In a Nutshell..... Why do I do this?



Last Friday, I rode with the midwife I assist to do our home visit with one of our clients. We typically make a home visit before the birth so we can familiarize ourselves with the route - makes it so much easier than driving cold turkey in the dark- and we get the sense of the layout of the home in terms of the birth. This was a repeat client but she had moved since her last birth. It took a bit of doing to get there and it was a lovely rural type setting. The weather was warm and the sky was clear and blue. She greeted us with her toddler. We chatted and toured her cozy home. Then we did the prenatal appointment- belly check, fetal heart tone check, urine check, blood pressure check- etc. Her little one showed us some of his toys. I admired some of her homemade toys and she showed me how to do the blanket stitch in order to finish the edge of her handmade doll. We lingered a bit and I remembered her last birth. I'm very much looking forward to attending this birth. We hugged goodbye and waved as we slowly drove out of the driveway. I looked out the window as they stood there watching us leave. For me- the next time I see her she will be in the midst of labor, as I'm typically not called until labor is advanced. The midwife precedes me and calls me to assist when she needs me which is usually later in labor. The mama looked so beautiful with her round belly and her precious little one was standing there by her side. It was as it should be. I felt almost moved to tears and I thought " We have the best job in the world!"Every woman deserves this type of prenatal care. We get to know the family. We listen with respect and true interest. The midwife builds a relationship with the mama and the family. When labor begins we attend as invited caregivers. We will be the supporters of the process. The birth will be attended with care and attention. The family unit is respected and supported. The baby will be gently and lovingly welcomed into the arms of his/her mama and in his/her own home. I love home birth. Love it love it love it.Post partum care is equally wonderful. They don't have to go anywhere. We leave them settled in in their own bed. Personal attention. Family support. Breastfeeding support. In addition to the personal visits there is the continual availability for phone consultations. Midwifery does not leave mothers and babies in the lurch. I'm so proud to have a share in this model of care. I wish this type of care for all families.So, there it is..... I love this work. It never grows old. As is the case with this family we build a history with our clients. What a privilege. If only more women availed themselves of this dignifying and respectful model of care. As a nurse part of my role is education. I feel the need to make this model known as an option. I'm using this blog as one way to accomplish that goal.
Posted by Helen at 9:43 PM 0 comments

Monday, August 31, 2009

Quote from Peggy O'Mara of Mothering Magazine

"It is the nature of the child to be dependent, and it is the nature of dependence to be outgrown. Begrudging dependency because it is not independence is like begrudging winter because it is not yet spring. Dependency blossoms into independence in its own time."
Peggy O'Mara
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Friday, August 28, 2009

Celebrity alternative birther/ parenting

Remember the TV show Blossom? The star in that show was Mayim Bialik. Today she has a doctorate and a family. She's done a few TV shows recently and was interviewed about her parenting choices. Very interesting read with a video of the interview. Check it out with this link
http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/goddess/spotlight-to-nightlight-mayim-bialik-from-teen-icon-to-unconventional-mom/270?nc
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Research article for Infant Massage

Read this great article showing the benefits of Infant Massage for brain development.
http://www.infantmassageusa.org/resources/articles/2009JNeurosciGuzzetta.pdf
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Ask Dr. Sears- working mothers and AP

Read Dr Jim's answer to the question about working mothers and attachment parenting.
Love his answer.

http://askdrsears.com/faq/ap9.asp
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New mothering and breastfeeding group

Starting in October of 2009 : Serendipity, Sweetness and Surrender- Breastfeeding and New Mothering Circle. You are invited to meet with other mothers, enjoy a cup of tea and relax, laugh, commiserate, learn, talk, and create together.Receive support for breastfeeding and have your questions answered by experienced mothers who also happen to be professionals. Come and nourish your mind and heart Faciltated by: Diane Berger, RN PHN & Helen Loucado, RN LMT CLA CIIM CLC call 805 643-4354 FREE!

We are solidifying our plans and I will post more details as we move forward. This will not be the typical support group. We have lots of ideas and activities that will make this a different experience. Not that we won't be offering support and answering questions but there will be much more than that.
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Dr Sears on Infant Massage

Go to askDrSears.com and get lots of info. Click this link and read about the benefits of Infant Massage!

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/t110209.asp
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