My first son was born after a difficult 36 hours of labor. The labor was hard and fast, with protracted contractions 2-3 minutes apart and no more than 4 minutes apart for 30 hours.By contrast, labor with my second son was a mere 4 hours from start to finish. And my third son was again, only 5 hours long. The flip side of short labors though, is that they are very … [Read more...] about 7 Tips for Having a Better Birth
Secrets for Easing Labor Pain
Studies have, for a long time, shown that deep breathing, mental imagery, deep massage or acupressure, and the presence of a constant companion or coach during labor can ease labor pains, making the miracle of birth more, well, enjoyable. During the birth of all three of my sons, all three vastly different, I used all of these methods for pain management during labor. But … [Read more...] about Secrets for Easing Labor Pain
A Letter to My Children: Wisdom in Parenting
The National Association of Mothers’ Centers asked me to write a letter to my children as a way to impart to the world what wisdom I would like to pass on to them. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever written, by far, especially since it is only 650 words or so. This letter to my children is a letter to all children - in hopes that it can help parents everywhere pass on … [Read more...] about A Letter to My Children: Wisdom in Parenting
Finding Relief From Pelvic Pain
The following is Part 1 in a three-part series on finding relief from pelvic pain through physical therapy, yoga, and other complementary therapies. Read Part 2 and Part 3. Question from Kate, a mother of two boys, ages 5 and 7:"I have pelvic pain due to a non-relaxing pelvic floor. I cannot even sit down without pain. I am already doing pelvic physical therapy … [Read more...] about Finding Relief From Pelvic Pain
American Childbirth: A Human Rights Failure?
Data from the United Nations shows that between 1990 and 2008, the United States maternal mortality rate nearly doubled, while the overwhelming majority of countries collectively decreased their rates by 34% (Coeytauz et al 2011). We have a right to criticize the shameful state of American maternal care when more money is spent on childbirth than any of other area of … [Read more...] about American Childbirth: A Human Rights Failure?