Swoon Birth KC

"I'm going to check you"⁠
"I'm just going to break your water" ⁠
"We're going to start an IV antibiotic" ⁠
"You really need to do this right now"⁠
“You’re not allowed to (walk around, eat, fill in the blank…)"⁠
⁠
None of these are examples of informed consent. ⁠
Informed consent is a legal, human, and ethical right - established by law.⁠
⁠
It’s a discussion that includes:⁠
1️⃣ risks (including future potential risks, i.e. repeat cesareans, post-episiotomy pain, impacting s*x life)⁠
2️⃣ benefits⁠
3️⃣ alternatives⁠
⁠
Informed consent also includes the right to INFORMED REFUSAL.⁠
⁠
That means you have a legal right to say NO at your birth to anything you believe is not in your and baby's best interest.⁠
⁠
Your voice counts and what you say matters.⁠
⁠
Being guilted into something or otherwise psychologically pressured is a violation of informed consent.⁠
⁠
But violations are common and accepted. It’s common for a practitioner to say something like: ‘a good mom would do this’ and ‘you wouldn’t want to harm your baby’ or “I know this is what you want, but my job is to look out for your baby.” Legally YOU are the one who gets to choose for you and baby and LEGALLY that should be without repercussions to you regardless of outcome. YOU get to make the risk-benefit analysis, but that means getting educated ahead of time. And that’s what I’m here to help you do.⁠
⁠
If you want to learn what your birth rights are, the difference between birth rights and hospital policy, and more on how to be your own advocate, I invite you to join my FREE pregnancy, birth, and postpartum course via the link in bio.⁠
⁠
Once you join, you'll have access to the previously recorded videos (including the one on advocacy), in addition to supplemental PDFs and guided videos - and all of the ongoing classes coming up, plus the ongoing weekly support group.⁠
⁠
Speaking up for ourselves, and speaking our truth makes a difference. It’s how every change in healthcare has actually occurred. And never doubt what s group of committed women can do!

“Cheers almighty mothers. You make mountains move daily” 💜💜

“They told you about the contractions, but did they tell you about the expansion? Did they tell you how your body would open to make way for the whole universe to pass through? Did they tell you how your heart would explode with a love bigger than anything you’ve ever known as you pulled your baby to your chest?

They told you about the ring of fire but did they tell you about the crown of stars?

Did they mention that there’s a moment when your baby enters the world and you leave your body and touch the heavens and become the light of a million galaxies? Did they tell you how the pain of stretching to receive your child would be more exquisite than any sensation you’ve felt?

They told you would scream but did they tell you about how you would roar? Did they tell you about the power that would rise up from your belly as you called your baby forth with your mighty voice? Did they tell you how you would embody the wild woman within you and breathe fire with your song?

They told you would bleed, but did they tell you how that sacred blood wouldn’t scare you? How you would feel grateful for that magical liquid of life as it trickled down your leg- how you would honor its flow and how it would help you heal a lifetime of hating your body’s bleeding cycles.
They told these stories and taught you to fear birth, to fear your power, to fear yourself. But you’re stronger and wiser than that mama. You know that birth is your divine dance, your soul’s song, your moment with God, and you walk fearlessly into her open arms”.

~ Catie Atkinson of Spirit Y Sol
www.spiritysol.com

Art by Amanda Greavette Fine Art
www.amandagreavette.com

That’s a cord keep sake in that shadow box! A past client sent this to me today and I feel like a baddie 💜💜 What a beautiful space 🤩

✨The Newborn Exam✨

Probably the only time I hold your newborn the day of birth. What’s preferred is that baby is born and then put directly skin to skin.

Setting up I like to put a heating pad down to keep baby warm, then the sling we’re going to weigh them in. Gloves are recommended but not always necessary. For example; In this photo I’m assessing my niece who’s mom didn’t think it was a necessity.

👀Here are just a few of the things I’m assessing in a healthy newborn:
-Circumference of head
-Normalcy in skull shape, suture lines, and open fontanels
-Healthy eyes
-Open nostrils and ears
-The mouth’s appearance and feel of palate, tounge and lip tie.
-Chest circumference and symmetry
-Heart rate, respiratory rate and lung function
-Bowel sounds
-Normalcy of genitalia
-Reflexes (there are 6) like the ability to suck & grasp
-Length
-Weight
-Temperature

That’s not all! It’s an extensive exam that requires a lot of practice. Most babies are very calm seem to enjoy it. I know I do!

✨🌙What questions do you have about encapsulating your placenta?
Any day, any time. DM me with any questions you have and I’ll post it my story ✨

💜What’s your love language?? 💜

🌙✨I received this gift today from a very special friend in birth work.
It was made with me in mind and that’s so powerful!
What’s even cooler is knowing that my love language is gifts. I enjoy giving them over receiving but they’re SO welcome.
My secondary would be words of affirmation or even touch.
Way to hit me with a friendship arrow! 💘