What do you think?

I believe that it is very possible that doctors are pushing cesareans in order to save time. It is much easier and takes much less time to have the surgery rather than have to wait for a number of hours and then have to go through the process of actually birthing the baby. However, I think cesarean’s are sometimes very necessary which is why I am against home births or birthing centers because it would be dangerous to not have a doctor nearby to do the surgery if it is necessary if not you are risking your life and your child’s.  If I was told I had to use the medication I would take it. The doctor knows what is best for my baby and since I am not a doctor I am not at liberty to judge what is best. If my baby needs the drugs then I will take them without any conflict. The benefits of using a midwife as opposed to a doctor are few. Aside from being in a more comfortable environment and really having a personal relationship with the person who will deliver your baby I see no other benefits. The midwife is not a doctor and therefore if something goes wrong during the labor or the baby is in distress the midwife would be useless and the doctors would have to be called but by then it may be too late. I would rather have a doctor in immediate range incase something goes wrong. There are different methods of natural birth. It is possible to have a natural birth in a hospital and I believe this is the safest way to have a natural birth. If one has a natural birth in the hospital they can have the drug free birth they want for themselves and their child but the also have the safety of having a doctor close by incase something goes wrong or if they decide they would actually like to have the drugs. I think the main reason that causes women to use medication or drugs is the pain. Labor is called labor for a reason it is very hard work. It is a very painful experience and sometimes women simply cannot handle the pain of delivering their child or they are afraid of it. Pain relief drugs and medications can make the birth a much less scary experience and also much less stressful because for many women the pain that occurs during labor is the one of the main sources of anxiety. I do believe with the research that says women are having babies in the worst possible position lying down. It makes more sense to be upright or standing up to make it easier on both the mother and the child to give birth. I think that women should change the position they are in when they give birth because it may make their labor go much faster and with less effort on both the mother and her child.  

Natural Vrs Medicated Birth

         Natural childbirth is a very beneficial method of labor that many women choose to undergo. If you want to remain in control of your body as much as possible, be an active participant throughout labor, and have minimal routine interventions such as fetal monitoring in the birth process, then a natural, unmediated approach to controlling labor pain will suit you best. Many women have a strong feeling of empowerment during labor and a sense of accomplishment afterward. And despite having to endure pain, many report that they'd want an unmediated birth again the next time. For some women, being in charge helps lessen their perception of pain. There's no loss of sensation or alertness. You'll be awake and active during labor and birth — so you can move around more freely and find positions that help you stay comfortable during labor and remain able to aid the delivery process when it's time to push your baby out. Faster postpartum recovery because the woman is not recovering from major abdominal surgery and/or the side effects from epidural anesthesia, she has a faster recovery time.  Better breastfeeding babies of medicated mothers are less alert and have more difficulty initiating breastfeeding than babies born naturally.  Naturally born babies are more likely to have immediate skin-to-skin contact, which also helps to facilitate breastfeeding. Labor is often shorter because epidurals and other pain relieving medications often lead to a slower delivery. Pain medications often interfere with the body’s natural way of laboring and can slow down contractions. This increases total laboring periods.

A medicated birth also called an epidural birth is also very beneficial during labor and many women decide to choose this route. An epidural is the only labour pain relief technique that can completely eliminate pain. A plain epidural, without narcotics doesn’t affect consciousness. Epidural anesthesia is the most popular method of pain relief during labor. More women request an epidural by name than any other method of pain relief. More than 50% of women giving birth at hospitals use epidural anesthesia. It allows you to rest if your labor is prolonged. By reducing the discomfort of childbirth, some women have a more positive birth experience. Normally, an epidural will allow you to remain alert and be an active participant in your birth. If you deliver by cesarean, an epidural anesthesia will allow you to stay awake and also provide effective pain relief during recovery. When other types of coping mechanisms are no longer helping, an epidural can help you deal with exhaustion, irritability, and fatigue. An epidural can allow you to rest, relax, get focused and give you the strength to move forward as an active participant in your birth experience. The use of epidural anesthesia during childbirth is continually being refined and much of its success depends on the skill with which it is administered.

http://www.babycenter.com/natural-childbirth
http://www.novabirthcenter.com/Birth/NaturalBirth/Benefits.aspx
http://www.naturallysavvy.com/natural-pregnancy/the-benefits-of-natural-childbirth
http://www.motherinstinct.co.za/childbirth-options-and-information/pain-management/medicated-pain-relief-methods-during-childbirth/
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/breastfeedingandbottle.html
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=5&cts=1331299624750&ved=0CEwQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.womenfitness.net%2Fweighing_the_benefits_of_natural_birth.htm&ei=ewVaT4nYGYLn0QGkncDfDw&usg=AFQjCNFH5wX6rNawd5vknddGNzcdotQAgw&sig2=v7pqi3l9geHzwv51ignIMQ

Getting ready for birth

  1. Identify at least four ways that parents can help children adjust to the arrival of a new sibling.
     Discussing the pregnancy in terms that make sense to kids will help the older child understand what is happening. Including kids in the care of the newborn will help the siblings bond and to prevent sibling rivalry or jealousy. Visiting friends who have infants wil allow older siblings to have practice with being around newborns. Allowing the child to go to the doctor to hear the baby's heartbeat and other exciteing appointments will allow the older sibling to realize that the baby is alive and it needs love and attention.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/sibling_prep.html
2. What is a birthing room?
     Birthing rooms are small maternity units which are staffed and, in most cases, run by midwives. They offer a homely rather than a clinical environment. They are good at supporting women who want a birth with no or few medical interventions.Most birth centres are stand-alone, and are separate from a hospital. However, many hospitals now have midwife-led birth centres alongside their conventional maternity units. They are a kind of halfway house between home and hospital. They offer a relaxed atmosphere, but are also well-equipped and staffed with highly skilled midwives.
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/labourandbirth/planningyourbabysbirth/birthcentre/allaboutbirthc/
3.Compare hospital birthing facilities, birthing centers, and home births.
Birth centres can offer facilities which may not be available in your local hospital, such as: comfortable, low-tech birthing room, complementary therapies, family accommodation, and birth pools. You won't have immediate access to highly technically skilled hospital staff, such as obstetricians, anaesthetists or neonatal nurses so if you want medication, pain relied, or special care for the baby oneshould go to the hospital.Home birth may be significantly easier on your pocket book. An average uncomplicated vaginal birth costs about 60% less in a home than in a hospital. Home birth provides immediate bonding and breastfeeding. However if you are having a high risk pregancy one should not have a home birth as doctors are not close by.
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/labourandbirth/planningyourbabysbirth/birthcentre/allaboutbirthc/
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/homebirth.html
4. What are three advantages of the breathing techniques learned in prepared child birth?
Aside from relaxtion breathing techniques are very beneficial. One benefit is that breathing becomes an automatic response to pain.Also mom remains in a more relaxed state and will respond more positively to pain. Lastly it brings purpose to each contraction, making them more productive.
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/patternedbreathing.htm
5. What is the role of a birth coach? It is always a good idea to have a trusted person there to help support you during labor.  Although most times a labor support coach is your husband, coaches can also be a friend, your Mom or Aunt, or even a hired professional doula or labor coach.  Make sure that whoever your coach is that you are very comfortable with this person.Your labor support coach should be very familiar with your birth plan and/or your wishes for your labor and delivery. If you are feeling wishy-washy about something they can help remind you of what you wanted before your labor started. 
http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/pregnancy-articles/275.html
6. Why do expectant couples often prepare a birth plan?
 A birt irth plan is a plan for your child's birth. There are lots of options in childbirth today, and routine practices vary widely depending upon what kind of health care provider you choose and whether you decide to deliver your baby in a hospital, a birth center, or at home.Writing a plan can be a great way to start thinking about the kind of labor and delivery you would like to have. In some circumstances, a written summary of your desires really can help to ensure that you
have a positive birth experience. A birth plan is an important tool in communicating your needs.
http://parentingsquad.com/do-you-really-need-a-birth-plan
7.Identify three medical expenses related to pregnancy and child birth and three ways to pay for the expenses. To use doctors and hospitals traditional plans usually require an annual deductible of $250 or $500. Patients also pay 10% of hospital costs, 15% of imaging (for ultrasounds) and anesthesia costs, as well as a $20 co-pay per doctor's visit. The highest total amount a patient may pay (an out-of-pocket maximum) is typically $4,000. Health insurance is the biggest assistant in paying for child birth. Medicaid a federally funded program that pays for health care for those with low incomes covers more than 40% of about 4 million annual American births.
http://healthinsurance.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Womens-Health/Pregnancy-Health-Coverage-How-Much-of-My-Pregnancy-Costs-Will-My-Insurance-Cover-.htm
8. What is parental leave?
Any employee who is the parent of a child under the age of five has the right to take up to 13 weeks' parental leave within the first five years of the child's life. The parents of an adopted child have the right to take up to 13 weeks' parental leave before the fifth anniversary of the adoption or the child's 18^th birthday, whichever occurs sooner. To qualify, the employee must have completed at least one year's continuous service with the employer. The parents of a disabled child may take up to 18 weeks' parental leave up until the child's 18^th birthday.

The right to parental leave is an employee's right to be absent from work for the purpose of caring for a child for whom he or she has parental responsibility. Parents can use it to spend more time with their children and achieve a better balance between their work and family life.

http://www.xperthr.co.uk/faqs/topics/4,41/parental-leave.aspx?articleid=53593&mode=open#53593

9. Identify two ways that parents can protect thier family's financial future.

Not using a babysitter will help you save money. Not only will you save a ton of money by being able to stay at home with your children, but the quality of time is priceless.Keep Business in the Family. Probably one of the best advantages to a home online company is you can employ family members and hand down the business as children get older. Life also assists in protecting the future of a family.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Home-Internet-Business-3-Ways-to-Protect-Your-Family-s-Financial-Future/995330

 10. What are four potential child care arrangements that parents might explore before the baby is born?

Some fortunate parents have friends or relatives living nearby to assist them in caring for their children in an informal and inexpensive way. Many do not and must look elsewhere in their community to locate the best available and most affordable childcare. A caregiver may tend your child in your home, in a family childcare home, or in a childcare center. However, finding a good and convenient arrangement is not easy. Daycare is also possible for those families who can afford it or work. Also it is often that one parents quits work, works part time, or from the home in order to care for the baby.

http://www.stevanneauerbach.com/choosing_childcare__finding_and_keeping_the_best_childcare_arrangements_96415.htm

11. Why is a family's choice of health care provider for their baby so important?

All parents in search of childcare seem to want the same thing secure place that will provide consistent quality, sensitive care, learning opportunities, and expressed values that do not conflict with their own. They seek a safe, attractive place staffed with trained and caring adults who have an ample and varied supply of teaching materials, toys, and equipment. Parents prefer a sliding fee scale based on their ability to pay. Because unsatisfactory childcare arrangements can become as great an emotional problem and energy drain as finding the childcare in the first place, it is worth the time and effort to make a thorough investigation before choosing a childcare provider. Finding the situation that will make you and your child happy may take weeks of searching and visiting, but the quick solution is no solution if your peace of mind, or your child , suffers.

http://www.stevanneauerbach.com/choosing_childcare__finding_and_keeping_the_best_childcare_arrangements_96415.htm

12. Identify at least three advantages of breast feeding and three advantages of using infant formula.

Breastfeeding is much more beneficial to both the parent and infant than instant formula. Breastfeeding is free while formula ranges from $54 to $198 per month depending on brand. Breast milk is easily digested and absorbed but with formula some babies have difficulty tolerating certain nutrients. Breast milk contains high levels of nutrients  while in baby formula nutritional content depends on proper preparation.

 http://www.americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/breastfeedingandbottle.html

13. What safety issues should be considered when choosing the following? a)crib b)car seat c)infant toys.

In cribs there should be a firm, tight-fitting mattress so a baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the crib. There should be No missing, loose, broken or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware on the crib or mattress support. There should be no more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) between crib slats so a baby's body cannot fit through the slats; no missing or cracked slates. No corner posts in cribs should be over 1/16th inch high so a baby's clothing cannot catch. There should be No cutouts in the headboard or foot board of the crib so a baby's head cannot get trapped. For car seats rear-facing only seats and rear-facing convertible seats should be used. All infants and toddlers should ride in a Rear-Facing Car Safety Seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat's manufacturer. Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant. All stuffed toys should be washable. Painted toys should be covered with lead-free paint and art materials should say nontoxic.Crayons and paints should say ASTM D-4236 on the package, which means that they've been evaluated by the American Society for Testing and Materials.

http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/safe_toys.html

http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5030.html

14. What are six actions that help a couple get ready for delivery?

First the couple should prepare a sleeping area and a place for clothes and supplies. They should purchase essential nursery equipment there are several ways to save money on baby items. Many items can be purchased second hand or through discount stores. Some items may be purchased by the case, such as disposable diapers.

Attend a newborn care class as it will be helpful if you have not had recent experience caring for newborns. Attend a breastfeeding class if you will be nursing your baby. They should prepare a basic layette of essential clothing and equipment for the baby. Purchase and learn how to use a federally approved car seat. Lastly the couple should select the physician to be their baby’s daughter.

http://www.babies.sutterhealth.org/laboranddelivery/ld_prep4b-arriv.html
  

Stress During Pregnancy

          My stress level is the number 79 which is a low susceptibility to a stress related illness. I can reduce stress in my life by regularly making time for fun and relaxation. This will put me in a better place to handle life’s stressors when they inevitably come. I can do this by going for a walk, exercise, have warm coffee or tea, read a book, listen to music, or watch a comedy.

High stress levels have a gargantuan impact on both the mother and child during the pregnancy and it can be very harmful. There are many negative side effects of stress during pregnancy. Studies show that very high levels of stress may contribute to an increased risk of premature delivery or low birth weight babies. Overly high stress levels can increase your heart rate, blood pressure and produce chronic anxiety. Ones stress level and emotional health also affects the baby so it is important to properly cope with or manage ones stress for the good of both mother and child. it is important that you work to reduce your stress and anxiety levels during pregnancy as much as possible. Fortunately there are many simple ways to reduce stress levels. One way to reduce stress is to eat a healthy diet. This will provide the energy needed to get through the day, especially when feeling tired. The junk food will increase the stress level in ones body so it is best to avoid it. Another way to reduce stress levels during pregnancy are to get a lot of sleep because the less sleep one receives the more stressed they are likely to be. Use a comfortable body pillow or buy new sheets and even a It is helpful to take a relaxing bath before bed and also avoid eating up to one hour before bed to prevent heartburn, which can disrupt your sleep and increase your level of stress. Exercise is an ideal way to help cope with daily stressors because it gives you energy to deal with daily stress stimulators. Women find that exercising after work helps provide them the time they need to distress from work. Exercise can also help ease labor and alleviate some of the anxiety associated with the upcoming delivery. Biofeedback, yoga or meditations are non interventionist ways to help one focus, identify stressors and release stress in a healthy, safe manner. Your partner can help you work through your anxiety and help comfort you in times of high stress sp talk to them often. Lastly reducing ones workload will reduce stress significantly. Carrying a baby for nine months is a lot of work so be sure to reduce work level if possible.

http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/preg_stress.htm

Pregnancy Articles

          The article “'Pregnant Man' Gives Birth to Girl” tells the story of how Thomas Beatie gave birth. Born a woman, Beatie, 34, who had had his breasts surgically removed and legally changed his gender from female to male, leaped to prominence around the world in April when he revealed he was pregnant. Despite years of taking hormones and living outwardly as a man, Beatie maintained that he retained his female sex organs because he intended one day to get pregnant. Beatie was impregnated with sperm from a donor. His wife, Nancy, inseminated him at home with a device she said was like a syringe without the needle. They bought it from a veterinarian and it is typically used to feed birds. Before reading this article I did not know that transgender men could have children or would even want to. It is extremely surprising to me that Beatie was allowed to have a child after taking many hormones to become a male. This article changed my view on pregnancy very deeply.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=5302756&page=1

          The article “Forcing Pregnant Women to do as They're Told:

Maternal vs. Fetal Rights” deals with the issue on if pregnant women should be forced to undergo medical care. Research in medicine continues to reveal more and more ways in which a baby's health can be jeopardized by what a woman does during pregnancy. Most women welcome these developments but some are unwilling to avoid those activities or behaviors that could harm their offspring and who refuse to undergo medical treatments that would prevent birth defects. Almost half of the maternal-fetal specialists surveyed in a recent national study thought that pregnant women who refused medical advice should be detained in hospitals and forced to "follow doctor’s orders." A growing number of legal cases throughout the U.S. show a trend toward forced treatment of pregnant women. I learned from this article that what the mother does can drastically affect the lives of their children. I think these women should be forced to follow medical care because it is not just about their lives anymore it is for the better of the child. It surprises me that women refuse medical care even if they know it is what’s best for their child. Now I believe that the right of the fetus overrides the rights of the mother.

 http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v1n2/pregnant.html

          The article “Natal wonders: Local baby born with teeth” tells the story about newborn baby Jayce was born with teeth. Jayce was delivered naturally. He weighed in at 7 pounds 14 ounces, was 21 inches long and when he was placed on his mother’s stomach, 26-year-old Ashley Padgett noticed that her baby had two lower front teeth.  Jayce’s doctor isn’t concerned about his natal teeth. Mother is advised to watch them closely and to make sure there aren’t any changes. In many cases, natal teeth become loose because the root isn’t formed completely. There is a risk of the tooth falling out and a newborn inhaling it, which is usually why they are removed. There also are potential pitfalls with breast-feeding. As of right now, Jayce doesn’t need to have his teeth pulled. His gums have swelled around one of the teeth, covering it up some. I had no idea before this article that children could be born with teeth and this is what surprised me the most. Now I see that there are many oddities that occur with children besides major birth defects or diseases.

http://www.thetimesnews.com/articles/jayce-42191-born-ago.html

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a woman who previously had normal blood pressure.Preeclampsia develops only during pregnancy. Risk factors include: history of preeclampsia, first pregnancy, new paternity, age, obesity, multiple pregnancy, prolonged interval between pregnancies, diabetes and gestational diabetes, history of certain conditions, having other health conditions, vitamin D insufficiency,  and high levels of certain proteins. Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to fatal complications for mother and child. The only cure is delivery of the baby.No one knows  how to prevent preeclampsia. A number of studies have looked into whether taking extra calcium, vitamins, or a low dose of aspirin can help.when preeclampsia is severe, it can affect many organs. Preeclampsia causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in high blood pressure and a reduced blood flow that can affect organs in your body, such as your liver, kidneys, and brain.When less blood flows to your uterus, it can mean problems for your baby, such as poor growth, too little amniotic fluid, and placental abruption. In addition, your the baby may suffer the effects of prematurity if you need to deliver early to protect your health. People should make commericials or doctors should make sure to tell their patients so more parents can become aware of this issue.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/preeclampsia/DS00583
http://www.babycenter.com/0_preeclampsia_257.bc#articlesection2

Prenatal Hazards

There are many potential hazards to prenatal development. Many of these harmful agents are a direct result of drug and alcohol use. However, there are many other factors that can cause detrimental effects to a child during prenatal stages. These factors cam include maternal diseases and environmental problems. Prenatal care is especially important as it can reduce the risk greatly of encountering any problems and result in a happy healthy baby. The use of teratogens should be avoided as they can negatively affect the child during the prenatal stages.

For a pregnant woman, drug and alcohol abuse is very dangerous. First, drugs and alcohol may harm her own health, interfering with her ability to support the pregnancy. Second, some drugs can directly impair prenatal development. Virtually all illegal drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, pose dangers. Legal substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, are also dangerous, and even medical drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, can be harmful. At the prenatal stage, certain drugs and alcohol may damage organs that are still developing, such as the eyes, as well as the nervous system. Drug and alcohol use also increases the risk of miscarriage and premature delivery. The greatest danger drugs and alcohol pose at this stage is their potential to interfere with normal growth. Alcohol breaks down chemically to a cell-damaging compound that is absorbed by the fetus. Drinking during early pregnancy greatly increases the risk of birth defects known as fetal alcohol syndrome. While pregnant, women should avoid the use of all drugs and alcohol to prevent damage to themselves and the child. Radiation, chemicals and other hazards in the environment can endanger the fetus. Chromosomal abnormalities are higher among the offspring of fathers exposed to high levels of radiation. Environmental pollutants and toxic wastes are also sources of danger to prenatal development. The dangerous pollutants can include carbon monoxide, mercury and lead. Cats are common carriers of toxoplasmosis, especially outdoor cats that eat raw meat and mother may pick up the virus through the cat litter box. Toxoplasmosis is a mild infection that causes cold-like symptoms or no apparent illness in adults, but can cause eye defects, brain defects and premature birth in the fetus. Maternal diseases and infections can produce defects by crossing the placental barrier. Maternal diseases and disorders that can affect prenatal development include Rh factor incompatibility, high blood pressure, diabetes, rubella, and sexually transmitted diseases such as toxoplasmosis, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, and AIDS. The effects of maternal diseases rely on the stage of fetal development during which they are contracted, and the length of time that they last.

Teratogens are the broad range of substances (such as drugs and pollutants) and conditions (such as severe malnutrition and extreme stress) that increase the risk of prenatal abnormalities. Abnormalities include physical problems (such as missing limbs) and impairments such as brain damage that first appears in elementary school. Specific teratogens may damage the body structures, the growth rate, the neurological networks, or all three. Development can be compromised and the effects of that impairment last a lifetime. Prenatal care is extremely essential for a healthy baby. One can see an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) for prenatal care, or a family practice doctor, a certified-nurse midwife or other health professional. It helps you and your health provider monitor how your pregnancy is going. It also helps spot any potential health problems before they become serious. Regular prenatal care helps to better manage any health issues that may come up.

http://www.acde.org/parent/Pregnant.htm

http://www.saskschools.ca/~psychportal/Psych30/Ejournal-Prenatal/influences_on_prenatal.htm

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072820144/student_view0/chapter4/

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/prenatalcare.html