Hospitals make me cringe

Heart attack? Hospital. Liver disease? Hospital. Cut your fingers off? Hospital. There are so many things that hospitals are made for and are GOOD AT. Natural childbirth is not one. As someone who gets to see both sides of the birthing card, I have to say that I become more disappointed in hospital births by the day.
Recently, I accompanied a couple during the birth of their first child. I was flabbergasted by what the OB was telling the mother during labor and later, the delivery. The doc offered ZERO support for natual birth. In fact, she seemed to "poo-poo" it. When my clients asked about unmedicated delivery, she more or less dismissed them, saying that almost nobody did that.

Whatzadoula?

I bet I've been asked this question more than any other. When I'm at a cookout, wedding, or other gathering, I wait for the what-do-you-do question. Explaining my "job" is a long, drawn out process, and I always get stopped at DOULA. Lots of websites and blogs have descriptions, but I wanted to add mine. For me "childbirth attendant" doesn't really cut it.

A doula is the first line of defense for women wanting a natural birth, which means vaginal AND unmedicated. In addition to knowing about normal birth and how to have one, doulas know how to help women navigate the maze of information regarding birthing classes, breastfeeding, vaccinations, birthplans, natural labor prep, natural-friendly docs, etc. A doula can labor with a mom at home, keeping a watchful eye on how things are progressing, offering emotional and physical support until the mom decides it's time to go to the hospital. Once at the hospital, the doula is an advocate for the laboring woman (because she's a little busy). She can express wishes to the nursing staff by giving out copies of the birth plan and answering basic questions, like DOB, address, etc. while mom labors, less disturbed than women without a doula. Doulas rub backs, give drinks of water, help dads help moms, assist on bathroom trips, etc. A doula stays throughout labor and delivery, helping the mother to achieve the best birth possible. After the birth, doulas assist with initial breastfeeding to promote bonding. She might go home to rest after 1 or 2 good nursings, only to return and make sure everything is still going well. Many doulas also make 1 or 2 house calls once the family has gone home and can provide support over the phone in the weeks after the baby is born.

Everyone who is planning a hospital birth should consider having a doula.

TTC Songs

As someone TTC, I've found that there are some songs that could be the TTC Anthem. Here are some I can think could work. Please share your nominations!
1. As Time Goes By
2. On the Road Again
3. Everybody Hurts
4. Circus theme music - the one where clowns run all over, fall and spill things
5. Killing Time

Wash your hands! Midwife vs. OB/GYN

In 2009, we wash our hands as a matter of course. Would you believe that in 1909, doctors didn't? GASP!!! Would you further believe that midwives did, and they washed their instruments? Just a little food for thought.

Midwife? You mean they still make those?

Yep, they sure do. I think most people have one of three views of midwives: the mountain women from history, the trippy-dippy hippy women of the 60s and 70s, or the New York midwife from the Rikki Lake movie. In reality, midwives are a wonderfully interesting blend of these women, as well as the women in our own lives.
Midwives are nothing new. Some people say that midwifery is the "second oldest profession", which makes sense if you think about "the oldest profession". Here's the deal . . . until the early to mid 1900s, almost all American women delivered at home. Successfully, I might add. That's about the time that doctors (men) horned in and created a system that "ruined it for everybody else".
I could go on and on about all this stuff, but I'd rather save it for another post.