tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19742422539293089692024-03-21T02:38:45.748-07:00AZ Birth DoulasAZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-51497178989668441952011-04-13T21:25:00.000-07:002011-04-13T21:25:32.377-07:00Come Help Us Set A World Record!The Great Cloth Diaper Change is happening all over the world on Sat. April 23rd. I am one of the hosts for a location in Chandler, AZ. The Change will be happening in AZ at 9:30 a.m. the morning of the 23rd. We will be setting a world record for the most cloth diapers changed at one time. Our accomplishment will be displayed in the Guinness Book of World Records. <br />
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Come out and help us set this record! Participants with babies and toddlers under 39 inches, please join us. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 9:15 a.m. No registrations able to be excepted after 9:15. If you have more than one child, please bring along someone who can help look after them as they cannot come into the diaper changing area (sorry that's a Guinness stipulation). <br />
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We'll have prizes and giveaways and come also to learn about placenta encapsulation. <br />
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The event will be hosted at Tumbleweed Park near the Playtopia. If you're not in the Phoenix area, check out http://greatclothdiaperchange.com/ for a location near you. <br />
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For more information about the change here in Chandler, AZ, visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=153398258055825.AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-43015740979625368162011-04-06T21:11:00.000-07:002011-04-06T21:11:04.200-07:00ACOG Embarasses Itself AgainIt's no surprise that ACOG lacks a serious misunderstanding of how to care for a laboring woman, but check out this article regarding ACOG's April Fool's joke. It's so pathetic they pulled if off the internet quickly. <br />
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http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2011/04/01/acog-press-release-april-fool-brings-up-real-womens-rights-issues/AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-69356664359357344232011-02-28T20:39:00.000-08:002011-02-28T20:39:17.601-08:00What's It Going to Take?The fear of birth is so prevalent in our country. Other cultures do not fear birth in the same way that we do in the United States. Where do you think it comes from and what steps are necessary to get rid of it?AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-44831264589959067622011-02-21T15:49:00.001-08:002011-02-21T15:49:01.121-08:00Placenta ResearchGreat information on placenta encapsulation! Includes research studies on the benefits of the placenta. Fascinating!<br />
<a href="http://mommyfeelgood.wordpress.com/">http://mommyfeelgood.wordpress.com/</a>AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-4177717070465003932011-01-21T08:49:00.000-08:002011-01-21T08:49:36.235-08:00Owen Wilson's Baby Born At HomeI loved hearing about this! Rumor has it Owen Wilson's baby was born via a homebirth at his Maui home. I love hearing about celebrity homebirths. Congrats to them! <br />
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Read more about it:<br />
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2011/01/owen-wilson-jade-duell-welcome-new-baby.html">http://www.drmomma.org/2011/01/owen-wilson-jade-duell-welcome-new-baby.html</a>AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-79664530803220807932011-01-12T18:33:00.000-08:002011-01-12T18:33:19.382-08:00What You'll Receive if You Encapsulate with MeHello Ladies!<br />
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It's no secret I'm a fan of placenta encapsulation! I absolutely love to do the encapsulation process. It's rewarding and I believe in it strongly. Here's what you'll receive when you encapsulate your placenta with me. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7lumu88RZrqcOiUFyMoBhMJX-EOFmyUrtigUA5SGEOeZ8MwWWJVMt2rGFz3W0zB9cvEAO8sjHydAT0ThHmFFDX3KA40fontz7CSFCD0UPBfE5ZeLf09usqNTZWzB-R5F9yu1ogErZPK-/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7lumu88RZrqcOiUFyMoBhMJX-EOFmyUrtigUA5SGEOeZ8MwWWJVMt2rGFz3W0zB9cvEAO8sjHydAT0ThHmFFDX3KA40fontz7CSFCD0UPBfE5ZeLf09usqNTZWzB-R5F9yu1ogErZPK-/s320/065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>You will receive a satin pouch with a momento of your baby's umbilical cord dried in either a heart or wreath shape. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpJrHJbk3cDhjpd7zlQ5l0BWUcXSpIgjcYY6UOZnEJBpNcJ-zolHGGPuzBNvDuCsw_445G9H5sIuP9-kne50EQYkjZHg0RzjqXmXNQt0H2gZpGylCKQhwcL-jYqhR4El1KD9fzcQSYRr1/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpJrHJbk3cDhjpd7zlQ5l0BWUcXSpIgjcYY6UOZnEJBpNcJ-zolHGGPuzBNvDuCsw_445G9H5sIuP9-kne50EQYkjZHg0RzjqXmXNQt0H2gZpGylCKQhwcL-jYqhR4El1KD9fzcQSYRr1/s320/070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
100-150 professionally encapsulated placenta pills.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOqkD47EiJoGlM8jHuuPpFaPsHZReDpGyOMyjLb8dpjXVfL9EHvPksx4z6jpsPlBiRClxgATk8s8IgbJ1QNWKgTgywesXXwLNSB4Cgivt01Vfev2GAOyfjJjuQcj5G3-uNFV4DY8LimIe/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOqkD47EiJoGlM8jHuuPpFaPsHZReDpGyOMyjLb8dpjXVfL9EHvPksx4z6jpsPlBiRClxgATk8s8IgbJ1QNWKgTgywesXXwLNSB4Cgivt01Vfev2GAOyfjJjuQcj5G3-uNFV4DY8LimIe/s320/074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A brochure on the benefits and information about placenta encapsulation. Also, a dosage information card and nice jar to store the capsules in. <br />
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If you choose to encapsulate your placenta, you may experience benefits such as:<br />
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<ul><li>increased energy</li>
<li>increased lactation</li>
<li>decreased fatigue</li>
<li>decreased baby blues</li>
<li>less risk of postpartum depression</li>
<li>less postnatal bleeding</li>
<li>a shortened recovery period</li>
<li>a uterus that returns to pre-pregnancy size quicker</li>
<li>an easier postpartum recovery</li>
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I come to your home to prepare the placenta with my professional grade supplies. I leave you with no extra work and I clean the entire workspace before and after the process. I have been trained in the TCM method of encapsulation by PBI- the only certifying and training organization in the world. I maintain strict OSHA standards of handling the placenta and I maintain current food handler safety certification from the state. <br />
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If you're interested in having an easier postpartum recovery by encapsulating your placenta, I'd love to speak with you and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact me at <a href="mailto:azbirthdoulas@gmail.com">azbirthdoulas@gmail.com</a>. I look forward to speaking with you!AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-67638093385282248462011-01-06T14:39:00.000-08:002011-01-06T14:39:00.508-08:00My T Shirts Have Arrived!I'm excited to announce that the T shirts I ordered for my business have arrived. I've included pictures below. For ordering something online, they sure turned out nice. I'm just relieved they fit! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C3flf5ghG5qUNKjpf6Ml8lmgqzv3pYaetbzHhjBCl5TTJpMcRPjmNBOQQHCwPXsPw-q08V6FufGkDEcOP8Mnq4DVNvUfl5u9VzDh38ucaC0P6JeXzdqMzhXvXuEJTBW3asLoK2Zmap0/s1600/117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C3flf5ghG5qUNKjpf6Ml8lmgqzv3pYaetbzHhjBCl5TTJpMcRPjmNBOQQHCwPXsPw-q08V6FufGkDEcOP8Mnq4DVNvUfl5u9VzDh38ucaC0P6JeXzdqMzhXvXuEJTBW3asLoK2Zmap0/s320/117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The last one I order from Vistaprint of all places and it's my favorite. It's more of a comfortable T shirt feel, and it has my logo!<br />
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The other two I ordered from <a href="http://www.spreadshirt.com/">http://www.spreadshirt.com/</a>. I couldn't figure out how to upload my logo to them, which is why I did Vistaprint for the other one. Making the top two shirts was super easy though and lots of fun. The shirts have a little more of a starchy feel, but maybe after I wash them...AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-90798917553146872292011-01-05T14:39:00.000-08:002011-01-05T14:39:00.460-08:00Natural Awakenings ArticleA recent article of mine was published in Phoenix's local Natural Awakenings magazine. I have loved this magazine for quite some time, so this was certainly an honor. <br />
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Here is the article for those of you interested:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The placenta is an organ responsible for nourishing the baby during pregnancy. Often referred to as the “afterbirth,” the placenta is birthed following the baby. The placenta is typically considered medical waste following a hospital birth, yet recent attention has been turned to the potential benefits the placenta can contain for the new mother. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The placenta has been revered in many cultures throughout history and has been used medicinally in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. The placenta is rich in hormones and nutrients, particularly B vitamins and iron. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Placentophagy is the act of consuming the placenta following delivery. This behavior is practiced by almost every mammal. While some women do experience the desire to ingest the placenta following delivery, most are not accepting of this idea. This is where placenta encapsulation becomes relevant.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For women who cannot fathom ingesting their own placentas, there is another way. The placenta can be prepared and placed into capsule form. There’s no taste to the capsules. Women do not have to see or handle the placenta, in fact, the preparation process can be completed before mom and baby are even home from the hospital. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The benefits of placenta encapsulation include: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">• Replaces lost hormones, iron, and nutrients </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">• Increases energy </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">• Eases postpartum recovery </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">• Shortens postpartum bleeding time </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">• Assist the uterus in returning to pre-pregnancy size </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">• Promotes lactation </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">• Decreases incidence of postpartum depression </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">• Combats anxiety </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">• Improves cognition</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Placenta encapsulation eases the transition into motherhood, making the “babymoon” period the best it can be. First, the placenta is prepared, steamed, and then dehydrated. It is then finely ground and placed into capsules. The capsules last indefinitely, and can even be frozen and saved for menopause. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more information, please visit </span><a href="http://www.azplacentaencapsulation.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.azplacentaencapsulation.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elizabeth Blitz is the owner of AZ Birth Doulas, LLC. She is a registered nurse, birth doula, and placenta encapsulation specialist. For more information, visit </span><a href="http://www.azbirthdoulas.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.azbirthdoulas.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> or call 480-678-9574. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you were lucky enough to get a copy of December's issue, the original article can be found on page 36. An ad for my services will be appearing in this publication monthly. </span></div>AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-80895191906219843702011-01-04T14:26:00.000-08:002011-01-04T14:26:00.212-08:00What Scares You The Most?What Scares You The Most About Birth? <br />
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Keeping in line with my post yesterday, I want to know what scares women about birth. Is it the lack of control, fear of the unknown, overwhelming, fear of safety or fear of something going wrong, fear of pain, fear of inability to cope? <br />
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I'd love to know your experiences. What scares you about birth?AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-78471259912702054952011-01-03T14:24:00.001-08:002011-01-03T14:24:25.930-08:00An EpiphanyI had an epiphany of sorts the other day as I was talking to my husband. <br />
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I wondered what it was that keeps women reliant on hospitals. I believe that if women truly realized how wonderful (and safe) birth can be at home, why would they choose differently?<br />
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Then it hit me! Because we've been conditioned to be scared to give birth! This fear of birth is so permeated throughout our society that women feel they need the hospital in order to have a safe birth. Too many of us are not aware of the scientific research regarding birth. If we were, we would know that hospital birth is not as safe as believed, and home birth is in most likelihood safer.<br />
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Women have this reliance on a system that we've mistakenly believed to be safe. We've been purposefully lied to.<br />
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So, what would cause a woman to take back her rights regarding her birth and not simply be a bystander at her own birth? <br />
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My answer is if her fear was gone. Fear can be debilitating. Many woman use avoidance to cope with the fear instead of taking charge of her own experience. <br />
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So, fear is where we need to address this situation. Fear is at the core of this problem. Perhaps, I have just found my life's work. <br />
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I want every woman to experience her true power during her birth. I want to support her to have a fearless birth. <br />
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More on this to come...AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-56126118144667010532010-12-31T10:04:00.001-08:002010-12-31T10:04:10.250-08:00Happy New Year!!!!AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-73353008609819337852010-12-30T12:49:00.001-08:002010-12-30T12:49:42.593-08:00Birth Quote<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font: small "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: left;"> <h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message">"If women lose their birthing rights, they have lost all their rights. Really, if a woman cannot choose where and with whom she will birth, what else is there to lose?"<br />
Carla Hartley</span></h3></span></span>AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-70682395650494598052010-12-29T10:47:00.001-08:002010-12-29T10:47:56.951-08:00Epidural Deaths on the RiseWhile it's still a rare occurence, the possibility of death from spinal anethesia is a real and growing concern for women opting for this type of pain relief. What's even scarier is that many women don't realize it's even a risk. <br />
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The epidural is often touted as the "Cadillac" of pain relief, yet rarely does a woman in labor truly understand the risks.<br />
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What's more is that if the epidural is avoided during labor, the risk not only decreases, it ceases to exist. So we have to ask, is the pain of labor so truly unbearable that this is a risk worth taking or is it possible women can make it through labor with no need for pain medication and we just don't believe we can because we've been lied to? <br />
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This is why doula work is so close to my heart. If a woman can be supported through her birth and she remains comfortable and fear free, her need for pain medication is going to be very low to nonexistent. <br />
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I believe the greatest kept secret from women is the fact that labor isn't all that bad. Most women simply have no idea that labor can actually be estatic, even orgasmic. If women believed this was truly possible, who wouldn't want to sign up for that? <br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/27/epidural-related-deaths-in-childbirth-on-the-rise/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl3%7Csec4_lnk2%7C192278">http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/27/epidural-related-deaths-in-childbirth-on-the-rise/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl3%7Csec4_lnk2%7C192278</a>AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-25356716834587275642010-12-27T15:09:00.000-08:002010-12-27T15:09:47.723-08:00The Other Side of the GlassThere is a film coming out called The Other Side of the Glass. Hopefully, it will be out by next Father's Day. <br />
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This film is geared specifically towards men and their outlook on birth. It looks great!<br />
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So often, I hear women who talk about how their husbands made them get the epidural because they couldn't handle seeing their wife in pain or they weren't comfortable with a homebirth, so the woman had to birth in the hospital. <br />
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While these husbands mean well, it's important even for men to be educated about birth. Once they are, some of their fears surrounding birth can be put to rest and they can then support their wife in birthing however <em>she</em> needs to birth. This is what this film seems to be about. <br />
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You can watch a very in depth trailer of the film here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.theothersideoftheglassthefilm.blogspot.com/">http://www.theothersideoftheglassthefilm.blogspot.com/</a>AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-58361249255884717892010-12-22T16:26:00.000-08:002010-12-22T16:26:07.391-08:00Now Offering Professional Birth Plan Development AssistanceI've included a new service in my list of services that I believe will be helpful for many couples. More and more women are understanding the importance of having a birth plan for their birth. This ensures they will be educated on the choices they may be faced with making and from this their outcomes will improve and the entire experience can be more pleasant. <br />
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While my assistance with developing a birth plan comes standard with my doula package (as it does with most doulas), I am now offering my help and expertise with birth plans from anyone needing assistance. <br />
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I have termed this service "professional birth plan development assistance." As a doula and a labor and delivery nurse, I know what things should be included in a birth plan, what choices you will need to make, and how to choose the proper words for what you're desiring. <br />
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For some people, I understand it may not always be feasible to have a doula at your birth, but it is important to have a birth plan. Why not let a professional check it over? <br />
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Included in my service is helping you to explore how you feel about various issues regarding your birth, research for these issues if necessary, explanation of the risks and benefits of each issue, and editing and revision of your birth plan until it is exactly how you want it. <br />
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All of this is available for only $25.00! Please visit my website for more information. <br />
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<a href="http://azbirthdoulas.com/Services.html">http://azbirthdoulas.com/Services.html</a>AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-84617808742212647902010-12-20T17:08:00.000-08:002010-12-22T16:02:50.721-08:00T ShirtsI ordered some custom T shirts today from here: <a href="http://www.spreadshirt.com/create-your-own-t-shirt-C59/productType/210/productColor/1">http://www.spreadshirt.com/create-your-own-t-shirt-C59/productType/210/productColor/1</a>. <br />
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They turned out really cute and fun and there was all types to choose from. I'm excited about them. I think I'll upload some pictures when they get here, which could still be a few weeks.AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-1983632779913698882010-12-17T10:47:00.000-08:002010-12-17T10:47:00.196-08:00Soapnuts- Make Your Own Laundry DetergentI have found the coolest cleaning product ever. They're called Soapnuts. <br />
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Yes, they look strange...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKiG7wUY8G7fqFLzMZc3Ek2QbvTPdWufVonwOe8akNhsh6bKr2sGapCxzpw0jgRyy9_19ywb-7B0T666-DumUHsgtEjhaHjQOd_vdWt4eXLYLS3f0uqCmZZ7ZSyEGweRYhWFlXyICZMA/s1600/259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKiG7wUY8G7fqFLzMZc3Ek2QbvTPdWufVonwOe8akNhsh6bKr2sGapCxzpw0jgRyy9_19ywb-7B0T666-DumUHsgtEjhaHjQOd_vdWt4eXLYLS3f0uqCmZZ7ZSyEGweRYhWFlXyICZMA/s320/259.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
But they work amazingly.<br />
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Soapnuts are a type of fruit that is harvested and dried. This makes them completely natural and chemical free. They have natural cleaning abilities and can be used for laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, glass cleaner, all purpose cleaner, etc. <br />
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Here's how you use it for laundry detergent. It's super easy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6JuZILlfh2KOQ-ma6PxWMvctVDqx3GTzBYJu9EmWtAaaEU0SdtMJrw88uVGC-eJunruj0jwoLZKlqyJVEeeTVbKhP_9Lm3DYxQWqsD68f1yXNrdvmcd4sOEp2Cn8dtpL-gPVcRtZAjA/s1600/258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6JuZILlfh2KOQ-ma6PxWMvctVDqx3GTzBYJu9EmWtAaaEU0SdtMJrw88uVGC-eJunruj0jwoLZKlqyJVEeeTVbKhP_9Lm3DYxQWqsD68f1yXNrdvmcd4sOEp2Cn8dtpL-gPVcRtZAjA/s320/258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The soapnuts come in a bag like this. This is a two pound bag. It's got a ton of soapnuts in it- I don't know the exact count.<br />
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The soapnuts come with a little bag. Put 3-4 soapnuts into the bag. This small amount will last 3-5 loads or possibly more. <br />
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Put in 4-5 drops of tea tree oil into the small bag and tie closed twice. Now, simply throw that little bag into the washer. <br />
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I can't believe how clean my cothes come out smelling. They smell very fresh with subtle hints of a linen type smell. <br />
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Make sure you find the little soapnuts bag before you dry the clothes. Drying the bag will cause the soapnuts to dry out and not be as effective. <br />
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Using the soapnuts saves tons of money! The way I calculated what we spend on regular laundry detergent versus what we spent on the soapnuts, we're saving over $150.00 just by using the soapnuts! That's amazing. I totally recommend these awesome little fruits. <br />
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You can also make a cleaning spray that is so delightful to use. It cleans really well- a little goes a long way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dS1gggrE1oZDdhhinnsa_gPxgtaSgHVcpKehe5zEhauVT0lKOCjyF7x8k3C3MrZO7P2bABJ17xv9a0404L1TCMra4doM6a6prvU0tnX4Jpg4J4u5TDgSIP3rQvAUzNiz7I_LlW-8hiY/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dS1gggrE1oZDdhhinnsa_gPxgtaSgHVcpKehe5zEhauVT0lKOCjyF7x8k3C3MrZO7P2bABJ17xv9a0404L1TCMra4doM6a6prvU0tnX4Jpg4J4u5TDgSIP3rQvAUzNiz7I_LlW-8hiY/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left">For more information or to order soapnuts, <a href="http://www.buysoapnuts.com/">http://www.buysoapnuts.com/</a>. They also have a good blog on their site. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Isn't it cool how nature truly does provide us with everything we need? I just find it so awesome that there are natural and healthy alternatives to just about everything. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">*I am in no way affiliated with soapnuts, nor do I benefit from their sale. I just really like them and think they are cool. </div>AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-11955585907495351712010-12-16T12:21:00.000-08:002010-12-16T12:21:02.447-08:00How to Make a Rice Heat PackHere is a tutorial on how to make a heat pack. I used rice in mine and really like the way they turned out. They are very easy to make.<br />
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Materials you will need:<br />
Sewing machine or needle and thread<br />
Fabric<br />
Scissors<br />
Rice/Corn/Beans- something for filling<br />
Essential Oil<br />
A funnel or something to help fill the pack<br />
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1) Once you have your fabric picked out, cut it into desired shape. There is not a standard measurement, they can come in any size you want. <br />
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2) Put the nicer sides towards the inside facing each other as shown so that you can begin to sew.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibECtsmc_63U_I6iKzqXO35NassJbx0p0WSWnb4JN5-8BfycMx98V89ICXHwi3j5LDFqLH7fRcizfpxnM3SS-t_P82GuMmnC1T_0tBaXmmO0E_XAc7F8f4apG24fxH-qEN61qkLt_ntDk/s1600/255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibECtsmc_63U_I6iKzqXO35NassJbx0p0WSWnb4JN5-8BfycMx98V89ICXHwi3j5LDFqLH7fRcizfpxnM3SS-t_P82GuMmnC1T_0tBaXmmO0E_XAc7F8f4apG24fxH-qEN61qkLt_ntDk/s320/255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
3) Sew all four sides together, but leave about a 3 inch area unsewn so that you can put in the rice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo520PSkWQ1KeAPfV-ML9Mushh9qBWaALyT9FinDMFnrEFa-6bbhmGvw4gARkZAMOgUfYqh925vdL_6Galp1gxoceSHKNe48AOz4q4oBVEVEKqAbrDpiwCbEf1bYR9CtVKJ6f2jKqoPhc/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo520PSkWQ1KeAPfV-ML9Mushh9qBWaALyT9FinDMFnrEFa-6bbhmGvw4gARkZAMOgUfYqh925vdL_6Galp1gxoceSHKNe48AOz4q4oBVEVEKqAbrDpiwCbEf1bYR9CtVKJ6f2jKqoPhc/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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4) Now turn the bag right side out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4KPjeYWo9Y2QeEJM5OQXpYna92jiSDac6a4ySjWCAYYtXzgzxnEptN6TZPqL0Oa0s5mHRNLsCPF__sVAFiDd-dihy-exYrcaJvJp6zskOzJ8_lL8pAS_4S4cAzn2KKnlRdrDPv7Qe-s/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4KPjeYWo9Y2QeEJM5OQXpYna92jiSDac6a4ySjWCAYYtXzgzxnEptN6TZPqL0Oa0s5mHRNLsCPF__sVAFiDd-dihy-exYrcaJvJp6zskOzJ8_lL8pAS_4S4cAzn2KKnlRdrDPv7Qe-s/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoES1zVy4dqDL2vHtb2EvBMYN_-SVWelPoEkFj4huIXqUp_2zYpoOpdy3Q33mIY8NvNji3tshoWpEscWhxHD4hYAyetStrWQF2oUYOzKQUyIqIzFwXPzbvq3ofgniNYWIB5oGEslSag4/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoES1zVy4dqDL2vHtb2EvBMYN_-SVWelPoEkFj4huIXqUp_2zYpoOpdy3Q33mIY8NvNji3tshoWpEscWhxHD4hYAyetStrWQF2oUYOzKQUyIqIzFwXPzbvq3ofgniNYWIB5oGEslSag4/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
5) Fill with rice. You don't have to stuff it too full because you want the pack to still be somewhat moldable. The amount of rice will differ based on how full you want your pack and how big your pack is.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5crQRhMI_3VbqmSBopd353obTaes5gsXXKLCAalRrI-nGMLW-Uf9oEtfTGWv8Q3wUfyEke92hgBRGbOPIWxADUb59WoWw4pY1AQGANa3UgHOkLgrQW-LSHcBgo4qVjq-NfbE-_WzHO-M/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5crQRhMI_3VbqmSBopd353obTaes5gsXXKLCAalRrI-nGMLW-Uf9oEtfTGWv8Q3wUfyEke92hgBRGbOPIWxADUb59WoWw4pY1AQGANa3UgHOkLgrQW-LSHcBgo4qVjq-NfbE-_WzHO-M/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I just used a jar to fill my pack. It was all I had around and I got creative. I scooped up rice into it and poured the rice into the pack. Simple.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD8MM7gzCbmsXU6_1AdlRgvH25hmp808j980wrB7LLMIUAxRcBYhmkhrvgr6pLBYs6q8VH4z1sXE6QjvSJaomryZQZl264lVMviJJAqYsJpHkJUYByfKV-AfcUyjHD7X5hEIKqbl1ZW0/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD8MM7gzCbmsXU6_1AdlRgvH25hmp808j980wrB7LLMIUAxRcBYhmkhrvgr6pLBYs6q8VH4z1sXE6QjvSJaomryZQZl264lVMviJJAqYsJpHkJUYByfKV-AfcUyjHD7X5hEIKqbl1ZW0/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
6) If desired, you can put in some essential oil to make it smell pretty. Some people use actual dried herbs and such in their packs, but the oil works fine. You only need about 3 drops. I know that doesn't seem like much, but believe me, it is plenty. I used lavender in mine. Lavender is useful for relaxation. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPJnhk-B_D8Ewg6JS66A45pnplC_W3a-iYDzgOCC7iLpJeGEXc92HDz9MWYFaRXB14mdh2Y6NHSgrRtjhBwKuYnv6O8RYuoNzrm4lzWJk8qRqyEpjXKYlHGi4JyUCBAbjllusCFnfQS0/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPJnhk-B_D8Ewg6JS66A45pnplC_W3a-iYDzgOCC7iLpJeGEXc92HDz9MWYFaRXB14mdh2Y6NHSgrRtjhBwKuYnv6O8RYuoNzrm4lzWJk8qRqyEpjXKYlHGi4JyUCBAbjllusCFnfQS0/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
7) Now finish sewing up the rest of the bag. This can be done by hand or with the sewing machine. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiladf5al_08LpnJX-Km0jH1QQh4t3yDKthWbsaG3y5k7JC1GKXFgf7iNdCL3MaS7DtZMnUQVoD4vHuM_BhoTs-9mQFgC63B6nkScsQkDyKa_X9QL_pOwPyFdWZZ_ZgrozUDzy6TiZ7noA/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiladf5al_08LpnJX-Km0jH1QQh4t3yDKthWbsaG3y5k7JC1GKXFgf7iNdCL3MaS7DtZMnUQVoD4vHuM_BhoTs-9mQFgC63B6nkScsQkDyKa_X9QL_pOwPyFdWZZ_ZgrozUDzy6TiZ7noA/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You now have your very own rice heat pack! Pretty simple huh? Most heat packs will stay warm for about 20 minutes and are great for relaxation, sore mucsles, a calming presence, or just if you're cold. <br />
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You can use any type of material you desire. The one in the picture is a flannel. Cotton also works well. <br />
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Enjoy!AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-7198413129674289142010-12-15T10:07:00.001-08:002010-12-15T10:07:08.271-08:00Eats on FeetsI found another milksharing resource. It's called Eats on Feets. I'm still a big fan of Milkshare.com, and Eats of Feets seems to have a similar philosophy. <br />
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Eats on Feets has gone global and there are now local chapters in many cities around the world! <br />
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This is a great resource for mothers trying to find milk for their babies and also for mothers who have extra milk to share. <br />
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To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.eatsonfeets.org/">http://www.eatsonfeets.org/</a>.AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-75479998227658968272010-12-14T15:59:00.001-08:002010-12-14T15:59:17.425-08:00Birth Quote“Every woman needs someone in the room who believes in her more than she believes in herself.”AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-7072434611699075192010-12-13T14:16:00.001-08:002010-12-13T14:16:40.126-08:00Quote“Birth is not only about making babies. It’s about making mothers; strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.”AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-52177494516193829132010-12-12T17:11:00.000-08:002010-12-12T17:11:09.489-08:00Hysterical Pregnancy PhotosI came across <a href="http://pregnantchicken.squarespace.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2010/12/10/awkward-pregnancy-photos.html">this</a> blog post today and had to share. It is absolutely hysterical!<br />
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Do yourself a favor and check out this <a href="http://pregnantchicken.squarespace.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2010/12/10/awkward-pregnancy-photos.html">blog</a>. Read all the comments- they're the best part!<br />
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http://pregnantchicken.squarespace.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2010/12/10/awkward-pregnancy-photos.htmlAZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-56032385664102482872010-12-11T08:08:00.000-08:002010-12-11T08:08:33.156-08:00The Breast CrawlThis is an excellent video! I've always heard of the breast crawl, but have never actually seen it in person. This video is beautiful. <br /><br /><iframe height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/auVmnvwNUOE?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe>AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-16972732797277255292010-12-10T22:39:00.000-08:002010-12-10T22:39:13.690-08:00BirthdaysYesterday was my daughter's birthday! She's two. Where does the time go?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh853kK0FpwA9ZZsyQwiSxzNTSXtytkcLBCK78qdh0JTLl9tZgnApaNgK4WPfW_SGb8FJKwmnwiHmGsu8hVomIugujyuj-VDZtu0bJfQ5KeL9wKHtNjVqmB3KNZjN1fhyphenhyphen2F2xyfrs2xYMg/s1600/351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh853kK0FpwA9ZZsyQwiSxzNTSXtytkcLBCK78qdh0JTLl9tZgnApaNgK4WPfW_SGb8FJKwmnwiHmGsu8hVomIugujyuj-VDZtu0bJfQ5KeL9wKHtNjVqmB3KNZjN1fhyphenhyphen2F2xyfrs2xYMg/s320/351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The cake didn't turn out quite as I hoped, but I think she liked it!AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974242253929308969.post-45439127645330944382010-12-06T19:56:00.000-08:002010-12-06T19:56:11.441-08:00Milksharing? What's that?!I'm a big fan of mothers donating their breast milk to babies in need. I feel all babies deserve to have mothers milk, yet there are circumstances in which a mother is unable to breastfeed or make enough milk for her baby. <br />
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Milksharing is simply an informal sharing of milk between mothers who have extra and those who have a need. Milk that's suitable for one baby is most often suitable for other babies as well. <br />
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I wish this was more accepted in our society. Many women have plenty of milk and sadly, large amounts of that milk get thrown away or dumped down the drain because women aren't aware that donating is an option. <br />
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I've written lots of information on milksharing on my parenting website. Here's a link to the page: <a href="http://www.theholisticparent.org/milksharing.html">http://www.theholisticparent.org/milksharing.html</a>. <br />
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I also absolutely love the resource <a href="http://www.milkshare.com/">http://www.milkshare.com/</a>. This is a platform for mothers to donate their own milk for free and other mothers to receive desperately needed milk for their babies. <br />
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I have a lot of quams with milk banks. I personally wouldn't choose to donate my milk to them for several reasons. <br />
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1) There's an extremely high mark up on something that should be free. <br />
2) The milk is pastuerized. I know many people believe this makes it safer, but really what it does is kill all the magical nutritional properties in the milk. <br />
3) Some milk banks sell their milk to pharmaceutical companies so they can study it. Yeah, my milk isn't going towards that!<br />
4) Often the milk at milk banks aren't available to all babies who need it- there must be special circumstances. <br />
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Milkshare.com is a non profit organization and doesn't support charging fees for breast milk. It's truly a great resource and helps so many moms and babies during what can be a very difficult period for them. <br />
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If you're a mom in need of milk or a mom that has some extra to give away, check out <a href="http://www.milkshare.com/">http://www.milkshare.com/</a>.AZ Birth Doulashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396561003827203803noreply@blogger.com0