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The following articles are reprinted from our newsletter. Use the sign-up form on the right to receive this e-mail publication, filled with news, events and classes, spotlights on providers and sponsors, plus a whole lot more. Great for parents as well as practitioners.

From the BirthLink Newsletter:

Community Unity

Jo Anne Lindberg MEd ABT

BirthLink is so much more than just advertising. We are a member-based organization that is modeled on the concept of building community. Communities are based on relationships. We are practitioners that support health and wellness. We are creating a thriving community where healing practitioners can connect with families. Practitioners can connect with each other. Parents can also connect with each other. We all connect, share and grow. We are a meeting place for health and healing. Our core belief is that creating wellness is each person’s responsibility.

Our birth community has expanded to include many complementary practitioners who provide a wellness kind of care. Many of them offer modalities that support our innate healing ability. Our web site and newsletter are educational resources. We often personally assist with referrals and offer wellness or birth consultations. Remember midwives can provide most women’s health services as well as attend birth in and out of hospitals.

Many of us have lost faith in our body, mind, and spirit. The vast majority of the time, we do know how to heal. We may need some support and encouragement, but we do the work of healing. Mothers, fathers and babies do the real work of birth. We innately know how to do these things. We have survived many, many generations as humans. Tap into and trust your inner wisdom. It is amazing what can happen! Choose to work with practitioners who trust our natural abilities. Always question every form of treatment and honor your inner wisdom first. Our health is our most precious gift.

 

Midwives Makeover for St. Mary's Midwives
Jo Anne Lindberg, MEd ABT

I recently spoke with Mary E Bauer CNM, director of the midwife group at St. Mary’s. Julie Harrison CNM, previous director and long time BirthLink supporter, has handed the baton to Mary and she and has hit the ground running. As the mother of five she first became a doula. When she suggested to her husband that they have a sixth child he said - go get your nursing degree and become a midwife! That is exactly what she did. At age 48, with five children, elementary through high school age, she worked full time and was a full time student. Her first job as a midwife was at St. Marys in Chicago.

The practice is in the process of rebranding itself. The new name is AVIVA Women’s Health and Midwifery. While there are no labor tubs currently that is one of the things Ms Bauer hopes to address soon. There are plans for opening a new office and offering more Centering Prenatal Care. She even has a project going with Channel 5 for a story that will be about midwifery care. Four of the midwives are on staff at UIC College of Nursing. There is also a volunteer doula program at St. Mary’s.

She has been passionate about birth and breastfeeding for many years. The Chicago Tribune recently ran a full page spread on the practice. To learn more about the practice please contact them at 312 491 5092 or 312 980 0535 or check out their Facebook page. They have three locations.

To learn more about Centering Prenatal Care visit: http://www.centeringhealthcare.org/

Past Articles

Midwives Makeover for St. Mary's Midwives
Jo Anne Lindberg, MEd ABT

I recently spoke with Mary E Bauer CNM, director of the midwife group at St. Mary’s. Julie Harrison CNM, previous director and long time BirthLink supporter, has handed the baton to Mary and she and has hit the ground running. As the mother of five she first became a doula. When she suggested to her husband that they have a sixth child he said - go get your nursing degree and become a midwife! That is exactly what she did. At age 48, with five children, elementary through high school age, she worked full time and was a full time student. Her first job as a midwife was at St. Marys in Chicago.

The practice is in the process of rebranding itself. The new name is AVIVA Women’s Health and Midwifery. While there are no labor tubs currently that is one of the things Ms Bauer hopes to address soon. There are plans for opening a new office and offering more Centering Prenatal Care. She even has a project going with Channel 5 for a story that will be about midwifery care. Four of the midwives are on staff at UIC College of Nursing. There is also a volunteer doula program at St. Mary’s.

She has been passionate about birth and breastfeeding for many years. The Chicago Tribune recently ran a full page spread on the practice. To learn more about the practice please contact them at 312 491 5092 or 312 980 0535 or check out their Facebook page. They have three locations.

To learn more about Centering Prenatal Care visit: http://www.centeringhealthcare.org/

A Peak Life Experience -- Natural Childbirth
Sarah Simmons, CNM

Having a natural birth is one of life's peak experiences. It should not to be missed for casual reasons. Letting nature take its course every step of the way is usually the best and safest option for both you and your baby. This is often a minority point of view in our American culture.

 You come from a long line of birthing women. While they don't call it labor for nothing, your body is made to do this work. If the natural process is carefully protected, the laboring woman's body releases endorphins, which helps make the labor pain manageable. 

To stack the odds in your favor, here are some tips on how to facilitate a positive birth experience: 

If you are low risk - you have no underlying chronic medical conditions and a healthy lifestyle, then planning a homebirth you will increase your odds of a natural birth exponentially. In the comfort of your own home, a midwife or doctor can guard against unnecessary intervention. 

If intervention is needed, you can be safely transported to a hospital. Several studies have demonstrated comparable outcomes for babies born to low risk mothers with a trained attendant at home, and much better outcomes for mothers (i.e. fewer complications.) 

Labor is not like a television show -- most complications unfold over an extended period of time. Transport to the hospital is almost never a 911 emergency. Most homebirth midwives have about a 1 in 10 transport rate, and about a 3-5% caesarean rate.  Other studies show that labors are on average shorter in the home environment and more satisfying for the mother and her partner. Breastfeeding rates are also close to 100% at six weeks postpartum for those giving birth at home. 

If you choose to have a hospital birth, find an institution (and a practitioner) that have low caesarean and epidural rates.  Hire a doula, stay home as long as possible, and eat and drink fluids during labor to maintain the strength of contractions as well as your stamina to cope with labor pain.

Sarah Simmons CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife

New Life Midwifery, Chicago773-588-6262 - sadiejane58@sbcglobal.net

Sarah is one of our most experienced homebirth nurse midwives. 

Sarah Simmons CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife, New Life Midwifery, Chicago, 773-588-6262 - sadiejane58@sbcglobal.net

 

Setting Your Intent for 2011
Jo Anne Lindberg MEd ABT

Every year we ponder the regrets of the past and have wishful thinking about the future. If you consider the value of your health and well-being, and are in relatively good health, you would be amazed at how rich you might feel.

How much would you pay to see--if you were blind? How much do hearing aids cost? My dad tells me they will never be as good as his hearing once was, and it was free! How about being able to walk? Ask anyone who has lost this ability, and you will probably hear that they would give anything to simply walk again. Appreciate your physical body for its many gifts.

This time of year, I take out my Bliss List for the previous year and see how many of the things on it actually took place. I make my new annual Bliss List and I review my life long Bliss List. This ritual is so much fun. It is just a spontaneous list of my hopes and dreams.

 

It is so different than setting goals. I do that too, but this list is how I connect with my higher power. I sit back and watch it unfold. I might check the list once or twice during the year. It is magical. I can't explain how it works. Perhaps the Universe hears my thoughts and in its own way answers my prayers. Using this tool, I have found more joy in my life than I ever thought possible. I encourage you to try it. If anything magical happens, be sure let me know.

As the New Year begins, take time to simply reflect upon your choices. Believe in your ability to make any changes you choose to make. Find support from others for doing this, be gentle and go slowly. Setting your intention is just a way of making conscious decisions and asking for what you want.

Happy New Year! May you be well. May you be loved. May you be happy.

Chicago Women’s Health Center
A Hidden Jewel
Jo Anne Lindberg MEd ABT

When I was in my early twenties, Our Bodies Ourselves, took the country by storm. There were groups of women forming for the purpose of learning about our bodies! We learned about all kinds of unimaginable things like sex, birth control, self exams and empowerment. I was trained by Planned Parenthood to be a health care volunteer. I actually worked in a clinic welcoming patients, getting the charts and setting up exam rooms.

When I moved to Chicago, I was delighted to find an independent non-profit clinic that offered women’s health education and services in Lincoln Park. The care I have received has been great! They are now celebrating their 35th year! They are currently looking for a new space as they have outgrown the location they are in. 

Here is some information from their web site:

The women’s health movement grew out of the women’s liberation movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Women’s health activists within the feminist movement were interested in equalizing health care for women by providing alternatives to the existing patriarchal model of gynecological care and by offering access to care for under served populations.

The decriminalization of abortion in 1973 was an important catalyst that led these activists to establish feminist women’s health centers across the country. These clinics focused on self-help techniques such as cervical and breast self-exam, and on other issues central to the women's health movement at the time such as alternative birthing practices, workplace health, sterilization abuses, and reproductive health education.

In 1975, Chicago Women’s Health Center was created with the mission of offering affordable, educational, and sensitive gynecological services that emphasized self-examination and a peer approach to health care. We continue this mission as the only remaining collectively run women’s health center in the country. 

Services provided: Gynecological, counseling, outreach & education, artificial insemination, childbirth education, fertility awareness, acupuncture and more!

Payment options: Self pay on a sliding fee scale, insurance billing including Medicaid and Pink Card, flexible payment plans.

If you have been. or you know anyone that wants compassionate care or health education classes please contact the center. www.chicagowomenshealthcenter.org, 
773-935-6126 located at 3425 N Sheffield, Chicago IL, 60657.

What About the Flu Shot?
Jo Anne Lindberg MEd ABT

Parents and clients have been asking me if I they should get the flu shot. From my own research, I have learned that there is no way the drug companies can determine what strain of the flu will actually arise during flu season. In order to get their products to market they have to start manufacturing well in advance of flu season. I have also heard that the flu mutates each time it goes to a new host. Take time to research your decision. Find trusted sources and use your own intuition. I suggest that you think in terms of keeping your immune system as healthy as possible. Every form of treatment should be considered for possible risk vs. possible benefit.

You hear that everyone else is getting one -- "they were free at work." How many times have we discovered that the things we thought were going to help us then became things that we learned will hurt us. Keep in mind that the media also plays on our fears. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen or heard ads for the flu shot. Think for yourself. Our own Illinois state legislators just passed a resolution that encourages the schools to cooperate with the health departments by offering the flu shot at school. Thank goodness they are not making it mandatory. They mean well but are they making informed decisions? Are they being influenced by drug companies?

Some things to consider: What is your current state of health? Are you eating, exercising, and sleeping well? The best defense against the flu is to simply wash your hands with plain soap and water (get rid of the antibacterial stuff - we need bacteria to say well) every time you use the bathroom. Another handy device is the Netti pot which is used for nasal irrigation. The idea behind nasal irrigation is that it helps the body get rid of irritating and infectioous agents that make their way into the nose. Positive thinking also strengthens the immune system! Ok, you get my point. Fear and worry deplete us.

Your body is your most precious asset. Without your health you have nothing. If you are considering getting a vaccination of any kind, please find out what they are made of before you let someone inject you. Same goes for any medication you are taking or considering. Do your research and evaluate risk vs. benefit. We are the ones who have to live with the consequences of our choices. Laughing can also improve your immune function. Here is a good laugh for you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIjm9w_-tNY

 

Alternative Birth Center Advantages
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West Suburban Midwives - Our Practice Philosophy
Gayle Riedmann CNM

“Parents have traveled from out of state to give birth at our ABC.”
Gayle Riedmann CNM 

We believe that every woman has within her the inner strength and wisdom to assist her throughout her life. We also believe that each woman gains strength and wisdom from the women who surround her and support her.

For pregnancy and birth, we emphasize self-education to make informed choices about birth options. We believe that it is your birth, and our role is to insure safe passage for you and your baby.

We utilize non-intervention oriented therapies to promote the natural progress of labor and provide pain management. We believe in avoiding the use of routine interventions such as IVs, continuous electronic fetal monitoring and episiotomy. We encourage women to move -- to walk, rock, sway, squat, or dance. We encourage women to eat and drink throughout the labor process. A woman is encouraged to labor and deliver in the position that is most comfortable for her: reclining in the water, on hands and knees, squatting, or on the birth stool. We encourage immediate breastfeeding, and never separate the newborn from her parents. Routine newborn procedures can be delayed or declined -- it's your choice! We have many tools to assist a woman throughout the birth process such as hydrotherapy, use of optimal positioning, music, therapeutic touch, and labor support. We want to help you achieve a satisfying birth experience -- by your definition!

We encourage family and friends participation, as well as support the attendance of siblings at birth in the Alternative Birth Center. We have two other midwives in ourpractice, Amy Willens CNM and Cynthia Mason CNM. 

To learn more please visit: www.westsubmidwives.com

The Alternative Birth Center is located at West Suburban Hospital’s Family Birthplace in Oak Park, IL. There are three midwifery practices that assist births in the ABC. Please visit http://www.birthlink.com/directory/birth_centers.html for more information. Or call Jo Anne Lindberg, president and founder of BirthLink at 847-733-8050.

 

Capturing the Birth Process through Professional Photography

Jessica Chapman - Bumps to Babies Photography

After being inspired by the work of another “birth story” photographer, I was fascinated by the way the birth experience could be captured through professional photography.  I knew that this was the first avenue of professional photography I wanted to pursue.  In my experience, there is nothing as awesome as being able to witness the beginning of a new baby's life. I consider it a privilege to capture the small, yet significant moments that new parents often miss during the delivery and birth process. 

My philosophy is one of utmost professionalism, respecting the intimacy of such a life event for families.  It is also one of capturing the small and tender moments. The facial expressions, hand holding, and gentle kisses shared between the soon-to-be new parents during the labor and delivery process, as well as the baby's first minutes of being weighed, measured, foot printed and bathed.  I approach this time with deep appreciation for the moment, and respect for the medical staff attending to the client.  The client's health and safety during labor and delivery is of the utmost importance. I believe it is more important for me to maintain an observing, documentary approach, while staying in the background.  It is not my common practice to take photos of graphic elements, but I am open to considering parent's requests.  

I feel the most important thing to keep in mind is that professional photography in the delivery room is not as intimidating or intrusive as some may believe. It is a beautiful way for the parents to document the first moments of their new baby's life.  Having a professional birth photographer present also allows for both parents to be “in the moment”.  Then the spouse or other supporting family member can focus on their role as the coach and comforter for the new mother.

www.bumpstobabiesphotography.com

Jessica@bumpstobabies.com

847-293-4807

Acupuncture for Fertility

Jo Anne Lindberg - President & Founder - BirthLink

Many doctors used to tell their patients, who could not conceive, to take a two week vacation. It is reported that half of them would come back pregnant. Always try the least intervention oriented option first. When you hear about so many people choosing to do medical procedures they can become accepted as the norm and assumed safe. Just because a doctor is recommending a procedure does not mean it is safe or without risk. There are many less invasive actions that can be taken in the case of fertility challenges. I always return to nourishment, movement and rejuvenation for sound health. What are you putting in your body? Are you exercising regularly? How is your sleep? Are your spiritual needs being met? Can you slow down and relax? How do you manage stress?

An excellent book is Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler MPH. I tell my clients, “Have fun! How often do you get to make a baby? Don’t make a science project out of it. Create some special ritual that has meaning for both of you. This is a very special time. Invite the child into your lives with love and joy.” Often charting can create performance pressure. I have also heard that after parents give up they get pregnant.

Acupuncture relaxes and balances the body so your hormones can function the way nature intended. Our hormonal systems are very delicate and if one part of the system is out of balance it creates a domino effect. Our lifestyles are where we need to look to support balance. We have many options for health care now. Learn about all the options before you make a decision which ones to use.

There are many ethical issues involved in how treatment options are explained to consumers. Everyone wants to make informed decisions. The best way to do this is educate yourself about all your options.

Consider Possible Birth Locations

Jo Anne Lindberg MEd ABT, President & Founder, BirthLink

Today most people give birth in the hospital. It is interesting to note that the majority of Americans gave birth at home until the early 1900’s. My father was born at home in 1919. By the time the sixth child came along my grandmother was told she was too old to give birth at home. My guess is that she was influenced by a trend to convenience parents that the hospital was the safest place. My research indicates that the main motivation was economic.

The most common place women give birth is the labor and delivery ward of the local hospital. A common myth is that you need to be as close as possible so you can get there on time. The average labor is twelve hours. Plenty of time to get there. Most parents go in too soon. Many people will travel great distances to get to a facility they have heard is best. They may travel out of state for a home birth midwife or free standing birth center which are not available in our state.

The term birth center can be misleading. The Family Birth Center may simply be a prettier labor and delivery ward. The important thing to focus on are routine practices and procedures. Understanding what is going to be done to you, during birth, is very important. Making decisions during labor is very difficult if not impossible. Another option is the Alternative Birth Center. These are usually two rooms on the labor floor of the hospital. The expectation is that you will have an unmediated birth if you choose this option. It is also possible to move from the center should you change your mind during labor. All staff should be encouraging you in every way they can to meet your goal. This is a big advantage. We have just two ABC’s in the Chicago area.

Free standing birth center’s are located in a building separate from the hospital. Until recently Illinois was the only state in the country to have a law against them. After many years an advocacy group over turned the law and is working on the rules and regulations that will enable practitioners to open a center. Many are interested and waiting for the next step. I am guessing that it will be several years before we see the first ones up and running.

What about home birth? Most people believe that home birth is not safe. This is not true for low risk pregnancy. The vast majority of births do not need any kind of medical assistance. Research has proven that with a trained practitioner home birth is as safe or safer than hospital birth. My guess is that most parents don’t carefully research this option. Holland has a thirty percent home birth rate and one of the best infant mortality rates in the world. You must be within thirty minutes of a hospital incase you need to transfer.

Where you choose to give birth will dictate what type of provider choice you will have. Facilities have a birth culture and can vary a great deal in how much flexibility you will have to labor the way your body and baby desire. Parents are encouraged to fully consider each option before making a decision.

Know All Your Birth Options for Better Birth

Hypnobirthing Reunion

by May Pat Mulholland

BirthLink Parent Member
Reprinted from BirthLink Community News

I recently attended a reunion for the parents in the hypnobirthing group and it just reaffirmed our belief in the hypnosis process. It was a group of parents and babies that were so calm and happy about their birthing experience. There were stories about difficult births but none of the usual "sharing of horror stories". My husband and I met Elly Laser after watching a Dateline special on birthing and hypnosis and we were very skeptical but wanted to give it our best shot. Needless to say it worked like a charm and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is pregnant. Through Elly's graceful and patient guidance, we were able to learn the techniques which enabled us to stay PERFECTLY calm during our entire experience.

After my water broke, I didn't go into labor and was admitted into the hospital about 18 hours later to be induced. I was nervous about being induced but as soon as I got into "the hypnosis zone" it was as if I was somewhere on vacation. The doctors and nurses were amazed at how calm, coherent and relaxed I was throughout my labor and apparently I hardly even uttered a word. I wasn't without pain but it was just completely manageable. I remember that everyone wanted to come in and relax in our labor/delivery room because the atmosphere was so serene. More importantly, I had very serious complications after the birth which involved surgery. Once I started to get back into the "hypnosis zone", I was able to relax and focus on my recovery. Without Elly's training, I would have spent a lot more time in the hospital. It was amazing!


Hormones of Attachment

by Penny Shelton MD

BirthLink Board Member

Awe, mystery, and respect. These words express what I have felt during the life experiences that have allowed for a close-up view of pregnancy, labor, birth and breastfeeding, both with family members and with others who have invited me to participate in their process. Read more...

 

Birth Place and Practitioner Review on Web Sites

By Jo Anne Lindberg MEd ABT

President & Founder, BirthLink

It has come to my attention that some doctors have been asking patients to sign a paper stating that they would not say anything or post any negative information about them to web sites. Read more...

This is not legal and you can not be forced to sign such a document. It may be an indication that you should consider changing practitioners. Perhaps consider a midwife who practices in hospital or out-of -hospital.

The internet is now considered a major source of information. Many parents make the decision about who to birth with and where based on what others do. They don't do any research to determine what might be best for them. They just follow the crowd. I can't tell you how many times I have heard, "I wish I had known then what I know now."

It takes time to learn about all of your birth options. It takes courage to make choices that fewer people choose. If parents don't educate themselves they may not know that they are putting themselves at risk. Parents need to base their decisions on research rather than here say.

Practitioners personalities and practices and procedures are not to be confused. Consumer beware—educate and make informed decisions with all things medical.


Benefits of Herbs During the Childbearing Years

by Catherine Willows RN
Reprinted from BirthLink Community News

Herbs are plants. They are not drugs. In appropriate dosages, they can have medicinal effects. Drugs are chemical compounds produced in concentrated forms. Although pharmaceutical drugs can be warranted in many situations, there are much gentler means of bringing our bodies back to a healthy balanced state without the harsh side effects that many drugs produce. Herbs are whole plant substances. The federal government classifies herbs as nutritional supplements. Herbs do play a role in enhancing our nutritional status.

Prior to the past century, our ancestors used plants as the primary means to maintain health. During the 1900's, the pharmaceutical industry boomed into multi-billion dollar companies. They brought forth an entirely new level of technology with regard to medicine. Now we are coming full circle and beginning to see the benefits of both worlds.

Women need to be very cautious about the substances they take into their bodies during pregnancy and with good reason. Herbs can be very useful in supporting women through the childbearing process. They can address a number of issues that women might normally think they have to suffer through. Herbs can add to the overall health and nutritional status of the woman and her fetus, laying the foundation for the development of a healthy baby and successful delivery. It is important to make educated and appropriate choices in selecting herbs as some are contraindicated during pregnancy. Consulting a knowledgeable herbalist can be very valuable in the application of safe remedies.

The same is true with flower essences. These remedies are growing in popularity around the world. Because of their vibratory quality, they are very safe for pregnancy, children, plants and pets. Flower essences have an affinity for our mental and emotional states. The can help us with the stresses in our daily lives. They can be subtle or very apparent in their effects. They can be especially useful to new parents as they adapt to the challenges of caring for an infant or dealing with the demands of parenthood.

 
Life Seasons Wellness