tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312764932024-03-08T12:32:10.253-05:00Childbirth and…4 Trimesters information, including fertility, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, breastfeeding, and parenting.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.comBlogger481125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-57950594932205195782013-03-15T15:14:00.002-04:002013-03-15T15:14:31.119-04:0015 Tips for Raising an Only Child<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
for Become a Nanny http://www.becomeananny.com/blog/15-tips-for-raising-an-only-child/<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FYnclipfgB8/UUNzBboSSUI/AAAAAAAAASM/V41z6YWDKBA/s1600/child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FYnclipfgB8/UUNzBboSSUI/AAAAAAAAASM/V41z6YWDKBA/s1600/child.jpg" /></a></div>
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Once upon a time, big families were the norm. These days, however,
more parents are choosing to raise only children instead of having a
large brood. Along with that decision comes the concern about what it
means to raise an only child. Many parents have apprehension over the
thought of their child becoming spoiled or being lonely. Just as with
multiple siblings, you can raise a well-adjusted, responsible, socially
engaged child by following a few rather common sense pointers.
<br />
<ol>
<li><strong>Relax</strong> – Babies and younger children easily pick up
on a parent’s anxiety. Learn to relax and enjoy the wonders of childhood
with your little one. It won’t last long, so you don’t want to fill the
time you have with your baby with unnecessary angst about things that
will most likely never happen anyway. You’re going to make some
mistakes, but all parents do. Go easy on yourself and take delight in
your child.</li>
<li><strong>Find Other Single-Child Families</strong> – You don’t need
to join an only child club, but befriending other families like your own
will provide socialization for the children and give you some support
as you connect with other parents who may share the same or similar
concerns you have about raising an only child.</li>
<li><strong>Set Clear Boundaries for Your Child</strong> – All children
need boundaries. Children who have no siblings are no exception. Even
though it may be easier to give in to your child’s various requests all
the time, don’t do it. Every child will test the boundaries; some will
do so constantly, testing your patience in the process. Be firm in your
resolve to hold to the established rules. Some parents lean toward
leniency because there are no siblings to pander to, but that sends out
the wrong message to kids. Your resolve shows that you can be trusted to
stand by your word.</li>
<li><strong>Play With Your Child</strong> – Some valuable life lessons
that kids would normally learn at the hands of their siblings can be
taught through you engaging with your child during playtime. You can
teach your child to share as you both decide what you’re going to play.
Let her know that she won’t always get to dictate what you play; you get
to have a say in what games are played too.</li>
<li><strong>Teach Responsibility</strong> – One child is a lot easier to
clean up after than two or more children. However, you also need to
teach your child how to be part of a greater whole. Let him help clear
the table after meals. Give him a list of chores that are age
appropriate, and be clear about the consequences of not following
through. Show appreciation when he completes his tasks.</li>
<li><strong>Find “The Other Mother” or the “Second Dad”</strong> – This
person does not usurp your role, but rather acts as a secondary adult
confidant and cheerleader for your child. According to Jennifer
Powell-Lunder, child psychologist, parents of only children need to be
on guard so they don’t become enmeshed with their child. Engaging in
relationships with other trusted adults, such as aunts, uncles or close
friends for support will help prevent your child from totally taking
cues from you.</li>
<li><strong>Let Go of the Lonely-Kid Guilt </strong>– It’s okay for your
child to have some alone time. You don’t need to fill up every spare
moment with activities and play dates to make sure she is socialized
properly. Everyone needs time to themselves, and you will find that kids
who have time to themselves quickly learn how to fill it creatively
with a little guidance from you. This quiet time can teach your child
how to be productive and content.</li>
<li><strong>Let Him Be Himself</strong> – Some parents begin to live
vicariously through their child. This is not healthy. Encourage your
child to be the person he was meant to be. Take pride in his
accomplishments, but let them be his own and not yours.</li>
<li><strong>Keep it Real</strong> – According to Dr. Kevin Leman, author of <em>The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are</em>,<em> </em>only
children are prone to perfectionism. Let your child know that it’s all
right to not be perfect in every little thing. Indeed, it is impossible
to get everything perfectly right all the time.</li>
<li><strong>Monitor Self-Talk </strong>– You may need to interrupt
negative self-talk from time to time. Only children can set impossibly
high standards for themselves, and they need some encouragement to see
that failure does not mean the end of the world.</li>
<li><strong>Teach Him to Set His Own Goals</strong> – Only children who
are prone to perfectionism are also hungry for success in many cases.
They strive to be the best at everything, and they can be quite
ambitious. Sometimes this can be taken to extremes, so it’s wise to step
in and teach your child how to create and manage realistic goals.</li>
<li><strong>Stay Involved </strong>– There are so many activities
available to kids these days. You can enroll your child in sports,
dance, acting, gymnastics, music and just about anything else you can
think of. Choose a group activity so your child will have an opportunity
to make new friends, but don’t overload her schedule. Involvement in a
team will teach valuable lessons about working together and compromise.</li>
<li><strong>Let Her Off the Hook</strong> – It’s natural for children to
seek their parent’s approval. For only children, this can become an
obsession. Especially as she gets older, it’s important for you to let
your child know that she doesn’t need to do everything to please you.
Autonomy has a place in her life as well.</li>
<li><strong>Live, Laugh, Love</strong> – Only children have a tendency
to be quite serious and very grown up in their approach to life. You can
help your child lighten up and see the humor around him by being a good
role model in this department. You need to have discipline, but you
also need to see the humor in life.</li>
<li><strong>Volunteer</strong> – Teach your child to help others by
doing volunteer work. There are many opportunities for families to do
service together. There are also other things you can do, like taking
your child shopping for Toys for Tots or gathering up things and clothes
you aren’t using anymore and taking them to Goodwill and explaining to
your child what that organization does.</li>
</ol>
</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-24460832862235029962013-01-11T12:03:00.002-05:002013-01-11T12:03:26.368-05:00How to Choose a Godparent That Isn’t a Family Member<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
While the tradition of choosing godparents for a new baby is typically
affiliated with the Roman Catholic faith, there are some parents who are
of different religions or no religion at all that are eager to confer
the honor upon someone close to them. Choosing godparents for your child
can be a difficult task, especially if you are worried about offending
members of your family by passing them over. There are a few ways that
you can manage the situation with as much grace as possible, however,
hopefully staving off any hurt feelings or family feuds.<a href="http://www.newborncare.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-godparent-that-isnt-a-family-member/"> Click here to read entire article</a></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-16720192777881789712012-01-19T15:09:00.000-05:002012-01-19T15:09:54.204-05:00Why breastfeeding is important | womenshealth.gov<a href="http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/why-breastfeeding-is-important/#.Txh4iAsOTZs.blogger">Why breastfeeding is important womenshealth.gov</a><br /><br /><a name="c"></a>Breastfeeding benefits society<br />The nation benefits overall when mothers breastfeed. Recent research shows that if 90 percent of families breastfed exclusively for 6 months, nearly 1,000 deaths among infants could be prevented. The United States would also save $13 billion per year — medical care costs are lower for fully breastfed infants than never-breastfed infants. Breastfed infants typically need fewer sick care visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations.<br />Breastfeeding also contributes to a more productive workforce since mothers miss less work to care for sick infants. Employer medical costs are also lower.<br />Breastfeeding is also better for the environment. There is less trash and plastic waste compared to that produced by formula cans and bottle supplies.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-84235808717562255112012-01-09T16:20:00.000-05:002012-01-09T16:20:16.864-05:00In the Beginning…There Was Menarche<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">By Michelle Schnaars<br />
<br />
<br />
6 January 2012<br />
<br />
Menarche is the first menstrual period a girl or young woman gets. The average global age for menarche is anywhere from 10 to 13 years of age.<br />
<br />
The beginning of a period can mean different things to different girls. It can be an exciting time in your life, filled with anticipation, expectation, and sometimes fear of the unknown. Some girls think about it a lot, while others don’t think about it at all. Some think there’s something physically wrong with them the first time they get it. With this article, I aim to show that ‘normal’ encompasses a wide range of feelings, experiences, and options. So, whether you slide in to this new chapter in your life easily, or go kicking and screaming, at least you’ll know that this is indeed a healthy time in your life, and that your body is doing what it’s supposed to do. <br />
<br />
You might want to know what you can expect from your first period. It might surprise you to know that it might not occur every month, or that you’ll feel sick, and the color of the blood might not be bright red. In her article, I Got My Period and Thought I was Dying, Jessica Gottlieb shares a great point. Gottlieb says, “I went to the restroom and as I took down my pants I saw brown on my underwear.” It’s possible that you too might experience this brown discharge instead of bright red blood. <br />
<br />
Maybe you’ve wondered if there’s a way to know you’re period is impending. Well, there sort of is a way to know that it’s about to make it’s appearance. Aside from sore and growing breasts and mood swings, you might also notice a whitish or clear discharge coming from your vagina. This can start about 6 months or so before getting your first period. This discharge is common, there’s no need to worry about it unless it has a strong odor or causes itching. If this happens have your mom take you to see your family doctor, or a gynecologist. Sometimes girls get minor infections, and it doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. You just might need some help getting over it.<br />
<br />
This white discharge will usually appear in the middle of your cycle each month. And, some girls will have this each month before their period starts. You might notice this discharge a few days each month before your period starts. This can be an indication that you’re ovulating. (More about this later).<br />
<br />
Now, using a common questions format, I’ll break this down into small pieces. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect from your menstrual period:<br />
<br />
When will my period start? As I mentioned earlier, the global range is 10 to 13 years old. But, it can start as early as 8 or as late as 15 years of age. Just because your mom, sister, aunt, or friend got their period at age 11 it doesn't mean you will too. And, just because your friends are getting theirs, doesn't mean you'll get your's anytime soon. Be patient and enjoy this time in your life.<br />
<br />
Will I get cramps? Some girls notice cramping in their abdomen or lower back, you might even cramp in your vagina. You’ve probably heard of PMS, premenstrual syndrome, the symptoms include irritability, fatigue, food cravings, nausea, headache, bloating (water retention in your breasts and abdomen), and breast tenderness. Not every one experiences PMS, and not everyone experiences all of these symptoms. <br />
<br />
Will it come every month? Your period may be irregular for the first year, and will become regular over time. You might bleed for the first time, and then wait months before it returns. Use a personal calendar to mark when your period comes. You can do this by placing a check mark in the upper right-hand corner, and then mark each day you have your period with this check mark. Over time this record will help you to see when you’re most likely to get it each month, and you can have pads on hand. <br />
<br />
How much will I bleed? You will pass about 3 tablespoons of blood during your period, with an average of 6 to 9 tablespoons. It’s important that you know the blood flows out of your uterus and through your vagina.<br />
<br />
What will the blood be like? The color of the blood can be bright red, brown, or rusty red. All of these colors are normal. Periods are also described in terms like flow and spotting. This means the amount of blood you pass during your period. Most girls start out with a light flow. And, spotting literally means spotting. It’s when a small amount, like a spot, of blood comes out. <br />
<br />
When should I wear a pad? You already know to wear one when you’re bleeding. But, you’ll also wear one when you have the white discharge. Wear one to bed too, because even though you’ve gone to sleep, you won’t stop bleeding. You can also wear one as back-up for a tampon or cup, and on light days when you’re spotting.<br />
<br />
Can I get pregnant now? Conception (conceiving a baby) happens when a woman and a man have sex. A woman can become pregnant once she starts ovulating, if you have your period, than you’re ovulating too. Check marking your personal calendar, as we discussed above, will help you to determine your cycle. A cycle is how many days from one period to the next. A cycle can be 28, 30, or even 40 days. To determine your cycle, start counting the days from the start of one period to the start of the next period. If you count 28 days from the first day, to the next day, then you have a 28 day cycle, if 30 days then you have a 30 day cycle, etc. To determine when you’re ovulating cut the number in half. Example, cut 28 in half and you have 14, this means you’re ovulating about 14 days after you’ve started bleeding. <br />
<br />
Your period is a time of practice for your body for the time when someday you’ll get pregnant. Every month when you have your period, your uterus is making a place for the baby. Blood and other fluid builds up on the walls of your uterus, since there’s no baby, you shed this lining and have a period.<br />
<br />
You’ll also notice other changes taking place, these include:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Breast tenderness and growth. </li>
</ul><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Hair growth under your arms, on your legs, and on your pubic area (the space between your legs). </li>
</ul><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Breakouts, also known as pimples or zits. </li>
</ul><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Oily hair </li>
</ul><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>And, you may have noticed that you sweat more or even an odor after a long day or exercising. </li>
</ul><br />
Taking care of yourself: If you notice body odor or oily hair take a shower every day or every other day. And, you can use the same soap you shower with to wash your face in between showers to help reduce the chances of breakouts occurring, and to help heal existing ones. <br />
<br />
Period care: There are many options for period care available to you. These include disposable pads and tampons, and cloth pads, and menstrual cups.<br />
<br />
Cups, tampons, and pads come in different sizes to fit different body sizes, and the flow of your period. When starting your period you most likely will use a smaller size cup or tampon, a good pad size for beginning or for lighter days is 6 or 8 inches. This size is also good for young girls and teens.<br />
<br />
Period kits are excellent things to have on-hand before your period starts, that will go a long way in helping to feel, as well as to be, prepared for when your period starts. You will find links to websites that tell you about menstrual care products and options right here, feminine hygiene care and information.<br />
<br />
A Teen Kit usually includes:<br />
<br />
3 pads, to wear during the day and at night. <br />
<br />
3 underwear liners, for lighter days or spotting, or as a back-up for tampons or cups. <br />
<br />
A carrying bag for when you’re out of the house (to take to school, etc.), and for storing in between use. You can also look into wet/dry bags, and laundry bags. <br />
<br />
And, a booklet of information about menarche and periods. <br />
<br />
The thing to remember is that this is your own experience. It’s all about you and the wonderful changes that are taking place; although, it might not always feel wonderful. At least now you know what to expect and what options are available to you.<br />
<br />
If you still have questions, talk with your mom, sister, or a trusted woman in your life. You’re also welcome to email me at MensesToday@comcast.net.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-39245830809962204302011-10-26T14:05:00.000-04:002011-10-26T14:05:27.257-04:00Mother of the Medicine Wheel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Molly Remer shared the following poem written by Sharon Blessum via her </span><a href="http://talkbirth.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Talk Birth</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> website, and I found it timely for the season and wanted to share it with you all.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mother of the Medicine Wheel </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">By Sharon Blessum</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the womb of the East Lodge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She gives birth in the morning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She mothers us with smiles and songs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the strong sun of the South</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She offers food from Her garden,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Enchantment for the mid-day of life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the benediction of the West</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She colors evening with sunset</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wraps us in reflections of day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the old age of the North Lodge,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She will hold us in sweetness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cross with us into the Land of the Ancestors.</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-53820589429371976602011-08-30T15:14:00.000-04:002011-08-30T15:14:07.312-04:00Ages and Stages: Speech Development in Infants and Toddlers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Children acquire language gradually through interaction with people and their environment. During the first year, babies start to develop skills they will use for the rest of their lives. The following developmental time-line was shared with Childbirth and… by Sonali Shivlani, CLE, CCCE (see her byline below)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_7pts1s="136"><strong>Speech Development in Infants and Toddlers:</strong></div><br />
<div closure_uid_7pts1s="138">• <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">0-2 months</span></strong> listens to voices and can produce vowel sounds. </div><div closure_uid_7pts1s="137"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_7pts1s="145">• <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">3-4months</span></strong> coos and gurgles and can also produce some other consonant type sounds like ba da ga, etc.</div><br />
<div closure_uid_7pts1s="147">• <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">5-6 months</span></strong> can recognize names and familiar sounds. Starts smacking lips and also will talk to self in mirror.</div><br />
<div closure_uid_7pts1s="149">• <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">7-9 months</span></strong> tries to imitate more sounds. Can recognize the meaning of ‘no’. Will start enjoying listening to simple reading from story books. Recognizes own name.</div><br />
<div closure_uid_7pts1s="150">• <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">10-12 months</span></strong> says mama and dada, and other simple words like ‘bye-bye’ or ‘hi’. Can follow one step instructions like ‘give’ or ‘go to mama’, etc.</div><br />
• If your child has not met these milestones then it makes sense to visit a specialist. <br />
<div closure_uid_7pts1s="153"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_7pts1s="133"><strong>About Sonali Shivlani</strong></div><div closure_uid_7pts1s="154">Sonali Shivlani, CLE, CCCE, is an Internationally Certified Child Birth and Lactation Educator. She completed her certification from CAPPA – U.S.A. in April 2004. Training covered all birth related aspects beginning with Diet and Nutrition during Pregnancy, to the Common Concerns to Ante-Natal Exercise. Various methods of child birth such as Vaginal, Assisted Births and C Sections were also covered. Comfort and Pain relief measures both pharmacological and non – pharmacological were encompassed. Post Partum issues such as Child Care, Breast Feeding and Recovery of Mom were a part and parcel of the training program.</div><br />
<div closure_uid_7pts1s="122">For Sonali's full bio: <a href="http://www.cappaindia.com/sonali_shivlani_profile.html">http://www.cappaindia.com/sonali_shivlani_profile.html</a></div><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-63963197980415559242011-08-06T22:59:00.000-04:002011-08-06T22:59:14.459-04:00Do you Breastfeed!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">By Michelle Schnaars<br />
<br />
Breastfeeding is important because it protects the baby, benefits mothers and society, and lowers healthcare costs. Children receive the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients & antibodies when breastfed. Breastfeeding plays an important role in the emotional development of babies, and babies enjoy a special warm bonding and relationship with their mothers.<br />
<br />
<br />
Often we hear "breast is best". But, how is it best? What sets breastfeeding apart from formula feeding? <br />
<br />
The following are just a fraction of the many wonderful benefits of breastfeeding:<br />
<br />
• The varying composition of breastmilk keeps pace with the infant's individual growth and changing nutritional needs<br />
<br />
• Have fewer incidences of vomiting and diarrhea in the US (20-35 million episodes of diarrhea occur in children under the age of 5, resulting in over 200,000 hospitalizations and 400-500 deaths in the U.S.)<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_fjs1a8="123">• Protection against gastroenteritis, <a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/digestive/nec.html">necrotizing entercolitis </a></div><br />
• Reduced risk of chronic constipation, colic, and other stomach upsets<br />
<br />
• Reduced risk of childhood diabetes<br />
<div closure_uid_fjs1a8="208"><br />
</div>• Increased bone density<br />
<br />
• Average cost of formula to feed a baby in the first year $1, 733.75. <br />
<br />
Do you breastfeed? And if so, do you feel you have support from your family or peers? And, what are your thoughts on extended breastfeeding? <br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_fjs1a8="124"><strong>References: </strong></div><br />
<a href="http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/04/how-much-money-does-breastfeeding-really-save/">http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/04/how-much-money-does-breastfeeding-really-save/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/?page=227">http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/?page=227</a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.motheringfromtheheart.com/Benefits.htm">http://www.motheringfromtheheart.com/Benefits.htm</a> <br />
<div closure_uid_fjs1a8="136"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_fjs1a8="168"><a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/digestive/nec.html"><span closure_uid_fjs1a8="178" style="color: blue;">http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/digestive/nec.html</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></div><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-55750408351985492662011-08-02T15:18:00.003-04:002011-08-02T15:37:02.531-04:00APPPAH Hosting an International Congress Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_liyhpc="120"><div closure_uid_m7act9="101"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">APPPAH (Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health) will be hosting an international congress November 17-20, 2011 in beautiful San Francisco at the Kabuki Hotel in Japan Town. </span></div></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div closure_uid_pzbglj="101"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Be inspired by individuals who are making a difference in the field of prenatal and perinatal psychology. We will have new and exciting speakers including: </span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bruce Lipton, internationally acclaimed author and speaker who connects the biology and the psychology of the brain, the cells and the psychology of human development. Bruce will also offer a one-day pre-congress workshop on Thursday, the 17th of November. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Annie Murphy Paul, author of the popular book on fetal life ORIGINS: How The Nine Months Before Birth Shape The Rest of Your Life </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Jeanne Ohm, founder and executive editor of Pathways to Family Wellness </span><br />
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<div closure_uid_m7act9="121"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Gabor Mate, author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts other books </span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Michael Trout, founding president of the International Association for Infant Mental Health. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Raylene Phillips, attending neonatologist at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital in Loma Linda, CA </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Marcy Axness, author of the forthcoming book, Parenting for Peace </span><br />
<div closure_uid_pzbglj="139"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div closure_uid_rqjg6m="123"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In addition to these keynote speakers, we will have 20 breakout sessions with additional experts in the field of prenatal and perinatal psychology and medicine, focus groups, a book store, and many opportunities for networking. </span></div><div closure_uid_rqjg6m="134"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div closure_uid_liyhpc="129"><div closure_uid_pzbglj="103"><div closure_uid_rqjg6m="121"><span closure_uid_rqjg6m="112" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Visit </span><a href="http://birthpsychology.com/content/2011-congress"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://birthpsychology.com/content/2011-congress</span></a><a href="http://birthpsychology.com/content/apppahs-intnl-conference"><span closure_uid_rqjg6m="122"></span></a><span closure_uid_rqjg6m="124" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> to</span> register for this important event. </span></div></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-77221712622281217802011-07-07T14:38:00.001-04:002011-07-07T14:38:56.285-04:00Are You A Flower Power Mom?
<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>
If you're having a baby after 40 then yes you are! You might want to tap into the leading online support community <a href='http://www.flowerpowermom.com/a-child-after-40-online'>at A Child After 40</a>, and connect with other over-40 women on the same journey.</p>
<p>
<a href='http://flowerpowermom.com/'>FlowerPowerMom.com</a> is the source of a growing “movement” to empower the rising number of women having children after 40. It launched as a blog in 2009, featuring commentary, real mom stories and expert advice on the hardcore realities of midlife motherhood.</p>
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In May, 2011, FlowerPowerMom.com launched <a href='http://flowerpowermom.com/a-child-after-40/'>A CHILD AFTER 40 (ACA40)</a>—the first free, private online community to empower all women on the journey of motherhood after 40—from fertility, pregnancy and birth or adoption, to parenting, menopause and ageing.</p>
<p>
The A Child After 40 community now has a dedicated <a href='http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs087/1105784870845/archive/1106030908966.html'>Weekly News Brief</a> and is currently featuring a 2011 Summer Series of free online <a href='http://flowerpowermom.com/experts/'>“Ask Our Experts & Authors” Forums</a>. Experts range from the fields of reproductive endocrinology, clinical child psychology and Traditional Chinese Medicine, while Authors include journalists from some of the top newspapers in the USA and the BBC in Britain.</p>
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FlowerPowerMom.com has been widely featured in the media on key issues related to midlife motherhood, including several <a href='http://www.youtube.com/user/flowerpowermoms'>live broadcasts on CNN</a> and a broad range of radio programs and newspapers across the country since 2009. FlowerPowerMom.com is the leading resource for the fastest growing population of moms in the USA—midlife moms!</p>
</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-77244443085349610452011-06-23T15:29:00.000-04:002011-06-23T15:29:43.183-04:00Join Our "A Child After 40" Community<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tiew2cBmzWc/TgOT-YWxauI/AAAAAAAAANs/UZ199KdyZ-Q/s1600/A+Child+AFter+40+Logo+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tiew2cBmzWc/TgOT-YWxauI/AAAAAAAAANs/UZ199KdyZ-Q/s1600/A+Child+AFter+40+Logo+2.png" /></a><a href="http://www.flowerpowermom.com/a-child-after-40-online">A Child After 40</a> is a free and private online community -the first initiative to empower women on the journey of motherhood after 40, from fertility, birth or adoption to a midlife renaissance of parenting and self discovery. (Launched 8th May, 2011)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you became a mother after 40, or are preparing to become one, you’re welcome to join our support community. We’re here to offer mutual support on all stages of the journey and discover of our true potential as midlife women and mothers.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Share experiences, compare notes, or just remember the good old days. It’s a place to relax and enjoy the company of women and moms from your generation. United we are strong!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Don’t forget to visit our blog at <a href="http://www.flowerpowermom.com/">Flower Power Mom</a>.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-13970232124614832702011-06-15T07:57:00.001-04:002011-07-23T14:00:20.395-04:00A Child After 40 Launches Expert Forum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl4I7q2vAA8/TfibvfWw2uI/AAAAAAAAANo/v5OsQx6hweU/s1600/FPM+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="81px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl4I7q2vAA8/TfibvfWw2uI/AAAAAAAAANo/v5OsQx6hweU/s400/FPM+Banner.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> NEWS RELEASE Wednesday June 15, 2011</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lVpLKW5-ir8/Tfibs1i9xwI/AAAAAAAAANk/RrroP5m7Vj4/s1600/A+Child+AFter+40+Logo+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lVpLKW5-ir8/Tfibs1i9xwI/AAAAAAAAANk/RrroP5m7Vj4/s1600/A+Child+AFter+40+Logo+2.png" t8="true" /></a>A CHILD AFTER 40 -- the new online community from Flower Power Mom -- The Truth About Motherhood After 40 (www.flowerpowermom.com) -- is now launching the first forum dedicated to experts and authors on midlife motherhood.</div><br />
From 14th June 2011, A Child After 40 (ACA40) will feature regular guest experts and authors on subjects from midlife fertility, pregnancy, birth, and adoption, to parenting, menopause and aging to appear in an online Guest Experts and Authors Forum.<br />
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Members of the free, private community for the empowerment of women on the journey of motherhood after 40 will be able to regularly participate in an online "post-in" to ask questions and receive expert feedback from a broad and varied range of guests.<br />
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According to Angel La Liberte, Founder, the Forum aims to provide a unique opportunity for members to benefit from a live "Q & A" session, much like a university lecture hall or guest speaker format.<br />
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"We're pioneering the first online forum to offer an education and entertainment resource to the fast-growing demographic of women having children over 40," she says.<br />
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La Liberte adds that, while the forum is not intended for medical diagnosis or any other form of healthcare or business consultancy, its purpose is to broaden the horizons of the membership of over-40 women and mothers, and enhance a sense of community.<br />
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The Guest Expert and Author Forum will be supported by a regular news digest from ACA40, which will be distributed to members, media and professional organizations.<br />
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This new initiative comes only weeks after the official launch of the ACA40 online community by www.flowerpowermom.com on May 8th, 2011, which was featured live on CNN, on radio and widely in newspapers, including the Washington Times and San Jose Mercury News.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">-ends-</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>For further information, please contact:<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Angel La Liberte, Founder</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Website: <a href="http://www.flowerpowermom.com/">http://www.flowerpowermom.com/</a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Email: <a href="mailto:angel@flowerpowermom.com">angel@flowerpowermom.com</a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Telephone: 831-246-3879</div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-60310581753691418622011-05-22T12:02:00.000-04:002011-05-22T12:02:57.708-04:00All in a Days Work<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">By Michelle Schnaars<br />
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In April I launched a new blog –<a href="http://www.mensestoday.blogspot.com/">http://www.mensestoday.blogspot.com/</a> with the purpose of encouraging open communication between girls, young women, and their parents concerning menarche, menstruation, and feminine hygiene products, and to help girls and young women form healthy thinking and choices for their care. Six weeks after its inception, Menses Today has faithful visitors from around the world, United States, India, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Ghana, Germany, Pakistan, and Russia to name a few. Thanks to all our visitors we appreciate you and wouldn’t thrive without you! <br />
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Why is Menses Today important to so many people from such diverse countries? Because we all have young women in our lives who are either about to enter puberty or have started. As a mother of three young girls, an aunt, and a friend of other mothers, I know we all have the same questions and concerns for our daughters. We want to help them while they mature. To provide helpful answers to their questions and direct them to healthy products that will also be comfortable for them. We want to provide a safe place for them to come to us and know that their feelings and needs are respected. <br />
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Menses Today is a place for young girls and the woman in their lives to come and learn about all things menarche, menstruation, and feminine hygiene –no and’s or if’s just the period! There are links to informative articles and books, a directory of definitions of related words, and links to feminine hygiene care products, and more. You’ll learn things that you might not have known before, and you’ll gain a community of support for you and your daughter as you both enter this new and exciting journey. <br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Vladimir Script'; font-size: 16pt;">Michelle</span></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-51829807304072591602011-05-04T15:47:00.000-04:002011-05-04T15:47:46.966-04:00Menstrual Monday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">By Michelle Schnaars for Menses Today.blogspot.com<br />
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Don’t get red in the face, celebrate your day with style. Menstrual Monday was founded by a lady named Geneva. Who is this mysterious woman? Well, no one really knows, or at least no one has come forward and said who she is. But it is attributed to her, and so we give her credit. Menstrual Monday is celebrated the Monday before Mother’s Day because, “Menstruation comes before motherhood… and usually long after it, too.” <br />
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What’s the purpose of Menstrual Monday? DeAnna L’am writes the reasons to celebrate are to create “a sense of fun around menstruation.” “to encourage women to take charge of their menstrual and reproductive health.” and “to enhance honesty in our relationships.”<br />
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But it is something that can actually be celebrated anytime and any place, and with anyone we choose like the special women in your life: your mom, sister, aunt, grand mom, and friends. You can also celebrate by wearing the color red, taking a leisurely walk, telling the story of your first period, and by eating red foods like strawberries, strawberry or raspberry cheesecake, spaghetti, and pink lemonade.<br />
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This celebration is one way you can take care of yourself at this time. Make sure you have a good multivitamin, and or calcium with magnesium, as these will help encourage overall good health including healthy bones, less or no cramps, and less or no headaches and nausea. Other things that help ease this time are regular and appropriate exercise, and a balanced diet (meaning a balance of healthy foods). <br />
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You can also use this as an opportunity to make the switch from disposable to reusable hygiene products:<br />
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Some reasons women use cloth pads, sponges, or cups:<br />
<div></div><div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Cost effective. They last longer, therefore reduce your monthly expenses </li>
<li>Less waste in landfills that take years to degrade</li>
<li>They are healthier. They reduce the amount of harmful chemicals you are exposed to</li>
</ul>I switched to cloth menstrual pads eleven years ago, and have never looked back. Back in 1985, shortly after starting my period at age 13 I found disposable pads uncomfortable, and I usually ended up with skin irritation from them too. However, I didn't learn about reusable products until some time in 2000 after a friend told me about them. She was using them and told me about the comfort, ease-ability (is that a word ;-/), and how much money she saved using them. But it wasn't until after my first period after my daughter’s birth that year that I had the chance to use them. Although I was too nervous to try them with postpartum bleeding, I did try them soon after, and found them to be completely wonderful. They were soft, easy to wash and store, and reduced the discomfort that I was experiencing each month. It was a good decision for me to switch. Remember, this is your time and your body. Figure out what works best for you. <br />
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Menstruation is a part of your life, or will become a part soon. It isn’t something to fear or an embarrassment. Not that you have to announce it on the mountain tops, but you don’t have to hide in your room either, though you might feel like doing that the first time. Understanding what’s happening and being prepared can help you to feel better about your period. And, celebrating it will help you to have an easier time each month, because you can’t run from it.<br />
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If you need resources or more information please visit the pages linked at the top right-hand corner. There you will find links to hygiene products, information about menarche (which is the first period a girl gets), menses (your period), and articles and books about this time. And, make sure you have your teen kit on hand before you start menarche. This kit should include:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>3 day pads, which when starting out can also be used during the night without the threat of leakage.</li>
<li>1-3 panty liners.</li>
<li>A carrying bag for going out (to school, etc.), which will fit one or a couple clean pads, and has a separate side for soiled pads.</li>
<li>A storage bag for clean and or soiled pads, which will hang in your room or bathroom, if you have the latter option.</li>
</ul>Talking with a trusted woman in your life will also help you to feel better, so go find mom, your sister, grand mom, aunt, even some dad’s are able to help. Whoever that person is, it’s never too soon to start talking about your period.<br />
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</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-92189351998308354852011-05-02T11:45:00.000-04:002011-05-02T11:45:02.829-04:00Labor Doula Workshop Training<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Thinking about a new career? </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Do you enjoy working with mothers & babies? </strong></div><br />
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This is a great opportunity to become a <a href="http://www.cappa.net/get-certified.php?labor-doula">CAPPA Certified Labor Doula</a>. <br />
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This workshop will give you all the skills needed to get started right away in your new career. Helping pregnant mothers is very rewarding. Find out more about becoming a Labor Doula at <a href="http://www.aspecialtouchatbirth.com/">http://www.aspecialtouchatbirth.com/</a> or through <a href="http://www.cappa.net/">CAPPA </a>(Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association).<br />
CAPPA APPROVED LABOR DOULA TRAINING <br />
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<strong>Instructor:</strong> Angie Whatley, RN, CCCE, CLD – 21 years experience in Women’s Health <br />
<strong>Location:</strong> West Memphis, Arkansas, US<br />
<strong>Dates:</strong> May 13, 14 & 15, 2011 <br />
<strong>Days: </strong>Friday & Saturday – 8:30a – 5:00p, Sunday 8:30a – 1:00p <br />
<strong>Cost: </strong>$350.00 USD<br />
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*Provides 18 CEU's through CAPPA<br />
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Seats Limited Register now!!! <br />
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Visit <a href="http://www.aspecialtouchatbirth.com/">http://www.aspecialtouchatbirth.com/</a> <br />
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</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-29323374965009187512011-04-28T15:54:00.001-04:002011-04-28T18:36:09.020-04:00Why Hire an Overnight Doula?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aklo2zhgVfc/TbnEnWIy-_I/AAAAAAAAANg/ZybCmsVsd-0/s1600/baby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aklo2zhgVfc/TbnEnWIy-_I/AAAAAAAAANg/ZybCmsVsd-0/s320/baby.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div>Who hires an overnight doula? Diane, a grandmother concerned for her daughter who can’t seem to stop crying since the baby came home. Kate, eight months pregnant, who is just planning ahead because she is concerned that she and her husband may need help after the baby arrives. Chuck and Kris who have a three day old baby who wakes every hour (they are exhausted). Mary who has a two week old and wants help learning how to support her baby developing healthy sleep habits. Cheri whose husband travels often and just wants to make sure that she has help on the nights he is gone. (All names have been changed for privacy.)<br />
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An overnight Doula supports the developing family. She helps ensure that the parents get plenty of rest; this is often a key factor in avoiding postpartum depression. She helps the family learn nighttime parenting techniques, such as how to support their baby in learning self soothing, and setting up a healthy sleep environment. She supports the baby in learning to resettle himself. She is knowledgeable about breastfeeding. She supports mom in learning how to feed her baby during the night with minimal sleep interruption for both of them. Most overnight Doulas keep the same schedule as the baby, sleeping when baby sleeps and caring for baby when he is awake.<br />
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Nighttime parenting takes a different skill set than parenting during the day. Our society does not always provide parents with accurate information on what are “normal" expectations for newborn behaviors. An overnight Doula (or specialist) is knowledgeable in infant sleep patterns as well as the things that can interfere with a good night of sleep for baby (and the whole family!). The overnight Doula can help you to work with your baby's temperament while encouraging a healthy sleep pattern.<br />
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<strong>About the author:</strong><br />
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Allison Coleman, CD(CBI) is a mother of four children, who have been her strongest supporters, and greatest strength. She began working as a labor doula more than twelve years ago. She received postpartum doula training through MaternityWise, and breastfeeding educator training from the Texas Department of Health. Allison is a midwife’s assistant, and a student working towards nursing. She has been providing postpartum doula services for six years now, and realized she has a talent for night-time doula work, and loves to help new moms learn how to night-time parent their newborn baby. More information about Allison’s services can be found at <a href="http://www.supportingmom.com/">http://www.supportingmom.com/</a> and <a href="http://www.austinbabyguru.com/">http://www.austinbabyguru.com/</a>.<br />
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Websites:www.AustinBabyGuru.com, and <a href="http://www.supportingmom.com/">http://www.supportingmom.com/</a> <br />
Facebook : <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-Baby-Guru/166480726742980">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-Baby-Guru/166480726742980</a> <br />
Twitter : <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/AustinBabyGuru">http://twitter.com/#!/AustinBabyGuru</a> <br />
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</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-40003995107690933912011-04-25T13:25:00.004-04:002011-04-25T18:30:07.454-04:00Night-Time Parenting and the Newborn Baby<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Recently I had the pleasure of being introduced to Allison Coleman of <a href="http://www.austinbabyguru.com/">Austin Baby Guru</a>. Allison is a phenominal labor and postpartum doula who helps new parents learn how to night-time parent their newborn. She blogs about babies and sleep, among other important newborn topics on her blog <a href="http://www.austinbabyguru.com/baby-face-blog.html">BabyFace</a>.<br />
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Allison Coleman is a labor doula, postpartum doula, breastfeeding educator, and midwife's assistant. She writes about birth and postpartum issues that are important to new parents. This past week Allison shared facts about newborn sleep habits, and finding them beneficial for new parents I wanted to share them with Childbirth and... readers. The following is a bit of what she has posted to her blog, you can read the full article by clicking here: <a href="http://www.austinbabyguru.com/baby-face-blog.html">BabyFace</a>.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Baby Sleep </span></strong><br />
By Allison Coleman<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A full night’s sleep for a newborn is a six hour stretch. </li>
<li>Night waking might be one way of baby’s protecting itself from an immature respiratory system. </li>
<li>A newborn will pace its breathing to an adult in the same room. Having your baby sleep within 5 feet of an adult for the first few months may lower its risk of SIDS. </li>
<li>Babies are safest sleeping on their backs.</li>
<li>Swaddling a baby shuts off the Moro reflex, this often helps a baby to sleep longer stretches. If you are co-sleeping, do not sleep with a baby swaddled, baby needs his/her arms free.</li>
</ul>This is an exceptional and extensive list so make sure you follow the links!<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Vladimir Script'; font-size: 16pt;">Michelle</span></div><br />
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</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-4702105571700413632011-04-20T14:10:00.000-04:002011-04-20T14:10:06.091-04:00Book Review of Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><strong>Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth, by The Boston Women’s Health Book Collective, 2008 (ISBN: 978-0743274869. Touchstone, $15, 370 pages, soft cover). </strong><br />
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Reviewed by Molly Remer, MSW, ICCE <a href="http://talkbirth.wordpress.com/">http://talkbirth.wordpress.com/</a> <br />
<br />
Many women view the book Our Bodies, Ourselves as an essential women’s health resource and also as a radically transformative influence in their lives. The Boston Women’s Health Book Collective is a confident volume specifically about pregnancy and birth. I hope Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth will become to pregnant women what the original book has been to women’s health and empowerment.<br />
<br />
The book is divided into five major sections: The Journey to Parenthood; Your Pregnancy; Giving Birth; Becoming a Mother; and Knowledge is Power. Subsections include an extensive chapter on prenatal testing and other important areas such as childbearing loss, coping with pain, and breastfeeding. A chapter titled “Relationships, Sex, and Emotional Support” was a particularly good one. The book has numerous contributing authors from a variety of backgrounds and organizations. Sprinkled throughout the book are italicized snippets of anonymous birth stories, often paired statements—i.e. an “I loved being pregnant!” segment and an “I hated being pregnant” segment. Then, inset into each chapter in box format, there are more complete stories or profiles that include women’s names and photos. Overall, the book has very few pictures and only one series of photos of a woman actually giving birth (and she is in the semi-sitting position).<br />
<br />
Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth is one of the only basic pregnancy books I’ve ever read that acknowledges the reality of violence against women during pregnancy and offers resources for seeking help if you are living with a violent mate. This book is also willing to address some unpopular or largely ignored subjects such as depression during pregnancy, HIV, STDS, and sexual abuse. <br />
<br />
In the opening section of Chapter One the authors describe the “Climate of Confidence, Climate of Doubt” which becomes a thread running throughout the rest of the book. “The media’s preference for portraying emergency situations, and doctors saving babies, sends a message that birth is fraught with danger. Other factors, including the way doctors are trained, financial incentives in the health care system, and a rushed, risk-averse society, also contribute to the popular perception that childbirth is an unbearably painful, risky process to be ‘managed’ in a hospital with the use of many tests, drugs, and procedures. In such an environment, the high-tech medical care that is essential for a small proportion of mothers and babies has become the norm for almost everyone…[a] ‘climate of doubt’ that increases women’s anxiety and fear. In contrast, a climate of confidence reinforces women’s strengths and abilities and minimizes fear. Some of the factors that nourish a climate of confidence include high-quality prenatal care; healthy food and time to rest and exercise; a safe work and home environment; childbearing leave; clear, accurate information about pregnancy and birth; encouragement, love and support from those close to you; and skilled and compassionate health care providers.” I love this way of articulating the messages swirling around pregnant women in our society. <br />
<br />
Because this book looks at birth within our current sociocultural context—which is enmeshed in a dominant medical model and climate of doubt—and because the book is designed to be a basic introduction to pregnancy book, I do feel like it sometimes veers into “climate of doubt” territory itself with all the risks, complications, prenatal testing, and so forth that it covers. However, the overriding attitude felt through this book is one that is the hallmark of Our Bodies, Ourselves in general--that ultimately, situations involving women’s bodies are about each woman and what she wants and needs. The support offered is for her regardless of the popularity of her choices with either the medical model or with childbirth activists—the woman wins out over anyone else’s agenda. This is a truly woman-centered approach.<br />
<br />
Early on, the book also explores and explains the two models of maternity care in the chapter titled “Choosing Your Health Care Provider and Birth Setting.” The book primarily seems aligned with the midwives model of care while still containing a huge amount of information regarding the dominant, medical model.<br />
<br />
I had a minor critique of the persistent use of the term “breast-feeding” with a hyphen, which is not correct. In addition, the book’s suggestions regarding overall newborn care routines in hospitals were surprisingly conventional and conservative.<br />
<br />
Many of the most popular pregnancy books are rooted in medical model, conventional wisdom, and a climate of fear and doubt. This book is rooted in an empowerment oriented, woman centered midwifery model in a climate of confidence and competence. This book is a basic introduction to pregnancy and birth and is primarily directed towards the newly pregnant first time mother. I hope it finds a comfortable home on bookstore shelves next to (or in place of!) books about “what to expect” during pregnancy.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-82309248427665501602011-04-14T22:41:00.003-04:002011-04-14T22:43:35.933-04:00Postpartum Doula Training<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ogD1xHY-vfc/TaewS3z-DEI/AAAAAAAAANc/MlR0S-uTEFU/s1600/Jodi+Krentzman+trainings.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ogD1xHY-vfc/TaewS3z-DEI/AAAAAAAAANc/MlR0S-uTEFU/s640/Jodi+Krentzman+trainings.gif" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Register online at </strong><a href="http://www.hiptoheart.com/trainings"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>www.hiptoheart.com/trainings</strong></span></a><strong>.</strong> </td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-31306227084849699962011-04-14T14:20:00.000-04:002011-04-14T14:20:26.530-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.birthpsychology.com/index.html">APPPAH</a> (Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health) will be hosting an international congress November 17-20, 201l in beautiful San Francisco at the Kabuki Hotel in Japan Town. <br />
<br />
<br />
Be inspired by individuals who are making a difference in the field of prenatal and perinatal psychology. We will have new and exciting speakers including: <br />
<br />
<strong>Bruce Lipton</strong>, internationally acclaimed author and speaker who connects the biology and the psychology of the brain, the cells and the psychology of human development. Bruce will also offer a one-day pre-congress workshop on Thursday, the 17th of November. <br />
<br />
<strong>Annie Murphy Paul</strong>, author of the popular book on fetal life ORIGINS: How The Nine Months Before Birth Shape The Rest of Your Life <br />
<br />
<strong>Jeanne Ohm</strong>, founder and executive editor of Pathways to Family Wellness<br />
<br />
<strong>Gabor Mate</strong>, author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts other books <br />
<br />
<strong>Michael Trout</strong>, founding president of the International Association for Infant Mental Health.<br />
<br />
<strong>Raylene Phillips</strong>, attending neonatologist at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital in Loma Linda, CA <br />
<br />
<strong>Marcy Axness</strong>, author of the forthcoming book, Parenting for Peace<br />
<br />
In addition to these keynote speakers, we will have 20 breakout sessions with additional experts in the field of prenatal and perinatal psychology and medicine, focus groups, a book store, and many opportunities for networking.<br />
<br />
Visit <a href="http://www.birthpsychology.com/congress/2011/welcome_2011.html">APPPAH</a> to register for this important event.<br />
<br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-33478336624169784432011-04-12T09:59:00.001-04:002011-04-12T10:07:07.148-04:00Avoiding Dangerous Foods in Pregnancy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">By Natalie Torres<br />
<br />
For the <a href="http://www.cappa.net/quarterly.php">CAPPA Quarterly </a><br />
Volume 12, issue 4<br />
Autumn 2010<br />
<br />
A mom wants only the very best for her baby, so during pregnancy eating nutritious foods is especially important. Equally critical, though, is understanding which foods she should avoid. While pregnant women are especially susceptible to the hazards in our food supply, the threat is even greater to the fetus. Among these risks are:<br />
<br />
*Listeria (Listeria monocytogenes)- bacteria that can cause from mild to quite severe flu-like symptoms in the pregnant woman. The fetus, though, is in the most danger. It can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, blood poisoning, birth defects.<br />
<br />
-Listeria is most commonly found in <br />
<br />
-cold deli meats (deli ham, turkey, etc., hot dogs…),<br />
<br />
-soft cheeses ( such as Brie, Camembert, Feta, Mexican-style cheeses like queso blanco, and blue-veined cheeses like gorgonzola and roquefort,<br />
<br />
-unpasteurized milk and dairy products, and unpasteurized juices, <br />
<br />
-any undercooked meat<br />
<br />
*Toxoplasmosis (Toxplasma gondii)- a parasite that may cause no symptoms to mild flu-like symptoms in mom, but can be devastating to the unborn baby. This parasite crosses the placenta; this can result in miscarriage, or a number of physical conditions and disabilities. Mental retardation, seizures, blindness, deafness, and cerebral palsy can be long lasting effects of fetal exposure.<br />
<br />
-The most common food sources of Toxoplasmosis are <br />
<br />
-undercooked meat and poultry<br />
<br />
-unwashed fruits and vegetables<br />
<br />
-raw eggs <br />
<br />
-unpasteurized milk<br />
<br />
*Mercury (methylmercury)- a natural element, bur also released into our air via industrial pollution. It falls from the air and accumulates in the water system (streams, lakes, oceans, etc.) where it turns to methylmercury, affecting freshwater fish and seafood. The fetus is especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of mercury. It can damage the baby’s developing nervous system, resulting in lower IQ, delayed mental development, and other neurotoxic effects.<br />
<br />
-Fish/ seafood to eliminate <br />
<br />
-king mackerel, shark, swordfish, tilefish, marlin<br />
<br />
-especially avoid raw oysters and clams<br />
<br />
-Fish/seafood to restrict (or eliminate) <br />
<br />
-ahi and bigeye tuna, orange roughy, walleye, largemouth bass, and northern pike<br />
<br />
-In general, fish-eating fish and older fish have higher levels of methylmercury than smaller and/or herbivorous fish (like herring and tilapia).<br />
<br />
Another food category you may want to be careful of is soy products. Soybeans contain isoflavones and phytoestrogens, which affect multiple hormonal actions in the body. So an excess of soy may have a negative effect on the development of certain body systems. It can impact the way the baby’s reproductive organs and cells grow, the way the immune system develops, and even influences the organization of the brain. It also increases the risk of future problems such as behavioral issues, learning disabilities, and increased risk of developing severe allergies. <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Research continues in all these areas, it is important that childbirth professionals remain current concerning foods expectant women need to avoid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While keeping in mind the above precautions, expectant women can also protect themselves with these further hints for food safety…</div><br />
<strong>1.</strong> Wash your hands well, scrubbing with hot, soapy water before eating, before preparing food, after handling raw meat, and after using the restroom. <br />
<br />
<strong>2.</strong> Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables, preferably using a fruit and vegetable wash when possible (homemade or store bought). <br />
<br />
<strong>3.</strong> Avoid cross-contamination by separating raw meats from all other foods, double- wrapping stored meat so that the juices do not get on other foods. Any dish, utensil, etc., that touches raw meat should immediately be washed in hot soapy water.<br />
<br />
<strong>4.</strong> Cook raw meat and poultry until well done. Cook hamburger and pork until the internal temperature is 160 F. (71.1 C.) Chicken should reach at least 180 F. (82.2C.), and steak 170 F. (76.7C.) Most fish should be cooked to about 145 F. (63 C)<br />
<br />
<strong>5.</strong> Heat ready-to-eat foods (like deli meat and hot dogs) and leftovers until steaming hot, approximately 165 F. (73.9C.), or avoid them completely.<br />
<br />
<strong>6.</strong> Don’t buy raw meat that’s been pre-stuffed. (i.e. stuffed chicken breast)<br />
<br />
7. Do not eat dishes containing raw or partially cooked eggs (i.e. homemade ice cream, raw cookie dough, eggnog, and hollandaise sauce)<br />
<br />
<strong>8.</strong> Cook eggs until the yolks and whites are firm.<br />
<br />
While most of these things should always be done, it becomes even more important during pregnancy, because expectant women and their babies are more vulnerable to the dangers hiding in our food supply. Expectant women can safeguard themselves by eating a variety of healthy, nutritious foods at the same time as avoiding dangerous foods in pregnancy.<br />
<br />
(These are general guidelines only and should not take the place of your own personal care provider.)<br />
<br />
<strong>About the author:</strong><br />
Natalie Torres, CLD, CAD, CPD, is the former Assistant Director of <a href="http://www.cappa.net/">CAPPA</a> Publications. She provides antepartum doula, labor doula, and postpartum doula services to families within Bozeman, Montana. Natalie is also a volunteer labor doula for <a href="http://operationspecialdelivery.com/">Operation Special Delivery</a>, and a birth photographer.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-13293329185788037682011-04-02T12:00:00.000-04:002011-04-02T12:00:04.636-04:00Book Review: Passage, a girl’s guide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Passage, a girl’s guide by Michelle A. L. Singer. Presented by GladRags (www.gladrags.com). 2002 Keepers!, Inc. Paperback, 32 pages.<br />
<br />
<br />
Reviewed by Michelle Schnaars for MensesToday.blogspot.com.<br />
<br />
Straight out of the gate Michelle Singer sets a good tone when she says, “I can honestly say that menstruating is one of my favorite things to do. I haven’t always felt this way –I’ve always like menstruating, but not as much as I do now.” Whether your period has started, or not, you might have a lot of questions about it. When will it start? What will it feel like? What will I use? You might wonder if you'll feel the same way that Singer feels. Passage, a girl’s guide, will help you figure things out. <br />
<br />
Learning about your period will help you decide how you're going to handle it every month, and how you'll react to it. That's where Singers book comes in. It takes you step-by-step starting with puberty, to menstruation, PMS and cramps, and talks about attitudes towards menstruation. Passage, a girl's guide is a quick and easy read. It will help you understand what to expect from your period every month, and how to take care of yourself. Filled with information, resources, and interwoven throughout is a sense of being connected to other girls who are experiencing the same questions you have.<br />
<br />
Passage, a girl’s guide doesn’t claim you will embrace your periods with more enthusiasm, but it will help you to understand what you’re about to experience every month. It’s an easy and quick read, and great if you’ve just started your period or are about to. <br />
<br />
Passage is a small booklet, broken down into 6 easy to read chapters: The Flow starts at puberty, takes us into the beginning of menstruation, and then explains menstrual cycle and the female reproductive system. The Flow also talks about what changes you will experience now that you’re going through puberty, and then talks about variations in flow and length of the monthly cycle, finally sex and sexuality are mentioned. The Cycle explains tracking or marking your periods on your calendar. In chapter 3, Singer explains ‘The Feel’ of menstruation and what a young woman might experience with her own cycles. She talks about PMS and things that can negatively or positively affect it; cramps are also covered. An important part of this chapter is the section on ‘Ways to Cultivate Positive PMS’. Finally Singer talks about attitudes toward menstruation. The Gear tells us about the feminine hygiene products available on the market today. Singer talks about disposable pads, cloth pads, tampons, cups, and the sea sponge, and how to use each of these care products. She also talks about the environmental effect of some of these products. Chapter five, The Passage, talks about various ‘rights of passage’ ceremonies practiced around the world, and how you can "celebrate" this time in your life. Lastly in chapter six, The Party, Singer tells us our bodies are amazing things, and we can “appreciate its functions, including menstruation”. Singer explains if we invite our cycle, celebrate it, or recognize it -our experience will change. We will be less likely to experience PMS, and we can look forward to just being us.<br />
<br />
Singer explains that knowledge is very important. Learning about menstruation will help you better understand the changes your body is going through. You will want to read about starting your period, and how to take care of yourself. Knowing about yourself, your period, and the available options, can help you decide what products to use, and how to make responsible decisions for yourself and your care. Michelle Singer's Passage, a girl's guide will help you figure things out for yourself.<br />
<br />
Singer also shares the following resources to help you in this new chapter in your life: <br />
<br />
The What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls by Lynda Madaras<br />
<br />
Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom by Christiane Northrup, M. D.<br />
<br />
Our Bodies, Our Selves for the New Century by Boston Women’s Health Book Collective<br />
<br />
Woman: An Intimate Geography by Natalie Angier<br />
<br />
A New View of a Woman’s Body by Federation of Feminist Women’s Health Centers<br />
###<br />
<br />
For more information:<br />
GladRags<br />
PO Box 12648<br />
Portland, OR 97212<br />
<br />
PH: 800.799.4523<br />
E-mail: <a href="mailto:info@gladrags.com">info@gladrags.com</a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-58214624852059202342011-03-31T09:35:00.000-04:002011-03-31T09:35:27.749-04:00Our Bodies are not Defective: A Compilation on CPD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">by Guggie Daly for <a href="http://guggiedaly.blogspot.com/">The Daily Guggie Daly</a><br />
<br />
Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD) is a condition that does exist, although it is quite rare in developed countries. CPD is generally diagnosed in women who were severely malnourished as children, resulting in stunted bone growth/rickets, or in women with congenital bone conditions.<br />
<br />
<br />
It is also loosely connected to *untreated* Gestational Diabetes, although the details of that issue are hotly debated and based on numerous factors. (Meaning, a simple diagnosis of GD does NOT guarantee CPD or macrosomia).<br />
<br />
Unless your doctor ordered specific tests to measure your pelvis such as x-rays, he was speaking with opinion and not authority on whether or not your pelvis was appropriately formed to birth a baby.<br />
<br />
More common reasons for failure to progress and a false CPD diagnosis include:<br />
<br />
1) A time restriction was place on a normal labor that would have ended normally if left alone. Recent findings suggest that impatient care providers lead to increased numbers of c-sections. http://www.sydneymidwife.com.au/2010/10/impatience-with-labor-low-vbac-rates-tied-to-c-section-increase-study-finds/<br />
<br />
<a href="http://guggiedaly.blogspot.com/2011/03/our-bodies-are-not-defective.html">Click here</a> to read this article in its entirey.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-67141892330725989822011-03-30T13:03:00.001-04:002011-03-30T17:30:24.317-04:00Mother's Day 2011: A Child After 40<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><strong>NEWS BRIEF:</strong><br />
<br />
MOTHER’S DAY 2011: A CHILD AFTER 40<br />
<br />
It’s a mother of an evolution—launching Mother’s Day, 8th May, 2011 at <a href="http://www.flowerpowermom.com/a-child-after-40">www.flowerpowermom.com/a-child-after-40</a>. Discover the silent maternal army.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Otg0mKYnrNY/TZNhq2oK7zI/AAAAAAAAAME/bE9WG28_Xl0/s1600/FPM.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Otg0mKYnrNY/TZNhq2oK7zI/AAAAAAAAAME/bE9WG28_Xl0/s320/FPM.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A Child After 40 is the first campaign to empower women on the journey of motherhood after 40. Watch the revealing new video. Join the coming A Child After 40 online community. Check out the Resources with websites, blogs, books and info for mothers over 40 and women who wish to be—whether through natural fertility, IVF, egg donation, surrogacy or adoption. Pay It Forward with A Mother’s Day Wish. Get involved with A CHILD AFTER 40! <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">Video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/flowerpowermoms">http://www.youtube.com/user/flowerpowermoms</a> </span></strong><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;"></span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">News release:</span></strong> <a href="http://flowerpowermom.com/press-room/">http://flowerpowermom.com/press-room/</a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong>Campaign page:</strong></span> <a href="http://www.flowerpowermom.com/a-child-after-40">www.flowerpowermom.com/a-child-after-40</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">###</div><br />
Empowering mothers over 40 one day at a time, since Oct. 2009.<br />
Blog: <a href="http://www.flowerpowermom.com/">http://www.flowerpowermom.com/</a> <br />
Email: <a href="mailto:angel@flowerpowermom.com">angel@flowerpowermom.com</a> <br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/FlowerPowerMoms">http://twitter.com/FlowerPowerMoms</a> <br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flower-Power-Mom/173079456036144">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flower-Power-Mom/173079456036144</a> </div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-34674875680983126532011-03-28T13:49:00.001-04:002011-03-29T10:43:00.201-04:00FDA Formula Probe Is Good News for Mothers, Babies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">By Kimberly Seals Allers for <a href="http://womensenews.org/">Womensenews.org</a>. <br />
<br />
Editorial director, Black Maternal Health<br />
<br />
Monday, March 28, 2011<br />
<br />
The Food and Drug Administration will be looking into the health claims of infant formulas. Kimberly Seals Allers says it's about time, since these deceptive claims often mislead moms into thinking formula is just as good as breast milk.<br />
<br />
(WOMENSENEWS)--The Food and Drug Administration announced earlier this month that it is planning to look into the health claims of infant formulas. I couldn't be happier.<br />
<br />
<br />
One of the biggest, or should I say latest, of the formula industry's misleading claims is related to omega-3 fatty acids--DHA, in particular--which misleads mothers into thinking formula is just as good as breast milk. Specifically, the FDA says it wants to: "assess women's understanding of and response to various statements on infant formula labels. The study results will be used to help the agency to understand the role that certain types of statements on infant formula labels have in influencing formula choice . . . The study will focus on purchase choice, perceived similarity of the formula to breast milk and perceived likelihood that the formula has certain health benefits."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.womensenews.org/story/momagenda/110325/fda-formula-probe-good-news-mothers-babies">Click here</a> to read this article in its entirety.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31276493.post-88918473254675148352011-03-28T10:58:00.002-04:002011-03-28T11:07:04.327-04:00Postpartum Depression: Finding Your Way Through<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em>I would like to introduce Dr. Shoshana Bennett, or also known to those she works with as Dr. Shosh. I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Shosh about postpartum depression, something many women experience after the birth of their child. It is an isolating and difficult thing to go through, but we're not alone, and there is help. "</em><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Many new moms experience the baby blues after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings and crying spells and fade quickly. But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Rarely, an extreme form of postpartum depression known as postpartum psychosis develops after childbirth." ~Mayo Clinic. </span><em>I experienced postpartum depression after my first child was born, and postpartum blues after my second and third. This is a subject that is dear to my heart, and I am honored to introduce Dr. Shosh.</em><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Emerging from her own nightmare with <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546">postpartum depression</a> thirty years ago, Dr. Shoshana Bennett started a crusade that has taken her into the lives of thousands of women across North America and around the world... helping them rebuild their lives and helping families heal. Dr. Bennett knows that positive thought, hope and applying knowledge are powerful things... and she helps her clients do that every day.</div><br />
For more information about her lectures and books please visit Dr. Shosh at <a href="http://www.drshosh.com/">http://www.drshosh.com/</a>, or call her at <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">707-875-9961.</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Schnaars:</span> What inspired you to become involved in the field of postpartum depression?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Dr. Shosh:</span> Personal experience! I’m a survivor of two life-threatening postpartum depressions after the births of both my children. After years of suffering I realized there was a name for this. It became my mission to educate medical and mental health professionals and the public to help minimize and prevent unnecessary suffering.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Schnaars:</span> What is the prevalence of postpartum depression?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Dr. Shosh:</span> About 15% of moms – that’s around 1 in 7 – experience something more severe than the normal Baby Blues.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Schnaars:</span> What are the causes?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Dr. Shosh:</span> We believe the main cause is biochemical due to the huge shifting of the reproductive hormones – mainly estrogen and progesterone – following delivery. There are other possible causes as well, including a lack of support, isolation, sleep deprivation, lack of proper nutrients, and severe stress.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Schnaars:</span> What are the warning signs?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Dr. Shosh:</span> Some of the most common symptoms of postpartum depression include difficulty sleeping at night even when the baby’s sleeping, loss of appetite, anxiety, low self esteem, hopelessness, loss of pleasure in things that were once pleasurable, and irritability.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Schnaars:</span> Is medicine the only treatment during pregnancy or postpartum or are there others?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Dr. Shosh:</span> There’s no cookie-cutter approach to the treatment of depression during pregnancy or postpartum. That’s why each woman who contacts me receives an individual assessment and wellness plan. If she truly needs psychiatric medicine to recover, then that’s what she should do. But often we’re able to help her with natural and alternative approaches such as specific nutrients, light therapy, acupuncture, and many more possibilities. Depending on her particular symptoms, severity of symptoms, and wishes, a strategy for recovery is set up.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Schnaars:</span> Are some women more likely to develop depression during pregnancy or postpartum?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Dr. Shosh:</span> There are factors which make a woman high risk, but no one is immune. If a woman has a history of depression, negative mood changes on the birth control pill, PMS or PMDD, pregnancy or postpartum depression, or trauma she is at higher risk than others. A family history of depression or other mood disorder also makes her high risk.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Schnaars:</span> Are there ways to prevent it?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Dr. Shosh:</span> Yes, at least ways to minimize the risk. A few hours of uninterrupted sleep at night to protect serotonin levels, excellent nutrients such as omega 3 fish oil, emotional support, physical support, exercise, and therapy are some of the basic keys to prevention.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Schnaars:</span> Does postpartum depression go away by itself?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Dr. Shosh:</span> Not necessarily. It’s crucial that she receive help as soon as possible so both her prognosis and the prognosis of the family will be optimal. Untreated postpartum depression hurts children, marriages, and there’s also a risk of suicide.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Schnaars:</span> Should a woman try to avoid medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Dr. Shosh:</span> If medication is what she needs (or part of what she needs) in order to feel 100%, then she should do it. This depends on the severity of her illness. Depression crosses the placenta and definitely needs treatment of some kind. Often with a strategy of wellness from natural and alternative options she is able to avoid or minimize taking medication.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Schnaars:</span> Should a woman go off her antidepressant when she’s pregnant?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Dr. Shosh:</span> Never, ever should a woman abruptly stop taking an antidepressant when pregnant. This can cause serious mental and physical symptoms. Ideally a woman taking medication should consult with a doctor before the pregnancy so a plan of weaning, changing medication and dosages can be discussed. This doctor should have excellent clinical expertise in this specialized area.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Schnaars:</span> How can loved ones help the mom recover from postpartum depression?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Dr. Shosh:</span> Tell her, “Whatever you need in order to feel like yourself again, I support you.” Remind her it’s not her fault, she’s a good mom, and with proper help she will recover. No more shame should be associated with this any more than gestational diabetes or other very common perinatal disorder. This is not a character flaw or a personality weakness and she deserves to be happy. Drive her to appointments, take over house chores and nighttime baby care so she can sleep. Bring her nutritious meals and make sure she’s nurturing herself.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Schnaars:</span> I would like to close with this question that your last response has brought to me. How can you tell the difference between the normal Baby Blues and postpartum depression?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Dr. Shosh:</span> There are two main ways to tell the difference. First, the mild Baby Blues should be gone by about two weeks following delivery. If it continues, even if it’s mild, she should get help from a therapist who specializes in this field. The other way to tell is by the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are getting in the way of her daily functioning, she should seek help, even if it’s during the first two weeks postpartum. As in my case, once that placenta was delivered I plummeted down to bottom of that horrible well. The illness hit me like a truck even before I left the hospital. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1qpoIAhvLKM/TZCdFiu7kvI/AAAAAAAAAMA/YZ1bnzkEebg/s1600/book_pregnant.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1qpoIAhvLKM/TZCdFiu7kvI/AAAAAAAAAMA/YZ1bnzkEebg/s1600/book_pregnant.gif" /></a></div>Pregnant on Prozac is a comprehensive resource guide outlining the pros and cons of various natural and medical treatments for depression and anxiety during pregnancy. Well-researched and well-written... a very interesting read. <a href="http://drshosh.com/pregnantonprozac.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Click here</span></a> for more information. <br />
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<a href="http://www.drshosh.com/">http://www.drshosh.com/</a>, for more information.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11987064403182583393noreply@blogger.com0