Tag Archives: Postpartum

What is a Birth Consultant and why should I hire one?

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This is often the first question I’m asked when I meet women and the discussion turns into what I do for a living. After I explain it,  I’m always met with a “Wow, that’s pretty cool” ” Is that like a Doula?” or ” Where were you when I was having my kids.” I love talking to people about what I do and how I can help them or someone they know have a phenomenal birth experience.  Well, to answer the questions we birth consultants are a “jack of all trades” when it comes to birth. We come to your rescue about any and every question you may have that’s pre/post pregnancy related and beyond. Birth consultants work with an expectant woman or couple from pre-conception through post-partum recovery. Although we are NOT your primary caregiver, we ARE your advocate, support person, and friend. We will make sure your are not bullied by the medical world into making decisions you are not sure about. I truly believe a mother always knows, others make her second guess.

The before and after of the birth experience can be a scary road for some. It’s my job to make sure the fear of conceiving and giving birth becomes non-existent. Many couples have questions about the financial aspect of having a baby; this is another area I cover with clients. From arranging short and long term disability to reviewing hospital discharge bills and finding financial support for families the goal is to make sure your family is equipped to make informed decisions while having the birth experience you want.

Everything Has Its Season…

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During the last year I’ve worked with many beautiful mothers whom are overwhelmed with the process of conceiving or not conceiving when they would  like. Having had the same experience, we often have the mind set that we are on our own time and babies will come when WE want them to. In essence, spiritually, this is possible however, everything must be in sync. Mama’s vibrations must be elevated so the body can do its work. When we offer resistance we are saying to the universe the very thing we are asking for is not what we want. Being open and receptive allows for many  transformations to start to take place, when we let go we allow the season that’s supposed to take place in our lives manifest. Be open, Be True, Be You.

Let The Weaning Begin!

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The weaning process has become a bitterness to a sweet end for me. For the last 3 years I’ve breastfed my two beautiful girls, and I must say its been a great experience. Although it takes lots of time and energy, just knowing they both got off to a great start both mentally and physically is well worth it. Not only has it given them an immune system booster, it has helped establish a bond that is irreplaceable.
As for me, well, I must say I’m a little sad and really didn’t think I would be. For a long time I’ve looked forward to getting just a little extra sleep, some time in the evenings to relax, or not having to rush home to deliver milk or nurse my precious baby to sleep. Now that I’m down to pumping just once a day I see our journey quickly coming to an end. A part of me knows stopping is o.k. because our baby girl is getting more than enough nourishment from the food she’s eating, she took a liking to food much more quickly than our two year old and is drinking a single 8oz bottle per day. The other part of me wants to keep that small string attached to the two of us to let mommy know her baby girl still needs her.
There are many physical and emotional quirks that are happening as well, I feel my body making gradual changes in an attempt to get back to its old self. A sense of awakening is starting as I recognize our girls are getting older and exploring the world for themselves, pushing boundaries everyday. New opportunities are presenting themselves for me to explore and finally I’m able to see just a little clearer where once there was fog.
My husband and I are still busier than ever but entering a new season as a family. Just as summer has ended and we begin fall, my wish to all my sister mama’s is to embrace the season you are in with your little ones, it’s true what our mama warrior’s before us have said……………”the days are long and the years are truly short. ” Enjoy Them 🙂

Healing Essentials

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Childbirth is a beautiful thing but also comes with lots of pains, twinges, and ouches!! I’ve compiled a list of some remedies that can help and maybe take at least SOME of the pain away. I’m 9 months postpartum and still in the recovery process. We often hear that it takes 6 weeks for everything to go back to “normal” but what is that! Research says it takes a full year for a woman’s body to completely heal from childbirth, remember mama’s it’s not a race, take your time and heal.

Arnica- Used for bruises, muscle aches, arthritis, soreness and swelling. Arnca comes in small white pellets or as an ointment.

Olive Oil-Masssage your perineum at least once a day a month before you deliver to avoid tearing. Dap a little on your thumb and genty massage back and forth. It works!! After 2 vaginal births, I did not tear either time. 🙂

Cocoa/Shea Butter- Lather your belly up!! Not just to get rid of stretch marks but as you get further along the stomach tightens and can be really itchy. You can also use either one for sore or cracked nipples during breastfeeding. Be sure to wipe it off before nursing, and reapply after.

Shoe Ensoles- Will help support your feet, particularly your arches, I developed plantar fasciitis during both pregnancies and it is not fun. Save your feet before the aching starts.

Yoga- We are all different and like different styles but find a prenatal yoga video/dvd and do it at least once a week if not more. It will help relax you and loosen up things for labor.

Meditation- Be still, sit, and relax. Find a meditation on Pandora and let it play, my favorite is The Spirit of Reiki

Massage-Get at least one prenantal and postpartum massage, particulary from a massage therapist that specialiez in pregnancy massages. They are the bes!!!

Essential Oils- Burn your favorite il in a diffuser while you take a shower, bath or relax in bed. Lavender is always a good one.

Sleep-  As much as you want to get it all done, there is one piece of advice I always hope Mama’s  would follow, sleep, sleep and sleep some more!! You will never get another opportunity again to get pregnancy sleep, especially in the early months when your belly isn’t as big.

Water/Tea- Stay hydrated with lots of water, herbal teas such as raspberry, peppermint and ginger root tea are good ones. Based on your particular pregnancy you may want to check with your midwife or physician. 

All of these are great tools to use during pregnancy and postpartum. 

 

 

 

 

 

What Kind of Birth Do You REALLY Want?

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Now that’s something to think about! I knew right away when I was pregnant with my first child that I would have a waterbirth. It just seemed like it would be so calm and tranquil, and what better environment to bring a baby into. It was the best experience of my life, everything went exactly how we wanted, the water made labor more manageable and squatting was the best position for me as it allowed gravity to do its thing.

I really encourage you to think about what kind of birth you would like, I’ve worked with people who dreamed of having their babies outdoors in nature but were afraid to do so because of what the “naysayers” said. Listen to your inner goddess, she know’s exactly what to do and don’t forget to ask baby as well, believe it or not they speak to us a lot in the womb.