My Body Their Baby

Drawing on her own experience as a surrogate mother, Grace Y. Kao assesses the ethics of surrogacy from a feminist and progressive Christian perspective, concluding that certain kinds of surrogacy arrangements can be morally permissible--and should even be embraced. While the use of assisted reproductive technology has brought joy to countless families, surrogacy remains the most controversial path to parenthood. My Body, Their Baby helps readers sort through objections to this way of bringing children into the world. Candidly reflecting on carrying a baby for her childless friends and informed by the reproductive justice framework developed by women of color activists, Kao highlights the importance of experience in feminist methodology and Christian ethics. She shows what surrogacy is like from the perspective of women becoming pregnant for others, parents who have opted for surrogacy (including queer couples), and the surrogate-born children themselves. Developing a constructive framework of ethical norms and principles to guide the formation of surrogacy relationships, Kao ultimately offers a vision for surrogacy that celebrates the reproductive generosity and solidarity displayed through the sharing of traditionally maternal roles.

Drawing on her own experience as a surrogate mother, Grace Y. Kao assesses the ethics of surrogacy from a feminist and progressive Christian perspective, concluding that certain kinds of surrogacy arrangements can be morally permissible—and should even be embraced. While the use of assisted reproductive technology has brought joy to countless families, surrogacy remains the most controversial path to parenthood. My Body, Their Baby helps readers sort through objections to this way of bringing children into the world. Candidly reflecting on carrying a baby for her childless friends and informed by the reproductive justice framework developed by women of color activists, Kao highlights the importance of experience in feminist methodology and Christian ethics. She shows what surrogacy is like from the perspective of women becoming pregnant for others, parents who have opted for surrogacy (including queer couples), and the surrogate-born children themselves. Developing a constructive framework of ethical norms and principles to guide the formation of surrogacy relationships, Kao ultimately offers a vision for surrogacy that celebrates the reproductive generosity and solidarity displayed through the sharing of traditionally maternal roles.

This book will walk you through the progression of your pregnancy from conception to the birth of your baby. Helping you understand not only the growth and development of your baby but also the way your body naturally prepares you to give birth. Just like driving in a city you have never visited before, having a map, which you have looked at and studied beforehand, gives you a heightened confidence in your own ability to get to where you want to go. The most liberating fact you need to know is that your body knows the way. It is without question that the medical sector has played a tremendous role in the reduction of maternal mortality. This book is not a suggestion to shun healthcare. Instead, this map is here to provide you with all the knowledge you need, to ease your anxiety, and to be able to trust that your body is its own natural intelligence.What to consider when choosing where to deliver your baby and different types of birth will be explored. Often, the violations and frustrations experienced by new mothers involve friends and family as well. In light of this, the factors to consider when choosing a birth-partner and the sensitivity of the slippery slope of setting boundaries with loved ones will be addressed. Suggestions for physical and mental exercises in preparation for birth are made, bearing in mind what feels right for you. For some women, the panicking only happens when it hits them that they are bringing home a new person. The chapter on afterbirth will discuss the beginning of this much longer journey. You will then be able to use this knowledge to set up a birth plan which reminds you that your well-being is a priority. This is your body, your birth.

As midwives, it is our duty and responsibility to provide quality education and care for women through their entire birthing experience. It is a vital aspect of what we do, but at times, it can be very challenging providing this education. What has been provided for you here is basically what every midwife wished you knew when you walked in the door. While we cannot always give you this information in person, it is here as a guide for you to educate yourselves about anything and just about everything to do with pregnancy, labor, birth, and the next few days. Evidence-based practice and woman-centered care are the founding principles of midwifery practice. The information provided in My Body, My Baby reflects the most up-to-date research and evidence about any particular aspect of your journey at the time of publication. This is important, no doubt. But what is more important is how we use this evidence in our practice and how you use this information to educate yourself. A woman who has done her homework and knows to ask her questions and who knows her rights and the meaning of informed decisions and consentthose are the women that enable us, as midwives, to provide truly woman-centered care. Standing with a woman and developing trust and backing her up when shes vulnerable are so much more effective when she has an idea of what she does and doesnt want for herself and her baby, and in this case, the saying is so true. Knowledge is power. Please use this information to make sure that even in your most vulnerable state, you are working from a position of power. After all, it is your body and your baby.

This is My Body is a compelling and unforgettably powerful story of trauma, illness, recovery and transformation, told with honesty, courage and resilient good humour. Jennie Hogan, an Anglican priest, has a history of brain injury and illness going back to childhood. In this gripping memoir, memories of the athletic, competitive and fun-loving schoolgirl jostle alongside accounts of invasive emergency medical treatments and the long processes of recovery. She reflects on what it means to live with uncertainty, to become reconciled with a new identity, and how trust and hope can be regained as a vocation flowers despite the odds. Jennie draws on her experience and her beliefs to pose challenging questions about our relationships with our bodies in an age that is obsessed with body image and physical perfection. She explores the nature of faith in times of crisis, the reality of pain and disability, and what it means to be human and vulnerable, yet made in the image of God.

As baby boomers, we're a generation that has transformed society. How will we redefine aging? This book provides a blueprint for restoring a vital friendship with our bodies and, in turn, renewing our bond with the earth. It shows us how we can live fuller, healthier, more meaningful lives. A fascinating blend of cutting-edge medical information, practical health advice, and spiritual wisdom, The Baby Boomer Diet is relevant for people of any age. Written by Donna Gates—the originator of Body Ecology, a world-renowned system of healing—this long-awaited book suggests that we don't simply have to age gracefully, we can age with panache.