The Link Between Induction & Cesarean Births

A new study published in the July 2010 issue of the medical journal Obstetrics & Gynecology links induced labor with a greater risk of cesarean surgery. The study, which looked at 7,804 first-time mothers giving birth in US birth centers showed that women who had their labors induced were twice as likely to have a [...]

Update on the Status of Midwifery in Newfoundland & Labrador

This letter is taken from the July edition  of DONA’s eDoula newsletter.
Greetings from your Newfoundland SPAR
By Jillian Hand Humphries, CD(DONA)
Hello from Newfoundland and Labrador!
 There have been a lot of changes happening
here in the city of St. John’s lately. Let’s start with the good news!
 Midwifery legislation is finally in the works for our eastern province. The [...]

The Breast is Best Campaign- is it working?

I used to believe that breast is always best. I gave the stink eye to bottlefeeding moms, I towed the Breast is Best partyline.
I was wrong.
I still think breastmilk is the optimal food for your baby. That part is based on science and economics, not opinion. But is feeding your babe at the breast really best [...]

Vitamin D and the Breastfeeding mom

As with any info and/or recommendations regarding vitamin supplements check with your naturopath before changing your dosages. I’m reposting this article because I think it is useful information, not as an endorsement of any kind. 
Vitamin D – The Cure For Many Diseases – Norman Shealy, M.D. 
PhD- article be Gail Dahl

“Dr. Joe Prendergast has managed over 1500 diabetic [...]

Breast Milk, the Most Amazing Substance on Earth!

When Noah was an infant he often woke up with really gunky eyes. Not pink eye but an over abundance of yellow goo. Our Public Health nurse came over and asked us to try squirting breastmilk into his eyes. I did and after two or three feedings and subsequent squirts the goo didn’t come back [...]

Doulas and Epidurals

Doula Chick, Halifax 30/01/09
I am so sad as I write this post. How did guilt and shame become part of the birth expierence? Especially when a doula is in attendance. Our mandate is to help women create a birth expierence that is uniquely theirs and yet I’m now wondering if we’re truly doing that.
Have we [...]

Midwives rock!

Midwife-led Birth is Safest
Yet another research study confirms what midwives and mamas have known forever: midwives offer optimal care for pregnant and birthing women.
The Cochrane Review has published a new study on Midwife-led versus other models of care for childbearing women. The study showed numerous benefits, more positive outcomes, and less interventions and complications with [...]

Placenta

 

So, I was sent this article, and as someone with PPD, I found it kinda interesting.

I like the articles from the Placenta Blog. I personally didn’t choose to keep my placenta, but the more I read, the less odd it becomes.

 

Depression during pregnancy increases preterm deliveries
 
A new study suggests that women with symptoms [...]

Keepsake Ultrasounds

I want to start this post with two notes. First, you might not want to read this if you would like to continue thinking that I’m the completely non-judgemental, whatever makes you feel good then go for it, easygoing gal youve come to know and love.
Second,  I know there are reasons for wanting, needing extra ultasounds. During [...]