Tricks of the Trade and Quote of the Quarter: Issue 131
Photo by Anna Gru
Drawing from extra-Biblical texts, Jane Beal writes about the Virgin Mary’s midwives and other details regarding the birth of Jesus.
Esther Edith—estheredith.com
Unassisted childbirth is a choice being made by some low-risk women. This article includes testimonials from some of them and suggests that we be less judgmental and try to understand what is motivating them.
Photo by Cassidy Rowell
Learn about the hows and whys of this technique to stop postpartum hemorrhage.
Read more…. Bimanual Compression of the Uterus: Its Place in Midwifery Practice
Photo by Mabel Amber
Whether naturopathy, herbalism, homeopathy, counseling, or energy work—all are tools for to help birthworkers ease grief and birth trauma in their clients. Read more…. Tools for Easing Grief and Birth Trauma
Media Review Issue 128. Giving Birth in America, Why Induction Matters, Inducing Labor: Making Informed Decisions, 2nd ed, The National Heirloom Expo. Read more…. Media Reviews: Issue 128
Photo by Ben O’Bro
Burnout is a well-known pitfall among midwives. Murray discusses the midwife shortage and ways to avoid burnout among those who choose this profession.
Photo by Hasan Almasi
Many cultures around the world observe specific postpartum rituals and practices. Midwives’ understanding of traditional postpartum practices can inform the provision of culturally competent perinatal services.
Read more…. Traditional Postpartum Practices and Rituals in Iran
Photo provided by the author
This article elucidates when and why varicose veins occur, what medical studies suggest for treatment, and what other midwives and mothers have found helpful.
Photo by Cristian Newman
Complications of childbirth are frightening for moms-to-be—yet they exist. Luckily, in our present day and age, there are effective treatments for most. Learning to deal with complications—to bring moms and babies through safely—is an important part of a midwife’s learning. Read more…. Complications of Childbirth
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Midwifery Today, Issue 128, Winter 2018.Join Midwifery Today Online Membership Birth Bag Helpers I have an Arnica 10M I made, which will melt a stubborn anterior lip like butter! I also carry a couple of homeopathics in liquid form, which I tend to think work more quickly. A half teaspoon of baking soda, given every hour to hour and a half, for a tired uterus works like a charm. It works even better if given in Drip Drops oral hydration solution (available at drug stores). I also give a little bottle of Intimate Solutions Peri Cleanse for every mom’s peri bottle—it heals things so fast!—Kristine Tawater I use cramp bark for afterpains, Rescue Remedy for a mom who has been working really hard and getting tired. Skull cap tincture helps if a mom needs to take the edge off her pain and is having an extremely hard time relaxing. Clary sage oil will stimulate a start-stop labor. Shepherd’s purse and motherwort, if needed, help for postpartum bleeding. Peppermint oil is great for energy when it comes time to push and to encourage first void after birth.—Nubia Earth Martin After Ease, Rescue Remedy, honey sticks, blue and black cohosh tincture.—Martha Whitcher I love Angelica for placental release! Rebozo for sure, clary sage, homeopathic kit, and liquid antimonium tart for those wet babies are all important in a birth bag.—Amy Elizabeth Yunnan Paiyao and More One-third vial of Yunnan Paiyao in warm water stops bleeding almost immediately.—Jeni Rector I’ve dumped Yunnan Paiyao powder onto a torn vaginal blood vessel and it stopped bleeding very quickly. I could see the vessel pumping, but it receded to where I couldn’t get a clamp on it.—Sunshine Tomlin Yunnan Paiyao for postpartum hemorrhage, as well as essential oils (EOs):… Read more…. Tricks of the Trade – Issue 128
Photo by Alexis Brown
The preceptor and student have a symbiotic relationship that serves to move the field of midwifery forward. This article outlines helpful tips for navigating this important relationship, the responsibilities of the student, and the ways in which both preceptor and student benefit from their collaboration.
