air Purifier
6.Breast Pump
5.Doula Services Pre or post and in one case family and friends paid for both!
4. DIAPERS! disposable and cotton
3. Volunteer Dinners (Have a sign up sheet at your Blessing Shower and let friends pick one day of the week for two weeks to drop off food)
2. Volunteer Laundry (same as volunteer dinners)
1. Housekeeper. Friends pitch in and pay for day-weekly-monthly maid service for mom
There is a bumper sticker I’ve come to love as a Doula. “We make plans, God laughs.” I love it on a number of levels. One, it’s just so true. We can plan and plan meticulously and you just know things will not pan out as we thought. We may come close, but generally there’s a hiccup or two that tends to change the outcome. Anyone who’s every seen a heist movie or sitcom knows, plans have a way of changing. Two, God has a wicked sense of humor.
I believe if we cannot laugh at ourselves and do not take ourselves too seriously, all will be well.
So, do I think you should have a birth plan? Yes, definitely you should. There are classes you can take and books you can read on this topic.However, it must be a plan you’ve researched. It must take more than an hour to write. But most importantly, the person that makes this plan must firmly grasp that all plans deviate from the original at some point and the most important thing is to go with the flow, remember the ultimate goal and to get there safely.
Go over your birth plan with your Doula and let her know (most importantly let yourself know) which things you simply cannot abide and which things can occur with the least amount of stress to you. In this way she can help you maneuver your way through the white waters of the system, to the destination you choose. As your guide it is important to trust your Doula. Most Doulas will help you write up a birth plan.
My best advise is; focus on what you want, not on what you don’t want.
“It’s an ill plan that cannot be changed”-Latin Proverb
