BirthBasics http://www.birthbasics.org BirthBasics - Because You know the rest. A site by Vonda Gates Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:33:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Strolling with Baby to Be http://www.birthbasics.org/strolling-with-baby-to-be/ http://www.birthbasics.org/strolling-with-baby-to-be/#comments Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:10:50 +0000 Vonda http://www.birthbasics.org/?p=683 Fall is here and the cooler weather makes the outdoors more comfortable for pregnant moms. Even though most moms receive a new stroller at a baby shower there is no need to wait for baby to be born to enjoy strolling with your baby.  You can take your baby on a walk even before the birth. Walking is a great exercise for the pregnant mom and both mom and baby will benefit. Walking can boost your mood, improve your sleep and reduce the aches and pains of pregnancy. Walking can also help prepare your body for the strenuous work of birth.

For women with an uncomplicated pregnancy, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ACOG, recommends 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise on most, if not all days of the week as a general guideline.  Walking is a great option; easy, inexpensive, and both you and baby will enjoy the time together even before baby is born. Walking daily this fall can be a regular time to connect with your unborn baby. Talk to your baby as you walk. Share your hopes and concerns about the impending birth experience. Make it a time to relax from your busy day and connect with your baby.

Establishing a habit of daily exercise now also means you will be more likely to continue walking with baby after the birth. So no need to wait to use the new stroller, take your unborn baby for a daily walk this fall and enjoy the stroll!

]]> http://www.birthbasics.org/strolling-with-baby-to-be/feed/ 0 The Pain Coping Scale: Penny Simkin’s new tweek to an old tool http://www.birthbasics.org/the-pain-coping-scale-penny-simkin%e2%80%99s-new-tweek-to-an-old-tool/ http://www.birthbasics.org/the-pain-coping-scale-penny-simkin%e2%80%99s-new-tweek-to-an-old-tool/#comments Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:38:30 +0000 Vonda http://www.birthbasics.org/?p=648 Once again, Penny Simkin has created a practical and useful  tool for use in the labor room. The Pain Coping Scale evaluates not just pain, as pain is normal in the birth process. The Pain Coping Scale provides a tool of how well a client is coping with her pain. Penny’s series of a two-part blog post ran on Science & Sensibility, the Lamaze International research blog (references below). As a doula, I can relate to the how difficult it is to watch our client’s at the height of labor and wonder, “Are we doing enough to help?” In my experience many hospital care providers are poorly prepared to differentiate between pain and suffering and are not trained to recognize warning signs of birth trauma should it occur.

Primary to this discussion is realizing that pain in labor is normal and distinct from suffering. Reading Penny’s entire post is a good introduction to or reminder of this concept. Pain can occur without suffering and suffering occurs without pain. 18% of new mothers report having a traumatic birth experience in a national study (Declercq, Sakala, Corry, & Applebaum, 2008). 9% of those women had ample symptoms to be diagnosed as PTSD.  Prevention of suffering in labor should be a topic for every doula and childbirth series.

Most useful to doulas and childbirth educators is a section entitled “Practical Suggestions to Prevent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After Childbirth”. Checklists are provided for before, during, and after labor to identify issues or fears related to childbirth.  The concept of using a code word to prevent suffering is now well introduced in the vocabulary of most doulas and educators.

New to some educators may be the Pain Coping Scale. This is a modified Pain Scale that appears above. Coping well because no pain is evident is rated as a 0 at the smiley left end and not coping with pain is rated as a 10 at the desperate looking face on the  left.

Women in labor may rate their pain as high but if they are coping well, she may not be suffering. Those who rate their pain as high and their coping as low  deserve the attention of the doula, staff,  everyone.  She is suffering and it’s time to increase all the support available to prevent feelings of despair and abandonment.

Thank you, yet again, Penny, for an effective tool in preventing suffering in birth. Our client’s deserve all our best support!

References:

Part 1: http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/?p=2145

Part 2:  http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/?p=2312

 

 

 

 

]]> http://www.birthbasics.org/the-pain-coping-scale-penny-simkin%e2%80%99s-new-tweek-to-an-old-tool/feed/ 0 A Positive Pregnancy and Birth http://www.birthbasics.org/a-positive-pregnancy/ http://www.birthbasics.org/a-positive-pregnancy/#comments Sun, 21 Aug 2011 22:44:09 +0000 Vonda http://www.birthbasics.org/?p=635 There are so many unknowns when it comes to carrying and birthing a child, especially the first newborn.  Is it a boy or a girl? Is the baby healthy? Can I do this? Even family and friends add to the list of variables with their concerns and advice. Nine months can quickly become a roller coaster ride of ups and downs; thrills and tears and all at once. Despite the emotional ride, you can make it to parenthood if you follow a few simple suggestions.

Educate yourself about pregnancy and birth.  Get on-line and do some reading. Talk to family and friends about their positive experiences. Find an early pregnancy childbirth class with a certified independent educator to review the many decisions you will have to make. Consult  www.birthsurvey.com about providers and facilities in your home town. Consider the full range of care available including midwives and doulas.

Take control of your care. Plan to interview everyone you will bring into your circle to ensure they are a good match and do it early on in the pregnancy. It may seem at times there is only one suggested way to get things done; the ‘This is how we do it here’ mentality.  When that’s not right for you speak up with positive ways routine care can be changed to better suit your needs. Your care providers want to know and are often pleased to personalize their care when they know what you need.

Find support and use it. Get your partner involved by letting them know how you feel.  Hire a birth doula. Research shows this is one of the cheapest ways to better outcome and reduce overall costs. When friends tell you they would like to help, get your calendar out and make a plan right then. Can they provide a meal one week after you get home? Find the breastfeeding moms’ group in your area and attend a meeting.

Attend a childbirth class with a certified independent educator that introduces and practices comfort measures for labor. Most women do not need complicated plans for comfort but it is helpful to understand how breath awareness, positive positions, and staying calm can help your body do a better job of getting the baby out. Understanding the process decreases fear and increases your natural ability to cope with this miraculous transition.

Surround yourself with positive images of birth. Turn off the birth stories on TV and let scary birth stories pass on to other ears.  Listen to those in your circle of care who believe you can do this and encourage you to find your own way.  Post positive images around your home and make time daily to calm yourself and your baby. Realize there are negative outcomes you cannot control and don’t threaten your peaceful countenance worrying about those possibilities.

Penny Simkin, a renowned birth research scientist, once said that most women can give birth normally if they take four simple actions: inform yourself, get support, practice strategies to comfort yourself during birth, and have a normal labor. You may not be able to control the last suggestion but you can significantly influence the first three.

Here’s to you and this first ride to parenthood. Make it one of positive memories and personal growth.

 

]]> http://www.birthbasics.org/a-positive-pregnancy/feed/ 0 Your First Pregnancy http://www.birthbasics.org/your-first-pregnancy/ http://www.birthbasics.org/your-first-pregnancy/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:12:08 +0000 Vonda http://www.birthbasics.org/?p=609 The news is exciting… you’re pregnant!  But with that first positive pregnancy test there are also questions and, maybe, doubts.  “Am I eating the right foods?” “Is the baby alright?” “Can I do this?”

In years past, women were surrounded by mothers ready to share their many experiences of birth. But in today’s world of diverse career paths, you may find yourself feeling alone in the new role of pregnancy.  And how can you go about “getting it right” the first time? How can you make the childbearing year most satisfying when learning from experienced moms may be difficult?

The ready-made group found in today’s childbirth class can provide that circle of informed peers. It offers a place to discover other new moms and partners with the same concerns, questions and maybe fears. It is a place to compare the complaints and joys of pregnancy and discuss various birth plans.  It should be a place to realize that you know more about building a family than you thought and you have some great support to get the job done. Afterwards, the class becomes a familiar social group for your changing family.

Take the time to investigate the classes in our community. BirthBasics offers many classes for the childbearing year meeting your questions with evidence based information. Pre-pregnancy, newly pregnant, the childbirth series and sibling classes are scheduled on the website year-round. The BirthBasics class is a place to explore birth when it follows an expected path as well as what to do when it seems to follow it’s own unique course. BirthBasics makes time to focus on breathing awareness with relaxation as well as other comfort practices for labor in every class.

Dare to make it a special year for the arrival of your precious newborn. Share the journey of birth with BirthBasics…because you know the rest.

 

]]> http://www.birthbasics.org/your-first-pregnancy/feed/ 0 Black Hills Area Refund and Cancellation Policy http://www.birthbasics.org/black-hills-area%c2%a0refund-and-cancellation-policy/ http://www.birthbasics.org/black-hills-area%c2%a0refund-and-cancellation-policy/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:24:28 +0000 Vonda http://localhost:8888/?p=415 Thank you for pre-registering for a BirthBasics class. Should you not be able to attend as expected your payment will be applied to another scheduled class. Your class fee will be refunded if BirthBasics is notified two weeks before the event in writing. Please contact us about any scheduling problems.
Classes may be canceled due to poor weather in which case you will be notified as soon as possible and a makeup class may be scheduled as needed.

]]> http://www.birthbasics.org/black-hills-area%c2%a0refund-and-cancellation-policy/feed/ 0 Workshop Refund and Cancellation Policy http://www.birthbasics.org/workshop-refund-and-cancellation-policy/ http://www.birthbasics.org/workshop-refund-and-cancellation-policy/#comments Sat, 24 Jul 2010 08:03:21 +0000 Vonda http://localhost:8888/?p=340 Refund Policy:

Refund requests must be submitted in writing to Vonda@BirthBasics.org 14 days before the scheduled workshop. A non-refundable fee of $50 will be retained.

Cancellation Policy:

Birth Basics reserves the right to cancel any workshop related to low participation or other unforeseen circumstances. In the event your workshop is canceled, you will be notified as soon as possible and the full registration fee paid will be refunded.

]]> http://www.birthbasics.org/workshop-refund-and-cancellation-policy/feed/ 0 Black Hills Area Childbirth Classes http://www.birthbasics.org/black-hills-area-childbirth-classes/ http://www.birthbasics.org/black-hills-area-childbirth-classes/#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:48:15 +0000 Vonda http://localhost:8888/?p=208 Childbirth Classes in the Black Hills Area: An Overview
BirthBasics offers a number of classes, in Rapid City and Spearfish,
for the birth year:
 

New!  Express Childbirth Class (Friday evening and  Saturday)

New!   Basic Comforts  A 2-hour class focusing on skills for pain

BirthBasics Preconception or Early Pregnancy Class

BirthBasics 8-hour Childbirth Series

BirthBasics Breastfeeding and H.U.G.S. Newborn Parenting Class

On-Line BirthBasics E-Classes

Sibling Class

All BirthBasics classes are facilitated by a registered nurse and certified childbirth educator. Fees and schedules are below.

___________________________________________________________

Preconception or Early Pregnancy Class

Designed for those women (and partners or family) who are planning a pregnancy or new mothers before the 20th week. Get off to a great start in the childbearing year with information about nutrition, bonding, and choices available in the type of pregnancy care you will choose.

7pm to 8:30pm

$40 when purchased independantly

This class is free when purchased with a BirthBasics Birth Series below.

Rapid City Schedule:
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Class topics:
Physical Changes of Pregnancy
Comfort in Pregnancy
Emotional Changes of Pregnancy and Sexuality
Coping Skills for this Change of Season
Good Nutrition
Informed Decision Making
Creating a Peaceful Womb for Baby by Controlling Stress

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Please check with BirthBasics educators about the appropriateness of sibling children attending.

Please be familiar with our Black Hills Area Refund and Cancellation Policy.

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BirthBasics 8-Hour Childbirth Series:

A 4-week series of 2-hour classes devoted to preparing for the experience of labor and birth. The class does not encourage any one method for birth but stresses choices and alternatives allowing you to customize your birth experience. Communication,  breath awareness and coping skills for labor and for life are practiced in every session. Best scheduled starting  in the seventh month of pregnancy.

7pm – 9pm

$120/couple (series purchase only, please)

  • Support persons are welcome to attend with the client.  See the BirthBasics local doula list under Resources for recommended birth doula support in the childbearing year.
Rapid City, Tuesdays, 2011 Schedule:
Oct 25-Nov 1-Nov 8-Nov 15, 2011
Jan 17-Jan 24-Jan 31-Feb 7, 2012
Feb 28-Mar 6-Mar 13-Mar 20, 2012

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Pillows for comfort are welcome but not necessary.
Please check with BirthBasics educators about the appropriateness of sibling children attending.

Please be familiar with our Black Hills Area Refund and Cancellation Policy.

___________________________________________________________

Basic Express Childbirth Class

$120/couple

November 4-5, 2011

Friday 6:30pm – 8:30pm; Saturday 9-12 & 1-3

Others to be scheduled

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Basic Comforts Class

$30/couple

A 2 hour class that covers skills specifically used to deal with the discomforts of childbirth. Breathing patterns will be practiced and various positions will be suggested and rehearsed for the big day. Take one class or more as you need.

Thursday, November 10, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Others to be scheduled

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Breastfeeding and H.U.G.S. Newborn Parenting Class:

Prepare for breastfeeding success and learn the H.U.G.S. cues to recognize and understand newborn behavior. HUGS demonstrates ways to help your baby sleep, eat, and play.

7 to 8:30pm
$40/couple

Rapid City Schedule:
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Tuesday, January 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012

H.U.G.S.

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Sibling Class (3-6 years):

Designed to prepare older brothers and sisters for the upcoming birth and their new role as sibling to baby. The 1-hour class consists of circle time with a discussion of what to expect when the baby is born, what babies look like, and what they eat. There will be story time about becoming a sibling. The class ends with a craft time and each child receives a certificate of attendance.

$20 for the first sibling, $10 for each additional sibling

Rapid City, Saturdays: 10:30am – Noon

TBA

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On-Line E-Childbirth Class

This on-line class is suggested for the pregnant family unable to participate in a local class with peers. Includes three hours of education at your convenience and live with a certified childbirth educator. You will also receive a web-enhanced parent guide that provides additional learning time with access to must-see web videos and printable worksheets designed to prepare you for a safe and healthy birth. You will need Skype computer capability for e-learning time with a BirthBasics certified childbirth educator.

BirthBasics suggests the local class, where peers can share in a cohort setting, as the best learning option for new parents. E-classes are for parents living in rural areas making it difficult to travel to a peer-centered group.

Check with BirthBasics educators about the one-hour e-Breastfeeding Class and the e-Understanding Your Newborn Class with web-supported videos and activities.

Scheduled at your convenience.

$90/couple

___________________________________________________________

Please be familiar with our Black Hills Area Refund and Cancellation Policy.

]]> http://www.birthbasics.org/black-hills-area-childbirth-classes/feed/ 0 ICEA Approved Workshops: Professional Childbirth Educator and Doula http://www.birthbasics.org/icea-approved-workshops/ http://www.birthbasics.org/icea-approved-workshops/#comments Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:51:42 +0000 Vonda http://localhost:8888/?p=211


Childbirth Educator Workshop Description

This workshop, when combined with the required readings and program prerequisites, will begin the journey of becoming a professional childbirth educator. Attending the entire workshop will meet the contact hour requirements for the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) CBE certification. For the experienced Childbirth Educator, looking for CEU’s, this will provide the latest evidence-based research with new and exciting tools to re-energize your existing childbirth education class. For more information about certifying with ICEA see their website at http://www.icea.org.

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Doula & Labor Support Workshop Description

This workshop, when combined with the required readings and program prerequisites, will begin the journey of professional labor support. Attending the entire workshop will meet the contact hour requirements for the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) doula certification.

For the experienced doula this workshop will provide the latest evidence-based research with new and exciting tools to re-energize your existing doula service.

For more information about certifying with ICEA see their website at http://www.icea.org.

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Professional Childbirth Educator Workshop, Salt Lake City, Utah, March 23-24, 2012

16 ICEA approved contact hours, 16 Nursing contact hours available

Friday, March 23, to Saturday, March 24, 2012.

Both days start at 8am and end at 5pm with an hour for lunch at Shiners Hospital dining room.

Location:  Shriners Hospital Private Dining Room

1275 Fairfax Road (1350E. & 11th Ave)

Salt Lake City, Utah 84103

Workshop Fee: $400/registrant, $350 if registered and paid 30 days before the workshop starts.

This workshop requires 4 paid registrants to take place, space is limited to 12 registrants.

Contact Vonda@birthbasics.org or call (605) 209-7115 to register or for more info.

Please be familiar with our Workshop Refund and Cancellation Policy.

___________________________________________________________

Professional Childbirth Educator Workshop, Ft. Worth, TX, April 6-7, 2012

16 ICEA approved contact hours, 16 Nursing contact hours available

Friday, April 6 to Saturday, April 7, 2012.

Both days start at 8am and end at 5pm with an hour for lunch on your own.

Location: Arbor Glen Clubhouse,  Euless, TX (a suburb NE of Ft. Worth)

Workshop Fee: $400/registrant, $350 if registered and paid 30 days before the workshop starts.

This workshop requires 4 paid registrants to take place, space is limited to 12 registrants.

Contact Vonda@birthbasics.org or call (605) 209-7115 to register or for more info.

Please be familiar with our Workshop Refund and Cancellation Policy.

_________________________________________________________

Professional Childbirth Educator Workshop, Chattanooga, TN, May 24-25, 2012   (Thursday & Friday, 9-6pm both days)

Professional Childbirth Educator Workshop with 16 approved ICEA contact hours for certification.  16 Nursing CEs available.

Location:  Choices Pregnancy Resource Center

6232 Vance Road
Chattanooga, TN   37421

Workshop Fee: $400
Save $50 by registering 30 days before workshop with 1/2 fee paid

To register: contact Vonda@birthbasics.org or call (605)209-7115.

This workshop has a minimum required attendance of 6. Space is limited to 12. Please do not purchase motel arrangements until it is certain there are enough participants.

Please be familiar with our Workshop Refund and Cancellation Policy.

________________________________________________________

Professional Childbirth Educator Workshop, Platte, South Dakota, June 15-16, 2012

16 ICEA approved contact hours, 16 Nursing contact hours available

Friday, June 15, to Saturday, June 16, 2012.

Both days start at 8am and end at 5pm with an hour for lunch.

Location: Molly’s Manor Bed & Breakfast, www.mollysmanor.com

Workshop Fee: $400/registrant, $350 if registered and paid 30 days before the workshop starts.

This workshop is a destination workshop at Molly’s Manor in Platte, SD and requires 4 paid registrants to take place. Space is limited to 8 registrants.  There is room for 5 overnight guests at the bed & breakfast with a separate housing fee.  Overnight at the B&B is not required but we will be making all our meals together there.  A Friday night movie night is planned.

Contact Evie DeWitt with questions: eviedewitt@hotmail.com

Please be familiar with our Workshop Refund and Cancellation Policy.

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Birth Doula & Labor Support Workshop, Rapid City, SD, August 10-11, 2012

16 ICEA approved contact hours, 16 Nursing contact hours available

Friday, August 10, to Saturday, August 11, 2012.

Both days start at 9am and end at 6pm with an hour for lunch.

Location: Rapid City, South Dakota

Workshop Fee: $400/registrant, $350 if registered and paid 30 days before the workshop starts.

This workshop requires 4 paid registrants to take place, space is limited to 12 registrants.

Contact Vonda@birthbasics.org or call (605) 209-7115 to register or for more info.

Please be familiar with our Workshop Refund and Cancellation Policy.

____________________________________________________________

Bring an ICEA Approved Workshop to Your Area

Talk with us about bringing the Professional Childbirth Educator Workshop or the Birth Doula/Labor Support Workshop to your community.

8am to 6pm for 2 days: usually a Thursday and Friday or a Friday and Saturday. Let’s talk about a date that will work well for you.

You will receive a registration discount for helping to find the workshop location and being a local contact.

Contact Vonda@birthbasics.org or (605) 209-7115

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]]> http://www.birthbasics.org/icea-approved-workshops/feed/ 0 One Day BirthBasics Events http://www.birthbasics.org/one-day-conferences/ http://www.birthbasics.org/one-day-conferences/#comments Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:55:40 +0000 Vonda http://localhost:8888/?p=214 BirthBasics Speaks to USD Students

Vonda Gates, RN, of BirthBasics, will be speaking with University of South Dakota nursing students about nonclinical pain relief and support for birth on Wednesday, March 28, 2012.

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Birth Matters – Moving Forward with Modern Midwives

An SDSCO Event – South Dakota Safe Childbirth Options coalition

Black Hills Area – West River SD – Cedar Canyon Camp & Retreat Center

September 24, 2011

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=252048598158960

Vonda Gates of BirthBasics facilitating the morning presentation

________________________________________________

A Wyoming Afternoon for Birth Professionals:

“Baby-Friendly and Beyond”

August 4th, 2011, 7 -9 pm
- the 10 Baby-Friendly Standards
- how this community hospital began their journey of becoming a BFH
- the difference being Baby-Friendly makes
- the CIMS Mother-Friendly Nurse
- how doula programs are developing in the mid-west.
Powell Valley Hospital (Near Cody, WY)
777 Ave. H
Powell, WY 823435

Conference Coordinator: Boni Katz 307-254-5243 katz@tetwest.net

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SDSCO: Supporting South Dakota Families – A Time for Fun

When: Friday, August 12, 6:30pm-9:00pm

Where: 22910 Forest Road, Rapid City, SD   Roger & Vonda Gates Home

Contact: 605-209-7115 (VG’s cell)

What: An early evening of fun in the Hills. Come to share and discover how SDSCO is helping South Dakota families find better birth options. Water venues set up for kids, comfortable seating for adults, good food for all. Bring a dish to share. Burgers and hot dogs will be on the grill. This is a relaxed, family venue! RSVP requested but not required.

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Past  1-Day conferences:

Graceful Transitions: The Dance of Becoming Family-
A Childbirth, Parenting, Sibling and Breastfeeding Educator’s Seminar

Oct. 18, 2010
7:30am-3:30-pm

The Family Care Birthing Center at
Memorial Hospital
Belleville, IL

Registration deadline: Sept. 30

]]> http://www.birthbasics.org/one-day-conferences/feed/ 0 Birth Links http://www.birthbasics.org/birth-links/ http://www.birthbasics.org/birth-links/#comments Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:56:13 +0000 Vonda http://localhost:8888/?p=216 WomanKind Midwifery, Spearfish, SD

http://www.womankindmidwifery.com

Cappa – Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association

http://www.cappa.net

Childbirth Connection

http://www.childbirthconnection.org

CIMS – Coalition for Improving Maternity Services

http://www.motherfriendly.org

DONA International – Doulas of North America International

http://www.dona.org

ICEA – International Childbirth Education Association

http://www.icea.org

La Leche League International

http://www.llli.org

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