Pathways Article Summaries and References
Issue 24 - Winter 2009
Articles
- Letter from the Editor
- Taking Charge of Giving Birth
- The Hospital "Birth Plan"
- Eating in Labor: Trusting the Mother’s Gut Instinct
- Through a Child's Eyes
- Adjusting to a New Life
- Chiropractic Care for an Easier Pregnancy and Safer Birth
- The Home Birth Advantage: The physical and emotional benefits of birthing at home
- Empowering Websites for Pregnancy, Birth & Baby
- When the Joy is Missing: An Organic Perspective on Postpartum Depression
- Protecting the Cave
- 9 Essential Ingredients for a Natural Birth
- Appreciating the Process of Birth
- Avoid a Cesarean: Know the Facts
- A Pregnant Pause
- Pathways’ Top Ten Books for Pregnancy and Birth
Letter from the Editor
Jeanne Ohm, DC
Pregnancy and birth have held a special place in my heart for many, many years. Perhaps it comes from spending so much of my life either pregnant, giving birth or bonding with our little ones.
Maybe it evolved from the 30 years I’ve spent caring for pregnant mothers and their newborns. It could be because I still spend almost every weekend teaching chiropractors and holistic birth providers pregnancy-specific care to support natural birthing. Most certainly it has been enriched by embracing the chiropractic philosophy of trusting and respecting the innate, natural order of birthing. Needless to say, it was with great pleasure and love that this issue of Pathways was born.
In my years spent immersed in birthing, I have watched mothers struggle with the desire to birth naturally because of the fears imposed on them by the runaway technology-based birth industry. Before this high-tech intrusion, women gave birth without high regard for an outside authority. They worked to trust their intuition and respect their bodies’ inherent ability to function as it was created to. Under the guise of helping the process, modern medical practices spread the fear of pain, failure and disaster. They undermine the very foundation of women’s trust, and divert their ability to birth from within. Western birth practices constitute one of the most profound examples of how we have allowed the mystique of technology to overcome practical intuition.
When we look at the alarming rise in the C-section rate and the increase in dangerous interventions, the record appears grim. Today, women who are choosing home birth are being scoffed at as merely following a growing fad. I find it disheartening that the normal, natural process of birth is engulfed with such fear and ridicule by the self-appointed powers-that-be. We have allowed these ideas to override our innate trust in, and respect for, our bodies’ own ability to function.
Throughout my 30 years of care, I’ve discovered that the most important service we provide is to turn a pregnant mother’s attention away from her learned fears, and back to her inherent ability to give birth naturally. This starts by challenging her belief in the myth that obstetrics has irrefutably improved maternal and infant health and safety. From there, we encourage them to trust and respect their own intuition and their body’s wisdom in the age-old process of birth. When a woman seeks her strength from within, she finds the greatest inspiration—her awakened, internal spark of power.
One of my favorite birthing videos, Giving Birth, produced by birth educator and activator Suzanne Arms, is exemplary in leading women to this place of trust and power. A midwife in the documentary offers these precious words of wisdom: “Another fear that women have is in losing control in labor, and that is something that any midwife encourages. That moment where a little bit of chaos can take over, and that woman can make those sounds and open her legs and allow that pressure, with all the love and support around her, and be vulnerable, and let that process take over… it is powerful. It is strong and it cannot be prevented. One woman told me in the middle of labor that she realized that this great power that she was feeling was, in fact, her own. It was her body. It was her baby. So instead of being in this dynamic of working against this great energy, she merged with it, and she stepped into it and she said, ‘This is me. This is my body, this is my baby.’ And she owned it. That was the turning point for her.”
Another midwife adds, “This kind of understanding of birth— that the body has its own ability to deal with the pain of labor, and that the pain of labor is not unnatural or abnormal, and, if given enough support and privacy, a woman can do it, and it’s the major achievement of her own strength and creative capacity that nobody can ever take away from her for the rest of her life. That leads her to be a fiercely protective, strong, confident mother.”
I am very hopeful for the future of birth, because what I see happening in all aspects of our society today is a wonderful shift in understanding and perspective. When one side of the scale becomes so over-weighted, a natural phenomenon occurs: a wake-up call, a spontaneous evolution which strives to achieve balance. To use a term coined by Bruce Lipton, Ph.D., a “newedged” science is emerging—one which rocks the cracking foundations of all fear-based, learned reductionism. As this paradigm shifts and we are reconnected with trust and respect, all aspects of our lives will evolve, including healthcare, family life, education and sustainability. What a magnificent pregnancy and birth we are taking part in!
Many Blessings,
Jeanne Ohm, DC
About the Author:
Read Dr. Ohm's bio here.
FEATURE
Taking Charge of Giving Birth
Cynthia Overgard
From the Article:
A commitment to natural delivery in a birth center, without doctors or pain relief of any kind on the premises, was the farthest notion from my mind the summer I learned I was pregnant. Like many other newly expecting women, I reluctantly envisioned my hospital birth to resemble every other actual and fictitious birth I had known. Agonized and disoriented, I would be rushed into a medical scene amid bright lights, confusing equipment and an assortment of intense, unfamiliar faces. I envisioned myself in the usual, dreaded position of lying on my back with knees bent, nobly trying to resist an epidural for as long as possible before finally acquiescing to the temptation, praying all the while that my baby and I would not be harmed by the anesthesia. This vision, unsettling as it was, was far too deeply ingrained by society and mainstream media for me to have realized I could choose otherwise.
At the same time, I was haunted to know that surgical births were fast becoming the norm in the United States, and in fact cesarean sections had skyrocketed from 1 in 20 births to 1 in 3 within my lifetime. What was a rarity thirty years ago had earned its rank as our country’s most common major surgery, and I dreaded the possibility that my obstetrician might deprive me of my birthing experience by performing the quick but drastic procedure without irrefutable evidence that doing so was truly a matter of life and death. That early in my pregnancy, I had yet to learn that cesareans statistically posed a far greater mortality threat to both mothers and babies over vaginal birth. I was guided instead by my intuition: If my body was capable of doing something so astounding as to create and deliver into the world another human being, then I wanted to experience that miracle for myself...
About the Author:
Cynthia Overgard became a certified HypnoBirthing practitioner and a natural birthing advocate after the birth of her son, Alex. In June 2009, Cynthia experienced another water birth when she gave birth to her 9 lb. 7 oz. daughter, Vanessa, during a planned home birth. She and her family live in Westport, Connecticut, and enjoy a holistic, vegetarian lifestyle. Cynthia is a Professor of Finance at the University of Connecticut and a published writer. To contact Cynthia, visit www.HypnoBirthingCT.com.
WELLNESS LIFESTYLE
The Hospital "Birth Plan"
Molly Remer, MSW, ICCE
From the Article:
There is a fairly normal course of events for women giving birth in a hospital setting. In order to be truly prepared to give birth in the hospital, it is important to be aware of today’s standard hospital procedures. All hospital procedures and interventions can be refused under your right to informed consent, but doing so requires knowledge, strength and attentiveness. I hope the following list of things you may encounter in the birthing room will
encourage you to talk with your medical care provider in advance about hospital routines and your own personal choices, as well as help prevent unpleasant surprises during your baby’s birth.
This list has been modified from content in Woman-Centered Pregnancy and Birth. These points might not necessarily reflect how your own hospital operates; that’s something for you to investigate and discuss with your medical care provider...
About the Author:
Molly Remer, MSW, ICCE is a certified birth educator, writer, and activist. She is an LLL Leader and editor of the Friends of Missouri Midwives newsletter. She has two wonderful sons, Lann (6) and Zander (3) and lives in a straw bale house in central Missouri. She blogs about birth at www.talkbirth.wordpress.com and midwifery at www.cfmidwifery.blogspot.com
NUTRITION
Eating in Labor: Trusting the Mother’s Gut Instinct
Gloria Lemay
From the Article:
The wheels of progress seem to turn excruciatingly slowly over at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The organization has just come out with official policy that reverses its position on withholding beverages from birthing women. The lightbulb has finally come on: Nothing is helped by completely starving a woman and her unborn baby.
Midwives needn’t worry that this will send homebirthers rushing into the hospital for their births. It will likely take another 30 years for ACOG to come up with a policy about what kind of drink might be most helpful and how to get it out of food services at 3:00 a.m.
The homebirth experience provides a window into what happens with the human mammal who is not told what to eat or drink, and who can open her own fridge or cupboard any time she wants. When a woman eats to her own satisfaction in the early birthing hours, that food does not digest in the usual way. The hormones of birth slow digestion to a crawl. However, the food in the stomach provides energy, via sugars, to the birthing woman and baby...
About the Author:
Gloria Lemay has been a birth attendant and educator since the 1970’s. Gloria can be visited at www.glorialemay.com.
FAMILY LIVING
Through a Child's Eyes
Susan Bartell, PsyD
From the Article:
It’s a very important moment in the life of your family: You’re adding a new member! In growing families, a new son or daughter is often also a new brother or sister. Many families face the question: Should my child be present to greet her new sibling on arrival?
Different people will have very different reactions to this idea. Some will think it’s terrific—a really wonderful shared experience for parents and child, not to mention a powerful bonding moment for the child and her new sibling. Other people will be shocked that a parent would even consider exposing a child to what they perceive as a traumatic experience. One mom told me that she didn’t think she would be able to concentrate and that she might even be embarrassed for her daughter to see her in labor and giving birth. Still others will be on the fence, unsure of which is the right decision for their family. It’s important to examine the pros and cons of this issue in order to decide which choice is right for you. And if you do decide to have your child present at the birth of your next baby, we have some suggestions about how to make the experience as positive as possible...
About the Author:
Dr. Susan Bartell is America’s #1 Family Psychologist. She has been helping parents and kids lead happier and healthier lives for nearly twenty years. Dr. Susan’s latest book is Dr. Susan’s Fit and Fun Family Action Plan. You can learn more about her at www.DrSusanBartell.com.
CHIROPRACTIC FOR LIFE
Adjusting to a New Life
Various
From the Article:
Parents often ask why a newborn baby should be checked by a chiropractor. Adjustments help alleviate spinal subluxations (misalignments of the vertebrae) caused by intrauterine constraint, abnormal positioning in the uterus, and spinal distress from the journey through the birth canal or during the delivery process itself. Ideally, babies should be checked and adjusted as soon as possible after birth...
PREGNANCY
Chiropractic Care for an Easier Pregnancy and Safer Birth
Jeanne Ohm, DC
From the Article:
You might have noticed that chiropractic care is becoming an important part of birth preparation for many pregnant women these days. These women are realizing the benefits of regular chiropractic adjustments as they prepare for safer, easier birthing for both themselves and their babies. Chiropractors have actually cared for pregnant women for many years. Recently, however, with the increased interest in natural birthing, and in an
effort to avoid having a C-section, a growing number of mothers have incorporated chiropractic into their prenatal care. To understand how chiropractic care can contribute to a better birth, it is important to look at the mother’s and baby’s biomechanics throughout pregnancy.
As a mother’s weight increases, her center of gravity shifts
outward and her postural compensations respond accordingly.
In addition, the ligament laxity necessary for birthing adds to
instability in all of her joints, including her spine and pelvis...
About the Author:
Dr. Jeanne Ohm has been working with pregnant mothers for almost 30 years in her family wellness, chiropractic practice. Dr. Ohm's professional mission is fulfilled by traveling internationally to provide chiropractors with the skills and passion to care for more pregnant mothers and children. Additionally, she is committed to educating birth practitioners with the information to support natural birthing in their practices. She and her husband Dr. Tom are the parents of 6 healthy, home-birthed children. She can be reached at www.makinmiracles.com or on Facebook.
BIRTH
The Home Birth Advantage:
The physical and emotional benefits of birthing at home
Ronnie Falcão, LM, MS
From the Article:
When it comes to what’s best for you and your baby, you can consider a midwife-assisted home birth as safe an option as birthing in a hospital or free-standing birth center. At a home birth, your privacy will be respected and you can enjoy birthing in an intimate, family atmosphere. By birthing at home, you’ll be treated like a woman going through a natural process. Too often in hospitals, birthing women are made to feel more like patients with a dangerous condition.
Homebirth midwives carry the same equipment and medications found in a birth center. These includes handheld Dopplers and state-of-the-art machines for continuous monitoring of the baby’s heart rate, if necessary. Midwives also bring suctioning equipment and an oxygen tank to every birth, in the rare event they are needed. Anti-hemorrhagic medications will be on hand to prevent postpartum hemorrhaging, as will suturing equipment in case you tear...
About the Author:
Ronnie Falcao, LM MS is a homebirth midwife practicing in and around Mountain View, California. Direct-entry midwife trained through a homebirth apprenticeship and a residential internship at Casa de Nacimiento birth center in El Paso, TX. Licensed in 1997 under the California Challenge Process through the Seattle School of Midwifery. Twelve years in homebirth practice. She is also editor of the Midwife Archives at gentlebirth.org/archives. Ronnie's personal webpage is www.gentlebirth.org.
RESOURCES
Empowering Websites for Pregnancy, Birth & Baby
Resources, Information & Directories of Practitioners
BirthCenters.org - A comprehensive resource of birth centers
BirthPartners.com - Natural childbirth options: international listings
CFMidwifery.org - Information & resources promoting midwives
HomeBirth.org.nz - New Zealand homebirth association
Homeopathic.org - National center for homeopathy
HPAkids.org - The Alliance of Practitioners for Holistic Family Health & Wellness
ICPA4Kids.org - Family wellness chiropractors, articles, resources
MANA.org - Midwives alliance for unity and strength
MaternityCoalition.org.au - Australian umbrella organization supporting maternity services
Midwives.org.au - Promoting, supporting & strengthening midwifery in Australia
Midwife.org - Find a certified nurse or midwife
Naturopathic.org - American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Resources for Pregnancy & Birth
Acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz - Parent’s acupressure & acupuncture guide for pregnancy & childbirth
AmericanPregnancy.org - Comprehensive pregnancy information
AmtaMassage.org - Find a practitioner, become a therapist
BirthIntoBeing.com - Resources for home birth, natural birth & water birth
BirthingTheFuture.org - Suzanne Arms presents articles & DVDs on natural birth
BirthInternational.com - Birth International
BirthPsychology.com - Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health
ChildbirthSolutions.com - Supportive information on birth choices
ChildbirthConnection.org - Resources on pregnancy, labor & birth
ChoicesinChildbirth.org - Helping women make informed decisions
FathersToBe.org - Effective preparation & support for fathers
HenciGoer.com - Referenced, informed choices in childbirth
HomeBirth.org.uk - Home birth support in the U.K.
HomeBirthAustralia.org - Home birth support in Australia
HomeBirthVideos.org - Excellent compilation of birth DVDs for viewing & purchase
ICAN-Online.org - International Cesarean Awareness Network: outstanding information
InaMay.com - Website of Ina may Gaskin, leading midwifery advocate, author, innovator
LifeHealthChoices.com - Making informed health choices for you & your family
MercierTherapy.com - Massage therapy training for pregnancy, & better birth
MindfulMotherhood.org - Mindfulness practices for pregnancy & early motherhood
MotherandChildHealth.com - Natural pregnancy, birth, children & parenting information
MotherFriendly.org - Coalition for Improving Maternity Services
NewDawnPublish.com - DVDs, training for dynamic body balancing
PlusSizePregnancy.com - Information for plus-size pregnant women
PushedBirth.com - What to really expect in today’s modern birthing system
SpinningBabies.com - Easier childbirth with optimal fetal positioning
ThePinkKit.com - DVD sets to instill birthing confidence
TheUnnecesarean.com - Useful information in avoiding unnecessary cesareans
TheBirthSurvey.com - An online consumer survey of women’s birth experiences
WaterBirth.org - Supporting & educating women who want to birth in water
WhatBabiesWant.com - Understanding the consciousness of infants & babies in utero
Birth Education, Doulas & Hypnobirthing Practitioners
Alace.org - International birth & wellness project
BirthingFromWithin.com - Resources, educators & doulas
BirthWorks.org - Resource directory emphasizing trust & self-confidence
BradleyBirth.com - Husband-coached childbirth
Dona.com - All about doulas & finding a doula
HypnoBirthing.com - Learning how to connect with your inherent birthing potential
Google.com - Find HypnoBirthing in the U.K., Australia & New Zealand
ICEA.org - Promoting freedom of choice in birthing
Lamaze.org - Supporting natural pregnancy, childbirth & parenting
Unassisted Birthing
EmpoweredChildbirth.com - Empowered childbirth
UmbrellaNoize.com - A manual for emergency childbirth
UnassistedChildbirth.com - Articles, DVDs, forums
UnassistedHomeBirth.com - Articles, links, DVDs
UnassistedHomebirth.com/Fathers - Fathers’ questions answered
YouTube.com - Infant CPR
Magazines for Pregnancy, Birth & Early Childhood
CompleatMother.com - The magazine of pregnancy, birth & breastfeeding
Magazine.Lamaze.org - Natural pregnancy, childbirth & parenting
MidwiferyToday.com - Articles on the practice of natural childbirth
Mothering.com - The birthplace of natural family lifestyle
PathwaysToFamilyWellness.org - Vitalistic articles & resources for family wellness
Newborn Needs & Informed Choices
AttachmentParenting.org - Infant sleep safety guidelines
AVN.org.au - Australian Vaccination Network
DoctorsOpposingCircumcision.org - Physicians for Genital Integrity
FamiliesForNaturalLiving.org - Families for Conscious Living
HolisticMoms.org - Community groups & forums connecting parents
JewsAgainstCircumcision.org - Supporting families who don’t circumcise
KellyMom.com - Breastfeeding & parenting
LaLecheLeague.org - Breastfeeding community groups & resources
LifeHealthChoices.com - Education, advocacy, options
Mercola.com - Research & information on all aspects of health from Dr. Mercola
NoCirc.org - National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers
NVIC.org - National Vaccine Information Center
ThinkTwice.com - Global Vaccine Institute
WestonAPrice.org - Wise traditions in food, farming & the healing arts
THE OUTER WOMB
When the Joy is Missing: An Organic Perspective on Postpartum Depression
Marcy Axness, PhD
From the Article:
Postpartum depression is one of those everyday terms we use, though few of us understand what it means. We know it is important and serious, but it remains abstract. How does one recognize postpartum depression? What does it feel like?
A simple web search provides these symptoms: extreme fatigue, loss of interest in activities, sleeplessness, sadness, tearfulness, anxiety, hopelessness, irritability, appetite change, poor concentration and feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
As vague and complex as this may seem, postpartum depression can almost always be detected by a single screening question: Does the mother feel joy? If she suffers from any form of postpartum depression, it’s possible she’ll say “no” outright. But she’ll also be likely to hedge, with words like, “I know I’m supposed to feel joy… and sometimes, occasionally… there are brief hints of joy...”
Many new mothers experience what I call Chronic Covert Postpartum Depression (CCPD). They suffer behind a façade of frantic perfectionism that effectively obscures the possibility of even considering whether something could be wrong...
About the Author: 
Marcy Axness, Ph.D., is an early development specialist, adjunct faculty member of Santa Barbara Graduate Institute’s Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology program, and counselor in the L.A. area, specializing in fertility, pregnancy psychology, adoption, and early parenting. She can be reached 818-366-7310, or via her website at www.QuantumParenting.com. This article appeared in the Journal of Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology and Health, 21(4), 2007.
PARENTING
Protecting the Cave
Patrick M. Houser
From the Article:
The ancient archetype of a father during birth is that of him standing guard at the opening of the cave, protecting the birthing mother and newborn from danger. As we move through time, he comes closer to the actual location of the birth itself—waiting, protecting. By the late 20th century, he enters the birthing room and becomes more involved.
His earliest role in the birth process was to ensure survival—to protect the family from wild animals, or perhaps other tribes. As birth has become more industrialized, his role appears to have altered. But could it be that by entering the birthing room, the father is returning to his initial, primal role of protecting his loved ones?
In our culture today, the threat could be drifting dangerously close to the mother and baby—from inside the birthing room itself. Has our modern approach to birth interfered with the natural physiological process to such a point where fathers are now needed to intercede? To protect in a new way? Interventions of every unimaginable kind are rampant, and much of what is being done to the mother and child is as unnecessary as it is risky...
About the Author:
Patrick M. Houser is a grandfather and father of 2 sons. It was the birth of his first son which revealed to him the need to understand birth more fully. Patrick’s second son’s arrival, in 1980, was the first documented waterbirth in the USA. This has formed his life's work and led him to nearly 25 years of passionate advocacy for birth choices. He has a degree in marketing, has owned a natural health centre and for 10 years ran his construction firm in Austin, Texas. He is the director of The Source Foundation International a UK reg. charity, promoting health and choice from preconception to birth and throughout life. Patrick is also a speaker, writes articles and is the author of the Fathers-To-Be Handbook, published in the UK and now available in a USA edition as well.
Patrick Houser is available for workshops, lectures, conferences, consulting with organizations and coaching with parents, anywhere. Continuing Education Units available as well (DONA approved).
HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE
9 Essential Ingredients for a Natural Birth
From the Article:
In addition to regularly visiting your chiropractor during your pregnancy, consider these nine holistic paths to strengthen your mind, body and spirit for your upcoming birth...
About the Authors:
HOMEOPATHY 
Piper Martin, B.Ed., DS Hom.Med, is a mother of three vital boys. She is a Classical Homeopath supporting families through pregnancy, birth and onward through the use of Homeopathic medicine. She is an educator and consultant for midwives across Canada and is the creator of Homeopathic Medicine for Pregnancy and Childbirth. Piper writes for Midwifery Today and can be reached at www.pipermartin.com.
NATUROPATHY
Louisa Glindemann, AdvDN, AdvDBM, DNut, DRM, DAroma MATMS, MNHAA, MADC,
is a mother, qualified naturopath, certified doula and childbirth educator practicing and educating from the Australian Doula College in Sydney. Her practice focuses on building long term, supportive healing for women and their families. She specializes in fertility, pregnancy, birth, postnatal and children’s health. For more information visit www.yournaturopath.com.au.
ACUPUNCTURE
Lynn Keating, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist in the State of NY. Lynn graduated from New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine with an MS in Health Science/Acupuncture. She has spent 15 years studying Eastern and Western philosophies of health and healing, including oriental medicine, homeopathic medicine, massage, and nutrition. Lynn has a private practice in Port Washington , NY. For more information visit www.acuportpw.com.
HYPNOBIRTHING®
Cynthia Overgard, MBA, HBCE, became a certified HypnoBirthing® practitioner after the water birth of her son, Alex. In June 2009, Cynthia gave birth to her 9 lb. 7 oz. daughter, Vanessa, during a planned home birth. She and her family live in Westport, Connecticut. In addition to teaching HypnoBirthing®, Cynthia is a published writer and a finance instructor at the University of Connecticut. Cynthia can be reached at www.HypnoBirthingCT.com.
LABOR DOULAS
Alice McNulty is an R.N. and a doula practicing in southwestern Connecticut. She has seven years’ experience as a doula and HypnoBirthing instructor. Alice can be reached at www.moonspiritdoula.com.
MASSAGE
Dr. Jennifer Mercier is extensively trained in many aspects of women's health care issues. Her areas of interest and expertise are:
• Therapeutic Herbals and Nutritional Supplements
• Infertility
• Childbirth Education
• Teaching Mercier Therapy
• Natural Family Planning
• Traditional Midwifery
• Breastfeeding Support
Visit Dr. Mercier's web site for more information concerning her practice.
www.DrJenniferMercier.com
HOME BIRTH MIDWIFERY
Nancy Wainer, CPM, HBCE, CCE, has been privileged to attend approximately 1,500 births. She co-founded C/SEC, the first cesarean awareness organization in the world, and coined the term VBAC. She is the author of two critically-acclaimed books on childbirth. "Silent Knife: Cesarean Prevention and VBAC," which won the American Library Award for the best book in the field of Health and Medicine, and "Open Season: A Survival Guide for Natural Childbirth." Nancy is an internationally known childbirth speaker. She currently teaches and attends births in Massachusetts. She can be reached at www.birthdaymidwifery.com
YOGA
Nina Antolino Jagetic, RYT, BE, MBA, is a Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Empowerment Life Coach, and Certified Reiki II Practitioner. Her unique blend of experience and passion has helped guide her clients to self-exploration, self-acceptance and self-trust. She has been teaching individuals and groups in Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY for almost 10 years and has a passion for guiding women through their pre- and post-natal experience.
PILATES
Rachel Prior has studied Pilates for over seven years and is currently pursuing her certification in Pilates instruction. Prior to that, she practiced dance for 15 years. Rachel teaches Pilates in New York City, where she lives with her husband and daughter. She is expecting another baby in February.
GRATITUDE
Appreciating the Process of Birth
Cathy Daub
From the Article:
The knowledge of how to give birth is already inside every woman. Women need encouragement to have more faith in, and a greater appreciation for, their bodies’ wisdom. The nonprofit organization Birth Works International provides that encouragement by utilizing a unique, innovative and experiential program integrating awareness, trust and appreciation. Here’s how this guiding philosophy can enrich your birthing experience...
About the Author:
Cathy Daub, PT, CCE(BWI), CD(BWI), CD(DONA), MAM (MAM stands for Maya Abdominal Massage) is the founder, designer and president of Birth Works International (BWI) www.birthworks.org and the author of Birthing in the Spirit: A Human Values Approach to Childbirth.
INFORMED CHOICE
Avoid a Cesarean: Know the Facts
From the Article:
These facts are presented by the International Cesarean Awareness Network with the hope that parents, childbirth educators, doulas, nurses, midwives and doctors together can effectively reduce the rate of unnecessary cesarean sections and their effects.
A cesarean section is major abdominal surgery used for the delivery of an infant through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. The incision may be made across the bottom of the abdomen above the pubic area (transverse) or in rare instances, in a line from the belly button to the pubic area (vertical)...
About the fact sheet:
This fact sheet was provided by the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) and reprinted with permission. ICAN was, founded as Cesarean Prevention Movement in 1982, has chapters, individuals, an international newsletter (the Clarion), an e-mail line and a website ready to give you support and information. For more information, please call 1-800-686-ICAN or visit www.ican-online.org.
MIND-BODY-SPIRIT
A Pregnant Pause
Dr. Jennifer Barham-Floreani
From the Article:
Pregnancy is a transformative time in a woman’s life, bringing about powerful physical, mental and emotional changes. The mind and body work together to form an intelligent organism in which every part affects the whole. Pregnancy is an ideal time to assess the quality of conversation that you have with yourself—and enhance it, if possible.
The brain has two parts that govern emotions and feelings: the limbic system (often called the seat of emotions) and the pre-frontal cortex (which regulates our feelings). Emotions are communicated to the body via the nervous system, which uses neurotransmitters to release chemicals that cause positive or negative physiological changes.
When we are stressed or anxious, for instance, our nervous system stimulates particular organs and glands to produce chemicals that put our body in a heightened state. While this is appropriate in certain situations, most of the time it’s merely a conditioned response stemming from stress or anxiety. Sustained over a period of time, this chemical release can be detrimental to our health. Fear, tension and anxiety affect muscles, tendons and ligaments and can create subluxations (misalignments) in the spine, which in turn affect our nervous and immune systems. These chemicals can also cross the placental barrier and have a direct effect on the developing foetus.
Therefore, pregnant mothers must not only take care of themselves physically, but mentally as well. While unpleasant feelings are a natural part of life, it is wise to create calm thoughts as often as you can during gestation...
About the Author:
Dr. Jennifer Barham-Floreani is a mother of four, chiropractor (recently awarded both Australian Chiropractor of the Year and Victorian Chiropractor of the Year), business owner and writer. Jennifer's work is respectful yet thought provoking and encourages parents to define their own health culture. Jennifer is married to a chiropractor and raises her children with strong health principles. Adjusted since birth by her chiropractor father and growing up in one of Australia's largest chiropractic families, Jennifer is not a recent adoptee of wellness philosophies.She is passionate about holistic parenting which she believes requires constantly sourcing knowledge on how to nurture her children's health and well-being. Strengthening their life force physically, emotionally and spiritually.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Pathways’ Top Ten Books for Pregnancy and Birth
- Spiritual Midwifery
By Ina May Gaskin - Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering
By Sarah J. Buckley, MD
- Mother’s Intention: How Belief Shapes Birth
By Kim Wildner - Spontaneous Evolution
By Bruce H. Lipton, PhD and Steve Bhaerman - Birthing in the Spirit
By Cathy Daub - Birthing From Within
By Pam England, MA, CNM - Active Birth
By Janet Balaskas - Pushed
By Jennifer Block - Having a Baby, Naturally
By Peggy O’Mara - Fathers-To-Be Handbook
By Patrick M. Houser
TO ORDER BOOKS
Order your books here and support research and education for the family wellness lifestyle
LET US KNOW
E-mail us a list of your favorite books! editor@pathwaystofamilywellness.org
Back to Pathways References Page