A Mother’s Outrage
If you’re a white mother reading the headlines or watching Minneapolis burn and you’re not outraged, ask yourself one question: Why not? On this blog I’ve established that I’m not someone who cries very often: a couple of times a year, perhaps; on the other side of giving birth, for sure. It’s not that I […]
Growing Together Through Differences? Yes, Please.
I never avoid conflict. Ever. Why? Because I absolutely LOVE Conflict Resolution!
Making the Case for LIVE Education
I was in the checkout at the grocery store and while, as a rule, I never ask if someone is pregnant (unless I know them personally, they’ve already invited me to their shower, told me the baby’s name, and shown me the picture of their ultrasound — you get the idea…) it was pretty obvious […]
Retelling & Reclaiming Birth
This week we recognize Maternal Mental Health. I have worked in the Maternity Field for 20+ years, and I”m pleased that we’re so much farther ahead in recognizing the importance of maternal mental health and the implications it has for the birthing person, the partner, the baby — in fact, the entire extended family and […]
Bringing the War Home: PTSD & Childbirth
Today is the nationally recognized holiday in the United States known as “Veteran’s Day.” There are lots of American flags being flown, and parades in big cities and small towns, lots of “Never Forget!” and “Thank you for your service!” statements being made in person and online. But did you know that according to the […]
ACOG: Optimizing Postpartum Care
Well, it’s about time! I always have this reaction when ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) publishes a new Committee Opinion that, even though it’s a step in the right direction, should have been the standard decades ago… This move has been prompted, I’m sure, by the recent stories appearing in the media drawing […]
Risk Assessment
In this updated post, I discuss the importance of risk assessment and why this matters in making important healthcare decisions.
Becoming Mother – The Interview
My first ever Birth Happens interview with author, Sharon Tjaden-Glass about her book, Becoming Mother. It is a well-written, authentic and honest account of the realities of pregnancy, birth and parenting.
ICEA Conference 2016
I just got back from the annual ICEA (International Childbirth Educator’s Association) Conference in Denver, Colorado. I don’t get to go every year, but I’d like to! These educational conferences are invaluable in keeping me current. Plus I love networking with other passionate-about-all-things-pregnancy-birth-and-parenting professionals! And snagging a boatload of my required continuing education credits for […]
PREMADs – Do You Know About These?
I read this article by Juli Fraga from the Washington Post: “Prenatal Depression May Be The Most Severe Form of Maternal Depression” and it got me thinking… There are probably lots of pregnant women out there who don’t even know that PREMADs exist. What are PREMADs? PRE-natal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. It’s a word I came up […]