Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Be Ready to Birth!: A Very Uncomfortable Subject
Be Ready to Birth!: A Very Uncomfortable Subject: “One in four, one in three, or one in five? Who knows the actual frequency of childhood sexual abuse in our society? All we really know is t...
A Very Uncomfortable Subject
“One in four, one in three, or one in five? Who knows the actual frequency of childhood sexual abuse in our society? All we really know is that it is shockingly common, meaning that many women in midwifery or obstetric practice or in a childbirth education class are burdened with the psychosocial after effects of victimization”.
“Surprisingly, with all the sexual connotations of pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, virtually nothing is published in the social science or medical literature on the possible effects of childhood sexual abuse on later childrearing. Even mental health publications have failed to address this grave issue. Eating disorders, chronic pelvic pain, severe premenstrual syndrome, sexual dysfunction, various phobias and other psychosomatic disorders are known to be associated with childhood sexual abuse, but what about disorders in childrearing?”
(Simkin, 1992, 2006)
So what is the relevance for women who are seeking support, advice and information about how to deliver? This fact that so many women ( and men ) have had to suffer in silence is perpetuated in the doctor's office, childbirth class and in society in general. We are reluctant to ask about this taboo so common, it seems, in society. We are even more reluctant to admit.
I have found over the years that it is easy to accommodate single- family new moms and same sex new moms, adopting new moms and all kinds of non- traditional new families. But I have never encountered a woman ( or man ) who has asked specifically for guidance about how to comfortably and securely prepare for childbirth and child rearing when dealing with a history that makes this experience overwhelmingly cause for fear and abhorrence.
There have to be safe havens where people can openly admit to their deepest shames. Because that is precisely what this horrendous act is interpreted as and therefore unspoken. There is nothing that should be unspoken when confiding in the providers who administer care and instruction. But you must admit and you must ask.
If there is ever a time to confess; it is now. Please ask for special attention. Take that risk and know that in the confidential mandates of our professions, we are obligated to your privacy and safety and that we may be the professionals who can get you the support that you need. There are reasons to ask for a private, individualized childbirth, lactation, parenting class and they should be available to anyone who desires/ needs this service.
Confide in your providers. Permission is automatically granted without bias or judgement. The responsibility starts with you. The result will be compassion and concern. And a plan that takes your unique needs into consideration, with your input and worries put into place.
Starting your family affords you a new beginning. In every sense of the word. However, it does take a village. And there is no shame in that. Your hopes and dreams for parenthood are noble. But you do not know how to accomplish these goals; none of us do. And where there are special considerations, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Ask for help.
“Surprisingly, with all the sexual connotations of pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, virtually nothing is published in the social science or medical literature on the possible effects of childhood sexual abuse on later childrearing. Even mental health publications have failed to address this grave issue. Eating disorders, chronic pelvic pain, severe premenstrual syndrome, sexual dysfunction, various phobias and other psychosomatic disorders are known to be associated with childhood sexual abuse, but what about disorders in childrearing?”
(Simkin, 1992, 2006)
So what is the relevance for women who are seeking support, advice and information about how to deliver? This fact that so many women ( and men ) have had to suffer in silence is perpetuated in the doctor's office, childbirth class and in society in general. We are reluctant to ask about this taboo so common, it seems, in society. We are even more reluctant to admit.
I have found over the years that it is easy to accommodate single- family new moms and same sex new moms, adopting new moms and all kinds of non- traditional new families. But I have never encountered a woman ( or man ) who has asked specifically for guidance about how to comfortably and securely prepare for childbirth and child rearing when dealing with a history that makes this experience overwhelmingly cause for fear and abhorrence.
There have to be safe havens where people can openly admit to their deepest shames. Because that is precisely what this horrendous act is interpreted as and therefore unspoken. There is nothing that should be unspoken when confiding in the providers who administer care and instruction. But you must admit and you must ask.
If there is ever a time to confess; it is now. Please ask for special attention. Take that risk and know that in the confidential mandates of our professions, we are obligated to your privacy and safety and that we may be the professionals who can get you the support that you need. There are reasons to ask for a private, individualized childbirth, lactation, parenting class and they should be available to anyone who desires/ needs this service.
Confide in your providers. Permission is automatically granted without bias or judgement. The responsibility starts with you. The result will be compassion and concern. And a plan that takes your unique needs into consideration, with your input and worries put into place.
Starting your family affords you a new beginning. In every sense of the word. However, it does take a village. And there is no shame in that. Your hopes and dreams for parenthood are noble. But you do not know how to accomplish these goals; none of us do. And where there are special considerations, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Ask for help.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Be Ready to Birth!: What is DHA and do I need it During Pregnancy
Be Ready to Birth!: What is DHA and do I need it During Pregnancy: DHA has been talked about for a while now, however there are now more pharmaceutical companies than ever promoting what miracles happen when...
Monday, February 13, 2012
Be Ready to Birth!: Be a Yogi!!!
Be Ready to Birth!: Be a Yogi!!!: Most birth professionals know and encourage yoga as a practice throughout pregnancy. Practice is exactly what it says. The most benefit is g...
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
What is DHA and do I need it During Pregnancy
DHA has been talked about for a while now, however there are now more pharmaceutical companies than ever promoting what miracles happen when you take THE right prenatal vitamin. Used to be the size or extra iron, chew ables and gummies, vanilla-flavored and I remember the days when we used to advise "just two Flintstones".
Well, there is an omega- 3 fatty acid that is an important nutrient for us all and important in pregnancy too. Studies have shown that many women of childbearing age don't get enough. Docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA )is being recommended by the Institute of Medicine as being 300-400 mgs of the 1.4 g total for omega-3s.
The benefits are multi-fold. Brain and vision development require adequate amounts of DHA. The brain increases 260% in the last twelve weeks of pregnancy so it may not be a coincidence that DHA is purported to reduce the risk of preterm labor. Higher birth weight babies with adequate DHA. And breastfed babies whose mothers ingest enough DHA have continued heightened brain activity.
DHA has goodness for mothers too. Bennies for Mom may include the ability to burn more of that "baby-fat",decreasing the likelihood of future heart disease. It may also decrease postpartum depression!
So where do we get DHA? Best sources of all nutrition continue to be not in supplement form but rather from a balanced diet. The sources of omega-3s and DHA are fish and seafood. And we all know that too much seafood is contraindicated due to high levels of mercury found in this same food group. The good news is that there are fishes that are high in DHA and low in mercury. That's what you want.
2-3 times a week eat 3 ounces of canned Pink salmon or fresh Pink salmon. Eat 3 ounces of light canned tuna. 12 large shrimp. 3 ounces of tilapia. 3 ounces of cod or pollack or steamed Blue crab. Make sure that the fish you are consuming is low in mercury; shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish.
Other dietary sources of omega-3s aren't quite so thrilling or filling but they include walnuts and oils pressed from canola and flaxseed. These oils are suitable for cooking with and are often incorporated into mayonnaise and "butter"-type spreads. Many foods fortified with DHA ( as opposed to just omega-3s )include certain brands of soy milk, eggs and other milk products.
So, eat 12 ounces of fish or seafood that is also low in mercury. And eat those special eggs that are fortified with DHA, you know the ones. If you are unable to eat your way to the supposed 200-300 mg per day currently being supported in the medical literature, well then, talk to your provider about a supplement.
Well, there is an omega- 3 fatty acid that is an important nutrient for us all and important in pregnancy too. Studies have shown that many women of childbearing age don't get enough. Docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA )is being recommended by the Institute of Medicine as being 300-400 mgs of the 1.4 g total for omega-3s.
The benefits are multi-fold. Brain and vision development require adequate amounts of DHA. The brain increases 260% in the last twelve weeks of pregnancy so it may not be a coincidence that DHA is purported to reduce the risk of preterm labor. Higher birth weight babies with adequate DHA. And breastfed babies whose mothers ingest enough DHA have continued heightened brain activity.
DHA has goodness for mothers too. Bennies for Mom may include the ability to burn more of that "baby-fat",decreasing the likelihood of future heart disease. It may also decrease postpartum depression!
So where do we get DHA? Best sources of all nutrition continue to be not in supplement form but rather from a balanced diet. The sources of omega-3s and DHA are fish and seafood. And we all know that too much seafood is contraindicated due to high levels of mercury found in this same food group. The good news is that there are fishes that are high in DHA and low in mercury. That's what you want.
2-3 times a week eat 3 ounces of canned Pink salmon or fresh Pink salmon. Eat 3 ounces of light canned tuna. 12 large shrimp. 3 ounces of tilapia. 3 ounces of cod or pollack or steamed Blue crab. Make sure that the fish you are consuming is low in mercury; shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish.
Other dietary sources of omega-3s aren't quite so thrilling or filling but they include walnuts and oils pressed from canola and flaxseed. These oils are suitable for cooking with and are often incorporated into mayonnaise and "butter"-type spreads. Many foods fortified with DHA ( as opposed to just omega-3s )include certain brands of soy milk, eggs and other milk products.
So, eat 12 ounces of fish or seafood that is also low in mercury. And eat those special eggs that are fortified with DHA, you know the ones. If you are unable to eat your way to the supposed 200-300 mg per day currently being supported in the medical literature, well then, talk to your provider about a supplement.
Be a Yogi!!!
Most birth professionals know and encourage yoga as a practice throughout pregnancy. Practice is exactly what it says. The most benefit is gained when you actually DO yoga, practice yoga at least three times a week, but once a week is okay and everyday is great. The challenges in your yoga practice are precisely what you will benefit from when laboring and delivering your baby. Those benefits include a sense of overall well-being, confidence in your body, strength and endurance because the practice of yoga is multifaceted. It provides exercise that provides physical stretching, mental centering and awareness of the breath, relaxation and internal focus.
Yoga is great for what ails you during your pregnancy. It has been found to be helpful in relieving a plethora of common discomforts such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, insomnia, headaches and generalized anxiety. It is never too early or too late to begin a prenatal yoga class. Some women don't practice during the first trimester because of "morning sickness" ( it happens all day ) and the overwhelming fatigue of those first several weeks. And some women just aren't ready to make the public announcement by showing up at a class specifically for pregnant women.
There are many different forms of yoga but your class should be prefaced with prenatal, as in prenatal Kundalini Yoga. Bikram is not recommended because it is practiced in a very hot room. Your instructor should be certified in prenatal yoga, no matter which kind. Your instructor should be able to tell you that there are modified poses incorporated into the class that address conditions common to pregnancy, like symphysis pubis dysfunction and sciatica.
Some yoga instructors are also doulas or childbirth educators. You are hiring a prenatal yoga instructor so do not pay much mind to her helpful herbal treatments or her encouraging words about home deliveries. Her expertise should not cross medical barriers. Your provider is for that!
Your practice of yoga should make you feel better. You should feel relaxed, refreshed and renewed. You should be able to take the calm, centered, peaceful feeling home with you and be able to recall it whenever you need to. Go practice!
Yoga is great for what ails you during your pregnancy. It has been found to be helpful in relieving a plethora of common discomforts such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, insomnia, headaches and generalized anxiety. It is never too early or too late to begin a prenatal yoga class. Some women don't practice during the first trimester because of "morning sickness" ( it happens all day ) and the overwhelming fatigue of those first several weeks. And some women just aren't ready to make the public announcement by showing up at a class specifically for pregnant women.
There are many different forms of yoga but your class should be prefaced with prenatal, as in prenatal Kundalini Yoga. Bikram is not recommended because it is practiced in a very hot room. Your instructor should be certified in prenatal yoga, no matter which kind. Your instructor should be able to tell you that there are modified poses incorporated into the class that address conditions common to pregnancy, like symphysis pubis dysfunction and sciatica.
Some yoga instructors are also doulas or childbirth educators. You are hiring a prenatal yoga instructor so do not pay much mind to her helpful herbal treatments or her encouraging words about home deliveries. Her expertise should not cross medical barriers. Your provider is for that!
Your practice of yoga should make you feel better. You should feel relaxed, refreshed and renewed. You should be able to take the calm, centered, peaceful feeling home with you and be able to recall it whenever you need to. Go practice!
Be Ready to Birth!: What Are You Afraid Of?
Be Ready to Birth!: What Are You Afraid Of?: I would wonder about you if you didn't admit to fears concerning your pregnancy. Is there a transition in life where you are more vulnerable...
What Are You Afraid Of?
I would wonder about you if you didn't admit to fears concerning your pregnancy. Is there a transition in life where you are more vulnerable? In fact, dreaming about catastrophic disasters is very common during your pregnancy, whether the dream relates to fears of childbirth itself, something happening to your partner, your house burning down, how this new phase will affect your partnership, work, friendships, finances and time management. It's okay; you are not alone.
Women worry about coping with the pain of childbirth, the possibilities of injury to self or baby, the necessity of a cesarean section. Sagging breasts, the likelihood of postpartum depression. Prepare for the birth, don't go into this experience without doing your homework. Work with a midwife or doula, if necessary, for reassurance and developing a relationship with your caregiver so you can openly discuss what is on your mind and how you feel.
It may be awhile before you hit your stride. The first three months are time consuming and not particularly gratifying. It may be a time when you are extra tired, feel overwhelmed and unable to manage the seemingly simplest things. Cleaning the house, preparing meals, talking to your partner and friends, fitting into your old jeans, having sex, getting your hair washed may all have to take a second seat to sneaking in a nap instead. Hopefully you have found support in your prenatal exercise class so you have a peer group going through the same experiences and emotions. If not, join a new moms group and compare notes; you're all in the same boat. And the boat will dock and managing will become easier.
You worry a lot about whether you are up to the task of mothering. Will you be a good mom? It seems that everyone has an opinion about how it is done, from your mom to the stranger in line at the ATM. Should you go back to work? Should you breastfeed until the baby is on solid foods? Are cloth diapers better for the environment than disposables? Ask for help and accept advice gracefully and then have the confidence to know that this is a long process that has plenty of room built in for mistakes. Remember, who's the baby going to tell?
Be patient with yourself about easing into this new and very different role. Nurture yourself with as much sleep as possible, good nutrition and fluids, finding support that you can trust and count on. I do believe that if "mama is happy, then everyone is happy." It is not selfish, but rather self-full to put your self first some of the time. It is also very smart to put your partner first sometimes too. That baby is supposed to grow up and leave your nest and there had better be someone left there to talk to.
Women worry about coping with the pain of childbirth, the possibilities of injury to self or baby, the necessity of a cesarean section. Sagging breasts, the likelihood of postpartum depression. Prepare for the birth, don't go into this experience without doing your homework. Work with a midwife or doula, if necessary, for reassurance and developing a relationship with your caregiver so you can openly discuss what is on your mind and how you feel.
It may be awhile before you hit your stride. The first three months are time consuming and not particularly gratifying. It may be a time when you are extra tired, feel overwhelmed and unable to manage the seemingly simplest things. Cleaning the house, preparing meals, talking to your partner and friends, fitting into your old jeans, having sex, getting your hair washed may all have to take a second seat to sneaking in a nap instead. Hopefully you have found support in your prenatal exercise class so you have a peer group going through the same experiences and emotions. If not, join a new moms group and compare notes; you're all in the same boat. And the boat will dock and managing will become easier.
You worry a lot about whether you are up to the task of mothering. Will you be a good mom? It seems that everyone has an opinion about how it is done, from your mom to the stranger in line at the ATM. Should you go back to work? Should you breastfeed until the baby is on solid foods? Are cloth diapers better for the environment than disposables? Ask for help and accept advice gracefully and then have the confidence to know that this is a long process that has plenty of room built in for mistakes. Remember, who's the baby going to tell?
Be patient with yourself about easing into this new and very different role. Nurture yourself with as much sleep as possible, good nutrition and fluids, finding support that you can trust and count on. I do believe that if "mama is happy, then everyone is happy." It is not selfish, but rather self-full to put your self first some of the time. It is also very smart to put your partner first sometimes too. That baby is supposed to grow up and leave your nest and there had better be someone left there to talk to.
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