As if I don't have enough to do...

Yesterday, I got an email from the doula list serve that said the doc and midwife will resume seeing patients on Wed. I suppose this is a victory, but I still have'nt got the whole story-which is why I delay in relating it. I'll try to go straight to the source for some input.

I heard through the grapevine Dr. Phil is asking for input for a show on homebirth. I sent an email- don't expect anything to come of it. (I like the good doc, but I do think he's biased and runs his own agenda. That could spell trouble for the person supporting the view he's opposed to- since he's not shy about bullying and berating.)

Check out this article from Time magazine on homebirth. I like that the topic is getting press. It lays out the pros and cons without drawing any conclusions and mentions the epic battle here in Missouri.

Just got the news this week- I'll be speaking at MANA (Midwives Alliance of North America), on the topic of healthcare blogs no less! I'll have to spend some time getting back on the circuit and finding some new birth blogs to cite. If you know of some you really like, let me know please. MANA will be in Traverse City Michigan (beautiful place!) in October. I attended a MANA there many years ago and loved it. The resort served cherries in every meal (thats what they are known for there) and I stole a quiet moment to walk the shores of Lake Michigan. I took my baby with me, who is now 14. Ironically, I was interviewed for a video production on homebirth at this conference when I attended in 1993, and it will be premiered at this year's conference (yes, it took fourteen years to complete- so I'm doing well going on year two of my production!). The producer, Sage Femme has amazingly kept in touch with me all this time (we see each other at MANAs) and has been an enthusiastic supporter of my work. I'll let you know when the video is out. I use her video, "My Baby, My Body, My Birth" to teach my nursing students. Last year was my first time to present at MANA. I'm looking forward to doing so again. I may be presenting at this year's AAP conference (American Academy of Pediatrics) as well on the topic of 'lactation in the African-American community'. Its in Boston near the same time as MANA so I don't know if I can work it out- but I have been invited.

I've officially applied to the master's program at the same nursing school I did my undergrad. I could finish my masters in nursing education in 1 year. (I already have a million hours from changing my major twice already- first CNM, then healthcare administration- so all I need it the educator specific courses). I'm excited to think I'll be finishing my masters soon. I'm more activist than academic, so I don't know how any employer will interpret my 'extracurricular activities'. It will probably be like L&D nursing- I'll probably lose a lot of jobs! But it makes for good storytelling!