Some huge changes are in the works here at the Albrecht house - job/move and health related.

However, in my heart, I haven’t quite come to terms with them yet.

Even though I have a lot to write, I’m reluctant to “make them real” by posting them to my blog. Perhaps once these changes have corresponding calendar dates, I’ll be ready to write about them publicly.

One thing to note - I did turn in my Academic Package to become a Bradley Method instructor today. I will find out in about six weeks if it passed inspection

Stay tuned, and please pray.

Much love,
SJA

There is nothing more frustrating than taking the time to create a birth plan, for the health benefit of you and your baby, only to have it ignored or disregarded. In the book Natural Childbirth The Bradley Way, Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg offers the following tips, found in chapter four “How to Choose Your Doctor”:

Make a detailed list in the order that is important to you.

If there is more than one doctor in a practice, try to see a different doctor and review your plan with each of them.

Memorize your list.

Have the doctor write your requests on your chart – the doctor is more likely to remember when they play an active role in getting your requests down. On later visits, ask the doctor to read what was previously written on your chart. This confirms previous agreements and gets the new doctor actively involved in seeing that your birth turns out the way you want.

About three weeks prior to delivery, hand over your written list and see that it is attached to your chart.

Take copies with you to the birth in case your requests are “misplaced”.

Bring a supportive person, in addition to your coach, with you to the hospital when the big day comes. This person’s function is not so much to intercede on your behalf as to simply be there for moral support as you deal with any situations that may come up.

Even if your plan is conveyed clearly, still be ready to decline any procedure that is objectionable to you.

Remember: Being judicious when choosing your OBGYN, and seeking out one who understands the importance of a natural birth in the first place, will greatly increase the chances of having your requests met. This way, your natural birth will not come only as the result of winning an uphill battle with your doctor during labor and delivery.

An OBGYN who shares your same philosophy will not accidentally begin an unnecessary medical intervention because it would not be habit for them to do so routinely. Choose a doctor who will be on the same page and things will go much smoother for everyone in the delivery room.

I’m reading the Husband-Coached Childbirth for my Teacher Training Class. (Lots of homework due, so little time!)

The book is excellent for anyone who is preparing to give birth or who has an interest in the topic of natural birth.

Here’s a memorable quote from chapter 7, “The Coach’s Training Rules”:

“Parents come in pairs. If you think the only task you have as a parent is to get your wife pregnant, you’re going to be like the farmer who thinks all there is to farming is planting seeds. You will harvest only the weeds of resentment to your passivity. You are poorly prepared for parenthood and have yet to recognize your responsibilities….

Maybe I’m old fashioned, but don’t kid yourself, the hand that rocks the cradle still rules the world, and always will. Motherly women and fatherly men acting as wholesome symbols of strength and righteousness in a family setting of mutual love and respect continue to be essential to progress in any civilization.

The reaction your wife has to her pregnancy and the birth of your child will reflect on the relationship between mother and child forever after. Will she look upon childbearing as a horrifying ordeal that ruined her figure and seared her soul? … Or, will she joyfully share with you even the little nuisances involved and thank you for getting her pregnant and bless her God for the privilege of being a woman and of giving birth?…

You are going to live with this woman “until death do us part.” How rich, full and meaningful that life will be is very much dependent upon your ability as a participant in parenthood. This does not exclude but takes precedence over the golf games, pool hall, poker game, CD player, computer, etc. Lets get on with it.”

(Preach it, brother!)

Yay!

This afternoon, I was accepted to the Teacher Training Program for the Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth!

My classes will be in April in Orlando, Florida.

After experiencing five successful natural births, I get a lot of calls from friends and family to answer questions about this topic. My friend Debbie, who was also my Bradley Instructor, has been saying for a few years that I should get certified and teach on a professional basis.

Recently, I saw a screening of The Business of Being Born and my interest in teaching was renewed. My husband encouraged me to pursue the classes and both he and his mom offered their support. I’m really looking forward to this!

If you’re looking for a natural birth method that starts with a healthy pregnancy, where you learn to “tune-into” your body as a way to understand and manage labor pain, the Bradley Method is for you!

There is a teacher lookup on their website, where you can find a class near you: http://www.bradleybirth.com/