This list is not extensive and is based on recommendations from other parents, and/or Celeste’s experiences. This list includes practitioners that respect parental autonomy. Please research and ask questions about routine pediatric care. Celeste’s preferred doctors are noted with a star. 
Ann Arbor
*Tree of Life Wellness https://www.treeoflifewellnessmi.com
*Integrative Healthcare Providers http://www.ihcpaa.com
*Pediatric Holistic Medicine https://pediatricholisticmed.com
*Pease Integrative Medicine https://peaseintegrativemedicine.com/
Brighton
Dr. Desai 810-229-7337
Jackson 
*A Mustard Seed Adventure PLC, Cathy Buiten, FNP (located in our Jackson office) https://www.ssfs24.com 517-781-7737
Lansing
Red Cedar Direct Primary Care https://www.redcedardpc.com 
Marshall 
Whole Family Direct Care https://www.wholefamilydirectcare.com 
Ypsilanti
Emmaus Health https://emmaushealthpartners.org/
Thorrez Medical Practice PLC (734) 572-8686

ceramicsclayland.com
We all know that Chelsea is not the center of the world, but there are some fun activities to do with children here. We appreciate you coming to meet us in our little office in Chelsea, Michigan!

Indoor fun
The Chelsea Treehouse
Kids play area & cafe 
https://www.thechelseatreehouse.com
1101 S. Main Street
Chelsea, MI 48118

PAX Gymnastics-Tot Time (ages 1-5)
Free range gym play, Monday-Friday 11-12 $5 drop in 
https://paxgymnastics.com/class/tot-time/
375 E North, #101
Chelsea, MI 48118

Chelsea District Library 
Beautiful library with a nice children’s area & events
https://chelseadistrictlibrary.org
221 S. Main Street
Chelsea, MI 48118

Arctic Coliseum
Ice rink, lessons, game area & restaurant 
https://arcticcoliseum.net
501 Coliseum Drive
Chelsea, MI 48118 

Ceramics Clayland
Ceramic clay studio for adults & children
ceramicsclayland.com
14030 N Territorial Road
Gregory, MI 48137 

Chelsea Lanes (bowling)
1180 S Main Street
Chelsea, MI 48118

Outdoors and more
Robin Hills Farm 
Trails, classes, food trucks, events
https://www.robinhillsfarm.com
20390 M 52
Chelsea, MI 48118

Barn Sanctuary
Animal rescue that offers youth programs & visits
https://www.barnsanctuary.org/visit-the-barn/
20179 McKernan Road
Chelsea, MI 48118

Parks
Timber Town
Large wood playground, Gaga ball pit, Volleyball court
Sibley Road & M 52
Chelsea, MI 48118

Pierce Park
Playground, swings, green space
851 S Main Street 
Chelsea, MI 48118 

Veteran's Park 
Ball field, stream, play wooden boat
Located on the corner of Main Street (M-52) and Sibley Road
Chelsea, MI 48118

Cavanaugh Lake County Park 
Playground on the lake
33 Cavanaugh Lake Road
Chelsea, MI 48118

​Nature Parks & Trails
Storybook Trail
​chelseadistrictlibrary.org/storybook-trail/?fbclid=IwAR2vt8joK4KA9Xuz82_yh6L5HFOsjIApirrLCShovGIyxbigeUM2ZaZs1sE
A .5 mile trail to walk & read 
​
Border to Border Trail
b2btrail.org

Park Lyndon South
Hiking & picnic area
18801 N Territorial Road
Chelsea, MI 48118

West Lake Preserve 
Short hiking trail 
13900 Waterloo Road
Chelsea, MI 48118

Waterloo  State Recreation Area
Camping, lakes, beaches, trails, biking
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=506&type=SPRK
16435 Mc Clure Road
Chelsea, MI 48118
Classes & guided hikes and activities at Eddy Discovery Center at Waterloo
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79133_79207_81176---,00.html
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/Eddy_204154_7.pdf
17030 Bush Road
Chelsea, MI 48118

Trail riding in Waterloo
Horse back riding through trails in Waterloo (May-October) & Kids Camps
https://www.horsenaroundstablesatwaterloo.com
12891 Trist Road, Grass Lake, MI 49240

The Bowl (Sledding Fun)
Sledding hills
On the corner of Waterloo & M 52 

Small Sledding hill by The Purple Rose Theater 
137 Park Street 
Chelsea, MI 48118

Farmers Market 
Wednesdays & Saturdays, May-October
chelseafarmersmkt.org

Dental hygiene is especially important in pregnancy and postpartum. During the childbearing year, there is an increased risk of having issues with your teeth and/or gums. Having issues with your teeth and/or gums can put your baby at risk for preterm birth, premature rupture of the membranes, stillbirth and low birth weight. Dental hygiene and care may prevent gum and teeth problems, including cavities & gum (periodontal disease).

Periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria via plaque build up. Bacteria is thought to get in the bloodstream and cross over to the placenta. Bleeding of the gums is a sign of periodontal disease.

Daily dental care: 

• Brush teeth at least twice 
• Floss at least once 
• Eat Vitamin C rich foods including guavas, kiwi, oranges, broccoli, papaya, snow peas, lemons, peppers, orange juice, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, strawberries & tomatoes
• Limit sugar consumption and soda
• Take 1000 mg of Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids

Additionally you may choose to:

• ​Rinse your mouth with salt, sea salt water or coconut oil 
  
• Brush after most meals

Care after vomiting:

• Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and rinse your mouth (the stomach acids from vomiting can wear the protective coating to wear off)
• If possible wait an hour after vomiting to brush your teeth (brushing right after vomiting can cause the protective coating to wear off)

If you are having excessive bleeding of your gums, a periodontal treatment may be performed at a dentist. Routine x-rays should be avoided, but if x-rays are necessary, a special apron should be worn to cover your belly and neck (thyroid).
Necessary dental work can be done during pregnancy, but its best to avoid it in the first trimester. 

References:

Han, Y. (2010). Oral Health and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes – What’s Next? Journal   of Dental  Research, 90(3), 289–293. doi: 10.1177/0022034510381905

Mark, A. M. (2018). Dental care during pregnancy. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 149(11), 1001. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2018.09.006

Stadelmann, P. F. M., Eick, S., Salvi, G. E., Surbek, D., Mohr, S., Bürgin, W., … Sculean, A. (2014). Increased periodontal inflammation in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Clinical Oral Investigations, 19(6), 1537–1546. doi: 10.1007/s00784-014-1371-6

Steinberg, B. J., Hilton, I. V., Iida, H., & Samelson, R. (2013). Oral Health and Dental Care During Pregnancy. Dental Clinics of North America, 57(2), 195–210. doi: 10.1016/j.cden.2013.01.002

​

Breastfeeding
“Free range breastfeeding” is encouraged. Encourage baby to breastfeed as often as they like. While breastfeeding is getting established in the initial weeks, breastfeeding is recommended at least every 2-3 hours (no longer than 4 hours at night), 8-12+ times per day. If your baby is excessively sleepy, you can attempt to rouse them by undressing, playing with their feet or stroking the face. It is best to not introduce formula or pacifiers in the first weeks as to not cause nipple confusion and to encourage and adequate supply of breastmilk.
​
Bowel Movements
The first few bowel movements in the initial days are meconium and are dark, tarry like. As breastmilk changes from colostrum bowel movements become yellow, curdy like and smell like sweet or like popcorn. By the fourth day postpartum, it is normal for a breastfeed baby to have 2+ bowel movements per day.

Urination
In the first days after birth it is normal for there to be a little pinkish or rust color in the urine (brick dust). Your baby should have at least 1 urination in the first 24 hours. It is normal for your baby to have at least 2 wet diapers the second day, and three the third day. Once your milk is in your baby should have 6+ wet diapers per day. If you are using disposable diapers and are having difficulty deciphering a wet diaper, put a small towel in the diaper.

Diapering
A small amount of olive or coconut oil on the baby’s diaper area avoids the meconium to stick on the baby’s bottom and be removed easily. Wipe baby clean from front to back.

Cord care
Keep the diaper folded away from the umbilical cord area. Try to keep the area clean and dry. If a large area of the umbilical area becomes red and there is pus or smelly, please call your midwife.

Care of the uncircumcised penis
The uncircumcised penis is perfect as it is and needs no special care, it SHOULD NOT be retracted. You can point the penis downward in the baby’s diaper to keep the urine in the diaper.

Skin to skin
Skin to skin supports regulating baby’s temperature, heart rate, breathing, blood sugar, bonding and comfort.  It also helps with maternal bonding, hormone regulation, milk production, mood and is calming. Abundant skin to skin time is important, especially during the first week. 

Temperature 
Newborns can’t regulate their temperature like adults. Keeping baby skin to skin on you is the perfect way to keep the baby comfortable and to regulate the temperature. An ideal room temperature for a newborn is over 70 degrees and without drafts. Skin to skin is optimal, with baby and mama covered with a blanket. Normal newborn temperature is 97.2 to 98.8 F (axillary, under the armpit). If the baby’s temperature is lower or higher, remove or add clothing and blankets, then retake temperature in 30-45 minutes. 

Heart rate
Normal newborn heart rate is from 110-160 beats per minute. When your baby is sleeping the heart rate may be on the lower range of normal, when your baby is crying and active your baby’s heart rate may even be higher than 160 beats per minute. ​

Newborn breathing
Normal newborn breathing is 30-60 breaths per minute. Babies are abdominal breathers. Newborn babies may hold their breath occasionally for up to 15 seconds which is normal. It is not normal for babies to have seesaw motions while breathing. It is abnormal for newborns to gasp or flare their nostrils. 

Color
Normal newborn color is pink, it is normal for the extremities (hands or feet) to be blue. Blue around the head, mouth or torso is abnormal. 

Jaundice
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) often occurs with newborns. Jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours is abnormal and is an indication to be seen by a doctor. Normal jaundice appears at day 3 and resolves around 2 weeks. A baby with normal jaundice should be breastfeeding often, having sufficient dirty diapers and should not be lethargic. Normal jaundice treatment includes dressing the baby and place them in a draft free, warm, sunny window for 20 minutes. Sunshine promotes the breakdown of bilirubin.

Weight
In the first few days postpartum your newborn may lose up to 10% of its body weight while your milk is transitioning from colostrum to milk. Once your milk is in, it is normal for your baby to gain 1/2-1 ounce daily.

Spit up
In the first few days postpartum your baby may spit up a small amount of clear or brown fluid which is likely amniotic fluid or blood from the birth. It is abnormal for your baby to have projectile vomiting. 

Burping 
Babies benefit from being burped to get air bubbles out. You can lightly pat on your baby’s back while your baby is resting on your chest and shoulders. Your baby also may like to sit up with support with you cradling your baby’s head in your hand. 
 
Sleeping
Newborns sleep collectively 18 hours a day. A newborn baby should not sleep consecutively for more than 5 hours per day.

Co-sleeping
Co-sleeping is innate and works well for many families. Co-sleeping allows a mother to breastfeed her baby while sleeping beside her baby. Safe co-sleeping entails sleeping on a firm bed, without soft blankets or pillows near the baby. Babies are recommended to sleep on their backs or sides. Co-sleeping is not safe on a water bed, a very soft bed, if a mother or father is using drugs or alcohol, if the parent is a heavy sleeper or obese.

Holding your baby
Babies CAN’T be spoiled, please hold your baby whenever your baby likes and when you like to. Your baby is used to being with you in your abdomen 24/7 and is adjusting to extrauterine life.

Baby wearing
Baby wearing is a practice that works well for many babies, mamas and papas. Safe baby wearing encourages the baby’s head to have an adequate airway with the neck not being cramped, the nose and mouth having space to breath. To encourage proper newborn body mechanics a baby should be not worn forward facing (baby looking out). Babies legs should be spread. 
 
Nail clipping
A baby nail file or clippers can be used to cut long nails. Newborns nails are often long when they are born. 

Bathing
Babies don’t get very dirty, they don’t need to be bathed more than a few times weekly, Babies may get some build up under and in their creases, so they may benefit from getting them wiped out. When you choose to give your baby a bath, be aware of the temperature of the air, optimally will be at least 80 degrees and draft free. The water of the bath should be 98-100. It is best to use gentle, natural soap, Castile soap and/or shampoo.

In preparation for your home birth you don’t really need a lot of extra supplies, and many items you likely have already at home. There are some supplies that you can gather together to make your labor, birth and postpartum preparation seamless. It is helpful to keep your supplies in a bin, box or table covered up and ready for when labor starts. Some items like an umbilical cord ring, clamp your midwife will either suggest you purchase in a home birth kit like this https://www.radiantbelly.com/gentlemama.html or she may provide them for you. 
As a midwife and home birth mama, I prepared a list with rationale of items to collect. You don’t need all of these items, but you may find many are helpful to have available.

                                                        Home Birth Supplies to Collect

                                                                    Nourishing items

•  Hydrating electrolyte drink (Recharge, Emergen C, Laboraide, some mamas like to make a recipe like this https://www.mommypotamus.com/how-to-make-a-labor-aid-electrolyte-drink/ or https://www.carolinevencil.com/homemade-labor-aid/ ) To keep your endurance up during labor and replenish after the baby’s born.
• Juice Another drink to keep endurance up and for a replenishing pick up after the baby’s born.
• Snacks, food for mama, daddy & children (It is helpful to have some meals in the freezer for postpartum preparation) It is important for mama and support people to keep snacking during labor to keep energy up. A nourishing meal that is already prepared and just needs to be heated after the baby’s born is so helpful.
• Straw https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Straws-straws-Cleaning/dp/B00AJG5E1U It is helpful for mama to have access to a straw to drink so she doesn't have to move much to drink.
                                                       Comfort Items for Mama
•  Hair ties To keep hair up and out of the way. 
• Lip balm Lips can get dry during labor.
• Robe, sports bra or other comfortable items that you may like to labor in (naked is ok too!) It is helpful to have a clean robe to put on easily, some mamas like sports bras in labor. Skin to skin is best for mama and baby once baby is born.
• Music, affirmation cards, psalms,  candles, essential oils or other items that you like that may give you comfort Think of some tools that help to focus, relax and gather strength.

                                                                      Items for Birth

• Chux pads Catches bodily fluids, these may be in your birth kit if you are ordering one.
• Stainless steel mixing bowls (2-3) 1 bowl for vomiting, 1 bowl for the placenta.
• Hydrogen peroxide (2 bottles) For removing blood stains.
• Hand soap Just a reminder in case you are out.
• Toilet paper Just a reminder in case you are out.
• Laundry soap Just a reminder in case you are out.
• Clean blankets for baby that are ok to be stained (5-7) For immediately after the birth.
• Clean  hand towels (4 or more) For hand drying.
• Clean towels (8 or more) For drying mama after showers and being in birth pool.
• Clean washcloths (5 or more) For cold & hot compresses.
• Clean rags or old towels Can be used instead of washcloths and chux pads.
• Crock pot (if planning a land birth) To keep water warm for compresses.
• Extra clean sheets for bed (it is helpful to put one set underneath the other set with a waterproof barrier i.e. shower curtain, tarp, plastic tablecloth or plastic sheet, in between so the it easy to take the soiled layer off) It’s so much easier to have a clean set of sheets under and ready to go.
• Plastic sheet, tarp for underneath birth pool To protect from bodily fluids.
• Plastic sheet, plastic tablecloth or shower curtain for underneath bed sheets To protect from bodily fluids.
• Trash bags (1-3) Just a reminder in case you are out.
• Olive or coconut oil For the baby’s bottom, put a tiny amount to help meconium (the baby’s first bowel movements) come off easily.
• Thermometer To track mama & baby’s temperature.
• Postpartum meal As mentioned above, a meal will be some cherished after the baby’s born.
• Baby diapers, outfit (if you desire to have baby dressed initially) However skin to skin with baby is the best for breastfeeding, bonding and regulating baby’s temperature.
• Pads for mama (avoid the brand Kotex, they are known to cause irritation postpartum ) and perhaps freeze some postpartum pads with a recipe like http://www.modernalternativemama.com/2014/04/18/making-postpartum-padsicles-plus-bonus-perineum-healing-spray/ or http://www.hobomama.com/2015/02/make-your-own-soothing-postpartum-pads.html Postpartum pads that are frozen can help with swelling in the first hours and days. Additional postpartum pads are need for lochia, postpartum bleeding that lasts around 2 weeks.
• Peri bottle or clean dishwasher liquid bottle Used to gently clean with water mama when using the bathroom and perhaps herbal sitz bath. Much more comfortable than using toilet paper in the first week or two.
• Clean undies or mesh panties https://www.radiantbelly.com/meshbriefs.html , bra and breastfeeding friendly outfit (if you desire to have clothes on) However skin to skin with baby is the best for breastfeeding, bonding and regulating baby’s temperature.
• Nipple salve or ointment Its helpful to have to put on after breastfeeding as nipples may be a little sore in the first week or two.
• Magnesium powder (CALM is a good brand) To encourage mama to have a soft stool after the baby’s born.
• Car seat installed and gas in car In case of hospital transport during labor or after the baby’s born.

​

The physiology of pregnancy and birth are natural, yet miraculous events. The placenta and umbilical cord nourish the baby while it is in utero. A lovely way to honor this gift of nourishment is to burn the umbilical cord. 

Cord burning is a sacred process where the baby is separated from the gift of life, the placenta by cauterization. Cord burning eliminates the need for sterile tools to clamp and cut the cord. Environmentally cord burning eliminates the need for a plastic cord clamp or other disposable clamping devices. The umbilical cord is catheterized eliminating risk of infection with fire/heat. The heat is warming and brings energy, Chi to the newborn. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)  believes that the placenta holds Chi. During birth a lot of heat is lost. Cord burning brings heat and draws the vital essence from placenta to the baby, strengthening the baby (Couch, 2015). The cord burning process takes around 10 minutes. During the cord burning process a song can be sang, prayers can be said or the baby can be simply marveled at. 

Delayed cord clamping occurs when cord burning is practiced, ensuring that the baby receives all of its blood and stem cells from the placenta. Immediate cord clamping deprives the baby of 30% of the baby’s blood volume which can cause hypovolemia, anemia and the need for blood transfusion. Delayed cord clamping results in higher hematocrit and hemoglobin levels (Andersson, Hellström-Westas, Andersson, Dommellöf, 2011). 

What is needed for cord burning:

• 1 or 2 taper beeswax candles with lead free wicks. www.etsy.com/listing/155882376/handmade-100-beeswax-candles-95-taper?ref=related-1
• 1 or 2 people to hold the candles. 
• A candle, match or lighter to light the candle(s).
• Something to separate the baby from the candles (a barrier). There are beautiful cord burning boxes available (see below) or a pie tin, placenta bowl, aluminum foil or cardboard cut out can be used.
• A bowl or cup of water to extinguish the flame.

*If there is an oxygen tank in the room, be sure that it is turned off and not open*

Process

• The placenta is born and the umbilical cord has stopped pulsing to ensure that the newborn has received all of its blood volume.
• The newborn is in its mama’s arms, laying on its side away, the baby can be breastfeeding at this time.
• 1 or 2 people can assist with burning the cord.
• The flame from the candles can be held together at the location where the cord is being burnt. 
• During cord burning smoke and odor may be present. There may be sizzling sounds.
• After the cord is severed, be careful to not place the hot end of the cord on the baby’s body until it is cooled off.
• If the cord is long, it can be looped up and tied.
• The umbilical cord often dries up and falls off within a few days.

*There may be popping sounds when the blood gases are escaping from the cord being burnt*

More information can be found here:
http://www.cordburning.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcsoTTj2vOA


Ceramic Cord Burning Bowls:
Earthside Australia
earthsideaustralia.com.au/product/cord-burning-bowl/


References:

Andersson, O., Hellström-Westas, L., Andersson, D., & Domellöf, M. (2011). Effect of delayed versus early umbilical cord clamping on neonatal outcomes and iron status at 4 months: a randomised controlled trial. Bmj, 343, d7157.

Couch, P. (2015) Personal communication
​

10 Epic Birth Videos All Available on YouTube! (WARNING: all videos contain nudity)

1.Birth in the Squatting Position
A Brazilian film from the 70’s shows several births in the squatting position. Mamas give birth without interference to babies on a soft surface or into their own hands, innately greeting and  lifting their babies after a birth pause. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAF5n3GBkPA


2. Birthing Beyond Fear: Enchanting Births in France 
Vintage, french, ecstatic, fearless compilation of births in France. Some of the amazing births are in a clear water 
birth tub, including the water birth of twins!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX7bVQZWlYg


3. Flex Ad, Home Birth (English Subtitles) - Anuncio Flex Parto En Casa (Subtitilos en Inglés)
Actually a Spanish commercial, the Flex bed advertisement so charmingly portrays the essence of home birth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PTXD9FbPDA


4. Lachen’s Waterbirth
Funny, sweet hypno, water, home birth outside in a jacuzzi with dad catching and the support of siblings, friends and midwives. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjIRd1oDu04


5. Our Home Water Birth, Surprise Gender
Sweet home, water birth of a baby born in the caul. Beautiful cinematography!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFzam3HFjnE


6. Birth in Nature: Natural Birth
A mama gives birth in near a creek outdoors with her husband, children and friends nearby. Completely primal, beautiful, physiologic birth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsNhCWsDVQI


7. The Birth of Natural Childbirth
Beautiful, peaceful, tranquil, hypo- water birth at home. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBf-mSZyPLw


8. BirthofSloane 
Gorgeous, amazingly filmed home water, birth. The cord is separated by cord burning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSyCal8fqig


9. The Unassisted Home Birth of Felix Alexander Part 2: Emergence
Raw, primal, unassisted home birth of baby with the support of siblings and father. The first part of the this birth was unavailable. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjaSjUw8PmM


10. Birth of Frankie
Beautifully filmed home water birth with dad catching his baby.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbqTA7uhkWk
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