This week, NPR highlighted an 18 month midwifery education program in Badakhshan Province’s Shatak village (Afghanistan). Funded by USAID, an independent federal government agency, and implemented Jhpiego, the program was created to address the poor quality of the village’s maternal health care. In 2004, the village lost 54 mothers and 46 newborns, but with the introduction of this new midwifery model, the health care in the village has improved greatly. The proof, two babies passed away as compared to 46 as was reported before.

“These women are like guardian angels for infants and mothers.”
Zafaran Natiqi, head of women’s affairs in Badakhshan.

Normally, due to Afghanistan’s culture, young and married women are unable to work outside of their homes. Fortunately, the village elders are in support of this program and their women. They actively participate in the selection of midwife candidates from within their community.

Learning that the elders of this community are breathing life and encouragement into such a program, reminds me of an organization I just learned of called The Elder’s organization. The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity. One of the organizations mission is to gain equality for women and girls around the globe.

I was watching this clip below by former president Jimmy Carter last week and after reading the NPR article, I see, even more so than before, the importance of support and wisdom from such a generation’s counsel and advocacy. It seems that a new breath of coherence is taking place in the world.

This past Monday, I had the fortunate, thought provoking experience of attending the first annual WIE: Women Inspiration and Enterprise Symposium. The event was spearheaded and hosted by a phenomenal triad of women including Sarah Brown (on behalf of the White Ribbon Alliance(WRA)), Donna Karen and Arianna Huffington. The symposium was held to coincide with a United Nations review summit on the Millennium Development Goals which is also being held this week in New York.

The focus of the symposium was to highlight the work of the White Ribbon Alliance, advocates and leaders around the globe who are making a difference. The White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood is an international coalition of individuals and organizations formed to promote increased public awareness of the need to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for all women and newborns in the developing, as well as, developed countries.

Participants left touched, inspired, empowered and motivated to make a change for girls and women around the globe. Special guest speakers included Melinda Gates, Queen Rania of Jordan and Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Director of the Department of State’s new office on Global Women’s Issues and the list goes on to cover more than 40 impressive women. Click here to read more about the participants/panelist.

Many young innovators and entrepreneurs were honored at the event, but I would like to highlight the WIE winner for Creative Vision particularly. Christy Turlington Burns won this deserving award for her film, No Woman, No Cry. In this piece, she shares powerful stories of at-risk pregnant women in four parts of the world, including a remote Maasai tribe in Tanzania, a slum of Bangladesh, a post-abortion care ward in Guatemala, and a prenatal clinic in the United States. It is her passion to increase awareness and support for maternal health around the globe so that we as humanity can collectively end unnecessary deaths due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

After the panels and the awards show, Donna Karen along with other designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Chloe and Vera Wang to name a few, presented a fashion show in honor of the White Ribbon Alliance. All garments are available for bidding on Charity Buzz. The proceeds will benefit the WRA. The evening was capped off by an uplifting performance by Estelle.

Hello Blogosphere,

It has been a while since my last entry. My life has been a flavorful series of ebbs and flows of late. I have been transitioning back into the full-time creative job scene once again. This transition I do welcome for it is bringing me a sense of balance and stability, which in these last 18 months, is very welcomed. Though I have been quiet on the virtual front and have not attended a birth since March, these last few months have been a much-needed restorative period.

A lot of changes have been taking place locally and globally in the realms of childbirth and women’s health & being. I was deeply saddened by the closing of St. Vincent’s here and NYC, accompanied by the desecration of the rights of NY Midwives who attended homebirths in the city. It seems so archaic that the right to birth at home has been stripped away. Archaic is actually the wrong word, because even them that was the only norm.

I had been feeling torn in the sense that one part of me wants to serve the birthing community and the other wants to build my creative career and begin to lay down my own roots. I have been sitting at these perceived crossroads for sometime now. I have been searching for a cosmic solution. I have been listening, reading and exploring. Through observations and conversations, I have been realizing more and more how many women and girls just do not know their options, their bodies, nor their power as creators and nurturers. This Western model of thought has brain washed our society. I need to help raise awareness and empower. Now that I am working full-time now, this is the most possible action for me to conduct (though I know the urge to attend a birth will probably creep up on me by fall ☺). Over the next few months, I will be focusing on supporting causes and education awareness.

I have always felt compelled to make right of the wrong and shed light on the truth with encouragement and embrace. My attempts in the pasts of doing so were not always executed in the most energetically sustainable way, often leaving myself feeling burned out. I now realize more then ever the importance of taking care of one’s self in order to be a better nurturer and provider for others. I have been taking care of and protecting people since I was 3. It is part of my nature and will never cease ( a cancerian moon and rising moon). But I understand to better serve others, I need to sustain and nurture myself in the process.

Please do still continue to visit me every once in a while. There may be some structural changes soon with both The Green Doula and Verte sites. I may not post every day or week, but I do enjoy writing for you and sharing with you. Please do give me any feedback you may have, share your stories here and with your friends and families.

Remember and connect with your inner strength, sacredness and love. It is inside of us all; people, girls, women, mothers, fathers and sons. Enjoy your journey to parenthood.

Best wishes,

Danelle

As a majority of my viewers are women and parents, I feel this an important message for all. Activist, Warrior, Playwright and founder of V-Day, Eve Ensler asks us all to “Embrace our Inner Girl”

Don’t forget to participate in my fundraiser this month to help contribute to V-day’s City of Joy

Add The Green Doula as your friend Today

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There are several signs that indicate a woman is about to begin labor. As well, there are key signs that indicate that a woman is in labor.Whereas only a midwife or doctor can really examine and tell if a woman’s cervix is ripening (effacement) or dilating through a vaginal exam, other visual and measurable factors can indicate to a woman and her partner that labor is beginning or near.

1 The Drop: a visual sign that labor is approaching

As labor approaches, mother, partner,friends and families may notice that the baby will appear to be sitting lower in the belly as it begins to descend to the pelvic region. This is a visual indication that delivery day is around the corner.

2 Nesting: an observed sign that labor is approaching

It is a woman’s natural instinct to get a boost of go-getter organizational energy before the birth of baby. Though many mothers do get the nesting bug several months into their pregnancy, there is a definite spike of a nesting sensation before labor begins. It is believed that this primal instinct evolved to signal to mothers that it was time to begin creating a safe welcoming environment for the new baby. If you have the urge to vacuum the house, make the bed, get your nails painted, remember to conserve your energy for labor and do the small fun things.

3 Bloody Show: a visual sign that labor is beginning

During pregnancy, the cervix is protected by a mucus plug which inhibits bacteria from entering the uterus. As your cervix begins to efface, this plug breaks away and releases as a “bloody show”. It is looks brownish and is often traced with blood. If this show shows up in your undergarments around your due date window, then it’s a sign that the big curtain call is most likely about to begin.

4 Contractions: A sensational sign that labor is beginning

Another widely recognized sign of labor are contractions. If you start contracting, it is important to time and measure the pattern of these contractions for this helps to indicate the difference between false labor, early labor and active labor. As soon as your contractions begin and you have established that they are coming in a pattern, call your midwife/doctor and then your labor support team, i.e. your partner and/or labor doula). Though your contractions maybe 10 or 9minutes apart at this time, you are giving your delivery and support team a yellow flag to get ready soon. If your contractions are longer apart, not strong and don’t really have an established pattern, you are most likely experiencing Braxton Hicks Contractions / False Labor. Strong, close, together and a pattern is the main key to identifying the efficient contractions.

For those of you who are having a hospital birth, it can be beneficial to labor at home as much as possible, but once your contractions are a steady, strong and anywhere between 3 and 5 minutes apart lasting from 30 to 90seconds, it is best to make your way to the hospital.

5 Ruptured Membranes (Water Breaking): a sensational and visual sign that labor has begun

A lot of women do not have that big burst of water that you often see on screen. When the membranes rupture (the amniotic sac fluid), depending on the point of rupture, it can either trickle out or it can be a gush out. As soon has this happens or you believe it may be happening, please contact your labor and support team. It is important for the medical team to time progress of labor from this point. Because the membranes are ruptured, there is a higher chance that infections can occur. Activities such as baths with products or sexual activities should be prohibited during these times.

Keep in mind that these signs often lead into one another. At the same time, remember that every women’s labor experience is different so if you feel that you are in labor and you have not had ruptured membranes or have been cramping throughout pregnancy and are unsure whether you are experiencing cramping or Braxton Hicks, know that your labor and support team is there to help you through the process and help you through your labor experience. Do not hestitate to utilize your team.

Join certified perinatal fitness specialist and mother of two, Suzanne Caesar, M.A., as she presents RHYTHM FOR LIFE – The Prenatal Belly Dance Workout.

The workshop will be divided into four sections to include stretching in Relax & Rejuvenate to ease pregnancy discomforts and strengthen the core muscles you need for pushing. We address postural changes in Firm & Sexy with upper body work and isolation exercises to condition hips and thighs. Latin Belly Dance Fusion is a 20-minute low impact routine to celebrate the fertile goddess that you are, and in Imagery & Meditation we address pelvic floor exercises and relaxation techniques. Birthing positions and related topics will be addressed. Perfect for all fitness levels and includes modifications for all stages of pregnancy.

“This workout combines core strengthening and flexibility work in a way that is appropriate for pregnant women. The exercises also prepare women for labor and delivery by helping to loosen the hips and pelvic muscles. This program is fun and perfectly tailored to suit the needs of the pregnant woman.” -Debra Goodman, MSPT

Where: EXHALE SPA 980 Madison Avenue
When: Saturday, March 7th, 2:30-4:30pm
Cost: $40
Reserve your space here or call (212) 249-3000 .

Please forward to expectant family and friends and thanks for spreading the word.