Archive for February 2013
Eating in Labor FAQ, by Julie Brill, CCCE, CLD, CAPPA Faculty
Q. Should I eat in labor? A. In a word: yes! Labor is hard physical work, that’s why they call it labor. You and your baby will be better equipped to handle this work when you are well nourished and hydrated. Fasting in pregnancy is not advised, and that includes during the last hours when…
Read MoreCervical Exams: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, by Julie Brill, CCCE, CLD, CAPPA Faculty
“Is this something I have to do?” is a question about vaginal exams frequently asked by my childbirth students. The short answer is no. Especially in teaching hospitals, women are often examined frequently, without even knowing why. The most important question to ask when considering an exam, like any other test, is “What will we…
Read MoreA Holistic Approach to Your Prenatal Care
By Guest Blogger, Webster Certified Prenatal & Family Chiropractor and WellPregnancy trained, CAPPA childbirth educator Dr. Jessica L. Caruso Many of my patients ask “Is it safe for me to continue chiropractic care during my pregnancy?” The answer is a resounding “YES!” In fact, not only is it safe; but chiropractic care is highly recommended…
Read MoreTop Ten Pieces of Baby Advice to Ignore by Julie Brill, CCCE, CLD, CAPPA Faculty
1.Put that baby down before you spoil it. How exactly can you spoil a baby? They’re supposed to be dependent. The great thing about front packs and slings is that your baby can be exactly where she’s supposed to be and you still have your hands free. 2.Get that baby out of your bed. Unless…
Read MoreTen Tips for Beginning Childbirth Educators by Julie Brill, CCCE, CLD
1.Be upbeat. Convey that birth is safe. Begin each class with a brief outline of what you will be covering so students can know what to look forward to. End with time for questions and a brief preview of the next class. Always end on a positive note. 2.Use word of mouth advertising. It’s effective…
Read MoreWhy the Science of Birth Doesn’t Matter
I recently got to hear Joel Salatin speak. For those who don’t know, Joel is a farmer and an advocate of the right of American consumers to purchase raw dairy, meat, eggs, and vegetables from small, local farmers. He says that if our Founding Fathers could have imagined that this right would ever be taken…
Read MoreA Better Doula Training?
For the first time weather has forced me to cancel a labor doula training. Doulas go out in the snow, but with a forecasted New England blizzard on the way, it seemed like the only responsible action to take. It got me thinking about tongue and cheek conversations I have had with other doulas about…
Read MoreTen Tips for Reducing Stress While Living With Your New Baby by Julie Brill, CCCE, CLD
1. Ask for what you need. This is often difficult for new parents but if friends and family offer to help, ask them for specific favors. Do you need someone to vacuum, pick up your pictures or something at the grocery store, or fold laundry? Can a different person bring you dinner for a week…
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