tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24276958621113597212011-11-15T10:17:00.193ZA blog about massage, wellness...life.jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.comBlogger2841100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-30677709421397933042011-04-06T13:38:00.002+01:002011-04-06T14:22:26.058+01:00

So March was a bust. I really wanted to create something every day, but it seems like the only things created were messes. So here's to hoping I can turn April around.. But today is not starting off well. Too many images of ordinary citizens being arrested for protesting large corporations and the havoc they have let loose upon us. (Really, they are the ones who should be arrested? Surely not the

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-16857647429576566872011-03-02T15:56:00.002Z2011-03-02T16:11:38.197Z

I generally do not like March. The weather is unpredictable. It contains my least favorite "holiday". But this March I am going to try something new. I am going to try to create something each day. My own little homage to Spring coming soon.So from here on out, each day I will blog about my creation, be it haiku, photograph, short story, etc. I will have to play with different mediums I

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-36337414567105137792011-03-01T17:19:00.002Z2011-03-01T17:30:10.674Z

VBAC PrimerMarch 13, 2011 3:00pm-4:00pm$35.00 per familyIn this 60 minute class we will discuss ways to maximize your success for VBAC. Led by ICAN of DC leader (and VBAC mother herself) Janet Brown, we will discuss: finding a supportive provider, finding the right birth setting for you and pregnancy and labor. Yoga and Acupressure for LaborMarch 25, 2011 7:00pm-8:30pm$75.00 per coupleYoga and

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-59139994104070355692011-02-28T15:03:00.001Z2011-03-01T15:11:52.941Z

I have an exciting month coming up. I have a lot to do before April. So I hope I can maintain my motiviation. My sister has also decided to make March a good starting point. She is going to finally finish her book. What, yeah everyone knows some one who is writing a book. But the difference is my sister's is actually good. And I am not just saying that because she is my sister. My sister

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-8592329173033221192011-02-27T15:01:00.001Z2011-03-01T15:03:08.434Z

Yup, he's a ham.

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-56601104336189270542011-02-26T20:07:00.002Z2011-02-26T20:12:41.019Z

If I have learned anything from this NaBloPoMo it is this: I don't have enough to say to blog every day.When I was pregnant with my daughter I could spend a few hours on Google Reader looking for interesting topics to blog about. I could research more. But now, I am lucky to get 30 minutes to devote to blogging. As I write this my kids are trying to get into at least 2 types of mischief.So I am

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-88124838581670365732011-02-25T17:37:00.003Z2011-02-25T17:49:28.102Z

Politics. Living in DC you learn that, even if you do not care to have it be so, politics dominates much of the conversation around you. Local, national, international, it is all here. And the more I learn about it, the less I like.Especially in the case of DC politics. I will not even try to describe the workings of DC government and its long history of turmoil. But I will say, from my

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-82449085270205161472011-02-24T14:58:00.002Z2011-02-24T15:06:52.203Z

My daughter is such a different kid than my son. Never is this more apparent than when she is trying to accomplish milestones. Of course, I knew they would be different. My sisters and I are all very different. Even though we share similarities, we never would do what the other does or do it the same. So I was and am prepared for all differences between the two.My son walked at 8 1/2 to 9

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-36479637440954067222011-02-23T14:48:00.000Z2011-02-24T14:57:34.667Z

Today I spent part of the day creating a schedule of workshops, etc for the next six months. I did this so I can then work on a new website and post a calendar (using Google, perhaps?). I found that even though I have great intentions to create new workshops, I went with the old stand-bys. But I added in a cooking series. And I went with some non-conventional times slots that will allow other

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-21444357497396232732011-02-22T16:21:00.002Z2011-02-22T16:40:11.911Z

This is how I feel some days. My son goes to school with a nice lunch and about 50%-75% comes home untouched. And then I read this on one of my favorite blogs. It is apparently not just my son. Kids do not eat the lunches and improved school lunches just means more stuff thrown away. For a child who does not see a green or fruit at home that is not processed or covered in a sauce from a

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-53298453786530880582011-02-21T15:58:00.000Z2011-02-22T16:21:18.965Z

I went to a little local kids' music program today. The room was pretty packed since it is a holiday and most parents had the day off. As we all sat listening to the silly tunes of Mr. Skip, I glance around the room. One woman was lifting her tired-looking toddler onto her lap and them "foop" the little girl was at the breast. "Huh?", I thought. Huzzah, to seeing other women nurse in public.

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-16907694996715861452011-02-20T15:51:00.000Z2011-02-22T15:54:54.176Z

This is my bellycast from my 2nd pregnancy. I glad I have this because I do not have a single picture of me pregnant.

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-44020562072528325592011-02-19T15:45:00.001Z2011-02-22T15:58:11.437Z

So some people believe that you need to put something out there, in public, for the Universe to pick up on it. So...here goes:I really would love to have a practice where I took care of women and their families. I would love to have a space with a host of family-oriented yoga classes and workshops. I would love to share that space with a lactation consultant and a childbirth educator. I would

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-79865749717446332332011-02-18T15:40:00.000Z2011-02-22T15:45:23.735Z

In a fit of, perhaps, insanity I have decided to take a doula training course. I was looking on a social networking site the other day and saw an ad for a training course. It just seemed like the right thing to do.I know I have said I did not want to do it in the past, but something just aligned and made it seem right. I will start in May. I am looking forward to it.Things like this are not

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-37471169641525455072011-02-17T15:24:00.001Z2011-02-22T15:55:17.015Z

I recently read an article from the NY Times about reading being delayed at some private schools in NYC. Apparently this is causing a back-lash from the eager, "Teach Your Baby to Read"-esque parents who want their little cherub to be pushed academically from go. It caused me to take a look at my own son's situation and take a step back.My son has been a natural reader from the beginning. He has

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-4792468247811091412011-02-16T15:12:00.004Z2011-02-16T15:27:35.459Z

One of my favorite authors is Marion Woodman. She is a trained Jungian analyst. I find her work fascinating. Much of her work deals with the overwhelming need for more feminine energy in the world. I couldn't agree more. I think it is a huge disservice to the world at large that we only emphasize one half of the population. That males are given the bulk of the rewards when it takes both energies

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-16278430711231019312011-02-15T15:06:00.004Z2011-02-15T15:23:02.183Z

I always struggle with how to raise morally responsible children. It is not easy in this day and age. My son is exposed to far more sooner than I ever was. (Not even counting the time he Googled "wild") I also want them to have a social conscience. The above is a painting done by my son titled, "BP Oil Spill". He painted it on his own after reading a National Geographic article about the spill.

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-75359968778826323432011-02-14T15:05:00.000Z2011-02-15T15:06:48.767Z

Doesn't he look so enthused?

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-7342478169803073622011-02-13T14:50:00.001Z2011-02-15T15:05:00.625Z

Each year I tell myself, "Self, you are going to run the Capitol Hill Classic!" And each year I do...not. Well, this year I have come up with a master plan. I am going to create an Integrative Health Massage Therapy TEAM! Then I will be responsible for the training and coordination of at least 10 other people. I cannot back out then, right? So how is this all going to work? Well, I plan to offer

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-54049563760929386732011-02-12T18:16:00.004Z2011-02-12T18:26:44.125Z

I have a horrible sense of direction in the wider world. If you ask me directions, you may want to go the opposite of the way I tell you. If I am driving and you are directing, point. Do not say "left" or "right" as I will inevitably turn the wrong way. (This extends to GPS directions, too)But I have found at times the best way to find your path is to let the Universe (whatever that concept

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-58692326990085512682011-02-11T18:02:00.000Z2011-02-12T18:16:11.699Z

Sometimes I feel that is how I approach things. I have spent most of my life like a tempermental car. You know the one you have to start and push the gas. But only push it just enough to start it otherwise it gets flooded. That is me. I rev up myself up only to overwhelm myself and then I have to wait to try again. It is a constant up and down, up and down. Not emotionally, mind you. Just

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-70438752298857663532011-02-10T18:40:00.002Z2011-02-10T18:47:55.198Z

I have blogged about my son before. He never ceases to amaze me with his ability to understand the world and his complete unpreparedness for that world. He can explain to you what a nebula is but he cannot reliably stay dry for an entire month at night. He can multiply, but he cannot sit still. He can have a conversation with any adult about Judaism (we are not Jewish, btw), but he is

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-66857131037653340102011-02-09T15:33:00.004Z2011-02-09T16:16:57.076Z

No really. If I could pick an activity that I could do, undisturbed, I would almost always pick reading over sleeping. And I am a good reader. I read fast and absorb the material. The only book I could not finish was "All's Quiet on the Western Front". And it is not because I didn't like it. There is just some weird anomaly about getting to the part about English boots and I suddenly forget to

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-89256764302331975982011-02-08T15:25:00.000Z2011-02-09T15:33:23.905Z

I have been working with a client for some time now and, while I have made headway, it is clear something else is going on that is impeding my work. So I referred the client to a chiropractor friend of mine. I get nothing from referring people to him, other than the satisfaction of seeing people get the care they need. I had referred the client before, very early on in our work together. But at

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-62110980807455590612011-02-07T17:46:00.002Z2011-02-07T17:48:49.534Z

My cat is very patient. Good boy, Dupont.

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-73720496388183814702011-02-06T17:31:00.002Z2011-02-07T17:46:19.658Z

For a post about impatience, it has taken me an awful long time to write. Along with procrastination and worry, I try to be more patient in my life. I wish I could be more laid back or at least more accepting that I do not have control over every little thing. But I think impatience is becoming an epidemic in general society. We are so used to getting everything immediately that we do not a)

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-38402496127886649502011-02-05T02:18:00.001Z2011-02-06T02:27:47.692Z

One year ago I woke up at 1:30am with contractions. I was excited as they continued on until morning. I worked through them throughout the day, ignoring the blizzard coming in around me. I went to the grocery store. I fought through the fellow "SnOMG" shoppers to get my groceries; knowing full well it would be a long time before I got out to shop again. I scared the poor checkout man. I

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-83517632638727509762011-02-04T02:03:00.000Z2011-02-06T02:17:58.912Z

Today was a weird day. I wanted to write a post about "impatience" but it was just to weird to pass up. It was one of those days you just kind of sit back and say, "Okay, universe, whatever. I am up for it."The best was going to pick up my favorite Chinese noodle soup at a tiny hole-in-the-wall place here in DC. When I ordered the soup in Chinese I got to have a lovely conversation with a man

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-64112786711810330722011-02-03T15:24:00.002Z2011-02-03T17:23:00.280Z

Among my other character flaws I am good at worrying. Not the standard, "oh, I hope it doesn't rain" stuff. More like, "oh, I hope that bump on my leg isn't cancer and I get sick an die" type of stuff. And I will stay up nights worrying about things. Sometimes it is actually things that affect my life, but it is usually theoretical nonsense that will never, ever happen. (Especially when I

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-89260896166545560232011-02-02T14:47:00.002Z2011-02-02T15:13:58.176Z

I have always been a champion procrastinator. I come from a long line (on both sides, mind you) of procrastinators. Although my father is definitely a bit more "can do" than my mother. I am partnered to a champion procrastinator. Our children, well, let's hope there is hope for them.I do not like to procrastinate. I am really always in awe of those people who either get everything done on time or

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-56353920659230262982011-02-01T21:14:00.002Z2011-02-01T21:17:00.902Z

So I saw the theme was "character" and I thought, "well, I can use it as personal character, novel characters, people as 'characters'". I have decided to start with going through my own "character flaws" as I am feeling introspective as of late. Tomorrow, I will start with "procrastination", ha!

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-5378929271253850392011-02-01T04:16:00.003Z2011-02-01T04:22:43.107Z

So....I have not blogged in a while. I have been a busy little beaver, though. Getting licenses renewed, getting into school, deciding to then go to a different school, being a parent and business owner....etc, etc, etc.But back to blogging again. And that means another (yes, another) attempt at NaBloPoMo. This month's theme is character. Hmm, I will have to decide what that means to me. I am

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-62503683863152272842010-11-03T17:26:00.002Z2010-11-03T17:43:07.746Z

I know it has been more eloquently said (like here), but society has a different set of expectations when it comes to boys. The ways in which they are expected to emote, interact with peers, behave in school, subjects in which they should typically excel and so on. I am finding more and more that this is a huge problem when it comes to having a boy who falls outside of what is to be expected.My

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-61302093457936955122010-10-21T18:34:00.001+01:002010-10-21T18:34:00.333+01:00

I have often wondered if the outcome would have been different if I had a vaginal birth first and a cesarean second. Would it have been better? Worse? The same? Would I have been as driven to become an advocate or would I have been left reeling with a sense of failure?I don't know why I feel compelled to think about things like this. I don't suppose it does me any good. But I guess it is my

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-90123283927625890112010-09-27T19:10:00.003+01:002010-09-27T19:37:50.068+01:00

Here in the good ole U.S. of A., we generally have the option of 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. Woohoo! Let me get this straight, I get 3 months with my little one AND I don't get paid. What a gift! While much of the civilized world scoffs at us for our pitiful offerings, so do the "uncivilized" ones. Many traditional cultures have new mothers rest for 40 days after giving birth. The

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-23459771939215256352010-09-23T14:08:00.002+01:002010-09-23T14:14:21.297+01:00

I finally applied to school and for financial aid yesterday. Whew! I now have to go through and get transcripts sent. Hopefully I will be able to create a good enough Assessment of Prior Learning portfolio to jump into the nursing program. (They don't care about math, right....please?) So I am feeling good about everything. I have spent so many years looking into programs only to say, "oh

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-80828488236572975352010-09-12T02:53:00.002+01:002010-09-12T03:05:57.552+01:00

The other day I had a client who was waffling between trying for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) or scheduling a repeat cesarean or cesarean birth after cesarean (CBAC). She had some specific questions about my recovery and ease of birth. I told her as much of my birth story as would relate and how my recovery compared to my cesarean. I also spoke with her about the risks of repeat

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-58884150728321877802010-09-06T00:47:00.002+01:002010-09-06T00:54:26.848+01:00

I love midwifery. I love midwives (most of them). I love for women to choose midwifery care. But I have no intention of ever becoming one. What's that? But you say, "Oh, I thought all you VBAC rights, pro-natural birth, etc were clamouring to become a midwife some day". Well, no. I have had many, many people ask me when I was going to become a midwife. It just isn't my bag, baby. I love birth and

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-25445553536470275422010-09-02T17:37:00.002+01:002010-09-02T17:37:00.939+01:00

So another school year, another debacle over school lunch. After much parental involvement (including some celebrity chefs and even the first lady) we have a new game plan for school lunches. Healthier lunches consisting of less fat, salt and sugar and more local produce. Well, good. And it is to be paid for by a tax on soda. Fantastic. But what is that saying, "show me the money"?I for one

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-68016266633752325842010-08-29T16:55:00.002+01:002010-08-29T16:55:00.203+01:00

Today we are celebrating-Women's Equality Day!That is what the post said on the social networking page for Mothering Magazine. What the conversation devolved into is an interesting look at how women act with one another when talking about "equality". It was certainly nothing about the right to vote...One on side the "but we have so far to go" camp. On the other were the "but we are not equal and

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-63010065017931860262010-08-26T15:21:00.002+01:002010-08-26T15:50:51.114+01:00

I recently saw this article posted on a social networking site about babies stress response to being ignored by their mothers. It set off, as expected, a slew of comments about how this validates Attachment Parenting, etc. Hey, I like the tenets of Attachment Parenting (AP) myself, but I think that is a little bit specious if you look at the way the study was conducted. It also leaves little room

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-80376624049915681112010-08-20T04:00:00.002+01:002010-08-20T04:25:14.064+01:00

Today I opened my Facebook and read a lovely post on the Talk Birth-Child Education Classes blog about honesty in childbirth education. I think she hit on some very important topics that we who trust birth and want women to have a good experience feel. We can talk to them and teach them to prepare, but the reality is a good deal of what we teach will not be applied during labor because they are

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-81966043923707029562010-08-18T03:47:00.002+01:002010-08-18T04:08:51.720+01:00

I am not feeling so good right now. Why? I had some really fatty duck for dinner. Like "I could have rendered at cup of fat from the leg" fatty. I always feel this way after I eat Chinese-style duck, so I am not sure why I am surprised. I am not a big meat eater in general because I often find that it makes me feel weird. So why do I eat it? Well, that question has many answers.I was raised in a

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-89060581494676541932010-08-09T20:39:00.003+01:002010-08-09T20:54:58.746+01:00

I realize that other people do occasionally read my blog, so I wanted to clear something up. I wrote my birth stories with the intention of just getting them down on paper because it was healing for me. I did not write them with the intention of scaring anyone away from using a midwife or having a home birth. My experiences were extreme to say the least. And in the end, with my daughter's birth,

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-27769139987717967372010-07-06T21:28:00.000+01:002010-07-06T21:29:36.787+01:00

Prenatal Yoga$75.00 per personPrenatal Yoga helps create body awareness and strength during pregnancy while preparing the body for labor and birth. Classes led by Janet Brown, LMT are fun, yet challenging. Each session runs for 5 weeks with each class being devoted to a topic related to pregnancy and birth. This class is equal parts breathing exercises, asana and restorative yoga. Students

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-49073573366165229612010-07-05T18:06:00.002+01:002010-08-04T23:30:13.553+01:00

I just want to start by saying I will never do two things again: 1. Talk (literally the act of speaking) about having a child with my husband and 2. Use a non-latex condom. Ha! Now my children were not planned as in "let's actively try right this minute", but they are definitely wanted and planned for.When I became pregnant with my daughter the very first thing I did was start eating. I ate all

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-50195971250768585522010-07-05T16:31:00.003+01:002010-07-05T17:50:46.684+01:00

I have meant to write these next posts several times. It just never happened. But here goes:I became pregnant with my son after my husband and I talked about having kids in a year. No, literally RIGHT after. I laughed and said, "Ummm, well how about right now...". We were not prepared in some respects for my son's pregnancy. We lived in a one bedroom apartment. We both worked jobs that required

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-52056291231441646322010-06-23T03:25:00.002+01:002010-06-23T04:01:17.286+01:00

So my son has had tummy troubles since he was born. He has never had regular bowel movements and we had a rough time with potty training. So finally, after trying a lot of different things, we decided to go try gluten and the gluten and dairy free. It has not been easy. Especially since it coincided with my husband creating "Pizza with Daddy Saturdays". But he is doing better. And, in

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-41766093675237475362010-06-22T03:46:00.002+01:002010-06-22T04:01:17.128+01:00

the only thing I would change would be to have taken better care of my teeth. Seriously. I took them for granted for far too long with poor dental care habits. I didn't see a dentist for over 10 years (sure I didn't have insurance, but there are dental clinics). I am a lazy flosser and, for a time, I didn't brush as well as I should have. I have, blessedly, avoided major dental work so far.

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-1582083975740587092010-06-21T03:41:00.002+01:002010-06-21T04:05:37.053+01:00

I have a hard time staying still. I also have found myself having a hard time being truly satisfied with what I am doing profession-wise. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do. But it doesn't make me "whole". I have found myself unfulfilled in my work. And I can take all the little workshops and certifications I can, but I do not think I will be happy. I know plenty of people who are massage

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-77180002108386484402010-06-20T04:19:00.003+01:002010-06-20T04:52:44.147+01:00

I just read this article via Midwifery Today by a British journalist. Usually I try to stay away from articles with that many cap locks, but I wanted to read what it said. In the interest of non-bias, I would like to point out that the journalist is admittedly pro-elective cesarean and yet she finds the need to say that the author of the WHO article chose to "skew" the data to fit their own

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-7746042684771436732010-05-21T23:27:00.002+01:002010-05-21T23:51:52.645+01:00

I went to one of the lovely museums here in DC yesterday. As usual I carried my little one in the carrier. I really enjoy the ease of bringing her on public transportation without the hassle of pushing and breaking down a stroller. While I was in the museum I was approached by a guard and we got to talking. It turned out he has a son born 2 days before my littlest. We laughed about snow

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-80973357367538082152010-05-15T20:53:00.002+01:002010-05-15T21:08:59.130+01:00

I was reading a post at Shape of a Mother and it touched on the idea of body image and protecting our children from the negative influences the population at large can have on our children's perception of their own body. I can say that I agree with this. I worry sometimes about my own children and their eventual maturing bodies. I will do what I can for them to help them understand that images

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-661561105891713062010-04-06T14:57:00.002+01:002010-04-06T15:27:37.411+01:00

I am not a big fan of bullying. And I am even less of a fan when it comes in the pint-sized form of a little girl. We have all read the story of Phoebe Prince lately. How this girl was hounded and tormented until she reached her breaking point. It is stories like this that bring attention to bullying. But many, many more kids endure it each day with no help or understanding. And, of course

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-73035794762085801332010-04-02T01:47:00.003+01:002010-04-02T01:55:08.852+01:00

Lately I have told my birth story to people and often the fisrt thing they say is, "Wow, you are brave." This usually comes about the point that I say I had a homebirth. But the thing is, I do not feel especially brave. I feel like I just did what seemed natural for me. The braver option would have been to go into the hospital and fight for the VBAC I wanted so desperately. But that of

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-10675580836418606522010-03-28T02:47:00.002+01:002010-03-28T03:02:09.803+01:00

Tomorrow I have my first ICAN meeting since I had my VBAC. And the topic is...you guessed it, VBAC. And as I get everything ready and go over what I am going to say, I am struck with the technicality and sheer amount of information I am hoping to cover. And I wonder, is it too much. And the answer I came up with is, "no". For most VBAC moms it is never enough.I plan to start out discussing,

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-7439939212353711112010-03-24T13:10:00.002Z2010-03-24T13:20:30.413Z

So I had my VBAC (YEAH!) and I am now the mother of two wonderful children. My birth story is, well, it is wild. And it has prompted me to write a little series of sorts about my first pregnancy and birth compared/contrasted to my second. I will start that soon. But while I have been getting used to caring for two little humans, a lot has gone on. There has been the mixed bag NIH conference on

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-78687639999971708782010-01-26T17:20:00.000Z2010-01-26T21:34:55.047Z

There has been a lot of talk in the press lately about school lunches. From a local blogger who went into his local school to see how school lunches are prepared to the lovely elected official in South Carolina who equated children who receive free school lunch to "stray animals". He went on to elaborate that his grandmother told him not to feed stray animals because they would "breed". And

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-56184914621507152362010-01-26T00:13:00.002Z2010-01-26T00:16:36.607Z

Another blog I read pointed me to this giveaway. Progressive Pioneer is giving away a free Hypnobabies home study course. I don't know much about the blog, but I thought others might like to enter to win as well. Good luck!(I also do not know that much about Hypnobabies, but I entered because I thought it would be a good resource to have. With 6 days left until my own EDD it might be a little

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-70778015455818776802010-01-24T01:53:00.000Z2010-01-25T02:13:41.095Z

My memory is not the best lately. If I was more motivated I would carry around a little book and write things down so I do not forget them. But alas, I do not so I am sure some brilliant ideas are never going to come to fruition (ha!). And as I get closer to my due date, I only get worse. I have enjoyed a sharp memory throughout my life. I have always had the ability to recall facts,

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-89614024939486696052010-01-23T16:12:00.003Z2010-01-23T16:39:33.103Z

Recently I noticed a post that said, "How to find the school that is the proverbial BEST fit for your child" (emphasis theirs) and it made me think. How do you? I don't know as I am qualified necessarily to answer that, but I have been down the road and back.I started the whole "search for education" thing rather early as I was scared into thinking if you didn't get a jump start prenatally, well

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-57204221822595490742010-01-22T19:34:00.004Z2010-01-22T19:48:52.863Z

Today life is throwing me a lot. I have had a pretty bum day. It is certainly NOT the best day I have had in a while. And I am not always the best at getting out of a negative funk. But right now, it is giving me the energy to tackle some things.I have had the pleasure of having one of my husband's buddies live in our basement. He is slovenly at best and a bit of a piece of work. And, while

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-33008933507314393262010-01-21T15:06:00.002Z2010-01-21T15:15:13.534Z

I have not blogged in a few days, shame on me. Oh well. I have been busy with family in town, etc. And also it is getting to the end of my pregnancy and I am just plain tired. What, I didn't mention I was pregnant again? Well, I have wanted to keep this pregnancy to myself for the most part. After having such a managed first preganancy, I have wanted this one to be for me. But yesterday I

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-686429157611557152010-01-17T14:16:00.000Z2010-01-18T02:27:49.539Z

I just read an opinion piece in the Metro section of the Washington Post about a soldier who has returned from Iraq only to find the city he has lived in for years has turned for the worse. Was it anti-war protesters? No, that would be too easy. It was the average citizens. He found them to be rude and snide and closed. And I have to say I agree with him.I moved here 7+ years ago after living

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-40133268906182695122010-01-16T17:03:00.002Z2010-01-16T17:40:24.996Z

I cannot get my husband to make some major changes with his diet. Last night this point was really driven home. He was up all night, tossing and turning, because he couldn't get comfortable. I have tried unsuccessfully in the past to get him to take vitamins, eat better, etc. But he is unwilling to make the changes. Ultimately he has to be ready to want to change.I find it kind of funny that

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-24018616346188046902010-01-15T02:08:00.003Z2010-01-15T02:52:55.982Z

I subscribe to a local blog that tells all the latest news: from Panda Sex Watch (some other good news would be a pregnant panda) to DC Council brouhaha. But a headline about "massage parlors" being closed down caught my eye. That is excellent news. Recently the DC Massage Board was able to restrict use of the term massage to licensed therapists only. And we fought to keep the right to have home

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-76961391508066770672010-01-14T18:22:00.002Z2010-01-14T18:29:55.830Z

(Well, the best thing other than my son, of course.)I did not expect to have a cesarean section. I was not prepared for it when I went into labor 3 weeks early with a baby in a transverse lie. I was still not wholly prepared for it when I went into the hospital and they tried to turn him with an external version. And it still didn't really sink in when I was being prepped for the OR. But it

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-68046639546630641262010-01-13T01:22:00.000Z2010-01-14T02:40:23.153Z

Recently a trial began in Florida documenting the case of a woman who was put on court-ordered bed rest when she refused to comply with her doctor's orders. She was then ordered to undergo a cesarean section when the fetus became distressed. The outcome was that the fetus died in utero. She, along with the ACLU, filed a motion to sue the state of Florida because they felt it overstepped their

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-23968489475230846252010-01-12T02:16:00.000Z2010-01-13T03:03:57.811Z

The number one reason people don't get massage is money. They are often seen as an expensive luxury. But it is really an investment in your own health. But how do you get the most for your money? Where do you go to get a good massage without wasting your money?Until recently you had pretty much two choices: therapist-owned practice and spas. But now larger therapist-owned massage groups (solo

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-75017585941352740382010-01-11T13:34:00.000Z2010-01-12T01:48:55.516Z

The issue of gay marriage has been a particularly hot button issue in the last few years. The religious right revile it; the liberal left endorse it. And all of the rest fall somewhere in between. Countless studies are always touted when discussing the benefits of marriage: make more money, live longer, etc, etc. But how many of those studies have included an in depth look at functioning, healthy

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-37094345835728408292010-01-10T23:02:00.002Z2010-01-10T23:10:13.121Z

While we didn't have everyone who reserved a ticket attend, we still had a very good turnout. And the best part was that the majority of the people who attended were expectant mothers and their partners. The discussion and questions afterwards were engaging and promising. I love when a mother asks, "So if I wanted to change to a more supportive provider..." And I think we found the perfect

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-46251915800796290682010-01-09T16:52:00.003Z2010-01-09T17:05:22.370Z

This Sunday will be the "No Pants Metro Ride 2010". While I admire their spirit, no thanks. Besides the fact that it will be freezing cold this Sunday, I cannot imagine that will be a pretty sight. I like my Metro riders with pants on, thanks. But I do like that events like this (and the World Naked Bike Ride) happen. I shows that there is still a little silliness in the world, especially in such

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-20306948233368966902010-01-08T15:45:00.000Z2010-01-09T16:43:39.955Z

Lately craniosacral therapy has been on my mind. I have seen several questions about it on various holistic health boards. My sister-in-law asked me about it after her son received a treatment. She was interested in my professional opinion since the session was a new experience for her and her son. And I have also been on the lookout for a good practitioner for myself. I first learned about

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-29127336683056270992010-01-07T02:19:00.000Z2010-01-08T02:42:14.063Z

My husband is a fluent Cantonese speaker. Both of his parents came here from Southern China and speak it almost exclusively. I, do not. But as my mother-in-law is coming down for an extended stay soon, I would like to learn a few phrases. Good luck, eh? Cantonese (like all other Chinese dialects) is notoriously hard to learn. And my husband is not the most patient of teachers. I have a

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-64255766667826827912010-01-06T15:30:00.002Z2010-01-06T15:48:31.876Z

I am not feeling well today, just a little tired, achy and annoyed, so I am trying not to over do it today. And I am trying not to just post a "best of" post today. I will probably do that eventually because I have some posts in mind that I really love, but it seems kind of like throwing in the towel to post one on Day 6 of a 31 day challenge. So what do I do when I am not feeling my best? Well,

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-83556969112368084922010-01-05T02:09:00.000Z2010-01-06T14:38:19.093Z

I have a secret I generally do not tell people. I love playing video games. I am partial to the RPG genre (not like online community RPGs where I pretend to be a elf or what-have-you), but I have branched out to other kinds before. I have been very loyal to Final Fantasy and Zelda over the years. I even still play, every now and again.It all started when I was little. I lived in a

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-26134094167988846162010-01-04T18:09:00.003Z2010-01-04T18:19:08.419Z

I am having kind of a contemplative day today. I have been thinking about the past and all that I have done in that past. And I cannot say I have a whole lot of regrets. I like where my life is at right now. I could ask for more, certainly, but I am happy with what I have as well. (Well, I could ask for less debt; that would be nice)But one thing I think everyone can regret is treating

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-69256195677211629182010-01-03T02:20:00.002Z2010-01-03T16:21:53.896Z

This post today is about women and the military. It is a relatively new scenario to have women participate in active combat. Everyone involved are still working out the kinks, to a mixed bag of results. The military in general has always emphasized being your "best" and working as a team. But what is the "best" for women is not always what is "best" for men. And new considerations have to be made

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-77390381608138292982010-01-02T17:59:00.004Z2010-01-03T01:30:30.458Z

So I just enrolled my son in a local soccer league for the Spring. I never played soccer as a child. My oldest sister joined a league once and had a lot of fun with it. But unfortunately by the time it got to me my mother had run out of something: patience, money, I am not sure. It was my husband's idea, really, to enroll our son. I am still on the fence about 4 year old kids and sports.One of

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-30294649133363626472010-01-01T01:45:00.000Z2010-01-03T16:22:16.013Z

I have tried it before with varying success. This month I need something to focus on as I am particularly distracted. So this month's topic is "Best". It is a pretty broad category and pretty subjective. I find that we are, as a society, always concerned with the "best". We go somewhere we want the "best" value. We are bombarded with magazines trying to sell us the "best" advice on everything

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-18931488949142466642009-12-28T21:45:00.002Z2009-12-28T22:03:04.117Z

As many of us follow the process of the health care overhaul it is important to note that the Stupak-Pitts in the House and Nelson in the Senate amendments have set a tone that does not necessarily represent the needs or wants of the American citizens. And whether you are pro-choice or pro-life these amendments should be looked at as a loss for women. They set a dangerous precedent for limiting

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-24134781775567912342009-12-18T03:53:00.002Z2009-12-18T04:01:13.051Z

I found this while looking through the blogs I read. It is a link to a slide show presentation regarding skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding and neural connections. This is not an entirely new topic to me. It is one I promote (except due to my audience I give only a light dose of breastfeeding talk) in my infant massage class and prenatal yoga classes. I talk about how massage speeds myelination,

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-58839091006523161292009-12-16T02:54:00.002Z2009-12-16T03:10:10.689Z

My son is only 4 and a relatively recent 4 at that. As such he is just now becoming interested in preparing for Christmas. He pours over the toy circulars looking for his ideal gift. He asks well-thought out questions about the logistics of Santa. He eyeballs the gift sent early from Grandpa under the tree. And I shudder when I think of what is to come.I have a great son. He is overall a pretty

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-70481531416300674692009-12-11T15:50:00.002Z2009-12-11T15:56:45.251Z

I have not blogged in a long time (almost a month to be exact) and I have nothing but laziness to blame. I have sat down, started posts and then said, "Meh" and never completed them. Maybe it is the holiday malaise and I do not want to overwhelm myself with the fact that I could care less that it is Christmas in 14 days but feel I probably should or just plain old laziness. Regardless I need

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-15823766896811457362009-11-19T17:34:00.001Z2009-11-19T17:34:40.985Z

ICAN of DC is pleased to present a free showing of the film, "It's My Body, My Baby, My Birth" on Sunday December 20, 2009 at 3:00pm at the Marting Luther King Jr Library (901 G St NW Washington DC) in room A-9. This excellent film tells the story of 7 mothers and their journey to natural childbirth. The schedule will be as follows:3:00pm: Welcome3:15pm-3:45pm: Film4:00pm-4:30pm:

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-84793791749450296222009-11-05T17:58:00.003Z2009-11-05T18:19:10.861Z

I have tried to write a smoking post for some time now. I am not a fan of smoking or the cigarette industry. It is something I do not have any understanding of, nor do I want to. Now that is not to say I have not smoked the occasional clove cigarette or Nat Sherman Mint in my young adulthood, but it is not something I look back on fondly, especially not the cloves, ouch!I have never understood

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-64824240023513518302009-11-03T01:42:00.001Z2009-11-03T01:44:23.016Z

November Workshops:All workshops are held at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, 320 G St NE. All workshops require pre-registration.Massage and Yoga for BabyNovember 15, 200911:00am-12:00pm$35.00 per familyInfant massage is a timeless tradition practiced by many cultures throughout the world. Come learn a routine to help soothe and bond with your infant. Infants must be at least 1 month old to

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-3156589352770834052009-10-22T17:47:00.002+01:002009-10-22T18:02:14.417+01:00

When I first became interested in fertility work, I never really gave egg donation a thought. Well, if I did I maybe thought, "Oh how lucky for those couples to have such a good resource." But then as I did more research, I became much more mixed about my opinion on egg donation. I had seen the ads in local newspapers requesting donors. The promise of $5,000.00 or more for a donor, etc to

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-34043659708274328092009-10-19T17:57:00.002+01:002009-10-19T18:09:56.125+01:00

Today I went to what I thought was to be a talk led by two moms about infant nutrition. I went into it with relatively open eyes as I knew that most people's ideas of nutrition in general do not mesh with mine. What I did not know, until a day before, was that the event was sponsored by Mead Johnson, a subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb and the maker of Enfamil. So perhaps you can guess that

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-1576635484819134682009-10-15T15:53:00.003+01:002009-10-15T16:10:23.596+01:00

I live in Washington DC. No really, in DC. Many people who say they live in the DC area could live quite far from the city itself. And because I live in the city I am able to enjoy all of the perks. I can walk to public transportation without much effort. I can walk to many of the free museums and attractions that DC has to offer. And I enjoy another benefit: many hospitals to choose from.I

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-17575814121890686062009-10-13T16:51:00.002+01:002009-10-13T17:14:21.671+01:00

I have said it before, I love what I do. I get to work with people to make their lives healthier and whole. I also get a pretty good work-out in the process. But lately, my practice has been suffering. I had to cancel a prenatal yoga class due to lack of attendance for the first time. I am not seeing as many prenatal clients as I used to. My workshops are not as in demand. I am sure some

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-51307573053706302922009-10-08T15:59:00.002+01:002009-10-08T16:12:13.572+01:00

The other day I was talking to another mother. She has had all three of her children at home. In a discussion about homebirth and VBAC she said, "Well, if you had told me you were going to birth in the hospital I would have been supportive to your face while thinking 'good luck' in my mind." I was kind of disappointed in a way by this mindset. I think it is along the same lines as someone saying,

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-26077664515251720772009-10-01T15:23:00.002+01:002009-10-01T15:33:52.584+01:00

The American College of Nurse-Midwives celebrates October 4-10, 2009 as National Midwifery Week. This is an excellent opportunity to spread the word about the Midwifery Model of Care. Now there has been some bad blood between the CNM and CPM community this year, but perhaps this week they can bury the hatchet and celebrate midwives of all stripes. Because midwives offer such vital care to

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-82032526907920612422009-09-28T15:23:00.002+01:002009-09-28T15:35:00.746+01:00

When I had my son, my husband and I decided that I would stay home. We knew eventually I would go back to work for myself and that building a business was the main goal. I have made a slow start to starting my business. I am sure I could have been more aggressive, but I also felt it was important to be with my son. Now that he is in school full-time, I have made more of an effort to make my

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-88778505245650801022009-09-25T17:23:00.002+01:002009-09-25T17:41:37.904+01:00

The topic of bullies has been a recurrent theme in my life. I am on the smaller side, do I was an easy target as a kid. Plus I have the built-in bonus of having red hair so that ups the ante. I am sure I have bullied people as well (I can think of one specific incident and Kyle Lennox, I apologize), so I may have been just perpetuating a particularly nasty facet of human nature. It is just

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-19499136382347954922009-09-22T16:24:00.003+01:002009-09-22T16:37:21.362+01:00

There was an article in the Washington Times recently about two homebirthing families here in the District. Overall it was a relatively positive article. It had the obligatory comment from Erin Tracy about how homebirth is dangerous because "Sometimes a low-risk pregnancy can turn into a high-risk situation in very little time," Well, sometimes a low-risk pregnancy turns south in the hospital

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-88175658969128621512009-09-12T17:21:00.002+01:002009-09-16T15:06:54.624+01:00

There is always much excitement when the announcement goes out about press for midwifery and, more specifically, homebirth. But it is often anticlimactic. Our hopes become dashed by biased journalism that favors the medical model. Such was the case with the recent Today show segment about "The Perils of Midwifery(Homebirth)". It was a disgraceful segment that showed nothing about the true

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-47674415856187047792009-09-11T18:03:00.001+01:002009-09-11T18:16:07.762+01:00

I have seen many clients recently who have a serious problem with forward head carriage. This means that as they are standing their head is in front of their body. This causes a good deal of discomfort as the head is quite heavy and the muscles holding it up were not designed to hold it at such an angle. But more important to me than "how can I help these clients" is "why is there such a

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-77640600245370927202009-09-10T16:11:00.003+01:002009-09-10T16:24:15.201+01:00

As a massage therapist I try to be conscious of my appearance when I am working with a client. Not in a superficial way, but I like to put my best face forward. And for me one of the most important things I can do is keep short, well-trimmed nails and not wear any jewelry on my wrists and hands. I cringe when I see an ad or another therapist wearing a watch or rings or sporting long, polished

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2427695862111359721.post-71124013507778492862009-09-09T17:18:00.000+01:002009-09-09T17:18:00.657+01:00

I stumbled across an article titled "You Should Be Grateful" by Gretchen Humphries of ICAN. With the exclusion of the personal details regarding her birth, I could have written this about my own experience. It is difficult to put into words, but it is not helpful when someone tries to justify your experience for you. And quite often, you are so overwhelmed with the "newness" of everything that

jbrownlmthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09684522986051555723noreply@blogger.com0