Give The Gift Of Wholeness….
“At no time in it’s 75 years, has the American Academy of Pediatrics ever recommended circumcision.” Legal questions: Informed Consent Autonomy Between 70%-80% of the world’s human males are in tact, have a natural penis (foreskin intact). According to a comprehensive study, newborn responses to pain are “similar to but greater than those observed in adult subjects.” Circumcision is extremely painful and traumatic. Some infants do not cry because they go into traumatic shock rom the overwhelming pain of the surgery. No experimental anesthetic has been found to be safe and effective in preventing circumcision pain in infants. Permanently re-wires neurological brain because of this traumatic and painful experience. Male genital mutilation is much more prevalent world wide than female genital mutilation. New research has show than babies feel pain four times more intensely than adults. Circumcision is male genital mutilation- surgical procedure that cuts away the most sensitive part of the penis, the foreskin. The foreskin is crushed then removed with an instrument. This procedure is excruciatingly painful and usually done without any anesthetic. This is the most excruciating procedure that can be performed on a human. Some infants go into shock after the intense pain of the procedure and do not cry. This procedure is very traumatic. During the procedure the baby is restrained with straps. The foreskin’s function is to protect the penis, enhance sexual pleasure and facilitates with intercourse. The foreskin is about 12 sq. inches of very erogenous tissue. The foreskin is very sensitive. Circumcision removes up to one half of the erogenous tissue on the penile shaft. The foreskin enhances sexual pleasure for both partners by creating less friction so there is less discomfort for the woman. Circumcision is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. Legal and ethical questions need to be raised about informed consent and autonomy over informed circumcision. No national medical organization in the world recommends routine circumcision of male infants. The short term effects of circumcision are changed mother and infant interaction, disruptions in bonding, more disruptions during feeding, more irritability, change in sleep patterns, and change in activity level. Changes in pain response have been shown at six months of age. The rate of complications after this procedure are as high as 38% and includes hemorrhage, surgical injury, infection and in rare cases death. Extended crying after the circumcision lasted for hours each day and persisted for up to a year. This is behavior is commonly mistakenly called colic. It is common when a circumcised boy is put on his stomach or back he will scream or when his diaper is wet. The baby boys who are cicumcised are more irritable and nurse poorly. This is all because of the most painful and traumatic cutting away of his most sensitive tissues in his most intimate and private place was done. Studies have shown that babies feel pain four times more intensely than adults do. This rewires the way that the baby handles pain and traumatic experiences. In one of the most important studies done on circumcision, the behavior of nearly 90 percent of the circumcised infants significantly changed after the circumcision. Some became more active and some became less active. The kind of change was associated with whether they were crying or quiet respectively at the start of the circumcision. The infants had different coping strategies when subjected to extreme pain. Circumcised infants have less of an ability to comfort themselves and to be comforted by others. The persistence of specific behavioral changes after circumcision in neonates shows the presence of memory. In the short term, these changes can disrupt mother and infant bonding, feeding schedules, and disrupt the infant’s adaptation to their postnatal environment. This can cause a mother to feel frustrated and she has a much greater risk of developing postpartum depression. A team of Canadian researchers showed evidence that circumcision has long lasting traumatic effects. The authors show neonatal circumcision can induce long lasting changes in the infant pain behavior because of alterations in the infant’s central neural processing of painful stimuli. The long term effects of circumcision without anesthesia are post-traumatic stress disorder and pain. The infant is likely to re-experience their circumcision during painful vaccinations. The American Academy of Pediatrics has not looked at the long term effects of circumcision. When they make statements about circumcision it is only with regards to the immediate days after the most painful and traumatic genital mutilation. LONG TERM EFFECTS: Researcher Tim Hammond has studied the long term effects of circumcision on men. Hammond gave his study to the Centers for Disease Control. American Academy of Pediatrics, and Canadian Pediatric Society and none of them responded to his study or replied. There are physical harms that occur from circumcision can be total loss of the foreskin (the most sensitive area of the male genitalia), loss of the frenulum, prominent scarring at the circumcision site, little or no shaft mobility, neatal stinosis, skin bridges, sexually dry cauraterized glands, excess stimulation needed during sexual activity, delayed ejaculation, and premature ejaculation. The feelings of those who had circumcision done against their will (babies cannot choose but are at the whims of their parents, the adults who are supposed to care for them and protect them) was anger, a feeling that ones human rights have been violated, feeling mutilated, betrayed by their mother, betrayed by their fathers, shame, violent thoughts or desire for retribution against their perpetrators, recurrent nightmares, suicidal thoughts, and low self esteem. The emotional effects can be a deep sense of grief that lasts throughout the persons whole life. The memories are somatic memories. These are vital issues. These issues have not been studied by the medical community because circumcision is not considered male genital mutilation. I cannot call it anything other than it is, male genital mutilation. The emotional message of male genital mutilation is: Fear your body for it can cause you extreme pain. Hate your sexuality. Your pain does not matter. I, as your parent will not protect you. You do not matter. The first person who is essential to your survival, love, and comfort, your Mother, will stand by and let your genitalia be mutilated. “If circumcision solicitations were to cease, 6000,000 boys—and the men they will become-would be spared every year.” Having a Baby Boy? Intact America Warns, ‘Get Ready for the Circumcision Sellers!” prweb.com “Singly, a man’s report of circumcision harm is dismissed as anecdotal. Collectively, these reports are proof that circumcision damages boys and the men they become. Circumcision harm is actual, concrete and particularized to unconsenting males in many parts of the world.” Tim Hammond-Cirriculum Vitae- Survey Programmer. Male genital mutilation is not okay. This not behavior to be admired. We must our voices and stand up for our innocent and tender little boys. We stand together. We protect your genitalia. We cherish you. We love you, just as you are. We fiercely defend your whole body, mind and spirit. Resources: circumcisionharm.org http://circumcisionharm.org/research.htm Intact America Warns, ‘Get Ready for the Circumcision Sellers!” prweb.com Babies Don’t Feel Pain: A Century of Denial in Medicine. David B. Chamberlin, Ph.D. http://www.nocirc.org/symposia/second/chamberlain.html Babies Feel Pain More Intensely Than Adults, Brain Imaging Study Finds. https://returntonow.net/2018/10/23/babies-feel-pain-4-times-more-intensely-than-adults-brain-imaging-study-finds/?fbclid=IwAR1XeR7MoO3VCE7MYdX5TW8U_HBZH5ZBC-5CK77G1ug-Zbihqyu4-ynK0D4 Circumcision the Hidden Trauma. Ron Goldman Ph.D. Circumcision: An American Health Fallacy. Edward Wallernstein. Unspeakable Mutilations Circumcised Men Speak Out. Lindsey R. Watson Heart and Hands. Elizabeth Davis Myles Textbook for Midwives.
0 Comments
The Teaching Doula’s Make Your Own Natural Birth Journey Kit and Birth Kit:
Pregnancy, the birth journey, and the 4th trimester are a very unique right of passage new mothers. It’s sacred. With a little bit of planning and preparation you can be ready with these preparations in your kitchen or to-go-birth journey bag (birth center or hospital). If you feel overwhelmed when looking at this list, not to worry, pick one thing in each category to try (Beverages, Snacks, Herbs, Aromatherapy, and Immediate Postpartum). This way, you’ll have options if you need them. Encourage your birth partner to help plan and prepare. It can be a fun bonding experience in order to help prepare for the birth journey. This is an usual birth journey kit because I put a big emphasis on the things that are often forgotten or just simply not thought of until suddenly one is really needing a beverage, a snack, botanical herbal tinctures and formulas, aromatherapy, and during the immediate postpartum. The birth journey is intense and requires a lot of energy. These beverages and snacks will keep your energy up so you can birth yourself and your baby into the best version of yourselves, together. This is also an easy way that your partner involved in the birth journey (being in charge of beverages, snacks, and or the rest of the list if he/she wants to participate in this way) during the birth journey and immediately postpartum. If you like DIY then this list is for you. It’s fun to make teas, sitz baths, tinctures, aromatherapy blends and salves/body butters with friends and is a pleasant way to connect with your support circle. This process gets everyone in your support circle involved in hands-on projects and sets the tone for a supported pregnancy, birth journey, and postpartum. Tip: Plan a month ahead and pick one day out of each week of that month to have a DIY creating party with your support circle. This can even be done virtually by using Zoom or other program of your choice. During the Birth Journey: BEVERAGES: Natural Energy Sports Drink: 1 quart of Nina’s Nourishing Herb Tea (2 parts Holy Basil, 2 parts Nettle, 1 part Red Raspberry, 1 part Salmonberry Leaf/Strawberry leaf/Blueberry leaf, 1/2 part Rose hips (for the most medicinal value cold infuse Rose hips for a couple of hours first then strain and add to tea), 1/2 part Chamomile (if you are not allergic to any plant in the Ragweed family), 1/2 part Alfalfa Steep Nina’s Nourishing Herb Tea for 24 hours then strain. This tea is very nourishing, high in vitamins and minerals, and delicious. 2 cans of Simple Truth Organic Coconut water (very high in electrolytes) • ⅛-1/4 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt (regular table salt will work, but it doesn't have all the trace minerals) • ¼ to ½ tsp crushed Calcium magnesium tablets or powder (optional) • ¼ cup or more of juice (optional) • 1-2 TBSP sweetener such as honey or Blackstrap molasses Instructions 1. Brew tea and let steep 24 hours. Strain. 2. Add sea salt and calcium magnesium (if using) 3. Add juice, coconut water and mix or shake well 4. Cool and store in fridge until ready to use Red Raspberry Leaf and Lemon balm Botanical Popsicles or ice cubes: Brew 2 parts raspberry leaf and 1 part lemon balm. Add 8 cups boiling water. Let sit for 24 hours. Strain. Mix in 1 Tbsp of honey/Blackstrap molasses or more till you reach your desired taste. Stir thoroughly for 2 minutes. Place in popsicle molds or ice cube trays. Let freeze for one hour for popsicles. Place sticks into the moulds after one hour. Let freeze for a minimal of four hours. Birth Journey Smoothie: 8-10 dates 1/2 cup almond flour 1-2 Tbsp maca powder (helps boost libido) 1 tsp chia seeds (high in omegas 3s) 1/2 can or 1 can coconut milk or coconut water depending on your preference 1 large spoonful of yogurt (probiotics) 1-2 cups water 3 bananas (high in potassium) Serves 2 adults and 2 children. Pomegranate Spritzer: 2 oz pomegranate juice concentrate 8 oz sparkling water Mix. Serve. Mocktail: 1 15 oz container of organic orange juice 1 glass of ginger beer (non-alcoholic) 1 splash of vanilla Mix to combine. This tastes better than a Mimosa, is non-alcoholic, good for your microbiome, boosts mood, and very tasty. Virgin Mojito 1 tsp lime juice (concentrate can be used) 1 Tbsp honey 10-12 mint fresh leaves (can reconstitute dry mint but this takes more time) (if you feel comfortable using DoTerra essential oils you could use just one drop of Peppermint) 1/2 fresh lime sliced Ice as required 1-2 cans gingerbeer (non-alcoholic) or sparkling water In a tall serving glass add the lime juice, honey, half of the lime slices and mint leaves and mix together with a large spoon. Let sit for 10 seconds if using fresh mint. If using dry and reconstituting the mint with some water let that sit for 1 hour before straining the mint leaves out and adding the liquid to the beverage mix. For an energy boost try drinking some apple kombucha. SNACKS: Easily digestible foods that are high in energy such as yogurt, honey sticks, mint candies, ginger candies, dates, raisins, natural lollypops, nut butters, chia crackers. When some women reach transition they may vomit. It’s normal. Remember that when packing and choosing foods to eat. HERBS (Internal): Adaptogenic Formula: Excellent for physical and emotional stress, shock, the blues, fatigue, and emotional resilience. Helpful for postpartum as well. 1 part Rhodiola dried 2 parts part Holy Basil dried leaf 1/2 part Ashwaganda dried root 2 parts Rose cordial dried root 1/2 part Eleuthero dried Combine all dried herbs together in a large mason jar with 40% alcohol such as vodka. Put the lid on tightly. Let sit for 6 weeks in a dark room. Shake each day. Strain after 6 weeks. Add rose cordial. Store in a dark glass bottle and keep out of direct sunlight. Nervousness: Wonderful for helping work with nervousness of all kinds. Lemon balm tincture, Chamomile tincture, or half a dropperful of Motherwort tincture Grief/Anger/Stress: Helpful for coping with grief, anger, stress. Especially helpful during transition. Rose cordial with Lemon balm tea or tincture Nausea: Chamomile (if not allergic to any plant in the Ragweed family) tincture or tea with honey and if it is legal in your state a dropperful of CBD (note this does NOT contain THC). For some this not only helps alleviate nausea but also can help increase appetite. Stalled Birth Journey: Equal parts Motherwort tincture and Cotton root Bark tincture Painful/Difficult Birth Journey: Angelica sinensis tincture (tones yet relaxes the uterus, nourishing). Avoid Angelica if Mom is taking anti-coagulants or has diabetes. Rehydration Popsicles: 8 oz Raspberry, Nettle, Chamomile 1/8 tsp salt 1 Tbsp maple syrup For rehydration consume at least one ounce every 15 min. Placenta Out: Angelica tincture After Ease from Birth Journey Botanical Formula: 3 parts Motherwort (clamps down on uterus) 3 parts Black Haw (uterine relaxant) 1 part Hops (galactogogue) 1 part Sheperd’s purse (anti-hemorrhagic) 1 part Wild Lettuce (sedative) Dose: 20-30 drops 2-3X daily Afterpain Simple Tinctures: Leonurus cardiaca Motherwort tincture (half dropperful and increase as needed.) Viburnum opulus Highbush cranberry bark/Crampbark and Viburnum prunifolium Black Haw. Dioscorea villosa Wild Yam tincture every 30-60 minutes (1-2 droppersful) Herb Pharm makes a tincture that is also good for Afterpains called Hellonias Viburnum that relieves Afterpains. Take one dropperful. Simple After Birth Recovery: Angelica sinensis tincture Afterpains Tea: Viburnum Back Haw 1 oz Highbush cranberry bark 2 oz Hops 1 oz Wild lettuce 1 oz Simple Afterpains tea: Strongly brewed ginger tea helps bring about relief. Pour one cup boiling water over three to five slices of fresh ginger and steep five to ten minutes. AROMATHERAPY: Grounding Essential Oil Blend: 15 drops Geranium 7 drops Lavender 5 drops Sandalwood 3 drops Ylang ylang Grapeseed oil or coconut oil Relax and Focus Essential Oil Blend: Equal parts wild orange and peppermint Soothing and Calming Essential Oil Blend: 2 oz fractionated coconut oil, grape seed oil 4 to 5 drops Roman Chamomile 2 to 3 drops Frankincense 2 to 3 drops Bergamot Birth Support Essential Oil Blend(Once Birth Journey has started): 2 oz fractionated coconut oil or grape seed oil 5 drops Ylang ylang 5 drops Helichrysum 5 drops Digestive blend 2 drops Peppermint 2 drops Clary Sage Effective Rushes Essential Oil Blend: 2 oz Fractionated coconut oil or Grape seed oil 10 drops Clary Sage 7 drops Geranium Stalled Birth Journey Essential Oil Blend: 2 oz Grapeseed oil or fractionated coconut oil 20 drops Clary sage 15 drops Myrrh Anxiety Essential Oil Blend: 2 oz Fractionated coconut oil or Grape seed oil 30 drops Green Mandarin Nausea Essential Oil Blend: 2 oz fractionated coconut oil or Grape seed oil 20 drops Lemon 10 drops Lavender Drowsiness Essential Oil Blend: 2 oz fractionated coconut oil or Grape seed oil 25 drops Ginger 20 drops Lemon Perineum Support for Pushing Stage Essential Oil Blend: 4 Tbsp fractionated coconut oil 20 drops Helichrysum 20 drops Frankincense Gently put 1-3 Tbsp of this on a moist clean towel and place on the perineum during crowning and birth of baby’s head for the occasional bruising, swelling, and bleeding. Now that the all important food, beverage, herb and aromatherapy categories have been mentioned for the birth journey here are some other items that might be helpful to have on hand (homebirth)/bring (birth center/hospital). Other: Lip Balm, Hair ties Menstrual pads, Arnica salve, Heating Pad/Ice packs, Birth Ball and peanut ball, Rebozo, Bengunkg wrap, Massage oil (coconut oil is the best with or without essential oils), Tennis balls tied in in a long stock or stocking (excellent for acupressure points) Comb or brush (not only for the soothing sensation of having your hair brushed but also can be used for acupressure points on the hands) Peppermint candy, honey sticks, chocolate (for quick energy but also can be helpful after vomiting in transition) Your favorite music focal points (crystals, stones, statues, photographs) Affirmations/visualizations/meditations/prayers (printed on notecards) Your favorite vibrator and other sex toys (more on how and why this helps later) Plastic container for placenta (if you plan to encapsulate yours or have it done) Camera, cell phone, Book with your favorite quotes to read to baby while baby is being born (prayer, meditation, mantra) A robe, change of relaxed fitting clothes, panties, nursing tank tops, nursing bra (if using), socks Baby carrier and Car seat (if birth center birth or hospital) Thank you cards (for your midwife/doctor, doula, partner, and those attending your birth) Gifts (for yourself, your husband/partner, and especially if you have other children, baby, your doula, and your midwife) Immediate Postpartum: BEVERAGES: Decaf chai tea with lion’s mane, chaga, reishi or cordyceps, Kombucha, Mockmosa, coconut water Earth Smoothie: 2 cup fresh nettle (tightly packed, can substitute 1 cup of dried nettle leaves instead, be sure to pick out any stems, if using dried soak the nettles in boiling water for 30 minutes before using) 1 cup kale (tightly packed) (if concerned about this causing colic omit) 1 large banana 1 cup apple sauce 2 cups coconut water 1/2 avocado 1/4 cup mint (if concerned about the possibility of reducing milk supply omit or substitute with an extra banana) Postpartum Recovery Smoothie: Recipe 1 Large handful of Cashew Nuts 1 x Small Tin of pineapple- fresh use one large slice 1 Cup of Frozen Blueberries 1 x Mint Leaf (increases the flavour-optional) 1/2 Avocado 1/2 tin of coconut milk 1/2 tin of water or Milk – more if extra servings required* 1 x large teaspoon of active Manuka Honey (optional) This will serve 2 x Adults and 2 preschoolers Simple Postpartum Tea: 2 ounces Raspberry leaf 1 ounce Stinging Nettle 1 ounce Oatstraw 1/2 ounce Hibiscus 1/4 ounce Rose hips 1 Quart boiling water Directions: Mix all herbs and store in a glass jar away from heat and sunlight. Put 1-2 Tbsp in a large stainless steel container. Boil 1 quart of water. Pour boiling water over herbs. Cover. Let steep 24 hours for most medicinal benefit. Sweeten with blackstrap molasses or honey. Drink 1-4 cups daily, warm or cool throughout the second trimester and during the postpartum time. This tea helps promote milk production. Nourishing Mama Postpartum Tea: 2 parts Holy Basil 1 part Lemon balm 2 parts Hibiscus 1 part Orange peel 1 part Rose petals (make sure that these are organic because of pesticide use) 1 part Rose hips Directions: Mix all herbs together in a stainless steel bowl. Place in a glass jar out of direct sunlight. To use: Put 1-2 Tbsps in a tea infuser. Heat 1 quart of water in tea kettle. Add tea infuser into the water when it reaches a roiling boil. Turn off heat. Let steep for 1-24 hours. For maximum medicinal benefit let steep 24 hours. This tea is tangy and full of vitamins and minerals. Enjoy hot or iced. SALVES/BUTTERS POSTPARTUM: Nipple Salve: 2 parts Calendula 2 parts Shea butter 1 part St. John’s wort 3 parts Hemp Oil Directions: Combine shea butter and hemp oil in a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with water then gently turn on the heat. Add herbs to shea butter and hemp oil once they have melted. Check the water on the bottom pot. Add more if needed. Let infuse slowly for a minimum of one hour. Remove from heat. Wipe off the bottom of the pan that has the herbs. Pour into a clean and sterile glass jar or metal container. Cover loosely with lid. When cool, about 1 hour, put lid on completely. Store in a cool and dark place. Use often. Healing Salve: For helping tears heal, cuts, bruises, and other wounds heal more quickly and completely. Use like Neosporin. Excellent for bites, stings, cuts, poison ivy, diaper rash, or other wounds. Can be used on open skin. 2 cups coconut oil 1 tsp dried Echinacea root 2 Tbsp dried Comfrey leaf 2 Tbsp dried Plantain leaf 1 Tbsp dried Calendula flowers 1 tsp dried Yarrow flowers 1 tsp dried Rosemary leaf 1/4 cup beeswax Infuse all herbs into coconut oil in a double boiler on low for 1 hour-4 hours. Take care to make sure that the bottom pot has always got water in it, check every 20 minutes to be sure. The coconut will start to get a beautiful green color as the herbs infuse. After 1-4 hours remove from heat. Wipe the bottom of the pot where the coconut oil has been infused. Strain herbs by putting through a strainer that is lined with cheesecloth. Make the herbs into a bag like shape with the cheese cloth. Twist the upper part of the cheesecloth so that the herbs cannot come through. Squeeze the last of the coconut oil out of the herbs this way. Consider this your arm workout of the day. This is an important step because a lot of the herbs soak up the coconut oil. Medicinal value can still be gotten by squeezing the herbs. Your salve will be much more potent because of this last step. Then put the oil back into the double boiler on low heat and add the beeswax. Once the beeswax has melted remove from heat Wipe the bottom of the pot that has the infused oil. Place your salve into metal tins or glass jars. Put a loose top/cover on them. In 1 hour place lid on firmly. Apply as often as needed. A little goes a long way. If you had any tears this will help them heal. For best healing results make sure you carefully clean your tear at least once or twice each day with an herbal peri wash first then dab dry before applying this salve. Magnesium Body Butter: Simple body butter that helps the body recover after birth. This is an excellent way to boost magnesium levels in a pleasant way. 1/2 cup Magnesium Flakes + 3 Tbsp boiling water (or 1/2 cup of pre-made Magnesium oil) 1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil 3 Tbsp beeswax 4 Tbsp shea butter Directions: 1.Pour 3 Tbsp of boiling water into the Magnesium flakes in a small container and stir until it dissolves. This will create a thick liquid. Set aside to cool. 2. Use a double boiler or if you do not have one in a quart size mason jar inside a small pan with 1 inch of water, combine the coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter and turn on medium heat. 3. When melted, remove the jar from the pan and let the mixture cool until room temperature and slightly opaque. At this point, put in to a medium bowl or into a blender. 4. If a bowl, use a hand blender or immersion blender on medium speed and start blending the oil mixture. 5. Slowly (starting with a drop at a time) add the dissolved magnesium mixture to the oil mixture while continuing blending until all of the magnesium mix is added and it is well mixed. 6. Put in the fridge for about 15 minutes and re-blend to get body butter consistency. 7. Store in fridge for a cooling lotion (best consistency) or at room temperature for up to two months. PERI PADS Essential Oil Blend: Mix the following in a 12 ounce squeeze bottle: 12 drops lavender 12 drops peppermint 5 drops frankincense 12 drops geranium 5 drops helichrysym (optional) Fill to the top with water Take 6 or so extra long maxi pads and cut them in half. Then place pads of a cookie sheet. Squirt the essential oil mixture on each of the pads (I just added until they looked very wet) Then place the cookie sheet in a freezer (cover with foil or plastic) After they are frozen put them in a large Ziploc bag. They will be ready to grab when the time is right. Use them after childbirth as an ice pack on the perineum area. Postpartum Perineum Essential Oil Spray: 10 drops Frankincense 10 drops Lavender Combine these in a 15 mililiter bottle with a spray top. Fill almost to the top with distilled water. Use this to spray on the perineum after birth to soothe and heal during postpartum time. Afterpains Essential Oil Blend: 10 drops Lavender 20 drops White fir 2-4 Tbsp fractionated coconut oil Roller bottle with lid. Apply directly to low abdomen for instant relief. Postpartum Blues Essential Oil Blend: 5 drops Geranium 2 drops Lavender 3 drops Lemon 2-4 Tbsp fractionated coconut oil Sitz Bath Herb blend: 1/4 cup Comfrey 1/2 cup Lavender flowers 1/4 cup Plantain leaf 1/2 cup Raspberry leaf 1/4 cup Yarrow Flowers 1/4 cup Calendula flowers 1/4 cup Shepherd’s Purse 1/4 cup Uva ursi leaf 1/4 cup sea salt or Epsom salt Mix all the herbs together in a stainless steel container, glass jar, or plastic bag. To use: add 1 cup of herbs to 2 quarts boiling water. Remove heat. Let steep 20-30 minutes. Strain and add to a bath soak for 20 minutes. Both Mom and baby can soak in this healing bath. The sitz bath herbs help speed perineum healing and help speed cord healing for baby. Diaper paste: 3/4 cup coconut oil 1/4 cup shea butter (can be 1/8 cup to save on cost) 2 T Chamomile flowers 2 T Calendula 1 T beeswax 3 drops Lavender essential oil 3 drops Frankincense essential oil 1 T arrowroot powder 1/4 cup zinc oxide powder 1 T bentonite clay 1 Vitamin E capsule In a double boiler add shea butter, coconut oil, chamomile, and beeswax. Infuse for 1 hour on low heat. Strain with a cheesecloth. Squeeze. When the oil is still liquid place in a large stainless steel bowl. Stir in the arrowroot powder, zinc oxide, vitamin E oil, and Bentonite clay. As the mix continues to cool, add in the essential oils. Stir sporadically then more if needed to order to encourage mix to solidify. Transfer mixture to storage container such as a plastic container, metal tin or glass jar with cozy. Some recipes featured here I obtained through personal botanical study, others through taking botanical classes, and some can be found on: The Human Path Earthwise Doula (Tierra Sabia) Katia Lemone, CPM Botanical Medicine for Women. Aviva Romm. Naturally Healthy Babies & Children. Aviva Romm. wellnessmama.com Angelina Bolton Dancing Doula of the North Certified Intuitive Doula Certified Earthwise Doula What is Your Microbiome and How do you Nourish It? “When we know better, we do better.” What is Your Microbiome? The microbiome is made up of 100 trillion diverse microorganisms, it is an ecosystem that is a part of us. The microbiome weighs more than two pounds, about the weight of the human brain. The microbiome has a direct impact on how the body works (nutrient absorption, detoxification, the health of the gut lining, moods, food cravings, metabolism, how many calories one extracts from ones food, mental clarity and mental function). When your microbiome (the human microorganism ecosystem) is out of balance then your body can have inflammation, hormonal problems, obesity, diabetes, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with thinking or concentration. The microbiome protects us, nourishes us, and even can change our mood and behavior. The microbiome helps the body respond to stress in a healthy way. There are different microbiomes for each place of the body: the skin, the mouth, armpits, scalp, the gut, the yoni, and the anus. There are ten times as many microorganisms inside and on us than human cells. Without a healthy microbiome the human body doesn’t flourish and is more susceptible to autoimmune diseases, ezcema, food intolerances, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and obesity. Where does the microbiome come from? While the baby is growing in his/her mother’s womb the baby may be getting exposure to some microbes via the amniotic fluid in the mother’s womb. The infant microbiome is seeded and bathed through the breaking of the amniotic sac, the mother’s birth canal (species Lactobacilli) and her feces (this is very normal and essential for a healthy gut microbiome, species Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis). Within the first hour the baby will latch to the breast and experience the microbiome of Mom’s skin and the amazing benefits of breastmilk. The baby’s microbiome has the right mix of microbes at the right time for optimal microbial development. This leads to an optimal microbiome lifelong. How does the mother’s microbiome change during pregnancy? She has an increase in high energy yielding microbes. She is actually able to get more nutrition, vitamins, and minerals out of the foods that she eats and beverages she consumes. The yoni microbiome has an increase in Lactobacilli. This helps the yoni keep a low ph, limits bacterial diversity and even prevents pathogens. All of this helps the body optimally prepare for birth and breastfeeding. There is a storing of microbes that will be passed on to her baby during a vaginal birth and through breastfeeding, a maternal heritage. It is extra important that the mother pay close attention to eating a well balanced diet during pregnancy (fresh fruit and vegetables, high fiber, and fermented foods and reducing processed foods) because this nourishes her gut microbiome. What helps protect the baby before birth? Taking a probiotic in the 3rd trimester has been shown to reduce the rate of atopic conditions (particularly eczema and allergies) especially if a cesarean was done. Disruptions in the mother’s vaginal flora could play a role in preventing preterm birth journey, which can occur before the 3rd trimester, and urinary tract infections, Group B strep infection, both of these risk factors for preterm birth and the necessity of antibiotics in pregnancy or the birth journey. One of the best ways that a Mom can protect her baby before birth to take a probiotic as soon as she finds out she is pregnant. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are excellent for helping prevent Group B Strep and UTI. Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus 15 billion, but up to 50 CFUs daily is the best a Mom can take to protect her baby before birth. What’s a Mom to do if she needs to take an antibiotic during pregnancy? Start taking the probiotic along with the antibiotic and continue for the remainder of pregnancy. Remember the consequence of not treating an infection is potentially much worse. By taking a probiotic you are helping yourself and your baby. What nourishes the infant microbiome? An optimal diet by the mother (fresh fruit, vegetables, high fiber, high in fermented foods, and low in processed foods), Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, vaginal birth, skin to skin, and breastmilk. Breastmilk is an important part of this because it not only nourishes the baby but helps nourish the baby’s microbiome. Breastmilk helps the baby’s gut seal completely and absorb nutrients (4-6 months). Breastmilk actually changes depending upon the age of the baby and the time of the feeding. This matches the baby’s gut development and educates our immune cells and helps the genes know when to turn on and off and at the right time. The newborn’s microbiome and immune system learn through breastmilk the difference between a healthy microbiome (our good microbes) and viruses and bugs which should not be in the body. A baby who has a healthy microbiome is less likely to get diseases (colon cancer, obesity, type 1 diabetes, asthma, colitis, Celiac’s disease, and allergies, just to name a few). The first bacteria that go into the baby’s gut help educate the baby’s immature infant immune system, teaching it what is a friend and what is not. Optimal education of the immune system means certain bacteria arrive in a certain order, at a certain time.These healthy microbes are protectors of a healthy immune system. Whatever the baby touches and whatever she/he puts into her/his mouth helps the baby acquire more microbes which helps with educating the immune system. The most diverse microbiome of the human body is the gut. Ninety five percent of our seratonin (our happy hormone) is made in our gut. What we eat truly does affect our mood and behavior. Our gut micriobiome regulates our metabolism and how much fat we store. There are healthy and normal bacteria found in baby’s first poop (meconium) and in the placenta. These bacteria reflect the oral health of the mother. What disrupts the human microbiome? Unnecessary interventions during the birth journey, a cesarean birth, lack of breastmilk (less than a year), introducing food too early (6 months), no or lack of skin to skin with each parent, a diet that is low in fermented foods (sauerkraut, curtido, yogurt, kefir, miso, tempeh, fermented oats) and beverage (kombucha), the use of antibiotics (by Mom during pregnancy, during birth or breastfeeding or given to baby within the first two years of life), pharmaceuticals (Tylenol baby, NSAIDSs, etc), and skincare/beauty products that have toxic ingredients are just some ways that microbiome can be disrupted. During a cesarean birth the baby acquires the microbes that are found in the hospital. The microbial population is different than that of her/his mother’s. What nourishes the microbiome of pregnant women? An optimal diet (wide variety of whole foods, fresh fruits, vegetables (35 grams, about 6-10 servings of vegetables a day), high fiber diet (1-2 Tablespoons freshly ground flaxseed per day), high in fermented foods/beverages and low in sugar and low in processed foods and processed carbohydrates such as baked goods, going gluten free if you think you may be intolerant) pre-biotics, probiotics 50 CFUs (at least through the third trimester Lactobacillus rhuteri and rhamnosus help protect against pre-term birth journey, urinary tract infections and fungal infections), fermented food, bone broth, fermented beverages, and nontoxic beauty/skin care products, and an evidence based holistic approach to health care. How do you protect the microbiome after baby is born? If you took antibiotics during pregnancy/birth, had Group B strep, or your baby was born via Cesarean section then continue taking your probiotic and give a probiotic given to the baby until at least six months of age is very helpful for restoring your baby’s microbiome. The company Klaire Infant, Jarrow, Now Foods, and Flora Udo’s all make probiotics that have the variety of strains that have been found to be the most beneficial in helping the right organisms needed for the baby’s healthy immunologic, metabolic, and neurologic development. The easiest way to give the baby a probiotic is for the mother to express a couple Tablespoons of breast milk and mix the powder into it. Give this to the baby via a plastic eyedropper by placing the dropper next to your nipple while you’re nursing and giving the baby the breastmilk then alternating with the milk probiotic. Another way the baby can take the probiotic is to take it directly from the dropper between feedings or you can mix the probiotic into a clean dish and put your clean pinkie into the mixture then let the baby take it off your finger until the full dose has been taken. Do not dip your finger into the probiotic jar directly because this might damage the strains. Another important step is to continue eating fermented foods and drinking fermented beverages. Thank you. I honor you for the journey you are on, as a mother, as a woman, as a friend. Resources: Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering. Sarah Buckley. Aviva Romm- Baby’s Microbiome-Right from the Start podcast Aviva Romm-Healthy All Year class and Allergy Epidemic class www.healthiestkids.com Microbirth School-the Infant microbiome & epigenetics microbirth online course Nothing changes life as dramatically as having a child. And there was no word to describe that. So we invented the word—matrescence—becoming a mother.” Dana Raphael
"The passion of the motherbond demands whole persons. Everything must be acknowledged." Sue Silverman and Sally Placksin. What is self care? By this, I mean to say—taking care of yourself by doing what makes you feel empowered, energized, and as if you glow from the inside each and every day as a conscious emotional health practice. Why is this important? How a mother feels about herself and the world is a blueprint for how her baby about the world, emotions, relationships, bonding, the ability to cope with stress, change, and injury. The relationship that the father has to the mother is the first relationship that baby is experiencing. What would it look like if this relationship was trusting? What if each person was accepted for who they are and the bond filled with peace. Ultrasounds have actually shown babies crying in response to a simulated fight between parents for a study. If the relationship between parents is dysfunctional it actually increases the child’s risk of psychological and physical damage. The Oxytocin Factor explores the important role of the hormone oxytocin in facilitating bonding, love, and relationships. We can choose what shape we’d like the blueprint for our baby to be. To do this, it helps if you as yourself a few important questions before you begin your own self care practice. 1.) What makes me feel energized, positive, and filled with self acceptance? 2.) What are 3 things that I feel grateful for? 3.) When encountering a negative thought—choosing to be aware of breath. This can be done anywhere and at any time. If you are the sort of person that needs to connect even more with your body at that moment: try a simple forward leaning inversion for 3 deep breaths. It will literally change your perspective. I challenge you to set aside five to ten minutes each and every day for yourself. It might be tough at first but know that I’m doing this same practice right by your side. Psychologist Guy Winch has coined the term emotional first aid. Self care is the chest that holds emotional first aid. Let us begin the journey now. Self care might look different for different people, from talking face to face with a girlfriend over a cup of tea, to block art to dance to knitting to drawing to sitting in the sun watching clouds. Whatever it is that moves you, take the time. After doing this for 2 weeks—you might notice: ability to identify your feelings and choose which ones you want to focus on improved immune system improved emotional resiliance deeper self esteem, self acceptance and self love more patience with oneself, ones partner, and ones child or children, pets, stress and change deeper bond with oneself, ones partner, and ones child or children, pets, your support network better ability to tap into creativity and the right side of the brain a more balanced approach to stress and change quicker releasing of stress, anxiety, worry areas of life becoming unblocked an increased ability to notice the blessings as they occur improved memory increased sensuality/libido emotional authenticity deeper ability to nurture yourself and others Maintaining our emotional health as mothers can be challenging, whether you are a new mom or this is or third child because emotional first aid is generally not taught to children. We’re having to learn it from scratch. By making yourself a priority for 5-10 minutes every day you are working towards the best version of yourself that you can be. The transition to the postpartum period may be smoother because you are the expert on your own emotional needs and know what you need. Talk about an empowered Mama! :) Modeling self care and emotional first aid for your children will serve them in good stead for the rest of their lives. It is the foundation upon which relationships are based. May your child learn emotional first aid by your example. What a wonderful world you are helping to create! Sources: avivaromm.com Pregnant? 12 Things You Can Stop Worry About Right Now. Aviva Romm. eponaquest.com Emotional Message Chart. Linda Kohanov youtube.com How to train your money mind phychologytoday.com The Unexpected Loneliness of New Mothers Why it happens—and what parents of newborns can do. Guy Winch Ph.D http://tobelieveistobe.com/articles/how-a-parents-thoughts-shape-their-unborn-childs-life/ http://www.naturalbabypros.com/article/375/a-mother%E2%80%99s-emotions-affect-her-unborn-child/ http://www.getfitforbirth.com/thoughts-and-feelings-affect-your-unborn-baby/ http://consciouspregnancyretreats.com/your-thoughts-affect-your-unborn-child/ Uvnas Moberg. The Oxytocin Factor. Sally Placksin. Mothering the New Mother—Women’s Feelings & Needs After Childbirth—A Support & Resource Guide. 2nd ed. Aviva Romm. Natural Health After Birth. Guy Winch. Emotional First Aid. Sarah Buckley. Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering. |
Text, call or email me to ask about my classes or schedule a FREE consultation for my doula services.
|