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Shining Light

Building empowerment, self-confidence and connection through candid education and compassionate advocacy for all families before, during and after pregnancy.

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Six things you can do to have a Safe and Healthy Birth

September 11, 2014 By Deena Leave a Comment

There is a lot of evidence to support best practices during pregnancy, labor and birth. However, the care pregnant women receive doesn’t always match the research. These 6 simple steps an help you have a safe and healthy birth: Infographic courtesy of Lamaze International We can help you have a safe and healthy birth. Sign […]

Filed Under: Into the Light, Main Blog Page Tagged With: Birth, Childbirth, Childbirth Education Classes, Interventions, Labor, Lamaze, Pregnancy, Pregnant, Valid Medical Reason

Childbirth is work. To work you need energy. To get energy you do this…

July 22, 2014 By Deena Leave a Comment

  The definition of labor is “work”. If we are to work; we need energy. Energy comes from food. If you don’t eat you won’t have energy. Without energy the work of giving birth becomes more difficult and more painful. Let’s break it down:Infographic courtesy of Lamaze International.

Filed Under: Into the Light, Main Blog Page Tagged With: Childbirth, childbirth ed, Coping Skills, Eating and Drinking during labor, Evidence-based practices, Labor, Lamaze, Pittsburgh, Pregnancy, Pregnant, Valid Medical Reason

Six is the new Four, with regards to the start of Active Labor

March 18, 2014 By Deena Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago ACOG updated their guidelines for preventing a primary c-section. One of their points is that active labor is 6 cm, not 4. This is a big deal and can reduce the number of c-sections done for “failure to progress”. Please share this information! More: Science & Sensibility: Safe Prevention of the Primary […]

Filed Under: Into the Light, Main Blog Page Tagged With: ACOG, Birth, C-section, Cesarean Birth, Childbirth, Decision making, Labor, OB, Pregnancy, Valid Medical Reason

A Bit of Inspiration: Finding your Power during Birth

February 20, 2014 By Deena Leave a Comment

This is something I say often during my Confident Birthing classes. It is a major component to having a birth experience where you are comfortable with any medical intervention you may need, or that you may choose. Please share it!

Filed Under: Inspirations, Into the Light, Main Blog Page Tagged With: Birth, Childbirth, Childbirth Education Classes, Decision making, Inspirational Pregnancy and Birth Quotes, Labor, Pregnancy, Take Back your Power, Valid Medical Reason

Since you asked: Birth Plan Template

February 25, 2013 By Deena 5 Comments

You all have been asking for it, so here it is – Deena’s ever  fabulous birth plan template! This is a bit longer than I usually suggest. Your birth plan should be one page, chronological, bullet points. It should cover the most important points to you. These are *my* important points. So, if you are […]

Filed Under: Into the Light, Main Blog Page Tagged With: Baby, Birth, Birth Plan, Brains, breastfeeding, C-section, Childbirth, Childbirth Education Classes, Communication, Decision making, Epidural, Expectations, Ideal Birth, Infant, Interventions, Labor, Midwife, Newborn, OB, Pittsburgh, Pregnancy, Valid Medical Reason

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About Shining Light

Building empowerment, self-confidence and connection through candid education and compassionate advocacy for all families before, during and after pregnancy since 2012.

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