WE'VE MOVED!

Come check us out at The Bay Area Birth Blog on our webpage: www.empoweredbirthdoulas.com!

“There is an impossible expectation placed on pregnant women in our society: that we are supposed to get on with everything and express only a blossoming sense of joy and anticipation, even as the person we have thought ourselves to be is transfigured and reborn. It was an expectation that made me feel I was particularly difficult and perverse, in a specifically female kind of way that I had never felt before, in my ambivalence toward what was happening to me and within me. The suppression of the darkness that is also a part of pregnancy, I think, actually muted the experience of what was wonderful and affirming about it.”

—	Naomi Wolf in Misconceptions

Photovoice project: Giving marginalized populations a voice through photography!

I see some powerful photovoice projects involving marginalized pregnant women in the United States, as well as around the world. This is a project I have been brewing for about a year now, and I would love to see it come to fruition. A community based participatory approach to giving voice to those who aren't heard in our culture and abroad. Most of the women that I have worked with as a doula have had access to healthcare and the means to pay for or access a doula, but there are many who do not have these basic needs during their pregnancies and births. Beyond that the birthing culture and system in the US is failing even women who do have access to care. If we could give them a voice through photography how powerful could that be?? It could also be powerful to give voice to midwives and women birthing at home- to show, and perhaps compare, the way that birth is seen and done in this culture and the other birth options that are safe, effective, and available!

Check out the Video!

Check out the website!

Repost: NYT article on the risks of Artificial Rupture of the Membranes

This is a repost of a New York Times article from 2007 I recently read thanks to another doula. 


By NICHOLAS BAKALAR



A large review of studies suggests that a common procedure in labor, intentionally breaking the water, has no effect in reducing the labor time or assuring the baby’s health.


The procedure, sometimes called amniotomy, involves rupturing the amniotic membranes to speed contractions. The procedure has been in use for at least 250 years, although its popularity has varied.


The researchers reviewed 14 randomized controlled trials involving almost 5,000 women and found little evidence for any benefits. Amniotomy did not shorten the length of labor, decrease the need for the labor-stimulating drug oxytocin, decrease pain, reduce the number of instrument-aided births or lead to serious maternal injury or death.


The report, published Oct. 17 [2007] in The Cochrane Reviews, did find that the procedure might be associated with an increase in Caesarean sections and a reduced risk of a lower reading on the Apgar scale, which rates the baby’s condition at birth. But neither finding was statistically significant.


“We advise women whose labors are progressing normally to request their waters be left intact,” said the lead author, Dr. Rebecca Smyth, a research associate at the University of Liverpool. “There is no evidence that leaving the waters intact causes any problems, and there is not sufficient evidence to suggest any benefit to either themselves or their baby.”



A comment: This is very interesting to read seeing as I have yet to attend a hospital birth where amniotomy (AROM) wasn't seen as necessary, or at least strongly suggested. I've even spoken with some family members who, even after given birth a few times, didn't know that the bag of waters could break on their own because a doctor has always done it for them!


Not only may there be some risks to AROM being a standard procedure, but there are many instances where keeping the bag intact can help a great deal. If the baby is not in an ideal position, keeping her in the amniotic sac can help to have her gently adjust to a more ideal position and ease back labor. It is also less painful for the mother to have the bags intact because it adds a bit of a buffer between baby and pelvis. Not to mention the decrease in chances of infection when the bag is still present.


As with any procedure in birth, it is wise to educate yourself and to talk to your care provider about the risks, benefits, and alternatives. In the end, it's your decision! If there is no medical necessity for a procedure-standard as it may be-you can always say you'd rather not have it done. In the case of AROM, the alternative is so simple: Just wait! 

Many New Faces

It was great to meet so many new people all in one day!


Between the SF Birth and Baby Fair and the East Bay Meet the Doula event, we're both really tired, but it was worth it.


We love talking about the benefits of having a doula with couples still trying to decide of a doula is right for them and Grandmoms who've never heard of doulas! 


Just wanted to put out there that if you are due early in the new year, it's a great idea to start interviewing doulas before the upcoming holidays arrive and things start to get crazy for all involved :-)


We're gearing up for a busy week before Thanksgiving. Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday week full of things to be thankful for.

Atlas of Birth

An interactive Atlas of Birth from the White Ribbon Alliance.

There are is great disparity in the level of care women receive worldwide. If you look at the United States in the map of the Risks of Women Dying in Childbirth, you notice that we're a different color than the vast majority of Europe, Canada, and Australia. That's because there is a greater chance of maternal mortality in our country than in our GDP counter-parts. This is what we need to remind healthcare professionals and policy makers of. We may think we're #1, but too many women are dying in this country to continue with this ignorance and pride.

Thanks to @Amnesty International for the report (Deadly Deliveries) that has spawned so much attention for the risks in keeping the status quo in U.S. maternal health amongst the media, representatives in Washington, and individuals in the U.S. and abroad.

I hope we see more innovative tools for educating us all on the need to bolster women's rights at home and abroad.

Sunday's Bay Area Doula Events

There will be two exciting birth and doula events in the Bay Area tomorrow!

First up is the San Francisco Birth and Baby Fair at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. Doors open at 10:00 am and there will be many opportunities to win prizes, attend free workshops on birth and early parenting, and shop amongst hundreds of local businesses all in one place! I'll be at the SF Doula Group table as well as the speed date-style Meet the Doula event at 2:00. Hope to see you there!

If you're in the East Bay and still looking for a doula or are interested in learning more about doulas, please come to the Birth Ways Meet the Doula night tomorrow at 6:30. Pre-registration is required, but this is a free event for expectant mamas and their partners. The first part of the event is a doula panel with representatives from the birth and postpartum doula community will give brief overviews of the roles and benefits of doulas, followed by a Q&A session.The second half of the event will be an informal gathering where parents can interact one-on-one with local doulas. Please visit the Birth Ways site to register for Sunday's event, or any upcoming Meet the Doula nights.

New Year's Babies

We have availabilities in January and February for new clients! Please call or email to set up an initial interview before the holidays!

Email: empoweredbirthdoulas@gmail.com
Tel: 415.424.4680

Vote for SFGH Doulas!

San+Francisco+General+Hospital+Volunteer+Doula+Program

Click the link above to cast your vote for the SFGH Volunteer Doula Program to receive a $10,000 Changemakers grant! Just think of how many more doulas could volunteer with that grant money...and how many more women will have better birth experiences!

Upcoming Events

Hello Bay Area parents and birth advocates!

Here's an update on the upcoming doula events in the area...

What is a doula? First meeting

Thursday, November 18th

6:30pm-8:30pm

731 Henry St., Oakland

We'll be discussing the formation of this non-profit, the goals of the organization, first steps, fundraising ideas, and the results of the survey. If you are interested in learning more about the organization and would like to participate, please RSVP to empoweredbirthdoulas@gmail.com. If you are unable to make it to the event, but would like to contribute still, you can take the survey via Survey Monkey!

San Francisco Birth and Baby Fair

Sunday, November 21st

10:00am-5:00pm

Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

Emily will be at the SF Doula table from 10:00 to noon as well as for the Meet the Doula workshop at 2:00pm. There will be tons of local birth and baby companies with tables at the event, and loads of interesting free workshops. Go onto www.birthandbabyfair.com to register!

Birthways Meet the Doula Night

Sunday, November 21st

6:30pm-8:00pm

1600 Shattuck Ave. Suite 122, Berkeley

Register here! These events are meant to be small and intimate so only 6 couples can register in any given month. Make sure to register early for this or next's month to ensure your spot. This is a free event.

Hope to see you there!

How childbirth preparation classes for men can improve birth outcomes

Ever heard of tocophobia? It’s a term used to describe the fear of childbirth. Researchers in Sweden have found that when expectant fathers experience tocophobia, it may have negative effects on the birth experiences of their partners.

The study found that many of these men were fearful not only of the process of childbirth, but in their roles as parents as well. There have been some signs to indicate that tocophobia contributed to an increase in cesarean sections, pointing to the need for birth professionals to address these fears with expecting parents.

The since the study, the Swedish Medical University has begun providing childbirth preparation classes featuring the use of psychoprophylaxis (relaxation techniques) for all expectant parents with good results.

Childbirth educators encourage both mother and partner to participate in class discussions to try and address these common fears about labor and early parenting. Educational models such as the Bradley Method, Hypnobirthing, and Birthing from Within place a great deal of emphasis on the partner as a strong yet calm source of strength for the woman in labor by teaching the partner relaxation techniques like massage and affirmations.

Couples are encouraged to take these lengthier courses, independent of the hospital preparation courses to get a more complete training in birth support.

Additionally, hiring a doula can help parents receive one-on-one training in these techniques and a sense of security in asking questions concerning any anxieties in an intimate and supportive setting. Doulas also help the partner to feel comfortable that everything is going well in labor, knowing that the mother will never be left alone and that there is a constant source of guidance and expertise by their side.

For a list of childbirth educators in your area, visit the International Childbirth Educators Association website.

“The power and intensity of your contractions cannot be stronger than you, because it is you. The contractions come from and are YOU. So they can not overwhelm, or be bigger than you, as they are only as strong as you are!”

—	http://birthbuddy.wordpress.com/2008/04/11/what-is-labour-like-useful-analogies/

Walking and Moving in Labor

Love this!

What is a doula? Survey

Not in the Bay Area and able to attend the first meetings? You can be apart of the organization anyway!

Please take this quick survey to help us make What is a doula? an amazing, informative, and inspirational group!

Click here to take survey

What is a doula? The non-profit

I'm excited to be starting the non-profit, What is a doula?--something I've been dreaming of for a long while now.

The organization will serve as a tool to educate the wider public on the role and benefits of a doula, as well as promoting education on options in childbirth.

What is a doula? is still in it's infancy, but you can already follow some of the "makings of..." sorts of things and start to get some great info on resources and options through the What is a doula? tumblr and twitter accounts (#Whatisadoula)!

If you're interested in becoming part of the movement, email me at empoweredbirthdoulas@gmail.com

What is a doula, anyway?

A doula is a non-clinical birth attendant who is there to help guide you through pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum period by offering physical and emotional support. Doulas provide a range of comfort measures, such as massage, counter pressure, reading affirmations, etc., to support you and your partner in labor.

A doula is there by your side for the entirety of labor, regardless of length and outcome. You have the power to choose your doula, interviewing her in the last few months of pregnancy, and meeting with her two or three times before you are due and usually two to three more times in postpartum. For many women, having this level of support made a world of a difference in their birth experiences.

Studies have shown that women who choose to have a doula present during labor: 

* tend to have shorter labors with fewer complications and interventions;
* request pain medication less often;
* have lower incidence of operative delivery including c-section;
* and have more positive opinions of their birthing experiences.

Having a doula can help ease your tensions and fears around birth, physically as well as emotionally. During prenatal visits and throughout labor, a doula can demonstrate techniques for relieving pain, calming and massaging away tension and fear, and reassuring the mother of her awesome ability to deliver her baby safely. Though many women choose to have a doula to assist them through natural (un-medicated) births because of this strong support, this service is not exclusive to women who have made that particular decision. All women can benefit from a knowledgeable support person who remains with them through the prenatal and postpartum weeks ahead.

Doulas are also great support for your partner, too! Some women are told that doula will replace the partner by making him feel unnecessary. To the contrary, doulas are there to ensure both mother and partner are able to fully participate in the labor and enjoy this amazing experience with the guidance of a professional labor assistant.  Many partners feel that they were able to be fully included in the birthing process and felt better informed of what was happening because of the additional prenatal education and this constant support.  

There are so many choices to be made in the journey to motherhood and doulas are there to educate and empower you to make meaningful decisions that work best for you, your partner, and your baby. 

 In the prenatal visits, doulas educate expectant families of their options, the benefits and potential outcomes of some standard procedures as well as helping discuss the alternatives. They can recommend books, movies, articles, and professionals in your community who specialize in certain areas of pregnancy and birth to help better guide you through your decisions, too. A doula will never make a medical decision for you and regardless of the decisions your choose to make, a doula stays by your side to support you through your birth.

MOM vs. MOM

This past July, my new idol, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-California), brought before Congress the Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services (MOMS) For the 21st Century Act. This groundbreaking proposal to vastly change the way maternity care is handled in the U.S. has the potential to change the lives of millions of women, making childbirth safer and more satisfying for all expectant moms.


This act has been supported by Amnesty International, who earlier this year released a shocking report on the rising maternal mortality rate and the overall disparity in care amongst racial and socioeconomic groups. The MOMS Act specifically addresses these issues, while promoting an overall change in maternity care to a more holistic model. The bill proposes an increase in midwife-attended births as well as a broad-reaching educational campaign to educate women on their options in childbirth.


Not surprisingly, ACOG has jumped in with a bill with an almost identical name, with similarly worded content that nonetheless, would keep the level of maternity care in the U.S. at its current, dismal status. The bulk of this initative is to focus on research on why there has been a rise in complications in pregnancy and thus the rise in interventions, citing obesity, and poor record taking as some of the main causes. As PushGirl Friday of the Unnecesarean put it, it's, "[b]ecause as we all know, the problem with maternity care in the US is with the women who receive it, not with the care they receive," and if you look at the slew of recent studies regarding these trends--the "Too Posh to Push" meta study in the UK and the flurry of obesity studies--it seems like the obstetrical community really does look to the women first to find the problem. 


Midterm elections are fast approaching and what better time to write or call your representative and tell them that you hope they will support Rep. Roybal-Allard in her effort to reform maternity care. I promise I'll have a template letter written by early next week, but an impassioned phone call will certainly serve more for the cause than any formal letter I can muster. Visit OpenCongress.org to find your local Reps and send them a letter directly from the site!

The 10 month-old fetus

An interesting article from our neighbors up north:

Lobbying grows for the 10 month-old baby

Just how long does it take to make a human baby? Nine months is the going answer, but a small lobby of women believes that it’s more like 10 months and beyond.

Guardian columnist Viv Groskop gave the debate some gravitas with her Oct. 1 story of giving birth to her third child 20 days after his due date. “My first two babies were 15 days late,” she wrote. “But a day shy of week 43? That is virtually record-breaking – and, some would say, slightly mad.”

Generally, a baby is considered full-term when it reaches a gestational age of 37 weeks. A “post-term” baby is one that been gestating up to or beyond 42 weeks...

Read more

I've heard a lot of women tell me that their due date is not what they think it should be, knowing for sure the date they conceived, but they still go along with the doctor's estimates. When they reach 38 weeks, they start being pressured into having their membranes swept or being scheduled for inductions. I have to think that this standard adjustment is part of why I see so many women who are not at all in labor walking to their hospital rooms while I'm attending other births. Are they all considered "late"? And are the ones who are told that they're "overdue", are they at 38 weeks? 42? 40 and 3 days?

I was a three week late baby and was born with no complications and minimal interventions. No one was pressuring my mother to induce when she hit 38 weeks. I know many other people who have a similar story. Interestingly, since becoming a doula, my mother has shared more of her birth story with me than I had previously ever known. After a lengthy talk on due dates recently, she realized that the doctor's due dates for her were most likely off due to a number of factors that she never had the chance to even bring up with her OB when they took out the gestational chart and circled September 2. I was born September 29 without a sign of post maturity...unless my whopping 9lbs 10 oz were solely the result of a few extra weeks.

Are there similar stories out there? This article came from Canada and as far as I know, their induction rate is somewhat lower than ours (which was reported to be 20.6% in 2003, but some smaller recent surveys are showing rates closer to 40%) and it may be likely that the pressure to induce in Canadian hospitals for post-term dates could be even less significant than in the U.S. I don't know of very many women who are allowed to go even two weeks past their due dates in the U.S., let alone to 43 weeks. Am I wrong?

National Health Services Releases Video on Birthing Options

A new birth center in a local hospital prompts a video sponsored by the NHS (UK) to release a video on the various options afforded women in that area. Could you imagine a video like this being released in the US? Where homebirth is seen as a safe and viable option, where one-to-one nurse care is standard, where laboring in a birth tub is the norm, and where midwifery care is given to all low-risk women? Let's hope so!

Mother's Blessing

Jaz and I recently helped host a Mother's Blessing for a friend and it turned out to be a really beautiful, wonderful experience for the mama and all involved. It was a day of pampering Alyx, belly casting, and sharing stories of strength and guidance.

Mother's Blessings can be alternatives to the traditional shower, or supplemental to them. There are some unique traditions to be made up and some long-standing ones to be celebrated during the event. There are no gifts to buy, but the time spent helping the mother prepare for the journey she will soon take is worth so much.

For Alyx's ceremony, we made an intentions banner and left it blank for everyone to fill in with pictures, drawings, affirmations, and messages to mama and baby for labor. Alyx can bring the banner to the hospital on the birth day and hang it in the room for some added cheer and to remind her that although she is the only one that can deliver this new life into the world, she is not alone.

These ceremonies are really about celebrating the journey of motherhood and honoring this mama's entry into the world of motherhood. There are no set guidelines for these events, but some wonderful activities could be cooking food to freeze for the postpartum period, belly casting or painting,  belly henna, giving mama a massage and a foot bath, sharing birth stories, writing and sharing affirmations, making a calming birth playlist together, making a quilt or afghan for mama and baby, or sharing beads or other collected items for a labor necklace. The possibilities are endless! Just get creative and think of ways that you can show the new mama you care!