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
2012-09-21
2012-04-05
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!)
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!)
2012-04-04
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY - FOR PARENTS, BABIES & CHILDREN
Article submitted by Kat Binding
OVERVIEW
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.
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
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
2012-03-13
Exercise and Breastfeeding: Ten tips that work
- 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 - 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. - 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! - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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). - 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. - 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
2012-02-02
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!!
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!!
2012-01-01
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
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
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