Thursday, April 30, 2009

Pregnancy - I Love My New BINSI Skirt

Posted by Carri:

So I'm not sure if it it's OK to brag about your own product, but I'm going to anyways! I am now 33 weeks and I can't tell you how much I LOVE my BINSI skirts. The baby dropped 2 weeks ago, and since then I have not been able to wear anything but my knit yoga pants and my BINSI skirts. The baby's head is deep in my pelvis and anything with elastic is very uncomfortable (both for me and the baby). I get a lot of unhappy punches and kicks when I try to wear anything else. So for anyone who thinks BINSI is a one time wear for birth - I am hear to share that it is very much untrue! I can't tell you how happy I am to have something comfortable to wear. Not to mention that wearing a skirt just makes you look like you tried a little harder to dress nice and look good (which is not at all what my plans are when I struggle to get my puffy self dressed in the morning!). So think twice before sticking your skirt in your bag to go to the hospital - your body will thank you for it!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Birth Story - An Unexpected Home Birth

Posted by Carri:

My last doula client had her baby this weekend - and it was a wild story! They live a little more than an hour away from me, and because she was already 4+ centimeters, I knew it would be fast. However, when they called me I ran out the door as fast as I could, but was too late! Bummer because I love this couple so much, and it will be my last doula birth for a while. But I wasn't the only one that missed it - they never even made it to the car! I drove up to find an ambulance and fire truck outside - and was shocked. Apparently her water broke and the baby was born less than 45 minutes later. Her husband was brilliant in that he checked to make sure that the cord was not wrapped around the baby's neck, an when his wife asked him to pull the baby out, he told her to wait until her next contraction. This was their second baby, but I think that was amazing! They called 911 after the baby had been born and all was well.

***A little side note if this, or something else dealing with a lot of blood happens, the fire department and medics do NOT clean up afterward, so make sure to ask for some gloves before they leave ; )***

All in all it was a great birth and everyone was healthy and happy. Another good example of why birth is not a medical event, but a natural beautiful part of life.

This whole ordeal got me really thinking. I too have very fast births, and even though I'm having a home birth and everyone is close by..... what if? So I looked online for the basics on delivering a baby unassisted so my husband would be able to the best he could if faced with a similar situation. This came from Labor Basics on About.com

• Don't panic. Remaining calm can help you focus on the birth, even if you are alone.

• Call your doctor, midwife, or 9-1-1 if you are able. If you are in your car, pull over and put on your blinkers. No use killing everyone by driving wildly, you're much safer having the baby in the car while it's stopped.

• Remind mother to try to pant, or only push very gently with the contractions.

• As the baby's head becomes visible, place your hand on the head and provide it with support to keep it from popping out. Remind mother to try and pant during this part to help prevent tearing. If you're alone, simply place your hands over the baby's head as best as possible.

• Do not pull on the baby or it's head! You may gently guide the baby out.

• Gently stroke downward on the baby's nose to help expel the excess mucous and amniotic fluid.

• Place the baby skin-to-skin on mom, with the baby's head slightly lower than it's body (to help facilitate draining the mucous). Cover both of them with dry blankets or towels.

• Don't cut or pull on the umbilical cord.

• If the placenta is born place it next to the baby, again do not cut the cord. (I would add to put it in a ziplock bag or Tupperware container)

• Keep mom and baby safe until the practitioner arrives, or until help gets there. Or until you can get to the place of birth.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Pre-Pregnancy Poem

As written by Tink, friend of BINSI

i see pregnant women everywhere
their big bellies; beautiful, prominent and bare
i want a little one of my own to come along
no matter what, they will be right where they belong

Monday, April 27, 2009

Woman gives birth on Fifth Ave.; passers-by cheer

Posted by Kim:

Another example of birth being a natural experience. What I also find amazing about this woman's experience is the fact that she naturally delivered twins, TWINS! It seems to me that everyone I know who is pregnant with twins automatically get a c-section date. Why is it so uncommon to deliver twins naturally? I know that twins are not always born by c-section, but it seems to me that most people I know pregnant with multiples rarely even consider having a vaginal birth, much less a natural vaginal birth. Hopefully this mindset that women couldn't possibly tolerate the vaginal birth of multiples will soon be dispelled.

ASSOCIATED PRESS
5:21 PM EDT, April 24, 2009

A New York woman who almost made it to the hospital on time instead ended up giving birth on Fifth Avenue with a view of Central Park.

Nurse manager Lucille Nassery immediately recognized the sounds of childbirth when she heard a woman screaming outside her window at Mount Sinai Medical Center on Friday. Elisabeth Brew of Scarsdale was sprawled across the front seat of her SUV as her husband frantically sought help.

Nassery and other hospital staffers ran out to help deliver the baby girl, whose head had already crowned.

Passers-by cheered and exclaimed over the newborn, whose twin brother was delivered a few minutes later indoors. Both babies are healthy, but will stay hospitalized for a few weeks because they're premature.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Review - Ecstatic Goddess

Posted by Kim:





Another great review! As seen on the Ecstatic Goddess blog!

When most people think of a hospital birth, they have images of pregnant women in hospital gowns. Unfortunately, hospital gowns were designed for use on bedridden patients. They are not made for mobility, and they leave your entire backside exposed. After using a gown for my first birth I was sure that I wanted to wear my own clothing for my second birth. I also encourage my doula clients to do the same, but we've encountered a problem: modern clothing is not designed for birth. In order to listen to your baby, a nightgown or tshirt needs to be hiked up, exposing your entire bottom half. Underwear, shorts and pj pants can feel restrictive and messy. Moms are often reluctant to "bare it all" in a hospital setting with lots of staff and bright lights, and we know that in order to have a satisfying birth, moms need to feel relaxed. So what's a gal to do?

For the longest time I didn't have a great answer, and then I found BINSI! The first time I saw the BINSI skirt and tank, I fell in love. BINSI was designed by mother and doula Carri Grimditch who, like me, hated the hospital gown she wore during her first birth.

BINSI skirts provide complete freedom of movement and sit below your belly. They include beads so that you can personalize them during a blessingway or baby shower. During birth, these can be a great visual reminder of supportive wishes from your friends and family.

BINSI tops have breastfeeding clasps and are designed to be used with medical equipment if needed, including monitoring equipment, IVs, epidurals and more. They can be removed easily if needed due to snaps along the sides of the tops.

Besides being breathable and perfectly suited for a growing pregnant body, BINSI wear is machine washable, an absolute must with birth gear. To me, it's the perfect prenatal and birth clothing that helps you feel pretty and covered on your very special day.

I've been recommending BINSI to my clients for over a year now, and although my upcoming birth will be at home, I am seriously considering picking out my own BINSI tank and skirt to wear during those last pregnant weeks (which will be in sweltering August) and to keep in my "just in case" hospital birth bag. The comfy Go Go top might be a great thing to wear in my birth pool too.

Now you have a chance to try BINSI, for free!! Kim Taylor, co-owner of BINSI, is offering Ecstatic Goddess readers a chance to win their choice of either an in stock top or skirt. What a great Mother's Day gift for yourself or an expectant friend. To enter the draw, simply email me at ecstaticgoddess@hotmail.com. One winner will be chosen on May 6, 2009. In the meantime, please visit www.birthinbinsi.com to check out a great selection of lovely birth wear. My fellow Canadians can purchase BINSI at www.birthsource.ca.

Fashionably yours,

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Sharing the Journey with Mary Jo Codey

Posted by Kim, as seen on the Sharing the Jounrey, Life After Postpartum Depression Blog

As those of you who are familiar with Postpartum Advocacy know, Mary Jo has worked tirelessly to increase awareness and education of those around her. In fact, along with her husband, former NJ Governor Ritchie Codey, Mary Jo aided in passing New Jersey’s state-wide legislation for Postpartum Mood Disorder Screening education and screening. She also strongly advocates for the passage of The MOTHER’S Act, a bill that will increase funding for research, education, and awareness of Postpartum Mood Disorders here in the United States. Mary Jo has graciously agreed to Share her Journey today with the hopes of increasing signatures to the Perinatal Pro list as well as calls to the Senate H.E.L.P. Committee.

I sincerely hope her words will help spur you into action. Let me put it this way. If you know ten mothers, at least eight of them have experienced the Baby Blues. Two of them have experienced full-blown Postpartum Depression. And these are only the ones we know about. How many other mothers have suffered in silence? Help them break the silence. Let them know you are on their side. As New Jersey’s campaign says - “Speak Up when you’re Down!”

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who is Mary Jo Codey when she’s not passionately speaking out about Postpartum Mood Disorders?

I’m a teacher at the Gregory Elementary School in West Orange NJ. I love spending time with the children, watching them grow and flourish, and to instill a good self concept about themselves so they can take with them and utilize throughout their lives. When I’m not teaching I love to spend time with my husband Ritchie and my two boy’s, Kevin and Christopher. I also enjoy gardening, playing golf and eating chocolate with my dear friend Sylvia!

In 1984, after the birth of your first son, you began to experience some very frightening thoughts and moods. Would you share with us what you went through?

After the birth of my first child, Kevin, I had terrifying thoughts about hurting him. I had intrusive thoughts about smothering and drowning him. Those scary thoughts raced in my mind over and over throughout the day and night. It caused me such a great deal of pain and shame.

After the birth of your second son, with the aid of medication, you were able to have a “normal” experience. Describe the differences. At any point during this second postpartum period, did you find yourself upset about having missed out on your first son’s infancy?

With the birth of my first son Kevin, I had no idea what postpartum depression was. I never even heard those words before. I couldn’t even get out of my bed to visit the nursery to see or feed him.

With the birth of my second son Christopher, I was immediately put on medication which were extremely effective. I was elated that I could care for him and take care of him. I did however feel cheated by postpartum depression with my first child. At times I mourned and felt guilt for missing the first years with Kevin. I remember reporters coming to my home to do a story on me and I was asked if I had any pictures of Kevin. I was ashamed that I could not provide them with one picture of him.

When you first talked with your sons about Postpartum Mood Disorders, what did you tell them? How have they handled knowing about your experience?

I started to talk to my boys about my experience with postpartum depression at a very young age. I made sure that they understood that, it wasn’t their fault and that I loved them more than they could ever imagine. I explained to them that I was sick at the time. I also told them that they were the two greatest gifts that God had given me. They’ve handled it remarkably well.
New Jersey is the first state to enact legislation for Postpartum Mood Disorder screening and education. How did this law come about and what was your involvement in it’s development?

The minute Ritchie became Acting Governor for New Jersey the first item on our agenda was postpartum depression. Which led to “Speak Up When You’re Down.” It encourages women and their families to talk openly with each other and with their health-care provider if they are feeling depressed after the birth of their child. It also provides a 24/7 PPD Help line and postpartum depression information and resources; 1-888-404-7763.

Name three things that made you laugh today.

Watching my friend Phyllis come out of her home with 5 dog’s on leashes and luggage as we were leaving for the airport!

Trying to get on a large tube for “The Rapid River Ride.” After numerous failed attempts trying to get myself positioned on the tube, a stranger approached me and shoved me on the tube finally! He said that he couldn’t stand watching me struggle anymore…well it finally worked!

Calling my friend Sylvia and listening her imitate her Sicilian mother on the phone. Every time she imitates her mom it literally slays me!! It leaves me in stitches!

Senator Robert Menendez, NJ, introduced The MOTHER’S Act earlier this year to Congress. Share with us what this bill would do for women and families.

This bill is so very crucial for all women and families suffering with postpartum depression. It will help provide support services to women suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis and will also help educate mothers and their families about these conditions. In addition, it will support research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression and psychosis.

Stigma plays a large role in women not reporting symptoms of Postpartum Mood Disorders. What can we do to overcome this stigma and replace it with acceptance and compassion?

Having women share their experience with postpartum depression, rather than keeping it to themselves is very important. To not be ashamed or afraid to speak up to their family members, health providers and women’s groups when they are grappling with postpartum depression. This will help replace the stigma of postpartum depression with acceptance and compassion.

How did your husband handle the changes your struggle with Postpartum Mood Disorder brought into the home? What can new dads do to support their wives as they fight to move back to “normal”?

At first my husband Ritchie blamed himself for what I was going through. He thought it was because he didn’t pay much attention to me because he was too involved with sports. He couldn’t understand what and why I was going through this. He was angry that I asked him to find another wife when I went to the hospital because I believed that I wasn’t going to get better. He never gave up on me! He stayed with me and understood that postpartum was an illness that we were going to overcome as a family. He never stopped praying. New dads need to be supportive and understanding towards their wife who is suffering with postpartum depression. Most importantly, they need to be patient and compassionate.

Last but not least, if you had the opportunity to give an expectant mother (new or experienced) just one piece of advice about Postpartum Mood Disorders, what would you tell her?

Women suffering with postpartum depression need to know that they are GREAT MOTHER’S! Do not worry about not being able to bond with your baby, it will happen. First you need to get well. Most importantly please, please, please don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Pre-Pregnancy - No Pressure

Written by Tink, friend of BINSI

It's been 3 full cycles since going off the pill. And, well....it is starting to wear off; the pressure. Finally. Good. Yes. They say that the less pressure you put on yourself, the more likely you'll get pregnant. It is bittersweet because I was enjoying the novelty of waiting a couple days before my cycle was supposed to start and taking the early detection tests yet the repeated NOT PREGNANT was disheartening. Looking back on the lighter side, I know to take it in stride and hold close that once I do start stressing over these negative results it will produce a negative effect in my life. I continue to look forward. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I can take the blows of NOT PREGNANT because I know that sooner or later, it'll say PREGNANT. It's all about attitude, right?

Like getting your driver's license when you're 16, or going to college, or when your parents get divorced, or when you get married....these big events aren't "real" until they happen. When you've never experienced pregnancy and you want to, your senses are heightened to it. Then when these big events do happen, it's almost surreal. It is difficult to imagine my life, pregnant. Maybe that's my problem. I want it but it is just odd to envision. Such a bizarre phenomena...yet millions of women all over the world have babies. Am I talking out my butt now? I know I must sound crazy. Getting pregnant, or trying to, makes you feel special...like you're the only one who will ever do it. Now THAT'S crazy. :)

Suggested Phone Script

Posted by Kim as seen on the Sharing the Journey, Life after Postpartum Depression Blog

Suggested Script

“Hello this is (your name) one of Senator (your local Senator’s name) constituents from (your town). I am calling to ask Senator (name of H.E.L.P. Committee member) to co-sponsor The MOTHERS Act bill number S. 324, sponsored by Senator Menendez, which will provide funding for research, education, screening and treatment of postpartum depression.”

(Add any personal statement or story here)

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE H.E.L.P. Committee is a FEDERAL Committee. You Do NOT have to be from the Senator’s state to phone them with support for the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHER’S ACT.

Quick Facts:

* 80% of all new moms develop the Baby Blues
* 20% of all new moms develop a full blown episode of Postpartum Depression
* 8-11% of pregnant moms develop depression/anxiety
* Postpartum Mood Disorders can develop at anytime within the first 12 months after giving birth
* Without intervention, maternal depression may have a lasting effect on childhood development
* Postpartum Mood Disorders also place a strain on marriages and other family relationships.
* Postpartum Psychosis, although rare, carries the highest risk for infanticide/suicide (10% risk factor). This is a medical emergency!

The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act moves to Senate H.E.L.P. Committee

Posted by Kim, as written on the Perinatal Pro Weekly Blog, referred by the Sharing the Journey Blog

Here’s Susan Stone’s blog post about the MOTHER’S Act moving into the Senate. Please contact the Senators on the committee to voice your support in addition to contacting your own senator!

After passing by an enormous bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives on Monday, March 30th, The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act has moved to the powerful U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee where it will be “marked up” in the near future.

In addition to adding your name to the state by state listing of national supporters on PerinatalPro, you can email members of the Senate HELP committee at

help_comments@help.senate.gov

Below are the members of the H.E.L.P. committee, U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy chairs this committee and is an ardent supporter of this legislation. And Barack Obama was the first presidential candidate to endorse this legislation! With healthcare reform at the center of senate activity, our issue must be heard!

Lisa Murkowski, AK (R) 202-224-6665
John McCain, (AZ) (R) 202-224-2235
Christopher Dodd (CT) (D) 202-224-2823
Johnny Isakson (GA) (R) 202-224-3643
Tom Harkin (IA) (D) 202-224-3254
Pat Roberts (KS) (R) 202-224-4774
Edward Kennedy (MA) (D) 202-224-4543
Barbara Mikulski (MD) (D) 202-224-4654
Richard Burr (NC) (R) 202-224-3154
Kay Hagan (NC) (D) 202-224-6342
Gregg Judd (NH) (R) 202-224-3324
Jeff Bingaman (NM) (D) 202-224-5521
Sherrod Brown (OH) (D) 202-224-2315
Tom Coburn (OK) (R) 202-224-5754
Jeff Merkley (OR) (D) 202-224-3753
Bob Casey (PA) (D) 202-224 6324
Jack Reed (RI) (D) 202-224-4642
Alexander Lamar (TN) (R) 202-224-4944
Orrin Hatch (UT) (R) 202-224-5251
Bernard Sanders (VT) (I) 202-224-5141
Patty Murray (WA) (D) 202-224-2621
Michael Enzi (WY) (R) 202-224-3424

You may call their offices directly to proclaim your support (and you don’t have to be from their state!).

The momentum is growing! In the last few weeks S 324 has picked up additional powerful sponsorship by some of our nation’s most respected professional organizations! We are also grateful to the group who opposes this legislation, because the controversy has catalyzed more scrutiny of the bill’s language, purpose, and initiatives, bringing more educated constituents to our mission and more support for its passage! The bill’s noble purpose is clear to all who read its life saving initiatives.

Many constituents have sent their personal stories which are so inspirational and speak to the unique courage and shared compassion of those who have survived these disorders. The message is the same… they don’t ever want another person to have to suffer like their wife, mother, sister, friend or themselves. They want it to end. With your continued support we will begin to turn the tide this year toward primary prevention.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Text of the The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act Bill

Posted by Kim as seen on the Perinatal Pro Blog:

Read the bill below, then endorse it by sending an email with your name, state, credential (and no credential is more important than MOTHER, affiliation - if any - and your permission to be listed. Watch the Capitol Hill Press Conference with Brooke Shields which gives a great history about The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act

The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act
(S. 324/H.R.20)

as of March 2, 2009

The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act, sponsored by Senators Menendez and Representative Rush, will help provide support services to women suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis and will also help educate mothers and their families about these conditions. In addition, it will support research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression and psychosis.

“Melanie Blocker Stokes Mom’s Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act” or the “Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act”

TITLE I- Research
· Encourages Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate and continue research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and find treatments for, postpartum conditions. Also, encourages a National Public Awareness Campaign, to be administered by HHS, to increase awareness and knowledge of postpartum depression and psychosis.
· Includes a Sense of Congress that the Director of the National Institutes of Health may conduct a nationally representative longitudinal study of the relative mental health consequences for women of resolving a pregnancy (intended or unintended) in various ways, including carrying the pregnancy to term and parenting the child, carrying the pregnancy to term and placing the child for adoption, miscarriage, and having an abortion. This study may assess the incidence, timing, magnitude, and duration of the immediate and long-term mental health consequences (positive and negative) of these pregnancy outcomes.

TITLE II- Delivery of Services
· Encourages HHS to make grants available for projects for the establishment, operation, and coordination of systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with postpartum depression.
o (Entities): Makes grants available to public or nonprofit private entity, which may include a State or local government, a public-private partnership, a recipient of a grant under the Healthy Start program, a public or nonprofit private hospital, community-based organization, hospice, ambulatory care facility, community health center, migrant health center, public housing primary care center, or homeless health center, or any other appropriate public or nonprofit private entity.
o (Activities): Eligible activities include delivering or enhancing outpatient, inpatient and home-based health and support services, including case management and comprehensive treatment services for individuals with or at risk for postpartum conditions. Activities may also include providing education about postpartum conditions to new mothers and their families, including symptoms, methods of coping with the illness, and treatment resources, in order to promote earlier diagnosis and treatment.

TITLE III- General Provisions
· (Funding): Authorizes $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2010 and 2011.
· (HHS Report): Requires the Secretary of HHS to conduct a study on the benefits of screening for postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.
· (Limitation): The Secretary may not utilize amounts made available under this Act to carry out activities or programs that are duplicative of activities or programs that are currently being carried out through the Dept of HHS.
###

Supporters

American College of Nurse Midwives
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Psychological Association
American Psychiatric Association
Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs
Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
Childbirth Connection
Children’s Defense Fund
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Family Mental Health Foundation
Guttmacher
The Jennifer Mudd Houghtaling Foundation
Jenny's Light
Kristin Brooks Hope Center
March of Dimes
Melanie Blocker Stokes Foundation
Mental Health America
NARAL, Pro-Choice America
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Association of Certified Professional Midwives
National Association of Social Workers
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
National Organization for Women
National Partnership for Women & Families
National Women’s Law Center
OWL- The Voice of Midlife and Older Women
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Postpartum Support International
Suicide Prevention Action Network USA

###
Understanding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a devastating mood disorder which strikes many women during and after pregnancy. It is a serious and disabling condition that affects anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of new mothers. In the United States, there may be as many as 800,000 new cases of postpartum conditions each year. These mothers often experience signs of depression and may lose interest in friends and family, feel overwhelming sadness or even have thoughts of harming the baby or themselves. The cause of postpartum depression is not known, but changes in hormone levels, a difficult pregnancy or birth, a family history of depression and other biopsychosocial stressors are considered possible factors.

Bill Language



111TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION S. 324


To provide for research on, and services for individuals with, postpartum

depression and psychosis.


IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

Mr. MENENDEZ introduced the following bill; which was read twice and

referred to the Committee January 09


A BILL

To provide for research on, and services for individuals with,

postpartum depression and psychosis.


Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 1

tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 2


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 3


This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Melanie Blocker Stokes 4

Mom’s Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Re- 5

search, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act’’ or 6

the ‘‘Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act’’. 7


SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 8


For purposes of this Act— 9

2

O:\WHI\WHI09031.xml S.L.C.


(1) the term ‘‘postpartum condition’’ means 1

postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis; and 2

(2) the term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary 3

of Health and Human Services. 4


TITLE I—RESEARCH ON 5

POSTPARTUM CONDITIONS 6


SEC. 101. EXPANSION AND INTENSIFICATION OF ACTIVI- 7

TIES. 8


(a) CONTINUATION OF ACTIVITIES.—The Secretary 9

is encouraged to continue activities on postpartum condi- 10

tions. 11


(b) PROGRAMS FOR POSTPARTUM CONDITIONS.—In 12

carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary is encouraged 13

to continue research to expand the understanding of the 14

causes of, and treatments for, postpartum conditions. Ac- 15

tivities under such subsection shall include conducting and 16

supporting the following: 17


(1) Basic research concerning the etiology and 18

causes of the conditions. 19


(2) Epidemiological studies to address the fre- 20

quency and natural history of the conditions and the 21

differences among racial and ethnic groups with re- 22

spect to the conditions. 23


(3) The development of improved screening and 24

diagnostic techniques. 25

3

O:\WHI\WHI09031.xml S.L.C.


(4) Clinical research for the development and 1

evaluation of new treatments. 2


(5) Information and education programs for 3

health care professionals and the public, which may 4

include a coordinated national campaign to increase 5

the awareness and knowledge of postpartum condi- 6

tions. Activities under such a national campaign 7

may— 8


(A) include public service announcements 9

through television, radio, and other means; and 10

(B) focus on— 11

(i) raising awareness about screening; 12

(ii) educating new mothers and their 13

families about postpartum conditions to 14

promote earlier diagnosis and treatment; 15

and 16

(iii) ensuring that such education in- 17

cludes complete information concerning 18

postpartum conditions, including its symp- 19

toms, methods of coping with the illness, 20

and treatment resources. 21

4

O:\WHI\WHI09031.xml S.L.C.


SEC. 102. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING LONGITU- 1

DINAL STUDY OF RELATIVE MENTAL HEALTH 2

CONSEQUENCES FOR WOMEN OF RESOLVING 3

A PREGNANCY. 4


(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con- 5

gress that the Director of the National Institute of Mental 6

Health may conduct a nationally representative longitu- 7

dinal study (during the period of fiscal years 2009 through 8

2018) of the relative mental health consequences for 9

women of resolving a pregnancy (intended and unin- 10

tended) in various ways, including carrying the pregnancy 11

to term and parenting the child, carrying the pregnancy 12

to term and placing the child for adoption, miscarriage, 13

and having an abortion. This study may assess the inci- 14

dence, timing, magnitude, and duration of the immediate 15

and long-term mental health consequences (positive or 16

negative) of these pregnancy outcomes. 17


(b) REPORT.—Subject to the completion of the study 18

under subsection (a), beginning not later than 5 years 19

after the date of the enactment of this Act, and periodi- 20

cally thereafter for the duration of the study, such Direc- 21

tor may prepare and submit to the Congress reports on 22

the findings of the study. 23

5

O:\WHI\WHI09031.xml S.L.C.

TITLE II—DELIVERY OF SERV- 1

ICES REGARDING 2

POSTPARTUM CONDITIONS 3


SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT OF GRANT PROGRAM. 4

Subpart I of part D of title III of the Public Health 5

Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b et seq.) is amended by insert- 6

ing after section 330G the following: 7

‘‘SEC. 330G–1. SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS WITH A 8

POSTPARTUM CONDITION AND THEIR FAMI- 9

LIES. 10


‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may make grants 11

to eligible entities for projects for the establishment, oper- 12

ation, and coordination of effective and cost-efficient sys- 13

tems for the delivery of essential services to individuals 14

with a postpartum condition and their families. 15


‘‘(b) CERTAIN ACTIVITIES.—To the extent prac- 16

ticable and appropriate, the Secretary shall ensure that 17

projects funded under subsection (a) provide education 18

and services with respect to the diagnosis and manage- 19

ment of postpartum conditions. The Secretary may allow 20

such projects to include the following: 21


‘‘(1) Delivering or enhancing outpatient and 22

home-based health and support services, including 23

case management and comprehensive treatment 24

services for individuals with or at risk for 25

6

O:\WHI\WHI09031.xml S.L.C.

postpartum conditions, and delivering or enhancing 1

support services for their families. 2


‘‘(2) Delivering or enhancing inpatient care 3

management services that ensure the well-being of 4

the mother and family and the future development 5

of the infant. 6


‘‘(3) Improving the quality, availability, and or- 7

ganization of health care and support services (in- 8

cluding transportation services, attendant care, 9

homemaker services, day or respite care, and pro- 10

viding counseling on financial assistance and insur- 11

ance) for individuals with a postpartum condition 12

and support services for their families. 13


‘‘(4) Providing education to new mothers and, 14

as appropriate, their families about postpartum con- 15

ditions to promote earlier diagnosis and treatment. 16

Such education may include— 17


‘‘(A) providing complete information on 18

postpartum conditions, symptoms, methods of 19

coping with the illness, and treatment re- 20

sources; and 21


‘‘(B) in the case of a grantee that is a 22

State, hospital, or birthing facility— 23


‘‘(i) providing education to new moth- 24

ers and fathers, and other family members 25

7

O:\WHI\WHI09031.xml S.L.C.

as appropriate, concerning postpartum 1

conditions before new mothers leave the 2

health facility; and 3


‘‘(ii) ensuring that training programs 4

regarding such education are carried out 5

at the health facility. 6


‘‘(c) INTEGRATION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS.—To 7

the extent practicable and appropriate, the Secretary may 8

integrate the grant program under this section with other 9

grant programs carried out by the Secretary, including the 10

program under section 330. 11


‘‘(d) CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS.—A grant may be 12

made under this section only if the applicant involved 13

makes the following agreements: 14


‘‘(1) Not more than 5 percent of the grant will 15

be used for administration, accounting, reporting, 16

and program oversight functions. 17


‘‘(2) The grant will be used to supplement and 18

not supplant funds from other sources related to the 19

treatment of postpartum conditions. 20


‘‘(3) The applicant will abide by any limitations 21

deemed appropriate by the Secretary on any charges 22

to individuals receiving services pursuant to the 23

grant. As deemed appropriate by the Secretary, such 24

limitations on charges may vary based on the finan- 25

8

O:\WHI\WHI09031.xml S.L.C.

cial circumstances of the individual receiving serv- 1

ices. 2


‘‘(4) The grant will not be expended to make 3

payment for services authorized under subsection (a) 4

to the extent that payment has been made, or can 5

reasonably be expected to be made, with respect to 6

such services— 7


‘‘(A) under any State compensation pro- 8

gram, under an insurance policy, or under any 9

Federal or State health benefits program; or 10


‘‘(B) by an entity that provides health 11

services on a prepaid basis. 12


‘‘(5) The applicant will, at each site at which 13

the applicant provides services funded under sub- 14

section (a), post a conspicuous notice informing indi- 15

viduals who receive the services of any Federal poli- 16

cies that apply to the applicant with respect to the 17

imposition of charges on such individuals. 18


‘‘(6) For each grant period, the applicant will 19

submit to the Secretary a report that describes how 20

grant funds were used during such period. 21


‘‘(e) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary may 22

provide technical assistance to entities seeking a grant 23

under this section in order to assist such entities in com- 24

plying with the requirements of this section. 25

9


O:\WHI\WHI09031.xml S.L.C.

‘‘(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 1

‘‘(1) The term ‘eligible entity’— 2

‘‘(A) means a public or nonprofit private 3

entity; and 4

‘‘(B) includes a State or local government, 5

public-private partnership, recipient of a grant 6

under section 330H (relating to the Healthy 7

Start Initiative), public or nonprofit private 8

hospital, community-based organization, hos- 9

pice, ambulatory care facility, community health 10

center, migrant health center, public housing 11

primary care center, or homeless health center. 12

‘‘(2) The term ‘postpartum condition’ means 13

postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis.’’. 14



TITLE III—GENERAL 15

PROVISIONS 16

SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 17

To carry out this Act and the amendment made by 18

section 201, there are authorized to be appropriated, in 19

addition to such other sums as may be available for such 20

purpose— 21


(1) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and 22

(2) such sums as may be necessary for fiscal 23

years 2010 and 2011. 24

10


O:\WHI\WHI09031.xml S.L.C.

SEC. 302. REPORT BY THE SECRETARY. 1


(a) STUDY.—The Secretary shall conduct a study on 2

the benefits of screening for postpartum conditions. 3


(b) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the date 4

of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete 5

the study required by subsection (a) and submit a report 6

to the Congress on the results of such study. 7

SEC. 303. LIMITATION. 8


Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or 9

the amendment made by section 201, the Secretary may 10

not utilize amounts made available under this Act or such 11

amendment to carry out activities or programs that are 12

duplicative of activities or programs that are already being 13

carried out through the Department of Health and 14

Human Services. 15

THE MELANIE BLOCKER STOKES MOTHERS ACT!!!!

April 20 - 27, 2009 is BLOG WEEK FOR
THE MELANIE BLOCKER STOKES MOTHERS ACT!!!!c

Read the press release from Senator Menendez and find out how YOU can make a difference for America's mothers!!


April 20, 2009
CONTACTS:
Menendez Press Office 202-224-4744
For Immediate Release

MENENDEZ, AUTHOR OF LEGISLATION TO COMBAT POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, APPLAUDS GRASSROOTS SHOW OF FORCE ON BLOG DAY

Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act has broad support in Congress, needs public pressure to overcome procedural obstacles

WASHINGTON – As bloggers around the country today advocate for passage of federal legislation to combat postpartum depression, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), the Senate sponsor of the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act, applauded the effort as necessary to enact the bill into law. The legislation has broad support in Congress and was able to pass the House of Representatives earlier this year, but has been stalled in the Senate because of objections by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK).

Senator Coburn commonly uses senatorial “holds” to stall disease-specific legislation, and indications are that he would do so with the MOTHERS Act.

“Postpartum depression is a condition that is not only more widespread than most realize but also more debilitating than most realize,” said Menendez. “We need to make sure these mothers are fully supported and informed, rather than scared and alone. Working together with a nationwide community of mothers, we are so close to enacting this important legislation into law.

What we need is an intense dose of public pressure.

This Blog Day helps reinforce the type of grassroots movement that will create the pressure that is needed, and I commend the participants. I invite mothers, fathers and anyone else who believes we need to better support those with postpartum depression to contact their Senators and urge them to vocally support S.324”

The legislation would increase federal efforts to combat postpartum depression by:

* Encouraging Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate and continue research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and find treatments for, postpartum conditions.
* Encouraging a National Public Awareness Campaign, to be administered by HHS, to increase awareness and knowledge of postpartum depression and psychosis.
* Requiring the Secretary of HHS to conduct a study on the benefits of screening for postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.
* Creating a grant program to public or nonprofit private entities to deliver or enhance outpatient, inpatient and home-based health and support services, including case management and comprehensive treatment services for individuals with or at risk for postpartum conditions. Activities may also include providing education about postpartum conditions to new mothers and their families, including symptoms, methods of coping with the illness, and treatment resources, in order to promote earlier diagnosis and treatment.

It is estimated that postpartum depression (PPD) affects from 10 to 20 percent of new mothers. In the United States, there may be as many as 800,000 new cases of postpartum conditions each year. The cause of PPD isn’t known but changes in hormone levels, a difficult pregnancy or birth, and a family history of depression are considered possible factors.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW!

1. Contact your U.S. Senators and tell them to support S. 324, The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act. You can find their contact information here.

2. Email your permission to be added to the state by state constituent petition by including your name, STATE, any affiliations or credentials (and no credential is more important than MOTHER) TODAY!!!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Pregnancy - Swim Aerobics


For the last two pregnancies I have gone to my pregnancy swim class. It is in the therapy pool at the hospital - and is wonderful! My body feels awesome in the water, and the exercise is both good for me and baby. My hips seem to enjoy the class most. I often feel very uncomfortable most of the time, but after that class - I feel great! There is something about the warm water, movement, and weight being lifted off my hips that is nothing short of amazing! If you haven't tried a pregnancy swim class - I highly recommend you do so! It's also a great way to meet other pregnant moms (though I am sad to report this time around there haven't been many women in my class this pregnancy - or else I would have included a picture). If you're pregnant and live in the Longmont area - come join me on Monday nights at 5:30 and Longmont United Hospital - you'll love it and I'll love having some company!!

This great picture came from http://doctoradhi.com/blog/2008/11/pregnant-moms-try-water-aerobic/ They also reference that one of the benefits of swim aerobics during pregnancy is less pain medication needed during labor - woo hoo!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Pre-Pregnancy - Merry Christmas

As written by Tink, friend of BINSI:

Waiting and hoping... will March be the month? I would have a Christmas baby... It doesn't matter but a baby would be the best Christmas gift EVER! We'll just have to make sure they get birthday presents AND Christmas presents... : ) I've thought about celebrating their half-birthday in July... then they'd have a day where it was just all about them, instead of Christmas too.

J and I have 4 cats, my furbabies. I know, I'm crazy to have 4 cats. We started with one, Vader, full name Darth Vader Kittenhead. He is a tuxedo cat. Then came Tikki, she's a princess; big green eyes, steals everyone's heart who looks at her. A couple years later, we were considering getting one more kitten... then the twins came into our lives, Nimbus and Baron. They just showed up playing in the field across the street with these horribly tight collars on. We couldn't leave them out there with the coyotes!! Nimbus, the white one, is named after the Harry Potter broom, the Nimbus 2000, except our Nimbus is Nimbus 2008. Baron is named after the Red Baron. He is a very handsome, slick all-black cat. No more cats!

I was holding Tikki last night. As she wiggled in my arms to get away as cats often do, I thought, It'll be nice to hold someone whom actually wants to be held!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Pregnancy - IntelliGender

Posted by Carri:

This pregnancy I decided NOT to find out the gender of my baby. I found out the first two pregnancies, and neither time felt very special. I highly recommend asking the ultrasound tech to give you the gender in an envelope (and please make sure they clearly label if it is a boy or a girl!), and then opening it in a fun and special way alone. The first time we found out, we were just in the dark room with the ultrasound tech that was really just a stranger. She just said, "it's a boy" and that was all. There was no hugging or moving (because she was still doing the ultrasound) and I left feeling sort of unaffected by the whole thing. The second time around, we had the ultrasound tech put it in an envelope and we put it in our Christmas stocking. Great idea - right? I am sorry to report it did not turn out nearly as special as I had hoped. The ultrasound tech just put in a picture that no one could clearly read, and ended up being a total disappointment. This was awful because I had waited an entire month to open that envelope that had been taunting me, and I couldn't call anyone because it was Christmas day. So when I went in the next day, my doctor announced in the stairwell on our way to the ultrasound office that it was a boy. Definitely NOT special.

For my third child I waited to find out, and it was awesome! I knew it was a boy, but it was great to find out during the joy and excitement of meeting him for the first time. I much prefer that to the lame ways of the past. So this time I chose again not to find out. I would say I decided this both because I think it is more fun, and because everyone wants it to be a girl (I personally don't care - just a healthy baby please!), and didn't want to hear from people how they were bummed it wasn't a girl. I have been very curious this pregnancy though, to tell you the truth! It has been a very different pregnancy, but I am not a believer in that being a tell-all by any means. So, to have something to write about that was pregnancy related, and out of curiosity, I took the Intelligender test.

The test was $30 and I bought it at Walgreens - it is easy to get and not too outrageously priced. I followed the directions perfectly, so I will be very curious to see if it really is accurate. The test itself is fairly simple: pee in a cup, put pee in a syringe, put pee in test cup and swirl. The stuff in the test cup was interesting in that it had glitter in it. I sort of felt like it was some Disney magic potion or something ; ), but I digress. You wait 10 minutes and the color of the urine is either yellow if it is a girl, or green if it is a boy. Drum roll please..... it said GIRL. Now, I have my doubts about the accuracy of such a test. They say it is 99% accurate in their lab, and overall 87% accurate world wide. I find it very curious and can hardly wait the 8 weeks I have left to find out! I think it has made my desire to know a bit more fierce, thus making me unsure if it was a good idea or not that I took the test. I have felt most of the time that it is a boy, so now I am questioning myself - but I keep reminding myself that it's all fun and games anyway. If you have used this test, I would love to know if it was accurate or not for you. Overall, fun idea but now we all have to wait 8 weeks to find out if it is accurate - sorry!

http://intelligender.com/

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Idaho Pushes Midwife Movement to the Tipping Point

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Idaho Pushes Midwife Movement to the Tipping Point

Physician and Midwife Groups Forge Unprecedented Alliance as Idaho Becomes the 26th State to Pass Legislation to Legalizing Certified Professional Midwives

BOISE, ID (April 1, 2009)—Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter signed into law today a bill to license and regulate Certified Professional Midwives, making Idaho the 26th state to legally authorize them to provide out-of-hospital maternity care. In a notable reversal of longstanding anti-midwife policies, medical groups worked together with legislators, midwives, and advocates to reach consensus on a law that provides for independent practice, mutual collaboration, and the rights of parents to choose where and how their babies are born.

“This is a great day for midwives and home birth advocates all across the country,” said Kyndal May of Idahoans for Midwives ( www.idahoansformidwives.org ). “We truly have reached the tipping point, breaking through the medical lobby’s longstanding opposition and developing a legislative consensus model that other states are looking to follow.”

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), who practice primarily in hospital settings, are legally authorized in all 50 states, while Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), who specialize in out-of-hospital birth, until today were legally authorized to practice in just half the states. Representatives from The Big Push for Midwives Campaign noted that Idaho typifies recent legislative trends across the country, as a growing number of states come closer to passing CPM legislation.

“We’re seeing unprecedented advances this legislative season,” said Katie Prown, Campaign Manager of The Big Push for Midwives. “For the first time, physician groups are coming to the table and negotiating in good faith, and bills that had long been stalled in previously antagonistic committees are suddenly starting to move.” States that have recently seen significant legislative advances include South Dakota, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina, and Alabama. Idaho joins Missouri and Maine as among the most recent states to legally authorize CPMs to provide maternity care.

“It’s clear that organized medicine has finally realized that, between current economic trends and the drive for healthcare reform, the demand for access to CPMs and out-of-hospital maternity care is only going to grow,” said Susan M. Jenkins, Legal Counsel for the Big Push. “It simply makes good sense to pass laws that provide for regulatory oversight, transparency, and accountability, all of which are necessary to ensure safe practice.”

Thousands of people from across the nation watched the Senate floor vote on live video from the Idaho statehouse last week, cheering on their fellow midwife advocates on Facebook, Twitter, and email groups. “It’s very exciting to be part of a growing national movement,” said Michelle Bartlett, CPM, Legislative Liaison for the Idaho Midwifery Council. “I’m humbled to hear from so many advocates in other states who are looking to us as a model for how to work with every stakeholder to craft CPM legislation that addresses the needs and concerns of all of us who care about the health and safety of mothers and babies.”

Idaho is a priority of The Big Push for Midwives Campaign, a nationally coordinated campaign to advocate for regulation and licensure of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and to push back against the attempts of the American Medical Association Scope of Practice Partnership to deny American families access to legal midwifery care. Through its work with state-level advocates, the Big Push is helping to forge a new model of U.S. maternity care built on expanding access to out-of-hospital maternity care and CPMs, who provide affordable, quality, community-based care that is proven to reduce costly and preventable interventions as well as the rate of low-birth weight and premature births.

###

The Big Push for Midwives Campaign is fiscally sponsored by Sustainable Markets Foundation, a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).

Sustainable Markets Foundation | 80 Broad Street, Suite 1600 | New York, NY 10004-2248

The Big Push for Midwives Campaign | 2300 M Street, N.W., Suite 800 | Washington, D.C. 20037-1434

www.TheBigPushforMidwives.org
| PushSummit...

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Pre-Pregnancy - Blast Off

As written by Tink, friend of BINSI

A funny thing happens when you and your best friend are about the same age; you decide to have babies at the same time. A year ago, my BFF, B, and I were planning her wedding. We would walk the aisles of TJ Maxx, ogling home furnishings, crap we didn't need, excited about being married, imagining how great our homes would look with this or that inside. Now we're planning for the who-knows-when arrival of our first children. We recently took a trip to Babies R Us. I'd never been in that store before but I swear you enter another dimension when you walk through their front doors. You immediately turn into a something giddy and soft. No matter how tough you are, you end up running around the store, screeching, cooing, holding a pair of baby booties close to your cheek. Actually. we went in only because B had to get a baby shower gift. Yes, keep telling yourself that. I left Babies R Us with a little shirt for a 6 month old that says, "BLAST OFF." Reminder: I have no children.

BLAST OFF originated as the code word between J and I when we first started dating. We often wrestled, tickled, messed around as most new couples do. It usually continued until we were too tired from laughing or...er, got distracted. The winner of our bouts was determined usually by who was more willing to give in that day. It was a toss up between major leverage-long-limbed-lanky cyclist boy versus the girl who could (literally) bench press her boyfriend. One balmy summer afternoon while still living in Columbus, Ohio, one of us was not particularly up for a playful duel. We decided we needed to come up with a code word; a word that meant stop. A code word that is as serious as they come. An absolutely-no-matter-what-don't-you-dare-keep-going word. We honor it even today. It can be a complete buzz kill when one of us says it but we usually know it's coming. For example, after chasing the other around the house, falling on the floor, unable to breathe, laughing so hard your sides hurt, BLAST OFF usually comes out. It is inconceivable to break the code of trust those words harbor.

Anyway, B and I are walking up and down the aisles screeching like pterodactyls at all the baby gear. I want this for my baby's room! I heard this stroller is the best. This rocker is so comfortable! Do people really put their kid in that? What is THIS for? And the statement we've thought of too often, How cute would it be to give J (S, in B's case) something to let him know I'm pregnant?! Yes, of course, so cute. So cute. So....cute. So sickeningly cute. Wouldn't it be just as romantic to come out from the bathroom with the stick that shows I I ? No, it would be more memorable to have the cute and tiny t-shirt that shows how cute and tiny the creature he will soon be fathering is going to be. B says, "I was thinking about this onesie that says SWEET on it?" OMG, SO CUTE! Her last name is Sweet!

It brought to mind, if BLAST OFF means what I know it to mean then why do I want to get a shirt to tell my husband, whenever I am, that I am pregnant? Is it saying, Stop! You have to stop now! I'm giving you this shirt for a 6 month old! (I am convinced I am going to have a huge infant whom will immediately fit into 6 month old clothing). The only explanation I have is it isn't really the literal translation that BLAST OFF harbors but rather that this code is just ours, as our child will be just ours. (Insert: awww, so cute.) We can tell Baby, we waited, we calculated, we planned, we organized, we hoped, we dreamed, we counted days until your arrival and here is the shirt Mommy gave to Daddy to tell him you were on your way. Altogether now! Sooooo cute!!!

Well, I haven't really decided if I'll really make it an event. Then again, why not? I did buy the shirt. J asks every once in a while, What happened to those fruit and cheese plates you used to serve me while wearing sexy heels? Maybe he'll get a fruit and cheese plate and a tiny t-shirt...

Monday, April 6, 2009

Honoring an Amazing Mom

Posted by Kim:

You may have heard about the senseless tragedy that took place in Binghamton, NY on Friday. Well Binghamton is my hometown and while I often tease about Binghamton and how happy I am that I now live in Colorado, when I heard about this horrific event I started to feel nostalgic about my little hometown. I am drawn to the memories of all of the great times I had growing up, because Binghamton really was an amazing place to grow up. And in the middle of the wonderful memories I have of my youth, is one of my best friends from High School and College, one of the daughters of Mrs Roberta King. I was adopted into the King family and was always envious of the sheer size of their family as I am an only child. Ten children?! WOW! I can hardly handle the two that I have. But their house was always full of family, always open to friends, and at the center of it all was a jovial, happily married couple, Dr and Mrs King.

This past Friday one of the sweetest, most giving, most community oriented women I have ever known was tragically taken from this world and I have to pay tribute to Mrs King. The mother to 10 amazingly talented and successful children, one of the most avid doll collectors (seriously I have never seen so many dolls), and the world's greatest substitute teacher. Mrs King was always happy to see you and always offered a kind word. She is a true Binghamton icon.

While everyone in our town is trying to process this senseless act of violence I can only deal with the reality of the situation by believing and having faith that Mrs King has been reunited with Dr King in heaven and together they are looking down at the wonderful family they created together seeing how many people's lives they have touched and what a difference they made in the town of Binghamton.

As Carri said, "Anyone that can have 10 children and still have plenty to give is a rare gift to the world." This couldn't more true.

Beloved English teacher among deceased

PressConnects.com
By Nancy Dooling • ndooling@gannett.com • Staff Writer • April 5, 2009

Grandmother of 17.

Teacher.

Doll collector.

History and architecture buff.

Talented cook.

And she knew how to be a beloved friend.

Roberta "Bobbie" King, 72, was teaching English to adult students Friday at the American Civic Association when a gunman burst into her classroom and killed her and 12 others, before turning a gun on himself. Family members confirmed her death Saturday.

"I believe that 'Bobbie' had more genuine friends than anybody I know," said Brenda Margolis, one of the many friends who loved her.

Margolis had been a friend of Mrs. King's for more than 30 years, through child-rearing, weddings, grandchildren, funerals - all of life's big moments.

Other families affected by Friday's violent massacre on Front Street were anxiously awaiting word Saturday about their loved ones. Binghamton city officials are now saying a full list of victims won't be released until today.

Friends and family of Mrs. King's are trying to cope with her loss.

"She impacted a lot of lives because of her very warm, very upbeat, kind disposition and her many interests," said Margolis, of Binghamton. "Everyone loved her."

Funeral services for Mrs. King will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Temple Concord on Riverside Drive in Binghamton, said Mrs. King's daughter, Georgia Lerner.

Family will sit Shiva from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Temple Concord.

Her family was the center of her life. But so were her many interests and her many friends.

She was always positive, always upbeat, and able to competently and without complaint tackle anything that life threw at her, friends said.

With 10 children, her house was always full, friends said.

But Mrs. King took everything in stride.

"Her strength came from her gentle kindness," said another long-time friend, Beverly Hirsch, a Binghamton resident.

Mrs. King loved teaching immigrants and had no plans to retire, said her son-in-law, Dr. Todd Lerner.

She taught English to immigrants learning to be U.S. citizens. She substitute taught at public schools.

She loved her students, family and friends said.

"She was an amazing lady," Lerner said. "She was always busy with something."

She and her husband, the late Dr. Abraham King, put their children first in their lives, sending all 10 to college, five of them to Cornell University in Ithaca, her son-in-law said.

She was a passionate collector of dolls and dollhouses, which filled her South Side Binghamton home. She loved historic architecture and was involved with Temple Concord's Hanukkah House, Roberson Museum and the Phelps Mansion.

But it was the quality of her character that drew people to her.

"She was always gentle and kind," Hirsch said.

"Never critical. Never negative."

Friday, April 3, 2009

Partnership - Birth Source

Posted by Kim:

Tracey and I met at the DONA conference in 2006 and were immediately drawn to each other. Tracey was excited about our skirts and tops and how something as simple as a skirt can completely transform a woman's birth experience and I was excited about Tracey's experience and passion for birth! It seemed like the perfect fit. So after a few discussions and a lot excitement we finalized an agreement that made Tracey BINSI's first international distributor. BINSI went global (well sort of)!

Tracey bases her work out of her boutique, Birth Source, in Alberta, Canada and has been a very special support and partnership for BINSI. Both Carri and I have appreciated having her as a part of the BINSI extended family and are comfortable knowing that she is helping our Canadian customers receive our products in a timely and cost effective way.

In addition, our partnership with Tracey and Birth Source is simply another validation of our products. One of the greatest compliments for us throughout our company history is how well we have been received by the birth community. Many birth educators and birth professionals support and promote BINSI products because they completely understand and concur with our company mission to help women feel healthy, comfortable, confident, and in control as they enter their amazing journey into motherhood. Carri and I both are honored by this support and find it another validation for all of our hard work. The thought the our products are having a direct impact on the outcome of a woman's birth experience is the ultimate reward for us. So we have been honored and excited to be partnered with fantastic companies, like Birth Source!

A little about Tracey:

She is married and has four of her own children. She is also a busy doula and childbirth educator located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Her Birth Source website began with her own desire for high quality, beautiful and practical supplies and products for both her family and her business.

Almost all of the items she sells on The website has been used by her own family or many of her clients as well. These items are chosen carefully for their quality, practicality and ability to enhance the lives of families and professionals.

BirthSource.ca
is dedicated to the best customer service possible and will strive to make your shopping experience the most positive it can be.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Birth Story - Griffin's Birth

Posted by Kim:

Below is the story of my second son, Griffin's, birth as written in my birth journal. Enjoy

2/11/05

Written by Mommy:

Well today is the big day! Hopefully our second little guy will be born on Uncle Will's Birthday! We scheduled our labor to be induced today because Griffin is growing at a healthy rate (possibly 3 lbs more than Connor's birth weight) and also this way our friends knew when to expect Connor to come over and play. It is a little bit difficult not to have family in the area.

** The decision to induce Griffin's birth is something I have regretted since. Convenience is not a good enough excuse, but I also remember being very tired of being pregnant. I only wish I had held out for my labor to start naturally, but I can't change that now. It is what it is. **

We weren't sure if you would be born today. At 5am we received a phone call from the birthplace saying that they were full with birthing mothers and we might not be able to come in, but call back at 8am to check. I could barely wait! At 7:58am I called and the girl who answered said we probably won't be coming in (why didn't I see this as a sign?). Then after waiting on hold for what seemed like 30 minutes, but was probably 3, she said "Can you com in at 8:30am?" I was so surprised it must be the closest feeling I have ever had to the surprise of natural childbirth. So we quickly got ready, packed Connor's bag, and umped in the car. Dad dropped me off at the hospital and said "OK call me when you're ready to have a baby. I'll be back to pick you up." Ha Ha, who is the funny guy? Dad then took Connor over to Aunt Kathy's house to play.

I went up to the birthplace and checked into room 2105. The first thing I do is change into the birthing skirt my friend Carri gave me as a present and a jog bra. Daddy arrived soon after and started shooting video right away. Now that he has become a video editor extraordinaire he looks at shooting video in a whole new light! My goal is to give birth to you by 6pm. We'll see how things go.

Written by Daddy:

Here's Daddy! Connor and I dropped Mommy off at 8:45am at LUH and told her to give us a call if she needed anything, its boys day out! Ha, not really. After dropping Mom off Connor went to visit Aunt Kathy for the day. Everyone was anxiously awaiting Connor's arrival for a day of cars and trains. I arrived at LUH at 9:15am to coach baby Griffin into the world. We're in room 2105 this year and we've got a much better view this time, we can see snow covered Long's Peak from our room. I started with casual photography and video to capture the scene. At 10:30am pitocin starts, the fun begins. So far so good, Dr Finnegan stopped by at 12:30pm, 3 to 4 cm dilated and he broke Mommy's bag of water at 12:45pm. While anxiously awaiting Griffin's arrival we listened to the Birth Day and U2 CDs we made and watched Old School. 2:30pm Epidural time. The epidural seems to have been slower to take effect, but by 3:15pm we seem to have a good block. Kim is about 7cm now. 4:10pm Dr Finnegan stops by and Kim is about 9cm dilated now.

Written by Mommy:

Our first nurse is Elaine and she is quite nice. She is from Alberta, Canada and we talked a lot about Toronto and how beautiful it is there. Elaine starts the pitocin around 10:30am and she said it will take about 3-5 minutes before my body will react to the iv. Unfortunately the contractions do not start as quickly as I had hoped, but there are a few.

Around 12:30pm Dr Finnegan stopped over and broke my bag of water. I am only dilated to about 3 1/2 or 4 cms, but he said this should really get my contractions going. Unfortunately this is not true, but I am definitely having more contractions than before. I work through the contractions while watching Old School. You can't help but laugh through the contractions.

Around 2:30pm I decide it is time to get up , use the bathroom and prepare for the epidural. For some reason I have to take a pepcid pill with an Alka Seltzer chaser. I don't remember doing that before, but then again, everything about your pregnancy, labor and birth has been totally different than Connor's. You are your own man. The Dr finally arrives after Elaine checks me and says that I am 7cm dilated. I am so surprised because the contractions at 7cms with you seem about 1/2 as bad as the contractions I had with Connor at 4cms, and they are in a totally different location. My contractions with you are at the top of my belly pushing you down. My goal is to deliver you by 6pm.

After getting the Epidural everything calms down. I am actually a little tired and feel like I could fall asleep. however, by 4:00pm I am completely dilated but you seem to be in a long sleep period and the contractions are not regular. Elaine is going to call Dr Finnegan and see what we should do. She thinks we should turn down the epidural and turn up the pitocin. So that is what we are going to do.

By 6pm the contractions are regular and I have regained a lot of feeling in my lower body because the Epidural has been turned off. At this time Elaine leaves and Suzy becomes our pushing coach. She and Daddy start to urge me on and hope that you will be born before Suzy has to leave at 7:00pm. For a while even Dr Finnegan was in the room to hold my leg. They kept telling me to push down and I thought that was what I was doing, but I guess not because you were not moving much.

Suzy leaves at 7:00pm and Joyce takes over and the pushing remains the same. Wither you are stuck or I am a terrible pusher. Unfortunately I think it is the latter of the two. Daddy is being so helpful because by now the Epidural has completely worn off and it is pretty painful. Because I don't seem to be pushing well I ask Joyce to get out the mirror so I can see what is going on myself. I figured if I could see your head maybe it would give me something to focus on. It seems to help a little, but by 8:00pm Dr Finnegan tells us we have a 1/2 hour until c-section. I almost lose it, but I am determined to push you out. I do not want a c-section. Daddy and Joyce cheer me on and Daddy says I am pushing well. Apparently I am using a lot more strength than I realized I had. I keep checking the time but I can see that you are moving. This is going to work.

Finally around 8:30pm they call the team in and you are going to be born. A few more pushed and your head comes out! This is amazing. I have to stop though because the cord is wrapped around your neck twice. Dr Finnegan clamps it and cuts it quickly. Unfortunately Daddy did not get to do the ceremonial cutting of the cord, but your health is most important. Now we're ready to push again. Just another push and you are out! Finally!! You were born at 8:43pm. It was a struggle, but I was determined.

Immediately after you are born they take you to the warmer and Daddy heads over to inspect. Of course he says you have Connor's hands and feet. The nurses clean you off as I deliver the placenta, thankfully with only one push. You are not crying like I wold like and it seems like you are grunting a little too. After they let me hold you for a short time, but then the nurses and Daddy take you down to the nursery to check everything out. I am worried because I don't know if everything is alright.

While you are in the nursery I called Aunt Lisa & Uncle Tony, Grandma & Grandpa King, and Aunt Kathy to tell them the good news! I don't even know what your statistics are yet! I am guessing that you weigh about 7 pounds.

Finally Daddy returns from the nursery with your stats. You are 8lbs 1oz!! I can't believe it. No wonder I had trouble pushing. You are 21" long and your head circumference is 13 3/4 " (75% on the charts). I can't believe it! Now I am so glad that you were induced, if you were much bigger I don't think I would have been able to deliver you! You are 3lbs 7oz bigger than Connor was when he was born.

The Dr decided that you should spend the night in the nursery just to be safe. So after a while Daddy and I head down to the nursery so I can nurse you. I am so happy when you latch right on and eat like a little piggy! I love it!! Daddy and I stay and cuddle you until midnight. We love you so much! We're just happy that you are healthy. Daddy then goes home so he can catch some Zs and pick Connor up in the morning. I nurse you again during the night and at 6am the NICU nurse Erika brings you down to our room. I am not going to let you out of my sight from now on.

Griffin on the left Connor on the right, same Pooh Bear (two totally different babies)

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Mike Rowe Dirty Jobs - Diaper Cleaner

Posted by Kim:

My husband and I have been big fans of Mike Rowe and his show Dirty Jobs for several seasons now! As a matter of fact one of the reasons we started watching Deadliest Catch was simply because Mike Rowe is the narrator. Mike's ability to find some of the Dirtiest Jobs is amazing, but even funnier is his fantastic sense of humor. While all of the jobs he documents are difficult and hard to imagine being full-time work, he really brings a hilarious edge to the show. So of the companies/workers he documents find him hilarious too, but there is the occasional host who does not find him funny at all.

I have seen many, many episodes but this week we watched a funny and relevant episode, the life and times of the diaper cleaner. In this episode that originally aired on February 3, 2009 Mike follows a day in the life of the Tidee Didee Cloth Diaper Service in Sacramento California.

To watch a clip from the episode click here

According to the episode the Tidee Didee companies processes 10,000 diapers per week and that translates in 1/2 million less disposable diapers clogging up the landfills each year. Also, disposable diapers in the US acocunt for 2 billion tons of plastic, paper, pulp, and untreated urine and poo going into landfills each year.

When Connor was an infant we used a cloth diaper service and it was awesome! I love the fact that we were using cloth and yet I didn't have to clean them myself. We probably didn't save as much money as we would have had we purchased the diapers ourselves, but there are certain things that are worth paying for as far as I am concerned and washing poo is one of them. The other good thing about the service was that they used extra water efficient washers and in Colorado water efficiency is very critical. We used the Earth Smart Diaper Service in Longmont, but to find a diaper service in your area you can check the Diaper Service Directory or the more informational National Association of Diaper Services website.

You will also find the answers to the following questions on the National Association of Diaper Services website

Why use cloth?
Why cotton?
Isn't it inconvenient?
Anything else I should know about using cotton?
Does dry mean clean?
Chemicals?
Are disposable diapers linked to asthema?
Are disposable diapers associated with an increased scrotal temperature?
Economic issues
Convenience