Appalachian Birth Traditions

If you want direct entry midwifery as an option in WV, you need to oppose this bill. I am sure more will be forthcoming.

SB 84 Text Bill Status - Bill Text

You don't need to obtain optimal... but if you don't, use the wisdom midwives have gained throughout history to support the variations of normal most women experience. . 🌱 If you wake in the morning in labor, eat a full breakfast. 🌱 Drink more than plain water. Salt and juice diluted in water. Berries and cucumbers infused in water. Red Raspberry Leaf tea in honey. Or, grab an electrolyte powder mix. 🌱 Take a sip of your replenishing drink after every surge. 🌱 If your p*e is yellow/orange or your skin is dry or you have a [non-pre-E] headache, fill 1 quart jar with water and add either a Banana Bag packet or 1/2 teaspoon mineral-rich salt with 1/4 cup of grape juice and drink 8oz every 15 minutes (set a timer). This is the equivalent of a small bag of IV fluids and can be repeated if needed (if repeating, use something other than a Banana Bag) 🌱 Freeze a big pot of brothy, meat and veggie soup (avoid noodles or cream or tomato heavy soups which slow digestion... salty broth and curries with potatoes are great) and throw it in your crock pot to nibble on throughout labor. (It will lovingly feed your birth team and your postpartum family, too) 🌱 Set out fresh or frozen fruit, hard boiled eggs, and nut trays to graze on 🌱 Eat the equivalent of a full, light meal every 4 hours, especially when labor is mild or when it is prolonged 🌱 If your birth location/birth team doesn't "allow" this approach to ingesting nourishment, find a new place to labor!!! If you truly don't have other options, know your rights and respectfully educate your birth team on these rights, reminding them that their policies aren't laws and while their job duties may require them to tell you their policies, they legally cannot coerce, or force, you to follow them. . . . . . #MOVbirth

My Nursing Mother tea has a new look. The first three herbs promote a healthy milk supply and the last two promote a calm , peaceful let down. I breastfed 9 children including a set of twins so basically those 18 years were the most precious memories of snuggling with my babies while getting restful moments in my hectic parenting life. I quickly learned that nursing the baby before they were crying made for a peaceful baby for the baby was learning that his/her needs were met outside the womb. Inside the womb they were receiving nutrition and hearing mother’s heartbeat around the clock. When a baby is born their tummy is very small so they need frequent nursing and frequent nursing simulates milk production. So brew up a quart of tea by pouring simmering hot water over 2 tablespoons of tea in a quart jar. Let the tea brew for at 15 minutes, add a little honey a dash a salt and if you like a little cream. Strain the tea into a thermos, keep it near your favorite nursing nest to sip while enjoying this precious moment with your baby.

Finished with time to spare for a bite to eat! Blessed to have the support of others in this journey.

A truly amazing experience assisting Appalachian Birth Traditions, Sarah, with a beautiful homebirth last evening.

Glucose Goddess is the perfect follow for anyone concerned about blood sugars and really this should be all of us.

Podcast available now! Consider signing up to tell your own breastfeeding story. https://www.facebook.com/100088038756437/posts/128008560143769/?flite=scwspnss

First episode is officially out! Find it on Spotify!

Follow this link to listen:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/64EoMejKZ9TdKukZu43Dsv?si=P40JgUMUT5Wd6-tFu6faZw

Listen to host, Shayla Lucas, explain why she decided to help other women tell their breastfeeding stories and how it all started with a few breastfeeding photos. In this episode, Shayla recalls the birth of her first child and breastfeeding experience with special guest, Sarah Haddox, who helped Shayla on her journey navigating a rough and unexpected start to breastfeeding. Sarah shares information and insight about her experience with birth and breastfeeding on a professional and personal level, as well.

Sarah Haddox, PT, CCLS, traditional midwife - Sarah lives in West Virginia with her husband and four children, ages 5, 8, 11, and 13. Sarah homeschools her children and operates her business, Appalachian Birth Traditions, currently serving Huntington, West Virginia and the surrounding area providing birth and breastfeeding support to local mothers.

Connect with Sarah on Facebook Appalachian Birth Traditions

Connect with the host, Shayla, @ www.kinshipmothers.com

New Episode every Monday!

Follow the link to submit your story!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8uwax31XRtI6h_HTj3cLb-jIDe4jJbvJFKD9uDLi-Es2jyQ/viewform

https://www.facebook.com/kinshipmothers

New podcast to follow! I am honored to be the first guest. Should be out tomorrow!

Kinship Mothers: A Breastfeeding Stories Podcast Kinship Mothers podcast is a collection of breastfeeding stories told by mothers, hosted by a mother.

2022 Statistics
(all births I was privileged to attend)
Blessed with some repeat clients, and some new.
Breastfeeding rate 100%
Homebirths: 11
*One unassisted due to a tremendously fast labor
Transports: 1 – due to prolonged labor/lack of progress, first time mom
Hospital birth (planned, doula, unmedicated): 1
Total Clients: 14