Research and resources for perinatal professionals.
March 26, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
Every country in the world, on all the continents, with the exception of Antartica, is facing the COVID-19 pandemic and all that entails. Each government is acting independently to take action to protect their citizens. And in the meantime, the babies will keep coming. The World Health Organization has published some clear and concise infographics that effectively illustrates best practice that all perinatal facilities and providers should be following.
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March 18, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE
Sharon Muza and Andrea Lythgoe share some tips and tricks for moving your childbirth classes to a virtual, live format during this global pandemic. We also invite you participate in a mock class so you can experience what it might be like for your families.
March 09, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE
The Lamaze International 2020 Childbirth Education Advocacy Summit, in Washington, DC, is happening mid-May, just a couple of months away. Plans are being finalized to offer an amazing array of Pre-Summit Workshops and Conference Keynote speakers along with an important day on the Hill meeting with government representatives. Early bird pricing is accessible through today, March 9, 2020 for the May 18-19 Summit. I spoke to Jennifer VanderLaan, PhD, MPH, CNM, the a Keynote speaker at the Childbirth Education Advocacy Summit. Dr. VanderLaan’s session is titled "60 Years of Lamaze: How the Impact of the Past Coupled with Current Research Informs the Future." Lamaze International is turning 60 this year, and Dr. VanderLaan's look back combined with impactful plans for the future will be amazing. Dr. VanderLaan’s bio and contact information can be found at the end of her informative interview. - Sharon Muza, Connecting the Dots Community Manager
March 05, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
The Lamaze International 2020 Childbirth Education Advocacy Summit, in Washington, DC, is happening mid-May, just a couple of months away. Plans are being finalized to offer an amazing array of Pre-Summit Workshops and Conference Keynote speakers along with an important day on the Hill meeting with government representatives. Early bird pricing is accessible through March 9, 2020 for the May 18-19 Summit. I reached out to the amazing Jennie Joseph, LM, CPM, one of the Summit's three Keynote speakers. Jennie’s exciting session is titled "Collective Impact of Childbirth Education." In today's interview, we hear from Jennie on the role of childbirth education in today's maternal-infant health landscape. Jennie Joseph’s bio and contact information can be found at the end of her insightful interview. - Sharon Muza, Connecting the Dots Community Manager
March 03, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
The Lamaze International 2020 Childbirth Education Advocacy Summit, in Washington, DC, is approximately ten weeks away! Plans are being finalized to offer an amazing array of Pre-Summit Workshops and Keynote speakers. Early bird pricing is accessible through March 9, 2020 for the May 18-19 Summit. I took a moment to check in with Debra Bingham, DrPH, RN, FAAN, one of the Summit's three Keynote speakers. Dr. Bingham's exciting session is titled "Advocacy in Action: Lamaze Education as Part of High Value Maternity Care." In today's interview, we learn Dr. Bingham's thoughts on the role of childbirth education in today's maternal-infant health landscape. Dr. Bingham's bio and contact information can be found at the end of her insightful interview.
February 25, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
Leaving the hospital without one’s baby, who is still being hospitalized after the birth, is to put it simply – very difficult. Postpartum Support International (PSI) recognizes that parents whose baby (or babies) are spending time in the NICU are at higher risk for developing mental health issues like postpartum depression and/or anxiety due to the uniquely stressful experience of the NICU. Having a baby in this situation can be very isolating. PSI now has an online virtual support group just for families in this situation.
February 13, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
It seems that in the United States and in many other countries, society seems to have forgotten how truly difficult the transition to parenthood can be for many new parents. All bodies are physically recovering. One in three birthing people are recovering from major abdominal surgery. Emotional states are fragile. Everyone is sleep deprived. One in four people describe their births as traumatic. One in seven birthing people are dealing with a postpartum mood disorder. One in four people must return to work within two weeks of giving birth. Challenging and difficult is an understatement.
February 11, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE
The National Child and Maternal Health Education Program, a division of the NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has updated their website to include a more robust section for pregnant people who are obese or “plus-sized.” They also have website space dedicated to health care providers who offer services to larger sized people who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant.
February 07, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
Today, in honor of Black History Month, I want to invite each and every person reading this blog, to do two things:
1. Thank a Black perinatal professional (childbirth educator, doula, midwife, L&D nurse, lactation consultant, doctor, and others) for the work they do. Thank them directly *and* thank them by commenting on this blog below with your colleague’s name, location and tell us a little bit about them (with their permission of course.)
2. Make a contribution to a fundraising effort or scholarship program (locally, nationally or even internationally) that allocates funds directly to Black perinatal professionals to receive initial training or continue to grow their training and serve their communities.
February 04, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE
Last week the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) released three reports and a long-awaited update on the current maternal mortality rate in the United States.
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