My two cents

I've been informed that it's offensive that I don't believe women should just be able to choose elective C/S and elective inductions for no (medical) reason. There are many reasons I feel that way. But what it really comes down to is choice. ( Choice and jealousy, which I'll get to later.) The freedom to CHOOSE what we want. Birthing our children is one of the most monumental events in a woman's life. With it being such an important event, that will be remembered forever, it should be a happy one. One where we get options, and have choices, and don't have to FIGHT for them. If one subsection of women is going to be given choices galore, then why not respect ALL women's choices? If a woman can choose a section because she doesn't want to labor, and a woman can choose an induction at 39 weeks because she's tired of being pregnant, that is all hunky dory. But RESPECT MY CHOICES TOO.

Don't tell the woman who would rather drink than be tied to an IV, that isn't not a choice. Or that keeping the lights dim just isn't acceptable. What about mandatory monitor time? If I come in laboring, and my baby looks good on the monitor, then TAKE IT OFF. Why must it be a fight? Why would the nurse ever say to someone that refusing continuous monitoring is dangerous? It's simply not true. What is true is that our rate of fetal death and complications has not decreased AT ALL since continuous monitoring became popular. Would you like to know what has gone up? Why, the c-section rate of course. Shocker.

Women who come in willing to go with the flow, and do what the majority of women do, don't seem to have a problem. But not everyone wants an IV, epidural, and their water broken. But if women can choose that, then let women who DON'T want that also have their freedom of choice.

If a hospital offers elective/convenience sections and inductions, are they offering a full range of options to all women? Because that's what it's all about. Choices for all women. ALL, not just the ones choosing options that are making the hospital money. It's great that you offer state of the art OR's, but do you also offer birthing tubs in your rooms? Can I labor in the jacuzzi tub, can I give birth in the tub? Choices for all women, that is what I'm all about. For my next birth, I can't have a waterbirth because there aren't tubs. But yet that hospital offers convenience C-sections and inductions. What would I like to see happen? NO MORE ELECTIVE procedures until I get my waterbirth. This is where the jealousy issue comes in. I'm jealous, and pissed off because I feel like I'm treated unfairly. Why isn't my desire for a waterbirth taken as seriously, as the woman who gets induced at 39 weeks for being tired of pregnancy. When every woman, and her wishes for childbirth, get equal respect, then I will be happy.

Somehow this is kinda turning out to be a wish list for my future L&D nurse. I asked some fellow natural birth mamas what they fear/fight for in a hospital birth. I wanted some input, so this doesn't come straight from just my opinion. These are legitimate issues and "beefs" that women have. These are also women who, in general, don't "approve" of convenience inductions and sections. Maybe when we get the respect we deserve, for wanting and demanding a natural and intervention free birth, then we'll be a little more willing to respect others who have their every wish catered to.

So, to my future nurse and/or doctor:

Please be educated about alternative ways to birth naturally. Know the basic concepts of Bradley, Leboyer, Hypnobabies, Hypnobirthing, and Lamaze. When I come in wanting, and having planned for, a natural birth, I don't care to explain it in between contractions. If you know how to prep a woman for an epidural, then you should know about those programs. Fair is fair after all.

You know I want a natural birth. So, do not offer me drugs. Yes, I know they are available. Yes, I know there is a CRNA available for the almighty epidural. Do not offer me drugs. I will ask for them if I need them. Your interruption and suggestion of drugs just disrupts my focus, and is rude. Stop it.

If the lights are dim, we have them that way for a reason. Don't automatically flip all the bright lights on every time you walk in. Again, it disrupts my focus. If you need more light to read my strip, then let me know what you are doing.

I understand that you need an admission strip. I've got no problem with getting that 15 minute strip. But after that (assuming baby looks good), I will take off the monitor whether you like it or not. I'm sorry if you are too busy to intermittently and come in and check me with the doppler. Find the time. I'm a patient too, and I have choices as well. I choose to decline intermittent monitoring. Your department found time to admit the convenience induction, so please find time to respect my wishes as well.

I understand that it's easier for you and the doc/midwife if I push and deliver in stirrups. I understand, but I don't care. Not. one. iota. I choose to deliver in whatever position my body is telling me, not what is convenient for you. If I ask for a bar to hold onto while I squat to push, then get it for me. Don't waste time trying to convince me to throw my legs in stirrups.

If I'm not progressing fast enough for you, then let's look at our possibilities. Please don't tell me the number one option is pitocin. If you do, then I'll know right away that I don't like you. What about walking? Nipple stimulation? Position changes? If you are any type of caregiver that I would want anything to do with, then you will suggest these first. First and foremost.

You should have already asked about my plans for the actual delivery. Please respect the fact that I want my baby on my chest, and not across the room in the warmer. This is of course assuming baby is doing well. You can give the Vitamin K shot while he's on my chest. You can listen to his heartrate and breathing while he's on my chest. You can take his temperature while he's on my chest. Don't even think about coming in and "telling" me that you are taking my baby to the nursery. He'll be staying with me, thank.you.very.much. You've been respecting women's decisions that I don't agree with, so now it's your turn to respect my decision that you don't agree with. Fair is fair.....

Unless my baby's life is in serious peril, do not even *think* about an episiotomy. I know it's good for you to hurry up and get this delivery done; you can transfer me to postpartum and then the doc can go home. There is *no* reason for an episiotomy unless my baby is in distress, and I won't consider it. Don't bother mentioning it, and don't even think about trying to bully me into it.

Have alternative equipment available. Like a monitor that can be worn while walking, with waveforms transmitted to a monitor. It's just like cardiac telemetry. It's a nice compromise; I get to walk, and you get your monitoring. Please have plenty of birth balls. They are like 20 bucks at Target, and your department should have plenty to go around.

Bathtubs, ahhh bathtubs. I understand that most hospital rooms are equipped with showers for a reason. But the next time the L&D department gets renovated, could you please just put in jacuzzi tubs? Please? Did you know that laboring in water is considered "the midwifes epidural"? A tub may be just the thing a mommy needs to get through transition. We don't all want drugs to get through transiton; a bathtub may do the trick all by itself. I know waterbirths are a touchy subject. But seriously, read the research and get over yourself. Get the tubs, and allow waterbirths. Please?

The whole counting to ten thing----I'm so over it. My body knows when to push. I can feel things, remember? I'm not numb, and my body knows what to do. Leave us alone and quit yelling numbers in my ear. Thanks!

Okay, so enough of my hypothetical letter to my future caregivers. Yes, it's written with a snotty undertone and tongue in cheek. But I am sick and tired of people who just want a natural birth, having to fight these same battles. Yes, I am aware I don't get a medal. Yes, I am aware that it doesn't make me superwoman. But it does get me to my goal.....a drug free baby.

I was so lucky, blessed, and fortunate to have had an amazing birth with Drake. I firmly believe that not going in until I was "dying", AKA 10 cm, helped that cause. They barely had time to set up a delivery table, much less hassle me about stuff. My midwife Tina and I had talked extensively and in great detail about my wishes. She knew them up and down, and was really good about respecting them. Before I went in, I reminded the office nurse to request a nurse who was friendly towards natural childbirth. She did, and I got Marilyn, my angel nurse. She got the monitor off me as quickly as possible, and only used a doppler after that. Her and Tina got me through that last hour. But, at the same time, it could have been better. There were WAY too many people in my room. If my husband or doula had made it there in time, they could have helped with that. They could have refocused me on my hypnobabies. At least the million people in my room all seemed to have a purpose. One awesome nurse was there just to be my photographer. Tina asked me where my camera was, and the nurse found it and started snapping away. I am SO thankful for those photos, since I was by myself.

Anyhow, I think I've rambled long enough for now. Look for a continuation.....

Sharing an amazing video about homebirth

Our Journey to Homebirth

I came across this video this morning, for the second time. It made me cry, again. I have so much respect for this woman, for doing anything and everything she could to accomplish her goals. Because that's what it's all about, right---setting our goals, and then meeting them........

8 Months old!

When did my little stinker get so old? I really can't believe it! Since it's late, no pics tonight. But, really quick an update on the little man. Let's see, he sits, army crawls, rolls, scoots, babbles incessantly, and now reaches for me. He is starting to display the first signs of separation anxiety. He can get anything he wants with rolling and army crawling, and I honestly don't know that he'll ever "crawl" in the traditional sense. Especially since he's figured out how to get what he wants. His pincher grasp is perfected, but he's not interested in eating food with it. He's perfectly content with sitting in the high chair, with his mouth wide open, while someone else does all the work. He can down a jar of food like it's his job. He doesn't really care for rice or oatmeal, but we haven't found a fruit or veggie that he won't eat. He's starting to eat more food, and less bottles. Next on the list is to get him to start eating finger foods and snacks, so we can start feeding him off our plates. Is it even time for that? I have no idea..... If it is, then I welcome suggestions on how to start that! I don't know when pics from this past weekend will get up, but I'll try. We're slightly busy with the move and all:-)

SIGG bottles

So, I was as shocked as the next person when I read this earlier in the week. Shocked, and disgusted. But in some ways, I wasn't shocked. And that was the sad part. Companies will do anything to make money, include misleading their customers. I, needless to say, won't be buying any more SIGG products. Check out the below in italics, which is copied from www.inhabitots.com. There is also a great article on another blog I follow; feel free to check it out too. www.crunchydomesticgoddess.com


SIGG water bottles, which have long been perceived to be the eco-friendly alternative to plastic water bottles, has just confessed something that has sent huge ripples through the media - all of their bottles manufactured before August of last year actually DO contain BPA - according to a press statement made by Sigg CEO Steve Wasik. In case you aren’t familiar with the notorious chemical, Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor. Part of what made SIGG so popular in the first place was when SIGG marketing tactics involved pointing fingers at polycarbonate water bottle manufacturers - claiming that these types of bottles leached BPA. Not surprisingly, parents and eco-conscious consumers everywhere turned to SIGG bottles as a safe way to tote water on the go without being exposed to the dangerous effects of bisphenol-A, but there is a daunting sense of mistrust now that we learn we’ve been duped. Read on to see how SIGG was able to mislead us.

SIGG’s proprietary “water-based epoxy liner,” was indeed suspected of containing BPA, but representatives from the company released statements stating that the liner was never found to leach BPA in extensive tests. Reassuring to the public as that was, the whole thing was a matter of syntax. In actuality, SIGG is now admitting that their product did contain BPA, although it was never found to leach it. The tricky wording seems like it was a blatant attempt to draw our attention away from the truth, but there is no evidence of SIGG having lied - technically.

The shocking facts came to light when, one whole year after changing their liner to a new “EcoCare” BPA-free formula, SIGG fessed up. We’re happy to see that they have made an effort to rectify their mistake, but the lost trust won’t be easy to regain. Companies need to be forthcoming about what materials are in their products - especially when we are talking about children’s drinking and feeding products.

Not going to miss.....

Night shift at CMC! 20 call rooms, in close proximity, with paper thin walls. Yuck! All night long..... pagers beeping, phones ringing, doors opening and shutting. Did I mention the helicopters going up and down, all night long? The lovely smell of diesel coming through the vents? It makes it slightly difficult to sleep. I laid awake last night until 4 am! I am nervous about working five days a week and getting up early, but it can't be as bad as night shift. I'm so thankful to have had that opportunity, because it has given me more time with Drake and Eric this summer. Which is what it's all about:-) There is always a silver lining, sometimes we just have to look a little harder to find it!

I'm packing up Drake's nursery today. I've realized that I'm not necessarily so sad about leaving Charlotte, but I'm really sad to leave our house. It's our first home together, and where we brought Drake home to. His first home, and now we're leaving. I'm getting all sentimental! But, on to a new home, and new memories! I can't wait to make them......

Confessions of a CF husband

I've followed this blog/website for over a year now, and it's such a sweet story. It's written by Nate, who is married to Tricia (who has CF), and they have a little girl named Gwyneth. I love their story, and I'm continuously inspired by it. Throughout their journey, more and more people have started reading their blog. Along the way, Nate had to start moderating comments and not letting people post anonymously. I'll never quite understand why someone who doesn't even know them would feel the need to write hateful things. The easier option is simply to quit reading about them and their story.

The same thing goes for my blog. My blog was originally started to keep our distant family and friends up to date with our crazy lives. It has evolved over time, but I still enjoy blogging. It appears that I may have to eliminate people having the option to post comments anonymously. They are inevitably rude and hateful, which is just immature and ridiculous considering the other option is to QUIT READING MY BLOG.

One more night of work, and then it's time to pack some stuff up! We are still considering going out of town this weekend, but haven't decided yet. I guess we'll decide tomorrow:-)

Blog surfing

I should really quit blog surfing. If you're confused by what that means, then let me enlighten you. Basically, it's hopping to others blogs via someone's blog you actually follow/read. I do that often, just because I find blogs entertaining. For the most part. However, I've decided I need to quit randomly doing that, b/c I keep finding myself frustrated and irritated. I really need to stick to people's blog who either 1- I know, or 2- think like me.

Sometimes I'm tempted to comment, but I don't because it's not really my place. If someone is making ignorant decisions, and has people to cheer them on in their ignorance, my little comment isn't going to make a difference. And like I said, I really don't feel it's my place. Sometimes I wish I was friends with blog writers, and could actually call them up and enlighten them.

To avoid being endlessly frustrated, I've decided to stick with a few of my favorite message boards. Boards that are chock full of people who believe the same things I do, and who I can vent to. One is the natural childbirth board at justmommies.com, and another is mothering.com. They are both great sources of information, but more importantly, support. The internet really is a fabulous thing, because I only have one friend in real life who thinks like me about alot of things. Mainly pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. Support is great, and sometimes crucial when the things I choose to believe and practice aren't mainstream. If you surf the net long enough, I guarantee you can find a group of people to support whatever your current passion or interest is.

I have two more nights of work, and I'm ready for them to be over. I'm honestly not ready to leave my job, or Charlotte, but I am ready to be done working nights. Not my thing, and these two months have reminded me of that. We move next Tuesday. I'm not sure whether to cry or try to be excited. When it comes down to it, I HAVE to try and be excited. I've got to give living in Florence a fair shot. Eric is, so I have to too. I think the summers will be easier, since it's then we'll take advantage of being close to the ocean and lake. I'm sure this first winter will be the hardest. Give me strength, because I'm sure gonna need it........