Idaho Approves Midwife Medicaid Bill

This was during my preceptorship in Hayden, ID.
More choices for more women. That's what it's all about!!

Penny Simkin: Using Doulas for Birth Care - Midwifery Today Birth Essent...

What a spectacular woman!

Going Green

To further my attempt to "Go Green", I have purchased these incredible little "paperless" paper towels.  I LOVE THEM!!!  I love them so much that I have them in my kitchen, in my guest bathroom and give then away as gifts!!  Go to www.etsy.com/shop/RainyCityReusables to buy yours.

The artist will custom craft to your specific design tastes.  Also, check out her reusable sandwich baggies (I have two sets that I ADORE!) and wetbags (I use mine in my luggage for dirty clothes.  No more need to scavenge a WalMart bag for my undies).  These items are made here in the Good Ole' USA, constructed of quality materials and sewn in her own home!!  Can't get much better than that.

Go ahead, give them a try!  I dare you!!

OBGYN v. Midwife [The Hilariously True Appointment Comparison]

I loved this example of the differences between OBGYN's and Idaho Midwives!!

Things That an Idaho Midwife Does

An Idaho midwife is a health care professional whose main role is to offer care throughout the childbearing process, with an emphasis on the health and well-being of mother, child, and family. This includes the stages from early pregnancy all the way through assisting with the first several weeks of postpartum care and initial breastfeeding. Some practitioners may also offer general reproductive care to women, such as annual gynecological exams and assistance with family planning, although this is not the primary aspect of a midwife. Idaho Midwives may consult with other health care providers such as an OB, or have a practice agreement to provide referrals in case of complications beyond their scope. They keep medical records throughout the pregnancy and delivery, and follow state laws for providing medical care.

Throughout the pregnancy, a midwife assists in determining a woman's individual health needs, both mental, physical and spiritual. This can include suggestions related to diet, supplements, and exercise, as well as lifestyle changes and emotional support.

Idaho Midwives also encourage women to follow their own instincts and educate themselves on options for their pregnancy and delivery. Midwifery supports a greater focus on the psychological aspects of the pregnancy and birthing process, considering mental wellness a significant factor in a successful pregnancy as well as physical wellness.

An Idaho midwife's training emphasizes the natural, biological process of birth as a normal event, and not as one of crisis management. Most midwives consider their place to be one of support rather than that of ringleader, letting the natural birthing process progress while using procedures that are minimally invasive. These methods can include encouraging the laboring mother to walk, adjust sitting positions, practice certain breathing exercises, and even eat and drink through her labor as needed.

Idaho midwives are trained to recognize any signs that labor or pregnancy are not going as they should, and also have training in newborn life support procedures, although they cannot perform a c-section. Most midwives will have a contingency plan that should be discussed well before term if this is a concern. If the labor does result in a hospital transport, an Idaho midwife will continue to offer support throughout the process.
                                                                              Article written by Peter David Wendt

Gramma

We had the memorial service for my grandmother last week.  It was all that a memorial service should be. It was wonderfully beautiful.  It was real.

I know I surprised Gramma (and myself actually) when I boldly stood before a room filled with people, wearing those "perfectly Gramma red stilletos" and gave a eulogy of her BIG life.  The words flowed...the laughter erupted...the tears fell...I was proud of Gramma and her life.  I was proud of myself for telling it.

Afterwards, my mother grabbed me, kissed me, thanked me.  My father looked at me like he didn't know who I was, he was so surprised.  My sisters were astounded, thanking me for honoring our grandmother with my words.  I don't think anyone in my family knew I had it in me.  (I'm more like Gramma than they know...full of all kinds of surprises)

I just wanted people to know a bit about her, like I knew her. I wanted someone who knew her, who loved her unconditionally to be the one who spoke of her great life.  I wanted them to love her like I loved her, to see her sense of humor, her tenacity, her determination.  She was truly a remarkable woman and I wanted HER to know that I thought that of her.  I wanted everyone there to know it too.

I surpassed my own expectations!