July 9, 2007
From the Editor:
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Hello and Welcome!
Good weather, Bad tidings. This issue of Birthing Blocks brings warnings for all pregnant women and their families as to hidden risks they may face as birth draws near. The silver lining is that by being informed of these risks, you will have the knowledge and skills to avoid them.
Enjoy!
Catherine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
*Medication Risks in Pregnancy and Birth
*Restricted Umbilical Cord Problems
Risks of Medications in Pregnancy and Birth
During your pregnancy, expectant mothers strive to take excellent care of themselves and the life they carry. Unfortunately, when labor arrives, the months of diligent care can be completely undone by the use of medications.
Most medications currently used during childbirth are not FDA-approved for pregnancy, labor, delivery or lactation. These include such drugs as Cytotec, Turbutaline, and Stadol.
Some of the drugs currently given to laboring women have their origins as Abortion drugs. The use of such medications during pregnancy is a slippery slope and represent unnecessary risks to the mother and her child.
While many women are told that the use of drugs during labor is not a risk, the truth is that ALL medications cross the placenta. There is no way to know if the mother or baby will have an allergic reaction to the medications given until after the fact. Additionally, most medications contain preservatives that are known toxins.
These are just some of the additional reasons why a natural birth is the safest option for you and your child. Read the full text to learn which medications to avoid. Forewarned is forearmed.
Restricted Umbilical Cord Problems
While many doctors warn you of the dangers of a compressed umbilical cord, they fail to mention that the largest source of restricted umbilical cord problems during birth stems from their own actions - early cord clamping.
When an infant's umbilical cord is clamped before it has stopped pulsating, 20-60% of their total blood volume is trapped inside the placenta, putting them at risk of a host of disorders, including anemia, heart perforations, learning problems, SIDS, kidney/liver disease and the list goes on.
The reasons for early cord clamping are just as sordid as the results. In most cases, the placenta blood is then SOLD to the highest bidder, for up to $30,000!
Check out the full text, which includes a protocol for maintaining an intact cord. Also included is a link to a petition for the safety of mothers and babies. Please pass it along to those you care for. We must protect our birthright, the right to give birth naturally.
Did you enjoy this issue of Birthing Blocks? Then send it along to a friend! Let me know what else you'd like to see -- this is your ezine! Enjoy the long summer days, and take care!
Happy Birthing!
Catherine