Legacies, Transitions, and Advancing Normal Birth

Abstract

In this column, the new editor of The Journal of Perinatal Education discusses the significance of legacies, transitions, and advancing normal birth. The editor pays tribute to the legacies left behind by former editors Francine Nichols and Sharron Humenick and shares her vision for The Journal of Perinatal Education as it transitions into the next phase of advancing normal birth. The editor also describes the contents of this issue, which offer a broad range of resources, research, and inspiration for childbirth educators in their efforts to promote normal birth.

In spring 1992, The Journal of Perinatal Education (JPE) was born. In her inaugural editorial, founding editor Dr. Francine Nichols remarked that the publication of this journal marked the beginning of another era for ASPO/Lamaze (as Lamaze International was known in those days) and that the journal would increase our credibility and clout as we strive to make needed changes in perinatal education (Nichols, 1992). I was so excited when I read that first issue, cover to cover, that I just had to write a letter to the editor. My letter was published in the second issue of the journal. In that letter, I applauded ASPO/Lamaze for making a significant contribution to the scientific community through the publication of the JPE, and I commented, “This much needed addition to the scholarly literature will fill a critical void and provide a forum for the dissemination of current information to those who share in our mission” (Budin, 1992, p. v). Never did I dream that one day I would become the editor of The Journal of Perinatal Education. As I write this, my first editorial as your new editor, I reflect on three themes: legacies, transitions, and advancing normal birth.

In a recent interview with Francine Nichols, Elaine Zwelling (2006) tells of the legacy that the JPE's founding editor contributed. Nichols commented on how Sharron Humenick, the second editor, was responsible for the growth and development of the journal. That interview was published in the last issue edited by our beloved Sharron Humenick, who sadly passed away on September 9, 2006, just days after writing her final swan song of an editorial (see Humenick, 2006).

Wendy C. Budin Editor

Sharron Humenick's legacy goes way beyond what she left behind as editor of the JPE for 10 years. Her leadership, mentoring, encouragement, admonishment, philosophy, and practical guidance touched and inspired many of us. In a tribute to Sharron Humenick published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, Stark (2006) writes, “Dr. Humenick was a model, a leader who mentored and shared her passion so that others could carry on the work she began. She devoted her time and energy to educating others, conducting research, affecting policy, and mentoring others to share her passion and focus for promoting the health of mothers and infants through normal birth and breastfeeding” (p. 681).

I certainly cherished Sharron as a mentor. She encouraged me (along with several other talented protégé) to consider applying for the editorship of the JPE. I will never forget her words of wisdom and the helpful guidance she shared with me just days before she died, as I prepared to take the helm as the next editor of the journal.

Yes, Sharron Humenick leaves behind a proud legacy. She touched so many of our lives in so many ways. And for those of us whom she touched, we must continue to work together to advance the vision of Lamaze International, which was also so much Sharron's vision for a world of confident women choosing normal birth. We will miss her.

Transitions are sometimes bittersweet or challenging, but they can also be times of excitement. Since its early days, the JPE has experienced several exciting transitions. In addition to changes in editors, publishers have changed, the journal has taken on a fresh new look, and the number of high quality submissions continues to grow. As the new editor, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Judith Lothian as my associate editor. Our vision is that the JPE truly advances normal birth. To that end, we see the journal not only bridging the gap between research and practice for childbirth educators, but also inspiring childbirth educators to be part of the change that must happen to accomplish that mission. We are committed to striving to ensure that the JPE is a scholarly journal that is accessible, inspiring, and enjoyable to read and share.

Our specific goals include expanding both the readership and the high-quality submissions to the journal. We believe all childbirth educators, not just the members of Lamaze International, should read the JPE. Although the niche of the JPE is childbirth educators, we believe the market exists for other stakeholders in maternity care to both read and contribute to the journal. Our goal is for the JPE to be recognized among the top 10 journals that “normal-birth advocates” read, talk about, and submit manuscripts to for publication. Another exciting transition for the journal will be the implementation of an online editorial manager and manuscript-submission product to increase efficiency as we meet the demands of increased submissions.

Our goal is for the JPE to be recognized among the top 10 journals that “normal-birth advocates” read, talk about, and submit manuscripts to for publication.

The Journal of Perinatal Education is extremely well functioning. We have an excellent editorial board, outstanding columnists, and talented and committed reviewers. Our managing editor, Nancy Perry, is second to none. The policies, procedures, and publishing support of Dartmouth Journal Services work extraordinarily well. I see my role as editor to provide vision and ensure that the already well-oiled machine keeps working well.

I see my role as editor to provide vision and ensure that the already well-oiled machine keeps working well.

IN THIS ISSUE

In this issue of the JPE, Francine Nichols pays a special tribute to her friend and colleague of many years, Dr. Sharron S. Humenick, a longtime advocate of normal childbirth and Lamaze International, for her many accomplishments. Through her numerous colleagues and friends in the United States and other countries, Dr. Humenick's legacy will live on in worldwide efforts to improve the childbirth experience for women and their families.

Dr. Humenick's legacy will live on in worldwide efforts to improve the childbirth experience for women and their families.

In continuing the journal's mission to promote normal birth, Kathy McGrath describes, in her “Celebrate Birth!” feature, tending to a mother who displayed a quiet confidence throughout her pregnancy and birth experience. This “wondrous” birth story provides powerful support for women's inherent ability to give birth.

In her “Navigating the Maze” column, Judith Lothian discusses the ethical and professional standards of the LCCE educator and the challenges the childbirth educator experiences while practicing in the current maternity-care environment. Lothian explains how Lamaze International's Code of Ethics for Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators provides guidance when dealing with these challenges.

In the “Ask an Expert” column, Laura Allen and Lily Fountain address sexuality and pregnancy in childbirth education classes. According to these authors, a positive, nonjudgmental, and informed approach to sexual health during pregnancy promotes acceptance of the normal functioning of women's bodies. It also encourages the development of close and supportive relationships that are so essential during pregnancy and birth.

Renece Waller-Wise, in her article, “Advocating for Normal Birth With Normal Clothes,” affirms that childbirth educators need to be aware that the clothes they wear when teaching classes provide a nonverbal message to class participants. Regardless of who wears them or what is worn, clothes send a message, and both advantages and disadvantages related to clothing choice should be considered. Ultimately, the message should reflect the values of supporting normal birth.

Also in this issue, Josephine DeVito shares the results of her research study in her article, “Self-Perceptions of Parenting Among Adolescent Mothers.” In this study, the author examined selected factors that contribute to self-perceptions of parenting among adolescent mothers 4 to 6 weeks postpartum. Findings from this study are important for designing and implementing nursing care and educating adolescents about the importance of social support, education, and parenting.

As a companion to an article by Svensson, Barclay, and Cooke (2006) in the JPE's 15.4 issue, which described the concerns and interests of expectant and new parents, the same authors now present findings that describe the learning needs for antenatal education as perceived by health professionals.

In this issue's “Media Reviews” column, coordinated by Teri Shilling, reviewers offer perspectives and comments on various current media resources, including books, DVDs, booklets, and teaching aids that address pregnancy and birth. Books reviewed include The Nurturing Touch at Birth (second edition) by Paulina Perez; Great Expectations: Your All-in-One Resource for Pregnancy & Childbirth by Sandy Jones and Marcie Jones; The Book for Guys Who Don't Want Kids by Scott Kelby; Mother Rising: The Blessingway Journey into Motherhood (second edition) by Yana Cortlund, Barb Lucke, and Donna Miller Watelet; and The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth by Debra Betts. DVDs and videos reviewed include Dr. Jack Newman's Visual Guide to Breastfeeding, featuring Jack Newman, MD, and Edith Kernerman, IBCLC; I Watched My Brother Being Born! Including Children at Birth, produced by Anne Vondruska and her daughter, Katarina Vondruska; and The Stages of Labor (second edition), produced by InJoy Videos. Lastly, innovative teaching aids for childbirth educators included Labor Labs, a teaching aid created by Laurie Boyer, and Belly Mapping—How Kicks and Wiggles Reveal Fetal Position by Gail Tully.

Amy Romano and Henci Goer's “Research Summaries” column examines four research studies that further support the benefits of normal birth. The topics of the studies include the association of cesarean birth with an increased risk of neonatal death, the use of acupuncture and self-hypnosis as effective pain-management strategies, factors associated with amniotic-fluid embolism, and the positive influence of continuous support by lay doulas on obstetric outcomes for low-income women.

Last by not least, in “Deb's Last Laugh,” Deb Gauldin takes an interesting look at funny names that are sometimes selected for offspring born to couples in our childbirth classes. As usual, she allows us to laugh at ourselves.

Along with this issue of the JPE, we are especially delighted to present a special supplement edited by Dr. Judith Lothian, titled The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services: Evidence Basis for the Ten Steps of Mother-Friendly Care. In this comprehensive supplement, the history of the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) as part of a global effort to promote normal birth is described. The principles underlying the CIMS Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative are presented, the Ten Steps of Mother-Friendly Care are identified, and the evidence basis for the Ten Steps is introduced (JPE, 16.1 supplement).