Breathing Rhythmically and creating visualizations puts you 
in touch with your inner strength and birthing power.
Use this exercise any time during labor.
Take a deep breath in , breathing in energy , and sunlight now blow out any tension and worry as you relax your jaw , face, shoulders arms…
Imagine you are breathing golden light into your womb, surrounding you and your baby with warm light.
Continue breathing imagine the sunlight growing and warmth is filling your entire body
Let this warm light grow even more and direct out to surround you with a beautiful golden halo
If you still feel any tension or discomfort imagine the light massaging it away with its fingers of golden warm light
Breathing in energy and light and blowing out any tensions or worries
You got it you are doing great … smile
in joy
dee*
These words of wisdom come from Stepanie Moores website she is the owner of Becoming Mohters in Boulder, Co and you might recognize her from the Small Wonders Childbirth DVD and her advice on breastfeeding she offers. Ifyou are in the Denver/Boulder area be sure to check out her wonderful store in joy dee*
Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing- BUT the reality is, there may be times, whether by necessity or choice, when you need to offer your baby a bottle. Finding a method that works for you and your baby (without sabotaging your breastfeeding routine) can be tricky. Although many companies claim their bottles are most like breastfeeding, no bottle nipple style is right for every baby.
A GOOD READ:
Balancing Breast & Bottle: Reaching Your Breastfeeding Goal
by Amy Peterson, IBCLC, and Mindy Harmer, CCC-SL
Authors Amy Peterson and Mindy Harmer help mothers solve the dilemma of how to feed a breastfed baby during separation, while protecting the breastfeeding relationship and making sure that every mother can reach her breastfeeding goals. The authors’ combined professions of International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Speech-Language Pathologist bring two unique and informed perspectives in selecting and using artificial nipples for a breastfed baby. They will also address the following common concerns:
- How a baby’s suck can be used to select the best bottle nipple?
- Tips for collecting, storing, and stockpiling milk are included, along with various pumping scenarios to ensure that the baby’s bottles are loaded with as much breastmilk as possible.
- How to find the ideal balance between breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle-feeding for their own family
some sweet words of wisdom from Abraham
Parents don’t want their children to make the wrong decisions, so they don’t allow them to make the decision. And then the child becomes dependent, and then the parent resents that, and it gets off into a blameful thing early on. If you are encouraging children to do all that they can do — and not squelching the natural eagerness that is within them, so that they can shine and thrive and show you and themselves how good they are at adapting to physical experience — then everyone wins.
— Abraham
in joy
dee*
Although sometimes kept undercover I am a nurse and read up on the latest goings on in the medical community. Here is excerpts from a refreshing article on breastfeeding from ADVANCE for NURSES titled” Lessons in Lactation, Nurses promote that breastfeeding is more than a personal choice”, written by Sandy Keefe, MSN, RN.
· The difference between breastfeeding and formula feeding should be presented as what the risks of formula feeding is
· Educate on the risks of what can occur if you do not breastfeed i.e increased risk of osteoporis and ovarian cancer in mom and increased risk for her child to develop
obesity and Type 1 diabetes
· Educate moms that newborns get exactly what is needed nutritionally from the breast and do not necessarily need a bottle unless medically indicated
Breastfeeding is often viewed as a personal choice that can bring a number of strong emotions into play., “But breastfeeding is not a personal choice- it s a health decision that impacts the woman and her baby.”
in joy
dee*
Teaching the signs of symptoms of postpartum blues vs. postpartum depression is an important topic I cover in my childbirth classes and on my video Small Wonders Childbirth Education. This subject has come to mind lately due to news story that has been in the news locally here in Boulder. It pulls at your heartstrings in so many ways. Here is some quick reference to assist you with some signs and symptoms
Signs /symptoms of postpartum blues
- occurs in 60-80% of new moms
- first signs begins on day 3 and up to a few weeks after birth
- cries easily
- irritable/nervous
- feels vulnerable
- trouble sleeping
- loss of appetite
- feels overwhelmed
Signs/symptoms postpartum depression
- occurs in 10-20% of new moms
- first signs can begin earlier but typically start at 3- 6 months and even up to one year after birth
- sadness
- loss of interst in normal activity
- guilt
- feeling inadequate
- overly concerned or no concern for baby
- despair/hopeless
- panic attacks
- feeling like you are going crazy
In most cases the partner is the first to recognize these signs please advocate for your new mom and get her the help she will need. Talk to your OB/GYN or midwife about resources in your community. Remember there is nothing to be ashamed of and this can be resolved so you can enjoy your baby the way you are meant to be.
in joy
dee*
