Why we need to talk about #MeToo in the birth room
Some women feel like they did not give consent for medical procedures during birth. They feel like they are reduced to being a vessel, only good for carrying the child. This is not helped by the belief among professionals that they are legally responsible for bringing...
“Matrescence”: The Developmental Transition to Motherhood
Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother for the first time. The emotions a woman experiences can vary widely, as the attachment to her baby grows. Contrasting with adolescence, matrescence has pheremonal, physical, and emotional attachment to another being, on...
Being stressed and pregnant doesn’t bode well for babies
A recent study was done on how stress effects pregnant women, in utero, whether it be physical or psychological. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and explored 27 factors from physical to everyday lifestyle stress. One...
Health Begins Before Birth: The Womb As The Cradle of Life
Scientists describe the womb as the first environment a child is exposed to. For this reason, the characteristics of this environment are key factors in the health a baby. The climate of this internal environment sets the stage for life outside. Food and chemicals...
Hiring A Postpartum Doula Is A Necessity, Not A Luxury
Postpartum doulas are an important support to a new mom after giving birth. A doula’s focus is to help the mother care for her postpartum body, prepare meals, provide information, and serves as both a physical and emotional support. Many new moms struggle with... ‘I encourage women to be a birthzilla, if necessary’
Giving birth is arguably the most important moment in a woman’s life, and should be treated with more reverence than just a mere surgical procedure. It is often felt to be a spiritual experience. Moms should not feel bad to insist on things they feel are...
Big Babies: the risk of care provider fear
Having a larger baby is common, but may come with several associated risks. Research has shown that larger babies tend to have higher blood glucose levels, as well as a bigger head and shoulders, which may lead to complications during birth. Some of these... Inducements For Induction: is it really a choice when push comes to shove?
Pregnant women are sometimes pressured to undergo labor induction, that is, to have labor artificially begun. It should always be understood that induction is a choice. The mother should choose freely, without manipulation, coercion, fear mongering or mansplaining....
Women in Labor Can’t Hold In Their Babies. Nurses Tell Them To Do It Anyway
Mothers who are in labor are often asked to accommodate the doctor’s schedule. However, this can have drastic consequences on the mother’s and baby’s health, because in most circumstances, it is nearly impossible to hold in a baby. Many women around...