Congratulations to the Wood family!

Congratulations to the Wood family on the birth of their beautiful baby boy born on 6/13/2012 at 6:46pm!

Congratulations to the Thies family!

Congratulations to the Thies family on their new bundle of joy, Frederick, born on March, 20.

10 Home Birth Lessons for the Hospital

I have heard many women say that they would like the benefits of a home birth, but don't want to give up the security of delivering in the hospital.  Here is a link that gives ways to experience some parts of home birth, while still going to the hospital:

10 home birth lessons for the Hospital

TENS units

As a CNA, I assist patients with the use of TENS units frequently to help manage their back or shoulder pain.  However, until recently, I had never thought of the possibility of using them during labor!  A TENS unit is a small device with four electrodes that send small electrical impulses to help with pain control.  I would imagine this could be very useful during labor, especially in the case of back labor.  Many hospitals use TENS units for physical therapy, if it is something that appeals to you, inquire at your hospital you plan on delivering at if you would be able to use one for labor.  Some midwives also have TENS units they rent out.  Also, you could discuss with your doctor about getting a prescription for a rental TENS unit and ask for numbers of medical suppliers who can supply the TENS unit.  If you want to buy a TENS unit, you can do it through www.tensunits.com.

Here are some women's accounts of their experience using a TENS unit during labor:
TENS unit

Here's a video describing how the TENS unit works:
TENS video, how it works

5 Tips to Avoid a C-section

1.  Choose a provider with a low cesarean rate.
2.  Choose a facility with low cesarean rates.
3.  Let labor start on its own, and keep moving.
4.  Get support- find a doula
5.  Do your research- learn about what to expect

Found in healthy Mom&Baby magazine, issue 6 Fall 2011, page 10

"Once a cesarean, always a cesarean." Myth!  If a doctor told you that you cannot have another cesarean because you've had one before, that is not necesarily true.  While you will need to check with the hospital's policy, if you had a horizontal incision, many women deliver with a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean).  If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy with no medical conditions that may make a cesarean necessary and you have been told you can only have cesareans after you have one, I advise you to get a second opinion.  While it's important to listen to the advice of your doctor, don't forget to do your own research and be your own advocate!

Breast Crawl

Did you know, that if left alone peacefully immediately after birth, a newborn baby will crawl to mother's breast all on it's own to nurse?

Here's a couple videos:
Breast crawl1
Breast crawl2