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Getting Ready for Successful Breastfeeding

6/7/2018

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Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you, I earn a commission if you
click through and make a purchase.  I only promote things I feel could be a benefit to my readers.  
We’ve all heard the phrase "breast is best".  We know that breastfeeding has benefits to both baby and mom.  Breastmilk is living food that cannot be duplicated.  It’s natural and normal and all of that.  At this time in our culture, most women are planning on breastfeeding at least some.  Sometimes it’s really easy.  But sometimes its not. At least at first. Here are some ways to set yourself up for better success.
1). Gain family support.  One of the biggest factors in successful breastfeeding is support for you, the mother.  Those early days at home can be hard and emotional.  You’re adjusting to so many things, recovering from a major physical event, and often not getting much sleep.  Without support and middle of the night encouragement, this is the time many moms give up.

(By the way, not breastfeeding at all or choosing to stop is okay if that’s your choice and what you think will be best for you and your family situation.  I don’t know your history or your medical needs and neither does anyone else on the street. My breastfeeding goal for you is just like my goal for your birth.  I want you to make decisions based on information, knowing that you have choices and to not look back on it with regret.)

Anyway, many in our parents generation did not breastfeed their babies and if they did, may still have outdated ideas about what works.  Talk to your husband or partner about breastfeeding.  Talk to the other people who will be helping you after baby is born.  Talk to them about the research showing why this is an important part of having a baby.  Explain that their support in this could make the difference in your breastfeeding relationship.

2). Read a book.  Breastfeeding Made Simple by Kathleen Kendall-Tackett and Nancy Mohrbacher or La Leche League’s The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger and Diana West are both excellent choices.

3). Join a support group.  Fortunately here in the Indy area we really have a variety of excellent options.  Area hospitals with maternity units also have breastfeeding support groups run by their IBCLCs.  Breastfeeding USA and La Leche League both have groups that meet all over the city.  On-line there is the Indy Breastfeeding Moms support group on Facebook that provides moms with informed advice 24 hours a day.

4).  Take a class.  Ask at your chosen birth location about breastfeeding classes.  Many hospitals offer them and they can be an excellent source of information.  There are also online breastfeeding courses like this one that you can take in your pajamas.

5).  Know who to call.  Knowing who to call ahead of time if you need help, extra support, or suspect a tongue tie is a good idea.  You may never need it but in the midst of that newborn haze, not having to research is golden.  Find the name of a local private IBCLC or the number for your hospital’s lactation department.  Your birth doula or postpartum doula should be a good resource for this as well.

Breastfeeding is amazing!  It’s incredible that your body can grow, birth, and then feed a human!  But it’s not always easy at first and sometimes interventions are needed to make it more sustainable. You can breastfeed your baby and you can meet your breastfeeding goals no matter what those are.  Information is power!
Interested in a doula?  Looking for childbirth education? Planning a VBAC?
I would love to help!

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Preparing for Birth

5/4/2018

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​Having a baby is so exciting!  If this is your first baby, it’s not like anything you’ve ever done before.  If it’s not your first, this baby’s birth still may not be anything like the first one. Preparing both mentally and physically is important and will make things easier when the time comes!  Here are 7 things you can do to be more prepared for the arrival of your new little one:


  1. Be active.  Staying fit and active during your pregnancy is important!  However, if you happen to be a personal trainer or gym rat type person, there is such a thing as too strong of a pelvic floor.  You might consider seeing a physical therapist that specializes in pelvic floor in the early days of pregnancy to make sure that your fitness routine is going to help you rather than make things harder.  This is NOT an excuse to sit on your butt and do nothing for 9 months.  Just be smart about what you’re doing.
  2. Eat dates starting around 36 weeks of pregnancy.  Research is showing that eating 6 dates a day for the last several weeks of pregnancy seems to help prepare your body for labor.  Less likely to hit 42 weeks and less likely to have your water break before labor.  If you have gestational diabetes, please talk to your doctor before trying this.
  3. Drink Red Raspberry leaf tea.  The tea can help tone your uterus and make contractions more effective when the day arrives.  Be aware that the recommendation is to drink lots and lots of tea.  I’ve had few clients prefer a tincture that you can find online.
  4. Get regular chiropractic care.  Chiropractic care can help with the “normal” aches and pains of pregnancy while also helping to balance your body to provide more space and optimal positioning for baby.  Chiropractic can also help you body recover it’s normal balance after baby arrives.
  5. Take a childbirth preparation course and make sure your partner comes as well.  Most hospitals that offer maternity care also offer childbirth classes. There are also many independent childbirth classes for particular specialties such as HypnoBabies, The Bradley Method, Birth Bootcamp, or the course I teach, GentleBirth.  Each course type has its own advantages and disadvantages and all help prepare you for the birth of your baby.  If you would prefer a natural, medication free birth, an independent birth class will often provide you with more tools.
  6. Practice the techniques you learn.  Whatever course you choose, practice what you learn.  Practice relaxing, practice hypnosis/mindfulness/breathing, practice positions practice guided imagery .  Use your birth ball.  Dance.  Imagine your baby’s birth in the most positive way you can.  The more you practice, the more prepare you’ll be for the big day.
  7. Hire a doula.  You probably wouldn’t be reading this blog if you weren’t considering a doula.  We provide emotional support, hands on help during labor, and education to mothers and their partners during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.  Research shows that having a doula at your birth increases both the mother’s and partner’s satisfaction in the event, lowers caesarean rates, and lowers risk of postpartum depression.  The research is compelling enough that Dr. John H. Kennell, a medical doctor and founder of DONA International said, “If doulas were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”

Preparing both mentally and physically before the birth of your baby will make things easier when the time comes.  Get excited!  You’re having a baby!
Interested in a doula?  Looking for childbirth education? Planning a VBAC?
I would love to help!
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Spotlight: YogaGarden

2/5/2018

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Exercise and movement promoting flexibility can make such a difference in how you feel during pregnancy, how your labor develops, and in your recovery.  One of my own favorite forms of exercise during my pregnancies was yoga.  My hips always felt better and I could tell I moved better when I was practicing regularly.

While my usual MO for yoga was a video, we have amazing prenatal yoga options here in Indy.  Mimi Sosa with YogaGarden is one I wish I’d know about then.  She teaches prenatal yoga in Broad Ripple and also at IU North and a mommy and baby yoga class too!  You can find more details on her class on her Facebook page.

Mimi is a registered teacher with Yoga Alliance and, according to her bio, studied with  Rolf Gates, Paul Grilley, Sean Corn, Shiva Rea, and Tias Little.  She is certified in prenatal yoga through Lisa Matkin and Sarah Longacre.  She has been teaching prenatal yoga and mommy and baby yoga for the last 15 years and regular yoga classes for 18 years.  She’s also a DONA certified doula like me and an all around really great person!

One of the big benefits to taking a prenatal yoga class over staying home in front of your TV, is that you get to meet other new moms-to-be.  Having some connections and maybe new friends in the world of motherhood before baby arrives is a good thing.  Check out Mimi’s class, the next sessions will be starting mid-February, gain some flexibility, some peace of mind, and maybe some new friends!

Interested in a doula?  Looking for childbirth classes?  Or planning a VBAC? 
Check out these links!
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Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy

1/15/2018

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There are few things I’ve seen that make as big of a difference in labor and birth as chiropractic care.  At one point, after a series of very long births, I considered only taking clients who were being seen by a chiropractor.  I didn’t make that change but I do strongly suggest to all my clients that they see one.  It makes that much of a difference.

Prenatal-specific chiropractic care during pregnancy helps address all the aches and pains that are considered normal.  That low back pain?  This will help.  Having trouble with your pubic bone?  This won’t solve it but it will help.  Previous tail bone injury?  This may make a big difference for you.  Adjustments also help promote balance in the pelvis to provide baby with the most room to move around possible. This in turn encourages baby to move around and more easily move to the best possible position for birth as the time approaches.

In addition, continuing care after your pregnancy can help your body regain its normal balance as you adjust to no longer being pregnant.  Your body make a big change in those 9 months of pregnancy and then a pretty quick one at birth.  It takes time to heal and recover.  Chiropractic care can aid in that recovery.

If you are looking for a chiropractor or would like to speak with one more about the services they offer, we have an abundance of wonderful chiropractors in our community that treat pregnant women.  Here are a few that I highly recommend in no particular order:

Shrout Family Chiropractic in Carmel with Dr. Melissa Shrout & Dr. Tracy Reichert. They have a float tank too!

Rangeline Chiropractic in Carmel with Dr. Hilary Hushower

Sacred Spines with Dr. Kristen Hartwell.  Her office is located inside Sacred Roots Birth Center on the west side.

Mommy & Me Chiropractic with Dr. Stephanie Muir located on the Southside.

Indy Kids Chiropractic in Castleton with Dr. Kristin Huber

Pala Chiropractic with Dr. Shawn Pala in Noblesville.

Himsel Chiropractic with Dr. Jared Himself in Noblesville.

Chiropractic during your pregnancy can make you more comfortable and shorten your labor.  Even if this is something you’ve been skeptical of in the past, I encourage you to try during your pregnancy.  Find someone you like.  It could make a big difference in your comfort level now and  birth later.

Interested in doula services?  I'd love to work with you!
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Past Your "Due Date"?  How to Get Things Rolling...

1/9/2018

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First and foremost, know that going past your due date is totally normal!  Average first time babies come 8 days after their due date (so a lot come later than that too!) and second babies come an average of 3 days past their due date.  Totally normal.  It’s even not that unusual for a second baby to come later than the first baby.  That’s particularly difficult because you expect things to be similar the second time around.  I know this is not what you want to hear.  You want to have your baby here and in your arms and for all these pregnancy symptoms to be behind you.  But.  Sit back.  Relax.  Your baby will come.  Your body knows what to do.  You will actually go into labor.  I promise.  Unless there is a complication, there’s no big rush!  Babies come when babies come.

But…there are few things that can help things get rolling or at least give you something to do that might help so you don’t feel quite so frustrated by the waiting game.


  1. Get moving!  Take a walk, get moving, go about your day.  Scrub floors, be on your hands and knees, rock on your birth ball.  Firstly, staying busy keeps your mind off still being pregnant.  But being upright and moving helps baby move down and put pressure on that cervix.  Being in forward leaning positions, like hands and knees, helps encourage baby towards optimal positioning.  I have written before about prenatal exercise.  Even at the end it's beneficial.
  2. Go to a chiropractor.  Many a baby has been welcomed quickly after a chiropractic adjustment.  Sometimes those hips need some opening and balance and suddenly, baby is ready to come!  Here's a whole post about chiropractic care.
  3. Try some acupressure points.  There are a few acupressure points that can be used to prepare your body for and to promote labor.  Debra Betts is an incredible resource for acupressure both before and during labor that you, your partner, or your doula can learn and do relatively easily.   
  4. Have a session of acupuncture.  A session with a trained acupuncturist may be just what your baby needs for his or her grand entrance!  Acupuncture can also be helpful to convince a breech baby to turn.  We are fortunate to have several great acupuncture options here in in the Indy area, including Cardinal Acupuncture & Natural Wellness and Indiana Reproductive Acupuncture.
  5. Clary sage.  Depending on how receptive your body is, clary sage essential oil, especially when paired with rose and jasmine can help bring about labor and intensify existing contractions.  These oils are considered contraindicated for VBAC women because of the potential for intensity.  Therapeutic grade, reputable brands are of course best (this is my favorite) but even the lower quality options available for walk in purchase can be helpful.
  6. Sex.  For some of you, this is easier to think about that actually accomplish but the natural prostaglandins in semen help ripen your cervix, orgasm and nipple stimulation can create contractions, and the whole process releases your natural oxytocin.  This might be your last opportunity for bit anyway.

These are all options to try that “can” get things moving. These can help increase the hormones in your body that prepare it for labor and bring about birth.  Ultimately, until baby is ready and your hormones have reached that necessary peak baby’s not going to come.  Be patient and if you have any questions or concerns related to your specific situation always talk to your care provider.
Interested in doula services?  I'd love to work with you!
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5 Tips to Survive a Summer Pregnancy

7/25/2016

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It is unbelievably hot.  And some of you are pregnant.  I’ve had a summer pregnancy.  I thought I was going to die!  But there are a few things that can help make it a little more bearable.

1)  Water  I’m talking more water than you ever knew one person could drink.  And then drink some more.  Staying hydrated is important all the time in the heat but especially while you are pregnant.  Getting dehydrated can lead to early labor, low fluid around the baby, and low milk supply after baby is born.  Drink your water!

2)  Loose, Stretchy Clothes  By the end of pregnancy maternity clothes are not fun anymore.  At the beginning it’s pretty fun to have a good excuse to get a whole new wardrobe.  By the end, you’ve worn the same few outfits so many times you can’t stand it.  But when it’s this hot, there are a few things that can make it a little more bearable.  Loose flowing tanks to fit over your every enlarging belly and fold over knit skirts are lifesavers.  Not the maxi ones.  This is no time for a floor length skirt!  The knee length.
  


3) Anti Chafe Cream  I know people have mixed results with these but less chafing is better than needing to wear shorts under those skirts and completely undoing their benefits! 

4)  Real Sandals  Yes, flip flops are easy and everyone loves them but a real sandal that’s made to stay on your foot will help you avoid falls and joint injuries.  Since pregnancy affects your balance and all the Relaxin hormone preparing your body for birth makes your joints more prone to injury, flip flops should probably not be your best friend this summer.  No one wants to be hobbling around on a sore ankle while trying to care for a new baby.

5) Air Conditioning  Yes, this is a given in our climate.  But really, when it’s super hot, your best bet is to stay inside.  If you can’t stay inside, make sure to take breaks where you can cool off regularly, sit down, and drink some more water.  Pools or splash parks can make summer easier for pregnant mamas with other children too.  They can play and you can cool off as needed.

Of course today looks like it's going to shape up to be a little cooler than it has been and looking at the forecast, it looks like the temperatures may be more reasonable for the next few weeks. We may find that our hottest days are behind us.  At least we can hope!  May you find these last days of a summer pregnancy just a little less challenging!
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    Adina Nelson, CD(DONA)

    I am a birth & postpartum doula and chlidbirth educator practicing in North Idaho.

    Serving families in North Idaho and surrounding areas including but not limited to Coeur d'Alene | Post Falls | Rathdrum | Liberty Lake | Newman Lake | Spirit Lake | Athol | Spokane | Spokane Valley 

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    Free eBook!
    She was there every step of the way for me and my husband...I thank Adina for everything she helped us with. She truly is a special person and we will be forever grateful for her! ~Erin

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