|
Read June's blog for the latest on birth news, healthy recipes, and recommended reading.  Subscribe to my blog
|
 Informed Consent is just that: giving your consent to an intervention or procedure after having been informed about the process, the benefits, the risks and the aternatives.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, says that informed consent implies that a woman "has been given adequate information about her diagnosis, prognosis and alternative treatment choices, including the option of no treatment." No treatment? Yes – one of your options is to say "no" to a recommended or suggested procedure. In that case, you will likely be asked to sign an "Informed Refusal" statement, confirming that you have opted against a particular intervention after having been made aware of the benefits, risks and alternatives. So how do you know whether to say yes or no, especially if the question is posed while you're in labor? Suppose a nurse or your caregiver comes into your room and asks if you would like Pitocin to speed up your labor, or an epidural to reduce the pain? Or how would you respond if your midwife suggested breaking your water (amniotic sac) to help speed up your labor? Happy Birth Way has an Informed Consent checklist of questions, called "H.E.A.R.", which stands for "Health, Evaluation, Alternatives and Response." Print it out and take it with you to the hospital or birth center, or keep it nearby if you're birthing at home, so that you'll have the questions right in front of you in case an intervention is suggested or even medically necessary. |
| Natural | Induced | Informed Consent | Birth Preferences |
Getting close
to your due date?
Getting close
to your due date?
|
What is a Doula?
What is a Doula?
|
A doula is a non-medical labor assistant who physically and emotionally supports a mom and her partner during labor, as depicted in this beautiful montage of Samuel's birth. Thank you to Tara and Angel for sharing their natural birth experience at Breath of Life Birth Center. |
Breath of LIfe Birth Center
Breath of LIfe Birth Center
 Breath of Life is a beautiful birth center based in Largo, FL, with two caring Certified Nurse Midwives who lovingly help moms bring their babies into the world without drugs or high-tech equipment. "High-touch, low-tech" sums up the center's philosophy. Happy Birth Way childbirth educator June Connell is in her fourth year of teaching classes there. If you are a Breath of Life client and would like to sign up and pay for Happy Birth Way classes, you can do that right here. |
Did You Know?
|
Studies are suggesting that babies whose moms ate a variety of foods during their pregnancy are less likely to be picky eaters! So go ahead, moms -- sample some new cuisines! |
Testimonials
"Great environment and flow."
Keith R.
"We know more of what to expect now."
Susan G.
"June is intelligent, humble, patient and always available for questions."
Seth P.
"Having natural coping tools has boosted my confidence."
Regis B.
"I learned that my body will tell me what to do."
Stephanie W.
"Informative, excellent presentation."
Robyn B.
"Wonderful visuals. Thank you!"
Krystin W.
"Learning the husband?s role will definitely help us in labor."
Brian R.
"The class relieved my anxieties about labor and delivery."
Christie D.
"June did a great job answering our questions."
Ashley S.
|
Our Experience >
Cesarean Birth Rate
| The cesarean birth rate in the United States is teetering around the 40% mark. Some of the hospitals in the Tampa Bay area have already exceeded that. Find out here how your hospital is doing. |