Travelings

This past month has been so eventful. In February I went to San Ignacio, Belize to finish certification training in the Arvigo Technique of Mayan Abdominal Massage. I have been practicing this massage with my clients for the last couple of years and although it is amazingly simple, I have found it to have profound results in affecting the birth process positively. Going to Belize was not only beautiful, it was deeply nurturing for me personally. The above picture was taken outside of Rosita's home, where the classes were held. She is showing us some of the local herbs/vegetation and what their uses are.

When I returned home, the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) Forum was happening in Austin. This is a large coalition of organizations who strive to promote positive changes in maternal/child health. CIMS is the initiator of the Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative. I was honored to meet so many movers and shakers in the midwifery and maternal/child health movement.

After the CIMS forum, I traveled to Washington, DC to meet with the Midwives and Mothers in Action Campaign steering committee. The first day of our meetings was spent on Capitol Hill lobbying for Certified Professional Midwives to be recognized as maternal/child health care providers and to be included in federal medicaid reimbursement programs. Being in DC was very exciting, although I never did get a really good look at the White House! Above is a picture of me, geared up for lobbying!

Following the MAMA campaign meetings, I was able to attend the National Institute of Health consensus meeting on VBAC. VBAC or Vaginal Birth after Cesarean has been a controversial subject for many years, and the rate of VBAC is declining as the rate of primary c/sections is increasing. This meeting brought together a panel of 15 interdisciplinary professionals who, after listening to 20 research presentations on VBAC, formed a statement which will hopefully help influence change in VBAC policies. The draft NIH consensus statement can be found here.

Surprisingly, through all of these travels, I have not missed one of my mama's births! Thanks for waiting Stacy, I am so grateful to get to help you. I am hopeful your baby will come today.