Archive for Father’s Perspective
Delivering a Baby: Just as Easy as Catching a Ball but Way Scarier
We had planned on our second son being born at a home with an experienced midwife, and a friend to babysit our firstborn (18 months at the time of the birth). But the best laid plans being what they are, I had the joy of delivering our new baby while our older son watched Blue’s Clues [...]
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Reintroducing Lamaze Childbirth Classes to Spokane
Lamaze International turned 50 years old. That’s 50 years of educating, supporting, advocating and teaching a whole generation of families during the childbearing years. My mother took Lamaze classes 30 years ago as many of your parents did as well. For me, I did not have the option of taking a Lamaze class as none were offered here in Spokane. So, last year as a newly certified Lamaze educator, I began offing theses classes and would like to reintroduce Lamaze back into our community.
This last year of starting my own childbirth business, with teaching classes as well as labor and breastfeeding support, I have been privileged to connect with over 60 families in Spokane. Some of these families were first-time parents, some were seeking out VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) classes, and many wanted information on home birth and hospital options. Just as they have in the past, Lamaze classes can still give you the most up-to-date, tried-and-true birth preparation skills and information.[...]
I’ll Take a Doula and an Epidural
JUNE 30, 2011
I’m planning on having an epidural. How will a doula benefit me?
If you’re planning on having an epidural for your upcoming birth (after weighing the risks and benefits and making an informed decision) you may be wondering how a doula can help you.
A doula can help you stay relaxed and comfortable at home during early labor, assisting you and your birthing companions and helping everyone to remain confident and calm. She can help with position changes, give reminders to eat, drink, use the bathroom and make suggestions for comfort measures that will help throughout your birth.
We know that birthing is an intimate event. By remaining at home in early labor you increase the effectiveness of your labor as you are better able to relax in your environment. Many women—especially first time moms—say they are able to calmly labor at home for much longer than they would have without a doula’s support. This may allow for interventions to be avoided and result in a quicker, more effective labor. [...]
The Value of Postpartum Support
By Xylina Weaver With the birth of a child, a new family is born. Commonly, expecting parents view the birth of their baby as the finish line. Months of planning, preparing and dreaming about your new life and your baby finally arrives. But then what? Feeding, soothing and caring for a newborn baby while also [...]
Dunstan Baby Language Classes
APRIL 11, 2011
Spokane parents have an exciting new way to learn to understand the language of their newborn babies. Marcia Clement, a Dunstan Baby Language educator and mother of five, recently moved to Spokane with her family and is teaching classes for expectant parents. Some of our Bloom Spokane leaders met Marcia at Baby Fair last month and had the chance to learn more about this method of interpreting babies’ “owhs” and “ehs.” We think you’ll find it a valuable tool to have in your bag-o-tricks during those early days with a newborn. [...]
Spokane Midwives Birth Center
MARCH 23
As Bloom Spokane works to educate our community about mother-friendly birth options, we encounter parents who are surprised to discover that Spokane has a freestanding birth center—an independently owned and operated (non-hospital affiliated) facility run by midwives who provide prenatal, childbirth and postnatal care, incorporating family-centered maternity care concepts and practices.
Spokane Midwives is the private practice of Washington State licensed midwives Beth Morrill and Linda Morgan located just north of downtown Spokane at 127 East Euclid Street. The birth center provides a comfortable, home-like environment where families attend their prenatal appointments and can choose to give birth. Spokane Midwives’ patients are also cared for by the two student midwives in training at the birth center—Terri Young and Amber Morrill assist in prenatal checkups and attend births with the midwives while preparing to become licensed midwives themselves. [...]
Love and Logic Parenting Class
MARCH 16, 2011
Manito United Methodist Church in Spokane, WA will be hosting Love and Logic parenting classes on Tuesday evenings from April 12 – May 17, 2011. The Love and Logic Institute is dedicated to making parenting and teaching fun and rewarding, instead of stressful and chaotic. They provide practical tools and techniques that help adults achieve respectful, healthy relationships with their children. All of their work is based on a psychologically sound parenting and teaching philosophy called Love and Logic. To register, contact Manito United Methodist Church at (509) 747-4755. [...]
10 Great Things About an Intact Penis
JANUARY 2, 2010
When my husband and I found out we were having a son, we suddenly found ourselves thrown into the thick of a debate that we weren’t even previously aware existed—to circumcise or not to circumcise. I suppose I had always thought that my kids would be circumcised, when I thought about it at all. But that’s the thing—I just hadn’t though about it much. When I started researching the subject my mind was quickly changed, and so was my husband’s. There was a lot of surprising information out there (see the article, The Circumcision Decision). I have two intact sons now, and haven’t regretted our decision once. Here are 10 reasons why. [...]
My Husband’s Doula
This may sound crazy, but when I found out that I was pregnant, my thoughts immediately turned to my husband. He is handsome, strong and very sensitive, and because of this “sensitivity” and the fact that he had never seen me in the pain that I was about to experience, he would have no clue how to handle it! [...]
Eat My Placenta? Ewwww!
Most people are initially grossed out at the mention of placenta eating, including my own husband. He’s heard me talk about it numerous times with my friends, and still shutters with an audible “ughhh” every time the subject comes up. Even I thought it was weird the first time I heard it mentioned, but as a woman who has suffered postpartum depression with both of my children, I only wish that someone had told me about it before I had my babies. Once you hear how and why it works, it seems like a much better alternative to anti-depressant drugs…especially once you realize it comes to you in the form of capsules taken just like you would any other pill. [...]
