Upcoming Local Events

 

 

Upcoming La Leche League Meetings

 

Tuesday, September 8th: The Worcester La Leche League will be holding its monthly day meeting from 9:30 - 11 AM at the Phelan Center on Pleasant St. in Worcester, MA

 
 A support group for mothers-to-be and mothers who are planning to or are already breastfeeding their babies.  We offer support, information and problem solving based on experiences and research. We welcome women of all backgrounds and in all stages of breastfeeding who wish to share their experiences or are seeking support. Babies/Kids welcome. View our website at: http://www.llleus.org/web/WorcesterMA.html

If you are interested in any of my services, please feel free to contact me for a free initial consultation.
Shelly Taft
(508) 245-5301
shelly@maternalgoddessdoula.com

A Doula's Presence At Birth...

...can result in fewer requests for pain medication

...can result in shorter births, especially for first time moms

....can result in less complications and less interventions, such as the use of pitocin, forceps and vacuum extraction, and cesarean surgery.


Birth in the News

Dangers of Cytotec.
 

Cytotec is used routinely to induce labor in pregnant women, with disastrous results. Please view this news video for more information.

 

The Physical Impact Of Cesareans
 

 We're seeing only the tip of the iceberg in regard to the impact of cesareans on women and their families. The reality is that the impact is far larger and deeper than we know. As the cesarean rate increases, so does our glimpse into the reality of the immense proportions of the epidemic and its impact on our lives. 

Read entire article..

Let The Baby Decide: The Case Against Inducing Labor.

 
Labor should be induced only when medically necessary, never simply for convenience or because a woman is sick of being pregnant. The risks in these situations far outweigh the perceived benefits. Determining postmaturity or a woman's readiness to give birth are complex processes. We are just beginning to understand the long-term effects on the fetal brain of drugs such as Pitocin, and the exact long-term effects of inducing or augmenting labor are unknown. Pregnant woman wanting information on the safety of a drug can consult the Physicians' Desk Reference or call the product safety officer at the pharmaceutical company where it is manufactured. 

Tips on Writing a Birth Plan

A birth plan is meant to convey your wishes and desires for your birth to your doctor and the hospital staff. When writing your birth plan, you should keep to the SSS rule: short, sweet, and skinny. You should keep your birth plan to a maximum of two pages, and be sure to use polite, positive, and respectful wording (ex: "We desire..." rather than "We don't want...") Also, keep in mind that while a birth plan is a great tool of communication between you and the hospital staff, it is simply a plan. Birth is an unpredictable event, and you must have some flexibility when it comes time for your birth.