My Blog

Birth Plan Sample

midwifemelanie — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 22:22:39 GMT

Birth Plan In order to allow my obstetrician, nurses, doula and partner to be able to help me achieve the type of empowering birth experience that I wish to have, I have listed the following guidelines that are of most importance to me: *to have my partner and doula with me at all times. *to be able to walk around during labor. *to drink during labor; no IV unless I am physically unable to take nourishment by mouth. *a natural birth with no drugs, NO OFFERS please. *spontaneous exhale pushing, I do not want sustained pushing that is directed by the nurses or obstetrician. *to choose my delivery position. *no episiotomy, I would rather tear.Please allow my doula to perform perineal massage. *my baby to be handed directly to me. *no shot of pitocin after delivery; I will sign a medical release form. *the umbilical cord to be clamped only after it has stopped pulsing. *no shot of vitamin K or eye ointment for my baby; I will sign a medical release form. *to breastfeed. Please do not give my baby sugar water, formula or a pacifier. *rooming in with my baby. Thank You!

Favorite Books - in progress

midwifemelanie — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:21:25 GMT

1. Anna Kerinina - Tolstoy 2. The Yearling - Rowlings 3. Beloved 3. The Demon Haunted World - Carl Sagan 4. Handmaid's Tale 5. Henry and June - Nin 6. Inanna - Kramer 7. The Witches Bible Compleat 8. Material World / Hungry Planet 9. Spiritual Midwifery 10. The Mists of Avalon - Marion Zimmer Bradley 11. The Color Purple 12. The Talisman - Stephen King Tabitha's List!: 1. The Handmaid's Tale 2. The Bluest Eye 3. Jane Eyre 4. Middlesex 5. Comet in Moominland 6. Slaughterhouse Five 7. Alices Adventures in Wonderland 8.Still Life With Woodpecker 9.The Perks of Being a Wallflower 10. Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Bellydance for Birth - one day workshops announced!

midwifemelanie — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:20:22 GMT

April 12, 2008 1-3 pm Body, Mind, & Spirit Studio,305 North Third St. Suite #223, Burlington, IA sponsor: Tribal Attitude http://www.tribalattitude.org/workshops.html May 18, 2008 2-5pm Arts a la Carte, Iowa City, IA http://www.artsalacarteic.org sponsor: Anna Partenheimer, CPM -babycatcher220@yahoo.com A three hour workshop combining natural childbirth education and bellydance. You will learn to: -increase your chances of a natural birth and avoid cesarean section -choose your healthcare provider -hire a doula -write a birth plan -practice bellydance moves that benefit pregnancy, birth and postpartum -be a stronger, sexier woman and make new friends! Price: $40.00 A henna party with birth videos follows (potluck?) Please dress comfortably and bring floor pillows if desired. You can bring your own henna or you can buy a tube for $5.00. This workshop is suitable for pregnant women, doulas, childbirth educators, midwives and dance instructors. Call for booking info- Salome: 563-732-3094 manyhandshouse@gmail.com Melanie Moore is a certified Professional Midwife and Qualified Examiner with the North American Registry of Midwives. She is an ALACE certified doula and childbirth educator. She has published several articles in publications including 'Midwifery Today' and 'The Compleat Mother'. She also produced the movie 'Waterborn". Melanie has given birth to six children, the first born by cesarean, the rest born at home, Three were born in water, and her youngest was an unassisted outdoor water birth. Her powerful birth experiences led her to believe that all women deserve to give birth with knowledge, power, dignity and joy. Melanie has been dancing her entire life, with a strong background in classical ballet. She began bellydancing during her second pregnancy. She enjoys performing as Salome with the folkloric troupe Rakset al-Nehri and American Tribal Style with troupe unda as well as teaching ATS. She looks foward to recieving her ATS certification this fall.

Bellydance for Birth!

midwifemelanie — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:21:20 GMT

I am going to teach a prenatal bellydance class! unda Spring Schedule American Tribal Style Bellydance Classes New! Bellydance for Birth! Wednesdays, March 19 - April 23 6-7 Bellydance for Birth 7-8 Mixed level ATS 8-9 Advanced level ( teacher invitation only) Dance Centers of Iowa 323 Cedar St. Wilton, IA 52778 Contact Salome (563)732-3094 Melanie "A woman without a belly is like a night without stars" -Arabic idiom http://people.tribe.net/midwifemelanie http://people.tribe.net/tribalbellydance http://www.flickr.com/photos/manyhandshouse http://www.myspace.com/salometribalbellydance

Happy Imbolg!

midwifemelanie — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 02:08:47 GMT

Winter is half over!!!!

Knitting for Chris

midwifemelanie — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 02:04:10 GMT

I began on Imbolg, 2008. Let's saee how long this takes! I am knitting with Dale of Norway Heilo 100% wool.

Kathy on Noro

midwifemelanie — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:31:26 GMT

It's not that I don't like (love) noro...it is just that I have issues with it. Noro is like one of those bad boy lovers you secretly lust after because they look oh so good on the shelf. They are a little rough to the touch but you are willing to overlook that because it makes such good eye candy. So you take the leap: you buy it; you find a lucious pattern to make so that you can truly make this bad boy your own. It knits up ok: a little flaky, not very strong (looks CAN be deceiving). In short, it has committment issues. Once you 'tie the knot' it starts to wear thin...literally. After wearing it for a while, it completely changes character and now you are stuck with a once-beautiful but now ugly pilled up worn out piece of crap that you simply CAN'T bring yourself to toss out because you remember how you onced loved it so and it cost you a lot of money. You now think longingly about all those really nice (but no so pretty) sturdy wools you passed up to get this Noro stuff. Oh how fickle we are! Will we never learn that beauty really IS only skin deep???? But no...you want the Noro anyway. So be it! You are young...you will learn...the hard way. And why not? You should enjoy your youth. Me? I am sticking with merino. If I need a fling, I will seek out the alpaca. I pray to god that I never find myself sinking to the depths of Lion brand though...pray for me. Pray hard

Homeschool Lessons

midwifemelanie — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:02:06 GMT

"It is, in fact, nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of education have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom; without this it goes to wrack and ruin without fail. It is a very grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be promoted by means of coercion and a sense of duty." Albert Einstein When I began homeschooling (17 years ago) I was sure I would create geniuses. Geography and spelling bee champions. College graduates by the age of 18. Now I realize I am raising normal people. People free from the pressures of school and society. This has been a great revelation for me. I have also learned two other important lessons that I want to pass on; the need to deflect negative comments from others and to relax. Do not let the negative comments of othersbring you down. Remember that when people are critical it is because they feel threatened - if homeschooling is best, then their kids are getting second or third best. Just reassure these folks that you are doing what is best for YOUR family. Then surround yourself with supportivefriends, like your local homeschool group. We sometimes want to keep up with the Jones'. When little 10 year old Tommy next door can rattle off the names of all the U.S. Presidents, we want that too! "What if my kid gets left behind?" Remember, you homeschool so that your children DON'T have to endure forced learning. It's OK! My children played in the snow for 4 hours today. Now that's education! Play is THE most important work in a child's life. (Play does not include television, video games or the internet.) I would never interrupt imaginative play for a lesson or teaching moment. Which leads me to: relax! What good is stressing about teaching colors and shapes to a preschooler? Have you ever met any adult who didn't know their colors? They are learned, like walking and talking, in the context of life. Reading is similar.So many parents are making themselves crazy and overly stressing their children with this. My children have all shown an interest in reading around age 9, then learn quickly and easily, going on to pass their peers in both reading skills and love of literature. So maybe my kids aren't totally normal.They are beautiful, super confident and free thinking.And it has nothing to do withany curriculum I stick to, and everything to do with allowing them to develop in their own way and time. Recommended Resources: Growing Without Schooling and John Holt http://www.holtgws.com/ Home Education Magazine http://www.homeedmag.com/ Sudbury education http://www.sudburynetwork.org/ Waldorf education http://www.steinercollege.org/waldorf.html http://www.christopherushomeschool.org/index.htm Oak Meadow Curriculum http://www.oakmeadow.com/ Evolution's End by Joseph Chilton Pierce (available at amazon.com) The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewllyn http://www.gracellewellyn.com/

2008 Many Hands House Letter

midwifemelanie — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:17:32 GMT

Dear Friends, 2007 has been a crazy year for us. Our hardships included a five day power outage, a stolen car, a legal battle, and health insurance appeals. But whenever I think life has got the best of me, my families strength would burst through. We bought a generator and the legal battle came to a close. We traveled to Chicago and met Rachel Brice, to Minneapolis to see old friends and the May Day parade, to PSG and Sacred Harvest Festival, Indianapolis, Wisconsin, and the Maquoketa Caves for spelunking. And my children grew and blossomed. Tabitha is 17 and a senior! Last year she did fantastic on her ACTs, joined the workforce, caucused for Obama, bellydanced and took a train to visit her boyfriend in Missouri. Rowan is 15 and homeschooling. He performed in the Wilton play, Funny People Inc., and won best actor. His band, formerly known as Zombie Gunslinger, practiced often and got their first gig! Rowan joined in the Iowa City Zombie March and went to Indianapolis with his Dad. Rhiannon is 11 and got her first haircut! She sent 12" to locks of love. She loves dancing and performed as a polichinelle in the Adlers Nutcracker ballet. She is enjoying making crafts to sell on Etsy. Archer is 9. He takes homeschool art classes and was great performing with the Eulenspeigal Puppet Theater . Chris and I are working hard at appealing his health iunsurance to allow for his surgery at Harvard scheduled for February. Morgan Finn is 7 and a fantastic artist. He participates in homeschool club was in the puppet show, marched in Davenports Halloween parade and met Barak Obama. Wolfie is 1 and has brought so much joy to us this year. He has learned to walk, loves Carl books and has honed his skill at bending us all to his will. Christopher continues to teach Spanish at Moline High School. He also performs with the Shakespear Company, the Prenzie Players. Watch for him as Petrucchio in The Taming of the Schrew this March. He also wrote a role paying game called Psi Run that he presented at a gaming conference in Indianapolis. As for me, I am glad that my personal midwifery legal woes are over, but I know there's a big fight ahead for the Iowa Midwives Association in getting legislation passed this year. Although I am not attending births for now., I did become certified as a North American Registrey of Midwives Qualified Examiner. I have been enjoying teaching bellydance classes in Wilton and have formed the tribe unda and hosted my first hafla. I fill my free time with knitting. Thank you all for showing us so much love and support in 2007. I am forever humbled and hope to repay it in some way. I also hope for us and you a peaceful, uneventful, family centered 2008. Please keep in touch. Love, Melanie

Lyra Hat

midwifemelanie — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 22:12:05 GMT

I am a huge Golden Compass fan. You can only imagine my delight when the movie was filled with handknits. I paid little attention to the script, just wrote patterns in my head. Here is Lyra's hat from the end of the movie. Next project, the red hat when she is with Mrs. Coulter....

Venous Malformation

midwifemelanie — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:27:46 GMT

A lot of you ask about my son Archer's 'bump". Here is some info and I'll include some links too. The picture here is Archer with his grapes - he grew them himself! Hail Baccus!!!! http://www.staycalm.org/ http://www.birthmark.org/contact.php http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1830/mainpageS1830P0.html What is a venous malformation (VM)? VM is a bluish lesion on the skin, mucous membrane, or in any organ system. It is composed of abnormally formed, dilated veins. The walls of these channels are unusually thin because of a relative lack of smooth muscle cells. VMs are the most common type of symptomatic vascular malformation. The older, incorrectly used term for VM is cavernous hemangioma. What causes VMs? The deficiency of smooth muscle lining cells may be critical. DNA studies from rare families with multiple VMs have shown mutations (alterations) in genes responsible for the formation of and communication between the endothelial lining cells and the smooth muscle cells in the walls. No known food, medication, or activity during pregnancy can cause a VM. When do VMs occur? VMs are usually present at birth, but are not always seen. They can appear in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Where do VMs occur? They are most common in the skin, but can be present in other tissues, e.g. muscle or bone, or in any organ, e.g. the bowel, liver, or spleen. The estimated incidence of VMs of the brain in the general population is 0.5%. What do VMs look like? They are dark blue and are usually soft, although they can become firm if a clot forms in the VM. The appearance of VMs ranges from small dots to large lesions involving skin and muscle. They can be single or multiple. When should a vascular anomalies specialist be consulted? A specialist should be contacted whenever a VM becomes symptomatic (is in a critical location, such as around the eye, on the face, or in the neck, or if it involves the hands, feet, or an internal organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract, liver, or brain). What are the possible complications of VMs? VMs tend to grow proportionately--in other words, they grow at the same rate as the child. They also can suddenly expand as the result of clot formation within the VM. They also can enlarge as the result of injury or during puberty and pregnancy, or if a woman is taking birth-control pills. Large VMs can be associated with a clotting abnormality. A VM within the brain or gastrointestinal tract can suddenly bleed. How are VMs diagnosed? The history and physical findings usually provide sufficient clues as to the diagnosis. The bluish appearance is typical. VMs also tend to be painful, particularly in the morning upon arising, or if they are struck. VMs often swell if the affected region is made dependent (lowered below the level of the heart). VMs in the head/neck region enlarge when the patient tries to force air from the lungs with the vocal cords held closed (Valsalva maneuver). The diagnosis can be made or confirmed by ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT). VMs of the gastrointestinal tract are often best seen by looking in the mouth or the rectum with a telescope-like device called an endoscope (endoscopy). How are VMs treated? Only very small VMs can be treated with a laser. The two main treatment strategies are sclerotherapy (injection of an irritating solution to shrink the abnormal veins) and surgical removal (either total or subtotal). Sclerotherapy for all but small lesions should be done by an experienced interventional radiologist. What research is being done on VMs? Mutations in several genes that cause VMs have been discovered by DNA analysis of families that have multiple lesions. These discoveries will enable investigators to better understand how VMs occur and may lead to the development of new treatments. What are the types of VM? Glomovenous malformation (GVM) is the most familiar form of VM. The cutaneous (skin) lesions contain glomus cells in the walls of the abnormal channels. Glomus cells are abnormally-formed smooth muscle cells believed to function in the normal regulation of blood flow. From studying families with these lesions, the gene is located on chromosome 1p, it is called glomulin. The lesions are often multiple and can occur in any part of the body as blue-purple, often painful, nodules or large plaques. Cerebral-cavernous malfomration (CCM) is a familial disorder characterized by the formation of multiple VMs in the brain. These lesions often bleed and expand. About 10% of patients with this disorder develop skin VMs. The causative gene is KRITI. Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome is characterized by of multiple VMs of the skin and internal organs. The rubbery, bluish lesions vary in size from a pinhead to many centimeters in diameter. They can occur on the trunk and limbs, as well as within the gastrointestinal tract, where they may cause bleeding and anemia. The lesions tend to get larger and more numerous over time and may be painful. The intestinal lesions can cause lifelong bleeding, intermittent abdominal pain, or sudden bowel blockage. They are difficult to confirm by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and may require endoscopy and nuclear medicine imaging for diagnosis. The intestinal lesions, of which there may be hundreds, can be successfully treated by an interdisciplinary endoscopic and surgical approach in which as many lesions as possible are removed.

Come Back With My Car!!

midwifemelanie — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:14:57 GMT

Yesterday morning someone stole my car from my driveway, drove it to Bettendorf, soaked it with gasoline and set it on fire!

How to Make a Portable Waterbith Tub

midwifemelanie — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:00:32 GMT

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/birthtub.asp?a=1&r=1&e=1&q=homemade+waterbirth+tub+melanie+moore [Editor's note: This article first appeared in Midwifery Today Issue 61, Spring 2002.] For almost three years, I have been renting out a birth tub to my clients. The entire system cost me $350. I charge $100 for one month of use, including set-up and removal. I have even set this tub up in the hospital. I have included the supply list and set-up instructions here. I had been using a 300-gallon Rubbermaid stock tank. It's a great size for the entire family to get in, but it can be difficult to transport. Also, this size sometimes will not fit through narrow doorways and staircases. So I recently purchased a 150-gallon tank at Farm & Fleet. It is more maneuverable, makes exams easier, and fits in the back of a van or station wagon. I put all supplies in two big bins. I include a set-up manual in a binder with plastic (waterproof!) pages, Midwifery Today Issue 54 on waterbirth, and a bibliography of resources. What my birth tub kit includes 300-gallon stock tank (specifications: Weight—83 lbs empty; 1700 lbs full; Dimensions—63.3" x 69" x 25") 2 storage cases (approx. 25 gal, Rubbermaid or other to suit) Blue pool liner (available at swimming pool supply stores) Waterbed heater, pad and thermostat Thermometer (floating kind used in swimming pools) 150-foot garden hose (for filling only) Faucet adapter Submersible drain pump (a good one: Simer Submersible Utility Pump—Model 2305, Geyser II 1/6 horsepower) Small bean bag chair Cleaning supplies This instruction manual What the client needs to supply Faucet adapter (if one included does not fit, which can happen especially in hospitals) Drainage garden hose (long enough to reach from birth tub to toilet.) Tarps and towels for floor 15' x 15' drop cloth-white or clear plastic (Available at Lowes, Menards, etc.) Small strainer or cookie rack Duct (or electric) tape Blanket Set-up instructions Choose birth location. Make sure there is enough room for your midwives and a nearby electric outlet. Cover floor with tarps. Put birth tub on top of tarps. Hook up heater: The heater may go on the floor or on the inside wall of the pool. If it is on the floor, you will need to avoid this spot while in the tub. Always place heating pad with the writing side up. Using the duct tape, tape metal sensor rod cord to the inside wall of the tub. Duct tape the tube leading to the thermostat and plug to the inside wall of the tub. Drape thermostat and plug over the side of the pool so they will not be under water. Do not plug in heater until the tub is full. Place beanbag chair inside the pool. Make sure it is not touching the heater. Sit in the chair and adjust its shape to your comfort. When the tub is full, the chair will hold its position and shape due to water pressure and the blue liner. Place the blue pool liner inside the tub, over the heater and beanbag chair. Allow the extra liner material to drape over the sides of the tub. The liner is very big and will drape a lot. Smooth liner inside of pool as much as possible. Wipe down the inner liner with cleaning fluid and paper towels. Someone other than the pregnant woman should do this. Place your drop cloth inside the tub and drape it as you did with the blue liner. Wipe down drop cloth with cleaning fluid and paper towels. The tub is now lined and ready to fill. Filling instructions It will take between 45 minutes and 3 hours to fill the tub depending on the size of the water heater. I recommend a few practice fillings before the actual birth. During these practice sessions, you can get in and enjoy the tub yourself! Attach garden hose to water source. Most people use their washing machine hook up, which attaches directly to the hose. To use a sink faucet, you will have to use an adapter. If your faucet does not fit the included adapter, you or the hospital staff will need to provide one. Check this out in advance. Put other end of hose in tub. Put thermometer in tub. Begin filling the tub with the hottest water available. Allow the hot water to run until it turns cold then allow the cold water to run until the temperature in the tub is around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In the hospital, you will not run out of hot water. Try to adjust the heat from faucet to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the water off until the water heater is full again and water runs hot. Repeat steps 4–6 until the tub is 3/4 full. Plug in heater and turn thermostat to highest setting. Cover tub with a blanket when not in use. You may need to keep hose nearby or heat some water on the stove for added heat later. If you plan on delivering your baby underwater, the water temperature should not exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Emptying the tub Turn off and unplug the heater. Use your own hose for emptying. This is to prevent cross-contamination, so that the filling hose can be reused. Attach one end of hose to pump. Put other end of hose in toilet. (Most toilets will automatically flush as needed during draining process. If you are concerned, try it for a short time beforehand to make sure this will work with your toilet) Put pump into birth tub. Do not put pump bottom directly against the liner. Put a strainer or a cookie rack under the tarp or lay the pump on its side. Plug pump into electric outlet. When the tub is almost empty you may need to pull at the inner liner so that the water pools around the pump. When only a small amount of water is left, unplug the pump and soak up remaining water with towels. Clean and dry the pump, liner and pool. Return everything to storage bin.

Op -ed for Iowa Press Citizen

midwifemelanie — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 03:32:19 GMT

I am a midwife. I am "with women". Last year I was arrested and charged with practicing medicine without a license. A felony charge, I faced 5 years in prison and $7000 in fines. I am not a doctor. I do not practice medicine. I am not a nurse. I do not practice nursing. I am a midwife. The state of Iowa is one of only a handful of states that considers midwifery a felony due to a 1978 Attorney General opinion. For more than a year, my family and I suffered under the burden of financial strain and well as untold emotional stress that I am sure will affect us for some time. The families that I serve have also lost a skilled and caring midwife. My first child was born by cesarean 17 years ago. When I desired a vaginal birth after cesarean two years later, I sought homebirth midwives to help me. I went on to have a total of five homebirths, some in water, all incredible experiences. After an apprenticeship with senior midwives I was able to qualify to take my certification exam in 2002. I became a Certified Professional Midwife through the North American Registry of Midwives. I chose the CPM route because I knew the industrialized countries where birth is safest (has the least mortality) use midwives as the primary providers of maternal services. According to a survey by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. ranked 28th among 37 nations. NARM endorses the Midwifery Model of Care and, more specifically, supports home birth midwifery. I also chose it because 24 other states use the CPM standard for licensure, including Wisconsin and Minnesota. The persecution of midwives in Iowa must stop. Homebirth for the low risk woman is as safe as, if not safer than, hospital birth when attended by a trained midwife. The families that birthed with me knew I was not a doctor or a nurse, and in fact sought me out for this very reason. I did not advertise my services, yet was rarely without clients. They wanted to birth in their homes, with their families present, without unnecessary intervention. The state of Iowa must offer midwives the opportunity to qualify for licensure using the CPM standard. Then birthing women will know that their midwife has the skills and knowledge to practice homebirth. And Iowa's midwives will be safe from prosecution. Melanie Moore CPM, NARM QE ***The most recent stats are: from a 1999 report from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In that NCHS survey, the U.S. ranked 28th among 37 nations. (In case you need to quote a reference….)

Bye Bye Blackbird

midwifemelanie — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 15:52:49 GMT

The red wing blackbirds left the prarie yesterday. Chris says they took summer with them.

Exhale

midwifemelanie — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:35:02 GMT

Dear Friends, As you know, the state of Iowa was charging me with practicing medicine without a license, a felony. Marengo county was being pressured by the Iowa Board of Medical Examiners to do this. My court date was set for August 20 and I was very nervous but determined. Then, on August 17 the state made an offer. I accepted. Here is a break down: The good: No jail! If I follow the rules of my probation for 1 year all charges against me will be expunged. Also, the charge was considered a 'serious misdemeanor' which my lawyer says is a good thing. The bad: 1 year probation, $315 in fines, $100 court costs and $300 probation fee (so far). Not bad fees, but they are compounded by my inability to earn a living. An added surprise of 25 hrs community service (not a part of the original deal). I will look at it as an opportunity to expand my horizons and work toward empowering women through birth. The ugly: this is the part I hate the most. I was forced to sign a plea of guilty to practicing medicine without a license. It makes me feel nauseous to even write this. You know and I know that midwifery is NOT the practice of medicine and I will yell it from the rooftops forever! Please forgive me for signing those papers. If you had seen my family when they made the offer, the looks on their faces, you would surely understand. A friend who has been through it herself counseled "THEY have all the power, ALL the power. You are a mere speck. A flea on the back of the elephant. You can fight them and destroy your life because it will take herculean stamina and financial resources AND you will undoubtedly lose." On September 22 the Iowa Midwives Association is hosting a legislative workshop and Red Tent Event. I know that the charges against me were a part of the impetus for this. Please don't let this movement die! I saw an old t-shirt that said "Save the Midwives: An endangered species". This is totally how I feel about midwifery in Iowa. I hope women will continue to choose homebirths, lay midwives will attend them and apprentices will wait in line to assist at these incredible events! Please decriminalize midwifery in Iowa! Or at least recognize the Certified Professional Midwife. What does my future hold? Time will tell. I continue attending births as a certified doula. I dream of combining my love of dance and women to teach some pregnancy belly dance classes (now that I have some time...) Also, I will enjoy be able to focus more on homeschooling. I am not sure if I will continue with my nursing classes - I need to research Iowa standards to see if my plea affects my ability to be licensed. Thank you so very much for all your support. I and my family have been humbled. You are all awesome. Please never give up! Sincerely, Melanie "A woman without a belly is like a night without stars" -Arabic idiom http://people.tribe.net/midwifemelanie http://people.tribe.net/tribalbellydance http://www.flickr.com/photos/manyhandshouse http://www.myspace.com/salometribalbellydance

Letter from Friends of Iowa Midwives

midwifemelanie — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 14:26:00 GMT

Dear Friends, As you may be aware, midwifery is under attack in Iowa. Midwives in our state face criminal investigation and prosecution for practicing medicine without a license -- a felony charge that carries a sentence of up to five years in prison. Many of you are familiar with Melanie Moore, a Certified Professional Midwife and mother of six, who was recently charged. Her case is but one example of this disturbing trend, and unless something is done, we face the very real risk of losing this vital community of holistic health care providers. Midwives like Melanie have upheld the rights of Iowa women to have safe home births for many years, under the constant threat of unnecessary prosecution. With midwives practicing legally in 24 states, and legislation pending in 10 others, it is clear that Iowa's approach to midwifery is outmoded and ineffective. Now is the time for supporters of childbirth options to come together to preserve the rights of Iowans to give birth where and with whom they choose. Please join Friends of Iowa Midwives at a Preparing for Legislation workshop to learn how you can help ensure that Iowa's families have access to safe home birth with legal midwives. Workshop Details: Date: September 22, 2007 Time: 9:00-5:00 (Check-in and registration 8:30-9:00) Place: Saddlebrook Clubhouse, 120 Paddock Blvd., Iowa City (Off Heinz Rd, south of Hwy 6 on the East side of Iowa City) Registration fee: $15 (low-income $5) Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Topics: The legislative process: how it works Timeline for legislation: what to do and when to do it Effectively presenting your point of view to your legislator Organizing volunteers for lobbying Writing a bill: what goes in and what stays out Addressing concerns about your bill Dealing with the opposition Writing press releases and educational flyers Presenter: Ida Darragh is one of the nation's foremost authorities on midwifery law. She is a Certified Professional Midwife and testing director for the North American Registry of Midwives. To Register: Call Moira at (319) 484-4086 or email register@friendsofiowamidwives.org. Please include your name, phone number, and mailing address. For more information, please visit: www.friendsofiowamidwives.org www.cfmidwifery.org Thank you! -- Monica Brasile Certified Childbirth Educator and Doula PhD Candidate, Women's Studies University of Iowa Thanks for coming to my tribenet site. I truly appreciate all the love I am recieving. Please explore my blog for more information on my life outside of midwifery! On June 7, 2007 I recieved two letters from the board of medical examiners that seem to be essentially cease and desist orders. I will try to put a picture up in my gallery. June 27, I received 50 pages of evidence to be used against me. Much of it is EMT reports. Last week, a girlfriend tells me she's been called to testify against me! I don't even have a court date. A call to my lawyer reveals the date was in August but didn't work, so I am still waiting....... This does seem to mean I will have a jury trial. I hope all of you will show up in support. Also, please join the new Friends of Iowa Midwives! You can contact them through their yahoo group as the website is still under construction. And, don't forget that the Iowa Midwives Association is sponsoring a legislative workshop and Red Tent event September 22, in Iowa City. Thanks! I will keep this updated as best I can - check back often!

Buy This T Shirt!

midwifemelanie — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:50:53 GMT

You too can be a part of the "No Felony For Melanie" movement. Available in black sizes S - 2X Send $15.00 to: tshirts 1977 - 325th Ave Dyersville, IA 52040 call 563-543-4213 for special syle and color requests. All profits will go to my legal defense and on to the Iowa Midwives Association

ATS BellyDance Classes!

midwifemelanie — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 22:48:45 GMT

I will be teaching a series of seven American Tribal Style bellydance classes! When: Thursday, August 23(Free night!) through Oct. 4 6-7 beginner level, 7-8 intermediate Where: Dance Unlimited, 323 Cedar, Wilton, Iowa Price: $50 for the series, or $10 per class WHAT?: http://www.fcbd.com/about/

The Red Tent Event

midwifemelanie — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 22:13:58 GMT

The Iowa Midwives Association and Friends of Iowa Midwives (www.friendsofiowamidwives.org) will hold a legislative event and fundraiser on September 22. I hope to see you all there. Also, my troupe and I will be dancing!

love and melons

midwifemelanie — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 03:33:09 GMT

by Christopher Moore It's August 2nd, 1995. It's the celebration of Lughnassadh, and we Pagans are outside, celebrating in ritual. Across the circle, there's this woman. "What's her name?" I murmur to the friend to my right. "Melanie", he whispers. It's my turn to call in the South. I talk of fire and lust and the Sun. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her. She's looking at me, and whispering to the friend to her right. Later, after the ritual, kids are running and weaving in-between groups of chatting adults. Here she comes, skirts flowing, sun at her back, with a platter of thick slices of Muscatine melons. She smiles into my eyes and offers me some. I look right into her eyes, take a bite, and say, "Mmmm....melony." I had never done anything like that, ever. We moved in together a month later, conceived a child in October, and were married the following June.

You're Under Arrest!

midwifemelanie — Thu, 24 May 2007 23:43:25 GMT

I did get "arrested" yesterday, but it was arranged ahead of time. Very surreal. No word on future trial dates.....

Top Secret Super Interesting Info Here!

midwifemelanie — Mon, 21 May 2007 23:21:29 GMT

Hi! If you have come here to cut and paste my blog posts all over the internet in some sort of smear campaign or political agenda, well, you're too late! I took most everything down! Release the flying monkeys!!!!!!!

Tawaret

midwifemelanie — Mon, 14 May 2007 23:46:01 GMT

Tawaret is awesome. She has the head of a hippopotamus, the spine of a crocodile, the legs and claws of a lioness, and the breasts and belly of a pregnant woman. She wears the crown of Isis, carries an ankh and the 'sa'. May she be praised for eternity!

Socks!

midwifemelanie — Fri, 04 May 2007 14:48:23 GMT

So I finally finished my first pair of socks! They were knit using Opal yarn from Germany. Christopher says they are super comfy. So I am starting a shrug from Knitting Goddess and a sexy dress from Sexy Little Knits (when I can find Diasafante yarn!)