March 2020

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: 
​birth savvy on pregnancy and covid 19: a positive outcome

New Blogpost:
what do you need? 
Frozen II is a tale of Power, of Leadership and of Change.
There are many layers to Frozen II.  Elsa’s journey of self discovery weaves through a tale of transformation for each of the main characters.  The story throws the spotlight on the destructiveness of the patriarchy, showing us the differences between Authoritative Dictatorship (familiar to us all) and Peaceful Leadership (a pipe dream, perhaps only seen in New Zealand?).  Frozen II is about Journeys and Love.
In this article, I look at the journeys of Ana and Kristoff as an analogy to the birth journey. 
If you have yet to experience Frozen II, this article may be a spoiler.

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WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE!
In predictable fashion ahead of International Women's Day (March 8), ABC published a reminder of how women are always apologising.  ​I read this article, and what struck me was the politeness requirement.  And not just to be 'nice', but to acknowledge 'our place' as lesser.  In birth plans this very apparent.  Many a 'how to write a birth plan' will tell you to ask nicely, say please.  The article tells us our constant 'sorry' diminishes our power, 'Please' and the politeness expectation also diminishes power. This politeness is offered in a submissive way, acknowledging authority,  It is called 'negative politeness'.

See: Language of the Birth Plan  

​It is not quite as clear cut as all this, however, Checkout This Blog about the nuances of politeness. With this in mind, you can see that there are times when it is indeed negative...but other times when it is just, well, polite!  I have ordered a copy of the blog authors book, The Myth of Mars and Venus.  I'll tell you all about it in a future newsletter.  
​And all this may be important because of this new research about the vicious cycle of cynicism and disrespect. 

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BREASTFEEDING BEYOND BABYHOOD
Breastfeeding toddlers has made the news this month:  
​ABC News: weaning breastfeeding toddlers doesn't lighten load of motherhood 

see also:
breastfeeding beyond preschool

WELLBEING
​The Vagus Nerve is the Key to Wellbeing. ​
​Making difficult decisions: The Heavy-Light Tool

CHILDCARE
Julia Jones, of Newborn Mothers, is addressing the issue of childcare:  
childcare is stressful for everyone but what are the alternatives

STRETCH AND SWEEP
Pip, from Birth Savvy (and Informed Birth Supporter) addresses the issues of the 'Stretch and Sweep'.  What is the evidence behind this procedure...and should you have it? 
stretch and sweep at 38 weeks

WATCH: 
SLOTH BEING BORN!!! 
​
and Does the medicalisation of birth harm women?

​LISTEN
radio national - earshot:  inside the birth suite 

institute for humane studies/ideas-in-progress:
The medicalisation of Birth and Death