Doula Service
A little bit about me and some pictures
This series of posts on Amy's Finer Things is really good. It is called "Why didn't anyone tell me?"
Postpartum Body
Labor Support
Solid Foods
Elective induction
Bed Rest
Pregnancy after 35
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Eating Issues in pregnancy
Pregnancy is when you are eating for two!!! Most women are excited to learn about the extra calories they will need while pregnant with their little one...but there are some women who honestly struggle with the weight gain in pregnancy.
Body Image issues are common in our society today. We all know the magazine covers in the grocery store showing so and so's new flab they tried to cover up, or the good shot of someone's ribs showing through a bathing suit or just a perfect model's body that we know we will never have.
Eating disorders are becoming more and more common in daily life, and many women who struggle with them, you may never know they struggle as they might not be 84 lbs. and look like death warmed-over. They may be your neighbor who looks like she struggles with her weight or the person whom you are jealous of her figure.
They may not struggle with a full on eating disorder, but they may have eating issues.
I have seen many eating issues that actually originate with good intentions. The fad that has been going around with cutting out different food groups, types of foods and avoiding groups of foods. Cleanses, excessive vitamins, excessive exercise among other things can be dangerous to your baby while pregnant.
While some of them may sounds good to start with, if you tend towards worrying about your body image while not pregnant, it is a good idea to get some extra support while pregnant.
Some ideas that can help you:
1)Have someone help you make a healthy diet plan- this could be a doctor, midwife, but it could also be a doula or a good friend who has a balanced diet.
2) Make sure to avoid drastic cutting out. Don't cut out main food groups while pregnant. It is normal for your stomach to be more sensitive while pregnant, but cutting out wheat, dairy and all acid based vegetables can really limit the amount of calories you can ingest. When you are not taking in enough calories while pregnant, sometimes you will still gain weight like normal, but it can leach minerals and strength from your own body.
3) Take your vitamins, but don't go over the top on them. Too many vitamins does not replace a poor diet.
4) Exercise daily. Make sure you are not under exercising or over exercising. If you are limiting your food intake, and overexercising, your baby can suffer. This is especially important after you have the baby, and are breastfeeding. Excessive exercise, with limited food means your breast milk can be the first to go.
5) Remember that when you do not eat a food for awhile, it can hurt your stomach when you try it. Plain old food can hurt your stomach if you do not eat for awhile. Remember the holocaust victims? Many of them died from eating plain food because their stomachs could not handle too much too fast. You need to eat small meals, frequently, that are full of protein, vegetables, whole grains and some fruit and dairy. Limit sugars or completely avoid! Add some good fats into your diet, but make sure you are not rejecting food simply based on not wanting to get sick.
Question:
So, how do I plan a healthy diet, when I have a fear of gaining weight? I plan meals and then I don't eat them, as I sit down and I feel ill after putting a bite in my mouth as I see the weight just piling on? I am gaining weight in spite of not eating. Why is it so important?
Answer:
I know that it is easy to think when you are gaining weight that you must be doing fine. There are other things to think about though. Weight gain is not the only thing to worry about. When you are limiting your intake, you are limiting the amount of food that is going to the placental development, which feeds your baby. When you are not eating, the body has to burn some of your fat stores, which produces ketones. Ketones can be dangerous to your baby as it can be toxic when this source of nutrition passes to the baby.
Question:
I don't want anyone to know or think I have a problem? Isn't an eating disorder considered a mental illness?
Answer:
Being honest with yourself and your care provider can be the safest thing for you and your baby. It is hard to admit we have a problem, but it can be the best thing all around. They can understand your struggles with not wanting to be weighed better that way, give you tips on how to provide nutrition to your baby, even when you do not want to eat.
Question:
I want to breastfeed my next baby. I struggled breastfeeding my previous baby, but I wanted to lose weight right away. I couldn't stand the jelly belly. How can I lose weight and breastfeed?
Answer:
Breastfeeding requires a minimum of 1500 calories a day. That is not counting for the excess you will need to maintain your health. You need to figure out what you need to maintain a adequate milk production. Exercise in moderation can help with tightening muscles that got stretched out in pregnancy, but a healthy diet. The weight will come off with a healthy diet and moderate exercise. Breastfeeding is important to your baby's health and the sacrifice of waiting to lose that last bit of weight can be an important sacrifice for the future health of your baby. Lack of calories will cut back on your milk production and can put you at risk for PPD.
Some good resources to read:
Dealing with eating issues in pregnancy
Pregnancy complications with mothers with eating disorders
Body Image issues are common in our society today. We all know the magazine covers in the grocery store showing so and so's new flab they tried to cover up, or the good shot of someone's ribs showing through a bathing suit or just a perfect model's body that we know we will never have.
Eating disorders are becoming more and more common in daily life, and many women who struggle with them, you may never know they struggle as they might not be 84 lbs. and look like death warmed-over. They may be your neighbor who looks like she struggles with her weight or the person whom you are jealous of her figure.
They may not struggle with a full on eating disorder, but they may have eating issues.
I have seen many eating issues that actually originate with good intentions. The fad that has been going around with cutting out different food groups, types of foods and avoiding groups of foods. Cleanses, excessive vitamins, excessive exercise among other things can be dangerous to your baby while pregnant.
While some of them may sounds good to start with, if you tend towards worrying about your body image while not pregnant, it is a good idea to get some extra support while pregnant.
Some ideas that can help you:
1)Have someone help you make a healthy diet plan- this could be a doctor, midwife, but it could also be a doula or a good friend who has a balanced diet.
2) Make sure to avoid drastic cutting out. Don't cut out main food groups while pregnant. It is normal for your stomach to be more sensitive while pregnant, but cutting out wheat, dairy and all acid based vegetables can really limit the amount of calories you can ingest. When you are not taking in enough calories while pregnant, sometimes you will still gain weight like normal, but it can leach minerals and strength from your own body.
3) Take your vitamins, but don't go over the top on them. Too many vitamins does not replace a poor diet.
4) Exercise daily. Make sure you are not under exercising or over exercising. If you are limiting your food intake, and overexercising, your baby can suffer. This is especially important after you have the baby, and are breastfeeding. Excessive exercise, with limited food means your breast milk can be the first to go.
5) Remember that when you do not eat a food for awhile, it can hurt your stomach when you try it. Plain old food can hurt your stomach if you do not eat for awhile. Remember the holocaust victims? Many of them died from eating plain food because their stomachs could not handle too much too fast. You need to eat small meals, frequently, that are full of protein, vegetables, whole grains and some fruit and dairy. Limit sugars or completely avoid! Add some good fats into your diet, but make sure you are not rejecting food simply based on not wanting to get sick.
Question:
So, how do I plan a healthy diet, when I have a fear of gaining weight? I plan meals and then I don't eat them, as I sit down and I feel ill after putting a bite in my mouth as I see the weight just piling on? I am gaining weight in spite of not eating. Why is it so important?
Answer:
I know that it is easy to think when you are gaining weight that you must be doing fine. There are other things to think about though. Weight gain is not the only thing to worry about. When you are limiting your intake, you are limiting the amount of food that is going to the placental development, which feeds your baby. When you are not eating, the body has to burn some of your fat stores, which produces ketones. Ketones can be dangerous to your baby as it can be toxic when this source of nutrition passes to the baby.
Question:
I don't want anyone to know or think I have a problem? Isn't an eating disorder considered a mental illness?
Answer:
Being honest with yourself and your care provider can be the safest thing for you and your baby. It is hard to admit we have a problem, but it can be the best thing all around. They can understand your struggles with not wanting to be weighed better that way, give you tips on how to provide nutrition to your baby, even when you do not want to eat.
Question:
I want to breastfeed my next baby. I struggled breastfeeding my previous baby, but I wanted to lose weight right away. I couldn't stand the jelly belly. How can I lose weight and breastfeed?
Answer:
Breastfeeding requires a minimum of 1500 calories a day. That is not counting for the excess you will need to maintain your health. You need to figure out what you need to maintain a adequate milk production. Exercise in moderation can help with tightening muscles that got stretched out in pregnancy, but a healthy diet. The weight will come off with a healthy diet and moderate exercise. Breastfeeding is important to your baby's health and the sacrifice of waiting to lose that last bit of weight can be an important sacrifice for the future health of your baby. Lack of calories will cut back on your milk production and can put you at risk for PPD.
Some good resources to read:
Dealing with eating issues in pregnancy
Pregnancy complications with mothers with eating disorders
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Morning sickness
Morning sickness is a woe that hits many pregnant women. Some people are blessed with the lack of it, but as it is a sign of healthy pregnancy hormones, some of us are thankful for it, while hating it at the same time.
So, we all read the tips for helping with the sickness. One article says if pregnant women eat large amounts of beans, it will reduce their sickness, while another proclaims a herbal cure.
One thing to remember is to make sure to check with your care provider before starting any special diet or herbs. Some of them are not safe for pregnancy.
Across the board though, there are some things that seem to help with morning sickness.
If you are overtired or lack sleep, you will probably be sicker. If you have more than one child, you know that lack of sleep is a part of life, but if you can manage to squeeze in a nap or get to bed earlier, or even sleep in a bit, sometimes you will find morning sickness is not as hard to handle. How to practically do that?
When I had little ones, I would set one on the end of the couch with a book and the other behind my legs and then I would fall asleep. If they moved, I felt them. It is not ideal, but a way to get a cat nap in the moment.
Liquids can often be hard to get down, but sometimes bubbles can help. Sugar was a trigger for me, so I drank lemon club soda. The acid seemed to help and the bubbles to keep me hydrated. I also did some plain herbal teas that I could sip on. Again, make sure to check with your doctor to make sure your tea is safe.
Distractions- this could be a funny movie, a good book, staying busy with a project unrelated to food. It can help, but don't overtire yourself. Overtiring yourself can make you sicker than ever.
Avoid evening activities.
Keep well hydrated and even if you know it is going to come back up, it is better to eat a little as some nutrition will make it to the baby.
Find a list of good remedies that you would like to try. Collect about 30 of them. Write them on a calendar and work your way through them, one day at a time. Write notes on what worked and what did not work. Try to make enough of them that you can get through them and by the time you are done, hopefully morning sickness will be over.
If you find yourself getting very dehydrated, vomiting everything you eat, please call your caregiver right away. You may need some medical help to get you through this.
I found personally that sugar was a big trigger for me, I avoided it and it really helped ease the morning sickness.
So, we all read the tips for helping with the sickness. One article says if pregnant women eat large amounts of beans, it will reduce their sickness, while another proclaims a herbal cure.
One thing to remember is to make sure to check with your care provider before starting any special diet or herbs. Some of them are not safe for pregnancy.
Across the board though, there are some things that seem to help with morning sickness.
If you are overtired or lack sleep, you will probably be sicker. If you have more than one child, you know that lack of sleep is a part of life, but if you can manage to squeeze in a nap or get to bed earlier, or even sleep in a bit, sometimes you will find morning sickness is not as hard to handle. How to practically do that?
When I had little ones, I would set one on the end of the couch with a book and the other behind my legs and then I would fall asleep. If they moved, I felt them. It is not ideal, but a way to get a cat nap in the moment.
Liquids can often be hard to get down, but sometimes bubbles can help. Sugar was a trigger for me, so I drank lemon club soda. The acid seemed to help and the bubbles to keep me hydrated. I also did some plain herbal teas that I could sip on. Again, make sure to check with your doctor to make sure your tea is safe.
Distractions- this could be a funny movie, a good book, staying busy with a project unrelated to food. It can help, but don't overtire yourself. Overtiring yourself can make you sicker than ever.
Avoid evening activities.
Keep well hydrated and even if you know it is going to come back up, it is better to eat a little as some nutrition will make it to the baby.
Find a list of good remedies that you would like to try. Collect about 30 of them. Write them on a calendar and work your way through them, one day at a time. Write notes on what worked and what did not work. Try to make enough of them that you can get through them and by the time you are done, hopefully morning sickness will be over.
If you find yourself getting very dehydrated, vomiting everything you eat, please call your caregiver right away. You may need some medical help to get you through this.
I found personally that sugar was a big trigger for me, I avoided it and it really helped ease the morning sickness.
You would think....
...it would easy for me to think of many pregnancy topics! But for some reason, I want them to be so good that I over think it and then do not write at all! It does not help when you are trying to build a blog!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Maternity Clothing
Maternity clothing is something that is expensive often and many women on tight budgets, moan about. It is only for nine months, and yet spending $40 on something I can only wear for such a short time.
According to my midwife though, wearing tight clothing can restrict blood flow, and can not be healthy for you and the baby, so here are some places to look for some cute, spiffy maternity clothes and some tips on finding them, and not breaking the budget!
All the normal online maternity shops have Clearance.....start there, if you are looking for something new. You never know what will be really cheap that day! Check online for coupon codes as well.
http://www.duematernity.com
Motherhood
Kohls
JC Penny
Old Navy
If you are looking for long skirts....this link is for you.
The Modest mom- combining femininity with fashion
Also, if you have local stores in your area like Herbergers, Ross Dress for Less etc. They often have clearance and racks with some maternity selection. Target does as well, but it is generally generously sized, in case you are petite looking for something.
After you have looked and found something you think you like..... and the prices are still too high for you. Check on ebay. Look under the brand names of the things that you like and do a search for it. You will be amazed!!! You can find new, gently used maternity items for much cheaper. However, be careful. Watch that you do not spend over what they are new.
Also, check local children's boutique's and consignment shops. They often carry maternity wear, and sometimes you can find a cute shirt or two that will brighten your pregnancy wardrobe. Sometimes you can bring in some of your children's clothes, that they hardly wore and get some credit it for them as well.
Finally, second hand stores. I know, some people hate shopping them, but occasionally amongst the '80's garb, you will find some cute things!!!
I hope this helps you to try to find something to help your pregnancy wardrobe search a bit!
According to my midwife though, wearing tight clothing can restrict blood flow, and can not be healthy for you and the baby, so here are some places to look for some cute, spiffy maternity clothes and some tips on finding them, and not breaking the budget!
All the normal online maternity shops have Clearance.....start there, if you are looking for something new. You never know what will be really cheap that day! Check online for coupon codes as well.
http://www.duematernity.com
Motherhood
Kohls
JC Penny
Old Navy
If you are looking for long skirts....this link is for you.
The Modest mom- combining femininity with fashion
Also, if you have local stores in your area like Herbergers, Ross Dress for Less etc. They often have clearance and racks with some maternity selection. Target does as well, but it is generally generously sized, in case you are petite looking for something.
After you have looked and found something you think you like..... and the prices are still too high for you. Check on ebay. Look under the brand names of the things that you like and do a search for it. You will be amazed!!! You can find new, gently used maternity items for much cheaper. However, be careful. Watch that you do not spend over what they are new.
Also, check local children's boutique's and consignment shops. They often carry maternity wear, and sometimes you can find a cute shirt or two that will brighten your pregnancy wardrobe. Sometimes you can bring in some of your children's clothes, that they hardly wore and get some credit it for them as well.
Finally, second hand stores. I know, some people hate shopping them, but occasionally amongst the '80's garb, you will find some cute things!!!
I hope this helps you to try to find something to help your pregnancy wardrobe search a bit!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Book Review: Natural Hospital birth by Cynthia Gabriel
Natural Hospital birth: The best of both worlds
by Cynthia Gabriel
Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko
Doula, medical anthopologist, and mother of three, Cynthia Gabriel offers the tools and inspiration you need to release your fears, win the support of the hospital staff, and avoid unnecessary interventions.
I have never read a pregnancy book that I so throughly loved before! Okay, I loved Ina May's guide to childbirth, but this one is absolutely amazing!!!
I think everyone, no matter what type of birth you desire should read this book.
This book explains birth in way that I have not read before, it speaks of the emotional impact birth can have on a woman, medicated or non-medicated. It goes through the steps of labor and birth, explaining them in a way a mother who has never given birth can read and be prepared.
It speaks of reasons for interventions, and reasons you could refuse or accept. This book is filled with birth stories of mothers, and the struggles or triumphs they faced throughout their births. This is not a book that is going to be too scientific for readers who struggle with that. This is a basic guide for the mom, who would like a natural birth. How natural it is, this book can explain how that varies for each woman.
I especially liked in the appendix a list of common interventions and how to avoid them. It was simple, educating and gives you the info and encourages your own research as well.
This book does not make you feel fearful, but rather empowered and encouraged to go forward with labor and delivery.
Overall, this book is such a wonderful guide for childbirth, I wish I could buy a copy to give each client! I give this book 5 large gold stars!!!
This book is available for purchase from many sources.
It retails for $16.95 and is 256 pages long
Amazon
Borders
Borders often has coupons as well on their books, making this a reasonable place to buy from.
by Cynthia Gabriel
Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko
Doula, medical anthopologist, and mother of three, Cynthia Gabriel offers the tools and inspiration you need to release your fears, win the support of the hospital staff, and avoid unnecessary interventions.
I have never read a pregnancy book that I so throughly loved before! Okay, I loved Ina May's guide to childbirth, but this one is absolutely amazing!!!
I think everyone, no matter what type of birth you desire should read this book.
This book explains birth in way that I have not read before, it speaks of the emotional impact birth can have on a woman, medicated or non-medicated. It goes through the steps of labor and birth, explaining them in a way a mother who has never given birth can read and be prepared.
It speaks of reasons for interventions, and reasons you could refuse or accept. This book is filled with birth stories of mothers, and the struggles or triumphs they faced throughout their births. This is not a book that is going to be too scientific for readers who struggle with that. This is a basic guide for the mom, who would like a natural birth. How natural it is, this book can explain how that varies for each woman.
I especially liked in the appendix a list of common interventions and how to avoid them. It was simple, educating and gives you the info and encourages your own research as well.
This book does not make you feel fearful, but rather empowered and encouraged to go forward with labor and delivery.
Overall, this book is such a wonderful guide for childbirth, I wish I could buy a copy to give each client! I give this book 5 large gold stars!!!
This book is available for purchase from many sources.
It retails for $16.95 and is 256 pages long
Amazon
Borders
Borders often has coupons as well on their books, making this a reasonable place to buy from.
Combatting tiredness in pregnancy
Tired? Run down feeling? Most people find that these feelings are par for the course when it comes to pregnancy, but here are a couple suggestions that may make it a little easier!
First off, make sure you let your care provider know, if it is unusually bad. Your iron may be low, and need to be checked. If your blood pressure is low as well, it can make you very tired as well.
One thing, I have seen when blood pressure is low, that exercise can raise it and make you feel much better. You will feel like your limbs are heavy and you cannot move, but force them to move and walk to raise it up and you will be amazed at how much better you feel.
Daily exercise, not too extreme, as that can tire you, but a brisk walk daily can actually combat the extreme tiredness and help you to feel better in your pregnancy. There is some studies that show that exercise during pregnancy helps your baby to be in a better position and labors to be faster and go smoother.
Here are a couple of links to some articles on the topic:
Seven Great Benefits of pregnancy exercise
Study: Exercise in pregnancy benefits babies
Exercise during pregnancy
Exercise during pregnancy benefits your baby's heart
How to exercise during pregnancy
Most of these are just articles with info on the studies, and remember to discuss any type of exercise with your care provider.
So, what else can you do to combat weariness?
Lack of sleep can really wear you down in pregnancy, the constant getting up to use the restroom, and the uncomfortable stress of sleeping with a large ball in front of you.
A couple of tips, make sure you find out how much calcium/magnesium supplement you can safely take as a pregnant woman. This mineral helps your muscles to relax so you can sleep and have less leg cramps.
Drink plenty of fluids, but not over the top so you are using the bathroom in excess.
Eating a light protein snack before bed can sometimes help you to sleep better and keep your blood sugar more stable, even if you do not have blood sugar issues.
Eat a healthy diet- there are many trains of thought on this. Anyone who has read "What to eat when you are expecting" knows about the Best odds diet, which focuses on limiting weight gain in pregnancy. There are many other diets out there, do some research.
This study was interesting on how poor diet in pregnancy can effect your baby's long term health.
Why poor diet in pregnancy can effect your offsprings's long term health?
Excess sugar and empty calories can be a cause for lack of energy though as well, so choose the foods that will give the most nutritional impact on your baby first. Your stomach will not be able to hold as much food as time goes on, so making sure you get the most important foods first is an excellent way to look at it.
Focus on the food groups, and make sure you are getting as many servings as you are supposed to of vegetables, fruits and meats. Women in pregnancy can sometimes struggle with dairy, but this is another thing to discuss with your care provider.
First off, make sure you let your care provider know, if it is unusually bad. Your iron may be low, and need to be checked. If your blood pressure is low as well, it can make you very tired as well.
One thing, I have seen when blood pressure is low, that exercise can raise it and make you feel much better. You will feel like your limbs are heavy and you cannot move, but force them to move and walk to raise it up and you will be amazed at how much better you feel.
Daily exercise, not too extreme, as that can tire you, but a brisk walk daily can actually combat the extreme tiredness and help you to feel better in your pregnancy. There is some studies that show that exercise during pregnancy helps your baby to be in a better position and labors to be faster and go smoother.
Here are a couple of links to some articles on the topic:
Seven Great Benefits of pregnancy exercise
Study: Exercise in pregnancy benefits babies
Exercise during pregnancy
Exercise during pregnancy benefits your baby's heart
How to exercise during pregnancy
Most of these are just articles with info on the studies, and remember to discuss any type of exercise with your care provider.
So, what else can you do to combat weariness?
Lack of sleep can really wear you down in pregnancy, the constant getting up to use the restroom, and the uncomfortable stress of sleeping with a large ball in front of you.
A couple of tips, make sure you find out how much calcium/magnesium supplement you can safely take as a pregnant woman. This mineral helps your muscles to relax so you can sleep and have less leg cramps.
Drink plenty of fluids, but not over the top so you are using the bathroom in excess.
Eating a light protein snack before bed can sometimes help you to sleep better and keep your blood sugar more stable, even if you do not have blood sugar issues.
Eat a healthy diet- there are many trains of thought on this. Anyone who has read "What to eat when you are expecting" knows about the Best odds diet, which focuses on limiting weight gain in pregnancy. There are many other diets out there, do some research.
This study was interesting on how poor diet in pregnancy can effect your baby's long term health.
Why poor diet in pregnancy can effect your offsprings's long term health?
Excess sugar and empty calories can be a cause for lack of energy though as well, so choose the foods that will give the most nutritional impact on your baby first. Your stomach will not be able to hold as much food as time goes on, so making sure you get the most important foods first is an excellent way to look at it.
Focus on the food groups, and make sure you are getting as many servings as you are supposed to of vegetables, fruits and meats. Women in pregnancy can sometimes struggle with dairy, but this is another thing to discuss with your care provider.
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