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Category Archives: Birth Work

A Heavy Topic

My Facebook feed is full of heavy topics lately: Social Injustice & Inequality, The homeless and poor, Illegal Immigration, Crisis in Israel, and the threat of ISIS… the list goes on and on.

I am going to pick one and discuss it a little more in-depth. Domestic Violence

I see so many good intention-ed folks making comments about “why don’t women just leave?” and “I wouldn’t put up with that”… things that I have said myself over the years. One simply doesn’t know what they would do until placed in that situation. We can imagine, we can think we have a plan. But when it comes down to reality, how we would react in any given situation is up for review after we are placed in that position.

“Do you feel safe at home?” This (or some variation) is a standard question at any prenatal meeting with your healthcare provider these days. And with good reason, a woman is beaten in the US every 15 seconds, and “according to the U.S. Surgeon General, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States“.
Each day …..4 women die as a result of abuse.
Each day …..3 children die as a result of abuse.
Read those statistics again…

4 women.

3 children.

Each.

Day.

That is 1,460 women per year. And 1.095 children per year.

Two nights ago a former childhood friend and schoolmate became one of those statistics. Her name was Crystal. She wasn’t just a number. She was someone’s daughter, sister, Aunt, Mother, Friend. She was a living soul.

As birth workers, we are in the privileged position of seeing into the lives of women and their families closer than many others can or do. We have to ask these questions or share information with our clients about domestic violence because it is so prevalent.  One in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. And pregnant and postpartum women are at significant risk.

 Pregnant and recently pregnant women are more likely to be victims of homicide than to die of any other cause. ~ * JAMA article

And it isn’t just women, men are harmed in domestic abuse as well. Crystal’s adult son was killed while trying to confront his Mother’s alleged attacker, who happened to be her husband.

Domestic violence is of particular concern here in Alaska. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Alaska’s statistics on violence against women are among the highest in the nation. Due in part to the significant alcohol and drug abuse that happens here in our great state. Also to the remote nature of many of our towns and villages, there simply are not resources to help women out of violent situations, let alone women with children.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship seek help. There are people who care, and those who can and will help you. Don’t wait, don’t become a statistic. Don’t end up like Crystal. In the Kenai area you can call the Leeshore Center (907) 283-7257 for the rest of Alaska, check here for a list of resources and phone numbers. 

If you have never been in an abusive relationship or are not in one now, count your blessings. Thank your partner for their love and respect.  I will also challenge you to read some of the resources I have linked to, prepare yourself to know how to assist someone trapped in domestic violence today, be prepared! Volunteer at a local center or make a donation to support them in their efforts of helping women and families.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline number is
1-800-799-S A F E 

 

ETA: If you would like to make a donation to help with Crystal’s final expenses, please donate here. Thank you!

More resources:

Help for Abused and Battered Women  Practical application, safety planning, privacy and protection, information on restraining orders, etc.

The Facts on Domestic Abuse  Data on all forms of domestic violence: rape, stalking, assault, homicides, resulting health issues.

*JAMA article: Frye, V. (2001). Examining Homicide’s Contribution to Pregnancy-Associated Deaths. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 285, No. 11, March 21, 2001

The Quest to be “With Woman”

Some random thoughts… and update on my journey.

“With Woman”: That is literally what “midwife” means, from the Middle English around the 14th century. A term that has stood the test of time, for a variety of reasons.

When you attend a woman in labor, you are quite literally “with” her, in the most intimate, primal and spiritual moments of her life.

Midwives don’t ‘deliver’ babies, they only catch them, women deliver their own babies. Midwives don’t take the credit for it.

I spent a good deal of time discussing my goals with one of the midwives from Anchorage last week. She gave me some helpful tips, affirmed my choice in midwifery schools and encouraged me.  Next step: I need to get certified in adult CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation.

My YouCaring page doesn’t show my most recent donation, but I’m up to $385 now!! I am so grateful!! I cannot express my gratitude enough!

 

 

More Dreams….

This one is mine. 🙂

Ever since I became a doula, way back in 2005 when I took my training, I’ve wanted to go on to study midwifery. I always thought that would be something to do later, you know, when the kids were grown and all that. Recently I’ve gotten the bug to be back in the birthing business, with my doula service and birth arts. I’ve been making connections here, and I’ve been here long enough that I feel more familiar with the area and how to get around without getting completely lost! So I started working on my Facebook business page again, working on some business cards, networking, etc. Then I get presented with the opportunity to apprentice with a local midwife! How awesome is that.

At first I thought, eh, no way. But the more I think about it and talk about it seems like the perfect timing. So I have begun the process of preparing to enroll in a training course, I like AAMI. Researching license requirements and fees. And I started a YouCaring page for those who may wish to help me along this journey!

I’ve also discovered that Alaska has one of the highest (if not the highest) percentage rates of out-of-hospital births, at nearly 6%! We have so many options to choose from here, it is a breath of fresh air to see so many birthing options for women!! Even our small town here has a birth center. Larger cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks have several to choose from. Our local hospital even boasts a “birth center” environment. So there is always a need for more midwives. Job security I guess you could say!

So there it is, my dream.