Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Wise women choose their doctors and trust them. The wisest ask the fewest questions.
I am currently reading the book Lying-In A History of Childbirth in America by Richard W,. Wertz and Dorothy C Wertz for my History of Midwifery module. The wealth of knowledge I am obtaining through this study is overwhelming, enrages me and inspires me all at the same time. Basically throughout the 1800's and 1900's women have be lead into a model of health care that preyed upon societies belief that they were inferior and not intelligent or trustworthy enough to make their own decisions! This combined with a DVD I watched on Susan B. Anthony and Elisabeth Cady Stanton has stoked a fire in my belly for the injustices forced upon women in the name of religion, society and patriotism. I don't have the words today for all that I am thinking but I wanted to share this quote from the above mentioned book that I read and highlighted last night while reading.
"Quote from a book I'm reading for my midwifery course. " S.Weir Mitchell, a prominent nineteenth-century physician to women, described the ideal patient thus: ' Wise women choose their doctors and trust them. The wisest ask the fewest questions. The terrible patients are the nervous women with long memories, who question much where answers are difficult. The nervous woman should be made to comprehend at the outset that the physician means to have his way unhampered by the subtle distinctions with which bedridden women are apt to trouble those who most desire to help them."
Reading this material has made me both enraged and thankful at the same time. Enraged at the mental and physical suffering that women had to endure at the hands of male Dr.'s and the society that supported this horrible lie. Thankful that women and men stood up for women's rights and continue to do so now. Women we are able to think for ourselves, we don't need to trust the Dr.'s knowledge of our bodies over their knowledge. Unfortunately in my experience with some medical Dr.'s even today this same mentality is present when dealing with a parents knowledge of what's happening with their child, and even when dealing with mine or my husbands health.
"Quote from a book I'm reading for my midwifery course. " S.Weir Mitchell, a prominent nineteenth-century physician to women, described the ideal patient thus: ' Wise women choose their doctors and trust them. The wisest ask the fewest questions. The terrible patients are the nervous women with long memories, who question much where answers are difficult. The nervous woman should be made to comprehend at the outset that the physician means to have his way unhampered by the subtle distinctions with which bedridden women are apt to trouble those who most desire to help them."
Reading this material has made me both enraged and thankful at the same time. Enraged at the mental and physical suffering that women had to endure at the hands of male Dr.'s and the society that supported this horrible lie. Thankful that women and men stood up for women's rights and continue to do so now. Women we are able to think for ourselves, we don't need to trust the Dr.'s knowledge of our bodies over their knowledge. Unfortunately in my experience with some medical Dr.'s even today this same mentality is present when dealing with a parents knowledge of what's happening with their child, and even when dealing with mine or my husbands health.
New blogging purpose.
I've been thinking about this for months and now I've decided to blog my thoughts and opinions rather than post them to facebook. I'm pretty sure there are very few of my facebook friends who care about my midwifery education, my political view points or my theology. I really think that God is doing somethings in me that are causing me to be more vocal and it really does help me in my walk to speak my mind on things I believe in. I don't want to run the risk of alienating people who are family, friends and acquaintances but I do feel the need for an outlet. Lets face it, facebook should not be my pulpit for every cause and every thought that I have. Not every person I went to grade school, long lost auntie or friend from church really wants to know every detail of my inner personality and my faith as I walk it out. However there are many people who will identify and find encouragement from reading a blog entry of a stranger going through a similar thing. If you want a raw picture of me, go ahead and follow me on my blog. I will respect your opinions if you choose to share them with me on my blog even if they are contrary to mine. It has been spoken about me many times in my life that I "wear my heart on my sleeve" I want to continue to be open and to do that. I think my blog will be a better place for it. If you want to hear what I think and have to say, read my blog. If not, I'll be sharing photos, videos, prayer requests and cute stories and quotes on facebook in a more limited traditional facebookie sort of way. I will sometimes post a link to a blog update on facebook just to let you know I've posted. Feel free to read it or to not. Blessings friends and family!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Winter is on it's way....seasonal depression.
My favorite trees are losing their leaves. You know what that means? Winter is on it's way people. At the end of every gorgeous summer in Alaska, I have a mini pity party for myself. Its a season of great beauty here, yellows and reds and sage greens and greys of many colors. The weather is cool and refreshing and the skies are usually quite clear. But alas, it signifies the coming cold and the seemingly endless winter. Don't get me wrong, winter is amazing and we Alaskans have fun times in the winter. It's the time of sledding, skiing, snow-machining, and more. It's also a return to the darkness. The darkness is a treat in the beginning. Unless you live in the far north you may not know what it is like to spend an entire summer without stars, and sunsets. The summer sun is amazing, the amount of things you can accomplish in the summer months is astounding. But this leaves you feeling a little tire, and worn out. Maybe that is why the end of summer depression hits me so hard. To much to do, to little time all summer! Run, run, run,go, go, go! Autumn hits and I crash. Looking forward to the end of my pity party and the return of the snow.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Felted Wool Mittens
These mittens are most wonderful mittens I've ever used in my life. I think every Alaskan or cold weather loving person ought to have a pair. I bought 5 pairs of them a couple of winters ago at a craft bazaar and have been an addict ever since. If you like to craft it's pretty easy to make a pair yourself. I've made them for all of my family and some friends too! Just head to the thrift store or your closet and find yourself an old 100% wool sweater. Wash and dry on hot to felt the wool and visit this site for several different options on patterns to follow. Super easy, and super warm. You can modify the patterns to fit your children and husband too! If you don't want to make your own I can make you a pair for just $20. Just let me know you want a pair!
A Dream is Born
Picture this, a 7 year girl, long blond hair, wide blue eyes sitting in the corner of a lamp lit living room, half curious, half bored and full of wonder. Everyone around her is quiet and their attention is not on her, which is quite unusual for her. Instead the focus of everyone in the room is on a hugely pregnant woman on the hide-a-bed, this woman is the little girls favorite Aunt. You see, this is a day the girl has eagerly awaited, months of laying next to her loving Aunt and watched her belly grow, talking to the belly and feeling the baby move. Eventually the boredom the girl feels turns to excitement as several women (strangers to the girl) gather around her Auntie, there is moaning and a new life emerges into the room. Everyone is excited, especially the girl. The year 1981, the girl is me and the birth the inspiration for a lifelong dream of mine to "catch" babies.
(Maggie and cousin Christopher)
I didn't really understand who the women were, I don't recall the actual moment of birth. What I do remember is my Auntie working really hard, the excitement to see my baby cousin and my Uncle in the tub with my cousin, Christopher, after the fact. My memory is a beautiful one, one I suppose if you are a parent or Auntie and are considering having children present at your birth, should definitely inspire you to do so. I was born at home myself in 1975 with the assistance of a naturopathic doctor. So I understood that birth does happen at home, in fact I thought it odd that people had such weird reactions to me telling them I was born at home. For some reason though, I thought that only Dr.'s could accompany the birthing woman. I had forgotten about the midwives gathered around my Auntie. All I really knew was I wanted to become a "baby catcher". Throughout my childhood I also had other dreams, fire-woman, archeologist, nurse, banker, teacher and mom. I have already achieved the mom and teacher roles.
13 years after witnessing my cousins birth and pregnant with my first child I planned my own home-birth. While looking for a naturopathic dr. I discovered a whole new option, a midwife! I knew upon meeting my first midwives Suzie and Marge at Seattle Home Maternity Services that I was in the right place with the perfect people. At that time, I really began to feel the desire or call to midwifery. When I was pregnant with my second child, my midwives, Paula and Charlotte encouraged me to follow that calling. I had no idea that it would be another almost 15 years, 3 states and 3 sons before I would have the opportunity to do so.
(Midwife Paula and my 2nd born)
I finally knew it was time,this summer when God spoke to me through a couple of different prophetic words I was given and spoke directly to my heart. I then asked several people to pray for me to be able to finance the tuition and for wisdom. God has already provided through family and friends enough to begin my course and purchase my first set of textbooks. I signed up for the Via Vita Midwifery Foundation's course about 2 weeks ago and have already received my books. I am really enjoying the history of midwifery and plan to blog about what I am learning. I'm so excited to share what I learn with the rest of the world via my blog. Continued prayers for finances and also for the Lord to provide me with a midwife to apprentice and function as my preceptor. Also for my priorities. I am so excited to be doing this, but I want to make sure the studying balances out with the other things I need to do as well. I tend to get tunnel vision.
(Maggie and cousin Christopher)
I didn't really understand who the women were, I don't recall the actual moment of birth. What I do remember is my Auntie working really hard, the excitement to see my baby cousin and my Uncle in the tub with my cousin, Christopher, after the fact. My memory is a beautiful one, one I suppose if you are a parent or Auntie and are considering having children present at your birth, should definitely inspire you to do so. I was born at home myself in 1975 with the assistance of a naturopathic doctor. So I understood that birth does happen at home, in fact I thought it odd that people had such weird reactions to me telling them I was born at home. For some reason though, I thought that only Dr.'s could accompany the birthing woman. I had forgotten about the midwives gathered around my Auntie. All I really knew was I wanted to become a "baby catcher". Throughout my childhood I also had other dreams, fire-woman, archeologist, nurse, banker, teacher and mom. I have already achieved the mom and teacher roles.
13 years after witnessing my cousins birth and pregnant with my first child I planned my own home-birth. While looking for a naturopathic dr. I discovered a whole new option, a midwife! I knew upon meeting my first midwives Suzie and Marge at Seattle Home Maternity Services that I was in the right place with the perfect people. At that time, I really began to feel the desire or call to midwifery. When I was pregnant with my second child, my midwives, Paula and Charlotte encouraged me to follow that calling. I had no idea that it would be another almost 15 years, 3 states and 3 sons before I would have the opportunity to do so.
(Midwife Paula and my 2nd born)
I finally knew it was time,this summer when God spoke to me through a couple of different prophetic words I was given and spoke directly to my heart. I then asked several people to pray for me to be able to finance the tuition and for wisdom. God has already provided through family and friends enough to begin my course and purchase my first set of textbooks. I signed up for the Via Vita Midwifery Foundation's course about 2 weeks ago and have already received my books. I am really enjoying the history of midwifery and plan to blog about what I am learning. I'm so excited to share what I learn with the rest of the world via my blog. Continued prayers for finances and also for the Lord to provide me with a midwife to apprentice and function as my preceptor. Also for my priorities. I am so excited to be doing this, but I want to make sure the studying balances out with the other things I need to do as well. I tend to get tunnel vision.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Thrifters Rock
Every Tuesday, I take my oldest daughter, Tayda, to Palmer for violin lessons. Palmer is a cute little historic farming town about 10 miles from Wasilla. Palmer is ALWAYS windy, and I don't mean a light breeze, I mean WINDY. I believe the wind has something to do with the glacier. The wind this week was actually warmer than last, which I am truly thankful for. No offense to my Palmer friends, but I can barely handle the occasional Wasilla wind so....your wind would probably blow me away! Tee hee :)
I always enjoy the special Mother/Daughter time Tayda and I get on Tuesdays and this week on our way home we spotted a new thrift store. In the past we have often frequented Bishops Attic or Salvation Army on our way home, this week we decided to check out the new shop. Thrifters Rock, which happens to be run by Church On The Rock (hence the name) is located on the Palmer/Wasilla HWY and really does ROCK. They've set it up so cute inside. Great decor, nice music and no yucky thrift store scent. It seemed more like a boutique than a thrift store, which I can appreciate, since I happen to be a thrift store "picker". At Thrifters Rock, I didn't find any wool sweaters, antiques or retro finds, so it wasn't such a great place to shop for 49th Find or MoRockin Creations. It was a great place to shop for the Morock Family as they have a lot of used Christian books, homeschool books, fabric and other goodies I could actually use and am in need of. I ended up with 3 pairs of pants for the hubby, this man is a 32x34, I RARELY find anything in his size never mind his style. I got a complete set of Abeka US History books for the boys for next year for only 5.00. Teachers manual, test books and work books! Our homeschooling organization will not pay for faith based curriculum, and I can't afford to supplement their materials so this was a great find for me. I also found the sheet music for Only Hope by Switchfoot, which made my younger daughter, Bug, very happy. A couple of books for the boys and a beautiful flannel for me and everyone got a little something. I know the $ goes toward a good cause too, which is always the "cherry on top" for me in choosing where I "pick" and shop.
All in all, I highly recommend Thrifters Rock, but don't forget to bring your cash or checkbooks...you will find something to buy and they DON'T have a credit card machine (I had to drive back to Palmer and find an ATM).
I always enjoy the special Mother/Daughter time Tayda and I get on Tuesdays and this week on our way home we spotted a new thrift store. In the past we have often frequented Bishops Attic or Salvation Army on our way home, this week we decided to check out the new shop. Thrifters Rock, which happens to be run by Church On The Rock (hence the name) is located on the Palmer/Wasilla HWY and really does ROCK. They've set it up so cute inside. Great decor, nice music and no yucky thrift store scent. It seemed more like a boutique than a thrift store, which I can appreciate, since I happen to be a thrift store "picker". At Thrifters Rock, I didn't find any wool sweaters, antiques or retro finds, so it wasn't such a great place to shop for 49th Find or MoRockin Creations. It was a great place to shop for the Morock Family as they have a lot of used Christian books, homeschool books, fabric and other goodies I could actually use and am in need of. I ended up with 3 pairs of pants for the hubby, this man is a 32x34, I RARELY find anything in his size never mind his style. I got a complete set of Abeka US History books for the boys for next year for only 5.00. Teachers manual, test books and work books! Our homeschooling organization will not pay for faith based curriculum, and I can't afford to supplement their materials so this was a great find for me. I also found the sheet music for Only Hope by Switchfoot, which made my younger daughter, Bug, very happy. A couple of books for the boys and a beautiful flannel for me and everyone got a little something. I know the $ goes toward a good cause too, which is always the "cherry on top" for me in choosing where I "pick" and shop.
All in all, I highly recommend Thrifters Rock, but don't forget to bring your cash or checkbooks...you will find something to buy and they DON'T have a credit card machine (I had to drive back to Palmer and find an ATM).
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