C-section not best option for breech birth

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada will launch program to teach physicians breech vaginal delivery

An article from the Globe and Mail by Carla Wintersgill

Physicians should no longer automatically opt to perform a cesarean section in the case of a breech birth, according to new guidelines by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. Released yesterday, the guidelines are a response to new evidence that shows many women are safely able to vaginally deliver babies who enter the birth canal with the buttocks or feet first. Normally, the infant descends head first.“Our primary purpose is to offer choice to women,” said André Lalonde, executive vice-president of the SOGC.

“More women are feeling disappointed when there is no one who is trained to assist in breech vaginal delivery,” he adds. Since 2000, C-sections have been the preferred method of delivery in breech births. Studies suggested that breached births were associated with an increased rate of complication when performed vaginally. As a result, many medical schools have stopped training their physicians in breech vaginal delivery. The problem now, according to Dr. Lalonde, is that there is a serious shortage of doctors to teach and perform these deliveries. With the release of the new guidelines, the SOGC will launch a nationwide training program to ensure that doctors will be adequately prepared to offer vaginal breech births .

White Coat, Black Art

CBC Radio Podcast

http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/whitecoat_20081006_8005.mp3

Dr. Brian Goldman visits a hospital Delivery Room to find the answer to the question that vexes many pregnant women……. why most of their babies will be delivered by a total stranger instead of their own ob-gyn. And he finds out what lengths some Obstetricians will go to, to try to have their patients deliver while they’re on duty.

Delayed Cord Cutting Film

The Circumcision Decision

This is a 20 minute educational video from NOCIRC (www.nocirc.org) with all the information parents need to make an informed decision.

more about “National Organization of Circumcision…“, posted with vodpod

First Hands

Vancouver Courier article on BC Midwives.

The Function of the Foreskin

This is an excellent educational film made for medical students about the function of the male foreskin. Watch and learn!

Guide to the Final Six Weeks

Here is my guide to the final six weeks of pregnancy.

final-6-weeks

I adapted this guide from one written by Seattle Doula Janelle Durham. The drawings in this guide are done by her. Her website Transition to Parenthood has lots of wonderful resources for parents, childbirth educators and doulas.

Genevieve’s Birth Bars

Genevieve made these Granola bars for a healthy snack to give her energy during her labour. Her doulas and midwife enjoyed them too. I make them all the time for my kids to snack on during the week. Every time I eat them I think of Genevieve and the birth of her beautiful baby boy Caspian.

DRY INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)

2 cups crisp rice

1 cup chopped nuts (eg. almonds, walnuts, cashews)

1 cup seeds (eg.sunflower, pumpkin, sesame)

1 cup dried fruit (eg.cranberries, apricots)

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut (optional)

1/2 cup ground flaxseed (optional. reserve until end)

THE STICKY STUFF

1/2 cup nut butter

1 1/2 cup sweet stuff (honey, maple syrup and/or molasses)

(3/4 cup honey & 3/4 cup maple syrup works well)

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine dry ingredients (minus flaxseed) in a bowl.

Melt together “the sticky stuff” in a large pot. Stir over over medium heat, letting it bubble and caramelize a bit. Careful not to let it burn.

Add dry ingredients and stir constantly for about 7 minutes or until golden brown.

Take off heat and stir in flaxseed.

Press firmly into a greased 9 X 13 pan. Cool. Cut into bars.

The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth

I know of doula’s who won’t take clients unless they read this book by Henci Goer. I don’t go as far as to dictate what my clients read, but I do strongly recommend this book.  The risks and benefits of many common interventions are  clearly laid out and backed up by research. With this information at your fingers tips, you will be much more able to make informed choices about your care.

I especially recommend this book for those planning a hospital birth under the care of a doctor. As this book shows so well, the medical system is not research based, nor is it client driven. You are less likely to have to face many of these interventions under the midwifery model of care. Also a midwife is more likely to help you make an informed decision about any interventions you may need.

Regardless of your style of caregiver,  I always encourage my parents to educate themselves as much as possible. The more responsibility you take for your own experience, the more likely you are to be happy with your birth, and more able to accept it if it doesn’t go according to plan.

And of course, most importantly, there is a great chapter about the benefits of doulas!

The Brewer Diet

The Brewer Diet has long been used by midwives and informed physicians as a preventative for preeclampsia and toxemia. The diet includes high protein, salt to taste, lots of veggies, fruit, whole grains, eggs and dairy products. It is also stresses that you must eat enough calories so the protein you eat is properly utilized.

It is explained the best at this original site of Dr. Brewer: www.blueribbonbaby.org