Problems and Hazards of Induction of Labor

Check out this great article on the problems and hazards of induction of labor.

Great Quote

"By medicalizing birth, that is separating the woman from her own environment and surrounding her with strange people using strange machines to do strange things to her, the woman's state of mind and body are so altered that her way of carrying through this intimate act must also be altered."
~Marsden Wagner~

Community Service Project

Bring your kids for a free child identification kit including: fingerprints, height and weight, photo and DNA samples tomorrow, Saturday, November 21, 10 am - 2 pm in front of the Bloomington Walmart.

I will be bringing my bunch!

Birth Defects Associated with Use of Antibiotics During Pregnancy

Sulfonamides and nitrofurantoins were associated with birth defects.

Antibacterial drugs are among the most commonly used medications during pregnancy. Investigators analyzed data from a national birth defects study to compare antibiotic use in 13,155 mothers of infants with at least one major birth defect and 4941 randomly selected mothers of infants without birth defects from the same geographic region and born during the same period (1997–2003). Antibiotic use was determined by telephone interview 6 weeks to 2 years after the pregnancy. Exposure to antibiotics was defined as reported use during the month before the estimated date of conception through the end of the first trimester; 14% of cases and 13% of controls used antibiotics during this interval.

Sulfonamides were associated with six major birth defects, including anencephaly (odds ratio, 3.4) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (OR, 3.2). Nitrofurantoins were associated with four birth defects (including hypoplastic left heart syndrome; OR, 4.2), and erythromycins were associated with two defects. Penicillins, cephalosporins, and quinolones each were associated with one defect.

Comment: The authors note the limitations of this retrospective study, including the major limitation that causality cannot be determined. However, the results are reassuring. Penicillins, erythromycins, and cephalosporins appear to be safe. Sulfonamides and nitrofurantoins appear to be associated with several birth defects and should be avoided if possible. Quinolones, used infrequently by women in this study, are not recommended for use during pregnancy.

— Howard Bauchner, MD

Published in Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine November 18, 2009

Citation(s):

Crider KS et al. Antibacterial medication use during pregnancy and risk of birth defects: National Birth Defects Prevention Study. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2009 Nov; 163:978.

• Original article (Subscription may be required)
• Medline abstract (Free)

Common antibiotics tied to birth defects

Study: Drugs to treat urinary infections could cause heart, brain problems

Another Beautiful Montage

Almost a month ago (wow, where has time gone?), my apprentice and good friend, Dy gave birth to her fourth baby. I was honored to be present at this amazing event. She has graciously allowed me to share it here. Enjoy - and maybe get some tissues ready!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

New Website

After more than 2 years of trying to get my website up and running, it is finally done (well, for know). I have struggled with it and then I would let it go because of the frustration, but I am proud to say I figured it out. Without further ado...

Alternative Birth Services

Check it out - I would love input. Suggestions on things that need to be changed, etc...

Beautiful Birth Montage

I had the honor of attending the birth of a client and good friend last week. Labor was harder and longer than anticipated, but mom was so committed and her husband was a rock for her. It was a beautiful event. She has granted me permission to share her birth montage here. Enjoy!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com