Today, many expectant mothers are able to choose their birth place between hospital, home, or birth center.  Being informed about these options will help you have the birth experience you desire. Hospital Setting:  A hospital is the most common birth option. You have access to doctors who specialize in obstetrics.  They are most experienced with high risk pregnancy and birth situations.  If you wish to schedule routine tests to reach your comfort level, an obstetric care provider can furnish you with a variety during your pregnancy.  You will also have access to epidural anesthesia and sedatives on demand during your labor. Some hospital settings may also provide you with CNMs…

Houston, we have a problem. While many countries around the world are seeing a decrease in maternal mortality, we are seeing an alarming increase in the United States. The Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative seeks to improve the  health of mothers and babies holistically. Baby Friendly and Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiatives can be confusing, and this causes the terms to be misused interchangeably.  Here is a very simple explanation: Baby Friendly Policies that support breastfeeding and mother/baby bond (link here) Mother Friendly  Policies that support the normalcy of birth, the empowerment of women during pregnancy and birth, a woman’s autonomy, doing no harm, and responsibility in each sphere of care. Mother…

 *This post, prompted by events last weekend, has been brewing for a long time. Dear Millennials, I work with you as you build your families, doing the hardest work a woman could ever do – giving birth to a baby. I see you. I see you as you make decisions that are best for your baby. Mama, I see you.  I see you learning all you can to give your baby holistic health. I see you during the morning sickness, the aches, the heavy days, and watch you give your baby what it needs before birth.  I see you as you struggle to nourish your baby breastfeeding.  I see you…