PRENATAL CARE or PRENATAL SCARE?
9 months ago
Sunday, February 6, 2011
ICAN of Southeastern Pennsylvania
ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) is a wonderful organization which provides support and education about cesareans and VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) to families. Southern Pennsylvania now has its own ICAN chapter! ICAN of Southeastern Pennsylvania meets once a month at Ohm Chiropractic in Media, PA, on the second Saturday of each month from 10am to noon. Come join us! For more information about ICAN of Southeastern Pennsylvania, please visit www.icanofsepa.wordpress.com or www.facebook.com/icanofsepa.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Fall Gathering at Journey Birth Services
I've decided to have an annual get together, and this weekend was the first one! We had a fun time - pictures are on Facebook if you want to see. I had a lot of requests for some recipes, so here they are...
Potato Leek Soup
Prep Time: :35
Cook Time: 1:30
Ingredients:
* 2 medium russet potatoes (about 1/2 pound each)
* 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 medium leeks (white and light green parts), sliced and rinsed well
* 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 2 cups homemade or low-salt canned chicken broth
* 4 thick slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dice
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1 cup (about 1/4 pound) grated sharp Cheddar (see Cook's Note)
* 2 Tablespoons thinly sliced scallion greens or chives
Preparation:
Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Scrub the potatoes, pat dry, and pierce several times with a fork. Set them directly on the oven rack and bake until very tender, about 1 hour. Let cool completely on a cooling rack.
Melt the butter in a soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the leeks and garlic, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the chicken broth and 2 cups water. Simmer until the leeks are very tender, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain.
Cut one of cooled potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh out in one piece from each half. Cut the flesh into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside. Coarsely chop the potato skin and the entire remaining potato and add to the pot with the leeks. Puree the contents of the pot in batches in a blender until very smooth. Return the soup to a clean pot and reheat over medium low. Whisk together the milk and sour cream and then whisk this into the soup, along with 1/2 cup of the Cheddar cheese. Stir in the diced potato. Season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with the remaining Cheddar cheese, the bacon bits, and the scallions or chives.
Yield: 6 cups, 4 servings
Cook's Note: Sharp cheese works well in this soup because it melts smoothly. Extra sharp will give you a more pronounced flavor but because of the lower moisture content, the soup will be less smooth.
And, the ever famous Amy's Artichoke Dip...
1 can (14oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
8oz crumbled Feta cheese
1 cup mayo
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
optional: 2oz diced pimentos, drained
(I just chop up some black olives. But, do whatever you want)
1. Mix all ingredients
2. Spoon into 9in. pie plate or 3cup shallow baking dish
3. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes
And, finally, butternut squash risotto
Chop up a medium sized onion and a couple of garlic cloves. Saute them in olive oil over medium high heat for 5 or so minutes. Add 1 1/3 cups of arborio rice (whatever it's called. You know, risotto rice.) and saute for a minute or two. Add a cup of white wine and cook for about a minute. Oh, while you're doing this have some chicken broth simmering on another burner. Then, once the wine cooks off, ladle in some chicken broth - about 3 or 4 ladles. Cook it down, stirring frequently. Repeat. Repeat again. Keep repeating until the rice isn't hard. Takes about 1/2 hour or so. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the burner, add in about 2 cups of smashed up, cooked, butternut squash, 3 handfuls of parmesan cheese, some nutmeg and some sage, and some country style sausage sliced up (and already cooked). Let it sit up for a minute or two, then eat. It's good. Really, really good.
Potato Leek Soup
Prep Time: :35
Cook Time: 1:30
Ingredients:
* 2 medium russet potatoes (about 1/2 pound each)
* 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 medium leeks (white and light green parts), sliced and rinsed well
* 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 2 cups homemade or low-salt canned chicken broth
* 4 thick slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dice
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1 cup (about 1/4 pound) grated sharp Cheddar (see Cook's Note)
* 2 Tablespoons thinly sliced scallion greens or chives
Preparation:
Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Scrub the potatoes, pat dry, and pierce several times with a fork. Set them directly on the oven rack and bake until very tender, about 1 hour. Let cool completely on a cooling rack.
Melt the butter in a soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the leeks and garlic, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the chicken broth and 2 cups water. Simmer until the leeks are very tender, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain.
Cut one of cooled potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh out in one piece from each half. Cut the flesh into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside. Coarsely chop the potato skin and the entire remaining potato and add to the pot with the leeks. Puree the contents of the pot in batches in a blender until very smooth. Return the soup to a clean pot and reheat over medium low. Whisk together the milk and sour cream and then whisk this into the soup, along with 1/2 cup of the Cheddar cheese. Stir in the diced potato. Season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with the remaining Cheddar cheese, the bacon bits, and the scallions or chives.
Yield: 6 cups, 4 servings
Cook's Note: Sharp cheese works well in this soup because it melts smoothly. Extra sharp will give you a more pronounced flavor but because of the lower moisture content, the soup will be less smooth.
And, the ever famous Amy's Artichoke Dip...
1 can (14oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
8oz crumbled Feta cheese
1 cup mayo
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
optional: 2oz diced pimentos, drained
(I just chop up some black olives. But, do whatever you want)
1. Mix all ingredients
2. Spoon into 9in. pie plate or 3cup shallow baking dish
3. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes
And, finally, butternut squash risotto
Chop up a medium sized onion and a couple of garlic cloves. Saute them in olive oil over medium high heat for 5 or so minutes. Add 1 1/3 cups of arborio rice (whatever it's called. You know, risotto rice.) and saute for a minute or two. Add a cup of white wine and cook for about a minute. Oh, while you're doing this have some chicken broth simmering on another burner. Then, once the wine cooks off, ladle in some chicken broth - about 3 or 4 ladles. Cook it down, stirring frequently. Repeat. Repeat again. Keep repeating until the rice isn't hard. Takes about 1/2 hour or so. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the burner, add in about 2 cups of smashed up, cooked, butternut squash, 3 handfuls of parmesan cheese, some nutmeg and some sage, and some country style sausage sliced up (and already cooked). Let it sit up for a minute or two, then eat. It's good. Really, really good.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Update!
Hi everyone! I realized that I haven't been posting lately - I'm so sorry! I think I am going to change the blog a little bit. I'm going to write birth related posts (my opinion about stuff), and invite former clients of Journey Birth Services to send their birth stories and/or photos in to be posted. Journey Birth Services has a page on Facebook, where I've been posting upcoming events and interesting news stories because it's, well, easier! So, come follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/journeybirth. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Mom's Group 7/9 (Thursday)
Come to Amy's house and meet with other moms. Meetings start at 11am and end at 2pm. Bring lunch or something to share. Children are always welcome!
Where:
52 Marshall Road
Glen Mills, PA 19342
When:
Thursday, July 9th 11am to 2pm
Where:
52 Marshall Road
Glen Mills, PA 19342
When:
Thursday, July 9th 11am to 2pm
Saturday, June 20, 2009
New Class Available!
I am so excited to announce my new class - Vaccination Information!!
Learn everything you wanted to know about vaccines in this informative class. Class covers a short history of vaccination, the diseases the US currently vaccinates against, available vaccines and their ingredients, and scheduling of vaccinations. Class price of $40 includes a copy of The Vaccine Book by Dr. Robert W. Sears. The class schedule may be found on the Journey Birth Services Calendar. Class size is limited, so register early at Journey Birth Services!
Learn everything you wanted to know about vaccines in this informative class. Class covers a short history of vaccination, the diseases the US currently vaccinates against, available vaccines and their ingredients, and scheduling of vaccinations. Class price of $40 includes a copy of The Vaccine Book by Dr. Robert W. Sears. The class schedule may be found on the Journey Birth Services Calendar. Class size is limited, so register early at Journey Birth Services!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Mom's Group 6/10
Come to Amy's house and meet other moms on the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings start at 11am and end at 2pm. Bring lunch or something to share. Children are always welcome!
Where:
52 Marshall Road
Glen Mills, PA 19342
When:
Wednesday, June 10th 11am to 2pm
Where:
52 Marshall Road
Glen Mills, PA 19342
When:
Wednesday, June 10th 11am to 2pm
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
35 Reasons to Have a Homebirth...
Here are some of my favorites...
Read more and feel free to leave your reason(s) in the comments!
13. Home birth is just more fun!
22. You can cut the umbilical cord when you are good and ready. The speed at which they want to snip our newborn’s lifeline is unbelievable.
32. Nobody comes in, wakes you up, and checks your vitals every half hour at home.
34. Having a home birth is different. Different is cool.
Read more and feel free to leave your reason(s) in the comments!
Childbirth: Can the US Improve?
Once reserved for cases in which the life of the baby or mother was in danger, the cesarean is now routine. The most common operation in the U.S., it is performed in 31% of births, up from 4.5% in 1965.
With that surge has come an explosion in medical bills, an increase in complications -- and a reconsideration of the cesarean as a sometimes unnecessary risk.
It is a big reason childbirth often is held up in healthcare reform debates as an example of how the intensive and expensive U.S. brand of medicine has failed to deliver better results and may, in fact, be doing more harm than good.
Read more...
Why todays parents are saying no to circumcision
We are the only country that routinely circumcises our infants at birth for non religious reasons. This is not the norm in other countries. In fact when speaking with a European friend of mine who was expecting a boy, she said she would not only not circumcise her son, but that she would never stand for it. When you live in a culture that does not routinely circumcise, the question becomes why would you.
Read more...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Free Local Family Wellness Fair 5/16/09
And if you come, you could stop by and see yours truly!!
We have had several late vendor additions to the list below, so it's going to be a great day with lots of entertainment and information for the whole family. Please join us and tell all your friends and family to do the same!
Free Local Family Wellness Fair on 5/16/09
The Delaware County, PA chapter of the Holistic Moms Network, in conjunction with Ohm Chiropractic Center , is sponsoring a Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 11am to 4pm at Ohm Chiropractic located at 327 N. Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063. Free lectures start at 11am and fair festivities start at noon.
This family-friendly event is open to the public and free! Come early and bring your entire family to enjoy the lovely spring day and the scheduled outdoor activities. There will be an assortment of BBQ and vegan food available, live music throughout the day, raffles and more!
There will be free: massages, small reiki sessions, spinal check ups, reflexology sessions, adult yoga class and several fun children’s activities. Some of the vendors will represent a variety of products: essential oil bath and beauty products, handmade candles, handmade scarves, Ergo baby carriers, Juice Plus whole food supplements, handmade jewelry, Shaklee cleaning products and Selene Whole Food Co-op. There will also be several well-known area birth services, local non-profit organizations and other wellness practitioners with informational booths. Scheduled lectures include vaccine choice, homeopathy for moms and kids and traditional Chinese medicine for children.
For more information, please contact Heather Busovsky.
We have had several late vendor additions to the list below, so it's going to be a great day with lots of entertainment and information for the whole family. Please join us and tell all your friends and family to do the same!
Free Local Family Wellness Fair on 5/16/09
The Delaware County, PA chapter of the Holistic Moms Network, in conjunction with Ohm Chiropractic Center , is sponsoring a Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 11am to 4pm at Ohm Chiropractic located at 327 N. Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063. Free lectures start at 11am and fair festivities start at noon.
This family-friendly event is open to the public and free! Come early and bring your entire family to enjoy the lovely spring day and the scheduled outdoor activities. There will be an assortment of BBQ and vegan food available, live music throughout the day, raffles and more!
There will be free: massages, small reiki sessions, spinal check ups, reflexology sessions, adult yoga class and several fun children’s activities. Some of the vendors will represent a variety of products: essential oil bath and beauty products, handmade candles, handmade scarves, Ergo baby carriers, Juice Plus whole food supplements, handmade jewelry, Shaklee cleaning products and Selene Whole Food Co-op. There will also be several well-known area birth services, local non-profit organizations and other wellness practitioners with informational booths. Scheduled lectures include vaccine choice, homeopathy for moms and kids and traditional Chinese medicine for children.
For more information, please contact Heather Busovsky.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Ricki Lake and The Doctors
I was going to make a post about the TV show The Doctors and their take on birth and Ricki Lake, but then I saw Jill's post, and I figured I'd just let her do it. Go read!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Mom's Group 5/13
Come to Amy's house and meet other moms on the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings start at 11am and end at 2pm. Bring lunch or something to share. Children are always welcome!
Where:
52 Marshall Road
Glen Mills, PA 19342
When:
Wednesday, May 13th 11am to 2pm
Where:
52 Marshall Road
Glen Mills, PA 19342
When:
Wednesday, May 13th 11am to 2pm
Monday, May 11, 2009
Widespread use of labor induction potentially harmful
The investigators found support only for inducing labor at or beyond 41 completed weeks of gestation and under some conditions when a woman's membranes break before labor. However, there is not good evidence for inducing labor in many other situations, including when the fetus is believed to be large or to have restricted growth, or when a woman is pregnant with twins, has insulin-dependent diabetes, or has low levels of amniotic fluid.
Read more...
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Cesareans outnumber Vaginal Births in S Florida
Last year, for the first time, more babies in Miami-Dade County were born by cesarean section than were born vaginally, according to state records, and Broward's not far behind, with a rate of 43.7 percent -- both far above the national average.
At Kendall Regional Medical Center in Southwest Miami-Dade, seven out of 10 babies were delivered by C-section, a rate that University of Miami obstetrician Gene Burkett called ``just astounding.''
Locally and nationally, the cesarean rate has been creeping up annually for years. In 2007, the U.S. rate reached 31.8 percent, according to the National Center for Health Statistics -- an increase of more than 50 percent over the past decade.
Read more...
Monday, April 27, 2009
Essay on the Factory Model of Childbirth
If only more OBs thought this way! Please read this - the lack of choice in maternity care is something that people need to be aware of!
Read more...
Obstetrician/gynecologist Lauren Plante has a remarkable essay in the International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics in which she condemns the rising cesarean rate and compares current U.S. childbirth practices to the industrial revolution.
Read more...
Washington State Passes Breastfeeding Law
It's now a woman's civic right to breast feed her baby in public. Before the new law, women couldn't be arrested for indecency while breastfeeding, now they're protected from being asked to leave.
Read more...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Home births 'as safe as hospitals'
The largest study of its kind has found that for low-risk women, giving birth at home is as safe as doing so in hospital with a midwife.
Read more...
Nursing by the numbers
In 2001, the USDA concluded that if breastfeeding rates were increased to 75 percent at birth and 50 percent at six months, it would lead to a national government savings of a minimum of $3.6 billion. This amount was easily an underestimation since it represents savings in the treatment of only three of the dozens of illnesses proven to be decreased by breastfeeding: ear infections, gastroenteritis, and necrotizing enterocolitis.
Read more...
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