NBC Doulas

Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We, Doulas of Greater St. Louis along with local childbirth educators and birth activists are asking for your support. Recently, NBC aired a piece on labor support which we feel left viewers with a negative view about doula support by kicking off the interview with the question, “Is it worth it”.
In a hospital interview, an obstetrician stated that they “banned” doulas, because they “get in the way”, suggesting that doulas interfere in critical moments that can adversely affect outcomes. Another physician went on to state that doula services are a “luxury”. If you didn’t see this segment, please take the time to view the piece at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27808452/.
We would like an opportunity to turn this view into something positive by gaining signatures and support of local families, obstetricians, midwives, doulas and other concerned citizens. Doulas are here to physically, emotionally and educationally support families in the childbearing years. Our support significantly decreases chances of medical interventions including use of Pitocin, pain medication and cesarean surgery, increased success with nursing, positive feelings about the birth experience, and a reduced possibility of post partum depression. Aside from the positive affects on the families we serve, doulas are helping hospitals and insurance companies alike by cutting the cost of the overall labor and birth. We have made great strides in the hospital setting working as team members with doctors and nurses alike.
If you have worked with a doula who contributed to positive feelings about your birth or such experiences of your clients or patients, please sign this document which will be used to encourage NBC to air a new piece on doulas and the positive effects of the services we provide. As many of you already can attest, in today’s atmosphere of managed care, we are a necessity, not a luxury.
Thank you for your support and consideration,

Rambly Hodgepodge

I guess intention does create reality. Less than 24 hours after I posted, I was invited to a party. Yippee! That's way outside my comfort zone. Gulp.

BTW in the spirit of Thanksgiving, don't wait for hallmark to tell you when to express gratitude.

Utah Phillips is on my mind today.

Truth or Dare?

Dare. Quit acting like the whole universe revolves around your kids, the tidiness of your house and birth. I love my girlfriends. I am grateful that I have an abundance of them. I am promising myself right now.... Friday night 11pm ... that within the next month, I will have at least one social adventure after dark outside of my comfort zone. I am a single woman, and I need to embrace it!

Really shocked at this change.... Wonder what's next

I was really surprised to hear that the Ammendment to ban gay marriage in California passed. What's next with this? Is it to remain a state issue, or will the federal government take it on? I don't know that much about it, except that it is a bunch of crap. Why is it anyone else's business who someone chooses to love? Seriously people... get real.

Bloggity Bobbity Boo

Dear Julie,
My kids love sugar. I want to be a nice mom, but I don't want them to act all crazy & get rotten teeth. What should I do with all of the Halloween Candy?
Mom to Sugar Addicts in MO

Dear Mom to Addicts,
I think you should let them eat enough sugar to make them puke their guts out, then offer them more & see if they want it for breakfast. I bet that will really fuck em up.
Julie

Seriously though, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, it's fun & I love the weather, costumes everything... how come more parents aren't buying healthier treats to hand out?
I know my kids got pissed at me last year when I handed out raisins & pretzels, but not as pissed as when I snuck a bunch of candy out of the drawer each day & trashed it until it was gone. I miss the days when it was okay to give orange slices at soccer games & popcorn on Halloween.

How do you make a kleenex dance?
Put a little boogie in it!

Why can't ghosts have babies?
Because they have Hollow Weenies!!

I know frightening.
Peace to all.

Blahhg

I got nothin.
But I do like Blahhg.
I was adequately busy today and still managed not to clean my house.
I wonder if I should start a day count of un cleaning, then maybe the shame will force me.
I cant help but believe that some part of me is culturally conditioned to approve of myself only if I have been busy.
Babystepping.
Goals for tomorrow....
Take a shower.
Make coffee.
What day is it tomorrow? Wednesday. Okay.
Appointment at 11
Appointment at 6
Appointment at 7:45
What else should I do?
MEDITATE for 20 minutes.
The End

Attitude

Dear Julie,
I think I'm funny, but everyone else says my attitude sucks. What should I do?
Cynic in Saint Louis

Dear Cynic,
You should try to be more like Mary Poppins.
Gleefully,
Julie

Okay, so maybe it would be better if I'm going to write a nit pick list, I have to write a good list too, that way I am not perpetuating the negativity, or causing my vast audience to believe that I am just a miserable mess.

Heres all the fantastic stuff I did over the weekend:
Bathed & fed my kids multiple times
Read them books
Colored pictures with them
Tucked them in & woke them up every day
Went to a soccer game
Went to a candle party
Welcomed a new baby into the world
Assisted a new family with breastfeeding issues
Networked with colleagues about various birth issues including classes, art, healing, mommy groups, board meetings, and acronyms
Took more than one shower
Woke up before 8 and stayed awake past 8 without any naps
Went to the print shop, laundromat & post office
Flew with an umbrella in a long poofy dress

Wow. I am really impressed. I think I'll go clean my house...oops I have to pick up my kids from school. I guess I'll do that later.