Lesbian Conception, Preganancy and Birth

I ran into a great resource "The New Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy & Birth". Is was written by Stephanie Brill, co-founder of nationally renowned MAIA Midwifery & Preconception Services, draws upon her years of expertise in working with lesbians, single women, and the many faces of alternative families.In addition to helping you create a plan and timeline for conception, Brill covers the most up-to-date developments in conception and pregnancy, and addresses:

• How to time for self-insemination based on age considerations

• Safer-sex practices during pregnancy

• Known vs. unknown donors

• The latest in insemination and fertility technology

• How to choose a fertile lifestyle

• Infertility diagnosis and treatments

Another book she has written is, "The Queer Parents' Primer: A Lesbian and Gay Families' Guide to Navigating the Straight World".

Here are the price guidelines for consulations with a Maia Midwife:

15 minute consultations (current clients only): $50
30 minute consultation: $90
45 minute consultation: $135
60 minute consultation: $170
90 minute initial consultation: $250

MAIA is commited to making their services accesible to all. Payment plans and other forms of financial assistance are available for low-income families.

Contact MAIA
MAIA Midwifery & Preconception Services23 Altarinda Road, Suite 215Orinda CA 94563
925-253-0685 phone925-465-0155 fax
info@maiamidwifery.com
http://www.maiamidwifery.com/

On to Doula Training in March 2008

I am so excited to go through the DONA doula training again. I plan to work as a doula in Spokane before I go to California. The training happens in March. I am trying to raise funds for my doula training and other costs to start my business. Any donations are welcome. For more information about my training go to http://www.dona.org/.

Becoming a Massage Doula

One of my goals is to become certified to practice massage as a doula. I think it would really help mothers in birth if I had the knowledge of their bodies like that. I probably won't happen for a little while and it would be such a great combination to know massage and be a doctor as well. I can't go wrong learning massage. I hope also to teach the couples I work with to give "couples massage" as I think it would build intimacy before the birth experience. I know that there is the perinium massage that can be quite intimate and very conducive to partner participation. See more on perinium massage below andread about research done. Besides perinium massage couples could learn to love eachother's bodies more before the birth. Massage is a great opportunity for the man to adore his beautiful pregnant wife's body without having to feel awkward or have a expectation of performance. Not that sex doesn't sometimes naturally follow after such intimacy. But I would love to teach the men to "express" to their wives what a wonderful experience it is to make love, caress and touch their wives pregnant bodies. How empowering for the woman to have those memories of her husband loving her body before the birth, so that when she is birthing they could remember sharing those moments and she would gain encouragement about her beauty as a new Mom.

How to Give Perineum Massage. As early as 34 weeks.
1) Sit in a comfortable position. (A warm bath or warm compresses on the perineum for 10 minutes before massage may help with relaxation.) ·
2) Put a water soluble lubricant (KY Jelly, olive oil, vegetable oil, Vit. E oil) on thumbs and perineum. ·
3) Place thumb just inside of the vagina.
4) Press downward towards the rectum and to the sides at the same time until a very slight burning, stinging or tingling sensation is felt ·
5) Hold the pressure for about 1 minute.
6) Breathe deeply and slowly and try to consciously relax the muscles. ·
7) Keep pressing down with the thumb and slowly and gently massage back and forth over the sides of the vagina in a 'U' movement for 3 minutes.
8) Relax and repeat once.
Thank you to http://www.birthsource.com/scripts/article.asp?articleid=110 for providing the information on perineum massage.