Issue 102

Midwifery Today Issue 102 Theme: Fourth Stage

For many new parents, the postpartum period is a time of survival. The myriad changes that have just taken place emotionally, physically, mentally and financially can be difficult to transition into, but for many in our culture, this sensitive time is overlooked or under-supported. Some view this “fourth trimester” of birth as a nesting time, others see it as the first three months of a baby’s life and still others see it as only the first one or two hours after birth. In this issue of Midwifery Today, you will read how some of the rest of the world views this time, as well as gain some information on newborn procedures and practices.

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Lynsey Stone—dfwbirthphotographer.com

Childbirth from a Bacteriological Perspective

by Michel Odent June 1, 2012

From the early days of microbiology until the 1970s, one of the roles of midwives and doctors involved in childbirth was to protect the newborn babies against all microbes, including those from maternal origin. It was usual to shave the mother at the beginning of labor, to give her an enema and to put antiseptic solutions around the nipple.

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The Fourth Trimester and the Calming Reflex: Novel Ideas for Nurturing Young Infants

by Harvey Karp June 1, 2012

The three biggest challenges of caring for new babies are feeding, calming crying and getting sleep. Over the past 60 years, support for breastfeeding has increased significantly (as has the availability of formula). But little advance has been made in the study and support of parents with fussy babies. In fact, parenting and professional guides have traditionally taught that colic is a mysterious problem with no remedy. Desperate and weary parents have been advised to deposit their crying babies alone in cribs to scream themselves to sleep.

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Prenatal Ultrasound Does Not Improve Perinatal Outcomes

by Judy Slome Cohain June 1, 2012

Author Judy Slome Cohain demonstrates how lifestyle changes do more to improve birth outcomes than prenatal screening tests. Read more…. Prenatal Ultrasound Does Not Improve Perinatal Outcomes

Building My Nest

by Linda Louise Henry June 1, 2012

A personal account of a mom who sought to preserve and honor the fourth stage of labor by creating a “nest” and arranging her life so she could be fully present and fully undisturbed for the first 40 days of her newborn’s life. Read more…. Building My Nest

Fourth Stage of Labor and Midwifery

by Jan Tritten June 1, 2012

The fourth stage of labor is defined as the first hour or two after birth. I think we should redefine it as birth to twenty-one years of age, or maybe for the lifetime of the child. The issues never end once you are a parent. Read more…. Fourth Stage of Labor and Midwifery

Neonatal Resuscitation with Intact Umbilical Cord

by Angie Evans June 1, 2012

A research-based article demonstrating the benefits of keeping the umbilical cord intact, specifically in regards to situations when resuscitation is necessary. Read more…. Neonatal Resuscitation with Intact Umbilical Cord

Photos provided by author

A New Understanding: Relating to C-section Trauma via Abdominal Hernia Surgery

by Aurore Henze June 1, 2012

After birthing a baby through a broken pelvis and then going on to have abdominal hernia surgery, author Adamkiewicz was able to relate to the experience of a c-section by way of the medical procedures and recovery she endured.