Business of Being Born - Classroom Edition - Review

I am so happy to be able to review the Business of Being Born, classroom edition. There is so much great information in this series, and it has continued to be a great source of encouragement and informing, now specifically for the birth professionals use!

In the BOBB classroom edition, they have included online resources, discussion points, quizzes, and the series "Birth By The Numbers". This particular installement of the BOBB series is a wonderful addition to any birth workers library.

I look forward to using it with the UTMB nursing students that I come in contact with, as they would miss most of the questions in their 'pre viewing' quiz, surprisingly.

The discussion points used for the classroom edition help to draw groups into community and discussion by providing questions intended to help students think critically and personally about the information they are being presented with.

 And, in the event you have never seen "Birth By The Numbers" that alone is a great film that every birth worker themselves should see and know.

I am honored to have had the chance to review this installment of BOBB and look forward to getting feedback from my clients and students about it as well.

Dancing For Birth - Review

Dancing for Birth is an innovative pregnancy and postpartum exercise and labor preparation DVD.

From their website:

Dancing For Birth TM prenatal/postpartum dance classes incorporate dance moves from around the world that best prepare you to give birth. Birth can be like a marathon, and Dancing for BirthTM classes prepare you for the challenge. You'll become stronger, more agile, more at ease with your body and both mentally and physically ready to embrace your unique birth experience. 

Weekly classes are offered to keep you dancing thru pregnancy, and postpartum with your baby. Dancing for BirthTM prenatal/postpartum dance class participants report experiencing low levels of discomfort, few or no interventions, brief labors and high levels of satisfaction during their births. 

You'll learn birth dancing moves inspired by Belly dance, African dance, Latin dance and Caribbean dance. At the same time you'll be learning valuable childbirth preparation skills and natural pain coping techniques that will build your confidence in your own birthing ability and wisdom. Birth can be active, ecstatic, orgasmic, transformative, empowering! Did you know that there is an optimal position for your baby to be in when labor begins, and you can help assure that position? You'll gain knowledge to help you have the birth that you envision for your baby. 

Babies whose moms take Dancing for BirthTM prenatal/postpartum dance classes love the motion of dancing and are easily soothed after birth by being held while you dance.

I received my copy of Dance for Birth in the mail and immediately popped it into my DVD player.

I have to admit, I didn't watch it in order, I skipped around a lot. But I loved it.

There are many segments, of course, on dance and movement, but there is so much more to this DVD as well. This doesn't surprise me, given the founder's background!

Stephanie Larson, DFB, CD(DONA), CBE, BFA, is a former professional dancer with three decades of dance training and experience and the creative genius behind Dancing For Birth. She has been a DONA International certified birth doula since 2000, and was the Managing Editor of DONA's International Doula magazine from 2005-2007. 

Within the DVD, she has a marvelous segment on Birth Wisdom vs. Myths. This is a wonderful tool for women who are battling what society tells us versus what our innate wisdom and bodies are telling us. My second favorite part is her Relaxation segment. She incorporates affirmations, how to personalize affirmations, and how to create a positive body and mind space for all things pregnancy and birth related.

The dance segments are broken down into Warm Ups, Belly Dance 1 and 2, Baby Welcoming Dance, African Dance, Latin Dance, Caribbean Dance, and the Pelvic Floor. Throughout all of the birth dance exercises, I was struck by one profound thought: globally, we have the movements already integrated into our culture and dance movements for both baby making and baby birthing. It was beautiful to watch the womb-movements through different dance styles; as a doula, I had seen so many women intuitively use these same movements to bring their babies into the world.

I am so excited to be able to add this to my lending library as a resource for women during their pregnancies.

Freedom for Birth

Sept 20th
Bio Births LLC
17000 El Camino Real STE 201, Houston, Texas
5:30-7:30 early showing
8:00-10:00 later showing

"The freedom in a country can be measured by the freedom of birth" - Agnes Gereb

Please join us on Sept 20th when Freedom for Birth is release world-wide! Freedom for Birth is a special 60 minute campaigning documentary calling for changes to the obstetric  monopoly which, in many countries, is violating women's rights to choose where and how  they give birth.

This is a guided donation event - meaning that we ask that you consider 'purchasing' a ticket  for the event through sending a paypal donation to houstondoulacooperative@gmail.com and write "early show" in the item field. All funds will go toward helping make sure EVERY  woman who desires a doula can afford one. The suggested Donation is $5-$10.

The film tells the powerful story of Agnes Gereb, a Hungarian midwife imprisoned for  helping to give women choice in birth. It follows the story of a Hungarian mother, Anna  Ternovsky, who wanted a home birth with Agnes, took her country to the European Court of  Human Rights and won a landmark case which might have changed the world!

Also in the film are over 40 of the world's leading birth experts including: Ina May Gaskin,  Sheila Kitzinger, Sarah Buckley, Robbie Davis-Floyd and Michel Odent.

We will have a panel of birth professionals and activists available for talk back between each show to stimulate discussion, and we will have appetizers and light drinks available to  stimulate the palette. Please plan on staying afterward as well!

The Houston screening will be held in two showings on the same day, so be sure to RSVP to  your showing of choice.



For more information:
http://freedomforbirth.com/

Making Babies - Review

Shoshanna Easling owns Bulk Herb Store and recently published a new book and DVD set. Shoshanna covers Natural fertility and natural pregnancy tips, herbal suggestions, and whole foods recipes in her new series, Making Babies.

I was, for a short moment, overwhelmed by all of the information I was given - how many pages to read and how many hours to watch. But then, when you consider that her series is meant to encourage women through preconception, conception, pregnancy, birth, and after birth, this series is perfect.

Shoshanna tells us a little about herself and Making Babies:

I got my inspiration for the Making Babies series from the pregnancy and birth of my first child. I loved every stage of my pregnancy and birth! I enjoyed learning and researching when I had morning sickness and when I got indigestion. Every time I was faced with another bridge, I would research, study, learn, apply, and rise to new heights of excitement. I knew everything I did, and did not do, would make a difference with me and my growing baby. It is not always easy finding good food to eat, knowing what exercises to do, and asking the right questions to the right people, but I researched it step by step and enjoyed a healthy pregnancy and birth.

I grew up in an Amish community. Talk about making babies–whoa, they make a lot! No, I am not Amish, but I am a blood-bought child of God. Twenty-five years ago my parents were artists living in Memphis, Tennessee. They wanted to raise us five children in the country so we could learn the dying art of homemaking and the skills of country living. Hard work, herbal remedies, nutritional health, home births, and common sense were all part of the lifestyle in the Amish community.

In November 2004, my husband James and I found out we were pregnant with our first child. I knew I wanted to have my baby in the soothing warmth of my own home, so I went to talk to a midwife. I had assisted in two births before I got married, and knew I wanted my children’s births to be better. With good food, the right exercises, and relaxation, the birth of Jeremiah James was WONDERFUL! The midwife that attended had been to over 350 births and said it was the best she had ever attended. Since my firstborn, I never stopped researching the wonderful world of making babies.

I have been asked many questions about healthy foods, recipes, exercises, and herbal remedies from family, friends, and customers at Bulk Herb Store. In November 2009, we got pregnant with our second child. I was so excited about my pregnancy journey. I was going to have another baby! I thought about all the horrible births I had heard about, and wanted to show women across the world how beautiful pregnancy and birth can be, so I started the Making Babies series. - Making Babies on Facebook

The DVD:

• Making Babies DVD Volume I follows Shoshanna through the first trimester of her pregnancy. There are countless recipes, remedies, and herb concoctions, as well as a wealth of information about fertility, conception, morning sickness and pregnancy.
• Making Babies DVD Volume II covers Shoshanna’s second and third trimester – along with plenty more healthy recipes, remedies, and herb concoctions. It also includes exercises, birth preparation, information on the birth experience and much more.
• Making Babies DVD Volume III begins with Shoshanna’s wonderful natural birth, then covers the postpartum period as she stays healthy with her new baby. Making Babies Vol 3. is also full of deliciously healthy recipes, remedies and herb concoctions. Because of the sensitivities of little Penelope (and a blessing to many others like myself), she includes many recipes that are gluten free and casein free. It includes information about birth, nursing, postpartum, losing weight and getting in shape, and much more.

The DVD set is over 7 hours of instruction and education. 

The Book:
The Book is hardback and includes over 480 pages filled with delectable recipes, inspiring herbals, and full color photographs of beautiful babies and glowing mamas. The contents are broken down into the same chapters as the DVD set:

• Making Babies DVD Volume 1
• Making Babies DVD Volume 2
• Making Babies DVD Volume 3
• My Pregnancy Cookbook
• Did You Know?
• Grandma's Remedies
• Baby Diary
• Resources

The book is really great, but the DVD really sets her series apart from others like it. Shoshanna's energy and excitement are contagious and make my limbs tickle to get into the kitchen and brew up one of her herbal tonics or delicious meals.

Not only are there beautiful recipes to drool over, tinctures to encourage healthy living, and drinks to optimize energy, but I love her continuing recipes for healthy home. They include recipes for baby balm, homemade diaper rash ointment, toothpaste, and so much more!  There is such a wealth of knowledge within this series!

I have one major critique of the series: Shoshanna talks about their choice to circumcise, but doesn't really give any good solid evidence behind it, only her opinion and 'opinion-as-fact'.

Beyond that, I am ecstatic for this series and so happy that there is an educational and inspirational series to encourage women during their childbearing season to be healthy inside and out.

I look forward to having Making Babies as part of my lending library!

The Greater Good

The other day a dear chiropractor friend of mine slipped me a film entitled “The Greater Good” and told me to watch it. I went home, fully intending to be bored into oblivion by a tyrannical or severely biased anti-vaccination documentary. I was pleasantly and completely wrong! 

“The Greater Good” is a well-balanced documentary that follows three families through situations involving 'adverse reactions' from vaccinations. It is interspersed with interviews from numerous medical professionals including vaccine developers, pharmaceutical reps, psychologists, behavioral therapists, and pediatricians.

Although the families stories definitely called to the intrinsically emotional mother in me, the information supplied called to my deeper intellect.

My daughter, Briaunna, also reviewed the movie. This is what she had to say: 

The movie was about vaccinations and how they can affect you, good and bad. My initial reaction was anger and pain for the people who were harmed by the vaccines. Helpless children who get vaccinated with, basically, poison. I liked how people are learning more about vaccines… even though many of them have to learn the hard way in order to teach others. I also like how people are learning the true risks of vaccines. 

Did you know that vaccination does not account for the impressive declines in mortality seen in the first half of the century? It was other medical advancements, including learning to just wash your hands (microbiology).

Lately, people have been giving vaccinations to newborns, which really upsets me because I am a baby freak. Also, parents are required to give 69 doses of 16 different vaccines to children. They also put aluminum and mercury in all of the vaccines. Any form of mercury in the body is toxic and can cause damage. 

Did you know that, after 2010, 85 deaths have been reported, all after taking the Gardasil shot?

The only other thought I have is that the government has gotten too much power over us. They say that if you haven’t given your children all of the required shots, you have to go to court and get your shots…. “Or else”. They think that you will endanger your child’s life if you don’t get them vaccinated, which, of course, is all in the way that you look at it. I see more risk to their lives from taking a vaccination, but that’s just me.. and my right to not get vaccines for me or my babies.

The movie covers the historicity of vaccinations, and give us a rare look into the hearts of those who developed them.

At the same time, we hear from the lawyers who defend those families who have been harmed by vaccinations. 

When asked if they believed the business of vaccinations is involved in conspiracy, one astutely replies, "A conspiracy? Yes! But a conspiracy to do good." So much so, that the risks of vaccinations are minimized through government involvement and media bias in order to promote the 'good' that vaccinations provide to the majority.

"The Greater Good" takes a critical look at the government's involvement in implementing and mandating state-wide vaccinations, as well as how individual states are trumping parental and individual rights.

"If the state can force you to put your life on the line, or your child's life on the line, for any medical intervention, then the state has too much power"

Additionally, the movie takes on the very real, very publicly acknowledged fact that many members of our government council also hold shares in the very pharmaceutical companies that create the vaccines which the state promotes. It is as true as it gets: conflict of interest is: when my politicians have a vested financial interest in vaccination pharmaceutical companies. Or, as the movie states:

"the fox watching the chicken coop"

We are given the stats on individual state's exemptions and the bias in media exposure. We are shown the process to bring a vaccine to the public and how 'fast tracking' a vaccination intended for children was foolish. We are given real risks associated with vaccinations, and given a more in-depth look at the studies used to 'prove' the safety and efficacy of vaccination. 

I was, at times, outraged, and other times saddened... I felt I learned so much, even after having done, what I thought, was thorough research on vaccinations... but there were things that still had me dumbstruck and amazed. Just one example: the placebo used in many of these 'safety and efficacy" studies is aluminum, mercury, or a combination of the two!

Some great quotes from the movie that I hope will pique your interest:

"We know that mercury (thimersal) causes neuro-toxicity, there's no controversy about that. Does it cause autism? It contributes to the damage that leads to autism." - John Green III, MD

"There are studies comparing the hair of autistic and non-autistic children. There is much more mercury in the hair of non-autistic children, showing us, at least in part, that there is some genetic precursor that makes some children more succeptible to autism."

 Would I recommend this movie? A resounding yes! Would my daughter? Well, let's just say she is already inviting her tweenage friends over for a 'movie night' at our place - her idea. I recommend this movie to every family who have children, or who will have children, of vaccination age. 

"The Greater Good" does a wonderful job of promoting this one moral: it is not about having you vaccinate or not vaccinate. It is about ensuring that families know the risks, that the studies regarding vaccinations are fair and accurate, and ensuring that vaccines are made to be and required to be as safe as possible.

To visit them on the web

To visit them on FaceBook

A Breech in the System - Review

“here we are alone in the process but not alone in our journeys.” – Karin Ecker 

I was so happy to be able to review A Breech in the System. It was a movie I had wanted to see for quite some time but hadn’t had the time to look into it. When I was given the opportunity to watch and review, I was beside myself. 

“Karin Ecker’s interest in social issues has brought her international credits for her filmmaking plus photographic art. From filming European children exploring environmental issues in the Bahamas to physically handicapped people scuba diving in the Egyptian Sea, she now brings her lens to the issue of childbirth choices in Australia. She intends to use this film as a tool to support the voice of ‘woman’.” – A Breech in the System

The movie is produced in such a way that you are given an up-close and intimate look at the process one woman encountered while trying to find support for her upcoming breech birth. 

Karin Ecker was 37 years old when she found herself pregnant. She decided to document her pregnancy and birth for her own private viewing. It wasn’t until 3 years after her baby was born that she decided to use the material for the documentary she titled “A Breech in the System”. 

Having recently relocated to Australia from Austria, Karin was looking forward to a birth center birth. When it was discovered her baby was sitting breech, the birth center would no longer allow her to give birth there. 

As she said later, while I was interviewing her for this review, “In my choice I always felt ALONE, because no one could make the decision for me. I was the one giving birth so I was the one who had to bear the consequences of my decision. It was a lonely process but very empowering one.”

Her words vividly remind me of one of my favorite African birthing proverbs:

"Being pregnant and giving birth are like crossing a narrow bridge. People can accompany you to the bridge. They can greet you on the other side. But you walk that bridge alone.”

Her story is humbling, inspiring, and educational. She brings us to her prenatal wellness classes, her medical appointments, and on many interviews with many professionals that ultimately either openly supported her or reinforced her understanding that she, alone, was responsible for this choice.

 “the doctor i talked to... it felt like.... was telling me what he had to tell me ‘no’  but after a while gave me a bit of space by suggesting that it might be ok. Like ‘the midwifes would love it if you give birth naturally’,  ‘we cannot force you’,  and ‘it probably will be all right’,  but ‘no, we will not support you to give birth naturally’. He was also not the one who makes the decision in the end. The guy who was above him in terms of power said just simply 'NO’. But after me clarifying that I would have to be a rebel on the day, that would be my only option, he agreed to that.”

As I mentioned earlier, we don’t only get an intimate look into her birthing time, but also become well acquainted with her day to day practices, the ins and outs, trials and triumphs. We watch her during her blessingway:

“Having support in any time of challenge especially an emotional one, is of highest value ever. I was able to relax and surrender with women, who not only understood the situation but empathized with me in such a gentle way, which made me not feel so alone and it felt like all of us women are in this together. Giving each other strength is something that women do in this circle. It has amazing power and carries all the way through to birth; linking us to each other and our mothers and our mother’s mothers. There is something very primal about that and something very, very profound; especially when you are able to openly share your fears and be heard and received.”

This sentiment sets the stage for, and ushers her into, her birthing time. She begins her labor on her due date, and, when ready, moves to the hospital. She narrates her fear of, and acceptance of, the fact she was moving into a less-than-supportive, and possibly even hostile, environment. With her midwife, doula-friend, and doctor, she steels her resolve. 

When I asked her what was going through her mind and body while she was laboring, this was her response:

“fear, fear, fear. pressure and pain. more pressure and more pain. fear and more fear. looking for reassurance in others. I thought I was going to die. It was very intense. The rest I have forgotten. It was great to have the women around me that had given birth to breech babies as well. They were my saving grace in my mind. If they can do it, I can do it .... maybe .... it was all open.”

The film is beautifully produced. The music and imagery is breathtaking, and the film at once inspiring and heart wrenching. Karin is an inspiration and a mother-warrior. She has perfectly illustrated for us the challenges and limitations of the medical community and policies that are in place. Her film can be used as a catalyst for discussion among women and change among the community of birth care providers.

“[my hope for this film is] to empower women to find their strength. To know what they want and how far they want to go. To take charge in order to then deal with… the consequences of one’s choice; to know about the options, and to embrace one's truth. To go deeper into oneself and not be afraid of being afraid. Not be afraid of pain, to be afraid but still go for it. to be open and embrace one's journey. That gives the doctors the signal that they can go the full way with a women. That makes them trust the woman more to let her have the natural way.” 

And where do we go from here? 

“[My hope for obstetrical change is that they will view breech] as a variation of normal, not to be afraid and to give space to the woman. I understand that a lot of doctors are scared and lack in skill. They should be honest about that. That creates a relationship of trust; and then go from there.... 

I am working with a few OBs to create a way where the relationship between the doctor and the woman gets highlighted. It is so crucial that the woman has someone, who she feels comfortable with and that it is an honest relationship.”

To support Karin, please check out her website and facebook page. Additionally, the film is available for screenings and the fee for that is negotiable.She encourages panel discussions afterwards with local doctors, doulas, midwives, and mothers. For more information on screenings, see here. 

She hopes to collect women's stories from around the world regarding breech birth. If you have had a breech baby and are willing to share your story, please contact her. 

To purchase the movie, you can see it online/as a download, or purchase it in DVD form. For another review see Rixa’s thoughts.

Viewing Birth - Water Births

Here are some newer beautiful water births on YouTube.












Enjoy on this beautiful Labor Day!

One World Birth

If you haven't been let in the loop about this awesome project, it's time you knew about it. One World Birth will be celebrating its launch by Facebook on Sept 1st. Will you be 'there'?

Baby 101 - Review and Giveaway

I recently reviewed Shari Daniels' childbirth DVD course "Baby 101" and was given two copies to give away on my blog.

Baby 101 is a complete and comprehensive childbirth class on  DVD that is produced by VideoArts Studios.



Shari Daniels is the modern day midwife of the Discovery Channel's series, House of Babies. Based on her program, she created Baby 101 as a way to educate families about healthy options for pregnancy, labor, birth, and beyond.

The DVD is broken down into 9 segments, including:

• Course Introduction
• Birthing Overview and History of Childbirth/Midwifery
• Exercises for Pregnancy and Birth/Relaxation
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Diet & Nutrition
• Birth Control
• Complications
• Breast Feeding
• Baby Care

I absolutely love the fact that women can either pick and choose what information is pertinent and important to them and view those specific (avg.) 30 minute segments, or they can go through the full course (total 4 hours 42 minutes).

In the Birthing Overview segment, Shari talks about the history of birth, midwifery, and the importance of woman to woman care.

The Exercises segment includes information on pregnancy-specific and birthing-specific exercises, relaxation practices, and breathing. The only thing that I didn't like is the altered breathing section of this segment.

Anatomy and Physiology was fun and insightful, and an important step in prenatal education for women to understand their bodies and the functions of labor and birth.

The segment entitled Diet and Nutrition was also very fun and educational. It gives tangible concepts to expectant couples in order to help them make healthier food and beverage choices. In fact, my 11 year old loved this section more than any and did a complete overhaul of our pantry after this section - throwing out many of the children's favorite 'staples' that are less-than-healthy.

The Birth Control chapter is another that I had a difficult time with. The information is good, just incomplete, in my personal opinion. Shari does a great job outlining many of the options available, and giving their rates of success; but she does little in talking about the risks or contraindications.

The next segment, Complications, is very well done. Ms. Daniels does a great job talking about variations, complications, and interventions without causing anxiety in her participants/viewers. It is something that is not talked much about in childbirth classes. so I am happy to see her tackle this subject, and in such a well-thought way.

The next two sections, Breastfeeding and Baby Care, are done equally as well as the pregnancy and birth segments. She outlines positive breastfeeding positions, a good latch, positive baby care ideals, and more.

As a doula, I found Shari Daniels' educational DVD to be a great asset to my clients. I can use her DVD as a supplement to the education that I provide my clients in prenatals. She provides visually stimulating, educational, and easily applicable concepts that, I believe, every client can benefit from.

One of my mom's wants more information on breastfeeding? Wonderful! I have just the video for that. If one of my clients wants (or needs) more information on nutrition and diet, Baby 101 provides her with the information she needs, in a clear and comprehensive manner.

I find that I recommend at least one section from Shari's DVD to each of my clients, now. And I believe that other doulas and midwives would benefit equally from her information.

For this reason, I am happy to offer 2 copies of Baby 101 to 2 lucky doula/midwife readers (1 copy each).

Rules for Entering:
You must complete #1 to be entered into the drawing. After that, you can enter as many additional times as you would like, in a separate comment each time. PLEASE leave a way for me to get a hold of you. If you don't, I will redraw.

Entries will be closed on August 8th at 11:59pm PST. Drawing will occur on August 9th.

1. Share this drawing by Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and/or some message board (mothering.com, justmommies, etc...) Then post a link to where you shared in a comment below. (up to 4 entries possible if you complete all 4 sharing options)
2. Share your business information, specialty (midwifery, doula, childbirth educator, etc...), and how you would use the DVD in your business below in a comment. (1 entry possible)
3. If you are a woman attempting to win this for your midwife, doula, or CBE, tell us about them and why they deserve this DVD. (1 entry possible)
4. Become a follower of my blog by Network Blogs and/or by Google. (2 entries possible if you do both) and then comment below telling me that you have. 

Good luck to everyone!

In Celebration of Twin Birth

I have been getting lots of questions about twin birth lately, including a few comments in some of my past posts... so, let's look at the normalcy of twin birth:

This birth is great because it shows that twins can be carried to true maturity, not 'medical' maturity (37 weeks).


Here is a great one of a water birth of twins were the sac is intact for baby B.


Here is a lovely home birth of twins, a VBAC (HBAC), Baby B born 2 hours after Baby A. Baby B is posterior.


Hellena Post has an amazing birth story of her twins, where her twins don't come immediately one after the other (and safely)... unlike what the hospital would want you to do.

And, in the event you haven't seen it, Psalm and Zoya is a great twin birth as well, one footling breech.

Twin birth is simply a variation of normal.

Viewing Birth

As we have talked about so much prior to this, viewing natural, normal birth is something that our Western culture is missing. This is the best, most truest form of education available to women, and so vitally important. For this reason, I encourage you to view these beautiful birth stories.


Malachi Daniel's Birth from Evie Marie on Vimeo.




Oliver Bradshaw's Birth from Evie Marie on Vimeo.



And grab some snacks for this longer one:

A Home Birth Story from TOBY MADDEN on Vimeo.

Unexpected Unassisted Birth

I opened my email this morning and found a wonderful note from a reader named Betsy. She wanted to share her birth story with everyone, and what a gorgeous story it is! They planned a water birth attended by a certified professional midwife. They also planned to have a professional photography team document the birth.

As she says,

"Sadly (in some ways), everyone -- including our midwife -- missed the birth. We ended up in the bathtub. My husband caught the baby. It was beautiful!"

And here is their beautiful story in video!

documentary birth film | OTPC from One Tree Photography on Vimeo.

When I asked her to share her story, she replied

My collegiate self would've never allowed this film to be seen. By anyone.
In it, I have three chins. I have rolls of belly fat exposed for all the world to see. And, in several shots, you can see my massive nipples.

But it was the 20-something me that would've focused on these bodily imperfections.

Today, when I watch this film, I see me...the strongest and bravest that I have ever been.

I went through one of my greatest challenges. I was calm. I shed no tears. And I brought my daughter into this world with peace and surrounded by love.

I don't believe that homebirth is for everyone. But I do believe that women need to see that birth is a beautiful thing. That we shouldn't be so afraid of it.

I went into labor Thursday, June 9 in the late afternoon. I started to have contractions that grew closer and more intense. My husband and I called our midwife and support team. Within two hours, my birth tub was up and everything was ready for my birth.

But...my body had other plans.

My rushes slowed down and the intensity waned. I felt discouraged as our midwife went home and told me kindly, not to be discouraged but that my body had a lot of work to do before active labor would begin.

Thankfully, my husband was able to stay home from work on Friday. I had rushes throughout the entire day, ranging from 20 minutes apart to just 8 minutes apart. I joked that I shouldn't have skipped the chapters in my birthing books about labor dragging on. Because my previous delivery was so fast, I didn't think it would happen to me.

Active labor started at around 2 a.m. Saturday morning. I woke up to intense rushes every 10 minutes. We'd just gotten two hours of sleep, so I let my husband sleep another hour before I woke him up to help me.

I labored in my bedroom -- on the bed, on my hands and knees and while rocking on a birth ball.

As the rushes became closer together and more intense, my husband called our midwife. But because things were still a bit irregular, she just wasn't convinced it was true active labor. She suggested I get in the bathtub to try and relax.

At 6 a.m., we called again. At time point, rushes were every two minutes and were lasting up to a minute and 50 seconds. I was moaning through every rush, but I felt calm and relaxed in my bathtub.

Our midwife still believe that the rushes were not quite intense enough to be transition. However, she got in her car -- thinking that she was coming to diagnose a bladder infection.

Just minutes after my husband hung up the phone, my water broke. Involuntary pushing began just moments later.

We had two friends staying with us who came up to assist and witness our birth. My husband got into the bathtub with me and helped me relax. A few pushes and my daughters head emerged. He cradled her head in his hands. And two pushes after that, her body slide from mine.

He placed her on my chest.

It was the most incredible moment of my life. In just seconds, all of my pain and discomfort was gone! My whole world centered around this little person laying on my chest. She was born at around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 11.

We didn't know her gender at the time, but without even looking I asked my husband if "she" was okay.

My friend, who is studying medicine, said she thought that my baby was doing just fine. Because those words came from a trusted friend, I felt completely at peace and able to focus on my baby.

In the end, I was completely okay with our midwife missing our birth. I never felt worried or afraid. Instead, I felt empowered and thrilled.

My husband remained completely calm -- at least outwardly -- throughout the entire process. By doing so, he gave me the peace of mind I needed to focus on my labor and my baby.

In the end, I wouldn't change a thing.

I hope that my little story can help women further understand that birth doesn't need to be frightening -- regardless of the circumstances. I've had three babies...and it took me three pregnancies to really learn that my body can birth. It doesn't need any "help" beyond the emotional support of a partner and family.

I'm so, so thrilled to have documentation of this incredible moment in my life. I would strongly encourage women to consider it. Looking back at our birth video has solidified my sense of empowerment!

 Thank you so much, Betsy, for sharing your story with us!

Pregnant in America

If you haven't had the chance to see this movie yet, it is available in it's entirety on hulu right now (see below). It is good at showing some of the limitations and failures in American birth practices, as well as gives clear information on what we can do to make our outcomes better.



The downside is that it is militantly anti-hospital and the producer is a little far on the conspiracy tail. :) Worth the watch, though, IMHO, if you can take it all with a grain of salt and a critical eye.

OP Baby

Very cool. This short, close-up video shows an occiput posterior (sunny side up), waterbirth baby, born with the caul over his/her face, and shows baby being active at the perineum (blinking, wiggling, etc..)

Guerrilla Midwife

As some of you remember,  I wrote a post on the review of "Memoirs of a Singing Birth", a book by Elena Skoko. In the book, Elena talks about her birth as attended by Ibu Robin Lim.

Ibu Robin Lim is now featured in the movie "Guerrilla Midwife", a documentary about her journey to midwifery and the challenges she faces in the country of Bali.

Guerrilla Midwife  follows Ibu Robin Lim into the trenches of her work. From Bali, where hemorrhage after hcildbirth is a leading cause of death, into the Tsunami disaster zone in Aceh, where her battle is fought with only one weapon, love. In this culturally mesmerizing, heart-wrenching documentary, you will discover why we must reinvent our protocols for pregnancy and childbirth in order to preserve our Planet's Humanity.

Please see below to view a few excerpts from the film:


Guerrilla Midwife, Sample from Amber Bansak on Vimeo.

And, if you are lucky enough to live in the vicinity of Grand Rapids, MI, you can go to a screening of the film at the Wealthy Street Theater. Check this invitation out for more information, to help spread the word, or to RSVP for the event.

Reducing Infant Mortality

A great, short, video on the necessity to improve our maternal/fetal healthcare system.

Reducing Infant Mortality from Debby Takikawa on Vimeo.

I like that they talk about the necessity of cesareans in some situations, but address the overuse of the procedure, and what leads up to a higher rate of cesareans. They also address such concerns as the need for every single week of pregnancy to reduce the incidence of other newborn risks that are associated with prematurity.

They are well balanced in their view - talking about the preventative medicine that we are doing right, and the defensive/doctor-friendly medicine that we are doing wrong. Hearing doctors talk about this makes it even more valid to the public eye, so I encourage you to spread the news about this video.

Leo

I know I 'promised' no more birth videos on this blog, but I stumbled on one that I absolutely adore and had to make an exception.

Be sure to check out Leo Hart's birth video on Vimeo! (sorry, no embeds allowed)

Remember, to see the ones I would normally post, be sure to check out Inspiring Birth stories on Facebook.

Whose Got The Magic

I think this is one of the most precious "40 weeks on film" that I have seen yet!


Magic- A Belly Grows from The Panic Room Videos on Vimeo.

Check them out at Pacing the Panic Room.

A Doula Story

I know that this video is a little older, but how many of the readers here have seen it, I wonder? So, I had to revive this one from the vault and plant it in front of you. Take the time, it is around 55 minutes or so, and so very worth it.

This woman encompasses everything that a doula hopes to do in her community.



A Doula Story documents one African American woman’s fierce commitment to empower pregnant teenagers with the skills and knowledge they need to become confident, nurturing mothers. Produced by The Kindling Group, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization, this powerful film follows Loretha Weisinger back to the same disadvantaged Chicago neighborhood where she once struggled as a teen mom. Loretha uses patience, compassion and humor to teach “her girls” about everything from the importance of breastfeeding and reading to their babies, to communicating effectively with health care professionals.

Homebirth of Twins

This is a beautiful homebirth of twins, one was previously presenting transverse, and ends up footling breech at birth. So inspiring and beautiful!