Earth Mama Midwife

Mom gives birth to a 13+ pound baby

2012-01-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

All this midwife can say is......... WOW! That is a lot of baby!! 13 lbs, 12 oz and 23-1/2 inches long.

"A woman in Iowa gave birth to a baby weighing 13 pounds and 12 ounces and she did it all "naturally."

Baby boy Asher Stewardson is the second child born to parents Kendall and Joshua Stewardson. The couple's first child was a 12 pound baby so they weren't too surprised at little Asher's weight.
After mom pushed for six hours, baby Asher measured in at 23 1/2 inches long, weighing 13 pounds 12 ounces. Mom and baby are doing fine.

Not only are many women choosing to have drug free labor, they are choosing to do it outside of a hospital setting. The Atlanta based CDC just reported that home births are the highest on record."

Reported by Kelly George

Atlanta Healthy Trends Examiner

Midwifery Assistant Class

2012-01-29T16:25:00.001-07:00

It's that time again. We will be starting another midwifery assistant class coming up in February. Classes will be one night a week over 8 weeks. Some of the items being taught include -

What will you learn?

· Parental & Birth Choices

· Duties & Responsibilities

· What’s in the Midwife’s Bag

· Setup for Birth

Antiseptic vs. Sterile Technique

· Instruments & Sterile Tray

· Clean-up & What To Do after a Birth

· Learn How To Take Vital Signs

· Charting & Keeping Records

· Birth Emergency Protocols

1. Postpartum Hemorrhage

2. Shoulder Dystocia

3. Shock

4. Surprise Breech or Twins

5. Prolapsed Cord

· Infant & Adult CPR Certification

For further information and registration forms, please email me or leave a comment with contact information for me to reach you.

Home Births Are On The Rise

2012-01-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

Today it was reported, by multiple news agencies, that "home births are on the rise." According to these sources, there is a 29% increase.

"New data this week shows more American women are choosing to give birth at home opposed to in a hospital setting at an increase of 29 per cent in recent years. The two-digit percentage increase between 2004 and 2009 after a 14-year decline was compiled through birth certificates of American-born babies by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2009 the agency saw the highest number of home births ever recorded at 29,650 since the data first began collecting in 1989."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2092423/Homebirths-U-S-rise-29-cent-point-lower-costs-Hollywood-influence.html#ixzz1kj3cyBnU

Are you surprised by this fact? Why do you think we are seeing an increase? Weigh in on the topic and post your personal thoughts on this issue.

Welcome Baby Jacob

2012-01-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful babie has come into the world...... Welcome Baby Jacob William. Mommy, Tami delivered this little man & Daddy, Jeremy caught him with loving hands. Jacob came into the world on Tuesday January 24, 2012 at 4:13pm. He weighed 8 pounds even and measured 21-1/4 inches long.

Megan, Tamara, Baby Jacob, Joshua, Jeremy & Caleb

Shortly after birth Grandma Vickie & Grandpa Chuck brought big sister and big brothers by to visit and some flowers and love for mom and dad.

Yes he has found his fingers & thumb!

Grandpa Chuck, Jeremy, Tamara, Jacob & Grandma Vickie

Baby Jacob

Dad, Mom & Baby 19-hrs after birth

Megan's first time holding Jacob.

Caleb's first time holding Jocab. He's pretty excited!!

Joshua's first time holding Jacob with dad's help.

Congratulations to this beautiful family on the birth of their new boy!!! We are blessed that you shared your family with us.

The Importance of Global Midwifery for CPMs

2012-01-25T21:02:00.001-07:00

The Importance of Global Midwifery for CPMs

Did You Know?
We all know that midwifery is one of the world’s oldest professions, dating back to the beginning of humanity. But did you know...

There have been midwifery schools in the Netherlands since the 1600s?
The first midwifery school in Sweden opened in 1711?
In France, midwives were part of the educated elite since the 1700’s, and were rewarded with houses and land?
The first midwifery schools in Chile and Argentina were established in the 1800s?
In 1902, the Midwives Act was passed in British Parliament, acknowledging midwives as autonomous practitioners?

The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) was formed in 1919, when more than 1,000 midwives from across Europe met in Belgium to discuss issues of standards and practice and to support the world-wide development of midwifery. Yet, according to the State of the World’s Midwifery Report: “Delivering Health, Saving Lives”, released at the ICM conference in Durban, South Africa in June 2011, the world needs 350,000 more midwives to fully meet the needs of women around the world.

***** The above informations is taken from National Association of Certified Professional Midwives. *****

Welcome Baby Annie

2012-01-20T11:04:00.002-07:00

Welcome the newest edition to April & Trevor's family........ Baby Annie April. She made her entrance at 2:56am on Thursday, January 19, 2012. Mommy delivered and with loving hands daddy caught his girl and helped mommy bring her into the world.

April, Annie & Trevor

Annie April

April, Baby Annie & Trevor

Annie weighs 8 pounds and 10 ounces. She is 21-1/2 inches long and full of pep! Congratulations to big sisters Emma & Kate as well as parents April & Trevor on their baby girl. Another beautiful girl for this beautiful family.

Welcome Baby Driggs

2012-01-20T08:52:00.004-07:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR......... Here comes little Mr. Driggs Jacob..... Driggs was our first New Year 2012 Baby!! This little man challenged his parents by taking his time coming into the world. He definitely is going to things in his own time. He weighed in at a whopping 9 pounds and 13 ounces. Driggs came into the world on Monday January 16, 2012.

Driggs Jacob

Miya, Driggs & Jake

Congratulations to his parents Miya and Jake on their beautiful baby boy! Cheers mom & dad! Here's to many happy parenting days!!! Hugs & blessings from Mama Launa Midwife.

More On Breech Births

2012-01-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

Because you asked.......... More information and resources on Breech Births.

Here are two books devoted exclusively to breech births. Breech Birth by Benna Waites can be purchased through Amazon.com and I have seen a copy or two at half.com Breech Birth Woman-Wise by Maggie Banks will need to be ordered from New Zealand, unless you can find a used copy in the states. Both are excellent books. I read Breech Birth first and loved it! The different types of breech babes, studies, risks and benefits, vaginal birth vs cesarean section as well as the politics behind breech births.

Natural Childbirth Classes

2012-01-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

It's that time once again........... We will be starting a series of Natural Childbirth Classes. It is a 4-week series. We will meet one night a week, generally on a Tuesday, with the first class beginning Tuesday January 31st. If you are interesting in taking the series, please email me and we will add you to our list. We keep our classes relatively small. We will be pot-lucking, so if you are attending, bring a dish. Any dish! We do our best to keep it healthy though. Bring a pillow and wear comfortable clothing, as we will on the floor part of the time. This course is geared towards couples or bring anyone who will be at your birth supporting you...... Mother, sister, best friend, partner, doula, etc. The goal is to teach you and your support partner how to help you through labor & delivery, as well as postpartum care. This class is for families who want to have a natural birth whether it be in a hospital setting or out-of-hospital setting.

Some of the topics that we will be included -

1. Comfort measures while in labor

2. Laboring Techniques

3. Pushing Positions

4. What to take to your birth

5. What to expect at your out-of-hospital birth or hospital birth

6. Breastfeeding

7. Postpartum care

8. The Benefits of having a Doula

Much, much more, but this will give you an idea of what we will be discussing and learning about. See you soon!!

Happy New Year

2012-01-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year and here's to 2012!!! Anyone want to share their new year resolution or a new year resolution that they have heard about? Imagine all the excitement that is going to come into our lives this year.

Ina May Gaskin Wins Award

2011-12-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

Ina May Gaskin, Mother of Direct-Entry Midwifery in the U.S. recently won the prestigious Right Livlihood Award for outstanding vision and work on behalf of our planet and its people. The award is considered the alternative Nobel Prize Award.

She won the award “… for her whole-life’s work teaching and advocating safe, woman-centred childbirth methods that best promote the physical and mental health of mother and child.“

You can read more at http://www.rightlivelihood.org/inamay_gaskin.html

Congratulations and job well done!

Mother Dies After Giving Birth to Twins

2011-12-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

As the year closes, I am sent yet another link of a mother who has lost her life due to complications of childbirth. It is a sad story that we hear to often in the U.S. Approximately 2 women die each day in the United States from complications related to pregnancy & childbirth.

Michal Lura Friedman died of complications shortly following the cesarean section of her twins Jackson and Reverie leaving her husband, Jay Synder, alone to raise the babies.

Jay Synder with his daughter Reverie & son Jackson

Michal & Jay had been trying for 7 years to conceive and happily found out this spring that they were expecting twins. Her life ended shortly after giving birth the day after Thanksgiving. She experienced a hemorrhage that spiralled downhill. Her death is currently under investigation.

November 2011

To read more, click on the following link from the NY Daily News - http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-12-08/news/30492694_1_love-and-marriage-uptown-twins

You can also go to www.thesyndertwins.com to see more photos, read more or donate to the family.

Being in Mom's Arms - Bulb Syringes & Suctioning

2011-12-29T07:26:00.001-07:00

One of the most common complaints I hear regarding hospital births is that the baby is taken away. WHY is the baby taken away? More times than not, he/she is still in the room but the physicians and nurses get hands-on first while the mum is left to watch from her bed. The baby needs oxygen, the baby MUST be warmed, the baby needs to be suctioned and monitored and the baby needs an exam for goodness sakes!

The question I propose ....... WHY can't this be done from the mother's arms? I think the way we are trained to do something stays with. It's hard to break old habits. Stimulate, stimulate, stimulate the baby...... rub vigorously, make him cry, flick his feet, suction his nose and then swoop him up to have him examined.

That first hour is such a precious hour. Bonding, breastfeeding and one-on-one is needed for both mother, father and baby. A newborn's heart, lungs and abdominal cavity can be auscultated while snuggling with his mum. The mother rubbing all over her newborn is stimulating him. There are countless studies that have shown skin-to-skin contact is beneficial to a babe. Often times it is called kangaroo care. Specifically, premature infants have shown great benefits from this type of care. Put babe & mom skin-to-skin and placed a warm blanket over both of them. They will be nice and toasty!

FYI - Here's a little information to take into the new year. Suctioning a newborn's nose with that good ole' bulb syringe may not be necessary. I recently educated some of our local care providers after taking NRP again this summer. As of 2011 The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends suctioning even with newborns born with significant meconium staining.

AAP recommendations: "A vigorous meconium stained newborn receive routine care & appropriate monitoring with his mother.

Routine care of newborn staying with mother includes:

a. Warm (skin-to-skin contact is recommended), clear airway by wiping the baby’s mouth and nose if necessary, dry the newborn, provide ongoing evaluation of breathing, activity and color.

Suctioning following birth (including bulb suctioning with a bulb syringe) should be reserved for babies who have obvious obstruction to spontaneous breathing or who require positive pressure ventilation."

Keep the baby with his mum and let them bond.. Get that babe to the breast inside the first hour!! It is time for family!!!

Midwife is CNN's Hero of the Year

2011-12-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

Ibu Robin

Robin Lim is a Direct-Entry Midwife from the U.S. who has been living in Bali, Indonesia for years. She has delivered more than 4,000 for free in Indonesia. Robin won $250,000 to put towards her Healthy Mother Earth Foundation. She is the founder of Every Mother Counts, which is "an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase education and support for maternal and child health. " Her foundation provides free medical aid, prenatal/postpartum care and labor/delivery services. Her daughter put out a movie called Guerilla Midwife documenting what she does in her country. It's an excellent movie.

"EVERY 90 seconds of EVERY day we lose a mother from the complications of pregnancy - 90% of them are preventable."

The Youtube link to see beautiful photos of Robin Lim and what she does. http://youtu.be/llZVq2epN4s

To get involved or learn more about Robin's organization - http://everymothercounts.org/

We will be showing the film from Robin's Organization " No Women, No Cry". It is a documentary in which Christy Turlington Burns shares the powerful stories of at-risk pregnant women in four parts of the world, including a remote Maasai tribe in Tanzania, a slum of Bangladesh, a post-abortion care ward in Guatemala, and a prenatal clinic in the United States.

If you are interested in seeing the movie, we will be viewing it after the holiday season. Email me to be put on the contact list or leave a comment for the invitation to the movie.

Get Your Protein

2011-12-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

Protein is very important during pregnancy. Dr. Tom Brewer & his research recommends that each low-risk healthy mom should consume 80-100 grams of protein daily. The World Health Organization recommends each mother get at least 75 grams of protein daily.

In low-risk, otherwise healthy moms, eating healthy can help prevent anemia, diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and premature delivery.

Foods high in protein - Dairy products, meats, bean, lentils, legumes, whole grains, nuts & Spirulina Blue-Green Algae. Fruits & veggies also have protein, but at lower levels.

Below I have listed foods and the protein portions. Additionally, you will find a recipe for a protein milk shake that can help supplement your protein intake if you are not getting enough or use to help during bouts of morning sickness. The milk shake can be frozen and scooped like ice cream too.

If you are snacking on nuts and seeds, the list below will help you figure out how much protein you are getting.

Nuts and Seeds

Peanut butter, 2 Tablespoons - 8 grams protein
Almonds, ¼ cup – 8 grams
Peanuts, ¼ cup – 9 grams
Cashews, ¼ cup – 5 grams
Pecans, ¼ cup – 2.5 grams
Sunflower seeds, ¼ cup – 6 grams
Pumpkin seeds, ¼ cup – 8 grams
Flax seeds – ¼ cup – 8 grams

Below you will find some basic protein information on dairy products a couple veggies.

Eggs and Dairy

Egg, large - 6 grams protein
Milk, 1 cup - 8 grams
Cottage cheese, ½ cup - 15 grams
Yogurt, 1 cup – usually 8-12 grams, check label
Soft cheeses (Mozzarella, Brie, Camembert) – 6 grams per oz
Medium cheeses (Cheddar, Swiss) – 7 or 8 grams per oz
Hard cheeses (Parmesan) – 10 grams per oz
1/2 C cooked cabbage - 1.2 grams
1/4 C Spinach - 1 gram

If you are a carnivore, here is a breakdown of protein in meats. A basic easy way to figure it out, 1 oz of meat = approximately 7 grams of protein.

Beef

Hamburger patty, 4 oz – 28 grams protein
Steak, 6 oz – 42 grams
Most cuts of beef – 7 grams of protein per ounce

Chicken

Chicken breast, 3.5 oz - 30 grams protein
Chicken thigh – 10 grams (for average size)
Drumstick – 11 grams
Wing – 6 grams
Chicken meat, cooked, 4 oz – 35 grams

Fish

Most fish fillets or steaks are about 22 grams of protein for 3 ½ oz (100 grams) of cooked fish, or 6 grams per ounce
Tuna, 6 oz can - 40 grams of protein

Pork

Pork chop, average - 22 grams protein
Pork loin or tenderloin, 4 oz – 29 grams
Ham, 3 oz serving – 19 grams
Ground pork, 1 oz raw – 5 grams; 3 oz cooked – 22 grams
Bacon, 1 slice – 3 grams
Canadian-style bacon (back bacon), slice – 5 – 6 grams

Keep in mind the average mom should get approximately 2,500 calories daily up through 20 weeks gestation. After 20 weeks and throughout the rest of the pregnancy caloric intake should be bumped up to 3,000 daily calories. This will give you the average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds.

Pregnancy Protein Milk Shake

During your pregnancy it is very important to eat enough protein each day. It is recommended to eat a minimum of 80-100 grams daily. If you are not gaining weight or having a hard time keeping food down, this protein milk shake can sometimes help.
                                                          Protein (grams)/    Calories
1 Quart Whole Milk                                              38.71           549
½ Cup Powdered Milk                                             17.00           320
1 Cup Organic Frozen Vanilla Yogurt                          12.08           208
3 Tablespoons Peanut butter                                    12.00           200
1 Banana                                                            0.9             72

                                                           80.69      1,349 Calories

·         Optional – Add additional fruit if you prefer.
·         Add some ice if you want to thin it.

Winter Season

2011-11-20T10:06:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you just have to get out and enjoy all the beauty nature can offer. Yesterday morning after breakfast, I took a stroll outside and snapped a few pictures. Let me share with you.....

Unassisted Birth.....

2011-11-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

Oh my, I've certainly gone and done it..... I'm going to say it....... Are you ready?...... Wait for it....... UNASSISTED BIRTH! This has been one hot topic of conversation of late. I have clients talking about it, students at the local college calling to ask me questions and recently a midwife brought up the topic of conversation. For some those two words are terrifying. For others it is simply no big deal. So what's my take on it?

It's like any other topic of birthing conversation to me....... highly controversial! I had a midwife recently ask me how I could ever support a family's decision to do an unassisted birth?!!

Here's the bottom line families..... IT'S NOT ABOUT ME! It's never been about me! Your the ones expecting, you are the parents now. Everything you eat, drink, breath and expose yourself to affects that developing little peanut. I am not here to make decisions for you. I am here to support the choices you make and help you as best as I can.

We have physicians who say the word "midwife" with much disdain and distaste as if we were one of those naughty four-letter words. How many clients have I had who tell me their physicians are discontinuing all care with them if they so much as talk to a midwife whether it is due to their malpractice policy or personal views. So what makes me any different from them if I start saying, "You must NOT consider unassisted birth." There is no difference. I am not anti-anything for the most part.

This is the advise I would give you, like all things regarding your pregnancy, labor/delivery and postpartum period. RESEARCH! Do your homework. Read the good, the bad and the ugly. Don't only read the happily-ever-after stories. Know what you are getting into. Understand the risks and benefits and make sure you are comfortable with them. Talk with your physician if you have one. Read some of the latest and greatest studies. Most importantly, you best understand your own body and how it works as well as what could possibly go wrong and what to do both with mom's body as well as with the baby. Additionally, you might consider your partner, spouse, sister, etc. etc. also having the same information should you in fact need some additional help during the birth.

You are going to take a lot of grief if you share publicly. People so enjoy filling others with horror stories and bashing you over the head if it is not the societal norm. In the US, it is not the norm nor are out-of-hospital births. Many of you have been there with home birth before when you broke from the family trend to birth in a hospital setting. You need a support group or circle of friends who will support your decision.

Links & information for families who want to have an unassisted birth -

1. http://www.unassistedchildbirth.com/
2. http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/unassistedbirth/a/aa080999.htm
3. http://mothering.com/jennifermargulis/unassisted-birth/an-interview-with-unassisted-birth-advocate-laura-shanley
4. http://birthjunkie.com/homebirth/
5. http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/labor_birth/natural_childbirth/article/unassisted-birth/
6. http://www.unassistedhomebirth.com/
7. http://www.rixafreeze.com/pdf/Freeze_dissertation_Born_Free.pdf - (Doctoral dissertation)

As with all your parenting choices, be wise in your decision making. Don't simply do it because you can. Are you healthy enough and if you are not healthy during your pregnancy..... for heaven sakes go see a care provider of your choice! Like all things....... Have a backup plan. Good luck & blessings!

Babies Mixing Up Days & Nights

2011-11-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

I had a mum recently share with me some information regarding why babies mix up their days and nights. I just got around to reading it this weekend. I definitely feel the information is worthy of passing along. I hope this information helps a bit for all of you sleep deprived parents who wonder if you'll ever have a full night of rest again! Rather than rewriting the information, I am posting the link to the blog/article is below. Thank you Megan, for sharing with us!!!

http://www.secretsofbabybehavior.com/2011/11/infant-sleep-update-why-young-babies.html

Here's to some much needed rest!!! Cheers.....

Sunday's Wool

2011-11-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

Sunday and it's snowing..... It's gorgeous! Of course in our household that means Christmas movies are drug out, a fire is roaring in the fireplace and all the little needle work type projects are pulled from shelves, drawers and closets. Knitting, quilting, weaving & crocheting. This midwife who runs most days took the weekend to hang with the kids, play cards, board games and yes...... watch Christmas movies. Ho! Ho! Ho!

In between games, cocoa and cooking I pulled out some raw alpaca. I LOVE alpaca because it's so yummy soft to work with. So with toes in front of the fireplace I began picking, combing, carding and spinning alpaca. The kids want to try their hand at dying wool some fun colors....... another weekend, as this one short. Take a peek ....... Raw wool to mini all-natural skein. It will become the trim on some little project.

Winter arriving in Bear Lake

Raw alpaca, washed that needs veggie matter picked out.

Raw alpaca

Setting the spin on a skein of yarn

Alpaca that has been hand-spun with a drop spindle

Mini-skein

The water is boiling and it's time for a cup of cocoa and to grab my knitting needles. Happy Sunday everyone!

Feelings of Depression While Nursing

2011-11-05T14:51:00.000-06:00

I now have two mums who have brought to my attention that they really "do not enjoy nursing". They do not have the typical happy, bonding feeling when they nurse. Instead they have blue feelings, sadness, anxiety or down right feel rather depressed when it comes to nursing.  The first thought that comes to many is post partum depression (PPD). If you have these symptoms, in actuality you may not be suffering from PPD, but instead D-MER. All the abbreviations! D-MER is Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex. There is a higher tendency for D-MER in mums who also have a history of clinical depression and/or anxiety as well as PPD.

Mild cases of D-MER only occur around the time of breastfeeding. Severe cases often do continue on throughout the day and during the entire time you nurse.

What causes D-MER? Dopamine, actually the lack of dopamine.  Dopamine levels must lower for prolactin levels to rise. Prolactin is needed to help release milk, even prior to the actual flow of milk. It is believe that the dopamine levels drop greater in some mums causing D-MER symptoms.

Diagnosing D-MER - Although PPD and D-MER can occur at the same time, often a mum experience D-MER will feel fine until she gets ready to nurse.  The mum will begin to feel nauseated, anxious, blue/dysphoric right before let-down occurs. This can happen even with spontaneous let-down.

Can it be treated? Yes! Cases range from very mild to severe and depending on where you fit in this criteria will determine how you are treated. Getting rest, being well-hydrated and well-nourished is a great start. Also what you eat can help significantly. Just 3-oz of meat, fish, or eggs can boost dopamine levels inside 30 minutes. Herbs can be beneficial.  Interestingly, some of the herbs that help D-MER also add in increase milk production - Fenugreek, Blessed Milk Thistle, Nettles & Red Clover. Gingseng and Peppermint also increase dopamine levels, but check with your care provider first. Physical activity or excitement in general increases your levels as well.... Go for an exerting walk with baby attached to you. Do something you love....

The newest additional of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding discussing D-MER. There is an entire website designated to it at http://d-mer.org/ Make sure to talk to your care provider who can help you with treatment.

Reading for LDS Families

2011-11-04T09:30:00.000-06:00

The Gift of Giving Life - Rediscovering The Divine Nature of Pregnancy & Birth.

Although I have not yet read this book, it was recommended to me by two of my LDS clients. It is currently on my "to-do reading list". As many of you know, I am in the process of a large project, so additional reading for pleasure has been put on hold temporarily. It is written with the LDS family in mind including scripture in it. I don't have it yet in my lending library, but if there is enough interest in it, I will purchase it. If you get a chance to read it, let me know what your thoughts are on the book. I appreciate all your input. Enjoy!

Here is the link to their blog for those of you who are interested in following or obtaining more information. http://thegiftofgivinglife.com/

Welcome Baby Jayden Kristofer

2011-10-29T22:24:00.000-06:00

Here comes an adorable little surprise package -

Daddy Kris, Mommy Serena & Baby Jayden

Baby Jayden Kristofer surprised his parents 3 weeks early while on vacation. He was born on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 10:52am. He weighed in at 7.4 pounds. CONGRATULATIONS to Kris & Serena on their beautiful baby boy! He is a doll!

Jayden Kristofer all snuggled up & snoozing!

Welcome Hannah Elise

2011-10-21T08:24:00.002-06:00

Here comes Baby Hannah Elise!

Daddy Brian, Mommy Holly & Baby Hannah

Baby Hannah came into the world on October 20, 2011 at 11:09am after a brief labor. Her daddy got to hold her gently as she was birthed by mom. At birth she weighed a whopping 8.6 pounds and was 20 inches long. This little girl found her thumb right away and is very contented with it! Mom & dad had a large support crew - Lindy & Heather, Midwifery Assistants were in attendance and their midwife.

Baby Hannah Elise just minutes old

Grandma Chris arrived shortly after birth and got to hold her the new grandbaby.

Grandma Chris & Hannah

Congratulations & blessings to the entire family on their new beautiful little gift of joy!!

Natural Childbirth Classes

2011-10-17T10:39:00.000-06:00

The time has come once again - We will be starting another series of Natural Childbirth Classes. The classes will be geared for both hospital and out-of-hospital birth settings. We will be starting Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 6:00 or 6:30 depending on what works best for the group. The classes will be once a week over the course of 4 weeks. Please feel free to email me at sunrisemidwifery@hotmail.com if you are interested in attending. There will be no charge for the classes, but spots fill up quickly. We will be pot-lucking dinner. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a pillow or two for comfort on the floor. This will be the last series offered this year. The next series will start either the end of January or the first part of February. Looking forward to seeing new faces!!!

Delayed Cord Cutting

2011-10-17T10:30:00.000-06:00

Delayed cord clamping & cutting is something that has been very controversial between midwives & physicians. When speaking to an MD recently he said, "We were taught in medical school to clamp within seconds and shortly thereafter either daddy or physician cuts the cord. I've just done it that way since."

In some cultures the infants are left attached to the placenta for days. It's called a Lotus birth. It was actually recommended in some cultures to do this to prevent tetanus being passed to the infant when non-sterilized or unclean scissors/knives where being used to cut the cord. Others leave it for hours and then burn through the cord.

There have been numerous studies put out and I will list links so you too can read. Studies in developing nations are showing that infants born to very anemic mothers have better iron stores in early childhood if the cord is left longer. Premature babies born <1500 grams (approx 3.5 pounds) need less mechanical ventilation and surfactant for their lungs with delayed cord clamping by just not clamping for the first 30-45 seconds after birth.

So why do some care providers clamp and cut so quickly? The biggest concern is polycythemia, which is an abnormal increase in red blood cells or hemoglobin. There have been arguments made that your infant has a higher chance of jaundice requiring bilirubin lights.

As a midwife, I do not routinely clamp and cut quickly unless the family requests it of me. Most families actually have done their own research and prefer to have delayed cord clamping/cutting. I have not seen an increase of jaundice in my practice. Often times families will choose to leave the cord for numerous minutes after birth or until you no longer can feel the cord pulsing.

If you would like to read further on this topic so you can make an informed decision for your own family, here are some websites and studies that give the pros and cons.

http://academicobgyn.com/2009/12/03/delayed-cord-clamping-should-be-standard-practice-in-obstetrics/

The above link is from an OB/Gyn and why he feels we should delay cord clamping.

http://www.indianpediatrics.net/feb2002/feb-130-135.htm This link is on a study done in India showing a test group that babies did when delivered by anemic mothers.

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/117/4/1235.abstract From the American Academy of Pediatrics -

Delayed Cord Clamping in Very Preterm Infants Reduces the Incidence of Intraventricular hemorrhage and Late-Onset Sepsis: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/cordIssues.html Here is a website with numerous articles and studies listed on the topic.

Welcome Baby Edward Ergon

2011-10-05T12:59:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Mama May, Daddy Francis and Big Brother Jerry on the arrival of their new family member Edward.

Baby Edward was 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 20.5 inches long. His daddy got to catch him and help mom bring him into the world. He was born at 1:25am on October 5, 2011. Also in attendance was his Aunt Robin and big brother Jerry, as well as Midwifery Assistant Jen.

Daddy & Baby

Daddy, Aunt Robin & Edward

Midwife & Edward

Proud Papa, Edward & Assistant Jen

Time to Go home

Congratulations & blessings to the family!!!

Welcome Baby Mathias

2011-09-28T08:11:00.000-06:00

September 27, 2011 - Welcome Baby Mathias!!

Joanna, Kara with Mathias, Elaina, Nathaniel & Daddy Bob

After a very brief labor on September 27, 2011, Mathias came into the world, at his own home, with the help of his father's loving hands who caught him. Nice catch daddy!! He arrived at 5:18am just in time to see a new day dawning. Mommy Kara & baby boy are doing great!

Big Brother & sisters Nathaniel, Elaina & Joanna were very excited by the early morning arrival and all got to hold him shortly after birth.

Mathias weighed in at 8 lbs 2 oz and is 20.5 inches long.

Congratulations to Kara, Bob & the entire family!!! Thank you for sharing your joy with us.

Positive Birth Stories

2011-09-24T11:10:00.000-06:00

Tired of the "scary birth stories" that you hear from your neighbors, friends and family? Ina May Gaskin created an excellent read with positive birth stories that will help you gear up for your birth. Half the book is filled with birth stories & the rest is childbirth information that most will find helpful. I keep more than one copy in my lending library. If you want to borrow a copy just let me know......

What's Going On Down There?

2011-09-24T10:37:00.000-06:00

I get questions all the time about natural family planning and natural birth control. What it boils down to is knowing your body, your cycle, your vaginal discharge, etc. Some women may have very irregular menses, but still know by how they are feeling and vaginal discharge when they are ovulating. Mid cycle pain/cramping is called Mittelschmertz pain. A German term translated meaning "middle pain". Approximately 20% of female population experiences Mittelschmerz pain. During ovulation vaginal discharge becomes the consistency of egg whites. Thicker and sticky discharge is typically pre and post ovulation when there is no infection present.

This year I had a client run across a very informative website and she shared it with me. I often give out this website for couples with questions. Now, I'll post the information and you may all have access to it if you want. It is called The Beautiful Cervix Project and can be found at http://www.beautifulcervix.com/. The author was a midwifery student. As part of her personal learning experience she decided to take a picture of her cervix every day throughout a regular monthly cycle. There are copious other photos of different cervices - pre and post hysterectomy, cervical procedures, postpartum, etc.

I hope this is helpful to those families who ask....... If you have more questions, please feel free to email me. Have a great weekend everyone & thank you Laurann for sharing the website information.

OH BABY...... IT'S A BREECH!!!

2011-09-23T18:17:00.002-06:00

WARNING - The following link is video footage of homebirth footling breech & frank breech deliveries in all their glory!

http://www.homebirth.net.au/2008/04/breech-birth.html

http://www.homebirth.net.au/2010/01/frank-breech-video.html

Can you deliver a breech baby vaginally? That is an excellent question! The videos above would lead one to believe that yes you can deliver a breech baby vaginally. At least two women have now accomplished that. All sarcasm aside, women have, can and do give birth vaginally to breech little ones. Many factors need to be taken into consideration. What type of breech is baby or how is the baby lying? What is the moms emotional and physical state? Is your care provider experienced in vaginal breech deliveries? If you are having an out-of-hospital birth does your state allow breech babe deliveries? Does hospital policy allow for vaginal breech deliveries? The list goes on.....and on...... and on.

If your baby is breech first and foremost educate yourself!! Know your options, risks and benefits. There are different things you can do to naturally help turn a breech baby. The following website gives information on helping to rotate babies. http://spinningbabies.com/

Just remember, when it comes to breech about 4% of babies want to do things a bit backwards. It's just a different variant of normal. Some might even say this midwife is a little backward herself!

More Midwives & Choices for Birth???

2011-09-23T16:33:00.003-06:00

Good afternoon! I am just finishing up a short afternoon break. I had an opportunity to do a few minutes of reading. It probably will surprise no one that I was reading about midwifery or midwifery statistics.... Surprised?! I thought not! The lastest addition of Royal Academy of Midwives Magazine has some fascinating reading.

There was a 70-page report put out by the Royal Academy of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist published in July 2011. It is title is High Quality Women's Heath Care: A Proposal for Change. Currently the UK is trying to recruit many more midwives. Here is a direct quote out of the report.

"Too much care is provided within secondary and tertiary care settings, including emergency and

diagnostic gynaecology, and too many babies are born in the traditional ‘hospital’ setting. We

need to drive this care back into the community, with appropriate provision of facilities and

professionals with the appropriate skills. This will mean more midwife-led deliveries, the expansion

of nursing roles and a reduction in the number of hospital units and services."

Check out what else they are recommending........ CHOICES!

"Maternity Matters should be available to all women:

sets out the following national choice guarantee that

Choices of how to access maternity care.
Choice of type of antenatal care.
Choice of place of birth. Depending on their circumstances, women and their partners will be able to choose between three different options: These are:
Home birth
Birth in a local facility, including a hospital, under the care of a midwife
Birth in a hospital supported by a local maternity care team including midwives, anaesthetists and consultant obstetricians; for some women, this will be the safest option.
Choice of place of postnatal care.

As well as the choice of local options, a woman may choose to access maternity services outside her area with a provider that has available capacity. In addition, every woman will be supported by a midwife she knows and trusts throughout her pregnancy and after birth.

If you would like to read the full 70 pages, you can find it here - http://www.rcog.org.uk/files/rcog-corp/HighQualityWomensHealthcareProposalforChange.pdf

Association For Wise Childbearing

2011-09-23T15:50:00.002-06:00

When planning an out-of-hospital birth, many clients feel they have to keep it quiet or feel they are the ONLY family in the community making this option. In Cache Valley, I am frequently hearing this. My response to that is...... if you were the only family having an OOH birth I would not be a busy midwife! Thank you for keeping me busy, as I love what I am doing!

I do try to get as much information as I can out there between catching babies and teaching, so families can make the best options for themselves whether it be OOH birth or a hospital birth choice. That being said, there is a grand organization called - Association For Wise Childbearing. It was started by Jennetta Billhimer in the Cache Valley Region. She has since moved to Las Vegas, but we have very kind mothers Tamsyn and Tani who now serve as the local President and Vice President of the organization. At least they were the last time I checked in with them. Many families in Cache Valley have opted for homebirth, birth center births or natural hospital births. If you want to connect with some of these families the Association for Wise Childbearing might be a good option for you. Below is a link for the website. If you are all about holistic care, childbearing and natural living, you'll love them!

http://wisechildbearing.com/Association_for_Wise_Childbearing/Home.html

Cesarean Section Epidemic

2011-09-11T14:55:00.002-06:00

As my family sat together watching some of the memorial services and events of September 11, 2001 anniversary, I am amazed at all the stories I am hearing for the first time. We learned today that the largest sea evacuation took place on that day in our history. Approximately 500,000 people were evacuated off Manhattan Island in 9 hrs. The Coast Guard called out to anyone with a boat or ship that was available to help, to come help. Individuals with private boats showed up, ferry boats, tug boats, party boats, ships..... Strength, courage, determination and survival. People all pulling together to get through an amazing crisis in the US.

Ina May with her Safe Motherhood Quilt in Washington DC

While I watched the events today, I caught up on some mother mortality statistics. I can't help but ponder why we, as such a driven nation, continue to lose more and more mothers every day during labor, delivery and postpartum. Statistics are showing a decline in some developing nations, yet we are rising in the US. Also a rising number in the US is our cesarean section rate. In 1965 our c-section rate was 4.5%. By 2002 we were at 27%. We are now at 33% as a nation, but some states are as high as 40%. There are specific hospitals with a rates of 70% c-section.... Yes, you read that correctly, 7 out of every 10 women will have a surgical birth. WHY?!! What I find more distressing is that those states are also losing more women. The update from Amnesty International reports "New Analysis Shows that states with high cesarean rates (over 33%) were associated with a 21% higher maternal mortality risk." The same report states, "Recent data shows that the cesarean rate rose for the 13th consecutive year to reach an all-time high of 32.9% in 2009. The cesarean rate is now more than double the WHO (World Health Organization) recommended range of 5% to 15%. The cesarean rate has increased every year since 1996, when it was 20.7% of all births, for a total increase of nearly 60%. Cesareans remained the most common operating room procedure in the US and was performed on 1.4 million women in 2009. the cesarean rate varied widely across states from 22.8% in New Mexico to 39.6% in Louisiana, and 48.0% in Puerto Rico, in 2009."

So how does Utah fair in all this? Well our recent cesarean section rate is over 22% as a whole. What about our mother mortality rate? How do we compare? The following information was taken from Utah's Indicator-Based information System for Public Health.

Data and Confidence Limits for Maternal Mortality Rate, Utah and U.S. 1999-2009

Geog: Utah vs. U.S.	Year	Deaths per 100,000 Live Births
Utah	1999	10.8
Utah	2000	10.6
Utah	2001	12.5
Utah	2002	12.2
Utah	2003	16.1
Utah	2004	7.9
Utah	2005	13.6
Utah	2006	20.6
Utah	2007	16.3
Utah	2008	14.4
Utah	2009	16.7
U.S.	1999	9.9
U.S.	2000	9.8
U.S.	2001	9.9
U.S.	2002	8.9
U.S.	2003	12.1
U.S.	2004	13.4
U.S.	2005	15.1
U.S.	2006	13.3
U.S.	2007	12.7

January 30, 2011 in the Herald Journal it was reported that the cesarean section rate at Logan Regional had gone down from 21% in 2008 to 18.2%. What do you think? Are you impressed with those numbers?

How about costs -"Approximately 99% of women give birth in hospitals where facility fees alone average between $8,900 and $11,400 for a vaginal delivery, and between $14,900 and $20,100 for a cesarean, depending on whether complications occur. This does not include the health professional fee which was reported in Deadly Delivery to add an additional $4,350 to $6,000." Keep in mind this does not include the care of the baby and fees for epidurals.

Birth is a 92 billion dollar business in the US annually. The #1 performed surgical procedure in the US currently is the Cesarean section.

Read, educate yourself, teach, get involved even if only in your own birth and make a change..........

Blessings going out to all the families and friends of the 911 attacks 10 years ago, as we remember with you today.

Blessings to all the expecting & postpartum moms of this year...

References -

1. http://news.hjnews.com/news/article_ffd6e1ba-2c33-11e0-a25a-001cc4c002e0.html#user-comment-area
2. http://ibis.health.utah.gov/indicator/view_numbers/MatMort.YearIntrvls.html
3. http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/campaigns/demand-dignity/maternal-health-is-a-human-right/maternal-health-in-the-us
4. http://www.healthgrades.com/business/img/HealthGrades2011ObstetricsandGynecologyinAmericanHospitalsReport.pdf.

GMO Foods

2011-09-05T12:24:00.001-06:00

I spent some time reading recently about GM or GMO foods (Genetically Modified Organisms). As most of you know, I tend to be an organic gal as much as I can. I try to grow my own veggies from organic seeds and do my best not to use pesticides or herbicides. Sometimes I get stellar looking plants, other times most of you would probably walk past my veggies in the supermarket and not look twice other than to poke fun at them...... That's okay... for our family they taste GREAT and I know what I am feeding my family. Is bigger necessarily better? We've been on a quest for years to make things bigger and supposedly better, but is it truly better?

That being said, some articles have landed in my in-box. I do try to at least browse through them especially if it is related to pregnancy. I enjoy throwing information out there in cyberspace for those of you who want to consume as much information as you can and then make choices for yourselves.

Here is a link to organicconsumers.org - They site numerous reasons why not to purchase GE (genetically engineered) foods. http://www.organicconsumers.org/ge/dangerous062204.cfm

Another article discussing a 50% increase in soy allergies in the UK after introducing GM soy. http://www.seedsofdeception.com/utility/showArticle/?objectID=1007

Additionally, I read an article put out by Robin Lim a midwife who works in Indonesia. That country jumped into GM soy and she reports a huge increase in placental abnormalities, cord issues and sick mamas/infants..... this is from 2008 and 2009, but I do find it intriguing reading and it does raise an eyebrow for me. http://www.baliforkids.com/placenta_cords_gm.html

Again, this is just information....... throwing out there for you to read. Feel free to comment or give me feedback. Hugs - Mama Midwife - Just because we can, doesn't mean we should...........

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-05T11:57:00.001-06:00

Labor Day has arrived & here comes autumn. I love the autumn season, although I think it is coming much quicker than I anticipated this year. Hay is being cut, people are harvesting their gardens, jelly & jam being made. The colors are spectacular! What's not to like? Last night I noted that the evenings are suddenly feel cooler than they had been..... and to think, it was only a couple of weeks ago that I purchased a 2nd window fan because I was feeling warm in Cache Valley. I hope everyone is enjoying something grilled today and all the fun that Labor Day typically brings....... water events, boats, family time, games & grilling. Enjoy it before you have to start shopping for Christmas! We'll blink and have to be thawing out the Thanksgiving turkey. Happy Labor Day everyone. Take Care!!

Cindy Crawford Shares her Homebirth Story

2011-09-01T10:20:00.000-06:00

Cindy Crawford shares decision to homebirth - She tells why, how she didn't share with her family and the reasons for that, as well as the birth story. You can click on the movie to start Part I. Follow the links listed below for the Part 2-4.

http://www.mybestbirth.com/page/cindy-crawford-parts-1-2

http://www.mybestbirth.com/page/cindy-crawford-parts-3-4

More Business of Being Born

2011-09-01T09:42:00.000-06:00

Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein are releasing 4 new educational videos called More Business of Being Born. They will cover topics to include homebirths, doulas, VBACs etc. The movies are due out in October 2011. Here is some additional information on the movies. Enjoy!

Home Births on the rise.....

2011-08-04T07:48:00.000-06:00

Home births are on the rise...... As we roll into August, I started reading some articles from last month. Yep, I am behind, AGAIN! What can I ay, midwifery and being a mama keeps me busy especially with all the summer projects.

Back on task...... articles. An article from July 6, 2011 in US Today reported an increase of 20% from 2004 to 2008 (wonder what 2010 will show??). Here's a quote from the article, "Home births increased 20 percent from 2004 to 2008, accounting for 28,357 of 4.2 million U.S. births, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released in May. White women led the drive, with 1 in 98 having babies at home in 2008, compared to 1 in 357 black women and 1 in 500 Hispanic women." I question what the numbers would be if they were to include the birth numbers from free-standing birth centers. If you would like to read the entire article here's the link...

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/pregnancy/story/2011/07/Home-birth-on-the-rise-by-a-dramatic-20-percent/49145766/1

Reducing Infant Mortality Rate - Normalizing Birth

2011-07-12T16:06:00.001-06:00

Below is a 17-minute video to watch on how we can lower infant mortality rate. Tell me what you think.....

http://player.vimeo.com/video/6182741?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0

Mother Mortality Rate in The United States

2011-07-12T15:58:00.000-06:00

Champion For Children

State of the World's Mothers 2011

The Save The Children's 2011 Report was recently released. They place each country in three different tiers. The United States is in Tier I as an industrial national. Interestingly, the report states, "The United States's has the highest mother mortality rate than any other industrial national. In the Tier I level there are only 3 countries who fair worse - Albania, Russian Federation & Moldova. It further states, "A women in the U.S. is more than 7 times as likely as a women in Italy or Ireland to die from pregnancy related causes and her risk of maternal death is 15-fold that of a women in Greece.

Unfortunately, the United States does not do well with the child mortality rate either. The US, by this report, ranks #41 with 40 countries doing better. "Children under the age of 5 are more than twice as likely to die than a child in Finland, Greece, Iceland, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, Singapore & Sweden." If you are interested in reading the full report you can find it at the following link.

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6743707/k.219/State_of_the_Worlds_Mothers_2011.htm

.....It is time for a change.....

A Visit from Lyndi & Baby Lauren

2011-07-12T15:06:00.000-06:00

Lyndi & Baby Lauren, now about 2 months old, stopped by the birth center to share their birth story with the families attending natural childbirth classes. Thank you to Lyndi & Zach for sharing. We love birth stories!!

June 21, 2011

Natural Childbirth Class

2011-07-12T14:55:00.000-06:00

Brian, Holly, Serena, Chris, Leann & David

We just finished up another series of natural childbirth classes. Above is a picture of a few of the couples that joined us for class this series. We enjoyed potluck dinners, education and lots of fun & laughter. We were blessed to have Lyndi & baby Lauren come share their birth story with one night and on a second evening Megan, Ethan & baby Joshua joined us to share their birth story. A big thank you to all those who shared their stories and for all the yummy food that everyone made & shared. Good luck to all the expecting couples.

Welcome Baby Joshua Ethan April 22, 2011

2011-07-12T14:27:00.000-06:00

Megan & Ethan welcome a beautiful 7 lb baby boy Joshua Ethan just 2 days before Easter this year, on April 22, 2011. This handsome boy is the first for mom & day and came after many years of waiting. Dad was a fabulous doula and helped mom throughout the entire laboring & birthing process. We anticipate he will one day be playing soccer under his dad's coaching. Congratualtions to the entire family!!!

Welcome Baby Lauren Elaine April 14, 2011

2011-04-21T11:54:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Zach & Lyndi on the birth of their first baby - Lauren Elaine. Lauren came into the on Thursday April 14th, 2011. Mom was well past her due date and anxious to get this little girl here. She was 7.7 pounds. She brings much joy to both her parents who are loving all the new experiences with their little girl.

Welcome Baby Girl Athena - April 5, 2011

2011-04-21T11:44:00.001-06:00

Congratulations Chrissy & Brian on your gorgeous girl. Mom had hoped for a birth suite birth, but medical conditions necessitated a hospital birth. After hours of going all-natural this big 9.3 pound sunny-side up baby girl came into the world via cesarean section. She gave her mama quite a fight. Thank you to the wonderful physician & nursing staff at Logan Regional Hospital. Mom, Dad, Baby Athena & Big Sister Akashia are all happy and well.

First moments for mom 7 babe

Smooches from mommy

Welcome Baby Caitlyn Rae

2011-04-21T11:00:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Laurann & Matt on their beautiful baby girl - Caitlyn Rae. This little girl came into the world at home on the very day her mother said she would arrive....... She is a little Shamrock! She arrived in the wee hours of St. Patrick's Day - March 17, 2011.

She is a first child for this family & is loved by all!

Welcome Soren Alexander

2011-04-21T10:53:00.000-06:00

March 12, 2011 Baby Soren came into the world at home. His daddy caught him with the assistance of the midwife. Soren has been our biggest natural baby to date, weighing in at 10.6 pounds and 22 inches long. Mommy & baby did beautifully without any complications or stitches. All the children were amazed to wake up and find a new baby in the arms of their parents. Soren's daddy cooked us a wonderful breakfast and everyone was all smiles.

Sleepy & happy

smiles from all the older brothers & sister

Welcome Baby Loraina Jo

2011-04-21T09:47:00.000-06:00

Welcome Loraina Jo. This beautiful little one decided to come into the world on February 21, 2011. Congratulations to her parents Mariah & Randy and to her three older siblings Lacey, Lexie & Tanner.

Welcome 2011

2011-04-21T09:38:00.000-06:00

2011 blew right in this year with a great deal of snow! February was very cold in these parts!!! We spent many a night in front of the fireplace playing games, knitting & watching movies. Burrrrrrr..... The kids did venture out to enjoy quite a bit of snowboarding. At least all that snow has it benefits! This midwife preferred more inside time & knitting. I even learned how to spin some alpaca & sheep wool. Baby hats are still being knitted or crotchet and birth packs put together to go overseas. Lots of births are planned for the 2011 season both at the new birth suite and also homebirth....... Good luck to all the families.

Welcome Baby Camdon

2011-04-21T09:29:00.000-06:00

Baby Camdon - He came into the world on December 11, 2010. He was our last baby of the 2010 season. He brought with him a great deal of surprise. He came quickly and his daddy caught him. The whole family took part in his birthing.

Katie got to help out and was allowed to clamp & cut her very first umbilical cord.

Camdon proved to be a family healing experience after a challenging first birth.

Congratulations to Mommy Charlie, Daddy Corrie & Big Brother Cutler.

Katie holding Camdon with Midwifery Student, Dee-dee

Snuggle Bug!!

Welcome Baby Kyler

2011-04-21T09:17:00.000-06:00

Welcome Baby Kyler...... This little boy wasn't so very little. He weighed in at 10-pounds even! He was kind enough to christen our Birth Suite the day after Thanksgiving. Kyler is the son of proud parents Lain and Tyler. Congratulations to all entire family on the birth of this beautiful big baby boy! A wondrous start to our new birthing suite. Thank you to Lain, Tyler and Kyler for sharing with us.

Mommy's Night Out

2011-04-21T09:06:00.002-06:00

Mommy's Night Out

November 2010

We had a very successful night inviting moms and nursing babies to come join us for a night out. The meal was prepared by friends and family. The moms just needed to come, relax, share stories and enjoy.

We all enjoyed ourselves and enjoyed hearing the stories shared. A big thanks goes out to Dr. Stephanie Hoglund for taking time out to come meet with us and share the benefits of chiropractice benefits to mothers and children. Also, thank you to the President and Vice President of The Association for Wise Childbearing who also were kind enough to join us and answer questions.

Dr. Stephanie Hoglund Speaking to the group

Welcome Baby Kale

2011-04-21T08:45:00.000-06:00

Baby Kale came into the world on October 19th, 2010. Natasha and Hagen are the proud parents. Christiansen was excited to meet his new little brother. Congratulations!

Baby Kale

Daddy with his new boy

Baby Isadora

2011-04-21T08:26:00.000-06:00

Michele & Casey welcomed their gorgeous girl into the world on October 9, 2010. She weighed a whoppin' 10.6 pounds. You can't help but love those cheeks that are still very kissable! Congratulations to the entire family.

Catching Up

2011-04-21T08:20:00.000-06:00

Yes, it has been a very long time since you've heard from me. With a brief break in my schedule, I'll try to catch up. Many exciting things have happened. We opened a birthing suite in Cache Valley. We hosted a Mommy's Night Out. Many new babies have come into the world and we have many happy families. Our family continues to grow....... Sara, my daughter, is expecting her 2nd child and is opting to have a HBAC. I'll do my best to get pictures loaded that the families approve of and do better at keeping everyone updated. In the meantime........ THINK SPRING, as we are ready for it in this neck of the woods.

Welcome Baby Henry - Miracle Baby

2010-09-22T10:32:00.001-06:00

Congratulations Rachel & D.J. Beautiful Henry was born at home on Monday September 20, 2010 at 8:43am. He weighed 7.8 pounds and was 20-3/4 inches long. He was attended by his father, D.J; midwife Launa and Assistants Sara & Diane. Katie got to attend her first homebirth. Congratulations to the family. Henry was truly a miracle baby!!!

Welcome Baby Alenya Dawn

2010-09-17T18:31:00.002-06:00

Welcome Baby Alenya Dawn

She arrived Saturday morning September 11, 2010 at 7:12am. She weighed 8.4 pounds and was 21-1/4 inches long. She was born at home with the help of her Daddy, Aaron; Midwife Launa and Midwifery Assistants Diane Wellisch and Sara Wuthrich. Big sister Chiara, Big brother Sean & Grandma Kathy were all very excited to welcome her. Congratulations to Mama Angie and the entire family. She is beautiful!

Welcome Baby Kaycin

2010-08-27T19:57:00.000-06:00

Mindy, Chris, Cooper and Kassie welcome the newest member to their family. Baby boy Kaycin was born at home on August 18, 2010. He weighed 8.14 pounds and was 21-1/2 inches long. Congratulations to the entire family!!!!

Child Birth Classes

2010-07-02T01:31:00.000-06:00

It's time for child birth classes again. A series of 4 classes will be started, free of charge, on July 14th. The classes will start at 7:00 and go until 9:00. They will be held in the Bear Lake Nursing Home Conference Room. Dates are as follows:

Wed. July 14th
Wed. July 21st
Wed. Aug 4th
Wed. Aug 11th

Please call Dr. Clay Campbell's office at (208) 847-3847 to reserve your spot or email Launa at sunrisemidwifery@hotmail.com

Nurse Midwife & Direct Entry Midwife

2010-06-23T00:35:00.002-06:00

I am often asked what the difference is between a nurse midwife and a direct-entry midwife.
Hopefully the following information will help out. -

A Nurse Midwife is someone who has attended nursing school & obtained an RN degree then went on to study midwifery. Nurse midwifery is recognized and legal in every state in the US. Nurse midwives typically deliver in a hospital setting and have physician supervision. In some states they are able to deliver babies at home or in free-standing birth centers. Licensing can be obtained through the American Midwifery Certification Board.

A Direct-Entry Midwife can obtain her degree through multiple different routes. They can train through self-study, apprenticeship, midwifery program or college program. Direct-Entry Midwifery is legal in some states, illegal in others. DEM specialize in home births and also deliver in free-standing birth center settings. There are 4 different types of Direct-Entry Midwives: Certified Professional Midwife, Certified Midwife, Licensed Midwife & Lay Midwife. The North American Midwifery Association (NARM) sets the parameters for certification for DEM.

Mission Accomplished

2010-06-18T10:07:00.017-06:00

Birth Packs Arrive in the Philippines

Thank you to everyone who was kind enough to donate their time by sewing, knitting, weaving and putting together birth packs. They have arrived in the Philippines & the first was given out within 6 hours of arrival. :) A big thank you to both Vicki Penwell who took them with her on her most recent trip over and to Julie Belshe who was kind enough to send us pictures. :) MANY THANKS!

Doulas of Cache Valley

2010-06-18T09:20:00.006-06:00

I have had some requests for additional information regarding doulas and doula services. The Cache Valley area has organized and created a group "Doulas of Cache Valley". You can find them on their website at www.cvdoulas.com Monthly meetings are held, as well as workshops through The Wise Childbirth Association. If you are interested in a movie night or further information, call Sunrise Midwifery Services at (208) 521-9286.

Little Hats Helping Babies

2009-12-07T21:11:00.007-07:00

Unicef reports that each year 4-million infants die during the newborn period, or the first 28-days of life. An infant losing body heat can be deadly. It's a low-cost, simple solution to make a dent in the infant mortality rate. A warm receiving blanket and a little knitted or crotchet cap can make a world of difference. We will continue to put together birth packs and with scraps of yarn knit cute little caps. I can knit a cap in the time that I watch a movie with family in the evening.

We have a representative going to the Philippines in February 2010. We hope to send with her as many little caps and birth packs as possible. Anyone interested in knitting caps who does not have a pattern, please leave a comment or email and I will forward on a pattern. Happy knitting and thank you!!

Thank You To All The Helping Hands!!

2009-11-02T07:37:00.004-07:00

A big thanks goes out to all those who were kind of enough to help sew, organize, and put together some newborn birth kits for the mothers in Africa. I really appreciate your help! It was great fun seeing some of the kids sew for the first time as they worked on receiving blankets.

If you are interested in seeing pictures and/or reading about the organization that will receive these birth packs you can log onto The African Birth Collective at http://www.africanbirthcollective.org/index.html

Each birth kit contains a receiving blanket, a Onesie, a newborn cap and booties for the baby. We have also included some prenatal vitamins, a tooth brush, and an Emergent-C packet for the mother. Everything fits into a 1-gallon Ziplock baggie. If you are interested, you can put together packs on your own or help by donating items. Feel free to contact me through Sunrisemidwifery@hotmail.com. Again, thank you to all those who helped! Your helping hands were greatly appreciated!

Cold & Flu Season

2009-11-01T21:14:00.005-07:00

Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! We are in the midst of cold and flu season again. Families often ask what they can do to prevent getting the flu. Right now H1N1 or Swine Flu is running all through the Bear Lake Valley. I have had numerous calls regarding this bug. Common sense best sums up what you can do prevent catching the bug. Be good about washing your hands. Try to keep your hands away from your mouth and nose. Do not share pens, pencils or markers whether it be in the classroom or the grocery store. Wipe down commonly shared surfaces such as door knobs, hand rails, telephones, computer keyboards, & shopping cart handles. Again, wash your hands after touching or using above objects. Wash frequently shared toys such as video game controllers or favorite small toys that often find their way into a little one's mouth and shared with a friend.

Q: Should I use antibacterial gels? I have found that often these products cause more problem than they help. Schools have gone to providing large bottles in each classroom or outside in the hall. I would prefer not to see this because often people use the gel instead of washing their hands. The gel is an antibacterial, which helps to kill bacteria, but not a virus. Flu or influenza is a virus, not a bacteria. How often does the top of that little gel bottle get washed? Imagine a classroom of 20 children, who haven't washed their hands, now all pumping on that handle to "clean their hands"..... ??? Another problem has been brought to my attention for those who like antibacterial agents throughout their home; you are creating "superbugs". The bugs become more and more resistant because you are using stronger agents. Good ole' soap and hot water is an excellent cleaning agent to use in your home and for your hands.

Q: Can I still get the flu if I am immunized? Please remember that if you have received a flu immunization, it takes approximately 2 weeks to completely build up antibodies against the bug. So yes, you can still get the flu in the meantime. Just like the common cold, there are multiple flu viruses, and each shot you receive is specific to one strain.

If you do end up with the seasonal crud - slow down, rest, keep yourself hydrated and nourished, and stay home. The biggest problems for youngsters are the secondary conditions brought on by fatigue and dehydration. Rest, rest, rest and take care of yourself. Call your local care provider if you have questions or concerns for yourself or your family. Take care and stay well. :)

Enjoying The Season

2009-11-01T20:57:00.006-07:00

It was a very busy summer season for our household. I was happy to see things settle down some, as the temperatures cooled off. For me, October is one of my favorite months. I love the colors and smells of October!! As I turn the page of the calender today, I just cannot believe we are in November.

I just finished reading a fun book. "Lady's Hands, Lion's Heart - A Midwife's Saga" by Carol Leonard. Anyone considering midwifery or doula care as a profession should read this book. If you want to understand why those of us go into this profession, you'll understand after reading this book. Yes, some of us are crazy for doing it, but we love our work! It truly is a calling. I found myself laughing aloud at times and other times crying for this midwife.

November is a busy midwifery/doula month for me. I am looking forward to time with clients, family, and study time. I hope everyone gets some quality family time as we head toward the holiday seasons. Enjoy the read and Happy November!

Nurture Yourself

2009-05-21T10:57:00.003-06:00

In this crazy fast-paced world we tend to go, go, go. Mothers are sometimes the worst, because their job is take care of everyone else. The end of our school year is rapidly approaching. My children have finished out their college semester and the younger children have 1 more week. Final school projects, help studying for finals, school parties, band concerts, piano recitals........ where does it end?! Don't forget to start the garden. Add on top of that the everyday chores, the land line ringing, possibly a job to attend to, a cell phone beeping.... Are you tired yet? Do you feel tired even after sleeping? Tight shoulders, back with a dull ache or a headache? Stressed?!

It is time to nurture the mommy in you.......

Mothers need to remember to take care of themselves as well. Make sure every day you find a few moments to regroup and have some peace. In these economically tough times, it is not always possible to be out spending money on things like a massage or a manicure. How about some easy things you can do at home. If you have small children, nap time is a great time. Stretch out on the floor and do some yoga or meditation. Go for a walk outside in a favorite place and stop and smell the flowers. Soak in a warm bath even if it is the middle of the day. Take time to start that book you've been wanting to read. Swap children with a friend for an afternoon, so you each get an afternoon to yourself. How about giving yourself a facial? Here's some natural and easy facial recipes.....

Strawberries For Oily Skin

Right now you can get strawberries pretty reasonable at most grocery stores. Grab 8 or 9 and mash them in a bowl. You want to leave them slightly chunky. Add 3-Tablespoons of honey. Pat all over your washed face and let it sit for up to 10 minutes. Rinse..... Excess mix can stay in the fridge for a week and you might find the chilly berry mix even more refreshing.

Bananas For Dry Skin

Mash a banana, add 2-3-Tablespoons of honey and a squirt of lemon juice. Rub them over a freshly washed face and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse....

Apples, Cucumbers, & Potatoes For Puffy Eyes

Individual cold slices of the above fruits/veggies placed over the eyes will help in reducing the puffiness of tired or emotional eyes. You can also grate some potato, cucumber and/or apples, squeeze the juice out of them, dip a cotton ball into the mixture and then cover your eyes with the cotton ball.

Remember to take care of yourself. You will make a better wife or partner, & mother if you get an occasional break and have time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate.

Helping Hands

2009-05-13T07:44:00.003-06:00

We are currently working on a project to help in Africa. We are creating newborn birth kits for the new moms and babies. In each kit we put together a receiving blanket, a onesie, newborn cap,a pair of socks, and a receiving blanket. In addition, for mom we add a toothbrush and prenatal vitamins. Everything is packaged up into 1-gallon freezer bags. Anyone interested in helping, email me at sunrisemidwifery@hotmail.com

You can also help by donating flannel or sewing receiving blankets. The receiving blankets we are making require 2 yards of flannel (one yard piece for the top side and one for the bottom). To make them place the material with right sides together and sew all the way around leaving a 5-inch opening. Turn the blanket right side out through the opening and tuck opening ends in. Press it and top stitch all the way around.

Books To Read

2009-05-13T06:34:00.003-06:00

I just finished reading "Your Best Birth" by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein. If you enjoyed their movie "The Business of Being Born" you will enjoy their book. It talks about all your options as an expectant mother. - Different places to give birth, how to interview a care provider; the difference in each care providers education and philosophy, and it guides you through how to write your own specific birth plan. It is a rather quick, easy read and a great reference to have available. Enjoy!

What is a doula?

2009-05-04T07:05:00.005-06:00

The word doula comes from Greek origin and means "A woman who serves". A doula is an individual who supports and assists a woman in labor, giving birth, & after birth. Sometimes the baby's father takes the role of a doula during labor and other times a doula is present to assist both the father and mother throughout the labor/delivery process.

Doulas work in hospitals, free-standing birth centers, and at home births. Homebirth midwives frequently will hire their own doula to accompany them if the mother does not have someone already picked out. Whether you homebirth or birth out of the home, the doula typically does at least one postpartum visit to see how the family is settling in answer any questions or concerns you might have.

Why would you hire a doula? The Doula Organization Of North America (DONA) has shown that having a doula present can help lower the need for narcotic and epidural use during labor; lowers the incidents of cesarean sections; it reduces the overall negative feelings of the childbirthing experience; & lowers the incidents of forceps and vacuum extractions.

DONA also reports that mothers who use a doula have better success breastfeeding, lower incidents of postpartum depression, have greater self-confidence, and feel more safe and secure during their birthing process.

For more information about doulas click on http://www.dona.org/. Feel free to write me with additional questions at sunrisemidwifery@hotmail.com.

Home Births

2009-04-01T19:31:00.008-06:00

Home birth is a safe alternative for those who prefer a more natural approach to bringing their baby into the world. At a home birth in Idaho you will be attended to by a direct-entry midwife who has been educated via academic schooling and apprenticeship. She will care for you through your prenatal visits, labor and delivery, as well as see you and your new little one in follow-up visits after the birth.

Is Home birth for me? Only you and your partner can make the decision whether or not you want to home birth. A home birth could be an option for you if......

* You want to be surrounded by the comforts of your home.
* You want to have your friends and family there with you.
* You want to avoid medical interventions such as an IV, epidural, episiotomy, medications, & cesarean section.
* You want to be free to change positions, walk around, sit in a tub, stand in a shower, as well as eat and drink throughout your labor.
* * You are having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy.

Midwifery in Idaho

2009-04-01T19:27:00.011-06:00

Today is an exciting day for midwifery in Idaho. Just this afternon Governor Otter signed the midwifery bill (House Bill 185), now allowing direct-entry midwives to practice under licensed parameters. No longer will midwives in Idaho face felony charges for practicing and taking care of their clients.

Earth Mama Midwife

Mom gives birth to a 13+ pound baby

Midwifery Assistant Class

Home Births Are On The Rise

Welcome Baby Jacob

The Importance of Global Midwifery for CPMs

Welcome Baby Annie

Welcome Baby Driggs

More On Breech Births

Natural Childbirth Classes

Happy New Year

Ina May Gaskin Wins Award

Mother Dies After Giving Birth to Twins

Being in Mom's Arms - Bulb Syringes & Suctioning

Midwife is CNN's Hero of the Year

Get Your Protein

Eggs and Dairy

Chicken

Fish

Pork

Winter Season

More Reading Resources

Unassisted Birth.....

Babies Mixing Up Days & Nights

Sunday's Wool

Feelings of Depression While Nursing

Reading for LDS Families

Welcome Baby Jayden Kristofer

Welcome Hannah Elise

Natural Childbirth Classes

Delayed Cord Cutting

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/117/4/1235.abstract From the American Academy of Pediatrics -

Delayed Cord Clamping in Very Preterm Infants Reduces the Incidence of Intraventricular hemorrhage and Late-Onset Sepsis: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Welcome Baby Edward Ergon

Welcome Baby Mathias

Positive Birth Stories

What's Going On Down There?

OH BABY...... IT'S A BREECH!!!

More Midwives & Choices for Birth???

Association For Wise Childbearing

Cesarean Section Epidemic

Data and Confidence Limits for Maternal Mortality Rate, Utah and U.S. 1999-2009

GMO Foods

Happy Labor Day

Cindy Crawford Shares her Homebirth Story

More Business of Being Born

Home Births on the rise.....

Reducing Infant Mortality Rate - Normalizing Birth

Mother Mortality Rate in The United States

A Visit from Lyndi & Baby Lauren

Natural Childbirth Class

Welcome Baby Joshua Ethan April 22, 2011

Welcome Baby Lauren Elaine April 14, 2011

Welcome Baby Girl Athena - April 5, 2011

Welcome Baby Caitlyn Rae

Welcome Soren Alexander

Welcome Baby Loraina Jo

Welcome 2011

Welcome Baby Camdon

Welcome Baby Kyler

Mommy's Night Out

Welcome Baby Kale

Baby Isadora

Catching Up

Welcome Baby Henry - Miracle Baby

Welcome Baby Alenya Dawn

Welcome Baby Kaycin

Child Birth Classes

Nurse Midwife & Direct Entry Midwife

Mission Accomplished

Doulas of Cache Valley

Little Hats Helping Babies

Thank You To All The Helping Hands!!

Cold & Flu Season

Enjoying The Season

Nurture Yourself

Helping Hands

Books To Read

What is a doula?

Home Births