There has been a bit of debate recently (well not just recently) about whether or not ultrasound use in pregnancy poses any risks to the baby. Many doctors still believe it is extremely safe, to the point that they do it regularily to their family members, and usually come back with the statement "If it wasn't safe, I wouldn't recommend it" or "There are more forms of radiation in our everyday lives that are worse than ultrasounds". Well the fact is, studies are proving them wrong. And directly applying the ultrasound or doppler to the womans body to "check" on the baby is the strongest form of radiation an unborn baby will ever experience.
Recent studies on pregnant rodents and non-human primates have shown that exposing the unborn babies to ultrasound waves, have very distinct behavioural issues, such as social withdrawal. On a physical level, these babies were born with lower birth weights and poor muscle tone. One study, using Guinea pigs saw an increase of temperature in the brain tissue near the bone by up to 5.1 degrees Celcius. Routine scans are performed on healthy women, with normal pregnancies at around 18 weeks gestation, imagine if the baby's brain tissue is increasing in temperature by that much during such an important part of development, that baby could have damage to the brain tissue that is irreversible, such as neurological disorders.
Ultrasounds are being used to detect abnormalities in the baby, but with a possible +5000 chromosomal abnormalities, only a few can be detected. Before just sending a woman for scan I think it is important to know what she will do with the information. If she isn't going to abort the pregnancy, no matter what the scan says, then why bother sending her. And if there is a complication, mulitiple scans could be putting that baby at an increased risk.
The bottom line is, if there is a complication, an ultrasound can't fix it, and it probably won't even catch it. So is it worth the risk for everyone.
Much Love
Marissa
ps. here are several links to some articles and studies on the effects of ultrasound.
http://www.sarahjbuckley.com/articles/ultrasound-scans.htm
http://www.aims.org.uk/Journal/Vol11No4/ultra2.htm
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/ultrasound.asp
http://www.greenhealthwatch.com/newsstories/newslatest/latest0701/ultrasound-hurt.html
check them out.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Hospitals Lying to Pregnant Women
You remember last week when I posted about this sign that is in a hospital where women birth in Utah? Well, this sign is pretty awful, but at least these care providers have the guts to be upfront and honest about how they view birth and want to take control of the situation. Here in my city, we have a similar problem, an out right, blatant lie, posted in our Labour and Delivery Wards. A sign saying they are part of the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative, when they definatley aren't even close.
So, I ask you, what is worse? Posting a sign saying your facility will respect a mother, and allow her to birth the way nature intended and has an Cesarean rate of 15% or less, when the acutal C-section rate is at 30%? or, a sign as crude and awful, but at least honest, as the one in Utah?
I personally think lying to pregnant women to gain their trust in the facility is far worse. Women think they are making a good decision based on this knowledge just to find out while in the throws of their own birthing experience that their hospital of choice doesn't even come close to matching the requirements of the MFCI.
It is time for a change. If you want to write to the Alberta Health Services, here is their link to their contact information.http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/contact.asp
Much Love
Marissa
Thursday, November 19, 2009
10 Steps of the Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative
A Mother-Friendly hospital, birth centre or home birth service:
- Offers all birthing women:
- Unrestricted access to birth companions of her choice, including fathers, partners, children, family members, and friends;
- Unrestricted access to continuous emotional and physical support from a skilled woman- for example, a doula, or labour support professional;
- Access to professional midwifery care
2. Provides accurate descriptive and statistical information to the public about its practices and procedures for birth care, including measures of interventions and outcomes.
3. Provides culturally competent care - that is, care that is sensitive and responsive to the specific beliefs, values and customs of the mother's ethnicity and religion.
4. Provides women with the freedom to walk, move about, and assume the positions of her choice during labour and birth (unless a restriction is specifically required to correct a complication), and discourages the use of the lithotomy(flat on back with legs elevated)position.
5. Has clearly defined policies and procedures for:
- collaborating and consulting throughout the perinatal period with other maternity services, including communicating with the original caregiver when transfer from one birth site to another is necessary;
- linking mother and baby to appropriate community resources, including prenatal and post-discharge follow-up and breastfeeding support.
6. Does not routinely employ practices and procedures that are unsupported by scientific evidence, including but not limited to the following:
- shaving;
- enemas;
- IVs (intravenous drip)
- witholding nourishment or water;
- early rupture of membranes;
- electronic fetal monitoring;
other interventions are limited as follows:
- Has an induction rate of 10% or less;
- Has an episiotomy rate of 20% or less, with a goal of 5% or less;
- Has a total cesarean rate of 10% or less in community hospitals, and 15% or less in tertiary care (high-risk) hospitals'
- Has a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) rate of 60% or more with a goal of 75% or more
7. Educates staff in non-drug methods of pain relief, and does not promote the use of analgesic or anesthetic drugs not specifically required to correct a complication.
8. Encourages all mothers and families, including those with sick or premature newborns and infants with congenital problems, to touch, hold, breastfeed, and care for their babies to the extent compatible with their conditions.
9. Discourages non-religious circumcision of the newborn.
10. Strives to acheive the WHO-UNICEF "Ten Steps of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative" to promote successful breastfeeding:
- Have a written breastfeeding policy this is routinely communicated to all health care staff;
- Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy;
- Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding;
- Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within a half-hour of birth;
- Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation even if they should be seperated from their infants;
- Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk unless medically indicated;
- Practice rooming in: allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day;
- Encourage breastfeeding on demand (or cue feeding);
- Give no artificial teat or pacifiers (also called dummies or soothers)to breastfeeding infants;
- Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from hospital or clinics.
This and more information can be viewed on their webiste.http://www.motherfriendly.org/mfci.php
Much Love,
Marissa
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
My Journey Through Pregnancy: Part 1
September 1st, 2007, I was working at Community Natural Foods and Strep throat was going around, since I was feeling a little sick and had a sore throat I called in and they asked me to get tested to see if I had it too. So off to the walk-in clinic I went. I was there for several hours, and I hadn't eaten yet that day and I was hungry. Turns out, the doctor had to go home because she was ill and I had to wait for the next doctor to come in. So 3 hours later, I get in to see her and I tell her my throat hurts and Strep is going around, then I told that I needed a pregnancy test because Tylor and I had been trying and I wasn't comfortable taking antibiotics while pregnant. Then after I pee in the cup, she comes in and starts asking me about my menstrual cycles. I was so confused, "Why do you need to know that?" I asked. She then nonchalantly said "Because you are pregnant". I was totally taken off guard, although this is what I wanted, I didn't believe her at all. I think I said "Really?" with a confused expression plastered on my face. I remember walking out of the clinic, with my From Here Through Maternity book clutched in my arms, and as soon as I looked up at the sky, there was lightning, a crack of thunder and it started to rain. It was just perfect.
I then called Tylor to tell him. I simply said "Congratulations, Daddy!" and he raced to come and pick me up and gave me the biggest hug. We promptly went over to my parents house and told them. She has a picture of when we found out. You should see the look on Tylor's face, proudest man alive. That night, I went online and emailed every midwife in Calgary. I was quickly answered and told to read the biographies of the midwives and see who I would like to meet with. We read them together and made our decision on who we thought would be the best fit for us. We chose Moonstone Midwives, Jane Bake and Nadine Mitchell, later Sivan Bar Sever, who practice with Birthpartnership Midwives in Calgary.
Then it came time to tell Tylor's parents. That was a little scary, I was 20, he was 25 and they didn't know we had been trying for the past 9 months to get pregnant. So we ventured out to Brooks for a visit, by this time I was 6 weeks and I was very nervous about this meeting. We went out there primarily so Tylor could re-shingle his parents roof. It was Saturday (don't ask the date, I can't remember) and I asked Tylor when he planned on telling his parents. Well, he came in for lunch, sat down at the table, looked at his parents and said "So, How do you feel about being Grandparents?". Aparently the look on my face was classic, as if I was just finding out I was pregnant. Well, I believe his Mother said "Oh, No!", but Tylor explained that this wasn't a mistake and we were planning this and were very happy. His Father didn't say anything really, not to me anyway, not sure if he spoke with Tylor.
That weekend was interesting. After that, Tylor had to go back out onto the roof and leave me inside with his parents. Soon after that came the horror stories from my dear Mother-in-law, and she showed me her stretch marks, I am sure as a tactic to scare me. There was also her C-section stories that came after we told her we were planning to birth with midwives either at home or in the birth center. It was short lived as I told her, I am ok with stretch marks and I know birth is normal and natural. She also bugged me about what I was eating, I am sure out of concern because I was craving bean sprouts, fried in soy sauce (I have been told that is a very Asian craving, but it was so good).
My first trimester went by without much to talk about. We met the midwives for our first appointment at around 6 weeks and were given all their information so I could call them at any time. I had told my mother before pregnancy that I wouldn't have morning sickness, because not all women do. She gave me that look like "We will see!" look. Well, I am way to stubborn to follow the status quo, even in pregnancy, so I had no morning sickness. I was a little nauseated at times but it was because I needed to get in the habit of eating breakfast, something I didn't usually do. Other than that, nothing truly remarkable to speak of, other than the fact that I was carrying a little life.
I then called Tylor to tell him. I simply said "Congratulations, Daddy!" and he raced to come and pick me up and gave me the biggest hug. We promptly went over to my parents house and told them. She has a picture of when we found out. You should see the look on Tylor's face, proudest man alive. That night, I went online and emailed every midwife in Calgary. I was quickly answered and told to read the biographies of the midwives and see who I would like to meet with. We read them together and made our decision on who we thought would be the best fit for us. We chose Moonstone Midwives, Jane Bake and Nadine Mitchell, later Sivan Bar Sever, who practice with Birthpartnership Midwives in Calgary.
Then it came time to tell Tylor's parents. That was a little scary, I was 20, he was 25 and they didn't know we had been trying for the past 9 months to get pregnant. So we ventured out to Brooks for a visit, by this time I was 6 weeks and I was very nervous about this meeting. We went out there primarily so Tylor could re-shingle his parents roof. It was Saturday (don't ask the date, I can't remember) and I asked Tylor when he planned on telling his parents. Well, he came in for lunch, sat down at the table, looked at his parents and said "So, How do you feel about being Grandparents?". Aparently the look on my face was classic, as if I was just finding out I was pregnant. Well, I believe his Mother said "Oh, No!", but Tylor explained that this wasn't a mistake and we were planning this and were very happy. His Father didn't say anything really, not to me anyway, not sure if he spoke with Tylor.
That weekend was interesting. After that, Tylor had to go back out onto the roof and leave me inside with his parents. Soon after that came the horror stories from my dear Mother-in-law, and she showed me her stretch marks, I am sure as a tactic to scare me. There was also her C-section stories that came after we told her we were planning to birth with midwives either at home or in the birth center. It was short lived as I told her, I am ok with stretch marks and I know birth is normal and natural. She also bugged me about what I was eating, I am sure out of concern because I was craving bean sprouts, fried in soy sauce (I have been told that is a very Asian craving, but it was so good).
My first trimester went by without much to talk about. We met the midwives for our first appointment at around 6 weeks and were given all their information so I could call them at any time. I had told my mother before pregnancy that I wouldn't have morning sickness, because not all women do. She gave me that look like "We will see!" look. Well, I am way to stubborn to follow the status quo, even in pregnancy, so I had no morning sickness. I was a little nauseated at times but it was because I needed to get in the habit of eating breakfast, something I didn't usually do. Other than that, nothing truly remarkable to speak of, other than the fact that I was carrying a little life.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
My Journey to Pregnancy
I was 19 and just started dating Tylor, we had a pregnancy scare, where we were certain we were pregnant. It was scary, I wanted to be a midwife but was absolutely terrified of being pregnant at 19. We found out that we weren't pregnant and we surprised at how sad we felt, and so began our path towards parenthood.
Shortly after that experience, I went off the birth control pill and we started trying to conceive. It was an exciting time for us, and it was also filled with sadness every month we found out we weren't pregnant. It took my body a long time find its natural groove, I had been on the pill since I was 15 and my body wasn't sure how to manage the hormones on its own. It was hard, and I was very moody but Tylor was very supportive and doesn't want me to ever put anything like that into my system again.
After the first couple months of trying with no luck, I decided to learn how to track my cycles. I was surprised at how much I didn't know about my body. I think tracking your cycles should be something taught in Sexual Education in school, because having to look it up the internet is sad. I learned though, how i can take my temperature first thing in the morning before getting out of bed, using a Basal Thermometer to figure out when I was ovulating. I also learned how different types of vaginal secretions mean when you are your most fertile. Our bodies are quite amazing.
I was certain that once I had started this we would get pregnant right away, WRONG! My body was still very out of whack due to the birth control pill. It turns out my luteal phase (the time from ovulation to menstruation)wasn't long enough to support a fertilized ovum. It needed to be about 10 days or more and I was sitting at 9 or 10. When this happens it means that your progesterone levels aren't high enough. Thankfully I started working at Community Natural Foods in the section with all the vitamins and herbs and natural remedies and was able to look up what I could do to help my body. I decided that making a tea of Damiana and Chaste Berry (Vitex) was my best bet. It helped me so much, that month I became pregnant.
It was such an exciting thing to learn about my body and was able to help it return to it's own version of normal and not the normal that science has deemed appropriate for me. For women and girls who are on birth control, when you come off remember it can take a long time find your natural rhythm but don't lose hope and you can find ways to help it.
Much love,
Marissa
Shortly after that experience, I went off the birth control pill and we started trying to conceive. It was an exciting time for us, and it was also filled with sadness every month we found out we weren't pregnant. It took my body a long time find its natural groove, I had been on the pill since I was 15 and my body wasn't sure how to manage the hormones on its own. It was hard, and I was very moody but Tylor was very supportive and doesn't want me to ever put anything like that into my system again.
After the first couple months of trying with no luck, I decided to learn how to track my cycles. I was surprised at how much I didn't know about my body. I think tracking your cycles should be something taught in Sexual Education in school, because having to look it up the internet is sad. I learned though, how i can take my temperature first thing in the morning before getting out of bed, using a Basal Thermometer to figure out when I was ovulating. I also learned how different types of vaginal secretions mean when you are your most fertile. Our bodies are quite amazing.
I was certain that once I had started this we would get pregnant right away, WRONG! My body was still very out of whack due to the birth control pill. It turns out my luteal phase (the time from ovulation to menstruation)wasn't long enough to support a fertilized ovum. It needed to be about 10 days or more and I was sitting at 9 or 10. When this happens it means that your progesterone levels aren't high enough. Thankfully I started working at Community Natural Foods in the section with all the vitamins and herbs and natural remedies and was able to look up what I could do to help my body. I decided that making a tea of Damiana and Chaste Berry (Vitex) was my best bet. It helped me so much, that month I became pregnant.
It was such an exciting thing to learn about my body and was able to help it return to it's own version of normal and not the normal that science has deemed appropriate for me. For women and girls who are on birth control, when you come off remember it can take a long time find your natural rhythm but don't lose hope and you can find ways to help it.
Much love,
Marissa
My Dream of Being a Midwife
Ever since I was 11 years old (or so) I have been completely enthralled with pregnancy and birth. It was something no one really talked about around kids, so I made sure I asked the women in my family about their experiences with birth, and I learned a lot and was so amazed by how our bodies could do this. This is where my journey began but it didn't pick up speed to know that being a midwife was for me until I was about 16 or 17. My dear friend Greg asked me what I wanted to do after high school, I had no idea. He then changed the question, "what interests you the most?". It took me a few days to really ponder this question, when I called him and left a very enthusiastic message with my answer of Pregnancy and Birth and I was going to be a Midwife.
I had chosen my path and made sure I got the required courses to attend a University to take the course, but knew I wouldn't be going right out of high school. Then after high school I came across something I thought would be great while I waited to go to University, Doulas or Birth Companions. I was pretty excited to try this out, especially after being given the honour of attending my best friend's first birth. And I loved it, being a part of such a sacred moment, and seeing the look on the parents faces when they meet their newborn for the first time, just made me realise that this is where I belonged.
I took a course for doula training and attended a few births, but I soon became pregnant with my first and was just unable to attend births, since I was just so tired. So my certification expired and I don't think I am going to certify anyway. I believe a woman holds the wisdom of birth inside her body, even if it is subconscious it is there. If a woman chooses to birth at home alone I don't see why I can't support that. Anyway, so I didn't get certified, and feel I don't need it and have found a few great supports, other Doulas, who aren't certified for the same reasons as I. Even though I am still going to attend the odd birth here and there, I think it is really hard to be neutral. I can't say anything to the doctors at the hospital and was once yelled at by a doctor when I mentioned that I was a doula. I just know there is a better way, a healthier way and I feel trapped in a place where I am helping the birthing family but if anything is said I just have to hope I have given my clients enough information to make an informed decision.
I have come to the conclusion that being a Midwife is the best option for me. It is going to be the best way to help change they way we view and treat birth now. I will be able to give great information to my birthing families, and keep them as safe as I can from the mostly unnecessary procedures and interventions that are routinely being pushed upon women and their unborn babies. So wish me luck as I venture on this journey to protecting women, babies and the natural way of birthing.
Much Love,
Marissa
I had chosen my path and made sure I got the required courses to attend a University to take the course, but knew I wouldn't be going right out of high school. Then after high school I came across something I thought would be great while I waited to go to University, Doulas or Birth Companions. I was pretty excited to try this out, especially after being given the honour of attending my best friend's first birth. And I loved it, being a part of such a sacred moment, and seeing the look on the parents faces when they meet their newborn for the first time, just made me realise that this is where I belonged.
I took a course for doula training and attended a few births, but I soon became pregnant with my first and was just unable to attend births, since I was just so tired. So my certification expired and I don't think I am going to certify anyway. I believe a woman holds the wisdom of birth inside her body, even if it is subconscious it is there. If a woman chooses to birth at home alone I don't see why I can't support that. Anyway, so I didn't get certified, and feel I don't need it and have found a few great supports, other Doulas, who aren't certified for the same reasons as I. Even though I am still going to attend the odd birth here and there, I think it is really hard to be neutral. I can't say anything to the doctors at the hospital and was once yelled at by a doctor when I mentioned that I was a doula. I just know there is a better way, a healthier way and I feel trapped in a place where I am helping the birthing family but if anything is said I just have to hope I have given my clients enough information to make an informed decision.
I have come to the conclusion that being a Midwife is the best option for me. It is going to be the best way to help change they way we view and treat birth now. I will be able to give great information to my birthing families, and keep them as safe as I can from the mostly unnecessary procedures and interventions that are routinely being pushed upon women and their unborn babies. So wish me luck as I venture on this journey to protecting women, babies and the natural way of birthing.
Much Love,
Marissa
Thursday, November 12, 2009
So this sign is in a Women's Care Center in Utah. I can't even begin to tell you how many things are wrong with this sign. Not only is it not based on anything scientific, but it completely undermines the participation of the mother and partner, but it shows that the doctors at this facility want their patients to lay back and let them do whatever they feel is "best" for the baby, without your input or knowledge.
Now, I do have to give these caregivers some credit. At least they are being totally upfront and honest. I know of some caregivers, who will be very supportive throughout the whole pregnancy, then when you get to a stage where they know you will most likely not find a new caregiver that they actually aren't supportive of that, or worse, they don't say anything until you are in labour and start bombarding you with things you have clearly stated that you are not ok with and know aren't necessary.
Even though these Doctors and Nurses have "balls" for putting this in their Women's Center, it is still wrong. To completely expect mothers to just walk it, spread her legs and let someone, who she probably doesn't even know to just take over, a completely natural process. I honestly hope that this sign being sent around the internet creates enough attention to pressure this Centre to change thier policy and promote participation from the parents during the birthing.
As a side note. There is a wonderful blog call the Unnecesarean, she posted this picture a little while ago and made a contest to see who could make a better version. The contest is over and it is up on her blog.http://www.theunnecesarean.com/blog/2009/11/4/photoshop-contest-the-anti-doula-sign-in-the-utah-obstetrici.html
Much Love
Marissa
Attitudes Towards Yourself When Pregnant!
So this has been on my mind for the past few days. I have quite a few friends on my Facebook page who are pregnant and I love them all dearly but I am so upsetted by how they speak about themselves and their pregnancies. Pregnancy, is the time when a woman should feel the most beautiful and radiant, not to say there aren't discomforts but compared to the knowledge that you are growing your child in your womb they don't seem too much to endure. I think what we need to do is change the way we speak about pregnancy and birth, and change the language surrounding it.
When someone has been trying to get pregnant for months, and finally sees that little plus sign and their heart just fills with joy, excitment and love, the next thing we here from them is "I feel awful, I can't wait for this to be over." Yes, I have been there and it can be pretty uncomfortable but you are pregnant and that is what you wanted, why not do your best to enjoy and remember ever aspect, even if you are hanging over the edge of the toilet bowl?
Now, usually the second trimester we don't hear too many complaints. Many womyn in our society though have a huge issue with gaining weight and this is when the scale starts to go up. Some of these women start with the, what seems to be forever, complaining about how fat they are. Well you aren't fat, not even a little bit, you are carrying your child (or children) and a baby bump is one of the most beautiful things on this Earth.
Ok, so now we are at the third trimester, the biggest complaint here is. "I am done. I don't want to be pregnant and fat." And caregivers don't alleviate this at all, by counting down to your "due date" or as I call it, your "Estimated Day of Birthing". No one can predict when your baby is going to come, and forcing a labour isn't a good idea, sometimes it is necessary but that is a truly rarely need.
We have the most common complaints during pregnancy, and we hear them endlessly. Very rarely do we hear a woman speaking highly and positively to and about herself during pregnancy and that is worrisome to me. While your baby is in your body she/he can feel every emotion you are feeling and can hear everything you are saying. You should really focus on being positive and loving. It can be hard, when you have gained 30lbs and have had to work, but it even makes you feel better to acknowledge all the positive aspects of your life. Instead of focusing on your discomforts, take a moment to yourself and remember you are carrying a life. A beautiful, budding, capable of loving, little life, who is very excited to come and meet you.
I think what I am trying to say is, you are pregnant and yes, it can be uncomfortable at times, believe me I know. But what womyn and young girls need to hear is all the positive aspects of being pregnant and you, yourself needs to hear those things aswell. Even if it doens't make you feel better physically, it can greatly increase how you will later regard your pregnancy experience and I know you little life, fluttering about inside your body will definately benefit from the love it feels when you speak positively about having him/her within you.
Much Love, and remember being pregnant is a sacred time, treasure every moment.
Marissa
When someone has been trying to get pregnant for months, and finally sees that little plus sign and their heart just fills with joy, excitment and love, the next thing we here from them is "I feel awful, I can't wait for this to be over." Yes, I have been there and it can be pretty uncomfortable but you are pregnant and that is what you wanted, why not do your best to enjoy and remember ever aspect, even if you are hanging over the edge of the toilet bowl?
Now, usually the second trimester we don't hear too many complaints. Many womyn in our society though have a huge issue with gaining weight and this is when the scale starts to go up. Some of these women start with the, what seems to be forever, complaining about how fat they are. Well you aren't fat, not even a little bit, you are carrying your child (or children) and a baby bump is one of the most beautiful things on this Earth.
Ok, so now we are at the third trimester, the biggest complaint here is. "I am done. I don't want to be pregnant and fat." And caregivers don't alleviate this at all, by counting down to your "due date" or as I call it, your "Estimated Day of Birthing". No one can predict when your baby is going to come, and forcing a labour isn't a good idea, sometimes it is necessary but that is a truly rarely need.
We have the most common complaints during pregnancy, and we hear them endlessly. Very rarely do we hear a woman speaking highly and positively to and about herself during pregnancy and that is worrisome to me. While your baby is in your body she/he can feel every emotion you are feeling and can hear everything you are saying. You should really focus on being positive and loving. It can be hard, when you have gained 30lbs and have had to work, but it even makes you feel better to acknowledge all the positive aspects of your life. Instead of focusing on your discomforts, take a moment to yourself and remember you are carrying a life. A beautiful, budding, capable of loving, little life, who is very excited to come and meet you.
I think what I am trying to say is, you are pregnant and yes, it can be uncomfortable at times, believe me I know. But what womyn and young girls need to hear is all the positive aspects of being pregnant and you, yourself needs to hear those things aswell. Even if it doens't make you feel better physically, it can greatly increase how you will later regard your pregnancy experience and I know you little life, fluttering about inside your body will definately benefit from the love it feels when you speak positively about having him/her within you.
Much Love, and remember being pregnant is a sacred time, treasure every moment.
Marissa
About Me!
So I decided that since I can't get my head to shut up with all the crazy (and not so crazy) thoughts racing in my head, I needed to vent somewhere and what better place than in a blog. I tried the blog thing once, but my daughter was so young at the time I didn't have a chance to follow up much, but now she is quite happy to entertain herself so I get some (small amount) of time to myself.
My name is Marissa Dean, I am 22 years old, the mother of one awesome little girl who is 18 months old and married to quite the man, whom I love dearly and can't imagine my life without. Now, before I became pregnant with my DD I was certifying to become a Birth Doula, well since the birth of my daughter and the demands of being a mother and a wife, I have had to put that on hold for now, along with my dream of being a midwife. But it is all worth it.
I still have many opinions and thoughts on maternity care and newborn care that I need to express. I can't be a doula at the moment but I still want to be an active member of the birthing community until I am ready to embark on my own journey into midwifery.
So here is my blog. I will be adding posts every few days and am hoping to talk to some wonderful Womyn and Men.
Much love
Marissa Dean
My name is Marissa Dean, I am 22 years old, the mother of one awesome little girl who is 18 months old and married to quite the man, whom I love dearly and can't imagine my life without. Now, before I became pregnant with my DD I was certifying to become a Birth Doula, well since the birth of my daughter and the demands of being a mother and a wife, I have had to put that on hold for now, along with my dream of being a midwife. But it is all worth it.
I still have many opinions and thoughts on maternity care and newborn care that I need to express. I can't be a doula at the moment but I still want to be an active member of the birthing community until I am ready to embark on my own journey into midwifery.
So here is my blog. I will be adding posts every few days and am hoping to talk to some wonderful Womyn and Men.
Much love
Marissa Dean
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)