UbiDoula

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How to Use This Site

At the left, you will find links related to my experience, testimonials, and information on how to find and hire a doula.

The main page include articles and links that I think will be helpful to women as they prepare for pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for their new babies. Each post is tagged with its topics -- if you are on a computer, simply type the subject you are interested in into the search bar ("breastfeeding" or "group B strep") and all relevant postings will pop up.

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Women often wonder whether alcohol use is safe during breastfeeding. This clever mom went the extra mile to experiment on her breast milk after alcohol consumption. The long and short of it? Moderate drinking while breastfeeding doesn’t seem to have any significant impact on baby. (As for “pumping and dumping,” well, that’s just a waste of lovely milk.) Cheers, indeed!

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Baby H Born!

June 27, 2015

UNC Women’s Hospital Chapel Hill, NC

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Another fascinating description of international parenting -- in this case, learn about the differences found in the cultures and customs of Abu Dhabi.

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In Celebration of the OP Baby

An OP position is associated with medical intervention during labour: syntocinon infusion; epidural; forceps; ventouse; c-section. This post will discuss whether an OP position is actually a problem, or if the problem lies in our beliefs about, and management of this common position.

A dear friend and fellow doula told me that in the spring of 2014, she had the unlikely experience of two clients going into labor simultaneously. Luckily, they were delivering at the same hospital, and she went between the mothers' rooms throughout their labors. (She did offer to call for backup help, but both declined.)

When one mother was ready to deliver, her care provider came into the room, checked her, and announced that the baby was OP. She said, "Okay, this may take a little more work. It may take a little longer. But you can deliver this baby; we'll help you." The mother went on to have a successful vaginal delivery.

An hour or so later, the second mother was ready to deliver. Her care provider came into the room, checked her, and announced that her baby was OP. He said, "Oh, you'll never be able to give birth this way. This is very dangerous for you and the baby. We need to get you into the operating room for a c-section right away." The mother went on to have a successful cesarean delivery.

Two mothers -- in the same hospital, in the same birthing situation -- received drastically different responses from their care providers. Who was right? 

OP labors are often longer than OA labors (when the baby is facing the mother's back). OP labors often require mobility, squatting, extensive time on hands and knees, and a great deal of patience. Supporting women birthing in this position is a vital part of evidence-based maternal care. Assuming all else is well, supporting an OP delivery should be a routine part of any care provider's practice.

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Baby E Born!

December 29, 2014

Women's Birth and Wellness Center Chapel Hill, NC

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The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Canada recognize that physicians should not immediately call for cesareans when a baby is discovered to be breech. Three to four percent of babies will present breech at term. In the last few decades, medical schools have quit training physicians to assist at breech deliveries, and laws and medical policies often prevent midwives from supporting breech deliveries.

However, the evidence suggests that because c-sections present risks and potential complications, we should not assume that cesareans are better for breech deliveries. Rather, vaginal delivery is preferred, and requesting and promoting vaginal delivery for breech-presentation can help care providers comply with official recommendations.

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10 Surprising Things About Parenting in Norway

This discussion of international motherhood takes us to Norway, where hardiness and privacy are appreciated. Another fascinating read!

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Baby J Born!

November 20, 2014

UNC Women’s Hospital Chapel Hill, NC

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Baby A Born!

November 8, 2014

UNC Women’s Hospital Chapel Hill, NC

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Baby L Born!

October 27, 2014 UNC Women's Hospital Chapel Hill, NC

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For those interested in a scientific understanding of how Pitocin works -- and how it affects mothers and babies -- this paper is fascinating. One part that caught my attention in particular is the explanation of the normal process of labor increasing in intensity. The author explains that oxytocin (the "bonding hormone" produced during labor, breastfeeding, and close contact with others) does not increase and increase as labor intensifies, but rather, that the uterus becomes more and more sensitive to the oxytocin that is present. The scientific understanding of labor's natural progress is quite different from the typical induction, in which Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) is gradually increased until contractions become regular. Additionally, the effects of oxytocin and Pitocin vary in regards to the brain. The author's focus is aimed at understanding how Pitocin affects breastfeeding, and her explanation of both the natural birth and induction processes are enlightening.

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When left skin-to-skin and undisturbed, a baby's first hour after birth involves a slow process of waking and beginning to nurse. Baby-friendly practices allow the natural process to take place, and it is beautiful to watch.

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For a helpful overview of induction and the evidence for and against it, this is a great read with helpful links. Some details from the paper: Induction success: -without a sound medical reason, elective induction before 39 weeks increases risks to a baby, including breathing problems, infection, and NICU admission -if the cervix has not already begun to dilate and soften without intervention, elective induction before 41 weeks increases the chance of having an unplanned c-section How an induction changes labor: -induction requires an IV line and continuous electronic fetal monitoring, and eating and drinking are not typically allowed during inductions Evidence-based reasons for induction: -moderate evidence does exist for inductions in pregnancies lasting over 41 weeks, prelabor rupture of the membranes between 37 and 42 weeks, and high blood pressure near the end of pregnancy Reasons for induction NOT backed up by evidence: -prelabor rupture of the membranes in women who are 34-37 weeks pregnant -twin pregnancy -gestational diabetes requiring insulin -intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) at 37+ weeks -too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) Situations where induction is ineffective, harmful, or both: -concern that the baby will get too big (suspected macrosomia) -intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) before 37 weeks Induction methods that are ineffective: -hypnosis -homeopathy -sexual intercourse -sweeping / stripping membranes -acupuncture Self-induction methods that may be effective: -breast stimulation -castor oil ingestion With a Bishop score of 6 or higher, induction process involves: -breaking the bag of water (which means the induction cannot be stopped) -IV Pitocin -both IV Pitocin and breaking the bag of water With a Bishop score under 6, "cervical ripening" agents will usually be administered before induction: -prostaglandin suppositories -misoprostol administration -mechanical methods, like a foley catheter Cervical ripening methods increase the chance of having a baby within 24 hours but do NOT reduce the chance of having a c-section if these measures are not used Cautions: -breast stimulation, prostaglandin, and misoprostol all increase the chance of producing very strong contractions that may reduce oxygen flow to the baby

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Baby A Born!

October 10, 2014

UNC Women’s Hospital Chapel Hill, NC

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10 Surprising Things About Parenting in Mexico

What’s it like to raise red-headed children in Mexico? This mother’s beautiful description shows the fascinating, complex culture of warmth and history her children are experiencing.

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Baby G Born!

October 2, 2014

UNC Women's Hospital Chapel Hill, NC