Know this- the way had been paved a few years ago by the twelve-pound older brother! The airwaves were abuzz with the news of a virtual toddler born “naturally” aka vaginally.

The medical concerns here include:
-Nine days past the due date – amnionic fluid levels are decreasing, placenta not functioning as well and the baby is just putting on weight.
-Pushing for SIX hours is alarming and potentially dangerous- stressful on mom and baby, not to mention the uterine muscle…two hours is the average time for a woman to spend pushing.
-To accomplish this birth vaginally- there HAD to have been an episiotomy and possibility instrumentation to assist the baby out vaginally…all with potential risks.
-Newborn’s this size often need assistance to regulate their blood sugar- this means blood tests and careful monitoring to be sure they are stable and adjusting to the outside world.

Big babies? Anyone else have experience delivering “toddlers” into the world?

So, what are the issues? It is much harder to achieve pregnancy at this age- which is why it is raining twins- many pregnancies occur with the help of in vitro fertilization (IVF) which often result in more than one baby. After 40, chromosomal malformations are higher, increasing the odds for downs syndrome and possibly autism.

Additionally, the pregnancy risks increase, including: gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placental abruption, placenta previa and premature delivery.

No need to be dismayed or discouraged- it is possible to deliver a healthy baby into the world at an “advanced” maternal age. It does, however, require more testing, ultrasounds and prenatal care with an Obstetrician who has high - risk experience.

Sarah McMoyler RN

recently watched a program on Oprah’s network about incarcerated mom’s giving birth. Did you know that a few progressive prisons are investing in ‘baby wards’ where women and their babies can live together? Trained healthcare and counseling staff are teaching these moms’ care-taking skills they themselves may never have received. Additionally, there are ‘nannies’ – carefully screened female inmates who surround this new family of two with support…a win/win/win. The mom gives love, the baby is with its mother while others experience the benefit of giving to someone outside of themselves.

What a fascinating concept! Rather than taking the baby away from her (which has to be devastating) provide the opportunity for maternal instincts to emerge in a supportive environment.

ALL mother’s want the same thing- healthy babies.
Visit www.millionmomschallenge.com to find ways, large and small, to make a real impact through simple, inexpensive solutions that make a real difference for mothers and children around the world.

Sometimes a mother (yours or his) can be a Godsend…other times a disaster. It is your decision and your decision alone as to who will be there to support/witness the birth of your baby – and you can change your mind! You may think you want her there and then change your mind…your nurse can clear a room, delicately and directly- neither you or your partner has to be the bad guy- just keep the nurse posted – she will take care of the rest!

Birth As Performance Art?

36-year-old Marni Kotak is a NYC performance artist who plans to give birth in a Brooklyn art gallery. ‘In combining the birth of her child with artistic expression, Kotak said she wants to show this amazing life performance that is essentially hidden from public view.”

While I agree with the artist that birth is a transformative experience; is her next gallery performance going to be lovemaking? Are some close encounters better left as cherished memories and not a spectator sport?

After completing the Chicago Marathon, a 27-year-old woman went onto deliver a healthy seven-pound baby. “Running the marathon was easier than giving birth,” she said from her hospital bed the next day.

Medically speaking, Dr. Nancy Snyderman from the Today Show gave it a thumbs up, prefacing her opinion with: the woman’s doctor had approved her decision, that she had run many previous marathons and was attuned to her body, and that her approach was run two miles/ walk two miles.

It is important to note that pregnant women should always seek guidance from their OB/Midwife before embarking on any form of new exercise. Walking, swimming, yoga and low impact exercise are generally approved.

New York magazine recently took a fascinating look at the growing phenomenon - oops, I forgot to have a baby, in their September 25, 2011 cover story: Parents of a Certain Age - Is there anything wrong with being 53 and pregnant?

To read the entire article:
http://nymag.com/news/features/mothers-over-50-2011-10/

Sarah McMoyler RN

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has known the restorative value contained within the placenta for centuries. As with acupuncture (which I have benefitted from for years) I cannot begin to explain how it works. I can say unequivocally that it does have an overall wellness effect. So, why not in this case? What is inherently wrong with replacing nutrients; the same nutrients responsible for producing and nourishing a human being  why not assist the new mothers healing process?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has known the restorative value contained within the placenta for centuries. As with acupuncture (which I have benefitted from for years) I cannot begin to explain how it works. I can say unequivocally that it does have an overall “wellness” effect. So, why not in this case? What is inherently wrong with replacing nutrients; the same nutrients responsible for producing and nourishing a human being – why not assist the new mother’s healing process?