a little boycotting, anyone?

I think that I'm going to boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Not that it's any new news for me [regarding China's complete disregard for human rights], but I just read some more news out of the March 24 Time Magazine.
Here's a link to a google search for Boycotting the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Happy Protesting!

-nW

Vaccines and Immune Suppression

A very good article on vaccines and the reality behind how they affect our bodies, and how our bodies respond to them. Click below.

"Vaccines and Immune Suppression"

Books on Childbirth :: Series on all things Birth

The following is a list of books - - a must read - - for those entering into childbirth.


"The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer.
This book is a little more elite as far as content & comprehension. Not many moms find this one, but it is a gem. "...Her book helps the reader contrast various birth options available today and shows how we can avoid unnecessary interventions in birth. Supported by current evidence-based research and complete with literature summaries, this book is an invaluable tool for expectant parents who are in the process of making birth choices and plans..." (I found this one on www.birthworks.com/store for only $14.95)

"Gentle Birth Choices" by Barbara Harper.
Nice introduction to thinking about the baby's journey & very mainstream. I've met Barbara - she's a nurse practitioner out on the West Coast & has done some amazing things.

"The Complete Book of Pregnancy & Childbirth" by Sheila Kitzinger.
Every thing this woman pens is great. Most of her titles can be found in the library system.

"Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" by Susan McCutcheon.
You know how fond I am of the Bradley Method of childbirth as I believe it is
the only approach to prepared childbirth that really gives families tools to get through labor graciously & without medicating their baby unnecessarily. So, if a family cannot attend REAL Bradley classes, then this book embodies all of the concepts. And it touches on Dr. Brewer's approach to nutrition for pregnancy. His website is www.blueribbonbaby.org & there is a list of the books that he & his wife authored as well as basic info about his work. The work he did in his own OB practice changed (& continues to change) the outcomes of so many pregnancies.

"The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" by the La Leche League.
This is the definitive book on breast feeding basics. New families always think, "Breastfeeding is natural, no big deal." Well, while the process is natural, it's a very big deal & we live in a culture where mostly the ART of breastfeeding has been lost due to a couple of generations of not doing it.

"The Amazing Newborn" by Marshall & Phyllis Klaus.
This book is great to read that last month of your pregnancy. And it has the sweetest pictures.

These books represent different categories of pregnancy reading. Some are available at Birthworks.com/store, but check the library system first. It's great to save money!

What's In A Flu Shot

Great video... and so true!

Antoine Dufour - Trilogie Acoustic Guitar - www.candyrat.com

Another sweet tune...

"AirTap" by Eric Mongrain

If Jesus played guitar, i'm sure he'd play like this! Ha!

Series Post: My interest in all things Birth

I found this on the FDA's website (US Food & Drug Administration):

FDA Cautions Against Ultrasound 'Keepsake' Images

By Carol Rados

It's risky business taking pictures of unborn babies when there's no medical need to do so. That's the word from the Food and Drug Administration, which is concerned about companies trying to turn an important medical procedure into a prenatal portrait tool.

Facilities with captivating names such as Fetal Fotos, Peek-a-Boo, Womb with a View, and Baby Insight are popping up in strip malls and shopping centers all over the country. And they're promoting "keepsake videos" that use the latest ultrasound technology to produce high-resolution three-dimensional and four-dimensional (moving) images showing the surface anatomy of babies developing in the womb. The lure of this burgeoning industry is that parents-to-be get to see characteristics like facial features, hair, and even the baby's sex, and often they can count fingers and toes before their baby is born. Some women even have videos made at various stages of their baby's growth. And the videos are often being marketed as a prized addition to collections of childhood memorabilia.

As compelling as these sneak previews may be, the FDA is warning women about the potential hazards of getting keepsake videos. The agency also is warning companies against creating them for entertainment purposes. While ultrasound has been around for many years, expectant women and their families need to know that the long-term effects of repeated ultrasound exposures on the fetus are not fully known. In light of all that remains unknown, having a prenatal ultrasound for non-medical reasons is not a good idea. Read the rest of the article...

And this from the FDA, who say just about everything controversial is safe!

-nW