“No one likes a bully” they are aggressive jerks!  Bullies are found everywhere!  Bullies are defined as people who use intimidation and sarcasm to “get their way” and “in their minds” they somehow believe they have the authority to demean anther person.  Bullies are self-governed by their narcissistic motivation to elevate themselves.  Bullies actually get satisfaction when they belittle another individual.  The bully will do anything and everything they can verbally to tear down another person. They do this by laughing at them, not listening, interrupting and even “telling them off”.  Bullies thrive on being right and letting everyone know it!

Everyday while working with women,  I listen to stories from clients  about how they believe they failed at birth.  I hear words like ” failure, wimp, didn’t try, “they made me get an epidural”, and “not a ‘real’ natural birth”.  They will tell their “birth story” and over and  the common thread of defeat is ” I feel like a failures” because they did not experience birth like their friends, co-worker, and family.  Women will talk of a so called “friend having a painless easy birth” and question why they could have them same, they must have failed.  The feelings of failure arise from conversations whereas women challenge each other on their birth options and outcomes.  Often, one can hear the conversations “well I had my baby at__________, why would you ever think of anything else? If you go to that facility  ____________they will _______, and _________, or ________.”

Sometimes one can hear ” that can’t be safe”……. or ”you’re crazy to consider that”

Just fill in the blanks, it can be fun.  No matter where you are the birth bullies try to make their personal opinion and outcome the one that is best for others.  It can be such a strong influence that one can feel reject and like a failure if they don’t even try what the bully suggests.  Bullies often use fear to make to coercive their opinion.  They will attempt scare you into believing that options are not options by using the biggest scare tactic of all, “they will take your baby”.

My philosophy is that all babies are born.  Think about it -they are born.  Very few are born in a “blissful breathing baby out with harmonious singing and happiness and no pain.”  This is not the norm, and it definitely doesn’t happen often.   Believe it or not, in our world today, over 90% of all  babies are born as “natural .”    The birth itself  is also one of the most powerful athletic events of all times!  This event surpass all team sports,  olympics,  gold medals and trophies.  This event uses an entire body to rhythmically and gently move a living being out of another. Yes, there is pain, exhaustion, physical, mental and emotional work and most importantly there is great reward.  Birth requires training, health, and strength, it is not for wimps, failures, and cowards. Even bullies can give birth!

Every athlete in our world endures pain, training, exhaustion and reward.  Athletes need encouragement, coaches, trainers and the cheering audience, not bullies.   GOD’s plan was for women to be the champions.  He chose women because they are strong, wise, fearless and able to complete the task.  Each women who desires and is chosen to given birth will win and receive the prize!  It is a miraculous event that can happen.  BIRTH IS FOR CHAMPIONS -NO BULLIES ALLOWED.

The bible describes the evilness of the tongue in Psalms 52, reading the the tongue is deceitful, devises destruction like a two edgedsword.   Reading these scriptures one can understand how words can be so painful that the cut to the heart of an individual. Our words to one another are very strong, and can either uplift or tear one down.  I am challenging myself and you to champion positive influencing words to empower women in having an INCREDIBLE BIRTH DAY!

I understand why ancient cultures would advise pregnant women to only view objects of beauty and think pleasant thoughts.  You know that feeling when you are pregnant and all the worries of the world are not on your shoulders but land in your womb inspiring a round of braxton hicks contractions?  Thinking about the debt, feeling the heat, making a living in this economy, and that’s on top of mommy’s heartburn, hemorrhoids and minimal requirement of 7 strategically placed pillows if I have a chance of sleeping.  (Let’s help her out daddies, friends and family !)

When it comes to really big problems, I think it is easy for us to either pass them off as “too big” or to engage in the non-productive squawking that drive up ratings on TV.  What can I, one pregnant woman  in a country of millions do to impact something as hard to get our arms around as the deficit and the debt?  Very simply, you can give birth.  You are a healthy woman capable of giving birth outside the hospital….because you aren’t sick !  Our country is faced with some really hard choices…and I hope there are enough resources to care for the sick and frail.  Kudos to our New Birth Company moms for choosing out of hospital birth and doing your part to reduce the cost of healthcare in America.  Thank you !

Recently I was asked, “Why do you have so many pictures of naked dads?”

I was slightly surprised and taken back by this question, and pondered as to where one might surmise I had pictures of “naked dads”.  Obviously the question resulted in my face contorting  a puzzled look.

“Naked dad’s?” I responded?

“yeah, those pictures you have of naked dads holding a baby”

“OHHHHHHHHHHHH”  now I understood!  “those aren’t naked dads, those are daddies who are holding their brand new babies closest to their skin to keep them warm!”

Amazingly, God made our bodies with incredible blood flow.  The rushing arteries motorized by the amazing beating heart pumping blood throughout our bodies produces incredible heat.  This heat filters into our fat tissue, and seeps out of our skin to keep us warm.

New born babies are much the same except their systems are newly transitioning to life outside of the womb.    They do not have a lot of “fat” like adults.  They have a fat called “brown fat” that actually is a reserved for them to maintain heat.  Brown fat is different, in many ways, primarily it is quickly burned up (metabolized) when used for heat.   It actually helps the babies maintain a core body temperature. If a baby is not warm, it body will use the stores of brown fat to maintain warmth.  These stores can quickly be used up and then the baby can no longer maintain a good body temperature.

Keeping “brown fat” in mind and a new born baby, one can consider how easy it is for them to be cold.  Really, they are coming out of a very warm environment.  The temperature they are used to is about 98.6 F.  At birth, a baby leaves this warm environment and most often comes into a cooler environment.  They also enter this new environment wet.  The cooler environment would be like stepping out of a heated pool into a 70 degree room.  It is chilly to say the least.  Therefore, their initial reaction may be to cry.  (I would- it is cold).  In addition, they will start using their brown fat reserves to keep warm.

To help our newborn babies reduce their stress, we like for the babies to go right on to mom’s abdomen or chest if the cord is long enough so that they can immediately feel her warm skin.   They also benefit from hearing her heart beat and snuggling.  Once born, we may use a soft blanket or towel to dry them off and cover their body while laying directly on mom.  They remain unclothed and are laying on moms uncovered skin. When ready, dad may take the baby to hold and snuggle.  Of course, we ask the dads to “remove their shirts” and snuggle those babies next to their body so they can stay warm.

Our bodies are a natural heat source for the brand new babies to keep warm.  We can actually provide them with the best heat source possible.  The best way for the baby to obtain this heat is direct skin to skin contact.  Babies skin touching directly on to mom’s or dad skin.  If the baby, mom or day is dressed then some of the heat is absorbed into the fabric.  The best way to keep a baby warm and reserve the brown fat is skin to skin contact immediately after birth.

I guess I have to say “we like naked dad’s” because we know that the baby is warm.

Sunday is the day to plan what you are going to eat the rest of the week.  Time to cut up carrots, turkey breast & make that fruit salad.  Let your partner help you with this….”Hey honey, would you like to help the baby be healthy?”  Food is important way for your partner to take an active role in supporting you.  Catch up on why this smoothie is so good for you here. 

C-Breeze Smoothie
½ Cup Strawberries
¼ Banana
½ Cup Orange Juice
½ Cup Ice
¼ Cup Frozen Yogurt (or regular yogurt)
1 t. Shredded Coconut
3-4 Slice of Raw Ginger (optional)

We encourage all women to get in touch with where there food comes from.  Venture down to The City Market for the same fresh produce that the top chefs use.  They are open on Saturday 6am- 3pm and Sunday 8am-3pm.
Did you know Cathy’s book is now available for purchase?  We have signed copies !  Buy one here and learn more about birth around the world.
July Childbirth and Beyond Birth classes are now available for registration.

Beds arrive : It was a dreary rainy Thursday afternoon; voilà our own sunshine arrives. Two  specially ordered beds, our Cosmopolitan Four Poster Birthing Bed the Sleigh bed arrived in perfect condition . Though we were in the middle of a construction zone we just had to put one together with a set of  beautiful Laura Ashley bedding…just to keep us dreaming of our opening day. The Contemporary Bed is on it’s way. Thanks for dreaming with us.

We had an exciting investors meeting full of information and updates on each step of our construction. We ended the evening with a scrumptious dinner at YiaYias.Cathy will give us a weekly update on progress on Overland Park permits.

We firmly believe in everyone learning CPR . Please review these procedures. All  staff at NBC are certified in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

We wish all our dads/fathers the best Fathers Day. Bless all of you who have filled this spot in our lives.

See you next week.

WOWOWOW what a day!  Kendra and I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Vic Finch, Team supervisor of Building safety for Overland Park Planning and Development, and Mr. Dave Doljac, Senior Plans Examiner.  It was fun and absolutely great to meet with both of these men who are highly concerned for everyone’s safety as well the quality of facility you are choosing with New Birth Company.

I personally enjoyed sharing our passion and love for birth centers as well as the midwifery scope of care.  Since there are no other birth centers in Overland Park, it is really hard for people to understand the different culture a birth center has.  We took the time to diagram and explain how birth centers are different from hospitals.  ALSO, how the midwifery model of care is NOT drive by productivity but more through the process of relationships with the families we serve.

We discussed our values of the prenatal clinic visit.  One of the values has to do with the time you spend with your midwife rather than the time you spend waiting on your midwife.  We do NOT want you waiting on us, in the “waiting room” or clinic room.  Our goal and standard is that you to come in and enjoy the beautiful planned community room briefly then go back for your appointment as planned.  The maximum time in the clinic will be the face to face time with your midwife!!!! This is important to us…we value your time!

Well after 2 hours of chatting, Kendra and I headed out to Quick Trip!  Yep, a cool drink in the summer does the body good!  Mr. Finch and Doljac emailed us some wonderful comments soooooo, our fabulous architect Joel Perry will make a few design changes and resubmit the permit!

I am happy with today’s meeting!!!!

"Smoothie Girl" Heather

Smoothie Recipe #1

C-Breeze

This simple strawberry banana smoothie is a great way to start the day or to refresh your palate over lunch on a hot summer day.  Due to the strawberries and orange juice, this smoothie is packed with vitamin C.  According to the National Institute of Health (2011), pregnant or lactating women need 120 mg of vitamin C per day.  This smoothie contains 96.6 mg of vitamin C, so nearly the full day’s recommended amount.  Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps prevent damage by free radicals and helps with the growth and repair of body tissues.  It also improves the absorption of iron, which is another essential nutritional element in a pregnant woman’s diet.  So, pair this smoothie with a kale and spinach salad and you’re on your way to making your body (and your baby) happy and healthy.

You’ll also find ginger and coconut in this recipe to add a hint of extra flavor.  Ginger promotes digestion and, according to Hilary Jacobson’s Mother Food (2004), ginger also promotes lactation. Ancient Ayurvedic medicine describes ginger as helping to “cleanse the milk” (2004).  Coconut is also believed to carry many nutritional benefits and is regarded by many cultures, such as Pacific Islanders, as a revered source of both food and medicine.  It is also an excellent natural sweetener.  If you prefer thicker smoothies, decrease the amount of juice and add a thickener, like frozen yogurt or regular yogurt, as well as more ice.  Then kick back, put your feet up, and enjoy!

½ Cup Strawberries
¼ Banana
½ Cup Orange Juice
½ Cup Ice
¼ Cup Frozen Yogurt (or regular yogurt)
1 t. Shredded Coconut
3-4 Slice of Raw Ginger (optional)

Nutritional information, according to www.mypyramid.gov
Calories: 174 kcal
Protein: 3 gm
Fiber: 3 gm
Fat: 2.4 gm
Vitamin C: 96.6 mg
Iron: 0.6 mg
Potassium: 548 mg
Sodium: 39 mg

Reference:
Jacobson, H. (2004). Mother food: For breastfeeding mothers from around the world. Rosalind Press.
National Institute of Health (2011). Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1001.html

One of the MOST important aspects of your prenatal care is to clearly identify your due date!  Historically, the “gold standard” for getting your due date as accurate as possible is to base it on your last menstrual period(LMP).  This method of calculation is used throughout the world and has proven itself as very accurate.  HOWEVER, it can be a huge  problem to consider accurate IF a woman is unsure of her LMP.

It is not unusual to now really know your LMP, an for some women is quite common for the following reasons.

• Irregular periods making tracking the “time of the month” harder unless you actually write it on a calendar to refer to.
• Breastfeeding a baby can alter your ovulation, making tracking when you actually got pregnant difficult.
• Some areas of the world do not use calendars which really makes the dating difficult.

So how do you know when you are really due?

Well, that is a great question!  I can answer that question in several manners.  First, many women know when they actually got pregnant based on monitoring closely when they ovulate and have intercourse.  REALLY!  When you ovulate your bodies gives out signs that  ovulation is happening and if you have intercourse at the same time the probability of pregnancy is high! THE accuracy of your due date is best if you know when you ovulated(and more information on ovulation would be another blog topic).

We can also figure out your estimated due date (EDD) by ultrasound, “sort-of”.  This is done by measuring the head of the baby to the end of the spine, called a “crown-rump” measurement.  The best time to measure for MOST accurate due dates is during the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy. The Ultrasound machine then calculates  your baby and compares it to the “average size” of  baby at a certain growth and “estimates” a due date within one week.

If an Ultrasound is done after 12 weeks it has a 2 week error margin on accurate calculations of your due date.  Yep 2 week error margin, so if you have an ultrasound and the tech tells you they think your EDD is 12/25 (Christmas Day) remember that your baby could still be within the limits of the Ultrasound by being born on Dec.11 through Jan 5. Keep in  mind knowing your LMP is a better EDD than by Ultrasound.

One the “old fashion” ways to determine the EDD (and still remains as a high standard) is when you feel the baby move for the first time really well and that the top of the uterus is felt in line with your belly button when you are reclining.  When this all lines up, you are at 20 weeks!  It is really a great way we use to make sure your body is matching the date we have decided on.  Ask your provider to help you feel the top of your uterus–it is really fabulous!

After 28 weeks of pregnancy- it is really hard to get an accurate EDD within 2 weeks, therefore making the pregnancy harder to establish as normal. If an Ultrasound is completed, it can have a 3 week error margin!!!!

New Birth Company Birth Center had a due date given by our contractors of June 17th, for our completion.  Unfortunately, at this time we have come against a snag, or maybe I should say an ROCK WALL.  We have not received all of our permits for building the reaming parts of the building!  It is really frustrating to be held up by the permit people in Overland Park.  Basically we request a permit, and then the planning department responds with questions or approval.  We have been quick to answer all questions within 24 hours and serve as ready for any more at any time.  Unfortunately, Overland Park has a process where they are not obligated to respond to requests for 21 days.  They actually make us wait the entire 21 days to respond to our permitting process. The delay is not only very painful, but also very expensive to us as we are making payments for a facility we are not using. We have spent countless hours in meetings, writing letters, talking on the phone and waiting. I have been told, this is there slow time, and I wonder, really?

I think getting an accurate EDD is very important, even for New Birth Company.  Inaccurate information is costly, time, consuming and painful!

We only have a few birth days!  Our bodies are born as girls and mature into women with the ability to give birth.  We only give birth a few times in our lives.  Therefore, we need to focus on birth as a unique, valued time in a woman’s live where we celebrate the miracle and blessing of birth. A BIRTH day is a day of life, celebration and family!

Choosing the best setting for your birth day is very important.  Due to incredible marketing, hospitals rank as the number one birth option for women and their families to use to give birth.  Out of hospital births are not as common but on a rapid rise, they are like on of our best kept secrets.  There are a myriad of reasons  one might  choose an out of hospital birth as opposed to a hospital birth.  Primarily men and women are now leaning towards more affordable birth options while reducing the risks to mothers and babies.

Sadly the number on risk to a woman in labor is surgical intervention.  Failed induction, adverse response to induction and fear are the number one reasons that surgical births are occurring.   Surgical births is also very expensive and increases the risks for women and their babies after delivery with infection, respiratory illness, blood clots, prolonged hospitalization, undue pain etc., etc. etc.

CHOOSING THE BEST SETTING FOR YOU IS VERY IMPORTANT.  ONE OF THE

BIGGEST DETERRENTS TO MAKING YOUR CHOICE MAY BE YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY.

Lets talk a little about how you can choose your birth setting.

• Check out your options, visit local birth centers, take a tour, ask them how they handle safety.
• Talk to the midwives, ask about their philosophy of birth, how they handle emergencies, when are they present for you birth.
• Talk to the doctors, ask about their philosophy of birth, how they handle emergencies, when are they present for your birth.
• ASK EVERYONE ABOUT COSTS.  Remember the costs of the hospital are called facility fees, asked about other fees too!  Like the costs of the pediatrician, the medicines, the doctor or midwife, the room, anesthesia, there are a lot of “hidden costs” get it all in writing.

1. Did you know that the “average” cost for a natural vaginal birth in the hospital here in Kansas City is $12,500.00.
2. Did you know that the “average” cost for a natural vaginal birth at a birth center in the Kansas City area is $4500…and this cost INCLUDES the fee for your midwife, your baby, any medications used during birth or immediately after birth, all NB screening, aromatherapy, nutrition, water birth, staff, and much more.
3. Did you know that birth center staff must be certified like hospital staff in Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and Neonatal resuscitation?
4. Did you know that birth centers have available medications for you if you need an IV, treatment for infection such as GBS, treatment for hemorrhage and many other concerns of  delivery?
5. Did you know that our states both Kansas and Missouri license free standing birth centers (and I am talking about those who are NOT part of a hospital)?
6. Did you know that government based health care insurance plans credential birth centers.  In other words reimburse them for services they offer?
7. Did you know that birth centers do work with hospitals and OB/GYNs if you need more help getting your baby born or need to transfer your care?  They are prepared in emergencies and are ready if and when one may happen.

So, if you are considering choosing an out of hospital birth setting, and your insurance company is telling you to “pick a hospital”, let them know the 7 statements I wrote above.    You are the consumer of the insurance plan you carry—ask them to consider saving MORE money by adding  a birth center to their listing of birth options.  They will save money and you will have an incredible birth day!

Let me know your thoughts!  There is SO much to talk about and I have just touched the tip of a BIG ICEBERG here!

Ciao!

Welcome to the family, Justine Flory!! Justine lives in Lawrence, Ks., has a great and supportive husband and an adorable little boy. Of course he was born in warm and loving birthing center. Justine received her midwifery education from the University of Kansas. We are eager for you to meet her.

Nurse Midwife

Kelly Fritz, Certified Nurse Midwife starts working officially at New Birth Company today!!!

Keely believes in  “Keeping birth normal and empowering women in their birth experiences”.

She also says that women’s health care is best served in a wellness oriented setting, and appreciate the value of the educational opportunities that we have with each client encounter.  When we educate women about their health, we can impact their health, the health of their families, and ultimately the health of our communities.

She is an ARNP-Nurse Midwife and ARNP- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Women’s Health and Community Health with 25 years of experience in nursing, related to mothers and babies, and 8 years of experience as a Nurse-midwife specializing in all areas of Women’s Health (family planning, STI testing/treatment, women’s health, preconceptual, prenatal/intrapartum and postpartum care).  Her work experience has been in a variety of locations, including a regional medical center, community hospital, county health department, freestanding birth center, midtown clinic, and private office.  I speak Spanish, and enjoy working with and learning about women from different cultural groups.

Kelly loves to spend time with my family (hubby & daughters), travel, be outdoors, read and learn.

Welcome Kelly -we are glad you are here.  To schedule an appointment with Kelly, go ahead and give us a call at 913-735-4888.