*BIRTH INTERESTS*
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
*DIGNITY * EMPOWERMENT *RESPECT*
Birth Beautifully
Birth choices are diverse, I have included some videos of hospital births, and home births. Where and how your baby is born is a very personal choice, and a doula holds no judgement. A doula supports, and celebrates the woman and the baby being born, and embraces the diversity of each birth she was blessed and honoured to witness. All births are beautiful and sacred in their own unique and wonderful way. Below is a collection of 14 births, all managed from a different perspective.. Olives homebirth is the first, after it there are 13 others you may choose to watch.
Check out this great information about pregnancy and birth from Nikiah Seeds, Mama Goddess Birthshop:
And this wonderful link to naturally caring for womens health issues from
Compleat Mother:
Some information about the benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, during childbearing:
-Steph Bernath CD
Red Raspberry leaf or Rubus is widely used, and the safest uterine/pregnancy tonic herbs. The nourishing power of the vitamins and minerals are derived from rich concentration of vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium and iron, also vitamin A and B complex and many minerals including phosphorus and potassium. Some of the benefits of raspberry leaf tea include:
*increasing fertility in women and men
*strengthening and toning the uterine muscle
*preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage
*gentle relief of nausea and morning sickness
*reducing pain during labour and after birth
*provides a safe and speedy parturition
*helps bring down an undelivered placenta
*assisting in the production of plentiful breast milk. (esp when combined with nettle,and/or blessed thistle, and/or alfalfa,and/or red clover, and/or borage, and/or fennel.)
Benefits of Belly Dance and Yoga during Pregnancy:
(more than one video)
Conscious families aware of the benefits of attachment parenting are researching topics such as:
- healthy relationships
- bed sharing
- baby wearing
- full-term breastfeeding
- ecological issues
- nutrition
- happiness
- self-sufficiency
- emotional sobriety
- living co-operatively
- continuum parenting
- living with teenagers
*Vitamin K during pregnancy*
-Steph Bernath CD, CPD
*During Pregnancy getting enough vitamin K increases the hemoglobin in the blood. Having enough vitamin K helps to prevent hemorrhage during childbirth. Include in your diet plenty of green leafy vegetables. Stinging Nettle and Red Raspberry Leaf is a good combination to make a vitamin K enriched tea. Putting a few drops of Chlorophyll in your morning juice will also help increase your vitamin K intake. Should a woman have a post partum hemmorage, have your doula or care provider slice a small piece of placenta (from the maternal side) and place it under mamas tongue or between her teeth and cheek, this will almost always immediately stop a post partum hemmorage. A tincture made from fresh Shepherds Purse will also stop bleeding as it is an amazing blood coagulant, and promotes uterine contractions which aid hemmorage.
Yunnan Paiyao, combines several forms of tienchi ginseng used to normalize blood flow and repair damaged blood vessels along with astringent herbs such as myrrh and a herb that is called “dragon’s blood”. Yunnan Paiyao powder was used by the Chinese Army to instantly aid gunshot wounds, it stops hemorrhage immediately. Some midwives carry it in their birth bag to stop Post Partum Hemmorage.
*Advantages of VBAC, or HBAC*
-Steph Bernath CD, CPD
Vaginal birth after cesarean, Home birth after cesarean
During some births, babies are born by cesarean rather than vaginal deliveries. A cesarean birth can be emotionally challenging for the mother, but should be celebrated and honoured as it is your babies birth rite of passage. The birth of your baby is a sacred and wonderful time regardless of the path the baby took: vaginal birth/ or cesarean birth.
When a woman has had a cesarean birth and thinking of having a vaginal birth during her next pregnancy and birth, here are some things to consider.
ADVANTAGES:
-Babies are born when they are ready!
-Proven medically and spiritually beneficial for mama and baby to go through labour as the hormones they share together, prepare mama and baby for birth.
-During labour babies receive a "Love cocktail", of precious labour hormones -
'Catecholamines", which prepare mama and baby for birth on many levels
These labour hormones: assist baby to breath, stimulate babies liver and gut to start working, increase blood flow to babies brain and other major organs, improve immune system response, increase white blood cells, triggers endorphins, increase maternal bonding, assist in the release of prolactin.
-Vaginally born babies breastfeed more readily.
-Mamas risk of postpartum infection decreases dramatically.
-Recovery from vaginal birth is incomparable to recovery from a cesarean.
Cesarean Risks for Baby:
-Greatest risks are Respiratory Distress, and Pulmonary Hypertension. But also include separation anxiety, bonding problems, breastfeeding problems.
Cesarean Risks for Mama:
-painful abdominal surgery 7 layers of tissue) affects mother on many levels
-breastmilk production and breastfeeding usually delayed
-bowel problems
-incontinence issues
-increase risk of infection
-Cesarean birth can be devastating and cause depression
-Repeat cesareans cause more damage, women are at increased risk of uterine rupture, amniotic fluid embolism, accreta, nectrotizing fasciitis, MRSA pulmonary embolism, repeat cesareans are at risk for hemorrhagic complications and these complications can lead to hysterectomy.
Reasons For Cesarean
-IV Oxytocins>pain medications>epidural>c-section
-babies head to large for pelvis (CPD)
-placenta previa
-babies in certain positions which make vaginal birth not an option for some hospitals.
V bac Risks For Mama
Uterine Rupture: 1 - 2% chance of uterine rupture. It is less likely to happen than cord prolapse, fetal distress, hemmorage, which are 30% more likely to occur during birth.
www.vbacfacts.com
Why Can Caesareans Damage Fertility? There are several complications which can cause infertility. These include:
- Excessive scarring of the uterus, preventing an embryo from implanting
- Severe blood loss which requires the surgeon to remove the woman's uterus in order to save her life
- Pelvic infections resulting from surgery, which can block the fallopian tubes and prevent conception
- Scar tissue can grow over the ovaries, preventing ovulation, and in the fallopian tubes
- Miscarriages caused by the placenta being unable to embed in the wall of the womb securely
- Uterine rupture during pregnancy, causing loss of the baby and a life threatening danger to the mother
- Older age of the mother at the time of her caesarean can push her into subfertility, possibly due to the physical strain of surgery.
- Watch this incredible video, a woman shares her journey from birthing by cesarean section to her next birth being a homebirth VBAC, a very touching story! MY JOURNEY TO VBAC: AMAZING VIDEO CLIP LINK BELOW
SHE BIRTHS, TRANSFORMATIONAL INTAGIBLES
*Advantages to Keeping the Bag of Waters Intact* -by Leilah McCracken, based on an article by midwife Gail Hart (and shared by Gloria Lemay!)
It’s best not to do artificial rupture of the membranes (AROM) as a method of labor induction because:
*An intact bag allows for free movement of the baby
*Better likelihood of rotation (perhaps less likelihood of malpresentations like OP)
*An intact bag offers protection against infection
*An intact bag acts as a preventive against cord prolapse
*An intact bag protects the baby- and the cord- from the compression of labor *A baby can handle the stress of labor far better than one without that cushion of water, when the bag is intact there is less stress on the baby
*The cord and even the placenta itself recover better from the squeeze of contractions with an intact bag
*"Amniotomy" (removal of amniotic fluid) is sometimes routinely done because it is thought to be "harmless’, and then "Amniofusion" (putting water back into the uterus) becomes necessary to relieve cord compression and improve the fetal heart tones- this is not safe
*If there is meconium in the waters, there should be lots of fluid in order to naturally dilute it; if the waters are ruptured, the fluid becomes thicker and often more meconium stained than before
*An intact bag gives mom time to finish dilating and the baby can handle a longer labor
*Shoulder dystocia is less common if AROM isn’t done- the extra body of fluid might allow more movement and lubrication which might help avoid malrotation of shoulders.
*An intact bag is more respectful to the baby- why introduce fingers and hooks into the internal environment?
Note from a midwife,
Stephanie Bernath
*There is a time and a place that a gentle leaking of the bag may be needed. A GENTLE LEAKING, not an aggressive RUPTURE. Times when the baby is floating in his/her bag of waters and the head is not pressing sufficiently against the cervix, preventing dilation and slowing labour... mama may become exhausted as labour is prolonged and will be continue to be prolonged until babies head comes in contact with the cervix.... a midwife or doctor can feel with their exam, feel around the cervix, making certain there is not an umbilical cord presenting, and then slowly and most gently leak the membranes... a more respectful way than rupturing, and trauma to mama and baby is eliminated.
*Lotus and delayed cord clamping*
-Steph Bernath CD, CPD
Women have learned to respect this sacred moment of birth. The baby is drifting between both worlds when he/she has been born and the umbilical cord is still connected (undisturbed) to mama, while placenta hasn't yet been delivered. The baby has been dependant on the umbilical cord and placenta his/her entire life so far. If at birth this delicate connection is severed, this could be a total upheaval for baby. The umbilical cord has 1 vein and 2 arteries. Blood and oxygen are renewed gently without effort. Transition during birth should be slow and gentle. Nature provided oxygen for babies at birth from 2 sources: the umbilical cord, and babies lungs. The CORD continues to beat & the LUNGS begin to function, TOGETHER in HARMONY! The umbilical cord continues to oxygenate the baby until the lungs have taken over completely. When we immediately clamp & cut the cord we create a situation opposite of what nature intended. Immediate cord clamping and cutting deprives the baby of oxygen and nutrient rich maternal blood. When left to nature, mother accompanies baby across this sacred border (like holding hands), gently leading him/her into this new realm, in a gentle, loving way.
The baby receives 20 - 50% of his total blood volume during birth if the umbilical is left alone. This cord blood helps to activate baby's lungs, gut and kidneys to help them adapt to functioning outside the womb. Babies whose cords are clamped and cut immediately are at increased risk for:
*Iron deficiency, anaemia, which can affect the development of the central nervous system.
*Lowered hematocrit (% of oxygen carrying red blood cells)
*Unable to rely on cord for oxygen if they have breathing difficulties at birth.
*Receive fewer stem cells (which helps their bodies ability to cope with blood and immune conditions)
*Abdominal distress, pain, interfering with breastfeeding.
*Circumcision*
Please consider these graphic videos. Empowered parents wanting a natural, physiological, intervention free birth deserve to have the most up to date evidence based information, in order to make the best informed choice regarding the care of their baby boy.
Remember 'your birth, your choices', and as a I support the choice you feel is best for your baby boy.
Please watch part 2 after part 1. Following the surgery there is incredible thought provoking information on part 2.
The parents of a newborn who died following circumcision surgery are pushing for hospitals to inform patients of the possible dangers associated with the removal of foreskin.
Brent and Manna McWillis’s 1 month-old son Rayleigh died in August 2002 after he suffered severe hemorrhaging two days after he was circumcised at Penticton Regional Hospital. As all surgeries, there are very serious risks involved. Please take time to explore all resources & educate yourself before you make this important decision for your baby.
Common Misconceptions About Circumcision and the Intact Maleby Char Antonelli & shared by Gloria Lemay
MYTH 1:Circumcision protects boys from developing harmful medical problems.
TRUTH: No medical society in the entire world, including the USA, recommends routine infant circumcision. Circumcision does NOT:
-prevent infections
-prevent or reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections
-prevent penile cancer
-prevent transmission of the AIDs virus
-prevent the transmission of STDs
There are absolutely no medical reasons to circumcise infant boys. The American of Academy of Pediatrics, along with every other medical association in the world have all made statements that routine infant circumcision provides no medical benefits. Infant circumcision is purely cosmetic and has been falsely promoted as having “medical benefits” for so long that most people are unaware of the truth.
MYTH 2:Having an intact boy means more work and extra cleaning to prevent infection.
TRUTH: It is actually easier to care for an intact boy. People are severely misinformed about the anatomy of the intact male penis. During the infant/childhood years the foreskin is fused to the head of the penis and the opening is only wide enough to allow for urine to pass through. This protects the developing penis from urine, feces, and other harmful pathogens. An intact boy should NEVER be retracted for cleaning or for any other reason. Premature retraction causes tearing and pain and can result in many complications, including infection. The proper care for the intact penis is to LEAVE IT ALONE, only the exterior gets cleaned. Should poop get on the penis, all you do is wipe it like a finger. Throughout childhood the skin will slowly separate from the glans and the foreskin opening will widen. Self-cleaning excretions prevent the need for cleaning during that time. Through self-discovery a boy will learn to retract his own foreskin. After retraction is possible a boy can easily clean himself with a quick rinse in the same way that girls clean their vulva. It is a good rule of thumb to never let anyone touch your intact son’s penis. Many people, including care providers, will ignorantly try to retract the foreskin. Fact is, the US medical profession cut off so many foreskins in the past that the doctors rarely if ever have seen an intact boy and have lost the base of knowledge of diagnosis and treatment. Now, they are operating in a vacuum of information or even worse, in an environment of false information. Protect your son from medical professionals who would attempt retraction. Retraction happens at a different time for each boy. Some boys do not retract until puberty, that is perfectly normal.
MYTH 3: If I don’t circumcise my son he will be ridiculed in the locker room.
FACT: 85% of the world is intact. In the US, the circumcision rate is 56% and falling. In general, boys make it a point to not look at other boys’ penises. They are not interested in whether someone is intact or not and even if they are almost half of the boys you son’s age will be intact. It is safe to say that most people will never even see your son’s penis. When intact boys learn that some baby boys have their foreskins cut from them at birth and that you protected them from being circumcised, they often find it shocking that anyone would do that to a baby. Their reaction is one of pity for circumcised boys. A friend’s intact son learned about circumcision when he was about 5 years old. His response was, “OUCH, why would anyone want to do that?” Lastly, children will always find something to poke fun at. It is our job as parents to teach our children to love their bodies and love themselves, just as they are.
MYTH 4:If a father is circumcised then he must circumcise his son to “match”.FACT: If this were the case then all amputees would have the limbs of their children removed at birth. Children are not carbon copies of their parents. If a boy questions his father as to why his penis looks different, parents can respond with a simple, truthful, and age-appropriate explanation. Here is a good example for a young child:
“Long ago people used to think it was good for babies to cut part off. When I was a baby Grandma had it done to me because she did not know any better. Now we know it hurts babies a whole lot, so Mommy and I decided not to let anyone do that to you”.
After explaining that you protected him from being cut down there, he will be thankful! A little boy is much more likely to question why Daddy has hair down there, it is a much more obvious difference. Besides, you already have to explain why Mommy is different, don’t you?
MYTH 5:The foreskin has virtually no functions so it doesn’t matter if it is cut off or not.
FACT: The foreskin is extremely functional. The skin that becomes the foreskin on men is the same skin that becomes the clitoral hood and the inner labia on women and shares many of the same functions. Like female circumcision, male circumcision impairs the sexual function of its victims by removing erogenous tissue that is designed to enhance sexual pleasure. The foreskin includes the frenulum, the ridged band of nerves, and thousands of specialized nerve receptors that are an essential part of male genital anatomy. The foreskin itself is composed of completely different tissue than any other portion of the penis. The cells in this tissue has been prove to provide both sensory and protective function. The male foreskin is designed to protect the glans of the penis throughout a man’s life, ensuring that the internal mucosal tissue remains moist and sensitive (much the same way that a woman’s clitoral hood protects the clitoris). In addition, the foreskin acts as a natural gliding mechanism to reduce chafing and dryness during intercourse. The total amount of tissue removed is the equivalent of 15 square inches on an adult male and contains over 20,000 nerve endings.
MYTH 6: Circumcision is a quick and relatively painless procedure with little to no risk.
FACT: Circumcision is a surgery that involves cutting a slit down the foreskin, tearing it away from the entire head of the penis (remember it is fused during childhood), and then clamping and severing the skin that has been cut away. Male circumcision is actually longer and more involved than many forms of female circumcision. The entire head of the penis is left bloody and raw. There is a 20%-30% complication rate ranging from mild to severe. There IS pain even if the infant receives anaesthetic. Most people don’t realize that anaesthetic is used less than 20% of the time in the US. Why? Because the effects/risks of anaesthetics in infants are not well studied. During circumcision, an infant will experience such incredible pain that he will scream, become stiff and rigid, and then eventually go into neuro-genic shock causing him to pass into a deep sleep. This is the body’s coping mechanism to handle the intense pain he is experiencing. It is said that due to the immature nerve receptors that the pain an infant feels is actually more intense than what an adult would feel. If you have ever spoken to a victim of female circumcision they will tell you that the pain is indescribable. Nurses that work in the nursery are told to tell parents that the baby either didn’t fuss much or that the baby slept through the procedure. Nurses are not allowed to return an infant to his parents until he has calmed, if he did not pass into sleep due to the shock during the procedure. New studies are now reporting that circumcision also interferes with breast feeding due to the trauma and even prevents some babies from ever establishing a breast feeding relationship.
MYTH 7: If I don’t circumcise my son, it may need to be done later in life. I’ve heard of some 5-10 year old boys having to be circumcised.
FACT: This misconception is another that stems from the problem that doctors are not being educated about the normal development of the intact penis. The only reason that a boy or man would ever need to be circumcised would be in the case of frostbite, gangrene, malignancy, or serious trauma; the same as females. Doctors that do not know about the anatomy and development of the foreskin often prescribe circumcision for a multitude of incorrect “reasons”. For example if a 10 year old boy is not retractable a doctor might tell a parent that he needs to be circumcised. This is not true. In fact, only 50% of boys are retractable by age 10. Many boys do not become retractable until puberty. This is normal. In the rare event that a man is not retractable by adulthood, there is steroidal cream that can be applied which will allow the skin to stretch. Amputation is not necessary. Another example is repeated infection. The foreskin is NO more likely to become infected than any other part of the body. In the rare chance that there is an infection, antibiotic ointments are sufficient. Parents that complain of repeated infection are almost always parents that are trying to retract their child’s foreskin for “cleaning”. As stated before, there is no reason to try to clean under a boy’s foreskin. Trying to “clean” under the foreskin is the equivalent to trying to wash out a girls vagina. It will ultimately cause a flora imbalance and result in infection.
MYTH 8: The medical industry has no interest in continuing circumcision.
FACT: Circumcision is a $400 billion dollar business. That precious, nerve-rich foreskin is actually being sold for use in skin grafts, medical testing and cosmetics. Talk about robbing Peter to pay Paul! In light of the fact that circumcision is classified as an unnecessary (non-therapeutic) surgery, insurance companies and Medicaid in some states are now refusing to pay for it. Every Canadian province has cut off funding for circumcision.
MYTH 9: If you are Jewish then you must be circumcised.
FACT: The only requirement to being Jewish is that one’s mother must be Jewish. There is a growing community of Jews who strongly oppose infant circumcision and reject it as a practise of Judaism. These Jews offer a “Brit Shalom” in place of the “Brit Milah”.
MYTH 10: Christianity does not address circumcision.
FACT: Christianity directly protests infant circumcision. ~Phil. 3:2 “Beware of the mutilation! For WE are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and put NO confidence in the flesh!” ~Gal. 5:3 “And I testify again to every male who receives circumcision, that he is in debt to keep the whole Law. You who do so have been severed from Christ. . . you have fallen from grace.” ~Gal. 5:2 “Behold, I Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing!” ~Gal. 6: 12-16 “Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. . . They desire to have you circumcised so they may boast in your flesh. . . ” ~Lev.19:28 “You shall not make any cuts in your flesh.” ~Deut. 23: 1 “No one who…has his male genitalia cut off shall enter the assembly of the Lord.” “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.”-Jesus (Matt. 9:13)
MYTH 11:If I unknowingly circumcised my son, I must continue to support circumcision.
FACT: It is never too late to save babies. When people know better, they do better. Parents who learn the truth about circumcision after already having circumcised their children can educate their own children and others as to the harms of circumcision. As parents, we do the best we can with the knowledge we have. Sadly, many of our care providers have failed to provide us with the information necessary to make informed decisions with regards to circumcision. It is important to remember that admitting to having made a mistake does not make anyone a bad parent. Saving other babies from harm can be a source of healing for parents in this situation. In fact, these Intactivists can provide powerful testimony to expecting parents and they are vital to the cause of genital integrity.. There are also support groups to help parents who regret circumcising. It takes a strong and wise person to admit their errors.
SUMMARY: Do not circumcise your baby boy. If at the age of 18 he would like to be circumcised, he has that option, but it is HIGHLY unlikely that he would choose circumcision. Less than 1 in 500 intact, adult males choose to lose their precious foreskin because they KNOW what they would be missing. Bottom Line: HIS BODY, HIS CHOICE.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
*National Organization for Circumcision Information and Recourses Center (NOCIRC): www.nocirc.org
*National Organization to Halt the Abuse and Routine Mutilation of Males: www.noharm.org
Note from Stephanie Bernath CD, CPD (CBI)
I am so honoured to attend lifes most sacred ritual, the birth of a baby. I try to encourage women to birth naturally, an organic, gentle entry into this world for your baby, the way birth was intended to be. I devote my time to empower families and help them make evidence based informed choices.
Empowerment and education is now available and embraced by birthing women. Not long ago, women did not have access to the resources, tools, skills and up to date evidence based information to help them decide what choices they would like to make during their pregnancies and birth, many baby boys were circumcised routinely. It was accepted. Women now are growing more aware that birth is natural, physiological, intuitive, meant to be gentle and safe. We have been birthing babies for millions of years, as all animals give birth naturally, so should women, and our babies be birthed in a gentle & respectful way. Knives / scalpels and needles and inviting pain into our baby boys birth ritual is becoming a thing of the past. I have tried to compile some of the facts that have empowered this new era of birthing women to protect their baby from harmful routine intervention and circumcision.
*Healing the Perineum*
-Steph Bernath CD, CPD
After a vaginal delivery, some women are not informed about caring for their perineum, or how to watch for warning signs of infection. Excess pain in the perineal area after birth is a signal of problems, but can go unnoticed if mama is taking painkillers. Delivering a baby vaginally is sometimes traumatic to a womans perineum. To try to avoid trauma, bruising, tearing, or suturing, certain techniques can be used during labour and birth. Nice perineal massage, warmed oil, or herbal compresses, birth positioning, controlled breathing and controlled pushing, are helpful and reduce risks.
To aid healing after the birth, there are many natural remedies to use to assist healing and help relieve discomfort. These remedies can also be used to assist healing after a cesarean incision. A nice comforting homemade ice pack using overnight pads, healing herbs, witch hazel and aloe vera gel. Prepare these natural ice packs, and use them after birth on the perineum (or cesarean incision) to reduce swelling and relieve a bruised or torn perineum (or belly). A sitz bath a few times daily using warm water and selected herbal infusions is also very healing. Soaking, and drying the perenium will increase healing as it stimulates circulation and keeps much cleaner than a topical application. Fresh ginger can relieve the perineum and also stimulate blood circulation aiding healing. (Useful also for labour, as applying a compress to the perineum, the ginger increases blood circulation in turn assisting in the stretchiness of the perineum reducing the chance of tearing.)
Raw honey is another natural remedy for all wounds, including perineal tears. Applying honey, forms a barrier defending a wound from infections. The moisture allows new skin cells to grow without creating a scar. The natural sugars in honey extract dirt and moisture away from the wound preventing bacteria from growing. The acidity of honey also slows and helps to prevent bacteria from growing. An enzyme that the bees add to honey reacts with the wounds fluids and breaks down into hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic/disinfectant. Honey acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and pain killer. Studies have shown that honey has many antibacterial qualities, and is an effective healing agent for all wounds, including the perineum.
Herbs for Healing the Perineum
Comfrey (leaf & root), Yarrow, Rosemary, Goldenseal, Witch Hazel, Thyme, Lavender, Calendula, Myrrh, Tea Tree, Aloe Vera, Shepherds Purse, Uva Ursi, Plantain, Slippery Elm bark.
*Post Partum Depression*
-Steph Bernath CD, CPD
Post partum depression occurs when the mothers body readjusts to the hormone changes that occur during childbirth. If you notice any symptoms it is important to seek help right away, as it is also normal for women to try to hide their depression.
In our society, families often consist of two parents and their children, separated physically or emotionally from their other relatives (parents, aunts/uncles, grandparents) people move for work, or other reasons and do not always live near family or support. In some societys where families live in a network, community or share a home with other relatives there is a lot more support for a new family and PPD is less common. A large part of the "family support system" has been lost in our society, leaving new parents feeling helpless and isolated. A post partum doula, or care provider can assist women to 'getting back on their feet with confidence and dignity'. With help of a strong support group and love, recovery from PPD is always possible.
A post partum doula can be hired to assist mama with light household chores, help with preparing a nutritious meal, hold baby while mama sleeps or showers, offer childcare for the older siblings while mama and new baby connect. Mama will recuperate faster being able to spend this most sacred time basking in the realm of dreamy newborn baby love. It is an essential part of birth, and too often women aren't given the help they need to embrace this special time. With the help she deserves and extra care, letting the stresses of normal life be lifted by a friend, relative, or trained post partum doula she can be on her feet in no time. When mama feels balanced, she can begin to learn or use her own coping skills that will enable her to help herself, take control of her own emotions, and care for herself and baby with confidence, reducing the chances of post partum depression.
*The powerful natural medicine and hormones in your placenta will specifically treat PPD. The placenta contains estrogen and progesterone and many other nutrient rich vitamins and minerals, and by consuming your placenta (like all other animals) is a most natural and yet a very powerful way prevent and treat PPD. There are many ways to prepare a placenta for ingestion: sacred medicine, capsules, tinctures, and many wise women recipes that are willingly shared. www.moondragon.org/parenting/placentadisposalrituals.html *Breast feeding is probably the best cure for PPD as this beautiful process helps balance hormones, oxytocin and endorphin levels.
*Blessed Thistle Leaves may also alleviate PPD symptoms.
*Lemon Balm Leaves are specific for helping cope with PPD.
*Chamomile Flowers are potent for calming, and a mental relaxant.
*Motherwort herb assists women to be clear minded, with non drowsy relief from tension and confusion, and over whelming emotions. 'caution' motherwort can be addictive.
Online Support Groups for PPD:
Postpartum Support International
Trauma and Birth Stress after Childbirth
Depression after Delivery Inc.
An Adoption Story, a beautiful transition for everyone involved.
Shared by the inspirational, Gloria Lemay.
Home birth story (adoption)
The birth was at home. The birthing woman had a history of postpartum hemmorhage so it was important that she nurse the baby to prevent excess bleeding. The adopting mother “caught” the baby—that was lovely.
Then, to my surprise, the birthing mother invited the adopting woman to strip down and get into the water tub to be with the baby. Both women were naked together in the water tub with baby between them and the adopting Dad was looking on.
Once the birthing woman had had a couple of hours of “baby velcroed to skin” time (in and out of the tub), the adopting woman took the baby into the next
room in her robe and privately put the baby to breast (sitting in a rocking chair). There was about a 6 hour period of both families being together and then the adopting parents took the little girl home. The adopting woman had already had one adopted baby and had breastfed fully. We had started with an SNS feeding system (those bottles that you hang around your neck with the tubing that goes to the nipple).
By coincidence (or not), the woman who birthed in this scenario had supplied breast milk for the adopting couples’ first adopted child a few years earlier. For various reasons, she relinquished her second baby for this adoption. She pumped her breasts and the adopting father drove daily to pick up her breast milk for the new baby. I think the birthing mother pumped for about a month and then the adopting mother was able to meet all the baby’s needs.
This adoption was a “win/win” situation for everyone involved except for the biological grandmother who was very heartbroken about her only grand daughter going to another family. When the adopting
parents were told about this, they simply said “Oh, she can be the baby’s grandmother. . . she can come over for dinner every Sunday, if she wants.” Problem solved.
These kind of events make me so happy to be a human being. . . people can be very great.
