A Message from Cyndy

For all Birth Circle Doulas--

Please, please, make sure that we have a copy of your child abuse clearances and the first sheet of your current liability insurance coverage on file. If you don't have the chance to make copies, bring the originals, and we will make copies at the office and send you back your originals. We MUST have this paperwork completed and on file in the office in order for you to continue providing doula services.

The Birth Quilt

Sara, a PA mama and fiber artist, was recently in town for the Handmade Arcade Craft Fair. (Where our own Birth Circle doulas, Jamie and Courtney, sold their excellent hats, clothing and baby slings too!) Sara made this quilt over the course of 6 years as part of her own healing following the births of children. Note the text in the background, which reads "I am not afraid, I am born to do this." What beautiful work--if only we could hang work like this in our own L&D wards!

Read the story of her birth quilt here.

The History of the Pregnancy Test

All expectant women have a "how I found out" story to tell about their pregnancies. Taking a pregnancy test in the privacy of one's home is now a common thing, but it wasn't always that way.

The first home pregnancy tests were not available until 1978. This fascinating website tells the story of how a group of endocrinologists at the National Institute of Health developed the first tests available for women to buy over the counter.

Here's the link.

ALL women deserve positive birth support

Check out this story about how the Washington State Corrections Center has implemented a doula program for pregnant women in their facilities. The program is showing how having a positive birth experience not only gives babies a chance to start out right, but also helps incarcerated women to start over again.

Read the original article here.

Photo Credit: MIKE SIEGEL / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Birth Circle Quick Facts:

Benefits of Breastfeeding

We've all heard that breastfeeding is the best option for most new moms. Here are some quick facts that you can have ready whenever anyone asks you "Why?":

1. Better for Baby
Breastfed babies are at lower risk for ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, asthma, diabetes, urinary-tract infections, food allergies and eczema. It can also help prevent obesity later in life.

2. Better for Mom
Breastfeeding benefits Mom by helping her body to return to normal after childbirth. Nursing burns about 500 calories a day, which helps to take off extra pregnancy pounds. The hormone Oxytocin that is released during nursing helps the uterus to return to its normal size and helps to reduce postpartum bleeding.

3. Bonding
The act of nursing is important in the early bonding between mom and baby. Frequent skin-to-skin contact comforts both baby and mom, and close eye-contact during nursing can be a great way to foster trust and communication.

4. Better for the Earth
No packaging means no trash!

5. Convenient and Free!
Breast milk is always the right temperature for baby and requires no mixing or preparation. And you can’t beat the price!

Source: “Breastfeeding” Parenting Magazine. Mar. 5 2008.
http://www.parenting.com/article/Baby/Care/Breastfeeding

Doulas get some attention at the Be Well! Health Fair

On Saturday, May 3rd, the Be Well! Health Fair was hosted by St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Shadyside. Elise Francis and new doula Kristy Fornwald were there to represent The Birth Circle at this event which highlighted alternative health care options to area residents. While there was not a huge turnout (this might have had something to do with the dreary weather), our presence did not go unnoticed. Justin Hopper from The Sprout Fund wrote this great blog entry about his visit to the fair: Doula Unto Others.

Good news about breastfeeding

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recently published a report that shows some encouraging news about breastfeeding rates in the U.S. The report shows that 3 out of 4 American women initiate breastfeeding after giving birth. The promotion of breastfeeding is of one of our primary objectives at The Birth Circle, so this is wonderful news to hear.

The CDC does report, however, that groups with the lowest breastfeeding rates continue to be single moms, low-income women, and those with a high school education or less. This is something to remember as we reach out to women in our community.

Read about the report from CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/04/30/breastfeeding.ap/index.html