First there were movie reviews,  now there are..birth reviews? 

It's a great idea, and one moms will be able to take advantage of in a few different ways.

A new website put together by CIMS, the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services, a well-established grassroots organization dedicated to improving maternity care in the U.S., has published a site on the web where New Moms (who have given birth in the last 3 years) can review their maternity care providers, including the hospital where they delivered.  Moms who birthed at home have the opportunity to review the experience, and their care providers, as well.

The exciting flip side of these reviews is that  moms-to-be can now read reviews and statistics online to help them make decisions about their own prenatal care and birth choices.  In addition, hospital administrators will have the opportunity to obtain feedback directly from their obstetric care consumers.

Plus, the public won't have to rely on Dr. Phil  and other media anymore for information on homebirth!  Objective information about outcomes as well as from families who experienced home births themselves will be available.  (Read more on U.S. homebirths statistical outcomes ).

CIMS The Birth Survey was originally piloted in New York City and began its nationwide launch in August 2008.  Results are not yet available for many areas, including Vermont, but Moms should continue to submit their reviews.

Review your care experience here!

You may not be wondering about this, but did you know the uterus shrinks by 75% during the postpartum?

It has to adjust back to it's original shape and size after having done all that work of birthing the baby. 

The "shrinking" causes the severe cramps that go on for about a week after the birth. 

Ways to relieve include lying on your stomach with a pillow under your lower abdomen; warm compresses or a heating pad, over-the-counter medications as recommended by your healthcare provider, healing teas, resting in bed with your baby, and no housework for a few weeks at least.

So remember to give your uterus some tender loving care!  After all, it took care of your little one for 9 months and worked so hard to get her into your arms.

Attention new parents:  You are exhausted!  And it's now being validated in a research study!

Why is this important?

Everyone knows that medicine these days is all about "evidence-basis". 

So once the evidence is in--that yes, in fact, new moms and dads are often completely exhausted within a few months of bringing a newborn home, help will be available in short order!

In the meantime, new moms & dads, ask for help!  A friend, family member, or doula can stay overnight at your home, give your newborn all the loving, caring attention he or she is used to, and even feed her or him, while you rest, rest, rest for eight hours.

Exhaustion has been indicated as a primary contributor to postpartum mood disorders, so especially for those with any risk factors, do what you need to do to get some rest. 

And I am not talking about pharmaceuticals, here, although at times they may be indicated by your healthcare provider.

Aromatherapy, massage, certain supplements, meditation, visualization, and warm baths are all non-medical interventions that might help (ask for help with the baby so you can get to the local health food store or just into your bathtub!) 

When you are up with the baby, remember "tag-team" parenting works well!  Stay in bed as long as you can in the morning to try to make up for lost sleep at night.  And most importantly, do not entertain guests for at least 3 weeks! 

Remember new parents, especially moms, you need as much rest as you can get to heal and transition to your new role.  To get it, you most likely will have to ask for help.