I am very excited to announce that I have finished my new website and it is now active!
http://www.hannahsheartetx.com
As much as I have enjoyed this wonderful format, I must move on to the new template, so this site will no longer be the main webpage for my services. Instead, I will keep the blog here, under a different url, to offer the latest updates and stories from within the birthing world!
Please check out my new website and enjoy!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Wait is Finally Almost Over!
I have been dropping hints recently on my Facebook page and on here about changes coming to Lovely Labors Doula Services. One of the changes expressed was a completely redesigned website, and a few other surprises. Well, the wait is finally almost over!!
I am pleased to announce that I am also changing the name from Lovely Labors Doula Services to Hannah's Heart Prenatal and Birth Support Services within the month of February and my new website will be launched. I am also pleased to announce that very soon I will be able to offer Childbirth Education classes in addition to my doula services or separately as well. Many more changes are coming but I am so excited about these that I just could not hold it in any longer!
Be on the lookout for more information as it comes about!
I am pleased to announce that I am also changing the name from Lovely Labors Doula Services to Hannah's Heart Prenatal and Birth Support Services within the month of February and my new website will be launched. I am also pleased to announce that very soon I will be able to offer Childbirth Education classes in addition to my doula services or separately as well. Many more changes are coming but I am so excited about these that I just could not hold it in any longer!
Be on the lookout for more information as it comes about!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Congrats to the M Family!
I was very blessed to work with a wonderful family on the 23rd as mom welcomed her beautiful baby girl into the world. Baby V. was 7lb 11oz and 19 inches long and as soon as she was placed on mom's chest, we were all crying tears of joy. Photos coming soon! Congrats to the M. Family on your beautiful new addition!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Officially Certified!
I am so happy to announce that I have graduated from my course and am now officially CERTIFIED as a Birth Doula through CBI! I want to thank everyone that has supported me and encouraged me as I have worked through the various requirements needed for completion. I also very strongly thank the wonderful families that have thus far allowed me to attend and aid them during one of the biggest days of their lives. There is a special place in my heart for you all and I literally could not have done this without you. In the future I promise to give 1000% to any other families that choose to allow me the same opportunity. I am so blessed right now! Thank you!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Everyone needs a laugh!
What a better way to make someone's day than awkward pregnancy photos! Along the same line as Awkward Family Photos, it bring a nice touch to pregnancy! Enjoy!
http://www.pregnantchicken.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2010/12/10/awkward-pregnancy-photos.html
http://www.pregnantchicken.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2010/12/10/awkward-pregnancy-photos.html
Saturday, November 12, 2011
No Thanks, Dr. Lisa!
There is nothing wrong with old fashioned vaginal birth!
http://mamabirth.blogspot.com/2011/11/no-thanks-dr-lisa-i-like-old-fashioned.html
http://mamabirth.blogspot.com/2011/11/no-thanks-dr-lisa-i-like-old-fashioned.html
Doulas More Effective than Staff or Mother's Family, Friends
Researchers compiled data from the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register. Twenty-one studies with both published and unpublished studies that compared the effects of doula support to standard care were included in the review. Information from more than 15,000 women and their birth experiences were analyzed by two authors who independently reviewed all of the data.
http://brendalane.suite101.com/doulas-more-effective-than-staff-or-mothers-family-friends-a351488
http://brendalane.suite101.com/doulas-more-effective-than-staff-or-mothers-family-friends-a351488
Monday, November 7, 2011
On call again :)
As of today I am on call again for another great mom as she awaits the arrival of her sweet little one :) I can't wait to share the exciting news of her birth afterwards. Stay tuned!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Exciting Updates Coming!
Great News! Exciting new changes coming soon to my website! For starters, I am soon purchasing my domain name and am currently in the redesign process over at another server, so as soon as it is completed a full upgrade is coming.
Also, I am in the process of learning new techniques to be able to better support mothers during their birthing journey and about to start a special Hypnobabies training course to add to my certification. Coming in February (that's the plan) I am looking to attending a workshop to learn different skills to aid a mother in turning a breech or malpositioned baby.
And coming within the next couple of weeks or so, I will be posting some photos of the births that I have attended along with some things that the families would love for you to know about me as a doula and how I was able to work with them for their births.
I look forward to be able to continually update on these new changes coming soon!
Also there is a great pricing special happening now. Please contact me for more details!
Also, I am in the process of learning new techniques to be able to better support mothers during their birthing journey and about to start a special Hypnobabies training course to add to my certification. Coming in February (that's the plan) I am looking to attending a workshop to learn different skills to aid a mother in turning a breech or malpositioned baby.
And coming within the next couple of weeks or so, I will be posting some photos of the births that I have attended along with some things that the families would love for you to know about me as a doula and how I was able to work with them for their births.
I look forward to be able to continually update on these new changes coming soon!
Also there is a great pricing special happening now. Please contact me for more details!
Monday, September 5, 2011
From Conception to Birth -An Incredible 3D Journey
As many times as I watch this it still amazes me.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Bigger than Myself
On August 15th, at 4:42pm I was with an amazing mom as she birthed her beautiful new daughter into the world. Welcome to the world sweet baby girl!
As I write this, I am awaiting a call from another incredible mother as she brings her own new little one earthside.
I am so blessed to be a part of these miraculous events! Witnessing and playing such a big role in the biggest events of a families life is definitely proof of something much bigger than me! Stories and photos coming soon!
As I write this, I am awaiting a call from another incredible mother as she brings her own new little one earthside.
I am so blessed to be a part of these miraculous events! Witnessing and playing such a big role in the biggest events of a families life is definitely proof of something much bigger than me! Stories and photos coming soon!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Great things are coming soon!
As of now, an East Texas Birth Network is in the works. Soon enough the local resources and support that we have always needed for this area will be all in one easily accessible place.
Also, in the near future East Texas will be home to it's own International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) Chapter!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
— Margaret Mead
Also, in the near future East Texas will be home to it's own International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) Chapter!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
— Margaret Mead
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Massive Facebook Giveaway!
A good friend of mine is hosting a wonderful Facebook giveaway :) I wouldn't post this if I didn't know that it was legit.
http://capturedmomentsbysk.blogspot.com/2011/08/500-fan-giveaway.html?showComment=1312407748851#c8730767232848440314
Come join in on the fun!
http://capturedmomentsbysk.blogspot.com/2011/08/500-fan-giveaway.html?showComment=1312407748851#c8730767232848440314
Come join in on the fun!
Monday, August 1, 2011
On Call
Right now it is in the homestretch for 2 wonderful ladies who will be birthing their babies very soon.
My bag is packed and I am ready to go at a moments notice...
I am very excited for the opportunity to be at these amazing births!
My bag is packed and I am ready to go at a moments notice...
I am very excited for the opportunity to be at these amazing births!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
C-Section Rates are Higher than EVER!
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43807114/ns/today-today_health/t/c-section-rates-hit-all-time-high-study-finds/
Rates of Cesarean section deliveries in the United States climbed to 34 percent in 2009, hitting an all time high, a new study says.
Florida, New Jersey and Texas had the highest rates, while Utah, Wisconsin and Colorado had the lowest of the 19 states included in the study.
"Obviously, a 34 percent C-section rate is far too high," said Jacqueline Wolf, a researcher at Ohio University who wasn't involved in the study. "Medical reasons alone cannot possibly explain why more than one in three American women need major abdominal surgery in order to safely give birth."
A C‐section (cesarean section) is necessary to remove the baby from the uterus when a vaginal delivery could risk the health of the mother or the baby, or when a prior C‐section makes vaginal delivery difficult or dangerous.
"In many cases of C‐section in recent years, the benefits may be questionable and important healthcare organizations, including the Joint Commission and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, have endorsed safely reducing C‐sections rates in certain types of pregnancies," wrote the study researchers.
The new study was performed by HealthGrades, a company whose website allows patients to search for and rate physicians.
Rising rates
The researchers examined C-section rate from 2002 through 2009 in the 19 states with publicly available health data. The rate increased from 27 percent to 34 percent during that time. Separate studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the national rate to be 32 percent in 2007.
Of the 19 states studied, Florida, New Jersey and Texas had the highest percentages of C‐sections (38.6 percent, 38 percent and 35.9 percent, respectively). States with the lowest rates of C‐section deliveries were Utah, Wisconsin and Colorado (22.4 percent, 25.1 percent and 27.3 percent, respectively).
Risky surgery
Groups such as the World Health Organization have suggested that the Caesarean rate should be 15 percent. The Joint Commission, a non-profit that accredits and certifies health care organizations, noted in their standards of care manual on C-sections that "there are no data that higher rates improve any outcomes, yet the C‐section rates continue to rise."
National C -section rates are on the rise for many reasons, according to the new study. Some factors include common practices such as labor induction and epidural use, which can lead to complications that in turn, can lead to C-sections. Factors that lead to risky deliveries in general — including obesity, diabetes, multiple babies and increased age — are also on the rise.
Some mothers and physicians opt for C-sections just so the timing of the birth is convenient for one or both, the study said.
The rising rate isn't without risk. "Although C‐sections are generally considered safe, it is important to understand that a C-section is still a major surgical procedure that includes serious risks to mothers and babies," the study authors wrote.
Pass it on: C-section rates continue to climb, and many may be unnecessary.
Rates of Cesarean section deliveries in the United States climbed to 34 percent in 2009, hitting an all time high, a new study says.
Florida, New Jersey and Texas had the highest rates, while Utah, Wisconsin and Colorado had the lowest of the 19 states included in the study.
"Obviously, a 34 percent C-section rate is far too high," said Jacqueline Wolf, a researcher at Ohio University who wasn't involved in the study. "Medical reasons alone cannot possibly explain why more than one in three American women need major abdominal surgery in order to safely give birth."
A C‐section (cesarean section) is necessary to remove the baby from the uterus when a vaginal delivery could risk the health of the mother or the baby, or when a prior C‐section makes vaginal delivery difficult or dangerous.
"In many cases of C‐section in recent years, the benefits may be questionable and important healthcare organizations, including the Joint Commission and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, have endorsed safely reducing C‐sections rates in certain types of pregnancies," wrote the study researchers.
The new study was performed by HealthGrades, a company whose website allows patients to search for and rate physicians.
Rising rates
The researchers examined C-section rate from 2002 through 2009 in the 19 states with publicly available health data. The rate increased from 27 percent to 34 percent during that time. Separate studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the national rate to be 32 percent in 2007.
Of the 19 states studied, Florida, New Jersey and Texas had the highest percentages of C‐sections (38.6 percent, 38 percent and 35.9 percent, respectively). States with the lowest rates of C‐section deliveries were Utah, Wisconsin and Colorado (22.4 percent, 25.1 percent and 27.3 percent, respectively).
Risky surgery
Groups such as the World Health Organization have suggested that the Caesarean rate should be 15 percent. The Joint Commission, a non-profit that accredits and certifies health care organizations, noted in their standards of care manual on C-sections that "there are no data that higher rates improve any outcomes, yet the C‐section rates continue to rise."
National C -section rates are on the rise for many reasons, according to the new study. Some factors include common practices such as labor induction and epidural use, which can lead to complications that in turn, can lead to C-sections. Factors that lead to risky deliveries in general — including obesity, diabetes, multiple babies and increased age — are also on the rise.
Some mothers and physicians opt for C-sections just so the timing of the birth is convenient for one or both, the study said.
The rising rate isn't without risk. "Although C‐sections are generally considered safe, it is important to understand that a C-section is still a major surgical procedure that includes serious risks to mothers and babies," the study authors wrote.
Pass it on: C-section rates continue to climb, and many may be unnecessary.
A Surprising Downside of Epidurals
http://birthsen.tmdhosting930.com/?p=1622
Epidural anesthesia remains the most popular form of pain relief in labor. Nurses, physicians, and many midwives like epidurals because the mother is comfortable and quiet, resulting in less work for hospital staff.
Laboring women like epidurals because they can remain awake and alert, while feeling little or no pain during labor.
Many negative aspects of epidurals have been debated among researchers. Downsides to epidurals reportedly include delay in labor, increase in vacuum/forceps deliveries, and increase in c-sections. But aren’t these possible side effects outweighed by the positive effect of a pain-free labor?
In one research study, investigators found that women who had pain eliminated during labor still reported that they suffered! Concluding that no pain did not necessarily mean no suffering, Wuitchik¹ emphasized the need for women with epidural anesthesia to have continual labor support available. In this study, women described distress over itching, numbness, and nausea–all side effects of epidural anesthetic. The women also reported concern over the baby’s well-being. A common effect of epidurals is a prolonged drop in the baby’s heart rate. While hospital staff may take this in stride, it can be very frightening to the laboring woman. Another interesting finding was that women reported feelings of incompetence and fear over being left alone once they were “comfortable”. Wuitchik concluded, “With epidurals, pain levels were reduced or eliminated. Despite having virtually no pain, these women also engaged in increased distress-related thought during active labor. The balance of coping and distress-related thought for women with epidurals was virtually identical to that of women with no analgesia”.
Women who had epidurals expressed just as much need for continued support as women who had unmedicated births, concludes another research study.² In fact, satisfaction with the support received during labor had more influence on the woman’s satisfaction with her birth experience than her level of pain relief did, according to Mother-Friendly Childbirth — Highlights of the Evidence.
If you are planning an epidural, or even if you are not planning an epidural but plan a hospital birth — do yourself a favor and hire a doula for continuous labor support. It can make a huge difference in your satisfaction with your experience. I think the fact that continuous support influenced birth satisfaction more than pain relief explains why many studies conclude that women who had unmedicated births (most often these are women who have doulas and/or midwives during labor) were happier with their experiences than those with medicated births. It’s not the medication or the absence of medication that made the difference, but the presence of someone there to give continual support. A partner may give excellent support, but partners need support, too! Partners get tired, need to eat, go to the bathroom, get discouraged, just like laboring moms do. A doula is there for both of you, and a good doula will give you your space when you need it, time for just the two of you when you need it, yet be there with just the support you need at the right moment when it is needed.
1. Wuitchik M, et al. (1990) Relationships between pain, cognitive activity, and epidural analgesia in labor. Pain 41:136-142.
2. Lally JE, et al. (2008) More in hope than expectation: A systematic review of women’s expectations and experience of pain relief in labour. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/6/7/abstract
Epidural anesthesia remains the most popular form of pain relief in labor. Nurses, physicians, and many midwives like epidurals because the mother is comfortable and quiet, resulting in less work for hospital staff.
Laboring women like epidurals because they can remain awake and alert, while feeling little or no pain during labor.
Many negative aspects of epidurals have been debated among researchers. Downsides to epidurals reportedly include delay in labor, increase in vacuum/forceps deliveries, and increase in c-sections. But aren’t these possible side effects outweighed by the positive effect of a pain-free labor?
In one research study, investigators found that women who had pain eliminated during labor still reported that they suffered! Concluding that no pain did not necessarily mean no suffering, Wuitchik¹ emphasized the need for women with epidural anesthesia to have continual labor support available. In this study, women described distress over itching, numbness, and nausea–all side effects of epidural anesthetic. The women also reported concern over the baby’s well-being. A common effect of epidurals is a prolonged drop in the baby’s heart rate. While hospital staff may take this in stride, it can be very frightening to the laboring woman. Another interesting finding was that women reported feelings of incompetence and fear over being left alone once they were “comfortable”. Wuitchik concluded, “With epidurals, pain levels were reduced or eliminated. Despite having virtually no pain, these women also engaged in increased distress-related thought during active labor. The balance of coping and distress-related thought for women with epidurals was virtually identical to that of women with no analgesia”.
Women who had epidurals expressed just as much need for continued support as women who had unmedicated births, concludes another research study.² In fact, satisfaction with the support received during labor had more influence on the woman’s satisfaction with her birth experience than her level of pain relief did, according to Mother-Friendly Childbirth — Highlights of the Evidence.
If you are planning an epidural, or even if you are not planning an epidural but plan a hospital birth — do yourself a favor and hire a doula for continuous labor support. It can make a huge difference in your satisfaction with your experience. I think the fact that continuous support influenced birth satisfaction more than pain relief explains why many studies conclude that women who had unmedicated births (most often these are women who have doulas and/or midwives during labor) were happier with their experiences than those with medicated births. It’s not the medication or the absence of medication that made the difference, but the presence of someone there to give continual support. A partner may give excellent support, but partners need support, too! Partners get tired, need to eat, go to the bathroom, get discouraged, just like laboring moms do. A doula is there for both of you, and a good doula will give you your space when you need it, time for just the two of you when you need it, yet be there with just the support you need at the right moment when it is needed.
1. Wuitchik M, et al. (1990) Relationships between pain, cognitive activity, and epidural analgesia in labor. Pain 41:136-142.
2. Lally JE, et al. (2008) More in hope than expectation: A systematic review of women’s expectations and experience of pain relief in labour. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/6/7/abstract
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