The Shade Tree Doula

A cute idea, and a sweet story.

(Note: adult slang, as you can see on her shirt)

http://twentytwowords.com/moms-are-loving-this-maternity-photo-shoot-with-a-surprisingly-bittersweet-twist/?utm_source=keywee&utm_medium=cpc&kwp_0=533775&kwp_4=1941043&kwp_1=813904

Moms Are Loving This Maternity Photo Shoot With a Surprisingly Bittersweet Twist Now I have to get pregnant again so I can do this!

Like many lying-in traditions, this one has its pros and cons. What would an ideal postpartum period be like for you?

http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1000687/why-chinas-new-mothers-look-to-both-science-and-superstition

Why China’s New Mothers Look to Both Science and Superstition Increased access to modern medicine has not stopped women from embracing traditional rules, taboos, and superstitions after birth.

The birth rate in the US is up. This is good news!
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/17/415227138/baby-bump-u-s-birth-rate-rises

Baby Bump? U.S. Birth Rate Rises Nearly 4 million babies were born last year. Preliminary data from the CDC show that the U.S. birth rate increased last year for the first time since 2007.

Interesting article, though it does not address how the patterns might look with less medical intervention.

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/sa-visual/why-are-so-many-babies-born-around-8-00-a-m/

Why Are so Many Babies Born around 8:00 A.M.? Data visualization engineer Zan Armstrong takes a close look at human birth patterns.

Have you ever heard that a baby is using mom as a pacifier?

What Does It Mean to 'Use Your Breast as a Pacifier?' Nursing mothers are commonly warned: “Don’t let your baby use your breast as a pacifier.” Although often said, this is an incredibly curious statement. After all, which came first, the breast or the pacifier? The breast, of course, long predates the pacifier (aka “dummy”), a man-made device

"This opinion in total is in stark contrast to experiences of many women's labor experiences and states what birth advocates have been saying for years: "Many common obstetric practices are of limited or uncertain benefit for low-risk women in spontaneous labor. In addition, some women may seek to reduce medical interventions during labor and delivery. Satisfaction with one’s birth experience also is related to personal expectations, support from caregivers, quality of the patient–caregiver relationship, and the patient’s involvement in decision-making."

It's a pretty big deal."

https://mom.me/news/39697-acog-finally-recommends-what-so-many-laboring-moms-had-fight/

ACOG Finally Recommends What Many Moms in Labor Had to Fight For The list of changes in standard practice are stunning

Have you ever worried that your newborn fell asleep hungry after breastfeeding?
"When a baby is hungry, he tends to clench his fists tightly and bring them toward his face. If he falls asleep hungry, his fists usually stay clenched. But when he gets milk, he relaxes starting with his face. Then his shoulders relax, and finally those fists unclench. Eventually they're as limp as the rest of him. Think of his hands as a built-in fuel gauge." -- La Leche League's Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, 8th edition

If your newborn is listless and difficult to wake, consulting with your healthcare provider to rule out extenuating circumstances is recommended.
[Image: Infant sound asleep with a relaxed hand. Text: "Is she hungry after nursing?" Trust the hands.]

How far in can you watch before you start tearing up? Happy Mother's Day!

Mothers Day This is "Mothers Day" by Monet Nicole on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Have you ever had pregnancy photos taken? These are unique and gorgeous.

Waiting to cut your baby's cord can have many benefits. Glad to see ACOG be responsive to the evidence supporting this practice.

OB-GYNs Issue Major New Recommendations On Cord Clamping This is a big change.