The Science of Kangaroo Care

Yet another great link brought to my attention by friend Shell (who happens to be a fabulous midwife if you are a lookin').
HERE is a link to an article which looks at scientific evidence of skin to skin contact for baby and mama moments after birth. Truly fascinating. Check it out.

A must read

Very informative article about infant massage at Midwifery Today.

Back for Good

Our trip went well and I am excited to have an open datebook with plenty of time to be a mom and write here.

I am just in awe of the magnificence of a woman's ability to nurture a child both in the womb and out. Cliche, but it is simply miraculous. Regarding pregnancy and birth, I feel that each woman must make the choices that are right for her, and those choices are not the same for every woman. Women need to feel safe wherever they birth, whether that be in a hospital, birthing center or in the home.

What is your birth story?

Right now I am working on a project and I would love your input on any or all of the following:

Where did you choose to birth and why?

What was your experience?

What was your partner's role and feelings during the birth?

What did you learn from your birth; before, during and after?

If you birthed naturally, what helped you most to do this?

Did your mother tell you your own birth story?

Did you have plans/hopes prior to the birth? If so, what were they?

If you've had more than one pregnancy/birth, how were they different?

Would you do anything different in future births?

If you are an adoptive mother, what helped you to bond with baby?

And anything else you would like to share regarding birth or motherhood...

Also, please let me know if you prefer your thoughts not be shared with others. If you don't mind sharing, tell me if you would like to do so anonymously or named.

Comment here or Email me at yournaturalbabyandmore@gmail.com

THANK YOU! I look forward to hearing your stories: )

She works hard for the money

Ok. No money involved here.
But I am busy working on the vaccine post (which will be up tomorrow).
Today, my midwife Marinah gave some very interesting info on her blog about the effects of antibiotics in the first year of life. I wanted to share it with you and know you'll find it interesting.
CLICK HERE
A teaser...

From Medscape News: March 9, 2009 —
Antibiotic use in the first year of life is associated with a small, but statistically significant, increased risk for asthma in childhood.
The risk for the development of asthma in childhood increases as the number of antibiotic courses in the first year of life increases.