Birthing Beginnings
Happy 2010! TBN eagerly anticipates all of the opportunities this year will bring to increase choices in childbirth in the triangle. Read more…
The Bricks: A firm foundation of empowered childbirth choices
Welcome to "The Bricks". The Triangle Birth Network chose this name to stir up images of women birthing over heated bricks in ancient times supported on all sides by loving friends, sisters, and mothers. They would squat with their heels on the bricks, using gravity to ease their births. The bricks were decorated with ancient birthing wisdom to remind them that they could birth, just as all of the women who came before them could birth. We hope that this blog serves to inspire you, encourage you, and provide you with information on all of the childbirth choices available to you in the Triangle. Enjoy!
Birth in the News | Feature Articles | From the Board | Uncategorized
Just in time for Valentine’s…TBN LOVES Carrboro Midwifery!
We LOVE choices. We especially love bringing information about new choices to YOU, our Triangle families. We are thrilled to announce that Carrboro Midwifery opened its’ doors at 127A Fidelity Street, Carrboro on January 22, 2010!! Read more…
Take Action to Save Babies’ Lives!
Babies.
Images of soft, clean skin, giggles, and all around precious moments filled your head, right?
Breastfeeding—friendly?
The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics both state that exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a child’s life is the best start. The WHO’s baby-friendly hospital initiative requires hospitals, among other things, to ban formula advertising bags. The “Ten Steps” towards becoming baby friendly create an environment where women feel celebrated and supported as they breastfeed, rather than an inconvenience to staff. You can find a complete listing of all baby friendly hospitals and birth centers on the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Website here.
Motherhood, beauty, art
Through the ages, these three words have often been used synonymously. However, in the midst of nursing pads and showerless days, morning sickness and achy hips…your glow may be forgotten.
10 things NOT to say to an overdue pregnant woman
Ah, the joys of being “overdue.” Not only may you feel frustrated with your very pregnant state, but it seems that everyone around you feels it is their job to inform you that you have left the bun (s) in the oven too long.
Questions to ask your provider
Pregnancy is such an exciting time. After the huge news that you will be bringing a new life to the world, there are still more big decisions to make. In the midst of possibly working, decorating your nursery, attending showers, and sending your partner on late-night craving runs, remember to consider what you envision for your ideal birth experience. Read more…
Doctors Versus Midwives: The Birth Wars Rage On-TIME
In an article published on May 16th, author Jeffrey Kluger brought the political battle over birth between doctors and midwives to the forefront of the news media once again. Kluger interviews Melissa Cheyney, an assistant professor of Anthropology at Oregon State University and a practicing midwife about her insights into this tug-of-war over mothers and babies.
We’re Here for You!
Two women, Mary and Joan, are both giving birth in May. They’ve both chosen Dr ABC as their care provider, and they’ll both be birthing at Hospital XYZ. They both think they would like a natural birth; vaginal and without pain meds. However, both feel open to the idea of an epidural at some point since they really don’t know what to expect of themselves. To help them decide, they both hire a doula. Both women start labor and arrive at the hospital in active labor. Both women eventually have Pitocin augmentation recommended, consent, and also decide to get an epidural not long after. Both women have otherwise uncomplicated vaginal births, healthy babies, and are successful with breastfeeding after a small amount of formula supplementation. Read more…
If we really want to help moms…
This article by Alison Stuebe, MD was printed in the News & Observer on Sunday, May 10th. Dr. Stuebe is a mother of three and an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the UNC School of Medicine. You can read the article on the N&O website here.
Americans are expected to spend nearly $16 billion this year on Mother’s Day celebrations. It’s an impressive outpouring of appreciation-and it’s also an aberration. The other 364 days of the year, American mothers are on their own, with profound consequences for public health. As an obstetrician, I see these consequences every day. When mom and baby leave the hospital, dad goes back to work, and older children get pulled from day care to save money. Saddled with responsibility for housework, older children and baby care, mothers fight for even a few minutes to nurture their infants. Three-quarters of American mothers start out breastfeeding, but more than half wean early, unable to reach the goals they set for themselves. It’s not difficult to understand why-stress interferes with the hard-wired brain circuitry responsible for mothering and nurturing babies.
Read more…