Birth Trauma

Warning: This video is graphic

http://vimeo.com/5695045

The Breastfeeding Baby Doll

Hooray! A doll that simulates breastfeeding and sends positive messages to young girls and boy!. After all, females are more likely to breastfeed if they have been exposed to it as children. Another plus is this baby doll now allows older siblings to breastfeed their doll while their mommy nurses a new brother or sister. So often we see children do this with their dolls and stuffed animals when a new child is introduced to the family. It's quite adorable actually.

On the other hand, I find the controversy over a breastfeeding baby doll absurd. Get real people -- there are more important things to worry about! Like the tall, thin, blonde, big-boobed, completely unrealistic Barbie doll our children idolize.

If you want to purchase the doll check it out at Amazon

Come visit the Vitamin Shoppe in Merrick on Saturday, April 16th for the Health Fair from 12-3

Come visit the Vitamin Shoppe in Merrick on Saturday, April 16th for the Health Fair from 12-3

2100 Merrick Road
MERRICK, NY 11566
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/content/en/stores/store_detail.jsp?sn=38

I will be there with a table and free samples!!

Epidurals & the facts

Epidural! The on-going debate in obstetrics! Let's face it, most women who give birth in a hospital receive a planned epidural. I have heard women say things like "I wanted my epidural at 8 months!" or "I can't do it without an epidural". Unfortunately, many of the women make the decision to get an epidural long before they do any research about the subject. Often times, scary stories and a lack of support from friends, family, and their medical care providers reassure women's fear-based thoughts about childbirth.

I wish, I wish there were more positive birth stories. I wish women supported each other and helped one another realize how powerful they are. I wish care more providers REALLY were "open to anything" as they often times tell the mommies.

Do the research and find the facts! An epidural might be the right choice after all but you should know all of the pros and cons!

Here is an article by Henci Goer author of "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" about Gilbert Grant's new book, "Epidural Without Guilt, Childbirth Without Pain": http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/?p=2215

If you decide you do not want an epidural, you are not alone.

And if you change your mind in labor, you are definitely not alone. Almost all women ask for some kind of pain relief during labor. This is why you surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and your ability to give birth the way you want! But ask yourself, how do I want my birth team to respond when I ask for drugs? Do you want them to help you through another 5 contractions? Do you want them to remind you of your plans? Do you want them to shut up and get you an epidural? It is YOUR BIRTH -- you decide!

natural remedies!

natural remedies! my favorite!

Here is a great midwifery today article about how to cure a vaginal infection and/or reverse GBS with garlic. Try it!

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/garlic.asp

Postpartum Mama

I met with a mama this past week who gave birth to her 2nd baby recently. It was so lovely to see her! She is a beautiful, strong mama who has really gone through some challenging times these past few months - everything from breastfeeding problems to her own health issues. And through it all, she kept up with breastfeeding. We talked about how and why she kept plugging away when many mamas may have given up. She mentioned how important it was for she and her baby in so many ways to fight through the issues, get help and to not give up. This is a true lesson for all new moms. You are not alone! Being a new mom is no walk in the park but there are many ways to find support.

I am so proud of her for working through everything. Now things are finally starting to settle down so she can enjoy her precious baby and the wonderful, empowering, beautiful experience of breastfeeding!

The Other Side of the Glass

A powerful new film about babies, fathers, and new beginnings:

http://www.theothersideoftheglassthefilm.blogspot.com/

Holistic Moms Network & Nursing

"A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three." ~Grantly Dick-Read



Above is a video made by the Holistic Moms Network about nursing.

The powerful messages retrieved from this study indicate how important it is to spread the word about just how vital breastfeeding is for our futures. Many women aren't aware of the amazing benefits of breastfeeding for themselves AND for their babies. More info below about the study...

"a recent article published in Australia's Herald Sun indicated that many Generation-Y women polled would not nurse their babies because of fear of embarrassment over public breastfeeding. As much as 75 percent of these young women felt that nursing in public was uncomfortable and few understood the benefits of breastfeeding for themselves or their babies.

Inspired by the article in the Herald Sun (Australia), the Holistic Moms Network has launched a new project to highlight the beauty and confidence of breastfeeding women. HMN members from across North America submitted photos of themselves proudly breastfeeding their children - everywhere from the Eiffel Tower to the Brooklyn Bridge - for the Nursing Our Future video.

Empowering mothers is a cornerstone of the Holistic Moms Network's mission and through the non-profit organization's Chapters, parents gather to offer one another support and advice while also learning about holistic living options from local practitioners and guest speakers.

"One of the barriers for many young mothers is a lack of awareness about breastfeeding as well as a culture that is not particularly breastfeeding friendly," argues Dr. Massotto. The Holistic Moms Network hopes to raise awareness by showing young women images of breastfeeding and to help them find the support and encouragement they need to continue."

Nutrition While Breastfeeding

Many new mothers worry about what to eat especially if they are breastfeeding their new babies. A simple thing to remember is that there is nothing you can't eat/drink during breastfeeding as long as you are consuming everything in balance. Similar to most things in life everything is okay in moderation. But there ARE specific foods, herbs and drinks that are said to help with milk supply and nutrition while breastfeeding.

Some of my favorites are:

-Quinoa
-Barley
-Kale
-Cabbage
-Carrots/Carrot Juice
-Proteins such as eggs, nuts, raisins & lean meats

It is important to eat as much natural food (foods that have not been processed) as possible. Try going shopping and cooking food such as a nice soup or quinoa dish to last the week. Ask for help from family members if necessary as to try to avoid pulling things out of the freezer for meals.

Listen to your body and watch to see if you notice a change in your baby's mood after you eat or drink certain items such as dairy, or caffeine.

Remember: It's all about balance!
Happy Breastfeeding!

See below for a website with good recipes:

http://www.nursingmomrecipes.com/


Sources:
Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding by Ina May Gaskin, 2009

Nursing Mothers & Dept of Labor

US Department of Labor is looking for stories and input about breastfeeding while working. Submit your stuff:

http://www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers/

Pushing for First-Time Moms by Gloria Lemay

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/pushing.asp

A wonderful article in Midwifery Today by Gloria Lemay about Pushing for First-Time Moms

Blog Featured

My blog is featured on one of my favorite Wise Women's website: http://www.susunweed.com/Links_new.htm

How exciting!

Susun Weed is the best!

Nausea? Morning Sickness?

Nausea is a common problem associated with pregnancy. Here are some natural ways you can prevent and treat it!

-get adequate rest
-avoid pungent odors that cause nausea, especially odors that cause nausea for even those who aren't pregnant
-take vitamins with food because taking vitamins on an empty stomach can cause nausea
-keep yourself hydrated
-try acupressure or acupuncture or SeaBands: click here
-try 50mg of vitamin B6 daily
-eat healthily, and be sure to get adequate protein
-avoid greasy foods
-drink TEA! parsley, chamomile, and peppermint tea are all great options
-try drinking 1 glass of milk before bed if milk sits okay with you
-have a bite to eat before bed
-eat some ginger chews: click here
-try wild yam root *USE WITH CAUTION*
-try preggie pops: click here
-take gingera: click here
-take liquid chlorophyll supplement

And, of course, you can read more about Herbal Allies for Pregnancy Problems from Susun Weed: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htm


*CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE TAKING ANY HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS*

blessings!

Laura

What's a cervix?

This past semester I took Anatomy & Physiology 2 at a local community college. The first day of class back in September, I remember looking at the syllabus and having a little party in my head when I saw we were going to do a unit on Human Reproduction.

Our professor was very ill for 2 weeks of the semester so we ended up rushing through the only unit I was excited for. We did a "crash course" in Human Reproduction. Since it was the end of the semester I had become friendly with many of my classmates. While studying for the test with them, I could not believe how many of the women in my class did not know ANYTHING - I mean NOTHING - about their anatomy. This had me thinking...

I then realized that I didn't know much about the reproductive system until I became a doula. Perhaps this is a sign that we, as women, need to educate ourselves and one another because quite frankly, no one else will.

Get out a mirror and figure out whats going on down there!

This site is a also amazing: Beautiful Cervix

And of course, I must include some of Susun Weed's insight: http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May08/childbearing.htm

And an article relating to birth: What You Don’t Know About Your Cervix Can Ruin Your Birth

Here are some helpful pictures as well:

"The Essential Ingredient: Doula"

"The Essential Ingredient: Doula"

A new video by DONA International