WHAT'S NEW AT BEDSIDE MANNERS?
In April 2006, Janis attended a Neonatal Resusitation Certification program geared toward homebirth attendants at the New Eden Care Center, a birth center in Topeka, IN, with the other members of Laura Gilbert's homebirth practice. Now we are all certified in neonatal resusitation.
Janis participated in the 2006 Baby Fair at a homebirth midwifery booth with Laura Gilbert, CNM and Deb Rhizal, CBE (childbirth educator). The response was wonderful, many local contacts were made and visiting with clients who stopped by was the highlight of the day for us.
The biggest recent news at Bedside Manners is Janis had her fifth baby and third boy, Matthew Joseph, on December 28, 2004. He came much faster than usual and even arrived before the midwife! He was our first water birth and first one caught by Janis.
Another new addition at Bedside Manners is the AquaDoula Portable Spa, now available for rental. See AquaDoula Rental Page or the following link for more info.
Info on the AquaDoula Portable Spa
MAY 2006 NEWS! Janis has officially gone back to school, working toward a Master's Degree as a Certified Nurse Midwife. If all goes as planned, she should finish in 2009.
December 2002 Janis initiated a Labor Support Tool Box Program at Parkview North Hospital, providing a staff inservice for the New Life Center and donating all supplies. The Labor Support Tool Box is a container of supplies and information for the partner to use to assist the mother in labor, offering comfort measures, support and problem solving for those who do not have a doula present at the birth. This free service has been well received by the staff and the families!
In March 2003, Janis presented at an Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) continuing education seminar at St. Francis University. AWHONN is the leading professional association for nurses who specialize in the care of women and newborns. Members include neonatal nurses, advanced practice nurses (APRNs), women's health nurses, OB/GYN and labor and delivery nurses, nurse scientists, nurse executives and managers, childbirth educators and nurse practitioners. Janis's presentation included one session on Introducing the Doula and another on Birth Strategies for Malpositions and Natural Childbirth. Go to
AWHONN to learn more about AWHONN.
April 2004 and again in 2005 Janis also presented to the BSN students at St. Francis University on professional doulas.
Since 2004 Janis has been the RN assistant to Laura Gilbert, a certified nurse midwife who offers home births, water births and VBACs in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
by Ina May Gaskin
Reducing the pain of labor without drugs and the miraculous roles touch and massage play
What really happens during labor
Orgasmic birth--making birth pleasurable
Episiotomy--is it really necessary?
Common methods of inducing labor--and which to avoid at all costs
Tips for maximizing your chances of an unmedicated labor and birth
How to avoid postpartum bleeding--and depression
The risks of anesthesia and cesareans--what your doctor doesn't necessarily tell you
The best ways to work with doctors and/or birth care providers
How to create a safe, comfortable environment for birth in any setting, including a hospital
And much more!
Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth takes the fear out of childbirth by restoring women's faith in their own natural power to give birth with more ease, less pain, and less medical intervention.
OTHER LOCAL DOULA RESOURCES
"When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece"
Sarah Ebert tebert@ligtel.com 260-343-0803 Kendallville, IN
Special Delivery Doula ServicesConnie Gallagher thegallaghers@yahoo.com 486-6393 Fort Wayne, IN
Shelly Gilliland sgilliland@mchsi.com 574-594-5820 Warsaw, IN
Rhoda Baughman rhodabaughman@juno.com 637-0248 Fort Wayne, IN
La Leche League of
Fort Wayne, Indiana
All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding are welcome to come to our meetings or call one of our Leaders for breastfeeding help or information. Babies are always welcome at our meetings. Meetingsare free and you don't need to be a member to attend. A free lending library is avalable at all meetings.
La Leche League is an international non-profit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to providing education, support and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. La Leche League Leaders are experienced mothers who have breastfed their own babies and who have been trained and accredited by La Leche League International to help mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding. They are available by phone whenever you have breastfeeding questions or concerns.
Meetings and Leaders
Where?
Fort Wayne AM
Meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 9:30 a.m. Call a Leader for location.Fort Wayne PM
Meets on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Call a Leader for location.Grabill Area
Meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Call Leader for location.Toddler Meetings
Meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 9:30 a.m. Call Leader for more information and location.Who to Call?
Fort Wayne Leaders
- Anne (260) 625-5410
- Sherri (260) 493-6280
- Susan (260) 745-0411
- Louise (260) 486-5640
- Or call the 24-hour warmline at (260) 625-2010 for the number of the Leader on call
Grabill Area Leaders
- Deana (260) 657-1828
- Tina (260) 657-5256
- Mary (260) 657-3339
Garrett Leader
- Lora (260) 357-3537
Meeting Topics
- January - The Benefits of Human Milk
- February - There's a New Baby in Your Life
- March - The Myths and Truths of Breastfeeding
- April - Breastfeeding and Beyond
- May - Why Breast is Best
- June - Father and Siblings of the Breastfed Baby
- July - The 'How tos' of Breastfeeding
- August - Thoughts on Weaning
- September - Mother's Milk--The Gold Standard.
- October - The Birth of Your Baby and Baby's First Weeks
- November - Breastfeeding--Facts and Fallacies
- December - Why Breastfeed Beyond Three Months?
Discussion is not limited to topics listed. Bring your questions and concerns!
