Rookie Mommy Ramblings

Hi mamas, I am attending this workshop on Sunday and was hoping...

jlpr — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:25:01 -0500

Hi mamas, I am attending this workshop on Sunday and was hoping to have some mommy friends who’d like to attend. This isn’t a parenting workshop but rather an empowerment workshop. I have done workshops with Thea before and she is amazing! (Amazing as in she needs her own show on the Oprah channel! LOL!) If any of you decide to attend, let me know via e-mail and maybe we can carpool. xoxox!

Hey Miami Mamas! Free theater movement class for kids + teens...

jlpr — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:30:55 -0500

Hey Miami Mamas! Free theater movement class for kids + teens (8-18) on Sat, Feb 16!

My then 22 month old son, Rock, demanding his “musica,...

jlpr — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 21:04:51 -0500

My then 22 month old son, Rock, demanding his “musica, musica” the minute I got into the car. His mood quickly goes from temper tantrum to pure elation once the music (or musica in Spanish) …but then mom psychs him out and the tears ensue. Hilarious!

He loves his music, especially classical and identifies instruments like violin, piano, saxophone, drums! It’s genetic!

Artist Samantha Thrall Stikes a Chord with Women, Pregnancy and Body Images

jlpr — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 13:18:00 -0400

Artist, mother and overall awesome Samantha Thrall’s image has recently gone viral striking a chord with many women. The image above depicts Samantha Thrall next to a quote that many of us can relate to.

It’s important to perceive our ~~stretch~~ beauty marks as they are, battle scars from the most amazing sacrifice a woman’s body can make - scars we need to be grateful for as they represent such a precious moment in time.

Many women experience postpartum depression stemming from hormonal changes, feelings of inadequacy and body issues.

A negative postpartum body image can contribute to low self-esteem and postpartum depression, as well as a host of other negative emotional and societal effects that aren’t good for mama or her precious baby. It can also cause a mother to diet which could potentially be detrimental to her infant if she is breastfeeding as well as contribute to postpartum depression symptoms from lack of nutrients and calories. Clearly, postpartum body issues is an issue.

I cannot count the number of times I have heard fellow moms say, “I have felt so unattractive since I had my baby.” Heck, I’ve been there and struggle with it, too! But we need to reclaim the “mommy body” and celebrate it as an image of strength, warmth, and beauty. Samantha Thrall has captured that spirit in her image.

The Mother Behind the Postpartum Picture

She’s a 26 year old stay at home mom to her beautiful 16 month old son Adrian Bleu but also an artist. From photography to painting ukelele’s - it is clear that Samantha Thrall is a creative soul. Learn more about Samatha Thrall’s work here.

Samantha Thrall is an eclectic artist with experience in set design, stage make-up, painting and photography. I personally LOVE her silhouette work below and plan to do one for my family. (Yes, she is taking orders!)

Virility

Samantha’s image on the Facebook pages of Natural Parent Magazine, Plus Size Mommy Memoirs, Birth Without Fear and where it first appeared, The Guggie Daily have reached over 5,200 shares and 16,000 likes as of September 15, 2012 - in just 5 days, not mention blog posts as well!

We can easily estimate that this image will continue to reach millions across the internet over time, resonating on the web as a gift from one mother to another.

Improving Birth Rally Miami Joins Over 100 U.S. Cities.

jlpr — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 02:19:00 -0400

It’s officially LABOR Day and at 10 a.m., Improving Birth National Rally for Change Miami

will join 106 U.S. cities in a rally for change! This is about moms and babies. It is not about home birth, hospital birth or birth center birth. It isn’t about using only a midwife or an obstetrician. It isn’t about doulas. It isn’t about circumcision, vaccines, or any other topics. It is about mothers and babies getting respectful evidence-based care in whatever setting and through whatever care provider the family chooses. We are rallying to reduce non-medically necessary inductions and c-sections and improve mortality rates. Women and babies should not be dying at the rate that is occurring in the United States.

Fact: The U.S. outspends every country in the world for maternity care, and yet we rank #49 for maternal mortality rates. “Women in the U.S. face a greater risk of maternal death than nearly all European countries, as well as Canada and several countries in Asia and the Middle East.” –Amnesty International

Our sisters deserve better care! If you can’t attend, please spread the word!

Invite: http://www.facebook.com/events/364039886998392/

Three words: Laser Hair Removal. A must for all busy...

jlpr — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 16:00:18 -0400

Three words: Laser Hair Removal. A must for all busy mama’s. And we are ALL busy.

15 Celebrities Who Have Chosen Home Birth

jlpr — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 09:56:00 -0400

Home is where the heart is, and where the birth is too these days. According to recent statistics, the home-birth rate increased 20 percent between 2004 and 2008 after a 15-year slide, and the delivery method is appealing to a wide range of women. Credit Ricki Lake (and Abby Epstein) for that. Her Business of Being Born book and documentary have turned a new generation of moms-to-be on to the movement. Check out 15 celeb moms who’ve opted out of the drug-pushing, C-section prone hospital experience to give birth to their lil ones in the comfort of their home.

Pamela Anderson

It may surprise her fans, but Pamela Anderson gave birth to both her sons at home, saying, “I gave birth at home both times — natural — with a midwife, in water … with nothing.”

Demi Moore

After showing off her growing belly on the cover of Vanity Fair, Demi Moore gave birth to Rumer at home, and subsequently welcomed Scout and Tallulah in her home as well.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep doesn’t just call her home a place to store her Oscars; it’s also the place she welcomed one of her daughters. Meryl Streep is said to have had a home birth for at least one of her daughters there.

Joely Fisher

Joely Fisher raved about her home birth experience in 2006, saying, “I had this miraculous birth, and the first one (Skylar Grace) was fine, and here she is – she’s almost 6 and gorgeous and smart and funny and loves American Idol. But I decided to have her at home and had a lot of friends around, and of course, her father was there. And of course, the doctor, the doula, the midwife, the butcher, baker, and candlestick maker.”

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore, whose daughter, Liv, was welcomed at home, has contributed to Ricki Lake’s home-birth advocacy mission

Woody Harrelson

It comes as little surprise that Woody Harrelson’s wife, Laura Louie, gave birth to their three daughters at home in Maui.

Jennifer Connelly

Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany used a birthing pool at home to bring their second child together, Agnes Lark, into the world.

Cindy Crawford

Cindy Crawford is one of Hollywood’s most famous home-birthers, welcoming baby Presley in her LA home. “Eager to shield her privacy, Crawford gave birth in the couple’s Brentwood home under the supervision of a midwife and a nurse — and the anxious, joyful gaze of her husband.”

Mayim Bialik

Mayim Bialik delivered her second son, Frederick, at home with a doula, her husband, and her older son, Miles, by her side. Of the home birth, Mayim said, “Three pushes later, Frederick slithered out, and Miles was carried out of his high chair to cut the cord. A small spurt of blood startled him, and he promptly asked my husband to finish the job … Miles then sat down on the floor and, minutes later, was handed a bundled-up, wide-eyed baby brother. He clung to that baby for enough minutes that the midwife had to separate them.”

Gisele Bundchen

Supermodels are strong! When Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady were ready to welcome baby Benjamin, they headed to the bathtub in their Beacon Hill, Boston, home for the main event. Gisele recalled, “Giving birth was the most intense and life-changing experience of my life. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to deliver at home, surrounded by love and where I felt safe. It was a really great experience. I never felt so vulnerable, but so strong at the same time.”

Alyson Hannigan

Alyson Hannigan became a home-birth convert after watching Ricki Lake’s The Business of Being Born. She said, “It wasn’t something I knew I was going to do before I got pregnant, but once I was pregnant, I did more research, and I watched The Business of Being Born, and that sealed the deal. It’s not the right choice for everyone, but it definitely was for me. I never wavered on it. I knew if I needed to go to the hospital I would, but thankfully everything went well, and it was a magnificent experience.”

Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette gave birth to a baby boy in the privacy of her own home, after telling the media, “Our intention is to do a natural birth at home. But I ‘get’ that the baby has his own intentions. I have an amazing midwife, and I’m using a doula. But we have a backup plan: I’ve called all the doctors, and we’ll be ready if something should happen.”

Kelly Preston

Though baby Benjamin was born in a Florida hospital, it is believed that Kelly Preston and John Travolta welcomed Ella Blu in their home at the time.

Ricki Lake

After expressing disappointment with the hospital birth of her first son, Milo, Ricki Lake explored the world of home births before welcoming Owen in 2001. Her younger son’s birth is one of the stories told in The Business of Being Born and was the launching pad for the former (and future) talk-show host’s advocacy for midwives.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet was such a fan of the home-birthing experience that she did it twice! First with daughter Zoe and more recently with baby Lola.

Who else has seen “I Didn’t Know I Was...

jlpr — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 07:40:37 -0400

Who else has seen “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant” and thought IMPOSSIBLE?!

5 Deadly Terms Used By Women. #rookiemommyramblings #funny

jlpr — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:00:35 -0400

5 Deadly Terms Used By Women. #rookiemommyramblings #funny

President Obama was the opening address of the BlogHer 2012...

jlpr — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:23:00 -0400

President Obama was the opening address of the BlogHer 2012 Conference, his address begins at 2:48.

Why is this important? Women’s issues, family, healthcare are all important to us Rookie Mommy’s and in this special address, our Nation’s President speaks out on behalf of all women. Thank you, Mr. President! We may not always agree but I feel proud of all the positive changes towards women’s healthcare and equal pay.

Transcript of President Obama’s remarks:

Thank you Lisa! Thank you guys I want to thank Lisa and Elisa for inviting me to speak today, and Michelle says hi, I want to congratulate all of you on what I hear is your biggest conference yet.

Even though I couldn’t be with you in person, I wanted to say thank you. Like every father, I think about the role models that are out there for my daughters. And I worry about what they’ll run into online, honestly. So the fact that Sasha and Malia can go to places like BlogHer and find thousands of women writing about subjects from health, family, and food to politics and career means a lot to me and it means a lot to Michelle.

Now, some of you may have heard that there’s an election coming up. And women’s issues are front and center, as they should be. But I think the conversation has been oversimplified a little bit.

I bet anyone who spends a little time at your conference would realize pretty fast that women are not some monolithic bloc. You’re not an interest group. You make up more than half of our country, and nearly half of our workforce – not to mention 80 percent of my household, if you count my mother-in-law.

For me, any discussion of the issues women face begins with my own life story and the women in my own life.

There was my mom, a single mother who put herself through school, and made sure my sister and I earned our educations, too.

There was my grandmother, who worked her way up from secretary to vice president at her local bank – even though she hit a glass ceiling and watched men she once trained pass her by.

Once Michelle and I got married and had our girls, we were giving it our all to balance raising a family and pursuing our careers - and we wished we had a machine that would let us be in two places at once.

And of course as a father, the highlight of my day is asking my girls about their days. So when I think about what’s been most important in my life, it’s these amazing relationships with my mother and grandmother, my wife and my daughters. And what drives me when I step into the Oval Office: every decision that I make is making sure all our daughters just like all our sons, are growing up in a country that gives them the chance to be anything they set their minds to, and a country where more doors are open to them than were to the previous generation.

That’s why the first bill I signed was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, to help protect your right to equal pay for equal work. Now I want to strengthen those protections.

That’s why we’ve extended more loans to women-owned businesses, that’s why we’ve cut taxes for small business owners 18 times. I also want to keep small business taxes low in the future.

That’s why we’ve enacted education reform that has helped more than 2.3 million more young women afford to pursue higher education. Now I want to make sure even more can afford to go.

And because of the new health care reform law, Obamacare, I happily accept the term, millions of young women now have coverage through their parents’ plans. Children with pre-existing conditions can’t be denied insurance. Tens of millions of women with private insurance now have access to preventive care like mammograms, and are beginning to gain access to contraception at no additional cost.

Pretty soon, insurance companies will no longer be able to deny you coverage because of preexisting conditions like cancer or pregnancy, or charge you higher premiums just for being a woman. So I’m not gonna give any ground to those who would try to deny women their own health care choices.

Behind every one of these policies is a pretty simple idea: you, women should have control over the decisions that affect your health, your lives, your careers. And if you share that belief, then I think you’ll agree that the choice women face right now in this election could not be bigger.

On one hand, you have folks who plan to turn back the clock. They promise to take away access to healthcare and contraception. They talk about getting rid of vital services like Planned Parenthood.

And they’re planning to spend trillions of dollars on new tax cuts weighed toward millionaires and billionaires. Just yesterday, an independent, non-partisan organization ran the numbers, and they found that in order for my opponent to pay for his tax plan, he’d have to cut tax breaks that middle-class families depend on to pay for your home, or your health care, or to send your kids to college. Which means the average middle-class family with children would be hit with a tax increase of more than $2,000.

On top of that tax increase, my opponent plans to also gut education, programs that help low-income mothers, and student aid that disproportionately benefits young women. So this overall is what I consider a wrong approach, it’s not how we’re going to grow this economy, it’s not how we’re going to build the middle class. We can’t afford to refight the battles of the past few years, or the past century, for that matter.

That’s why my plan would move us forward, by cutting taxes for the middle class, investing in education, protecting equal pay, and making sure that your healthcare is there for you when you need it. I would pay for my plan by asking people like me to go back to the same tax rates we paid during the Clinton years.

So that’s the choice we face as a country. And even though we’re dealing with some big challenges right now, I’ve never been more confident that the ability to solve our problems is entirely within our grasp. If we choose the right path, I am absolutely confident we’re going to restore the sense of economic security that ought to be at the center of American life. We’ll create an economy that works for everybody. We’ll open new doors of opportunity for our daughters, as well as our sons. We’ll build our middle class, we’ll grow this economy not from the top down, but from the middle out, and from the bottom up. And that’s not just good for women, that’s good for all of us. So, thank you so much for the opportunity, we appreciate you, Michelle says hi, the girls say hi, Bo does too. I hope guys have a wonderful conference.

Funny Photo: I can do anything. I am mom. Try me....

jlpr — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 07:53:09 -0400

Funny Photo: I can do anything. I am mom. Try me. #rookiemommyramblings

Note to self: Keep calm and mother on!

jlpr — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:52:31 -0400

Note to self: Keep calm and mother on!

Remember: You are not managing an inconvenience you are raising...

jlpr — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:56:33 -0400

Remember: You are not managing an inconvenience you are raising a human being. #rookiemommyramblings

Rookie Mommy Ramblings Supports: The National Rally for Change A...

jlpr — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:54:23 -0400

Rookie Mommy Ramblings Supports: The National Rally for Change

A Full Scale Birth Revolution on Labor Day

September 3, 2012 10am – 12noon | Bayfront Park Miami

A massive uprising is on the horizon. Thousands of men, women and children will gather on September 3^rd, 2012 as part of a national movement. Improving Birth’s “National Rally for Change on Labor Day” is being hosted in close to 100 major cities, in all 50 states across the country. Thanks to the intricate works of social media, ImprovingBirth.org has been able to organize a massive movement to bring awareness to the lack of evidence-based maternity care in the US. One writer coined it as
“The largest women’s movement in decades.”

Take Action! – We need women, men and children to come stand in support of evidence-based maternity care for everyone on September 3, 2012. The Rally will be held in locations all over the country as the launch to Empowered Birth Awareness Week.

The National Rally for Change is to encourage and insist that all maternal healthcare providers practice evidence-based care. On average it takes 20 years for proven research to become practice. For the sake of mothers and babies everywhere, we can’t wait 20 years. The long-term effects of unnecessary inductions and cesareans are just starting to be realized. This matters for all people. Despite the dire situation, this is not a protest, but a public outreach event located where the vast majority of the population gives birth.

For more information visit the South Florida event page on Facebook and please share with others.

How Facebook Fights Child Pornography

jlpr — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:45:15 -0400

This topic is a difficult one. As I wrote the title in the post, just typing the words “child pornography” gave me chills and made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. Unfortunately, we as parents need to worry about those who feel pleasure typing those same words into search engines.

My blog tends to be a lighthearted one. I don’t want to delve too much into this but I think it’s important all parents out there have safety measures in place when on-line sharing such as keeping albums private to only friends or certain friend lists, keeping your address private, never checking in at home or using geo-targeting when posting. As the saying goes, “better to be safe than sorry.”

Tonight: Come Watch The Lorax in Midtown! Free!

jlpr — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:19:00 -0400

Mama’s are always looking for a good deal, but there’s nothing better than a FREE deal!

Tonight, come out to the Shops at Midtown with your little ones to enjoy The Lorax. There is plenty of places to grab a bite so have dinner outdoors, pick your spot and enjoy! (Bring insect repellent, it’s that time of year!)

Can’t make it tonight? Next movie night is on August 22nd with The Hunger Games.

More information here!

Win a Free Miami Spice Dinner for Two from Munckin Fun

jlpr — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:12:00 -0400

I love food. There may be nothing I love more. You know, in the proverbial sense. Of course, I love my husband and son more. But, oh food comes SO close! And what’s better than a delicious meal in equally delicious company? Every mama deserves a night out ~~here and there~~ weekly without worrying about the bill. “Dinner for two” is music to my ears but “free dinner for two” is a party in my mouth!

Well, Munchkin Fun and Miami Spice most certainly think one of you amazing mama’s deserves the treat! So they’ve teamed up to give TWO lucky mama’s a free Miami Spice dinner for two! Just head over to Munchkin Fun to enter and while you’re there, make sure to subscribe to their weekly newsletter - great info always.

What is Miami Spice?

(Have you been living under a rock!? Of course not, you’re a mom - you’ve been busy doing that!)

Miami Spice is a mouth-watering summer restaurant promotion designed to showcase the very best of Miami cuisine. Remember when you said “the holidays are my favorite time of year!” That’s about to change. (It comes around August and September and related to Miami Spa Month in July in August - they are equally awesome so heads up on that too.)

More than 140 of Miami’s finest restaurants will offer three-course meals (Lunches $19 or $23, Dinners $33 or $39) featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs. The restaurant program runs August 1-September 30, 2012. Miami Spice is organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB); presented by American Express and sponsored by Stella Artois and BACARDI® rum.

Support Born This Way Foundation with Your Back To School Purchases at Office Depot

jlpr — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 08:57:15 -0400

Last night I watched Oprah’s Lady Gaga interview I had been looking forward to watching, you can view the full interview here. I woke up thinking of how touching her insights were and especially moved by the footage of her tribute to 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer, a bullying victim who took his life, hanging himself from the same swing set his parents built when he was 3. I couldn’t help but think about how tragic this must’ve been for his parents, a deep sorrow they will never forget. In the wake of their loss, the Rodemeyers hope to carry on a message of anti-bullying and acceptance.

Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation is doing amazing things to create anti-bullying awareness and empower children with the freedom to be themselves. Their Back-to-School Campaign with Office Depot aims to be a tool to promote this culture.

Twenty five percent of the sales will go to the Born This Way Foundation, and Office Depot has committed to a guaranteed $1 million donation this year!

So if you are a student, parent, or teacher who wants to make sure young people grow up feeling confident about their individuality, click here to check out and share the pictures of their empowerment Gift Cards, “Kindness Sticks” Post-It® Notes, limited-edition Sharpie® pens, and “Bravery Bracelets.” The entire line is positive and promotes empowerment and kindness - definitely has my backing!

As a parent, I feel that talking to your child about bullying is key - both to prevent them from bullying and to speak up when they fall victim to harassment. Having a serious conversation about bullying is and should always be on the back-to-school “To-Do” list.

Gay bullying has been gaining increasing attention in the media, as a number of tragedies has brought the issue into the spotlight. In September 2011, California State Senate passed “Seth’s Law” a measure designed to curb anti-gay bullying in schools.

For more information on how to prevent bullying in the U.S. or if you’re a victim of bullying, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or visit stopbullying.gov.

National Improving Birth Rally hits Miami on Labor Day

jlpr — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 04:08:00 -0400

Give birth to the largest women’s rights movement in decades!

ImprovingBirth.org is calling upon mothers, birth professionals, health professionals, activists, supporters, families and friends and anyone interested in improving birth in the United State to rally together on Monday, September 3rd from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon in order to raise awareness and promote the normalcy and power of birth. The South Florida event joins 86 U.S. cities and counting who are organizing the awareness rally including New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The event will take place in the heart of Miami’s Downtown at Bayfront Park.

Why is this event important in Miami?

Improving Birth aims at working together to reduce the unnecessary induction and unnecessary c-section rates in the United States.

As of last year, the state of Florida held quite a dubious record: the highest Caesarean rate in the country. In Florida, however, there is no city that has a higher C-section rate than Miami.

In all of Florida, Miami has the highest number of hospitals that are delivering more babies via C-section than natural deliveries.

Reproductive justice advocates and some public health professionals have been wary of the rising rate of C-sections, or Caesarean sections, in the U.S.; many advocates, researchers and doctors claim the rate increase is a sign of trouble.

According to a recent HealthGrades Obstetrics and Gynecology in American Hospitals report, Florida’s C-section rate was 38.6 percent in 2010 — the highest in the nation. The lowest rate belonged to Utah, which had a 22.4 percent C-section rate. The national C-section rate between 2002 and 2009 rose from 27 percent of all single births to 34 percent.

HealthGrades says this “an all time high.”

According to information provided and certified by the Agency for Health Care Administration’s Florida Center for Health Information and Policy Analysis, five hospitals in Miami alone reported a C-section rate higher than 50 percent. That means multiple hospitals in Miami are currently performing more Caesarians than natural child births. Miami is leading the nation in Caesarian sections.

World Health Organization weighs in.

Recent studies reaffirm earlier World Health Organization recommendations about optimal cesarean section rates. The best outcomes for mothers and babies appear to occur with cesarean section rates of 5 percent to 10 percent, which fall within the medically necessary range. Rates above 15 percent seem to do more harm than good.

Right now there is no bigger cause for concern than Miami.

Miami, alone, accounted for six out of the seven hospitals in Florida with a C-section rate of over 50 percent, according to data from the Agency for Health Care Administration.

In 2010, South Miami Hospital reported a 62 percent C-section rate. Behind South Miami, Kendall Regional Medical Center reported a 59 percent rate, Mercy Hospital also reported 59 percent, Jackson Memorial reported 57 percent, Hialeah Hospital reported a 56 percent rate and Mount Sinai Hospital reported a 52 percent C-section rate. With the exception of Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, each of the state’s hospitals performing over 50 percent of deliveries via C-section were located in the Miami-Dade area.

According to South Florida Parenting, from 2009 to 2010, Kendall Regional Medical Center reported a 70 percent C-section rate, one of the highest rates seen in the state.

Manuel Fermin, the CEO of the Healthy Start Coalition of Miami-Dade, says hospitals in Miami that report these types of numbers are not looking out for women. He says that doctors and hospitals can end up making more money from C-sections, as compared to vaginal births. Coupled with decreased risk, C-sections are better for hospitals’ bottom line.

“Here in Miami, this has become a business,” Fermin says.”It is so out of whack it’s scary. You don’t find this anywhere else in the U.S.”

However, Dr. Aaron Elkin, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, says it is not that simple.

First, he explains, there is little difference in the cost of C-sections and vaginal births. While C-sections require the cost of surgery, vaginal births rack up costs in the long monitoring process. The equipment and the presence of nurses for such a long period of time, Elkin explains, disproves the assertion the C-sections make more money for hospitals. While it may have been different in the past, he says it is no longer the case.

“We no longer get paid more for Caesareans,” he tells The Florida Independent. “The reimbursements from insurance and even Medicaid are the same.”

The biggest factor explaining the C-section rate in Miami, according to Elkin, is the rate of repeat C-sections.

He says that in Miami there is a high rate of immigrant women from South America who have elective C-sections. Because women can risk a uterine rupture by having a vaginal birth after a prior C-section, most doctors and patients decide together that another C-section is the best course of action.

Elkin says he agrees that 70 percent is a high number.

Other doctors have pointed to the fact that “obstetricians fear malpractice suits if mother or baby is injured during a protracted labor and delivery” and the rising health complications from the increase in obese mothers, according to reporting from St. Petersburg Times.

Either way, public health professionals such as Fermin says this is a growing problem in Miami-Dade that needs to be addressed.

ImprovingBirth.org insists that their intention is to create awareness on a national level and not protest individual hospitals as this is a growing national problem and not just attributed to one location.

Evidence supports:

-No inductions unless medically indicated.

-Interventions only when medically necessary.

-Movement and intermittent monitoring improve birth experience.

-Vaginal birth after Cesarean is possible.

-No inductions are needed for “big” babies.

“I want to Improve Birth! How can I help?”

1) LIKE the page on Facebook!
3) Invite your friends to attend!
4) Volunteer!
5) SHOW UP on Labor Day at 10 a.m. sharp!

For more information, to find a rally near you, or to start your own rally in your city, visit: www.improvingbirth.org.

Win 4 Tickets to The Wiggles this Weekend BUT HURRY!

jlpr — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:48:00 -0400

Repost from The Munchkin Fun Blog: Miami News, Events & Trends

Wiggles fans & the parents that love them can head to Miami Beach on Friday, August 3 for The Wiggles! You’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll laugh and you’ll make your little one’s day.

Enter to win four tickets to the show by commenting about why you’d like to go on Munckin Fun!

The winner will be selected at random and be announced on Wednesday, Aug 1. Bonus – click here to save $10 when buying tickets online.

The Wiggles @ Filmore Miami Beach; Aug 3, 6:30pm; $15.50 and up; ticketmaster.com; 800-745-3000