LaborLooks

Birthday Break

2012-01-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

I may or may not be taking a break from blogging next week. You see, it is my birthday tomorrow, but my husband let me open my present this morning....To say I am obsessed would be an understatement.

Adios. I will be up all night I am sure.

Image via google images

Fashion Friday: Designs by Alix

2012-01-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

Searching through Facebook and Etsy I came across this beauty. A local to the Napa Valley, Designs by Alix are a step up on your normal wipes case. This case holds your changing pad and your diaper and is amazingly adorable. Image from HERE

Check out her ETSY shop HERE

She just added some great new items that I am excited to see more pictures of. Go take a look and tell me what you love. If we spark enough interest we might have to work on a giveaway.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

KidSteals.com

2012-01-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

Did you check out Kidsteals.com today??

The I Like Book

55% off

Seriously a steal. Ashley already has these for her kids and I just picked up a pink and a purple one for my girls.

Check it out HERE

and the I LIKE BOOK website

Image from Kidsteals.com

Survey

2012-01-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

Did you miss our Survey??

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MJ2DQSY

The contest giving away a free gown is over with, but we would still love you to fill out a survey to help improve Laborlooks!!

Fashion Friday: Loading

2012-01-20T06:19:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of the website www.thinkgeek.com ??

Me neither... until I saw this hilarious maternity shirt. HERE
http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/womens/bc2c/?srp=1&cpg=cj&ref=&CJURL=&CJID=2617611

My husband starting searching through all the onesies... thinking about the day he will have a son to "geek out"

Gifts for providers

2012-01-17T19:33:00.000-08:00

Today I received a potted flower of hyacinths from a patient of mine. I helped to deliver her baby over a month ago. They are gorgeous and smell amazing and it was really thoughtful of her. As I held her sweet newborn boy I was reminded of the precious gifts that are given to us on this earth.

I also wanted to touch on the topic of gifts for providers, nurses, or anyone else that may have taken care of you during your time of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and beyond.

The most obvious answer of what to give is food. When you are in the hospital those night shift nurses loved an evening pizza, or bagels in the wee hours of the morning. Cookies or brownies or a home made treat are amazing at any time of the day or night.

Remember, we are NOT expecting these gifts. These gifts are unexpected and sweet and while, yes, it is our job and we will take care of you no matter if you bring us gifts of not, it is such a highlight to our day/shift/ week if someone does recognize that we provided great care.

Not in the situation to bring a gift? Write a simple note and leave it behind. Most hospitals have a program in place where they recognize nurses who have been praised by patients. It is an amazing thing to see a sweet note- it lasts longer than cookies.

What suggestions do you have for a thank you gift for someone who treated you well?

Special Guest Sunday: Nursing Wild Animals

2012-01-15T07:23:00.000-08:00

Jessica at the Leaky Boob HERE posted a video recently of wild animals nursing. It makes me laugh as I tried to compare the way I used to feel when I breastfed with my wild little ones. Enjoy!

Trusting Tuesday: Dinner Time

2012-01-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

How do you deal with dinner time?

Tonight my daughter sat at the table for 1 hour and 25 minutes.

She wouldn't eat. It was potatoes, eggs, cheese, and a tortilla.
I need ideas and help and suggestions! I feel like I have tried them all, but I am sure I haven't.

Mommy Monday: Hiking

2012-01-09T19:07:00.001-08:00

I enjoy doing things outdoors. I especially love Phoenix for that reason. I can do things outdoors for so many months of the year.

I am trying to instill my love of the outdoors with my children. Being a mom we have so many goals and hopes and dreams for our children, but they have minds of their own.

But for now I will take the time to take them hiking.

This picture is from this weekend when I took them and a couple friend's hiking in Tucson. The weather was amazing.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

We started out our New Year with a Bang!

Yes, it was 80 degrees here in Phoenix, Arizona today.
Instead of cleaning the house like we should have (notice picture background- laundry, Christmas, toys, etc.) we decided to celebrate and go swimming!

Swimsuit from SnapMe Swimwear!

Birth Story Of Hazel

2011-12-29T20:59:00.000-08:00

Here is the birth story from my little sister...

The Birth Story

DISCLAIMER: LONG and detailed and from the best of my memory
Thursday Dec 16th was my last doctors apt and my cervix was completely closed.. my sister arrived on saturday the 18th and we started doing all kinds of crazy things to get my labor started.. jalapenos, hula-hooping, crab walking, hiking, up and down the stairs, scrubbing the floor..i had pretty regular contractions that saturday night but nothing real- she then checked me on monday morning and i was dilated to a 2.5. she strippped my membranes on monday and that started some bad contractions that evening but again nothing regular. so at that point i was over trying to do anything i could- i mean nothing i had tried had worked besides i think people just tell others the very last thing they did before they went into labor and blame it on that! so It all REALLY started on wednesday night december 21st. My mom and I went to go hang out with my sister at her house. I was sitting on her living room floor doing some butterfly stretches when all of a suddden I felt like i wet my pants.. i had not wet my pants the entire pregnancy so i thought this was super weird.. so i ran to the bathroom and kinda was freaking out.. uhhhh britt, ash, someone come here... so they both ran in the bathroom and there was this green fluid all over my underwear... "what is it?!" both britt and ash started screaming and jumping and very excited and then told me it was my water with thin meconium in it. This was at 9:25 PM- we needed to go to the hospital right then. I called Jason (he was at my house with my dad) and told him my water broke and he needed to get my hospital bag and go with my dad and meet us at the hospital. On our drive down to Kaiser in Vallejo, ash called down and they were super busy(but they saved me a room)! we got there and i got all hooked up to the monitors and then they needed to start my IV.. but i was very swollen. It was AWFUL- 3 different people had to try and finally on the 4th try they got an IV in.
my battle wounds
They started antibiotics and let me chose whether i wanted to try to let contractions start on their own or start pitocin right away. we decided to try to let contractions start and maybe get some sleep but start pitocin in the morning. i slept on and off from 12-430 and no contractions were starting so we started pitocin at 5 am. i didn't feel any regular contractions until about 6 am. slowly they started to get more and more painful. i tried and tried to breath through them but by about 7 there was no way and i was in tears through everyone. i called the nurse and she told me to try to wait longer. so i called my dad- he came in and told me there is no point in waiting if i wanted an epidural. so he checked and i was still 2.5 cm dilated but called to get the anesthesiologist. they were on shift change but as soon as they could they would come give me and epidural. in the mean time the nurse gave me some IV fentanyl but right before i got up one last time to go to the bathroom- the fentanyl helped some but made me feel so loopy and out of it. Finally by about 8 am they started to get ready for my epidural- everyone had to leave the room but I had this wonderful nurse who held my hand and talked me through it all. The anesthesiologist was amazing. I did not feel a thing and it she got it in right away. I was expecting this immediate relief from the pain of contractions but then she said she hadn't given me the loading dose yet.... she then gave me the dose but told me it would take about 5 contractions for me to really feel relief. those were the longest 5 contractions ever. finally i was feeling great by about 8:30 and then they placed my catheter and checked me again and i was at a 4. everyone came back in and decided that my dad would head back to work and my sister would go to her apt she had. they left and i was able to fall asleep. Ashley arrived at the hospital at about 9:45 and saw that baby girl was having some decels. I was waking up at this point and she went to find a nurse to check me. the nurse came in and said "well (long pause) you are 100% effaced and about a 8, no a 9. yep a 9." that had happened a lot quicker than anyone had expected. ashley quickly called my dad and sister to get back asap. They hurried and got back to the hospital by about 10:45. by this time i was complete and just waiting. i started slowly pushing about 11:15 then about 11:30 i really started pushing- while i was pushing her heart rate kept dropping- everyone looked worried but whenever i would ask everyone would tell me nothing was wrong (until after when my dad admitted that he was a little nervous) i think about 11:45 my dad had to use the vacuum. he vacuumed her a couple of times and then she was born at 11:57! They had previously warned me that since there was meconium in my water they may have to take her right away if she didn't start crying so they could prevent her from swallowing meconium- well my little girl started squealing right away . They immediately placed her on my chest skin to skin. It was the most amazing experience to have my sweet baby Hazel right there with me on the outside they dried her off and put blankets over us all while she kept pooping so they continued to clean her up while Jason and I enjoyed and cried and cried.. That moment didn't seem to last long enough. I delivered the placenta and got a few stitches. I didn't tear in the front or back but to the side(?) i kept asking what degree of a tear but apparently it is no degree when you tear like that(? i'm still confused about it all haha) and then my umbilical cord was crazy weird. check out THIS post about it- SO crazy! the body is truly AMAZING. Then my sisters helped her latch for a little and then I just got to snuggle and kiss her they did her assessment all while she stayed right on my chest. An hour or two later Ashley was able to give her her first bath and did her footprints! They then gave her vitamin k hep b and aquamephyton eye drops and then she got passed around. Then I was moved to a post partum room about 3. We were discharged the next morning about 11 am. Hazel is now a week old and we are adjusting as well as we can. As much as my breasts have been so sore it is such a fun bonding time to be able to be breast feeding. We have our first pediatrician appointment next thursday and then head back home a few days after that. It is so much fun to see Jason with Hazel. He watches her like a hawk. he always wants to hold her and always wants to make sure he watches everyone who is holding her. It is so sweet

Umbilical Cord Variation

2011-12-26T18:55:00.001-08:00

I didn't really know how to title this post. I try to usually keep my posts light and fun as in the Laborlooks fashion, but occasionally I let my Certified Nurse Midwife side slip out.

Here is a picture I took with my cell phone of my sister's umbilical cord and placenta (with her permission).

A normal umbilical cord has 2 arteries and 1 vein. It is then covered in a substance called Wharton's Jelly. This jelly is like a cushion, it protects the vein and arteries from being compressed and stopping the blood to and from the baby. This is one of the biggest protective mechanism for these babies who have their cords around their neck, knots in their cords, or even if the cord pulls really tight when the babies are delivering. This jelly saves lives.

With that being said I hope there isn't ever a substance named "brittani's jelly," cause then you would all just think people were talking about my butt or my arm fat or something like that.

Back to the umbilical cord... This segment that is being held up by my dad is about a 2 inch section where one of the umbilical arteries merged off of the cord and created a small amount of Wharton's Jelly to protect it. After about 2 inches it merged its way back to the main section of the cord and the rest of the cord looked perfect. During my sister's labor there was meconium in the amniotic fluid (often a sign of stress on the baby) and her baby had some decelerations of the heart rate (also a sign of stress on the baby). Both of these things may have been caused by her umbilical cord and the artery not having all of the protection it needed from the Wharton's Jelly.

Is this a picture for a text book? Have you ever heard or seen this? I hadn't seen it until now.

I texted this picture to a few of my midwife friends and colleages (with permission of course!!) and I had an overwhelming response that they hadn't ever seen this either.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T15:46:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Laborlooks and my silly candy-cane sticky faced girls.

Baby Hazel

2011-12-22T15:55:00.000-08:00

Pictures soon to come, but we would like to welcome our newest niece.

Hazel Cathleen was born this morning at 11:57am.

7lbs 5oz

20 inches long

Congratulations to Devyn and Jason. We are so over the moon for you!

Work, work, work and then play!

2011-12-20T21:22:00.001-08:00

So I often forget that my sister has a full time job, a per diem job, the business to run, and is a mom. Whew. So this week she is working her first 3 shifts and then starting tomorrow evening we can finally sit down and work on Laborlooks stuff.

In the meantime I have spent a lot of time working on family pictures with the grandkids, baking Christmas goodies, building sand castles, and savoring every moment with my pregnant baby sister who is due to give birth any time now.

Enjoy the moments!

Working Week

2011-12-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

Next week I will be at "home base" of laborlooks. Spending time with my sister for some major planning sessions on how to bring you all the best products at the best prices. Trust me, we are constantly in motion, but things flow so much better when we are together in the same location.

Next week I will also be watching and waiting patiently to meet my soon to be born niece. I am not sure how she will do with so many aunties and grandmas around for the holidays. She will probably never be set down.

I Can't Help It....

2011-12-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

We have been getting so many gorgeous pictures of our Laborlooks moms that I can't help but share them!!Baby Hope is so lucky to have you as her Mama!

Congratulations Kacie, your girls are every bit as beautiful as you are.

Welcome Isla

2011-12-13T05:50:00.000-08:00

My little sister is days away from being a perfectly content mother, just like this sweet mom and her new little one, Isla.

Send us your photos to ashley@laborlooks.com

Mommy Monday: Poop

2011-12-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

I thought by the time I had 2 preschool age GIRLS I wouldn't have to worry about potty talk and poop conversations.

I thought that was only for boys.

I haven't had someone pooping in diapers for a year.

So why is my 31 month old daughter so obsessed with poop?

Here is what I deal with on a daily basis:

"Mom, can I talk about poop?" "Not right now Cara."

"Mom, can I talk about poop in my room?" "Sure Cara, go into your room and talk about poop." She then proceeds to run to her room giggling and sings "poop poop poop" to the tune of Jingle bells. Laughing and smiling the entire time.

"Mom, can I talk about poop in the car?" and before I answer she starts saying, "poopy poopy poop-y" and my almost 5 year old says, "STOP IT CARA, you are hurting my feelings by talking about poop." so when does talking about poop hurt feelings?

She constantly singsongs about going poop. When she goes to the bathroom she is giddy with excitement, saying "here comes the poop" and "buh bye poopy!" and "oh there is so much poopy!" She reads books while she is sitting on the toilet and she babbles and pretends the read them and they all have the dominant theme of poop when she "reads" her books.

She is learning knock knock jokes and every joke she tells she ends with the word poop. If I reprimand her she says, "mom, it is just a poop joke."

can you believe this scrunchie face child is obsessed with poop?

So my husband and I have tried to sit down and talk with her about her poop obsession. We are trying to give it time and trying to ignore her when she talks about poop, but it is hard to ignore when her older sister is around.

So, all you parenting experts and psychologists out there. What is the deal?

This was our child who we potty trained at 19 months because she had some poop not staying in her diaper issues and she never had a poop accident after that.

Is she stuck in some Freudian stage?

Or do I just need to laugh and know that it will eventually pass??

Special Guest Sunday: Push Packs Giveaway!

2011-12-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

SMALL BATCH STUDIO
Small Batch Studios was founded by Laura Magu, a mother of three small girls who loves to create and sell things that other people love as much as she does. Laura created the Push Pack after the birth of her first daughter when she realized there wasn't a complete list of things that moms really wanted with them in the hospital for the time surrounding the birth of their babies. After giving the Push Pack as baby shower gifts, and using it twice herself, Laura realized new moms and busy moms need the Push Pack and began her business.

Included in your push pack: EO lavender scented shampoo, conditioner, bath gel. Lotion. Bath sponge. Make up / eye make up remover. Razor & shaving cream. Deodorant. Comb & Hair bands. Toothbrush & toothpaste. A & D ointment & breast pads. Lip balm. Disposable underwear. Do-Good reflexology socks. Maxi pads. Playing cards. Hand-made (by me) thank you cards - assorted "baby" designs. Notepad & pen. Lollipop & gum, Assorted snacks.
So here is the giveaway!!

Small Batch Studio

Ok fans!! Like, share & win!! Small Batch Studio & Labor Looks - what a great pair!!

LaborLooks has teamed up with Small Batch Studio and is giving away a LaborLooks Gown & Push Pack (the perfect gift combo for an expecting mom) … since it is the season of giving, this is how it works…

“Like” LaborLooks
“Like” Small Batch Studio
Write a short wall post (on either LL or SMS fb page) telling us the name of the expectant mom you are nominating for the gift set.

For every 10 likes on your post you will be given one entry into the giveaway… Winner will be randomly selected on Monday, Dec 12th at 6:00 pm.
The expectant Mom will win a LaborLooks Gown & Push Pack and YOU will win a $25 Target Gift Card… HAVE FUN! Thanks for sharing with your friends. We love how much our fans have helped us grow! Happy Holidays.

Enter HERE

http://www.facebook.com/laborlooks

Spokesmoms Giveaway

2011-12-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

Remember when we auditioned for the reality TV show produced in part by Spokesmoms?

You do? We do too!

Even though we didn't make it we had such an amazing experience with them.

Check them out and win yourself a free Laborlooks gown!!

Handmade Holidays

2011-12-05T18:22:00.000-08:00

Are you working on any handmade holiday gifts this year?

My husband is making a stable for my daughter. I will post pictures and update throughout the process.

What are you doing?

Napa Valley Register Article

2011-11-30T18:10:00.000-08:00

http://napavalleyregister.com/business/entrepreneur-nurse-adds-style-to-hospital-stays/article_e8b03b44-1af3-11e1-822e-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story

Entrepreneur nurse adds style to hospital stays

MICHAL NISSENSON | Posted: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 9:45 pm | (2) Comments

Font Size:: Default font size; Larger font size

WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 02, 2011 - NAPA, CA - LaborLooks maternity hospital gowns created by Napan Ashley Stabile and her sister Brittany Hamilton. J.L. Sousa/Register

“It has been a real family project,” Napa native Ashley Stabile said of her company, LaborLooks.

Stabile, a labor and delivery nurse, started her business three years ago at her parents’ home. She sat with her sister, nurse and midwife Brittani Hamilton, and their father, ob-gyn Dr. Michael Wagner, and designed the first prototype for a stylish maternity and delivery hospital gown. Today, those gowns are sold in the U.S., Canada and New Zealand.

LaborLooks’ maternity and delivery hospital gowns are made of 100 percent cotton and offer full side snaps and a side tie, allowing full emergency access while leaving the back of the patient well-covered, unlike regular hospital gowns. Much more fashionable than standard-issue hospital gowns, they come in cheerful colors that can be matched for the baby’s gender if desired.

Stabile, a labor and delivery nurse at Queen of the Valley Medical Center and at Kaiser Permanente, got the idea after working with expectant mothers who wanted to feel more comfortable.

“The idea for LaborLooks came in the first month I was working at Queen of the Valley,” she said. “I had several patients who wanted to wear their own clothes, but it wasn’t practical and they had to change.”

Stabile explained that in order for a gown to be suitable for hospital use, it has to have full snaps and tie in the back. She did some online research with her husband, Ron Stabile, to find out if any such hospital gowns were available and found only one company making them.

“Their gowns were very expensive, around $100, and it was mostly marketed to celebrities,” Stabile recalled. “I was happy to see the idea was out there, but wanted to make it more affordable so that more women can use it.”

After Stabile designed the first prototype with her sister and father, their mother made the first gown. The sisters and co-owners then contracted a manufacturer to make 200 gowns. Those gowns were sold through the company’s website and it took the sisters about a year to sell them. With no advertising budget, most of the marketing was done through social media.

Today, sales have improved significantly and the gowns are sold not only on the company’s website, but also in stores throughout the U.S., Canada and New Zealand. Social media remains a key marketing strategy, Stabile said.

After her friend suffered from a stroke, Stabile sent her a gown immediately to cheer her up. That inspired Stabile to expand the line of gowns that the company offers.

“We’re excited to expand our line to include other hospital patients,” she said.

Meanwhile, Stabile said she enjoys running LaborLooks. Her office desk is decorated with framed photos of happy mothers, holding their newborns proudly while wearing LaborLooks gowns. “One of my favorite things is receiving photos and emails from customers, sharing how much they enjoyed having our gowns for their labor and delivery.

“During our three years in business, we had the joy of seeing several repeat customers either ordering a new gown for a second delivery, or sending photos from more than one delivery wearing the same gown.”

There haven’t been any problems using the gowns in hospitals, customers report.

LaborLooks is a family business, with local orientation. The gowns are handmade in the Bay Area. The company’s professional photos are taken by a local photographer, Melinda Koen.

All the “models” on the website, catalogue and company’s website are local friends who had their babies while using the gowns. The gown styles themselves are named after family members and friends.

“We do all the packaging and shipping from our home,” Stabile said. “My brother-in-law designed our entire website and my husband does the orders fulfillment.”

LaborLooks, she said, “has been a project that brought our family together.”

OH Christmas Tree

2011-11-29T20:07:00.000-08:00

How many of you let your kids do most of the decorating of the Christmas Tree and then you go back later and rearrange it all?

Yup, I do that too.

Fashion Friday: Flip Flops and Socks

2011-11-25T07:08:00.000-08:00

I seriously went out on Wednesday night for my last minute brown sugar and bay leaves in my PJ bottoms, an apron, socks and flip flops.

I was hoping and praying that I wouldn't run into anyone I knew.

How silly was I to think that the neighborhood Safeway wouldn't have at least 1 person there that I knew. Yup. I was caught.

It was one of my dearest friend's husband. He took one look at me in the check out line and walked to another line to check out. Was he embarrassed to see me? Or maybe just the other line was shorter? Either way, next year I am totally sending my husband for those last minute things. She is way smarter than me.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

Oprah Winfrey

Prep for Black Friday

2011-11-23T12:22:00.001-08:00

*image found HERE at http://www.zazzle.com/official_black_friday_shopper_pink_mug-168072079126825084 Have I ever mentioned that I am a black Friday shopper? Not like the wait in line for 4 hours kind of black Friday shopper, but I love to go out and score great deals and buy things that I don't really need but have to have because they are on such great sale.

Yup thats me.

Where are you headed this year?
I am off to Kohls, Target and maybe Toys R Us.

Oh, then bath and body works, old navy and sephora.

But that is it.

Unless you know where to find a sale on a minifridge. The hubs wants one for his office.

Mommy Monday: Video Games

2011-11-21T18:39:00.001-08:00

How young is too young to play video games?

Here is my troop. They weren't very successful at Rock Band, but they did get some daddy bonding time while mommy finished up making dinner. This doesn't happen often, but when it does I like to smile and laugh.

Have you noticed that boys play more video games than girls?

Thankful Thursday: Holiday Annoucements

2011-11-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

First of all I want to say a quick HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the better part of Laborlooks: my sister ASHLEY! I hope you have a wonderful birthday and year to come.

Wouldn't this be a cute shirt to have at your Thanksgiving dinner?
Maybe next year for my family, but what about your family?

I found this shirt on etsy.com HERE
The shop is called SiblingSpecialtees

How cute is that??
I love personalized gifts. So fabulous.

Wild Wednesday: Breaking Dawn

2011-11-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

Image found HERE
Are you getting ready to go see Breaking Dawn tomorrow at mightnight?

I will be missing the midnight showing. Husband is out of town.

You can't really spoil it for me, since I have read the books- but what are you most excited to see?

Mommy Monday: Birth Story

2011-11-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

Remember when I posted about Running Mama's journey? HERE

She had her twins!

Read her c-section birth story of twins HERE

Special Guest Sunday: Boogie Wipes

2011-11-13T13:08:00.000-08:00

I am sure you have all heard of Boogie Wipes... right?

Well, maybe not our number one follower, our mother. BUT, all you other moms have heard about them, right?

Boogie wipes are pretty awesome. Made by moms, these are amazing little things to have handy.

Now that I have a 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 year old, I never buy diaper wipes and the girls don't want to have a diaper wipe brushed all over their face in order to get them clean. These Boogies Wipes are in small packages that easily fit in a purse (now that I ditched the diaper bag!) or in the car.

Some of the other fabulous products that the Boogie Moms have put out are new saline wipes for adults- so go check it out on their FACEBOOK page. Look at their website HERE and best of all, check out their blog: The Business of Being a Mom http://www.thebusinessofbeingamom.com/

Interested in being featured on our Special Guest Sunday? Email us at info@laborlooks.com

Funny Friday: After the Bath

2011-11-11T06:37:00.000-08:00

My funny Friday is that my daughter came out to me last night after her bath thinking she was so big and grown up with her towel wrapped around her hair like mommy. I can't imagine a smile getting bigger than this one. She was so proud.

Thankful Thursday: Rock Paper Scissors

2011-11-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

image via amazon.com and HERE

There are a lot of unpleasant chores around the house. Take for example last night. Last night we needed to get the kitchen floor mopped and the girls bathed. Sometimes bath time is hard and exhausting, but so is mopping the floor.

In order to make these tough decisions: trash or laundry? teeth brushed or feed the fish? diaper change or make lunches? make dinner or clean up dinner? etc. my husband and I have tried a lot of different tricks.

First of all we tried this little spinner game from a book we got at our baby shower some 5 years ago. It is hilarious and wonderful but I swear it is rigged. Obviously after it landed on mom 3 times in a row I threw it out of the room and we switched to good old fashion "rock, paper, scissors."

What do you do? Flip a coin? Predetermined chores? Switch back and forth? 1,2,3 not it?

Wild Wednesday: Cooling Temps

2011-11-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

Cooling temperatures in Phoenix mean I can FINALLY turn off my AC. FINALLY feel comfortable wearing socks (even better- my compression stockings!), finally eat soup for lunch, finally enjoy my salted caramel hot chocolate, and finally work out in my most comfortable long sleeve t-shirt in the mornings.

I went out for a brisk 3 mile jog this morning in my capri sweats and this shirt.

Thank you Arizona, this is why I love you.

Thank you shirt, because I am an advocate for peace.

I know that when a baby is born it can be one of the most peaceful thing on Earth.

You haven't experienced peace with birth? Then please please please meet a midwife. Talk with a doula, listen to hypnobirthing CDs, and stop watching the baby story on TLC. Even a c-section can be a peaceful birth if you are aware and consumed with the love and miracle of the new life being brought into the world.

Don't believe me?

Comment.

Final Giveaway Package: Cute Butts, FVL and LaborLooks

2011-11-08T02:13:00.001-08:00

Wow... what a fun week of giveaways ~ I loved all the interaction with our fans. We are thankful for you and the fact that you are celebrating 3 years of business with us...

Our final giveaway is a package and includes...

Ruffle Butts Bloomers or Rugged Butts Bloomers (you decide boy or girl and we decide the bloomer... these are so cute)

Jewelry item from Funky Vintage Lovely

LaborLooks Maternity Hospital Gown (not expecting?? this is sure to be the hit of the next baby shower you attend)

So... how do you win today's giveaway?!?
"like" LaborLooks (of course!)
"like" Ruffle Butts
"like" Funky Vintage Lovely

and ***post a picture of the cute little boy/girl that you want to dress up in a ruffle or rugged butt bloomer... or post a picture of that belly that you want to put a LaborLooks gown on.

We will be selecting two winners for our package today! The photo with the most "likes" is an automatic winner... we will randomly select another winner from all of the entries. Enjoy & remember that ruffle butt & rugged butt bloomers range from newborn to 3T ~ excited to see all of your pictures today!!!

Giveaway Day for MOM: Jewelry and Starbucks!

2011-11-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

Today's LaborLooks Anniversary Giveaway (Day 6 of 7) is being sponsored by Funky Vintage Lovely.

April Kennedy is the "mompreneur" behind Funky Vintage Lovely (a local Napa, CA business) ~ not only do we love April's Handmade Vintage-Inspired Boutique style items... we love all of the support April has given LaborLooks from the very beginning! April introduced us to Amy Butler fabrics and helped us with the design of our Cara and Addie gown... April also gave us "twitter" lessons and has helped us with our blog design and direction.

Today's giveaway is a surprise item from Funky Vintage Lovely and a $10 Starbucks gift card! Here is how to enter...http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

"like" LaborLooks on facebook
"like" Funky Vintage Lovely on facebook
Head on over to Funky Vintage Lovely's shop and leave a comment on our facebook contest post to let us know what your favorite item is... this is my favorite!!!

Another one of my favorite things about Funky Vintage Lovely... the bachelor/bachelorette recaps on the blog... hilarious!!!

Giveaway Day 5: Drool Monkey Organics

2011-11-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

Drool Monkey Organics is another one of the ten "mompreneur" companies to make the Spokesmom.com Born by Moms finals. To learn more about this Mom and company you should check out this video (her sweet baby boy was also part of the audition!)

We got to check out this product in person at the ABC Expo. It is so soft... from the Drool Monkey Organics website "Drool Monkey is a certified organic, heirloom-quality teething lovie that is also practical and versatile for mothers. While there are other lovies on the market there is nothing like Drool Monkey."

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Many of our kids have had some sort of lovie that they sleep with, hang on to, and hold when they are needing that extra sense of security. I would love to have an organic, SIMPLE, lovie that my next baby can hold on to. Nothing huge, gross, or filled with artificial things, because, in all reality, most of our homes are already FILLED with that crap!

So... how can you enter to win a Drool Monkey Organic Lovie??
"like" LaborLooks on facebook!
"like" Drool Monkey on facebook!
Leave a comment on our facebook contest post letting us know you entered!

**everyone that enters today will be given a bonus entry for tomorrow's giveaway combo!!!

Day 4 Giveaway: Boon Animal Bag!

2011-11-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Today's 3 year anniversary giveaway is from BOON - Innovative Modern Baby Products. Brittani and I have so many Boon favorites that it was difficult to decide what to feature as our giveaway. We love Boon's bath products and all of Boon's feeding gear but we eventually decided on the Boon Animal Bag...

From the Boon website...
"Where the Furry things go. The first five stuffed animals are cute. But when 100 are scattered like furry road kill all over your house, it's time to do something like tossing them into an Animal Bag that doubles as a snuggly seat. All those plush bears and bunnies will be totally accessible, and much more manageable."

Here is how to enter today's giveaway...
"Like" LaborLooks on facebook www.facebook.com/laborlooks
"Like" BoonInc on facebook www.facebook.com/booninc
Leave a message on our contest post letting us know you liked us both!

For 2 extra entries... Share our facebook contest post on your wall... leave us a separate message on our post to let us know you shared.

Now... I am going to bed. I had a long night at work and I'm headed back for more tonight. Happy Friday!!!

Giveaway Day 2: Sticky Bellies

2011-11-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

Call me crazy but I AM SOOOOO EXCITED ABOUT TODAY'S GIVEAWAY!!
Have you heard me talk about Sticky Bellies yet? Well... I have been in love with these since I first saw them... and after meeting Carly (mompreneur behind the company) I am even more excited about the company. She is passionate, energetic and been absolutely wonderful to us at LaborLooks! So what are Sticky Bellies?

"Sticky Bellies are removable stickers that help you photograph life's most important milestones with style and ease."
Look at some of these adorable photos!

Today, we will be giving away 2 sets of Sticky Bellies... The Gender Neutral 1-12 months & The Maternity 12-40 weeks.

So, how do you enter to win?
"Like" Sticky Bellies on facebook.
"Like" LaborLooks on facebook.
After you like us both... leave us a note on our facebook contest post to let us know if you want to be entered to win the Baby or Maternity Set of Sticky Bellies.

We also wanted to let you know that Carly made the finals for the Spokesmoms.com Born by Moms contest. We think her audition video is phenomenal... you should head over and check it out at SpokesMoms.com Good Luck Sticky Bellies!

3 Year Anniversary of LaborLooks: The I Like Book Giveaway

2011-11-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 3 year anniversary of LaborLooks... On November 1, 2008 our website was up and running... Cathy Wagner (aka MOM) placed our first online order and we (Ashley, Ron, Ethan, Brittani & Devyn) were in Chicago, IL at the American Baby Faire ~ take a look at this cute little guy (Ethan 4 years old)...

We went WAY overboard on our first trade show... spent way too much money... however, it was a great excuse to get all the sisters together, have some Chicago pizza and visit Erin (attending University of Chicago Law School).

I also associate the launch of LaborLooks with another exciting event... I had a "feeling" at the trade show but waited until the night we flew home to confirm. Yes, I was PREGNANT. Look at the family now (Ethan 7 years old, Addie 2 years old)

We are thrilled with the growth that LaborLooks (and our family!) has had over the past 3 years... we couldn't have done it without all of our family, friends and fans... We wanted to do something FUN to say THANK YOU for all of your support.

Today we begin the LaborLooks WEEK OF GIVEAWAYS. Our first giveaway is perfect for any family with kids... The I Like Book!

I picked up The I Like Book at the ABC Kids Expo in September... it may be my favorite purchase from the show... I LOVE it & my kids enjoy it. It is also set up easy for my husband to participate (he is not a big fan of writing.) You can get more info on their website but it is basically a journal where parent(s) can write daily "I Like..." notes to their child. Talk about positive parenting! There are also great places for kids to be involved throughout the book.

So... how do you win The I Like Book (color of your choice)?

"Like" the LaborLooks facebook page www.facebook.com/laborlooks

"Like" The I Like Book facebook page (leave them a comment... new fan from @laborlooks) www.facebook.com/theilikebook

Comment on our facebook contest post and let us know that you entered! Drawing will be held at 9 pm pacific time... We hope you will participate and good luck!!!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

Ryann Hamilton (4)

Cara Hamilton (2)

Ethan Stabile (7)

Addison Stabile (2)

Team Bright Pink: Chicago Marathon

2011-10-30T04:16:00.000-07:00

My sister Erin and sister-in-law Katie rock! They ran the Chicago Marathon this month. What an amazing accomplishment. My brother Cory also ran (this was his 3rd marathon). Not only was this a great personal accomplishment, it was for a great cause. They raised over $3000 for the organization BRIGHT PINK.

Check out this mission statement...

Bright Pink believes in the beauty and strength of women. It exists to enlighten and empower high risk individuals to take control of their breast and ovarian health by providing education, support and a sense of community for a better, brighter future.

Here is the facebook link for Bright Pink Go show your support.

Susan G Koman: 3 Day Walk

2011-10-29T08:06:00.001-07:00

Just a few months ago, I noticed on facebook that a friend, Keri Murdock, would be participating in the Susan G Koman for the Cure: 3-Day Walk... I enjoyed following her journey, as she posted about training, fundraising and finally the big event. I asked her to share a little about her experience...

"I decided to do the walk as a team with my family and friends. As I wrote my letter asking for donations, I realized that I was really walking in hopes that someday my children and grandchildren might not have to worry about losing anyone to breast cancer. My sister in law is a breast cancer survivor and I know others who are too. I trained hard for about 2 months...walking 5 - 8 miles as many days a week as I could. I raised $2,400 with the help of many friends, co-workers and family members. I reached my goal the day before the event began! I have to admit, it was really hard to walk 20 miles each day. We walked for about 8 hours each day. There were lots of pit stops, snack stops and of course a lunch stop on our route each day.

It was amazing. I met many survivors along the way, cheering us on as we walked. I met some who were still fighting their battle...I met many who had lost someone to breast cancer. It was heartbreaking at times. On the second day as we were walking we came across a young girl in her early 20's. She was holding a pink sign that read "Thank you for walking...my mom had surgery yesterday". I stopped and talked with her and found out that her mom was doing well and was coming home. That moment in itself made it all worth it for me. Knowing that one young woman still had her mom and hoping that many more would never have to worry about losing their mothers, sisters, grandmothers, etc. to breast cancer filled my heart."

Thank you for sharing your story with us! We are so impressed at what you accomplished... from the Susan G. Komen website...

"We’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures."

Fashion Friday: Stripes

2011-10-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of this maternity shirt from Target. It comes in a couple different colors. Is it just me or are navy blue and yellow really in this season?

Find it HERE

It comes in blue, grey, and yellow

Thankful Thursday: Fake Rings for Swollen Fingers

2011-10-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

At what point in your pregnancy did you ditch your wedding/engagement/promise ring for a fake one?

What? You didn't ditch your rings during pregnancy because of swollen fingers or weight gain or water weight? Ugh. seriously, super model prego lady alert. :)

Okay, so it is very common at any time during your pregnancy for your rings to get a little "snug" so when was it? Did you buy a ring to replace them? Did you get a fake one? Where did you find it?

I was just checking out some of the fabulous selections and here is what I found:

The traditional "I am going to pretend it is real" ring from Target HERE

The "I know it is not real, but I am pregnant so get over it" ring from Etsy:

Faux ring from etsy HERE

And the "there are no words to describe this ring" ring

HAHAH! HERE

Twammogram: Live Tweeting of Mammograms!!!

2011-10-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

Misha is a redheaded, Labor and Delivery RN that works with me on night shift. She is opinionated and not afraid to speak her mind **consider that your warning for those of you that may link up on facebook and twitter**

Misha is also a supporter of LaborLooks... she encouraged our expansion into plus sizes with a comment that went something like this,
"Ashley, your business is "size-ist" ~ you couldn't fit one of my boobs in your LaborLooks gown, let alone my entire body. When you make larger sizes, then I'll like your facebook page."
I just LOVED when Misha said this to me and a few months later after our plus size debut, Misha "liked" our facebook page.

Let me tell you about Twammogram... it is a brilliant idea to encourage women to get annual mammograms. From the Twammogram facebook page.

"Twammogram is a collective live-tweet of mammograms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It was started by Misha Niklewicz (@MishaRN) and Laura Methvi (@WeeLaura) on Twitter and Facebook. The point is to encourage ourselves and other women to make an appointment and go get our annual mammograms. Throughout the month of October, we'll be uploading & tweeting videos, photos and updates on the process of getting a mammogram. Doing it together and on Twitter makes it less scary and even a little fun. Join us in Twammogram & live-tweet your mammogram experience! Follow the hashtag #twammogram and follow us...

http://twitter.com/twammogram

...to become part of the Twammogram community and encourage yourself and other women to stay aware and healthy."

Show your support... connect with Twammogram on facebook today.

Trusting Tuesday: Self Breast Exams

2011-10-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

Where would we be if we didn't talk about self breast exams in the month of October?

As a certified nurse midwife I teach self breast exams every day to young and older women alike. I teach it to pregnant women, nursing mothers, menopausal women, and adolescents. I also do breast exams every day on my patients. I explain to them what I am feeling, how I am feeling it and what do we do from here.

*Thankfully* I have never found something that turned out to be breast cancer. yet.

Multiple biopsies, ultrasounds, and follow ups, but nothing yet.
But guess what? I need your help. As a practitioner I can't find everything. Mammograms can't find everything. Who knows your body the best? YOU DO! You are the one who is ultimately responsible for your body. You are the one who lives with yourself and your breasts every day. You are the one who has the ability to do a self breast exam monthly.

I don't care who says you should or shouldn't do self breast exams. If there was something wrong with my body I would want to be the one who finds it first, I don't want to rely blindly on something (mammogram) or someone (practitioner) who isn't able to compare my breasts to what they were last month.

So please, please, please, learn how to do a self breast exam, do your self breast exams, and if that little voice inside your head says something isn't right. Trust it. Get it checked out. Please.

Last minute reminder-- Enter PINK10 at checkout for a 10% discount coupon at www.laborlooks.com

VBAC x2, Laborlooks Mom x2

2011-10-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world sweet baby boy #3!!

We are so proud of your hard working mama who wore her laborlooks gown for a second birth and a second VBAC!

I know she is glad you are here too!

She's On Her Way

2011-10-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

I will post baby shower pictures soon, but look at these darling TOMS shoes that my soon to be niece Hazel will have no problem filling.

Especially cause mom has a matching pair!

Halloween Updates

2011-10-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

Halloween is just around the corner! What are your little ones going to be?

My mother in law found some cute costumes for my girls, but I remember growing up my mom ALWAYS made our costumes.

Things are no different today. Look what she came up with for my dad and she will be wearing one as well (hers is red!).
Wow. My mom really is a superstar.

Please post any links to costumes you have made or plan to make or wish you could make!!

Mommy Monday: Dinner Time

2011-10-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

I have been having a hard time getting my girls to eat their dinner.

Like, it takes us almost an hour to get them to eat.

We have to get them to eat or else they wake up multiple times in the middle of the night begging for food. When we say no, they cry and wake up the other one.

So I turned to my facebook friends: (thanks guys! Fabulous ideas!)

I don't get why eating dinner is the biggest fight of the day for my girls. I swear we have tried everything to get them to eat. It always ends in tears and us forcing them to eat. Not to mention it takes and hour to get them to eat all of their dinner. Any suggestions?

· · 2 hours ago via BlackBerry

- Emily Sometimes when kids help make the meal they are more into it???
  2 hours ago · · 1 person
- Kelli We set a timer on Lola. If the timer goes off and she hasn't eaten then she gets nothing to eat until the next day. Mean, I know!
  2 hours ago · · 1 person
- Diana Kelli - good idea! I'll have to remember that one! We're still in the picky eating wars too. Right now we're doing "2 bites of everything to get up from the table, and half of dinner to get dessert," but I know we could do a lot better.
  2 hours ago ·
- Laura I am fairly mean. Dinner is dinner, eat in a specific amount of time or go hungry. There is always a 'back up' meal if needed, a slice of toast. We use the back up when they need the nourishment. Now my kids eat what we give them and do it quickly. hehe
  2 hours ago ·
- Heather My best friend is going through the same battle with her two boys.
  2 hours ago ·
- Doreen I agree with Laura here we have only one small snack after school and thats it eat your dinner
  about an hour ago ·
- Courtney Try letting them be interactive in the making of the meal, serving etc. Even at a young age, kiddos know what they want and need. To an extent, yes, dinner is dinner, and they need to eat, but a lot of parents make the mistake of OVER feeding, help the kids make an appropriate size plate thats not intimidating. It also helps them have a sense of control, and encourages self decision making. And a HUGE thing to remember is that sometimes, we dont like things. Im not a fan of the "its on your plate, eat it" rule. We all have things we dont like, even as adults, and having to choke down a food you dislike is not going to help. Its worked so far, my 8 and 5 year old are huge fans of salads, swordfish (my sons fav), rice and stir fry veggies and all sorts of things. We save the mac and cheese for lazy days :)
  about an hour ago ·
- Shannon My mom always had us take two bites. If we didn't like it we could have a pb&j sandwhich...if we wouldn't eat at all then that was it. Bed and a bath. My uncle always says kids won't starve themselves? So?? I will probably ask you what worked when peytee gets there!
  about an hour ago ·
- Bonnie Right on Laura! They need to at least try everything, but if they won't eat what you know they like in the time that the rest of the family is eating, or are climbing down and around the table instead of eating, they should be removed to their room or somewhere out of sight of the rest of the family that's still eating, and their food put away until the next meal. Then bring it out again, reheat, and put it in front of the child until they eat. Shannon's right. Kids won't starve and they "get it" pretty quickly. My daughter was having a heck of a time with her 3 year old and it only took a couple of tries and she's eating like a champ. We do bribe a little with promise of dessert too... :)
  about an hour ago ·
- Debbie My Pediatrician said feed them what they will eat while they are young....their taste buds will grow. He also said....never make them eat everything on their plate....your forcing them to eat...which leads to overeating as they get older....but if you give them what they like and they still dont eat.....no snacks after the meal.
  about an hour ago ·
- Alison I go with the "eat or don't eat, it's your choice, but I'm not making anything else" approach. :) One hungry evening and they may rethink the battlelines.
  about an hour ago · · 1 person
- Kristin My rule (soft) is once they leave the table, the meal is over, which is fine. They'll just eat more the next meal. I agree that kids won't starve themselves. Just have to avoid the snacking later and hold out till the next meal or it won't work.
  about an hour ago ·
- Cory ‎3 meals a day. 7:35. 12:15 and 6:35. That's it. If he Dean doesn't eat he goes hungry.
  56 minutes ago · · 2 people
- Cory If he is late to the table he gets 1 ounce less per minute.
  56 minutes ago · · 2 people
- Alicia That's how my house is every night too
  29 minutes ago ·
- Karen Don't make them! No treats, etc... If they don't eat but a PBJ in the fridge OK!
  22 minutes ago ·

Prego Palooza

2011-10-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

I wish I would have had a chance to blog about this before Ashley went, but since I didn't I will show a little picture of what she was up to today.

Ashley spent some time today at PREGO PALOOZA in Santa Clara, CA. She met some wonderful moms to be and had an amazing time.
Can I go next year?

Do you have a local pregnant or mother bazaar or fair? Contact us at Ashley@laborlooks.com

http://pregopalooza.com/

MIA

2011-10-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry if we are missing in action this weekend...

Ashley is down in LA at a fabric exposition. She is trying to find some killer deals on amazing fabrics to bring back to Laborlooks.

I, on the other hand, am heading down to Tucson, Arizona for a work conference.

The title of the conference you ask?

Comprehensive Colposcopy.

Don't be jealous.

6:30am to 5:30 pm for 4 days straight.

Life doesn't get much better.

Well, actually it does, because my cute husband and two beautiful daughters will be coming to stay and play when I get off.

Thanks for the Blog Post

2011-10-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

Our sweet sister wrote a cute blog post about us :)
LaborLooks

I love LaborLooks. I have yet to USE a gown, but I did practice wearing it for a few hours and did i mention i LOVE the founders of the company... they are the best! oh and yes i did get to design this new Hazel gown and yes this is the one i can't wait to wear! I can't wait for that day, i wonder how it will all happen, maybe i can use my Hypnobirthing that i have been learning.

and you too can have that cute little button on the sidebar on your blog! click on it and get the code! or maybe even enter the latest GIVEAWAY to WIN ONE!! Did i mention that i NEED a corndog? Weird right, well since it's the middle of the night ill just wait it out until the morning and then ill see if i STILL need one!

Special Guest Sunday: Mommy and Me Giveaways

2011-10-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Do it. Click the button.

Why?

Because you could enter to win your very own Laborlooks gown!!

Find the direct link HERE

Giveaway Time!

2011-10-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year/week/day/minute for a giveaway!

Okay fine, we reached 1250 fans on Facebook and we were so excited we thought we would do a giveaway.

The giveaway is in honor of Steve Jobs and all the amazing wonderful things he did (seriously, where would angry birds be without the ipod or ipad?)

So... a $15 gift card to itunes or Apple! (you decide!)

Like the FACEBOOK post and then follow here on our blog for an extra entry.

Make sure you comment on this post that you are a follower so that we call count you for the giveaway.

Giveaway ends tomorrow evening.

Thankful Thursday: Pictures!

2011-10-06T07:20:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful when Mama's send us beautiful pictures of them and their sweet babies!This Mama is Liz from Pojo Fitness. Ever heard of it? Well, you have now. PLEASE check out her BLOG, and WEBSITE

This mom is awesome. I love her fitness blog and when talking with her I even found a connection! Her bestest friend from college is the photographer who took our very first photos for our beginning of Laborlooks back in 2008!

I love how moms are supporting moms who are supporting moms! A big thank you to all of you who support mom businesses!

Wild Wednesday: Obsessed much?

2011-10-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

This isn't even half of my daughter's My Little Pony collection.

She is out of control... our friends who drop off hand me down My Little Ponies are out of control.

I think they do it to make me crazy! (just kidding! I love you guys and Ryann loves you even more!)

Want a free My Little Pony? Send your kid over to my house and I will send them home with one.

I am not joking. Want my address? Text me.

You don't have my cell #? That's weird. Ryann must have deleted it from the post so that no one comes to take away her toys.

Meet me at church then. She is always toting at least 5 or 9 or 12. Take one then. She can't get mad, Jesus was all about sharing too. It will be a nice teaching moment.

C-sections on the rise

2011-10-04T19:23:00.001-07:00

I read a report today that estimates the c-section rate will soon hit 50%.

Yikes.

It also gives a list of ways that we can try to curb these rates. Check out this article HERE

October 4, 2011 | 9:30 AM | By Rachel Zimmerman

Will The C-Section Rate Soon Hit 50 Percent?

FILED UNDER: Medicine/Science, Personal Health, cesarean delivery, childbirth

MichaelEClarke/flickr

A doctor wonders how to stop the relentless rise in c-sections

Pretty much everyone agrees that the number of cesarean deliveries in the U.S. is too high: the rate has soared from 6% in the 1960s to 32% today.

In a recent editorial in the medical journalObstetrics and Gynecology, Deputy Editor Dr. John Queenan suggests that we have yet to reach the peak. “The rate is likely to exceed 50% very soon in the U.S.,” he writes. “How can we curtail this runaway increase in cesarean deliveries?”

What’s really troubling, says Queenan, Professor and Chair emeritus at Georgetown University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is that almost one-third of c-sections are for women who are having their first child, and that sets up a vicious cycle of future surgeries since vaginal births after cesareans (VBACs) are decreasing — some hospitals won’t even do them.

It didn’t used to be this way. In the past, c-sections required a prior consultation and full department review. Now, scheduled c-sections are often done at the patient’s request and vaginal delivery of breech babies “is no longer taught in many training programs,” he writes.

Of course, c-sections are safer now, but they are also more profitable for hospitals than normal, vaginal deliveries, and for doctors, they can be more efficient from a time-management perspective.

Nevertheless, if the numbers continue upward, Queenan says, “our profession will lose both credibility and the opportunity to determine our direction as third-party payers and the government will become involved.”

He offers a few suggestions to fix the problem:

1. A commitment from hospital obstetric departments to lower the c-section rate (this might also involve fewer labor inductions, which can also lead, inexorably, to surgical birth).

2. Better patient education so they are more fully aware of the risks and benefits of their choices.

3. Tort reform, so that ob/gyns don’t resort to c-sections as frequently “if any element of risk arises.”

4. Use more nurse midwives, whose “motivation to achieve vaginal delivery would be stronger.”

5. Provide equal compensation for vaginal and c-section births; compensate VBAC’s at a higher rate than normal delivery

6. Re-establish teaching and training for breech deliveries

Readers, childbirth experts, moms, do you have any other suggestions for this list?

Mommy Monday: Dress Yourself

2011-10-03T21:28:00.001-07:00

Is letting your children dress themselves helping them grow? It is being a "good mommy?"

I have no idea... I sure don't feel like a "good mommy" when I let my kids dress themselves. I feel like a lazy mom who doesn't care what they wear or how they look.

I guess I gotta get over that, because my 4 year old is fighting me getting her dressed more and more each day.

So here is what I am going to start telling myself... Letting my children dress themselves will teach them independence, self esteem, and they will learn to love themselves and be proud of what they do.

She doesn't look to happy though, does she? She really was though. She was just grumpy because I made her come inside and wouldn't let her play in the street while chasing the birds off the lawn.

Anyway... How come when other people let their kids dress them end up looking cute?

Like NieNie. Her kids always look cute and I hear she lets them dress themselves. Have you heard that she lets them dress themselves- or did I just make that up? Can someone confirm that?

Special Guest Sunday: I like books

2011-10-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

The I like book.

My sister and I fell in love with these when we were in Kentucky last week.

We each took some home for our girls.

~~1 more Like until~~ they just reached 5,000 LIKEs on Facebook!

Seriously, there is a good reason why.

Check out their website HERE

http://theilikebook.com/

Here is what they have to say about themselves (from their website)

Now go order one for yourself and your babies!

Baby Maternity Retailer: Featuring Laborlooks!

2011-09-29T19:18:00.001-07:00

http://www.babymaternityretailer.com/profiles/laborlooks.html

At LaborLooks, we believe that moms deserve to wear something comfortable and functional while they are in the hospital. LaborLooks Maternity Hospital Gowns have been designed by a Labor and Delivery Nurse, Certified Nurse Midwife and OB-GYN to meet the needs of both moms and hospital providers. LaborLooks gowns are great for first photos and make the perfect baby shower gift.

Contact Info

LaborLooks
P.O. Box 305
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 294-2867

www.laborlooks.com
info@laborlooks.com

Reviews

"I absolutely loved the product and the girlfriend who I bought it for did too! She said it was PERFECT for the hospital and totally functional. Even the nurses raved about the gown and asked for the website so that the could purchase them as gifts. Thanks for the excellent products!!"

Kim H.

"I just wanted to say that I LOVED the gown! It was better than what i expected! I love looking back at the pictures of the day my daughter was born and I think the gown from LaborLooks really made a big difference in how I felt taking all those pictures!"

Micaela M.

"I delivered my first baby, a boy, in January 2009. I wore the Devyn Retro gown & got so many compliments on it! It was extremely comfortable & obviously very fashionable :) It was very easy to breastfeed with this gown, which is something I wanted to make sure I could do before I ordered a gown. I am pregnant with my second child - this time a girl! I am definitely ordering another gown & will also take the Devyn Retro with me to the hospital. It washed very well & still looks like new! But I definitely need a pink one since I'm having a girl this time!"

Bridget R.

Featured Products

Maternity Hospital Gowns
by LaborLooks

Busy Show

2011-09-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

We are crazy crazy and having so much fun at the ABC show. So much in fact that we don't have enough time for a real breakfast...

As in... here are the potato chips we ate for breakfast... delicious.
And this is what we are doing when we should be eating a real breakfast... primping! It takes a lot of work to look this good.

I joke.

But isn't my sissy Ashley awesome?

All Baby and Chid Expo

2011-09-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

We auditioned yesterday for the Spokesmom Contest. It was so much fun and the producers made us feel like we rocked the audition.

However, I know that they make everyone feel like they did a good job. But we did our best and we had fun doing it.

Look at these cute pictures of Ashley at our booth!

Booth #1930

Come visit us if you are in Louisville!

Thankful Thursday: We Made It

2011-09-22T20:32:00.001-07:00

This will be short, but basically I am thankful that we made it safely to Kentucky for the ABC children's expo.

Our booth is set up and we are getting ready for our auditions tomorrow!

Wish us luck.

Come visit us if you are here.... booth #1930

Trusting Tuesday: Toddlers Have Feelings Too

2011-09-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

I found this blog post HERE and it truly touched my heart. Last night as my girls were talking and giggling after I put them to bed, so I went into their room and calmly told them they needed to get back in bed and go to sleep. 15 minutes later after yelling and laughing and someone stealing the other's toy I sternly told them they needed to go to sleep. After 20 more minutes with tears and someone had hit someone else I went into their room, grabbed both of them and put them in their respective beds... no gentleness involved. I then looked each one in the eye, pointed at them and loudly (not quite a yell) said, "go to sleep now!" Both started crying as I walked out and shut the door behind me.

It did the trick. They both fell asleep.

Is that worth it? If I had a boss look me in the eye, point at me, and in not quite a yell, reprimand me for being myself... what would I have done?

I would have burst into tears. My self esteem crushed. I would have felt less than a person should ever have to feel. And I personally did this to both of my daughters last night.

Currently they are both sleeping. Thankfully their sweet innocence will bring them right back to me as the sun on their alarm clock wakes them up. I will kiss and hug and apologize for the wrong that I did to them last night. Their unconditional love (at this age) will let them forgive me as I do my best today to be a better mother, protector, provider, nurturer, and keeper of their sweet spirits. I hope and pray that I will respect these intelligent beings in a way that I would expect respect from those around me.

I am thankful for a new day.

Below is the original article:

http://www.positive-parents.org/2011/09/children-have-human-feelings-like-us.html

This is a guest post by Rhiannon Edwards.
*************************************************************************

After a particularly upsetting (for me) trip to the shopping centre, I'm left feeling deflated. So many parents aren't hearing the positive parenting message, and society seems to not understand children at all. This is for the parents in the shopping centre...

Your child's feelings are real.

That tantrum she's throwing because she can't have an ice-cream? That's the same emotion you felt when you weren't accepted for your first loan.

That whining to go home? He's feeling the same way you feel after 8 hours at work.

The tears because she wants a $2 ride? Remember how you felt when you were turned down for that promotion? I'm sure you have a good reason for saying no, just like your boss did.

You don't have to change your mind, there's no need to give in, you can still stay firm, but please, take a moment. Put yourself in his shoes, and remember. After you do that, the rest is easy.

Mommy Monday: Happy Birthday

2011-09-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my FAVORITE Mommy to be!

You can try to compete, but seriously, my baby sister is getting ready to have a baby.

Here she is at 24 weeks and I love that she says, "Woke up to a bigger belly..... woweeee... what happened?"
She is such a doll and I hope she has had a wonderful birthday! This weekend she was teaching eyelash extension classes for a wonderful group of gals who are coming soon to an area near you!

Seriously, how stylish is this mommy?

I am just thinking about all the things I want to buy for this little sweet pea.

Special Guest Sunday: Snap Me Swimwear

2011-09-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

Ashley and I are so excited to be heading out to the Children's ABC Expo in Kentucky this year! We will be there with our Laborlooks booth, setting up and branching out to meet amazing new retailers, moms, momprenuers, and everyone else starting on Thursday!

Another mom we are anxiously awaiting to meet is the creator of Snap Me Swimwear.

Seriously, why aren't there cute swimsuits out there with snaps at the crotch like onesies?

Here is a cute picture of my Niece Addison wearing her swimsuit.

How often are you taking your little one swimming, or to the beach and you have to change a diaper? or take them potty? How often are you at the port-o-potty and you have to strip them down naked just so they can go to the bathroom?

Ugh. Seriously the Snap Me Swimwear is amazing. It has been featured in multiple media sources like Parenting and Celebrity Baby Scoop. Shop HERE, check out their website HERE

http://www.snapmeswimwear.com

And find them on Facebook HERE

http://www.facebook.com/pages/SnapMe-Swimwear/118360344923499?ref=ts

Fashion Friday: Not Me

2011-09-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

I am really not a fashionable person... but it is "fashion friday" so here goes...

I wore a new outfit today. Sometimes I find that I buy clothes that I will be able to wear when I am pregnant again.

Who am I kidding... I almost ALWAYS buy clothes that I will be able to wear when I am pregnant again.

No exception today. Last weekend I went on a little shopping spree with a girlfriend in L.A. I budgeted very nicely and hardly spent a dime. Fabulous!
I did find a fun shirt that I am wearing in the picture here... at the Rack!

Love that store.

A little too much I am afraid.

So when you are non-prego... do you buy clothes that you could wear again when you are pregnant? or just stick to strictly non-pregnant clothes? Do you even get what I am talking about?

Recovery

2011-09-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for your support and prayers in behalf of my mother (and my nerves!). Her surgery was smooth and went off without a hitch. She has been up and walking, on great pain medication, ~~she is passing gas,~~ and she is texting and back on Facebook already!Isn't technology amazing?

Doesn't my mom look stunning in her Addie Gown?

I wish I could be there. But I know that she is in good hands and will be home soon.

Trusting Tuesday: Surgery

2011-09-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

Every day at work I talk about surgical options for my patients.

In my office the surgeon I work with does a wide variety of surgeries. Mostly the women who need surgery come to me first. I get labs ordered, order ultrasounds, collect cultures, do a complete history and physical, and talk a lot about what their options are. After we get all the results they return to the office and meet with the doctor to discuss the best or recommended options, risks and benefits of surgery, get informed consent, and then schedule a surgery. Pre operation labs, EKGs, chest x-rays and more are then ordered and a couple weeks later our patients have their surgery.

A long list of things to do, but then they just do it and have the surgery and then they recover and go on with life... supposedly now they are "fixed."

How do these women do it? Today I am sitting here, a nervous wreck because my mom is having a total hip replacement. Her surgery starts in about a half an hour. I know nothing about hip replacements so I have been doing a lot of research. She has reassured me that she is using one of the best surgeons in her area, she TRUSTS him, she is relatively young for this surgery and she has always been active and healthy. She doesn't smoke, drink, isn't overweight, and hardly ever takes any medications. She should do well through this surgery. But the surgery is the scary part. I want to be there for her, which is silly because she wouldn't even know I was there. I want to help her recover but I know that isn't possible for my little family right now.

The surgery part is what I am having a hard time with. I trust hysterectomies because I see them all the time. I trust c-sections because I am there and I know when they happen (at my practice!) they are needed. I trust the surgeon I work with because I see him work and I know what kind of job he does. I should just be able to trust that my mother is in good hands and this hip replacement is necessary for her. She has lived with pain too long and is unable to walk some days because of it. Guess what, it still scares me. I cried last night as I went to bed and I prayed for comfort and I prayed for the surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurses, and staff who will be there with my mother. I am glad my mother won't be reading this post until after her surgery.

Here is some info about her surgery:

http://www.metrocrest.com/five-things-you-should-know-hip-joint-replacement-surgery.htm

I know the recovery will be the easier part for her (all relative people!). She has had 6 vaginal births (5 without epidurals), 3 miscarriages, lost her mother, raised 6 amazing children to adults, had a brain tumor with a 16 hour surgery to remove it, been happily married over 30 years, keeps the cleanest house I have ever seen, and the list goes on. This woman is tough. She can do tough stuff. She can do really hard things and she does them with grace. I know she will be okay, but being on the end of a family member having this surgery makes me take a step back and look at each and every one of my patients who may need to have surgery.

Thank you for your prayers and support and concern for my mother today. It means the world to Ashley, our family, and me.

Special Guest Sunday: Drool Monkey Organics

2011-09-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

Truly a brand new company, Drool Monkey Organics is another one of the Spokesmom.com companies to make it for an audition with us at the ABC show in Kentucky at the end of the month.

I am so excited to meet Kamala Corkin, the momprenuer who founded the "organic solution for her drooling baby." I can't wait to feel the fabric and hopefully snag one while I am there so that I can have it in my arsenal for my next baby.

Both of my daughters have had some sort of lovie that they sleep with, hang on to, and hold when they are needing that extra sense of security. I would love to have an organic, SIMPLE, lovie that my next baby can hold on to. Nothing huge, gross, or filled with artificial things, because, in all reality, my home is already FILLED with that crap!

Please show your love and support for Drool Monkey Organics by heading over to their website

www.droolmonkeyorganics.com

and like them on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/DroolMonkeyOrganics?sk=wall

Picture from www.droolmonkeyorganics.com

Fashion Friday: Second Hand Stores

2011-09-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

Our local second hand children's store has a HUGE lot of maternity clothes. Was I the only one in the world who didn't know they sold maternity clothes at these kind of stores? Totally keeping that on my list for next time....

So back to the amazing fashions at second hand stores. I found these awesome boots for my daughter who is obsessed with horses.

This may have been the best $9.99 ever spent.

What kind of things have you scored when buying at second hand stores?

Wild Wednesday: Playground Thieves

2011-09-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Seriously... Playground thieves?

AAACKK!

I am sure they are out there. Especially those busy playgrounds, and how about mall play places? Disneyland? I know they are out there and that makes me nervous.

Guess what I stumbled across today? Thanks to http://www.strollertraffic.com/ and their Facebook page I was introduced to this lovely guy

The Buggy guard. the mom hook with a lock!

You can find it HERE

http://buggyguard.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=7

Seriously I wish I thought of this stuff in advance and contacted them and tried to do a review and giveaway and blah blah blah, but I didn't. So go support them anyway, they have no idea who we are, but if we find them at the ABC baby show at the end of September, then I am totally bringing one home.

Have you ever had something stolen from your carseat? stroller? diaperbag?

I had my diaper bag stolen once. It was on the top 20 worst days of my life.

Trusting Tuesday: Near Miss

2011-09-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

When I say "Near Miss" I am talking about those times when something terribly, horribly, unthinkably wrong could have happened? But then didn't?

Seriously, I know we all have those events.

So how do you recover from them?

A couple years ago we were together for Thanksgiving with the whole family in California. Cousins and aunts and uncles and grandkids running around having wonderful family time.

My Aunt and her family were staying at my Grandma's house and my Aunt has rheumatoid arthritis. R.A. is an autoimmune disease that can be and usually is very painful. It may sometimes be managed (for a short time) by exercise, weight loss and eating healthy, but usually when someone is diagnosed with R.A. it is because of the pain and stiffness they are feeling.

So yes, my aunt has RA. Well, she takes quite a few pills every day to help her R.A. I am not sure what they are but here are a few that people may take with R.A.

Imuran (INFO)

Ridaura (INFO)

Plaquenil (INFO)

Arava (INFO)

Methotrexate (INFO)

and many many more....

Seriously, click on some of the links to see how serious these drugs are. Not to mention these are just the ones that help to treat the R.A. We also have to know that often there are heavy duty pain pills for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Back to the near miss... Thanksgiving night rolls around after a full day of playing and fun at Grandma Grape's house (great grandma) I get a phone call from my Aunt. She is concerned because she can't find her pills. She had already called my sister and alerted her. She had talked to her son and he said, "I think Ryann ate the pills"

In a fit of hysterics I ran downstairs, threw open my daughter's door and shook her awake. The nurse in me grabbed a flashlight and looked for pupil dilation. They were equal, round, reactive to light, etc. I then listened to her heart and lungs, and I asked her if she knew what happened to the medicine.

She had no idea what was going on.

It took some time, prayers, tears, and looking up the number for poison control "just in case" before I would let her go back to bed. She promised she didn't eat the pills (or any candy, because come on- some pills look like candy!) but I didn't fully believe her since she was only 2 and maybe she was just saying what I wanted her to say??

The next morning my nephew fessed up that he had taken the pills and put them somewhere else. We found the pills and all the pills were accounted for. Everyone was fine. Everyone lived.

I got my first grey hairs, but we all were fine physically. Emotionally I was still a wreck.

This was one of the scariest "near miss" events that I had. I hate thinking about this event so much that I haven't spent the time to teach my daughter about pill bottles and medicine. WHY NOT? Am I not trusting enough that we can both handle it?

So here is my goal today. Today I am going to head on over to Walgreens, buy a pill box, fill it with pills (NOT CANDY!) and teach my daughters that they are NEVER allowed to eat things out of these pill boxes unless mommy gives it to them.

What can you do today that will help you trust yourself and your children? Do you have any near miss experiences that we can learn from?

Mommy Monday: Labor Day

2011-09-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

I love Labor Day.

I love the babies and moms who go into labor on actual labor day.

It seems so fitting.

Hopefully we will get a picture of a 2011 Labor Day LaborLooks mommy!

For now we will celebrate our 2010 Labor Day babe and mommy!
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

I am not on call this weekend, but my sister Ashley is, she will be helping mom's and babies in the wee hours of labor day.

Enjoy and be safe.

Special Guest Sunday: PumpEase

2011-09-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

Another mom who will be auditioning for the Born By Mom's reality show is a Canadian mother who founded Pump Ease. Pump Ease is kind of like a bra that goes over your nursing bra which allows you to pump hands free! It fits women of almost all sizes... 32AA to 48H and beyond.

It is machine washable, cute (you know we love cute!), and simple to use. Check out their website and blog

I was a pumping working mom for over a year with both girls.

When I worked at night at the hospitals as a labor and delivery nurse I didn't worry about doing something else with my hands... except it would have come in handy the times I fell asleep pumping.

But with my last daughter I was pumping at the hospital while trying to finish charts; pumping in the office while trying to answer emails, phone calls, and sign off labs; and some days I even had to pump in the car.

This would have been sooo handy.

Guess what? Someday it will come in handy because I will definately be purchasing a PumpEase hands-free pumping support.

Look what else they make that is cute:

This would have helped keep people out of my office when I was pumping last time.

Fashion Friday: Walmart Deals

2011-09-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Interested in a $4 maternity shirt?

Yes, it is from Walmart, in their clearance section, but seriously... you can't beat $4. Well, you could, if it was $3, but hard to find for sure.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Faded-Glory-Maternity-Solid-Scoop-Neck-Tee/15549361

Thankful Thursday: Work -out of the home- Mom

2011-09-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

WOOTHM

"Work Out Of The Home Mom"

I am a "working mom." I don't know many moms, stay at home or work outside the home, who aren't working moms. However, I am one of those moms who leaves for work almost every day. I make my 45min commute after I drop my girls off at daycare.

If I didn't LOVE my job, it would be a lot harder to leave my girls every day.

If I didn't NEED my job, it would be a lot harder to leave my girls every day.

If the women I serve didn't hold a special place in my heart, it would be a lot harder to leave my girls for work.

Thankfully I want my job, love my job, and while I financially need a job, I am so grateful that I get to interact with women of all ages and walks of life who come to me.

With that being said, I love the days when I can sit at home all day with my sweet girls.

No real agenda, just have fun and be silly and get to know them a little more and more each day. It will be a lot nicer when this 115 degree weather in Arizona cools off and we can go outside.

Daddy snapped this shot on his phone- Ryann was inspecting my eyeballs (I got scolded a lot for closing them when her finger got dangerously close to my eye) and Cara kept making me "stick out your tongue and say 'AH.'"

Wordless Wednesday: Family Photos

2011-08-31T02:12:00.000-07:00

Instead of Wild Wednesday this week... here is a Wordless Wednesday post. How much do you love taking family photos?

Mommy Monday: Birthday Party Gifts

2011-08-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday I took the girls to Target to try to find a present for a 3 year old little boy.

They don't know this little boy, but I am friends with his mom and they were invited to his party.

We spent a lot of time at the store trying to decide was a 3 year old boy would want for his birthday. Since my girls are 2 and 4 it took a little while for them to figure out that one daughter is almost 3 and the other was 3. I am still not sure they got it.

Anyway, we ended up picking out a Cars Memory Game HERE

So I have a couple questions here...

1. How much money do you spend on birthday gifts for friends kids?

2. Where do you get birthday gifts for other children?

3. What are the best 3 year old boy gifts that are made by moms??

Send us your links, etsy addresses, and facebook pages to like so we can share the love and I can stop buying generic, boring gifts like Memory!!

Special Guest Sunday: Sticky Bellies

2011-08-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

I am going to try and highlight some of the other "Momprenuers" who secured audition spots with us for the "Born By Mom" reality TV show.

These are some AMAZING companies and it will be so much fun to meet them and learn about how they do it all!

The first company I wanted to introduce you to is Sticky Bellies.

Like them on Facebook HERE

http://www.facebook.com/stickybellies

Their website is HERE

http://www.stickybellies.com/

Basically these are super cute stickers you use for documenting fun mommy milestones... weeks of pregnancy, months for your baby up to toddler, and birthdays.

Here is one of their sets of stickers. Super affordable at $14.99

Go take a look at their photo galleries... once you see those adorable babies and bellies you will order some ASAP!

Reality TV Audition... Here we come!

2011-08-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

LaborLooks Maternity Hospital Gowns will be auditioning for the "Born by Moms" reality TV Show next month. This show will be hosted by Ali Landry and feature companies and products created by "mompreneurs" ~ with a focus on the story of the mom(s) behind the product.

How did we find out about this show? Companies exhibiting at the ABC Kids Expo in Kentucky next month were emailed a press release about the show. To apply for an audition, they were asked to leave a post on the SpokesMoms facebook page about their company. The ten companies with the most likes would be given audition spots. We liked the SpokesMoms facebook page and placed our entry. Then shared the link on our business and personal facebook pages! WOW ~ we were overwhelmed by the response and want to share a couple of posts and comments that LaborLooks received.

“I gave birth to my twins in a beautiful LaborLooks gown. In fact I bought two because the hospital in Bonn, Germany doesn't provide gowns at all! Thanks for producing a wonderful product and good luck with the reality show.” Amy B.

“I love my LaborLooks gown. I can't wait to use it in December when my little one makes its grand entrance. The company is great to work with too.” Cristen B.

"I vote for Labor Looks!!! Awesome product & awesome ladies!" ♥ Rachel R.

Every comment and vote made us smile! The auditions will be in the end of September ~ we will keep you posted as we prepare. We are excited about sharing our product and letting moms everywhere know they have comfortable & functional gown options for Labor, Delivery and Recovery!

Not the best picture but Brittani and Ashley (babywearing of course!) and saying thanks for your support!

Wild Wednesday: Perks

2011-08-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

There are some perks about working in a "doctors office" I use the term doctor loosely because we all know I am a midwife and not a doctor, and most of the time when you are at your "doctor's office" you are really seeing a PA or a Nurse Practioner.

The first picture here is of an obvious perk:

Sprinkles Cupcakes. Seriously Amazing. HERE
I ate 2 of them. But don't worry. There are more for tomorrow. I am hoping to hold out and just eat 1.

Today I was also blessed with 2 boxes of paradise bakery cookies. Now I could be selfish and bring them all home, but I really want my Medical Assistants to be nice to me so I left them open in the back so everyone could eat as many as they wanted.

Who are these from? Well, I could dive into the evils of the drug reps who are trying to buy my business/soul for some cookies, but that is not where this is going.

Okay, maybe it is. But maybe not... did you know I don't edit these posts? I just type them and push "Publish." So we will see where this goes...

I like to think that I am above all that. I like to think that I don't sell my soul for a cupcake or a nice dinner out, but the thing is, I often do try their product when they come around.

For example. There is a new birth control pill out on the market. It is Lo Lo Estrin. This is the lowest dose of estrogen on the market in a birth control pill (besides no estrogen birth control pills). It is new and since it is new the company is putting a lot of money into marketing it. So the rep comes by with cookies, lunches, and promises of dinner. This is a 10mcg estrogen pill.

My medical assistants get off great. They get all the perks but they don't have to listen, research, and learn all about the side effects and benefits of these pills. I listen, I learn, I read, I ask questions, and I really truly look into the studies and trials that have been done.

Because of all this information I have been prescribing the Lo Lo Estrin to some patients who I think are good candidates and can't tolerate other birth control options. The lower estrogen is supposed to help reduces some of the negative side effects of estrogen that women see in typical birth control pills. These side effects are things like nausea, breast tenderness, and mood swings. The pill is also supposed to reduce cramps, acne, and length of periods.

So yes, I got some cupcakes and cookies today, I will probably write some prescriptions for this medication in the future, but until I get feedback from my patients (good or bad)... that is when I will really decide if those cookies are worth it.

Guess what guys? A happy patient is much better than an afternoon with some sprinkles cupcakes.

Win-win is sprinkles cupcakes and a happy patient.