Monthly Archives: December 2008

A Chanukah Blessing for Raquel & Jacob

Posted on December 31, 2008 by gloria

Raquel Lazar Paley and I have worked together for the past two years.  After I spoke at the ICAN Conference in San Diego, CA, she invited me to put together a program to teach online at ConsciousWoman.  She has just … Continue reading →

Posted in Homebirth, Intactivism, VBAC Very Beautiful & Courageous | 3 Comments

Pushing for Primips

Posted on December 30, 2008 by gloria

This article originally appeared in Midwifery Today Magazine, Issue 55 (Winter, 2000). “Primips”-women having their first babies. -by Gloria Lemay The expulsion of a first baby from a woman’s body is a space in time for much mischief and mishap … Continue reading →

Posted in Holistic midwifery & doula education, Homebirth | 12 Comments

Castor Oil inductions

Posted on December 17, 2008 by gloria

Inducing with castor oil isn’t safe. Once swallowed the castor oil is hydrolized by intestinal lipases to recinoleic acid which stimulates intestinal secretion, decreases glucose absorption and increases intestinal motility. Castor oil is used in lipsticks, too. Many women who … Continue reading →

Posted in Holistic midwifery & doula education | 14 Comments

Why birthing women take an advocate to the hospital

Posted on December 16, 2008 by gloria

This oped piece was published in the Canadian Medical Post. Read my reply to the doctor at the end of the item. Gloria February 18, 2003 Volume 39 Issue 07 OPINIONS / OBSTETRICS OPED: The unpopular science of birth We … Continue reading →

Posted in Homebirth | 2 Comments

Top 10 Reasons to Have a Homebirth

Posted on December 15, 2008 by gloria

Top l0 reasons to have a homebirth ~by Gloria Lemay 10. To test the theory that “Not even the most doting mother can stand the voice of her two year old at 8 centimeters dilation”. 9. To enjoy the sounds … Continue reading →

Posted in Homebirth | 3 Comments

Letter to Oprah, Dec 10, 2008

Posted on December 12, 2008 by gloria

Dear Oprah,  you are so respected in the area of human rights.  I urge you to stop promoting SkinMedica face cream which is made from the foreskins of baby boys.  Also, you need to get Dr. Oz up to speed on … Continue reading →

Posted in Intactivism | 2 Comments

Teratogens: Harmful to the unborn baby

Posted on December 12, 2008 by gloria

Alcohol: Alcohol crosses the placental barrier and can cause fetal alcohol syndrome and permanent birth defects, especially if consumed in high quantities. Most organ development is completed a few weeks after the first trimester. Brain development continues throughout pregnancy and … Continue reading →

Posted in Holistic midwifery & doula education | 6 Comments

Midwife’s Guide to an Intact Perineum

Posted on December 11, 2008 by gloria

by Gloria Lemay An intact perineum is the goal of every birthing woman. We love to have whole, healthy female genitalia. Many people consider the health of the vagina/perineum to be a matter of chance, luck or being at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Holistic midwifery & doula education | 7 Comments

Optimal Use of Language for Creating Birth Outcomes

Posted on December 4, 2008 by gloria

The only way we can undo the mass psychosis about childbirth in North America is to invent new language and new images. We midwives must make a conscious and disciplined effort to become “speech magicians.” I train my clients to … Continue reading →

Posted in Holistic midwifery & doula education | 5 Comments

Newborn death following circumcision

Posted on December 1, 2008 by gloria

British Columbia parents lobby against circumcision CBC News The parents of a newborn who died following circumcision surgery are pushing for hospitals to inform patients of the possible dangers associated with the removal of foreskin. Brent and Tanna McWillis’s month-old … Continue reading →

Posted in Intactivism | 6 Comments