Archive for Natural Childbirth
What is “Orgasmic Birth”?
No doubt, the feature film of Bloom Spokane’s upcoming 2011 BIRTH! Film Festival has some of you wondering, “Orgasmic Birth? What kind of film festival is this?” It’s one you definitely SHOULD NOT MISS!
I’ve had a DVD copy of the film Orgasmic Birth sitting on the kitchen counter in my house for the past week and it has raised more than a few eyebrows of those who have passed through—my husband’s included. I knew that we had viewed scenes from this movie during the HypnoBirthing class we took in San Francisco over 4 years ago now, but I had never sat down and watched the full-length movie until tonight. I was blown away by the births represented in this film and you will be too.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE
Pregnant With Twins? Now What?
Being pregnant with twins is hard. It’s hard on your body and your mind. During my twin pregnancy, I found it to be most difficult mentally (once the puking stopped around week 15 anyway). The medical establishment, and therefore most people, expects a woman pregnant with twins to have an elective cesarean section around week 38. This is not what I wanted, so I spent a lot of time researching my options. I am also a birth doula, so I went into pregnancy with a lot of knowledge.
The first thing to remember with any pregnancy is that you MUST be flexible. I wanted a natural, unmedicated birth. I did not get that. I spent my time finding a doctor who was supportive of the birth that I wanted, but he did lay out some guidelines. [...]
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. [...]
6 Things I Learned from Ina May Gaskin
Last Friday I attended the Midwives Association of Washington State Spring Conference where Ina May Gaskin, “mother of modern midwifery,” schooled us on the horrifying history of childbirth in the U.S. and shared her thoughts on restoring childbirth to its rightful owners—women! The title of Ina May’s presentation that day was, “Combining the Best of [...]
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. [...]
Spokane Baby Fair 2011
MARCH 14, 2011
There is power in numbers! Bloom Spokane and our fabulous group of exhibitors made a powerful statement at yesterday’s Baby Fair. Our group of 15 mother-friendly organizations and providers occupied quite a large section of the event and no one there could deny that the Spokane region is home to a wealth of information and services dedicated to helping women realize their full potential during the childbearing year. [...]
Deaconess Labor and Delivery Gets an Upgrade
NOVEMBER 10, 2010
I stopped by Deaconess Medical Center’s open house yesterday to check out the recent improvements they’ve made to the labor and delivery rooms in the Women’s and Children’s center. Laboring moms, you will be happy to know that each room now has a deep-soaker, jetted bathtub with handles all around. You can cover your entire belly with warm, flowing water and the larger tubs allow for easier side-lying, squatting or other labor positions moms might want to assume. As many of us know, laboring in water is one of the best ways to ease the intensity of contractions. [...]
Spokane Business Women Features Bloom Spokane
OCTOBER 6, 2010
In September of 2010, Bloom Spokane officially became a nonprofit organization and expanded its mission to better serve the childbearing women and families in our community. As the organization prepares to launch it’s first public programs and begin fundraising efforts, we are thrilled that Spokane Business Women has chosen to feature an article about Bloom Spokane’s founder and executive director Tine Reese. [...]
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! [...]
Spokane’s New HypnoBirthing Classes
I am thrilled to announce that we have three new HypnoBirhting educators in Spokane! Here’s a quick overview of HypnoBirthing and information about each of our new local teachers. Please be in touch with them individually if you are interested in taking a class. ABOUT HYPNOBIRTHING The HypnoBirthing website is a great place to find [...]
