Midwifery
Read this online guide to the most frequently asked questions
about midwives and doulas.
Midwives traditionally regard pregnancy and childbirth as
a normal process in healthy women, most of whom can safely
deliver without routine interventions. Here is a chart outlining
the essential differences between the "Midwifery Model" and "Medical
Model" of childbirth care.
"I practice midwifery care, not managed care..." Dana
Ericson, CNM
What is a doula? What are the proven benefits of having
one attend your birth? Get answers to your questions here.
Pregnancy
Drinking enough water is absolutely critical during pregnancy.
Find out why it is so important and figure out how much you
should be drinking on a daily basis.
You may know that during pregnancy you need to provide your
growing baby with the nutrients, energy, and environment
that will help him or her get the best possible start in
life. Discover what experts are also saying about the effects
of prenatal nutrition on the health of your child later on
in life.
Gaining enough, but not too much, weight is essential to
the health of your baby now and later in his or her life.
Get information on recommended weight gain based on your
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Birth
How many times have you seen images of women lying on their
backs during labor and delivery? This page will tell you
about the benefits of alternative birth positions, particularly
the upright- or "squatting"
position.
Midwife and Doulas Services offers pregnant women the opportunity
to labor and/or birth in water. How does this work? Read
up on waterbirths and view an awesome photo journal of a
recent birth here.
Did you know that your option to experience Vaginal Birth
After Cesarean (VBAC) in Des Moines area hospitals is severely
limited? Here's an editorial about the local situation.
Postpartum
Of course you've heard that "breast is best." Read
an interview with a local La Leche League co-leader and find
out some things about breastfeeding that you might not know!
How
much do you know about circumcision? Don't allow anyone to perform this
procedure on your son until you know what it means, how it feels, and
its short- and long-term effects on babies and on the men they will
grow up to be.
