Issue 116

Midwifery Today Issue 116 Theme: Newborns

The theme of Newborns seems like the perfect way to end 2015 and begin 2016. As midwives, doulas, nurses and birthworkers, our goal is to support birth in the best way possible, with the end result being a healthy mother and a healthy baby. This issue of Midwifery Today magazine is dedicated to all newborns, and it is filled with great wisdom from experienced doctors, midwives and doulas, including Michel Odent, Gail Hart, Fernando Molina, Robin Lim and Mary Esther Malloy. May every human on Earth have the chance to be born with safety, gentleness and, when necessary, the best technology available.

Cover photo by Monet Moutrie (monetnicole.com). Monet is a birth photographer in Denver, Colorado. She believes that birth is one of the most profound experiences in life, and she’s honored to help families preserve and remember their unique stories. Monet Nicole holds a master’s degree in creative writing, and her studies have greatly impacted the photography work she does today. When not capturing a birth, you might find Monet at her favorite coffee shop or on a long walk with her 2-year-old daughter, Lucy. Monet credits much of her success to her husband and partner, Ryan, who has supported her creative endeavors from day one.

Pictured: Jeanette labored with immense beauty and strength to bring Sophia into the world. Jeanette’s husband and son provided constant encouragement throughout the process. Sophia was also the 100th baby born at the Birth Center of Boulder.

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Monet Moutrie—monetnicole.com

Stress Deprivation in the Perinatal Period

by Michel Odent December 1, 2015

Natural childbirth advocate and obstetrician Michel Odent discusses the importance of stress for the developing baby, particularly stress in the form of labor. Read more…. Stress Deprivation in the Perinatal Period

Photo by Alex Kahler

Early Child Development: Setting the Basis for Effective Communication with Your Unborn Child

by Fernando Molina December 1, 2015

Even before conception, and during their life in the womb and the first year of extra-uterine life, all babies experience the feeling of being desired and loved, which is the source of all aspects of life, where there are no opposites, no judgments, no criticism, no condemnation, no discrimination; it is just pure love and surrender during the first phases of consciousness. …

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First, Do No Harm to Newborns

by Jan Tritten December 1, 2015

Babies should be treated with the utmost respect, dignity and love. Their first birth minutes are their welcome to the planet. This is where they will first learn what being on earth is all about. Read more…. First, Do No Harm to Newborns

Photograph—iStockphoto.com/botamochi

Essential Oils for Prenatal Nausea and Digestion

by Stephanie Pearson December 1, 2015

The use of essential oils for nausea and fatigue during labor is just the crowning head to an incredible body of possible uses throughout the childbearing year. Yet, starting with essential oil uses for digestion is a good idea for midwives and moms-to-be to begin to integrate this powerful natural health modality into practice. …

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Michelle Garey—michellegareyphotography.com

Reclaiming Birth within Community

by Sister MorningStar December 1, 2015

Midwife Sister MorningStar focuses on birth community in this powerful article. Read more…. Reclaiming Birth within Community

Leilani Rogers—photosbylei.com

Bosom Buddies

by Marlene Waechter December 1, 2015

Long before anyone had thought to coin the term tandem nursing, I was doing it. Back when I started having kids in 1971, breastfeeding was at an all-time low in our country, and so was homebirth. …

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Rings, Lines, Folds, and Other Old-time Tools to Assess Dilation

by Gail Hart December 1, 2015

This is an article that teaches classic midwifery, bringing back some sadly forgotten tricks for the midwife’s tool kit.

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Photograph—iStockphoto.com/stockdevil

Twenty-plus Years of Infant Craniosacral Therapy Practice

by Carol Gray December 1, 2015

I don’t heal babies. They heal themselves. My midwifery experience compels me to carefully consider what exactly is needed in each situation. I always ask, ‘What would happen if I do less?’ My goal is to offer the smallest intervention necessary to stimulate the body to find balance. That is all it takes.

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Emily Robinson—emilyrobinsonphotoblog.com

Newborn Stories

by Mary L. Cooper December 1, 2015

Midwife Mary Cooper shares some of her most memorable stories of newborns from the births she has attended.

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The Necessary Question of Infants’ Human Rights at Birth: Are There Vampires in the Birth Rooms?

by Robin Lim December 1, 2015

A great discussion surrounding the use of infants’ cord blood. Midwife Robin Lim primarily works in Indonesia where many women suffer from postpartum hemorrhage. As a preventive measure, she teaches people to wait an extended amount of time before severing the umbilical cord.

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Monet Moutrie—monetnicole.com

The Newly Born: Gazing and Human Development

by Sister MorningStar December 1, 2015

This article by midwife Sister MorningStar provides the reader with insight into newborns and their needs, paying close attention to their sense of sight and the newborn’s inclination to gaze at his mother. Read more…. The Newly Born: Gazing and Human Development