Now, I am not advocating that women, in their time of labor and birth, be alone, unassisted. I believe that women need a faithful, trusted and safe midwife to be there, whispering as the Ultimate Midwife did so long ago…..We are there to keep her safe, to guide her instincts when the pain is such that she needs that guidance.

And, just like in nature, God’s design, sometimes doesn’t “do right”. We can’t understand it sometimes, but we accept it. Like when the rains don’t come, or they flood too much. The sun won’t shine or the earth moves too much. It is not ours to question. It is ours to assist. To help make right. This is where our education, our experience, our love and our passion prevail. This is the work of the midwife. With God’s guidance and passion we work, steadfastly…….prayers are said, answers come. We are not perfect, but we are guided by perfection. He calls us to listen. To be.

“Praise God from whom all blessing flow….”

For now…Janet

I was like……wow. We could be talking about birth here. If you want to accomplish the birth of you baby without drugs or unnecessary interventions….you have to jump in. Take a deep breath, close your eyes and
TRUST. You know what it feels like to “overthink” something….especially something challenging. For me, I can think of how it feels to want to jump in the pool or the beautiful ocean and take sooo long to do it because I am afraid of the coldness of the water. I agonize. I anticipate. I torture myself with my fear. Of what? How good it will feel when I am finally floating and relaxing? How energized I will feel when I do get in?
I challenge our mommas to get out of that boat. Dive in. Climb up. Taste. Enjoy the challenge. Enjoy the reward of your ability. You’re striving for greatness. Oh yea, and a baby too!

What I had to ask myself as I was reading this, which to be honest with you, was not new information to me. I had to shout….”who would put up with this?” The risks are so great, that if all women were really aware of this, I am sure, as the warrior women they are and the protectiveness of their young kicks in they would surely protest.

Here we go:
The National Center for Health Statistics states that the c-section rate in 1970 was 5.5%. Okay. not bad.

Well, fast forward to 2006 and guess what ladies…..I guess we can no longer birth from our loins….because now we are holding at 30.2%……….( and really higher….) .do you think our pelvises are different? Are we weak? Are we …..wimps? Lazy uterus……that’s it. Gotta be it….. Not so fast. I know different. Some women know different. My sister midwives know different.

Here’s the skinny. C-Sections carry risk. Unequivocal risk. So why are we leading women so easily down that path? Like pigs to slaughter……really. You have a 3 times greater risk of dying from complications if you have a section.
*Blood clots
*Infection
*Anesthesia complications…….

Your baby has a greater chance of:
*NICU admit
*Breastfeeding difficulties
* 3 Times the death rate………that’s scary. Sorry, but you need to know this.
Please women, don’t take it so lightly. It is not a minor procedure. It is a superb, lifesaving gift when it is necessary. But, c’mon, really over 30%.

Some of the main reasons for the increase in rates of c-section are:
* Induction of labor…..especially too early, before your body is ready. Insurance companies and other regulatory bodies are beginning to crack down on the inductions done before 39 weeks gestation without a true medical indication.
Thank God. Even The American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology state that true “Postdates pregnancy” is 42 weeks. And most women will initiate their own labor by 41 and 1/2 weeks. When your body starts the process, believe me, it is so much more efficient. Works so well. You can’t immitate that with synthetic oxytocin ( Pitocin) . Nope.

* Epidural Anesthesia……..
Here’s the truth about that…..Epidural can affect your baby by lowering your blood pressure too much. When this happens, the blood supply to the placenta ( which is giving your baby oxygen) becomes compromised. Baby may not be able to handle it…especially if he has been bombarded with pitocin contractions prior to. “Help! I need oxygen.” He’s going to say and then everyone will RUSH you back to the OR and he will be yanked out of you. More than likely just fine! Everyone will say….”Thank Goodness, you were in the hospital…..bad things happen without any warning.”

And so many women, when they hear the word midwfie, or birth center, they immediately assume that we are unsafe and putting babies at risk. The naked truth is that in most hospitals, your baby and you are being put at risk without you really being aware of it.

Please, do your homework. That is so not the case. Yes, there are midwives you should stay clear of. As there are d octors you should stay clear of. If you are choosing a midwife and out of hospital birth, make sure your midwife has a great collaborative M.D., who supports her fully, and a great “Plan B”, in the event you need true medical management and hospital care.

Water is so important for all our mommies this time of year……..it is vital to stay well hydrated. Just like a runner who is training for a marathon, so is the mom TRAINING for her birth. No matter how you are doing it. You can’t get hydrated the night before. At the birth center, we need you well hydrated so that your uterus will work efficiently. It’s part of the fuel that ignites the power of the beautiful rushes that will bring your baby out and into your awaiting arms.
If you are a healthy woman, having a healthy pregnancy, you should be drinking at LEAST 10 big glasses of water each and every day. Now, of course if you are in your first trimester and you are not feeling so wel…..you know what I am talking about…..it is vital that you keep down only what you can.
Put away the carbonated beverages….(except for maybe one during the day when you really CRAVE it) and pick up the water!!

Here are some tips for making the water taste yummy…..no need to buy expensive bottled water ( no matter how “smart” they call it. Houston tap water is probably better than most of the “natural” water you spend tons for. Just research it if you don’t believe me.

1. Put some fresh squeesed juice in like: lime, lemon, orange.
2. Lots of ice……
3. Put in a pretty container!
4. Cucumber is good some people say!
5. Drink up!
6. Get your family to get in the habit of being water drinkers….cheap, healthy, good for you and your kidneys will love you!
7. In Houston heat and humidity, you must be well hydrated or you will not feel much energy or life! (hint-wilted flowers!)

For now….Janet

Most efficient when left alone…..I mean don’t mess with it. Really.
For now…….Janet

When I look at this picture I am reminded of the feelings one gets when you stand high on a mountain and gaze out…..calm, peaceful, serene, small, gladness at being alive and a tiny part of this world.

To really achieve a true calm, almost hypnotic state during labor a woman must have an environment that feeds that state. People bustling in and out, a muriad of questions regarding such unimportant things as “When did you last take your prenatal vitamin?” are stealers of this calm. I believe that in the right environment any woman can achieve an almost hypnotic state during labor. I have seen it many times…..I have seen women doze off for a quick 2 minute snore during contractions at 7, 8, 9 centimeters dilated. Especially when relaxing in the tub of warm water. It is truly amazing to witness.

Our bodies work under the direct control of many hormones…….not just the “hormones” that most people think of….estrogen, testosterone…..ya know the “sex” hormones. We have a glorious array of hormones that when allowed to be released really can put moms in a relaxed state which helps her body open up and lets the baby “flow” out. Really. I’m serious. These hormones are hendered when stress and tension are highest……when we’re scared, when we don’t feel safe, loved or cared for. Ina May Gaskin, the mother of midwifery states that when a woman feels cared for and is able to feel a sense of gratefulness to her caregivers that her body benefits in labor because of that. Imagine that, all the technology we have, all the drugs, all the bells and whistles, and all we really need is love, attention, gentleness and guideness from a competent, compassionate soul.

Recently, I was admitting a mom into the birth center in labor. I had checked her cervix as soon as she arrived because this was her second baby and she was pretty “vocal” in the car when she arrived. I needed to make sure this babe was not about to pop out before I was ready for her….Well she was about 4 cm and hurting with these contractions. Her bag of water had already released at home….As I was getting a few things together she was on all fours really moaning with the contractions. I got up next to her and started rubbing her back as she breathed through the next contraction, she immediately said….”Oh, that makes such a difference…” You see, to have the loving touch of her midwife was like a drug, but better. It says what no drug can….it says to moms…

1. You are loved

2. You are not alone

3. I am here for you

4. Let me help

5. You are doing so well

6. I understand

7. You will be so glad you did this

8. Keep going

9. You are strong

10. We are here for you as you are about to do this most amazing thing ever…..

No drug can relay this to you, none that I have ever seen……

The touch of another human whom you feel completely comfortable with and who you know cares about you and your babyand is there to help you push your baby out……Priceless.