Latest Media Short: Baby in Distress

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Rachel
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“Baby in Distress” is the 2nd media short in the “Failure to Progress?” series, and compares another ironic tendency we have in the labor & delivery room: Going diving dosed on Pitocin? Better bring your oxygen tank. (c) Rachel Connolly Kwock, 81 seconds.

Nature designed contractions so that baby gets a little relief in between each one and once synthetic oxytocin is introduced those well-timed contractions become longer and more intense. These really strong contractions can interfere with the amount of oxygen-rich blood traveling from the placenta to the fetus resulting in “fetal distress” or the baby’s heartrate decelerating, “decel”.

According to the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology study, the “Effects of oxytocin-induced uterine hyperstimulation during labor on fetal oxygen status and fetal heart rate patterns”:

Hyperstimulation was associated with significant oxygen desaturation.

Hyperstimulation is associated with negative effects on fetal status. The more contractions in 30 minutes, the more pronounced the effect.

And the negative affects of reducing the oxygen flow were also relevant in Catherine Lisa Kurth, PhD study: “The Relationship Between AD/HD and Perinatal (Oxytocin) Pitocin Induction: Risk for Developmental Adversity?”:

These findings suggest a Pitocin-linked, interactive constellation of factors initiates a neuro-developmental cascade that disrupts cognitive executive functioning, kindling AD/HD. These overlapping mechanisms: restricted fetal neural oxygen flow, insult to soft neural tissue, via prolonged, Pitocin-induced hypertonic uterine contractions and initial whetting of the neural appetite to a chemical stimulant, likely foster the perfect neuro-developmental storm. Specifically, it is highly suspected that this pressured uterine force may impose neural convolutions or architectural imprints on the immature fetal brain, altering cortical topography, and adversely affecting long-term neural development. Other contributing dynamics may include the down-regulation of fetal (hormonal) oxytocin via obstetric Pitocin infusion, which could trigger a switch in inhibitory neurotransmitter (GABA) signaling in the fetal brain, risking hypoxia and neuronal cell death. Immuno-suppression of brain tissue and brain inflammation may also play a role.

Perhaps you had Pitocin with the birth of your child and things were fine. Please comment at the end of this post about your experience so we can all better understand the when and how much of Pitocin: 1) WHEN was the synthetic oxytocin was received – when the mother was in active labor or early labor, before labor has really kicked in? 2) HOW LONG did the mother receive it for – for example 24 hours or more or to augment an already active labor for just a few hours? 3) WHAT was the dosage level?

According to MCN, American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing: “Oxytocin As A High-Alert Medication: Implications for Perinatal Patient Safety” study, the when and how much of Pitocin is critical, specifically because it has been marked as a high-alert medication.

In 2007, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices added intravenous (IV) oxytocin to their list of high-alert medications.” And precautioned “Errors that involve IV oxytocin administration for labor induction or augmentation are most commonly dose related and often involve lack of timely recognition and appropriate treatment of excessive uterine activity (tachysystole).

We are hoping the future of birthing yields more studies and education but in the meantime, can we all use common knowledge that removing your babies oxygen supply for longer than nature designed is probably not good for them?

Induction can indeed be used very effectively to augment labor and help contractions get into a better rhythm however, there are natural methods of induction just ask your care provider, discuss with your birth partner, get a doula, and do some research beforehand.

One of the best methods of induction is a very ancient and mysterious method…. it is called t-i-m-e.

Did you experience pitocin and you feel it was fine? Please share your experience on when in your labor you received it, and for how long, and if you know, how much.


References:

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology study, Effects of oxytocin-induced uterine hyperstimulation during labor on fetal oxygen status and fetal heart rate patterns. Jul2008, Vol. 199 Issue 1, p34-34, 1p. http://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378%2807%2902295-8/abstract

Western Institute of Nursing Maternal Report of Fetal Distress During Labor More Common in Induced Labors. 2009. Presentation. http://hdl.handle.net/10755/157891

Perinatal Pitocin as an Early ADHD Biomarker: Neurodevelopmental Risk?Detail Only Available . By: Kurth, Lisa; Haussmann, Robert. Journal of Attention Disorders, v15 n5 p423-431 Jul 2011. (EJ926390) www.dr-charlton.com/ADHDandPerinatalPtocinInductionLisaKurth.pdf

MCN, American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing: Oxytocin As A High-Alert Medication: Implications for Perinatal Patient Safety. January/February 2009 – Volume 34 – Issue 1 – p 8-15 http://journals.lww.com/mcnjournal/Abstract/2009/01000/Oxytocin_As_A_High_Alert_Medication__Implications.4.aspx

Posted in Disease & Disorders linked to birth, Media Shorts, PitAutism | Leave a comment

Laboring Under an Illusion & Will Normal Birth Find its Voice?

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Rachel
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The media is single-handedly the biggest change-agent for American culture views birth and Vicki Elson frames it all up for us in her comprehensive documentary Laboring Under an Illusion (DVD, 50 minutes).

Anthropologist Vicki Elson explores media-generated myths about childbirth. As a childbirth educator for 25 years, she observes daily how our culture affects our birth experiences. In this film, she contrasts fiction with reality. The result is hilarious, engaging, and enlightening.
– Laboring Under an Illusion website

 
Vicki presents the reality of birth in the media via hilarious clips and self-narrative. Laboring Under an Illusion‘s biggest impact is when it shows us a sensationalized birth clip up against a natural birth clip. Not only does it make us wish the sensationalized birth could get dunked in a waterbirth bath but it also makes it very obvious why natural or normal birth has not been embraced by the media – it is not fast action, exciting material. It is something quite different indeed. Is there a place for normal birth in our media and pop culture? What will bridge this divide and what is the future of birth media and will normal birth ever find its voice in the media?

In 2012, if you are an expectant parent or birth professional you might take the initiative to find normal birth in the media outside of the mainstream. Lately many have people have taken that initiative and arrived at the Business of Being Born or even Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret. And it will be interesting to see if Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and the Farm Midwives is embraced by the mainstream media – we hope so. If you are really eager or a childbirth educator (or in a class) you might see some other films from InJoy or Passion for Birth but they are more difficult to access. Viewers are finding threads, playlist, or subscriptions on YouTube, Vimeo, and others (check back soon for more details). Hopefully this demonstration of consumer demand will help shift the 75% of the viewing being online and 75% of the advertising being on television. To find more birth media that represents normal birth check back with the Future of Birth / Birth in the Media or watch our Media Shorts or visit Vicki’s Resource page for listings.

Other things you can do to view and advocate for better product:
* Seek out and view programs that support sustainable birth via online resources or purchase (purchase costs can be divided amongst viewers).
* Organize a screening at your home or at a community location. It is important to include the children so try previewing programs to see if they are age appropriate for the younger ones.
* Host a screening thru Baby International Film Festival and they will provide you the films: http://www.babyff.com/web/films.
* Send the network’s Viewer Relations an email and let them know you are not satisfied with the programs you are seeing and provide suggestions for what you hope to see in the future.
* Visit us here at Future of Birth for information about the latest productions and to view trailers and online videos.

Speaking of future birth media, if you haven’t view anthropologist and Childbirth Educator, Vicki Elson’s Laboring Under an Illusion do so soon before she comes out with her next project: What Really Works for Labor? a film/book/website for expectant parents.

Vicki would love to hear about your birth experience(s) for her new project so if you have 3 minutes to share your wisdom please visit:http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/544934/What-REALLY-worked-for-you-in-labor.

So will normal birth find its voice in mainstream media? As demonstrated by all the wonderful new birth media, normal birth is indeed finding its voice – now hopefully the consumer demand evidenced will define a new mainstream!

Vicki, have you seen any good birth scenes lately & will there be a Laboring Under an Illusion Part 2? I know I’d love to see it!

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10 Things a Labor Nurse Can Do to Comfort a Laboring Mom

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Rachel
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Mary Healy, RN, stays busy in Labor & Delivery at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville, NJ and is proof-positive that one person can affect a lot of positive change. From Mary, Here are 10 Things a Labor Nurse Can Do to Comfort A Laboring Mom:

1.) Always remember that this is a day they will remember for the rest of their lives. Ask how you can help to make this the birth they envisioned?

2.) Set the environment: dim lights, close door… Remember the needs of the support person(s).

3.) Respectfully read and discuss their birth plan if they have one.

4.) Encourage position change every 30 minutes while awake: standing, slow dancing, walking, rocking chair, ball…

5.) If she chooses (or requires) medication and is confined to bed, help her change positions.

6.) After 30 minutes of pushing in one position change (left side, right, squatting, feet together).

7.) Whenever possible encourage the shower (or tub).

8.) Remind her to empty her bladder every 1-2 hours.

9.) Maintain a positive attitude; acknowledge the hard work they are doing.

10.) Encourage and help with skin to skin contact with the infant.

Posted in Hospital Initiatives, Physiology of Birth | Comments Off

Failure to Progress: The Movie

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Rachel
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Here is Failure to Progress? the first video in Future of Birth Media Shorts™.

Seems obvious? Yes, privacy helps us relax. Request “minimal staff presence” in your labor and delivery room.

COMMENTS:

“I am Doula and work in Cameroun. I think is an excellent didactique tool both for medical staff and pregnant women.” – SophieYvan

“That’s hilarious — reminiscent of Janet Isaacs Ashford’s 1988 parody, “Natural Love,” on trying to have an orgasm while hooked up to beeping monitors etc…Great work!” – Vicki Elson, Creator of “Laboring Under An Illusion: Mass Media vs. The Real Thing”

“Midwife and author, Ina May Gaskin is famous for talking about the Sphincter Law: We seize up our pelvic muscles when we are tense, scared and/or feeling *watched* or judged. Here’s a really short and clever video illustrating how this works.” – Ceridwen, Babble.com

“Funny, poignant, MUST watch video.” – Full Spectrum Doula Network

“I’ve tried to explain this comparison so many times, and this just shows it so clearly and succinctly! Well done, will need to bookmark this one!” – Meggan Gregory in response to Ina May Gaskin & Orgasmic Birth FB post

Posted in Media Shorts, Physiology of Birth | 1 Comment

Late-Preterm Birth Linked to Asthma

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Rachel
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According to the results of a practice-based study reported online September 12 in Pediatrics, late-preterm birth is linked to asthma in early childhood: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2011/09/08/peds.2011-0809.

Based on this study, one could say it is important for the lungs to continue develop until the very last week of the pregnancy to benefit a healthy respiratory system later in life.

Posted in Disease & Disorders linked to birth | Comments Off

Colorado, U.S.A.: Boulder Community Hospital

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Rachel
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Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado, USA is Boulder Community Foothills Hospital Family Birth Center where they have everything from private labor tubs in each room to “specialized emergency medical equipment in every labor and delivery room, as well as two surgical suites on the unit” if surgery is required.

“At the Family Birth Center we have two distinct types of medical practitioners on staff- obstetricians and nurse midwives. The training of each specialty is different, so it’s important to carefully consider how each choice meshes with your needs.”

This philosophy is so promising because it shows support for the choices of the clientele and for the choices of the medical community. Their protocol exemplifies real collaboration – a key ingredient towards supporting sustainable birth.

The center is also a green hospital. Vicki Lemmon, the nursing director for the birth center writes, “we are a green hospital (the first Leeds-certified hospital in the USA), 8% solar powered,  and we have an active recycling program, including composting of all food waste.  We use cloth diapers for our newborn babies and we avoid commercial baby products that contain chemicals…for example, we use castile soap instead of baby bath products.” The center received an award in the beginning of August from the Colorado Department of Public Health for their breastfeeding support to new mothers, and 95% of the moms leave the hospital breastfeeding.

Read article about mother’s First Hand Experience with BCH.

Visit the website: BCH Family Birth Center.

 

Do you know of a hospital initiative that you think should be featured? Please let us know at welcome[AT]futureofbirth[DOT]com.

Posted in Hospital Initiatives, Water | Comments Off

Sydney, Australia: Birthing Unit Design

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Rachel
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A huge component to the future of birth is the where of giving birth. Future of Birth™ will be looking at some of the current issues and options regarding birthing centers, homes, and hospitals. We will also be hosting the Future of Birth Facility Design Contest™. Please check back for more details regarding deadline and submission guidelines.

Featured in this post is a fascinating article from the international journal, World Health Design, “Birthing Unit Design Researching New Principles”. The article looks at the Birthing Unit Design Guideline developed in Australia at the Sydney’s University of Technology.

“Italian architect Bianca Lepori10, an international specialist in birthing unit design, has raised concerns through her publications and conference appearances about poor total environments for birthing in hospitals. Especially having an impact is her recognition that poor physical environments are a major contributor to the creation of a pathological rather than a physiological place for birthing.”

Visit World Health Design to read the article: http://www.worldhealthdesign.com/birthing-unit-design-researching-new-principles.aspx

Posted in Future Facilities & Design, Hospital Initiatives, Physiology of Birth, Water | Comments Off

New Autism Study & Environmental Factors

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Rachel
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A recent study of twins found that environmental factors may play more of a role in the child developing autism than genetic factors. Hopefully this breakthrough will lead to more studies into how environmental factors affect the child, specifically how medications used during labor and delivery affect the long term health of the individual. To read the full New York Times article about the study click here.

Posted in Disease & Disorders linked to birth, PitAutism | Comments Off

Pitocin Deficit instead please!

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Rachel
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Give us Pitocin Deficit instead of Attention Deficit please.

Another recent study links Pitocin with disorders later in a child’s life. The Journal of Attention Disorders concludes that the “findings warrant further investigation into the potential link between perinatal Pitocin exposure and subsequent ADHD diagnosis.”

To read the abstract visit: http://jad.sagepub.com/content/early/2011/04/15/1087054710397800.abstract

The practice of using Pitocin is not sustainable for humanity. At Future of Birth we look at and support more sustainable ways of birthing, including respecting the physiology of birth and the birth process. Visit Future of Birth often and help support normal birth.

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PitAutism?

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Rachel
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The theory that by inhibiting some of the mother’s natural hormones released during birth, such as oxytocin and vasopressin, by introducing articifical hormones, such as Pitocin, can contribute to autism and other neurological challenges has been kicking around for a few years without any substantial studies. However due out later this year is a study led by Professor Richard Ebstein of Hebrew University, funded by Autism Speaks that will research “effect of oxytocin receptor inhibitor (Atosiban) during the perinatal period and prevalence of autism spectrum disorders.”

We will provide updates when available and you can visit:

http://grants.autismspeaks.org/science/grants/effect-oxytocin-receptor-inhibitor-atosiban-during-perinatal-period-and-prevalence-au?destination=science%2Fgrant-search%2Fresults%2Ftaxonomy%3A257

 

Posted in Disease & Disorders linked to birth, PitAutism | Comments Off