Pregnancy

Medical technology is an amazing thing.  Cesareans save many women and babies, and I am so thankful that they are available. However, it is clear that something isn’t right in American obstetric care.  The World Health Organization states that an acceptable cesarean rate to ensure the best outcomes for mothers and babies is between 5 and 15% and that rates above 15% seem to do more harm than good (Althabe and Belizan 2006).  Currently, Louisiana leads the United States with a cesarean rate of just over 40%, more than 3 times the recommended rate.  The US rate is hovering around 30%. April is Cesarean Awareness Month, the perfect time to discuss this important issue. Why are cesareans a big deal?...

The last seven weeks have been the most transformative of my life. My husband and I welcomed our first child, our son William Webster, on January 9, 2014 at 11:10 am. We checked into the hospital at about 3 a.m. that day to be induced. A few days earlier, the doctor had performed an ultrasound (our first since week 20) and we found out that he was smaller than he should be. That combined with my slightly elevated blood pressure convinced her to schedule my delivery for three days later, at 39 weeks. She assured us that he appeared to be doing just fine, but of course we were worried. We were also completely taken off guard that we were...

The word ‘doula’ is Greek for “woman servant or caregiver."  These days, the term doula refers to a woman who provides support for mothers during pregnancy and childbirth.  My favorite definition for doula is that of the protector of the birth space.  Simply put, doulas love birth and trust that it is a normal, natural and instinctive process that should be honored and respected. Doulas are hired by expecting parents to help create a positive birth experience and make sure their wishes are honored.  Studies have shown that having a doula present can reduce the length of your labor and reduce the need for medical interventions. What kind of training does a doula have? There are several organizations that provide training...

This has been a topic of much debate in my house recently. I am burning up with baby fever despite the fact that 18-month-old Jack still keeps me very much on my toes. I remember the first time that someone with a child about the same age as ours announced a new pregnancy, I was filled with panic on her behalf. No WAY could I imagine adding a new baby to the mix already. But my own mom had my sister when I was only 13 months old and somehow we all survived. Lately, I've been thinking that maybe a new baby wouldn't be so terrifying after all. Assuming that you're able to make the decision intentionally and not...

A cell phone vibrating on the table is how Dr. Horenstein described the heartbeat of our unborn child. These words echoed in my soul as we drove to the Heart and Vascular Unit of Memorial Hospital. We were embarking on a journey which would surely leave a mark of grace in its midst. My husband and I moved from Birmingham, Alabama to inner-city Houston in March of 2009, following the urgent call to be on mission for the sake of the gospel. Shortly after this decision, it was clear we should pursue starting a family. Yet, twenty-five weeks into our first pregnancy, we found ourselves sitting in room 408 of the Intensive Critical Care Unit awaiting some semblance of hope from...