Check out Orgasmic Birth, the movie or read the book.

The goal of The Pushing Project is to demonstrate that current time limits on second stage of 2 to 3 hours are arbitrary and not evidence-based, and to expand options for laboring women.

Stories and research are being added on an ongoing basis. If you are a mother or birth professional, please submit YOUR story of a second stage which lasted 7 hours or longer.

Use these simple guidelines and email your story to ananda@thedoulaguide.com:

Tell your story in less than 350 words.
Use terms the general public will understand or explain unfamiliar medical terms.
Check spelling and punctuation so the story is ready to publish.
If the story is about you, use details you feel comfortable sharing with the public.
If the story is not about you, make sure there are no identifying details about the mother. For example, instead of saying “Labor started on Thursday,” say “on day one of labor.” Instead of saying “mom pushed from 5 PM until midnight,” say “seven hours after mom started pushing, the baby was born.”
Include your first and last name, and what city and state you live in (and country, if outside the US).

Ananda Lowe

Co-author, The Doula Guide to Birth
Order at www.thedoulaguide.com
Connect to me on Facebook

TFJ: What services do you provide or products do you offer?

At Lighthouse Chiropractic we offer services to infants, children, adolescences, adults and senior citizens. Dr. Ed specializes working with moms during pregnancy and helping them begin a new season in their life by keeping them balanced. Dr. Ed stated, “Pregnant women take top priority and get the most of my attention.” We usually see pregnant women in the late First / early Second trimester when hormones begin to change and everything starts to stretch. The most common first visit is for management of round ligament pain or low back pain.

TFJ: How does your business support the nursing relationship?

We encourage moms to nurse their babies as long a possible. First of all, for nutrition and then second, for the wellness of the mom. Postpartum is easily overlooked after birth and by breastfeeding some of the side effects of this can be avoided. We will moms to bring in their children to our office and the older ones can play in our play area while the baby is being nurtured by their mom.

TFJ: Describe a situation when you feel your dedication to being a BreastFeeding Friendly business made a difference for a client.

Just yesterday we had a young mom in our office for a massage with GTS Therapeutics and after the massage, she asked if she could hang out in our office while she fed her 8 month old. Her 2 year old was so ecstatic to see all of the toys, so she was easily entertained while her mom was focused on the baby. She was very comfortable in our office and I was able to share with her our experiences with children and encourage her with some questions that she had.

Additional info:

For the month of July we will offering a $20 initial consultation to young moms (those with children aged five and younger). This will include consultation, exam and x-rays (if needed) and the $20 will be donated to the BreastFeeding Friendly Project to help them continue their education of breast feeding.

We also offer postpartum treatment, if the mom has been under care during pregnancy we will be glad to treat the newborn for the entire first year of their life at no charge.

Pivotal Wellness: We provide chiropractic care for prenatal, postnatal, family, and sports related kids and adults. In conjunction we utilize mostly deep tissue/neural-muscular massage but we also offer prenatal, postnatal, children and adults with varying techniques. We believe in the balancing and strengthening learned through Yoga. We currently have private and semi-private all levels yoga classes including, prenatal, postnatal, and our famous yoga for Kids: ‘Yoga-urt’, ages 4-12 on Tuesdays at 4pm. Nutrition is very important. We help our clients to reach maximum benefit through dietary nutrition and offer supplement when necessary, such as, Active Folate which is a methylated version of folic acid, the neurologically active form of Folic acid. At our location we also offer acupuncture for all ages, and life and business coaching.

TFJ: How does your business support the nursing relationship?

Pivotal Wellness: Dr. Cathy Hollstrom is a prime example of our support for breastfeeding; she currently works at Pivotal Wellness as a Chiropractor and continues to breast feed our 10 month old daughter Kali. We have several quiet areas that may be use to deliver those crucial nutrients. We can assist the growing pains that come with a growing belly and breasts. We also support mothers by adjusting their back, and teach exercises and stretches to help with any discomforts that may be associated with nursing. Let us not forget the fathers, they are a major part of the support unit and they need to function optimally as well. We have affiliations with lactation consultants such as Kim Lenderts whom we refer to, as needed.

TFJ: Describe a situation when you feel your dedication to being a Breastfeeding Friendly business made a difference for a client.

Pivotal Wellness: This happens often as we have several families that frequent our office. Always the most notables are the new mothers who are not only still learning the skill of nursing but need not have undue pressure for public compliance. We welcome and encourage all to feel comfortable nursing their little ones and assist with any questions pertaining to breastfeeding.

Additional info: Mention this posting for a discounted initial exam and adjustment, with one of our Chiropractors for only $35 or an initial massage with Felicia for $45.

Visit the Pivotal Wellness website for more information

When I see stories like this, it makes me that much prouder of the local businesses who take part in our BreastFeeding Friendly Project. These businesses agree to support the nursing family. Please make it a priority to patronize these businesses, and when you stop in, be sure to tell them THANK YOU for being a BFF Business!

TFJ: What services do you provide or products do you offer?

Lia: Postpartum Doula Services: Offering in-home support for families with newborns.

§ Prenatal Education on the Postpartum Period
§ Emotional Support
§ Breastfeeding Support
§ Newborn Care Education
§ Education on Mom’s Recovery
§ Light Household Tasks
o Baby’s Laundry
o Empty and Load Dishwasher
o Preparation of light meals for parents
o Stocking changing stations

* I am also available to support moms who are on bed rest.

TFJ: How does your business support the nursing relationship?

As a postpartum doula I have the unique opportunity to support families with breastfeeding on a daily basis. One of my main goals when supporting families is to create a space for mom and baby to be together without outside distractions of dishes, laundry, cooking or visitors. By creating this space, mom and baby can devote their time developing their breastfeeding relationship.

TFJ: Describe a situation when you feel your dedication to being a BreastFeeding Friendly business made a difference for a client.

Lia: Every time I work with a family who makes the decision to breastfeed I am making a difference in their lives. Just the simple act of encouraging and supporting these parents means the world to them.

To get in touch with Lia, contact her at The Newborn Connection 970.581.9204

Dr. Godfrey: I provide individual, couple, family, and group psychotherapy for teens and adults. I specialize in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and childbirth.

TFJ: How does your business support the nursing relationship? Describe a situation when you feel your dedication to being a Breast Feeding Friendly business made a difference for a client/customer.

Dr. Godfrey: Any of the women I work with are welcome to nurse during session. I offer support and recommendations for a long breast feeding relationship between mother and child. Additionally, I offer referrals for lactation consultation when needed. Women attending our Postpartum Depression Support Group are welcome to bring their nursing children.

Additional info:
I offer sliding scale, student rates, and pro bono rates. For more information, please feel free to contact Katie Godfrey, PhD at (970)231-2945 or visit Katie Godfrey Psychotherapy on facebook.

TFJ: What services do you provide or products do you offer?

Dr. Caron: I am a naturopathic doctor providing holistic health care to adults and children in Northern Colorado. I offer exams, including well-child visits, food allergy testing and other basic testing, homeopathic prescribing, herbal medicines, clinical nutrition and much more.

TFJ: How does your business support the nursing relationship?

Dr. Caron: First, I welcome children to accompany their parent or sibling to their visit if the parent desires it. Breastfeeding mamas never need to worry about leaving a baby with someone else when they have an appointment for themselves or another child.

Second, I actively encourage mamas to breastfeed on demand in the office. As a mother to three breastfed children myself, I know that babies don’t eat on schedule and I am certainly not offended by breastfeeding!

Third, for mothers who might be having difficulty with breastfeeding, I offer natural therapies which can support milk supply or heal sore nipples.

Fourth, I offer solutions for babies who may have food allergies or sensitivities which may be discouraging their mom from continuing to breastfeed. It can be a challenge to figure out which foods are responsible. I have a lot of experience with this kind of detective work!

Fifth, I have developed a network of providers who I can refer a breastfeeding mother to if needed. Whether they need a post-partum doula, a certified lactation consultant, an acupuncturist, or a medical doctor, I can help them find the right practitioner.

TFJ: Describe a situation when you feel your dedication to being a BreastFeeding Friendly business made a difference for a client/customer.

Dr. Caron: Many times a woman will seem unsure whether or not to nurse her child in the office. Maybe she is new to it, maybe she is worried about my comfort level, maybe she isn’t sure if it’s “appropriate” behavior for a doctor’s office. As soon as I say “Please, nurse whenever you need to!” I see the relief on her face, and we both get to enjoy a much happier baby. I regularly check ears, lungs, and skin while a little one is happily eating!

I also have children in my practice who were struggling with severe eczema, hives, reflux, or other symptoms when they first came to see me. I have been able to help their mothers adjust their diets in order to remove the offending foods. Once the foods are eliminated from the breastmilk, symptoms improve and in many cases resolve. It may be a simple idea, but it isn’t always an easy process, and it is sometimes nearly impossible for a new mom to do it all on her own.

Additional info

I am licensed in Oregon, as Colorado does not yet regulate naturopathic doctors. When it comes to unregulated providers, always know their training so that you know what kind of care you can expect. You can learn all about me and about naturopathic medicine on my website, www.drlorrainecaron.com .

Twice each year I offer Kids’ Wellness Weekends, with discounted well-child exams. Look for the next one in November!

I will be participating in a Health and Safety Fair at Cool Beans Playhouse on Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 3:00 – 5:00. There will be door prizes, giveaways, crafts, and more! This will be a fun learning event for the whole family. Only $5 per child and as always adults are FREE.

Look for me at another children’s health fair in August. I’ll have information coming soon on my website and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Dr.Lorraine.Caron.ND .

Stephanie Rayburn, Birthing From Within Mentor, will tell the story of La Loba, a metaphor for picking up the pieces of ourselves after being scattered. After the story, participants will have the opportunity to use art as a means of self-discovery.

When: Monday, May 24th 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Lighthouse Chiropractic, 2601 S. Lemay Ave #15 Fort Collins, CO 80525

Who: Mothers and Fathers interested in exploring this theme through art. (Because we want to maintain a clear space for all to create, we ask that children not attend. If you are interested in attending, but are the parent of a newborn, please contact us and we’ll work to create a solution that meets everyone’s needs.)

Cost: $10 per participant. This fee covers all materials and you will leave with your creation.

How: Email Stephanie (mentor@birthpassages.com) to reserve your spot. Space is limited, so RSVP soon!

Free Childcare will be provided! Please RSVP to Keri at birthadvocate @ msn . com by 5/11 if you’d like to utilize this service. Limited slots available, please respond ASAP.

Date: Monday, May 17, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: The Tap Room @ Catalyst, 3501 S. Shields Fort Collins