A Rant (By Abbey Denny)

My Rant:

MACFE is currently wrapping up a Doula Training (my first as a trainer!) and tonight was our Palliative Care class. I felt like writing down some thoughts after our class tonight (I'm emotional like that and it is healing), and I wasn't really sure what my thoughts would turn into, so in a way it is just a rant.

Like a lot of girls, I grew up thinking boys/men were stronger. This is put into our minds as girls from a young age. Why is that?! People will ask boys to lift things or carry things for a girl, to open jars and things girls "can't" open/do. It may be true that some boys or that most men are physically stronger, however, I am proud to be a woman and realise women are much stronger, in different ways than men.  We are definitely much stronger than we get credit for, now that is a fact!

As I said, this was my very first Doula training, super exciting! Never in my life did I think I would be doing this, but it just feels right and it is lots of fun! I feel like pinching myself; I love my jobs so much, it seems too good to be true, being paid to do what you love. Even without pay, I have (and would) support women through their births. 

I told both of my birth stories during this training, for a reason. The first one because it was the text book perfect birth and the 2nd one because it didn't go as planned, in fact it went in the complete opposite direction of what I had planned. Both of these births happened to the same person; I am living proof that a birth can go so "right' and so "wrong" for the same woman. 

My first birth made me feel so powerful and so strong. My 2nd birth (which was a caesarean birth) in a way made me feel even more powerful and even stronger than I had felt after my first birth. I survived my worst fears for my birth and came out the other end of the experience as a better instructor, Doula and mother. I have fewer judgements for birth and how it should go. 

I don't feel ripped off or gypped in any way; I am grateful every single day for my healthy little boy and for the procedure that saved his life. People seem to have this weird thought that you are stronger when you go through natural childbirth and that is, of course, amazing (I've done it, I know how amazing it can be!) but somehow, somewhere along the line, we have forgotten how to see the strength that a woman has when she pulls it together, lets go of her plan and goes with the flow and lets her baby be born in whichever way he/she needs to be born. I believe I was stronger the 2nd time around; more vulnerable, yes, but definitely stronger.

At class when we were talking about Caesarean birth, I told my story and balled my eyes out. Of course this did not make me feel strong! Honestly, I felt weak. One Doula-to-be said something that will always stick with me. She said "You are stronger for crying and for being able to cry in front of a group of people." It really struck a chord with me; why did I think crying made me weak? I think we are also taught to believe this as a society, which is really sad. Her words made me feel empowered, I'll never forget her for saying that. I also love how supportive women are towards each other. If we continue to support each other and be there for each other maybe one day these judgements we put upon ourselves and others will go away?...one can hope :)

During our class this evening, we all shared stories, cried and hugged. You could really feel the strength in the room. I felt (and feel every day!), extremely proud to be a woman! I don't think strength can be measured only in terms of physical strength, there is much more to it than that. We need to continue to show society that women are much stronger than they get credit for!! We are strong enough to get through anything! 

We may need talk about it, even cry and hug, but we all get through it, one Kleenex at a time ;)

Abbey,
Doula, Instructor, Doula Trainer
and Mama to two wonderful (and very different!) boys

Hello!

Our blog has been neglected of late. That's one of the hazards when your organisation is completely volunteer-run, and those volunteers are Doulas, Moms, or working full-time in gainful employment! Let me, on behalf of all of the Birth Vine team (and MACFE also) apologise, dear reader, for this.

I am working towards ideas to help keep this blog active and going, which involves recruiting more people to submit their thoughts. If you have ideas or suggestions, or an article or poem you'd like to submit, please do- you can post a comment on this blog post, or send it to birthvine@gmail.com. Any and all comments left on our blog ARE read.

We're finding we have a very low (IE, almost nothing) response to our Wisdom Question.  Don't be afraid to share it with us! If you're worried about privacy, you can E-mail it to us instead of posting a comment, and your response will be posted without your name.

The Birth Vine has been an important part of the Manitoba Birthing Community since its inception, and we would very much like it continue that way, but we do need input from our readers!

Sincerely,
The Birth Vine Team

Wisdom Question- Surprise!

New parents and parents-to-be are often bombarded by well-meaning advice. This barrage typically begins from family, friends & co-workers approximately 1.5 seconds after once first announces their pregnancy, but widens to include strangers on the bus, the clerk at the store check-out and other assorted folks at around 7 months, or whenever the baby bump becomes quite obvious.

The advice, of course, ranges from the commonplace "Always put baby on their back to sleep!", to humourous tales about baby poop/spit-up to downright bizarre things you never thought you'd hear; "If you reach your arms above your head while pregnant, the cord will wrap around the baby's neck!"

This brings us to our Wisdom Question for this week;

"What is the most bizarre bit of parenting or pregnancy advice you were told- but found actually useful?" (Oh, c'mon, we know what it's like ... 2 am, no sleep, you'll even try that weird "trick" your Great Aunt Ethel gave you!)

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY - FOR PARENTS, BABIES & CHILDREN

Article submitted by Kat Binding

OVERVIEW

The CranioSacral system consists of the membranes and the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain & spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth (which make up the cranium) down to the sacrum, or tailbone area.  Since this vital system influences the development and performance of the brain & spinal cord, an imbalance or restriction in it could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. These problems could include: chronic pain; eye, ear, nose & throat difficulties; motor-coordination impairments; sleep problems; learning disabilities & many other health challenges.  These restrictions can be caused by many different factors, including stress, injury (car accidents, whiplash, concussion, falls), and any other kind of trauma, including during labour and delivery.

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your own natural healing mechanisms to release restriction on the central nervous system, benefiting from better overall health & resistance to disease. The CranioSacral Therapy practitioner uses a light touch - generally no more than the weight of a nickel - to test for restrictions in the craniosacral system. This is done by monitoring the rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid as it flows through the system.

The positive effects of CranioSacral Therapy rely, to a large extent, on your body's natural self-corrective ability. The therapist's light, hands-on approach simply assists the hydraulic forces inherent in the craniosacral system to improve your body's internal environment and to strengthen its ability to heal itself.

FERTILITY & CONCEPTION

CranioSacral Therapy can be applied to the potential father and mother to free up physical barriers that may be causing problems with fertility and conception, including: abnormal sperm, testicular issues, ovulation dysfunction, tubal & pelvic pathology, as well as unexplained infertility factors (emotional blocks).  CranioSacral Therapy can free up physical restrictions that can affect the whole reproductive system, including the glands, which produce the hormones in the body necessary for conception. It can also be very effective at creating a stronger bond between mother & father before conception.

PREGNANCY

A woman’s body goes through many significant & dramatic changes over the course of a pregnancy, affecting practically every system in the body.  CranioSacral Therapy is effective at addressing the stresses put on a woman’s body by the fetus - from the physical (nausea, back pain, high blood pressure, sleeping difficulties) to emotional (stress, anxiety, sadness, fear).

LABOUR & DELIVERY  

CranioSacral Therapy has been observed to assist in the relaxation of the mother during labour & delivery.  It is also used as a tool to help release and relax the pelvic floor in order to ease delivery, thereby allowing a more relaxing and potentially intervention-free birth. 

POST NATAL

Labour & delivery can also be a stressful time for the baby, depending on many factors: length of labour, delivery position, the necessity of medical intervention (medication, forceps, suction).  A CranioSacral treatment on the newborn baby during the first 24-48 hours after birth can release any restrictions that may have occurred.  The indications for a CranioSacral treatment can be seen through routine Cranial Nerve Reflex Tests (Wince test, Blink test, Moro Startle test, Gag reflex, Rooting reflex, etc).  Any unusual results from these tests may be an indication of a restriction in one or more of the 12 cranial nerves.   Restriction on (or in the tissue around) these nerves can lead to issues such as colic, torticolis, eyesight or hearing difficulties, and nursing/latching troubles, to name but a few.

CHILDREN

CranioSacral Therapy is an ideal treatment modality for infants & children, as indicated by its gentleness.  The goal is a central nervous system free of restrictions and a body that is able to function at its highest level.  Starting at a young age, the application of CranioSacral Therapy may avoid or improve issues such as: excessive excitability, sleep difficulties, bed wetting, attention deficit disorder, motor problems, speech/vision/hearing impairments, generalized anxiety, digestive issues (colic, vomiting).

Research strongly suggests that the birth process may be responsible for many brain dysfunctions and central nervous system problems.  CranioSacral Therapy carried out in the delivery room or within the first few days of life could potentially reduce a wide variety of difficulties, many of which might not become apparent until your child is in school.  The bottom line is, when properly applied, CranioSacral Therapy is essentially risk-free.  So, no matter how old your child is (or you are!), or whether you consider the difficulty to be physical or emotional, it is never too late to benefit from this essential therapy.

Kat Binding is a CranioSacral Therapist, Medicinal Plant Practitioner and Educator who lives and works in Winnipeg. She has been practicing CranioSacral Therapy for over 10 years. Kat's practice consists entirely of treating her clients using the techniques unique to her CranioSacral training, to great individual success.  She can be reached at 955-0159, or by e-mail at KatBindingCST@shaw.ca  or look for “Kat Binding CranioSacral Therapy” on Facebook.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of its author

Exercise and Breastfeeding: Ten tips that work

1. Listen to the experts – Don’t be afraid!
   “Women should be advised that moderate exercise during lactation does not affect the quantity or composition of breast milk or impact infant growth.”  - Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, June 2003
2. Ease into things
   For your general health and well being, be sure to ease back into fitness at a moderate intensity and schedule. After a break of three months or more from regular exercise, consider yourself a beginner. Work up to 15 to 30 minutes of cardio most days of the week, adding strength training a few times a week.
3. Feed your baby before exercising
   Timing your exercise between feeds will help make exercise more comfortable for you. It’s also helpful if your baby seems to resist breastfeeding when you are hot or sweaty!
4. Wear a good bra (or two!)
   Your breasts are most likely a different size or shape than your pre-pregnancy self, so be sure to invest in a good quality, comfortable nursing bra, or even layer a regular sports bra over a nursing bra to support your new “assets” and prevent excessive stretching. Avoid underwire bras, which can cause blockages.
5. Drink plenty of water
   One of the few risks of exercising while breastfeeding is dehydration. Fill two water bottles and try to drink them both, either during or after your workout.
6. Eat a healthy post-workout snack
   Mamas who are exclusively breastfeeding need 300 to 500 additional calories above their pre-pregnancy needs. This is equivalent to one or two extra snacks per day. Aim to eat a healthy snack within 90 minutes of exercise to feel more energetic throughout your day.
7. Bring baby along if you can
   Look for classes or activities that allow you to bring your baby along. These kinds of classes allow you to get in a good workout while attending to your baby’s needs at any time. Some gyms also have childcare services – a great option for moms with older children at home.
8. Aim for gradual healthy weight loss and strong “mommy muscles”
   A realistic and healthy postnatal fitness goal would be to improve your muscular strength to help with your daily tasks. You could also aim for a gradual weight loss of a half a pound to one pound per week if breastfeeding (one to two pounds if you’re not).
9. Take care of your upper back
   Breastfeeding (and bottle feeding) moms spend a lot of time each day cradling their babies with shoulders rolled forward. To prevent tight chest muscles and weak or sore upper backs, focus on stretching the chest and strengthening the upper back as part of your fitness program. Also take care to use good posture when carrying baby in a carrier or pushing the stroller.
10. Have fun! 
    Like breastfeeding, exercising with your baby can be a great way to spend time together and bond – so add plenty of songs, tickles and rhymes to your routine! As your child gets older, seeing you enjoy regular exercise will greatly improve their chances of enjoying a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Submitted by Aileen Hunt.

Aileen Hunt is a Fit 4 Two Winnipeg, Pre/Postnatal Fitness Specialist and mom to twin three-year-olds

Answers to Wisdom Question: "Farewell to Print"

First of all, a brief explanation and/or apology:

About a month ago, we asked our first Wisdom Question here on the Birth Vine Blog. We've been silent for some time, focussing on our homes and families (What is it about January that always brings on so many colds?!), but we are back now, and we would like to get back on-task with our work here at The Birth Vine!

So, the question we'd asked  our readership was:

What will you miss most about the print edition of the Birth Vine, or what do you like best about the blog edition of The Birth Vine?

Below are some of the answers we received- as we did with our Print Edition, we are posting your comments with the names withheld for privacy. If, for future Wisdom Questions, you would like your name included with your comments, please let us know and we will post it along with your comment!

"What will I miss the most about the print edition of the Birth Vine? Probably the small thrill of opening my mailbox and seeing something there addressed to me, that familiar large orange envelope. Especially the fact that it's NOT a bill!

I think I will enjoy the immediacy of the blog, being able to easily look for an older article without having to store a stack of paper magazines in my home!"

I will miss flipping through a paper copy page by page, but I like that the BV will still be around in the form of a blog. I also like that the BV is trying to stay true to the paper copy by still doing Wisdom questions.

I will miss getting that BV in the mail and sitting down right of way and reading it all right of way in an hour but I won't miss them piling up in my house!!! I'm excited to read updates and stories all the time!!

Happy New Year!

From all of us here at the Birthvine; May 2012 bring you much love and happiness as well as good health!

Our team took the Christmas week off, but we will be back to work next week, with the responses to our Wisdom Question!

Peace,
Bodi & Abbey