Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Praise For a Georgia Doctor and Breastfeeding Tips

At this page you will find the wonderful video I have included below:



This video shows a brilliant doctor in Georgia who is helping women breastfeed. Now it may come to a shock to you, but most doctors are not given much training or info. on breastfeeding and many have no experience with it (now of course this will vary by geographical location and the importance each individual puts on breastfeeding). And from breastfeeding my child, I understand that knowing textbook answers is not the same as practice. I knew all the "correct" ways to breastfeed but almost ended up with my daughter in the hospital because she was not actually getting much milk since her latch was wrong (we met with a great lactation consultant and my daughter is exclusively breastfed at 5 months old and are going strong with no intention to stop anytime soon and now I have a lot more of applicable knowledge not just "book knowledge").

I do like how in the news article that the doctor lists the 3 most common questions/concerns during breastfeeding. Hopefully that will help women who feel alone in their breastfeeding struggles know that many other women have gone through the same things! I also hope it encourages breastfeeding moms to seek out help when they are have trouble. I do wish though that they had also shared some common solutions to these 3 problems. But since they didn't I decided it would be a good idea to answer them.

1) A jaundiced baby- This can come from several things. The first is that the yellow tint that indicates jaundice comes from bilirubin, which is basically broken down red blood cells (yes I know that is the super simplified version but really what causes biliruben in this case is not as important and being able to get rid of it). Bilirubin is iliminated through the poo and therefore it is very important for your baby to get breastmilk because it has a natural laxitive effect. If your breastfeeding is going well but your baby still is showing signs of jaundice consider allowing them to get a little more sunlight or use a light table that your doctor can get you (I prefer natural sunlight). If your baby is not seeming to get better, jaundice can be a serious condition so get them looked at sooner over later.

2) Sore Breasts- I did not deal with this even when I had troubles with the latch, so I do not have as much experience (and fixing a latch is better done in person) but I will tell you that there are a couple times your breasts may be sore and it will be normal and then signs that it is not "normal soreness". When you are engorged, you may feel that your breast are sore (or in my case feel like they are going to bust!) I never found a solution to this, but I promise it does go away. Try to breastfeed often and do not despair  Just take the Tylenol  I tried to be the martyr and not do it and it really just lead to more breastfeeding problems. Another time your breast may feel sore is if you have a blocked duct. These are painful in the breast (not the nipple usually) and the best thing to do is to massage the sore area (I know, not super comfortable) and let your baby nurse on that side a little bit extra. (You can also take vitamin C if you have a plugged duct. I actually take it rather regularly because I am very pron to plugged ducts so if I ever think I feel one coming on I take an little bit to help ward it off). If your nipples are sore you need to look into poor latch (call either your doula, lactation consultant or if you are in west Texas let me know and I will come over for free), yeast infection, etc. I found coconut oil cleared up my yeast infection in a matter of hours and P. never caught it in her mouth!

3) Poor Supply! The dreaded poor supply. First off I will tell you this is more of a myth then fact. Yes some women do deal with supply issues but usually that is from poor breastfeeding habits or lack of nutrient intake, not from actual supply issues. If you are having supply issues we need to look at the cause:

  • Are you pumping?
    •  If yes- are you pumping with a efficient pump that empties your breasts and are you pumping every 2-4 hours? If not then find a better pump and increase your amount of times pumping especially at night! If you are pumping every 2-4 hours with a quality pump and your supply is still diminishing then try pumping every 1-2 hours if possible. 
    • If that does not work skip to supplements
  • Are you breastfeeding exclusively? 
    • If no: You really need to try to breastfeed exclusively...your supply will diminish if the demand is not high enough from your baby. You might skip down to supplements though if increasing breastfeeding is not an option.
    • If yes: Try to spend as much time allowing your baby to breastfeed. One day my child was not feeling well (I only have her so I could do this without needing a babysitter, but it might be worth paying for a all day babysitter one day for the benefits I'm going to tell you about) so she wanted to nurse all day! Literally I think I got up from the couch where I nurse her 4 times all day. The rest of the time she nursed. For the next 2 weeks I have LOTS of extra supply! I was pumping all the time (because she doesn't normally nurse that much and I needed to get rid of some of it) but for someone dealing with supply issues this could really help (especially if you don't encourage it to go away like I did.
    • Also try doing what my husband nicknamed "the dessert booby". Basically you feed the baby on side A until the baby stops nursing (like I mean falls off the nipple stops eating, don't remove the baby from you nipple though and don't take the baby away just because they unlatch only once they refuse to take it again should you switch sides) then switch baby to side B and offer that side to him/her. If she takes it allow her to keep nursing until also done on that side. Next time baby is ready to nurse allow her to take side B first and then offer "the dessert booby" which this time will be side A. And so on and so forth. If baby does not want side the "dessert booby" side that is ok too. Don't force it. If you baby is full they are not going to want to keep eating. If they are not full then they will take the other side.
  • Are you taking supplements? 
    • Prenatals or Breastfeeding vitamins? If no I recommend one. I take one that I get from Sprouts and it is amazing! Its called "Baby and Me" and I love them.
    • Alfalfa? Let me tell you if I want my supply to increase I just have to take 3 of these little pills and I'm gushing! And the recommended dose is 9 a day! I can't imagine what would happen if I did that! (I take them for the vitamin K benefits- we chose not to do the shot) 
    • Fenugreek? I have never tried it but I know a lot of women swear by it. So you might give it a try too.
  • Are you eating enough?
    • It takes a lot of calories to create breast milk. Once you get back to your ideal weight you should make sure you are consuming extra nutrients. If you do not you will begin to have supply issues (also try to stay away from junk food or so called "empty calories" healthy food (fresh fruits and vegetables, whole wheat, fiber, protein(!), and healthy fats). 
  • Are you drinking enough? 
    • Breast milk is a liquid and it takes lots of water to create it! Make sure you are drinking extra water so both you and your baby stay hydrated. 
I hope this helps you in your quest to meet your breastfeeding goals! If you have any questions or would like further help feel free to contact me (through comments or email or by phone)! I believe breastfeeding is the best start you can give your child and I would love to help you do that in any way I can!

-The Cowgirl Doual

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

What is a Doula

© Jakubjoachim|Stock Free Images
So it has occurred to me that some may not know what a doula is, or what they do. According to Websters Dictionary a doula is "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth"

That is actually a very good definition. Doulas become experienced in childbirth in a number of different ways. In my case I have actually had a child so that helps. I also read birth stories as well as watch birth videos. That is not all though. I also read books and articles on childbirth, evidence based care and standard medical practices. I also of course attend births and act as a labor support person. 

Because of my knowledge I can also provide advice, information and suggestions (however, these are just that-suggestions. They are not medical advice nor should they take the place of medical advice or personal research). The emotional support is given regardless of choices a client makes. I am not the one that has to live with the births that I attend therefore I defer all decisions to the woman and her labor companion(s). Now, that does not mean I will sit idly by and allow birth trauma or abuse happen, it also does not mean that I will not fight for your choices. It simply means that even if you choose something I would not, I will support you no matter what. 

The physical comfort is something we discuss beforehand, at one of our prenatal meetings. If you have had a child before I will ask you what you liked during labor comfort wise and what you wish you had more of. If you have not had a child before then I will discuss what you like while you are sick, what you think you will like and ways I can help you discover things you will like during labor. There are several types of things I will bring with me to your labor (depending on what you request and where you are giving birth). For example candles (for non-hospital births), a birth/yoga ball, heat packs, washcloths, counter pressure balls and scarfs, pillows, aromatherapy oils and massaging oils, cd player, music, books, etc. 

During our prenatal appointments we will also get to know one another and discuss your birthing preferences and wishes (such as interventions desired or specifically wanting to avoid, breastfeeding goals, location of birth, information on your healthcare professionals, and labor companions, etc.). If you choose to hire me you will also gain access to my birthing library which contains books on childbirth, parenting, pain management strategies, leaflets on different evidence based procedure, videos, etc.  

A doula does not just support you though, they also help your significant other and other labor companions support you as well. They help to take some of the pressure off of your labor companions and help them out if they are feeling fatigued or are not sure what support to offer you. 

Some doulas offer postpartum care as well while others do not. I do offer it, I will check in with you several times after your birth to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals, make the transition to a new person in the family easier and help you process your labor and birth experience.

While where you birth does matter, WHO is at your birth is even more important. A doula is someone who will support you no matter what. Interviewing lots of doulas is always a good idea and then find the one that fits your price and philosophy/style the best. 

-The Cowgirl Doula

Monday, November 19, 2012

Questions to Ask a Midwife Before Hiring Her

© Netris|Stock Free Images
If you don't ask the right questions, you can't get the right answers. I say this because often we ask questions that will never give us the right answer.

Before you choose any healthcare provider there are certain questions you should ask. this blog (by Mama Birth-I'm a big fan) has some specific questions to ask a midwife before you hire her as well as some suggestions by Mama Birth. I think it is a good list and think you will enjoy it.

To be honest when we hired our midwives we did not ask most of those questions (and everything turned out just fine), but you always learn things the longer you are interested in a subject so I now have a list of questions I will ask and get more answers on next time.

There are  some questions I would add to the list too:
-Do you do the vitamin K shot? Do you "require" the vitamin K shot? What is your personal philosophy on it?
-Do you do the eye ointment at birth?
-What if I have breastfeeding questions after I give birth?
-Will you travel to meet me if breastfeeding just isn't working? (Should have asked about this one)
-What meds can you give me if I need them?
-Do you have a back up physician?
-Will you help me find a pediatrician? (should have found more out about that one too)
-Do you have a library of books I can borrow from? (This came in very helpful while I was pregnant)

Those are some questions that Mama Birth does not cover that I wish I had asked as well.

I would also like to address a question that came up during my birth and prenatal care. I was researching all through pregnancy and discovered a list of questions I should ask...but I had already hired my midwives so I was not sure what to do. If you find yourself in this situation I encourage you to follow your gut. If you think a question should be asked, no matter how "late in the game it is", then ask it. It is never to late to put your mind at ease. And if you get an answer that you don't like it's better to know sooner over later.

Learning From the Amish

© Kcphotos|Stock Free Images

Yesterday, my midwife posted a very fascinating article on birth stats and the Amish community that was published by no other than Fox news. It talks about several things that I will list in bullet form:
  • "The study examined 418 Amish women who delivered 927 babies at a birthing center in Southern Wisconsin, a facility that lacked an operating room."
  • Only 4% where born by c-section (they were transferred to a hospital if a problem was detected) whereas nearly a third (approx. 33%) of all babies are born via c-section across the US.
  • Only 5.4 per 1000 infant deaths in the Amish community (mostly because of little to no prenatal care) compared to 4.5 per 1000 infant deaths across the US (which most usually get great prenatal care) 
  • No mothers in the study died 
  • In the Amish community 95% had VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean) whereas only 8% of women have VBACs across the US
  • "Historically, doctors have had concerns that a vaginal birth after a C-section, a so-called VBAC, would increase the risk of a rupture of the uterus. But in the study, no women experienced this complication." (emphasis mine)
  • In 2010, the National Institutes of Health recommended that women with previous C-sections attempt, in subsequent pregnancies, to delivery vaginally first, before resorting to a repeat C-section."
  • They worked to turn breech babies before resorting to a c-section. This worked most of the time. Whereas in the US 92% of women whose babies are breech end up have a c-section. The article implies no one ever tries to turn the baby before resorting to c-section. I find that hard to believe but clearly they are either not trying or not using effective techniques. 
  • A national Institutes of Health analysis showed that 3.8 maternal deaths occurred for every 100,000 VBACs, whereas 13.4 deaths occurred for every 100,000 repeat C-sections." (emphasis mine)
*There are a couple things that the study notes that I think are important to add:
1) No high-risk pregnancies gave birth at the birth center therefore the statistic may have been higher if these women had been added to the study
2) Of the 19 babies that died only one of the babies died of a condition that could have possibly been prevented at a hospital.

I include both of those things not because I believe hospitals are safer (because I don't think that is always true. In fact I always wonder how many maternal and baby deaths could have been prevented if "interventions" had been minimized) but, rather, because I am not in the business of withholding facts that could influence a persons decision.  

I hope you will read the article yourself and tell me your thoughts. : )


Saturday, November 17, 2012

The Family Centered C-Section

There are three different kinds of cesarean sections (c-section).

  • The first would be the Emergency C-Section. This term is usually the one that is most misused. An emergency c-section will be done in the case of emergency (ie. within minutes of being diagnosed)  if there is time to sit around and discuss it then at that moment it is NOT an emergency c-section (we will get to what type that is momentarily). Those types of c-sections can turn into an emergency, but in the case of most emergency c-sections general anesthesia will be used and you will be being wheeled to the OR as they tell you what is happening because the situation is so serious.   
  • The second would be a Medically Necessary C-Section. These are usually scheduled in advance or are done for things like "failure to progress" quickly enough to a doctors wishes. They are not elective (that is the third kind) but they are done because of a condition either the mother or baby suffer from. 
  • The third is an Elective C-Section. This is one where it is not an emergency and there is no medical indication for it but for whatever reason a mother has chosen this as the manner in which she would like to birth her baby.
The most common forms of c-sections are elective and medically necessary (medically can often be misnamed emergency). Emergency c-sections are thankfully pretty rare. In the case of an emergency c-section a family centered style is usually not going to be an option because the mother is usually unconscious and the father is not permitted in the OR. For medically necessary and elective a family centered will often be available if requested. This video is of a "family centered c-section" I do not own this video, I found it on YouTube you may find the link here if you wish to look up more info.




There are very rarely going to be any reasons why a hospital cannot offer a family centered c-section, but you still may find it difficult if you are the first person at your hospital to request one. However, these are clearly more beneficial for the mother, baby and father. If your hospital of choice or OB doesn't offer family centered births there are several options:
1) Find a new hospital
2) Ask your OB if they know what a family centered c-section is and if they have ever done one (write out specifically your wishes and show them this video). Depending on their answers you may need to find a new OB. However, if an OB is interested in doing one and you feel like they will really honor your wishes (and you have a doula present to help advocate for you) there is no reason not to let them (unless of course you just don't feel comfortable).
3) Talk to the administrators at your hospital of choice. Sometimes they simply have never thought of changing their systems because they don't know there is a better way. If you can get hospital policy changed that will benefit many women to come.

Sometimes a c-section is not only necessary but also beneficial to mother and baby. If more hospitals across America will begin implementing this system I believe we will see more women satisfied with their births, and more confident in breastfeeding as well as mothering in general.


Friday, November 16, 2012

Sorry...

I had been doing so good to publish an article everyday until last week. Our dog unfortunately passed away and I did not have the emotional energy to focus on this blog. However, I am feeling better and will get back to posting regularly. (I may even do some catch up posts!) If you notice I just posted a new blog below! I'm pretty excited about it! Check it out! : )

-The Cowgirl Doula

When Your Significant Other Isn't On Board...

When a couple finds out they are having a child several things happen. One is that for the woman she begins thinking about how to preserve the pregnancy and keep herself and the baby as healthy as possible. She will try to see how she can limit the chances of miscarriage, she will improve her diet, maybe change her music choices, or how she speaks about herself and to others. She will see radical changes in her body and get to know the baby inside of her. From the moment she knows she is pregnant she will begin preparing for birth. She will start deciding where she feels safe, who she feels safe with, and what she will need during labor.

This will not be the same for all women, but while I was pregnant I looked at spaces completely differently. I felt better in tight well lit places with only one entrance and an easy escape route. I know crazy, but I put it to the idea that at one time we didn't live in nice little houses and that as a pregnant woman I could not move as quickly or effectively as I once could, so I had to be more careful of my environment. 

In a similar way you significant other will begin also preparing for the birth. They may help you (or try to be helpful) by doing everything for you, fretting over every move you make, being more defensive about you/your honor/who you hang out with/where you go/etc. And in their own way they will begin to prepare for you to give birth.

Now some of you may be lucky enough to agree on where, with whom and how you would like to birth. That was the case between me and my husband, and if you are in that situation then congratulations! 

However, many will find that they and their significant other disagree on one or maybe all three points. If that is the case for you then I encourage you to read this blog post at BWF. While it is specifically aimed towards natural/midwife births it will still give good advice for speaking with your significant other even if you are not wanting that kind of birth.

I have several pieces of advice though too (coming from a lady who has given birth):
1) A woman NEEDS to feel safe during labor. I don't just mean would like to feel safe, I mean NEEDS to feel safe. And where you and her feels safe may be completely different, but its ok, because she needs to feel safe, not you. You can support her anywhere, she however, can only give birth effectively if she feels safe (notice I said feels-where she feels safe may not seem rational, but that doesn't matter. Labor is NOT rational. It is pins and needles, excitement  emotion all running through your body with rushes and contractions and love and fear and hope and joy and energy all wrapped up into one- remember women tend to be more emotional creatures and birth is very primal)

2) You may feel safer in "X" location because of their training, or their safety equipment, or their lack of interventions, or their lack of scary equipment or whatever (depending on whether you are afraid of hospital or out-of-hospital births) but it is her body (and trust me she doesn't want anything bad to happen to that baby any more than you do- she has 40+ weeks invested remember) and she is the one that is going to have to either push that baby out of have major abdominal surgery (a c-section) to get the baby out. So give her, her body and mind some credit in picking out where they would like to birth.

3) Your significant other loves you and that is why they are being difficult whether you believe it right now or not. Try to be sensitive to that.

4) Hear her out. You may think she is crazy. You may  think she is wrong. You may think its her hormones. But no matter what hear her out. Go talk with the healthcare professional she wants to go with. Ask questions. Be open minded. Find out why she would prefer them over options x, y, or z.

5) Rebuild bridges if you have burned them. If you have already had this talk but it went horribly wrong try to start over from a friendly place, a place of mutual love and respect and wanting whats best for you and your baby.

6) Find out why the other is afraid or adamantly refusing the options you are considering. Are they basing all their knowledge on an old TV show? Or did a friend lose a baby because of reason x? Did their Dad tell them something that has freaked them out about child birth? Did they have a bad experience with doctors or hospitals? etc. 

7) Base your decision on what is best for YOU not what is "normal" or what is "popular" or fear of "what ifs" or fear of the other options. Its not black or white, right or wrong. Birthing in a hospital with OBs has its place just as birthing with a midwife at home does and just as birthing unassisted does. But birthing one way over another because you are scared is not a good idea. And forcing someone else (even your darling wife) to birth somewhere just because you are scared of other options is NOT a good idea.

8) If you are worried about your wife's body not being capable then stop. Stop right there. She knows you are thinking it and you are wrong. (And if your not thinking it then tell her! Tell her everyday you know she is strong and capable and able to give birth the way she wants!) Her body was MADE to do it (even if she has had 100 c-sections). Believe in her. Give her a chance. Give her support. How would you like it if you thought your body was broken? Or if you thought your spouse thought your body was broken?

Supporting her in her decisions will show her that you will support her no matter what. However, not supporting her will confirm every fear she has ever had about leaving her and thinking she isn't good enough. With all the options out there find what works for you and your family! Don't be short changed by fear or a lack of options or what others may think. Find people that will support you in the decisions you make! 

Saturday, November 3, 2012

The Toddler Cup and More: Helpful Tips for Comfort During Labor

BornFree Set of 2 Straw Cups - Pink and Purple
http://www.meijer.com/s
/bornfree-set-of-2-straw-cups-pink-and-purple/_/R-213173
Well, I am finally beginning to feel like I am getting on top of this whole blogging thing.

So I am going to write one of my first posts from scratch (be impressed).

These are some ideas that I have come up with or have heard of that can help during labor:

First is the most brilliant one I just heard today: Use a Toddler cup for water (or other drink- such as coconut water or poweraid) one of those that has a bendy straw attached to the lid. It allows ease for           mother to drink while in interesting labor positions.

Rice Packs- this one comes from my midwife's facebook page. She took pieces of cotton cloth and put rice in them (and some lavender) and sewed the edges after using a "quick stitch" adhesive on the fabric. These can be put in the microwave to heat up and applied to whatever part of the body mother wants

Peppermint Oil- peppermint can help relieve pain, help the cervix dilate and calm the mind. Worked wonders in making me feel better during labor. Just use as directed on the bottle (I found using it on my forehead and neck helped the most) I wonder if having some soft peppermint to chew on would have been a good idea or not for early labor?? Any thoughts? I will have to look it up.

And then lastly music, some women enjoy a nice tribal rhythm while in labor. It helps them connect to their bodies and all the women that have gone before them in labor and birth. Some women will also go to a place of wildness, almost a primeval place to gain strength to push their baby out. Tribal music can often help them connect to that part of their brain.

Of course always listen to your body and what is says you need. And if you have an questions of concerns ask your healthcare professional and do research! : )

-The Cowgirl Doula

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Switching Providers (Especially Late in Pregnancy)

Everyone has thoughts about their doctor/midwife and how happy they are with them.

And sometimes during a pregnancy you realize that you and your care provider do not agree. I'm not talking about on whether they think taking castor oil to induce labor is a good idea or not, I'm talking about big things like: whether they approve and support VBAC or not. Will they "let" you have your breech baby vaginally? What about pre-eclampsia, will they let you try to induce naturally or not? Or what about doctors that are TOO naturally minded for your taste. Won't do an extra ultrasound to calm your fears about the baby being breech. Won't take your blood pressure or listen to your complaints about headaches. Wants you to only induce naturally and will not give you the meds to induce. What do you do when these things come up?

Hopefully at your first consultation you got a lot of these things cleared up, but what happens when you are at 25 weeks? 30 weeks? or worse 36+ weeks? and something like this comes up?

Well, there really is only one thing to do: fire your care provider and go find someone else. If you are 36+ weeks this can be a scary proposition but it is the only thing to do. You DO NOT want to have to fight with your care provider during labor. It is better to just switch before it actually becomes a problem. As long as you have had prenatal care most doctors/midwives will take you, especially if they are pro what you are pro.

If you are needing to switch care providers ask like minded friends and organizations. Also ask your doula for their thoughts.

This blog post also gives some other thoughts and ideas and was my inspiration for this post.

-The Cowgirl Doula

Asking Questions and Using Your B.R.A.I.N

© Dgm007|Stock Free Images
This blog post talks about asking questions and getting answers while in labor and looking at using possible interventions. You are to use your "B.R.A.I.N" which is an acronym to remind you of the things to ask before consenting to a routine or emergency procedure (by the way I find this very helpful not only with labor/birth questions, but also with other medical procedures especially when talking about my daughters health with her pediatrician.)


I saw a blog post like the one above a while back but it had one of the letters a little different.

The link above does:
B- benefits
R- risks
A- alternatives
I- intuition
N- negotiate

but it misses a very important question I prefer the N to stand for nothing as in "what if we do nothing?" Of course it is important to know the risks and benefits of a procedure and knowing your alternatives is necessary for informed consent. And in general it is always good to go with your gut, but sometimes we get so caught up in wanting to DO SOMETHING that we forget in some cases doing nothing-even if its just for a certain amount of time- is the best option.

-For example at 40 weeks many doctors/midwives will begin wanting to schedule an induction (if you weren't already). If you think you might be interested in an induction at that time then you will want to discuss risks and benefits of inductions. Alternatives would be a good discussion since there are many natural ways to induce labor and many options of induction methods (remember you need to discuss the risk and benefits of each procedure. All natural induction methods and medical induction methods have different risks and benefits). Following your intuition if you think there is a problem or not would also be wise since you know your cycle, baby, body and situation the best. You will also want to ask what about doing nothing. According the the ACOG you are not "overdue" until at least 42 weeks. Therefore, inductions are not automatically necessary at 40 weeks (or even 41 weeks).

It would be better to ask if you can "do nothing" until 42 weeks. Then at your 42 week appointment you can reevaluate the issue (however I will tell you that there are many women that have gone to 43 weeks + and had perfectly healthy babies even though the doctors/midwives didn't think it was possible...but that was their situation and you will need to evaluate your own situation and comfort level).

The negotiating is a helpful tool but it sort of gives the impression that your doctors/midwives have some sort of say over you. You have the right to birth how you feel comfortable. As I heard one person say "This is America, they can't make you do anything you don't want to do. And if they ever do force you to do something you don't want to then you have the full backing of the law and usually the hospital to complain or sue and get justice." Negotiating can be helpful but only if they are willing to cooperate. Don't ever be afraid to put your foot down. They don't have to live with the consequences of your labor experience but you and your baby do.

-Also always remember to do your own research. The internet is a beautiful place. Be careful to only use reliable websites though. Also read the inserts given and websites made my pharmaceutical companies. They have a lot of information and can help you in asking questions to your doctor. But also look at independent websites. Read lots of books (if you are using me as your doula I have books you can "check out" and read) Take control of your birth by being as informed as possible. Sure it takes work, but its worth it.

-Some doulas can help you in this research. (they however CANNOT give medical advice, but they do know of websites to help you find information and get questions ready for your healthcare professional). I offer this help to my clients when they ask for it.

May you always feel free to ask questions and get the answers you need.
-The Cowgirl Doula