Monthly Archives: April 2011

VBAC Story: The Birth of Oliver William

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Brielle

Since my last post was about improving hospital-based maternity care, today I’m posting a birth story that is a perfect example of how maternity care should look. Heather hired me as a monitrice because she felt safest in the hospital, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized, VBAC | 1 Comment

Cesarean Epidemic Conclusion: Homebirth is Not the Only Answer

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Brielle

We need to work to improve hospital-based maternity care. There are models in the US and around the world for good maternity care. Yes, there are hospitals that have <15% cesarean rates, high VBAC rates, offer breech and twin vaginal … Continue reading →

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Cesarean Epidemic, cont’d.

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Brielle

Instead of posting myself today, I’m going to continue the topic, by reposting a comment I received on my first Cesarean Epidemic post. I asked how we can turn this epidemic around, and here’s what one of my favorite birth … Continue reading →

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The Cesarean Epidemic, Part 3: Positive Birth Stories

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Brielle

In my last post, I discussed the importance of telling our children their birth stories. Today, let’s talk about telling others our birth stories. When we are pregnant or have just birthed, our hearts are wide open. When people tell … Continue reading →

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The Cesarean Epidemic, Part 2: Birthday Birth Stories

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Brielle

So, after an awesome weekend with dear friends and a super fun trip to Old City Park in Dallas, my mind is clear and I’m ready to tackle this issue. A dear client, got me thinking about birthdays and birth … Continue reading →

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The Cesarean Epidemic

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Brielle

In continuing to discuss VBAC in honor of Cesarean Awareness Month (CAM), I was planning to write about skyrocketing cesarean rates. In my life before kids, I worked in public health, and I always get a little excited when I … Continue reading →

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Creating a Blessing Circle (Blessingway)

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Brielle

A Blessing Circle is based on the traditional Navajo ceremony to celebrate important life passages, known as a Blessingway.  Out of respect for the Navajo people I draw from this beautiful ceremony to create a Blessing Circle (or Mother Blessing). … Continue reading →

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VBAC and the Art of Letting Go: Note to Midwives, Doulas, and Mamas

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Brielle

The first VBAC I ever attended completely blew my mind. I watched a woman move from excited and hopeful to the darkest, scariest place of fear, to surrender, to extraordinary power and then to the softest, most tender human presence … Continue reading →

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VBAC and the Art of Letting Go, Part 3

Posted on April 3, 2011 by Brielle

We’ve been talking about how to get into the right frame of mind for having a VBAC.  Here are a few more tips: Get determined. Believe you will have a VBAC. Stay away from naysayers or negative birth stories. When … Continue reading →

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VBAC and the Art of Letting Go: Part 2

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Brielle

In the last post, we discussed ways to process the trauma of a c-section in preparation for VBAC. As you do that, begin to incorporate these habits into your life: Practice letting go. When your child or partner tests your … Continue reading →

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