I have wonderful news to share with my birthy friends... I am pregnant! We are so happy. There were no interventions or drugs needed this time. Since I am diagnosed with PCOS and had a difficult conception with my first son, this is a real miracle!
I went to my OB doctor yesterday. I am 12 weeks along and we heard the external fetal heartbeat. Everything looks great so far. I can't wait to bring you all along on this journey with us.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Risky Business
I have a friend who is choosing to schedule a C-section electively. This just breaks my heart. She had her first baby by C-section and is now choosing to go that route again. She is not trying a VBAC or working to deliever her baby by other means.
Cesarean section (c-section) is delivery of a baby by surgery. C-section can be a lifesaving operation when either you or your baby's health are at risk. If it is not an emergency situation, C-sections are high risk and may lead to complications for both the mother and baby.
I firmly believe that women have become to comfortable with the idea of children being born this way. It is acceptable and even preferred by some. Evidence shows that for healthy moms and babies, natural birth is definitely preferred over a birth with interventions.
I know that C-sections are life saving procedures. I know they are an important part of our maternity care. I’ve read the books and seen the evidence. I know what demise occurred before C-sections birth was an option. Trust me it was not pretty.
However, it has been noted that most C-section births occur Monday through Friday around 5 and 10pm. So OBs (surgeons) can be home for dinner and night-night time. C-section birth is certainly easier on the OBs schedule. His or her part is over in 30 minutes and they’re outta there.
Complications for Mom
Future Risks
If a woman who has had a cesarean section becomes pregnant again, she is at increased risk of:
Cesarean section (c-section) is delivery of a baby by surgery. C-section can be a lifesaving operation when either you or your baby's health are at risk. If it is not an emergency situation, C-sections are high risk and may lead to complications for both the mother and baby.
I firmly believe that women have become to comfortable with the idea of children being born this way. It is acceptable and even preferred by some. Evidence shows that for healthy moms and babies, natural birth is definitely preferred over a birth with interventions.
I know that C-sections are life saving procedures. I know they are an important part of our maternity care. I’ve read the books and seen the evidence. I know what demise occurred before C-sections birth was an option. Trust me it was not pretty.
However, it has been noted that most C-section births occur Monday through Friday around 5 and 10pm. So OBs (surgeons) can be home for dinner and night-night time. C-section birth is certainly easier on the OBs schedule. His or her part is over in 30 minutes and they’re outta there.
Complications for Mom
- Infection: Infection can occur at the incision site, in the uterus and in other pelvic organs such as the bladder.
- Hemorrhage or increased blood loss: There is more blood loss in a cesarean delivery than with a vaginal delivery. This can lead to anemia or a blood transfusion (1 to 6 women per 100 require a blood transfusion).
- Injury to organs: Possible injury to organs such as the bowel or bladder (2 per 1002).
- Adhesions: Scar tissue may form inside the pelvic region causing blockage and pain. This can also lead to future pregnancy complication such as placenta previa or placental abruption.
- Extended hospital stay: After a cesarean, the normal time in the hospital is 3-5 days after giving birth if there are no complications.
- Extended recovery time: The amount of time needed for recovery after a cesarean can extend from weeks to months, having an impact on bonding time with your baby (1 in 14 report incisional pain six months or more after surgery).
- Reactions to medications: There can be a negative reaction to the anesthesia given during a cesarean or reaction to pain medication given after the procedure.
- Risk of additional surgeries: Such as hysterectomy, bladder repair or another cesarean.
- Nausea, vomiting, and severe headache after the delivery (related to anesthesia and the abdominal procedure).
- Maternal death: The maternal mortality rate for a cesarean is greater than with a vaginal birth. The risk of death for women who have a planned cesarean delivery is very low (about 6 in 100,000). For emergency cesarean deliveries, the rate is higher, though still very rare (about 18 in 100,000).
- Emotional reactions: Women who have a cesarean report feeling negatively about their birth experience and may have trouble with initial bonding with their baby.
- Premature birth: If gestational age was not calculated correctly, a baby delivered by cesarean could be delivered too early and be low birth weight.
- Breathing problems: When delivered by cesarean, a baby is more likely to have breathing and respiratory difficulties. Some studies show an increased need for assistance with breathing and immediate care after a cesarean than with a vaginal delivery.
- Low APGAR scores: Low APGAR scores can be the result of anesthesia, fetal distress before the delivery or lack of stimulation during delivery (vaginal birth provides natural stimulation to the baby while in the birth canal). Babies born by cesarean are 50% more likely to have lower APGAR scores than those born vaginally.
- Fetal injury: Very rarely, the baby may be nicked or cut during the incision (1 to 2 babies per 100 will be cut during the surgery).
Future Risks
If a woman who has had a cesarean section becomes pregnant again, she is at increased risk of:
- Placenta previa: The placenta implants very low in the uterus. It covers all or part of the internal opening of the cervix (the birth canal).
- Placenta accreta: The placenta implants too deeply and too firmly into the uterine wall.
- Women who have c-sections are less likely to breastfeed than women who have vaginal deliveries. This may be because they are uncomfortable from the surgery or have less time with the baby in the hospital.
- If you are planning to have a cesarean section and want to breastfeed, talk to your provider about what can be done to help you and your baby start breastfeeding as soon as you can.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Social Media
Today I have a beef with social media. Texting, Facebook, Twitter... Blah! What happened to our old ways of communicating? I wanted to share some good news with my family. I love to tell people in person and watch their reaction. I love to involve my son and make a production out of things!
Instead I found out that my special news had been posted all over Facebook. I was so disappointed... So here is my question to you...
Do we use social media too much? Have we forgotten how to communicate in person?
Instead I found out that my special news had been posted all over Facebook. I was so disappointed... So here is my question to you...
Do we use social media too much? Have we forgotten how to communicate in person?
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
May Giveaway Winner
My first Giveaway was a great success!! I had 19 people enter to win and my Facebook page is up to 62 fans. I am so excited! Thank you to everyone who participated! I will plan a new giveaway soon.
I am happy to announce that the winner of the contest is....
Anna Titanic
Congratulations Anna! I ask that you contact me with your email address and shipping address within 5 business days or a new winner will be chosen.
Thanks again!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Natural Treatment for PCOS
It seems like many lifetimes ago now, but shortly after we were married we decided to have a baby. We tried and tried, but it would not work on our own. So we sought the help of a doctor. I was diagnosed with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. The name of the condition comes from the appearance of the ovaries, enlarged and containing numerous small cysts located along the outer edge of each ovary.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include the following:
Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess hair growth, high blood pressure, acne, and obesity can all occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Menstrual abnormality may signal the condition in adolescence, or PCOS may become apparent later following weight gain or difficulty becoming pregnant.[1]
When treating PCOS and infertility, it is essential to address the diet to assist natural weight loss and improve the chances of conception. One study found that 11 out of 12 women who had been overweight and not ovulating conceived naturally after losing weight. As women with PCOS lose weight, hormone levels start to return to normal. Testosterone levels fall, serum insulin levels go down, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels go up and the symptoms of PCOS start to diminish. Women also report significant improvements in the growth of excess hair. The weight loss has a remarkable effect on ovarian function. [2]
Changing your diet and supplementing with good vitamins and minerals are essential steps to controlling PCOS. Correcting any dietary imbalance will go a long way towards treating the root cause of the problem. [2] [3]
- Avoid conventionally raised beef and dairy products. (They may contain residues of estrogenic hormones used as growth promoters.)
- A good multivitamin and mineral tablet will provide a ‘little bit of everything’.
- Chromium is essential for insulin’s response on blood sugar, cravings, hunger and weight loss.
- Zinc helps with appetite control and is necessary for the correct action of insulin, promoting a healthy blood sugar balance. It also functions together with selenium and vitamins A and E in the manufacture of thyroid hormone.
- Magnesium balances blood sugar levels. There is a strong link between magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance. It is an important mineral to include if you are suffering from PCOS.
- B Vitamins are important for energy production, fat burning and hormone imbalances, including your thyroid gland and metabolism.
Herbs are extremely useful in treating PCOS. Making changes and adding supplements to your diet will help control weight and balance blood sugar, while herbs go a step further, targeting any problems involving hormone balance. [2]
- Chaste tree (Vitex Agnus castus) is one of the most important herbs for PCOS because it helps stimulate and normalize the function of the pituitary gland, which controls the release of luteinizing hormone (LH). Chaste tree has been successfully trialed in the treatment of PCOS as well as infertility. It enhances progesterone levels, which lengthen the menstrual cycle.
- Adrenal tonics such as Rehmannia, Rhodiola, Siberian Ginseng and Withania support the adrenal stress response and help the adrenal glands return to a state of balance.
- Paeonia lactiflora (peony) is another valuable herb as it positively influences low progesterone, reduces elevated androgens (testosterone) and modulates estrogen and prolactin.
- Licorice, especially combined with peony, helps regulate hormones, reduce androgen levels and improve the LH to FSH ratio.
- Gymnema is helpful in reducing carbohydrate and sugar cravings, thereby assisting in weight loss. Gymnema is one of the most significant herbs to improve insulin resistance.
- Tribulus helps restore menstrual regularity and regulate ovulation.
- Blue Cohosh is a particularly useful herb. It acts as a uterine and ovarian tonic and a pelvic anti-inflammatory.
- Milk thistle, rosemary, Bupleurum and Schizandra are excellent liver herbs, aiding in the removal of excess estrogen.
Note. You should not take any of the above herbs if you are taking the oral contraceptive pill, fertility drugs, HRT or any other hormonal treatment or other medication unless they are recommended by a registered, experienced practitioner.
There's An App For That
So DH and I have been considering baby #2... Maybe... Kinda... Sometime in the near future. : D As you can see we are a little indecivise about this decision so far. I want another baby and I don't want a big age gap between Logan and his sibling, but it took us 3 years to conceive Logan.
Here are a few things about me you might want to know. 1. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which makes it difficult to conceive. 2. My cycles are very irregular. This is due to the PCOS too.
Stay tuned for a whole article dedicated to natural treatments of PCOS.
In preparation of possible trying to conceive time (TTC), I have found a few useful apps. I use all of these on my iPhone, but I'm sure other smart phones have similar apps.
1. iBirth Pregnancy App ($2.99)- This is my favorite app. It is several apps combined in one. This app includes a contraction timer, videos, positions for labor, prenatal nutrition guide, tips, and lists. Excellent app!
2. My Cycles (Free)- This was the first app I bought to track my fertility. Since my periods are irregular it doesn't work well for me. If you have a regular predictable cycle, then this is a nice free app. It includes your ovulation day, fertility window, and symptom tracker.
3. Period Tracker Deluxe ($1.99)- I upgraded to this app after using My Cycles. Period Tracker logs your dates and calculates your menstrual cycle based on the average of your last 3 periods. Also allows you to chart your basal body temperature and other symptoms. Comes with nice graphics and beautiful charts.
4. Pregnancy and Baby (Free)- An app that is full of information. Follow a week-by-week outline of your baby's development with brilliant images from inside the womb.
5. Due Date Calc OB ($1.99)- This app is a little strange to use at first. It is filled with acronyms and it is hard to understand. Once you figure out how to use the app, it is informative. Or if you can calculate you date of conception, you can lock it in and it will count down to the due date for you.
6. My Diet Diary (Free)- One of many apps to keep track of what you eat. We all know how important nutrition is during pregnancy, so this app will help moms make sure they are eating right for their babies.
My question to all of you out there... What are your favorite apps to use??
Here are a few things about me you might want to know. 1. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which makes it difficult to conceive. 2. My cycles are very irregular. This is due to the PCOS too.
Stay tuned for a whole article dedicated to natural treatments of PCOS.
In preparation of possible trying to conceive time (TTC), I have found a few useful apps. I use all of these on my iPhone, but I'm sure other smart phones have similar apps.
1. iBirth Pregnancy App ($2.99)- This is my favorite app. It is several apps combined in one. This app includes a contraction timer, videos, positions for labor, prenatal nutrition guide, tips, and lists. Excellent app!
2. My Cycles (Free)- This was the first app I bought to track my fertility. Since my periods are irregular it doesn't work well for me. If you have a regular predictable cycle, then this is a nice free app. It includes your ovulation day, fertility window, and symptom tracker.
3. Period Tracker Deluxe ($1.99)- I upgraded to this app after using My Cycles. Period Tracker logs your dates and calculates your menstrual cycle based on the average of your last 3 periods. Also allows you to chart your basal body temperature and other symptoms. Comes with nice graphics and beautiful charts.
4. Pregnancy and Baby (Free)- An app that is full of information. Follow a week-by-week outline of your baby's development with brilliant images from inside the womb.
5. Due Date Calc OB ($1.99)- This app is a little strange to use at first. It is filled with acronyms and it is hard to understand. Once you figure out how to use the app, it is informative. Or if you can calculate you date of conception, you can lock it in and it will count down to the due date for you.
6. My Diet Diary (Free)- One of many apps to keep track of what you eat. We all know how important nutrition is during pregnancy, so this app will help moms make sure they are eating right for their babies.
My question to all of you out there... What are your favorite apps to use??
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Networking
Starting a new business is hard work. For the last 2 months I have been studying for my upcoming Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator training sessions (scheduled for July). There are study guides to complete, required books to read, educational videos to watch, childbirth classes I still need to take, and so much more. Then comes the really challenging part... turning all of this into a business. I have been advertising, networking, and trying to find clients. I have immersed myself in the whole new birthy world and I'm loving it!! I'm always thinking of new blog topics, I keep a running list of books I want to read, and I carry business cards with me everywhere!
So here is my request to all of you:
Please help me build a repertoire of resources for this new business. I would love some good blogs to follow or a great article that you want to share.
If you would like to return the favor, here are my contacts:
Website: www.journeydoulaservices.com
Blog: http://journeydoulaservices.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/journeydoulaservies
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KristaWDoula
.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Delayed Cord Clamping
Research is supporting the need for practioners to delay umbilical cord clamping after birth. Currently, most providers are cutting the cord after only 12-17 seconds.
There is a clear benefit to delaying cord clamping, even if it is just for 30 seconds after delivery. These benefits include important outcomes such as decreased rates of intraventricular hemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates. Furthermore, this intervention seems to reduce the rate of neonatal anemia. This practice has been shown to be safe and should be implemented to increase neonatal iron storage at birth. (Barclay and Fogelson)
If the baby needs resuscitation, it is important to leave the cord intact and do all the work on Mom's body. Cutting the back-up oxygen supply doesn't make any sense at all.
I think it is interesting that scientists are now discovering that umbilical cord blood is full of valuable T-cells which have cancer fighting properties. A whole industry has sprung up to have this precious blood extracted, put in a cooler with dry ice, and taken to a special storage facility to be ready in case the child gets cancer at some time in the future. Parents are paying big money for this service! That blood is designed by Nature to go into that child's body at birth. We need to acknowledge that there are things about the newborn circulation and blood composition that we just don't know. We need to assume that Nature takes care of our children and provides babies with the nutrients that they need.
**Don't forget** Become a fan on Facebook and leave us a comment to join in our FREE Giveaway for May!
Links for more information:
N. Fogelson. http://academicobgyn.com/2009/12/03/delayed-cord-clamping-should-be-standard-practice-in-obstetrics/
L. Barclay, MD. http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/530352
There is a clear benefit to delaying cord clamping, even if it is just for 30 seconds after delivery. These benefits include important outcomes such as decreased rates of intraventricular hemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates. Furthermore, this intervention seems to reduce the rate of neonatal anemia. This practice has been shown to be safe and should be implemented to increase neonatal iron storage at birth. (Barclay and Fogelson)
If the baby needs resuscitation, it is important to leave the cord intact and do all the work on Mom's body. Cutting the back-up oxygen supply doesn't make any sense at all.
I think it is interesting that scientists are now discovering that umbilical cord blood is full of valuable T-cells which have cancer fighting properties. A whole industry has sprung up to have this precious blood extracted, put in a cooler with dry ice, and taken to a special storage facility to be ready in case the child gets cancer at some time in the future. Parents are paying big money for this service! That blood is designed by Nature to go into that child's body at birth. We need to acknowledge that there are things about the newborn circulation and blood composition that we just don't know. We need to assume that Nature takes care of our children and provides babies with the nutrients that they need.
**Don't forget** Become a fan on Facebook and leave us a comment to join in our FREE Giveaway for May!
Links for more information:
N. Fogelson. http://academicobgyn.com/2009/12/03/delayed-cord-clamping-should-be-standard-practice-in-obstetrics/
L. Barclay, MD. http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/530352
Monday, May 2, 2011
Happy Month of May
I also just found out that May is International Doula Month. This celebration is a worldwide commemorative time for doulas. As a doula in training, this makes me very happy. If you had a doula, this would be a great month to give her a call, an email, or a card. Don’t forget to include a recent photo of your child(ren)! Be sure to spread the word about doulas and refer others to a doula you know!
Other causes for celebration in May include the following:
May 5, 2011- International Day of the Midwife
May 8, 2011- Mother's Day
May 12, 2011- International Nursing Day
May 15, 2011- National Day of Families
May 28, 2011- National Multiple Births Awareness Day
**Don't forget** Become a fan on Facebook and leave us a comment to join in our FREE Giveaway for May!
~Krista Wampler
Sunday, May 1, 2011
May is Pregnancy Awareness Month
Journey Doula Services is happy to celebrate May as national Pregnancy Awareness Month! All month long we will be sharing great articles, resources, and videos that celebrate pregnancy and birth.
To help honor this special time in a families’ lives, we are having a FREE prize giveaway. To be eligible for the free prize, follow the steps below.
1. Become a Fan of our page on Facebook. Click here http://www.facebook.com/journeydoulaservies
2. Comment or like any of JDS's posts between May 1, 2011 and May 30, 2011
3. Winner will be randomly drawn and announced on May 31, 2011
Prize:
We will be giving away a great gift box from Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics. The Postpartum Mama Care Kit includes:
• 2 Organic Monthly Comfort Tea samples (1 tea bag)
• 1 New Mama Bottom Spray (1oz. bottles)
• 1 Earth Mama Bottom Balm (1oz. jars)
• 2 Natural Nipple Butter samples
• 2 Organic Milkmaid Tea samples (1 tea bag)
Rules:
• Drawing closing May 30, 2011 at 12:00 am CST.
• This drawing is open to residents of United States only.
• You must be at least 18 to win.
• Winner must claim their prize within 5 days with their valid shipping address, or the prize is forfeit and a new winner will be selected.
• We will post the winner on our Facebook page and on our blog.
• By accepting a prize, the winner agrees that Journey Doula Services may post his/her name on the blog and on Facebook.
Find more info on Earth Mama products on their website. http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/
This sweepstakes can be found on the page www.Online-Sweepstakes.com
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