Spot/article about doulas on Today show

http://today.%20msnbc.msn.%20com/id/27808452/

Great article, less great TV spot, feel free to read my comment below as to why....

I find it funny that one of the OB's main comments focused on liability. "If something goes wrong, who is liable?" (meaning between the doula, parents or doctor) Liability is definitely an issue at the heart of so many of the problems in maternity care and certainly at the top of most OBs minds. Giving voice to that thought on TV when there are so many other thoughts that could have been expressed really shows just how high up in their thoughts it is. OBs don't want to juggle another liability (and I don't blame them) and since the informational support component that doulas provide can help parents to ask more questions and use their right to informed consent, it can make liability protection seem harder for OBs.

Personally, I didn't think the spot was horrible, just a bit biased to the idea that patients should just "trust their doctor and nurse" rather than becoming informed and advocating for their birth and baby's health. Ideally we could all trust all careproviders, but it is naive to think that they don't have motives that may not match our own. Any doula worth her massage oil should be able to navigate facilitating discussions between care providers and expecting couples so that everyone is heard and options are discussed in a manner that keeps the birth environment calm and positive. The doula should do everything possible to keep her short term relationship with the nurses and OBs harmonious. When everyone is doing their job well, it is not even an issue and a doula and careprovider will mutually benefit one another. We are not natural adversaries, but have actually been hired by the same people as a part of a team.

The newscast also brought up repeatedly how dangerous labor can become at any second which is a message we could use a bit less of I think. I wish the stats that show less c-sections, less interventions and higher satisfaction with birth experiences should definitely have been brought up.

Get Something Done

Another MOPS article. This week the topic is "Get Something Done". I wrote about babywearing as a practical way to cook, run errands etc. basically as a way to get something done. Here is what I wrote:

We all love to snuggle our little ones, but let’s face it, adults sometimes need to get something done! Lots of devices exist to entertain your child, but sometimes it seems all that makes your little one happy is more of you. Using a baby carrier, or babywearing, is the perfect way to both get something done and to let your child have more of you. Research has shown the benefits of babywearing to include:

Babies cry less. Carried babies cry 43% less overall and 54% less during the evening hours.

Good for baby's mental development. Babies spend more time in a "quiet, alert state" when carried - the ideal state for learning. When carried, a baby sees the world from where you do and the extra stimulation benefits brain development.

Good for baby's emotional development. Babies are quickly able to develop security and trust when they are carried and may become independent earlier.

Moms (and dads) report these practical benefits to babywearing:

Do housework, run errands or cook dinner all while keeping your child happy

Breastfeed hands-free while on the phone or shopping

No need to lug around a heavy car seat or stroller

Most baby carriers fit in your diaper bag so are easy to transport

Saves $ and the environment because less baby products are needed

These days there are so many cute baby carriers that a sling or wrap is not only very practical, but it can also make a hip fashion statement. Babywearing is not just for babies either; I still wear my 30lb toddler!
For resources on buying or using baby carriers:peppermint.com or thebabywearer.com