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INDUCTION AND AUGMENTATION OF LABOR
By Amy V. Haas, BCCE Induction of labor is the artificial starting of labor with the use of pitocin, castor oil, or herbal preparations such as blue cohosh. Other methods used to start labor include breaking the amniotic sack (an amniotomy), stripping of the membranes (separating the membranes of the amniotic sack from the uterine wall), and inserting prostaglandin gel, or pieces of Misoprostol tablets into the vagina to soften the cervix. The idea is to get labor going artificially, by starting contractions of the uterus. The most commonly...
read moreIf birth is so natural, then why do I have to take classes?
Human beings are cerebral creatures who think way too much. And we come with baggage. Add to that the fact that we have been socialized by the media into believing that birth is a horrible, painful thing that needs lots of medical intervention, and you have a major challenge. Birth in the US is not evidenced based. The ways in which laboring and birthing women are treated and cared for are not the ways that will produce the healthiest outcomes. Most women desire to have a loved one/husband/partner/friend trained as their primary labor...
read moreGuilt in Childbirth, and the need for Balance
A recent popular publication posted an interview with a retired doctor who believes that natural birth is evil, promotes guilt, and was invented by a doctor in the 1950”s. This woman tends to vehemently promote medicalized birth, and is presently selling a book she wrote. I don’t have a problem with promoting your work, but when you make statements like “Dr. Grantly Dick-Reed invented Natural Childbirth”, and that natural childbirth is a bad way to go, it borders on insanity. (I won’t reference this person’s name, or book, because it just...
read moreWhat’s the difference between Bradley® Natural Childbirth classes, and other types of classes?
Bradley® focuses on prevention, and healthy normality. It teaches women ways that they can stay healthy and low risk. By concentrating on what is in their control, through nutrition, exercise, and avoidance of harmful substances. They give women the power to influence their lives in a positive way. The classes are longer because it takes a human being 10 – 12 weeks to truly absorb and develop muscle memory for the different natural labor techniques, and information. They teach not only natural labor techniques, but focus on what is...
read moreDads/Partners at birth
Bradley® Natural Childbirth classes were traditionally known as Husband Coached Childbirth®, a term coined by Dr. Robert Bradley. He was one of the first obstetricians to bring fathers into the birthing room. He realized that women needed the support of a loving partner, and who better than the father of her child. These days not all women have a husband or male partner, but it is still important for her to have the support of someone who loves her, and is there just for her. Such emotional and physical support can make a huge difference in...
read moreThere is a better way!
I recently read an incredibly sad story of a woman who was grieving her birth experience. Her gut told her that birth was a normal experience for the human body, and there should not be any reason to have to do much of anything to prepare for it. She didn’t necessarily desire a natural birth, and trusted her careprovider and hospital to do only what was medically necessary. And there in lies the rub. Birth in the US is not evidenced based. The ways in which laboring and birthing women are treated and cared for are not the ways that...
read moreGlucose Tolerance test
(This is an excerpt from an upcoming book: Haas, AV; Healthy Babies! Healthy Moms! A Practical Guide to Preventing Problems during Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth , 2024) “This is a blood test done around the 24th week of pregnancy to determine if the woman has glucose intolerance. A fasting woman is given a glucose preparation to drink, and then her blood sugar levels are tested at various times. One of the major problems with glucose tolerance testing is that it does not necessarily tell us if a woman has gestational diabetes. What it...
read moreHomebirth Conversation on Public Radio
Connections: Understanding the New Study on the Safety of Home Births with Evan Dawson of WRUR Rochester, and members of Rochester Area Birth Network http://wxxinews.org/post/connections-understanding-new-study-safety-home-births For more information check out an excellent analysis by Researcher Henci Goer: http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/homebirth-safety/ And from Researcher Dr. Eugene DeClerq of Boston University: http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/18/opinions/declercq-home-births/index.html
read moreThe Sociology of Birth
How our cultural socialization effects how we birth – Socialization about birth in the United States is a pervasive thing. We are, from the time we are born, receiving messages about our roles in life, and subsequently our ability to birth or be a parent. Both males and females go through this. How we are socialized by our culture and our families dictates our personal beliefs about ourselves and our respective roles. The United States is somewhat unique in this, as a great deal of disassociation from the body and cultural ritual has taken...
read moreThe Importance of Childbirth Education
The Educated Parent: The Importance of Childbirth Education By Amy V. Haas, BCCE Congratulations! You and your partner are expecting a baby! What next? Well, if you have already chosen your care-provider, your next step will be to find a Childbirth Education class that fits your family’s needs. The best childbirth classes are going to ones that are the most thorough & comprehensive. Short hospital classes are offered in most communities, but remember, hospitals are in the business of making money. Hospital classes sell hospital services...
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