Slow progress

Our freak snow/ice storm has slowed up some of my progress lately...not just the snow itself, but the poor city resources of an area that rarely sees snow (a week after and it has barely been plowed or melted off the streets).

In happier news, I have a job interview scheduled this week for a small position at one of my local hospitals! I am very hopeful that this could lead to some experience with patient care, hospital environments, and further education/experience in supporting birthing women (not to mention earning a wage for the first time in a long time).

I am about 2/3rds of the way through Misconceptions and I am starting to wonder why DONA has recommended a book that is as old as this one is to discuss birth politics. Some of the reviewers HERE also have good points about Wolf's viewpoint being fairly narrow and entitled. Still, it is an interesting and quick read, her part II conclusion is actually an issue I could really get into: The professional polarization of very managed medical births and very emotional, radical natural births. The care providers at these two ends do not collaborate well even if it seems (to advocates) that doing so would be in everyone's favor.

Several of my other required reading books have arrived and it is both intimidating and exciting to see them piled up and waiting for me.

I also discovered a podcast this week that has captured my attention:
The Birth Hour
This storytelling podcast embraces all women's experiences and is a great tool I think if any woman is feeling alone or just wants to hear some stories told in a positive atmosphere. No horror stories here, just honest experiences from women who have had all kinds of births and have gained insight from reflection and support.

January 2

It's Monday and I am starting in on my DONA certification requirements.

Before I can officially count any postpartum assistance, I have to attend an approved weekend workshop (~$600). They're offered in my area about once a month and I'd love to have taken it before my best friend's birth later this month, but there are 2 pre-reqs to attending a workshop: I must read several specific books and take a breastfeeding course.

I've chosen:
"The year after childbirth" - Kitzinger
"Misconceptions" - Wolf
"The baby book" - Sears
"Breastfeeding made simple" - Morhbacher

and also The Birth Partner to try to provide as much help to my friend during labor as I can, though it's not immediately required reading.

The breastfeeding course must be at least 3 hours long and preferably directed toward care providers, not necessarily parents (AND taught by someone with appropriate credentials i.e... not just an RN). Even still, it is an option to take the hospital's breastfeeding and infant care class and I'm working that out with them now. There are also online classes for $$ and possibly other community classes... La Leche League??