Birthing babies naturally........

Going PAST your "due date".........

2011-12-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

Yes ladies.....IT can make ya a little CRAZY....can't it! Especially when the majority of the friends you have or the co-workers or people you run into are all having their labors INDUCED before their "due date".

They can schedule their birth day...."Your due date is December 17th.....pick a day the week of December 12th!." Easy, huh? You can make sure your nails are done, have your last great date night, worry less, have an straightforward, easy answer for all the inquiring minds....

"when you having that baby, girl? You look like you're gonna pop any minute! When's your induction?"

Now, if you are one of our moms......you kindly and maybe timidly say..."My midwives and I are allowing my baby and my body to go into labor when it is ready....."

And they will look at you like you are plum crazy!


"Girl....time is ticking!!! Your body doesn't know what to do!! This is the 21st century!Induction is the norm, girl. Your'e abnormal! You need to go get that baby! No body in their right mind goes to their due date!...just crazy, I say!"

You know what we say....."forgive them....they know not what they do..." They have all drunk the koolaid!.....
You know you are armed with knowledge and the faith that God has designed you pretty perfectly. He set into motion a beautiful design and when it is allowed to unfold as He has planned, it works so beautifully......and, especially for you FIRST-TIME moms, you are so decreasing your risk of MAJOR surgery....the unnecessary cesarean section that may be your fate if your birth day is over-planned and over managed.

And as always, we preface this with....we watch our mommas and our babies carefully at the end of their pregnancies to assure all is well and that we have the luxury of waiting for the birth day to unfold as it will. Yes, because sometimes babies need to come sooner that later. And there is an end point....at least in our practice there is. We want our babies out by 42 weeks......because we do know that placentas don't last forever....and risks go up and we are all about healthy moms and healthy babies.

So, mommas, know that we sympathize with you when you are a "momma in waiting...."
Know that you are doing the best for you and your babe and that when labor starts you just might be amazed at how your body can ROCK!

And remember, we got your back.

For now......Janet

God as the Great Giver of Life and Ultimate Midwife

2011-12-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

I can only imagine what thoughts were running through Mary as she began her birth journey that wondrous night...She was young, unknowing. She must have sensed the need to be somewhere safe, warm and sheltered so that she could go about her task. She had only the love and support from her faithful Joseph. God, the giver of life, her ultimate midwife did not let her down. There at her side encouraging, perhaps whispering to her....."Mary, like Eve, my beautiful child, you are so completely designed for this. Fear Not. I have planned this for you."
I am here to say that ultimately, most women need no help in working with their bodies to bring their baby out. Just this week, we witnessed that wondrous truth. A first-time mom began her labor at home and quietly worked with her body, the design of the Ultimate Engineer, she arrived to us, ready to push her love out. She exclaimed...I don't know what I am doing". We replied "Yes, you know exactly what to do, because you have been designed to do it..." She said..."I need to kneel down on the floor" She did. Next thing, her baby was presenting his beautiful crown. And then, he was out. Beautiful and singing sweet sounds of life.

Now, I am not advocating that women, in their time of labor and birth, be alone, unassisted. I believe that women need a faithful, trusted and safe midwife to be there, whispering as the Ultimate Midwife did so long ago.....We are there to keep her safe, to guide her instincts when the pain is such that she needs that guidance.

And, just like in nature, God's design, sometimes doesn't "do right". We can't understand it sometimes, but we accept it. Like when the rains don't come, or they flood too much. The sun won't shine or the earth moves too much. It is not ours to question. It is ours to assist. To help make right. This is where our education, our experience, our love and our passion prevail. This is the work of the midwife. With God's guidance and passion we work, steadfastly.......prayers are said, answers come. We are not perfect, but we are guided by perfection. He calls us to listen. To be.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow...."

For now...Janet

Birth " back up" plan.

2011-09-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

Because birth is powerful and sometimes unpredictable, any woman planning to birth out of the hospital needs to know clearly what her "Plan B" is. Meaning, if sometime during her prenatal care and or during her labor, birth or after she or her baby require medical care which can only be received in a hospital setting she must ask her midwife...."Who, what , where and how?"
Who will take over my care?
        What will I be transferred for? What are the barriers to getting there?
        Where will I go?
How will I get there and How fast can I get there?

You need to have a good heart to heart talk with your midwife. Know how she feels about transferring. Will your complete medical records go with you for continuity of care. Make sure she is not leery or fearful of transfer. It helps to choose a midwife who has a good working relationship with a Collaborative OB. For some of you....I know they are the "enemy" but you know what? When you need the skills and expertise of someone who has seen the worse of the worse (severe high blood pressure, placental abruption, mal-presentation, fetal distress, hemorrhage,severe tears) and can get you and your baby through the emergent situation you might find yourself in.....this person could very well become your hero.

The chances of most of you needing that kind of care is rare.....but if it does happen to you you don't need to be worrying about "Who, what , where, and how". Not then. And you need to have a midwife who is willing to make the call when her gut is telling her it's time.

And the final piece of your "back up plan" should be: Does my midwife carry malpractice insurance? If in the event, either I or my baby are hurt by the poor judgement or neglect of my midwife ( remember- this is reality)....will we have recourse? Is she accountable? Will I have funds available for on-going care if I or my baby needs it? You wouldn't choose a physician without malpractice insurance, why would you not hold your midwife as accountable. We make mistakes too. Some do. Because she seems like your friend? She's caring and kind? She's willing to deliver you at home even though you have had two or three (or more) previous c-sections? Your baby is breech? You have twins? You're 43 weeks.    Sometimes the best and safest place for a woman to birth her innocent child is not at home or not at a birth center. Sometimes you need to be where intervention is just a whisper away.....

We all must keep our eyes on the PRIZE.......Healthy mom and healthy baby. Remember, you hire your midwife to help you arrive safely at your destination.

Birth safe....for now...Janet

I always say you need to have a "Plan B", know what it is, how you would initiate it and then set it aside.

Greatness always comes with risk and challenge....

2011-08-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

It seems I am always inspired at church as I listen to the pastor as he speaks from the bible. Recently his sermon was about Peter and his challenge from God. One of the challenges God posed to Peter went something like this..."If you want to walk on water.....you have to get out of the boat"

I was like......wow. We could be talking about birth here. If you want to accomplish the birth of you baby without drugs or unnecessary interventions....you have to jump in. Take a deep breath, close your eyes and
TRUST. You know what it feels like to "overthink" something....especially something challenging. For me, I can think of how it feels to want to jump in the pool or the beautiful ocean and take sooo long to do it because I am afraid of the coldness of the water. I agonize. I anticipate. I torture myself with my fear. Of what? How good it will feel when I am finally floating and relaxing? How energized I will feel when I do get in?
I challenge our mommas to get out of that boat. Dive in. Climb up. Taste. Enjoy the challenge. Enjoy the reward of your ability. You're striving for greatness. Oh yea, and a baby too!

It's the little things.....

2011-08-07T08:41:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it's the little things that mean allot to us....funny but true. Many women that come to us have certain "biggies" that they want or don't want to have done to them during their labor/birth day. Such things as episiotomies, being stuck in a labor and delivery "bed", Pitocin, etc. However, sometimes it is the little things that carry some weight as well.

I was watching ( yes, I admit....while eating my lunch) TLC and guess what came on? A Baby Story.....well a mom was going in to have a repeat c-section....and the dad was out waiting for it to start and the two docs came up to him and he asked about being able to "cut the cord"? He reallythought he was going to be able to do that this time because the surgery was planned and not a "emergent" situation as last time....well, those two docs looked at him as if he had lost him mind down the street somewhere. They said "well, that's not possible because you are not sterile and it will be in the sterile field..." He asked several times....couldn't quite comprehend, why he couldnt do this really meaningful thing...He even said....."well, scrub me up!".........It was really sad to watch him deflate as he realized something that was so special to him become something that was not a possibility......"I really wanted to cut the cord......":(

I thought...here's another reason why all couples should research about csections and get to be informed about what it really means...not just in risk to mom and baby....but it decreasing your ability to share in really special "one chance" only moments.

The Thinking Woman's Guide to Normal Birth.......

2011-07-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

"The Thinking Woman's Guide to Normal Birth.............

Stop thinking about it so much........period. Amen.
Thinking, really the "overthinking" sometimes is related to anxiety and a sense of lack of trust. This sometimes leads us to "control" so much that it disrupts the "flow".....flow of your beautiful oxytocin which helps your uterus to be so amazingly powerful. Efficient in its work of labor. Remember......birth is so much about surrender....the ultimate TRUST in yourself and your babe and your body and above all God's great design. Which is pretty close to perfect, I might add.

Sometimes women, myself included, think way too much about stuff. We can be fixated on something....and then think, think. and more think. Strategize, mold, manipulate....It's again-cuz we don't trust well. We have a need to make sure everything is ok....

Some things need to be "thought" about and planned and controlled. Like who do I trust to care for me during my pregnancy and where do I want and need to give birth. Get a good plan, gather a great team and know where you're going with that. Period.

If you are a healthy woman having a healthy pregnancy.....it's pretty cut and dry. Eat well, sleep well, love well, move your body in ways that make you "loose" -loosen your hips, pelvis, thighs, and mind! Your body will do the rest...you just have to get the heck out of it's way!

For now.....Janet

Pregnant in America.............

2011-06-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Your Typical Maternity Ward in Houston......

I watched the film Pregnant in America last week and thought I would share some of it's findings and some of my own thoughts as well.

It's an interesting film and everyone needs to realize that it is not an exaggeration. Really. Majority of our labor units in Houston are like that.....many woman get Pitocin (next post topic)....unless of course she presents completely (or near it) dilated and needing to push.

But, the problem with that is that in the majority of OB practices, women are not given really good sound guidance about their labors and when to really come to the hospital. Meaning, that if you call your OB in the late evening or night hours ( when most labors start), you will be told "Go to L and D." Well, you may only be in your early, latent phase. So, you get there and guess what? You are 3 centimeters, and they keep you. And, then in the morning....Start Pit please.....your OB says to the RN.

You need guidance. You need the truth spoken to you. But, if you get to 39 weeks you will be scheduled for your induction.....really...... do we really need to schedule so many labors? Well, open the OR, cause half these women will be riding in on their gurney...babies don't like to be pushed out that hard......you don't really want to take the risk unless the risk outweighs the real risk of staying pregnant alittle longer. (For example: high blood pressure in pregnancy, true oligohydramnios-little fluid-, poor fetal growth, any preexisting medical condition in mom that would be complicated by keeping pregnant. Most women will go into labor by 41+ weeks-like God intended).

We know that the majority of our mommas at the Birth Center if under the management of a typical OB in a typical practice would have gotten Pitocin during her labor to "speed things up". Well, I am here to tell you that most women don't need it. It is not a race and real labor is a process. It has a beginning, a middle and an ending. And not every woman does it fast ......the baby needs time to adjust itself and work it's way down the pelvis. Don't rush it, don't push it.

Most OBs nowadays are not experienced in normal, natural labor. It's not their fault. It's their training. Period. They don't get a chance to see it. They are trained to "manage" stuff. So, they have to manage it. And in their defense, if you have 20-30 pregnant women a month, plus all your gyn surgery, etc, you have to make it "doable". Meaning something has to give, and that is your labor patients. Got to have a life. So they have to control it in some manner. Not saying it's right. Just reality. I can make it go faster.....I can make it pain free and quiet. I can cut it out. I'm trained for that. In fact I trained all of my residency for it. Let's go! Neat, tidy, done. Next! (Watch the movie....you'll get it).

I am being sarcastic and I truly hope I don't offend any one.....really.

Women, Pitocin is a great drug when it's truly needed. It actually is a synthetic hormone that we all produce naturally in our bodies. Wow. Oxytocin. Really cool hormone, at that. Most hormones are really cool. But, they like to be in balance. They need to play nice nice with each other. When one of your hormones gets alittle overbearing.....your bodily functions can get out of whack. That's why being in a calm, relaxing environment it soooooo necessary for the laboring woman. I will repeat to make my point. That's why a CALM, loving environment is so vital to a laboring momma. It allows for her stress hormones to back the heck off and let her oxytocin do what it was designed to do. Contract her uterine muscle in just the right efficent way to move her baby down, melt her cervix away and release her baby into her arms. Thank you very much. Done.

It is so doable, women. Really. Normal labor is so right for your baby and your body. It's not dangerous. It has no "side effects". Pitocin does. Epidurals do. I am not against them.....some women benefit from them. Have no problem with my mommas wanting one. Let's just know the when and the how to do it.....to lessen the side effects, the risks, etc.

But, and there is a but. You have to design your birth team and your birth enviroment. Because, as I said, " in a calm relaxed loving enviroment". And, unfortunately, most hospitals are the EXACT opposite. Again, not their fault. Just their design, and reality.

So, if you are desiring a natural birth in a hospital.....know that you will be trudging UPHILL. Going against the WIND. Hitting BRICK walls...fighting for your life, unless you have made a significant effort to bring your TEAM together.

Either hire a nurse-midwife with hospital privileges ( the perfect TEAM!) or hire a good doula to support you through your labor process. You cannot, I repeat, cannot do it alone. Not in the hospital. You will not be given laboring options. You will most likely be strapped to a continuous fetal monitor with Pitocin coursing through your veins, banging out contractions like crazy. You will BEG for an epidural. I mean BEG. That's suffering. That, mommas, is NOT natural labor and birth.

Remember what I just said about your hormones? Talk about stress on you.....oops! Where's my oxytocin when I need it? Sorry, mom, your stress hormones, fight or flight, just took over.......(.And let's not get started about the risks to baby.........next post.)

Okay, I'm being melodramatic, but I am so passionate about this as most midwives are.It's like we have this wonderful secret and not too many women want to hear it.....why? Most women think that we are less than competent for their care. They need a doctor, a real doctor.

Certified Nurse-Midwives are highly trained, educated. We are your normal pregnancy and birth experts. And we are educated in complications and can handle majority of them. And when you find a midwife team with excellant OB collaboration, it's a "win win" combination. Because, I have seen all this I am talking about. At least our hospital is "midwife friendly". Meaning they 'allow" Polly and I to admit mommas there, manage their care and catch their babies.

Also, we have three of the most amazingly supportive Obstetricans as our collabortive sponsors. We are so lucky.

Women need to know about our practice in Houston because, unlike the popular midwife practice in the medical center, we have more options for our moms, and all three of our OBs are so wonderfully nice and gracious to our moms when their services are needed. They are available 24/7. When we call, they're there. Period. And women need to know that. We are a very unique practice. Only one of it's kind in Houston. I want the secret out. I know there are women out there who would be relieved to come to us. To find a place where they feel at home and well taken care of. It's our purpose, our mission, our passion. For now...Janet

Water for your health.......and for labor of course!

2011-06-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

Water is so important for all our mommies this time of year........it is vital to stay well hydrated. Juat like a runner who is training for a marathon, so is the mom TRAINING for her birth. No matter how you are doing it. You can't get hydrated the night before. At the birth center, we need you well hydrated so that your uterus will work efficiently. It's part of the fuel that ignites the power of the beautiful rushes that will bring your baby out and into your awaiting arms.

If you are a healthy woman, having a healthy pregnancy, you should be drinking at LEAST 10 big glasses of water each and every day. Now, of course if you are in your first trimester and you are not feeling so wel.....you know what I am talking about.....it is vital that you keep down only what you can.

Put away the carbonated beverages....(except for maybe one during the day when you really CRAVE it) and pick up the water!!

Here are some tips for making the water taste yummy.....no need to buy expensive bottled water ( no matter how "smart" they call it. Houston tap water is probably better than most of the "natural" water you spend tons for. Just research it if you don't believe me.

1. Put some fresh squeesed juice in like: lime, lemon, orange.

2. Lots of ice......

3. Put in a pretty container!

4. Cucumber is good some people say!

5. Drink up!

6. Get your family to get in the habit of being water drinkers....cheap, healthy, good for you and your kidneys will love you!

7. In Houston heat and humidity, you must be well hydrated or you will not feel much energy or life! (hint-wilted flowers!)

For now....Janet

Birth care givers mean allot to women....and vice versa.

2011-06-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

I was talking with someone today who wants to be a patient of ours and I was making a comment about how some of our families drive long distances to come to us. For, example the mom we just birthed recently who drove all the WAY f rom Katy......I mean far! And it was her sixth baby.......but we came highly recommended ( thank you to her previous midwife.....:)

This soon to be patient of ours said......."Well, when you find someone and someplace where you feel cared for and are truly comfortable, you will do whatever it takes to get there....."

Wow, Polly and I are so lucky to be in the presence of such wonderful moms and moms to be........makes us proud to be midwives. Sometimes ours is a job that is hard. Stressful and time consuming. But, we always remember that we are really in a profession that has the honor of witnessing unbelievable things. Strength, courage, love, determination, perseverance, grit and humor. We get to see all that! Oh, and a baby too! For now.....Janet

Reunion.......the meaning behind the name.

2011-05-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

Just the other day someone asked me "why/how" we named the Birth Center "Reunion". I really enjoy telling the story so I thought I would share it with all of you. Janet and I met at Northeast Hospital while working as Labor and Delivery nurses MANY years ago. We became good friend and also shared the desire to become Midwives. So for 2 years we drove down to Galveston to school together and completed the Midwifery program at UTMB. After school our lives started to take different paths and soon we saw little of each other. If fact..... we actually lost touch for a couple of years. Then about 6 years ago we met up again....in the dairy section of HEB (no kidding).....and "reunited". It was after this "reunion" that we began planning to bring a birth center to the Kingwood area. We wanted to "reunite' women and families to a more natural, personalized, hands on birth experience. We wanted to "reunite" women with their natural ability and wisdom to birth their own babies without medical intervention. We wanted to "bring together" women who respect the natural birth process and give them a place that they could achieve their goal without fear or ridicule. Thus the name "REUNION" was born! Polly

Apology.....birth shouldn't be scary.

2011-05-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

It was brought to my attention yesterday after I posted this article link on our Facebook page that the beginning paragraph was really scary to one soon to birth mother....(not a Reunion mom...). I want to apologize if I allowed something to frighten anyone. I am sorry.

My intention was honorable. I want women to understand what really is going on in our maternity wards today. Become informed. Become aware. Know your options.

Many women who know nothing about nurse-midwives think we are unsafe, a lesser choice than an obstetrician.
I guess as a midwife I feel that we so often have to defend our profession. We just want people to understand who we are and why we do what we do. Understand our committment. Our honor of the laboring mother.

Obstetricians are highly trained surgeons. Trained to fix problems. They are not necessarily experts in normal, natural birth. How can they be? When was the last time your OB sat at your side while you experienced your early contractions.....encouraged you as you journeyed your way to transition........rubbed your back .........prayed with you. They unfortunately don't have the time. .....they are fixing everyone elses problems.....that's where they are truly needed. And thank God for them. Polly and I have the most amazing collaborative Obstetricians midwives could ever hope for. We love them. Honor them. Respect them. And they do the same for us. It would be a dream for all maternity practices to have such a great collaborative team. Midwives for normal, docs for abnormal. Less unnecessary c-sections. Less morbidity/mortality ( proven fact when you add midwives to the mix....)
Happy moms. Every one getting what their body/baby needs.

When you are at most hospital units laboring with your epidural ( or not) and with Pitocin running (or not) you are not being "watched" and comforted by loving hands, usually. You are being monitored at the nurses station. RN's watching the monitors for any signs of fetal distress, period.
Pitocin running-Check. Epidural in- Check. Patient quiet-Check.
I have been there, I know. I am sure there are some wonderful hospital L and D units where the nurse sits at your bedside and charts. But not in most. And if you are going "natural" not too much help there either. And with due respect, I know that it is not possible for the nurse to "labor" you when she has two other patients on a busy unit.....But I ask: How safe is that, really? And some people think what we do at the birth center is "putting your baby in danger"......really.
I certainly don't think that all moms are risking their babies birthing with OBs at the hospital. I do believe that women should do their research for their birth care just as they would if they were getting anything else done to their bodies or their children's bodies. We seem to just take what comes with birth. And we shouldn't.
For now....Janet

Technology in Birth.......a great read.

2011-05-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this article yesterday and it really made me happy. Happy that I am a midwife. Happy that I have the ability to birth women in the hospital when the need arises for whatever reason we need to leave the birth center and continue the birth there. I say that because I know given the nature and philosophy of midwifery, Polly and I can so help these women achieve the birth they are meant to have. And, if you have read any of the recent posts you will know that that does not always mean a vaginal birth.....
I know that we will be there at her side....we will be the ones truly overseeing the care she receives. And believe, that is a good thing, if I do say so myself.
Case in point. Our last momma. She pushed out a 9#10oz first baby after one hour of pushing!!! Now, because of some other circumstances that had nothing to do with "this might be a big baby" we transfered to the hospital for some needed power to get the birth moving along....Now this mom came to our practice late in her pregnancy because the OB she was seeing kept harping on the fact that she thought the baby was going to be too big for her and would most likely induce her early.......bad mistake. I believe had she stayed with this provider, she more than likely would have ended up in a c-section....and everyone would have said..."Thank Goodness, that baby was just way too big for you!" Well, our motto is "Let's prove this baby is too big...." I always say that a baby that is too big for you will show itself in the nature of your labor and or pushing stage.

Well, back to the article. Marsden Wagner is a perinatologist who supports midwifery around the world and who works at making birth more safe..... He wrote an article which can be found on Midwifery Today www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/technologyinbirth.asp . I would wish that all women pregnant or considering pregnancy read this article.......here are a few excerpts that made me go "Yeah, Marsden!!!"

"There is not a single report in the scientfic literature that shows that obstetricians to be safer than midwives for low-risk or normal pregnancy and birth. So,if you are among the more than 75% of all women with a normal pregnancy, the safest birth attendant f or you is not a doctor but a midwife."

"If you are considering a hospital birth with an obstetrician as your primary birth attendant, ask him or her how much time he or she will spend with you during your labor. One of the reasons a midwife is generally a better choice to attend your hospital birth than an obstetrician is because the midwife is there in the hospital with you during your labor while the obstetrician is not....

So, who you ask is mananging your labor at the hospital, all you women who have OBs as birth attendants? The L and D nurse......how invested in your care do you think she really is? Especially if you "want things" like being able to get out of the bed.....try your induction without an epidural.....etc.

Please read the article, it is really interesting. Birth center and/or home birth is certainly not for everyone......but searching for a good midwife to support your labor and birth at the hospital should be something all women check into....and that's not to mention the great one-on-one prenatal care we give.....that's fodder for another post! For now, Janet

What is birth anyway......?

2011-05-22T14:48:00.001-07:00

Quite literally, birth is just the way to get your baby out. Period. I won't win any midwife essay contests or popularity contests with that bold statement. But I do believe it. Sometimes I beleive some of us make way too much of it and put way too much weight it in. Because what do you say to the moms who relied on surgery to get their baby out. Who were perhaps unconscious when they delivered or had no or little say in the interventions posed on them.... had a horrific experience. Or what about the adoptive mom. Less a mother? Less bonded. Less loving. Babies are less happy?
I believe how a woman handles her birthing expereince and how we as providers of that care reflect our feelings is what makes the difference in how she sets out on her mothering trail.
We need to do what we can to lessen a woman's "disappointment" in her outcome when that outcome is only that she did not get the birth she desired. If she is holding a beautiful, healthy babies in her arms we shouyld all rejoice in her accomplishment of birthing her baby no matter how that precious one emerged.......
Now with that said, I do believe that having the privilege of accomplishing the birth of her dreams is a wonderful and blessed thing. But that doesn't happen for all women.For many times due to circumstances beyond their control. And as midwives, if we are true to our namesake of "with woman" then we must honor all women. No matter what birth they chose or was chosen for them.
I remember once when I worked with a group of midwives. I had come from a solo practice where I felt my job was to educate women in their choices and then honor what they decided was best for them......The midwives and I were talking about epidurals. And I stated that I had many women in my old practice that received epidurals because thats want they wanted. One midwife posed this question to me...(quite condescending I might say, too) "Well, why would a woman who wants an epidural come to a midwife?" What? I thought.....???? Uh.....because of the care we give....because we as midwives should be there for them no matter what. Because, quite simply my dear fellow midwife, "It's not our birth" It's their birth and not all women need nor want to accomplish a completely natural drug free birth. And that's okay in my book. I really wish we could open up our practice to hospital births as well. Because I know there would be many women we could serve who want and need to be in the hospital for the birth of their babes.

There's no do over in birth.....

2011-05-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

Don't ever let anyone tell you midwifery is an easy job. Don't let anyone tell you that midwifery and the art of caring for women during their journey through their prenatal course and their birth is something that you can learn in a year or two of reading and watching.
Maintaining safety while helping a mom achieve her strongest desire is more than difficult and trying sometimes....you might even lose sleep over it some nights. Sometimes there are extremely hard judgment calls to make. And sometimes a midwife has to make a call that may not be so popular. But a good midwife who's worked hard to learn her art and has learned to trust her gut instinct knows that when she fails to listen to it she can loose more than sleep.
Also, I've always had two mottos. There is never a crystal ball which you can rely on to lead you to the "right" decision. And, unfortunately, there are no "do overs" in midwifery. Plain and simple. Oh yeah, there's a third. When natural labor ( and the prep before labor....you know the cervical ripening, the descent of the baby, ensuing labor, etc.) and birth works...it's like a well-oiled machine. CLick, click, click. Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock. Working like God planned. Like a rose unveiling it's beauty. Like the tide rolling in and then returning back to the sea. A simply beautiful thing.Those labors and birth make midwifey seem like an easy job. Sit back, take it all in, watch and wait.
It's the labor that won't come, the baby that won't descend and the abnormal things that present themselves, some so very subtle, that drives even the most calm midwife to lose a few hairs to the color grey. FOr now....Janet

What makes a woman fear birth?

2011-05-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

What makes a woman fear birth? And does that fear and resulting anxiety play any part in hendering her in attaining a vaginal birth? Especially a vaginal birth that is "natural". By that I mean truly her own body's power........and it takes alot of that to complete the birth of her babe.

I asked this after reading an article about a birthing center in Pennsylvania that serves primarily Amish women. These women have virtually no access to the internet or TV. However, they have an over 95% success rate in completing their vaginal births at the birth center. In many aspects I believe that is a good thing when it comes to anticipating the birth of your baby. All too often women will find things written on the net that may not necessarily ring true when considering the variable nature of pregnancy, end of pregnancy, labor and the birth process. Sometimes I believe these things can lead to further anxiety and less trust of her own body and baby to do this task.

If a woman has a caring, truthful, competent provider who she has entrusted to guide her through this process....that should be all she needs. Trust her. Believe her. Know that she has your best interest at stake. Always. Women, we know that God gave us a great wonderful gift in our "intuition" or gut feeling.........if something ever does not ring true in your gut.....especially with your care provider, that is the time to research. Ask yourself. Trust yourself. Not necessarily the best time to listen to all the birth stories ( sometimes horrific...) that are out there....you know what your body needs if you just listen... I am trying to convey something that may not be quite clear.....having a hard time getting this message out....hope you can hear what I am saying.....For now...Janet

Labor ....

2011-05-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

Some labors are just really nice and calm and wonderful.....and some women just really luck out and are so blessed....It doesn't happen for all women. But I sure wish it did. Our momma today had such a wonderfully peaceful early and active labor that it was hard to believe she was actually laboring. Went out to get sandwichs with her husband at 6cm.....and brought them back to the birth center to eat...( however she didn't feel like eating much when she got back), but she did sit with us at the table while we all talked about birth and her husband finished his lunch. I just kept saying "This is amazing and wonderful.....can't hardly tell you are laboring today"
First baby too, ladies! She did amazing and pushed out a beautiful pink 8 lb baby girl about 4 and one half hours after her "lunch". Sure the end was tough, as it is for all. But what a nice day of easy laboring.......I really wish that for all women. How wonderful that would be.
For now....Janet

A mother is a mother is a mother........

2011-05-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

Almost 17 years ago, I had the best day of my life. I brought my sweet, joyful, precious, loving baby girl home. No, I did not deliver her from my womb, grow her tiny sweet being under my heart or get to "know" her tiny sweet movements and track her growth just by seeing the swelling of my belly each day.
I am a mother through the grace of God and the loving gesture of one true Mother.....my daughter's birth mom. She's my ultimate hero, the most courageous of women, ever. You see, she did something not too many of us would have the courage or the faith to do. And, at such a young age of 17 herself....my respect, my love , my honor is hers now and always.
I know she loved this child she nutured with her body. And her heart. That love shows in my daughter every day I look at her. She is one of the most grounded girls I have ever seen.....and that's not just me talking as a mom!
There is something so special about her. And how great life is for me that I get to raise her and love her and cherish her and know her.
I do have a birth story to tell.....all moms, no matter how we became a mom have a story to tell. We may not be able to talk about labor pains or "pressure" or water breaking or breasts swelling ........but we do experience pain, joy, tears, unpredictable times and pride.
So for you preggos out there.....please always remember this: Yes, you have a plan for your "birth day"....and hopefully all goes as planned. But, if we reach a snag and have to change our course.....it's ok. No matter how you get your baby here safely in your arms....the real test, the true mettle of a mother is all that comes after that time. That is your true joy.........For now...Janet

Birthing naturally...

2011-03-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Natural Birth is a labor and birth free of drugs and most medical interventions. Natural birth is appropriate for any healthy mom and baby, and it’s the safest and healthiest way to deliver. Babies and moms are more alert at the birth and recovery from birth is quicker.
There are many tools that help families accomplish a natural birth. The two that we feel are most critical are the birthing environment and the care providers.
A care provider that is supportive and skilled in natural birth is a must. Having a care provider that you build a relationship with during your pregnancy and who is there to guide you is priceless. An environment which is calming, allowing freedom of movement helps facilitate birth by letting your body relax and therefore release natural endorphins your body uses to complete your birth.
More couples are looking for a more “natural”, personalized option. They want to have a “designer birth”……..one that they design and help create. We encourage families to research all options when making their labor and birth plans. What could be more natural than BIRTH? Some things just can’t be improved on.

Amazing births......how sweet they are...

2010-09-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was a busy day here at the Birth Center.......we had the pleasure of witnessing two amazing births! I' ll blog first about the first birth...georgeous Emily made her way out at 4:24pm weighing 8 lbs 7 oz, after momma had a really calm, glorious labor. She kept saying..." I can't believe this...it is not bad. Everyone kept saying I wouldn't be able to do this...". Well, as she lay resting on the bed ( at 7 cm dilated, I might add) with Joanna massaging her feet with lavender oil and mom literally dozing between contractions looking so peaceful...I thought how wonderful her labor was and how she was getting exactly what she wanted from this birth....to be cared for, comforted, fully supported and guided through the process.

That, my friends, is what our practice is all about. This is what women and families deserve and desire. It is our goal. Our mission. Our work. For now...Janet

Trust.....say no more.

2010-08-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

We just recently experienced a wonderful birth with a mom having her 4th baby......a woman who I had the privilege of helping her birth her second baby when I had a hospital based practice. It is always nice to have a woman seek you out when she is pregnant again. Best compliment.....
Well, this labor, like alot of labors was unique for her and nice but different. During the process she said to me......"I really trust you guys." Wow..a great compliment. Really.

Also it speaks to what is oh so important in completing a totally natural birth. TRUST.
Trust:

Your body.
Your mind.
Your spirit.
Your love of God, family , self.
Your instincts. ( yes you chose the right path for you.)
Your precious little baby. ( He/she knows just what to do to make his way into the world)
Your ability to do the job......just like God intended for you.
Your ability to endure as long as the process is unfolding like He intended.
Persevere, continue. Breathe. Love. Anticipate. Wait.

Trust the process. they always say. But it is so true. Like I have said before...your body, the best machinery. The ultimate design. You will be amazed at what you can do! Unbelievable strength, grace, power. Unbelievable. Don't sell yourself too short. Believe in yourself. TRUST in the power within....you know you have it. We believe in you. Believe. Please. You will not regret it. For now........Janet

All that .....and a cookie too!

2010-08-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

I love this picture........for several reasons. This is one great birthing woman! Was always fun to see in the office for her prenatal care and a joy to labor. Isn't it cool, that smack dab in the middle of active labor, she would ask for a cookie! We had some at the birth center that evening and she looked up from the end of one of her contractions and stated..."I would love a cookie!" So, here she is, breathing through a contraction, in the tub, holding on to that cookie!

I don't have anything against ice chips ( you know ladies.....the delicious nibbles you get at the hospital) but sometimes a girl just craves a little sweetness! Even when she's working on helping out her own little "sweet one" into this world. For now....Janet

Birthing machinery...........

2010-08-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah........that's right! Birthing Machinery........Best Technology I know and have been privy to witness.
Comes with 2 arms, 2 legs, big round belly, huge heart, and enormous will and strength.
Runs on love. Love of God, Love of Life, Love of Family and Love for Unborn babe.
Will never be duplicated...........scientists please don't even try........best work of God yet.

Most efficient when left alone.....I mean don't mess with it. Really.

For now...Janet

Birth - Reunion Birthing Center

2010-08-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

Birth Photography Slideshow: Reunion Birthing Center

2010-08-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Natural birth...TOO HARD! Who says....?

2010-05-31T10:07:00.001-07:00

Had a a great comment on my last post....Thanks ( you know who u r!) Again, a smart independent woman discusses with her OB the desire to birth her baby "naturally, pain med free." The response????

Well, he described it as "Too Hard". No one does it.....at least not in "his or her" practice.

Once again, another great woman sprinting out of an obstetrical office.......she found her way to a place that worked with her and she did exactly as she desired and knew she was capable of!

Well, I have seen the environment in many hospitals, and it is so unfortunate that it is difficult to accomplish a drug-free birth. Well, maybe if it is your 2nd or 3rd baby.....but your first takes so much guidance and love and support from women who are there totally for you! A great midwife or OB or OB nurse is someone who when they step into that birth environment is completely and utterly there for you and you only.......ego has to stay behind, way behind.

So, I guess in some cases that OB is right.....it is too hard when you are not supported and guided through the process. When you are made to believe that induction of your labor is right and the best thing for you and your baby when you hit your due date ( unless there is a true medical indication for it and sometimes there really is.......)

And, please believe me when I say that I know that all this I speak and preach about natural birth is only in the realm of the "machinery working the way it was planned". Sometimes it doesn't. When that happens there are not too many women who could get through rough, difficult " dysfunctional" labors. They are extremely hard...........and sometimes mommies need help. I always say there is the "pain of labor" and then there is suffering........never a need to suffer. Ever. Let's get help and move on to the birth of your baby, however the little one is supposed to be born. And you know what? It always seems to work out exactly how it was supposed to unfold. We just have to be flexible, listen well, feel our instincts down deep in our bellies and do the best we all can. For now.........Janet

Birth Team vs Birth Dictator

2010-05-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

OB office in my neighborhood : Woman says to her OB, " What about a birth plan?"

OB says, " Oh, 'WE' don't do those here. We have you go to the hospital and start the Pitocin."

Woman says, "Well, what if I really want to try to do without Pitocin. What if I want to try
things like standing up, walking, ( etc- you know what she's asking.....)

OB says, "Well, if you are not going to do what we say, you cannot be a patient of ours...." (Take that!) Team mindset, or dictatorship mindset..........?

Well, what that OB didn't know was she was speaking with a smart, independent woman who knows that the best thing for her was to run, not walk, out of that office and find someone who will listen to her desires and work "WITH" her ( Team philospophy).

I certainly know that the Midwife route is not for all women, as much as it should be for all healthy women! However, what I would love to see in my lifetime is all women demanding more from their OBs. If you are healthy, having a "perfectly" healthy pregnancy, it "ain't rocket science". By that I mean your birth day should not be so over managed, unless that is what you want. If your desire is to be a passive participant, go for it. However, do your research, really think about how you would like your birth to go. It is really a remarkably spiritual time in your life......one where you should be an active participant, don't let it be diminished down to the same level as say.......having your tooth pulled, setting a broken arm, rhinoplasty, boob job, brain surgery, or hysterectomy. When you need or want those things, yea, you look for the best, most skilled surgeon and let him or her have at it! "Wake me when it's over..." is all you're thinking!

At least start out on your journey with a partner (provider) who is interested in what you want. I get it to all you naysayers! It goes without saying............all in the realm of safety. I don't think you could find midwives, or OBs who are anymore concerned and safety driven as we are at Reunion. And I know that not all women are destined to have a natural birth......some desperately need assistance and interventions.....and we are so blessed as midwives to have such a great team of collaborative OBs who support fully what we do. They sponsor us for our privileges at Kingwood hospital so that when our moms need epidural, help with their power ( ie Pitocin), or need a cesarean section we are able to provide those things with a "wink of an eye" .

The scenario I presented in the beginning was one that someone told me about yesterday. It happened to her, and she could not get out of that office fast enough. It wasn't just about what was said to her, but "HOW" it was said. No respect.

I ask, how do they get away with it! What makes a female OB feel so completely OK with speaking to another woman like that? In essence, you have no say over what is going to happen.....I am in charge! Deal with it. Well, guess what? She did. She did her research, got reccomendations, and is putting her team together! Go momma. You just started your journey on the road of motherhood!

For now......Janet

Letting go down a different path.....

2010-05-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes letting go means giving up control over the course our body wants and sometimes needs to take.

Last night, instead of coaching a mom to "let go" and let her baby come down and out, I was speaking softly to our mom of how she had come to a point in her journey of pregnancy and birth where it would be best for her to "let go" of the idea of what she had planned for herself and her babe.....natural birth at the birth center. Her journey took a different turn.....one that was doable. Just not as planned. Always remember, sometimes a cesarean section is the completely best thing for you, given certain circumstances.

This mom is a warrior, brave and committed to doing the best for herself and her babe. Sometimes life throws you a curve-ball....it can be scary.....scary-scary. I am proud of you momma. What you had to go through and are still going through (recovery) is tough, but you have done it. You kept it together with the loving support of your ever faithful husband. My hat is off to you. You have a handsome tough little boy! He's gonna be fun and work!

So, please, mommas, know that sometimes birth is so much about letting go and getting on with it. The most important thing is mom and babe are healthy.....For now...Janet

The "Mother Call"

2010-05-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

This week I again had the honor of witnessing and guiding a young mom through her work of labor and birth......I cannot express the power and feelings present in the room when women are at their strongest and most glorious........incredible strength, beauty, tenacity wisdom and most of all love. A mother's love. Three simple words said so many times by so many people.
I have a great job.....a calling if you will. God has granted me this part of my life, however long it may be, to be witness of his perfect plan....can't say that enough.

Watching a woman work with her body and the design of it....easing through those hours of early labor which progresses ever so nicely into powerful active labor is always a wonderment. And when she gets just to that point of almost being done with her task....she starts the "mother call" . If she feels safe and undisturbed and in a perfect place she can "let go" and call her baby home. I must admit, when guiding women through that time I find myself brought to such emotion and respect and awe that I must fight back the tears for her......not feeling sorry, but feeling so incredibly honored to witness such a miracle! Yes, again I think! Just as He planned!

If you are not"privvy" to that call....you may think "oh my Gosh....how horrible for her" The loud moaning, the deep gutteral "aaahhhhhhh". But no, she is calling her baby.....calling her down
and out and into her arms. Maybe God planned for all of us at that moment of our birth to hear that sound and go towards it....For we should not discourage it but behold it as our golden moment......Ever so spiritual, powerful, miraculous......birth as it should be.

I welcome, anyone who is afraid to give it a try.......scared, discouraged.....Let us help you.....you will be amazed by your courage and power.....you have only just begun to tap into!

As midwives our strength is the ability to know what you need at each step of the way. No lie, no bullshit.....hard core facts and guidedance. And LOVE. Our hands and hearts are our tools. The best drug in town, I guarrantee it! For now.....Janet

You are Eve..........and other realities of our bodies and birth

2010-04-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

Today when visiting with one of our moms at her visit..we were discussing the abundance of "information" out there about pregnancy and childbirth. Information is good...to a point.

It hit me like a brick! Every pregnant woman, you are Eve. What I mean by this is that our bodies and the way they work are just like Eve- the first woman ever to share our curves, our feelings and hormones and our ability to birth like we were born to do it! Yes, I do believe that for some women, their individual circumstances hinders their ability to let their body do what it so perfectly designed to do. Sometimes things don't go as planned.

However, for the majority of you healthy young women out there.....trust, please, that God has placed so many "safety nets"

The "Perfectness" of natural birth.......

2010-02-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

In this photo you see mom & dad gearing up in early labor or the birth of their babe....walking through our courtyard at the birth center on a warm, summer night complete with crickets chirping and frogs croaking, they anticipate what is soon to come.

The Great Designer...Why Knock-Offs are never as good....

2010-02-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

I am a firm believer that our mighty God, is the Great Designer. I mean, how can we as mere humans ever create anything that compares to His ever-beautiful works? ANd even those beautiful master art pieces some would say are God inspired, God lead, so to speak.

Now when it comes to the powerful birthing woman, well we know that the way in which God designed the body to work is pure perfect motion. Pure poetry. Pure awe-inspiring power. Most women have that super power in them. However, in today's maternity world we see so many women being before their body is truly ready. When a woman's body starts the process on it's own time, in it's own way it is amazing the power and the control you see. Now, we all know thatg sometimes for the mommas sake or the baby's sake, labor needs to insue and the only way to accomplish that is with induction of labor....I get that. I have no problem with that.

Natural Birth.....spelled out clearly.....

2009-12-30T11:03:00.001-08:00

N- got that covered......(see previous post)

A is for....... Autonomy.....

T is for....... Total focus is on you

U is for....... It's all about "you"

R is for....... Realizing your inner strength

A is for....... Achieving your desires

L is for....... Letting go.....

Natural......naturally.

NATURAL BIRTH- Let's spell it out-clearly

2009-12-28T14:27:00.000-08:00

N = "no" body but me can push my baby out, "no" way am I not gonna be in charge of my body, my birth, "no" thank you, I would really not like an episiotomy, "no" please don't take my baby away from me, "no" I would rather not be drugged on narcotics- could you help me through these contractions, please?, "no" I would rather have a midwife, please, "no" really I mean really a midwife please, "no" to nothing to drink in labor, gosh but I am so thirsty, please a drink of cool water please, "no" I really would rather not have so many hospital personnel in my room, discussing last nights happenings, please honor what I am doing right now......my birth...please, "no"I would really like to wait for my body and my baby to begin the labor process as long as all is okay, "no" to Pitocin, unless it's really necessary.....my baby thanks you......., "no" to anything but respect and love and gentle caring for me, please.......

Some things that should go with natural, loving birth.........tomorrow "A".....Janet

What Natural Birth Isn't.................

2009-12-22T11:08:00.000-08:00

The term 'natural birth' seems to conjure up some pretty horrific pictures in the mind of many a woman who hear the suggestion to consider it for themselves. I think for some, their view of natural birth is the picture they have of themselves or their friend, under the influence of Pitocin induction of labor, strapped to the fetal monitor, stuck flat on her back in bed and left there by the Labor nurse.....writhing in pain, scared to death, miserable. Just waiting to dilate enough to get saved by the Epidural....Which is also what the Labor nurse is waiting for too. She wants you to have that dang epidural.. Makes her job easier because she has other patients out there, and it sure makes life easier when she can "nurse" you from the Nurses Station.

I am not saying that all Labor nurses are "bad" or whatever, it's just that in today's maternity world, there are way too many mommas and not enough nurses. So they can't stay in the room with you...can't treat you like you need and should be treated when you are traveling through this most amazing journey. Not their fault, they are just a product of the times.

Recently I was at our transfer hospital inducing a mom who needed to birth early at the hospital. (Thank goodness we have privileges there and can deliver our moms there when the need arises- our practice is blessed to have that option)You could hear moans and "crying out" sounds coming from one of the labor rooms. The nurses were commenting on the sound...."She wants to go "natural" with smirks all around ( as if that's a crime or a major inconvenience to them)........I asked them "Who is with her?" "Her husband," they said. I said "makes me want to go in there and help her". Really. It did. My heart ached for her.....knowing I had a skill, a god-given desire to assist, a need if you will, to help her. Her being any birthing woman.....because no woman should go through birth alone- her husband is there for support and love, but it really is his labor process too. He most likely feels (1)frightened for her, (2) inadequate in his capability to really help her (3) he just wants to have her pain go away........now. It's hard for dad's to see their woman hurting, scared, etc.

I knew I had something I could have offerred her. The midwife's skill, heart, hands, love of birth. And yet, I couldn't help. Wasn't my momma. I believe that the heart of the midwife, the skill, the caring, the truly empowering care has been for many a well-kept secret.

Well, I'm here to let that cat out of the bag...........For now, Janet

Birth and beautiful sights.........

2009-10-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

Nature, it's beautiful. Being witness to amazing sights makes you glad to be alive.

Birth, it's beautiful........nature's work of art.

While on my way to the birth center for birth I was blessed to witness this most beautiful of skies.....and it reminded me of the beauty in nature and the beauty in birth.

Women are at their most beautiful when in the throws of active labor when the end is almost here and she rests between her powerful rushes just before her baby emerges........stunning, awesome, rosy-cheeked and full of life's power. Women, we are the lucky souls chosen by God with His infinite wisdom to be in this partnership with Him as he grants life to our little ones. Beautiful.....beautiful nature and God. For now.........Janet

A Birth Room .....of sorts

2009-09-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

I was out shooting some photos playing with my husbands camera and I came upon this birds nest in an old bird feeder on my fence......and I thought " a birth room" of sorts!

Like all birthing "moms" even birds understand the inherent need for quiet, privacy and safety.

Nestled in the dark safe place of her nest, she feels courage to go about her task. Most likely, she labors in the evening hours when the day is winding down and things that she may fear are quiet and still.

For now.....Janet

memories.......

2009-09-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

We are entering our third year here at REUNION! We have been blessed with so many wonderful moms, dads and BABIES. I remember each and every labor and hope that all our moms know that I am in awe of thier strength, power, love and courage. REUNION moms ROCK! Janet and I love to reflect on all our labors and births.................some short, some loooooong (you know who you are :), the music that was played, verbal and nonverbal exchanges between mom and dad (some we can't publish!!!), the look of sheer joy when the little one arrives....WOW! All GREAT memories!!! And many, many more to come.....Polly

TRUST

2009-09-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

How relaxed and wonderful do you think this little guy is, just moments after his momma pushed him out into the world? Floating in warm water being supported by his momma and midwife. GENTLE, SAFE, LOVING.........
Doesn't this look so much more peaceful than what most moms experience in the majority of our cities hospitals? So many strangers rubbing them and sticking a bulb syringe in their mouth and nose ........did God really intend for it to be THAT way? I think not.
I believe birth was meant to be honored and revered....birthing women RESPECTED for their strength and loveliness.
Birth......you don't get to rewind the footage and start over, you don't get a second chance for a better experience....please women-research your options...know what is best for you-only you know that-gather information-think about what is important to you and your partner. Do you want to be the ones who care for that baby from the moment it arrives, all shiny and new- smelling so sweet and looking so innocent? We know babies don't come with an instruction booklet....but I am here to tell you that when babies are perfectly healthy coming from a perfectly healthy momma, having a perfectly healthy labor and birth, you don't need anything but the innate love and protectiveness you posess the instant your baby emerges from your body. You know how to care for this being......trust your body and trust yourself. End of story. For now......Janet

Laboring........on Labor Day.

2009-09-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

On this day, we celebrate "laborers" who work diligently to produce a product, provide a service to help make the world a better place.

One of the most "awesome" laborer is the laboring mother.......she needs no tools, punches no clock, takes no breaks, has no boss. Her body, mind and spirit work together to produce one of the most precious commodities.......her baby.

Today at Reunion we have a first-time mom, doing the job of birth. We watch as she goes about her task with ease and grace. We offer words of encouragement, guidance, suggestions. She is a fearless, tireless, hardworker. She is here to complete a job God has assigned her.

We wait, we anticipate...............we'll write an update.

For now.....Janet & Polly

BIRTH. the play.....

2009-09-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

BIRTH is a play by Karen Brody. It is the true stories of eight powerful women giving birth today. It is amazingly wonderful! You will cry, laugh and be inspired! All women, regardless of age or how they became mothers should see this play. Please see the link for BOLD website. This play is done throughout the world in many different cultures during Labor Day......(get it "labor" day---------BIRTH on Labor day!)

This play will be shown in Houston at the Barnevelder Movement/Art Complex at 2201 Preston Street ( near Minute Maid ) on September 11, 12th and 13th. You can go to http://www.houbirth.org/ for more info or call us! 281-359-2229.

I have seen this play twice and I cannot wait to see it again! Grab a friend and come have a great time! For now......Janet

Mama Lions........

2009-08-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

Today I was reminded that we women all have a "Mama Lion" in us. And "she" emerges as our precious little babe is first placed in our arms. Instinctively, we become the protector....and Daddy the Great Protector.....the strong "Papa Lion".

God has blessed us with our child and also, along with that blessing comes the ever-present responsibility of being the guardian, the watcher-over, the "Mama Lion". As our birthing mom said today, "As soon as my first little baby was placed in my arms, I remember thinking.....I could kill with my bare hands to protect her......". And we would. Or die trying.

Love, it's a great thing. Enormous Mama Love. Mama Lions proclaim! "This is my child, I will protect what God has so graciously given me....." For now.......Janet

Cesarean Sections......

2009-08-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

This week we have had some trying times.......and have had two necessary c-sections. Really. With all the hype about the high rate of c-sections in our country, I must say that when you have a mom (or two) who really need to have that intervention to allow for the birth (safely, I might add) of their baby, you become grateful for a skilled surgeon, and a great anesthesiologist!

We were waiting for both of these first time moms to go into labor! Day after day, we all waited... we knew that there would be "the day" when either we would have to start the process or the baby would start the process. But it seemed for these moms endless waiting was in their future! We kept a close eye <;> on these babes and waited. they both were about 42 weeks.....yikes and no closer to birthing than when they were 38wks! Well, eventually both moms went into labor, ( one with a little help from us...) and neither were destined to birth from "below".

Our first mom labored so well at the birth center....she swayed, rocked her hips, breathed and did a great job....her baby just would not "come down" well enough to push hard on that cervix to dilate it fully. And she got tired.....it's hard work that labor business. So off we went to Kingwood hospital for some needed pain relief and to try alittle more power with Pitocin....we were really

committed to helping her get a vaginal birth. But after many hours it was evident that this little babe was not positioned right, she persisted and stayed "OP" and off to the OR mom went. Her prise came in the gift of a 7# 15 oz baby girl! Mom and baby are great and mom said to me "I would do it 10 times over to have this precious girl!" No bad outcome in my book.

Our other mom tried her best too, needed the power of pitocin to accomplish bringing down her baby and laboring that cervix open. However, after over 3 hours of hard pushing.....no baby, no descent, no birth. One thing I will never do is "force" a baby out that is trying to tell us "No can do"... you might get the head out, but where's the rest of the body....Shoulder dystocia is not a thing to laugh at.......Well, off to the OR we went and out came a strapping healthy screaming bulldog of a baby boy! 9#10 oz !!!! Mom and baby are doing well!!

So, yes sometimes c-sections are necessary, and they are not the evil worse thing in the world. I always say that as a midwife you have to "listen to your baby". They may not speak words that we can hear, but from their comfy, warm little space inside your belly they do and can communicate. You just have to be open to listening.....

So, for Polly and I this was our week of c-sections. But one thing we experienced, was the way the system worked for us all. Having privileges at the hospital helped everyone. We could be in "charge" of our moms and the transition from the birth center to the Labor unit was smooth and easy, with a bed waiting for our moms. And we get to see that we are not "in charge". sometimes fate and a higher plan is in order. We just have to try our very best, stay focused and maintain the highest of clinincal standards and always, I mean always keep our eyes on the "True North"........safety above all else and healthy mom, healthy baby, and beyond that there are no "Bad Outcomes". When mom is holding her precious little one, then we know we have done well and our job is done.

For now......Janet

Help, just when you need it.....

2009-08-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had things happen that seem so perfect and really needed at the time? This week was an exceptionally hard week for Polly and I .....we love what we do but the trials of owning your own "new" business are really stressful and there are many times when I think, wow, Janet, how old will you be by the time the business is "successful"-translation- when we relax a bit and know the families are coming and we don't have to worry about it so.

Well, on Wed. am, we got an interesting proposal which may help the business this next year and behold, at lunchtime, a colleague and fellow birth center owner just happened to stop by.....exactly what we needed! She grabbed a chair and part of our lunch and proceeded to bring light to our rather dark week!

First, this person, I'll call her Kathy, was a true breath of fresh air and perspective! Tell it like it is, Kathy! It was good for me to see that a smart, funny, hardworking woman at 63 can keep the fire in the belly and keep helping women push their babies out! (I am only 54.....so,....I've got some great years ahead of me!) Plus it so was nice to witness her great attitude....

You know, it's just like pregnancy and preparing for your birth....most midwives have an emotionally, as well as physically, demanding job ( ever bent over our tub...? Yikes, my back!) We must be good to ourselves and make sure we work on our stamina and our emotional health...cause we can't help you if we don't help ourselves first.

I love flowers, they make me happy....I took these flower shots many years ago when I was chilling at a beautiful hotel in Arizona.....I added a shot of the hotel too....Someday I will go back....they had the best restaurant......yummy delicious food and wine.

For now, Janet

Newest REUNION delivery....baby boy......aahhhhh

2009-07-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

We are very proud to announce the newest Reunion baby boy! And thanks to JeniHendricksPhotography we had some very wonderful early moments of his life with his mommy and daddy caught on film.

I would wish for all families to have someone there to capture these precious moments.....they touch your heart like no other thing. The photo of the dad hands cradling his newborn son....as if to say I will protect you, boy....you can count on me. I got it all under control. Wow.

I don't even remember when the dad did that, but our great photographer captured it. Beautiful....irreplaceable......priceless. LOVE.

For now, Janet

No Distractions........In Labor....

2009-07-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

When I look at this picture I am reminded of the feelings one gets when you stand high on a mountain and gaze out.....calm, peaceful, serene, small, gladness at being alive and a tiny part of this world.

To really achieve a true calm, almost hypnotic state during labor a woman must have an environment that feeds that state. People bustling in and out, a muriad of questions regarding such unimportant things as "When did you last take your prenatal vitamin?" are stealers of this calm. I believe that in the right environment any woman can achieve an almost hypnotic state during labor. I have seen it many times.....I have seen women doze off for a quick 2 minute snore during contractions at 7, 8, 9 centimeters dilated. Especially when relaxing in the tub of warm water. It is truly amazing to witness.

Our bodies work under the direct control of many hormones.......not just the "hormones" that most people think of....estrogen, testosterone.....ya know the "sex" hormones. We have a glorious array of hormones that when allowed to be released really can put moms in a relaxed state which helps her body open up and lets the baby "flow" out. Really. I'm serious. These hormones are hendered when stress and tension are highest......when we're scared, when we don't feel safe, loved or cared for. Ina May Gaskin, the mother of midwifery states that when a woman feels cared for and is able to feel a sense of gratefulness to her caregivers that her body benefits in labor because of that. Imagine that, all the technology we have, all the drugs, all the bells and whistles, and all we really need is love, attention, gentleness and guideness from a competent, compassionate soul.

Recently, I was admitting a mom into the birth center in labor. I had checked her cervix as soon as she arrived because this was her second baby and she was pretty "vocal" in the car when she arrived. I needed to make sure this babe was not about to pop out before I was ready for her....Well she was about 4 cm and hurting with these contractions. Her bag of water had already released at home....As I was getting a few things together she was on all fours really moaning with the contractions. I got up next to her and started rubbing her back as she breathed through the next contraction, she immediately said...."Oh, that makes such a difference..." You see, to have the loving touch of her midwife was like a drug, but better. It says what no drug can....it says to moms...

1. You are loved

2. You are not alone

3. I am here for you

4. Let me help

5. You are doing so well

6. I understand

7. You will be so glad you did this

8. Keep going

9. You are strong

10. We are here for you as you are about to do this most amazing thing ever.....

No drug can relay this to you, none that I have ever seen......

The touch of another human whom you feel completely comfortable with and who you know cares about you and your babyand is there to help you push your baby out......Priceless.

For now, Janet

2009-07-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

The Joy and Triumph!..........

I "stole" this photo from the internet...not one of our moms...but she could be and her smile and joy represents the sheer empowerment and feelings of pushing your baby out all under your body's own power and beauty........

What is so amazing about pushing your baby out at a birth center or home is the wonderful way you feel so shortly after giving birth. You are energized, joyful, relieved ( your work of labor is done), hungry, proud, tired all at once and life is good!

I wish more women would take the time to really explore all their options. I wish that the thought that crosses peoples minds when they think of "natural birth" would not be the short time that women had to labor in the bed at the hospital before they received their epidural.......

Beautiful, wonderful women.....that is not "natural birth". Yes, birth is painful. Yes, birth is scary. Yes, birth is the hardest, most challenging event in a woman's glorious life.

But, believe me when I say...."natural birth" in the right environment, surrounded by your most treasured loved ones, guided by someone whose passion and committment not only to birthing women but to your safety and security is above reproach can be the most amazing, empowering, life-changing, fun, tender, miraculous time. The pain of labor is tempered by your body's amazing hormones that are designed to calm you, make your uterine muscle work like a well-oiled machine that, together with your baby performs a beautiful "dance" with slow twists and turns and ends in the finale, you and you alone finishing the job by pusing your baby out into the world and smack-dab into your arms!

It's so natural...it is what women had been doing for years and years many years ago. Your'e born to birth....God designed this like nothing else. When your body is allowed to take control and do what it instinctively knows how to do, it's like magic! I have witnessed so many completely amazing births and women! What a blessing it is to be there, sometimes silently standing by while the woman and her man work together....loving this baby out.
That will be in another topic soon, how dads are marginalized in the hospitalized room, religated to standing at the head of the bed.....usually feeling helpless and vunerable.)

Birth, it's natural.........For now, Janet

The Waiting.......

2009-07-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Waiting can be unbearable for some mommies to be.......particularly in our times of inductions of labor on due dates or before. Most women don't have a real reference point to relate to because all their friends are done before this time.....many begin to think that "something is wrong with them" "Due date" should actually be a "due range" with the emphasis on a "end of pregnancy time", not just one particular day.....we get so wrapped up in that that when moms go beyond it seems to be so discouraging....even tho' we speak to them about going beyond and that most moms, especially first-timers, go past this date.

If we can get moms to change the angle from which they are viewing this time and see it differently....not only will their dissapointment lessen, they will be so surprised the day the baby comes.......!

Maybe this part of the big plan....I mean God has created so many wonderful and perfectly perfect things that maybe his intention of the "tension" of waiting for baby day is to instill in moms the deep desire and need to meet this babe and give love that the pain and power of birth is tempered some. Does that make sense? (The hardest part about blogging is to have an idea in your heart and head, but putting in clearly for all to read....):)

I initially placed this beautiful sunset pic on this blog because I was practicing adding an image and on my new laptop it is a stock pic and all I have so far. But, when I started thinking about it I thought, ya know, we have to wait in anticipation of all great things in life. Our first love,

growing up, Christmas, summer vacation, from a bud to a rose, the cookies to bake, spectacular sunsets. And we wait for that beautiful delicious baby to come.......

So, mommies, this time of waiting is the time to take good care of yourself, unselfishly.

1. Soak your feet,

2. Eat a bowl of ice cream ( really, it's okay :),

3. Watch great movies,

4. Put your (probably swollen) feet up,

5. Try a new, delicious/easy recipe preferably with cheese or chocolate in it...

6. Put some great music on (UP LOUD) and rejoice,

7. Sip tea,

8. Take your dog for a walk,

9. If your neighbors might object to the loud music, put your Ipod on,

10. Massage your dog, or cat (it will lower your blood pressure...),

11. Sleep, nap,

12. Soak in the tub,

13. Float in the pool.........ahhhhh........you will feel weightless.....

14. Dance ( with the music up LOUD),

An know you are not alone, somewhere on this earth there is another woman, surely, who is waiting......

For now, Janet

2009-07-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

we had another wonderful birth early Wednesday morning..........a beautiful baby boy! 7#120z.....mama did amazing job.

We are always so blessed when we can help moms achieve the birth they desire. Especially when their past birth experience was either traumatic or just plain lousy......:( We always work hard to assure a "better birth" at Reunion, but when we are armed with the knowledge that a mom had a bad experience in the past, we really feel the need to help her experience be one that will make us all feel good....

I am always amazed at the strength and calm of women. Kind of sounds like those two words wouldnt work so well together....sometimes we think "STRENGTH" is hard, loud, intrusive, overbearing, etc. But birthing women, especially those whose strength is encouraged to shine, have such a beautiful inner strength which flows from them and blankets all who are around. Their strength encourages my strength. Energy abounds in that birthing room. Between the rush of contractions moms can become so calm and serene...and absolutely stunningly beautiful. Polly and I are always commenting to each other and of course to our moms how beautiful they look. It must have something to do with the power and energy and love and ...can't forget those "love hormones" Dr. Odent speaks about that are free to flow during the natural birth process!

It must be something like falling in love....ya know ladies how radiant we look and feel. How everything in the universe is so "right". It must be similar when your body and mind iare locked into the job of birthing....you know something great is about to happen...the anticipation, the excitement and the LOVE. Powerful, fearless love. What a gift we have been given in the body of our child.

I would wish for all women that they could experience this "birth". Also, to expereince the reverance and the respect for what they are doing....sometimes women are robbed us this and their "love hormones" take the toll.

2009-06-30T14:43:00.001-07:00

Praying for rain is like praying for labor to start.......when will we get that beautiful sound of raindrops? Polly and I were sitting here in the birth center, just finished a tour and we actually heard THUNDER! We were like, music to our ears! But, alas, we sit...dry, hot...waiting.

We had a meeting today with a mom who really wanted to birth here when we were in the"building" stages....she nad her baby at Nativiti, and now is "preggo" again and is so excited to come to us! It is neat that just two years later, we all meet again and we can fulfill her desire!

We have three mommies due the month of July and four in August...should be nice! We love all our moms and anticipate with wonder their upcoming labors...I really look forward to posting about our time at the birth center and also to give you all some insight about what Polly and I do....maybe you will laugh, cry or yawn in boredom!

I am having trouble adding photos to the text....they want to appear on the side of the blog...anyone out there might want to let me know the trick? For now, Janet

A labor story...

2009-06-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

A Labor Story........

I want to share a scene I was blessed to witness once. Years ago I took care of a very strong, determined young woman, planning her third birth. She had birth her first babies all natural ( no epdirual, narcotic or induction) and of course, was planning that for this baby as well. In those days I was "birthing babies" in our community hospital. I was fornunate then the nursing staff was kind and supportive of me and my birthing moms...

Well, as is true for birth, my mom was in hard labor and resting on her side, entering that stage we not so fonding call "transition". However, from a midwives perspective it is a truly beautiful time, especially when there is vocal accompaniment! The mother call, I like to say...You know that baby's coming! ( we're almost done!). Anyway, she was THERE!

Alongside her was her husband, sister-in-law and granny. As she moaned and rocked both those women leaned in and massaged and consoled, whispering their love and guidance. Instinctively they knew exactly what she needed, because they had walked in her shoes...

I knew they knew exactly what she was experiencing and in that moment I felt like I had been witness to the true essence of what women are capable of and how, as we love each other, our own strength is fortified....NO woman should ever be left alone, feel alone or afraid in the moment that is one of the most powerful, fearful, loving and courageous.

Our very first post!

2009-06-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

Well, so far so good....I have managed to sign on, grab a free template, attach one of my favorite prints of all time and now I am actually writing. All you blog experts, bear with me. I quess one of our main intentions with this blog is sharing of information, emotions and most of all our committment to who we have come to know as beautiful birthing women! I pray for wisdom and courage to write what moves me, and what I believe.......For now, Janet