Both my doula clients and CBE clients both know how passionate I am about cord blood clamping. I always rejoice when a mainstream publication touts the benefits of this practice. A recent article in The Economist – Infantile anaemia: Blood Simple discusses the concerning statistics of infantile anaemia (one quarter of children born in the U.S.) and how delayed cord blood clamping could be the answer. The article in The Economist was inspired by a study published in the British Medical Journal by Ola Andersson, an obstetrician at the Hospital of Halland in Halmstad, Sweden. She has suggested that delayed cord blood clamping could significantly reduce the rate of infantile anaemia.

She has found that, at 4 months of age, babies whose umbilical clamps had been applied 3 minutes after birth had, on average, iron levels 45% higher than those whose cords had been clamped immediately. Put another way, only 0.6% of them were anaemic, compared with 5.7% of the rapidly clamped.
Ina May Gaskin suggests that when one starts to doubt birth we need to look to other mammals. Since elephants always have access to scissors and dogs carry clamps on their collar (detect the sarcasm) we should not be surprised by the findings of Ola’s study. Researchers at the University of South Florida’s Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair state “many good physiological “gifts” are transferred through ‘nature’s first stem cell transplant’ occurring at birth.” If left to our own instincts, would the clamping and cutting even be a part of our regular birth ritual? Could it perhaps have been born out of convenience for those who need to clean up and get on to the next?
I am not suggesting that there aren’t very valid reasons for a care provider to determine that the cord must be clamped and cut immediately in some medical emergencies, but I am very much suggesting that it should not be common practice. It should at least be seriously considered by those who make hospital policy, not just avoided like the plague. Many forward thinking hospitals have indeed adopted delayed cord blood clamping, even in cases of c-section birth. It is time that all hospitals catch up!
I strongly encourage all pregnant parents to speak to their care providers about delayed cord blood clamping. Do your own research and determine whether it might be something that you feel would benefit your baby. Let’s slowly bring about change by demystifying this procedure and make it common practice in healthy, normal pregnancy.

References:
http://esciencenews.com/articles/2010/05/24/do.we.clamp.umbilical.cord.too.soon
http://www.economist.com/node/21540226

Contact me and I will send you a list of some Placenta Encapsulators in your neighborhood!

According to research from the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, new moms who have difficulties breastfeeding in the first 2 weeks after birth are at a higher risk of depression 2 months later over new moms who have had no difficulties.

It has been suggested by the researchers that all women who have difficulty breastfeeding should be screened for signs of PPD. Also, women who did not like breastfeeding were 42% more likely to suffer from postpartum depression.

Lead study author Stephanie Watkins stated,”We also found that women with severe breast pain at day one and also at two weeks postpartum were twice as likely to be depressed compared to women that did not experience pain with nursing,”

It has also been suggested by studies recently that not being able to breastfeed or choosing to formula feed, and the guilt associated with that choice, can be linked to postpartum depression.

The above studies are a stern reminder that there is need for programming and supports for new moms, especially in the first few weeks of their new baby’s life, specifically related to breastfeeding. If we can stop the development of postpartum mood disorders through supporting new moms and ending the internal suffering that can occur due to breastfeeding pain, lack of sleep, and other issues, we need to make it a top priority.

For pregnant moms reading this post, this should further solidify the need to surround yourself with support and knowledge during the first weeks postpartum and to ensure that you have contingency resources in place if you do experience difficulties. The faster the problems are eliminated the faster you can create an enjoyable feeding relationship with your new little one, whether breast feeding or formula feeding.

Sciatic nerve pain is very common during pregnancy. It happens when your sciatic nerve is pinched between the baby’s head and your uterine wall. Sometimes it results in numbness, tingling or pretty sharp pain that travels down your buttocks, legs and feet. It can be very uncomfortable and can be a frequent occurrence for some women. It is a good idea to put some stretching exercises into your daily routine to ensure some relief.

Tailor Sit and Stretch

1. Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together. Your back should be straight (you can use a wall or another hard surface to straighten your back if required).
2. Gently lean forward until you feel a mild stretch in the hip and thigh muscles. Your back should remain straight. Don’t push down on your legs with your hands.
3. Hold and count to 5, then relax.
4. Turn to the left slowly, resting your hand on your right knee.
5. Hold and count to 5, then relax.
6. Repeat on your right.

Dromedary Droop

This stretch relieves some of the pressure that the uterus places on the spine during pregnancy.
Repeat several times a day as needed to relieve lower back and sciatica pain.

Toronto East General Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic will now be open on Wednesdays starting Wed. July 6, 2011.

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What are the days and hours now?

Clinic hours remain the same: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

And the clinic will now be open on:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays,Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Closure days will be Sundays and Statutory Holidays.

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Want more information?

Please call (416) 469-6667 (4MY-MOMS) for more information.

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Where is the clinic located?

The Breastfeeding Clinic is located in the hospital at:  825 Coxwell Ave, D4 (4th floor) in the Child Development Centre.

-Good news for a lot of breastfeeding moms.

It can be extremely difficult for a mom to feel that her c-section wasn’t a big deal. Sometimes the emotional ramifications do not hit for a few years perhaps until the reality of a second pregnancy approaches and the possibility of another c-section creeps up. Some women will actually avoid future pregnancy in order to avoid risking another c-section.

I do not pass judgement on anyone who feels that it is weird for a woman to obsess, or need support surrounding their c-section but I do encourage these same people to investigate why so many women feel that it IS such a big deal. And also, I do encourage that everyone look into the seriousness of the procedure, recoup and a cesarean’s affect on future pregnancies.

All women experience the realities of a c-section differently and there is no one way that she SHOULD experience it.  This video (and obviously her VBAC) was this woman’s way of resolving the experience. This is an wonderful example of one woman journey to healing and I am so glad that she was willing to share.

The goal for any mother who has experienced a c-section is to process and deal with it in whatever way they need to. It might be finding a friend who will listen, finding a support group of other mothers who have gone through the same thing, or joining an organization like ICAN to reach out and help other women in the same position. Or you could choose to create a video, like this woman has done, and share it with the world. No matter what you choose just be sure to not allow these emotions affect you in negative ways, get them out!! The world will be better for it!

Can’t come to class? It can now come to you!

MyBirth Online is my new online childbirth class that is the perfect alternative for busy parents needing a flexible class schedule or for moms on bed rest. Have you given birth before? This online class is a great refresher course! While nothing can replace the personal connection of an on-site childbirth class, you’ll learn the same essential information, including what’s happening to your changing body, how you’ll know when you are really in labor, helpful comfort techniques, advice for partners, an overview of medical procedures, and much more.

You also have full access to me, an experienced Childbirth Educator and Doula to answer any questions that you might have throughout the process.

For more information or to register, please visit www.mybirthonline.ca or email register@mybirthonline.ca.

A large part of preparing yourself for parenting is to have realistic expectations. These two honest presenters are a breath of fresh air and further solidify my belief and teaching philosophy that straightforward and honest communication is the best way to prepare parents for their journey into parenthood.

In my practice, with my doula and childbirth education clients, I am always conflicted about whether to be honest or glossy. I have engaged in heated conversations with colleagues about my unwillingness to gloss over the realities of childbirth and the postpartum period. Like the presenters sister declined to describe the loneliness of a new mom it is a common belief that expectant moms should not be told everything because it might create anxiety and fear. While I do not think that “What to Expect when you are Expecting” is a good influence on expectant parents because it does feed into anxiety, explaining the realities and challenges of birth and the postpartum period are an essential part of prenatal education.

I have always opted for honesty because I am not a really glossy girl. My teachings can come off to some as harsh for the same reasons that were discussed in the presentation. Society surrounds us with images of well rested people running and holding hands. Of course we all want to match that image and anything that deviates sounds negative and cynical. I would rather equip expectant parents with all of the information that they need to make informed choices, eliminating surprises that may remove their control, so that they can approach parenthood with confidence and realistic expectation. Does that mean that the glossy images that we see in magazines get blown out of the water? You betcha. But that doesn’t mean that your experience can’t be great too! It is just important to know that the real experience is alright, common, and worth it!

Would you agree?

If you are looking for answers to any of the following…

-Is there a list of foods that I should avoid while breastfeeding?
- Can nursing mothers eat strong-flavored or spicy foods?
- How will eating “gassy foods” affect baby?
- Can acidic foods that mom eats be “too acid” for baby?
- Will too many sweets or increasing/decreasing fat in my diet affect breastmilk?
- Can I drink soda (diet or regular)?
- Can I drink coffee or soda that contains caffeine?
- Can I eat/drink foods containing artificial sweeteners?
- Can a nursing mother eat honey?
- Can I eat foods containing MSG (monosodium glutamate)?
- Should I be avoiding certain kinds of fish?
- Can I eat sushi?
- Can a nursing mother eat unpasteurized soft cheeses?
- Is it safe to eat peanuts and peanut butter while nursing?
- What about alcoholic beverages?

then check out this thorough and valuable resource that has been compiled by many different IBCLCs.

Click Here to jump over to kellymom.com!