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Cesarean Birth: What about the Baby?

One of my home-born babies had a wrinkle-free gentle entrance into our world. The other was an almost seven-minute shoulder dystocia. After three and a half minutes of CPR, he took hold of his life and is thriving. He has never been separated from mother. Read more…. Cesarean Birth: What about the Baby?

Midwives and Cytotec: A True Story

When the obstetrician said he would use Cytotec, the woman and her husband said they expected he would use prostaglandin gel but he said that he now uses Cytotec, as it is ‘more modern and reliable.’ They were not told Cytotec is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose… Read more…. Midwives and Cytotec: A True Story

Fetal Demise: Helping a Mother Cope with Her Pain

When I arrived, I immediately scanned the quiet tummy. Lydia watched the screen with a worried expression. I could find no cardiac movement. Finally I put away the probe and moaned, “Lydia, I am so sorry, the baby is gone.” Read more…. Fetal Demise: Helping a Mother Cope with Her Pain

Homebirth: What Are the Issues?

There is no shortage of evidence to support the fact that homebirth is safe, satisfying and empowering for women and their families. It is also a much-neglected option for childbearing women in Western society today. Read more…. Homebirth: What Are the Issues?

Home: Our Birth Right

For the Inuit, a paternalistic government assumed they would prefer to be flown out to “safer” surroundings of big city hospitals far from home…. It took strong, determined native midwives to restore the continuity of birth and family care back to their community. Read more…. Home: Our Birth Right

Straight From the Heart of Mothering

If you have chosen to parent without holding back, giving limitless love and attention to your baby, you will need to be brave. It is a decision you will necessarily make every day, many times a day. Read more…. Straight From the Heart of Mothering

Kangaroo Care: Why Does It Work?

During kangaroo care, a premature baby’s overall growth rate increases. This is in part due to the baby’s ability to sleep, thus conserving energy and putting caloric expenditure toward growth. Read more…. Kangaroo Care: Why Does It Work?

Emotional Impact of Cesareans

Every 30 seconds in the US, a cesarean is performed.(1) This overuse of cesarean surgery puts moms and babies at risk – not just physically, but emotionally. Read more…. Emotional Impact of Cesareans

Toward Equilibrium

Do midwives have a responsibility to functional family life? Can we help teach mothers both the significance of their new role, and the skills that will be required of them? Read more…. Toward Equilibrium

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