HELP Improve Birth for Women

Posted on May 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

Help me start a Community Doula Network in Louisiana!

Below are the words from my personal fundraising campaign through Indiegogo. I am VERY Commited to making this happen and I pray that you will be so moved to endorse this project and share it with others.

The campaign launched last week.  We are on our way and have already rasied over $300 and I look foward to reaching our fundraising goal.  You can help by donating through Indiegogo directly or by sending a donations via paypal to Nicole at sistamidwife dot com.  You can also help by sharing and recommending our campaign to others. THANK YOU for your support. Continue reading to learn more about the program I am starting.

If we can inspire women to fight for better birth experiences, they will become inspired to fight for better communities. Doulas inspire that fight. We need more doulas in New Orleans and we need more doulas throughout the state of Louisiana.

The perinatal outcomes in Louisiana are deplorable. We have the highest c/s rate, we have the second highest maternal mortality rate and the third highest infant mortality rate in the country. Research shows that the availability of community doulas can improve birth outcomes. Women who use doulas report feeling more knowledgeable, they have fewer c/sections, they breast feed more often and for longer periods of time; they report increased satisfaction with their birth experiences and less post partum depression. That being said, IMO, all women should have an equal opportunity to hire a doula. Unfortunately all women don’t. In many places across the country, Louisiana included, women can’t find or can’t afford to hire a doula.

When I moved home to New Orleans in 2010, I knew I wanted to work to make birth better in my city. I was not exactly sure what role I would play, but I knew I needed to do something. As the Louisiana State Rep for ICTC, I have been reminded that there is a LOT of work to be done all over my state. I have received multiple calls from many women who are starting or want to start their birth work journey. Earlier this year, it came to me…. “I need to create a community doula program/network.” Once I made the decision women literally began to show up; women who genuinely want this information; women who are; ready to work.

We need YOU!

This June, Sista Midwife Productions will hold the first of many doula trainings in Louisiana.  Our goal is to train at least 30 women over the course of three training dates before the end of this year. Specifically, we will be looking to train women from various parts of the state who are committed to becoming a part of a community doula network. This community doula network will provide community outreach and education, free neighborhood-based pregnancy celebration events, free doula services, and ongoing education and support for the doulas within the network.

Our initial goal is to raise enough funds to give each doula student a scholarship, to purchase necessary training supplies, and to support our early community outreach efforts. Any funds raised above this initial goal will go toward providing free and discounted doula services and to hosting our monthly neighborhood pregnancy celebrations.

We already have women from across the state interested in participating in this training, and are committed to working as a part of a community doula network. While deposits have been made, many have limited income and are struggling to pay the full registration. I don’t want to deny them the opportunity to do the work they are called to do because of finances. The donations you make will help make sure that doesn’t happen. Please donate today!!! http://igg.me/at/CommunityDoulas4Louisiana/x/3224090

Unable to give personally?? Spread the Word!!!

I understand. I have been there. You may really want to help but you are unable to send your donation today. No problem. Please help us by spreading the word about this Indiegogo campaign. There may be people in your network who know doulas, who are doulas, who have used a doula… people who understand the value of community doulas who may be able to make a contribution.

Remember… Improving birth outcomes is a collective effort. Each positive change for a mother in LA is a change for mothers everywhere. Thank you for your support!! Together we can help women everywhere Birth Something Beautiful

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Posted in Pregnancy & Birth

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Eating After a Cesarean: How soon is too soon?

Posted on May 27, 2013 | 2 Comments

Plate of Food

When I was a new nurse working on the post partum floor in 1994 mothers who had c/sections were not given solid food for at least 2 days after their surgery. We advanced them from ice chips, to clear liquids, to soft diets, and to regular diet slowly over the course of a few meals and as their bowel sounds returned.   This practice was done theoretically to help prevent various digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal distention or an ileus.  Bowel sounds returned to normal and women were able to advance their diets, have bowel movements and go home within a reasonable amount of time.  I don’t remember many mothers with severe abdominal distention from gas. I don’t remember severe gas pain  (though women definitely complained of gas pains).  I don’t remember large amounts of nausea and vomiting and I certainly don’t remember any patients needing NG tubes.  The biggest complaint we heard was “Is this it?! Is this all I’m getting? I’m HUNGRY!”

Now… its been a long time and so my memory may be a little shaky but there is one thing I am certain of…. These days women who have c/sections are given regular food sometimes within a few hours after delivery and I DEFINLTEY see many more problems, vomiting, pain, distention, constipation, need for NG tubes than I ever saw before. With that in mind, I was very surprised to read an article from Reuters Health that said: “Early oral intake after cesarean section speeds recovery of gastrointestinal function and does not increase the risk of ileus and other gastrointestinal complications, the authors of a new systematic review conclude.”  The study this article makes reference to was published in the May issue of The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (The Green Journal)

The article goes on to say…  “On average, women in the early oral intake groups had return of bowel sounds 9.2 hours sooner than women in the delayed intake groups, while passage of flatus occurred 10 hours earlier and bowel evacuation occurred 14.6 hours earlier. Earlier intake was not associated with an increased risk of ileus symptoms, vomiting, nausea, abdominal distention, or diarrhea.

 ”A neurogenic nonadrenergic pathway of postoperative ileus is activated during abdominal surgery and until three hours after surgery,” Dr. Chang said. “To avoid stimulating this neurogenic pathway, oral intake between six to eight hours after cesarean delivery is suggested. Both liquid diet and solid diet can be served as an ideal initial intake after cesarean delivery.”

SERIOUSLY?? I’m shocked! You can read the entire article from Rueters HERE.  This is definitely something for me to ponder. What do you think of this? Did you have a c/section?  When did you eat foods after your surgery? Do you care for post-c/section mothers? What do you tell them about eating and drinking after delivery?

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Posted in Cesarean Sections, Pregnancy & Birth

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Are we Listening to Mothers?

Posted on May 23, 2013 | Leave a comment

Do you know about the “Listening to Mothers” reports?  They are a WONDERFUL resource for anyone who is working with or on behalf of childbearing women and families.  The first report was published as a project of Childbirth Connection in 2002.  That report was … “the first national U.S. survey of women’s childbearing experiences.  They survey explored women’s attitudes, feelings and knowledge about many aspects of their maternity experiences.“   A second report, Listening to Mothers II was released in 2006 and last week they released the newest report Listening to Mother’s III.

Unfortunately, I have not had the time to read through this third report but I am very excited about the report as well as all of the data analyses they have created.  I know this report will bring more valuable information to help support our work as mother friendly advocates.  If you haven’t heard of these report before… its time you get to know them.  LTM III Cover

In the email they sent announcing the release of the third and most recent report they say  “As with previous Listening to Mothers surveys, the latest data show that risky procedures are overused, many beneficial practices are underused, and all too often women lack the support and knowledge required to effectively navigate their maternity care.”  This is an unfortuante finding. In 10 years… the results haven’t changed. Be sure to get your hands on a copy of this full report.  The fight definitely continues

Have you read any of the Listening to Mothers Surveys? Have you seen/read the most recent one? What was your biggest take away or surprising finding.

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Posted in Pregnancy & Birth

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Transvaginal Mesh Causes Harm to Women

Posted on May 21, 2013 | Leave a comment

I personally know a woman who is experiencing pelvic pain and problems as a result of transvaginal mesh.  With that in mind, when I was asked, I was happy to share the following article from DrugWatch.com so I could help spread the word about the dangers of this treatment for urinary incontinence.  From their website:  “Drugwatch is dedicated to informing you about dangerous prescription drugs and medical devices.” As always WE have to ask questions, get second opinions and be vigilent about learning what is best for ourselves.   Share this information with others… and Remember… A few kegels a day can keep incontinence away :-)

From DrugWatch.com…

“Transvaginal mesh is a surgical product used in procedures to restore the function of the pelvic floor and reverse symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). However, up to 10 percent of women who undergo prolapse repairs using transvaginal mesh experience complications

Abdominal pain.

Pelvic Floor Disorders

The most common form of incontinence in women is SUI, which is the unintentional loss of urine prompted by activities that put pressure on the bladder like running, heavy lifting, coughing, laughing or sneezing. When transvaginal mesh surgery is performed, a small piece of mesh is implanted through the vagina to support the weakened bladder and urethra support tissues.

Not all women with prolapse experience symptoms, but those who do can feel pain or pressure in the abdomen and low back caused by displaced pelvic organs sagging against the vaginal wall. When the pelvic floor is no longer strong enough to support the pelvic organs, transvaginal mesh can be implanted, and used like a hammock to provide support and reduce pain.

Women should discuss all surgical options with their doctor before deciding which procedure is right for them. There are several surgical options that do not use transvaginal mesh.

Complications

One of the major problems with transvaginal mesh is that it is prone to erode through tissues. In fact, the sharp edges of the mesh can even perforate organs—causing a piercing, knife-like pain.

If the mesh perforates the vaginal wall, sexual intercourse can be extremely painful, or even impossible. In addition, women may experience an unpleasant vaginal odor, fecal or urinary incontinence, and frequent infections.

Women experiencing these debilitating side effects may need revision surgery to remove the mesh. These revision surgeries are not always successful since the body’s tissue grows into the mesh, and some women require multiple procedures.

These painful and costly procedures are part of the reason why so many women who suffered the adverse effects of transvaginal mesh are taking legal action.

Legal Action

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against mesh manufacturers by women who have experienced complications from transvaginal mesh. They seek compensationto cover lost wages, emotional damage and medical bills, as well as punitive damages.

Alternatives

The Food and Drug Administration warns women and medical professionals about the risks associated with transvaginal mesh and the high number of complications reported. The FDA states that procedures that do not use transvaginal mesh can be just as effective in treating pelvic floor disorders.

Dr Talking w. Older woman

Women who are considering corrective surgery may wish to discuss surgical alternatives to transvaginal mesh with their doctor.”

Linda Grayling writes about dangerous drugs and defective medical devices for Drugwatch.com

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Posted in Pregnancy & Birth

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A Mother’s Right to Parent Her Children

Posted on May 20, 2013 | 2 Comments

“SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective amplifies and strengthens the collective voices of Indigenous women and women of color to ensure reproductive justice through securing human rights.”

Sister Song will be holding an online event THIS Wednesday, May 22nd at 1pm-3pm ET.  They will discuss the story of Sheryl, a mother fighting for her parental rights. Connect with them on Facebook, and their website, for details and to receive the link for the livestream. They will “amplify the story of Sheryl, a mother whose three children were taken from her fifteen months ago, who now faces what she believes is discrimination as she battles for her parental rights. [They] will address the intersectionality of the Reproductive Justice and Human Rights frameworks to help clarify the elements impacting this powerful and compelling story of a mother who loves and misses her children. [They] will explore the environmental and health factors on the development of our children’s bodies, the historically racialized and class-based inequalities present in social systems and decision-making that criminalizes and disregards the individual, and the accountability practices necessary to prevent these cases” 

They will also Tweet Chat #amothersright from 1pm-3pm ET to answer questions and stay connected during the symposium – Join them… Twitter: @SisterSong_WOC! 

Mark your calendars!

 

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Posted in Pregnancy & Birth

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Memories & Motivations from Trinidad

Posted on May 15, 2013 | Leave a comment

I am always excited after attending an event with the International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC).  Last week I returned home after a 7 night stay in Maraval Trinidad.  While there, I was working, bonding, eating, sleeping, sharing, growing and learning with a group of phenomenal women.   The women who attended are doulas, nurses, midwives, and mothers… sisters, daughters, American and Trinidadian.

Healing Hands

Healing Hands

As I sat to write this blog post, I thought back to February.  I wrote an article titled “Black Motherhood” that was published in the online publication Oya Nsoro. Below are some excerpts from that article.

Often times, when we use the word midwife in the black community it conjures up images of elderly women walking from house to house, dressed in all white catching babies by moonlight and kerosene oil.  For many, the idea of midwifery also brings up images of dirty old women who are uneducated, undertrained and unskilled.  These negative beliefs about midwives were shaped in our communities systematically as the government, the American Medical Association, and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology worked together to rid America of its “midwife problem.”  A war was waged on black so-called granny midwives and they were slowly eliminated from our communities.  This systematic elimination that started with the Sheppard Towner act in 1921 continues today.  The Sheppard Towner Act, created “training programs” for midwives and forced many of them to abandon the historical knowledge and practices that had been passed down for generations.  Integration and the introduction of Medicaid brought poor, rural, and black women out of the homes and into hospitals to birth.  Maternity care become a VERY profitable business… there was then, and continues to be, money to be made regardless of the birth outcomes. 

While midwifery in the black community traditionally was an honored profession, today many hold to the false beliefs that midwifery care is second rate, something for the poor and the underprivileged. Or in some minds, midwifery is for “them” i.e. the rich, the granola crunchy types, the natural hair wearers and the vegans. 

Fortunately, in spite of these false beliefs, the practice of midwifery carries on today and is gaining momentum.   To those of us practicing “modern day midwifery” there is honor and respect in this profession.  We understand the shoulders upon which we stand and we carry on the legacy of the so-called “granny midwife” with passion and reverence. 

Midwives are, and have always been spiritual people.  Most midwives will tell you they were “called” into this business and no other profession is more directly linked with both life and death. They took care of the community. They had to because no one else would. They succeeded because they had no choice.  Today, we “modern day midwives” work with this passion and pray we can do the same.

I came into midwifery knowing that women in my community were NOT being treated the way they should be during labor and birth.  I was moved to become a midwife so that I could be a part the solution.  At that time, I had no knowledge of granny midwives and during my midwifery education; I don’t remember learning much about the legacy of black midwives.  In 2001 I was introduced to Rhonda Haynes the award winning producer of Bringin in Da Spirit, a wonderful documentary that not only celebrates but tells the truth about the legacy of Black midwives.  It was through meeting her that I began my slow and continual journey to learn more.  Through Rhonda, I learned of ICTC and met Shafia Monore, the midwife and visionary behind ICTC, The International Black Midwives and Healers Conference, and The Full Circle Doula Training.  It has been my involvement with ICTC, especially over the past 3 years, that has accelerated my learning curve and given me a bigger passion not just for helping birthing women but also to learn about the legacy of black midwives and healers.

It was with much excitement that I registered to attend the recently held combo doula training in Trinidad with ICTC.  While there, I started down the path to become a Certified Full Circle Doula Trainer.  Have you taken the ICTC FCD training? If not, no matter what your previous birth work training is, I definitely recommend it.  You can take it this July in Chicago :-) This training, is like no other training.  It is an international training that celebrates the legacy of the black midwife and brings to light our full and rich history.  It educates, informs, and inspires.  It allows us to learn, to grow and to bond.  New friendships are forged and new passions are ignited. This is the ICTC way.  Today, as I work to improve birth outcomes in my community, I salute all of the midwives and doulas working to create better births for women. Extra Hugs… Love… and Light to those of you working in the trenches, taking care of black and brown families regardless of ability to pay.  You do not walk alone.  We are the ones we have been waiting for.

Mamatoto Birth Center

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Posted in Black Birth, Pregnancy & Birth

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Infant Mortality – Its Far Too Early to Celebrate

Posted on April 25, 2013 | 4 Comments

Last week, I got an email that made me really pause and take a deep breath.  It started like this…

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 AMCHP Celebrates 12 Percent Decline in U.S. Infant Mortality Rate Since 2005 – Calls for Continued Funding to Accelerate a Promising Trend

Washington, DC, April 17, 2013 – Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data showing that following a plateau from 2000 through 2005, the U.S. infant mortality rate declined 12 percent from 2005 through 2011. A copy of the data brief entitled Recent Declines in Infant Mortality in the United States, 2005–2011 is available here. 

Michael Fraser, PhD, CAE, Chief Executive Officer for the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, highlighted this progress with the following statement:”

Now… Before I get to the statement… In case you don’t know, AMCHP is the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs.  Their mission “is to support state maternal and child health programs and provide national leadership on issues affecting women and children.” You can learn more about them and what they do by visiting their website.

Below is the statement from Michael Fraser.  I have included the statement here in its entirety along with some commentary from yours truly… My comments are in green :-)

“The recent decline in infant mortality is a public health success story deserving national recognition and celebration. In short, we are helping more babies reach their first birthday than ever before and this is great news. (Sure its good news that the rates are declining but is this REALLY a time for celebration? I believe it’s far too early to celebrate.  Our Infant mortality rate remains high and our international standing remains embarrassingly low. This may be a time for reflection on what is working so progress can continue but celebration… I think it’s too soon for that.) The decline is also a strong indication that public health efforts supported by the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant – along with other critical programs including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, WIC, Healthy Start, Community Health Centers, and critical efforts of the CDC and the National Institutes of Health are making a difference in saving babies lives.  The work of dedicated public practitioners and health care providers is definitely paying off and, for that, AMCHP and its members are extremely thankful. (Interesting how this statement speaks to “critical programs” that nationwide are currently facing budget cuts. In Louisiana, where I live as an example, Healthy Start recently received a huge budget reduction (a  near 50% reduction from what I have been told) and the monies going to our state’s Nurse Family Partnership program were also cut.  Healthy Start across the country is facing budget cuts and many programs may not even continue to receive funding.  What’s going to happen as these programs are reduced further or cut out entirely? What will the numbers say in a few more years? I bet they will be begin to creep up especially if we take time to celebrate instead of continuing the fight.)  Perhaps most encouraging is that the infant mortality rate declined the most (16 percent) for non-Hispanic black women. This may be an indication that deliberate efforts to promote health equity are beginning to create progress in reducing the alarming disparities between whites and blacks, but despite improvement these gaps are still unacceptable and need heightened attention and investment to accelerate progress.   (Not only are the gaps still unacceptable, the disparity remains virtually unchanged. The infant mortality rate for black babies continues to be TWICE the rate of white babies… Are we celebrating too soon? I think so.) Furthermore, improvements realized in the last five years reflect investments policymakers made years and even decades before. While this improvement is welcome news, budget cuts coinciding with the economic downturn and the current sequestration cuts will undoubtedly create major challenges to sustain this success. (EXACTLY. That’s what I’m saying.  These budget cuts he speaks of will reduce this “progress”  so ummmmm riiiight…. Like I said… its far too early to celebrate.)  Accordingly, AMCHP calls on the administration and Congress to reverse years of eroded public health funding, agree on a balanced approach to deficit reduction, and sustain critical investments in the health of women, children, and families.”  (End of Statement)

And they do. In fact last month, Dr Christopher A. Kus, MD, MPH, testified on behalf of the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) before the House of Representatives about stopping budget cuts and allocating $640 million to 2014 funding budge for the Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant. But the reality is, the budgets are getting cut and programs are being lost all across the country.  So as far as I’m concerned… Its definitely to early to celebrate. 

I will celebrate when the rates of infant mortality in ALL communities is at a minimum and there are no longer racial disparities.  I will celebrate when we have equal distribution of health services and resources across all boundaries. When access is not tied to race or socio-economic status and when all women have equal access and ability to create and nurture a healthy pregnancy.  I will celebrate when women, without fear or coercion, without jumping through managed care hoops, and regardless of her insurance carrier can easily choose the provider and location for HER birth.  Then and only then will I celebrate. When I see this reality, I will happily pop a bottle, light a candle, hire a second line band, shout from the roof tops and I might even “Drop it like its hot!!” Until then… The fight continues. #FistUP… Do you think its too early to celebrate?

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Posted in Perinatal Disparities, Pregnancy & Birth

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