The Milk Maid Coeur d’Alene

Interesting comparison of epidural and water immersion. NB groups were self-selected, which may have influenced results. "Spontaneous vaginal birth was almost 17 times more likely in the water immersion group [94.5% vs 50.6%] (OR = 16.866 [6.540, 43.480], p < 0.001), whereas the odds of having a cesarean birth were almost 40 times higher in the epidural group [0.7 vs 21.9%] (OR = 39.346 [3.610, 429.120], p < 0.001). The odds of having an intact perineum were more than two times higher for the water immersion group (OR = 2.606 [1.290, 5.250], p = 0.007), whereas having an episiotomy was more than eight times more likely for the epidural group [4.1 vs 26.1%] (OR = 8.307 [2.800, 24.610], p < 0.001). Newborns in the water immersion group showed a better 5 min Apgar score and umbilical cord arterial pH and lower rates in admissions at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Conclusions: Women choosing water immersion as an analgesic method were no more likely to experience adverse outcomes and presented better results than women choosing epidural analgesia." Full paper here https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/12/19/1919

💗💗💗💗

Infertility Awareness Week 🤍

There are so many different ways this journey shows up…

And not all of them are visible.

Some of you are still waiting to become a mom.
Some of you are grieving a loss that changed you forever.
Some of you are holding a child in your arms… while aching for another.

And some of you are stuck in the space no one talks about—
watching others grow their families
while you’re left searching for answers no one seems to give.

This journey is layered.
It’s not one story. It’s thousands.

And no matter where you fall in it…

you deserve to be seen here.

You’re not “ungrateful.”
You’re not “overthinking.”
You’re not alone in feeling this way.

I see you. I understand this. And I’m holding space for you this week 🤍

🥹🥹🥹🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

Over the years I've had such delightful midwifery students. I always count myself honored that they want to learn & hone their skills with me. There's so much to know, to remember, to fully understand. But some things just can't be taught. Like the art of being still. It's not "doing nothing" because there is literally so much going on in this moment. But you'd never know it from looking at this photo. The art of being still while continually watching, listening, observing, preparing... Quietly contemplating what may happen next and being mentally prepared. Casually looking about the room to verify where the resuscitation tray is, is the warmer still on, is the pitocin syringe in her pocket, are the chux pads ready...

This particular student...she's a dream! She gets it! She knows how to sit quietly, patiently and wait while having her plan and next steps well laid out for those rare "what if" scenarios.

I captured this photo right after I saw her doing a mental inventory...readying for this sweet babe's imminent arrival. As her preceptor, I got a little verklempt in that moment because I didn't see her as my student but as an incredibly aware & knowledgeable midwife. She's the real deal, Folks. And I'm so thrilled to know her and have her as my friend as well as a sister midwife. Our community is better by having her in it. The Milk Maid Coeur d’Alene I love going to births with you!!!

In The Vine Midwifery welcomes mothers to join together to honor birth experiences. Within a safe space, we can tell our journeys to motherhood, or simply listen to others. Whether you are days postpartum, or decades, processing or celebrating can be a source of healing and encouragement to others.

Friday, May 1st at 6 pm at Peony Birthing Suites. Lap babies, only, please. Refreshments provided. Please RSVP for a proper count.

Note: Please plan on sharing only one birth story at this gathering, and we will not be utilizing this time to discuss providers or concerns that rise above our experiences. There will be no medical/midwifery advice given, and there will be no judgment. Feel free to share or listen, reflect and gain community and potential friendships that so many have felt as a void in their mothering.