The Birth of Breanna Renee Reese

I had planned to go to the Family Nurse Midwives for my second pregnancy, but I had miscarried early on and it made me very nervous about a possible second miscarriage, so I went to the OB that delivered my first child to have my second. Three years later, I was pregnant again, and since the second pregnancy was uncomplicated and my doctor had switched hospitals I decided to go the the nurse midwives this time.

My baby was due in Sunday, October 12, but I was hoping that she would be a little early since I was getting tired of being big and pregnant and chasing two preschoolers around. No such luck though. I had my 39 week check up on Thursday and nothing had really changed from the week before. I went through the whole weekend with nothing really happening. Monday my husband and I took the kids up to the mountains to see the fall leaves. The bumpy ride must of worked because I woke up the next morning to a small gush of water. I had the midwives paged and Gretchen called me back right away and told us to meet her at the hospital around 10 AM.

We got there and settled in, but when Gretchen checked me I still had not had much cervical change from the past Thursday, and I was hardly having any contractions. We tried walking and a few other things, but still I was not getting any contractions. Gretchen started Pitocin around 4:30 PM. I had hoped to avoid it since I had a bad experience with it with my first child, but since it had been 12 hours since my water broke and nothing was happening, I decided to give it a try.

My husband and I walked around for several hours with the IV pole. I was finally getting contractions, but they were so bad that I could not stand them. I had an unmedicated birth with my second child, but these contractions seemed worse than those had. Gretchen gave me a shot of something to dull the pain, it worked for a little while, but then the contractions got really bad again. I got a second shot after 10 PM, but it did not seem to work as good as the first. She checked me and I was still only three centimeters. I was exhausted and very frustrated. We decided to stop the pitocin and let me try to get some rest.

I had a restless night, but did manage to get a few hours of sleep. The next morning the nurses got me up and I got showered so we could get the pitocin started again, which I was really dreading. Sandy came in around 7:30 AM and checked me again. I was still only about three centimeters and still not having contractions on my own so she had the nurses start the pitocin up a little while later. They said they were going to start it at a low dose again, but as soon as I got it into my blood stream again, the contractions seemed to start up where they left off at the night before.

Sandy had gone over to the office to see a patient, I had her called back to see if I could get an epidural. She came right back and checked me. Finally I was making some progress so they called the anesthesiologist, Sandy stayed with me the whole time even when they were having problems with the IV. She was really wonderful and I would not have done without her.

I was finally comfortable, but now I was starting to feel pressure, so I had Sandy called back again. My other two labors had been really slow so I was surprised that I was progressing so fast this time. I started pushing about a quarter till one and my baby girl, Breanna Renee Reese, was born at 1:39 PM on Wednesday, October 15, 2003.

I can not say enough good things about the nurse midwives. They are absolutely wonderful. I wish I gone to them with my other two children. I can say with certainty though, if we are blessed to have any more children, I will definitely go to them again.

Anita Reese, Blairsville

Natural Method of Family Planning Workshop

Come hear about the advantages of a highly effective Natural Method of Family Planning on Wednesday, April 28th at 7PM. Mary Ann New house of Catholic Charities, a medically certified CM-BBT Professional from Catholic Charities will talk about Natural Family Planning, how to use the CM-BBT Method and breastfeeding while using this method

Kids Day Scheduled for September

The 10th Annual Kid's Day America will be returning to the White Oak/North Huntingdon area on September 18th, 2004. More information will be available in our next edition. Kids Day is sponsored by Village Chiropractic, White Oak

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer that begins in the cervix, the part of the uterus or womb that opens to the vagina. Cervical cancer was once the number one cause of death from cancer in women. In the U.S., the use of the Pap Test for cervical cancer screening has produced a 70 percent decline in the annual death rate for this cancer. Recent advances in screening and progress in the development of a vaccine offers hope that cervical cancer can be eradicated. Cervical cancer kills more than 288,000 women each year worldwide and disproportiallly affects the poorest, most vulnerable women. At least 80 percent of cervical cancer deaths occur in developing countries, with more occurring in the poorest regions of South Asia, sub-Suharan Africa and parts of Latin America.

A new campaign entitled "The National Cervical Cancer Public Education Campaign" was developed to educate women regarding this very important health matter. The Campaign informs women about the link between HPV and Cervical Cancer, tells them of existing and new methods to detect cervical cancer, and gives them information that will enable them to discuss the disease with their health care provider. The Campaign works in partnership with the American Medical Women's Association, as well as a core group of women's health and cancer organizations, to develop and disseminate information regarding HPV, cervical cancer, and available detection methods to women throughout the United States. The goal of the Campaign is to reduce the number of preventable deaths caused each year by cervical cancer through increased education and outreach and to improve screening and early detection of cervical cancer, which will result in a major reduction in the incidence and mortality from cervical cancer among women. You can visit their web site at www.cervicalcancercampaign.org. You can also contract them via e-mail at info@cervicalcancercampaign.org or by phone on their hotline at 1-866-280-6605. The best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer is to simply schedule your yearly gynecological exams and pap screenings. So take the time to call our office to schedule this very important visit.

Sue Klosky, "The Pap Police"

Now that the busy holiday season is behind us, please take the time to return any overdue books from our library. Also, several copies of Mind Over Labor are still out. Please return these copies as soon as possible as we are in urgent need. Thank you,

I know the benefits, but.......

One of the many decisions you will make as you await the birth of your baby is how to feed him or her. Most women are aware that breastfeeding is best for both mom and baby and like many health care providers, midwives strongly recommend breastfeeding. We know, however, that most women also have a number of concerns and even fears about breastfeeding. Your midwife or health care provider, will ask you about your feeding plans during your prenatal visits. Communicate with them what you have heard about breastfeeding, ask questions and ask for recommendations on where to go for help.

Many women lack the confidence to even attempt to breastfeed for fear of failure. But what many may not understand is that the nine months of anxiety cannot undo what nature has equipped humans to do since the dawn of time. Lots of women wonder if they need to make diet and medication changes and have concerns regarding returning to the workforce or school. They may simply want to know that they can go out without the baby if they need or want to.

There is also the fear of embarrassment about breastfeeding in public. You can breastfeed very discreetly in public if you plan ahead and wear the right clothes. Getting the baby to latch on properly can be awkward in the early weeks, while you are both learning, but you will soon find yourself able to easily and smoothly get your baby to the breast. As with other things, discreet breastfeeding becomes easier with practice.

Many women when asked about breastfeeding may express the fear that it is going to hurt. Breastfeeeding is not supposed to hurt. If it does it is best to contact someone knowledgeable about breastfeeding for tips to avoid any unnecessary discomforts.

Breastfeeding is not simply a way to feed your baby, but it becomes a lifestyle While no one other that the mother can nurse the baby, it is helpful for the mother and baby, if the father, family, or significant others encourage this healthy relationship.

These concerns are very common yet all can be overcome. You can successfully breastfeed your baby and you both will reap the benefits. Breastfeeding is really best for you and your baby, and your midwife, supported by the American College of Nurse Midwives, is available to help you learn. To assist women in breastfeeding problems the American College of Nurse Midwives has developed a website www.GotMom.org.

Help with breastfeeding can be obtained by contacting your local LaLeague League or Sandy Mauro, CNM, Certified Lactation Consultant

Ignore the Wall Street Journal

An editorial by Jan Mallak

If you read the Wall Street Journal, you may have seen an article that was published on Monday, January 19th, about doulas (professional labor assistants). The article was titled " As Doulas Enter Delivery Rooms, Conflicts Arise" and the subtitle was "An escalating turf battle"

I happen to be a birth and postpartum doula with over 24 years experience in the birthing field. I founded and coordinate "Hearts and Hands Doula Service" which has been supporting Pittsburgh area women and families since 1995. I am also an approved trainer of birth doulas so I can personally and professionally address the issue of "us vs them" in obstetrics today.

The article claims doulas have had negative impacts on birth experiences and actual outcomes because of their recent inclusion in the birth team. It states that doulas have advised clients inappropriately, have argued with staff and have made medical suggestions/decisions for their clients. The author does include some of the benefits of having a doula attended birth but only "faster/easier births and reductions of epidurals, cesarean births and other medical procedures" Research supports those statements, but there are many more benefits not touched on in this article.

For instance, there is no mention of how the doula positively influences a women's feeling about herself, labor and the baby. Giving birth is a rite of passage for a woman, not merely a way to expand your family. So, the mother's feelings are important when discussing her satisfaction associated with giving birth...less emotional baggage, as we sometimes say. Many women question their decisions when a birth is, for example, "traumatic-physically or emotionally. A doula can help women make informed decisions so the control (or lack of control) issue does not haunt the mother until the next child comes along or, even worse, for a lifetime.

Other benefits associated with doula attended births are better success with breastfeeding, fewer neonatal problems and decreased post partum depression. When you consider the impact on health care alone, the savings to the consumer and insurance companies is huge. Breastfed babies are healthier so money is saved in doctor'sappointments, medicine and work days missed. Reducing time spent by infants in the NICU lessens costs associated with extremely high tech treatments and procedures. And, since postpartum mood disorders affect one in four American women, it is clear that reducing that statistic would benefit women, babies, and families (not to mention healthcare) dramatically.

Getting back to the "escalating turf battle" aspects of this article, I really take exception to that issue. When training doulas, it is mandatory for me to review a general code of ethics and standards of practice that remind us constantly to NOT PROVIDE ANY MEDICAL CARE, ADVICE OR INTERPRETATIONS. If doulas stick to that commitment, trouble should not arise. Our group tries very hard to respect the health care provider, the staff and the facility's policies/procedures while still representing our client's wishes.

"Hearts and Hands" doulas are proactive in our approach to creating a working alliance with the rest of the birth team. We take tours of the hospitals, we meet/greet staff, we offer in-services to hospitals, we attend an appointment during pregnancy to discuss the client's birth vision, we act professionally on the job (mediate vs. advocate), we respect the staff's territory, we encourage doctors/midwives/nurses to join us in our support methods, we include staff in our discussions, we open up our birth notes to personnel and we try to foster a collegiate connection between all parties. And, most of the time, we are successful. Every city can probably claim they have "renegade" doulas, who are trouble makers because a small percentage are out there causing the unrest. But does not every profession have those bad apples that spoil the whole barrel? And does not the media often focus on the bad instead of the good?

In conclusion, I will get off my soap box and say that when choosing a doula, pick one who will nurture and protect your experience...not one who will push her own agenda as to how your birth should be. A doula's physical, emotional and informational support should result in a safe, successful and satisfying birth for the mother/family period.

This editorial article was sent us by Jan Mallak of Hearts and Hands Doula Service. For more informatiion on doulas, call Jan at 724-327-6063.

Infant Massage Class

Due back by popular demand our office will be hosting its next Infant Massage Class on Friday, February 20th from 9:30-11:30 AM. This class is taught by certified massage therapist Connie Capar and includes handouts, oils and two hours of very valuable instruction. Learn ways to bond better with your baby and to help with colic. Wear comfortable clothes as the class is very interactive. Reservations are required no later than noon on Thursday, February 19th. Call Sue 724-527-9159 for more information.

Birth Announcements

Matthew and Anita Reese would like to announce the birth of their daughter, Breanna Renee Reese. Breanna was born at Mercy Jeannette Hospital on Wednesday, October 15, 2003. She weighed 8 lbs 6 ozs and was 21 1/2 inches long. She joins her brother Kyle and sister Cheyenne at home.
Matthew and Anita Reese, Blairsville

Our beautiful baby boy was born on October 20, 2003, We got to meet him at 11:12 PM. He weighed 8 lbs 7 ozs and was 21 1/2 inches long. He is named Matthew Adan after two special people. He joins his sister, Taylor Olivia 5 years, to complete our family of four.
Amy and Don Rhoades, Derry

We joyfully announce the birth of our son, Bryce Andrew, born on December 09, 2003. He weighed 7 lbs 11 ozs and was 21 inches long
Sarah and Errin Miller, Blairsville

Moms Group to begin again

Our office will again be hosting its monthly Moms Group. This is a great opportunity to network with other new moms and to learn from our guest speaker. These meetings will consist of a 30 minutes presentation with time afterwards to ask questions. We would like to encourage all those who attend to bring a healthy snack to share with others.

These meetings are open to the public, so please bring friends along!!!! It is your night out. All meetings begin at 7 PM Wednesday, February 18th -The use of supplements and nutrition.

Speaker: Laurel Mountain Chiropractic
Wednesday, March 18 th-Treating menopause naturally
Speaker: Laurel Mountain Chiropractic
Wednesday, April 21st-Toxins in your home
Speaker: Wellness Educators, Ron and Russene Horansky

We are asking your cooperation in making sure that you provide our office with any changes with your insurance coverage when you come in for your visits. This enables our billing department to get claims processed in a more effiecient manner. Also, please remember your co-pay!!! This will help us cut down on postage and paper by not sending out unnecessary statements. Thank you !!!

Birthing Pools Ease Early Labor Pains

Submersion in water in a birthing tub eases early labor pains, reduces stress and may lessen the need for drugs, doctors said. Researchers at the University of Southamption in southern England evaluated the impact of birthing pools and tubs and found that it helped women cope better. "Laboring in water, may be an option for slow progress of labor, reducing the need for intervention, and offering an alternative pain management strategy" said Dr. Elizabeth Cluett, who headed the research team.

In a report published online by the British Medical Journal, Cluett and her collegues compared 50 women in early labor who used a birthing tub and an eual number who did not. Only half of the women in the water group, who were supervised by a midwife, needed anesthesia, compared to two thirds of the other group. They also reported lower pain scores and greater satisfaction and freedom of movement.

The Natural Childbirth Trust (NCT), which promotes health, pregnancy and childbirth in Britain, welcomed this study and said it verifies what women have been saying for years. "This research now confirms that being immersed in warm water eases labor pain. This reduces the need for drugs, which cross the placenta and can make the baby were sleepy and breastfeeding more difficult" Mary Newburn, of the NCT, said in a statement. She added that the findings support calls to make birthing tubs or pools available in all maternity units. For more information on the Tub at Family Birth Place, please call our office at 724-527-9159 or The Family Birth Place at 724-527-9272
This article was forwarded to our office by Village Chiropractic

We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Woman to Woman. If you have a birth announcement, story, article of interest or an editorial comment, please forward them to our office.

The Staff of Family Nurse Midwife Associates
Gretchen Cohen CNM
Sandy Mauro CNM
Sue Klosky, Office Manager and Editor

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