Currently, I am about half way through the class and so far some of the topics we have covered that I have disagreed with are;
Vaccinations, every child must be vaxed according to my text book, and my professor ~ doing anything but the normal schedule is harmful and parents who deviate ought to be reported and charged with neglect.
Even though there is no law supporting this, it was suggested that we report families of children whom we know are not up to date on their shots. So much for parents making medical decisions for their children, your daycare may very well try to undermine it.
Breastfeeding, we where taught that breastfeeding is great and wonderful, until 6 months, then again it may be considered neglectful if a parent is not feeding their children other types of food, and we should encourage parents to night wean as soon as teeth come in, to prevent “bottle mouth Decay” . We must also encourage parents to use fluoride toothpaste, and fluoride water if they are making bottles, and beware sugary drinks such as juice or breastmilk (!?)
Now the name bottle mouth decay should be a good indicator that it is not caused by breastfeeding, but alas that would be logical. Also breastmilk is not a sugary solution like Formula and Juice. Also note that extended breastfeeding and baby led weaning are not cause for concern, and are actually quite preferable to some of the things passed off as baby food in todays market!
Regulations, This class is suggesting that we have higher, tougher, stricter regulations for childcare centers, and in home centers. Now on the surfice that is not a bad thing, however when the regulations start imposing on what a parent call ask a daycare provider to do I  have to object. Parents need to be able to dictate how and what kind of care their child receives such as setting their own childs feeding pattern (on demand is best, but if parents want every 2 hours, 3 hours or 4 hours the daycare should be free to comply) or how and when the child sleeps. Regulations also cost more to enforce, and the price of care goes up when centers have more over head costs, if licenced centers get to out of reach in regard to cost parents may be faced with the choice of stopping working or finding unregulated care. That does no one any good.

Abuse and Neglect, my text book makes abuse and neglect sound like a lower income issues. Well I have seen abuse and neglect at the hands of upper middle class families and upper class families as well! and to suggest that it is only the poor, or  less educated people who commit crimes of abuse and neglect perpetuates the myth that it can’t happen to someone I know, and we all need to be aware of what real abuse and neglect looks like, no matter who the parent is. The book also suggests things like extended breastfeeding, and selective medical care as neglectful, as well as non-vaxing or selectively vaxing families as neglectful and that to is wrong. Parents need to be free to be parents and make informed and educated decisions in regard to the health and medical care their children receive. Yes their will always be that one family who takes it to far and crosses over into the abuse and neglect territory, but by far medical decisions belong to the family and the family alone.

So parents looking for care for your children, please ask questions, ask their policies on things, and make sure you find a center that supports you, and your child. I would hate for a loving family take their child to a center where all the staff are programed little sheep who do not and cannot think for themselves and make logical conclusions. Also, take any advice your childcare provider gives you with a grain of rice as their information may not come from the best sources, even if they are “highly educated”
My main goal is writing this, as a doula is to stop the spread of misinformation, and to bring to light something many families may not consider… I have been working in daycare for 8 years now and never knew just how the next generation of teachers are being taught until I sat in this class, as most of my classes have been pretty basic info this is the first to go as in depth in regard to some of these issues. Even after the baby comes educating yourself on whats going on is still important

These lovely photos came from Carla Hartly, and the Trust Birth Movement.

But I am most thankful being here, back in Nebraska/Iowa. I have seen our area grow and change and be more and more birth friendly. I have seen new doulas come up, and I have seen great doulas excel. It has been wonderful.

So happy holidays, whatever it is you celebrate, and much love and light to everyone through the holidays.

I will still be serving clients who are birthing in more rural areas of Iowa, I also plan on expanding now to more rural areas of Nebraska as well. Making the move to Bellevue, can only do great things for my doula clients.

We have Eats on Feets Iowa, Eats on Feets, Nebraska, Human Milk for Human Babies Iowa, and Human Milk for Human Babies Nebraska. You can also find forums online, such as Milkshare.

So check your freezers and donate if you can, and if you have a little one and are in need~ ask for help lots of mothers are willing and able to help~ even with special dietary needs. Breastmilk is often touted as liquid gold, but the reality is, even if your struggling with your supply another mother has more to spare, somewhere someone can help!

So stop by the booth, grab some info on doula care, and child birth education, plus enter to win lots of awesome prizes and other goodies offered at the Omaha Baby Fair. As an added incentive, I will have coupons at my booth for my childbirth classes, but you’ll have to come check us out to find out just how much of an amazing deal I am offering.

Bring your pregnancy, birth and labor questions and I will answer them from the prospective of a doula, and an educator (keeping in mind that my advice should not replace your care providers) But I would love to address such topics as, what positions help move baby into a more ideal birth position, Can a Doula Support me in an Unassisted Birth, What is Free/unassisted birth and why are mothers choosing it, How is laboring at home different than laboring in a hospital, or at home (and soon in the birth center), What is the difference between an certified doula and an uncertified doula and the difference between types of midwifes (CPM, CNM, and DM), Can a doula help me if I am having a hospital birth/ Planned  C-section, What if I want an epidural and so on if you stump me on a question I will ask for your E-mail though so I can get you a proper answer .   I am not afraid to answer the tough questions, and I know that my form of doula care differs from some of the other doulas in the area. So please stop by and have a conversation with me.

Be there! Saturday, July 16th to Stinson Park at Aksarben Village From 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and Look for Brandi’s Birthing Service, at the Omaha Baby Fair.

Home Birth, is a great thing, and I am glad that the family was prepared to handle things, because as well know labor has a mind of its own. It can move quitly or slowly, and well baby will come just as soon as baby is ready so it pays to make sure you are well prepared. This planned home Birth, with a trained Midwife turned quickly into an unassisted home birth, and mom and dad handled birth fantastically.

Check out what People has to say about Nick Hexum’s unassisted home birth.