Spring 2013

Theme: Hemorrhage
Though hemorrhage is commonly thought of as a deadly situation of third world countries, it is increasingly present within the US. The management of the third stage of labor has had an impact on the occurrence of this potentially life-threatening problem. The pages of this issue are filled with wisdom from some of the most knowledgeable minds on the subject, such as Robim Lim of Indonesia, French obstetrician Michel Odent and midwife Marlene Waechter. You will also enjoy reading midwife Sister MorningStar’s thoughts on midwifery education and an emotionally charged piece written by a midwife’s story of her arrest. As always, we want to thank you for your support of the magazine. Enjoy!

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Departments

• Poetry
• From the Editor
  Editor-in-Chief Jan Tritten shares her thoughts on hemorrhage. “The most important thing I can say about hemorrhage is, ‘Don’t cause one.’”
• Networking
• Tricks of the Trade
• Marion’s Message
  A very useful article that presents poverty as one of the causes of hemorrhage.
• In My Opinion
• Cards and Letters
• Media Reviews
• Discussions
• Classified Advertising
• Photo Album

Features

• Postpartum Hemorrhage in Bali: A Day at Bumi Sehat—Robin Lim
  Sita came to Bumi Sehat to have a gentle childbirth. Because she was a brand new doctor, her colleagues had spent nine months trying to convince her to “just have a cesarean.”
• Thinking Green—Marlene Waechter
  In this truly enjoyable article, Waechter shares what she has learned about hemorrhage through her experiences as a midwife.
• Preventing Postpartum Haemorrhage—Michel Odent
  Internationally known French obstetrician Odent shares the importance Oxytocin has on the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.
• Midwifery Education?—Sister MorningStar
  In this thoughtful and compelling piece, Midwife MorningStar shares her thoughts on the future of midwifery education.
• Hemorrhage!—Susun Weed
  As an expert of herbs, Susun Weed educates us on hemorrhage’s herbal allies.
• Ultrasound: Prematurity and Potential Risks—Beverley Lawrence Beech
  For its prevalent usage, ultrasound has been enormously under-researched. Written by the honorary chair for AIMS, this article is a useful step towards filling the lack of research and data on ultrasound.
• Madame Angelique le Boursier du Coudray: A Midwife of Enlightenment France—Jane Beal
  This is another well-written historical account by professor and poet Jane Beal. This time her focus is the French midwife Madame du Coudray.
• Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage by Respecting the Natural Process of Third Stage—Beth Anne Moonstone
  “Previous to the delivery of the placenta, mothers need to be observed for changes in behavior and alertness and to judge blood loss. When everything is proceeding normally, it is best to wait and let the process happen naturally.”
• AJOG against Homebirth—Judy Slome Cohain
  Author Cohain wrote this important article in response to AJOG’s recent statement against homebirth.
• Seven Hours Postpartum—Jenna Hull
  Creator of the online magazine Mother Wit, author Jenna Hull shares her personal birth stories involving hemorrhage.
• A Postpartum Doula for Every Mother—Allie Chee
  Author of New Mother, Allie Chee discusses the importance of having support during the postpartum time.
• Merciér Therapy Helps Infertile Women Achieve Pregnancy—Jennifer Merciér and Karen Miller
  A particular therapy involving abdominal and pelvic work, and its success with previously infertile women, is discussed.
• When I Was Arrested—Ireena Keeslar
  The unfortunate story of a woman’s arrest. Her only “crime” was being a midwife.
• In My Opinion – The Mama Gate—Celesta Rannisi
  Author Celesta Rannisi shares her idea that perceives the mother as the passageway for her baby’s journey from Heaven to Earth.
• Superfoods for Postpartum Hemorrhage Recovery—Ash Johnsdottir
  A helpful article stressing the important role food plays in the recovery of a postpartum hemorrhage.
• PTSD and Obstetric Violence—Ilone Olza Fernández
  In this important read, childbirth trauma is discussed as the result of inadequate and/or violent obstetric care.
• The Placenta Project: An Artful Birth-based Inquiry—Nané Jordan
  Artist and midwife Nané Jordan speaks of her passion of the placenta and how this has resulted in a powerful and unique art project.

International Midwife

• An Update on the Netherlands—Robbie Davis-Floyd, Marjolein Faber, and Raymond De Vries
  A well-written and thorough update on the current birth situation in the Netherlands.
• A Scholarship Solution and Grand Challenge from Mercy In Action—Vicki Penwell
  Overseas midwife Vicki Penwell shares her scholarship program and challenges other organizations and midwifery schools to join her in her efforts.

= Membership Article.