Day’s Sunrise
September 1, 2008
At the end of November 2007, the son I was pregnant with stopped moving at thirty-one weeks. It had been a healthy, normal pregnancy, and we had planned a homebirth out of state, in Maine, because of the hostile environment against homebirth in our home state of Illinois, but suddenly he was gone. Read more
Unassisted Homebirth and Waterbirth of Avi Zion
August 29, 2008
When I think of birth, I think of optimum health. This is the time when all senses become the wisest. Wanting to keep my body at it’s purest - smells, tastes, sights, and sounds should be naturally wholesome. There is a new life developing within me - I am a habitat and I control my own environment within me.
Read more
10 Homebirth Facts No One’s Telling You
August 25, 2008
(Note to Free Thinkers: Please don’t make your birth decisions based on statistics alone. Numbers, statistics and studies can be skewed to support either side of most arguments. That’s why you’ll find tons of folks bantering back and forth… quoting study after study after study. Your birth choices are not about “studies.” They are about you. About your life, your baby and your choice. Studies support your choice. They don’t have the power to make your choice.)
Attending My First Homebirth
August 24, 2008
I attended my first-ever birth (other than my own) this past summer. The homebirth midwife who had attended my last birth was a little strapped for help—her partner was out of the country, she had another mama in labor, and her backup had another birth happening at the same time that she was in danger of having to run off to—so I got to go along as an extra pair of (unskilled) hands and moral support. I was honored to be able to attend the birth of the newest arrival to this amazing family. Read more
Homebirth Video: Jude’s Birth
August 20, 2008
jude’s birth
You can also read jude’s birth story.
Read more
Homebirth Story: Jude’s Birth
August 20, 2008
he’s 10 days old today… already the sharp, clear lines of the memories and images of his birth are softening around the edges, taking on the more romantic quality that happens as time moves forward… so, i write.
this pregnancy was different than the others. i was more aware, more comfortable inside my skin this time around. we decided not to go with the home birth practice we had before, and in doing so, took on more personal responsibility for this birth, which we were both ok with. the midwife we hired was very non-interventive, as well as being a terrific friend and fellow birthy person. our visit were long and relaxed, with tea and snacks and trust being shared by all. i wrote on my own chart and was so involved in every aspect of my care - i loved that.
Ricki Lake, AMA and the Business of Being Born
August 19, 2008
On Sunday November 4 2007, I hosted a public screening of Ricki Lake’s homebirth movie, The Business of Being Born.
We had a great turn out and some great discussion about the issues that this movie brings into the spotlight.
Read more
Homebirth Video: Talula Skye
August 18, 2008
Talula Skye was born on October 29, 2006
Read more
Preparing for Birth
August 16, 2008
What’s the best way to prepare for giving birth? Especially if you’ve never done it before?
Some would take the more external approach, pointing in the direction of childbirth education classes, specific books or in taking a hospital tour. But when you have not experienced birth (and even if you have), the best way to prepare is very inward.
The most obvious “inward” way to prepare your body is to get it ready by practicing optimal nutrition during pregnancy. Everything that goes into your body has the potential to help or harm your baby, and like an athlete preparing for a race, what you put into your body does affect how it will behave during labor.
Read more
My Thoughts on Vitamin K
August 16, 2008
When considering the vitamin K shot for a newborn, it is wise to look at the facts and evidence out there before making a decision. I believe that this, like any standard protocol, must be questioned and understood as fully as possible by the parents.
There is a lot of conflicting information out there about the AAP recommended vitamin K shot at birth.
Read more
