Childbirth and…

Why breastfeeding is important | womenshealth.gov

2012-01-19T15:09:00.000-05:00

Why breastfeeding is important womenshealth.gov

Breastfeeding benefits society
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.
Breastfeeding also contributes to a more productive workforce since mothers miss less work to care for sick infants. Employer medical costs are also lower.
Breastfeeding is also better for the environment. There is less trash and plastic waste compared to that produced by formula cans and bottle supplies.

In the Beginning…There Was Menarche

2012-01-09T16:20:00.000-05:00

By Michelle Schnaars

6 January 2012

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You’ll also notice other changes taking place, these include:

Breast tenderness and growth.

Hair growth under your arms, on your legs, and on your pubic area (the space between your legs).

Breakouts, also known as pimples or zits.

Oily hair

And, you may have noticed that you sweat more or even an odor after a long day or exercising.

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.

Period care: There are many options for period care available to you. These include disposable pads and tampons, and cloth pads, and menstrual cups.

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.

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.

A Teen Kit usually includes:

3 pads, to wear during the day and at night.

3 underwear liners, for lighter days or spotting, or as a back-up for tampons or cups.

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.

And, a booklet of information about menarche and periods.

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.

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.

Mother of the Medicine Wheel

2011-10-26T14:05:00.000-04:00

Molly Remer shared the following poem written by Sharon Blessum via her Talk Birth website, and I found it timely for the season and wanted to share it with you all.

Mother of the Medicine Wheel
By Sharon Blessum

In the womb of the East Lodge

She gives birth in the morning.

She mothers us with smiles and songs.

In the strong sun of the South

She offers food from Her garden,

Enchantment for the mid-day of life.

In the benediction of the West

She colors evening with sunset

Wraps us in reflections of day.

In the old age of the North Lodge,

She will hold us in sweetness

Cross with us into the Land of the Ancestors.

Ages and Stages: Speech Development in Infants and Toddlers

2011-08-30T15:14:00.000-04:00

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)

Speech Development in Infants and Toddlers:

• 0-2 months listens to voices and can produce vowel sounds.

• 3-4months coos and gurgles and can also produce some other consonant type sounds like ba da ga, etc.

• 5-6 months can recognize names and familiar sounds. Starts smacking lips and also will talk to self in mirror.

• 7-9 months tries to imitate more sounds. Can recognize the meaning of ‘no’. Will start enjoying listening to simple reading from story books. Recognizes own name.

• 10-12 months 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.

• If your child has not met these milestones then it makes sense to visit a specialist.

About Sonali Shivlani

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.

For Sonali's full bio: http://www.cappaindia.com/sonali_shivlani_profile.html

Do you Breastfeed!

2011-08-06T22:59:00.000-04:00

By Michelle Schnaars

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.

Often we hear "breast is best". But, how is it best? What sets breastfeeding apart from formula feeding?

The following are just a fraction of the many wonderful benefits of breastfeeding:

• The varying composition of breastmilk keeps pace with the infant's individual growth and changing nutritional needs

• 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.)

• Protection against gastroenteritis, necrotizing entercolitis

• Reduced risk of chronic constipation, colic, and other stomach upsets

• Reduced risk of childhood diabetes

• Increased bone density

• Average cost of formula to feed a baby in the first year $1, 733.75.

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?

References:

http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/04/how-much-money-does-breastfeeding-really-save/

http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/?page=227

http://www.motheringfromtheheart.com/Benefits.htm

http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/digestive/nec.html

APPPAH Hosting an International Congress Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology

2011-08-02T15:18:00.003-04:00

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.

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:

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.

Annie Murphy Paul, author of the popular book on fetal life ORIGINS: How The Nine Months Before Birth Shape The Rest of Your Life

Jeanne Ohm, founder and executive editor of Pathways to Family Wellness

Gabor Mate, author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts other books

Michael Trout, founding president of the International Association for Infant Mental Health.

Raylene Phillips, attending neonatologist at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital in Loma Linda, CA

Marcy Axness, author of the forthcoming book, Parenting for Peace

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.

Visit http://birthpsychology.com/content/2011-congress to register for this important event.

Nutrition and Over-40 Pregnancy

2011-07-23T11:31:00.001-04:00

by Michelle Schnaars

A nutritionally sound diet is important to over 40 expectant women. What we eat during pregnancy is not only crucial for us but also for the development of the baby. A prime example of the importance is folic acid. Folic acid, or folate is a B vitamin and extremely important in the first few weeks of pregnancy for the development of baby’s spinal cord and brain.

During pregnancy we have to consume a whopping 300 more calories a day, and more if expecting twins. We can do this by choosing a variety of healthy foods and avoiding junk foods. Variety is important as it helps ensure you’re getting the daily amounts of recommended vitamins and minerals every day from the foods you eat. Foods like, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole wheat and grains, and dairy. Our goal is to get a balance of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E, and calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Keep the food pyramid in mind when choosing foods at the grocery store. And, check out BabyCenter.com for meal planning during pregnancy.

With each of my three pregnancies I developed sneaky ways of getting a healthy balance. I incorporated a wider variety of vegetables, eating dark leafy greens, and a colorful variety of other veggies like bell peppers. I also learned about ones that I had never heard of before like Jack Fruit and Jicama; and I ate some that I hadn’t eaten in probably years. It became fun trying to figure out what new meals I would prepare that week.

Here are the sneaky things I did to get those nutrients: For extra protein eat mixed nuts. Make your own milk shakes, fruit drinks, and veggie drinks. Add Wheat Germ to pancakes, veganaise, vegan ‘cheese’, and salads for calcium (4%), iron (40%), dietary fiber (15%), and protein (27g). And, snack on fresh vegetables, fruit and cheese in between meals for extra nutrients. But also keep in mind during pregnancy it is better to ‘graze’ than trying to eat three meals as you did before pregnancy.

You’ll also want to avoid those foods that bring on pregnancy discomforts: gassy, acidic, high sugar and white flower, for example. And, remember to keep well hydrated drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Related sources:

http://www.flowerpowermom.com/

www.flowerpowermom.com/a-child-after-40

http://www.pved.org/

http://www.4gaby.com/

http://dreamingmiracles.blogspot.com/

Are You A Flower Power Mom?

2011-07-07T14:38:00.001-04:00

If you're having a baby after 40 then yes you are! You might want to tap into the leading online support community at A Child After 40, and connect with other over-40 women on the same journey.

FlowerPowerMom.com 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.

In May, 2011, FlowerPowerMom.com launched A CHILD AFTER 40 (ACA40)—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.

The A Child After 40 community now has a dedicated Weekly News Brief and is currently featuring a 2011 Summer Series of free online “Ask Our Experts & Authors” Forums. 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.

FlowerPowerMom.com has been widely featured in the media on key issues related to midlife motherhood, including several live broadcasts on CNN 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!

Join Our "A Child After 40" Community

2011-06-23T15:29:00.000-04:00

A Child After 40 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)

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.

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!

Don’t forget to visit our blog at Flower Power Mom.

A Child After 40 Launches Expert Forum

2011-06-15T07:57:00.001-04:00

NEWS RELEASE Wednesday June 15, 2011

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

-ends-

For further information, please contact:

Angel La Liberte, Founder

Website: http://www.flowerpowermom.com/

Email: angel@flowerpowermom.com

Telephone: 831-246-3879

All in a Days Work

2011-05-22T12:02:00.000-04:00

By Michelle Schnaars

In April I launched a new blog –http://www.mensestoday.blogspot.com/ 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!

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.

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.

Michelle

Menstrual Monday

2011-05-04T15:47:00.000-04:00

By Michelle Schnaars for Menses Today.blogspot.com

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.”

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.”

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.

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).

You can also use this as an opportunity to make the switch from disposable to reusable hygiene products:

Some reasons women use cloth pads, sponges, or cups:

Cost effective. They last longer, therefore reduce your monthly expenses
Less waste in landfills that take years to degrade
They are healthier. They reduce the amount of harmful chemicals you are exposed to

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.

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.

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:

3 day pads, which when starting out can also be used during the night without the threat of leakage.
1-3 panty liners.
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.
A storage bag for clean and or soiled pads, which will hang in your room or bathroom, if you have the latter option.

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.

Labor Doula Workshop Training

2011-05-02T11:45:00.000-04:00

Thinking about a new career?

Do you enjoy working with mothers & babies?

This is a great opportunity to become a CAPPA Certified Labor Doula.

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 http://www.aspecialtouchatbirth.com/ or through CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association).
CAPPA APPROVED LABOR DOULA TRAINING

Instructor: Angie Whatley, RN, CCCE, CLD – 21 years experience in Women’s Health
Location: West Memphis, Arkansas, US
Dates: May 13, 14 & 15, 2011
Days: Friday & Saturday – 8:30a – 5:00p, Sunday 8:30a – 1:00p
Cost: $350.00 USD

*Provides 18 CEU's through CAPPA

Seats Limited Register now!!!

Visit http://www.aspecialtouchatbirth.com/

Why Hire an Overnight Doula?

2011-04-28T15:54:00.001-04:00

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.)

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.

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.

About the author:

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 http://www.supportingmom.com/ and http://www.austinbabyguru.com/.

###

Websites:www.AustinBabyGuru.com, and http://www.supportingmom.com/
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-Baby-Guru/166480726742980
Twitter : http://twitter.com/#!/AustinBabyGuru

Night-Time Parenting and the Newborn Baby

2011-04-25T13:25:00.004-04:00

Recently I had the pleasure of being introduced to Allison Coleman of Austin Baby Guru. 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 BabyFace.

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: BabyFace.

Baby Sleep
By Allison Coleman

A full night’s sleep for a newborn is a six hour stretch.
Night waking might be one way of baby’s protecting itself from an immature respiratory system.
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.
Babies are safest sleeping on their backs.
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.

This is an exceptional and extensive list so make sure you follow the links!

Michelle

Book Review of Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth

2011-04-20T14:10:00.000-04:00

Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth, by The Boston Women’s Health Book Collective, 2008 (ISBN: 978-0743274869. Touchstone, $15, 370 pages, soft cover).

Reviewed by Molly Remer, MSW, ICCE http://talkbirth.wordpress.com/

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Postpartum Doula Training

2011-04-14T22:41:00.003-04:00

Register online at www.hiptoheart.com/trainings.

2011-04-14T14:20:00.000-04:00

APPPAH (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.

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:

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.

Annie Murphy Paul, author of the popular book on fetal life ORIGINS: How The Nine Months Before Birth Shape The Rest of Your Life

Jeanne Ohm, founder and executive editor of Pathways to Family Wellness

Gabor Mate, author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts other books

Michael Trout, founding president of the International Association for Infant Mental Health.

Raylene Phillips, attending neonatologist at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital in Loma Linda, CA

Marcy Axness, author of the forthcoming book, Parenting for Peace

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.

Visit APPPAH to register for this important event.

Avoiding Dangerous Foods in Pregnancy

2011-04-12T09:59:00.001-04:00

By Natalie Torres

For the CAPPA Quarterly
Volume 12, issue 4
Autumn 2010

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:

*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.

-Listeria is most commonly found in

-cold deli meats (deli ham, turkey, etc., hot dogs…),

-soft cheeses ( such as Brie, Camembert, Feta, Mexican-style cheeses like queso blanco, and blue-veined cheeses like gorgonzola and roquefort,

-unpasteurized milk and dairy products, and unpasteurized juices,

-any undercooked meat

*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.

-The most common food sources of Toxoplasmosis are

-undercooked meat and poultry

-unwashed fruits and vegetables

-raw eggs

-unpasteurized milk

*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.

-Fish/ seafood to eliminate

-king mackerel, shark, swordfish, tilefish, marlin

-especially avoid raw oysters and clams

-Fish/seafood to restrict (or eliminate)

-ahi and bigeye tuna, orange roughy, walleye, largemouth bass, and northern pike

-In general, fish-eating fish and older fish have higher levels of methylmercury than smaller and/or herbivorous fish (like herring and tilapia).

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.

Research continues in all these areas, it is important that childbirth professionals remain current concerning foods expectant women need to avoid. While keeping in mind the above precautions, expectant women can also protect themselves with these further hints for food safety…

1. Wash your hands well, scrubbing with hot, soapy water before eating, before preparing food, after handling raw meat, and after using the restroom.

2. Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables, preferably using a fruit and vegetable wash when possible (homemade or store bought).

3. 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.

4. 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)

5. 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.

6. Don’t buy raw meat that’s been pre-stuffed. (i.e. stuffed chicken breast)

7. Do not eat dishes containing raw or partially cooked eggs (i.e. homemade ice cream, raw cookie dough, eggnog, and hollandaise sauce)

8. Cook eggs until the yolks and whites are firm.

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.

(These are general guidelines only and should not take the place of your own personal care provider.)

About the author:
Natalie Torres, CLD, CAD, CPD, is the former Assistant Director of CAPPA Publications. She provides antepartum doula, labor doula, and postpartum doula services to families within Bozeman, Montana. Natalie is also a volunteer labor doula for Operation Special Delivery, and a birth photographer.

Book Review: Passage, a girl’s guide

2011-04-02T12:00:00.000-04:00

Passage, a girl’s guide by Michelle A. L. Singer. Presented by GladRags (www.gladrags.com). 2002 Keepers!, Inc. Paperback, 32 pages.

Reviewed by Michelle Schnaars for MensesToday.blogspot.com.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Singer also shares the following resources to help you in this new chapter in your life:

 The What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls by Lynda Madaras

 Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom by Christiane Northrup, M. D.

 Our Bodies, Our Selves for the New Century by Boston Women’s Health Book Collective

 Woman: An Intimate Geography by Natalie Angier

 A New View of a Woman’s Body by Federation of Feminist Women’s Health Centers
###

For more information:
GladRags
PO Box 12648
Portland, OR 97212

PH: 800.799.4523
E-mail: info@gladrags.com

Our Bodies are not Defective: A Compilation on CPD

2011-03-31T09:35:00.000-04:00

by Guggie Daly for The Daily Guggie Daly

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.

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).

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.

More common reasons for failure to progress and a false CPD diagnosis include:

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/

Click here to read this article in its entirey.

Mother's Day 2011: A Child After 40

2011-03-30T13:03:00.001-04:00

NEWS BRIEF:

MOTHER’S DAY 2011: A CHILD AFTER 40

It’s a mother of an evolution—launching Mother’s Day, 8th May, 2011 at www.flowerpowermom.com/a-child-after-40. Discover the silent maternal army.

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!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/user/flowerpowermoms

News release: http://flowerpowermom.com/press-room/

Campaign page: www.flowerpowermom.com/a-child-after-40

###

Empowering mothers over 40 one day at a time, since Oct. 2009.
Blog: http://www.flowerpowermom.com/
Email: angel@flowerpowermom.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/FlowerPowerMoms
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flower-Power-Mom/173079456036144

FDA Formula Probe Is Good News for Mothers, Babies

2011-03-28T13:49:00.001-04:00

By Kimberly Seals Allers for Womensenews.org.

Editorial director, Black Maternal Health

Monday, March 28, 2011

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.

(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.

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."

Click here to read this article in its entirety.

Postpartum Depression: Finding Your Way Through

2011-03-28T10:58:00.002-04:00

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. "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. 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.

Emerging from her own nightmare with postpartum depression 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.

For more information about her lectures and books please visit Dr. Shosh at http://www.drshosh.com/, or call her at 707-875-9961.

Schnaars: What inspired you to become involved in the field of postpartum depression?

Dr. Shosh: 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.

Schnaars: What is the prevalence of postpartum depression?

Dr. Shosh: About 15% of moms – that’s around 1 in 7 – experience something more severe than the normal Baby Blues.

Schnaars: What are the causes?

Dr. Shosh: 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.

Schnaars: What are the warning signs?

Dr. Shosh: 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.

Schnaars: Is medicine the only treatment during pregnancy or postpartum or are there others?

Dr. Shosh: 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.

Schnaars: Are some women more likely to develop depression during pregnancy or postpartum?

Dr. Shosh: 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.

Schnaars: Are there ways to prevent it?

Dr. Shosh: 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.

Schnaars: Does postpartum depression go away by itself?

Dr. Shosh: 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.

Schnaars: Should a woman try to avoid medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Dr. Shosh: 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.

Schnaars: Should a woman go off her antidepressant when she’s pregnant?

Dr. Shosh: 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.

Schnaars: How can loved ones help the mom recover from postpartum depression?

Dr. Shosh: 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.

Schnaars: 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?

Dr. Shosh: 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.

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. Click here for more information.

http://www.drshosh.com/, for more information.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Vasospasm, and Breastfeeding

2011-03-24T10:27:00.001-04:00

By Michelle Schnaars

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a vasospastic disorder. Vasospasm refers to a condition in which blood vessels spasm, leading to vasoconstriction, causing discoloration of the fingers, toes, and occasionally the nipples and areola of the breast. The phenomenon is believed to be the result of vasospasms that decrease blood supply to the respective regions. It comprises both Raynaud's disease, (also known as "Primary Raynaud's phenomenon") where the phenomenon is idiopathic, and Raynaud's syndrome (secondary Raynaud's), where it is caused by some other instigating factor. Measurement of hand-temperature gradients is one tool used to distinguish between the primary and secondary forms. Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs more commonly than once believed, affecting up to 20% of childbearing women. Triggers include emotional stress and cold temperatures. Vasospasm can occur with any cause of sore nipples, and is probably a result of damage.

Raynaud's phenomenon is an exaggeration of vasomotor (refers to actions upon a blood vessel which alter its diameter) responses to cold or emotional stress. More specifically, it is a hyperactivation of the sympathetic system causing extreme vasoconstriction of the peripheral blood vessels, leading to tissue hypoxia (Tissue hypoxia is a condition in which tissue cells experience inadequate oxygen utilization due to a number of causes such as decreased partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) in a given tissue).

Vasospasm typically occurs after the feeding. The baby is removed from the breast, the cooler air comes in contact with the breast, and within in seconds the nipple turns white, and starts to burn. The nipple may return to its normal color as the blood starts to flow back to it. As the blood returns the woman may experience throbbing pain in her nipple. The pain and discomfort can last up to a couple of hours after the feeding. During this time the pain might alternate between a burning sensation and a throbbing pain. As well the color of the nipple may alternate between its normal color, white, and blue.

The pain is of concern because it can make a difference between successfully breastfeeding and not breastfeeding. Many women go undiagnosed, and give up breastfeeding, thinking they just simply can not breastfeed their baby. The woman should seek medical care, diagnoses and treatment. In most situations, breastfeeding can continue once the underlying cause has been treated. Some women may need to remain on medication during the entire breastfeeding experience. It is also important to note that not all women experience pain with Raynaud’s phenomenon or vasospasm, or the pain is mild. Pain that is experienced can be felt as burning and throbbing, occurring in the nipple, as well as pain that envelopes the entire breast, and is felt in the back. The causes can be poor latch (the baby is not latching onto the nipple and areola correctly), or Candida. Once the cause is treated, the pain from vasospasm will decrease. There is a chance the pain will continue even though the latch has been checked, and any Candida treated. If the pain continues, if it does not improve, and is severely restricting the blood flow to the nipples, then healing may be delayed. It is also important to know that Candida and poor latch are not always the cause.

There are a few things a woman can do if the pain continues: herbal medicines, aerobic exercise, and dietary supplements. After removing the baby from her breast, she should cover her breast with her warm hand to keep the colder air from coming in contact with her nipple. She should also cover her breasts when exiting the shower to keep them from getting cold; and do not ‘air dry’ the nipples, as cold air triggers vasospasm. Avoidance of vasoconstrictive drugs and nicotine that could precipitate symptoms, and pharmacologic measures is also necessary. Nifedipine is used to help with the pain. Very little of the medication can be demonstrated in breast milk and thus is safe to use in breastfeeding mothers.

Often women who are experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding need reassurance, and help identifying the problem(s). Breastfeeding incurs many benefits to both mom and baby. Breast milk has disease-fighting cells called antibodies that help protect infants from germs, illness, and even SIDS. Women should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding as they work through the obstacles.

Resources:

Definition of Raynaud's Disease, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/raynauds-disease/DS00433
What is Raynaud's Disease? http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/raynaud/ray_what.html
Raynaud's Disease: What is it? http://www.vdf.org/diseaseinfo/raynaud/
Vasospasm and Raynaud's Phenomenon, http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52:vasospasm-and-raynauds-phenomenon&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

2011-03-22T13:36:00.004-04:00

By Michelle Schnaars

Childbirth and… is growing even more popular with visitors coming from 59 countries this month alone. When I started this blog in July 2006 I had no idea that almost five years later it would grow to reach so many people. It’s quite heart-warming and humbling. This kind of growth and following proves that although we come from different cultures and walks of life, we still have similar feelings, needs, questions, and situations. Childbirth and… strives to supply information that is of benefit to expectant and postpartum women and families, from pregnancy to childbirth, breastfeeding and postpartum transitions, to postpartum depression, and childrearing. We also provide information about professional training workshops, continuing education opportunities, and conferences for professionals providing support for families.

This past February four new pages were published to keep up with technology and the needs of our visitors, Suggested Reading, Professional Resources, Media, and Directory. If you don’t find what you’re looking for on one of these pages please request the information in the comment section, and I’ll look into it for you.

As always your feedback is important. Please feel welcome to ask questions, share experiences, and share Childbirth and… with your friends and networks.

We appreciate our first time visitors, repeat visitors, and friends. While you’re here please sign up and become a regular follower of Childbirth and... and you won't miss a single post!

See you soon!

~Michelle

HOW TO PREVENT, RECOGNIZE, AND HEAL PRENATAL AND BIRTH TRAUMA

2011-03-22T10:23:00.000-04:00

4-Part Teleseminar Series Begins April 21, 2011

Attention mothers, fathers, parents-to-be, nurses, midwives, doulas, childbirth educators, childbirth professionals, those who have experienced prenatal or birth trauma, and those who want to heal and help others do the same:

Birth of a New Earth is pleased to announce a brand new educational series designed to raise awareness about the prevalence and far-reaching impact of prenatal and birth trauma in America and across the globe today. The series will explore how to recognize and heal primal trauma in our own lives and in the lives of those we love and serve, and will outline what we need to do to end the lineage of pain and separation and support people to have the truly loving and ecstatic birth experiences that are humanity’s birthright.

The series begins on Thursday, April 21, 2011, and will run for four consecutive weeks at U.S. 5PM Pacific and 8PM Eastern.

The series is being offered via tele-conference and is available worldwide with a telephone or internet skype connection. For those with scheduling conflicts, all calls will be recorded and available for download at the listener’s convenience.

During the series, we will:

- discuss the various types of trauma that can occur during conception, gestation, and at birth;
- explore how these experiences can influence ones health and personality and also ones capacity to generate authentic experiences of love throughout life
- examine the benefits of making early memories conscious and working with a holistic form of repatterning to transform any negative imprints
- outline what we need to do to prevent early trauma from happening, putting an end to the lineage of separation and abuse for good

Participants in this series will be supported to uncover some of their own prenatal and birth memories and will be introduced to a self-care tool (Jin Shin) that can be effectively utilized for self-healing, regeneration, and repatterning of early trauma.

Those who are working as birth support personnel will gain invaluable information and tools with which to serve their clients.

Those who have personally experienced prenatal and/or birth trauma and those with chronic health issues, repetitive relationship challenges, chronic depression or anxiety, post-partum depression, patterns of addiction, post-traumatic stress, neurological or biochemical imbalances, reproductive issues, etc., will also receive tremendous support from this series.

The series is priced at $97.00. To register, please follow this link:
http://ecstaticbirth.wordpress.com/how-to-prevent-recognize-and-heal-prenatal-and-birth-trauma/

PLEASE NOTE: The Jin Shin TARA Self-Care Handbook is highly recommended as an addendum to this series. Cost is approximately $15.00 To order the handbook, please follow this link:

http://www.tara-approach.org/store/handbooks-c-3.html?osCsid=b724aca29f549d5f715c09c8523c9d21

For additional information, please e-mail jeanicebarcelo@yahoo.com.

Rear-facing Car Seats Recommended Until 2 Years - New Car Seat Guidelines

2011-03-21T22:12:00.000-04:00

March 21, 2011 2:44 PM

By Nina Sen for ThirdAge.com

Children should stay in rear-facing car seats longer according to new recommendations in car seat guidelines.

In a report out Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping toddlers in rear-facing car seats until the age of 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight allowed for their car seat. That's 1 year longer than previous guidelines.

Dr. Dennis Durbin of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia wrote in the new policy "all infants and toddlers should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years of age or until they outgrow the weight and height limits of their car seat."

Durbin says keeping young children in the rear-facing position for as long as possible will help protect their head and neck in the event of an accident.

“We've seen many cases where children suffer serious injuries to their neck or their head when they've been turned forward facing and those injuries probably could have been prevented had that child been in a rear-facing direction,” he wrote.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also issued a similar recommendation Monday.

According to a 2007 analysis of five years of U.S. crash data, one-year-olds are five times less likely to be injured in a crash if they are in a rear-facing car seat than a forward-facing seat.

State child safety seat laws will not automatically reflect the recommended change.

Labor Doula Training Workshop, Vermont, USA

2011-03-21T15:12:00.005-04:00

Do you enjoy working with pregnant women?

Why not become a labor doula?

Who should attend? Anyone with a passion for birth, who would like to work with laboring women, including childbirth educators, doulas, nurses, midwives.

CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) Labor Doula Workshop Presented by Polly (Paulina) Perez, R.N. and Crystal Sada, CCE, CD

Polly Perez and Crystal Sada are pleased to announce an educational opportunity that seeks to strengthen the bridge of understanding, respect, and cooperation between the doula and the medical communities. This is a CAPPA approved labor doula workshop, sponsored by Copley Hospital and supported by VT AWHONN on April 28-29, 2011 in Morrisville, Vermont, USA. Workshop will be taught by Crystal Sada and our guest lecturer is Polly Perez.

Crystal Sada brings with her the experience of having attended over 500 births as a labor doula as well as teaching childbirth education for 29 years. She has been a faculty member with CAPPA for over 10 years and travels around the US presenting labor doula workshops.

Polly (Paulina) Perez is a well known author and penned the original book about labor doulas titled Special Women. Her labor doula workshops are highly attended. For more than 40 years while working as a monitrice and perinatal nurse, Polly has helped to bridge understanding and acceptance between doulas and the medical community.

Together these dynamic women have over 75 years experience working with birth families. This workshop will be fun and interactive. Contact Crystal at njdoula1@aol for additional information. Act fast –this workshop will fill quickly. Additional information may be obtained at http://www.cappa.net/get-certified.php?labor-doula#overview.

Learn how to support women in labor and
become a certified labor doula

The Father's Role During Conception, Pregnancy & Birth

2011-03-08T07:23:00.001-05:00

3 Part Teleseminar

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NOTE: The information contained in this teleseminar is intended to help people prepare for conscious conception and birth. It will have its strongest impact when reaching future parents well before they conceive their children.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Aloha friends and family!

Birth of a New Earth is pleased to announce it’s first worldwide educational seminar designed specifically to empower men and to educate the public about the important role of the father during the childbearing year.

This groundbreaking series will begin on Thursday, March 10, 2011, and will run for three consecutive Thursdays at 1PM Hawaii time, 4PM U.S. Pacific, 7PM U.S. Eastern.

The series will explore the father’s role during the entire primal period — from the preconception and conception phases of childbirth, through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. We will examine how western culture is undermining the potency of men by alienating them from the birth process and belittling the role they need to play in bringing forth new life. We will discuss how medical professionals are usurping the father’s role during pregnancy and birth and the myriad ways this is contributing to a breakdown in family love worldwide.

In addition, we will also take a close look at the social construction of masculinity and male sexuality as they are being expressed in western societies. We will discuss the ways in which the current definition of “manhood” is not only wounding our men, but also undermining the potential for healthy male/female relationships and for powerful, love-filled, conception experiences for ourselves and our children.

Finally, we will explore why the healing of the masculine is essential for the preservation of love in our families and discuss how men can reclaim their divine masculine potency and step into their power as partners and as fathers.

Cost for the three-part series is $33. To register, please follow this link:

http://ecstaticbirth.wordpress.com/3-part-teleseminar-series-on-the-fathers-role-during-the-childbearing-year/

PLEASE NOTE: All calls will be 90 minutes in length and will be offered via teleconference and available worldwide (with a telephone and/or internet skype connection). FOR THOSE WITH SCHEDULING CONFLICTS, ALL CALLS WILL BE RECORDED AND AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT THE LISTENER’S CONVENIENCE.

For more information, please contact: jeanicebarcelo@yahoo.com.

Please help spread the word.

IT IS TIME TO RECLAIM THE SACRED MASCULINE ON PLANET EARTH!!!

The Business of Marriage

2011-03-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

Applying effective business principles to marriage

By Emuna Braverman

One of the 48 Ways to Wisdom listed in Ethics of Our Fathers is to apply business acumen to living. Not only are these principles useful for our lives in general, but they can also be applied specifically to our marriages.

Let me be clear up front. I am not saying that marriage is like a business; it most definitely is NOT. It is not an employer/employee relationship. It is not an LLC or any other kind of corporate entity. You are not business partners. But there are principles regarding running a business that could easily be transferred to marriage.

Goals or Mission Statements: Just like successful corporations need a clear set of goals and strategies for achieving them, so too does a successful marriage. One of the fundamental building blocks of a good marriage is a shared sense of goals. You both need to be clear about the goals and working towards the same ends. If employees work at cross-purposes, the business won’t thrive. The same applies to a husband and wife.

Click here to read this article in its entirety

FDA Drug Safety Communication: New warnings against use of terbutaline to treat preterm labor

2011-03-03T17:18:00.000-05:00

02-17-2011] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning the public that injectable terbutaline should not be used in pregnant women for prevention or prolonged treatment (beyond 48-72 hours) of preterm labor in either the hospital or outpatient setting because of the potential for serious maternal heart problems and death. The agency is requiring the addition of a Boxed Warning and Contraindication to the terbutaline injection label to warn against this use. In addition, oral terbutaline should not be used for prevention or any treatment of preterm labor because it has not been shown to be effective and has similar safety concerns. The agency is requiring the addition of a Boxed Warning and Contraindication to the terbutaline tablet label to warn against this use.

Terbutaline is approved to prevent and treat bronchospasm (narrowing of airways) associated with asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. The drug is sometimes used off-label (an unapproved use) for acute obstetric uses, including treating preterm labor and treating uterine hyperstimulation. Terbutaline has also been used off-label over longer periods of time in an attempt to prevent recurrent preterm labor.

Although it may be clinically deemed appropriate based on the healthcare professional's judgment to administer terbutaline by injection in urgent and individual obstetrical situations in a hospital setting, the prolonged use of this drug to prevent recurrent preterm labor can result in maternal heart problems and death. Terbutaline should not be used in the outpatient or home setting.

The decision to require the addition of a Boxed Warning and Contraindication is based on new safety information received and reviewed by the FDA. Specifically, FDA has reviewed postmarketing safety reports of terbutaline used for obstetrical indications (see Data Summary below), as well as data from the medical literature.1-6 These label changes are consistent with statements from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).6

Additional Information for Patients

Be aware that serious side effects, including maternal heart problems and death, have been reported after prolonged use of terbutaline to manage preterm labor.

There are serious situations where a healthcare professional may decide that the short-term use of injectable terbutaline in the hospital setting may benefit a pregnant woman.

Oral terbutaline should not be used either to treat preterm labor or prevent recurrent preterm labor.

If you are taking terbutaline for another medical condition (e.g., asthma), talk to your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or become pregnant to determine whether terbutaline is still right for you.

FDA encourages patients to talk to their healthcare professional if they have concerns about any treatment they are receiving.

Report any side effects from the use of oral or injectable terbutaline to the FDA MedWatch program, using the information in the "Contact Us" box at the bottom of the page.

Additional Information for Healthcare Professionals

Be aware that death and serious adverse reactions, including increased heart rate, transient hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema, and myocardial ischemia have been reported after prolonged administration of oral or injectable terbutaline to pregnant women.

Treatment with terbutaline administered by injection or by continuous infusion pump should not be used beyond 48 to 72 hours. In particular, injectable terbutaline should not be used in the outpatient or home setting.

There are certain obstetrical conditions where the healthcare professional may decide that the benefit of terbutaline injection for an individual patient in a hospital setting clearly outweighs the risk.

Oral terbutaline is contraindicated for the treatment or prevention of preterm labor.

Report adverse events involving terbutaline to the FDA MedWatch program using the information in the "Contact Us" box at the bottom of this page.

Data Summary

In November 1997, FDA issued a Dear Colleague letter to notify healthcare professionals about concerns regarding the safety of long-term subcutaneous administration of terbutaline. The Precautions section of the labeling was revised to warn about serious adverse reactions, including cardiovascular adverse events that may occur after administration of terbutaline to women in labor.

Publications in the medical literature have reported a lack of safety and efficacy of terbutaline for the treatment of recurrent preterm labor.2-5 Despite labeling changes, FDA's communication to the public, and professional association recommendations, prolonged use of terbutaline continues, with serious and sometimes fatal consequences.

FDA reviewed postmarketing reports of maternal death and serious cardiovascular adverse events submitted to the Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) associated with obstetric use of terbutaline.

A search of AERS identified 16 maternal deaths that were reported since initial marketing of the drug in 1976 until 2009. Three of the 16 cases reported outpatient use of terbutaline administered by a subcutaneous pump, while nine cases reported use of oral terbutaline alone or in addition to subcutaneous or intravenous terbutaline. Of these nine cases, two reported use of oral terbutaline on an outpatient basis and seven cases involved inpatient use of oral terbutaline. The routes of administration in the remaining four cases were subcutaneous, intravenous, or unknown.

FDA identified 12 maternal cases of serious cardiovascular events associated with use of terbutaline that were reported to AERS between January 1, 1998 (after FDA issued the Dear Colleague letter) and July 2009. These events included cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, hypertension, and tachycardia. Three of the 12 cases reported use of the terbutaline administered by subcutaneous pump. Five cases involved use of oral terbutaline alone or in addition to subcutaneous terbutaline. Of these five cases, three cases involved use of oral terbutaline on an outpatient basis and two cases involved inpatient use of oral terbutaline.

In summary, based on this information, FDA has concluded that the risk of serious adverse events outweighs any potential benefit to pregnant women receiving prolonged treatment with terbutaline injection (beyond 48-72 hours), or acute or prolonged treatment with oral terbutaline. FDA is requiring the addition of a new Boxed Warning and Contraindication to the terbutaline drug labels to warn healthcare professionals about these risks.

References

1. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Working Group Report on Managing Asthma During Pregnancy: Recommendations for Pharmacologic Treatment—Update 2004. NIH Publication No. 05-5236. Bethesda, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; National Institutes of Health; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2004. Available from: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/lung/asthma/astpreg/astpreg_full.pdf 1. Accessed November 19, 2010.

2. Wenstrom KD, Weiner CP, Merrill D, et al. A placebo-controlled randomized trial of the terbutaline pump for prevention of preterm delivery. Am J Perinatol. 1997;14:87-91.

3. Guinn DA, Goepfert AR, Owen J, et al. Terbutaline pump maintenance therapy for prevention of preterm delivery: a double-blind trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1998;179:874-878.
4. Sanchez-Ramos L, Kaunitz AM, Gaudier FL, et al. Efficacy of maintenance therapy after acute tocolysis: a meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1999;181:484-490.

5. Berkman ND, Thorp JM, Lohr KN, et al. Tocolytic treatment for the management of preterm labor: a review of the evidence. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003;188:1648-1659.

6. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). ACOG Practice Bulletin. Clinical management guidelines for obstetrician-gynecologist. No. 43. Management of preterm labor. Obstet Gynecol. 2003;101:1039-1047.

Related Information

FDA Response to Citizen Petition on Terbutaline (PDF - 151KB)2

2/17/2011

FDA warns against certain uses of asthma drug terbutaline for preterm labor3

Press Release - 2/17/2011

Terbutaline Information4

NDA Terbutaline Safety Labeling Change Letter (Injection) (PDF - 75KB)5

NDA Terbutaline Safety Labeling Change Letter (Oral) (PDF - 72KB)6

ANDA Terbutaline Safety Labeling Change Letter (Oral) (PDF - 50KB)7

ANDA Terbutaline Safety Labeling Change Letter (Injection) (PDF - 41KB)8

FDA Drug Safety Podcast for Healthcare Professionals: New warnings against use of terbutaline to treat preterm labor9

-

Contact Us

· Report a Serious Problem

1-800-332-1088

1-800-FDA-0178 Fax

MedWatch Online10

Regular Mail: Use postage-paid FDA Form 350011

Mail to: MedWatch 5600 Fishers Lane

Rockville , MD 20857

-

Birth Work Professionals- Training Options

2011-03-03T10:58:00.000-05:00

Show: Doula Diaries; Birth and More
Episode Number: 003

A lot of women prepare themselves for "pains" in birth with whatever information they can glean from friends, family, doctors, books and internet. No matter how much they know they always feel it would not be enough. They are getting information but not answers to their questions. Each new piece of advice, each new story leaves them with many more questions. We need the birth community where these women find support and answers.

There is a huge gap between the demand of birth professionals and the number of people working in these fields. One of the reason may be that there are not enough birth work professionals is that there are not enough training options. Most organisations are in the west and cut and pastewould never work well. Like birth, the birth workers also need to have a community and hands on support here. CAPPA comes to India embracing the culture. This is an organisation that offers training options in India, but not just for India. Their certification is catering to India and yet meets standards and is recognised internationally.

In conversation with Sonali Shivlani, who heads CAPPA India talking about the dream of every woman having support she needs in labour and birth.

More information on http://www.cappaindia.com/ and http://www.cappa.net/

Link between Mouth-rinse and Preterm Birth

2011-03-02T10:25:00.002-05:00

A new study reports that the use of non alcohol antibacterial mouth-rinse is linked to a decreased incidence of preterm birth. The study followed pregnant women at 6 to 20 weeks gestation that had periodontal disease and were not receiving additional dental care. Of mothers who used the mouthwash twice a day, 6.1% delivered prematurely, compared with 21.9% of the control group, who did not use the mouthwash.

After adjusting the findings for smoking status and age, the rate of premature birth in those who used the mouthwash was around two-thirds less than those who did not. The study’s authors, who were surprised with the results, noted that hormone surges in pregnancy can cause the gums to swell and that too much inflammation may trigger premature labor. The results of the study emphasize the importance of preventative dental care during pregnancy.

— Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. 2011. "Study finds that use of alcohol free antibacterial mouth-rinse is associated with decreased incidence of preterm birth." Accessed February 21, 2010. http://www.smfmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/SMFM-51-Use-of-Mouth-rinse-decreases-PTB.pdf

You CAN Teach Your Toddler Breastfeeding Manners

2011-02-28T13:24:00.000-05:00

Posted by Christie Haskell

on February 24, 2011 at 5:18 PM

When nursing a toddler is discussed, someone inevitably comments on how children shouldn't be "running up to you, lifting your shirt, and demanding to nurse." They're right. Well, they're right that the behavior isn't acceptable, but if they are suggesting that is reason to wean, they're wrong. It makes as little sense as weaning 4-month-old because she's biting. It's totally unrelated to nutrition.

What you do need to know, though, is that nurslings of any age need to be taught nursing manners. It's not an age or weaning issue when a child tries to get in your shirt in public, it's a disciplinary one.

Just like any discipline (discipline meaning "to teach," not punish), it's best if you start when they're young. You can hold the hand that's trying to twiddle the other nipple (a natural action that stimulates letdown) or lay an arm over your other breast. When your child's hand reaches to pull your hair, hold the hand so she doesn't pull to discourage that behavior. Giving your kiddo something to mess with that ISN'T YOU while they're nursing can often be a quick and easy solution, too.

Click here to read this article in it's entirety.

It’s a Small World After All

2011-02-28T13:19:00.002-05:00

By Michelle Schnaars

All around the world people are coming to Childbirth and… for information pertaining to the birth year.

Today's world is vastly different than our grandparents, and even different than our parent’s world. I remember when I was about twelve years old my friend’s parents had a car phone. This was a huge black box with a phone receiver and cord. I was impressed with the fact that they could go anywhere and call someone on this thing, and actually communicate with a real person on the other end. But now when I think back on that car phone I have to laugh because we’ve come a long way. We’ve long since waved good-bye to big and clumsy boxed car phones. Everywhere we go people are using mobile phones that look like an ansible used in sci-fi shows. But this is just one way in which the world has become more connected. In a world where the majority of homes have at least one computer, we can see across the world without having to leave our front door and hop on a plane. Even E-mail is being replaced with texting and Skype.

Today’s adults have different options, interests, and concerns. We can become connected to someone living on the other side of the world at the click of a finger, and we’re not even feeling creepy about it! This is just the way of the world, the way things are, and it’s our world. One in which we communicate and share information with our friends who live in Canada when we live in Germany. So, Childbirth and… would like to thank our visitors who came by today to catch up on birth year news or share their thoughts.

United Kingdom

United States

Canada

Japan

Germany

Brazil

Netherlands

Russia

Lebanon

Philippines

Poland

India

Latvia

Australia

Estonia

So, even though I live in the USA, my blog is viewed by people all over the world, and I appreciate your visiting with us today.

While you're here check out our new pages listed on the top right hand side. And, please feel welcome to post feedback, whether its praise, constructive criticism, or a question we'd like to hear from you.

Come again!

-Michelle

Lactation Conferences from Swag for IBCLC

2011-02-21T15:30:00.001-05:00

LACTATION: AN ADVANCED UPDATE AND REVIEW

Dates: May 16-18, 2011 Berkeley, CA USA
Faculty: Molly Pessl, BSN, RN, IBCLC

You should take this course if you:

Want to prepare to recertify for the IBLCE exam
Want to prepare to take the IBLCE exam for the first time
Have recently completed a 3-6 day breastfeeding program before 2011 & want to update your knowledge. If the 3-6 day program was in 2011 you may still want to take the May 18 exam review.
Are an IBCLC and want to earn CERPs while updating your knowledge

This course is designed for you if you meet ONE or more of the following:

Have attended a comprehensive 3-6 day program in breastfeeding education
Have strong clinical skills in assisting breastfeeding families
Are licensed/certified as a health care professional and have strong clinical skills in assisting breastfeeding families
Have met the IBLCE exam eligibility requirements

May 16-17 covers the IBLCE exam blueprint that will provide a foundation for study and practice. May 18 will cover test taking strategies, photos and practice exams.

Please find the registration brochure here.

Find our other courses and conference listed below and their brochures on our website: SWAGconferences.org.

March 18-19, 2011 Perspectives in Lactation

A 2-day lactation conference featuring Asa Bradman Ph.D, MS, Leslie Bramson DrPH, RN, CHES, IBCLC , Stella Dao MD, FACEP, J. Bruce German Phd, Robert Lustig MD, Ginna Wall MN, RN, IBCLC

Topics are:

Mandibular Asymmetry and Breastfeeding Problems
Prenatal and Early Postnatal Environmental Exposure via Breastmilk and Children’s Health: An Overview of the CHAMACOS Birth Cohort Study
“My Baby Won’t Stop Crying!” Case Studies From the Emergency Room every Lactation Consultant Should Know
Supplementing in the Most Baby-Friendly Way
Predictors of Early Skin-to-Skin Mother/Infant Contact during the First 3 Hours Following Birth
Obesity and the Toxic Environment
The effect of Early Skin-to-Skin Mother/Infant
Contact During the First 3 Hours Following Birth on Exclusive Breastfeeding During the Maternity Hospital Stay
Milk and Genomics
2011 Research Update: The Difference Between Male And Female Baby Milk And Other Amazing Findings

April 25-29, 2011
Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation

A 5-day CLE course featuring Molly Pessl BSN, RN, IBCLC

October 17-21, 2011

Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation
A 5-day CLE course featuring Molly Pessl BSN, RN, IBCLC

November 4-5, 2011

A 2-day lactation conference featuring Marina Green MSN, RN, IBCLC

March 23-24, 2012

A 2-day lactation conference featuring Laurie Nommsen-Rivers PhD, RD, IBCLC and James G. Murphy MD, FAAP, FABM, IBCLC

*We reserve the right to make changes in speakers and schedules as needed.

About Swag Conferences:

SWAG Conferences provides conferences and courses focused on healthcare topics that are open to professionals and the general public.

Our planners are both healthcare professionals and have been planning events since 1985.

Continuing for 2011 is a two-day and 1/2 day advanced update and review course for the IBLCE exam.

We offer two-day continuing education conferences focused on lactation in March of each year and sometimes in the fall.

In addition we offer the five-day Evergreen Perinatal Education lactation educator course: Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation at least once per year .

Flavours in mothers milk may determine the foods children like

2011-02-21T12:49:00.000-05:00

Mothers wanting their children to eat their greens should consume plenty of vegetables themselves while breast feeding, new research has suggested.

By Richard Gray, Science Correspondent

Scientists have discovered that babies' taste buds are primed between the two and five months after birth by the flavours they are exposed to and this can influence their preferences in later life.

Researchers found that children fed a bitter and sour tasting milk formula during these early months of their life continued to like its taste as they grew older and even into adolescence.

Those who were given the milk formula for the first time at six months old rejected the drink.

Dr Gary Beauchamp, director of the Monell Chemical Senses Center, in Philadelphia, who led the research, said it appeared that children's exposure to flavours during these key first few months of their life shaped their taste preferences and therefore food choices in later life.

Babies are typically exposed to low levels of flavour compounds from the food their mothers are eating through their breast milk.

Click here to read this article in its entirety

IRS Decision a Victory for Nursing Mothers Everywhere

2011-02-11T10:58:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 10, 2011

CONTACT: Mike Westling (Merkley) ˆ 202-224-7871
Justine Sessions (Harkin) ˆ 202-224-7977
Josh Drobnyk (Levin) ˆ 202-225-4961
Jon Houston (Maloney) ˆ 202-225-7944

IRS Decision a Victory for Nursing Mothers Everywhere

Breastfeeding Equipment to be Allowed as Medical Tax Deduction and Reimbursed by Flexible Health Spending Accounts

Washington, D.C. ˆ In response to a request from Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Representatives Sander Levin (D-MI) and Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced they will reverse a ruling that denies equipment used to help women breast feed from being covered as a health care expense. The previous ruling excluded breast pumps from coverage under flexible health spending accounts and made them non-deductible on tax returns.

Merkley, Harkin, Levin, and Maloney wrote to IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman in November to call for the decision to be reversed. Senators Merkley and Harkin were joined by 9 other Senators; 32 other House members joined Reps. Levin and Maloney.

In response to today’s decision, Senators Merkley and Harkin and Reps. Levin and Maloney released the following statement:

"Today’s decision is a huge victory for nursing mothers everywhere. Modern medicine has documented numerous health benefits linked to breastfeeding, including a reduced risk of illness in infants and a reduced risk of cancer in mothers. And because breastfeeding is so effective in preventing disease, it also happens to save billions in health care costs. We thank the IRS for their careful consideration and quick response."

A PDF of the complete House members‚ letter to Commissioner Shulman can be found here; the Senate version is here. (They are identical.)

Additional Background

A tax ruling by the IRS last year disallowed breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies as medical deductions, thus also excluding them as permissible expenses under flexible health spending accounts.

Rep. Maloney and Sen. Merkley secured a provision in health care reforms passed earlier this year that employers of hourly workers are be required to provide breastfeeding employees with reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom place to express breast milk during the workday, up until the child‚s first birthday.

Breastfeeding is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization for all children under six months.

Twenty-four states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have laws related to breastfeeding in the workplace; fully 43 states and the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have laws which allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location.

View the list and more at the National Conference of State Legislatures: http://www.ncsl.org/IssuesResearch/Health/BreastfeedingLaws/tabid/14389/Default.aspx

The Name Game: Help Childbirth and... Choose a Name for It's Forthcoming Magazine

2011-02-10T14:36:00.001-05:00

I started a poll today and would really appreciate your feedback. On the right you will find the poll to help me name the magazine that will be coming out later this year. Please take a second and click on the name you like.

Choose from:

1. September Born
2. Expecting Today
3. Today's Parent
4. Birth Year News

New Recommendations for Planned Home Births

2011-02-07T17:54:00.001-05:00

From Medscape Medical News
Jim Kling

February 2, 2011 — New guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee on Obstetric Practice outline recommendations for women who are planning at-home births.

The committee explained that although the absolute risk is low, planned at-home births are associated with a 2- to 3-fold risk for neonatal death compared with hospital births. The committee stated that “it respects the right of a woman to make a medically informed decision about delivery.” Recommendations to inform women interested in planned at-home birth of the risks and how to curb these risks were published in the February 2011 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

To reduce the risks, women who choose at-home birth should be informed about appropriate candidates for home birth; have at hand a certified midwife, certified nurse-midwife, or physician; have consultation access; and ensure timely transport to a nearby hospital if needed.

About 25,000 births occur at home each year (0.6%), but only observational studies have been done to address the relative risks of planned home births. These studies suffer from small sample sizes, lack of controls, reliance on questionable birth certificate data, and other methodological issues. A meta-analysis of observational studies concluded that there is a 2- to 3-fold increased risk for death for planned home births.

The analysis also found that planned home births were associated with fewer maternal interventions, such as epidural analgesia, electronic fetal heart rate monitoring, episiotomy, operative vaginal delivery, and caesarean delivery. There were also fewer third- and fourth-degree lacerations and maternal infections and similar rates of postpartum hemorrhage, perineal laceration, vaginal laceration, and umbilical cord prolapse.

Several criteria should be used to identify good candidates for home delivery, according to the committee. These include the absence of maternal disease previous to or during the pregnancy, singleton fetus, cephalic presentation, minimum gestational age of at least 36 but fewer than 41 completed weeks of pregnancy, spontaneous labor or labor induced as an outpatient, and women who have not been transferred from a referring hospital. Women who have had previous cesarean deliveries should absolutely not undergo planned home birth.

Previous studies have also shown a decrease in neonatal mortality in regions with readily available transport to hospitals. In the United States, studies show that the lowest mortality rates in the presence of a highly trained midwife who is well-connected to the healthcare system.

The meta-analysis has drawn some criticism, primarily because of the deficiencies of the observational studies. The committee's opinion is based on "what I think is a flawed study. It's a concern," said Eugene Declercq, PhD, professor of maternal and child health at the Boston University School of Public Health in Massachusetts, explained in an email correspondence with Medscape Medical News.

The percentage of planned home births will likely continue to grow, and it is incumbent on the medical profession to adapt and integrate the practice, though many physicians remain resistant to working with midwives, said Dr. Declercq. "I'd prefer to have people finding ways to work together, rather than this ceaseless interprofessional battle. The reality is that there are more and more women seeking planned home birth, and we need to make it safer for everybody."

Obstet Gynecol. 2011;117:425-428. Abstract

New Features at Childbirth and...

2011-02-04T19:37:00.003-05:00

I've added four pages to the site: Directory, Suggested Reading, Media, and Professional Resources. Please take some and become acquainted with our new pages. The tabs to these new pages are on the right sidebar.

The Media page features video clips covering topics that are important to expectant or new parents such as, diapering, breastfeeding, and infant massage. In the Directory you will find various categories and in each category a link to an online site. If you're looking for childbirth, lactation, or parenting education classes then you will want to look through the directory. You will also find links to companies that supply birth tools, including birth tubs/pools, and massage tools, and more. Doulas are also listed here, as well as information sources for postpartum depression, breastfeeding support, and other childbearing year information.

The Professional Resources page features organizations and companies that either provide either support and access to birth year professionals, or professional training/certification or licensing, or access to birth year professionals for expectant parents looking for resources, support, or classes.

Suggested Reading lists books to help expectant parents in their journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting.

Take your time browsing through the new pages here at Childbirth and... And, check back often as we will be adding information to these pages. And, please leave us a note while you're here and let us know your thoughts and suggestions for Childbirth and...

Thank You

2011-01-31T13:15:00.000-05:00

I'd like to thank the readers of Childbirth and... who came by this week. We live in an amazing time when people around the world can connect. This week our readers came from:

Italy
Chile
Sri Lanka
Bulgaria
Finland
United Arab Emirates
Netherlands
Belgium
Switzerland
New Zealand
Poland
Portugal
Turkey
France
Israel
Republic of Korea
Japan
Iraq
Nepal
Spain
Ireland
Russian Federation
Singapore
Philippines
United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Malaysia
Australia
India
Ghana
Germany
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Argentina

I would also like to thank the following sites that have brought traffic to Childbirth and... this past week including:

The Dreaded...Cockroach

2011-01-30T16:14:00.008-05:00

By Michelle Schnaars

I have received many emails lately asking about natural pest control methods, specifically about natural ways to repel cockroaches. I thought it best to tackle this one via my blog, everyone in one place sort of thing.

Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much you clean. Even after pulling everything out of the kitchen, bathroom, even the entire house, there is still a problem with roaches. You might be wondering how they're getting in. Some roaches come in with the groceries, I know -pretty disgusting thought, others can crawl through weather stripping. Michael Piacenza of Advantage Pest Control explains in his video clip we need to seal the home tightly using weather stripping, caulk, or expandable foam.

Although there are more than 4,000 different species, only a few pose a nuisance in the home. The three we are dealing with are most likely the American cockroach, the German cockroach, and or the Oriental cockroach. While all three are pesky and cause health problems, the German cockroach, which is often infesting homes and other places, is very resistant to commonly used household pesticides which makes it difficult to get rid of them. However, there are natural repellents that are proving successful in repelling these unwanted visitors. Jaipi Sixbear tells us in her article that bay leaves “discourage roaches from coming out to play.” Place them on counter-top corners, inside kitchen cabinets, and throughout your home where ever you've seen a roach. Other natural repellents include catnip, garlic, and of all things –beer.

Garlic can be used in a few different ways to help repel roaches. In powder form, it can be placed along borders, and on top of kitchen cabinets, as well as inside cabinets. You can also make a garlic and water solution which can be either sprayed around your home, or directly on the roaches. The reason garlic works is because roaches do not like strong odors or tastes.

You have to keep in mind that some of these natural remedies create odors that are also overwhelming for humans. You might want to try one over another to find what not only works at repelling the roaches, but also helps to maintain a comfortable home environment. Another thing to remember is dead roaches, or any bug for that matter, must be removed immediately, because bugs do feed off of the remains.

The first line of defense against roaches is prevention. Keep food and water sources as minimal as possible. Check your home for leaking pipes, and other water sources, and have leaks repaired as soon as possible. Never leave food out over night -unless it is sealed in an air-tight food storage container.

Following these preventive steps will also help to repel roaches:

• Everyone should eat at the dining or kitchen table. Eating snacks or meals in front of the T.V. leads to the possibility of crumbs getting in the couch and on floors, and stuck in carpets. This invites roaches and other pests. If there is snack or meal time in front of the T.V. then vacuum immediately.

• Vacuum floors and carpets at least once a week. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag in a tightly sealed bag, and immediately take out to the trash can or skip.

• Clean kitchen daily, washing dishes, counter tops and sink.

• Keep garbage in a bag inside a trashcan with a tight fitting lid.

• Clean bathrooms at least once a week.

• Store food in insect-proof containers such as glass jars or sealable plastic containers.

• Remove trash, newspapers, magazines, boxes, and other items that provide a hiding place for roaches and other pests.

I feel confident that when you follow these steps, and use anyone of these natural remedies you will rid your home of these detestable unwanted visitors.

References:

1. Michael Piacenza, Effective Natural Roach Repellent. http://www.ehow.com/way_5712154_effective-natural-roach-repellent.html.

2. Jaipi Sixbear, Go Green with Natural Roach Repellents. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1647709/go_green_with_natural_roach_repellents.html?cat=32.

Tip: Did you know that Bay Leaves also repel parasites, as well as mice? You can crush bay leaves and leave the bits around your kitchen floor, inside kitchen cabinets, and inside dresser drawers. You can also tape a leaf to the lid of your flower, sugar, and other food storage containers to keep unwanted bugs out, and your family healthy!

About the author:
Michelle Schnaars, CHBE is a former childbirth educator and labor doula having worked in the field for more than seven years. She worked with more than 300 families and helped them prepare for the birth of their child, and assisted many through labor and childbirth, breastfeeding and early parenting. She is also the former Director of Publications and the former Managing Editor of the CAPPA Quarterly. Currently she is a freelance writer published in Expecting Miracles a quarterly publication mailed to childbirth professionals and their clients, Dirt Dissolvers, and the CAPPA Quarterly. She enjoys managing and writing for her blog Childbirth and....

Doula Training offered in Spanish

2011-01-26T14:50:00.000-05:00

CAPPA TO OFFER LABOR DOULA TRAINING IN SPANISH DURING ITS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

For more information contact cappaecuador@gmail.com.

PRESS RELEASE: GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR, January 20, 2011: Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) Ecuador under the leadership of Priscilla Loor and Jennifer Bertha will offer labor doula training in Spanish to all interested future labor doulas whose native language is Spanish or those who wish to work with Spanish speaking families. The training will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Valencia California on June 22 and 23 of the present year, just prior to the CAPPA Annual Conference. This training is a collaborative effort between CAPPA Headquarters and CAPPA Ecuador in an effort to continue to promote the CAPPA Global vision.

For over a decade, CAPPA's mission has been to offer comprehensive, evidence-based education, certification, professional membership and training to childbirth educators, lactation educators, labor doulas, antepartum doulas and postpartum doulas worldwide. Through its history CAPPA has grown internationally with branches in Canada, Israel, India and Ecuador. The Ecuador branch has adapted all of the CAPPA certifications in Spanish, and is eager to offer these trainings in Ecuador and in the United States.

These trainings are one of the requirements, among many others, to become CAPPA Certified. CAPPA holds a strict certification process to ensure excellence in all of its certifications.

CAPPA Labor Doula Training in Spanish will be held on June 22nd and 23rd from 9 to 6 pm. And will have a cost of $400.00. Additional fees apply for purchase of certification package and evaluation process.

Those interested in attending the training may register through the Events Calendar in the CAPPA Ecuador website http://www.cappaecuador.com/.

Surgeon General's Call to Action: A Roadmap to Improving Suport for Breastfeeding Mothers

2011-01-20T16:22:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Megan Renner, 301-807-4963 (cell), mrenner@usbreastfeeding.org

Surgeon General’s Call to Action:

A Roadmap to Improving Support for Breastfeeding Mothers

Washington, DC--Three out of four women in the United States provide their infants with the healthiest start in life by breastfeeding, and today Surgeon General Regina Benjamin called on the entire nation to support the removal of barriers to this important public health behavior. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding is an unprecedented document from the nation's highest medical source, calling on health care providers, employers, insurers, policymakers, researchers, and the community at large to take 20 concrete action steps to support mothers in reaching their personal breastfeeding goals.

The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) applauds the Call to Action, which is based on the latest evidence about the health, psychosocial, economic, and environmental effects of breastfeeding. The document includes action steps and implementation strategies for six major sectors of society:

Mothers and their Families: emphasizes the need to educate and inform families about the importance of breastfeeding, and provide the ongoing support mothers need to continue.

Communities: calls upon the entire community to support breastfeeding mothers, including the provision of peer counseling support, promotion of breastfeeding through community-based organizations and traditional and new media venues, and the removal of commercial barriers to breastfeeding.

Health Care: urges the health care system to adopt evidence-based practices as outlined in the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, provide health professional education and training, ensure access to skilled, professional lactation care services, and increase availability of banked donor milk.

Employment: calls for paid maternity leave and worksite and child care accommodations that support women when they return to work.

Research and Surveillance: emphasizes the need for additional research, especially regarding the most effective ways to address disparities and measure the economic impact of breastfeeding, and calls for a national monitoring system.

Public Health Infrastructure: calls for enhanced national leadership, including creation of a federal interagency work group, and increasing the capacity of the United States Breastfeeding Committee and affiliated state coalitions.

According to USBC Chair Robin Stanton, "The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding truly paints the landscape of breastfeeding support in the United States, demonstrating a society-wide approach to removing the barriers that make it difficult for many women to succeed. The United States Breastfeeding Committee urges all Americans to be proactive in using these action steps as a springboard to extend support so that mothers throughout the country get the care, help, and encouragement they deserve. USBC looks forward to partnering with both public and private entities on implementation of the action steps."

For more information on the Call to Action, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov. To receive updates and information from USBC, please consider signing on to support Breastfeeding: A Vision for the Future at www.usbreastfeeding.org/vision. USBC publications, including an analysis of the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding, can be downloaded from www.usbreastfeeding.org/publications.

USBC is an organization of organizations. Opinions expressed by USBC are not necessarily the position of all member organizations and opinions expressed by USBC member organization representatives are not necessarily the position of USBC.

The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) is an independent nonprofit coalition of more than 40 nationally influential professional, educational, and governmental organizations. Representing over a million concerned professionals and the families they serve, USBC and its member organizations share a common mission to improve the Nation's health by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. For more information about USBC, visit http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

United States Breastfeeding Committee
2025 M Street, NW, Suite 800 ♦ Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202/367-1132 ♦ Fax: 202/367-2132
E-mail: office@usbreastfeeding.org

"HONEY, WHAT DID SHE SEE?"

2011-01-19T10:22:00.001-05:00

By Armin Brott for Dadmag.com

You read the kids their bedtime story and put them to sleep a few hours ago, and now you and your girlfriend are enjoying a little adult time together-naked. It's tender, it's wonderful, it feels incredible, but all of a sudden you become aware that you've got an audience. What do you do?

The first step is to deal with it immediately, even if you think the child didn't see much. Even brief exposure to intercourse can be confusing and sometimes harmful to children. Very young kids can misinterpret entangled bodies and moans of pleasure as a fight and worry that someone is getting hurt. Older kids who know something about sex may be put off by the idea that you're a sexual being or may be aroused by what they've seen and take it as encouragement to do some experimenting of their own. They also might get the idea that bringing home a lover is okay for them as well. If your child walks in on you, here's what to do:

Don't get angry. Tell him calmly yet firmly to leave your room, close the door, and go back to his own. Yelling at him could scare him and make him think that what he saw was wrong.

If your child won't go, lead him. And if you scared him off or if he bolted on his own, follow him back to his room.

Reassure your child. When he's is back in his bed, sit by his side and tell him that everything is fine and that no one was hurting anyone else. Mary Mattis, author of Sex and the Single Parent, suggests telling very young children (under 6 or so) that you and your lover were just playing together, and that grownups kiss and hug to be close to each other. But be prepared: Even little kids know a lot more about sex than we did when we were their age and they may not be satisfied with such a short answer.

If she's older than six she might need a more sophisticated answer about what she saw. She probably already knows that sex involves putting a penis inside a vagina and that that's how babies are made. Answer her questions simply and honestly, using the correct terminology. But don't offer any more information than she asks for.

Make sure she knows she can always ask you more later. You may be trying to keep sex a secret from your children, but doing so can inadvertently give them the impression that it's dirty or wrong-precisely the wrong message if you want them to have a healthy attitude about sex when they're older.

Don't act embarrassed or ashamed, even if you are. Kids need to know that having sex is a normal, healthy thing for adults to do. And don't apologize unless you bit your child's head off for walking in on you.

Take some precautions that this won't happen again, such as putting a lock on your door or using the one you have.

Sooth your girlfriend. Your first obligation is to your kids, so you'll need to explain to your lover that you'll be back as soon as you make sure the kids are okay. Don't ask her to leave, and try to convince her to wait for you if she tries to go. When you're through with the kids, the two of you need to talk. She may be freaked out by the whole experience, so discuss what you're both feeling. Really and truly, there's no reason why this little episode should have any impact on your relationship. It might, though, affect her desire to sleep at your house again.

CAPPA Postpartum Doula Training

2011-01-19T07:45:00.004-05:00

Registration: www.hiptoheart.com
Contact E-mail: jodi@hiptoheart.com
Cost of Training: $400.00 USD
The 2 day training course is the first step to become a Certified Postpartum Doula

Montpelier VT ~ ONLY 1 spot left!

Foxboro MA ~ ONLY 3 spots left!

Training Locations:

Montpelier, VT January 29-30
Foxboro, MA February 12-13
Bridgton, ME February 19-20
Manchester, NH February 26-27
Salem, MA March 12-13
New Haven, CT March 26-27

Training Details:

* The Postpartum Doula Scope of Practice
* Caring for new mothers
* Education and Support for family members
* Breastfeeding Support/Breast care
* How to teach baby soothing and calming techniques
* How to instruct mom/family members on baby care techniques
* Recognizing/education on postpartum mood disorders
* Creating a list of local resources specific to needs of client
* Marketing your Doula business
* Creating contracts and documents for clients
* Scheduling
* SO MUCH MORE!

Trainig includes Postpartum Doula Training Manual and a binder of local resources, information and brochures for Postpartum clients and marketing/business tools.

The Benefits of Keeping the Penis Intact

2011-01-16T15:22:00.006-05:00

By Travis Wisdom

Introduction
There is an increasing number of American parents who are saying no to non-therapeutic routine circumcision. This crucial choice will allow their boys increased health benefits in addition to enjoying the unequivocal pleasures of their foreskins later throughout life. While the circumcision rates continue to slowly decline in the United States, those who choose foreskin-friendly parenting find themselves in direct contrast of the greater circumcising culture. This consequently causes increased uncertainty about the decision that they elected as well as perplexities on behalf of the physicians who often provide inaccurate and misleading, if not completely fraudulent, information on the importance of the prepuce, its benefits and vital roles to optimum sexual function and health, and proper hygiene and care for intact boys and men.

This essay surveys various protective, mechanical, sensory, and sexual benefits and functions of the foreskin that would otherwise be lost to its surgical amputation. I discuss genital hygiene and care for the intact penis with hopes to help alleviate confusion and ignorance surrounding cleanliness. In anticipation, having an understanding of the benefits and functions of the human foreskin is useful for both the parents and the physicians in order to gain an appreciation and respect for intact genitalia.

Benefits of the Prepuce
George Hill defines the human prepuce, or foreskin, as a specialized organ that offers protective, mechanical, sensory, and sexual functions, all of which are necessary for operative sexual health [1]. All healthy functional males are born with the following preputial capabilities and should enjoy their benefits and functions throughout adulthood.

Protective
The article, Foreskin Sexual Function/Circumcision Sexual Dysfunction released by the Circumcision Information Resources Pages (CIRP) collaborates various scientific sources to examine the role of the foreskin in human sexuality in addition to studying the dysfunction that is cased by surgical amputation.

The foreskin either partially or completely covers the glans penis in the adult male protecting it from dryness and abrasion [2]. Remaining protected from foreign stimuli, the foreskin maintains the subpreputial area wet and moist with prostatic, vesicular, and urethral secretions [2]. The subpreputial moisture contains lysozyme, which destroys pathogens [1]. It is important that the glans remain in this state of moisture and wetness because it is covered with mucosa, not skin. In addition, the prepuce guards from the process of keritinization. This otherwise would cause the glans to thicken as skin cells begin to layer, which deadens sensation [2].

In infant boys, the prepuce protects the meatus from ammoniacal diapers and prevents meatitis, meatal ulceration, and meatal stenosis. E. coli that is found in feces is the most important pathogen in urinary tract infection. The muscle fibers in the foreskin act as a preputial sphincter, helping to prevent UTI in infants as it forbids contact between the meatus and feces. Additionally, the foreskin also helps to reduce incidence of non-specific urethritis and presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the urethra [1].

Mechanical
An important mechanical function of the foreskin is its ability to facilitate intromission and penetration [2]. As the foreskin unfolds, the penis enters his partner reducing friction, dryness, and abrasion allowing intercourse to be more comfortable [1].

Also, the presence of the foreskin allows for less forceful penetration. After penetration, the foreskin provides a unique gliding action that substantially reduces friction and vaginal dryness [1].

Sensory and Sexual
The foreskin is a specific erogenous zone that is the most heavily innervated part of the penis with nerve endings near the surface of the ridged band. This band originates from the frenulum and encircles the opening of the foreskin [2]. The tissue whose nerve endings most sensitive to fine touch and temperature is located in the foreskin [1].

The foreskin has a layer of a smooth muscle tissue, the peripenic muscle, which comprises a portion of the dartos muscle [2]. The nerve-endings that are present in the foreskin become stimulated through motion and stretching [1]. Through the contractions of the unique muscle fibers in this tissue, the foreskin obtains strong elasticity, which is crucial to erogenous sensation. The muscle tissue must stretch to glide over the glans upon erection, later to return to its normal flaccid coverage. The stretching movement produces great sensation and pleasure. The nerve endings produce pleasurable erotic sensations, which travel to the central nervous system, inputting to the autonomic nervous system. This process plays a vital role in controlling erection and ejaculation [2].

Nerve endings of the glans are concentrated in the corona. Likewise, they intrude against the corona during intercourse [2]. The foreskin protects the corona from direct stimulation, and because it is the most highly innervated part of the glans penis, this helps to prevent premature ejaculation [1].

Genital Hygiene
The foreskin is one of the most easiest cared for parts of the human anatomy, and the most important rule to remember is: only clean what is seen [3]. Proper infant hygiene, for both boys and girls, is just that straightforward. In fact, Marilyn Milos, RN describes the cleaning of the intact penis as very similar to cleaning one’s finger [4]. Only clean the external genitalia, what is exposed, using warm water. Soap is not needed. Intrusive or interior cleaning is absolutely never needed. The boy’s foreskin will naturally retract at a point in his maturation that is unique to him, usually around puberty. It is utterly imperative to note that forcible retraction should always be avoided, as it causes trauma, pain, and destruction of the developing tissue and natural flora [4]. Of course the penis is immature at birth, and the foreskin is connected to the glans via a special membrane that ensures cleanliness and protection of the underlining penile structures [3]. In addition, this membrane also protects the high nerve supplied and erogenous foreskin of the developing penis from foreign stimuli, such as those found in feces, the ammonia in urine, and invading pathogens [3].

Both John V. Geisheker and John W. Travis in the article, “Only Clean What Is Seen: Reversing the Epidemic of Forcible Foreskin Retractions,” agree that while the foreskin is different in structure, it is appropriate to conceptualize it as the male’s hymen, protecting the internal sexual organ during the years when they are not needed for sexual purposes. In time, the membrane within will disappear as the child matures [3].

Once the boy has discovered that his foreskin is (naturally) retractable, he can easily care for his body through three easy steps: retract, rinse, and replace [4]. First, he can retract his foreskin. Using only warm water, he should not apply soap or any other substances on the mucosa membrane of the glans or the inner lining structure of the foreskin. Then, release the foreskin and allow it to naturally glide to its position [4].

Conclusion
Having an accurate understanding and appreciation of the advantages of the male prepuce will begin to offer women the opportunity to empower their lives and child birthing experiences. It is important that physicians be given legitimate resources on just how vital the foreskin is to protecting against disease and invading pathogens [1]; in addition to offering functional sexual organs with necessary skin mobility for intercourse as well as the opportunity to enjoy the full potential of the pleasures of sexual intimacy [1]. Also, the care for such a uniquely viable organ is extraordinarily simple. The prepuce can be cleaned and cared for with warm water, without the use of any artificial substances like soap, or invasive internal cleaning [3]. The first person to retract a boy’s foreskin should be the boy himself. Everyone else should leave it alone and let nature function in its own right. The membrane embedded under the foreskin is the male’s first line of defense against infection, and the foreskin’s forcible retraction disrupts this protective order, causing necessary and avoidable trauma and pain [4].

The advocacy for better knowledge of the male sexual organs helps to dispel myths about the human body and male sexuality as well as taboos surrounding childbirth. These available resources allow for an informed decision on foreskin-friendly parenting based on awareness and education as opposed to common inaccurate and misleading beliefs that can otherwise promote damage to the male body or cause unreasonable guilt for protecting boys from the damages of non-therapeutic circumcision.

References:
[1] Hill, G. (2007). The Case against circumcision. Journal of Men's Health and Gender, 4(3), 318-323

[2] Foreskin Sexual Function/Circumcision Sexual Dysfunction. Circumcision information resource pages. Retrieved (2009, September 07) from http://www.cirp.org/library/sex_function/

[3] Geisheker, JV, & Travis, JW. (2008, May 30). Only Clean what is seen - reversing the epidemic of forcible foreskin retractions. Kindred Community, 28-33.

[4] Milos, MF. (2010). Letters to the Editor: Re: Provencio-Vasquez, E. & Rodriguez, A. (2009). Collaborative practice: Circumcision revisited. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 14(4), 295-297. . (2010). Wiley periodicals, Inc.

About the author

Travis is pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Women’s Studies, with a minor in Sociology. He is an intern for Doctors Opposing Circumcision and an affiliated member of Intact America, Feminist Majority Foundation, and the National Organization for Women. Travis has participated in various feminist conferences throughout the United States and is an active intactivist. He strives for better knowledge and awareness of genital tissue, its diverse functions and roles, in order to promote integrity and protection from invasive and damaging non-therapeutic and religious circumcisions on children. Most recently, he founded the Las Vegas, Nevada chapter of the National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers.

Dads count too!

2011-01-12T18:31:00.000-05:00

Mon, 2011-01-10 17:04 Karl Tupper for www.panna.org.

Today it seems obvious that a woman's health directly impacts the well-being of her future child. Women thinking about becoming pregnant — or those who already are — are often careful not to smoke, drink or take certain drugs. Meanwhile, conventional wisdom says that a father's health can't have any direct impact on that of his child. But as described in the cover story of the January/February issue of Miller-McCune, conventional wisdom is wrong: Fathers do matter.

The article surveys the science on the developmental consequences of paternal exposure to chemicals, focusing on pharmaceuticals like morphine and certain chemotherapies. Surprisingly, it turns out that if you dose a male rat with these substances, and then later — after the drug has had ample time to leave the animal's system — you have that rat mate, its progeny lag behind those of unexposed males in development. And, as you can probably guess since I'm writing about here in GroundTruth, these types of male-line trans-generational effects have been seen for pesticides too.

Click here to read complete article.

12 Most Ridiculous Baby Trends of Today

2011-01-06T07:51:00.000-05:00

Who hasn’t chuckled at strange things done by parents – or been a parent that did something others thought was ridiculous? Everyone has their opinion on babies, and there are so many different healthy parenting styles that families can adopt. But then, there are some things that really go over the top. Here, we examine 12 of the craziest baby trends out there today.

1.Baby gender cakes: Sparked by the Duggars on the Today Show, some parents-to-be are now asking bakers to get in on the big reveal, creating cakes that are either blue or pink on the inside with white icing outside. Together, parents and family members cut into the cake to find out the gender of their baby. Some even choose to throw a party for the occasion.

2.Over the top luxury toys: Nothing is too good for your baby, right? Well then, a $17,000 diamond pacifier should fit the bill. Just don’t forget to use a pacifier clip, because you wouldn’t want to lose this one!

3.Infant diets: Babies with fat rolls are cute and cuddly, but some parents are so afraid of childhood obesity that they put their children on a diet. Most of the time, extra weight is good for young children, and babies shouldn’t be put on a diet unless the recommendation comes from their pediatrician.

4.Denim diapers: Diapers used to be waste receptacles, but now, they can be fashionable. Huggies recently introduced a new line of diapers made to look like denim pants, so your little one can wear jeans, too.

5.Diaper free: It’s a major breakthrough for some parents, but for most, it’s just a lot of work. Young children are being taught to go without diapers and give their parents or caregivers signals that they are ready to go to the bathroom. This practice can be started as early as birth, but it’s only for the truly committed.

6.Scary baby shower cakes: Whether explicit or just plain creepy, the next baby shower you attend may be graced with a scary cake. Some are shaped like babies or bellies, and others depict moms giving birth. What we’d really like to know is – who actually eats these?

7.The wee block: Some parents learn how to master little boy diaper changes, and some run out and buy a product that may be more trouble than it’s worth. If you find yourself changing a little boy’s diaper, simply open the diaper to expose him to air, then put it down again for a moment to let him pee before moving on to a new diaper.

8.Fake babies: Some childless women are adopting baby dolls. They insist that they feel like mothers with these dolls that are made to look and feel like real babies, even taking them out to the park and throwing birthday parties for them.

9.Baby toupees: There’s no word on whether any parents have actually embraced this trend or not, but baby toupees are ridiculously entertaining. Parents can choose from a variety of different wigs to top off their babies in style for special occasions or everyday looks.

10.Extreme postpartum diets: Popular with celebrities, extreme diets are a crazy way to get back your pre-baby shape. Restrictive diets like raw broccoli for lunch and dinner are a dangerous way to lose weight, and can stop milk production if you’re trying to breastfeed.

11. Baby pumps: Before they can walk, some little girls are wearing trendy pink pumps. Designed for the amusement of adults, this footwear is just plain wrong. Or hilarious, depending on how you look at it.

12.Personal training: Kids as young as 3 can work with personal trainers to lose weight and work out. However, doctors warn that children can’t work out the same way as adults. Additionally, playtime with physical activity is an important bonding experience for parents and babies, so parents should try to give their little ones a workout instead of sending them to a trainer.

Ground Beef Recall

2011-01-02T17:06:00.001-05:00

First Class Foods, Inc. of Hawthorne Recalls Ground Beef from 6 States for Possible E. coli Contamination

Posted by Jena Isle on Jan 1, 2011 in Health, Science

First Class Foods, Inc of Hawthorne recalls almost 40,000 pounds of ground beef previously distributed to 6 States. This is because of possible Escherichia coli contamination, as reported by International News, December 31, 2010. The organic ground beef is believed to contain certain amounts of Escherichia coli, specifically the E. coli O157:H7 strain which can cause serious conditions in both young children and the elderly. This was revealed when the company performed a sampling test of its product.

E. coli are most of the time harmless, but the E. coli O157:H7 strain can cause kidney failure, food poisoning and profuse bleeding because of intestinal damage. If the bacteria when cultured exceed the normal colony count in an agar plate, then it indicates fecal contamination, and this makes it potentially harmful to the body.

The ground beef is being recalled in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, California, Wisconsin, and Washington. The establishment number of the ground beef is “EST.18895” and they have been produced December 7 and December 16.

Customers who have questions can call the company through Lucienne Adams at (310) 676 2500.

Making Sense of Portion Sizes

2010-12-17T14:28:00.001-05:00

Meals Matter.org

Many of us tend to underestimate the amount of food we eat and tend to overestimate the recommended portion sizes for many foods.

For example, try pouring out your usual portion of pasta and measure it! Then, compare it to the label portion size. Chances are, you're eating two, three, four or more times the amount on the label.

If you are confused when reading a food label, try relating the portion size of a serving to everyday items. It is an easy way to visualize what a true portion size looks like.

•Woman's fist or baseball -- a serving of vegetables or fruit is about the size of your fist

•A rounded handful -- about one half cup cooked or raw veggies or cut fruit, a piece of fruit, or ½ cup of cooked rice or pasta – this is a good measure for a snack serving, such as chips or pretzels

•Deck of cards -- a serving of meat, fish or poultry or the palm of your hand (don't count your fingers!) – for example, one chicken breast, ¼ pound hamburger patty or a medium pork chop

•Golf ball or large egg -- one quarter cup of dried fruit or nuts

•Tennis ball -- about one half cup of ice cream

•Computer mouse -- about the size of a small baked potato

•Compact disc -- about the size of one serving of pancake or small waffle

•Thumb tip -- about one teaspoon of peanut butter

•Six dice -- a serving of cheese

•Check book -- a serving of fish (approximately 3 oz.)

•Eyeball it! Take a look at the recommended serving sizes on the new USDA MyPyramid Food Guidance System. Get out a measuring cup or a food scale and practice measuring some of your favorite foods onto a plate, so that you can see how much (or how little!) a ½ cup or 3-ounce serving is. This will help you "eyeball" a reasonable serving!

Portion sizes for children

Children need adequate calories to meet their needs for growth. On the other hand, portions that are too large could lead to overeating or seem overwhelming.

Serving small portions to young children is often the best way for them to learn to eat only until satisfied, instead of overeating. Start kids off with less and encourage them to ask for more if they're still hungry.

Eco-Parenting

2010-12-11T22:34:00.002-05:00

by Mirine Dye, MPH, CHES, IBCLC

With the increased interest on going “green”, what role can parents play in advocating for their children’s health as well as Mother Earth? I have found that by engaging environmental advocates, I have increased the advocacy base for those who support natural birth, breastfeeding, and natural parenting, by simply stating the facts. Here are some of the more topical points in the environmental movement today, and especially those that impact our population of pregnant women and babies.

BPA

The chemical is known as bisphenol A or BPA and is still used in plastic baby bottles, and many other food and beverage containers including infant formula cans. Studies suggest that the dangers of BPA leaching into the milk of babies in a bottle could include: low sperm count, hyperactivity, early puberty, obesity, small testes size, and enlarged prostates. There are no government safety standards which limit the amount of BPA in infant formula. The role of the childbirth professional continues to be to promote breastfeeding as the normal and healthy way to feed an infant. For mothers desiring to use bottles, encourage non-BPA (non-polycarbonate) and recyclable propylene bottles.

The best alternative to baby bottle and formula concerns: Breastfeeding!

As we know breastmilk is the only free, natural, renewable food resource and is all the baby needs for the first 6 months of life. During prenatal education, teach the benefits to mother, the benefits to baby and do not neglect to mention the benefits to Mother Earth. Some of the best evidence for breastfeeding fitting the eco-friendly lifestyle includes:

Requires no resources for advertising, packaging, shipping, or disposal.

No water or energy is wasted sterilizing bottles and refrigerating them.

It does not create pollution from the manufacturing and disposal of bottles, teats, and cans.

It helps space babies by suppressing fertility in the mother which lowers the population burden and impact.

Environmental Issues with Diapers! Or, “What goes in must come out!”

Fact: Every child adds about 6500 disposable diapers to our landfills.

Fact: Disposable diapers have little to no recycling potential and the long term effects of them on the environment remains unknown.

Fact: Disposable diapers can take up to 500 years to decompose.

Fact: Our clients trust our recommendations and turn to us for input on their consumer goods and purchases. We have an ecological responsibility to market products which are both healthful and environmentally sound. By increasing environmental awareness we automatically increase health awareness.

Alternatives to disposable diapers:

Hybrid diapers (cloth cover, flushable inside liner) from gDiapers.com. Gdiapers offer a childbirth educator sample. Contact them via their website.

Cloth diapers, easy to use, velcro and snaps and very comfy for baby.

Still a disposable, but a “greener” disposable is one not made with plastics and gels, but rather non-bleached wood pulp! Tushies and Seventh Generation make such diapers as well as other brands.

Mercury Alert!

In your first prenatal meeting or class, nutrition is surely to come up. The FDA wants pregnant women to know that some fish contain high levels of a form of mercury called methylmercury that can harm an unborn child's developing nervous system if eaten regularly. By being informed about methylmercury and knowing the kinds of fish that are safe to eat (www.epa.gov ) women can help prevent harm to developing babies. Ethylmercury, the type formerly in our children’s vaccines, is not the same as methylmercury and is excreted quickly from the body. Methylmercury can store easily in fat (ie: maternal stores for pregnancy and lactation) and is potentially toxic.

By engaging in the environmental effort you will also increase your family’s healthful practices, and contribute to a larger cause. Incorporate “green parenting” into your practices and evaluate the ever changing recommendations and work to institute change for the health of ourselves, our babies, and planet.

About the author
Mirine Dye, MPH, has a master’s in public health, and is a certified health education specialist as well as lactation consultant. She is an alumni of the American Public Health Association Maternal and Child Health Leadership Institute and is the national chair for the maternal and infant nutrition committee with APHA. She can be reached through her consulting firm http://www.preventionworksmonroe.org/

Anxiety and Pregnancy

2010-12-06T08:21:00.000-05:00

Maternity Reflexology

Copyright © Mauricio (Moshe) Kruchik

Anxiety during pregnancy has many faces and should never be underestimated.

Pregnancy is a special temporary status in the life of the woman; pregnancy takes many twists, and it is characterized by the dynamic flow and peaks of different emotional states. It is true that many of these fluctuations are due to the constant hormonal changes that occur throughout the entire period of pregnancy, but they can also accentuate underlying fears.

Anxiety and stress may be related to a long list of disorders for the expectant mother and the child she carries in her womb. In the past thirty years, the development of studies to determine the parameters of correlation between stress and anxiety in pregnancy and infant development have increased.

Indeed, a study published in 1992 by Marci Lobel, Doctor of the University of New York at Stony Brook, Dr. Christine Dunkel-Schett, and Susan Scrimshaw, Ph.D., University of California at Los Angeles, found that women suffering from high levels of stress and anxiety during their pregnancies were more likely to deliver a premature or underweight baby.

A 2008 study presented by Dr. Raquel Granell, University of Bristol in Britain in the Congress of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) in Berlin, found that pregnant women with high anxiety have a 65% higher chance to have a child who develops asthma than mothers with lower anxiety levels. This study also finds that nearly 13% of children whose mothers had experienced anxiety during pregnancy have asthma.

The study was developed with the cooperation of 5,800 families over eight years, and it found that the risk of asthma was 17% higher in children whose mothers were stressed at 32 weeks of pregnancy and 14% higher when the mother was stressed at 18 weeks. The results are even stronger in women in the group with more anxiety; for example, the additional risk of asthma reached 65% in the group of mothers with more stress at 32 weeks and 53% in the group most severely stressed at 18 weeks.

In another interesting and original study conducted by Dr. James McCubbin, PhD, and other researchers at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, the blood pressure in pregnant women was measured prior to a stressful arithmetic task. All women had normal blood pressure readings before the task. This 1996 study revealed that women with greater increases in diastolic blood pressure (a blood pressure reading systolic and diastolic, such as 110/80) were more likely to have premature babies or babies with lower than average birth weights. The researchers speculated that high levels of hormones associated with stress can affect both the maternal blood pressure and fetal growth and development. Studies like this suggest that it may be possible to identify a group of women who may be at risk for delivering preterm or low birth weight babies and provide stress reduction techniques to help reduce this risk.

Anxiety, stress and fears are often manifested by sudden changes of mood and nervousness. Here is a list of the most common fears reported by pregnant women and new mothers:

-Fear of death -Fear of the unknown -Fear of hospital intervention -Fear of pain -Fear of their own behavior during childbirth -Fear of disappointing herself and her partner -Fear that something unusual happens to the baby -Fear of what will happen at home and to the couple after childbirth

Do not underestimate the anxiety in any case. Although fears are natural (sometimes we refer to them as a subconscious protective response that all human beings have), the fears can hide an underlying state of despair that can lead to prenatal depression if the mom does not receive the right amount of attention, affection and understanding in a timely manner.

Also, as a self-help measure, it is advised that the expectant mother knows how to identify those factors that have a direct effect in altering her wellbeing and quality of life. It is recommended to avoid any stressing situations that can cause anxiety.

It is also highly advisable for the expectant mother to begin to prepare for birth consciously and in advance. A good knowledge of her physical and psychological endurance will contribute to her awareness of her own possibilities and physical and psychological reserves, which will help her arrive at the moment of delivery with more ease and self confidence.

Reflexology can add an excellent element of support because it offers pregnant women the experience of receiving warmth and support from a therapist who works with not only his two hands but also his soul.

An observational study conducted by the Reflexologist Harriett Ryan of Ireland, presented at the First International Conference on Maternity Reflexology in Israel in October 2009 and promoted by the Israeli Forum of Reflexology, showed that children whose mothers received regular reflexology treatments during their pregnancies were mostly quiet, calm and happy, with a cheerful character and perfect health.

Reflexes to be treated:

A regular treatment, with emphasis on:

-Central and Autonomic Nervous Systems: Spine and Solar Plexus

-Evacuation Systems: Digestive and Urinary -MetamorphicTechnique -The Jellyfish Technique -The Parabola Technique ®

3% Peroxide

2010-12-02T10:41:00.001-05:00

I received the following information via e-mail. I'm sure most of you have too. The information from what I understand is accurate, however. So I'm sharing it here, along with credit being giving to the name that was included in the email. ~Michelle

By Becky Ransey of Indiana

'I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide, or they would lose thousands of dollars.'

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe).

No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (Small print says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle)

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of 'Peroxide' to keep them free of germs.

3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will .

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, or plugged sinuses. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, funguses , or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let It sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors and there is no smearing which is why I love it so much for this.

I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner.

My Breastfeeding Experience

2010-12-02T08:18:00.004-05:00

By Laura Nance
First published in the September 2008 issue of the CAPPA Quarterly

In 1961, a young cattle rancher and his wife had their first baby, a son. Because this man had seen first hand the complications that occurred when a young calf did not receive it’s own mother’s colostrum it was very important to him that his son was breastfed. While breastfeeding rates were on the rise at that time it was still uncommon. Two years later they had their second baby, a daughter, whom was breastfed. Six and a half years later in 1970, they had their third baby, another daughter whom was breastfed as her older siblings watched on.

In 1986, the oldest daughter had a son. Having seen her baby sister breastfed 16 years prior, the normalcy of breastfeeding was instilled in her. She was successful in breastfeeding her first son as well as her second son, whom was born in 1990. As she breastfed her two babies her younger sister, who was now a teenager, watched on.

I was born in 1970, the youngest child of that cattle rancher and his wife. In 1997 I became pregnant with my first child. For me, there was never any ‘decision-making’ about breastfeeding. It was just something you did. You had a baby and you breastfed. I never really thought about it and I never even considered that there might be problems.

My in-laws, who live nearby, were also very pro-breastfeeding. My mother-in-law breastfed both my husband and her other son in the early 70’s and my father-in-law remembers being breastfed up to age six.

I practiced extended breastfeeding with both my children, 21 months for my first baby born in 1998 and 31 months for the next baby born in 2000. I never had any real issues with breastfeeding beyond the initial learning process. I saw breastfeeding as a normal way of life, because I had seen women and babies breastfeeding. Our minds work much better with what is familiar to us. Breastfeeding was familiar to me. I always saw it as a positive way to care for a baby.

The other major factor I had was positive support for breastfeeding. Not only had I seen breastfeeding in action as a normal way of caring for your baby, I was surrounded by people who also saw it as the normal way of caring for a baby.

I feel very blessed to have such a rich family history of breastfeeding. It was handed down to me from my sister who had seen me breastfed as a baby. What an amazing circle! When I look at my children, I hope this cycle of breastfeeding continues. When they grow up and have families of their own, I hope they will carry on the breastfeeding family tradition.

About the author
Laura Nance is a CAPPA Faculty Member, a CAPPA Labor Doula, CAPPA Lactation Educator and a Bradley Method Childbirth Educator. She lives in North Carolina with her supportive husband and two wonderful children. She loves all things birth and has a special passion for breastfeeding.

Become a Labor Doula

2010-11-20T19:32:00.003-05:00

Do you enjoy working with pregnant women?
Why not become a labor doula?

Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) Labor Doula Workshop
Presented by: Crystal Sada, CCCE, CLD

Learn how to support women in labor and become a certified labor doula

Topics include:
*What a doula is
*How to start your doula business
*Comfort measures and non-pharmaceutical comfort techniques
*Communication skills
*Networking/Birth Movies
*Rebozos
*Labor Balls
*And much, much more during this amazing and inspiring weekend

http://www.cappa.net/ for additional information
Where: King of Prussia Chiropractic, King of Prussia, PA
When: February 26 & 27, 2011
Contact: Crystal @ 856-234-1927 or njdoula1@aol.com

Who should attend? Anyone with a passion for birth and would like to work with laboring women: childbirth educators, doulas, nurses, and midwives.

Scholarships available.

Call Crystal at 856-234-1927 or email njdoula1@aol.com for additional information.

Nutrition Before, During, and After Pregnancy

2010-11-18T08:15:00.002-05:00

Interview with Marie Pace, ND, C.N.C by Michelle Schnaars, CHBE

During pregnancy an expectant mom begins to consider the foods she eats a little more carefully. Nutrition plays a major part in our health and the health of our children, especially in utero when they are in the formative stages of life. Proper nutrition provides our children the foundation for a healthy life.

Schnaars: I hear all the time of the importance of physical exercise in preparation for pregnancy. During pregnancy exercise is also encouraged to help prepare mom for labor and birth; we are told that exercise promotes general good health for mom before, during, and after pregnancy. Nutrition also plays an important role in maintaining proper health.

Marie, can you tell us what role nutrition plays in preparation for pregnancy, during pregnancy and in postpartum recovery?

Pace: In one word…”EVERYTHING”… Optimum Nutrition can greatly improve your chances of having a healthy baby and a healthy pregnancy. Even the slightest deficiencies before and during pregnancy can have serious effects on the health of the offspring; and the idea that birth defects are often caused by nutritional imbalances in the mother is rapidly gaining wider acceptance, even in the main medical community.

What we know now is that slight deficiencies of vitamins B1, B2, and B6, Folic Acid, Zinc, Iron, Calcium and Magnesium have all been linked to birth abnormalities. A healthy pregnancy will of course depend on a greater supply than normal of all these nutrients, since you are accommodating the needs of a growing fetus as well as the mother.

Schnaars: Folic Acid in the first weeks of pregnancy can help to prevent neural tube defects, like Spina Bifida; however most women do not know they are expecting until they have missed one or even two periods.

When can a woman start taking Folic Acid?

Pace: Immediately; most women do not take enough of this essential B vitamin (also known as “Folate”) to prevent birth defects as Spina Bifida and others; this particular vitamin should be within your system during the first 6 weeks or so after conception, as this is the most crucial early phase in fetal neurological development. Since most women do not know they have conceived until several weeks afterwards, the best advice I can give is to get on it now if you are planning on becoming pregnant; this way you will ensure you have an adequate supply of this nutrient when it is needed the most (within the first few weeks of gestation). Folic Acid should not be taken just by itself; it is vital that a woman take this nutrient along with a well balanced plan that also includes vitamins C and B12.

Schnaars: What are some foods that are rich in Folic Acid?

Pace: Folic Acid (or Folate) is found mainly in dark green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, dates, chicken, brown rice, oranges, tuna, whole grains, barley, beef, salmon, liver, and milk. If a woman is pregnant she should do everything she can to ensure the safety of the food she eats by buying as much organic (especially meats) as possible.

Schnaars: Are there other vitamins and minerals that a woman can start taking in preparation for pregnancy?

Pace: All of those mentioned; but I can’t stress enough the importance of balancing nutrients and eating whole foods before, during and after pregnancy. There are tests now available that can help a “mother-to-be”, as well as the father, determine exactly what their bodies need to be nutritionally balanced. We so many times leave the father’s health out of the picture when we talk about nutrition and pregnancy. You have to remember that the forming fetus’ body is made from the nutrients from both parents, not just the mother; this is key to remember. If during the pre-conceptual months, each partner strives for optimum nutrition, minimizes his or her intake of, what I call, “Anti-Nutrients” (ALCOHOL, SUGARS, ETC.). Then the chances of a healthy conception and gestation are high; eating 7-9 servings a day of fresh raw vegetables and fruits, utilizing as often as possible organic meats, eggs, and milk; staying clear of refined carbohydrates and taking a high quality multivitamin are all a must.

The best supplementation program would minimally include the following: 200-400 mcg of Folic Acid, 20 mcg of B12, 200 mg of B6, 15 mg of Zinc, 500 mg of Calcium, 250 mg of Magnesium, and 12 mg of Iron. Do not take more than 10,000 iu of vitamin A; and I strongly suggest having a hair mineral analysis carried out to check for excesses of copper, lead, mercury and or cadmium, etc.

Schnaars: There are many emotional and physical changes that occur in a woman when she is expecting. I remember when the baby would get into a certain position there was pressure on my stomach and I could not eat as much. Also morning, noon, and night sickness was an issue for me. I noticed that a smaller amount of food was much better.

How many daily meals can we eat when we are expecting?

Pace: You are so right; eating smaller meals, 6 per day is the best. Including protein with each small meal or snack is a must; along with raw vegetables and fruits.

Some women have a tough time eating properly in the early stages of pregnancy due to what has been termed “Morning Sickness”. During pregnancy the need for vitamins B6 and B12, Folic Acid, Iron, and Zinc all increase; supplements of these usually stop even the worst cases of pregnancy sickness. Eating small frequent amounts of fruits or complex carbohydrates like nuts, seeds, or whole grains often helps also.

Schnaars: Are there certain foods we should be avoiding when we are preparing for pregnancy and when we are expecting?

Pace: As I stated earlier the “Anti-Nutrient” type foods such as alcohol, refined carbohydrates, sugars, and white flour are the main foods to avoid by both partners before and for the mother after conception. It is also imperative to avoid certain drugs, some hormone preparations and many herbs. This list can be quite lengthy and I strongly suggest a woman get in communication with a knowledgeable holistic practitioner for assistance.

Schnaars: I have heard many expectant women talk about food cravings. Most sound normal, however some woman tell me they crave salt, sugar and chalk. It is my understanding that this is the body telling us it has a need for a particular vitamin or mineral.

Is it true our body will crave some strange food or a substance like chalk?

Pace: Absolutely; lack of certain minerals and vitamins and even misbalancing of hormones during this time can cause some very wild, often, disturbing cravings. Lack of vitamin C almost always is the case; whenever you stand in the kitchen and look around and say to yourself, “Gee, I’m hungry, but I just don’t know what I want”, this is lack of vitamin C talking! Eating fruit helps tremendously in handling this.

Other cravings are coming from the depletion of key nutrients and this is why it is so vital to balance your body prior to conception. “Pica”, which is an eating disorder, is noted for abnormal craving for substances other than food. This is caused from lack of Iron in the body

Schnaars: During the many months of pregnancy the baby grows and has needs depending on the particular growth taking place. As we already discussed folic acid is needed early in pregnancy to help the spine form correctly. In the 8th month of pregnancy the baby's brain is growing fast and fat is being deposited under the skin.

Are there certain foods we should eat to help in brain formation and growth?

Pace: You can’t treat an ailment or a deficiency with only one vitamin or only one food; same thing to form the brain and have good growth of the baby’s body. Fortunately, when you feed the brain you are also nourishing the rest of the body; and vice versa. The foods highest in brain nutrients are what most of us think of as ‘Basic” Foods –good breads, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fish, lean organic beef and chicken, etc. The hard part is finding the “good” in those foods. So many times harmful additives have been added to them which actually destroy the ‘good” in them. A new mother and father have to become “label savvy” and ensure that they are eating truly good food for the sake of their child.

Schnaars: I have heard that expectant women should drink 8-12 cups of water daily. I have also heard it is possible to drink too much water.

What is a good guideline to follow when it comes to drinking water?

Pace: 6-7 glasses per day of spring or distilled water is the best. Not only is this vital for the baby but also for the mother’s health.

Schnaars: Fats and oils are needed to help the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Some women want to stay away from fatty foods because they do not want to gain a lot of weight. How much is enough, and what types should we eat?

Pace: Too much weight comes from too many calories, not enough movement (lack of exercise to burn the calories), and imbalances of hormones. Too much of any one type of food is never good as true health depends on a variety in our diets. But I believe there is too much attention on “fat” in our diets. “Fat” is actually vital to our health; the key is to eat a well balanced diet, with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits and 30% of each meal should be protein.

Schnaars: What help should a woman get if she is have fertility issues?

Pace: The very best help is found in natural Bio-Identical Hormones and sound nutrition. I have had the joy of helping many of my young clients conceive even though they had been to numerous fertility specialists. Fertility and the speed of conception depend on many factors; some psychological, some physical and some nutritional; conception rate is very high during holiday periods, for example, since stress –a major factor in infertility –is reduced. Knowing how to time intercourse to coincide with ovulation (the release of the female egg to be fertilized by the sperm) greatly increases the chances of conception. Also, your nutrition and especially your vitamin status play a crucial role.

For some young women who are not ovulating properly natural Bio-Identical Progesterone works wonders along with balancing nutrients in the body and using some herbal remedies.

For women who have had difficulty conceiving, we do a battery of tests to determine their hormone levels and then utilize Bio-Identical Hormones and balanced nutrition to help them achieve success.

Schnaars: Can you tell us some general health tips so we can work towards a healthy and low risk pregnancy?

Pace: If you want to have a baby the best thing to start with is balancing your hormones naturally to ensure fertility; along with your partner get onto a good nutritional plan and start eating your fruits and vegetables. Throw away any and all “Anti-Nutrients” in the home; get a standard hair analysis done to help you choose the vitamins and minerals you need to balance your own body chemistry; start moving and breathing –that means exercise daily for at least 20 minutes and keep this up throughout the pregnancy. Formulate a healthy natural birth plan with your husband, midwife, labor doula, and/or doctor; and above all keep a smile on your face!

Book Review: The Father’s Home Birth Handbook

2010-11-18T08:10:00.001-05:00

November 2, 2010 by talkbirth

The Father’s Home Birth Handbook
By Leah HazardVictoria Park Press, 2008Softcover, 208 pagesISBN: 978-0-9560711-0-1www.homebirthbook.com
Reviewed by Molly Remer, MSW, ICCE

The Father’s Home Birth Handbook is a succinct and easy to read little guide for fathers and adds to the growing library of birth resources specifically geared towards fathers-to-be. The book is written by a woman, but contains ample quotes from fathers which lend a male perspective. It also includes a number of good birth stories interspersed throughout, which were all written by men.

The target audience for the handbook is easily summed up in the prologue: “…I’ve met far more men who have responded to their partners’ home birth wishes with a mixture of shock, cynicism, and fear…Far from being domineering ogres who just want to see wifey tucked ‘safely’ away a hospital, these loving fathers have simply had very little access to accurate, impartial information about the safety and logistics of home births versus hospital births.”

The first chapter addresses “Risk & Responsibility,” because that is one of the very first issues of concern for most people new to the idea of homebirth. It moves on to a chapter called “Think Positive,” followed by “Choosing the Guest List” and then one titled “Pleasure and Pain” This chapter covers comfort measures and what to do while the woman you love is giving birth: “…away from the intravenous drip and ticking clocks, you can support your partner in experiencing labour in all of its awesome, challenging power.”

Chapter five—“Birth: Normal and Extraordinary” covers Labor 101 topics, including what to do with the placenta. This is followed by “Challenges & Complications” which covers some common issues of concern such as premature labor, being overdue, prolonged labor, distressed baby, cord around the neck, tearing, and blood loss. Each of these is followed by a “what can I do to help?” section.

The final chapter—“Now What?”—concludes with a nice segment called “how can I carry the lessons I’ve learned from my homebirth with me into the rest of my life as a father?”
Published in Scotland, the handbook has a UK perspective—it assumes participation in the NHS and a “booked” midwife and homebirth. There is no “how to choose a midwife” type of section (because there is no choice of midwives). For US readers, this leaves a set of issues unaddressed—such as varying legal statuses, etc. UK specific issues also arise based on the possibility of caregivers who are not thrilled about homebirth, but who have to come to the birth since it is a government supported option. It comes across that in Scotland homebirth may seem readily okay on paper, but in reality is more difficult to pull off.

The book does briefly discuss the birth climate in the US and soundly critiques ACOG’s position on homebirth.

The book has an index and a resources section.

The Father’s Home Birth Handbook is a friendly, practical, matter-of-fact, helpful little guide that neatly addresses common questions and concerns many fathers-to-be have about planning a homebirth.

——————
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.
Associated amusing anecdote: my then three year old noticed me reading this book, looked at the cover and said, “The dad is trying to grab him, but that little baby is floating away!

Newborns nurse long-term memories of smells

2010-11-18T08:01:00.001-05:00

Odors babies encounter while breast-feeding remain favorites as toddlers

By Bruce Bower

Within a week after birth, babies inhale new memories at their mothers’ breasts. Newborns who whiff a specific odor while breast-feeding, even if they smell it for only eight days, prefer that same odor over others a year or more later, reports a team led by physiologist Benoist Schaal of the European Center of Taste Sciences in Dijon, France.

Like other infant mammals such as rats and pigs, human newborns easily learn and remember smells associated with breast-feeding, the scientists conclude in a paper scheduled to appear in Developmental Science. These types of odor memories form most robustly during the first week after birth, the researchers propose.

Odor memories acquired during breast-feeding can be reactivated and influence behavior until at least toddlerhood, in their view.

Related research has focused on infants’ memories for food flavors, which simultaneously engage the brain’s taste and smell systems.

“These new findings add to a growing body of scientific data showing the saliency of odors for mother-infant interaction and for forming memories throughout infancy,” remarks biopsychologist Julie Mennella of the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia.

Other recent studies suggest that babies favor odors and flavors experienced prenatally in amniotic fluid as a result of a mother’s diet, Mennella notes.

Click here to read this article in its entirety

10 Biggest Pregnancy Myths Debunked

2010-11-12T08:06:00.004-05:00

Posted to Childbirth and... at the request of Ken Martin. Please visit www.nursingschools.net to read this article and to read or post comments.

November 7th, 2010

People have been providing pregnant women with all kinds of advice – welcome and unwelcome, true and superstitious – since the beginning of recorded history (and probably before then, too.) Most moms-to-be are familiar with the seemingly unending list of things they're not supposed to do or should always do offered up by doctors, nurses, mothers-in-law, friends and even people on the street. Yet not all those dos and don'ts, myths and recommendations of pregnancy are necessarily true. Here are some of the biggest pregnancy myths and the truth that underlies them so new moms can make up their own minds about what's fact and what's fiction.

You can't eat fish while pregnant. It's true that some types of fish contain mercury, which can be harmful to both you and your developing baby, and fillets that have been improperly prepared or stored can cause food poisoning. Yet that doesn't mean that women should avoid all fish during pregnancy. If it was as harmful as this myth leads pregnant women to believe, there'd be a lot more trouble with child birthing in places like Japan where fish-based dishes are a common practice. Instead of eliminating all fish from your diet, eat smart and stick to smaller fish and those that have been frozen first to kill any parasites that could make you sick. Fish are packed with valuable Omega-3 fatty acids that will enhance the development of the baby's brain and help you from going into premature labor. If you're still uncomfortable with the idea, stock up on fish oil supplements instead.

Dying your hair while pregnant will hurt the baby. In times past, this myth may have been entirely true. But since the 1980's, hair dyes have been free from the many of the harmful substances that could injure your developing baby. Of course, each brand is different and some will contain more ingredients you'll feel safer avoiding than others, so you'll need to shop around or ask a professional for help. The greatest risk of exposure to the child is during the first trimester, and most doctors will green light hair coloring from the second trimester on. If you seek out eco-friendly and non-toxic dyes, you should be able to dye your hair without worry throughout your pregnancy – though these vegetable-based solutions may not last as long. If you want to avoid chemicals contacting your scalp, switch to simple highlights or lowlights, which can be applied without touching your scalp. With so many options these days, women don't have to give up looking good to keep their babies healthy.

Carrying high means a girl, carrying low means a boy. This is one of the most widely spread myths about pregnancy and one that is based on absolutely zero medical evidence. It gets passed on because, very often, it is right. But that's not because it's sound from a scientific standpoint. That's because it has a fifty-fifty chance of being right, pretty good odds when you think about it. Studies have shown that there is no scientific merit to this myth, but that's unlikely to stop its repetition. Moms-to-be should just keep in mind that there's no way to tell the sex of a bay without and ultrasound or until he or she is actually born. The shape of your belly is determined by your muscle tone and how close you are to delivery, not the sex of the baby.

Babies should be kept indoors after birth. There are many people out there who believe that babies should be kept indoors for the first few months after birth to protect them from the elements and any potential illness they might contract. The reality is, they have just as much of a chance of getting sick inside the home as out – especially if you have a lot of guests coming to see your little one. Your baby will be born with an immune system in place, but it does take some time to develop fully, so make sure anyone who touches your baby washes their hands first and keep the little one away from those who are sick. As long as you bundle your little one up if it's chilly out, avoid big crowds where your child could be coughed or sneezed on and use your common sense, you should feel safe taking your baby with you anywhere and everywhere.

You shouldn't take baths or go swimming while you are pregnant. It's unclear whether this myth is rooted in the fear that women will contract an infection or because, more ridiculously, that she'll drown the baby by submerging herself in water above the waist. Both fears, however, have no scientific evidence to back them up, and healthy pregnant women should feel free to swim and bathe as they see fit. The only time pregnant women should skip the submersion? When the water is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and in cases where she has lost the mucus plug protecting her baby – which could invite infection. Women may even find that taking a bath or getting in the pool helps them relieve some the stress carrying around that extra baby weight puts on their bodies.

Pregnant women shouldn't sleep on their backs. This myth states that pregnant women cannot sleep on their backs because it will close off the blood flow to the uterus and slowly kills the developing baby. It is true that laying on your back to sleep can cause reduced blood flow. Will this kill your baby or cause permanent damage? It's incredibly unlikely. A pregnant woman's body warns her of decreased blood flow long before it can become an issue, making her uncomfortable enough to change positions. A pregnant woman who has a healthy pregnancy should feel free to lay however she feels comfortable, including on her back, without worrying about any long-term damage to her child. After all, if laying on your back was so bad, why would women deliver babies that way in the hospital?

Avoiding spicy food will help protect your baby. If spicy foods meant premature labor or trouble for a developing baby, then women in a wide range of cultures around the world would be in a lot of trouble. Spicy food is perfectly safe for women to eat no matter where they are in their pregnancy and will not send them into labor, impede development or in any way harm the baby's skin. The only real side effect from eating spicy foods? Heartburn. Many women already suffer from it and spicy foods can make it worse. If they don't bother you then feel free to eat away.

Lotions can help prevent stretch marks. Think rubbing that cocoa butter or vitamin E lotion on your belly will prevent stretch marks? No matter what advertisements on TV tell you, this simply isn't the case. While the lotion might help soothe your skin as it is pulled taut by you rapidly expanding mid-section, it won't keep those stretch marks at bay. The only factor that determines whether or not you'll get stretch marks is your genetics. Some people will have skin that's elastic enough to stretch without damage and others will get highly visible marks even when they're carrying a small baby. While it won't hurt to put lotion on your belly, the best it can do is to help keep your skin moisturized and as healthy as possible so you'll lessen the impact of any scarring that might occur.

Pregnant women should avoid travel. This myth is two-pronged. For airline travel, some think that the x-rays and sensors of airport security systems will harm the baby. The amount of X-ray radiation used is incredibly minimal and should not hurt you or your developing child. Secondly, some people think women just shouldn't travel at all while pregnant. If you can't bear to think of a nine month hiatus from going pretty much anywhere other than to run simple errands, then you're in luck since this is just another pregnancy myth. Up until 34 weeks, healthy women with a normal pregnancy should feel free to travel just as if they're not pregnant. This limit isn't because it isn't safe to travel afterwards, but because you probably don't want to end up giving birth while away from home and your own doctor or somewhere where there might not be immediate medical care. Like a plane, for instance.

You shouldn't pet your cat while pregnant. This pregnancy myth is rooted in good intentions, as contact with cat litter can cause a woman to contract a parasite known as toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can cause serious deformities in a developing fetus, so pregnant women should enjoy a blissful nine months of getting someone else to do the work. Other interactions with your cat, however, should be perfectly safe. Mothers shouldn't feel wary petting, feeding, playing and cuddling with their cats, especially since they'll soon have little time for them when the new baby arrives. For those who are worried, make sure to wash your hands after contact with your furry friend and you should be in the clear. Additionally, the risk of contracting the illness from an indoor cat is pretty small, as the parasite is transmitted to the cat by eating prey already carrying the parasite– something your cat food only eating cat probably doesn't have to worry about.

The Bed Bug Epidemic

2010-10-19T12:41:00.001-04:00

By Pays to Live Green

Bed bugs have been a hot topic recently. They are no longer only in our beds or hotels, but now being found in the workplace, movie theaters and even in schools. With their resurgence, people are taking desperate measures by beginning to use dangerous chemicals to get rid of them as they did many years ago. There are other safer and more natural solutions that can help us fight against these pesky little bugs.

Prevention
Though bed bugs do not carry disease and only cause skin irritation, they are still a pest that you don’t want in your home. Once bed bugs infiltrate your home, fighting against them can be extremely difficult. By taking a few measures, you can avoid getting them in the first place.
Cleanliness

By making sure that you bedding materials are cleaned on a regular basis can help prevent these creatures from making your bed their home. If you leave sheets on your bed for weeks without cleaning, it can be a breeding ground for these creatures.

Second Hand Items
I have mentioned several times about buying items from consignment shops to save a little money and get more use out of a perfectly good item. When buying items, especially furniture, do a quick inspection on the items to make sure they are free of bed bugs. If there are signs of an infestation, you may want to avoid the item or make sure it is free of bed bugs before bringing it into your home.

Click here to read this article in it's entirety.

New Link Added

2010-10-02T20:53:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I've added a new link under the header 'Maternity & Breastfeeding Apparel'. It will direct you to Ann Taylor Loft maternity clothing. Look to the right, scroll down, and click!

Check out their wide selection of stylish maternity apparel today!

Or, click here to visit their online store now.

Back to School Challenges

2010-09-23T11:07:00.003-04:00

by Emuna Braverman

Aah! Back to school. Images of rosy-cheeked children bursting with enthusiasm, freshly minted notebooks and pencils, smiling mothers holding lunches packed with homemade specialties…
No wait; that was a novel I was reading!

Back to school is filled with moments of excitement and moments of dread – for both parents and children.

There is the thrill of seeing your friends again – and the pain of discovering that some of them have been switched to another class.

There is the excitement of learning subjects – and the distress of not getting the teacher you wanted. There is homework and responsibility and that ravishing after-school hunger.

Parents have equally mixed emotions and experiences. It is moving to watch your child progress through the educational hierarchy. And that is concurrent with anxiety and concern about their social and academic competence. Will they make friends? (Most probably yes). Will they fight with their friends? (Most probably yes). Will they remember to do their homework? (Sometimes) Will they do well on the test? (They would have but the teacher put in questions that they never studied!)

And there are new pressures – early rising and the rush to get ready, lunches (worthy of a loud groan and an article of their own), nights to devoted to homework in subjects we thought we’d long left behind, and, for those of us who don’t live within walking distance of the school and whose state doesn’t have the funds for buses, there’s carpool.

I see some of you quaking in fear and acknowledgment.

Carpool is, of course, the most efficient way to transport children back and forth to school. It saves everyone time and both the children and adults may even make new friends in the process.

But, unfortunately, the opposite is also true and it isn’t always friendships that result!

Carpool poses two inherent challenges – other people’s children and other people themselves!
To begin with, not everyone operates with the same time sensibilities. For a child that moves slowly, the early honking of the horn may provoke anxiety, along with the risk of arriving at school without a crucial piece of homework or clothing. For the family that errs on the side of strict punctuality, waiting for the more laidback carpool driver to arrive may be extremely frustrating and aggravate concerns (rational or otherwise) about late notes and other assorted penalties.

Additionally, not everyone comes straight home, or directly to the car. Some kids linger, chatting with their friends, as you sit drumming your fingers on the steering wheel and grumbling about lax parenting. Some drivers (most likely the ones with the aforementioned lingering kids) stop and do errands on the way home as you rush back and forth to the window worrying about your child’s late arrival and anticipating their black mood.

That’s just for starters! The many challenges in the carpool situation range from the trivial – jealousy of what the other family is having for dinner – to the more serious – have you ever driven home a car filled with sweaty, tired adolescent boys? In the winter when you can’t open the windows? I’ll say no more.

Click here to read this article in it's entirety

Labor Doula Training

2010-08-26T15:51:00.004-04:00

Dates and Times:
OCTOBER 8, 2010
8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

OCTOBER 9, 2010
8:00 A.M. to 5 00 P.M.

Location:
TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA

Fees and Scholarship Information:
$275.00 for workshop

Scholarships available at http://www.birthingwithlove.com.

Registration:
This workshop is sponsored by For the Love of Birth, Inc. For more information and registration please visit http://www.birthingwithlove.com, or call Janice Banther at 727-934-1267.

About the Instructor:
Janice Banther, CCCE, CLD, CD(DONA), CHBE, RTS certifeid and RTS trainer, has been featured in numerous television, radio and print interviews, including the national magazine CHILD. She is the founder and Executive Director of For the Love of Birth, Inc. She has been supporting expecting mothers and their babies since 1983. She has been a birth doula at over 600 births, and has taught childbirth education to thousands of couples in the Tampa Bay area. She is also the founder of Birth Behind Bars, the childbirth education and labor doula program at Pasco County Jail.

Ms. Banther was one of the first certified labor doulas with DONA International in Florida, and is also a certified labor doula and childbirth educator with CAPPA. She is also certified with the Happiest Baby on the Block. She is a RTS Bereavement counselor and coordinator for mothers and families to help them in their time of deepest need. Ms. Banther is a Faculty Member with CAPPA and conducts labor doula and childbirth educator training workshops in Florida. She is a former member of the Board of Directors for DONA International, and currently serves as a mentor for members of CAPPA, and is a member of the CAPPA Ask the Pros panel.

In 2002, Ms. Banther was recognized by the Salvation Army and was awarded their coveted Others Award for the Southeastern United States, in honor of her work on behalf of others within the community. In 2001 she received recognition from Palm Harbor Junior Women's Club for her achievement and development of a staff of caring professional women, and was awarded Woman of the Year. in 2009 the Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas County recognized her outstanding work in the community.

Ms. Banther considers her most rewarding work to be that of wife to Barry, and mother to her son, David and his wife Ruth, and her youngest son, John, and of family friend, Casey, who is the best lap dog. Her hobbies are collecting old quilts, scrap booking, reading, and going to the mountains of North Carolina.

What is a Staging Area and Why You Need One

2010-08-18T15:34:00.002-04:00

I read about a 'staging area' on the blog "How To" Homemaker. I liked the tip and thought my readers would like the information too. I have pasted a couple paragraphs below and a link to the blog so you can read the entire piece. ~Michelle

My kids started back to school last week so we set up our staging area once again and I got to thinking how this really helps with organiation and how if you don't have one, you can see the benefits to incorporate it into your home.

What a staging area is: For us, it is a corner in our family room where we set up a folding table that is about 5 feet long. It is a small space that is easily accessable yet out of the way. I've heard of people using a guest bathtub that is rarely used as a staging area or even a corner in the garage.

Click here to read this article in its intirety

For infant sleep, receptiveness more important than routine

2010-08-11T11:03:00.000-04:00

Public release date: 10-Aug-2010
Contact: A'ndrea Elyse Messeraem1@psu.edu814-865-9481Penn State

For infant sleep, receptiveness more important than routine
Parents understand the challenge of getting infants to sleep through the night, and now Penn State researchers show that being emotionally receptive can reduce sleep disruptions and help infants and toddlers sleep better.

"Bed time can be a very emotional time. It heralds the longest separation of the day for most infants," said Douglas Teti, professor of human development and family studies. "It struck me that going to sleep, and sleeping well, is much easier for some young children than others, and I wanted to assess what factored into this, and what parents and children contribute to sleep patterns."

In the study, which examined mothers' behaviors during infants' bedtimes, parents had the most success with their children's sleep when they responded appropriately to their children's cues. These include showing disinterest in an activity or simply glancing inquisitively at a parent. For example, one mother in the study talked quietly and gently to her 6-month-old infant while breastfeeding.

"She continuously gazed at the infant's face and, whenever the infant vocalized, she responded promptly (e.g., 'It's OK.')," the authors report in a recent issue of the Journal of Family Psychology.

In contrast, a different mother in the study "used stern directives with her 24-month-old during book-reading whenever the child got up out of bed," and "continually attempted to engage the child in the book despite clear signs that the child was losing interest (e.g., child was fidgety and continually turned his attention elsewhere)," the authors note. The result: "the child got up and left the room four times before he eventually fell asleep."

When parents provide reassurance through emotional communication, Teti and his colleagues believe that it lets children know they are in a safe environment.

"Emotions are the most basic form of communication between babies and parents," Teti said.
His findings pose new challenges to parents because they suggest that being emotionally available -- paying attention to cues and responding to children appropriately -- is more effective than a specific bedtime behavior in promoting better sleep.

The researchers found no significant relation between sleep disruptions and the amount of time parents spent in close contact with infants or involved in quiet activities before bedtime. This contradicts past research, which had suggested that prolonged close physical contact with a parent undermines babies' ability to sleep on their own.

This study was one of the first to use direct observation of infant sleep patterns, and is the first to use multiple video cameras in the infants' and parents' bedrooms to capture parent-infant interactions at night.

"Sleep is a context about which we know little," said Teti. "It can be a very emotionally charged period for parents and babies. Looking at parent-child interactions in this context could be more telling for childhood outcomes than what you see in a more structured daytime play session." Many existing studies of parenting have focused on controlled play environments, in which researchers have studied parent-child interactions and emotions.

Teti's study, SIESTA I (Study of Infants' Emergent Sleep TrAjectories) looked at data from 35 families, and he sees very similar results in an ongoing longitudinal study, SIESTA II, which is a more in-depth analysis of factors promoting infant sleep as infants age, from 1 to 24 months. SIESTA II is funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
One of the next steps will be to examine links between infants' temperamental styles, parenting at bedtime and during the night, sleep disruptions, and development, according to Teti.

###
Other authors on the paper include Bo-Ram Kim, Gail Mayer and Molly Countermine, all Human Development and Family Studies graduate students at Penn State at the time of the research.

Vegan, vegetarian, or not.

2010-08-09T11:10:00.002-04:00

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or not you might enjoy this pancake recipe. Maybe you didn’t make it to the market and are without eggs or milk, or some other ingredient you usually use to make pancakes. Don’t fret you can still make them…unless of course you don’t have flour.

My mother in-law keeps to a strict vegan diet, so I need to know how to prepare foods a few different ways for those times when my in-laws are visiting, or when we’re visiting them and I’m bringing a dish. I found the following recipe online by snikerdoodle1717 for vegan pancakes at http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070106094003AAjE0wH, I liked it and wanted to share it with my readers.

Pancakes by skikerdoodle

You can add chocolate chips, blueberries, strawberries, or even a bit of mashed banana to alter the taste.

Ingredients
1 cup flour (whichever kind you prefer)
2 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup soy milk (or regular milk)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

Set out all your ingredients.
Set a stove element with a pan to medium heat.
Combine the 4 dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) in a bowl.
Add the soy milk and vegetable oil to your mixture.
Mix until smooth.

Now the pan should be ready for your batter, so spoon one pancakes' worth of the mixture into the pan. Flip [carefully] when you see bubbles in the middle of the pancake, or if the edges are looking stiffened. Repeat until the batter is gone.

Corn Pancakes with Mango Sauce

2010-08-09T11:01:00.002-04:00

Ingredients:
Mango Sauce, recipe followsTwo ears of corn-on-the-cob2 tablespoons minced chives1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepperOne eggOne egg yolk1/4 cup milk1/2 cup flour1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon butter

Prepare mango sauce and set aside while making corn pancakes.

Directions:
Scrape corn kernels from cobs into large bowl. Stir in chives, bell pepper, egg, and egg yolk and milk.

In a bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Stir flour mixture into corn mixture to form batter.

Melt butter in medium non-stick skillet. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls onto skillet to form eight pancakes. It may be necessary to do this in two batches. Saute three to four minutes per side or until firm and golden brown.

To serve, arrange half of the pancakes on each of two platters. Pass mango sauce on the side.

Recipe makes eight pancakes.

Mango Sauce

Ingredients:
One medium mango, peeled, pitted and finely choppedOne small jalapeno Chile, cored, seeded and minced1 tablespoon minced chives1/8 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon honey

Directions:
In a bowl, stir together mango, jalapeno, chives, salt and honey. Set aside for flavors to blend.

Recipe makes about one cup of sauce.

Please visit http://www.fitnessandfreebies.com/food/pancakes.html for more delicious pancake recipes.

Strawberry Mango Salad

2010-08-04T23:25:00.003-04:00

I stumbled upon this recipe while cruising the blogosphere. My family has been on a mango kick lately, and I have shared a couple recipes here on my blog. One of which my husband (Michael) came up with, and it has been well received. Please let me know if you try this one. It's delicious!~Michelle

Ingredients

1 pint of strawberries cut in quarters
2 mangoes cubed
1 lime
Tsp of sugar or a splash of orange juice
Mint leaves

Preparation

Cut the berries and mangoes
Add juice from one lime and zest
Sugar or OJ to taste
Mint to garnish

Pizza in a Hurry

2010-08-03T16:56:00.004-04:00

I read this from the blog The Sacred Cook Fire. Since I enjoy preparing foods at home from scratch this information spoke to me. I thought some of you, if not all, would appreciate it too. Feed-back is welcome. ~Michelle

For The Sacred Cook Fire

Home made pizza can be fast food when you already have the bases made. Then all you need to do is whip a base out of the freezer, pile on your goodies, and put it in the oven. Quicker than ordering one! (and far superior, not to mention heaps cheaper). So to make your bases beforehand you need to make some bread dough. I prefer sourdough as it has many health benefits - it's predigested and much easier on your system. But it's basically any bread dough recipe (about one large loaf makes about four pizza bases). So mix up your flour and water etc, knead, and leave to rise as usual. Then when you knock it back, instead of letting it rise again you shape it into four bases. I put the first one on a baking tray, then pile them on top of each other with baking paper inbetween. Put them in the freezer and you can use them from the next day onwards.

Please visit http://sacredcookfire.blogspot.com/2010/08/pizza-in-a-hurry.html to read this in its entirety.

Thai Green Mango Salad Recipe

2010-08-02T14:35:00.002-04:00

The followimg recipe was written by Darlene Schmidt for About.com. I look forward to trying this recipe too. But since I was asked about other recipes that include Mangos I thought I would share this one that I found on the About.com website. Please let me know if you tried it. -Michelle

By Darlene Schmidt, About.com Guide

You asked for a one-page printable version of my step-by-step Green Mango Salad recipe, so here it is! This salad will blow you away with its tastebud-awakening flavors and mix of textures. And as a bonus, it's very healthy, plus low in calories and fat. Enjoy it as a complete meal by adding cooked shrimp, chicken, or deep-fried tofu if you are vegetarian. Any way you toss it, this healthy salad will be sure to win rave reviews from all your culinary fans!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
2 firm unripe mangoes (mangoes may be green or red-orange in color)
1/4 cup dry shredded unsweetend coconut (the kind you use for baking)
2 cups bean sprouts
1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander
3-4 spring onions, sliced
handful of peanuts or cashews, left whole or roughly chopped
1/3 cup fresh basil
Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken (sliced), cooked shrimp, or fried tofu if vegetarian (cut into small cubes)

Optional: 1 fresh-cut red chili
SALAD DRESSING:
3 Tbsp. fish sauce, OR vegetarian fish sauce, OR 4 Tbsp.soy sauce
3-4 Tbsp. freshly-squeezed lime juice
2 Tbsp. (or more) brown sugar (to taste)
1-2 tsp. Thai chili sauce

Preparation:
For a Step-by-Step version of this recipe, go to: Easy Green Mango Salad Recipe - Step by Step (with pictures).

Place coconut in a frying pan or wok (no oil required). "Dry-fry" the coconut as if you were stir-frying it 2-3 minutes over medium heat, or until it turns a light golden-brown and is fragrant. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

Mix together all the salad dressing ingredients in a bowl or cup. The dressing should be a mingling of sweet, sour, spicy and salty, but more sweet than sour. Set aside.

Using a sharp pairing knife, peel skin from mangoes. The flesh of the mango should be firm and light yellow-orange (note: the photo above was taken in direct sunlight and is brighter than usual).

Using a medium to large-size grater (the kind you would use for cabbage salad), grate the flesh of the mangoes into a mixing bowl. Keep in mind there is a large flat stone at the mango's center.
Add the bean sprouts, coriander, spring onions, cooked chicken, shrimp or tofu (if using), the fresh-cut chili, plus half the toasted coconut. Toss well to combine.

Add the dressing and toss again. Do a taste-test. Add more fish sauce or soy sauce instead of salt. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar (honey works too). If you prefer more spice, add more chili sauce. If too salty or sweet, add more lime juice.

Place on a serving platter. Sprinkle the nuts over top plus the basil and remaining toasted coconut. Enjoy!

Make Ahead Tip: To make this salad for a party, grate the mango ahead of time and place in a covered container in the refrigerator. Also toast the coconut, prepare the dressing, and have the rest of the ingredients close at hand. Then when your guests arrive, simply put together, toss, and serve!

All About Mangoes: How to Choose, Cut, and Eat a Mango

2010-08-02T14:33:00.001-04:00

By Darlene Schmidt, About.com Guide

When choosing a mango, pick one that is plump and heavy for its size. Most importantly, the mango should be fragrant when held near your nose. If you'll be using the mango right away, you will want to find a ripe one. Mangos are ripe when you can indent them slightly with your thumb. (Avoid mangos that are so ripe, they feel mushy, or mangos that have brown marks.)

Unripe (but not green) mangos will ripen in a few days when left on your counter. Refrigerate a ripe mango to make it last longer.

Click here to read more

ACOG Issues Less Restrictive VBAC Guidelines

2010-07-31T21:35:00.001-04:00

For Release:
July 21, 2010
Ob-Gyns Issue Less Restrictive VBAC Guidelines

Washington, DC -- Attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate choice for most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery, including for some women who have had two previous cesareans, according to guidelines released today by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The cesarean delivery rate in the US increased dramatically over the past four decades, from 5% in 1970 to over 31% in 2007. Before 1970, the standard practice was to perform a repeat cesarean after a prior cesarean birth. During the 1970s, as women achieved successful VBACs, it became viewed as a reasonable option for some women. Over time, the VBAC rate increased from just over 5% in 1985 to 28% by 1996, but then began a steady decline. By 2006, the VBAC rate fell to 8.5%, a decrease that reflects the restrictions that some hospitals and insurers placed on trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) as well as decisions by patients when presented with the risks and benefits.

"The current cesarean rate is undeniably high and absolutely concerns us as ob-gyns," said Richard N. Waldman, MD, president of The College. "These VBAC guidelines emphasize the need for thorough counseling of benefits and risks, shared patient-doctor decision making, and the importance of patient autonomy. Moving forward, we need to work collaboratively with our patients and our colleagues, hospitals, and insurers to swing the pendulum back to fewer cesareans and a more reasonable VBAC rate."

In keeping with past recommendations, most women with one previous cesarean delivery with a low-transverse incision are candidates for and should be counseled about VBAC and offered a TOLAC. In addition, "The College guidelines now clearly say that women with two previous low-transverse cesarean incisions, women carrying twins, and women with an unknown type of uterine scar are considered appropriate candidates for a TOLAC," said Jeffrey L. Ecker, MD, from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and immediate past vice chair of the Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics who co-wrote the document with William A. Grobman, MD, from Northwestern University in Chicago.

VBAC Counseling on Benefits and Risks
"In making plans for delivery, physicians and patients should consider a woman's chance of a successful VBAC as well as the risk of complications from a trial of labor, all viewed in the context of her future reproductive plans," said Dr. Ecker. Approximately 60-80% of appropriate candidates who attempt VBAC will be successful. A VBAC avoids major abdominal surgery, lowers a woman's risk of hemorrhage and infection, and shortens postpartum recovery. It may also help women avoid the possible future risks of having multiple cesareans such as hysterectomy, bowel and bladder injury, transfusion, infection, and abnormal placenta conditions (placenta previa and placenta accreta).

Both repeat cesarean and a TOLAC carry risks including maternal hemorrhage, infection, operative injury, blood clots, hysterectomy, and death. Most maternal injury that occurs during a TOLAC happens when a repeat cesarean becomes necessary after the TOLAC fails. A successful VBAC has fewer complications than an elective repeat cesarean while a failed TOLAC has more complications than an elective repeat cesarean.

Uterine Rupture
The risk of uterine rupture during a TOLAC is low—between 0.5% and 0.9%—but if it occurs, it is an emergency situation. A uterine rupture can cause serious injury to a mother and her baby. The College maintains that a TOLAC is most safely undertaken where staff can immediately provide an emergency cesarean, but recognizes that such resources may not be universally available.

"Given the onerous medical liability climate for ob-gyns, interpretation of The College's earlier guidelines led many hospitals to refuse allowing VBACs altogether," said Dr. Waldman. "Our primary goal is to promote the safest environment for labor and delivery, not to restrict women's access to VBAC."

Women and their physicians may still make a plan for a TOLAC in situations where there may not be "immediately available" staff to handle emergencies, but it requires a thorough discussion of the local health care system, the available resources, and the potential for incremental risk. "It is absolutely critical that a woman and her physician discuss VBAC early in the prenatal care period so that logistical plans can be made well in advance," said Dr. Grobman. And those hospitals that lack "immediately available" staff should develop a clear process for gathering them quickly and all hospitals should have a plan in place for managing emergency uterine ruptures, however rarely they may occur, Dr. Grobman added.

The College says that restrictive VBAC policies should not be used to force women to undergo a repeat cesarean delivery against their will if, for example, a woman in labor presents for care and declines a repeat cesarean delivery at a center that does not support TOLAC. On the other hand, if, during prenatal care, a physician is uncomfortable with a patient's desire to undergo VBAC, it is appropriate to refer her to another physician or center.

Practice Bulletin #115, "Vaginal Birth after Previous Cesarean Delivery," is published in the August 2010 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

# # #

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is the nation's leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of approximately 53,000 members, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women's health care.

Copyright © 2010 American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved.

CHILDBIRTH AND POSTPARTUM PROFESSINAL ASSOCIATION (CAPPA) ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW BRANCH IN ECUADOR

2010-07-27T16:21:00.005-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tracy Wilson Peters

Ph: 888-My-CAPPA

Email: tracy@cappa.net

Web: www.cappa.net

CHILDBIRTH AND POSTPARTUM PROFESSINAL ASSOCIATION (CAPPA) ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW BRANCH IN ECUADOR

July 23, 2010 Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. CAPPA announced today the launch of their new branch in Ecuador, and introduced CAPPA Ecuador Executive Directors Jennifer Bertha and Priscilla Loor. More information is available at www.cappa.net/.

The first step in establishing CAPPA Ecuador was to implement the translation of the Labor Doula and Lactation Educator curricula and certification packets into Spanish; a first time occurrence in the history of CAPPA. CAPPA Ecuador Executive Directors Jennifer Bertha and Priscilla Loor will conduct Labor Doula and Lactation Educator trainings on a regional level in Latin America. Gradually, they will incorporate Childbirth Educator and Postpartum Doula trainings. The global expansion of CAPPA will mean a greater standardized level of professionalism in the childbirth and postpartum support fields. CAPPA Ecuador will promote and oversee the planning and implementation of program specific manuals and certification processing requirements, and ensure national standards and recommendations are included. Different regional medical models will be in use, as well as cultural and historical practices, and experiences that are specific to Ecuador, as well as tailored certification and advanced programs will meet the professional needs of the area.

CAPPA Ecuador Executive Directors

Jennifer Bertha, BA, CLE, CCCE, CLD, started her career in Corporate America as a systems analyst. After ten years she met her Ecuadorian husband and moved to Guayaquil to start a family, leaving her career behind with the intention of becoming a ‘stay at home mom.’ After the birth and breastfeeding experience of her child in 2005 she became disappointed at the fact that many of her friends were not breastfeeding their babies. Jennifer became involved in Priscilla Loor’s childbirth education classes. She then became CAPPA certified as a Lactation Educator, Childbirth Educator, and Labor Doula. She is also a Certified Infant Massage Instructor.

Jennifer and Priscilla were teaching childbirth education at the local hospital, and providing lactation consulting as needed. As the need became greater, the hospital Clinica Kennedy in Guayaquil became interested in their services, and formed the birth and breastfeeding center, CENIDEL (Center for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding), an independent entity with the leadership of Priscilla and Jennifer, and the backing of the hospital’s name. CENIDEL covers every need of a starting family.

Priscilla Loor, IBCLC, CHBE, ICCE, CNFPE, is a certified nurse who practiced at the local maternity hospital where 100 babies are born every day. Bothered by the treatment the women faced she decided to become a childbirth educator and doula to improve the experiences of women during labor and birth. Now with more then ten years experience Priscilla teaches childbirth education with one of the most important hospitals in the city of Guayaquil. She also became interested in breastfeeding when taking specialty courses in Costa Rica; one of the countries in Latin America with the most rigid breastfeeding laws.

Priscilla and Jennifer Bertha formed CENIDEL, the Breastfeeding and Pregnancy center of the Clinica Kennedy in Guayaquil, to formalize and centralize all of the services that for years were done informally and upon request of birthing mothers.

CAPPA Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Tracy Wilson Peters said, “CAPPA Ecuador will provide excellent training and certification options to those who would like to become childbirth professionals within Ecuador. These materials will be presented by CAPPA Faculty living in Ecuador. This provides the best opportunity to impact maternal child health in Ecuador.”

Ms. Peters said, “I am extremely excited about the launch of CAPPA Ecuador. Both Jennifer and Priscilla are committed to the CAPPA Vision and Mission. They understand the needs within Ecuador, and are willing to do the work to make a difference,”

Each branch of CAPPA will recognize the common experiences of the country, and education will therefore be tailored to regional needs. Ms. Peters, along with CAPPA Chief Financial Officer Donna Johnson, founded CAPPA in 1998. CAPPA Canada was launched in 2003, and CAPPA India and CAPPA Israel were simultaneously launched in 2009; and now 2010 has seen the launch of CAPPA Ecuador. Each branch offers a unique program, which includes manuals, certification packets, workshops, required reading, training content, and pricing for membership and materials.

This new branch will increase confidence in the birth and postpartum information and resources shared with expectant and postpartum families. Promoting a culturally safe environment, recognition of changing demographics, and implementation of support strategies for growing diverse and vulnerable populations will also bring positive changes. It is with the growth of our International Branches that we in CAPPA can work in unison towards our Global Vision.

CAPPA

PO Box 491448

Lawrenceville, GA 30049

Web: www.cappa.net

www.cappaecuador.com

The Rebozo Technique | Homebirth: Midwife Mutiny in South Australia

2010-07-25T18:28:00.001-04:00

The Rebozo Technique | Homebirth: Midwife Mutiny in South Australia

By Lisa Barrett on March 20, 2008

What NOT to Feed Your Baby

2010-07-20T12:26:00.002-04:00

by ModernMom, on Thu Jul 8, 2010 3:30pm PDT for http://shine.yahoo.com/

A common question asked by new mothers is what types of foods to offer and what types of foods to avoid when it comes to introducing their babies to solids. The recommended age for weaning a baby off of a breast milk or formula-only regimen is 4-6 months old, according to the American Academy of Pediatric. After that time, you should gradually introduce new foods to their system. When you do decide to take that step and introduce new foods to your baby, here are some tips about what foods to avoid until your baby’s first birthday:

Honey
Honey can harbor poisonous botulism spores. While an adult’s intestinal tract is strong enough to prevent the growth of these spores, a baby’s system is not. This can produce life-threatening, poisoning toxins.

Peanut Butter
The sticky and thick consistency of peanut butter can make it hard for an infant to swallow. Hold off on introducing peanut butter and other thick buttery spreads to your child.

Cow's Milk
It’s best to stick with breast milk until your child is a year old because babies cannot properly digest the protein in cow’s milk. Additionally, cow’s milk does not contain as many necessary nutrient as breast milk and it contains minerals that could damage his developing kidneys.

Click here to read more

Michael's Mango and Spinach Salad

2010-07-18T13:05:00.003-04:00

Ingredients

1 mango
1 & ½ cups Leafy spinach
½ cup blueberries
1 small fresh lime

Directions

Peel mango, cut into bite size pieces
Place all ingredients into serving bowl, except lime
Cut lime in half, squeeze juice from one half onto salad immediately before serving

NOTES

*Make sure you use fresh lime, as opposed to bottled lime juice, it tastes better
*Optional: salt and pepper to taste
*Serves 5-7 people, adjust amounts according to taste, and for the number of people you are serving

Help Save Wildlife Affected by the Oil Spill: Donate to Cloth For The Coast

2010-07-17T21:55:00.000-04:00

After watching the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico devastate her family’s favorite beaches, precious wildlife and threaten the way of life for her hometown of New Orleans, Dupuy wanted to help. “The rescue workers are in need of absorbent materials and we are in the business of manufacturing one of the most absorbent materials around, so it’s a no-brainer,” she says. “I’m so glad we can do our part to help in this attack on nature right in our backyard.”

Dupuy and FuzziBunz® are putting out a nationwide call for old cloth diaper inserts (the absorbent material stuffed inside pocket-diapers like FuzziBunz®), pre-fold diapers, baby blankets, burp cloths, microfiber towels or other absorbent fabrics and the company’s warehouse is serving as a central drop-off point for these items. These specific items will be used to care for, clean and transport wildlife. The effort is called “Cloth for the Coast” and has a dedicated website: www.CommunityfortheCoast.org.

Click here to read more

Moving Around During Labor

2010-07-17T18:43:00.001-04:00

Alternative Positions to Lying Down During Childbirth
Amy Kreydin

Laboring in alternative positions can help with the descent of the baby as well as provide comfort and ease pain during childbirth. Get up and move around!

Movement during labor is very important for the mother aiming for a natural childbirth. Considered as one of the comfort measures used during labor, movement and position changes can help a mom be more comfortable.

There are many ways to use movement during labor; here are some of them:
To help speed labor up – particularly helpful if labor is stalled or slow-going
To bring comfort and pain relief
Harnessing gravity to encourage the baby to move down thus saving mom’s energy
To encourage the mother that labor will not go on forever
Changes the mood and environment

Don’t Just Lay There!

Lying down during childbirth can work against the laboring body. It is great for brief moments of rest and gives the mother a chance to catch her breath. But don’t stay flat for very long!

Click here to read more.

Childbirth Positions on Hands-and-Knees

2010-07-17T18:22:00.001-04:00

Childbirth positions on hands-and-knees are beneficial for many situations. They may not be pretty, but are effective at increasing the mother's comfort level and can prevent other complications.

The "Crawl" Position
The "crawl" position is performed exactly as it sounds, on all fours as if the mother were about to crawl. This position is also commonly used with pelvic rocking to increase the mother's comfort level.

This position, while definitely not glamorous, is extremely beneficial for birthing a large baby. It allows the pelvis to expand to its largest dimensions and reduces the pressure on the perineum while giving the baby more room to maneuver if needed.

This position is also a natural alternative when umbilical cord prolapse is an issue. Cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord falls into the birth path before the baby. When this happens, the cord can become constricted, cutting off oxygen and blood to the baby. It's a potentially life-threatening situation.

If your waters have ruptured and the cord has potentially fallen into the birth path, moving into this position can prevent the cord from falling further. The baby is encouraged to move towards the top of the uterus, thus the cord has less risk of becoming constricted or may even retract on its own.

Click here to read more.

Maternity Reflexology Workshop: The Doula Bag of Tricks

2010-07-14T09:13:00.004-04:00

Amazing Reflexology techniques for a pleasant pregnancy and a happy birth

With Moshe Kruchik, Reflexologist, Doula and Antenatal Educator

President of the International Society of Maternity Reflexology

Pregnancy is probably the most beautiful period a woman can live in her life. For some reason nature has chosen her body to develop the continuation of life. Her body is like a huge pharmacy able to provide with all the medicines she needs to promote the development of a pleasant pregnancy and a happy birth.

As professionals who care, escort and assist during pregnancy and childbirth, we aim that the

expectant mother lives this period in harmony with herself, with joy and full of positive energy. We aim that she feels happy in body and soul, and that this happiness reflects in the baby's

development and mood.

Reflexology is a touch therapy based on the principle that all the organs in the body are reflected in the sole of the feet. By massaging and applying specific pressure in specific points in the feet, we are able to help the body realign its own energies in order to find its own balance in body and mind. It is a pleasant and effective therapy, non invasive, friendly and extremely relaxing. The objective of this workshop aims to enrich your skills and your practice as a Doula. Based on an intense and enjoyable practice, this workshop focuses on the specific techniques able to cover a wide spectrum of situations in pregnancy and birth and provide with useful tools to be used while working with the expectant mother.

Syllabus and schedule

1) Introduction to Reflexology: Overview, mapping the feet and basic concepts.

2) Reflexology as a preventative therapy during pregnancy. Overview

3) Reflexology Techniques for pregnancy:

Practical training of specific techniques for the treatment of different conditions that might

appear during pregnancy:

- How to get rid of Oedema (fluid retention) in one single session:

An effective and amazing technique developed by author by which is possible to get rid of

Oedema and not let it come back….in one single session of Reflexology

.- The Parabola Technique: for the treatment of anemia, anxiety, dizziness and lack of energy.

- Technique for the treatment of SPD (Symphisis Pubic Dysfunction) and backache.

An effective technique oriented to the relief of pain due to SPD and to facilitate good sleep.

- Technique for the immediate relief of pain of every kind.

- Technique for the relief or Braxton-Hicks contractions

4) Reflexology Techniques for labour:

Practical, quick and effective techniques to create the perfect onset of labour and avoid a

cascade of unnecessary interventions.

- Reflexology techniques for pain relief.

- Special technique for the latent stage. Promoting relaxation and hormonal balance.

- Special technique to boost and maintain good contractions, helping to avoid unnecessary

chemical induction.

- Benefits of Reflexology when an epidural anesthesia is given.

- Helping with evacuation of the digestive and the urinary system

- Helping with breathing

SCHEDULE

The workshop is delivered along two consecutive half days, from 3.30 PM to 10 PM each meeting, with 2 short coffee breaks each day.

Total hours: 12

COURSE NOTES AND MANUAL

Every attendant will receive a manual explaining the different techniques, useful graphs, charts and Reflexology maps at the beginning of the workshop. This manual is authored by the course tutor and it is copyright.

DIPLOMA

Attendants will receive a certificate of completion issued by The International Society of Maternity Reflexology.

REGISTRATION FEE

The registration fee for the two days is $ 250. The course manual is included in the fee.

YOUR TUTOR:

MOSHE KRUCHIK Graduated as a Reflexologist. And, as a Doula at the MediCin College of Complementary Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel (with honors) and as a Childbirth Educator at the Dyada Center for Parenting and Natural Birth, Tel Aviv, Israel. Invited as a speaker to conferences and courses by several Reflexology associations in the whole world, his courses are

recognized as CPD courses by the major Reflexology associations and by several associations of Midwives and Doulas around worldwide. Probably the first male Doula in the world, Moshe has been the organizer of the First International Conference on Maternity Reflexology, held in Israel in Oct. 2009, where hundreds of Reflexologists, Midwives, Doulas and Homebirth Midwives from all over the planet gathered to share their experiences with Reflexology in the fields of fertility, pregnancy, birth, puerperium and newborns. He is also the founder and president of the International Society of Maternity Reflexology.

###

The International Society of Maternity Reflexology Ltd.

Address: 17 Iair Stern St, - 44407 Kfar Saba – Israel

Phone: + 972 97467676 – Fax: + 972 97467675

Email: matreflex@gmail.com

Breast Is No Longer Best

2010-07-13T13:50:00.001-04:00

No, it is not against. She aptly explains why breastfeeding is normal, and should be taught from that perspective.

Gulf Oil Spill Information for Pregnant Women

2010-07-12T08:58:00.001-04:00

Gulf Oil Spill Information for Pregnant Women
I’m pregnant. Can the oil harm me or my unborn baby?

http://emergency.cdc.gov/gulfoilspill2010/2010gulfoilspill/pregnancy_oilspill.asp

I’m pregnant. Can the oil harm me or my unborn baby?

Although the oil may contain some chemicals that could cause harm to an unborn baby under some conditions, the CDC has reviewed sampling data from the EPA and feels that the levels of these chemicals are well below the level that could generally cause harm to pregnant women or their unborn babies. The effects that chemicals might have on a pregnant woman and her unborn baby would depend on many things: how the mother came into contact with the oil, how long she was in contact with it, how often she came into contact with it, and the overall health of the mother and her baby.

People, including pregnant women, can be exposed to these chemicals by breathing them (air), by swallowing them (water, food), or by touching them (skin). If possible, everyone, including pregnant women, should avoid the oil and spill-affected areas. Generally, a pregnant woman will see or smell the chemicals in oil before those chemicals can hurt her or the baby. The EPA and CDC are working together to continue monitoring the levels of oil in the environment. If we begin to find levels that are more likely to be harmful, we will tell the public. For up-to-date information on monitoring data along the Gulf Coast, please visit EPA’s website.

Click here to read more

Yoga and Pregnancy

2010-07-12T08:33:00.001-04:00

for http://www.healthandyoga.com

Yoga works great for pregnancy. That’s wonderful and TRUE. But do you know how?

Yoga has 5 vital tools for pregnancy. When followed together, they work wonders on your health and your capability to have a smooth pregnancy. Smooth pregnancy and a natural childbirth are just some of the benefits of yoga. But more importantly, yoga does wonders on the physical and mental development of the foetus. Ensuring a healthy baby is every woman’s dream and yoga helps you do just that.

So what are these 5 tools:

Yoga Exercises – These gently work on the reproductive organs and pelvis to ensure a smooth pregnancy and a relatively easy childbirth. At the subtle level, these ensure optimum supply of blood and nutrients to the developing foetus.

Click here to read more

Postpartum Support International

2010-07-11T16:17:00.003-04:00

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum Psychosis is a rare illness, compared to the rates of postpartum depression or anxiety. It occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries, or approximately .01% of births. The onset is usually sudden, most often within the first 4 weeks postpartum.

Symptoms of postpartum psychosis can include:

Delusions or strange beliefs
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
Feeling very irritated
Hyperactivity
Decreased need for or inability to sleep
Paranoia and suspiciousness
Rapid mood swings
Difficulty communicating at times

The most significant risk factors for postpartum psychosis are a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, or a previous psychotic episode.

Click here to read more

How to Prepare for a Baby (Men)

2010-07-10T13:48:00.001-04:00

Let's face it guys, when it comes to pregnancy, we got off easy. Here's how to show the mother-to-be that we are there from the start.

Instructions

Get involved early. From the moment your significant other tells you the exciting news, ask what you can do to help her through the process. The more aspects of the pregnancy you can involve yourself in, the more she'll feel that she's not going through it alone.

Click here to read more

Growing as You Prepare for Fatherhood

2010-07-09T18:56:00.002-04:00

Written by Wintergreen for www.fathers.com

If you're expecting a child, here's a word of caution about what happens all-too-frequently for a dad-to-be: Shortly after his newborn's birth, he holds his baby feeling totally amazed, quite overwhelmed and thinking to himself, Gee, you're so small; I'm afraid I might hurt you. Coupled with this, men commonly feel uncertain about their skills to care for a young one. This lack of knowing how to be a father can have huge unintended negative consequences that ripple through the family.

If it feels like you don’t instinctively know how to care for your baby, that’s normal—for new dads and moms. Every new parent has to learn, just like your child has a lot to learn about life. What’s different for your baby and his mother is that they don’t really have a choice about taking on their new role—they both have a biological imperative.

Click here to read more

Advanced Maternal Beauty

2010-07-09T18:52:00.001-04:00

for www.flowerpowermom.com

Aside from the very presence of my children, few miracles of nature give me greater happiness than witnessing the stereotypes of later life motherhood joyfully crushed beneath the boot-heel of reality by the a tender simplicity of an empirical truth.

It is like finding a blushing rose in the blackened fields of nuclear ruin. A chronological conundrum. A permanent paradox. Fate’s humorous twist.

When they label us “older” mothers, immediately the image of a rheumy-eyed and bespectacled granny—doddering precariously on her twin hip replacements, with one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel—is conjured in the minds of the general public.

Click here to read more

Finances and Starting a Family

2010-07-09T18:47:00.001-04:00

By Miriam Caldwell, About.com Guide

When you decide to have your first child it may be slightly scary. Everything changes once you had a little one to your life. It is important that you be aware of the changes that are coming, especially the financial changes and prepare for them, as you get ready to have the baby.

1. Paying for the Delivery
It is important to have enough money to pay for the hospital and doctor bills that are associated with having a baby. Most doctors will set up a payment plan to cover their portion of expected costs. You will also be responsible for a portion of the hospital bill. You may be able to pay this before you go in, or you may need to set aside money so you can pay for it after you have the baby.

Click here to read more

10 Unbelievable Facts About Competitive Kindergartens

2010-07-09T12:58:00.001-04:00

for onlineuniversitylowdown.com

Competitive kindergartens are exactly what the nomenclature implies. Catering to the financial and – much less popularly – intellectual elite, they boast a few spots that send shockwaves of stress and anxiety through parents hoping to give their children an academic edge. And, of course, the secondary benefit of allowing them bragging rights and the clearance to look down upon the plebian masses with much laughter and mirth. Documentarian Pamela French shot an extremely revealing series on the intense pressure involved in landing a spot at such an exclusive educational establishment. Titled Getting In…Kindergarten, it showcased the madcap dash that ensues when parents attempt to ensure the best possible early education for their children – which bears a startling resemblance to the college admissions process.

1. Parents genuinely think that a rejection letter means their child will fail.

Acceptance into competitive kindergartens occasionally gets so cutthroat, many parents end up in a quagmire of anxiety that entirely eclipses all rational thought. They seem to pine more for the bragging rights and social status such institutions afford rather than the genuine well-being of their children, as evidenced by their perceptions of what rejection letters really mean. Instead of seeing them as merely a setback, these moms and dads give into unadulterated crazy and start assuming that little Dakota and Muffy will end up as emaciated crackheads turning tricks in dark alleyways before their 12th birthdays. And all because St. Exclusive’s of the Platinum Meadows didn’t consider them the right fit for their kindergarten program. This is an exaggeration, of course. But then, so too is their lack of perspective on what elements genuinely facilitate later success in life.

Click here to read more

Waterbirth

2010-07-09T11:13:00.003-04:00

For americanpregnancy.org

Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. Some women choose to labor in the water and get out for delivery. Other women decide to stay in the water for the delivery as well. The theory behind water birth is that the baby has been in the amniotic sac for 9 months and birthing into a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother.

It is the belief of midwives, birthing centers and a growing number of obstetricians, that reducing the stress during labor and delivery also reduces fetal complications. Water birth should always occur under the supervision of a health care provider.

Click here to read more

Waterbirth International

2010-07-09T11:04:00.004-04:00

for waterbirth.org

"Waterbirth International was founded in 1988
with one purpose in mind:n>
"To make waterbirth an available option for all women.""

To accomplish that vision changes have to be made to the way we treat women in labor and the way we welcome babies into this world. To that end, Waterbirth International has been working non-stop for over two decades providing education, training, programs, consultations and referrals for parents and practitioners alike.

And there have been major accomplishments on all fronts. We are very proud of the fact that we have assisted in the installation of birth pools in over 200 hospitals in the US and several dozen in other countries around the globe, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Taiwan, China, Turkey, Germany, Argentina, Ecuador, Australia, Philippines and India to name just a few.

We also assisted over 7000 couples with portable pool rentals for water labor and waterbirth. Countless more couples have watched our videos and DVDs and shared them with family, friends and providers. All of this has helped change the consciousness of birth and parenting.

Click here to read more

Teething

2010-07-09T10:55:00.000-04:00

for babyart.org

Teething is when a baby's teeth begin to push through the gums. These teeth begin to appear as early as three months of age in humans, or as late as a year. It can take a few years for the entire first set of teeth to appear, though it is often complete within one or two years. Occasionally an infant will be born with one or more teeth already protruding from the gums, but this is no cause for alarm.

If teeth haven't showed up yet brushing and flossing isn't required. Even though they don't have teeth, you should still clean his/her gums with a damp cloth. Normally infants don't like this at first, but if you turn this routine into a habit he/she begins to get used to it.

There are some problems that can arise later with your baby teeth if you let your infant to fall asleep with a bottle. If the bottle contains milk formula or anything sugary, it forms around the teeth and mouth which could potentially cause cavities to form.

Click here to read more

Exercise and Breastfeeding

2010-07-09T10:45:00.004-04:00

By Kelly Bonyata, IBCLC
for kellymom.com

Does exercise affect milk supply or nutrient content?
No. Studies have shown no difference in the volume or composition of the milk or babies' weight gain. One study showed a slight increase in milk supply for the women who exercised regularly, but because of the small size of the study this increase may not be significant.

Does lactic acid increase in breastmilk after exercise?
Research has not shown a noticable increase in lactic acid buildup after moderate exercise (50% & 75% intensity). The lactic acid in breastmilk does increase somewhat if mom exercises to maximum (100%) intensity, also described as exhaustive exercise. This increase may be present up to 90 minutes post-exercise. There are no known harmful effects for the baby.

Will baby refuse the breast after mom exercises?
Most studies have found no difference in acceptance of the breast, even after maximum intensity exercise.

Click here to read more

Postpartum Fitness

2010-07-09T10:43:00.000-04:00

Exercise After Baby
By Paige Waehner, About.com Guide

Having a baby means a lot of things: losing sleep, learning how to hold a tiny person correctly and dealing with the weight you gained during your pregnancy. As you try to get your new routine down, exercise may seem like that last thing you feel like doing. But, being active now is more important than ever because it helps raise metabolism, shed extra weight, provides much-needed energy and helps reduce stress and tension.

Studies show that most women gain an average of about 30 pounds during pregnancy, although many of us end up gaining a lot more than that. On average, 18 to 20 pounds are usually lost within a month of having a baby, but it's those extra pounds that can be tough to get rid of. Your body may be different after having a baby. But, with a little patience and consistent exercise, you can get back into shape.

Click here to read more

Finding Time to Exercise

2010-07-09T10:39:00.000-04:00

It CAN be done!
By Paige Waehner, About.com Guide

Be honest...on your list of priorities, where does exercise fall? Is it even on your list? Some of you don't exercise because you think you don't have time. You're waiting for your schedules to ease up, for the weather to cool off or heat up, for school to end or start, or some other future event. The truth is, there's never a right time to get moving. It's now or never, so read on to find out how to make exercise a reality.
Why You Don't Exercise

We all have excuses for why we don't exercise. Recognize any of these?
Exercise is boring. If you don't look forward to your workouts, it's no wonder you skip them. People often force themselves into activities that don't interest them which, of course, increases the quit-factor.

Click here to read more

Nutrition during Pregnancy

2010-07-07T13:10:00.002-04:00

by Amy V. Haas
© 2002 Midwifery Today, Inc. All rights reserved.

The single most important thing that you can do for your baby is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. A well-balanced diet is one that includes foods from all food groups in appropriate amounts, so as to ensure proper nutrition. Proper nutrition ensures that all essential nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, minerals and water) are supplied to the body to maintain optimal health and well-being. Good nutrition is essential for normal organ development and functioning; normal reproduction, growth and maintenance; for optimum activity level and working efficiency; for resistance to infection and disease; and for the ability to repair bodily damage or injury. While pregnancy is a normal alternative condition for the female body, it is stressful, and all nutritional needs are increased in order to meet the needs of the pregnancy.

Dr. Tom Brewer found through more than 30 years of research that each day, pregnant women need a well-balanced, high-quality diet that includes 80 to 100 grams of protein, adequate salt (to taste), and water (to thirst), as well as calories from all of the food groups.

Click here to read more

Sex during Pregnancy

2010-07-07T13:04:00.002-04:00

for www.kidshealth.org in the 'for parents' section

If you're pregnant or even planning a pregnancy, you've probably found an abundance of information about sex before pregnancy (that is, having sex in order to conceive) and sex after childbirth (general consensus: expect a less active sex life when there's a newborn in the house).

But there's less talk about the topic of sex during pregnancy, perhaps because of our culture's tendency to dissociate expectant mothers from sexuality. Like many parents-to-be, you may have questions about the safety of sex and what's normal for most couples.

Well, what's normal tends to vary widely, but you can count on the fact that there will be changes in your sex life. Open communication will be the key to a satisfying and safe sexual relationship during pregnancy.

Click here to read more