"Pregnant in America" Very touching!!!!!

Okay, this documentary is a bit long.  And as a matter of fact it was extremely slow at times.  But I tell you what if you miss the ending you have missed out on a very heart warming story of a father's journey through educating himself and others on birthing and then the beauty & trials his own family encountered.  It was very touching!!!

Must see documentary!!!

I just watched "The Business of Being Born"  and I think everyone should see it!  I was able to watch it instantly on my PC using Netflix.

breastfeeding in public is offensive - see for you...

Analytical Armadillo: breastfeeding in public is offensive - see for you...: "I can't take the credit for this (nor can I track down the original author) but it's great and so worth a share :) I’m thankful for not ha..."

"Cervical Scars" Why aren't doctors talking about this?

Have you ever had any procedures on your cervix?  For example a  LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) commonly used for removal of abnormal cells or a D&C (Dilation & Curettage).  Then your doctor may have neglected to inform you that you may have difficulty dilating during labor.  Many C-sections have been performed due to "Failure to Progress" when they could have been avoided!  You can read one doulas experience with cervical scarring here:
http://www.birthresourcenetwork.org/blog/98-cervical-scar-tissue--a-big-issue-that-no-one-is-talking-about

So.....what can you do if this has effected your cervix?  The suggested method is Red Raspberry Leaf Tea & Evening Primrose Oil.  EPO acts as a prostaglandin which ripens and softens the cervix.  EPO can also be helpful in fertility.  More on that topic to come. 

How to use Red Raspberry Leaf Tea:  can be used from the first day that you find out you are pregnant.  After 36 weeks you may want to increase to 3 cups per day

*Note EPO should not be taken throughout entire pregnancy.  Do not insert anything into vagina after rupture of membranes*
How to use Evening Primrose Oil:  May be used orally from about 34 weeks gestation 1 cap three times daily.  After 36 weeks along with cervical massage may be inserted vaginally 1-2 caps at bedtime.

Protect your cervix, teach your daughters, & share the knowledge with girlfriends!

Does your state protect your babies right to breastfeed?

http://mothering.com/sites/resources/map.pdf

Check out this map at Mothering.com to see!

Great comment made re: VBAC discussion

http://www.theunnecesarean.com/blog/2011/6/5/vbac-vs-repeat-cesarean-try-on-both-choices.html

Here is an informative & well written discussion re: tearing or Episiotomy

DISCLAIMER: there are graphic pictures in this post.


http://wonderfullymadebelliesandbabies.blogspot.com/2011/02/would-you-rather.html

What would you rather....
                    "Don't worry, we are going to talk about how to minimize the risk of tearing altogether. But, in the spirit of informed decision making, we will be talking about what both tears and episiotomies are, the risks and benefits of each, and how to minimize the risk of either occurring."