Birth Control and Pregnancy Achievement

We have made the personal choice to use the Fertility Awareness Method form of birth control. In the summer of 2006, just before getting married in August, I read the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler to prepare for natural birth control. We have never used any other form of birth control and find FAM to work well for us as birth control, as well as for pregnancy achievement. Using no drugs or hormones, a woman can determine whether she is fertile or infertile by observing body signs and following simple rules.

This past July, as we were using FAM to achieve pregnancy, I took an ovulation test to ensure I was on track with recording my ovulation. Sure enough, I was and got pregnant on our first try. Unfortunately, it resulted in an ectopic pregnancy, but it confirmed that it is a good method for us as we will use it again in the future for pregnancy achievement.

I recommend using this method because it enables couples to both feel responsible for birth control and allows the couple to connect on a deeper level. No one person has the responsibility all on their own. Plus, it is natural and allows you to abstain from putting anything unnatural or synthetic into your body.

Visit http://www.ovusoft.com/ for more information and read the book too!

Complimentary Doula Services

Before 2009 starts to get away from me before it is even here, I have decided to ensure I attend the births required for certification with DONA (Doulas of North America) early in 2009. I am offering complimentary birth doula services to the first four clients that sign a service agreement and who will be having their baby by April 2009. Let me know if you or anyone you know is interested in having a Birth Doula. I would love to share in your birth experience.

I will provide the following:

• Free initial consultation
  
• One prenatal visit
• Attend the entire birth, providing emotional and physical comfort measures, massage, and encouragement for mother and partner
  
• One postpartum visit
• Postpartum emails and phone follow-up

I may be reached at 817-386-3355 or (c)214-783-3668.

Book of the Week

Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper, R.N

This book is a guide to making informed decisions about birthing centers, birth attendants, water births, home births, and hospital births. It helps dispel many of the medical myths that we Americans have come to know about birth.

Making informed decisions about your pregnancy and childbirth is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your child.

Prenatal Vitamins

I recommend a prenatal vitamin from New Chapter called Perfect Prenatal. They make an organic line of products that I use and enjoy. The supplements are derived from whole, organic foods. You can purchase these at stores like The Vitamin Shoppe, Veria Wellness Center, Central Market, or online.

Check out the website at: http://www.newchapter.com/

Birth Jewelry

I have found the most amazing website for "birth" jewelry. This woman makes the most incredible jewelry for home births, pregnancy, doulas, midwives, and nurses. The dangling stones represent the birth stones for the home birth babies. The sterling silver captures the beautiful curves of a pregnant woman .

http://www.moonovermaize.com/about.html

for real this time

So, I have been told that the doula segment will finally be on The Today's Show on Thursday morning. I am guessing that the time is still set for 8:06 am.

One of the producers used a doula in her birth a few months ago and is eager to share her experience. Her doula will be appearing on the show. I am anxious to see the segment and to her how the birth went.

If you aren't able to catch it, I will try and watch and give some details.

Orgasmic Birth Screening

My friend Donna, who is a Bradley Method instructor is having a screening of the movie "Orgasmic Birth" at her home in Mansfield, TX on November 20th and December 4th at 7:00pm. Don't let the name scare you off. She is getting full so if anyone is interested in attending, let me know and I will get you the info!

doulas are famous

On Thursday, November 6th at 8:05 a.m. (barring any post election coverage) there is going to be a segment on The Today's Show (NBC) about doulas and what we do!

What is a doula?

Since beginning my training and certification as a doula, I have had a lot of people say to me "what is a doula"? I have been describing it as a birth coach, but it is so much more than that. So, I decided to get the definition down in writing for those who are interested.

A doula...

Is a woman who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after childbirth.

• Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life...
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor...
• Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth...
• Stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor...
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions...
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers...
• Perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.

The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants.

PostPartum doulas offer support at home in the weeks following the birth. This may range from anything to breastfeeding support, newborn care, cooking, light cleaning and more.

A New Blog

Hi Everyone!
I am very excited about my new blog "Bellies In Bloom". Come here to find everything from nutrition to pregnancy to massages and more! My goal is to help you learn as I learn. Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy my blog.
Hannah Reasoner