Elk and the Epidural

CatieDoula · 11-06-2006, 04:06 PM

Has anyone seen this video? What did you think? Mothering ranked it in their top 10 but I would rather see it or hear other opinions on it before purchasing.

fearlessbirth · 11-06-2006, 04:21 PM

I haven't seen it but want to so bad! My doula trainer recommended it.

Acacia · 11-06-2006, 06:17 PM

What the heck is it about? I have never heard about it before!

MothertheMother · 11-06-2006, 06:55 PM

I have heard of it as well. I think Teri from Passion for Birth recommended it at the training...sorry, I haven't seen it

Ceci · 11-06-2006, 07:55 PM

I have heard very good things about it from another doula friend that uses it in her prenatals. I have never seen it personally.

RosyDoula · 11-06-2006, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acacia

What the heck is it about? I have never heard about it before!

Yeah! Do they give epidurals to elk??

CatieDoula · 11-06-2006, 08:52 PM

The Elk and the Epidural

Birthing From Within, Inc. is thrilled to announce the release of our first teaching video: The Elk and the Epidural: How to Have an Epidural in Awareness. This 15-minute video, featuring Pam England's colorful, whimsical and engaging pastel drawings, illustrates the truthful and typical experience of labor with an epidural (i.e. the advantages, disadvantages, and the cascade of medical support). The message to parents is to develop and maintain a solution-focused, non-judgmental mindset, so that if an epidural (or any medical support) becomes necessary, they can stay present emotionally and spiritually for the birth of their child.
The video has exactly the tone I was hoping it would. There's no soft-pedaling on the potential drawbacks and side effects of epidurals, and yet that information is beautifully balanced with advice on when an epidural can be useful and compassionate, how to have one in awareness, etc. The illustrations and the script flow along nicely together, very non-threatening and accessible. The mindful cesarean birth is mentioned as well, skillfully woven in. And I was totally impressed by the tremendous amount of information (seemingly!) effortlessly packaged into a relatively short video. Two thumbs up, this is good stuff! ~ Eileen Sullivan, BFW Mentor

jesscardona · 11-06-2006, 08:56 PM

Yes, I saw it about 2 weeks ago.. it's good.. at least it's not on mothers (I mean if you're showing it to a CBE class) I would of rather seen it on persons.. I have no problem with that..
I'tsa cartoon (drawings) narrated by Pam England..

everydaymiracles · 11-06-2006, 09:48 PM

I liked it alot and used it for some classes I taught for another doula/educator so I don't have it for my classes now. It is a quite thorough description of all that happens during placement and labouring with an epidural. It used drawings of elk (in positions mum would be in) narrated by Pam England so it looks quite ridiculous and is supposed to be a non threatening way to explore epidural use. Unfortunately, not to many people who laugh at joke about how ridiculous it is to have an elk hooked up to the tubes, wires, etc think it equally applies to a healthy, labouring human mamma! R

fearlessbirth · 11-07-2006, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by everydaymiracles

It used drawings of elk (in positions mum would be in) narrated by Pam England so it looks quite ridiculous and is supposed to be a non threatening way to explore epidural use. Unfortunately, not to many people who laugh at joke about how ridiculous it is to have an elk hooked up to the tubes, wires, etc think it equally applies to a healthy, labouring human mamma! R

YES! That's what I heard but couldn't think of a 'nice' way to put it. Lol

WHY WOULD AN ELK HAVE AN EPIDURAL????

jesscardona · 11-07-2006, 11:26 AM

yall are too much.. it is funny in a way when you watch it..

lia · 11-23-2006, 12:54 PM

Hi
I have the Elk and the Epidural as I am a Birthing from Within mentor in South Africa and I Love it. It is a gentle yet truthful introduction to epidurals.
Pam England uses drawing rather than real life pics because it would be less threatening to watch but probably allows the parents to fully listen and accept what is being said.
I use it routinely in my classes and my mom's are clued up on epidurals when the time comes to birth so I reckon the proof is in the pudding.
It gives you all the facts in a non-judgemental way so that parents can make an informed choice.

Doula MaMa · 11-23-2006, 03:13 PM

Hello Lia,

I think we have talked on the BFW site!!! I took my training here in LA. cal.

The ELk and the Epideral is great!! It is so none -judjemental. I think the point is to be open to what ever birth the universe serves up. An if an epi is ordered , how do you want to cope with it. It shows how to love your epi birth even if ,it was not the"plan".

helpinghands · 11-23-2006, 08:18 PM

This is sort of off topic but, I was fortunate enough to take a private Birthing from Within course when I lived in a small town in southern Indiana..but then this wonderful woman moved to California to help out with Birthing from Within.Virginia Bobro , I think? She was so great! I would have had her be my doula but she moved a few days before I gave birth; any Birthing from Within peoples know her?? The Birthing from Within class really helped me to accept the unexpected with my 4th birth. OKay...no more thread hijacking..

Doula MaMa · 11-24-2006, 12:07 AM

Virginia is my advisor. She is great!!! She mentors some great classes!!!