The Business of Being Born

A new documentary about birth in America was released on Netflix today. I saw a benefit screening of it at the beginning of January. I think it's a good introduction to some of the current issues facing birthing women in this country. If you're looking for a place to start looking into these issues, consider renting this. There is a preview found on their website, The Business of Being Born.

In other related news, many states in this country are introducing legislation this year (or are at least planning to) to establish regulations and licensure of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs)! While we are fortunate that about half of the states in this country already have licensure available, it is a sad truth that there are still some states where out-of-hospital midwifery care is not legally protected, and in some cases, is even illegal. Thankfully, though, The Big Push for Midwives, a nationally coordinated campaign, is advocating for licensure and regulation in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The map below breaks up the current situation state by state. I would love to see the day when it is all dark blue!

Prepared to Pacify

Unbelieveable as it seems most days, this baby is coming soon! I have less than 6 weeks to my "due date," that arbitrary date which I have never before hit. I'm hoping this may be the first time, though. It feels as though there are so many things to do in preparation for this new little one, and the thought of making the adjustment to three seems overwhelming some days.

One thing I have already made sure to have on hand is a couple of pacifiers. Not that I necessarily plan on using them right from the start (I'd rather establish a good nursing relationship first), but who knows when I'll leave the house again. I figure I should be ready to survive at least the first month or two without a trip to Babies 'R' Us.

With help from Eliana, I tried to pick the cutest BPA-free pacifiers available at the store. I'm hopeful the baby will love them as much as Eliana seems to. Eliana eagerly anticipates the birth of her new sister so that she can promptly shove one of these pacis in her mouth. Perhaps she'll finally be able to accomplish what I was never able to do--get my girls to take a pacifier. That never seemed all that bad to me until Eliana developed a high, narrow palate and a cross-bite from excessive thumb-sucking. I'd much prefer the paci (which I can take away) over dental appliances. I hope the baby will agree.

Personalities Shining Through

Husband and I kept referring to Eliana as "fiesty" throughout the last half of my pregnancy with her. My midwife, after noting the baby's movement during every prenatal visit, finally asked one day, "Is she always like this?" During one of the ultrasounds the tech commented that she had never seen a baby move so much and that I was sure to have my hands full. Then, to top it all off, my midwife's assistant, whom we had never met before the birth, commented just moments after the birth that, "This baby is fiesty!" And, sure enough, she is still a neverending ball of energy and movement.

With Evangeline, I kept commenting in pregnancy that she was very "particular." She would always let me know if I was doing something she didn't like! I told Chris I was afraid of having a fussy baby. I even had nightmares of her being born and fussing so much that no one wanted to hold her. When my parents came out to meet her when she was 4 months-old she screamed so much that they both quickly handed her back to me--my nightmare come true. I'm confident that she will always be a princess. :)

I have prayed for a mellow baby this time. I think I'm due for one. So far, though, I can't say I have any good reason to hope for it. My one-word description for this baby--"spastic."

Yes, Indeed!

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23