I have totally avoided the blogosphere for more than a month!!

This summer, my husband Jeremy and I decided that it would be great if I wrote an eBook on my experience with Natural Childbirth. I learned SO MUCH while I was pregnant with my son Joel, so why not share all of that great information with other newly pregnant women who want options available with childbirth?

So, I spent about 6 weeks  this past summer writing 12 steps that I believe every woman can follow in order to have a beautiful, unmedicated birth (assuming the pregnancy is low-risk).

Well, I can say the book is done. My husband (my COACH) even added his own little “corner” of advice and motivation for women and coaches alike.

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Do you know many women who have breastfed their babies from birth?

A British study researched the link between medication given to women to prevent hemorrhaging after childbirth and breastfeeding rates for those women.

The drug oxytocin is commonly given to women after childbirth to prevent severe blood loss (>500 mL in 24 hrs.) known as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). This can lead to fainting or severe anemia.

After a vaginal birth, the mother’s body must expel the placenta which creates rapid blood loss. The doctor or midwife will apply firm pressure on the fundus, or top of the uterus. This promotes postpartum contractions of the uterus so the placenta will be expelled and blood vessels will constrict to prevent severe blood loss.

Many doctors routinely use oxytocin even if the woman is not at risk for PPH. Women who have had a poor pregnancy diet,  given birth to multiples,  had a rapid or prolonged labor, or have been given Pitocin for induction may be at risk for PPH.

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Childbirth in the USA is often looked at as “torture” or “traumatizing,” and unfortunately many babies suffer due to the high rate of fear pregnant women suscept themselves to.

A study performed by Standley K, Soule AB in 1974, reviewed the correlation between local-regional anesthesia and newborn behaviors. The newborns behaviors were rated by the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale. The study found that three days after being born, the infants were more irritable and less motorically mature than the infants whose mothers had not been medicated.

In the late 70’s and early ’80s, the anesthesia dosages given were very close to the amount given to women in childbirth today. So, we can see this study as very relevant even though it was performed more than 30 years ago.

These results were taken from Gentlebirth.org

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These results were formed from an online survey performed by Our365.com. The results show what the average woman has experienced during pregnancy and childbirth and the results  are quite staggering!

Birth in the U.S.A.: The big picture

On balance, moms are having positive birthing experiences – even when they’re not exactly what you’d expected or close to what you’d dreamed of. Maybe that’s not surprising: Dreams aside, when you leave the hospital with your new baby-love, what do you have to complain about? Read the rest of this entry

Welcome to my site! I look forward to getting to know you and network with you.

Here is an article from “The Natural Family Site” on Natural Childbirth

Natural Childbirth

A natural birth (also known as an unmedicated birth) is just that – it is the delivery of a baby without using drugs or surgery during birth. A common phrase heard when talking with people about natural birthing practices is, “birth is a natural process, not a medical procedure.” In today’s society this is definitely a radical concept for most doctors, but it is true nonetheless. You really can have a beautiful, drug-free experience in childbirth even if you have your baby in a hospital. You simply need to know it is possible, you need to find a doctor (or midwife) who will support you in your point of view, and you need some training to help you prepare yourself so you can let nature take its course.

The advantages of a natural childbirth are huge. You learn about all of the advantages when you take a natural childbirth class such as those offered under the Bradley method. Here are the three big advantages:

1. Natural childbirth is much better for the mother. The mother has a completely different experience during birth if she is not drugged – a significantly more fulfilling and beautiful experience. She also feels much more in control of her body and the health of her baby.

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