Meeting Penny

It was no difficult decision on whether or not to drive across town to meet one of my all time childbirth idols, Penny Simkin. It was a small gathering, organized by another childbirth educator in our area. Even though we got a late start, with me making more than one wrong turn, somehow I managed to get myself, Bethany and our friend Michele there just in time. We were, in fact, some of the first people to show up.

Penny was even more wonderful in person than I imagined she would be. Her warmth and compassion for women in birth was evident in the way she spoke. She was candid about how to help women as they birth in a less than ideal hospital environment. She expressed concern for the plight of underprivileged women, immigrants, non English speaking clients. She wants to see birth workers empower women with realistic choices while educating them in how to work with their labor. It was no secret that she "knows" a lot. She started as a physcial therapist in the late 60's, then trained as a childbirth educator. She expanded that knowlege to include doula work and helped found DONA, an organization to train doula's. I knew that she is smart, educated and experienced.

But I was touched most by her compassion. The expression on her face as she heard the stories of women who felt disempowered or unheard. For the women who felt violated, misunderstood or condescended to, she was all compassion. Concern and warmth lined the edges of her face as she listened to doula's expressing the displeasure at feeling unable to advocate for their client's rights.

And that knowlege, combined with compassion creates a fire and zeal to continue to educate anyone who will listen. She inspired me to be that kind of birthworker. I want compassion for women and families to be the fire that kindles my desire to teach and promote real birth.

Thrush

Thrush is an overgrowth of Candida (yeast ) that naturally occurs in the intestines, vagina and gut. When it overproduces, it causes painful, white pathes on the inside of baby's mouth. They look a little like cottage cheese, and cannot be wiped off. It can also appear as an angry red diaper rash, so baby may have it at both ends.

A suppressed immune system caused by the use of steroids, antibiotics or illness can precede a thrush invasion.

Simple home rememdies include:

1. Gentian Violet, swabbed in baby's mouth and applied externally to mom's nipples. This is a bit messy, so simply put an  oil based barrier (coconut oil or olive oil) on babys lips first.
2. Washing the breasts with a solution of diluted white vinegar and warm water.
3. Avoid  nursing pads that contain plastic, as it will encourage the overgrowth of yeast.
4. Wash all clothing items that come in contact with baby and with mom's breasts in hot water with bleach. Drying garments in the sun can help kill the yeast, as well.

If you and your baby do not respond well to these home remedies, your doctor can prescribe medications:

1. Nystatin is an antifungal liquid that can be applied safely in the baby's mouth.
2. Diflucan is an oral antifungal medication used to treat thrush.

Some symptoms mom may experience as well, include:

1. Sore nipples
2. Cracked skin on nipples.
3. Shooting pain in breasts.

Seek the advice of a medical professional to get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan that is best for you and your baby.


Sources:
http://askdrsears.com/topics/childhood-illnesses/thrush

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/thrush-topic-overview

B I R T H

I was on a forum earlier this morning and saw a woman's request for recommendations for childbirth classes. She is pregnant with her first child and having her baby at a free standing birth center. Comments were made about the different classes offered, and some even mentioned my classes. (That was nice!) But one comment stood out among the rest: "Choose a class that is geared for women birting outside the hosptial." At first, I was thinking, yes, choose a class that is offered outside the hospital, but that is not what the writer was saying. She was making the distinction that classes geared for women going to a hospital will usually "prepare" you for the hospital experience.

If, on the other hand  you want a natural birth with the least amount of intervention,  you need to go to a class that teaches you how to work with your body. It should cover everything from prenatal self care to labor coping techniques. It should offer advice on how to navigate the system (i.e. hospital) in case of transport and inform on alternatives to medically invasive techniques for handling a slow or stalled labor. Emphasis should be on labor support, as well, no matter if that is the woman's spouse/partner/mom/sister/friend, etc....support by an educated person is crucial.

I truly believe my Natural Childbirth Classes fulfill those essentials. With 6 babies of my own (5 natural Bradley VBAC's) and 20 + years of teaching, and over a hundred births as a doula, I feel confident that taking a Bradley Class can prepare you for your birth experience whether inside the hospital, at a birthing center or homebirth.

Labor Bag Must Haves

What's in your labor bag?

I mean, really....what all do you need to bring to a fully equipped hospital or birth center? When it comes down to the last minute planning, many moms and dads-to-be feel more than just a little overwhelmed. Here's a simple list with options for those who want to do-it-all, plan-it-all, pack-it-all.

• Skid proof footwear, preferably something that slips on easily and can take some unwanted fluids. Crocs, anyone?
• Labor/birth gown. Keep the neckline low and the hemline high. You can always cover up with a hospital gown or robe when walking the halls. But for easy nursing access for baby, and less to fuss with below the waist during labor, think skimpy and short. (Hydrogen peroxide gets out most blood spots/stains.)
• Lip balm. Keeps your mouth moist from all those focused belly breaths.
• Hair ties. Think work out strategy for your hair.
• Snacks for you and your dedicated partner. Simple, easily digested foods are best. Yogurt, fruit, soft cheese, peanut butter, honey all travel easily and go down smooth. (Although don't be surprised if you bring it back up later in labor, that's not uncommon.)
• Water bottle filled with labor aid or red raspberry tea. 
• Body lotion, lightly scented. Many women find that their senses are more acute during labor and aromas that they previously found refreshing are over powering. 
• Rechargers/batteries for electronic devices (i.e. cameras, phones, laptop, etc)
• Extra clothes for going home.
• Baby blanket and outfit.
• Baby book for footprints.
• Tennis balls for back rubs. (Put two tennis balls in a clean sock. Tie it off. Makes a nice massage tool for rubbing moms back, legs, shoulders during labor.) 
• Overnight toiletries ( toothbrush, comb, deodorant, etc.) 
• Infant car seat. (You can go to the Police Department in most communities for assistance in proper installation beforehand.)

For those who want to make the labor room even more personal:

• MP3 player with labor playlist.
• Your own pillow.
• Swim trunks for dad. (In case he offers support while you're in the shower).
• Hand held fan.
• Rice bags for warm counter pressure on low back. (Put 2 cups of uncooked rice in a clean, long sock. Tie it off. Warm in microwave.) 

 Prepare for an overnight stay for both you and your partner. Keep a list of last minute things to pack or do before leaving the house. (Do you have pets to crate?)

A little planning goes a long way. But, your baby will be born regardless of the things you remembered to pack (or not). Remember to keep things simple, listen to your heart and your own intuition. Don't worry if you didn't pack everything, you will have just what you need.

Newborns Basic Needs

 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

Babies are born with such basic needs. They need food, warmth, safety and comfort. The baby business industry would have a new mom feel inadequate. They push products and programs for everything from feeding to learning. A new parent can easily feel overwhelmed at the amount of marketing, disguised as information. Unless a woman needs to pump her breasts for medical reasons or to go back to work, it is not even necessary to purchase an expensive breast pump. 

Frequent nursing in the arms of her mother, spending time in her arms or sling and co sleeping all encourage the babies neuro development and growth. 

The time will come soon enough when her baby will venture out into the world. But for now, let her snuggle in the safety of her mother's arms.

Increasing Your Milk Supply

Making enough milk for your baby is a concern all new mom's face. While some could pump enough for multiples, many women find that their milk supply less than what their growing baby needs.

First: Determine if there is a real need for more milk.
Is baby gaining enough weight?
Is he/she eliminating appropriate for her age? 

Successful breastfeeding tips:

1. No artificial nipples! (no pacifiers, bottles, etc) for the first few weeks.
2. Rest. Making milk is a new mom's primary occupation, resting gives the body a chance to focus.
3. Hydrate. Drink a 10-12 ounce glass of water every time you nurse. Water in helps milk production. 
4. Herbal tea. Fenugreek, mother wort and red raspberry leaf  herbal teas can help increase milk production.
5. Nursing-In. Take an in house retreat, by taking baby to bed for 2 days, mom and baby naked from the waist up. Skin to skin contact, frequent nursing, extra fluids for mom, healthy meals and snacks, lots of naps for both can help restore a diminished milk supply.

Relax. Get help when you need it. Take care of yourself.

Early Labor To Do List

Labor. Just the sound of the word sounds like work to me. While having a baby is labor intensive (pun intended!), for some there are hours of prodromal (early and light) labor. For me, my labors always started with hours of light contractions that I could easily function around. My philosophy has always been to stay engaged with what you were doing before labor started as long as you can. There will come a point when your body will no longer allow you to be distracted. But in the meant time, find a labor project to keep the mind busy while the body gets things going.

Here is a partial list of some of my early labor activities with my six babies:

• shopping (with my first baby, early contractions started while birthday shopping for family members at the mall).
• walking around the block with my kids 
• playing in the back yard with my kids
• cooking
• taking my daughter to the DMV for her license (funny story!)
• shopping for nursing bras
• grocery run for last minute items
• scrubbing the floor
• making the labor bed
• fixing last minute snacks to hold the kids over
• laundry
• reading with my kids
• picnic in the backyard
• crocheting
• watching movies (on tv)
• pelvic rocks
• scrubbing the bathtub
• out for Mexican food
• eating
• making red raspberry leaf tea
• drinking water, juices, herbal teas with honey
• napping
• cuddling
• making love
• relaxing in our pool

Remember, these were all things I COULD do.
The conditions must be favorable to continue such activities, such as:

• bag of water intact
• contractions light and infrequent
• always with another adult (my husband accompanied me on the walks, and grocery shopping)
• no alarming signs such as heavy bleeding or fever

For me, there was plenty of real life to keep me busy in early labor. Of course, if my life hadn't been so full, I could have worked on a baby blanket or scrap booked our latest vacation. And  of course, the active work such as scrubbing the floor and walking actually help labor along.

Then there  are the women who head straight into active labor with no smooth climb up the mountain. They do not have time to think about a labor project. They already have one!

For those of  you who had long early labor, what activities did you do?