Having a baby? See birth at a Baby-Friendly Hospital versus a Typical Hospital. 
Cosponsored by the Breastfeeding Coalition of Oregon and the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition.
www.breastfeedingOR.org
www.massbreastfeeding.org
www.babyfriendlyusa.org

Download the mp3 for free

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Reprinted from U.S. Breastfeeding Committee Mon, Dec 12 supporters News Blast...To View the full list of accomplishments from 2011 use this link Recent USBC Activities and Accomplishments

We Thought that this was great news and wanted to share it with the community.  Please use the information at the bottom of this post to donate and do your part!

As 2011 comes to a close, it is time to reflect on the year's journey...and what a journey it has been! Breastfeeding has celebrated unprecedented successes and triumphs, thanks to your support. Our supporters and fellow advocates have played a pivotal role in the progress made to ensure that all moms are supported to reach their personal breastfeeding goals. Every story you've shared, every email sent or action alert forwarded, every resource offered, and every dollar so generously contributed has led us to where we are today. 

Here are just a few examples of how we are making a difference, together:

The Actions: You Spoke, We Amplified Your Voices…

• Over 13,000 supporters signed our Petition to President Obama, and USBC leaders met with staff from the First Lady's Let's Move! campaign at the White House.
• You've sent over 50,000 letters to Congress in support of the Breastfeeding Promotion Acts of 2009 and 2011.
• Thirty-eight national organizations and 98 regional/state/local organizations co-signed our letter requesting federal appropriations for breastfeeding support. Dozens of advocates attended our training webinar and have used our toolkit for advocacy visits.
• Almost 5,000 supporters have signed on to support Breastfeeding: A Vision for the Future.
• You've submitted hundreds of stories about how you and your baby were supported to breastfeed...please keep them coming!

The Results: Breastfeeding is Getting Easier!

• The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding was launched in January, echoing our Vision with 20 recommended actions to support mothers in reaching their personal breastfeeding goals.
• The Let's Move! campaign is addressing breastfeeding from both the hospital and child care angles. Last week Kaiser Permanente, the nation's largest integrated health care system caring for mothers and babies, announced its commitment to support breastfeeding as a measure of hospital quality and a key strategy in preventing childhood obesity.
• Significant appropriations commitments have been made to improve hospital and employment support through the Community Transformation Grants and the CDC/NICHQ project to increase the number of Baby-Friendly hospitals. 
• Beginning August 1, 2012, new private health insurance plans will be required to cover breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling without a co-payment or deductible. 
• The federal "Break Time for Nursing Mothers" law is being implemented across the country, and President Obama has called for full support for federal employees. The Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2011 includes a provision to extend the law's coverage.
• The IRS reversed its decision and now allows breast pumps and other related supplies to be tax deductible.

It is only because of your incredible display of support that we are able to celebrate these improvements in the policies and systems affecting breastfeeding mothers. The USBC is also proud to share a number of additional accomplishments and highlights of the past year. 

Thank you for helping to make all of this happen! Your actions have had a meaningful impact on the landscape of breastfeeding support, and families are already reaping the benefits. Just ask Jennifer. A mom and USBC supporter, Jennifer told us: "I always knew I wanted to nurse my babies even though it was a 'new concept' to my family. The first line of support I had was watching two co-workers dedicated to nursing and pumping for an entire year. It really provided me with the strength to know that I could do this too."

The USBC has had a busy year breaking down the barriers to breastfeeding success, so that moms like Jennifer are supported to reach their breastfeeding goals. But there is more work to be done as we follow the Surgeon General's "roadmap" and chart a course for each of the 20 recommended actions. 

So before you face the long lines at department stores, please consider making a donation to the USBC on behalf of someone on your holiday shopping list! You'll receive an instant certificate that can be used as a greeting card insert to acknowledge your gift. Plus, for every donation of $25 or more this holiday season, you'll receive a limited edition USBC Car Magnet as a "thank you" gift. 

Make your holiday gifts count toward creating lasting change in the lives of families across our nation. Your support is truly appreciated.

Thank you—and from all of us at the USBC, best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

Megan E. Renner
Executive Director

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United States Breastfeeding Committee
2025 M Street, NW, Suite 800 ♦ Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202/367-1132 ♦ Fax: 202/367-2132
E-mail: office@usbreastfeeding.org

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American Herbalists Guild has an amazing line-up of herbalists coming to teach in St. Pete October 20-23.  Flyer

Join midwife – herbalist – medical doctor Aviva Romm for this full-day workshop geared toward midwives, childbirth educators, doulas, and herbalists interested in women’s health and herbal medicine. Her more than 30 years of clinical practice, and wealth of experience as a teacher and author of seven books on women’s and children’s health make Aviva uniquely qualified to lecture on the use of botanical medicines in women’s health and perinatally. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from a practitioner with a remarkable depth and breadth of experience in botanical medicines, conventional medicine and the care of women. From conception & pregnancy, through birth, postpartum, and care of the newborn, learn how to safely and effectively use botanicals for common and complex conditions in the childbearing years.

Friday, October 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For information and to register,
visit www.americanherbalistguild.com,
call (857) 350-3128 or
email ahgoffice@earthlink.net

‘Down There’ (for men and women), the Wise Woman Way

The conference runs from Friday to Sunday, but these two day-long intensives are actually "stand alone" events.  In other words, someone can attend the intensives without attending the conference itself -- or vice versa.  

Susun Weed will teach on Thursday, October 20 from 9 to 5 (with a break for lunch) on 'Down There' (for men and women), the Wise Woman Way.  This class will be based upon her just-published book of the same title. As Susun describes it:  "With ceremony, story and song, Susun will lead an expedition “down there.” First stop, the ovaries, where we will learn the early warning signs of ovarian cancer, and discover foods and herbs that can be used to help women with PCOS, cysts, and other ovarian conditions. We’ll give our ovaries an ovation, then it’s on to the prostate. Though at least half of American men will have BPH or prostate cancer by the age of 50, neither are inevitable. Foods, herbs, and lifestyle can shift the odds in favor of your health and longevity. We’ll ponder saw palmetto’s relationship with LUTS, have a fling with Pinus pollen, dance with rye pollen, share pumpkin seed recipes, ponder tomatoes and echinacea, and learn how to power up the prostate. Time permitting, Susun will be happy to address other down there issues as well.

Then on Friday, October 21 from 9 to 5, Aviva will offer Herbal Medicine for the Childbearing Year.  Join midwife – herbalist – medical doctor Aviva Romm for this full-day workshop geared toward midwives, childbirth educators, doulas, and herbalists interested in women’s health and herbal medicine. Her more than 30 years of clinical practice, and wealth of experience as a teacher and author of seven books on women’s and children’s health make Aviva uniquely qualified to lecture on the use of botanical medicines in women’s health and perinatally. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from a practitioner with a remarkable depth and breadth of experience in botanical medicines, conventional medicine and the care of women. From conception & pregnancy, through birth, postpartum, and care of the newborn, learn how to safely and effectively use botanicals for common and complex conditions in the childbearing years."

The cost for each of these full-day intensives is $100.  

Download the flyer here. 

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with Sharain Santalla, Sheila Simms Watson, & Irene Besser
Friday September 16, 2011, 6:30-8:30pm

A relaxed and informative discussion including creative exercises ideal for women and their partners as well as their trusted and loving supporters who are preparing to give birth in any setting including home, hospital, birthing center or water.

Explore the magical trans formative potential for personal growth, birth and the entire perinatal period can be.

Through the experienced eyes of mothers who are also fervent birthworkers, be guided to view birth as a very special highlight in a woman's life. A beautiful innate, and holistic process that brings great joy to a birthing family rather than a routine and often times frightening clinical event.

Using pastel and paper we will take a, creative and fun look at birth in our culture. Discuss and uncover subtle yet powerful influences that lead us to often times focus on birth as a techno medical processes rather than birth as an instinctual, intimate and empowering rite of passage.

We will also examine breath awareness that calms the mind and relaxes the body as one of the pillars of a yoga practice that is very helpful during labor, as it is through out life.

FEE: FREE

For more information on forum please call Sharain Santalla at 305 951 0577

Location: MIAMI LIFE CENTER, 736 SIXTH STREET, MIAMI BEACH, FL.,33139. (305 534-8988)


http://www.italpath.com/schedule.html
Appointments: 305.951.0577
info@italpath.com
www.italpath.com

Sharain Santalla is a Mother, Doula CD (DONA), Passionate Birth Advocate, Founder of Ital Path Yoga, Birthing from Within Mentor, and Experienced Yoga Instructor.

Sheila Simms Watson is a Mother, Florida Licensed Midwife (LM), Professional Midwife (CPM), and founder of Spirit of Life Midwifery, holding a Masters in Public Health.www.spiritoflifemidwifery.com

Irene Besser is a Mother, Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Staff at The Miami Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology with delivery privileges at Baptist Hospital. www.miamiobgyns.com

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Checklist for Expectant Women 

This checklist is designed to put into perspective the choices that are available as well as to provide an honest portrait of statistical outcomes of all of those possible choices. including home birth, birth center birth and hospital birth. 

Every woman has a right to choose the best setting for her individual needs from an informed and secure place.   

Every woman has an obligation to herself to create an environment in which her body can freely follow its intuitive course to a healthy and safe birth.

Every unborn child has a right to be born into the safest environment and by the least traumatic methods.

Knowing that the way a child is born will invariably affect the rest of the child’s life consciously or subconsciously. That the care given to a mother can mean the difference between life and death or lifetime paralysis for a baby begs of a mother’s most vigilant and clear decision making.

Every birth is different, but that a normal function of the human reproductive cycle is being controlled and manipulated to the point of a more than half a chance of surgical delivery begs the question of birth in America. What have we allowed it to evolve into?  

Once a birth has occurred it cannot be changed or relived. Only that moment remains etched into history. Along with the more serious consequences of a mother’s and child’s health are the subtleties. Things that are often overlooked in planning a birth but can make a world of difference in the way a birth is remembered. these things include : who was there, what was said, the ambience of the room, the level of support for the mother, aspects of spirituality that are infused into the birth experience as well as the celebration of the new life that occurred following the baby’s arrival. Were the mother and child given that moment of reckoning that began over 10 months ago ?  Was he or she acknowledged ?  Was a prayer said giving thanks for a safe arrival ?  In our modern times we put so much thought and effort into so many material aspects of life. buying a car, searching for a job, purchasing our first home, even buying baby items, like cribs. Should we not put more into choosing our provider and method of birth. nothing in life can ever be perfectly planned or executed. but there are certainly ways of lessening our chances of undesired, traumatic or even fatal outcomes. 

1.    Know your body

2.    Understand the journey you are undergoing, which is pregnancy

3.    Create a bond with your baby

4.    Surround yourself with supportive people 

5.    Reinforce positive birth outcomes by watching successful births

6.    Keep open dialogue with your caregiver.

7.    Take the time to interview caregivers and be alert to your instincts regarding them. including the attention to detail, time they take to care for you as a mother and how well they address your concerns

8.    Take the time and do not feel shy about asking specifics regarding the birth, whether they will be at your delivery and their statistical outcomes.

10.   Remember that no one knows your body better than you.

11.  Educate yourself on medical interventions,  c-section rates, induction procedures and immediate post birth procedures

12.   Most importantly: do not underestimate your body’s ability to birth naturally.

13.  Approach birth with a respectful and reflective mind. negative emotions are reinforced in your biology. so that either positive affirmations or fear that you relive can and will inform your body and pre-program your birth.

Specifics of Birth

1.   Where do you feel most comfortable birthing your baby ? And why ? Would you enjoy laboring and giving birth in familiar surroundings ?

2.   What was the process that led to you choosing your provider? 

3.   How important is your caregivers record regarding c- section, induction,s, medical interventions, as well as fetal and maternal mortality ?

4.   What is your caregiver’s philosophy about birth? 

5.   How long has your caregiver been practicing ?

6.   Have there ever been disciplinary or legal action taken against your caregiver ?

7.   What are the credentials of your provider ?

8.   How comfortable are you with having your labor induced ?

9.   What medical procedures or monitors are you comfortable with during labor and delivery ?

10.  Will you have a labor support professional to attend your birth ?

11.  What is your level of tolerance for normal labor progression and contractions ?

12.  How much do you trust that your body knows how to birth ?

13.  If you are having a son, will you be circumcising him ? why or why not ?

14.  Are you aware of the risks associated with induction, epidural and c-section ?

15.  What is your principle priority regarding birth ?  The most important aspect of the experience ? Pain management, healthy baby, natural birth, vaginal birth, freedom to move and change positions etc. ?

16.  Does your provider perform routine episiotomies ?

16.  Do you take full responsibility for choosing and facilitating the healthiest birth for your baby ?

17.  If it becomes medically necessary, what drugs does your provider use to induce labor ? be aware of cytotec.

18.  Are you prepared for the risks associated with cesarean section and its possible outcomes and implcations for future pregnancies and births ?

19.  Would you like to film and photograph your birth experience ?

20.  Is it important for you to have or see the placenta after birth ?

21.  Is it important for you to be able to move around during labor ?

22.  Would you like to be the first person to touch your baby ?

23.  How long would you like for your baby’s umbilical cord to remain attached ?

24.  How do you feel about limiting the number of people that can attend your birth or the role that they play?

25.  Do you want your baby bathed, weighed and measured immediately following birth ?

26.  High risk specialist

27.  Ultra sounds



Created by
Latrice Hankerson
earthymomdoula@gmail.com
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Birthworkers of Color United
a membership group of the International Center for Traditional Childbearing
presents
"The Business of Being a Birthworker"
a one day summit to exchange business development skills between South Florida’s BirthWorkers

Saturday, June 18 2011
Barry University/Gato Gallery
9am-4pm
Cost:
Pre-registration $40 CEU’s $60
Late Registration $50 CEU’s $70

**First 10 people to register get $10 discount**

Workshop Topics Include:
· Working relationships between birthworkers
· Structuring your practice/ business models/Marketing
· What’s in your bag?/ Equipment
· Billing/Legal documents/charts/paperwork

To register please email: midwifeforlove@gmail.com
For more information please call (786)587-8741

Click image for full size flyer

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Join a relaxed, informative discussion and participate in creative exercises ideal for  anyone preparing to give, witness or assist birth. Become prepared for the blessed event in any setting including home, hospital, birthing center or in water.  

Experience the magical trans-formative power for personal growth throughout the perinatal period and at birth.

Explore birth as a beautiful innate, and holistic process that brings great joy. An alternative to a routine and often times frightening clinical experience for a birthing family.

Be guided by experienced mothers who are also devoted, compassionate birth workers. 

FREE   *LIFE STYLE FORUM  * TALK DATES link

Life Style Forum  TALK  The Instinctual and Holistic Nature of Birth   FREE  *TALK

DATE: JUNE 9th  7 pm to 8.30 pm FREE TALK
LOCATION: BODY SENSE Holistic Spa and Wellness Center, 2292 Coral Way (23rd Avenue and Coral Way) Miami, FL 33145
p. (305 854 3100)

 

Life Style Forum TALK  The Instinctual and Holistic Nature of Birth * FREE * TALK  

DATE: SEPTEMBER 16th     6.30 PM  to 8.30 pm  FREE TALK
LOCATION: MIAMI LIFE CENTER, 736 SIXTH STREET, MIAMI BEACH, FL.,33139. 
p. (305) 534-8988

    

The  Instinctual and Holistic Nature of Birth talks will be hosted by

Sharain Santalla, Mother, Passionate Birth Advocate, founder Ital Path www.ItalPath.com  Birthing from Within Mentor, Doula CD(DONA) and Experienced Yoga Instructor  along with  Certified  Practicing  " Miami Midwife" , Sheila Simms Watts, Mother, CPM, holding a Masters in Public Health  http://www.spiritoflifemidwifery.com/

A relaxed and  informative discussion including creative exercises ideal for women and their partners as well as their trusted and loving supporters who are preparing to give birth in any setting including home, hospital, birthing center or water.

Explore the magical trans formative potential for personal growth, birth and the entire perinatal period can be.
Through the  experienced eyes of mothers who are also fervent birth workers, be guided to view birth as a  very special highlight in a woman's life.  A beautiful innate, and holistic process that brings great joy to a birthing family rather than a  routine and often times frightening clinical event. 

Using pastel and paper we will  take a, creative and fun  look at birth in our culture.  Discuss and uncover subtle yet powerful influences that lead us  to often times focus on  birth as a techno medical processes rather than birth as an instinctual, intimate and  empowering rite of passage.

We will also examine breath awareness that calms the mind and relaxes the body as one of the pillars of a yoga practice that is very helpful during labor, as it is through out  life.

 

 *****************************************************************************************************

 

BIRTHING FROM WITHIN - AN EXTRAORDINARY GUIDE TO CHILD BIRTH PREPARATION *

BIRTHING FROM WITHIN  CLASS SCHEDULE BELOW

  
Birthing  From Within  Child Birth Preparation Classes - COST $235.00  
DATE: 10:30 to 2:00 Sundays June 12,19,26,  and Thursday JUNE 30th, 7 TO 8.30 PM
LOCATION: BODY SENSE Holistic Spa and Wellness Center
2292 Coral Way (23rd Avenue and Coral Way) Miami, FL 33145 P.(305 854 3100)

BIRTHING FROM WITHIN CHILD BIRTH PREPARATION   $235.00
DATE              SEPTEMBER 17 AND 18 .  10.30 TO  4.30 PM (lunch1.00 to 1.40 pm)
LOCATION     MIAMI LIFE CENTER, 736 SW 6th St.  Miami Beach Florida.,33139. (305 534-8988) 

************************************************************************************************** 

* Class size is limited.  Please register early to ensure space by contacting me directly. . 
Special rate form medical recommendations and Medicaid rate available  If interested in classes  and there are special circumstances   please contact me directly at 305 951 0577

 

*******************************************************************************************************

Pre Natal Yoga      Thursdays at 6:30 pm

Birthing from Within. Child Birth preparation  Guiding Principals

- Childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event (even when medical care is part of the birth).
- The essence of childbirth preparation is self-discovery, not assimilating obstetric information.
- The teacher (mentor) is “midwife” to the parents’ discovery process, not the expert from whom wisdom flows.
- Childbirth preparation is a continually evolving process (for parents and teachers), not a static structure of techniques and knowledge.
- Parents’ individual needs and differences determine class content.
- Active, creative self-expression is critical to childbirth preparation.
- The purpose of childbirth preparation is to prepare mothers to give birth-in-awareness, not to achieve a specific birth outcome.
- Pregnancy and birth outcome are influenced by a variety of factors, but can’t be controlled by planning.
- In order to help parents mobilize their coping resources, it is critical for childbirth classes to acknowledge that unexpected, unwelcome events may happen during labor.
- Parents deserve support for any birth option which might be right for them (whether it be drugs, cesarean, home birth, or bottle-feeding).
- Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering.
- Pain-coping practices work best when integrated into daily life, rather than “dusted off” for labor.
- Fathers and birth partners help best as birth guardians or loving partners, not as coaches; they also need support.
- For parents, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a time of continuous learning and adjustment; holistic support and education should be available throughout that period.

- Childbirth preparation is also parent preparation

VALIDATING ........   the innate wisdom you already hold
MOTIVATING .......   you toward solutions
EDUCATING........     with practical information and discussions
INITIATING ........... you into the passage of parenthood

For more information on forum please call Sharain Santalla at 305 951 0577.


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In Celebration of May 5th International Midwives Day

Please join us for a Free All Day
"Midwifery and Birth Film Festival"
Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 2:00 PM until 10:00 PM
ECAC (Emergence Community Arts Collective)
733 Euclid Street NW, Washington DC 20010
www.ecacollective.org

Come for some; Stay for all

Film Schedule - These movie times are an approximation

2:00 Bringin In Da Spirit - Through the use of first person narrative and rare archival images, this documentary provides a moving glimpse of the African-American Grand Midwives who have skillfully brought scores of children across the threshold of existence. Narrated by Phylicia Rashad.

3:00 It's My Body, My Baby, My Birth – This is an educational childbirth film that tells the story of 7 mothers and their emotional journeys to natural childbirth. Through storytelling and photos, we hear the mothers' stories. Partners express their fears and concerns, ultimately transforming as well.

3:30 Babies - This visually stunning new movie simultaneously follows four babies around the world - from first breath to first steps. From Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo, BABIES joyfully captures on film the earliest stages of the journey of humanity that are at once unique and universal to us all.

5:00 Home Delivery - This film documents the lives of three women in New York, who are from different backgrounds and for very different reasons have decided to go up against social trends and take the birth of their children into their own hands… and homes.

7:00 Questions and Answers and General Discussion.

7:30 All My Babies – This is a 1953 educational film was originally produced to educate midwives in the Southern United States. It was produced by the Georgia Department of Public Health. Mary Frances Hill Coley, an African-American woman who helped deliver over 3,000 babies in the middle part of the 20th century, is seen in this film. Miss Mary, as she was called.

8:00 Guerilla Midwife – This film follows Ibu Robin Lim into the trenches of her work. From Bali, where hemorrhage after childbirth is a leading cause of death, into the Tsunami disaster zone in Aceh, where her battle is fought with only one weapon, love. In this culturally mesmerizing, heart-wrenching documentary, you will discover why we must reinvent our protocols for pregnancy and childbirth in order to preserve our Planet's Humanity.

9:30 The Business of Being Born - This is a personal documentary tackling the controversial debate between at-home and hospital births in the United States. It contains shocking facts (illuminating to both men and women alike), regarding the historical and current practices of the child-birthing industry. The chronicle is interwoven with footage of married couples opting for home birth.

Nurslings are welcome! Bring your own snacks!

Sponsored By

MANA Midwives of Color DC Area Supporters of ICTC
DC Chapter of ACNM Birthing Hands of DC

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Greetings - Passing this along.... I saw this great article and wanted to share it with you all. Please use the link below to read the full story.

~ Sheila~

While we all marvel at the miracle of fetal development and the wonders of birth, we very often fail to look at the miraculous organ the placenta. This organ grows from the time of conception to eventually take over the production of hormones needed to sustain the pregnancy at around 12 weeks gestation (from your last menstrual period). It supplies your growing baby with a means of obtaining nutrients for development as well as a method of waste disposal. This is the only disposable organ ever made.

http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/placentas/a/placenta.htm

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