Inspired Childbirth Site Blog
The Inspired Childbirth Site Blog tracks what's new:
- with the website, letting you know when InspiredChildbirth.net adds new information and web pages.
- with Inspired Birth & Baby, letting you know about new and upcoming classes, programs and services.
- in the pregnancy and birth world, letting you know about the latest research, news stories and events.
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Mar 02, 2013
Northwest Indiana Birthing Classes, Natural Childbirth, Pregnancy Classes
Premier Northwest Indiana Birthing Classes, Pregnancy & Baby Care Classes: Register now for next series of classes and let Inspired Birth & Baby help give your baby an optimal start!
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Oct 12, 2012
What does bathing your baby have to do with breastfeeding?
There are many really good reasons to delay bathing your newborn, among them preserving and facilitating the breastfeeding instinct. One this article doesn't mention though is that pure and intoxicating newborn smell that's gone forever after they're bathed...
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Aug 10, 2012
Northwest Indiana Natural Childbirth Class: Natural Childbirth Essentials
A natural childbirth class can be the best investment you make in your baby's future! Natural Childbirth Essentials will give you with the tips, tools and techniques for an optimal birth experience.
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Aug 09, 2012
Healthy Pregnancy Class - Holistic Pregnancy Makeover
Prevent complications and grow a healthier baby by getting a holistic pregnancy makeover! This healthy pregnancy class gives you all the tools and tips you'll need to take your health to a new level.
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Feb 05, 2012
Next Natural Childbirth Class Begins March 6th!
There is still space available in my next series of Natural Childbirth Classes- This is an 8-week comprehensive class held in Merrillville, IN. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to have an optimal start for your baby!
Continue reading "Next Natural Childbirth Class Begins March 6th!"
Feb 05, 2012
What You Didn't Know About Kegels
It really makes sense that core body strength and alignment are the keys to pelvic floor function. I will definitely be incorporating this information into my birthing classes!
Nov 12, 2011
Natural Birth Essential Steps, Avoid Childbirth Complications
10 essential steps to beat the odds and get the natural birth you want. It’s a breeze when you set yourself up for success by doing things like creating a birth plan and avoiding an induced labor.
Continue reading "Natural Birth Essential Steps, Avoid Childbirth Complications"
Nov 12, 2011
Independent vs. Hospital Birthing Classes & Lamaze Classes
Choose the right birthing classes using our simple guide to comparing hospital Lamaze classes, independent classes, and the different childbirth methods.
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Nov 09, 2011
Beyond Lamaze Classes: Guide to the Best Childbirth Methods and Birthing Classes
Your best birth begins with the right childbirth class. From natural birthing methods to hospital Lamaze classes to online childbirth classes, find which option is right for you.
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Nov 06, 2011
Best Childbirth Methods, Birthing Methods
Confused about the different childbirth methods available? Get the scoop on the different types of birth preparation, including Brio Birth, Hypnobirthing and Lamaze classes vs a “Bradley birth”.
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Nov 06, 2011
Vitamin D Essential During Pregnancy
"If you or anyone you know is pregnant this may be one of the single most important physical strategies you can implement. It is very likely in the future it will be considered malpractice to not have your vitamin D levels measured."
Is your provider routinely checking vitamin D levels? If not, ask. And be sure you're getting at least 4,000 IUs of vitamin D daily during pregnancy.
Oct 28, 2011
New Class Series Just Added!
By popular demand, I just opened a new 8-week natural childbirth class beginning on January 8, 2012. Register early to secure your space!
Oct 28, 2011
Natural & Waterbirth in Hospitals
I like how she discusses how a "natural birth" is often defined very differently by doctors and medical staff than midwives and other natural birth advocates might. We just talked about this in class the other night and how important it is to ask your provider very specific questions to find out if you're on the same page or not.
Oct 09, 2011
Childbirth Education, Birthing Classes, Preparing for Childbirth
Your complete guide to natural childbirth education and preparation: the best pregnancy books and birth DVDs, navigating all the childbirth methods and options, writing a birth plan and more.
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Oct 09, 2011
Deadline to register for classes this Wednesday!
This is the first day of the rest of your baby's life- let me help you make it gentle and wonderful. I have 2 spots left in the class, be sure to register by Wednesday's deadline!
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Oct 09, 2011
Writing a Birth Plan; Creating a Birth Plan that People Will Read
Best tips for writing a birth plan that effectively communicates your priorities and preferences for birth. Learn what a birth plan can and cannot do for you.
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Oct 08, 2011
Best Pregnancy Books, Pregnancy Diet Books, Books on Pregnancy
Reviews of the best pregnancy books to guide you through pregnancy, labor, birth and beyond: Nothing compares to a good book for inspiration, education and simply what to expect when expecting.
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Oct 07, 2011
OB GYN Doctor or Midwife Birth? A Holistic Guide to Your Childbirth Options
A holistic guide to pregnancy and childbirth options: OB GYN doctor or midwife birth? Hospital birth, home birth or birth center? Find out how to set yourself up for the safest and best birth.
Continue reading "OB GYN Doctor or Midwife Birth? A Holistic Guide to Your Childbirth Options"
Oct 02, 2011
Birthing Centers, Hospital Birth & Home Birth, Oh My!
Birthing centers, hospitals and giving birth at home are all valid childbirth options, but which one is right for you? And what unique challenges and responsibilities will each require of you?
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Oct 02, 2011
C-sections & Epidurals
Insight into the C-section decision-making process from a very honest OB and more support for the need for more midwifery care!
Oct 01, 2011
OB GYN Doctors vs Midwives: Who Should Attend Your Birth?
The secret OB GYN doctors don’t want pregnant women to know: Why midwifery care is better and safer for most women and their babies. (And btw, you don’t have to have a homebirth to use a midwife!)
Continue reading "OB GYN Doctors vs Midwives: Who Should Attend Your Birth?"
Aug 23, 2011
OB GYN Doctor Reviews, Hospital Reviews, Other Childbirth Options
Best sources of birth place, midwife and doctor reviews and referrals: Where to find the best information on hospitals, birthing centers, OB GYN doctors and other pre natal care providers.
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Aug 21, 2011
The Butterfly Must Find Its Own Way
I'm happy and grateful to have witnessed several women become butterflies right before my very eyes...
Aug 17, 2011
True Story of Boy Damaged by Pitocin Use
Passing this on may prevent this from happening to someone you know or even save a baby's or mother's life...
Aug 17, 2011
Prevent an "Unnecessarean"
Prepare to be disturbed by exactly how extremely the drug Pitocin is being abused in US hospitals. Please educate yourself on the risks of this dangerous drug and feel empowered to "just say no!"
Aug 15, 2011
Natural Pregnancy, Healthy Pregnancy from Conception to Birth
Your guide to getting that natural pregnancy glow: Everything you need to know from a healthy diet for pregnancy to natural remedies to organic pregnancy skincare and much more…
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Aug 14, 2011
Midwives, Doulas, Chiropractic During Pregnancy: Your Prenatal Care Dream Team
Chiropractic during pregnancy is just one part of a holistic prenatal care plan. Find out the many benefits of using chiropractors, doulas, midwives and other holistic care providers.
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Aug 11, 2011
Privacy, Please!
A humorous look at one of the reasons the hospital birth environment is less than optimal...
Aug 10, 2011
Overcoming Fears
"Because of fear and stress, we keep sending blood and oxygen away from our digestive organs, our sex organs, etc. If we were not on high alert all of the time, then our bodies could function at a much higher level. This is true every day of our lives, but is especially important during pregnancy and birth."
Aug 07, 2011
Prevent Yeast Infection During Pregnancy, Why Use Probiotics During Pregnancy
An ounce of prevention when it comes to yeast infection during pregnancy is worth a pound of Monistat 7! Find out how to balance your body so hungry yeast won’t be tempted to feast.
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Aug 03, 2011
Homebirth Featured on GMA
This is a very nice piece on Good Morning America about homebirth, featuring both celebrities and us "regular women" who choose this option.
Jul 24, 2011
Get Off Your Back!
Who's gonna be in charge of your birth? It's my wish that all women get off their backs- literally and figuratively speaking- when they give birth.
Jul 21, 2011
Pregnancy Home Remedies, Pregnancy Natural Remedies, Medications and Pregnancy
Pregnancy home remedies for the most common problems & complications in pregnancy: A holistic approach will address underlying causes as well as relieve bothersome symptoms.
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Jul 20, 2011
Pregnancy Nausea, Pregnancy and Morning Sickness
Does your pregnancy nausea make you want to curl up in fetal position? Whether you have mild or severe morning sickness, get the facts about what to expect and how to relieve your symptoms.
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Jul 17, 2011
Dads & Doulas: A Great Pairing
I hear husbands say all the time (including my own!), "I think the doula helped me more than she helped my wife!". Here's a dad's perspective on why a doula is one of the best investments you can make during pregnancy:
Jul 17, 2011
Videos for a Better Birth
This short and sweet video series from the Mother's Advocate website is a perfect overview if you are just starting to look at your childbirth options. It's also a great refresher of the basics to guide you in writing a birth plan and collaborating with your care team.
Jul 11, 2011
Have you asked your provider yet about delayed cord clamping?
Here's an excellent blog post explaining the research and practice of early vs. delayed umbilical cord clamping.
Continue reading "Have you asked your provider yet about delayed cord clamping?"
Jul 10, 2011
Cause of Preeclampsia, Healthy Pregnancy Diet and Pre-Eclampsia
Is poor nutrition during pregnancy really the cause of preeclampsia or is there more to it? Toxemia explained in light of most current research.
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Jul 09, 2011
Understanding Preeclampsia, Cause of Preeclampsia, Toxemia Explained
What is preeclampsia and how do you prevent it? Surprising cause for toxemia explained.
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Jul 06, 2011
Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness, Help for Morning Sickness
There are a lot of so-called morning sickness cures out there, but what really works? Get help for your nausea during pregnancy with these 12 simple & effective natural remedies for morning sickness.
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Jul 01, 2011
Depression During Pregnancy, Pregnancy Stress, Anxiety During Pregnancy
Depression during pregnancy feels unsettling at a time when you expect to be happy and excited. Natural remedies for depression are helpful, as is an understanding of emotions during pregnancy.
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Jul 01, 2011
Pregnancy Back Pain, Pregnancy Bachache, Lower Back Pain and Pregnancy
Pregnancy back pain solutions: Natural remedies for back pain during pregnancy like the Webster technique effectively treat lower back pain and pregnancy backache.
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Jul 01, 2011
Why Choose Home Birth?
"For me — a healthy woman with few risk factors — delivering at home was a safe choice that offered better care. It was also more convenient, comfortable and cost-effective."
Jul 01, 2011
Pitocin and ADHD
"...the study findings showed that children whose mothers were exposed to pitocin during labor had nearly double the risk of ADHD as compared to the children with no exposure to pitocin, a whopping 67.1% versus 35.6%, respectively."
Jul 01, 2011
Did You Like Your Childbirth Class?
Fortunately, the feedback I've received about my classes has been overwhelmingly positive. I've even had many skeptical fathers begin classes who come back after their birth and can't say enough about how the class helped them.
Jun 30, 2011
Sometimes It's Life or Death
I usually like to focus on all the wonderful benefits of holistic pregnancy care and natural birth: bonding, breastfeeding, health, empowerment, etc. But the hard reality is it's also about being alive at the end of it all to enjoy your baby...
Jun 22, 2011
This Is How It's Done!
Babies instinctively know how to get to the breast and start nursing all by themselves! When we don't mess with their ability to express this instinct, breastfeeding is established with much more ease and success.
How to not mess with it:
- Don't separate mom and baby until after they have done this. This means, no weighing, routine procedures, etc, that can't be done right on mom's chest.
- Mom and baby should be skin to skin and left alone to bask and enjoy each other in the afterglow of birth (with dad, of course!)
- Avoid epidurals and other medications during labor.
- Relax and allow your intelligent baby to lead the way! (Be patient, it may take up to an hour or so.)
Jun 21, 2011
Kegels In Pregnancy, Kegel Exercise Tips, Keep Kegel Muscle from Tearing
Why you should do Kegels in pregnancy & for the rest of your life: Lessen your risk of tearing and episiotomy during birth, enjoy faster childbirth recovery, prevent urinary incontinence & more!
Continue reading "Kegels In Pregnancy, Kegel Exercise Tips, Keep Kegel Muscle from Tearing"
Jun 20, 2011
Natural and Organic Body Care for Pregnancy, Pregnancy Skin Care
Natural pregnancy skin care and organic body care tips. Did you know what you put on your skin is absorbed directly into the body? Replace toxic products with natural ones for hair, clothes and body.
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UPCOMING CLASSES:
Natural Childbirth Essentials
Weekend Intensive
**NOTE DATE CHANGE**
March 22-23-24, 2013
Optimal Start Series
10-Week Course
April 9th - June 11th, 2013