by Sister MorningStar ARTICLE 2009.10.20 “Estrellita (Little Star),” she said slowly. “I’m old and can’t do what I used to. The young ones don’t want to walk in our path (meaning they don’t want to become midwives). They don’t want a chicken and some eggs for all their time and labor.” READ MORE… by Brandi Wood ARTICLE 2009.10.9 "Recently a knowledgeable friend and I were discussing traditional midwifery. She challenged my foundational views about this subject, made valid points and even raised the question for me: Am I a traditional midwife? I have often considered myself a modern direct entry midwife. I decided I needed to do more research on what a traditional midwife was and is." READ MORE… by Jan Tritten EDITORIAL 2009.10.1 We are losing the knowledge and wisdom of traditional midwifery as fast as we are losing the rainforest. Just as we are discovering this incredible knowledge base, it is disappearing. We can do better, and in some places we are. Instead of extending a helping hand, we often come in with our ideas, taking over another culture with our medicalized one. Respect is a keyword here. We have so very much to learn from these midwives, who in many places are dying out. In other places they are being pushed out or replaced with a medical practitioner. READ MORE… by Naolí Vinaver ARTICLE 2009.8.25 Becoming pregnant, birthing and caring for our babies and children used to fall within the cultural side of our lives that appertained to kitchen and other intimately-guarded family treasures. All had proven, effective, worthwhile recipes to respect and follow. It is not uncommon to find that a specific family carries on a great-grandmother’s recipe for a particular cake or quiche, the filling for a turkey feast, or a special cherished dessert. Other passed-down, well-guarded cultural treasures may be special recipes that female family members use and share with younger ones for their beauty and health, such as shampoos, body ointments and hair-care concoctions. READ MORE… REVIEWS 2009.8.19 In 2003, a woman on the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) e-mail list asked, "Why shouldn't I have a cesarean?" Four years later, ICAN has published this book of responses to that question from women who had had cesareans and were not happy with the experience or with the outcome. READ MORE… |  |  |  | FEATURED PRODUCT 2009.11.13 When you watch Harriette Hartigan's More than Food DVD slide show you'll be reminded that a breastfed child is, indeed, receiving more than food. If you are a childbirth educator, lactation consultant or educator, doula, midwife or nurse, you will find this beautiful DVD a useful tool to share with your clients. VIEW PRODUCT…
SPECIAL 2009.10.15 …for yourself or for a friend. This is just one of the great deals on our Online Holiday Coupon Page. Be sure to take advantage of the savings during the Holiday shopping season. LEARN MORE… MIDWIFERY EDUCATION 2009.10.30 Are you an aspiring midwife who's looking for the right school? Are you a practicing midwife who would like learn more? Visit our Education Opportunities page to discover ways to start or continue your education. LEARN MORE…
Trick of the TradeWEEKLY FEATURE 2009.11.15 NEW! I believe a lot of breeches happen in second and subsequent pregnancies because the mother is carrying a 30-pound two-year-old on her 'bump' for the entire pregnancy. If the baby is breech, that weight on his head every day can predispose him to settle into the pelvis in that position. Warn the mother of a toddler not to use her pregnant belly as a platform for heavy objects of any kind. Dad can carry the two-year-old more often, or she can use her hip as a support.
— Gloria Lemay, E-News 1:7 Quotable QuoteWEEKLY FEATURE 2009.11.15 NEW! Recall may be affected by the vividness of information: Is it not easier to remember the story about the emergency transfer for cord prolapse than the story about the woman who labored for two hours and gave birth gently at home?
— Sara Wickham LETTER 2009.5.13 National and state disaster preparedness plans have not given much attention to childbirth in the midst of any disaster, including an epidemic. The Big Push has addressed this issue in a new “PushNews.” You can read it here. With health care reform around the corner, this is a great time to write letters to the editor, or op ed pieces for your local newspaper, and this is a newsworthy angle. If you haven't already, to take a look at the Big Push website here. The Big Push for Midwives is “a nationally coordinated campaign to advocate for regulation and licensure of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.” [ from Susan Hodges, Citizens for Midwifery ] GO TO SITE… |