some sweet words of wisdom from Abraham
Parents don’t want their children to make the wrong decisions, so they don’t allow them to make the decision. And then the child becomes dependent, and then the parent resents that, and it gets off into a blameful thing early on. If you are encouraging children to do all that they can do — and not squelching the natural eagerness that is within them, so that they can shine and thrive and show you and themselves how good they are at adapting to physical experience — then everyone wins.
— Abraham
in joy
dee*
Although sometimes kept undercover I am a nurse and read up on the latest goings on in the medical community. Here is excerpts from a refreshing article on breastfeeding from ADVANCE for NURSES titled” Lessons in Lactation, Nurses promote that breastfeeding is more than a personal choice”, written by Sandy Keefe, MSN, RN.
· The difference between breastfeeding and formula feeding should be presented as what the risks of formula feeding is
· Educate on the risks of what can occur if you do not breastfeed i.e increased risk of osteoporis and ovarian cancer in mom and increased risk for her child to develop
obesity and Type 1 diabetes
· Educate moms that newborns get exactly what is needed nutritionally from the breast and do not necessarily need a bottle unless medically indicated
Breastfeeding is often viewed as a personal choice that can bring a number of strong emotions into play., “But breastfeeding is not a personal choice- it s a health decision that impacts the woman and her baby.”
in joy
dee*
Teaching the signs of symptoms of postpartum blues vs. postpartum depression is an important topic I cover in my childbirth classes and on my video Small Wonders Childbirth Education. This subject has come to mind lately due to news story that has been in the news locally here in Boulder. It pulls at your heartstrings in so many ways. Here is some quick reference to assist you with some signs and symptoms
Signs /symptoms of postpartum blues
- occurs in 60-80% of new moms
- first signs begins on day 3 and up to a few weeks after birth
- cries easily
- irritable/nervous
- feels vulnerable
- trouble sleeping
- loss of appetite
- feels overwhelmed
Signs/symptoms postpartum depression
- occurs in 10-20% of new moms
- first signs can begin earlier but typically start at 3- 6 months and even up to one year after birth
- sadness
- loss of interst in normal activity
- guilt
- feeling inadequate
- overly concerned or no concern for baby
- despair/hopeless
- panic attacks
- feeling like you are going crazy
In most cases the partner is the first to recognize these signs please advocate for your new mom and get her the help she will need. Talk to your OB/GYN or midwife about resources in your community. Remember there is nothing to be ashamed of and this can be resolved so you can enjoy your baby the way you are meant to be.
in joy
dee*
It was memorial day a few years ago when the phone call came that her water broke. It was my first year not running the Bolder Boulder because I knew I was on call . I just finished running my own 10K , so perfect timing for my cell phone to ring at 8:00am My advise was to let the doctor know that her water broke, that the fluid was clear and that at this time there were no contractions. On the call back the doc said OK to stay at home for 4- 6 hours and to come into the hospital if no contractions by noon.. I had them do some walking , eat some food and take a relaxing bath.
By noon with no contractions they called the doc and was told to come on in . Once admitted it was found her cervix was closed with 50% effacement, baby was doing well. The suggestion was Pitocin, the doctor discouraged using Prostoglandin because her water broke and thought it would just leak out. Paula looked at me concerned , she was hoping to avoid IV induction if at all possible. I talked to the doctor on what would be the downfall if we tried the Prostoglandin , gave it 4 hours and then go to Pitocin if no results , it was early in the day after all. Good idea she said. Prostoglandin inserted at 1:00pm . resting in bed for that hour she took a little nap. Then up and walking around , by 3:00 we were in active labor, sitting on the ball , walking and using the labor bath. At 5:00 came transition , “OK I want the epidural now” she screeched, as her husband helped her out of the tub.
I told her I would find the nurse to let her know that we might be needing an IV started if the baby was not born in the next 30 minutes As I was leaving the room I heard her say, “fire her” I chuckled to myself and went to get the birthing stool and alert the nurse.
When I returned she held me tight and made the sounds of starting to push. She sat on the birthing stool, the nurse came in and checked her cervix which was 10 cm . Thirty minutes of pushing and beautiful wide eyed Aiden was born.
To this day Paula just laughs when we share this story. She does not recall that she wanted to fire me .. she just remembers how empowered she was and always will be by the birth of her son.
I will cherish this memorial day birth story always, it was an honor to be there.
in joy
dee*
In my childbirth education video my back up doula and certified prenatal massage therapist Cara Sanders talks about the benefits of massage while you are pregnant. I include this therapy along with others for you to be informed of as many resources that you can benefit from while pregnant. Prenatal massage not only can decrease normal pregnancy discomforts, it will enhance your pregnancy experience.
- reduces swelling
- reduces back and joint pain
- improves your circulation
- helps you sleep better
- decreases stress
Cara and other massage therapists note woman who have regular prenatal massage have a better labor experience .
Be sure to have a massage therapist specially trained in prenatal massage. If you have any concerns if massage is safe for your pregnancy it is always OK to ask your doctor or midwife.
So go ahead book a massage..you deserve it!
in joy
dee*
