Earth Bound Birth Blog

Now this is a good birth plan!

2009-01-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

I just thought I would share this. It is absolutely great! I imagine each mama would get much closer to her ideal birth if she took this approach...

We will be using hypnosis during this birthing and have as our goal a natural, non-medicated birth, complete with tweeting blue birds and Louis Armstrong singing "It's a Wonderful World" in the background. We ask for no interventions to be performed, no matter how minor, without prior informed consent by me and/or my husband. We sincerely thank all hospital staff involved in assisting with our birth in advance for your support and encouragement.

Have a brownie! I made 'em from scratch.

If there are no medical contraindications, the following is our ideal birth plan:

HYDRATION

I plan to hydrate myself with water or other liquids by mouth (excepting vodka), and am willing to accept a heparin lock placement if y'all would prefer that. I request IV use occur ONLY in the event of a complicating factor, and ONLY with my (or my husband's, if I'm unconscious for some odd reason) prior informed consent.

MOVEMENT OF MOTHER

I prefer to move around freely during my birthing time, stand on my head, or assume any other positions I find comfortable.

MONITORING

I prefer external monitoring to be performed sporadically when necessary (20 min. per hour), but not continuously. Internal monitoring to be used only in a life-threatening situation and upon our prior informed consent.

ROOM ENVIRONMENT
Please do NOT report dilation centimeters out loud (or even whisper them), but it's okay to send hand or smoke signals to my husband and mother.

The use of hypnosis is supported by dimmed lighting, quiet voices, soft music, positive statements, and angels and fairies flitting about.

Please refrain from scaring me to death: i.e. asking how excruciating my pain is, telling me what I will feel ("Hang on, honey, this is gonna hurt like hell..."), or telling me how a certain phase or intervention will be experienced. I am very suggestible even when not in hypnosis and need all the help I can get to keep myself planted in my own little dreamy hypnosis zone.

Please do not discuss cervical dilation progress/lack of progress, (including the numbers of centimeters of dilation) while in the room with me. Knowing these numbers could completely depress me and ruin my optimistic outlook for the idealic birth I have my heart set on. In most situations, I advocate for full disclosure of all facts, but with first stage labor, ignorance is my friend, at least until I scream, "I've got to poop!"

VAGINAL EXAMS

As much as I enjoy vaginal exams, I prefer to limit them during the course of this birthing to the following situations:

1. An exam upon admission to the hospital seems appropriate so we all know where we are in this epic adventure together, and to ensure that I am, in fact, in the throes of actual birthing,

2. If progress appears to have seriously stalled, and

3. Upon the desire to push, to be sure I'm not trying to force a grapefruit through a straw.

PLEASE DO NOT STRIP MY FRAGILE LITTLE MEMBRANES DURING ANY ROUTINE VAGINAL EXAM WITHOUT TALKING TO ME FIRST.

MANAGEMENT OF LABOR

I prefer to allow the birth to proceed on its own course naturally, assuming no complications. If an increase in oxytocin becomes necessary, I prefer to try natural methods of stimulation (the fun, aerobic, and sexual ones) before being poked with a needle full of pitocin, or stripping or rupturing my membranes.

Please do not offer drugs for pain management. If we want them, you will know.

PUSHING

I hope to emerge from this birthing experience without varicose veins all over my face. I plan to push in the way my ancestors of long ago pushed, hopeful that this inherent knowledge has not been completely cleansed from my collective unconscious and genetic code. Please do not coach my pushing unless I am failing miserably on my own.

PERINEAL MASSAGE

I'd love midwife/nursing assistance with warm compresses and oil massage of the perineum during crowning and birth. Peeled grapes and a handsome Greek god fanning me with a palm leaf would be okay, too. Of course I want to avoid an episiotomy. Who wouldn't?

THE BIRTH

Please allow my baby to birth without pulling or turning his or her head. If those pesky shoulders are stuck, I'd like to try changing my position before twisting the baby's neck like a pretzel.

Charlie wants to catch the little "guy," and Charlie wants to cut the umbilical cord too, which hopefully won't be clamped or cut until the cord stops pulsating.

We are dying to meet this kid. Please let us fawn over "it" for a while (up to two hours) before whisking it off for newborn procedures (bathing, eye drops, measurements, etc.). Of course, we are breastfeeding. No one with a birth plan like this one would feed his or her kid formula.

PLACENTA
Please do not yank on the umbilical cord with the delivery of the placenta, but do feel free to toss it after it is all out. I waive the right to fry it up and eat it. Thanks.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING US TO HAVE A SAFE, JOYFUL, AND WALDORF-APPROVED BIRTHING EXPERIENCE.

It's Done!

2008-10-25T20:34:00.001-07:00

So I decided to try out a flash palette for my web design for my photography biz. Good grief!! They were far more complicated than I thought, but I am very pleased with the results. It is finally finished. I am testing the trial version right now and will for about a month, I think. I want to see how easily people navigate thru it and how easily I can manage it before I make the leap. So, please feel free to leave me feedback! I would love to know what you think!

www.earthmamaphotography.com

Back to Birth!

2008-10-08T12:22:00.001-07:00

After some discussion about our current finances and our plan to start our own company this spring, Tom and I decided that I should go back to taking births sooner that previously planned! I am excited and a little nervous at the same time. I usually wait till the babe is 1. Ben will only be 4 months. Scary!

So, I am currently planning on accepting births (both Doula and Photography) as of January. I am doing maternity, newborn and family photography sessions now ofcourse. So if you know anyone interested, spread the word!

My fourth child has arrived!

2008-09-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share that Benjamin Warren Boyce has made his "late" arrival into this world!

He came on Tuesday September 2nd at 6:55pm. He weighed in at a surprisingly small size, 7lbs 7oz and 19" long making us wonder about his 43 wk arrival!

Labor and delivery was difficult, but ultimately successful and he arrived at home as planned in a relatively short time of 8 hours.

Here are a few newborn photos I took at 3 days old. Birth story and birth photos coming soon!

Gentle Birth Choices Now Available!

2008-08-11T22:15:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to say "THANKS!" to Lydia for donating Gentle Birth Choices to my library. It is a great book and hope you get to enjoy it as much as I did.

Thanks hon for thinking of me!

What a way to end!

2008-07-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

I had my very last birth on Wednesday night/Thursday morning before officially taking my maternity leave. Just in time too, as I am 37 weeks pregnant! I was worried about being so full term, but it worked out great and other than being tired and swollen, no big deal!

So this was the second time that I had the honor of attending this couple's birth and we had a friend of their's help out as well. It was fantastic! I swear, this mom is just meant to have babies. She is so beautiful and calm while she labors. She smiles inbetween contractions even at 9cm. What a joy to support during labor! He hubby is a doll and continuously supports her anyway she needs. "D", their friend, was a gem to have there as well.

Needless to say, this mom had a beautiful, relatively quick natural birth and was so proud of her accomplishment. They had another daughter, "C". She is gorgeous, just like her sisters. Enjoy a few pictures...

Congrats again you guys!! So glad I was there.

4th of July Baby!

2008-07-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

We had a beautiful baby girl born at 9:06pm as the fireworks were going off around the metroplex! What a welcome into the world. "C" was born naturally and quickly into this world and her parents did an amazing job. They are excited to add her to the family! Here are a few pics from a great birth!

I entered the babywearing contest...

2008-06-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

Let's hope I win!

Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)

Click on the link to enter for yourself!

Maternity shoot of a vibrant 3rd time mom

2008-06-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

I actually did maternity photos for this mom during her last pregnancy, so it was so much fun to get together again! We had a breezy and NOT humid evening and enjoyed the chance to take these photos. G- you are gorgeous! Hope you love them... Enjoy!

The Birth of "I"

2008-06-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

Busy around here! I attended a beautiful birth of these first time parents. They were so thrilled to welcome in to the world their daughter "I". She was so calm and beatiful. Mom and Dad were so sweet and in love the moment they saw her. Enjoy just a few pictures of the babe!

A Beautiful Newborn Session

2008-06-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

It was so great! Ofcourse I had done wedding, maternity, and birth photography for this beautiful family and was so excited to do newborn photos as well. I thought they turned out wonderful and their little man was so cooperative. We were all happy about that! Enjoy!

A Natural Birth of a second time Bradley mom

2008-06-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

T & D were absolutely great to work with. They know each other so well and D was a great support to T during this labor. Plus the had an absolutely BEAUTIFUL baby girl. Congrats to all of you!

A Must See!

2008-05-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

OOPS!!! Found out this probably isn't a legal copy and I don't want to mess with copyright laws. Just rent it from Netflicks... it is worth it!

www.businessofbeingborn.com

The Birth of "N"

2008-05-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

Well, last Sunday i posted pictures of K & L after I did their maternity shoot. On Friday, I was honored to photograph the birth of their first born, "N". K did so great! She was a little anxious about labor, but was amazing and beautiful through the whole thing. They make a gorgeous little family. Congrats on your son!

Maternity Photo Shoot for K & L

2008-04-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

I had a great maternity photo shoot with K & L on Saturday afternoon. The weather was absolutely perfect and they were so cute! I love pregnant bellies, even if this mama wasn't too thrilled to still be pregnant at almost 40 weeks. Doesn't she look great! These were taken at Prairie Creek Park in Richardson.

The Beautiful VBAC of "R"

2008-04-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

I got to attend an amazing birth today. This mama had wanted a homebirth and had to switch to a hospital birth late in the game. She was VBAC'ing and was able to have the natural birth she desired and her midwife got to be there too! She is amazing and strong with a fabulous hubby and a GORGEOUS baby girl. Congrats!

A Gorgeous Natural Birth

2008-02-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

I was blessed with two great births this week and two big babies! "J" was born early evening today after a beautiful and completely natural labor. He was so handsome and has amazing parents who worked hard to bring him into the world. He came in weighing 9 lbs 5 oz!

The VBAC of "C"

2008-02-13T22:36:00.000-08:00

I had another beautiful birth yesterday. The strong VBAC mama had a beautiful baby weighing in at 9lbs 6oz and had a successful VBAC!! I was so proud of her. Congrats to this absoultely gorgeous and loving family. Enjoy a few pictures!

Sneak Preview of The Business of Being Born

2008-01-21T14:52:00.000-08:00

Came accross this today and thought some of you may enjoy viewing this movie! Several birth professionals in the area have made arrangements for a public preview of Ricki Lake's new movie, "The Business of Being Born". I think it looks fantastic!!!!

Here is a link to the main website and the trailer...
http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/

And the blogspot where you can find info about the Frisco showing on February 9th. Come see it with us!!!

www.businessofbeingborndfw.blogspot.com

The link to purchase a ticket is on the blogspot. They are $5 each to cover the cost of the film for the showing.Would love it if anyone can make it!! From what I understand there will also be a panel discussion to answer any questions following the movie.

Another beautiful baby!

2008-01-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the world Baby L! I had a birth this week... a quick one for a first time mom! That was nice. It got a little crazy at the end of the birth, but the result is a beautiful new family! Pics below...

Baby Q is here!

2008-01-05T19:35:00.000-08:00

Well Baby Q was born on Friday morning after a very long labor that didn't go as we had hoped, but mom and dad were both amazing and patient. He came into the world weighing 7lbs 13 ozs by c-section. Her are a few photos for family and friends to enjoy!

Congratulations!

A new look...

2007-11-23T23:20:00.000-08:00

For those of you who saw my old site may notice some changes! With my best friend in ICU, I decided I needed a creative outlet for my worrying. Besides, it was time for a new look. I wanted something a bit more professional that would highlight my photography while at the same time provide information to expecting parents.

Alot of time was spent in designing my logo and the new layout for the site. I hope you enjoy it! I am sure there are a few errors still, so feel free to let me know if you spot any. There is only so long you can stare at the same thing before it all starts blurring together.

I still wish there are a few things I could do differently, but as I do all my own site design and function, I am limited by my own knowledge. Web design is a whole other subject!

Enjoy!

I am certified!

2007-10-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

You heard it right, I am finally, after years of working as a doula, certified. I am excited. It wasn't hugely important to me to be certified. I kind of feel like that saying, "Hey I can pay money and fill out paperwork!" but at the same time, I recognize that certification adds an extra level of comfort to some expectant couples and I am glad for that.

So, I now get to sign my name as follows:

Elizabeth Boyce, CD (DONA)

Cool huh!

Since when did parents lose their right to parent?

2007-10-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

This article came through on one of my birth lists and I am just appalled! I just can not believe that this can happen. As a religious person myself, I am mostly offended by the fact that their beliefs are held in so little regard. Not only that but that they would take away their baby and deny the breastfeeding relationship. It is just scary.

Here is the link so you can read the article...
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10157077

If you want to voice your opinion on this, here are some people you can contact...
Governor Dave Heineman
Lincoln Office /State Capitol:
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 94848
Lincoln, NE 68509-4848
Phone: 402-471-2244
Fax: 402-471-6031

Western Office:
Office of the Governor
4500 Avenue I
P.O. Box 1500
Scottsbluff, NE 69363-1500
Phone: 308-632-1370
Fax: 308-632-1313
Email through this link:http://www.gov.state.ne.us/mail/govmail.html

US Senator Ben Nelson
Omaha
7602 Pacific St.Ste 205
Omaha, NE 68114
Tel: (402) 391-3411
Fax: (402) 391-4725

LincolnFederal Bldg, Room 287
100 Centennial Mall North
Lincoln, NE 68508
Tel: (402) 441-4600
Fax: (402) 476-8753

Washington, D.C.
720 Hart Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-6551
Fax: (202) 228-0012

Scottsbluff Tel: (308) 631-7614

Kearney Tel: (308) 293-5818

South Sioux City Tel: (402) 209-3595

US Senator Chuck Hagel

Washington, D.C. Office
248 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-4224
Fax: (202) 224-5213

Omaha Office
9900 Nicholas St.
Suite 325
Omaha, NE 68114
Tel: (402) 758-8981
Fax: (402) 758-9165

Lincoln Office
294 Federal Building
100 Centennial Mall North
Lincoln, NE 68508
Tel: (402) 476-1400
Fax: (402) 476-0605

Kearney Office
4111 Fourth Avenue, Suite 26
Kearney, NE 68845
Tel: (308) 236-7602
Fax: (308) 236-7473

Scottsbluff Office
115 Railway Street, Suite C102
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Tel: (308) 632-6032
Fax: (308) 632-6295

Make your voice heard on things that affect us as moms, parents, women, and humans!

A blog?

2007-10-15T23:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I recently started one for my family (oneearthymama.blogspot.com) and thought this would be a great way to keep up with my doula "stuff" as well. Besides, my family wants to hear about my kiddos, not all my musings on birth! As birth is such a huge part of my life, I needed a place just for that.

So, I will keep you updated on my births and how things are going. I have a couple of exciting changes in the works and will be sure to post them here when I am up and running with them!