Genesis Birth Services

More helpful info

2011-07-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

Some more helpful information on lip and tongue ties. Click here.

More lip tie/ tongue tie resources

2011-07-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

Lip ties and tongue ties have been in the dark for a while. The information out there is difficult to find. And it's even more difficult to find someone to make "the snip" for you. I found this great site with great information.

Going back to work, weaning & breastfeeding complications

2011-07-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

I had previously posted about breastfeeding complications. And while I stand behind the information I shared, I was simply sharing it to offer knowledge and support to those either interested in these topics or dealing with these situations. I had not experienced the majority of these complications, aside from nipple confusion.

Now I have experienced a few additional issues first hand and wanted to share about my experiences. When I went back to work I had no plans on stopping breastfeeding. I returned armed and ready to go with my Medela pump in style breast pump along with all the necessary accessories. It took a while for me to gain the confidence I have now in pumping at work. I was apprehensive about my pumping schedule at work and where I would pump. It helps to be versed in the Laws associated with your state. Here in CA they must provide a lactation room, not a bathroom, in which the female employee can express breast milk for her child as needed. The female is not obligated to work for or otherwise compensate for the time spent on this task. This can be done until the child is one year old. While this is great and all my situation is a bit different. First off my employer has less than 50 employees and is not required by law to follow this. My second issue was that I was given a considerable time off for maternity leave and my baby was almost a year old by the time I went back to work {yay for making it to a year of breastfeeding!!}. So ultimately I was banished to the nasty bathroom to pump. I do get enough breaks during the day though to keep up my supply, so it all worked out nicely.

Now before I had returned to work I built up a stash in my freezer for my baby. My stay is about 3 months worth of breast milk. (I cannot tell you how proud of myself I am for that.) So my small freezer is filled to the max and I have problems finding space to store the milk I pump at work. When I am home I still nurse my baby without a problem. But pumping seemed to be a bit of a headache using all my breaks and part of my lunch every single day. Lugging around this big pump. I had it in mind to cut back my pumping by reducing it by one pumping session. Well my boobs and milk supply had other plans.

I had skipped my second pumping session for 2 days. On day 3 as I arrived to work I noticed that one breast was very full. Engorged even. My guess was that the baby didn't nurse from that side during the night, which sometimes happens. Well I go to pump thinking I'm going to get immediate relief. Not so much. After I pumped I still felt a very large and very hard lump. It was very sore to the touch. I had expressed all I could and had to go back to my cubicle and back to work. As the day progressed things got worse. By noon time the throbbing was almost unbearable. I didn't even have to touch it for it to hurt. By 1:00 I was feeling flushed and nauseous. 1:30 came around and I just knew I couldn't make it the rest of the day at work, I had to leave early. On my drive home I went downhill quickly. I got very dizzy and almost blacked out a couple times. It scared me half to death. The pain from my breast quickly spread to pretty much my whole body and the aches and pains in every joint was incredible. My neck instantly got stiff. I got home safely only to find that I now had the chills and desperately wanted to take a scorching hot shower even though it was 98 degrees out. That shower felt oh so good and afterwards I promptly fell asleep on the couch nursing my baby in the hopes that it would dislodge the clog. An hour later I woke up with a temperature of nearly 103. 103 PEOPLE! I put in a call to my OB and just knew it was mastitis. She usually needs to see a patient before giving a prescription but I was so ill by this time that I couldn't even get off the couch let along drive 45 with both kids and wait in a waiting room to be seen. Thankfully she did call in some antibiotics for me. I took that and my Advil as soon as I had it in my hands but again by this time I was very ill. I had a hard time keeping my meds down, or really anything. After a day or so I was finally able to keep things down. The antibiotics kicked in and broke my fever. A day and a half later of nursing, pumping, massaging and warm compresses later the soreness was still there. I went in to see my OB and sure enough she felt the lump. There were no visual indicators on my breast that something was wrong, nor was it hot to the touch. Just the lump and the soreness. She did an ultrasound on my breast and sure enough we saw that pocket of trapped breast milk. She said that most of the time they drain it with a needle but at this point she thought it may cause more trauma. She suggested that I keep doing what I am doing and if its not better in a few days we will have to drain it so that it doesn't become an abscess. Well after a nice long 3 day weekend of nursing, massaging and warm compresses, I am happy to say that I am back to normal. I am still in shock of how fast mastitis came on and how hard it hits. Previously I knew that it was a problem that many women deal with and that it wasn't easy and even causes many women to stop nursing all together. However, having gone through it myself really has changed my outlook on it. I sympathize on a personal level with all those who have suffered and are suffering with this illness. I am also better equipped to help my clients deal with this type of complication. And the end of this ordeal and I happy to say that not only am I more knowledge in this aspect but I also did not give up on breastfeeding. I am still going strong...14 months now, and don't plan on stopping any time soon. If I could get through it, so can you.

How to get pregnant

2011-04-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

I have been asked "How do I get pregnant?" several times. Yes, it may seem like a silly question... we all know what you need to do to get pregnant. It's not so much asking how but more of asking what are the things to do to get ready to trying to concieve (ttc) to provide an optimal environment for pregnancy. I believe this is not only a valid question but a smart one.

First off I would say that if you are on any sort of hormonal birth control go off of it and try to start tracking your cycles without it. We all know timing is everything and you have to see how coming off hormonal birth control affects your cycle. It is different for everyone. I personally had no change after coming off the pill the first time. However I have heard of others having their cycle either changing a few days to a completley new schedule. Its important to give your body time to adjust to its natural cycle.

How long should you wait after coming off birth control?

That is a personal question and really only you and your doctor can decide what is right for you. I have found various sites stating to wait at least one cycle. I think that's smart. I personally choose to wait 3 cycles to make sure everything was out of my system and I could properly track my cycle. However keep in mind that some women only forget to take a pill one day and they get pregnant. So once again, everyone is different.

Here are some online resources about ttc after birth control:
http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/getting-pregnant-after-birth-control
http://www.thebabycorner.com/page/2425/

Are you on any medications?

I cannot stress the importance of this enough. If you are on any medications its best to discuss if it is safe to take prior to ttc and during pregnancy. See if you can obtain the medication's insert with full disclosure. I was on a migraine medication prior to ttc. Unbeknown to me, this medication was also used as an anti-seizure medication. Anti-seizure medications are linked to a plethera of birth defects. {of course I had no idea until much later, when it was too late} I came off this medication shortly before ttc but evidently there was still enough in my system to cause problems. I went on to have a baby girl born with Anencephaly who was stillborn in 2007. Though there is no solid evidence proving this medication caused it, the fact that my daughter died was proof enough to me. So please please please check the medication you are on if you are thinking of getting pregnant. It just may save your baby's life. {Also if you are a smoker it's best for you to quite smoking to increase your chances of getting pregnant, not to mention its better for children to not have any smokers in the home}

Tracking your cycle

This is probably the most important part of ttc, and the most complicated part of ttc if you ask me. First off Im sure you have heard that most women have a 28 day cycle. If you are on the pill, yes, it does that for you while you are taking hormones. Some naturally do have a 28 day cycle but many do not. Normal is anywhere from 21 - 35 days. Despite how many days your entire cycle is one thing is true for everyone. From your ovulation day (O-day) till the day you expect your period is always 14 days. {this is in regards to those without any fertility issues} Even with irregular cycles O-day to the day of your period {period= aunt flow= AF} is always 14 days. That 14 days is refered to as the two week wait (2ww) {to find out weather or not you are pregnant}.

The key is to DTD (do the deed) on the days leading up to your O-day and maybe even a day or so after your O-day. You can only get pregnant when you ovulate. Sperm can live inside your body up to 5 days so its good to start before your O-day because if you miss an opportunity to DTD on your O-day they still have a chance to do their thing inside you. Cycles have been known to act up while ttc, I think mostly because of stress, so there may be a chance that you O a little later than usual. That is why I suggest DTD even a day or so after your O-day. {a side note: not DTD during that time frame does not guarentee you will NOT get pregnant. This method should not be used as a form of birth control}

I had great success using Fertilty Friend to track my own cycles. What I love best about them is that they offer their basic ovulation calendar free of charge. You can upgrade to get notifications and added features for an additional price, but honestly, I never needed any of that stuff. The free version worked great for me. If you dont like the calendar offered on this site you can do a goole search for 'ovulation calendar' and you will get dozens of different links to one.

After I had my first two children I noticed that my cycle never went back to my 'normal' cycle. Having a baby just threw it off and it was sort of all over the place. So when I wanted to have another child, getting pregnant proved to be a little more difficult. The tracking on fertility friend just wasnt cutting it. So I invested in some OPK test (ovulation tests). They work the same was as a pregnancy test {you pee on them}. The way I found them to work best for me {with an irregular cycel} was to take 2 tests daily. Once in the morning when I first woke up and another in the afternoon. It is a test that predicts LH (Luteinizing Hormone) surge, and in turn, when you are likely to ovulate and possibly conceive. A surge can happen at any time and is gradual. So thats why you test twice a day. You may not have had a surge in the morning but you may later that evening. A positive test will have 2 lines. It starts out light and as your surge increases the lines will darken. Its as soon as you see a positive that you should DTD. Most OPK directions will tell you that you can stop testing after you get your first positive but I prefer to continue testing to see exactly how big of a window I have to get pregnant. I keep testing until the test goes back to negative {1 line}. During your window, or positive opk test days, DTD at least every other day. If you are looking for cheap OPK tests, I highly recomend buying from www.saveontests.com. They are affordable and come in huge packs. They also sell pregnancy tests and for those that are obsessive testers during the 2ww buying these will definately save you money. Also as a little fun fact, did you know that OPKs can also be used as a pregnancy test? Yep, if you are pregnant they will be positive as well. The way you know the difference between a positive for ovulationa and a positive for pregnancy is that the ovulation one will fade and eventually be negative. The positive for pregnancy will remain positive for as long as you remain pregnant.

Folic acid & prenatal vitamins

This is another important topic. I have dedicated an entire post to the importance of folic acid here. You must read this, it could end up saving your baby's life. But the short version is that as soon as you have decied that you want to ttc, you should get on prenatal vitamins. As to how far in advance, again that is something that you and your doctor should decide on. I personally start 3 months before. In addition to your prenatals it's important for you to take folic acid. You can find folic acid at any health food store, drugstore or vitamin shop.

What can the men do?

As you have imagined there is a lot less for men to do to get ready to ttc than women. However, there are steps they can take to create optimal conditions for getting pregnant.
1. Wear boxers, not briefs. Briefs cause the testicles to be closer to the body, thus keeping them warmer. Heat actually kills sperm. So for the most number of swimmers boxers are better.
2. Change to a healthier lifestyle.

Why diet matters for men

Nutrition has a direct impact on the potency of your sperm. Research shows that poor eating habits and regular consumption of alcohol, for instance, can lower the quality and quantity of sperm, making conception more difficult. And since infertility is nearly as much a man's issue as a woman's — up to 40 percent of fertility problems can be traced to men — eating healthfully now will boost your chances of conceiving a child.

Conception isn't the only reason to revamp your diet. Additional research shows that dads who drink heavily — the equivalent of two drinks a day — during the month prior to conception have babies who weigh on average 6.5 ounces less than other babies. Low birth weight is a serious medical condition that can affect your child's health and behavior for the rest of his life.

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pre...on/4188.html#1

Which nutrients are most important for men?

Your diet should be every bit as balanced, varied, and nutritious as your partner's. Specifically, future dads should:
• Eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants: They help prevent sperm defects and boost its motility (movement). An eight-ounce glass of orange juice contains 124 milligrams. Aim for at least 60 mg of vitamin C daily, more — at least 100 mg — if you smoke.
• Get more zinc in your diet. Several studies show that even short-term zinc deficiencies can reduce semen volume and testosterone levels. Great sources to help you get the 15 mg you need a day include oysters (six medium oysters have a whopping 76.3 mg), extra-lean ground beef (a three-ounce serving has 4.5 mg), baked beans (a one-cup serving has 3.55 mg), and dark chicken meat (2.38 mg per three ounces).
• Fuel up on folic acid. Studies suggest that men with low levels of this key B vitamin — the same one women need to reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects — have low sperm counts. You may be able to get the amount you need (400 micrograms a day) from fortified breakfast cereals, leafy greens, legumes, and orange juice, but just to be sure, it can't hurt to take a folic acid supplement or a multivitamin.
• Increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D. Infertility researchers at the University of Wisconsin at Madison suggest that consuming 1,000 mg of calcium and 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day may improve men's fertility. Good sources of calcium include low-fat milk (an eight-ounce glass has 414 mg) and yogurt (one cup has 302 mg of calcium). You'll find vitamin D in milk (an eight-ounce glass has two mcg) and salmon (a three-ounce serving has eight mcg).
• Cut out or cut back on alcohol. While an occasional drink is generally considered safe, studies show that daily consumption of wine, beer, or hard liquor can decrease testosterone levels and sperm counts and increase the number of abnormal sperm in your ejaculate.
http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/can-dads-diet-make-healthier-baby

Some extra tips

The question of how often to DTD comes up a lot and once again it is a personal decision. I have come across a few forums that have discussed this. Its the age old question if its better to DTD everyday or every other day. It has been suggested that sperm need a regeneration period. If you DTD everyday the sperm quality is lower. But if you wait every other day it has replentished fully and you have more quality sperm. I have yet to see an offical study of this but I prefer to do every other day. Even if this were not true, I would still choose every other day because in my opinion DTD everyday is more of a chore than having fun. And its important to still enjoy yourself while trying to make a baby. Not only that but you would be surprised how burt out men can get by DTD everyday :)

My last tip is that after you have DTD stay laying down for at least 20 min. {Dont stand up, as this will cause the semen to leak} Keep a small pillow under your hips to slightly elevate your uterus and help the sperm reach your cervix. You dont want to prop a dozen pillows under you to the point that you are practically doing a handstand though haha! This will actually cause the semen to pool behind the cervix and none actually get inside to swim to the egg. Try to relax during this time and actually invistion the sperm getting to the egg. Possitive affermations and visualizartions really work wonders.

TTC after miscarriage/ stillbirth

Trying for another baby after a pregnancy loss is a personal choice. It is natural to want to become pregnant again right away after going through the heartache of losing a baby. However, you should wait to attempt again until you are physically, as well as emotionally ready. I would suggest you speak with your doctor to see when is the soonest you would be able to ttc physically. Below are some helpful links to information to help you make an informed decision:
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyloss/mcgettingpregnantagain.html
http://miscarriage.about.com/od/tryingagainafterloss/Trying_to_Conceive_After_Miscarriage_Pregnancy_Loss.htm

Here are also some links to some ttc after loss forums:
http://forums.fertilitycommunity.com/trying-conceive-after-loss/
http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/4493594/ShowForum.aspx?MsdVisit=1
http://boards.babyzone.com/trying-to-conceive-after-loss-f431.html
http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a723395/ttc_after_a_2nd3rd_trimester_loss

Folic Acid

2011-04-20T11:21:00.001-07:00

Researchers have found that 50-70% of NTDs (neural tube defects) can be prevented when women supplement their diet with folic acid, a water-soluble B vitamin. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends all women of childbearing age eat a diet high in folic acid or take a multivitamin with 0.4mg of folic acid each day, especially one month prior to conception through the first three months of pregnancy. This dosage is the amount found in most over-the-counter multivitamins. However, women who have had a previous NTD pregnancy are recommended to take an even higher dosage of folic acid prior to planning a pregnancy. They should increase the daily dose of folic acid from 0.4mg to 4.0mg (10x the recommended amount), one month prior to conception through the first three months of pregnancy. The 4.0mg of folic acid should only be obtained through a prescription from the doctor.

But even if you are not actively trying to get pregnant one should still take folic acid if you are engaging in any acts that may result in pregnancy. This is because the early spinal cord of the embryo begins as a flat region, which rolls into a tube (the neural tube) 28 days after the baby is conceived. When the neural tube does not close completely, an NTD (Neural Tube Defect) develops. NTDs develop before most women know they are even pregnant.

Its a good idea to increase your folic acid dosage even if you have not had history of a prior NTD. I am living proof that taking the recommended dosage does not prevent all NTDs. I was on the recommended dosage 3 months before trying to conceive and all through my pregnancy with Genesis. Had I been taking more folic acid she may have not been born with anencephaly. Though know that even with an increased intake of folic acid there is still a 1% chance you may have a child with a NTD. Another thing to keep in mind is that most people who have a child with a NTD hav had no prior family history of NTDs.

How a woman can get enough folic acid?

There are two easy ways to be sure to get enough folic acid each day:

Take a vitamin that has folic acid in it every day.

Most multivitamins sold in the United States have the amount of folic acid women need each day. Women can also choose to take a small pill (supplement) that has only folic acid in it each day.

Multivitamins and folic acid pills can be found at most local pharmacy, grocery, or discount stores. Check the label to be sure it contains 100% of the daily value (DV) of folic acid, which is 400 micrograms (mcg).
Eat a bowl of breakfast cereal that has 100% of the daily value of folic acid every day.

Not every cereal has this amount. Check the label on the side of the box, and look for one that has “100%” next to folic acid.

Audiocast: Folic Acid Now
Listen to an audiocast about folic acid.

What Foods Contain Folic Acid?
Approximately half of all pregnancies are unplanned, so the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has taken steps to fortify certain foods so that all women of childbearing age get a daily dose of folic acid. The following foods can help you obtain your recommended amount of folic acid:

Leafy green vegetables, such as large spinach salad
Citrus fruits, such as orange juice
Beans
Breads
Cereals
Rice
Pastas

Can You Overdose On Folic Acid?
Folic acid has no known toxic level. If you were to eat a bowl of fully fortified cereal (400 micrograms), take 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) folic acid supplement, and eat fortified foods and foods rich in folate, women of reproductive age would not have a problem with too much folic acid. Even in very high amounts folic acid is non-toxic. Nevertheless, it is recommended that women consume no more than 1,000 micrograms of synthetic folic acid a day. Large amounts of folic acid may hide the ability to quickly diagnose pernicious anemia, a rare vitamin B-12 deficiency. This condition primarily affects the elderly population and, in some cases, can lead to neurological damage. Today, Doctors can use a simple definitive test to check for a B-12 deficiency. Folic acid is water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of the vitamin in your diet. Because of this, overdose is not likely. Anything your body cannot absorb gets excreted through your urine.

Findings from a survey conducted in 1998 to assess folic acid knowledge and practices among women of childbearing age in the United States indicate that of all women surveyed, only 13% knew that folic acid helps prevent birth defects, and only 7% knew that folic acid should be taken before pregnancy to prevent birth defects.

You should not take folic acid if you have any of these conditions. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use folic acid:

Kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
Hemolytic anemia
Pernicious anemia
Anemia that has not been diagnosed by a doctor and confirmed with laboratory testing
An infection
If you are an alcoholic
If you are allergic to folic acid

Who Is At Risk:
NTD-affected pregnancy. It is not possible to predict which women will have a pregnancy affected by an NTD. 95% of NTDs occur in women with no personal or family history of NTDs. However, some risk factors are known:

An NTD-affected pregnancy increases a woman's chance to have another NTD-affected pregnancy by approximately twenty times
Maternal insulin-dependent diabetes
Anti-seizure medication use
Medically diagnosed obesity
High temperatures in early pregnancy (prolonged fevers and hot tub use, for example)
Race/ethnicity (NTDs are more common among white women than black women and more common among Hispanic woman than non-Hispanic women)
Lower socio-econimic status

Types Of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
There are two types of NTDs. The most common type are called the open NTDs. Open NTDs occur when the brain and/or spinal cord are exposed at birth through a defect in the skull or vertebrae (back bones). Examples of open NTDs are spina bifida (myelomeningocele), anencephaly, and encephalocele. Rarer types of NTDs are called closed NTDs. Closed NTDs occur when the spinal defect is covered by skin. Common examples of closed NTDs are lipomyelomeningocele, lipomeningocele, and tethered cord.

Lastly, spina bifida occulta (SBO) is potentially another form of an NTD in which there is a typically benign (or non-symptom-causing) bony change in one or more vertebrae, but not involving the nerves within the spinal column. The incidence of SBO is not well defined; however, it is more common than the NTDs described above. The cause and potential similarities, or, link to NTDs, has not been established.

Even More Folic Acid Resources:

Milk Supply Boosters

2011-03-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

I had previously written a post with a few recipes for foods that may help you increase your supply. But I thought I would go more in depth with what steps you can take to actively increase your milk supply.

First and foremost I recommend seeing your local lactation consultant or La Leche League Leader.

1. Nurse, Nurse Nurse
It's the basic principle that you will hear me and other birth professionals repeat like a broken record: Supply and Demand. The more your baby nurses the more milk your body produces. Simple as that. If you are not nursing then pump, pump, pump. The first few weeks are the most demanding but DON'T give up! All the frustrations and sleepless nights and hours at the pump will pay off. Try pumping between nursings as well to signal your body to produce more milk. Don't get discouraged if you don't actually pump a whole lot. Keep pumping for at least 15 minutes on each breast. Another bit of advice along the lines of pumping: the amount you pump is not the amount you produce. Having your baby nurse is the most efficient way to empty your breasts. Pumps do not remove anything near what your baby does. So please don't measure your success on what your pump removes.

2. Avoid artificial nipples and formula
As mentioned earlier, the first few weeks are the hardest and most crucial weeks to establish a good milk supply. A key to success is to remove anything that may stumble your efforts in trying to provide milk for your baby. A baby has a strong need to suck even when they are not nursing. Allow baby to suck on the breast even when they are not nursing. That sends messages to produce milk as well. Consider avoiding using artificial nipples to satisfy that need at least for the first month or so. Also consider removing formula from your home. I personally know how tempting it is to just mix a bottle of formula that is sitting on the counter while you have been struggling to feed the baby for hours, frustrated to no end and has left both you and the baby crying. My biggest word of advice: DON'T GIVE IN TO THE TEMPTATION! Sadly most mothers that go on to "just supplement with formula for a couple feedings" are never really able to establish a good milk supply and eventually give in to formula feeding full time. {please not that there are exceptions and that some are able to get back to breast feeding. However of the women I have encountered 9 out of 10 women will not be able to nurse exclusively or at the level they were hoping to have nursed} If you must supplement then do so with very small amounts, 2-3 oz at a time and consider feeding your baby by not using artificial nipples (example: needle less syringe or SNS).

3. Don't wait for your breasts to "fill up" to determine when it's time for another feeding. There is always milk in your breasts for your baby, and more milk is made while you feed. Studies have shown that fat levels in milk are higher when the time between feedings is shorter. This means when you offer the breast again minutes after the last feeding (when your breasts may still feel "empty"), your baby is getting high-fat milk that will help him gain weight. Letting your breast fill up or get engorged actually signal you body to produce less milk, so the trick is to keep your breasts drained by having your baby nurse or by pumping frequently.

4. Consider a galactagogue
A galactagouge is a substance that increases milk supply. Here is a list of some of the most commonly used herbal galactagogues:
Fenugreek
Blessed thistle
Alfalfa
Brewer’s Yeast

I personally had a great experience increasing my supply with the products from MotherLove. I have to tell you, the drops taste terrible. And they make baby's gas smell wretched. BUT it totally works and increased my milk a ton. So for me personally it was well worth it. If you are not sure if its for you, my suggestion is to buy a small bottle and go from there.

I also found much success in drinking Mothers Milk Tea. Clicking on the link to the right will take you to their site to print out a coupon. You can buy this tea at various places including ebay and amazon.com.

5. Your diet
You must make sure that you are well hydrated. Drink to thirst. Drowning yourself in water isn't going to make you produce more milk. Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol as those things can actually lower your milk production. You may also want to consider eating these types of foods that have been said to increase milk supply for many women:
Black Beans
Papaya
Oatmeal

6. Talk to your doctor about domperidone
Domperidone is a medication used for stomach problems that has a side effect of increased milk supply. To read more about it click here. I personally took this after the birth of my second child to help with milk production. I did notice a difference but my OB refused to refill the prescription more than once and I found that after the medication wore off my supply would drop and I was back at square one.

7. Nurse longer. Don't limit the length of your baby's feedings to a predetermined number of minutes on each side. Allow your baby to finish the first breast before switching to the other side. This gives baby an opportunity to fill up on the high-fat hindmilk brought down by the milk-ejection reflex. If you switch your baby to the second side too soon, he'll fill up on the watery foremilk, which will make his tummy feel full but may not give him enough calories to grow.

8. Trust that nature's system works. If you're nursing often enough, and baby is sucking effectively, you will make enough milk. It's rare that a mother is unable to produce enough milk for her baby. And while it may seem that your life is stressful, mothers throughout history have breastfed their babies through war, famine, and personal tragedies. Your body nourished this baby through pregnancy. There's no reason to think that you won't succeed at breastfeeding.

9. Relaxation & Sleep
You will be shocked that once you begin to relax while breastfeeding or your pumping sessions, just how much more milk you will begin to have. If pumping, one of the most important thing – do not look at the breast milk while you are pumping. Everyone says to get enough sleep, but what new mother gets enough sleep during those first weeks after the baby is born. The good thing about breast pumping is that dad can feed the baby while you get a few extra hours of sleep.

{please note that this post is for informational purposes only. I am not a medical professional and each person should first consult with their doctor before trying any herbal or medical options. Please do your research on possible side effects}

Breastfeeding is a piece of cake

2011-01-22T21:44:00.000-08:00

The title of this post is not necessarily true for most people. Someone once told me, "How hard can breastfeeding be? you just put the baby on your boob and poof....you're breastfeeding." There are a few, and I do mean few, who have experienced such easy nursing. And to you all I say that I am jealous and that I'm happy it worked out so easily for you. Please do not take that for granted. But for the majority of nursing mothers, it takes some work. It truly is a learned art. No two nursing pairs are alike and each pair must learn on their own.

This post is not to discourage any from breastfeeding. On the contrary, I encourage you to not only do it, but to not give up when its most difficult (in the first few weeks). It is most definitely the best thing you can do for your baby and for yourself as it lessens the chance of you getting certain types of cancers. And I promise you, the pay off is huge when you succeed. But this post is to tell you the truth about breastfeeding and the obstacles you may encounter. Id rather you to be prepared for anything and succeed than for you to be caught off guard with a complication you have never heard of, feel confused, disappointed, frustrated and then quit.

So here are a few complications that you may or may not encounter:

bad latch
nipple pain
cracked/chapped/bleeding nipples
engorgement
plugged duct
nipple confusion
candidiasis
mastitis
overactive letdown
lip/tongue tie

These are just a few of the most common complications. Don't let this list or any other complications intimidate you. You can and will overcome these should you encounter any. First off, I highly recommend doing three things if you are expecting and planning to breastfeed (no matter how long). First, contact your local La Leche League office and start attending meetings during your pregnancy. I know we all lead very busy lives but these meetings will be for the greater good. If your schedule doesn't allow for it, then at least have their information such as phone number and address and LLL Leader info readily available for any breastfeeding questions and concerns. Second, I highly recommend choosing a location to birth you baby at that has a lactation consultant on hand. Now just because they have one on hand doesn't mean your are going to have everything work out. I personally have experienced horrible treatment from the lactation consultant where my children were born and I think it may have lead to me not being able to breastfeed all my kids. So I encourage you to meet the lactation consultants before hand. Get a feel for the type of support they offer. They should have a personal interest in you and want to see you succeed. If you don't get a good vibe from them or would like additional support for when you are discharged, I encourage you to find a local lactation consultant and at least have a consultation with them (either over the phone or in person) and have them ready to go on speed dial should you need their help once baby is here. These steps might just save your breastfeeding relationship with your baby. And last but not least, I encourage you to find a comfortable and easy to use nursing bra. I highly recommend looking at La Leche League nursing bras and Medela nursing bras. I personally have had great experiences with both those brands. I have also tried your generic nursing bras from Walmart, Target, Motherhood Maternity and the such... and have found that you get what you pay for. You buy cheap you get cheap. So investing in a ~~good~~ great bra will pay off in the long run and is totally worth the investment. I promise you.

Now getting back to the complications. For those of you birthing in a hospital let me give it to you straight. They say they are pro breastfeeding, but actions speak louder than words. And the hospitals that I have supported at here in the Los Angeles area are hardly acting in line with what they say. Almost everyone I have known that has given birth in the hospital was forced into giving their child formula. Myself included. Milk takes a few days to come in. 3 days for some, 5 days for others and even as many as 7 days or more for others. A typical stay in the hospital is 2 days. So for the majority of mothers, your milk will not have yet come in during your stay. You will have colostrum in small amounts. This is perfect for baby, don't see the small amount and feel discouraged or like there is something wrong with you. Babies loose as much as 10% of their birth weight in the first week. Totally normal. So my first suggestion is let the staff know you plan on breastfeeding. Have this in your birth plan in bold and underlined. Have multiple copies of your birth plan for not only your doctor but for all the staff taking care of you. That includes different shifts in both the maternity and postpartum ward. Print a total of at least 10 copies of your plan to give out. I strongly suggest avoiding all artificial nipples as this may lead to nipple confusion in your infant (trust me, I am speaking from experience here). Some may even tell you there is no such thing as nipple confusion. And to those I pity how ignorant they are that they are not knowledgeable in a field that has failed so many breastfeeding relationships. Print out a sign such as this one:

onesie or hat. Very cute ideas. Be prepared for the staff to tell you that you must supplement for various reasons ranging all the way to weight loss, jaundice and dehydration along with any possible medical conditions. If you are forced to feed your baby formula fear not. There are alternatives. First off I encourage you to ask if they have an SNS (supplemental nursing system) you can use. Here are examples of some types of SNS.

This is an example of finger feeding using an SNS

If you are anything like me, I purchased an SNS for cheap on eBay to have on hand at the hospital if I needed it. Luckily I didn't need it and it is a small price to pay for breastfeeding success. If you are unable to buy one ahead of time and your hospital doesn't have any readily available for you there are still options for you. You could ask for a small cup, usually the same cup they dispense medication with, to cup feed your baby. Though this can be a bit messy. Babies will usually lap it up like a little puppy does. I highly recommend asking for a syringe to feed the baby (needle-less of course). This is a fantastic way to not letting baby get used to sucking from an artificial nipple, I know this from experience. All the while I encourage you to first put your baby to the breast and ask for a breast pump to help stimulate milk production. {A HUGE tip upon being discharged: DO NOT TAKE ANY SAMPLES OF FORMULA WITH YOU! it is way to tempting to use it if you have it. I have seen higher breastfeeding success rates among mothers who leave the free formula samples than those that take it. Fight the urge. In this case, free isn't good} I personally had to syringe feed one of my children for the first 2 weeks or so. I was adamant to breastfeed and not give my child an artificial nipple. Syringe feeding isn't the most convenient especially when you are not home or in a moving car. And it is a bit time consuming. My baby still had not really grasped how to do a deep latch yet. So I settled on Adiri bottles to maybe help making feedings easier. The Adiri bottles actually helped teach my baby how to latch on my breast and we have been nursing perfectly ever since. She just needed to be shown how to latch onto something. And using the Adiri bottle that simulates a breast was the perfect thing for us. So if you are having these same problems you may want to try this.

If you find you continue to have latch/ sucking problems with not getting a deep enough latch, I encourage you to check if your child has a lip/tongue tie.

I have heard countless stories of problems with lip and tongue ties and simple snip can fix the problem. Check with your local lactation consultant if you believe your child has a tie. You can also find great resources on this here, here, here, here and here. Also I wanted to let you know that sometimes a snip is not needed at all to fix the problem. One of my children had a lip tie (shown on the top photo) and we were able to nurse just fine without doing a snip.

If you find that nursing is very painful, causing your nipples to crack and bleed or if you hear a clicking sound coming from the baby, these are signs of a bad latch and I encourage you to seek a lactation consultant asap before you add more trauma to the breast. To ease pain on cracked/bleeding/sore nipples I recommend using Lansinoh Lanolin Cream. It really works wonders.

I recommend Kelly Mom as the #1 online reference to everything breastfeeding. Please know that no online reference, Kelly Mom included, replaces a lactation consultant. If you think you have any of the listed complications or any others, please, please, please... call your local LLL Leader and a lactation consultant. Plus if you are a WIC participant, they offer breastfeeding support as well.

If I can leave you with only one golden rule to breastfeeding, it would be to not give up. Keep going, keep trying, you will and can get it.

How to clean the intact penis

2010-10-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

Once again I have found a subject that has been floating around the internet or traveling down from generations with much misinformation. How to clean the intact penis. There is no need to EVER retract your sons penis, not even a little bit. This can cause major trauma and damage and may even lead to the need to circumcise your son. Dont take my word for it, read these articles for yourself.

http://www.askdrsears.com/faq/az3.asp
http://www.drmomma.org/2009/11/raising-intact-sons.html
http://www.circumstitions.com/Care.html
http://www.mothersagainstcirc.org/easy.htm

I also thought I would include some very helpful links for intact boys and how to NOT retract the foreskin and why:

http://www.drmomma.org/2010/11/forced-retraction-dont-let-it-happen-to.html

And the Intact Care Agreement to have on file at your child's pediatricians office:

http://www.mothersagainstcirc.org/care.htm

Exciting News from WIC

2010-10-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

I just got news that WIC offers 6 months of services for women who have suffered any kind of pregnancy loss. This is just amazing. I still dont have all the details, but this may vary by state. I have confirmation though that CA and TX are for sure participating in this. To find information on WIC in your state click here.

Giving water to newborns

2010-09-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

I am shocked at the misinformation there is out there about giving a baby a bottle of water. And to my surprise it come from way too many pediatricians. Experts agree that giving water to a baby is not necessary, may even be harmful, before the age of 6 months.

In your average, healthy baby, there is no need whatsoever to give them a bottle of water or sugar water. Ever. 88% of breast milk is water. Even milk made by formula is over 80% water. Even per the American Academy of Pediatrics says "supplements (water, glucose water, formula and other fluids) should not be given to breastfeeding newborn infants unless ordered by a physician when a medical indication exists... During the first 6 months of age, even in hot climates, water and juice are unnecessary for breastfeeding infants and my introduce contaminants and allergens. " The same thing applies to formula fed babies.

Kellymom has some excellent information on this as well here. Introducing water too early can actually cause jaundice or worsen those with existing jaundice, read about that here. When your baby is ill with vomiting and diarrhea and you are scared about them becoming dehydrated, its not the water you need to replace, its the electrolytes. You can re-hydrate using fluids like pedialyte and infalyte. Here is a good link for those preparing milk with formula. Make sure you are preparing the milk appropriately so as to not cause malnutrition.

After your child reaches 6 months old you still need to be cautious when introducing water. You can easily give your child too much and it can be dangerous or down right fatal. For more information click here about water intoxication in infants.

"I LOVED MY C-SECTION!"

2010-08-19T13:03:00.001-07:00

Ok, really? have we (society as a whole) really become that calloused? That statement was the statement I heard a mother tell another one that was in labor. As soon as she stated that two other mothers chimed in and agreed that they too loved their c-sections and wouldn't give birth any other way. Um, wow. Where do I begin with that one. While I am glad that everything turned out fine for them I have to remind you that a c-section is NOT the norm. It is a MAJOR abdominal surgery with associated risks. I do understand, as most women do, that sometimes a c-section IS necessary. But did you know that only 15% of c-sections done in the US are actually warranted?

http://www.childbirth.org/section/risks.html

http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10271

A Man's Guide to Homebirth

2010-08-14T22:26:00.001-07:00

http://www.drmomma.org/2010/08/mans-guide-to-homebirth.html

Postpartum Disorders

2010-04-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

I know I've touched on it on my previous post but I thought postpartum disorders were important enough to create its very own blog post.

"I'm OK. I know what I'm doing. I'm prepared. It won't happen to me. I don't
even have a history of any mental or emotional problems, so I'm good."

"Excuse me! I think there was a mix-up. This isn't what I signed up for. You see, I signed up for the smiling family, go ga-ga over your baby, feeling passion for life, super-parent gig. You know what I mean, the happy family stuff they show in all of those diaper and infant formula commercials and talk about in the pregnancy and infant books."
Guess what? It doesn't always work that way.

Important Notes
It is important to realize that just because you don't have every symptom on the list that you aren't suffering from a postpartum disorder. Some women may have just a few symptoms. Some, unfortunately, have them all.

Step #1: Know that Free Support Groups Can Help You
Please make sure that you look at both websites for a postpartum support group. If your location isn't listed on one site, it may be listed on the other.
Postpartum Support International
PPD Support
Robyn's Nest
I personally am involved with Baby Blues Connection in Oregon. We have an amazing group of staff and volunteers who screen resources, provide emotional support via telephone, email, and in person, and are constantly learning new information about postpartum and antepartum disorders. I urge you to visit the http://www.babybluesconnection.org for more information if you think that you are a loved one is suffering from postpartum or antepartum depression, anxiety, or psychosis.

Postpartum Blues

The Bad News: Baby blues end within the first 2 or 3 weeks and includes symptoms like:
Mood swings
Crying (with or without a reason)
Sadness
Anxiety
Lack of concentration
Impatience
Irritability
Restlessness / hyperactiv ity
Feeling you need to be cared for
Feeling vulnerable

The Good News: Baby blues occur in about 80 percent of all mothers and is not considered a disorder. It will go away on its own. If you still have postpartum blues after 3 weeks, it may be depression.

How Your Family Can Help:
Give her a shoulder to cry on
Take over the chores
Give her a massage every night
Jump up at every chance to change a diaper or give a feeding (unless she insists that she wants to do it)
Make sure she gets at least one hour alone every day to do something for herself (if you have multiple kids, she may need to leave the house to be alone since kids tend to follow Mom into every room of the house, and you can't bother her either)
Tell her you love her frequently ( and be sure to elaborate on how much you love her)
Brush her hair for at least 5 minutes (it's very relaxing)
Listen to her joys and complaints
Talk to her about non-baby stuff that she's interested in (not just stuff that you're interested in)
Go ga-ga over the baby ( even if you don't feel a bond yet) and thank her for bringing this child into the world, never tell her she is doing a bad job or point out mistakes
Don't go out with the boys (or anyone else) unless she is also getting equal time out with friends
Don't drink alcohol (it impairs your ability to keep your mouth shut when you need to)
Don't smoke anywhere near the kids (especially the baby) or play loud music (both can harm your baby, and doing them is selfish and will surely be met with resentment and an argument)
Bring home a meal (always find out if she has already started making the meal because if she has and you bring som ething else home, she'll probably cry)
Buy her some ultra comfortable clothes and some attractive but comfortable pajamas that are nice enough to wear in front of unexpected company
Don't you dare ask for sex but do be romantic
Hug her frequently
Gently stroke her face and neck
Hold her hand
Rent comedies and watch her "woman shows" (like Oprah) with her (even if you hate them)
Read books about how to be a good parent and taking care of babies in front of her

Postpartum Depression / Anxiety

The Bad News: Postpartum depression can occur at any time within the first year. You may start off having anxiety, but the anxiety may lead into depression. Likewise, you may start off with depression, which may lead into anxiety. Some symptoms are present in both anxiety and depression. Thus, I tie these two disorders together, but it is quite possible to have just symptoms of depression or just symptoms of anxiety. Symptoms may start immediately after birth (but are often mistakenly assumed to be baby blues by many healthcare workers) or they may start gradually and build up over time:
Fatigue (easily getting exhausted or just feeling sluggish or feeling like you need to sleep more)
Insomnia
Changes in appetite (feeling like you need to eat more or not being hungry when you should be)
Poor concentration (easily distracted or confused)
Difficulty making decisions (even simple ones)
Difficulty in solving problems (even simple ones)
Difficulty in completing everyday tasks
Forgetfulness or memory loss
Mood swings (often extreme)
Sadness
Hopelessness (feeling trapped or stuck in an unhappy situation)
Crying (with or without a reason, sometimes uncontrollably)
Thoughts of suicide or running away
Thinking that maybe you made a mistake in having the baby
Irritability (short temper)
Anger (can be difficult to control)
Resentment
Feeling like everything is your responsibility
Feeling overwhelmed or can't cope
Feeling guilty or ashamed about making mistakes, not being the wife or mother you expected to be, or even about things that aren't your fault or have nothing to do with you
Feeling like you aren't good enough, inadequate, or worthless
Lack of interest or motivation (even in things you used to enjoy doing)
Decreased or absent sex drive
Excessive concern about the baby (worried that something bad could happen to the baby)
Feeling like you can't bond with your baby or have lost a bond with your older children
Lack of interest in the baby or not wanting to take care of the baby
Avoiding the baby or other children (often because being close to the baby or other children makes you feel uncomfortable)
Fear of accidentally harming the baby, your other children, or yourself
Fear of going crazy and harming the baby, your other children, or yourself
Fear of sexually abusing your baby or other children when you have no history or intentions of doing so
Fear of other people (including your loved ones) hurting or sexually abusing the baby or your other children (usually you rationally know that the individual isn't hurting or abusing your child, but there's that little "what if" voice that keeps popping up in your head)

The Good News: Postpartum depression can be treated.

First, find a support group for postpartum depression (not just a new mommy group). Online groups are okay to start with, but you really need interaction with humans in the real world. Groups are usually free, and you don't have to talk if you don't want to. You can just listen to what others have to say. You'll probably be quite surprised and comforted to find out that there are other women with the exact same symptoms as you. It really does help you to feel more normal. (In my group sessions, I was amazed at how similar our stories were, and prior to group, I was convinced that I was the only one going through this, like I was "worse than the typical postpartum case." I was even worried that I wasn't sick enough and that I would be faced with a group of women who thought I was weak because I wasn't nearly as bad as the rest of them and couldn't cope, but neither scenario happened to any woman who joined the group. It was all wonderfully supportive.) Look in your phone book, do a search on the Internet, or ask local doctors, nurses, and psychologists for group information.

Then, go to your doctor. Get checked out to make sure you don't have some other problem contributing to your symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or anemia. Find a therapist. Your support group can usually help you find one who specializes in postpartum disorders. If you feel that your therapist doesn't understand your situation (and some of them don't), don't hesitate to switch therapists (and don't feel guilty about it either; it's not your fault that the therapist didn't bother to specialize in your disorder).

If you feel that you aren't making satisfactory progress with psychological therapy alone, consider going to your doctor or finding a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication and getting on an anti-depressant. If you are breastfeeding, do some research on the Internet and talk to
your doctor and your child's pediatrician about what medications are safest, and start with those (I ended up on Zoloft, and it did help turn down the volume on my symptoms enough to help me help myself through therapy, but it didn't cure me, and there are nasty withdrawal effects that can last for months).

Talk to people. Do not isolate yourself from the world. Let yourself be vulnerable. Tell your neighbor how you feel or what you're thinking. Tell your friends and family members. Talk to people in your churches, schools, and at work. Just keep talking to people. Eventually, you will find somebody who understands and can help.

How Your Family Can Help: Do all of the things listed under "Postpartum Blues" plus:
Assure her that she's a good mother (and be sincere, point out examples of why she's a good mother, and don't wait until she's doing the "I'm a horrible mom" cry; say it even when she's smiling)
Remind her that it's her body chemistry that's the problem, not her
Remind her that what she's going through is common and that it's too bad that more women don't talk about it
Gently tell her about the stresses and worries you have now that you're a parent, but don't say it in a way that accuses her or makes you the victim (just let her know that she's not alone without saying something like "You're not the only one suffering here" because she'll begin to feel guilty about her feelings)
Be very forgiving of any angry outbursts (you don't have to sit there and take it, but you do need to remember that it's not her fault)
Don't tell her that she's going stupid because her brain doesn't work the way it used to (just pretend you didn't notice that she made a mistake)
Make sure she has some time to just sit with the baby (no television or distractions) and interact with the new family addition, especially if she is having bonding issues
Keep critics away (old er family members with the "get over it" attitude tend to be the worst, so answer the phone, read the mail, and answer the door before the new mommy does, so you can intercept critics, send them on their way, or quietly remind them not to discuss parenting issues or give advice because she's ultra sensitive at the moment, and immediately interrupt critics if they are in the process of criticizing then try to change the subject of the conversation or make a "we have to get going" excuse)
Keep stimulation to a minimum (background noise, television, a busy schedule, and so forth are all forms of stimulation) because she could end up with stimulation overload which leads to a meltdown
Make sure she gets frequent breaks during which she can be totally alone (at least 5 minutes at a time throughout the day)
Encourage her to join a support group and see a therapist
DO NOT let her become isolated or withdrawn; continue to reach out to her and find other people who can also reach out to her and talk to her frequently

Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The Bad News: Postpartum OCD is horrifying for many women who have it while others just find it inconvenient depending on what obsessions they have. Postpartum OCD stems from anxiety and is usually a result of the mother's natural protective instincts going out of control. It may lead to depression or other anxiety disorders. Your brain starts to show you every horrible thing that could possibly happen to your child. The images are often horrendous and disgusting. There are actually three types of OCD: traditional OCD (having obsessive thoughts which lead you to do various activities called compulsions), pure obsessive disorder (having intrusive, persistent thoughts without compulsions), and responsibility OCD (in which the individual believes that by not carrying out a compulsion, something bad will happen to other people, leading to a sense of guilt). It is also often accompanied by postpartum depression and anxiety. Symptoms include:
Intrusive thoughts or mental images (thoughts that just seem to pop up out of nowhere) that are often about the baby, yourself, or your other loved ones, that are disturbing; you often feel guilty, horrified, or disgusted by these thoughts. They may be irrational or seem perfectly logical. (VERY IMPORTANT: YOU MUST SEEK HELP FROM A PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND MEDICAL DOCTOR IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS. Intrusive thoughts require treatment.)

Obsessing about worries or fears (often worries that you may go crazy or that you may actually carry out some of the horrible intrusive thoughts you've had) so much that they seem to take over your life (much more than in standard depression/anxiety) and may eventually lead to compulsive behavior.
Compulsive behaviors (such as hiding knives because seeing knives reminds you of or creates intrusive thoughts about stabbing the baby, yourself, or another loved one; refusing to give your baby a bath without supervision because you fear you may drown your baby, cleaning excessively so your baby doesn't get sick, checking to make sure your baby is in the backseat of the car in the car seat because you fear you may forget him somewhere, checking seatbelts in car seats repeatedly (even pulling over repeatedly to do so) to make sure they are fast ened correctly, so your baby doesn't fly out during a quick stop or an accident, avoiding the baby so you won't hurt her, constantly trying to keep things in perfect order or organized because you somehow feel that if you can just get organized you can get relief, etc.)

The Good News: Postpartum OCD can be treated using the same methods as postpartum depression and anxiety.

Postpartum OCD does not lead to hurting or killing your child. It does not lead to postpartum psychosis. It can, however, be accompanied by psychosis, so it is very, VERY important that you talk to a professional psychotherapist to determine whether those thoughts are the intrusive thoughts of OCD and the intrusive thoughts of psychosis.

Also, have an open dialogue with your loved ones and partner about the thoughts you are having. Always tell them what you intend to do or if you have any of your thoughts disturb you, even if you think they may reject you for having those thoughts or compulsions. It may seem strange to tell your spouse, "I'm going to check the locks again," but if you get into the habit of doing it, it will actually help you feel more in control by having another person validate your feelings or keep them in check until you can do it yourself.

Take a deep breath. Relax. And, the next time you have an intrusive thought, remind yourself, "It's just the OCD. My brain is just trying to protect my child from everything, including myself, by showing things that potentially could happen, but these things won't happen. These horrible things aren't going to happen because I recognize that they are horrible. If I wasn't disturbed by them, then I would have something to worry about because I would be psychotic, but as long as I recognize that these thoughts are disturbing, they won't happen because I'm still sane, and I will continue to be sane. Postpartum psychosis shows up very quickly after the birth (within a few days), and I'm already past that, so I'm in the clear. I just need to accept that my brain is going to show me some of these thoughts for awhile, so it can quickly pass, and I can go on with my day, enjoying my child and my life."

It may take a few times before you start to believe any of this little paragraph of self-talk (and you may need to write it down on an index card that you carry with you for quick reference, maybe put a note on the back of your hand in ink that says "card" to remind you to look at it when you start having an intrusive thought), but eventually it will become a mantra that you memorize and will automatically pop into your head with every intrusive thought, quickly letting the thought pass on without making you feel like a horrible person. Instead of thinking "how could I think that" you'll begin to think "that darn OCD is doing it again," helping you get past some of the guilt and worry that can just make things worse. Always make sure that you talk to somebody about your thoughts or at least write them down.

Don't stress out about your compulsions. Logically you may realize that what you are doing doesn't make sense ("I know that my hands were clean of germs after the first time I washed them, so I don't need to wash them three times."), but your just don't feel the results you are looking for. The compulsions are like a high. They make you feel better while you're doing them or immediately after you've done them, but eventually (sometimes very soon afterward), that security and relief you felt is replaced by anxiety, and you have to repeat the compulsion to get that feeling of relief again. Feel free to laugh at them rather than be embarrassed by them. ("Isn't it that silly. I just finished washing my hands and now I'm doing it again."). After all, it's not going to hurt you. It's just annoying, but take peace in knowing that eventually the anxiety will go away, and you will be able to feel relief again without your compulsions.

How Your Family Can Help:

Do all of the things listed under "Postpartum Blues" and "Postpartum Depression/Anxiety" plus:
Don't say "how could you ...," "why are you ...," or any other such questions related to the disorder (she doesn't know the answer and it will just make her feel guilty)
Remind her that it's just the disorder
Indulge in her compulsions (keep the kitchen spotless, check the door to make sure that it's locked ten times, babyproof the house, hide the knives, etc.)

Postpartum Panic Disorder

The Bad News: A panic attack makes you feel like you're dying or going crazy. You may start off by going to the hospital or calling your doctor, convinced that you are having a heart attack or that you have a brain tumor or something, only to hear that you are having a panic attack, which makes you feel like a loony. Panic attacks can be so awful that you may eventually start to avoid situations in which you fear you will have a panic attack (such as alone, with social groups, in your car, at school, at work, at home, with your kids, without your spouse, etc.). Panic attacks may even wake you up from a sound sleep. The worst part is not knowing what is causing the panic attack, so you can't remove the stimulus. Panic disorder may occur along with or lead into depression or other anxiety disorders. Symptoms include:
Shortness of breath / difficulty breathing / can't inhale deeply enough or get enough air
Feeling like your choking or your throat is closing up
Hyperventilating
Chest pain and/or pain in other areas of the body (including arms and headaches)
Dizziness
Feeling like you're going to pass out or are suddenly sleepy
Trembling
Numbness
Tingling
Rapid heart beat
Palpitations
Nausea
Feeling like your stomach is in knots
Urge to urinate or defecate
Sweats
Hot flashes
Chills
Feeling like things are unreal (like you're dreaming, out of your body, dying, or going crazy)
Feeling like something bad is going to happen (but you may not know what)

The Good News: You're not dying! You're not going crazy! You're not having a heart attack! It can be treated.

Of course, you should always see your doctor immediately after you have your first panic attack, so you can get checked out to make sure that it isn't something more serious. Plus, your doctor can prescribe medication that may reduce or eliminate future panic attacks.

Panic attacks require you to sit back and go for the ride, reassuring yourself all the while that it will soon be over with. Try to distract yourself. The best thing you can do is go for a walk. Exercise will help you metabolize some of the adrenaline that is causing your symptoms and increases your serotonin levels. Plus, exercise can help reassure you that you aren't dying or going crazy because your symptoms will often decrease in intensity while you exercise (if you're having a heart attack they'll get worse), so as you walk and your symptoms decrease you can take comfort in knowing that you aren't going to die from your panic attack as if it were a heart attack.

Some people take tranquilizers to help them calm down. Others use sedatives and just sleep through the panic attack.

For some people, panic attacks are strictly chemical, but for most people panic attacks are caused by a combination of chemical imbalances and stress or anxiety. Sometimes the stress and anxiety are obvious (like having a new baby and trying to be a parent), but sometimes it can be something deep seated from your past.

Take the same steps as you would for treating postpartum depression and find a therapist who has experience treating panic attacks.

(It really is surprising to find out how many people have panic attacks. Don't be afraid to talk about it with people, and you'll be amazed at how many people say "me too.")

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The Bad News: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when a traumatic event gets "burned" into your mind, and the memory gets played over and over again, often accompanied by feelings of anxiety, dread, or sadness. The traumatic event may be the delivery of the baby, complications of the pregnancy or delivery, or anything else that is "traumatic" like a natural disaster, violence, etc. Sometimes the birth itself will be the event, and sometimes the birth will simply trigger memories of a previous traumatic event that may be completely unrelated to the birth. PTSD may be accompanied by or lead into depression and other anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and OCD. Symptoms include:
Replaying scenes or images of the event repeatedly in your mind
Avoiding anything that triggers the replaying of the event
Nightmares about the event
Consciously avoiding sleep or subconsciously (insomnia) to keep from having nightmares about the event
Subconsciously blocking out aspects of the event from your memory
Actively trying to forget the event
Exaggerated startle response
Feeling guilty about the event happening at all
Feeling guilty about being traumatized by the event

The Good News: Post traumatic stress disorder after delivery can be treated using the same methods used to treat postpartum depression and anxiety. Working with a therapist trained in PTSD and joining a support group are extremely important for the recovery process.

It's especially important for you to recognize the traumatic event as it was, including all of the good and all of the bad. You need to allow yourself to fully experience the event, including all of the grief and feelings of helplessness that surround such events. Once you acknowledge and accept the event for what it was, it becomes easier to let go of the trauma.

Postpartum Psychosis

The Bad News: 5% of women with postpartum psychosis commit suicide. 4% kill their babies. This is as bad as it gets and requires immediate hospitalization. A woman with postpartum psychosis won't realize that she has it. She might even insist that she is perfectly fine, that her thoughts are perfectly normal, and that everybody else is crazy. It is important that you have your family and friends aware of this disorder before you give birth because if you end up developing it, they're probably going to be the ones to notice before you do; they may even need to call 911 to have you restrained and taken to the hospital if you aren't cooperative.

If you have a history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or any other psychotic episodes, you may be more at risk than the average woman to develop postpartum psychosis, but this doesn't mean that you will develop the disorder. It's just something you should be aware of.

Symptoms usually begin within several days of birth but can appear within the first month and, in very rare cases, within the first three months. Symptoms include:
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there and thinking that they are real)
Delusions (holding strong beliefs despite evidence to the contrary, such as believing that you are the queen of England when you obviously aren't or that the baby is the devil or even that there are monsters in the closet)
Unstable, unpredictable emotions that may not seem like the appropriate response to a situation
Behaviors that may not seem like the appropriate response to a situation
Disorientation (not knowing where you are)
Confusion
Extreme insomnia
Extreme anxiety
Extreme agitation
Extreme restlessness
Loss of touch with reality (sometimes described as out of body experiences)

The Good News: It can be treated with medication and intensive counseling.

It occurs in only 0.1% of women who give birth, so the chances of you getting it are low.

I've seen articles about postpartum OCD symptoms being called postpartum psychosis. This is quite upsetting to me. In postpartum OCD you have disturbing, intrusive thoughts, but you realize that they aren't real and you recognize that these thoughts are disturbing. In postpartum psychosis, you believe that those thoughts are real or believe that you need to act on them, that they are situations that have actually happened, and/or you aren't disturbed by these thoughts (and in some cases may think that they're a good idea). I've also seen articles that postpartum psychosis and postpartum depression are the same thing (such as when Andrea Yates, who had postpartum psychosis, was labeled as having postpartum depression). Be assured that they are not the same thing, and we hope that the media will one day figure that out.

What to Expect Postpartum

2010-04-16T22:14:00.000-07:00

Women look forward to the birth of their child, but don't realize how hard the first month after the baby's arrival can be. From sleepless nights to the risk of postpartum depression, there are several things that the new mother must know about in order to keep things in perspective.

First a safety note

Infections can develop a few days after your give birth, which is usually when you're back at home. Call your doctor immediately if you develop a fever over 100 degrees F or if you have any of the warning signs in the contents below.

Ooooo, chills

Some people get chills and shivers immediately after delivery. This goes away within a few hours and is more annoying than a concern.

I can't pee!

Immediately after the birth of your baby (and the initial bonding period) you may be asked to urinate. Your urethra will most likely be swelled shut, and a good pee just isn't going to happen for awhile. The problem with this is that your body doesn't stop producing urine, so your bladder just keeps getting fuller and stretching out, which the doctors call distended. If you can't urinate on your own after about eight hours, your doctor may use a catheter to do it for you.

You want me to move after all of that?

You may be asked to get up and walk around even though you're sure that you couldn't take a single step. You need to move a bit soon after birth and throughout your entire healing process to keep from getting blood clots, but don't try to do too much too soon. Notify your doctor if there is any tenderness, swelling, or redness in your legs (or anywhere else, but in the legs is most common) because it could be a sign of a blood clot.

Postpartum Lochia

Women enjoy the fact that they do not have to deal with their monthly menstrual cycle during pregnancy only to be surprised by the postpartum bleeding known as lochia. Locia is the slothing off of the uterus after the birth of a child. It starts out being bright red and then it will turn brownish pink in color then yellow and finally white or clear and with such a light flow you can get away with just wearing a panty liner. It is not uncommon for there to be large clots the first week after giving birth. If clots are still present a week after giving birth, notify a doctor. Do not wear tampons for lochia bleeding. Nothing should be inserted into the vagina until the doctor says that it is OK. Bleeding can last anywhere from a couple weeks to six weeks. Bleeding longer than six weeks or going through one or more pads per hour are warning signs to look out for, and a foul smell can be a sign of infection. Also, not having a discharge of lochia is a bad thing too, and while you're expected to be tired, be aware of any extreme fatigue and paleness or unusual pulse or blood pressure that could be caused by a loss of blood. Notify your doctor immediately if you have any of these warning signs.

I feel like I've been hit by a truck

You're entire body has just endured an incredible task. Every muscle in your body has had an intense workout. You will most likely be achy, stiff, and sore from head to toe. This usually goes away after the first week or two. Ibuprofen is the best pain killer because it's an anti-inflammatory (unlike acetaminophen). Talk to your doctor about medications and dosages (especially if you're breastfeeding), but when I went through this the dosage was two 200 mg pills (400 mg total) every four hours. Believe it or not, walking can help as well. Some of the soreness is caused by a build up of lactic acid in the muscles, and aerobic activity (walking is an aerobic activity) helps to burn up that acid and reduce the pain.

I look like I've been hit by a truck

All of that pushing puts a strain on your entire cardiovascular system, so some blood vessels may pop during delivery. It's typically harmless if you don't have any cardiovascular problems and leaves you with bloodshot eyes and bruises that normally appear on the face but can pop up anywhere.

Postpartum Cramps (afterbirth pains)

After the baby is born, the uterus starts to return to its normal, pear-sized shape. There can be a fair amount of cramping as this happens and it can be quite painful. Breastfeeding can make it worse. Talk to the doctor about any pain medications that are safe to take, especially if the mother is breastfeeding because your body produces oxytocin during feedings which stimulates the contractions. Ibuprofen works well for this. It can last up to six weeks.

I'm so exhausted

Why wouldn't you be exhausted after everything that you just went through? Get lots of rest. Sleep whenever the baby sleeps because you won't get a chance while she's awake. (Ok, maybe take a shower during one of the naps, but ignore the messy house and sleep, or at least lay down.) If you're in a hospital, sleep may be more difficult because people keep coming in to check your vitals as well as your baby's, but all of that is necessary to ensure that you or your baby don't develop an infection or have any other complications.

Postpartum Hemorrhoids

If you didn't get them during your pregnancy, that doesn't mean you're out of the clear. According to aFamilyDoctor.orgarticle entitled "Hemorrhoids: Reducing the Pain and Discomfort," hemorrhoids can come from the "strain from carrying the baby and from giving birth." Before leaving the hospital, ask the doctor for a stool softener to help make having a bowel movement easier. Be sure to eat plenty of fiber and drink a lot of water to ward off constipation, which can make hemorrhoids worse.

If they become bothersome, take a cotton pad and soak it with witch hazel which is the main ingredient in most over the counter hemorrhoid medications. Place the cotton pad where the hemorrhoids are and leave it there for 30 minutes or so. Also, using a donut seat or the boppy that was bought for the baby to sit on will help.

Constipation?

Yes, yet again you may become constipated. Eat those prunes and lots of fiber. Don't forget to drink lots of water. Moving around can help too. And take those stool softeners!

Excuse me

Along with constipation is gassiness. This will also work itself out, but try to eat small frequent meals and avoid gas producing foods in the meantime.

Hey look! The room is spinning

Changes in blood volume may cause you to get dizzy and light headed. Get up and down slowly, and try to find things to grab onto for balance if necessary.

Oh, my boobies are killing me!!!

Fortunately the pain isn't immediate, but it will happen whether or not you breastfeed. If you don't breastfeed, your breasts will become engorged, and you'll need to use ice packs and pain killers until your body realizes that you aren't going to breastfeed. Just don't express the milk because your body will just make more milk. If you do breastfeed, you'll probably be focused on the nipple pain caused be the frequent sucking of your baby (that pain will go away as your nipples toughen up, usually about a week or two). Plus, when your milk comes in, usually around day 3-6 after giving birth, your body won't really know exactly how much to produce, so chances are it will produce too much, and you'll become engorged. Feeding the baby takes care of that problem. Whether or not you breastfeed, you need to be aware of any warm, tender, or red areas on your breast which may be a sign of infection.

Now I can't stop peeing!

So you finally got to urinate after delivery, and now you can't stop. Your body has been retaining fluid, and now it's time to let it all out. Once again it's time to play "I must be within 50 feet of a bathroom at all times." This goes away after a couple of weeks. Keep drinking your water.

Laugh, sneeze, cough, and dribble

Along with frequent peeing, you may also experience incontinence because your bladder muscles are in a bit of shock after the ordeal and while everything starts moving back into place. Wear a panty liner. If you have a lot of urine leakage, you may need to start investing in incontinence pads. Talk to your doctor about it if it doesn't go away by the end of the normal recovery period. Unfortunately, some women never get their normal bladder control back, but have hope because many do. Start doing your kegels again!

Is it hot in here?

Another way that your body tries to get rid of excess water is by sweating, so don't be surprised if you suddenly have episodes of sweating or hot flashes. Have a fan handy.

Help! I'm going bald

No, you won't go bald, but you will lose some hair. While you're pregnant the amount of hair you shed daily normally is reduced due to hormones. After the delivery of your baby, those hormonal balances resume and your body starts shedding hair again. It may seem like a lot, but I promise you won't go bald. Maybe invest in a new haircut to hide problem spots or get some rockin bangs!

No Postpartum Sex

Sexual intercourse should not resume until after the postpartum six weeks check up. One reason is that the vagina needs time to recover from the birth, plus you are at more risk for infection. Another reason is that it is possible to get pregnant during that time. At the check-up, the doctor will be able to help a couple decide on a birth control method and check to see if the woman is ready to resume sexual relations.

Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression

It is not uncommon for a new mom to feel happy one moment and then weepy the next. Many women experience the baby blues, but according to the Mayo Clinic in the article "Postpartum Depression: Symtoms," about 10 percent of new moms will develop postpartum depression.

The Mayo Clinic says that mood swings, anxiety, sadness, irritability, crying, and decreased concentration are all symptoms of the baby blues and they usually only last a few days to a couple of weeks. For postpartum depression, however, a woman may have insomnia, intense anger, overwhelming fatigue, lack of joy in life, loss of appetite, feelings of shame, problems bonding with her child, withdrawing from loved ones, and they may have thoughts of harming the baby or themselves.

If a new mom is suspected of having postpartum depression, she must seek help immediately. There are treatments for postpartum depression and no woman should spend what is suppose to be one of the happiest times of her life locked in the grips of a treatable condition.

Just remember that postpartum bleeding and cramps are normal, just check with the doctor if it seems excessive after two weeks. Treat hemorrhoids if they apperar. Avoid postpartum sex until the doctor gives approval and a birth control method is in place and pay attention to postpartum emotions. It is ok to be a little weepy the first few weeks after baby arrives, but make sure it does not develop into full blown depression.

Postpartum Supplies: What should you get?

2010-04-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

Most, if not all, moms spend their pregnancy daydreaming of the day their little one will arrive and how life will be with the newest addition. They plan for the labor and birth and what to pack in the hospital bag and what to have ready for baby, but have you given thought to what YOU need after you get home from the hospital? I have come up with a list of items that you may find helpful to have for your postpartum care:

-Herbal sitz bath or spray
-Soak thickKotexpads(NEVER TAMPONS)inwitch hazeland have them in the freezer to help after (keep in mind most witch hazel you find at super markets and drugstores contain 14% alcohol which can actually cause you more burning pain after birth. I suggest buying fromThayers.comdirectly where the alcohol content is much lower)
-Sanitary napkins for when bleeding is lighter
-Consider encapsulating your placenta to help with helping the uterus shrink back, baby blues or postpartum depression
-Belly binding
-Nursing pads
-Cooking ahead of time to give you a break while you recover
-Have a water bottle handy at all times because you will be very thirsty with all the water you are losing (especially if nursing)
-Pain killers. Your Dr may prescribe you a pain kill but if not or if you run out you may want to have Extra Strength Tylenol or Motrin on hand
-Nursing Tanks/Bras
-Mothers Milk Tea to help with milk production
-Lanolin Breast Creamfor sore nipples
-Breast pump. This one is a maybe depending on your plans after you have had the baby or if you plan to store or increase your milk. (keep in mind you don't have to buy, you can rent. But be sure to get a hospital grade pump)
-Iron Supplements (To replenish iron stores lost during the birth. Some iron supplements can cause constipation, which should be avoided after birth, so be sure to combine any supplements with fiber-rich foods and fluids.)

Things you should have that you will probably get at the hospital
-Numbing spray for the perineum
-A peri bottle to help with going pee so that it doesn't burn
-STOOL SOFTENER... (note that this doesn't make you go. It makes it much less painful.) If your hospital supply runs out be sure to get some at your local pharmacy
-Mesh panties (one size fits all). They are great so that you don't ruin good underwear.
-Perineal ice packs

I found this site that has many items for postpartum care. The whole site is great so browse around.
http://www.supportedbirthazstore.com/servlet/the-Birth-Supplies-cln-Postpartum/Categories

About witch hazel for postpartum care
If you've had stitches or tears, they will hurt while they're healing. Whatever you do, don't wipe over your stitches! Wiping over your stitches is just painful. Don't even think about doing it. You can gently (very gently) blot your stitches dry after cleaning yourself with water. Witch hazel pads can help cut down the sting, but remember to blot instead of wipe. You can also put witch hazel pads directly on your sanitary pad.

Witch hazel is an inexpensive and safe choice for proper perineal care.

Midwifery Todaynotes that witch hazel can be safely applied directly to the perineum or you can try soaking a cloth in cold water, wringing it out thoroughly and putting witch hazel on it before applying to the perineum.The Mayo Clinicagrees that witch hazel is a safe perineum treatment and suggests placing chilled witch hazel pads on your perineum to aid in the soothing and healing process.

Instead of a commercial peri-care spray you can also simply fill a little spray bottle with witch hazel and spray away. This spray is a healing and safer choice than many store bought sprays.

After you use the bathroom grab that postpartum vaginal perineal bottle the hospital or your midwife gave you. Fill the bottle with warm water and a dash of witch hazel - squirt onto your perineal area to cleanse and help reduce swelling.

Witch hazel pads and sprays can also be used to help treat and soothpostnatal hemorrhoidsas well. Follow the directions above except apply pads and sprays to the hemorrhoids.

WHERE TO GET WITCH HAZEL:

Many commercial witch hazel products contain more alcohol than witch hazel so you need to be careful when choosing a witch hazel product. Good options include…

Witch Hazel Extractfrom Mountain Rose Herbs. This line of witch hazel has been double distilled in only a 14% alcohol base.

Thayers Original Witch Hazel w/Aloe Vera Astringent Pads- Thayers witch hazel products are all made with non-distilled witch hazel extract.(HIGHLY RECOMMEND)

100% Certified Organic Witch Hazel Hydrosol- hand harvested and steam distilled from USDA Certified Wild Crops Forest. Made with simply fresh leaves, twigs and bark

Starwest Botanicals Witch Hazel Extractis a clear, colorless distillate prepared from recently cut and partially dried dormant witch hazel twigs - containing natural oils and 14% alcohol.

NOTE:No matter what perineal care products or treatments you try, always contact your midwife or doctor right away if the pain in this area intensifies, if the area feels very hot, overly swollen or you have pus-like discharge. All of the above may indicate an infection that require immediate treatment.

BONUS TREAT:I know all this talk of hemorrhoids and peri care is not the most fun. With that in mind why not make a treat with witch hazel? Try this superHomemade Organic & Refreshing Herbal Facial Toner recipe.

Breastfeeding Supplies At A Discount

2010-03-18T22:12:00.000-07:00

If you have pumped your milk before you will know that the supplies are NOT cheap. It's suggested that you don't buy used pumps or accessories because of others milk (or bodily fulids) coming in contact with with the parts. What they dont tell you is that you can replace most if not all of those parts that another mothers milk comes into contact with. I found a couple of websites that offer replacement parts and just parts and accessories in general for very affordable costs.

http://www.mybreastpump.com/Medelapumpinstylepage.html

I have found that above link to be great for replacement parts when say you buy a used pump on craigslist or through another forum or family member.

I also love this link:
http://www.elitebreastfeeding.com/

She is a certified lactation consultant, so she knows how to actually use what she is selling, and she offers fantastic support for any moms having a hard time nursing/ pumping on her 'Resources' tab. Her ebay store has fantastic affordable items as well. Check it out here:http://stores.ebay.com/Elite-Breastfeeding-SuppliesI have personally bought from her ebay store and highly recommend her. She has great communication with her buyers, super fast and affordable shipping, she is very knowledgeable about what you need and dont need. So she wont be one to sell you something you dont need. She has fantastic supplimentation products to avoid nipple confusion, great herbal remedies to help increase milk and one more added bonus is that she is a work at home mom so by buying from her you are supporting her and her kids (instead of some big corporation that already has millions of dollars). She is here locally in Southern California. Specifically in Corona and she is willing to have (on a case by case basis because we all know there are crazies out there) people come for a local pick up to save on shipping. This is also a fantastic option when purchasing nursing bras (which by the way she sells fantastic ones!) because we all know how much our bodies change when pregnant. She allows you to try them on and see what actually fits once your milk comes in, instead of shipping back and forth and delaying you being comfortable in your new bra. Anyway, check out the links, Im sure you will love them as much as I do.

National Stillbirth Society

2010-03-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

Now I know pregnancy is a happy time filled with such hope and dreams for your little one and no one wants to bring you down or scare you with talk of stillbirth. But the truth of the matter is stillbirth is a real problem and can happen to anyone. It happened to me. I came across this article which breaks down how big of a problem stillbirth is and why isn't anything being done about it.

That's why I think its important to share this new site I came across to get the facts out there about stillbirth and how you can check for any warning signs of fetal distress.http://www.stillnomore.org/main.htm. This site has a wealth of information for those that have had a loss and those that have not and want to take every precaution they do not become a statistic as well.

My favorite pages in this site are the following:

http://www.stillnomore.org/goals.htm- This link shows the sites 10 specific goals including
1. Public Awareness - awareness of S.A.D.S. (sudden antenatal Death Syndrome)
2. Stillbirth Certificates - because moms of stillborn babies are still moms
3. Uniform Protocols - so that we can collect data from stillborn babies to help prevent it in the future
4. Manage Pregnancy - this is to better detect possible problems
5. Home Monitoring - fetal death is a process which can take up to several hours, so if a problem is detected early on you could save your baby's life
6. Specialty Clinics - again this is to enhance early detection of possible problems
7. Why Kick Counts - your baby's kicks let you know they are ok
8. Research Center - to further research on these "perfect babies" that die for no apparent reason
9. Organ Donation - a part of us dies when our baby is born still, yet there is a chance for a part of our baby to live on
10. Parent Network - to defeat stillbirth as a group

http://www.stillnomore.org/vianate.htm- I like how they have coined the word "vianate" because to call an infant that is capable of surviving outside the womb on its own a "fetus" is absurd.
http://www.stillnomore.org/facts.htm
http://www.stillnomore.org/main.htm
http://www.stillnomore.org/states.htm

Hands Free Pumping

2010-02-19T22:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/hands-free-pumping.html

Breastfeeding Resources

2009-12-21T22:09:00.000-08:00

Breastfeeding Resources

Articles on Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding the Hospitalized Babyhas excellent advice and encouragement for moms who are pumping for a baby in the hospital. There are also great links onBreastmilk and the Preterm BabyandResources for Parents of Preemies.

Nursing an adopted babyis another reason that many women decide to pump. Take a break and read some touching stories aboutbreast milk donationsandpumping to relactate.

Wide Smileshas information on pumping, especially for children with cleft palate.

La Leche League InternationalBreastfeeding Information -- the FAQ has a section on Working and Breastfeeding that covers choosing a pump, frequency, and storing breastmilk.

Returning to work & breastfeedingis probably the most common reason that woman pump milk.World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action(WABA) includes a section on Breastfeeding Rights of Working Women, andThe Working Cowhas good tips for working while breasfeeding, including sections on "Preparing for work," "Buying a pump," "Increasing your supply" and there's even a survey! http://www.promom.org/ http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=5&Itemid=17 http://bfnews.blogspot.com/ http://www.kellymom.com/

http://modules.fcny.org/pplus/breastfeeding/Getting_Started/#Getting_Started_Intro_01

Health Issues

Growth Charts

Average Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies

Pediatrics

Medicationduring lactation. There are actually very few medical conditions that require a medication contraindicated during lactation.BF & Meds-- a complete list of drugs you might be taking while breastfeeding, with links to more information. Also,Tom Hale'sbook is a standard reference on medications while lactating.

Herbal Galactagoguesare useful for boosting milk supply. Also known asHerbal Remedies for Increasing Milk Supply.

Treatment options for Yeast Infestationswas put together by one of our very own list members.

Nutrition recommendationsfor breastfeeding mothers. This has some good info on how nutrients are used by the mother's body.

Allergy elimination diet. Many times colic, skin rashes, and other problems are caused by an allergy to something the mother is eating. This doesnotmean that the mom should stop breastfeeding! This site gives some dietary recommendations to avoid common allergens.

The Vegan dietduring pregnancy and lactation.

Dr. Jack Newmanis a pediatrician with some excellent articles on breastfeeding, including advice for working moms.

Human milk bankingis a wonderful way to make use of surplus pumped milk! There are severalmilk banksin North America.

Legislation & Advocacy

The Breastfeeding Advocacy Page

ProMoMis an organization dedicated to promoting breastfeeding.

Minnesota billrequiring employers to make "reasonable accomodations" for pumping mothers at work.

Proposed federal legislationsupporting pumping mothers who work.

Breastfeeding and the Lawfrom LLLI.

Pump Manufacturers

Bailey Medical

Ameda/Egnellhas a site but there's nothing there yet!

Aventmakes the new and very popular Isis hand-held pump.

Medelamakes the Lactina, the Pump In Style, the Mini-Electric and other popular pumps.

White River Conceptsmakes several breast pumps, both manual and electric.

Retailers

Breastpumps, etc.

NEW

Breastfeeding Essentialssells Medela and Avent breastpumps and breastfeeding accessories and has a breastfeeding information library covering some 20 topics.

Family Resourcessells many brands of pump (Avent, Ameda/Egnell, Medela, Nurture III, MagMag), nursing clothes and accessories.

Internet Babysells the Medela and Avent pumps as well as loads of baby items.

Knox Breastfeeding Accessoriessells the Ameda/Egnell and Nurture III pumps.

Lactation Innovationsells Medela pumps and other nursing supplies. There are also some good info sheets on thrush, pumping tips, and more.

Motherlovesells herbs and other remedies.

Mothers Naturesells Medela pumps and other nursing supplies.

Nursing Mother Suppliessells Medela and Ameda Egnell pumps, as well as breastpads and other nursing supplies.

Sparrow's Nestsells Medela and Nurture III breast pumps as well as other nursing supplies.

Stony Mountain Botanicalssells herbs and teas. The site also features recipes for natural remedies. http://www.pumpstation.com/pumpstation/

Pumping FAQ's

Supply Boosters

Relaxation Techniques

Letdown Techniques

Frequency and Duration

Thrush Remedies

Milk Storage

Tips to lessen the time it takes to pump

Pump Suction

Pump Brands

Acryonyms used on the Pumping Moms List

Vegan Pregnancy

2009-12-21T22:07:00.000-08:00

Super Foods for Pregnancy and Lactation

by Cathe Olson

What you eat makes a big difference in how you feel physically and emotionally while pregnant orbreastfeedingYour diet also directly affects the health of your baby.Veganwomen must take extra care to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need in order for mother and baby to thrive.

Following are foodsthat I found especially beneficial during pregnancy and lactation.

Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are good sources of protein, fiber,calcium, iron, thiamine, and niacin. They are a crucial part of avegetarian diet. Make a big batch of beans when you have time and freeze them in small containers. Canned beans are available also. They are just slightly lower in nutrients than home cooked due to the high heat processing. Canned beans usually contain high amounts of sodium, however. Draining and rinsing away the canning liquid will remove a lot of the sodium.

Soybeans provide more protein than any other bean or legume, making them a staple of many vegan diets. Soybeans are rich in many nutrients, including calcium and iron. Fermented soy products like tempeh or miso are especially beneficial because they contain healthy bacteria and enzymes that aiddigestion, and thephytic acidis neutralized by the culturing process.

Avoid fabricated soy foods (e.g., fakemeats, protein powders) made withsoy proteinisolates or textured vegetable protein, which are created using a highlychemical processand usually have MSG or artificial flavors added. Also, keep in mind that although soy is a great protein source, it is not the only one. Moderation and variety are important in a vegetarian diet and you shouldn’t rely on any one food for nutrients.

Whole Grains
Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, millet, and oats supply fiber, minerals, B complex vitamins, and protein. Buy the least processed grain types you can find. Many commercially prepared grains have the germ and bran removed to increase shelf life and shorten preparation time. Even if they are “enriched,” this does not replace the nutrition that was lost in the processing.

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables and Cabbage Family Vegetables
Dark green leafy vegetables (kale,collard greens, watercress, etc.) are especially important while pregnant or lactating because they supply so many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Dark leafy green vegetables also are rich in phytochemicals like beta carotein and lutein which protect against many forms of cancer. Certain greens like spinach and Swiss chard are high in oxalic acid, which inhibit the absorption of much of the calcium and iron. Cooking helps to neutralize some of the oxalic acid.

Vegetables from the cabbage family (broccoli, brusseles sprouts, cabbage, etc.) are exceptional sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. They are also rich in phytochemicals that have anticancer properties.

Dark green leafy vegetables and cabbage family vegetables provide important nutrients that help to promote a plentiful milk supply for your baby. Buy fresh, organic vegetables whenever possible and eat at least one serving every day.

Cultured and Fermented Foods
Naturally cultured and fermented foods contain enzymes and bacteria that help digest food and eliminate wastes. They also help build up friendly bacteria in the intestines, which is especially important after taking antibiotics. (Most hospitals give women antibiotics during labor.) Eat plenty of fermented foods during pregnancy when your digestive system may be sluggish. They can help prevent constipation and other digestive problems, and are useful in preventing and treating yeast infections.

Cultured and fermented foods include natural, unpasteurized miso, naturally fermented vegetable pickles and sauerkraut, yogurt, and Rejuvelac. Never boil these foods as high temperatures will destroy the beneficial bacteria.

Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses contains high amounts of calcium and iron, plus magnesium, potassium, copper, and chromium. Buy organic, unsulphured molasses and use it to sweeten porridge, smoothies, and baked goods.

Nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast is an exceptional source of almost all B complex vitamins as well as being high in protein. Look fornutritional yeast flakesenriched with vitamin B12 like Red Star® Vegetarian Support Formula. Nutritional yeast flakes can be added to soups, sauces, tofu scrambles, cereals, smoothies, and other foods.

Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seedsare good sources of fiber, protein, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Be sure to eat flaxseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and/or walnuts to get omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for baby’s brain and nervous system development as well as your own health. Nuts and seeds can be eaten raw or toasted. Small seeds like sesame and flax must be ground in a coffee grinder, seed grinder, or blender in order for nutrients to be utilized. Nut and seed butters are delicious on crackers or toast or used as a dip or sauce.

Note: Allergies to peanut products affect approximately 1% of the U.S. population. Although there hasn’t been extensive research on fetal sensitization, recent studies suggest that when a pregnant woman consumes peanut products, the fetus may be exposed to peanut allergens. If there is a predisposition to allergies, the infant could develop a peanut allergy. Therefore, parents with food allergies and/or family histories of nut allergies may want to avoid peanuts while pregnant or breastfeeding. Almond butter, cashew butter, pumpkin seed butter, or tahini (sesame seed butter) can replace peanut butter in sandwiches and recipes.

Pregnancy and lactation are wonderful, special times in a woman’s life. The baby you are nurturing is truly an incredible gift, and the experience of giving birth is something you will always remember and cherish. Eating these super foods will help you to feel strong and vibrant so you will be able to make the most of this special time.

Recipes

Cashew yogurt is delicious alternative to dairy or soy yogurt. It is a good source of protein, iron, magnesium, and zinc as well as beneficial bacteria and enzymes.

Cashew Yogurt
This creamy, nondairy yogurt just takes a few seconds to mix up. The incubation period is 8 to 24 hours depending how warm you keep it.

1 cup raw cashews

1 cup water

Place cashews in blender and grind to a coarse powder. Add water and blend until smooth. It should have a consistency of heavy cream. Pour mixture into a jar and place in warm location (70ºF to 100ºF). Cover with a light towel or napkin. Start checking the yogurt after 6 hours. First you should notice bubbles forming. When it has formed thick curd with a layer of liquid (whey) on the bottom, cover and transfer to refrigerator. Chill for at least one hour. When ready to eat, stir the whey and yogurt together. Add a little agave nectar, maple syrup, molasses, fruit, or jam if desired. Yogurt will keep refrigerated up to a week.

Makes 2 cups

Note: Choose a place where the temperature will remain constant to incubate your yogurt. I like to fill a small cooler with warm water and place the jar in the water (make sure the water is below the level of the jar). Another good place is on top of the pilot light in a gas stove. As long as the temperature in your house is at least 70ºF, you can place the jar anywhere. Keep in mind, the lower the temperature, the longer the incubation. At 70ºF, it will take about 20 hours.

CatheOlsonis the author of the new nondairy ice cream cookbook:Lick It! Cream Dreamy Vegan Ice Cream Your Mouth Will Love, as well asSimply Natural Baby FoodSimply Natural Baby Food andThe Vegetarian Mother's Cookbook. Visit Cathe's Web site atwww.simplynaturalbooks.comand her blog athttp://catheolson.blogspot.com.

Want to increase your milk supply? This could help!

2009-12-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

I got this recipe emailed to me forLactation Cookiesand I thought I would share:

Ingredients

1 C butter
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
4 T water
2 T flaxseed meal
(no substitutions)
2 Lg eggs
1 t vanilla
2 C flour
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
3 C Thick cut oats
1 C Chocolate chips
2 T Brewers Yeast
(no substitutions)

Preparation

Preheat oven at 375.

Mix 2 T of flaxseed meal and water, set aside 3-5 minutes.
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs.
Stir flaxseed mix into butter mix and add vanilla. Beat until well blended.

Sift: dry ingredients, except oats and choc chips. Add butter mix to dry ingredients.

Stir in the oats and then the choc chips.
Drop on parchment paper on baking sheet.

Bake 8-12 minutes.

Enjoy!

I found even more lactation recipes online that I thought I would share:

RED DATES TEA

8 stoned red dates
50g black beans, pan-fried without oil (My confinement Nanny taught me to fry a lot & keep in an air-tight container.)
10g dried longan flesh
20g "Tong Sum" ("DangShen")
4 slices old ginger

Rinse everything and put in a crockpot (slow cooker). Put in boiling water to 3/4 full (~1.25litres of water). Simmer for about 2 to 3 hrs. Usually I put in everything (except I use cool tap water) at night before I go to bed. In the morning, it is fragrant & ready!

Sieve the tea to drink throughout the day. Can drink as often as you wish.

PAPAYA SOUP

1 white fish tail or fish bones or fish meat ~ about 1kg
100g raw peanuts ~ 1 handful?
(I use black beans now because the pediatrician advised me to avoid peanuts due to my baby's mild eczema)
1 raw or half-ripe papaya, about 1kg - cut into cubes/wedges
1 piece tangerine peel
4 slices old ginger
1.5 litres boiling water
2 Tablespoons oil

Heat oil & fry ginger slices, then fry fish in oil until brown.

Then put all ingredients into the slow cooker and simmer for about 2 to 3 hrs - generally until the soup smells really fragrant.

Then enjoy the drink!

Another way that my Mother-in-Law swears by - she says that's what the lactating mothers in her Village (in Guangzhou China) cook, is just to put "Bak Zao Yu" (Dried Octopus?) instead of the fish. Then all you need to do is to rinse all ingredients & put in slow cooker. My MIL also says to use really RAW papaya (when the sap is still "dripping" - now where would I find that, huh?).

FILIPINO SAYOTE CHICKEN SOUP
(Learnt this recipe from a Filipino Mother. Adding the Sayote to an otherwise ordinary Chicken Soup seems to make it really sweet & delicious!)

1 Sayote (or "Choyate" - can even buy from NTUC supermarket or wet markets), cut into cubes.
1 or 2 large chicken thighs (scald & rinse)
1 or 2 tomatoes, cut into quarters.
1 onion, cubed.
2 slices ginger
1 carrot, cubed.

Put all ingredients into the crockpot with Hot water and simmer for at least 2 hours. I also like to use this soup for chicken macaroni - then the older kids can also have a meal of it!

TIGER'S MILK

This recipe was obtained from the Pumping Mothers' Mailing List that I subscribe to.

1/2 cup frozen undiluted orange juice (or any fresh fruit, a couple of bananas, peaches, blueberries, strawberries),
1 cup fresh skim milk,
1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract,
1-3 teaspoons Safflower Oil.

Blend all the above in a blender.

Add:

3/4 cup instant powdered skim milk,
1/4 - 1/2 cup Brewer's Yeast (may want to start low and build-up STRONG TASTE).

Stir above mixture in 2-3 cups skim milk. Drink at least 1/2 cup at a time, at least 4 times a day.

(Brewer's Yeast is available at health food and natural stores. Also some pharmacies and grocery stores)

I haven't tried it myself. Why not try it yourself and see? One mother on my Asia Parents' List had this comment: "I've tried making this once. Not bad tasting, but I only drank for two days. Still cannot see the difference. I think you have to drink many days in order to see the result. For me, enough sleep makes much more difference."

Some mothers also say that eating flavourful foods that contain lots of spices (like in Curries), garlic, ginger, etc. seems to help. You might also want to read about the effects of the culinary spice (commonly used in Indian Curries) "Fenugreek - Overlooked but Not Forgotten" on breastmilk production.

Fennel/ Barley Water
Ingredients – half cup of pearled barley, 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds

1. Prepare barley water by soaking half cup barley in 3 cups of water and boil for 25 minutes
2. Strain out the barley drink and add into soup
3. Pour 1 cup of barley of boiling barley over 1 teaspoon fennel seeds and steep for no longer then 30 minutes.

Tip: This combination not only increases the breast milk but also ease the afterpains and settles the digestion of the mother and baby

Seaweed Soup
Ingredients – Seaweed ( get from korean shop), Sesame Oil, Organic stewed beef / clam (you may omit for vegetarian), 4-5 cloves of garlic, beef dashida ( or beef / clam stock), Sea salt, 4-5 cups of water

1. Take a handful of seaweed and soak in cold water for about 15 mins. The seaweed will expand and soften.
2. Drain and cut the seaweed into smaller pieces
3. Pour a bit of sesame oil into the cooking pan. Heat the pan to medium and add garlic and seaweed and stir
4. Add water and beef
5. Bring all together until boil
6. Season with salt and 1 teaspoon of dashida

Tip: korean swear to this must-have recipe for increasing of milk supply. Consume twice a day to help increase milk supply.

Mom fights, gets delivery she wants

2009-12-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

I found this great article about a mom who refused to have another c-section and was able to have the V-BAC she wanted.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/12/17/birth.plan.tips/index.html

I personally like the end of the article that has tips on if you want to avoid a c-section.

Not every mother wants to avoid a C-section -- in fact, some request them -- but if you do, here are some tips for what to ask your doctor (or midwife) in the delivery room if the suggestion is made that it's time to give up on a vaginal birth and head to the operating room.

1. "Doctor, is this an emergency, or do we have time to talk?"

Sometimes you need a C-section to save your life, your baby's life, or both. In those cases, there's no room for discussion.

Delivery room emergencies include excessive bleeding, a breech position where the baby is headed out foot-first, or when the baby has certain heart rate problems, according to Flamm.

"In these situations, this is not a good time to talk about your desires for a natural birth," Flamm says.

2. "Doctor, what would happen if we waited an hour or two?"

The vast majority of the time, when your doctor or midwife tells you it's time for a C-section, it's not an emergency, Flamm says.

In many cases, women just need more time to labor, he adds. In fact, he says the No. 1 reason for a C-section is "failure to progress" during labor. "If that's what we're talking about, then it's not an emergency," he says.

3. "Doctor, are you sure the baby is too big for me to deliver?"

Sometimes parents are told a baby is too big to deliver vaginally. Dr. Ware Branch, medical director of women and newborns clinical program at Intermountain Healthcare in Utah, says parents should ask whether a C-section is absolutely necessary, especially if labor hasn't advanced very far.

"If it was my wife in labor and she's three or four centimeters dilated and the obstetrician says the baby's head is too big and she can't deliver him, I'd say, 'Nonsense, she hasn't really had a trial of labor, doctor.' "

4. "Doctor, is there something else I can try before having a C-section?"

Antunes, a spokeswoman for DONA International, which certifies doulas, says there may be options such as maneuvers like the one she used on Ste. Marie to get a slow labor moving.

5. "Doctor, can we talk more about the baby's heart rate?"

If you're told you need a C-section because of the baby's heart rate, try to get your doctor or midwife to be as specific as possible.

Some heart-rate problems mean a C-section is necessary immediately, but other types of heart-rate issues are not nearly as serious, and you may be able to labor longer.

"This is a very gray area," says Debbie Levy, a certified nurse midwife in Marietta, Georgia. "It takes years to learn how to read fetal heart tones, and it's not an exact science."

Levy says it can be difficult to ask these questions when the person delivering your baby says it's time for a C-section, especially since mom and dad are often exhausted.

"This is a very tough discussion to have in the delivery room," she says. "You're vulnerable, because you're talking about your baby's well-being."

But she says as long as it's not an emergency, you should have these delivery room conversations with your doctor or midwife.

"You shouldn't be afraid to speak up and say you'd like to try to labor longer," she says.

Car Seat Installation & Inspection Locations

2009-12-15T22:05:00.000-08:00

I have already posted a few times about the safety of having a car seat installed correctly. I cannot stress the importance, it can mean your child's life. http://www.seatcheck.org/

When Is Your Estimated Due Date? How Is It Calculated?

2009-12-10T22:03:00.000-08:00

How Your Estimated Due Date (EDD) is Calculated

Discuss the best way of determining your expected due date with your caregiver. It may be wise and more realistic to determine a range of dates. I generally ask my clients to be prepared to be pregnant up to five days past their Woods' due date. Also, when dealing with those concerned, well-meaning questions of "when is your baby due?", try giving a due 'season' instead of a specific date. That way instead of calling and wondering if you're in labor on April 2, Aunt Susie is more likely to wait at least until after Easter. Most importantly, remember that due dates are often incorrect and we should never intend to announce (or decide!) the baby's birthday before it has even arrived. Your baby has the all-important job of initiating labor. Just sit back and wait for his (or her) cues!

There are several ways to calculate your expected due date, including using your date of conception, Naegle's rule, the Woods due date, lunar months, sonogram, amniocentesis, gestational wheel (based on Naegle's rule), and cues throughout pregnancy.

Naegle's rule:(this is the method used by the medical community) date of your last period - 3 months + 7 days = EDD.
This method assumes you have a 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulated on day 14, and is less accurate for first time moms who tend to go beyond the calculated due date. It also does not take leap year into account.
Wood's method:formulated by a Certified Nurse Midwife (who also is a Yale nurse midwifery professor) and takes into account individual menstrual cycle variations as well as if the pregnancy is the first or not. The formula goes as follows:
Add one year to the first day of the last menstrual period, then
For first time mothers, subtract 2 months and 2 weeks (14 days)
For second time (or more) mothers, subtract 2 months and 2 1/2 weeks (18 days)
Add or subtract the number of days your cycle varies from 28.
This method takes into account whether or not this is your first pregnancy, and your individual cycle length. It has been found to usually be accurate within 3-5 days.
Using LMP (last menstrual period):from the date of your last menstrual period add 280 days. Using the date of conception, add 266 days.

Using Pregnancy cues:After 20 weeks the fundal height approximately equals the number of weeks gestation. Baby's first movement can usually be first felt around 16-18 weeks. The baby's heartbeat can first be heard around 16-18 weeks with a fetoscope (earlier with a doptone) and should be heard by twenty weeks.
Due dates determined by sonogram are not very reliable, especially as the pregnancy progresses. This method is more accurate when determined very early in pregnancy and should always be used in conjunction with other methods.

Attachment Parenting

2009-12-09T22:01:00.000-08:00

What is Attachment Parenting?(aka crunchy parenting among many online communities)

Attachment parenting, a phrase coined by pediatrician William Sears,is a parenting philosophy based on the principles of the attachment theory in developmental psychology. According to attachment theory, the child forms a strong emotional bond with caregivers during childhood with lifelong consequences. Sensitive and emotionally available parenting helps the child to form a secure attachment style which fosters a child's socio-emotional development and well being. Less sensitive and emotionally available parenting or neglect of the child's needs may result in insecure forms of attachment style, which is a risk factor for many mental health problems. In extreme and rare conditions the child may not form an attachment at all and may suffer from reactive attachment disorder as defined in DSM-IV and ICD-10. Principles of attachment parenting aim to increase development of child's secure attachment and decrease insecure attachment.

Although there is research which shows that when mothers are taught to increase their sensitivity to an infant's needs and signals, this increases the development of the child's attachment security,there are no conclusive empirical efficacy studies on Sears attachment parenting.

Eight principles of attachment parenting

Per Dr. Sears' theory of attachment parenting (AP), proponents such as the API attempt to foster a secure bond with their children by promoting eight principles which are identified as goals for parents to strive for. These eight principles are:

Preparation for Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting

Feed with Love and Respect

Respond with Sensitivity

Use Nurturing Touch

Ensure Safe Sleep, Physically and Emotionally

Provide Consistent Loving Care

Practice Positive Discipline

Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life

These values are interpreted in a variety of ways. Many attachment parents also choose to live a natural family living (NFL) lifestyle, such as natural childbirth, home birth, stay-at-home parenting, co-sleeping, breastfeeding, babywearing, homeschooling, unschooling, the anti-circumcision movement, natural health, cooperative movements, naturism and support of organic and local foods.

However, Dr. Sears does not require a parent to strictly follow any set of rules, instead encouraging parents to be creative in responding to their child's needs. Attachment parenting, outside the guise of Dr. Sears, focuses on responses that support secure attachments.

Discipline

Attachment parents seek to understand the biological and psychological needs of the children, and to avoid unrealistic expectations of child behavior. In setting boundaries and limits that are appropriate to the age of the child, attachment parenting takes into account the physical and psychological stage of development that the child is currently experiencing. In this way, parents may seek to avoid frustration that occurs when they expect things beyond the child's capability. According to Arnall (2007), discipline means teaching the child by gentle guidance, such as re-direction, natural consequences, listening and modeling, and not by punitive means such as spanking, time-out, grounding, and punitive consequences.

Attachment parenting holds that it is vital to the survival of the child that he be capable of communicating needs to the adults to have those needs promptly met. Dr. Sears advises that, while still an infant, the child is mentally incapable of outright manipulation. Unmet needs are believed, by Dr. Sears and other AP proponents, to surface beginning immediately in attempts to fulfill that which was left unmet. AP looks at child development as well as infant and child biology to determine the psychologically and biologically appropriate response at different stages. Attachment parenting does not mean meeting a need that a child can fulfill himself. It means understanding what the needs are, when they arise, how they change over time and circumstances, and being flexible in devising ways to respond appropriately.

Similar practices are called natural parenting, instinctive parenting, intuitive parenting, immersion parenting or "continuum concept" parenting.

For more information on how to do AP check out these site:http://www.attachmentparenting.org/

http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bparentstyle/0,,489j,00.html

Baby Wearing

2009-12-09T21:59:00.000-08:00

What is baby wearing?

Babywearing is the practice of wearing or carrying a baby or child in a sling or other form of carrier. Babywearing is far from new and has been practiced for centuries around the world. In the industrialized world, babywearing has gained popularity in recent decades, partly under influence of advocates of attachment parenting; however, not all parents who babywear consider themselves attachment parents. Babywearing is a form of baby transport.

Benefits of babywearing

Dr. William Sears, a pediatrician, coined the phraseattachment parenting.One of Sears' principles of attachment parenting is babywearing and he attributes many benefits to babywearing and the in-arms style of parenting.

Benefits of babywearing include:

-Mothers' progesterone (mothering hormone) is increased through physical contact with the infant, leading to a more intimate maternal bond, easier breastfeeding and better care, thus lowering the incidence of postpartum depression and psychosomatic illness.

-Infants who are carried are calmer because all of their primal/survival needs are met. The caregiver can be seen, heard, smelled, touched, tasted, provide feeding and the motion necessary for continuing neural development, gastrointestinal and respiratory health and to establish balance (inner ear development) and muscle tone is constant.

-Infants are more organized. Parental rhythms (walking, heartbeat, etc.) have balancing and soothing effects on infants.

Infants are "humanized" earlier by developing socially. Babies are closer to people and can study facial expressions, learn languages faster and be familiar with body language.

-Independence is established earlier.

-Attachment between child and caregiver is more secure.

-Decreases risk of positional plagiocephaly ("flat head syndrome") caused by extended time spent in a car seat and by sleeping on the back. Sleeping on the back is recommended to decrease the risk of SIDS. Cranial distortion resulting from non-vehicular time in car seats has shown to be more severe than in children who develop plagiocephaly from back-lying on a mattress.Concern over plagiarize has also led the American Academy of Pediatrics to recommend that infants “should spend minimal time in car seats (when not a passenger in a vehicle) or other seating that maintains supine positioning.None of the babywearing positions require infants to lie supine while being carried. Infants can even be worn while they sleep, also decreasing sleeping time spent in a supine position.

-Babies cry less. Research has shown that babies who are carried cry (on average) 43% less overall and 54% less during the evening hours. In cultures where babies are carried almost continuously, babies cry much less than those in non-carrying cultures.

-Sling babies are smarter.Environmental experiences stimulate nerves to branch out and connect with other nerves, which helps the brain grow and develop. Babywearing helps the infant's developing brain make the right connections. Because baby is intimately involved in the mother and father's world, she is exposed to, and participates in, the environmental stimuli that mother selects and is protected from those stimuli that bombard or overload her developing nervous system. She so intimately participates in what mother is doing that her developing brain stores a myriad of experiences, called patterns of behavior. These experiences can be thought of as thousands of tiny short-run movies that are filed in the infant's neurological library to be rerun when baby is exposed to a similar situation that reminds her of the making of the original "movie." For example, mothers often tell me, "As soon as I pick up the sling and put it on, my baby lights up and raises his arms as if in anticipation that he will soon be in my arms and in my world."

Studies of parent-child attachment, parental satisfaction and infant crying all point to babywearing as an ideal solution for most parents to provide an optimum environment for attachment between parent and child. Baby carriers and slings help increase the number of hours of day an infant is held, and there is a inverse relationship between the number of hours spend crying and the number of hours a child is held in a given day. Even 3 hours per day of babywearing reduces infant crying significantly, and at 13 months, babies who have been in soft carriers regularly are significantly more likely to be securely attached than babies who are carried in hard carriers.

Practicality of babywearing

Babywearing allows the wearer to have two free hands to accomplish tasks such as laundry while caring for the baby's need to be held or be breastfed. Babywearing offers a safer alternative to placing a car sear on top of a shopping cart. It also allows children to be involved in social interactions and to see their surroundings as an adult would.

Many sling users have found that it is easier on the back and shoulders than carrying their infant in a car seat. The weight of the child is spread more evenly across the upper body.

Slings can also be a fashion statement. They come in many different designs and colors and are available in many different types of materials, including silk, hemp, cotton, wool, fleece, and flax/linen.

Infant feeding and babywearing

Breastfeeding and babywearing often go hand in hand. Many baby slings and other carriers offer mothers privacy and for many mothers, the option of nursing hands-free while tending to other activities or household chores. Not all mothers can nurse hands-free in a baby carrier. Large-breasted mothers and mothers of small or hypotonic infants may need to support the breast or help maintain proper positioning of the baby's head or body. Even so, a properly adjusted baby carrier can help reduce arm strain and allow a mother more freedom of movement while nursing, even if it does not allow her to be completely hands-free.

Babywearing can help premature babies and babies who are slow weight gainers to gain weight at a faster rate.Since the baby is held up close to the mother, the baby will be able to be nursed more often and often for longer intervals. Kangaroo care is well-studied and has shown clear benefits to premature and ill infants.

Not all parents find breastfeeding in a sling or carrier easy. It is important, before attempting to breastfeed in a carrier, to first master the art of breastfeeding without a carrier. Latch and position are vital, and it is important to establish these first before adding a carrier to the mix. Where breastfeeding difficulties exist, babywearing can simplify the other tasks of parenting by allowing a parent free hands to deal with breastpumps, bottles and other supplementation devices.

Some parents prefer, even with the best carriers, to take time out and sit down to nurse a baby. Some babies may reflexively clamp down when nursing while a parent moves around, so nursing while babywearing is not always entirely comfortable. Individual experience will vary radically not only from parent to parent, but also from baby to baby, even within the same family. Some babies nurse very well in slings and carriers, others do not.

Where breastfeeding fails or is not possible, babywearing can aid attachment by encouraging closeness during bottle feeding and freeing at least one hand. Daycare providers and foster parents often find that babywearing allows them to better meet the needs of multiple children by freeing hands during times when babies need to be held.

Safe Babywearing

While you are getting used to wearing your baby, support him with your hands. As you go through the learning phase of moving and reacting, the urge to support your baby with your hands is instinctive. After you become a babywearing veteran, you can safely carry your baby in the sling with one or both hands free.

Wear baby cautiously in the kitchen. Do not wear baby while cooking or working with sharp or hot objects.

Do not drink hot beverages when wearing baby, although wearing baby while eating is safe.

When wearing your baby and stooping over, bend at the knees, not at the waist, and hold baby in the sling with one hand.

Toddlers, if worn are at your reaching level, can grab dangerous or breakable objects off shelves. Keep an arm's distance away from potential hazards.

When going through doorways or around corners, be careful that baby's body does not stick out past your arm and strike the wall or doorjamb.

Do not ride a bicycle or other moving vehicle while wearing your baby. Baby carriers are not substitutes for an approved carseat.

Fathers Wearing

As a father and certified babywearer, I feel that it's important that a baby get used to father's handling, too. Father has a different rhythm to his walk, a difference that baby learns to appreciate. The snuggle hold and neck nestle are favorite wearing positions for father.

Where to start?

Like what you are hearing so far? Wondering how to start? Well this site:http://www.thebabywearer.com/is a great place to start to get even more info and see the different styles and how brands can differ. It also shows you how to make your own sling! Another great site to get started at ishttp://babywearinginternational.org/andhttp://www.ebabycarriers.com/Moby-Wrap-p/490.htm.

There are many videos on YouTube with reviews on carrier and how to use them if you want someones first hand experience with them. The video below is just for fun!

Importance of a 5-pt harness vs. a booster seat for young children

2009-12-08T21:55:00.000-08:00

Please take a minute, and PASS THIS ON, even if you're not a parent. It could save a life.

Many parents think that once their child reaches 40 lbs in weight, that
they need to move into a Booster seat with an adult seatbelt restraint.
There are many options available to keep your child safely restrained
using a 5-point harness.

Children under 7-10 years of age should not be placed into a booster
seat. This is because the child's iliac crests (hip bones) are not yet
developed enough such that they prevent the adult seatbelt from resting
on the soft abdomen. Therefore an adult seatbelt provides insufficient
protection to the child and could result in internal injuries, possibly
resulting in the death of the child. Source:
Tom Bologa, President of Britax USA

MORE INFO ON 5-PT HARNESSING

What Is A Kegle? Should you be doing them?

2009-12-08T21:54:00.000-08:00

Kegel exercises, also called pelvic floor exercises, help strengthen the muscles that support the uterus, bladder, and bowels. Kegel exercises also help strengthen vaginal muscles.

What are the benefits of Kegel Exercises?

Pregnant women who perform Kegel exercises often find they have an easier birth. Strengthening these muscles during pregnancy can help you develop the ability to control your muscles during labor and delivery. Toning all of these muscles will also minimize two common problems during pregnancy: bladder leaks and hemorrhoids.

Kegel exercises are also recommended after pregnancy to promote perineal healing, regain bladder control, and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. The best thing about Kegel exercises is that they can be done anywhere, and no one knows you’re doing them.

How to do Kegel Exercises:

1) To find the correct muscles, practice stopping the flow of urine when urinating.

2) Contract pelvic floor muscles for 10 seconds, then relax, repeating 10-20 times.

3) Breathe normally during the exercises, and do this at least three times a day.

4) Try not to move your leg, buttock, or abdominal muscles during the exercises.

When to do Kegel Exercises:

When you’re stopped at a red light

In the waiting room at the midwife or doctor's office

Drive-throughs such as the bank, dry cleaners, and pharmacy

Basically whenever you can do them.

Having EXTREME back/pelvic pain in your pregnancy? YOU MUST READ THIS!

2009-12-08T21:50:00.000-08:00

Back pain or discomfort is common during pregnancy and should be expected to some degree by most women. Back pain may be experienced during any point of your pregnancy; however, it most commonly occurs later in the pregnancy as the weight of the baby increases. Back pain can disrupt your daily routine or interfere with a good night of sleep. The good news is there are steps you can take to manage the back pain that you experience.

How common is back pain during pregnancy?

You are not alone if you are experiencing back pain during your pregnancy. The prevalence varies with reports, showing between 50 to 70 percent of all pregnant women having back pain.

What causes back pain during pregnancy?

Back pain during pregnancy is related to a number of factors. Some women begin to experience lower back pain with the onset of pregnancy. Women who are most at risk for back pain are those who are overweight or had back pain prior to pregnancy.

What if its worse than normal back pain? It could be your sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, providing sensory and motor function to the lower extremities. This nerve provides sensation to the back of the thigh, lower part of the leg and the sole of the foot. Sciatic nerve pain is a periodic severe pain that occurs throughout your legs.

What causes sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy?

The sciatic nerve runs under your uterus to your legs. The cause of sciatic nerve pain is thought to be associated with pressure on the nerve caused by the developing baby.

What can I do to treat sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy?

The simplest remedy is to lie on your side, opposite of the pain. This may help relieve the pressure on the nerve. Avoid heavy lifting and minimize standing for long periods of time. If you experience pressure while standing, try elevating one foot and resting it on something. Swimming may also ease discomfort. You may experience relief by applying heat or cold to the troubled area. Your health care provider may recommend acetaminophen to relieve the pain. It is important to contact your health care provider if the pain becomes constant, or increases in severity or frequency.

But is your pain even more intense?

But has this pain been so painful that walking is difficult? What about turning in bed? Is climbing stairs close to impossible? Then you may be suffering fromSymphysis Pubic Dysfunction.(a more severe form of this is calledDiastasisSymphysis Pubis)

What exactly is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction?
During pregnancy or birth, about one in 35 women will experience intense pelvic pain and may find it difficult to walk, climb stairs, and other movements that involve the pelvic bones. This pain is a result of separation of the symphysis pubis which is a joint in the very front part of the pelvic bone structure. There is cartilage that fills the gap in the bones. During pregnancy, hormones such as relaxin soften this cartilage allowing the pelvic bones to be more flexible for delivery. Some women, however, have too much play in the pelvis causing a large gap between the bones. This makes the symphysis pubis area extremely sensitive to touch.

Unfortunately not many OBs or practitioners in the US (it seems OBs in the UK are more familiar with this) are well versed about this painful condition. They may suggest that what you are feeling are the normal discomforts of pregnancy and will get better on its own,DO NOT TAKE THAT FOR FACE VALUE! Don't let them pass of your pain as nothing.What you are experiencingIS REAL. Do not let that discourage you. You are not doomed to be in pain the rest of your pregnancy. Help educate your doctor or OB (in a kind way of course) to help spread the word of this so that they may be able to better assist their future patients. You may want to take printed information to them like from this site:http://www.e-radiography.net/radpath/d/diastasis_symphysis.htmto help educate them.

When does separation of the symphysis pubis occur?
Some women will notice pain beginning as early as the first trimester of pregnancy while others experience this separation during the birth or even a few days postpartum. Women who have experienced SPD with previous pregnancies will not necessarily have the problem with subsequent pregnancies however, some will.

How will I know if I have SPD?
If you have SPD, you may notice pain in the front of the pelvis that hurts when touched. You may also feel pain in the lower abdomen, hips, inner thigh and groin areas. Marked increased pain with activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting your legs, or any other large movements involving the pelvis are key symptoms. You may even experience a clicking type noise with movement as well. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your caregiver for further testing.

What type of testing can I expect if my doctor/midwife and I suspect SPD?
The type of testing depends on when you experience the symptoms. If you are still pregnant, the likely test would be an ultrasound. Other diagnostic tools that can be used after delivery are pelvic x-rays or an MRI.

Is there any treatment for SPD?
The doctor may prescribe painkillers and refer you to a physiotherapist for additional help. The physiotherapist may suggest the use of TENS, Transutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation, to help with the pain. Other items such as support belts or crutches can be used as well. Additional specialists also offer potential benefits: acupuncturists, reflexologists, chiropractors, aromatherapists, osteopaths, hypnotherapists, and herbalists. Each in their own way may provide treatment options to minimize the pain of SPD. There is no way to prevent SPD from occurring; however, once the hormones cease production after pregnancy, the condition will gradually subside.

If you are pregnant with SPD you should minimize large pelvic movements throughout your pregnancy. This includes swimming breaststroke, even though normally this is a great means of exercise. Choose other strokes if you are a swimmer. Try to continue to get exercise, just be sure to do exercises that will not aggravate the SPD.

Here is a fantastic link that will show you some ways you can cope with this painful condition:
http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/pubicpain.htm#Tips%20for%20Coping%20with%20Pubic%20Symphysis%20Pain

Should I be worried about the delivery?
Birthing vaginally is certainly attainable and preferable even with SPD. Spreading of the legs, however, should not be extreme. Perhaps the best positions for pushing when you have SPD is either "all-fours" (hands and knees) or side-lying. Squatting may be painful as well as the most common birthing position, the sitting position with legs wide apart. Be sure that you explain to the nurses and other caregivers that you have symphysis pubis separation and need to minimize spreading your legs widely. One of the drawbacks of receiving an epidural during the birth is the pain of separation may be masked and therefore you may be put into positions that are only making the problem worse. Unfortunately, you wouldn't find this out until the anesthesia wears off and you have the extreme pelvic pain. Therefore, it is imperative that the caregivers know of your condition and do not suggest positions that could exacerbate the situation.

The final word...
Remember, symphysis pubis dysfunction is a condition that affects pregnant and/or postpartum women. It is a temporary situation and one that will resolve itself once the cartilage softening hormones decrease. Although there is no "cure" and it cannot be prevented in subsequent pregnancies, it does not mean that you will automatically experience SPD each pregnancy or birth. If you do, however, seek help to minimize the pain and worsening of the situation.

Teen Pregnancy: Info & Resources

2009-12-07T21:49:00.000-08:00

California has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the nation, with nearly 65,000 teens giving birth each year. There are many many pregnancy prevention programs out there and its up to teens to be responsible and have safe sex. Having said that, this blog is for those that are pregnant.(Also please take advantage of the "friends" I have here on myspace as many of them provide support and resources for teen moms.)

You may have just found out you are pregnant. You are probably shocked and scared. What is your boyfriend of partner going do do/ think? What about your parents? What's going to happen? How are you going to do this? You have many questions and concerns right now, and rightfully so. Before you get into the what if's, the first thing you should do is seek the care of a doctor. I have known several teens that keep their pregnancy a secret for so long that they go most of the pregnancy without any prenatal care. The early part of your pregnancy is the most important to give your baby the best and healthiest start in life.

You are probably wonderingwhere you could find information on all the options of pregnancy, as well as prenatal care that would be free and confidential?The America's Pregnancy Helpline provides education, information and support about pregnancy. They will answer questions about nutrition, fetal development, or possible complications during pregnancy as well as adoption. They can be contacted toll-free and confidentially at1- 800-672-2296or by email ataph@thehelpline.org.You can also start by going to your local Planned Parenthood office. Here is their link for pregnancy & prenatal services:http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/pregnancy-testing-pregnancy-services-26174.htm. You can also find the location nearest you in the upper right hand corner of the above link. They can work out a payment plan for you if you are low income. If any money at all is an issue please turn to your local Department of Social Services and apply for Medi-cal. (I have a previous blog post on how to apply and the benefits)

Early prenatal medical care, proper nutrition, and healthy choices (e.g., not smoking, not drinking alcohol, not taking illegal drugs, exercising regularly) are important parts of a healthy pregnancy. If you are sexually active and think you might be pregnant, ask a parent or another trusted adult (e.g., family member or friend, teacher, school counselor, clergy) to help you locate a physician, prenatal clinic, or social service organization for pregnant teens as soon as possible.

Where to Start

There are a number of resources available to help pregnant teens and their families decide the best option for their particular situation (e.g., adoption, raising the child). The earlier you obtain medical care, the better your chances for having a healthy pregnancy. An OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist) is a physician specialist who has particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system.

Ideally, women should visit a health care provider before becoming pregnant; however, because many pregnancies are unplanned and unexpected, this is not always possible. If you suspect you may be pregnant, it's important to see an OB/GYN as early as possible in your pregnancy. Although dealing with a teen pregnancy can be difficult, your OB/GYN is there to help and the primary importance is your health and the health of your unborn baby.

Early signs of pregnancy include the following:

Abdominal bloating

Breast sensitivity (e.g., tenderness, swelling)

Fatigue

Food cravings or aversions

Frequent urination

Light bleeding or spotting (called implantation bleeding)

Missed menstrual period

Nausea or queasiness

During your first appointment, your health care provider (e.g., physician, midwife, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner) will take a detailed personal and family medical history, perform a physical examination (including pelvic exam), and conduct laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests, urine tests, and tests to detect sexually transmitted diseases [STDs], including HIV). Make sure your health care provider knows about past or current medical conditions, such as diabetes, and about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements.

Here are some questions to ask your health care provider.Print these questionsand take them with you to your appointment. Answers to these questions can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your pregnancy.(Here is the PDF version ofthe questions you should take to your first doctor's appointment)

-How many weeks along is my pregnancy? What is my due date?

-Does my pregnancy appear to be healthy and progressing normally?

-Can you recommend resources for additional information about adoption and raising a child?

-Can you recommend a class or program in the area or an online support group for pregnant teens? Is there a group that provides support to expectant teenage fathers?

-Should I begin taking a prenatal supplement? Which one(s)?

-In addition to cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs, what other substances should I avoid while pregnant?

-How can I be sure to eat a healthy diet during pregnancy? Are there any foods that I should avoid?

-What types of exercise do you recommend during pregnancy? Are there activities that I should avoid?

-How can I make sure to get enough sleep during pregnancy?

-How often will I be seen in the office?
-Next appointment: Date: Time:

-Will I see different members of the obstetric team (e.g., nurse practitioner, midwife, nurse-midwife)?

-What types of tests (e.g., ultrasound, blood tests) may be used to monitor my pregnancy?

-Is my pregnancy considered high risk? Am I at increased risk for pregnancy complications, such as anemia, high blood pressure, or premature delivery?

-Does my baby have a higher-than-normal risk for medical problems?

-What are some warning signs that may indicate a problem with my baby?
-Emergency telephone numberto call:

-Should I attend special childbirth classes for teens?

-At which hospital or childbirth center will I deliver?

-What is the cesarean rate for your practice?

-If complications develop during delivery, might I or my baby be transferred to another facility?

-How do I select a pediatrician for my child?

-Can you recommend sources for additional support if needed?

Stats on Teen Pregnancy
(Not to bring negative points on the subject, but I wanted to list some stats on teen pregnancy to give you an idea of what is really going on and what risks you are up against. If you prepare yourself enough and make the right choices going forward, hopefully you will not be one of these statistics.)

Teen pregnancy is an important issue. There are health risks for the baby and children born to teenage mothers are more likely to suffer health, social, and emotional problems. Women who become pregnant during their teens have an increased risk for complications, such as premature labor and socioeconomic consequences as well.

Other Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy

Teenage births are associated with lower annual income for the mother. Eighty percent of teen mothers must rely on welfare at some point.

Teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of school. Only about one-third of teen mothers obtain a high school diploma.

Teenage pregnancies are associated with increased rates of alcohol and substance abuse, lower educational level, and reduced earning potential in teen fathers.

In the United States, the annual cost of teen pregnancies from lost tax revenues, public assistance, child health care, foster care, and involvement with the criminal justice system is estimated to be about $7 billion.

Health Risks to the Baby

Infants born to teenage mothers are at increased risk for a number of health risks. These risks include the following:

Teenage mothers are less likely to gain adequate weight during their pregnancy, leading to low birthweight. Low birthweight is associated with several infant and childhood disorders and a higher rate of infant mortality. Low-birthweight babies are more likely to have organs that are not fully developed, which can result in complications, such as bleeding in the brain, respiratory distress syndrome, and intestinal problems.

Teenage mothers have a higher rate of poor eating habits than older women and are less likely to take recommended daily prenatal multivitamins to maintain adequate nutrition during pregnancy. Teens also are more likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or take drugs during pregnancy, which can cause health problems for the baby.

Teenage mothers receive regular prenatal care less often than older women. Prenatal care is essential for monitoring the growth of the fetus and the health of the mother. During prenatal care, medical professionals provide important information about good nutrition and about other ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), babies born to women who do not have regular prenatal care are 4 times more likely to die before the age of 1 year.

Children Born to Teenage Mothers
In addition to increased health risks, children born to teenage mothers are more likely to experience social, emotional, and other problems. These problems include the following:

Children born to teenage mothers are less likely to receive proper nutrition, health care, and cognitive and social stimulation. As a result, they are at risk for lower academic achievement.

Children born to teenage mothers are at increased risk for abuse and neglect.

Boys born to teenage mothers are 13% more likely to be incarcerated later in life.

Girls born to teenage mothers are 22% more likely to become teenage mothers themselves.

Birth Control
So obviously this should have been the first step before having sex, but its a bit too late for that now that you are pregnant. However, this is something you must consider after your baby is born. I'm sure the last thing you want after giving birth is to find out you are pregnant again. Make a smarter and more responsible decision this time about safe sex.

There are various birth control methods available for teenagers. Teens should talk to their health care provider to determine which is the best choice for them:

Depo-Provera®is injected into a woman's arm muscle or buttocks every 3 months. This type of birth control requires a visit to a doctor or other health care professional. This method prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation, altering the cervical mucus to make it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg, and preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Depo-Provera also reduces menstrual cramps, iron-deficiency anemia, and the risk for endrometrial cancer. Side effects include irregular periods, weight gain, and tender breasts.

Norplant®is an implant that is inserted under the skin. This type of birth control is effective for up to 5 years. It is made up of 6 matchstick-sized rubber rods and must be inserted and removed by a professional health care provider. There is an increased risk for pregnancy in heavier women, but Norplant® failure is generally rare. Side effects include changes in the menstrual cycle, weight gain, and tender breasts.

There are also a variety oflow-dose birth control pillsthat are fairly safe for use in teens. Birth control pills also reduce menstrual cramps and blood flow, regulate the menstrual cycle, and, in some cases, reduce acne.

Condoms and contraceptive jellyreduce the risk for teen pregnancy and for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Emergency contraceptive pills, also known as "morning-after pills," are effective if taken within 72 hours after having unprotected sex. Most medical insurance companies cover them. They must be prescribed by a doctor or other health care professional if the woman is under 18.

Teen Pregnancy Resources
There are a number resources available for pregnant teens, their partners, and their families. These teen pregnancy resources include:

National Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Parenting, and Prevention (NOAPPP)
2401 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20037
202.293.8370
www.noappp.org

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA)
810 7th Ave
New York, NY 10019
212.541.7800
www.plannedparenthood.org

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
1776 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
202.478.8500
www.teenpregnancy.org

Department of Social Services for CA
http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/ssa/agencychp?path=%2Fv7%2FSocial%20Services%20Agency%20(DEP)%2FDepartment%20of%20Family%20%26%20Children%27s%20Services

For Parents of Teen's that are Pregnant

Did your teen daughter just tell you she is pregnant? What do you do?

Finding out your teen daughter is pregnant is a shock - physically and emotionally. You need to take a deep breath before you truly deal with it. You need to be part of the solution to this problem for your teen, so you need to be thinking as clearly as possible. If you reacted initially in a way that you are now ashamed of, fall back and regroup with your teen.

-Find a local support group and services. You and your daughter are not alone with this problem.

-Talk to your daughter about her options. Share your feelings, but do not force your choices on her. Allow her to make the choices she needs to make.

-Get your daughter a doctor's appointment. No matter what choice she is making, she needs to see a doctor.

-Support your daughter in her decision.

-Find help with your thoughts and feelings. Speak to a counselor or find a support group for you.

Learn to fallback and Regroup in 5 easy steps (for parents of pregnant teens)
Parenting is not a direct science. There are no specific steps that will always produce a certain result. There are too many variables and not enough controls. Any parenting technique or skill may not work with your family’s dynamic. Or, they may work one time, but not another.

Therefore, when you make a mistake in your discipline, you need to fall back and regroup. Learn how by using these tips:

*Drop the guilt. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, chalk it up to the fact that there is no parenting manual. Many parents exasperate the mistake they have made by dwelling in the guilt of it. If you tend to do this, take a deep breath and realize that you weren’t made to be perfect. Go through the next four steps and you will feel better.

*Apologize to your teenager. This will teach them that mistakes happen and that you respect them enough to admit you were the one who made the mistake. It will model appropriate behavior for when they make their next mistake.

*Take some time to rethink the situation. Go over what happened and think about what you could have changed. What part of the problem do you own? What part of the problem does your teenager own? Ask for advice and do some research.

*Develop a plan of action. Now that you know where the mistake was, have gotten some advice or information on what to do, you are ready to think through a plan of action so this problem doesn’t occur again. Ask your teen for their input.

*Change the behavior that caused the mistake by implementing your plan of action.

While it may seem tedious at first to go through all of these steps, with practice it will become second nature. The benefits - less stress, mutual respect, and positive modeling – are worth the effort.

Teen Pregnancy and Their Background

There are other reasons why a teenage girl gets pregnant and then chooses to parent her child; however, we found these characteristics to be those most prominent among the mothers we serve.

1. A teenage mother will tend to come from a non-intact home.

"My whole life all I have ever wanted was a real family." During a weekend trip with five teenage mothers, all five women individually repeated this one statement. Of all the teenage mothers Teen Mother Choices has served, most have come from single-parent homes.

2. A teenage mother will tend to have a close, over-dependent relationship with her mother and a distant or absent relationship with her father.

As stated in the first characteristic, the majority of teenage girls who find themselves pregnant come from homes absent one parent. They often have volatile relationships with their mothers and no relationships with their fathers.

3. A teenage mother's pregnancy was probably not an accident, nor was it a conscious choice.

"I had no idea what I was going to do after high school. Then I got pregnant and got my answer: I'll be a mom!" Teenage girls who find themselves pregnant often have no plan for the future. They also have never contemplated what special gifts and talents God has placed within them. Therefore, they often believe that there is nothing special about them, so getting pregnant is something that "just happened." Spending one-on-one time with a teenage mother gives us a chance to find out what makes her special. Once we recognize the gifts and talents she possesses, she should be encouraged to utilize them.

4. A teenage mother will be determined to keep her child.

According to 1997 statistics, less than 4% of all pregnant teenagers place their children for adoption. Why is that? A teenage mother once made this statement, "Getting pregnant was the price I was willing to pay to feel connected to someone for a few minutes. Parenting my child is the price I am willing to pay to feel connected to someone for 18 years."Teenage mothers desperately want to feel an attachment to someone. By being attached or connected to someone, a teenage mother finds worth and value.

5. A teenage mother often feels a sense of worth and accomplishment because she had a baby.

"I can't do anything else, but I sure do give birth to babies good!" As stated above, teenage mothers often have no goals for the future. They often feel as though they cannot accomplish anything. Once a teenager has a baby, she has now accomplished something. In other words, her child becomes a kind of trophy, not a separate individual, but rather an extension of herself.

6. A teenage mother will often have unclear expectations of her child.

"I know that my baby will be potty trained by the time she's a year old. When she was 4 months old, she already knew when she needed a new diaper!" If a teenage mother perceives that her child is an extension of herself, is it not typical for her to expect her child to do things only an older child can do? By providing her with information on child development and introducing her to child experts, you enable a teenage mother to understand her child's growth and maturity better.

7. A teenage mother will experience great mood swings.

"Who am I? I'm not a regular teenager and I'm not a regular mom. I'm so confused!" While most teenage girls experience mood swings, parenting teenagers seem to experience them more intensely. This is due, in part, to the fact that they are forced to play so many different life roles at such a young age. At any given moment she is a teenager, a mother, a student, an employee and sometimes more.

Did you get not so good news at your first appointment?

2009-10-14T21:47:00.002-07:00

Some moms are a little scared and disappointed when they go to their first dr appointment for their new pregnancy and they are told there is something wrong. Sometimes they may say there is a sac and a fetal pole but no baby. Other times there is just a sac. Or perhaps you do have a baby in there but there is no heartbeat when they say there should be one. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a blighted ovum, a molar pregnancy, a chemical pregnancy, a threatened miscarriage or low progesterone you must read this!

Doctors do not know everything. Despite having 100% confidence in your doctor they are not perfect and do make mistakes and unfortunatly these mistakes at times cost you the life of your unborn child. Not only that but every pregnancy is different and anything can happen. Have hope that your baby may still have a chance of surviving and being healthy.

On this sitehttp://www.misdiagnosedmiscarriage.com/other women share their stories of their miraculous pregnancies and babies. Have hope and give your body and your baby time to prove it to your doctor if he/she is pushing you to have a D&C or other procedure to terminate a "non-viable" pregnancy. You could be saving a child's life.

Our Bodies After Children

2009-10-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

Women today have it harder then ever before to look a certain way because of the media advertising that we should all be size twos. And after children the pressure is even more intense. Not only should we be looking like we did pre-pregnancy, but they expect us to do it in 2 weeks and look even better than before. Some women have fantastic genes and tiny frames naturally so its not hard for people like Nicole Richie to give birth and 2 weeks later look like she were never pregnant. We see celebrity moms on the cover of magazines just weeks after giving birth looking amazing but we forget that they are airbrushed and photoshopped. For the majority of women out there this is close to impossible.

No matter how much you exercise during and after pregnancy, no matter what products you may use to prevent stretch marks and no matter how many days you may wear that postpartum belt to help cinch your waist... there are just some thing genetics wont change. But dont get me wrong... that is not a bad thing. We as women... and now mothers should love our bodies even more. Knowing that it grew a human being and nurished another life. It makes us healthier lowering our risk or certain cancers. It truly is a badge of honor to have a "mother's body".

So when you look in the mirror and you see stretch marks, loose or sagging skin, breasts that were not as perky as before and some rounder areas on your body... know that its natural and that it IS beautiful. Even if you dont feel it just yet know that men do see it differently then we do. This is even more of a concern of single mothers. We tend to think...wow no men would ever want to see me naked or who would like this along with my kids... the question is who wouldnt?

The following were direct feedback from single mothers and any concerns they may have about body image and dating and if they have issues:

No, not at all and i have six kids. I've had men who worship my body and tell me they love every part of it and i've had a few men surprised by my body but it didn't stop them from loving it. Finding milk in my breast still was a shocker for a few but again it didn't stop them. The stretch marks, saggy belly they didn't mind. I've been with men who have less then perfect bodies and it didn't stop me. Love yourself, love your body and any good man will fall at your feet.-A
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I met my ex when I was 18, 120 pounds at the most, perky B-cups, slim hips and waist, just at my prime body-wise. I married him at 19, had three kids with him and he walked out when I was 30. I remember specifically thinking to myself that no one could possibly want a 30 something fat girl with three kids.

At almost 34 I went on my first date post-marriage. I'd been asked out before but it was never right - I wanted to wait for someone that mattered to me. I didn't want to date just to date. I didn't want men in and out of my children's lives. Anyway... I remember joking around with my best friend about how no man would ever see me naked again, how it wasn't fair because my ex had a hand in making my body what it was (three kids, three c-sections, stretch marks galore, 5'3" and 170something at my heaviest) and he left me feeling almost like damaged goods, body-wise.

But guess what? He did ask me out. I went out with him. And he's been the love of my life ever since. The weight came off (I'm now around 132) because of the stress of the divorce and the happiness of being in love with someone who also loves me, and he says he doesn't even see the stretch marks and c-section flab. He loves me. He loves every single inch of me. He loves the shapely hips and larger (and saggy!) breasts, he loves the soft skin, he loves the things that shape me like a woman. And to tell you the truth - the sex is 100 times better than anything that firm, tight, non-gravity stricken 19 year old could have ever even imagined!-M
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Know that you are not alone and that you should be proud of your new body weather or not you look like what you did before. Men who soley judge women based on their apperance are shallow, vain and dont even deserve to be looked at twice... but you already knew that.

Having said that here is a beautiful website on what isreallythe shape of a mother.www.TheShapeofaMother.com. Here is what the creator of the site had to say about why she created this site:

It is my dream, then, to create this website where women of all ages, shapes, sizes and nationalities can share images of their bodies so it will no longer be secret. So we can finally see what women really look like sans airbrushes and plastic surgery. I think it would be nothing short of amazing if a few of our hearts are healed, or if we begin to cherish our new bodies which have done so much for the human race. What if the next generation grows up knowing how normal our bodies are? How truly awesome would that be?

Take a look around, gain confidence, even share photos and stories to help other mamas out there. And remember, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING! DONT LET ANYONE TELL YOU OR MAKE YOU FEEL OTHERWISE!

House cleaning tips for the mom to be

2009-09-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

Hands Off the Kitty Litter

Old wives' tales about pregnancy abound, but the rumor you've heard about cat litter is actually true. While it's unnecessary to toss the kitty out with the litter, pregnant women should avoid contact with cat boxes. Cat feces can contain a parasite called toxoplasma gondii, which causes an infection known as toxoplasmosis. Although it sounds formidable, toxoplasmosis isn't a big problem for healthy adults. It usually causes mild flu symptoms, if any at all. But its impact on a fetus is another story. Toxoplasmosis infection can lead to serious illness, pre-term birth, miscarriage, or fetal death.

Toxoplasma gondii is also found in raw meat and soil, so there are a few precautionary measures you need to take to prevent contracting toxoplasmosis during your pregnancy:

Ask someone else to empty the litter box. If you really cannot avoid doing it yourself, wear rubber gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards with plenty of soap.

Wear gloves for gardening and wash well after touching soil.

Never eat raw or undercooked meat and always wash your hands and all kitchen surfaces and utensils after contact with raw meat.

Thoroughly wash fruit and vegetables to avoid the possibility that you will ingest soil.

Toxoplasmosis is like chicken pox: Once you get it, you're immune for life. If you're a long-time cat owner, you may have already been exposed. A simple screening test can indicate whether you're immune—just ask your doctor whether you're a candidate for screening.

Get the Lead Out

I know lots of women who, driven by that legendary nesting instinct, were bursting with energy during their pregnancies. One of them actually wove her own throw rugs for her baby's nursery, while another fashioned an elaborate origami mobile in anticipation of the new arrival. If you're go-getter and feel the overwhelming desire to redecorate, weave and fold all you like. But be sure to steer clear of the paint.

If you're working on an older home, you run the risk of coming into contact with paint chips containing lead. Prenatal exposure to lead can cause premature birth and lead to smaller stature and impaired mental development in babies. For less than ten dollars you can purchase a lead test kit from a hardware store or over the Internet, making a lead test a small investment in peace of mind. Even though paints purchased today are lead-free, some contain chemicals believed to be harmful to a growing fetus. As a result, most doctors recommend that pregnant women leave the painting to someone else.

Gardening Pesticide Free

Bug control is another chore you can happily hand over to your spouse while you're busied by the process of adding to the family. Something deadly enough to kill other living creatures is not healthy for you and baby-to-be. If the bugs in your garden are too much for you to tolerate this season, try organic, poison-free pesticides that can be found online or at your local nursery.

Read Product Labels

When I read that I should avoid cleaning the oven during pregnancy, I gleefully informed my husband that we'd simply have to eat take-out for the next 36 weeks. If you don't use the oven, you don't have to clean it, right? My logic fell to pieces when I learned that I should steer clear of drain cleaners, too. While a prolonged vacation from cooking sounded fabulous, putting the bathroom into temporary retirement was a grim prospect. Since I couldn't hold my bladder for more than 20 minutes, much less eight months, I had to come up with some creative cleaning options (and quick!).

It's worth taking a look at the labels on products you routinely use around the house. The government requires manufacturers to label cleaners with the following terms according to their toxicity:

POISON=Highly toxic or poisonous
DANGER=Extremely flammable, corrosive, or highly toxic
WARNINGorCAUTION=Moderately or slightly toxic

Oven and drain cleaners are particularly toxic substances. Play it safe by having your spouse or a friend handle these chemicals whenever using them becomes necessary and make sure these areas are well ventilated (don't return to a recently cleaned bathroom or kitchen until the chemicals have dissipated).

Get Back to Basics

Like many expectant parents, I would suffer withdrawal symptoms if forced to part with my cell phone, computer, or digital camera. I also have an entire shelf full of the latest consumer cleaning products. After all, they're so handy and their labels promise to make my house a germ-free, spotless haven of tranquility. But it has occurred to me that for generations, people managed to keep their homes clean using basic, organic substances like lemons, vinegar, baking soda, and soap.

Today, entire books and dozens of websites provide tips and recipes for chemical-free cleaning. One of my favorites is Safe Substitutes at Home: Non-toxic Household Products authored by two men from the University of Tennessee Waste Management Institute. If reading the warning labels on your favorite household cleaners starts to give you willies, give one of the old-fashioned solutions a try. You might just get that coveted "lemony fresh scent" with actual lemons!

As much as you might like to, you don't have to convince your mate that washing the dog or taking out the trash is hazardous to your health. Keeping your home clean during your pregnancy is safe as long as you use common sense. Stay away from kitty litter, paint, pesticides, and oven and drain cleaners. Read the labels of other cleaning products to determine if you feel comfortable using them. Try organic alternatives. And when all else fails, leave the cleaning until tomorrow and take a nap!

Reducing Infant Mortality

2009-08-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

Reducing Infant Mortality from Debby Takikawa on Vimeo.

Preparing For A Homebirth

2009-08-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.homebirth.org.uk/plan.htm

http://www.homebirth.org.uk/labprep.htm

http://www.homebirth.org.uk/birthprep.htm

Induction Methods, Pros & Cons

2009-08-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

Since I know that many of us who choose hospital births are often faced with the option or pressure to induce, I thought it would be helpful to have some information available of pros and cons of different MEDICAL induction techniques. Then, at a later date, I will post 'natural' or 'herbal' induction techniques to this same thread.

Definitions:
Induction- attempting to start labor before labor has started
Augmentation- attempting to speed labor once it has started

Non-Hormonal Induction/Augmentation Techniques:

Foley Catheter- a method of induction through forced dilation. This method includes inserting a catheter into the vagina, with a balloon attached to the end, which is placed in the cervical opening. Then, throughout a period of time, the balloon is slowly inflated to force cervical dilation.

Pros: many consider it a 'gentle induction'. No synthetic hormones are used.

Cons: greatly increased risk of infection. Increased risk of PROM (premature rupture of membranes - water is broken with no contractions), increased incidence of incomplete dilation, cervical swelling, and pelvic pain.

Stripping/Sweeping the Membranes- This technique involves a medical care giver inserting their fingers or scraping instrument into the vagina, past the cervix, and into the opening of the uterus. Then, in a 'sweeping motion', the bag of waters outermost layer (chorion) is broken away from (the seal) the cervical opening and uterine wall. This induction technique is made effective by the irritation created by the procedure causing the production of oxytocin, along with the forced dilation that is created by the manipulation of the cervix required to accomplish this procedure.

Pros: an outpatient procedure. Considered non-invasive.

Cons: increased risk of infection, increased incidence of PROM, can cause bleeding and pelvic pain with no labor.

Breaking The Bag of Water- aka AROM (artificial rupturing of membranes) or amniotomy. Both an induction and an augmentation technique. This involves snagging and tearing the chorion and amnion of the bag of waters with a amnihook. This is done in hopes that, the increased pressure of the fetus' skull against the cervix will cause dilation and enough irritation that oxytocin will either begin to be produced (induction) or production will increase (augmentation).

Pros: can be very effective. Considered non-invasive. Can be an outpatient procedure. Generally does not indicate the need for continous fetal monitoring, can shorten 1st stage labor by, an average of, 1 hour.

Cons: greatly increased risk of infection, increased risk of fetal bradycardia, cord prolapse, swelling of the cervix, incomplete dilation, or non-established contractions (necessitating another form of induction), increased contraction discomfort is reported, and can cause too fast of a labor.

Synthetic Hormonal Induction/Augmentation Techniques:

Misoprostol/Cytotec:There is a commission out there to stop cytotec use because of the amount of women who have experienced the side effects commonly associated with Cytotec use. There is also a linkherewhich is the label from Misoprostol and its side effects. Note: THIS IS NOT AN FDA CERTIFIED METHOD OF INDUCTION BECAUSE OF THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF RISKS WITH INDUCTION. This method of induction is that it is a cervical ripener - meaning that it is intended to soften, efface, and assist in dilation as a means of induction. It is administered through pill form. the pill is inserted vaginally and set against the cervix. Once administered, it cannot be removed. Also, 'smaller doses' are not a guarantee of less medication as the pill was not scored, manufactured evenly, nor manufactured with the intent to be broken.

Pros: fast acting, considered reliable

Cons: not FDA approved. Has the highest incidence of reported iatrogenic complications of all induction methods, cannot be removed once administered. Generally requires continuous fetal monitoring, and prosterate lie. Side effects include: fetal cranial nerve palsies, fetal death, maternal death, severe postpartum hemmhorage, uterine tetany, decreased uteroplacental blood flow, uterine rupture, necessitating hysterectomy, amniotic fluid embolism, placental retention, maternal and fetal shock, fetal bradycardia, uterine tachysystole, and higher incidence of c-section. Higher incidence of infection than pitocin.

Cervadil:Another vaginally inserted induction method. Generally in pill, wafer, or gel form, it is a synthetic prostaglandin. If administered as gel or wafer through 'tampon insert' or by a string, it can be removed once administered (in case of side effects). It has many of the same side effects as Cytotec, with a much smaller % of reported incidences. It is considered safer, though more expensive, as it carries less risk in ratio to reported incidences.

Pros: effective cervical ripener - considered less invasive than other means of induction. No IV required. Can be an overnight administration (administered, then sent home).

Cons: must remain reclined. Usually requires continuous fetal monitoring. Side effects include: fetal death, maternal death, severe postpartum hemmhorage, uterine tetany, decreased uteroplacental blood flow, uterine rupture, necessitating hysterectomy, amniotic fluid embolism, fetal bradycardia, uterine tachysystole, and higher incidence of c-section.. Carries higher risk of infection than pitocin.

Pitocin:an IV administered induction/augmentation method. It is a synthetic form of oxytocin, the hormone that regulates and initiates contractions. Once administered, it can be accelerated, reduced, and stopped at any time. The most regulatory of the three methods, it is also considered the 'safest'.

Pros: considered the safest, it can be regulated more easily than Cervadil or Cytotec. It carries a lower incidence of infection as it is not vaginally inserted. Can be mobile during administration.

Cons: it is more aggressive and invasive. 'continuous administeration' requires an IV pole. Generally requires continuous fetal monitoring. Risks include: Nausea/vomiting, stomach pain, maternal cardiac arrest, maternal respiratory distress, decreased maternal cardiac output, dizziness, lightheadedness, swelling, postpartum hemmhorage, seizures, headache, blurred vision, fetal and neonatal bradycardia, increased incidence of newborn jaundice, newborn seizures, feteal and maternal death.

Pitocin FAQ's

2009-08-17T21:40:00.000-07:00

Pitocin is another very controversial topic in childbearing today. Oxytocin is a natural hormone produced by a woman's body (There are several ways that this is done, that we will discuss later.) that cause uterine contractions. Pitocin is the synthetic form of oxytocin.

Pitocin is generally used in two ways: 1) to induce labor, and 2) to augment (speed up) labor.

We will discuss several different aspects of pitocin in this FAQ. I will also discuss alternatives to pitocin, Active Management of Labor (AML), and some other aspects of pitocin.

Robin Elise Weiss, ICCE, CD(DONA), NACA
pregnancy.guide@about.com
http://pregnancy.about.com/

Purpose of Pitocin

Problems with Pitocin

Alternatives to Pitocin

Contraindications to Pitocin

Pain with Pitocin

When Pitocin Helps

Active Management of Labor

Pitocin After Birth

Resources

Purpose of Pitocin

What is the purpose of pitocin?

Pitocin is supposed to be used to induce labor or increase the strength or duration of contractions for the health of mother or baby. In practice it seems that pitocin is used much more frequently, even when it's usefulness and safety are still questioned.

Problems with Pitocin

Are there problems associated with the use of Pitocin?

Yes. Oxytocin, your body's natural hormone, is secreted in bursts. However, when you are given pitocin you are placed on a regulated intravenous pump, to regulate the amount of pitocin to a steady flow. Therefore, pitocin induced contractions are different from your body's natural contractions, in strength and effect.

With pitocin, the induced force of the contraction may decrease uterine blood flow (This is also done during a natural contraction, but not for as long of a period and not as close together.). Therefore, reducing the oxygen to the baby.

With pitocin you will also receive continuouselectronic fetal monitoring. This is because fetal distress is more common with pitocin use and needs to be detected if it occurs.

We have also witness that pitocin can be the beginning domino in the domino effect. The IV, the infusion pump, and the continuous monitoring will confine most mothers to bed, decreasing her ability to deal with the contractions naturally. With the more painful contractions a mother is more likely to need pain medication, such as anepidural anesthesia.

Pitocin can present other hazards. For the mother these include: tumultuous labor and tetanic contractions, which may cause premature separation of the placenta, rupture of the uterus, laceration of the cervix or postbirth hemorrhage. Fetal hazards include: fetal asphyxia and neonatal hypoxia from too frequent and prolonged uterine contractions, physical injury and prematurity if the due date is not accurate.

"It DOES change the nature of the contractions. At the moment, I can't remember how, but they got worse in a way that was qualitative as well as quantitative" -Enid

Alternatives to Pitocin

Are there alternatives to using pitocin?

Sometimes there are alternatives to using pitocin, and in most instances they should be tried before resorting to the use of pitocin.

To induce labor:

Walking

Nipple Stimulation

Intercourse (Only if the bag of water is intact.)

Enemas

Castor Oil

Augmenting Labor:

Walking

Change positions

Avoid exhaustion

Nipple stimulation

Employ a professional labor support person

Contraindications to Pitocin

Are there any contraindications to pitocin?

Yes.Contraindicationsto pitocin stimulation in labor include,
but are not limited to:

Fetopelvic Disproportion

Fetal Distress

Placenta Previa

Prior Classical Incision or Uterine Surgery

Active Genital Herpes Infections

Pain with Pitocin

Will there be more pain with pitocin?

About 80% of women who have had pitocin say that there is more pain with pitocin than without. Unlike natural contractions, you do not get the slow build up with pitocin induced contractions. Most women surveyed say stated that they would rather try alternatives to pitocin with their next labor.

"It was nothing like the gradual up and down they described in childbirth class. If you have to have labor induced with pitocin, imagine the worse as far as contractions. I had hoped to avoid an epidural but I believe that because of the pitocin, I had to have the epidural. I will try without next time as long as I don't need the pitocin." -Tracy

"The contractions on the pitocin were so intense and so completely different than the normal contractions. They were harsh, sudden and agonizing. I felt like I was utterly out of control and could not stand it." -Gena

When Pitocin Helps

Does Pitocin ever help?

Pitocin helps in about 5% of the cases, but only after safer alternatives have been tried and failed. Proponents of pitocin say that pitocin helps only if given to the mother before she and her uterus are exhausted. There is a critical window of opportunity during labor that pitocin will help get labor back on track. Once this has been missed, they believe that a cesarean is basically the only solution.

When inducing labor with pitocin, it works best when the uterus is ready to receive it. Giving pitocin before the uterus is ready or ripe enough to receive it is likely to produce a long drawn out, unsuccessful labor. There are natural and medical ways of ripening a cervix, both having to do with prostaglandins. Ask your doctor what youBishop's scoreis before you agree to a pitocin only induction. If it is under 5, labor is likely to be unsuccessful, and you may want to inquire about prostaglandin inductions as well.

Active Management of Labor

What is Active Management of Labor? And is it successful?

Active Management of Labor (AML) was started in Dublin in 1968. It was started to help a mother's labor be efficient. This is achieved with a medical model of birth, including amniotomy (Artificial Rupture of Membranes), and pitocin augmentation.

AML has many components in Dublin. I will start with explaining their approach and then explain the American approach.

In Dublin, a woman is given classes that guarantee that she will be able to diagnose her own labor (Labor is defined as completely effaced, having painful contraction 7-10 minutes apart, or having you water broken.). When she arrives at the maternity ward she is given a student midwife who performs no clinical skills (making her a doula), that stays by the woman's side throughout labor. The midwife in charge of her care makes sure that she is progressing at the rate of 1-2 cms per hour. If not her water will be broken (if not previous done), and then she will be hooked up to pitocin (which is given at a quicker infusion, reaching maximum dose before we normally would here in the US). They will also guarantee the birth will take 12 hours or less.

98% of women delivered in 12 hours of beginning AML, and 40% were by reaching four hours. They had a cesarean rate of 5%. They had an epidural rate of 15%. They also had no apparent difference in the condition of the baby.

Sounds to good to be true? Well, this is what the Americans have done with it. First of all, they have no standard prenatal education, nor guide to define labor. In Dublin, if you are completely effaced your cervix is more likely to be receptive to pitocin, that is not a standard of American AML. We also don't provide the doula, which has been previously shown to help reduce the epidural and cesarean rates. So, AML is not the same here in the United States.

Pitocin After the Birth

Is pitocin necessary after birth?

Not on a routine basis, despite that this is a common procedure. Giving pitocin after birth is quite common. It is said to be used to get the third stage (placenta) over with quickly and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Nature will help your body provide oxytocin on it's own if stimulated by nipple stimulation and massaging the uterus. There are times when there is no time for nipple stimulation, but this is rare, however, we are grateful for medical technology when not inappropriately used.

Ask your care provider if they routinely use pitocin after birth. If this bothers you, you can ask for more time before being given the injection or be allowed to use nipple stimulation (either by hand or by baby).

Resources

Where can I get more information?

The Birth Bookby William and Martha Sears

Good Birth, Safe Birthby D. Korte and R. Scaer

Maternity and Gynecologic Careby Bobak and Jensen

Active Management of Laborby O'Driscoll, Boylan, & Meagher

AMLby Penny Simkin (There is a tape available from ICEA and she wrote an article forChildbirth InstructorSpring 1995.)

Placental Conditions

2009-08-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

The placenta is an unborn baby's life support system. It forms from the same cells as the embryo and attaches to the wall of the uterus. The placenta forms connections with the mother's blood supply, from which it supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. The placenta also connects with the fetus's blood supply, from which it removes wastes and returns them to the mother's blood. The mother's kidneys dispose of the waste.

The placenta has other important functions in pregnancy. It produces hormones that play a role in triggering labor and delivery. The placenta also helps protect the fetus from infections and potentially harmful substances. After the baby is delivered, the placenta's job is done, and it is delivered as the afterbirth.

The mature placenta is flat and circular and weighs about 1 pound. But sometimes the placenta:

Is structured abnormally

Is poorly positioned in the uterus

Does not function properly

Placental problems are among the most common complications of the second half of pregnancy. Here are some of the most frequent placental problems and how they can affect mother and baby.

What is placental abruption?

Placental abruption (sometimes called abruptio placentae) is a condition in which the placenta peels away from the uterine wall, partially or almost completely, before delivery. Mild cases may cause few problems, but severe cases can deprive the fetus of oxygen and nutrients. Severe cases also can cause bleeding in the mother that can endanger both her and the baby.

Placental abruption increases the risk of premature birth (birth before 37 completed weeks gestation). Studies suggest that abruption contributes to about 10 percent of premature births. Premature babies are at increased risk for health problems during the newborn period, lasting disabilities and even death. Abruption also increases the risk for poor fetal growth and stillbirth.

How common is placental abruption?

Abruption occurs in about 1 in 100 pregnancies. It occurs most often in the third trimester, but it can happen any time after about 20 weeks of pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of abruption?

The main sign of placental abruption is vaginal bleeding. A pregnant woman should contact her health care provider if she has vaginal bleeding.

The pregnant woman also may experience uterine discomfort and tenderness or sudden, continuous abdominal pain. In a few cases, these symptoms may occur without vaginal bleeding because the blood is trapped behind the placenta.

How is placental abruption diagnosed?

If the health care provider suspects an abruption, she probably will recommend that the woman go to the hospital for a complete evaluation. The provider will do a physical examination and, most likely, an ultrasound examination. An ultrasound can detect many, but not all, cases of abruption.

How is placental abruption treated?

How a woman is treated depends on the severity of the abruption and her stage of pregnancy.

A mild abruption usually is not dangerous unless it progresses. If a woman has a mild abruption at term, her health care provider may recommend prompt delivery (either by inducing labor or by c-section) to avoid any risks associated with a worsening abruption.

If a woman has a mild abruption and her fetus would be very premature if delivered immediately, her provider will probably admit her to the hospital for careful monitoring. If tests show that neither mother nor baby is having difficulties, the provider may try to prolong the pregnancy to avoid prematurity-related complications for the baby.

If the provider suspects that the abruption is likely to result in premature delivery between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, she will probably recommend treatment with drugs called corticosteroids. These drugs speed maturation of the fetal lungs and significantly reduce the risk of prematurity-related complications and infant deaths.

Some women with mild abruptions may be able to go home after the bleeding stops, while others may need to stay in the hospital until delivery.

If an abruption progresses, a woman is bleeding heavily, or the baby is having difficulties, a prompt delivery, usually by c-section, probably will be necessary.

What causes placental abruption?

The cause of abruption is unknown. However, the following factors can increase a woman's risk for abruption:

Cocaine used

High blood pressure

Cigarette smoking

Abdominal trauma (such as may occur with an automobile accident or abuse)

Certain abnormalities of the uterus or umbilical cord

Being more than 35 years of age

Pregnant with twins, triplets or more

Premature rupture of the membranes (bag of waters)

Having too little amniotic fluid

Having certain inherited disorders of blood clotting

Having an infection involving the uterus

What is the risk of an abruption happening again in another pregnancy?

A woman who has had an abruption has about a 10 percent chance of it happening again in a later pregnancy.

What can a woman do to reduce her risk for abruption?

In most cases, abruption cannot be prevented. However, these steps may help a woman reduce her risk:

Keep high blood pressure under control.Women who have high blood pressure should see their health care provider regularly and take medication, if recommended. Women who are not yet pregnant should see their provider for a preconception checkup to get their blood pressure under control right from the start.

Avoid cigarettes and cocaine.These contribute to abruption and other pregnancy complications.

Wear a seat belt.This can help prevent trauma resulting from auto accidents.

Discuss possible treatments for blood clotting disorders with a health care provider.Some women with inherited blood clotting disorders may benefit from treatment, for example with blood-thinning drugs, during pregnancy. Some providers recommend treatment to affected women who have had an abruption or other pregnancy complication that may be linked with a blood-clotting disorder.

What is placenta previa?

Placenta previa is a low-lying placenta that covers part or all of the opening of the cervix. This positioning of the placenta can block the baby's exit from the uterus. As the cervix begins to thin and dilate in preparation for labor, blood vessels that connect the abnormally placed placenta to the uterus may tear, resulting in bleeding. During labor and delivery, bleeding can be severe, endangering mother and baby.

As with placental abruption, placenta previa can result in the birth of a premature baby.

How common is placenta previa?

Placenta previa occurs in about 1 in 200 pregnancies.

What are the symptoms of placenta previa?

The most common symptom of placenta previa is painless uterine bleeding during the second half of pregnancy. Women who experience vaginal bleeding in pregnancy should contact their health care provider.

How is placenta previa diagnosed?

An ultrasound examination can diagnose placenta previa and pinpoint the placenta's location. The provider usually avoids doing a vaginal examination when placenta previa is suspected because the examination may trigger heavy bleeding.

Some women who have not experienced vaginal bleeding learn during a routine ultrasound examination that they have a low-lying placenta. A pregnant woman should not be too worried if this happens to her, especially if she is in the first half of pregnancy. More than 90 percent of the time, placenta previa diagnosed in the second trimester corrects itself by term.

How is placenta previa treated?

How a woman with placenta previa is treated depends on her stage of pregnancy, the severity of the bleeding and the condition of mother and baby. The goal, whenever possible, is to prolong pregnancy until the baby is at or near full term. Cesarean delivery is recommended for nearly all women with placenta previa because c-sections usually can prevent severe bleeding.

When a woman develops significant bleeding due to placenta previa after about 34 weeks of pregnancy, her provider may recommend a prompt c-section. Babies born after this time usually do well, though some have mild prematurity-related health problems during the newborn period.

Women who develop bleeding as a result of placenta previa before about 34 weeks are generally admitted to the hospital, where they can be monitored closely. If tests show that mother and baby are doing well, the provider will probably attempt to prolong the pregnancy. In some cases, when there has been a significant amount of bleeding, the mother may be treated with blood transfusions. She also will be treated with corticosteroid drugs if she is likely to deliver before 34 weeks.

Some women are able to go home after bleeding stops, but others must remain in the hospital until delivery. At 36 to 37 weeks, if she hasn't delivered, the provider may suggest a test of the amniotic fluid (obtained by amniocentesis) to see if the baby's lungs are mature. If they are, the provider will likely recommend a c-section at that time to prevent risks associated with any future bleeding episodes.

At any stage of pregnancy, a prompt c-section may be necessary if the mother develops dangerously heavy bleeding, or if mother or baby is having difficulties.

What causes placenta previa?

The cause of placenta previa is unknown. However, certain factors can increase a woman's risk:

Cigarette smoking

Cocaine use

Being more than 35 years of age

Second or later pregnancy

Previous uterine surgery, including a c-section; a D&C (dilation and curettage, in which the lining of the uterus is scraped), which is often done following a miscarriage or during an abortion

Pregnant with twins, triplets or more

What is the risk of placenta previa happening again in another pregnancy?

A woman who has had a placenta previa in a previous pregnancy has a 2 to 3 percent chance of a recurrence.

Can a woman reduce her risk for placenta previa?

There is no way to prevent placenta previa. However, a woman may be able to reduce her risk by avoiding using cigarettes and cocaine. She also may be able to reduce her risk in future pregnancies by avoiding having an elective c-section (i.e., a c-section scheduled for convenience), unless there is a medical reason.

An interesting side note or placenta previa:

Many women are told at the 20 week scan that they have placenta previa. Im told the percentage is high, probably 8 out of 10 women. This is because at 20 weeks you are only half way through your pregnancy and your baby and placenta still have lots of growing to do. Most of the time the placenta will "move" and you will no longer have true placenta previa. Now the placenta wont actually move. When it implants it stays in the same spot. To give you an example, when you take a deflated balloon and you draw a spot on it with a marker and then you blow it up that spot appears to move location even though it is not moving. Likewise with the expansion of the uterus the placenta is more than likely going to "move". So if you get this diagnosis at your 20 week scan, no need to worry just yet.

What is placenta accreta?

Placenta accreta refers to a placenta that implants too deeply and too firmly into the uterine wall. Similarly, placenta increta and percreta refer to a placenta that imbeds itself even more deeply into uterine muscle or through the entire thickness of the uterus, sometimes extending into nearby structures, such as the bladder.

How common are placenta accreta and related disorders?

These disorders occur in about 1 in 2,500 deliveries. They sometimes lead to the birth of a premature baby.

What are the symptoms of placenta accreta and related disorders?

Like placenta previa, these disorders often cause vaginal bleeding in the third trimester.

Who is at risk for placenta accreta and related disorders?

These disorders occur most frequently in women who have placenta previa in the current pregnancy and also have a history of one or more c-sections or other uterine surgery.

How are placenta accreta and related disorders diagnosed?

These disorders can be diagnosed with an ultrasound examination. In some cases, another imaging technique called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be recommended.

How are placenta accreta and related disorders treated?

In these disorders, the placenta does not completely separate from the uterus as it should following the delivery of the baby. This can lead to dangerous hemorrhage following vaginal delivery. The placenta usually must be surgically removed to stop the bleeding, and often a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is necessary.

When placenta accreta is diagnosed before birth, a c-section immediately followed by a hysterectomy may be planned in order to reduce blood loss and complications in the mother. In some cases, other surgical procedures can be used to save the uterus.

What are some other placental problems?

In some cases the placenta may not develop correctly or function as well as it should. It may be too thin, too thick or have an extra lobe, or the membranes may be improperly attached. Or problems can occur during pregnancy that damage the placenta, including infections, blood clots and areas of tissue destruction (infarcts). These placental abnormalities can contribute to a number of complications, such as miscarriage, poor fetal growth, prematurity, maternal hemorrhage at delivery and, possibly, birth defects. A doctor often will examine the placenta following delivery or send it to the laboratory, especially if the newborn has certain complications, such as poor growth, to help diagnose the cause of the problem.

The Benefits of the Placenta

2009-08-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Ok ok, so I will be the first to tell you that the thought of eating a placenta makes me sick to my stomach and my first thought is that I would never do that in a million years. However there is a process done to dry out the placenta and turn it into a fine powder and encapsulate that and take them as vitamin suppliments. This is a much more doable option. Why should you consider this? Here is why:

Placentophagia- the practice of eating the placenta- has been observed throughout history in many parts of the world. In Western cultures, eating the placenta is often viewed as barbaric, but thanks to new information about the surprising benefits, there has been a recent push amoung young mothers to eat the placenta after giving birth. While many Western doctors discourage placentophagia with the claim that it carries no inherent benefits, studies have shown that eating the placenta can curb postpartum depression, replentish nutrients, increas milk production, and slow postpartum hemmorrhage.

Placentophagia may deter the onset of postpartum depression

The placenta contains high levels of various vitamins, such as B6, which can help curb postpartum depression. Eating the placenta enables the mother to "reclaim" these vitamins and put them to use in her own body. Placentophagia may also increase a mother's blood levels of a hormone known as CHR (corticotrophin-releasing hormone), a known stress-reducer. This hormone is normally secreted by the hypothalamus. According to a study performed by the National Institues of Health (NIH), "During the last trimester of pregnancy, the placenta secretes so much CRH that the levels in the bloodstream increase threefold. However, it was also discovered that postpartum women have lower than average levels of CRH, triggering depressive symptoms. They concluded that the placenta secreted so much CRH that the hypothalamus stopped producing it. (http://placentabenefits.info/medical.asp). After childbirth, the hypothalamus doesn't immediately recieve the signal to begin producing CRH again, which can lead to postpartum depression. Eating the placenta can raise a mother's CRH levels, reducingsymptomsof postpartum depression.

Placentophagia may help replentish nutrients lost during childbirth

Human placenta is rich in various essential nutrients such as iron and protein. Placentophagia can help replentish these nutrients, which are often depleted during childbirth due to blood loss. This benefit of placentophagia may be especially important for vegetarian or vegan mothers, who may have slightly lower blood iron levels to begin with. (Many animals also practice placentophagia, presumably for this reason.)

Placentophagia can increase breastmilk production, especially in women at risk for low supply

For centuries, the Chinese have consumed the placenta as a way to increase insuffient milk production. In 1954, a study was conducted in wich 210 women, expected to have a low milk supply, were administered dried placenta. 86% of the mothers noticed a significant increase in milk production (http://placentabenefits.info/medicinal.asp). It follows, therefore, that placentophagia can be beneficial in stimulating breastmilk production, even for mothers who are not at risk for a low supply.

Placentophagia can stimulate uterine contractions and slow postpartum hemmorhage

Oxytocin is a naturally-occurring chemical in the brain that stimulates uterine contractions that lead to the onset of labor. This same chemical also enables the uterus to contract and quickly return to its pre-pregnancy size, as well as slowing postpartum bleeding. Studies have shown that eating the placenta triggers the release of oxytocin into the bloodstream, enabling the uterus to quickly heal and tone itself after childbirth.

Does placentophagia carry any inherent risks?

Many doctors, especially in Western culture, have expressed some concern that eating the placenta may spread disease such as HIV, hepatitis, and other blood-borne illness. However, placentophagia is traditionally practiced only by the mother and not by other parties, so there is no risk of spreading disease. If she has a disease, she cannot reinfect herself, and if she is not currently ill, she cannot become ill from eating her own placenta.

Other than that, there is little risk involved in placentophagia. As with any meat, the placenta must be properly cared for before consumption. Fresh placenta may be eaten raw, but if the placenta is to be stored and used at a later time, it should be frozen or otherwise prepared to prevent bacterial infection.

It is important to note that with some birth practices, such as lotus birth (in which the umbilical chord is left uncut until it dries and detaches naturally days after birth), eating the placenta is not possible due to the treatment of the placenta. However, in instances such as this, the placenta may be used for other purposes, such as placenta art, or the ritual of burial.

If you are interested in having your placenta encapsulated please contact me and I will find a certified specialist in your area.

Do You Have A Birth Plan?

2009-08-03T21:36:00.000-07:00

What is a Birth Plan?

The term birth plan can actually be misleading — it's less an exact plan thana list of preferences. In fact, the goal of a birth plan isn't for you and your partner to determine exactly how the birth of your child will occur — because labor involves so many variables, you can't predict exactly what will happen. A birth plan does, however, help you to realize what's most important to you in the birth of your baby.

While completing a birth plan, you'll be learning about, exploring, and understanding your labor and birthing options well before the birth of your child. Not only will this improve your communication with the people who'll be helping during your delivery, it also means you won't have to explain your preferences right at the moment when you're least in the mood for conversation — during labor itself.

A birth plan isn't a binding agreement — it's just a guideline. Your doctor or health care provider may know, from having seen you throughout the pregnancy, what you do and don't want. Also, if you go into labor when there's an on-call doctor who you don't know well, a well thought-out birth plan can help you communicate your goals and wishes to the people helping you with the labor and delivery.

A few important notes

Birth plans are best kept short and to the point -- lots of details may be lost on medical support staff. You may wish to make several copies of the plan: one for you, one for your chart, one for your doctor or nurse-midwife, and one for your birthing coach or partner. And bringing a few extra copies in your labor bag is a good idea, especially if your doctor ends up not being on call when your baby is born. (about 10 copies in all)

It isvery importantthat you talk about the procedures and/or choices that appear your plan with your caregiver(s). Not only do obstetric practices often vary by caregiver, hospital, state and country, there are often important factors involved. It is your responsibility to evaluate and understand each choice you make.

What Questions Does a Birth Plan Answer?

A birth plan typically covers three major areas:

1. What are your wishes during a normal labor and delivery?

These range from how you want to handle pain relief to enemas and fetal monitoring. Think about the environment in which you want to have your baby, who you want to have there, and what birthing positions you plan to use.

2. How are you hoping for your baby to be treated immediately after and for the first few days after birth?

Do you want the baby's cord to be cut by your partner? If possible, do you want your baby placed on your stomach immediately after birth? Do you want to feed the baby immediately? Will you breastfeed or bottle-feed? Where will the baby sleep— next to you or in the nursery? Hospitals have widely varying policies for the care of newborns — if you choose to have your baby in a hospital, you'll want to know what these are and how they match what you're looking for.

3. What do you want to happen in the case of unexpected events?

No one wants to think about something going wrong, but if it does, it's better to have thought about your options in advance. Since some women need cesarean sections (C-sections), your birth plan should probably cover your wishes in the event that your labor takes an unexpected turn. You might also want to think about other possible complications, such as premature birth.

Factors to Consider

Before you make decisions about each of your birthing options, you'll want to talk with your health care provider and tour the hospital or birthing center where you plan to have your baby.

You may find that your obstetrician, nurse-midwife, or the facility where they admit patients already has birth-plan forms that you can fill out. If this is the case, you can use the form as a guideline for asking questions about how women in their care are routinely treated. If their responses are not what you're hoping for, you might want to look for a health provider or facility that better matches your goals.

And it's important to be flexible — if you know one aspect of your birthing plan won't be met, be sure to weigh that aspect against your other wishes. If your options are limited because of insurance, cost, or geography, focus on one or two areas that are really important to you. In the areas where your thinking doesn't agree with that of your doctor or nurse-midwife, ask why he or she usually does things a certain way and listen to the answers before you make up your mind. There may be important reasons why a doctor believes some birth options are better than others.

Finally, you should find out if there are things about your pregnancy that might prevent certain choices. For example, if your pregnancy is considered high risk because of your age, health, or problems during previous pregnancies, your health care provider may advise against some of your birthing wishes. You'll want to discuss, and consider, this information when thinking about your options.

What Are Your Birthing Options?

In creating your plan, you're likely to have choices in the following areas:

Where to have the baby.

Most women still give birth in the hospital. However, most are no longer confined to a cold, sterile maternity ward. Find out if your hospital practices family-centered care. This usually means the patient rooms will have a door, furnishings, a private bathroom, and enough space to accommodate a family, including the baby's crib and supplies.

Additionally, many hospitals now offer birthing rooms that allow a woman to stay in the same bed for labor, delivery, and sometimes, postpartum care (care after the birth). These rooms are fully equipped for uncomplicated deliveries. They're often attractive and have gentle lighting.

But some women believe that the most comfortable environment is their own home. Advocates of home birth believe that labor and delivery can and should occur at home, but they also stress that a certified nurse-midwife or doctor should attend the birth. An important thing to remember about home birth is that if something goes wrong, you don't have the amenities and technology of a hospital. It can take a while to get to the hospital, and during a complicated birth those minutes can be invaluable.

For women with low-risk pregnancies who want something in between the hospital and home, birthing centers are a good option. These provide a more homey, relaxed environment with some of the medical amenities of a hospital. Some birthing centers are associated with hospitals and can transfer patients if necessary.

Who will assist at the birth.

Most women choose an obstetrician (OB/GYN), a specialist who's trained to handle pregnancies (including those with complications), labor, and delivery. If your pregnancy is considered high risk, you may be referred to an obstetrician who subspecializes in maternal-fetal medicine. These doctors have specialized training to care for pregnant women with medical conditions or complications, as well as their fetuses.

Another medical choice is a family practitioner who has had training and has maintained expertise in managing non-high-risk pregnancies and deliveries. In some areas of the United States, especially rural areas where obstetricians are less available, family practitioners handle most of the deliveries. As your family doctor, a family practitioner can continue to treat both you and your baby after birth.

And doctors aren't the only health care providers a pregnant woman can choose to deliver her baby. You might decide that you want your delivery to be performed by a certified nurse-midwife, a health professional who's medically trained and licensed to handle low-risk births and whose philosophy emphasizes educating expectant parents about the natural aspects of childbirth.

Increasing numbers of women are choosing to have adoula, or birth assistant, present in addition to the medical personnel. This is someone who's trained in childbirth and is there to provide support to the mother. The doula can meet with the mother before the birth and can help communicate her wishes to the medical staff, should it be necessary.

Your birth plan can also indicate who else you'd like to have with you before, during, and immediately after the birth. In a routine birth, this may be your partner, your other children, a friend, or other family member. You can also make it clear at what points you want no one to be there but your partner or doula.

Atmosphere during labor and delivery.

Many hospitals and birthing centers now allow women to make some choices about the atmosphere in which they give birth. Do you want music and low lighting? How about the freedom to walk around during labor? Is a hot tub something you'd like access to? If possible, would you like to eat or drink during labor? You might be able to request things that may make you the most comfortable — from what clothes you'll wear to whether you'll have a VCR or DVD player in your room.

Communicating Your Wishes

Birth plans are relatively new inventions, and your doctor or nurse-midwife may not be completely comfortable with them. For this reason, make sure you communicate clearly that you intend to create a birth plan. Give your health care provider your reasons for doing so —not because you don't trust him or her, but to help ensure cooperation and to cover the possibilities if something should go wrong. If your caregiver seems offended or is resistant to the idea of a birth plan, you might want to reconsider whether this is the right caregiver for you.

Also, think about the language of your plan. You can use many online resources to create one or you can make one yourself. Here are some tips:

Make your birth plan read like alist of requests or best-case scenarios, not like a set of demands. Phrases such as "I would prefer" and "if medically necessary" will help your health care provider and caregivers know that you understand that they might have to alter the plan.

Think about the other personnel who'll be using it — hospital staffers might feel more comfortable if you call it your "birth preferences" rather than your "birth plan," which could seem as though you're trying to tell them how to do their jobs.

Try to be positive ("we hope to") as opposed to negative ("under no circumstances").

Once you've made your birth plan, schedule a time to go over it with your doctor or nurse-midwife. Find out and discuss where you agree or disagree. During your pregnancy, review the birth plan with your partner periodically to make sure that it's still in line with both of your wishes.

Strive to keep the plan as simple as possible— preferably less than two pages — and list them in order of importance. Focusing on your priorities will help ensure that the most important of your wishes are met.

Although you might not be able to control everything that happens to you during your baby's birth, youcanplay a role in the decisions that are made about your body and your baby. A well thought-out birth plan can help you to do that.

Mercury Levels & Pregnancy: What You Need To Know

2009-07-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

We know that fish can be very nutritious and are packed with great nutrients such as omega-3’s, the B vitamins and lean protein. But unfortunately, fish can also have some unhealthy contaminants. Mercury is a contaminant found in fish that can affect brain development and the nervous system. The FDA has released guidelines for children, women who are pregnant and women who are trying to become pregnant. These guidelines state that no more than 12 oz of low mercury fish should be consumed weekly. "Highest" mercury fish should be avoided and "high" mercury fish should be kept to only three 6-oz servings per month.

Find a Nutritionist in your area

What does this mean for women who are pregnant but also trying to get some of their much needed nutrients from the critters of the sea? It is all aboutmoderation. Recent information released in theAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicinesays that no one should cut fish out of their diet altogether. Fish contains too many healthy nutrients that are essential for growth and development, especially in a pregnant mom and baby. There are 4 types of fish that should be on the list to avoid due to mercury levels. These include: shark, king mackerel, swordfish and tilefish.

For information regarding other types of fish, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has released a list of fish and their mercury levels so that people can be informed on what they are consuming. If you want to get more detailed information about mercury levels and how much you personally are consuming, you can also use themercury thermometerto calculate your totals.

Highest Mercury

AVOID Eating

Grouper
Marlin
Orange roughy
Tilefish
Swordfish
Shark
Mackerel (king)

High Mercury

Eat no more than three 6-oz servings per month

Bass saltwater
Croaker
Halibut
Tuna (canned, white albacore) See tuna chart below
Tuna (fresh bluefin, ahi)
Sea trout
Bluefish
Lobster (American/Maine)

LOWER MERCURY

Eat no more than six 6-oz servings per month

Carp
Mahi Mahi
Crab (dungeness)
Snapper
Crab (blue)
Herring
Crab (snow)
Monkfish
Perch (freshwater)
Skate
Cod
Tuna (canned, chunk light)
Tuna (fresh Pacific albacore)

LOWEST MERCURY

Enjoy two 6-oz servings per week

Anchovies
Butterfish
Calamari (squid)
Caviar (farmed)
Crab (king)
Pollock
Catfish
Whitefish
Perch (ocean)
Scallops
Flounder
Haddock
Hake
Herring
Lobster (spiny/rock)
Shad
Sole
Crawfish/crayfish
Salmon
Shrimp
Clams
Tilapia
Oysters
Sardines
Sturgeon (farmed)
Trout (freshwater)

Chart obtained from the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC); data obtained by the FDA and the EPA.

Tuna mercury levels can be different based on the type of tuna and where it was caught. The NRDC created the chart below as a guideline to how much tuna can be eaten by children, pregnant women or women wanting to conceive, based on their weight.

18 foods to eat to fuel a pregnant body

2009-07-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

What moms-to-be eat affects their growing babies. While they don't need to consume too many extra calories(300 per day)while pregnant, it's what one puts in her mouth that counts. Expectant women should keep all the vital vitamins and minerals that contribute to their child's development in mind when making meal choices. To make it easy, we've rounded up the recommended daily doses and the foods that provide the nourishment.

1.Vitamin A
Pregnant ladies need 770 micrograms of Vitamin A thathelps with vision and is needed for strong bones and teeth.It is found in foods like carrots, pig's liver and sweet potatoes.

2.Vitamin B6
Expectant ladies should consume 1.9 milligrams of Vitamin B6, which helps in the formation of red blood cellsand is found in foods like peanuts, fatty fish and hazelnuts.

3.Vitamin B12
Those with child should eat 2.6 micrograms of Vitamin B12, which like Vitamin B6,aids in the formation of red blood cells. It can be found in eggs, sardines and mussels.

4.Vitamin C
It's important for mamas-to-be to get 85 milligrams of Vitamin C, which helps the bodyheal wounds, resist infection and form collagen. Sources are oranges and most other citrus fruits, brussels sprout and kiwi.

5.Vitamin D
Forstrong bones and teeth, women with child need 5 micrograms of Vitamin D. It is found in milk, liver and eggs.

6.Vitamin E
Fifteen milligrams of Vitamin E are recommended for theformation and use of red blood cells and muscles. Good sources are sunflower seeds, almonds and olives.

7.Vitamin K
To help preventa rare bleeding disorder in newborns, 90 micrograms of Vitamin K is recommended. Boiled kale, spinach and collard greens are rich in it.

8.CalciumOne thousand milligrams of Calcium is needed forgrowth of bones and teeth and proper muscle and nerve function. It is found in hard cheese, tofu and even milk chocolate!

9.Folate
Expectant women should make sure they get 600 micrograms of Folate. It is essential forblood and protein production, cell division and to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. Lentils, beans and boiled asparagus are good sources of it.

10.IodineIodine isrequired for hormone production. To get the recommended 220 micrograms, expectant women can eat cod, haddock and seaweed.

11.Iron
Pregnant women need 27 milligrams of Iron for the production of the blood protein, hemoglobin. Iron is found in foods like oysters, clams and chicken liver.

12.Phosphorus
Seven hundred milligrams of Phosphorus are needed for thegrowth and health of bones and teeth. The mineral is found in herring, sesame seeds and roe.

13.Niacin
Expectant women should get 18 milligrams of Niacin from sources like beef liver, chicken and tuna to promotehealthy skin, nerves, and digestion.

14.MagnesiumIn order to ensure propernerve and muscle function, pregnant ladies should consume 350-360 milligrams of Magnesium. It's found in foods like shredded wheat, cashews and Soya beans.

15.Protein
Mama-to-be should eat 50 grams of protein for health and growth and toaid in blood production and supplies the "building blocks" for the baby's body. Chicken, turkey and duck are good sources.

16.Riboflavin
Riboflavin aids in the release of energy to cells. Expectant women can get their 1.4 milligrams by eating yogurt, cottage cheese and pasta.

17.Thiamin
Thiamin, which is found in breakfast cereals, peas and baked potatoeshelps the body digest carbohydrates. The recommended dose during pregnancy is 1.4 milligrams.

18.Zinc
Zincaids in the production of enzymes and insulinPine nuts, pecans and All Bran cereal are ways to get the 11 milligrams an expectant lady needs.

Read more:http://www.myspace.com/genesisbirthservices/blog?page=3#ixzz0we6s84hI

A Special Message to Mothers of Angel Babies

2009-07-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

I came across this amazing website. This site is about an amazing wife and mother named Carly Dudley. She lives in Australia where they have the most breathtaking beaches.

"To Write Their Names In The Sand" began in the early hours of August 19th 2008. In her sleep on that cold winter's morning, Carly dreamed of her son Christian for the first time since he was born sound asleep on January 26th 2007.

Carly dreamed that she was walking along the beach when up ahead of her she saw three children playing together. They were laughing and really enjoying their time under the sun. When she got closer to them they ran away up into the sand dunes. When Carly reached the point where the children were playing she saw that they had written their names in the sand.

The children's names were Noah, Bella and Christian. Carly had dreamed of her son. Even though she did not realize it was him until he was gone she felt overwhelmed with love. Christian was there, he was healthy, whole and happy playing on Heaven's beach with his two little friends that left this Earth only a short time before he did.

Carly woke from her sleep at 3am. Her mind was ticking over. She knew this dream would change her life forever. She knew it meant something amazing. That evening at sunset Carly went to the beach, she kept her dream to herself and told no one. She wrote the three names that had appeared in her dream. After she had taken the photo's she stood in the water and prayed. She told God that she would start a children's memorial page and that she would write the names of children who were now with Him instead of their loving families. She asked him for strength and love.

Carly kept the memorial page a secret from Sam. She showed it for the first time to him on Father's Day.

Sam and Carly had no idea that this dream would become something so amazing. They receive on average 150 name requests a day. Carly uses a simple Canon IXUS digital camera to take all the photo's.

Their dream is to bring warm light back into bereaved families lives. They wish for everyone Hope and Peace.

If you would like your Angel's name in the sand you can follow this linkhttp://namesinthesand.blogspot.com/2009/01/make-name-request.htmland the steps are there on how to make a request.

Please keep in mind that they get flooded with requests for names and are unable to reply to your email. They will however, read every one that comes in and we will write every name requested.

***Carly you are an angel sent from above and what you are doing is amazing and such a blessing.***

Mama Approved on Mamasource.com!

2009-07-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that I now have a business profile on mamasource.com for Genesis Birth Services! Here you will be able to leave and read feedback clients have left regarding my services. Keep checking in periodically to check out the new reviews! If you were a client of mine please leave feedback to pass on your experience of having a doula at the birth of your child. I look forward to reading your reviews!

Review Genesis Birth Services at Mamasource

Infant & Pregnancy Loss Walk

2009-07-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

The OC Walk to Remember is a 5K walk, done in remembrance of all the babies lost to miscarriage and pregnancy and infant loss of any kind. The walk is preceded by a memorial service, where each baby's name is read. We invite parents to come walk for the steps your baby never got to take, and we encourage family and friends to come support those of us who have lost a child or children. No baby should ever be forgotten.

When: October 10, 2009
Where: University of California, Irvine campus
Time: Check in begins at 8:00 a.m.,
Remembrance ceremony at 9:15 a.m.

http://www.ocwalktoremember.org/2009.htm

The Age Old Question: How Can I Kickstart Labor Safely?

2009-04-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

By the time most moms reach around 38 weeks into their pregnancy they are so sick and tried of being pregnant they will pretty much do anything to get labor started. Here are some tips & tricks & old wives tales on how to kick start labor naturally and safely. Some moms swear that a certain method works for them others say nothing works, ultimately baby will decide when he/she will make their grand appearance. Nonetheless, here are some suggestions that I'm sure you will have fun with or perhaps drive yourself crazy with 8)

Castor Oil
For decades, women have been using castor oil to help induce labor. In fact, many old school physicians and midwives swear by it. It can provide good results if you are already in early labor. It is believed to work by causing spasms in the intestines, which surround the uterus toward the end of pregnancy. These spasms, in turn, cause the uterus to cramp, which might result in labor.

You can take 30 - 80 ml of castor oil mixed with 100 -200ml of orange juice to cut its oiliness. You’ll want to drink it quickly because of the unpleasant taste. Some practitioners suggest taking a single dose; others suggest repeated doses depending on your response. Keep in mind that castor oil usually will cause your bowels to empty within about three hours. With luck, soon after that, you will be in true labor. Warning castor oil is not only unpleasant to drink (do drink it mixed with orange juice if you really want to try this!) but it also results in near immediate diarrhea. (Ed: I tried this at a week over due with my first son, it did give stomach cramps and diarrhea, and emptied the bowels nicely, but no labor. Thankfully. You actually wouldn’t want to be in labor with that much bowel action - but it is a good clean out in preparation for labor.)

Walk
If you are having contractions but are not yet in labor, walking can help get things going. Walking allows your hips to sway side to side, which will help bring the baby into position to be born. Also, by standing upright, you’re using gravity to move the baby down into the pelvis. Another plus: It usually feels good to walk when you are contracting. And of course, even if you don’t go into full-blown labor, at least you’re getting some exercise.

Sex
Making love can be one of the last things on a woman’s mind toward the end of her pregnancy. She probably feels clumsy and big and may be experiencing a lot of vaginal pressure. But sex is one of the main things you can do to get your labor under way. When you and your partner make love, his semen (which contains prostaglandins) can stimulate contractions. (The gel used in inductions is a prostagladin gel, so it is certainly worth trying this before going in for a medical induction). At the very least the semen will help to soften and ‘ripen’ the cervix, and every bit of progress helps. An added bonus will be if the mum can reach orgasm too. As the regular, rhythmical contractions brought on by orgasm combined with a prostaglandin may very well kick-start labor, and certainly will cause progress at the very least even if it does not result in sustained contractions.

Spicy Food
Some people swear that it was that extra-hot enchilada from their favorite Mexican restaurant that brought them face to face with their new baby. Unfortunately, the statistics are out on this one. You could try it, but if you have a full stomach when you are in labor, you might vomit and see that enchilada again–in less-than-appetizing circumstances.

Nipple Stimulation
Some women massage their nipples as a way to induce labor. This stimulation brings about the release of oxytocin, which is the natural form of pitocin. Oxytocin causes contractions, which sometimes evolve into labor.

Most practitioners are not enthusiastic about this method of inducing labor, because it has been known to lead to excessively long, strong uterine contractions sometimes resulting in fetal heart rate slowing. Unless your practitioner advises it and is monitoring your progress closely, nipple stimulation is not always recommended as a means for beginning labor.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

Raspberry leaf tea supports the female systems. It is believed to attain healthy menstruation, strengthen and tone the uterus, and to prepare the womb for childbirth. It is said to prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage. It reduces the pain during labor and after childbirth since it tones the muscles used during labor and delivery. However, it does not offset the pain of cervical dilation. It strengthens contractions that allows the contracting uterus to work more effectively. It helps to bring down an undelivered placenta.

Pineapple

An enzyme in the Pineapple fruit is reputed to ripen the cervix and help to start the labor. In order to get enough this enzyme, you have to eat a lot of pineapple.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is said to ripen the cervix when it is used internally 5 gel caps up against the cervix daily.

Maternity Acupressure Points to Induce Labor

Acupressure means applying pressure on specific spots on your body with fingertips. Specific acupressure points on your body to go into labor. These points can be found on shoulders, hands, lower legs and ankles. You can find an acupressure specialist to apply labor inducing acupressure. Because acupressure techniques are very simple, you or your partner can stimulate these points as well. Treat the points known to stimulate labor by pressing them and massaging them with small circular motion for 1-5 minutes few times a day. Specific maternity acupressure points encourage the baby to engage, help the cervix to ripen and stimulate the contractions.

Medical disclaimer:Note that this article is not a substitute for medical advice. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes, and is not intended as advice or instruction. It is provided to help you to make informed choices for yourself. You should consult your primary care provider regarding your specific medical symptoms or advice.

Cesarean Support

2009-04-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

Ive compiled a list of everything cesarean related to help you mamas out:

http://www.ican-online.org/
http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/csections/tipsforhealing.htm
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppcsection
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/cesareansection/a/aftercsec.htm
http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a3715/cesarean_birth_support
http://www.justmommies.com/articles/c-section-recovery-guide.shtml
http://www.birth.com.au/The-physical-reactions-and-emotions-to-a-Caesarean-birth/Physical-recovery-of-the-woman-after-a-Caesarean-birth.aspx

Breastfeeding support after a Cesarean:
http://womantowomancbe.wordpress.com/2009/04/09/support-breast-feeding-after-cesarean/
http://www.llli.org/FAQ/cesarean.html
http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/CSANDVBAC/bfaftercesarean.htm
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T021400.asp
http://www.obgyn.net/pregnancy-birth/pregnancy-birth.asp?page=/pb/articles/bf_cesarean
http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/breast/AS-bfaftercesarean.htm

VBAC (vaginal birth after cesearean) Information:
http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,4848,00.html
http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-vbac-overview
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/vbac.html
http://www.childbirth.org/section/VBACFAQ.html
http://www.babycenter.com/0_vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-vbac_1420895.bc
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10212
http://www.amazon.com/VBAC-Companion-Expectant-Mothers-Cesarean/dp/1558321292
http://vbacfacts.com/vbac-class/?gclid=CNqMyOGovZ0CFRgbawodcG8ViQ

Fun Stuff & Other Resources:
(any products listed below I in no way indorse this or work with this company, I just happened to come across it and thought Id pass it on)

http://www.cpanty.com/what_is_cpanty/
http://www.amazon.com/Cesarean-Recovery-Chrissie-Gallagher-Mundy/dp/1552979040/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240509601&sr=1-4

http://www.amazon.com/Essential-C-Section-Guide-Everything-Cesarean/dp/0767916077/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240509601&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/What-If-I-Have-C-Section/dp/1579549071/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240509601&sr=1-3

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Simple_Tips_To_Help_Speed_up_Your_Cesarean_recovery.html

http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/CSANDVBAC/csemotionalrecov.htm
http://www.csectionrecovery.com/

http://www.therecoverykit.com/the-recovery-kits/the-recovery-kit-c-section?gclid=CLvRlJ3Lh5oCFQkzawodARm9FA

http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Mama-Angel-C-Section-Healing/dp/B000ZP2XOG

Live in LA or Ventura County? Does your work support breastfeeding? Wish they did? TAKE A LOOK!

2009-04-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

Breastfeeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles

www.BreastfeedLA.org

Breastfeeding Works is a project of the Breastfeeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles. Through funding from First 5 LA and California Endowment, the goal of Breastfeeding Works is to promote support for lactation in the workplace.

As of January 2002, the State of California passed a law (AB 1025) requiring employers to provide time and private space to express breast milk during the day. Mothers who return to work need a clean, private location in the workplace to do this throughout the workday in order to maintain their milk supply.

Breastfeeding friendly workplaces have been shown to decrease employee absenteeism by up to 57% due to the health benefits for both mother and baby, while enhancing employee productivity, loyalty, and morale.

Check out the link below to get more info or to help your employer support lactation in the workplace.

http://www.breastfeedingworks.org/index.htm

Car Seat Safety

2009-04-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

I would like to pass on some life saving information. I know that parents are eager for their little ones to reach milestones. Turning the car seat forward is NOT a milestone you want your little one to hit. Even if they are at or past the recommended 1 year old and 20 pound point, it is still safer to keep your little one in a rear facing car seat as long as possible.

Also I encourage parents and caregivers to have their car seat professionally installed or checked to make sure it is secure. Experts say four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly. Check the link out below for your local office to have your car seat checked out.
http://www.seatcheck.org/

http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/30/4/12-a

Advice for a stress-free pregnancy in a recession

2009-02-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

(Tori Kropp Advises Women on Staying Positive and Relaxed During Pregnancy)

Tori Kropp is known as the "Dear Abby" for pregnant women around the world. A decade ago, she created the enormously popular Web site, www.storknet.com, where pregnant women from all over the world write to her to ask about issues they are experiencing with their pregnancies.

She is also the author of the book " The Joy of Pregnancy," which addresses all the issues pregnant women face with a positive focus on empowering and relaxing women during those nine months.

Recognizing that the current economic climate has created more issues and stress for pregnant women, Kropp has developed a few unique ideas pregnant women should use that will help alleviate their economic stress, better prepare them for the future and, most importantly, relax them.

Here are some of her tips:

Take An Accounting Class
Mothers are the "CEOs" of their families. By knowing how to balance books and manipulate money, women can take back control of their finances. Knowing what is going on economically and having knowledge of what can be done with money can help alleviate stress.

Be Proud of Being Pregnant
Just like telling people it is your birthday gets you an extra piece of cake, telling people you are pregnant will also help you get better deals or discounts on things, such as home heating oil. Since oil companies compete against others, telling them you are pregnant and you need this oil for your baby may open up a little room for bargaining on price and save you up to 10 to 30 cents a gallon, which could save hundreds of dollars in the winter.

Take Advantage of At-Home Temp Jobs
If you are not working or if you have time on your hands after working, there are various opportunities for at-home temp jobs. Some jobs that can be done at home are proofreading for authors and typing documents. This can also be beneficial as a way to earn extra money after the baby is born.

See a Therapist
Pregnancy is stressful enough. But with the current economic conditions it can be even more so, making it potentially harmful to you and your baby. Seeing a therapist will help the mother work through her worries and have a healthier pregnancy and baby.

Learn to Meditate
Meditation is a great way to relax, and it can be done anywhere. There are many great books that teach you how to do it and many great classes to take, too. Once again, being relaxed and of sound mind is vital to having an enjoyable and healthy pregnancy.

Learn to Sew and Knit
It is easy to do and a great hobby to do at anytime. An expectant mother can make beautiful clothes or blankets that would normally cost a fortune for a fraction of the price. If you know how to sew, you can repair clothing instead of spending money on new clothes.

Baby's First Aid Kit

2009-01-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

When getting ready for baby's arrival it can seem overwhelming sometimes all the things that are needed! Even more overwhelming is the selection of things when we go to shops specializing in baby gear. The selections and choices were overwhelming! Even your local baby gear store can have more strollers or crib bedding to choose from than you could have previously thought!

One item that there can be a lot of choices on are First Aid kits. Baby gear stores sell them, your local department stores also sell them. There are number of brands and choices - so what is the right kit for a home with a new baby? I'm not able to recommend or endorse any one kit at this time, but I can share with you what to look for and what to be cautious of.

Most kits have most of these basic staples:
*Absorbent compress
*Adhesive bandage (aka band-aids)
*Adhesive tape
*Antibiotice ointmenet
*Antiseptic swab
*Antiseptic wipe
*Antiseptic towelete
*Bandage compresses in different sizes
*Burn dressing
*Burn ointment
*CPR barrier sheet
*Cold pack
*Eye covering
*Eye wash
*Gloves
*Roll bandage in different sizes
*Sterile pads
*Triangular bandage
You would want to have a majority of these items in your First Aid Kit. You may also want to add really small bandages as the bandages in the kit are probably too big for baby. You may also want to add a package of disposable wipes to clean with as the antiseptic cleaners will sting on an open cut or scrape. If you child has any special medical conditions or allergies you should include any special supplies that you would need in an emergency.

What to avoid or be cautious of:
Medications: Most infant medications have not been tested on infants and studies have not conclusively shown that OTC medications have much effect on infants. You run a greater risk of illness by overmedicating your child. Just because it is in the kit does not mean that you need to use it. Also, medications do expire! Check the expiration dates on the packaging.
Burn Cream: If your baby or child has a burn one of the first things your physician or the emergency room staff might need to do to treat it would be to remove anything you put on the burn. So any burn ointment or other goop (my generic term for creams, salves, etc.) you may have put on the burn would need to be scraped off. This can be very painful. If your baby or child has a burn that appears like a bad sunburn or worse, blisters or causes immediately peeling of the skin do not put any goop on the burn and contact your physician right away. Again, just because it is in the kit does not mean that you need to use it.

Do you need to have an official First Aid kit in your home? No, you don't. You can have any of the basic First Aid materials in your home, car, diaper bag, etc. As long as the materials are easy to find and reach. Make sure any other care givers in your home know where you store your First Aid kit.

Want to know more about how to use some of the First Aid supplies? Take a First Aid class! Check with your local doctors office or hospital to find out where classes are held locally in your area.

Do you know there IS such thing as nipple confusion

2009-01-22T21:07:00.000-08:00

That a newborn baby, in is first week of life, should wet the number of diapers as the number of days old they are? So for example on the first day 1 wet diaper is normal, on the second day 2 wet diapers is normal and so forth. Did you also know that your baby can and will lose up to 10% of its weight in its first few days of life? This is normal. A mothers milk will take 3 to 4 days after birth to come in. During this time its normal for a newborn to loose weight while just drinking colostrum. Don't let nurses and hospital staff scare you into bottle feeding or formula feeding because of weight loss. If you introduce artificial nipples this could jeopardize you being able to breastfeed and cause nipple confusion.

There are some basic mechanical differences between how a baby gets milk from a bottle and how a baby gets milk out of the breast. Giving bottles or pacifiers to young, breastfeeding babies often leads to nipple confusion. Baby tries to use the bottle-feeding technique on the breast and has difficulty latching-on and sucking. Baby gets very frustrated, and so does mother. Nipple confusion can even lead to baby refusing the breast. Here's an explanation.

To get milk from the breast, baby must coordinate tongue and jaw movements in a sucking motion that's unique to breastfeeding.

* When baby latches onto the breast, he opens his mouth wide and draws the very stretchable nipple and areolar tissue far back into his mouth.
* The tongue holds the breast tissue against the roof of baby's mouth while forming a trough beneath the nipple and areola.
* The gums compress the milk sinuses underneath the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) while the tongue rhythmically "milks" the breast with a wave-like motion from front to back, drawing the milk from the areola and the nipple.
* Since the nipple is far back in baby's mouth, it's not compressed by the gums, so it's less likely to get sore.

Babies suck from a bottle entirely differently. Thanks to gravity, milk flows from a bottle so easily that baby does not have to suck "correctly" to get milk.

* He doesn't have to open his mouth as wide or correctly turn out the lips to form a tight seal.
* The bottle nipple does not need to be far back into the mouth, nor is the milking action of the tongue necessary.
* Baby can lazily gum the nubbin of the rubber and suck with only his lips.
* When the milk comes out too fast, baby may thrust his tongue forward and upward, to stop the flow from the nipple.
* Milk keeps on coming during feedings from bottles--whether or not baby sucks--so there are no pauses to rest during bottle-feedings.

Problems occur when babies apply the lessons learned from bottle-feeding to nursing at the breast. When you compare the illustration of sucking at an artificial nipple with the illustration of sucking at the breast, you will see that if baby sucks from the breast the same way he does the bottle, the tongue and the gums will traumatize mother's nipple.

* Babies who get bottles soon after birth may thrust their tongue upward during sucking and push the breast nipple out of their mouth.
* They don't open their mouths wide enough when latching-on, so they suck only the tip of the nipple. They don't get enough milk, and mother's nipples get sore.
* Baby becomes accustomed to the immediate flow of milk that comes from the bottle; at the breast, babies have to suck for a minute or two to stimulate mother's milk ejection reflex and get the milk flowing.

Does this mean that bottle-feeding is easier than breastfeeding? Yes, and no. Bottles require less sucking finesse and less effort. However, studies comparing premature infants during bottle-feedings and during breastfeedings have shown that breastfeeding is actually less stressful.

* Babies' breathing and heart rate are more stable during feedings at the breast.
* Babies have more control over the milk flow and can establish a more regular rhythm of sucking, swallowing, and pausing.
* Feeding at the breast also requires less energy.

PREVENTING NIPPLE CONFUSION

It is easier to prevent nipple confusion than to fix it--though it is a problem that can be solved, should it occur (see below). Breastfed babies should not be given artificial nipples during the first three to four weeks when they are learning and perfecting their breastfeeding skills. Avoiding artificial nipples means avoiding pacifiers as well as bottles. Supplements, if medically necessary, can be given in ways that don't involve artificial nipples. (See Alternatives to Bottles.)

Will it be more difficult to introduce the bottle later? Many mothers, because they are going back to work or because they eventually plan to get out for a few hours by themselves, want their breastfed babies to accept feedings from bottles. They have heard stories of babies who adamantly refused anything but the breast. Getting baby to accept a bottle at age two or three months may take some patience, but most babies will catch on after a few tries. (Babies can also be fed with alternatives to bottles when mother is gone.) While introducing the bottle at one or two weeks of age may insure that baby accepts the bottle later, you're taking a risk. Some babies easily go back and forth between breast and bottle, but many others do not. Don't jeopardize your breastfeeding relationship when it has barely begun.
UN-CONFUSING THE NIPPLE-CONFUSED BABY

When a baby who is getting bottles begins to balk at taking the breast, nipple confusion is probably at the heart of the problem. Here's how to re-teach a baby what to do at the breast:

* Banish bottles and pacifiers. Even if your baby will eventually have to learn to use the bottle because you are returning to work, don't ask him to learn both skills at the same time.

* If supplements are needed, they can be given in ways that don't use artificial nipples. (See Alternatives to bottles.)

* Reacquaint baby with the pleasures of breastfeeding. Give her lots of skin-to-skin contact. Carry her in a sling near the breast between feedings.

* Breastfeed when baby is calm, usually in the morning or upon awakening from a nap. Don't wait until baby is ravenously hungry--she'll be in no mood to try something new.

* Review the latch-on basics. Be sure that baby is positioned properly in your arms. Wait until her mouth is wide open and her tongue is down before latching her on to the breast.

* Show and tell. Open your mouth as you say "open" to baby during latch-on. Even newborns can imitate adult facial expressions.

* Provide baby with instant gratification at the breast. Use a breast pump or manual expression to stimulate your milk ejection reflex and get the milk flowing before latching baby on. She'll be rewarded with a hearty flow of milk after the first few sucks.

* Use an eyedropper or feeding syringe to drip milk into baby's mouth as she latches on to the breast. (Get some help with this one.) This may encourage baby to stay latched-on and to continue sucking.

* For more suggestions and support, get help from a La Leche League Leader or a lactation consultant.

Babies often act puzzled or uncertain when they are re-introduced to the breast. Be patient. Praise your baby for every tiny step she takes back to breastfeeding. It may take a few days to woo baby back to the breast, but you can do it.

If you must supplement in the hospital with either pumped milk/ colostrum or formula ask for alternatives to bottles and artificial nipples. This way it wont interfere with breastfeeding. Alternatives include cup-feeding, spoon-feeding, an eyedropper or feeding syringe, or a nursing supplementer. Which method to choose depends on your reasons for supplementing, how long you will be giving supplements, and your own preferences. Check out this link as to how to use alternatives:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T026000.asp

What Happens To Your Baby After Delivery?

2009-01-16T21:04:00.000-08:00

What will happen to my baby immediately after birth?
Newborn babies don't have good temperature control, so it's very important that they be kept warm and dry. If you have a vaginal delivery and you and your baby are both in good condition, he can be placed directly onto your abdomen and dried off there. He'll be covered with a warm towel or blanket and given a cap to keep him from losing heat through his head.

Skin-to-skin contact will help keep your baby warm and let the two of you start bonding as well. (Don't worry about bonding if you can't hold your baby right away because one of you needs immediate medical care. There'll be plenty of time for bonding later.)

Your practitioner will clamp the umbilical cord in two places and then cut between the two clamps. (Your partner can do the honors if he or she wants to!) Your caregiver will collect a tube of blood from the cord to check your baby's blood type and possibly use for other tests as well.

During your baby's birth, your caregiver may have suctioned your baby's mouth and nose before the delivery of his shoulders. If your baby still seems to have too much fluid in his mouth or nose, she may do further suctioning at this time.

While you and your baby are locking eyes, he'll be closely observed to ensure that he continues to do well. At one and five minutes after birth, an Apgar assessment will be done to evaluate your baby's heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflex response, and color. Your caregiver can do these simple assessments while your baby is resting on your belly.

When can I start breastfeeding?
Babies tend to be very alert right after birth, so now's a good time to begin breastfeeding if you're both willing. There's no need to panic if your newborn seems to have trouble finding or staying on your nipple right after birth — he may just lick your nipple at first. Most babies will eventually begin to nurse within the first hour or so, given the opportunity.

Don't be shy about asking your caregiver or nurse to help you get started while you're still in the birth room (or recovery room if you had a c-section). Later, when you get to the postpartum unit, there may be a lactation consultant available for one-on-one coaching or group breastfeeding classes. You should be able to find out ahead of time what resources are available. Be sure to ask for all the help you need. And keep asking questions and asking for help until you are satisfied.

What if my baby has problems at birth?
If your baby has any problems at birth that require extra observation or a full-fledged resuscitation (or anything in between), your practitioner will quickly clamp and cut the cord. Your baby will then be dried off and placed on a radiant warmer in your birthing room. The warmer allows him to be left naked without getting cold so his medical team can do whatever is necessary to help him make the transition to life outside the womb.

An Apgar assessment will be done, as will more suctioning, if needed, and whatever other interventions are necessary. If your baby needs further care after being stabilized, he may be taken to an intensive care nursery. But if he's doing well and needs no more assistance, he'll be swaddled in a warm blanket and brought to you so you can nuzzle, bond, and breastfeed.

What if I have a c-section?
If you have a c-section, your baby will be handed to a nurse or pediatrician as soon as he's delivered and taken to a radiant warmer. He'll be dried off, his mouth and nasal passages will be suctioned, an Apgar assessment will be done, and he'll get any other attention he might need.

In many hospitals, if your baby is doing well, he'll be swaddled in a warm blanket and brought to your partner (who'll be sitting by your head) to hold while you're being stitched up. This way, you can admire and kiss your baby while you're still in the operating room. Afterward, in the recovery room, you can begin to breastfeed if you want.

When do they do the ID bands and footprints?
Whether your baby is lying on your body or on a radiant warmer, a nurse will put ID bands on you, your baby, and your partner minutes after the delivery (and certainly before taking your baby out of the room for any reason).

She'll also footprint your baby. Most hospitals routinely make two copies of the baby's footprint, one for his hospital record and the other as a keepsake for you. (If they don't usually do this and it's something you'd like, be sure to ask for a copy.)

What else will happen in the first hour?
A nurse will put antibiotic ointment or drops in your baby's eyes within an hour after birth. The ointment or eyedrops are required by state law in the United States to help prevent eye infections — some of which can cause blindness — from a variety of bacteria that your baby could have been exposed to just before or during birth, including gonorrhea and chlamydia.

She'll also weigh your baby and give him an injection of vitamin K to help his blood clot. She may measure his length and head circumference, or that may be done later by the pediatrician.

What else will be done for my baby before we leave the hospital?
After your baby's temperature has remained stable for at least a few hours, a nurse will give him a sponge bath and wash his hair if needed. Baths usually take place in the nursery so the baby can be put under radiant heat to warm up afterward, but you can ask for your child to be bathed in your room if you want.

Your baby will get a complete pediatric exam. Like the bath, this is usually done in the nursery but can be done in your room, instead. After the exam, you can ask to have your baby back or have him taken to sleep in the nursery. If you're breastfeeding, it makes sense to keep the baby in your room, as you'll probably need to feed him every few hours.

What tests will be done on my baby?
When your baby is 48 hours old, his heel will be pricked and a small amount of blood taken to test for phenylketonuria (PKU), hypothyroidism, and other disorders. All 50 states require newborn screening tests (sometimes referred to as "the metabolic screen"). But the number and type of genetic and metabolic disorders tested for vary widely from state to state, from as few as four conditions to more than 40.

If you live in a state that does only limited testing you can pay for additional testing, but you may need to make arrangements ahead of time. If you deliver at a birth center or at home, you'll need to bring your baby to the doctor for these tests before he's a week old. And if you give birth in a hospital but are discharged early — within 24 hours after delivery — your baby will need repeat testing one to two weeks later because the screening test done for PKU in the first day of life isn't always accurate.

Many hospitals routinely perform newborn hearing tests before your baby is discharged. In some states it's required by law. (Both the March of Dimes and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend testing for all babies.)

If your HIV status is unknown, your baby's cord blood may be tested for the virus. (In some states, this is required.)

Will my baby get a hepatitis B shot?
Your baby will probably get his first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine before being discharged from the hospital. If you're a hepatitis B carrier or your status is unknown, your baby should definitely be vaccinated within 12 hours of birth. (If you're sure that you, other family members, and anyone who will be caring for your baby are all negative for hepatitis B, the first dose can be delayed and given when you are ready to do so. I mean think about it. The only way the baby can contract hepatitis B is if you are carrier, if the baby partakes in risky behavior like having sex, doing drugs or getting tattoos... You really think your baby is going to be doing any of that anytime soon? So my theory is to delay this until they come of age to be thinking about doing something of this nature.)

Babies of mothers who are known hepatitis B carriers will also receive an injection of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth. If your hepatitis B status is unknown, your blood will be drawn for testing, and if you're found to be positive, your baby should receive a dose of HBIG as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that you have the ability to make decisions for yourself and your baby regarding accepting vaccines, vitamin K shots, eye drops and even when the chord is cut. I encourage you all to do your homework and find out the pros and cons to each procedure.