Household pets and sickness

I am not one to have a pet in my house let alone sleep with me in my bed but do understand those that do. I myself grew up with pets and have had many wonderful pets in our family.  I have no issues with people that keep their animals in the house or if they choose in their room.  But....

I was listening to a radio show today and they mentioned something about pets and sicknesses.  Now I know everything we hear on the radio we cannot take for gospel...that I know. They talked about some people who had many bouts of strep throughout the year and the fact the this person walked their dog daily then the dog came in the house.  The doctor suggested she clean the dogs paws after each walk..which she did...no more strep...hmmm

Then other cases of some people that were very sick and could not figure out where it was coming from until a doctor again asked them to have a test of the dogs nostrils...yup....same bacteria they had....it was being passed on to them. Probably through letting the dog lick or kiss them.

Then my ears really went up when they mentioned babies, sickness and pets.

That brings me to this, how many times have we or do we (those that have pets) allow our cute little dog/cat to climb upon our children's lap and lick their face or hands.  I know my kids love the neighborhood pets and love to pet or pick them up.  I try to have them wash their hands immediately afterwards and will do so now. 

I know we can not live in a bubble but I think, especially with babies or those with compromised health conditions,  should be cautious and aware of the what we allow around them. 

This I know is not scientific just something to think about!

To Recertify or not

This is the year I must recertify with DONA. I have been debating on if it is better to do it or not.  I have tried to keep track of where my clients have found me. Mostly it is the VFDC in our area or by word of mouth. 

Last year I only took 4 births.  Is it worth it for me to recert?. I am still a Doula and follow what I have been taught and believe in the support that every birthing mother should have.  I would do nothing different without a certification from DONA.  I just do not know.

I guess I will have to see what parents think about hiring a Doula without a certification.  I am still DONA trained and keep up on reading and things to enhance by practice.  I guess I feel it crazy after 25+ births I would need to get 3 more births signed off.  Have I not proven my worth already? 

This is the question of the week.  I would no be able to use this upcoming birth because I have not ordered my packet to re-certify so I would need 3 birth by November of this year and if things are like last year....well...I may not get them anyways..

I better makeup my mind and fast I suppose.

Changes

This is now the time where my sleeping patterns begin to change.  Hopefully that is!.  Trying to take mid afternoon naps is not always easy.  I am trying hard not to get sick now.  For the next month I must stay healthy. So that means increasing my Vit C intake, much more hand washing and lots of hand sanitizer.

I have yet to miss a birth and I really have no desire to begin now!. 

I know I really need to update my doula bag so this week I shall be out refilling it with my essential oils, hot/cold packs, hand massager etc. All to help mommy when the time comes.

I try not to go out of town if possible but this year I am going once again to our family's crab feed at the end of the month.  I will only be 2 hours away and of course I have a back-up ready. I will know more as time gets closer but I start planning now. For this type of thing I am not a last min. person. I like to have my ducks in order (part of my control freak side I guess).

Its a New Year

Welcome 2011!!!

This year I welcomed it in with some very dear friends.  I am glad to close last year out and begin with a fresh start.  As with most lives I have experienced both good and bad in my personal life.  In my work in 2010 I had the privilege of supporting a few women and their families and it brought a lot of happiness my way. 

I am trusting that this year bring much more happiness both in life and in work.  I am finally able to close some doors that needed closing and now that I have done that I believe I can move onto bigger and better things.  I no longer will dwell on things, situations and people I am unable to change. It is rather draining to keep pulling when no change is desired on the other end. 

I am hoping this year, that I am able to devote more time to my work. I begin this year with my first birth in February (a Valentines baby perhaps??). I still believe I am at every birth for a reason.  I want to bring my personal best of course but more than that I want to be able to have them see in me my love for God and the peace in which it has brought me.  If  I can somehow convey that to them in my support for their family then I feel I have done my job. 

Wishing you the best for this New Year.