June Empowered Mammas Meetup Saturday June 2, 2012 Exploring The Different Avenues Of Birth – Hospital v/s Home and Birth Center births 4500 So. 495 E. 10.00-11.00 A.M. Spouces and nursing babies welcome- We will have a guest speaker there to discuss the differences between Hospital, Birth Center and Home Births and the advantages to each. *Meetups held by donation* All donations go to helping keep our group free-

Do more women go into labor during a full moon? Would more women spontaneously deliver during a full moon if doctors and midwives did not remove babies early via C-section or labor induction? Many experts will adamantly deny any evidence to suggest a relationship between the moon and our bodies. These experts seem to forget that just because something hasn’t been proven, doesn’t mean that it isn’t real.
by David Rose
Did you know that some maternity units actually have more staff available during periods of full moon?I’ve always been fascinated by the moon’s effect on nature, so when a friend’s wife conveyed to me what her midwife had told her during the birth of their daughter, I decided to find out more about childbirth, full moon and a possible link.
On speaking to various medical staff involved in natural childbirth, the first thing I learned was that expectant mothers often experience false signs of labor during full moon. Contractions known as “Braxton Hicks” — sometimes noticeable to the mother and sometimes not — become more pronounced and many travel to the maternity unit in the belief that “it’s time”. Disappointed — or perhaps relieved — they return home, the pains having subsided with no dilation of the cervix.
While these expectant mothers visiting the clinic with their mistaken signs of labor are part of the reason why extra staff are needed, the major difference is found in the number of women whose amniotic sac — the water — breaks.
Just as some women experience false labor pains, in cases where the water breaking marks the start of childbirth, full moon is the time when it’s most likely to happen. In order to discover for myself whether this could be true, I asked several female friends how their births had started. Those who responded with “the water breaking” were then asked the date of the birth. On checking this against a moon phase chart, I discovered that almost all had given birth on, or very close to, a full moon.
The theory is that the moon’s gravitational pull effects the amniotic fluid in much the same way as it effects the water in the sea, rivers and even the water that’s otherwise found in our bodies.
“There are published works that show that there is such a relationship. One study4 looked at 5,927,978 French births occurring between the months of January 1968 and the 31st December 1974. Using spectral analysis, it was shown that there are two different rhythms in birth frequencies: –a weekly rhythm characterized by the lowest number of births on a Sunday and the largest number on a Tuesday and an annual rhythm with the maximum number of births in May and the minimum in September-October. A statistical analysis of the distribution of births in the lunar month shows that more are born between the last quarter and the new moon, and fewer are born in the first quarter of the moon. The differences between the distribution observed during the lunar month and the theoretical distribution are statistically significant.” – Source: Full moon, Gravitational Pull and Childbirth, Birthsource.com
As a woman’s body prepares for natural childbirth, the amniotic sac becomes distended so the point where it will easily burst if put under pressure. Under normal circumstances, the pressure of labor contractions bursts the sac. During a full moon, the pressure caused by the moon’s effect on the water inside the sac can cause the same things to happen, but without the accompanying contractions.
When this happens, natural childbirth doesn’t always move forward and with no other signs of labor present, the obstetrician may decide to induce the birth. During my own study of this phenomenon I found that of 8 women whose births started with the water breaking at full moon, 5 of them had no accompanying contractions. A coincidence? Perhaps. But surely midwives wouldn’t prepare themselves for an increase in natural childbirth activity if there wasn’t some truth in this?
One midwife told me that when it comes to planning childbirth, full moons should always be looked for around the time of the expected delivery. If there’s one within a few days either side, the chances are your baby will be born on that day.
Sheryl’s comment:
Theoretically, many of our cycles should be naturally in sync with the cycles of the nature. In a world devoid of electric lights, women’s menstrual cycles naturally synchronize with the phases of the moon in which they ovulate during the full moon and menstruate at the new moon (lunar fertility). There is more at play than simply gravitational pull. Total darkness signals your body to create melatonin and the sunlight of daybreak signals your body to stop this production. The light of the full moon is a signal for your body to cease melatonin production and that is what signals the start of ovulation. Electric lights are a huge potential factor in irregular ovulation.
That said, we all know that hormones play a role in spontaneous labor and while I have no idea how the moon influences the hormones specifically related to childbirth, it stands to reason that nature affects our bodies a lot more than the medical community would like us to believe.
To enhance the effects of moon, be sure to sleep in total 100% darkness. Even a small nightlight will throw off your melatonin levels. Make sure to get plenty of light during the day and open your blinds during the three days with the fullest moon. It may or may not help influence your birth but it will help your body connect with mother earth.
Lastly, if you really want to let yourself connect with nature during childbirth then do not let unscrupulous doctors or midwives “get things going” by induction or any other methods. If you trust birth and allow your baby to come into this world when he or she is good and ready then you may just experience birth during the full moon.
Buy the Book: The Moon and Childbirth
About the author:
David Rose is the creator of the popular moon software, QuickPhase Pro, the fun and easy way to view the phases of the moon. To learn more, visit http://www.quickphase.com

Simple Ways to Get Back in Shape after Giving Birth

Simple Ways to Get Back in Shape after Giving Birth -by Katie Moore

 Mothers who have just given birth enter a new and somewhat hectic time in their lives. Many mothers want to get back in shape as soon as possible after giving birth, which may be difficult since new mothers often have very little time to themselves. Here are a few simple ways to get back in shape after giving birth while caring for baby at the same time. Before starting any rigorous diet and exercise program, a mother should consult with her doctor, especially if it’s before her six-week check-up. Much like the importance of planning for post-delivery options, like circumcision and umbilical cord blood banking, with a doctor during pregnancy, it’s important to plan for a mother’s post-delivery health with a doctor. In the days immediately following delivery, there are some exercises a woman can begin while laying in bed. Kegel exercises, pelvic tilt and ankle circles are all low impact, stretching and tightening exercises that will benefit a mother’s tired and changing body without asking for too much energy. As a mother recovers, she can begin to add more abdominal strengthening exercises to help with repairing muscles and aiding in weight loss. Getting outdoors is a nice change of pace for a new mother. Going for walks is a gentle and effective method for getting back in shape and breaking away from that feeling of being housebound that often comes with a new baby. Barring any complications with the birth, mothers can carry her little one in a front carrier and take a leisurely stroll. Front carriers allow the baby to connect and be soothed or take a nap, as well. It's important to ensure the baby is big enough to safely fit in the carrier and wear comfortable and well-fitting walking shoes for necessary support. Staying away from any heeled footwear for the first few months is a good idea. For mothers who would like to start jogging or running, jogging strollers are a great option. These strollers are designed to be easy and comfortable to push, allowing for a smooth ride. Most are designed for babies that are at least six months old, but there are a few that recline all the way for newborn babies. They are made to go almost anywhere, including dirt trails or the beach. If a mother is looking for a way to exercise without sacrificing bonding time with her baby, there are “Mommy and Me” classes offered, like yoga, that incorporates fitness with baby. If a mother isn’t ready to leave the house with baby, she can start with an at home DVD that offers the same benefits. Getting creative with in home exercise can also include doing chores, taking the stairs a couple extra times and even turning on some music to dance. With these steps, a mother can make a healthy transition back to her pre-pregnancy weight. A healthy mother is one who will be happier and will be a great role model for her baby to follow as he grows up. “Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.”

umbilical cord blood banking- (second paragraph last sentence) linked to: http://www.viacord.com

exercises a woman can begin (third paragraph first sentence) linked to: http://www.cpmc.org/services/pregnancy/information/postpartum-exercises.html   

jogging strollers (fifth paragraph first sentence) linked to: http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=1912

When should I introduce solid food to my baby?

Video

How to make baby food at home

Making your own baby food is quick and easy. Watch a professional chef demonstrate how to do it.

You can introduce solids any time between 4 and 6 months if your baby is ready. Until then, breast milk or formula provides all the calories and nourishment your baby needs and can handle. His digestive system simply isn't ready for solids until he nears his half-birthday.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for at least six months – though parents will attest that some babies are eager and ready to eat solids earlier.

How will I know when my baby's ready?

Your baby will give you clear signs when he's ready to move beyond liquid-only nourishment. Cues to look for include:

• Head control. Your baby needs to be able to keep his head in a steady, upright position.
• Losing the "extrusion reflex." To keep solid food in his mouth and then swallow it, your baby needs to stop using his tongue to push food out of his mouth.

• Guide to Firsts: Solid food

  

  Our checklist helps you get
  ready to feed your baby
  
• Sitting well when supported. Even if he's not quite ready for a highchair, your baby needs to be able to sit upright to swallow well.
• Chewing motions. Your baby's mouth and tongue develop in sync with his digestive system. To start solids, he should be able to move food to the back of his mouth and swallow. As he learns to swallow efficiently, you may notice less drooling – though if your baby's teething, you might still see a lot of drool.
• Significant weight gain. Most babies are ready to eat solids when they've doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least 4 months old.
• Growing appetite. He seems hungry – even with eight to ten feedings of breast milk or formula a day.
• Curiosity about what you're eating. Your baby may begin eyeing your bowl of rice or reaching for a forkful of fettuccine as it travels from your plate to your mouth.

Why a doula is like a Real Estate Agent.

Many time in my profession I get this, "What exactly does a doula do?"
I have answered all the typical responses like:
"Doulas help to keep moms comfortable..."
"We provide physical support, emotional support, and knowledge to the birthing couple..."
"I am there to help the couple, not just mom, to have a great birth experience..."

But then the other day I answered it like this...

"When most people plan to purchase a home, especially their first home, they turn to the help and expertise of a real estate agent. They look around, take personal refferals and finally pick the agent that is the best match for them. This can be a personalty match, or maybe they like the way the look on paper, or maybe they use them because it is the same person their sister used. This agent works sits down with them, ask them what they are looking for in a home, what is most important for them, how the agent can be of best assistance. Then, she goes to work, providing them with information, pros and cons, and then s/he will walk them through the process from start to finish. Once the home buyer/s have found the perfect place, their agent then walks them through the paper work, the inspection, etc. Step by step their trusted friend helps them to get the best experience they can. If there are unexpected things that come up, s/he knows how best to navigate around them. After the purchase is complete, the agent usually follows up to make sure things are going well and to answer and questions they might have once they are in the home. This friendship they created will last a life time. When the buyer is ready to upgrade to a bigger home, they will once again rely on the trust and expertise that their agent provides.

Yes, this is very similar to a doula.

When a couple is expecting a baby, especially their first, they will often start by talking to friends and family. Then, someone they know and trust will mention that they used a doula (or perhaps they will research this on the internet) Then the couple will set out to learn more about what a doula is and how they can help. Then, they will take personal referrals from friends or family or off the internet. After interviewing one or many doulas, they will pick one that is the best match for them. This doula, this birth professional, will then go to work. She will sit down with the couple, ask them what they are looking for in their birth, what is most important for them, how the she can be of best assistance to them during their birth. She goes to work, providing them with information, pros and cons, and will walk them through the process from start to finish. Once the the big day arrives, their doula is there from start to finish. She is providing them with information, alternatives, support, and love. If there are unexpected things that come up, she knows how best to help them make an informed decision. After the birth, their doula will follow up to make sure things are going well and to answer any questions they might have. This friendship they created will last a life time. When the couple is ready to have another baby, often times they will once again rely on the trust and expertise that their doula provides.

I truly believe that my real estate agent was incredible. She was patient and kind, she worked hard for us, and found us the home that we love! My doulas, yes I had two with my second birth, were just the same. They were incredible, they were patient (my second birth was 58 hours) they were kind and loving, and they helped me to have an incredible birth that I look back on with joy.

I have been to may births, and each one is personal to me. I become friends with each family, we create a relationship that lasts years. I wouldn't change it for the world, I value each family and the joy I get from helping them through the birth process.

And who knows, maybe one day I will get to be the doula for my real estate agent... that'd be pretty cool :)

(realestateimage from www.successfulthings.com)
(doula image from birthdoulasofpittsburgh.com)

This is a beautiful look at pregnancy from the beginning....

Have you seen this? Awesome!

http://www.ksl.com/?sid

=19558335&nid=1017&title=have-you-seen-this-time

-lapse-pregnancy&s_cid=featured-5

Have You Seen This? Time lapse pregnancy | ksl.com

www.ksl.comA couple turns a 9-month life-changing experience into a 90-second short film

Breast Feeding Class Special

Great Baby Shower Gift for local mommies :)
http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/78/deals/

268978-meeting-with-a-doula-or-breastfeeding-class

3-Hour Breastfeeding Class: The Doula House

www.livingsocial.com‎50% savings: You've read some
books, but you still don't know exactly what to expect
now that you're expecting. At The Doula House, you'll..