My newest idea...

Those of you who know me well know I am a visionary - never short on ideas. I also happen to love helping others and something that has been on my heart for a long time is the lack of support for expectant and nursing mothers. In the States the moment you get pregnant you are bombarded with information, whether you want it or not. I love learning all about this kind of thing anyway, so when I was pregnant with Gracie I read every book and article I could find. I also had a lot of support from friends and a wonderful doctor and nurses. Here in China there are just so many people that the doctors don't really have time to supply the women with information and in this culture it isn't really common for one to receive a lot of information regarding anything in the healthcare field. People rely on tradition, hearsay, and old wives tales to navigate pregnancy issues and the first year after birth. Granted, we were given an inborn ability to parent so children here are not necessarily lacking, but I do believe women could have a more satisfying experience and some pitfalls could be avoided with just a little education and support.

For example, in the past year I have known 5 women (including myself) that have had a baby. All but 1 (me) have not been able to breastfeed because "they didn't have enough milk". This is hard for me to believe when the stats say only about 5% of women don't have the ability to produce enough milk. That doesn't mean breastfeeding is easy - I know first hand that it is NOT easy! At least not for everyone. Even if you produce tons of milk. One friend here, who's trust I've gained, lamented her trouble with breast feeding. She said she didn't have enough milk, but she was still trying. She only had enough milk for one feeding a day. I was so siked when I found out that she had not stopped completely and we discussed how she might be able to increase her milk supply. I loaned her a good breast pump and after a few days she said her supply had increased. After 2 weeks she was only giving her baby one formula feeding. PTL! This is really a big deal now after the formula scare. I know not everyone can breastfeed, but that is really not the issue. The issue is having support and information for those that want to try.

Breastfeeding support is only part of the plan, women also need more information regarding pregnancy - the dos and don'ts - and delivery. C-sections are abundant here - probably as high as 90%. I don't blame the women who have few options for pain control - no epidural here unless you have a lot of relationship or money. General information regarding pregnancy is also needed.
So, my plan is to get certified as a Doula, breast feeding counselor, & childbirth educator. I hope that I can then help more than just my inside circle of friends. I think it would be great to have childbirth classes at the local hospital the way we do in the States. I hope I can also train labor nurses with pain management techniques and support woman who want to breast feed. So far the idea has been received with excitement. Several of my friends have already asked if I can be their personal Doula when they get pregnant. This has been brewing for years and I think I have finally figured out how to channel my interests and passion to help others.