Prepared For Birth, VA.

09/02/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100063472303757/posts/795305892595147/?mibextid=CDWPTG

"Although it might seem as if parents have a binary decision to make - that is, give vitamin K or do not give vitamin K - there are actually a range of actions that parents can take.

These include:

- decide to give IM vitamin K (which is usually given just after birth)

- decide to give oral vitamin K (which is usually given in a series of doses over a few weeks)

- decide to give IM or oral vitamin K but in a different time frame from what is usual

- decline vitamin K but seek alternative (non-pharmacological) measures to increase baby's vitamin K levels

- decline vitamin K but become informed about VKDB (vitamin K deficiency bleeding) and know what to watch out for and what to do if worried

- decline vitamin K and do nothing else."

This is an excerpt from my book, 'Vitamin K and the Newborn', which helps parents and birth workers navigate and understand the evidence and the issues relating to vitamin K.

With these kinds of interventions and preventative treatments, there aren't always easy answers.

We are often giving something to thousands of babies in order to prevent a rare but occasionally serious fatal problem.

And it's important to think about the effects in those who wouldn't have had the problem, as well as about whether there are other approaches.

But there are often more options than you think, so it's important to get informed so that you can make the decisions that are right for you and your baby.

For more information, see my book, Vitamin K and the Newborn, and our information hub: www.sarawickham.com/vk

11/07/2022

https://fb.watch/gEKIczlGQ4/?mibextid=D5hRgS

Your birth can be a beautifully intimate experience, especially when your partner is prepared and empowered to support the process as it unfolds.

09/13/2022

Pregnancy and a sweet newborn do not cure Depression or Anxiety. Amazing mothers, who love their babies, can face mood disorders during and after pregnancy that are terrifying and isolating. You are NOT alone, you DO have safe treatment options, and you CAN feel better. If you are a mom, or you know a mom, check in with her through out early postpartum and the entire first year. If you need someone to talk to, send me DM...I will always listen.

09/11/2022

Your baby continues to recieve their own blood from the placenta through the umbilical cord after birth...like a one-way, transfusion, this can continue even after the placenta is delivered! Talk to your provider about waiting for this process to be complete before clamping or cutting the cord.

Once the blood stops the flowing; the cord gets the GOING.🏃🏾‍♀️🤱🏾💯

Repost By -

The umbilical cord is designed to vasoconstrict; which means the vein and the two arteries which is inside the cord WILL CONSTRICT OR CLOSE OFF ON ITS OWN once it is outside of the mother's womb and exposed to air. 🌬

While this process is happening the baby will be receiving its vital nutritious blood supply and stem cells from their placenta. Yes, that's right: The placenta belongs to the baby.💁🏽‍♀️ It was created for the baby with the baby's genetic material and when the baby is born it goes outside with the baby too.

Once the vessels inside of the cord is completely closed the cord will dry up and fall off.🍃🍂

Our bodies and our babies are perfectly designed to get the job done of creation and birth all on its own.💁🏽‍♀️🤰🏾🤱🏾💯

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Photo #2: with chart by
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Photo #6: TheBump.com

07/18/2022

This is a great opportunity to make sure your little ones are safe!

July Birth Circle Announcement! 7/25 7 PM - 8:30 PM

This month, we will be joined by TOL Midwife Beverley Bouchard - Midwife , to discuss and review carseat safety! Beverley will be wearing her Child Passenger Safety Technician hat to discuss current car seat safety guidelines for car riders of all ages, and perform free car seat checks for anyone who wants one.

Whether you're expecting a new little one and this will be your first rodeo in the world of car seats, or you're a seasoned parent and have been livin' that car seat life for a while, we will all have something beneficial to take away from this month's meeting.

04/02/2021

Welcoming a new Prepared for Birth Baby! Happy Birth Day to little William, we are so happy you are here! Congratulations to proud parents Bill and Joy!

10/28/2020

😂🤣

10/13/2020

October is pregnancy loss awareness month...an experience shared by many women. If you have experienced loss, you are not alone, your feelings are valid. Let's talk.

Miscarriage brings a wide array of emotions, and there’s no right way to feel during or after. You may feel anywhere from grief to relief, depending on your hopes and goals at this moment in your life - and that’s okay.⁠
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Many women who experience pregnancy loss find themselves in an all-consuming cycle of 'what ifs'. What if I had started taking prenatals earlier? What if I hadn’t had that class of wine? Did that one doubtful thought do it? It’s so important to know deep inside that there’s nothing you did wrong. There's nothing wrong with you. There's nothing wrong with your body. Miscarriage is incredibly common (as many as 1 in 4 pregnancies); it just seems like it’s not because we’re not talking about it due to grief, stigma, and shame and isolation around our reproductive health. In my family’s cultural background, you don’t tell anyone you’re pregnant until 5 months to avoid the ’shame and embarrassment’ if you miscarry.⁠
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We have to reframe shame and blame thinking around miscarriage. Over decades of work as a midwife I’ve learned that when we honor the experience and create sacred space around miscarriage - our bodies, brains, hearts, and psyches integrate the experience in a healing way. We experience the loss, yes, but we also experience a sense of completion, possibly even inner peace, and empowerment. While miscarriage can be terribly saddening and disappointing, it can simultaneously be sacred.⁠
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I’ve walked many women through this process and find it so important to create space, have support, and treat this experience as a significant life event, with a lot of self love and time built in for self care and healing. At the link below, I walk you through how to have a safe, empowered miscarriage at home, should that be an appropriate choice for you.⁠
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I also believe that if we open up to our sisters, we can share our grief with those who help us carry it, and we open a conversation about pregnancy loss that is waiting to be had. In the comments, if you feel comfortable doing so, even stating, I had a miscarriage - and if you care to share some of your story - talking about it will make other women feel less alone. I am listening to every word.

https://avivaromm.com/miscarriage-at-home/

06/25/2020

What a powerful way to raise sons to become men who are strong, yet gentle and caring. What an amazing way for a father to lead by example in how to love♡

During each contraction, her husband and sons would surround her with gentle touch and the sweetest words. Her youngest son would whisper, 'peace, peace, peace' as the contraction grew stronger...and would rub her arm as it faded away.

In a time where human touch has been so drastically limited due to COVID-19, I am finding these moments to be more powerful than ever before.

03/23/2020

I am considering doing some live online private, or group classes if there is interest. I know in all the shut downs, many expecting women will need alternative options for childbirth and breadfeeding preparation. If you are interested, comment or send me a message!

03/12/2020

I love the privilege of working with expectant parents to help them achieve a fulfilling birth experience! Review from my most recent clients.