Inspired Childbirth Site Blog

Mar 2, Northwest Indiana Birthing Classes, Natural Childbirth, Pregnancy Classes

Sat, 2 Mar 2013 13:41:42 -0500

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!

Oct 12, What does bathing your baby have to do with breastfeeding?

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 22:52:44 -0400

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...

Aug 10, Northwest Indiana Natural Childbirth Class: Natural Childbirth Essentials

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:51:17 -0400

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.

Aug 9, Healthy Pregnancy Class - Holistic Pregnancy Makeover

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 22:58:51 -0400

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.

Feb 5, Next Natural Childbirth Class Begins March 6th!

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 10:32:46 -0500

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!

Feb 5, What You Didn't Know About Kegels

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 10:32:46 -0500

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, Natural Birth Essential Steps, Avoid Childbirth Complications

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:40:49 -0500

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.

Nov 12, Independent vs. Hospital Birthing Classes & Lamaze Classes

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 12:37:29 -0500

Choose the right birthing classes using our simple guide to comparing hospital Lamaze classes, independent classes, and the different childbirth methods.

Nov 9, Beyond Lamaze Classes: Guide to the Best Childbirth Methods and Birthing Classes

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 14:01:34 -0500

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.

Nov 6, Best Childbirth Methods, Birthing Methods

Sun, 6 Nov 2011 22:42:31 -0500

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”.

Nov 6, Vitamin D Essential During Pregnancy

Sun, 6 Nov 2011 13:17:34 -0500

"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, New Class Series Just Added!

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:26:07 -0400

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, Natural & Waterbirth in Hospitals

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:26:07 -0400

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 9, Childbirth Education, Birthing Classes, Preparing for Childbirth

Sun, 9 Oct 2011 21:03:15 -0400

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.

Oct 9, Deadline to register for classes this Wednesday!

Sun, 9 Oct 2011 10:05:52 -0400

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!

Oct 9, Writing a Birth Plan; Creating a Birth Plan that People Will Read

Sun, 9 Oct 2011 01:12:06 -0400

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.

Oct 8, Best Pregnancy Books, Pregnancy Diet Books, Books on Pregnancy

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 20:16:16 -0400

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.

Oct 7, OB GYN Doctor or Midwife Birth? A Holistic Guide to Your Childbirth Options

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 22:25:24 -0400

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.

Oct 2, Birthing Centers, Hospital Birth & Home Birth, Oh My!

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 21:01:07 -0400

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?

Oct 2, C-sections & Epidurals

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 09:04:25 -0400

Insight into the C-section decision-making process from a very honest OB and more support for the need for more midwifery care!

Oct 1, OB GYN Doctors vs Midwives: Who Should Attend Your Birth?

Sat, 1 Oct 2011 23:58:30 -0400

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!)

Aug 23, OB GYN Doctor Reviews, Hospital Reviews, Other Childbirth Options

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:53:59 -0400

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.

Aug 21, The Butterfly Must Find Its Own Way

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 09:08:41 -0400

I'm happy and grateful to have witnessed several women become butterflies right before my very eyes...

Aug 17, True Story of Boy Damaged by Pitocin Use

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:18:43 -0400

Passing this on may prevent this from happening to someone you know or even save a baby's or mother's life...

Aug 17, Prevent an "Unnecessarean"

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:18:43 -0400

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, Natural Pregnancy, Healthy Pregnancy from Conception to Birth

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:42:58 -0400

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…

Aug 14, Midwives, Doulas, Chiropractic During Pregnancy: Your Prenatal Care Dream Team

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:06:37 -0400

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.

Aug 11, Privacy, Please!

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:42:31 -0400

A humorous look at one of the reasons the hospital birth environment is less than optimal...

Aug 10, Overcoming Fears

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:14:45 -0400

"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 7, Prevent Yeast Infection During Pregnancy, Why Use Probiotics During Pregnancy

Sun, 7 Aug 2011 15:42:46 -0400

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.

Aug 3, Homebirth Featured on GMA

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 11:21:33 -0400

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, Get Off Your Back!

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 15:31:23 -0400

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, Pregnancy Home Remedies, Pregnancy Natural Remedies, Medications and Pregnancy

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:54:32 -0400

Pregnancy home remedies for the most common problems & complications in pregnancy: A holistic approach will address underlying causes as well as relieve bothersome symptoms.

Jul 20, Pregnancy Nausea, Pregnancy and Morning Sickness

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:34:39 -0400

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.

Jul 17, Dads & Doulas: A Great Pairing

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 13:18:23 -0400

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, Videos for a Better Birth

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 13:06:25 -0400

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, Have you asked your provider yet about delayed cord clamping?

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:07:52 -0400

Here's an excellent blog post explaining the research and practice of early vs. delayed umbilical cord clamping.

Jul 10, Cause of Preeclampsia, Healthy Pregnancy Diet and Pre-Eclampsia

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:59:21 -0400

Is poor nutrition during pregnancy really the cause of preeclampsia or is there more to it? Toxemia explained in light of most current research.

Jul 9, Understanding Preeclampsia, Cause of Preeclampsia, Toxemia Explained

Sat, 9 Jul 2011 15:43:13 -0400

What is preeclampsia and how do you prevent it? Surprising cause for toxemia explained.

Jul 6, Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness, Help for Morning Sickness

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 01:26:17 -0400

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.

Jul 1, Depression During Pregnancy, Pregnancy Stress, Anxiety During Pregnancy

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 21:40:07 -0400

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.

Jul 1, Pregnancy Back Pain, Pregnancy Bachache, Lower Back Pain and Pregnancy

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 17:48:30 -0400

Pregnancy back pain solutions: Natural remedies for back pain during pregnancy like the Webster technique effectively treat lower back pain and pregnancy backache.

Jul 1, Why Choose Home Birth?

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 10:04:45 -0400

"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 1, Pitocin and ADHD

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 10:04:45 -0400

"...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 1, Did You Like Your Childbirth Class?

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 10:04:45 -0400

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, Sometimes It's Life or Death

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:02:11 -0400

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, This Is How It's Done!

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:32:48 -0400

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.)

This video shows how it's done...

Jun 21, Kegels In Pregnancy, Kegel Exercise Tips, Keep Kegel Muscle from Tearing

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:45:19 -0400

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!

Jun 20, Natural and Organic Body Care for Pregnancy, Pregnancy Skin Care

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:23:29 -0400

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.

Jun 19, Extreme Discernment Needed with Labor Induction

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 06:33:00 -0400

"Every day of development during pregnancy is precious to the health of an unborn baby." -Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes