May all babies be born into loving hands...
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Comic for You
May all babies be born into loving hands...
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
Friday, June 18, 2010
MMA Update: MMA is in the News
Here is the latest update from Free Our Midwives.org. Have a great weekend. Kiss a father!
May all babies be born into loving hands...
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
Thursday was Midwifery Modernization Act in the news day! The physician trade organization, The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) held a press conference in Albany today, voicing strong opposition – not surprising, but still disappointing! Their comments revealed a clearly misinformed understanding of midwifery as a profession, the role of the written practice agreement, and the current maternity care crisis confronting New York State women in the face of restricted access to midwives. Fortunately, NYSALM was prepared (thanks in part to a Free Our Midwives consumer who shared with us the ACOG press release in advance). We reached out to reporters across Albany and New York State with the truth – midwifery is safe and the written practice agreement does not enhance the safety of mothers or babies. The result? Balanced coverage that did not just echo ACOG’s party line.
It is important for us to remember, as we contact legislators and speak with our friends and family about this bill, that the MMA will change nothing about how midwives practice and consult with physicians. A written practice agreement does not ensure the safety of women and babies. It is the midwifery model of care, including collaboration and consultation with physicians as needed, that provides for the excellent outcomes we see with midwife-attended birth.
2. Pat yourself on the back – we are all doing a great job keeping the consumer energy strong and present while lobbyists and midwives work on the ground in Albany.
We will be on facebook all day tomorrow with updates and requests for specific constituent contact as the needs arise.
Together we will see this bill to the floor and watch it pass! Have a great weekend everyone — your hard work is so appreciated.
**************
May all babies be born into loving hands...
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
Preserving Safe & Healthy Birth Choices for New York Families
Thursday was Midwifery Modernization Act in the news day! The physician trade organization, The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) held a press conference in Albany today, voicing strong opposition – not surprising, but still disappointing! Their comments revealed a clearly misinformed understanding of midwifery as a profession, the role of the written practice agreement, and the current maternity care crisis confronting New York State women in the face of restricted access to midwives. Fortunately, NYSALM was prepared (thanks in part to a Free Our Midwives consumer who shared with us the ACOG press release in advance). We reached out to reporters across Albany and New York State with the truth – midwifery is safe and the written practice agreement does not enhance the safety of mothers or babies. The result? Balanced coverage that did not just echo ACOG’s party line.It is important for us to remember, as we contact legislators and speak with our friends and family about this bill, that the MMA will change nothing about how midwives practice and consult with physicians. A written practice agreement does not ensure the safety of women and babies. It is the midwifery model of care, including collaboration and consultation with physicians as needed, that provides for the excellent outcomes we see with midwife-attended birth.
For Friday:
1. Check out the New York Times article that just came out and leave a comment.2. Pat yourself on the back – we are all doing a great job keeping the consumer energy strong and present while lobbyists and midwives work on the ground in Albany.
We will be on facebook all day tomorrow with updates and requests for specific constituent contact as the needs arise.
Together we will see this bill to the floor and watch it pass! Have a great weekend everyone — your hard work is so appreciated.
**************
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Avalon Marie
Sweet Avalon is petite and charming. However, at 6 pounds, 11 ounces, she is not as tiny as her daddy's huge hand makes her seem. Welcome, Avalon!
May all babies be born into loving hands...
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
May all babies be born into loving hands...
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
MMA Update: Wednesday is Tell Your Story Day
Here is the latest update in the Midwifery Modernization Act game plan: We are still waiting for the bill to be presented for a vote to the NY State Assembly and then the Senate. Support always appreciated. As outlined below by Free Our Midwives, personal stories are very effective. Pray, breathe, think good thoughts and contact a legislator or two!
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
Preserving Safe & Healthy Birth Choices for New York Families
One thing we’ve learned from all your calls is that legislators need to hear the real stories of New York State women who have received the safe care of a midwife.
While our on-the-ground team is working their magic in Albany, let’s show legislators this is a real issue for women. Today contact your legislator via email and answer one or more of the following questions. (Bonus points: Visit your legislators home office and tell them your answers.)
Why did midwifery feel like a safer choice?
In what ways did your midwife ensure the safety of you and your baby during your pregnancy and labor?
If you had a positive collaboration with a physician during your pregnancy or labor please share.
If your ability to secure a midwife is compromised due to the written practice agreement please tell your story.
*************
Please don’t share conflicts between doctors and midwives. This is not the time to share intimate details of your birth. We are looking to give real examples of how midwifery looks as a profession from a constituent point of view.
**************
Find your Assemblyperson here and your Senator here and share your answers with them via email.
We want to hear too! Copy and paste your emails in the comment section at the end of this post.
(Go to the following link: freeourmidwives.org/)
While our on-the-ground team is working their magic in Albany, let’s show legislators this is a real issue for women. Today contact your legislator via email and answer one or more of the following questions. (Bonus points: Visit your legislators home office and tell them your answers.)
Why did midwifery feel like a safer choice?In what ways did your midwife ensure the safety of you and your baby during your pregnancy and labor?
If you had a positive collaboration with a physician during your pregnancy or labor please share.
If your ability to secure a midwife is compromised due to the written practice agreement please tell your story.
*************
Please don’t share conflicts between doctors and midwives. This is not the time to share intimate details of your birth. We are looking to give real examples of how midwifery looks as a profession from a constituent point of view.
**************
Find your Assemblyperson here and your Senator here and share your answers with them via email.
We want to hear too! Copy and paste your emails in the comment section at the end of this post.
(Go to the following link: freeourmidwives.org/)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
FDA alert about Vit D dropper and infants
The following is from the FDA. With all the info out there now about the importance of getting enough vitamin D, please remember, too much vitamin is not good. Moderation, moderation, moderation.
May all babies be born into loving hands...
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
Vitamin D Supplement Products: Medication Use Error
Audience: Pediatrics, Family Practice, Consumer
ISSUE: Some liquid Vitamin D supplement products are sold with droppers that could allow parents to accidentally give harmful amounts of Vitamin D to their infant. Excessive amounts of Vitamin D can be harmful to infants, and may be characterized by nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, frequent urination, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, muscle and joint aches, confusion, and fatigue, as well as more serious consequences like kidney damage.
BACKGROUND: The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended a dose of 400 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D Supplement per day to breast-fed and partially breast-fed infants (AAP Pediatric Nutrition Handbook, 6th edition, p.466).
RECOMMENDATION: The easiest way to insure that an infant will not get more than the recommended dose is to use a product supplied with a dropper that will give no more than 400 IU per dose. If a caregiver cannot clearly determine the dose of Vitamin D that should be given to an infant or has any other questions, FDA recommends consulting with a healthcare provider before giving any of these products to an infant.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
Phone: 1-800-332-1088
Mail: return the postage-paid FDA form 3500, which may be downloaded from the MedWatch "Download Forms" page, to address on the pre-addressed form
Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the complete safety alert, including links to the FDA Note to Correspondents and the FDA Consumer Update, at:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm215523.htm
May all babies be born into loving hands...
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
Vitamin D Supplement Products: Medication Use Error
Audience: Pediatrics, Family Practice, Consumer
ISSUE: Some liquid Vitamin D supplement products are sold with droppers that could allow parents to accidentally give harmful amounts of Vitamin D to their infant. Excessive amounts of Vitamin D can be harmful to infants, and may be characterized by nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, frequent urination, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, muscle and joint aches, confusion, and fatigue, as well as more serious consequences like kidney damage.
BACKGROUND: The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended a dose of 400 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D Supplement per day to breast-fed and partially breast-fed infants (AAP Pediatric Nutrition Handbook, 6th edition, p.466).
RECOMMENDATION: The easiest way to insure that an infant will not get more than the recommended dose is to use a product supplied with a dropper that will give no more than 400 IU per dose. If a caregiver cannot clearly determine the dose of Vitamin D that should be given to an infant or has any other questions, FDA recommends consulting with a healthcare provider before giving any of these products to an infant.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
Phone: 1-800-332-1088
Mail: return the postage-paid FDA form 3500, which may be downloaded from the MedWatch "Download Forms" page, to address on the pre-addressed form
Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the complete safety alert, including links to the FDA Note to Correspondents and the FDA Consumer Update, at:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm215523.htm
Monday, June 14, 2010
MMA -The Final Week???
This should be the week the Midwifery Modernization Act gets passed! Support still needed in this final hour. Below find information on how to help; it was neatly and succinctly posted by the lovely and dedicated crew at Free Our Midwives. Phone calls, emails and faxes still needed. Just a couple more days!
May all babies be born into loving hands...
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
We have arrived at the final phase of getting the Midwifery Modernization Act passed. Thanks to your amazing outpouring of support the bill was moved out of the Higher Education Committee last week. Now it is poised to be brought to a full vote in the Assembly and Senate. This is the moment!
This week is going to unfold step by step and we will keep you updated as the bill progresses. Watch here for up to the minute updates. Our current strategy involves two rounds of phone calls.
The first starts now!
Monday: Contact your Assemblyperson and Senator.
********************
FAQ’s
The majority of these calls will take less than 30 seconds and be without any questions. Just in case you do speak to your legislator and/or are asked a question, here is some info to help you.
If you can not answer a question, politely let them know that you will find out the answer and you or a representative will call them back with an answer. Please contact us immediately so we can quickly and effectively answer legislative concerns.
*Don’t midwives need a written practice agreement to secure malpractice insurance?
No. Midwives can and do secure malpractice insurance in New York state without a written practice agreement.
*Don’t midwives need to work and consult with doctors to ensure women’s health and safety?
Yes! Midwives are obligated to consult, collaborate and/or transfer care to a higher level practitioner as soon as a birth shows signs that it is outside what is healthy and uncomplicated. A written practice agreement is unnecessary and the requirement for such an agreement creates a barrier for New York State women to receive the care they need from midwives.
*Without a written practice agreement what a will a midwife do for back-up?
Midwives can and do have supportive relationships with physicians without a written practice agreement. Back up plans are a necessary and integral part of midwifery care. Written practice agreements do not play a role in back up plans.
****************************
We are continuously amazed at the outpouring of support we receive from all of you. We are full of gratitude for all you have done. These final actions will ensure that women and families across New York State will have access to the quality midwifery care they deserve.
May all babies be born into loving hands...
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
The Final Week :: Let’s Get the MMA Passed!
We have arrived at the final phase of getting the Midwifery Modernization Act passed. Thanks to your amazing outpouring of support the bill was moved out of the Higher Education Committee last week. Now it is poised to be brought to a full vote in the Assembly and Senate. This is the moment!This week is going to unfold step by step and we will keep you updated as the bill progresses. Watch here for up to the minute updates. Our current strategy involves two rounds of phone calls.
The first starts now!
Monday: Contact your Assemblyperson and Senator.
1. Call your Assemblyperson and Senator.
Find your Assemblyperson here and your Senator here and call them:
Script: Hello, my name is ______ and I am a constituent. Please encourage the leadership of the (assembly / senate) to bring the bill to a floor vote and please vote for this bill.2. Call the Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver
518-455-3791 :: Ask him to move the bill to the floor for a full vote.
Script: Hello, my name is ______ and I urge Assembly Speaker Silver to move the Midwifery Modernization Act (A8117-A) to the floor for a full vote. Thank you.3. Help Us Develop Strategy: Report Back Us
If you learn where your legislator stands please report your findings back to Free Our Midwives either by leaving a comment on this action alert, letting us know on facebook or shoot us an email (jeanette@freeourmidwives.org).********************
FAQ’s
The majority of these calls will take less than 30 seconds and be without any questions. Just in case you do speak to your legislator and/or are asked a question, here is some info to help you.
If you can not answer a question, politely let them know that you will find out the answer and you or a representative will call them back with an answer. Please contact us immediately so we can quickly and effectively answer legislative concerns.
*Don’t midwives need a written practice agreement to secure malpractice insurance?
No. Midwives can and do secure malpractice insurance in New York state without a written practice agreement.
*Don’t midwives need to work and consult with doctors to ensure women’s health and safety?
Yes! Midwives are obligated to consult, collaborate and/or transfer care to a higher level practitioner as soon as a birth shows signs that it is outside what is healthy and uncomplicated. A written practice agreement is unnecessary and the requirement for such an agreement creates a barrier for New York State women to receive the care they need from midwives.
*Without a written practice agreement what a will a midwife do for back-up?
Midwives can and do have supportive relationships with physicians without a written practice agreement. Back up plans are a necessary and integral part of midwifery care. Written practice agreements do not play a role in back up plans.
****************************
We are continuously amazed at the outpouring of support we receive from all of you. We are full of gratitude for all you have done. These final actions will ensure that women and families across New York State will have access to the quality midwifery care they deserve.
We are making a difference.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Slightly Early Births Linked to Autism, Dyslexia
Please take this article as information not as more fuel for guilt. As parents and health care providers we already have too little of the former and too much of the later. A link to the siting study is at the bottom of the MedScape article.
For your viewing pleasure, here is a picture of Rinchen, born almost two weeks past his due date. It is hard to be patient, but our patience is often what babies need.
May all babies be born into loving hands...
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
By Kate Kelland
LONDON (Reuters) Jun 09 - Babies born just 1 or 2 weeks before their 40-week gestation due date are more likely to develop learning difficulties such as autism or dyslexia, according to a British study published on Tuesday.
The findings show that even babies born at 39 weeks have an increased risk of a developing a learning disability compared with babies born a week later.
Scientists in Scotland, analyzing the birth history of more than 400,000 schoolchildren, found that while babies born at 40 weeks have a 4% risk of learning difficulties, those born at 37 to 39 weeks of gestation have a 5.1% risk.
"There was an increasing risk of special educational needs as the gestation date fell, so as deliveries got earlier, the risk went up," said Jill Pell, an expert in public health and health policy Glasgow University, who led the study.
"Even being just a week early put the risk up."
It is already known that a baby born prematurely is more likely to have learning difficulties. But the risks for babies born in the 24 to 40 week range had not previously been studied.
Pell found that although the risk of educational difficulties was much higher in preterm than in early term babies, the absolute numbers of children with difficulties in the 37 to 39 week group were higher, because many more babies are born at this time than before 37 weeks.
In her study, early term births accounted for 5.5% percent of cases of learning disabilities, while preterm deliveries accounted for only 3.6% of cases.
According to the World Health Organization, more and more women worldwide are delivering by cesarean section and a "significant proportion" of these surgical procedures are performed without any clear medical need.
Rates of autism have also been rising, but Pell said it would be "a leap too far" to link her findings directly to rates of autism, since autism was only one of a range of learning difficulties considered.
Pell, whose study was published online June 8th in Public Library of Science (PLoS) Medicine, acknowledged that cesarean sections were not the only factor behind early-term births. But she said doctors and women should include the risks of learning difficulties when considering a cesarean.
"It is now normal policy (in cesarean section) to deliver women a week early," she said in a telephone interview. "But if you make a decision...for an elective pre-term delivery, then it has to be a balance, weighing up the risks and potential benefits.
"What this study shows is that special education needs are another factor that need to be considered."
http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000289
PLoS Medicine 2010.
For your viewing pleasure, here is a picture of Rinchen, born almost two weeks past his due date. It is hard to be patient, but our patience is often what babies need.
May all babies be born into loving hands...
K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com
From Reuters Health Information
Slightly Early Births Linked to Autism, Dyslexia
LONDON (Reuters) Jun 09 - Babies born just 1 or 2 weeks before their 40-week gestation due date are more likely to develop learning difficulties such as autism or dyslexia, according to a British study published on Tuesday.
The findings show that even babies born at 39 weeks have an increased risk of a developing a learning disability compared with babies born a week later.
Scientists in Scotland, analyzing the birth history of more than 400,000 schoolchildren, found that while babies born at 40 weeks have a 4% risk of learning difficulties, those born at 37 to 39 weeks of gestation have a 5.1% risk.
"There was an increasing risk of special educational needs as the gestation date fell, so as deliveries got earlier, the risk went up," said Jill Pell, an expert in public health and health policy Glasgow University, who led the study.
"Even being just a week early put the risk up."
It is already known that a baby born prematurely is more likely to have learning difficulties. But the risks for babies born in the 24 to 40 week range had not previously been studied.
Pell found that although the risk of educational difficulties was much higher in preterm than in early term babies, the absolute numbers of children with difficulties in the 37 to 39 week group were higher, because many more babies are born at this time than before 37 weeks.
In her study, early term births accounted for 5.5% percent of cases of learning disabilities, while preterm deliveries accounted for only 3.6% of cases.
According to the World Health Organization, more and more women worldwide are delivering by cesarean section and a "significant proportion" of these surgical procedures are performed without any clear medical need.
Rates of autism have also been rising, but Pell said it would be "a leap too far" to link her findings directly to rates of autism, since autism was only one of a range of learning difficulties considered.
Pell, whose study was published online June 8th in Public Library of Science (PLoS) Medicine, acknowledged that cesarean sections were not the only factor behind early-term births. But she said doctors and women should include the risks of learning difficulties when considering a cesarean.
"It is now normal policy (in cesarean section) to deliver women a week early," she said in a telephone interview. "But if you make a decision...for an elective pre-term delivery, then it has to be a balance, weighing up the risks and potential benefits.
"What this study shows is that special education needs are another factor that need to be considered."
http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000289
PLoS Medicine 2010.
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