August 19, 2021 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
A study published in the July 2021 issue of Birth, Fear of childbirth, nonurgent obstetric interventions, and newborn outcomes: A randomized controlled trial comparing mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting with enhanced care as usual examined the impact of a childbirth education course focused on mindfulness on the rate of cesarean births in The Netherlands. The researchers hypothesized that if they could use a mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting (MBCP) program for pregnant people who had a high fear of birth , it would help to decrease their fear, and improve outcomes. It would also decrease the use of epidurals and the number of cesarean deliveries.
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June 18, 2021 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
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June 09, 2021 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
Earlier this week I had the opportunity to support doula clients as they welcomed their baby in a local hospital. I found this sign placed prominently on the baby warming station and simply loved everything that it represents. At times, it is anticipated that a baby may need a little bit of additional assistance immediately after birth and a NICU team is called to be there as the baby is born. This team can consist of several clinicians including respiratory therapists, NICU nurses and physicians, nurse practitioners, anesthesiologists and more, all dedicated to support the newborn in the moments after birth.
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April 23, 2021 | by: Mindy Cockeram, LCCE
Tuesday, in Connecting The Dots, in Part I of The Impact of Common Labor Interventions on Newborn Weight Loss and Breast/Chestfeeding Cessation, we examined how the use of analgesics for pain relief, Pitocin for induction and a large IV fluid load delivered throughout labor, can lead to breast/chestfeeding challenges for new parents in the first few hours and days of life.
Today, in Part II, we examine the appropriate timing of a newborn’s baseline weight assessment. When, after birth, should a newborn’s baseline weight be established? Using a weight that may have been impacted by labor interventions can hinder maternal breastfeeding confidence and skew pediatric goals for normal newborn weight gain. We also look at an evidence based tool for determining if weight loss really falls into the supplementation zone.
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