Here's to all you breast-feeding mamas out there! No one should be embarrassed to feed their baby in public!
Thank you Hollie McNish
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
We Really Don't Know the Effects Of Labour Interventions
"Inducing labour may contribute to autism
Why babies were being induced in the first place still needs to be considered
The Associated Press
Posted: Aug 13, 2013 12:01 PM ET
Last Updated: Aug 13, 2013 12:00 PM ET
It's possible that labour-inducing drugs might increase the risk — or that the problems that lead doctors to start labour explain the results. These include mothers' diabetes and fetal complications, which have previously been linked with autism.
There is a growing consensus that risks for autism occur before birth or soon after. (Veejay Villafranca/Getty )Like
most research into autism causes, the study doesn't provide conclusive
answers, and the authors say the results shouldn't lead doctors to avoid
inducing labour or speeding it up since it can be life-saving for
mothers and babies.Simon Gregory, lead author and an associate professor of medicine and medical genetics at Duke University, emphasized, "We haven't found a connection for cause and effect. One of the things we need to look at is why they were being induced in the first place."
Government data suggest 1 in 5 U.S. women have labour induced — twice as many as in 1990.
Smaller studies suggested a possible tie between induced labour and autism, but the new research is the largest to date, involving more than 600,000 births. The government-funded study was published online Monday in JAMA Pediatrics.
The researchers examined eight years of North Carolina birth records, and matched 625,042 births with public school data from the late 1990s through 2008. Information on autism diagnoses didn't specify whether cases were mild or severe. Labour was induced or hastened in more than 170,000 births.
Overall, 5,648 children developed autism — three times as many boys as girls. Among autistic boys, almost one-third of the mothers had labour started or hastened, versus almost 29 per cent of the boys without autism. The differences were less pronounced among girls.
Oxytocin and prostaglandins are used to start or speed up labour but the study doesn't identify specific medications.
The strongest risks were in boys whose mothers had labour started and hastened. They were 35 per cent more likely to have autism.
Among girls, autism was not tied to induced labour; it was only more common in those born after labour was accelerated; they were 18 per cent more likely to have the developmental disorder than girls whose mothers had neither treatment.
Autism affects about 1 in 88 U.S. children. Symptoms may involve communication problems including avoiding eye contact and unusual repetitive behaviour including arm-flapping. Causes are uncertain but experts believe it probably results from a combination of genetics and other factors. These may include mothers' illnesses and medication use while pregnant, fathers' age at conception, and problems affecting the fetus during childbirth — all suggested but not proven in previous research.
The study's biggest strength is bolstering the growing consensus that risks for autism occur before birth or soon after, said Dr. Byron King, director of Seattle Children's Hospital's autism centre. He was not involved in the study."
The above is an article from cbc online and can be found here.
I am aware that nothing in this study is conclusive but it really makes you think about our lack of knowledge when it comes to the effects of any labour augmentation or assistance. There has simply not been enough research done or time elapsed to really see the full effect of the medical system's actions in pregnancy, labour and birth. It is terrifying to think about but the fact of the matter is we just don't know. I am NOT suggesting that there is no place for medical intervention when it comes to labour and birth because there most certainly is. In my short time as a doula I have witnessed labours that indeed would have ended in tragedy had medical advances not been available. Conversely, I have also attended births where medical interventions used were seemingly unnecessary and in some cases even harmful. I do believe there is a place in labour and birth for modern medicine but I know it is grossly overused in our society. Because long-term effects of these medical interventions are unknown I think we should not be so nonchalant with there uses and greater care and consideration should be used by those caring for women in labour.
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Ina May Gaskin and Reducing Fear of Birth
Ina May Gaskin, MA, CPM, PhD (Hon) is legendary in the world of Midwifery. She is founder and director of the 41 year old Farm Midwifery Center in Tennessee.
You can read a Bio of the lovely Ina May on her web site here.
One of my favorite 'birth prep' books is Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. It was the only book I found useful while awaiting my own birth journey and I have since lent it to many friends and family. Instead of filling your head with all the things that could possibly go wrong during labour, Ina May provides a much needed dose of positive birth stories and confidence boosting facts about the natural ability of a woman's body to birth a baby. She has an amazing ability to bring a pregnant woman and her obsessing thoughts back to the reality of the entirely natural process. Ina May focuses on reducing fear in labour and birth and talks much about the fear-pain response of a labouring woman. Much of the work a doula does before and during birth is to reduce that woman's fears and therefore the pain she experiences. I entered my labour with 100 percent confidence in myself and my body's ability to birth and believe Ina May's words have much to do with that.
Very Recently a movie was made called Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and the Farm midwives which look amazing. The trailer alone is beautiful.
Thank you Ina May for all that you do to empower women and families and allow people to view birth the way it should be - "unadorned, unabashed, and awe-inspiring"
 |
| Ina May Gaskin, photo credit: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/birth%20story |
You can read a Bio of the lovely Ina May on her web site here.
One of my favorite 'birth prep' books is Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. It was the only book I found useful while awaiting my own birth journey and I have since lent it to many friends and family. Instead of filling your head with all the things that could possibly go wrong during labour, Ina May provides a much needed dose of positive birth stories and confidence boosting facts about the natural ability of a woman's body to birth a baby. She has an amazing ability to bring a pregnant woman and her obsessing thoughts back to the reality of the entirely natural process. Ina May focuses on reducing fear in labour and birth and talks much about the fear-pain response of a labouring woman. Much of the work a doula does before and during birth is to reduce that woman's fears and therefore the pain she experiences. I entered my labour with 100 percent confidence in myself and my body's ability to birth and believe Ina May's words have much to do with that.
Very Recently a movie was made called Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and the Farm midwives which look amazing. The trailer alone is beautiful.
Thank you Ina May for all that you do to empower women and families and allow people to view birth the way it should be - "unadorned, unabashed, and awe-inspiring"
Monday, 1 July 2013
Pelvic Floor Muscles - A topic for EVERYONE!
As a doula I like to attend as many secessions and classes possible so I have the most up-to-date information for my clients. A while ago the Women's Health Clinic (WHC), which operates out of Winnipeg's new birthing centre, offered a class on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) health. PMF is a huge topic in the birthing world so I was most definitely there. A large part of the class was a refresher for me but there were also many new things I learnt. Most moms and moms-to-be have lots of questions on this topic so I thought I would share some information with those who care to learn. Although, as it turns out, it is not only mams and preggos that should be learning about PMF, this is a topic that affects EVERYONE. Yes, that means you too gentlemen.
All the information that follows comes from my doula training and the information presented at the PFM health class provided by the Women's Health Clinic (WHC) and their informational brochures and handouts. Much of this information can be found on their site www.womenshealthclinic.org. More great information can also be found here www.pelvichealthsolutions.ca
This information should not be used to replace a visit with your health care provider.
What are the PFM? The PFM are muscles that originate from the tailbone and insert onto the pubic bone forming a sling that fills the bowl of the pelvis. These muscles not only create a muscular hammock but they also form an intricate network that weaves around and throughout the pelvic organs. The PFM serve five major functions which include supporting the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, vagina, rectum), they also act as the sphincters to control the passage of urine, stool and gas. The PFM assists in respiration through interactions with the diaphragm while also working with the abdominal and core muscles to help stabilize the trunk and spine to improve posture. As if that wasn't enough, the PFM play a significant roll in sexual function and enhanced pleasure. How does that grab ya?!
There are two types of PFM dysfunction: Hypotonicity (Weak pelvic floor muscles) which can contribute to stress incontinence (aka: peeing yourself when you cough, sneeze, run or jump ect.), urge incontinence (feeling like you need to go all the time) both of which are NOT a normal part of aging, pelvic organ prolapse (yes, this can happen), uncontrollable passing of gas or stool (you know who you are), and a feeling of pelvis/sacroiliac instability. Conversely, Hypertonicity (Tight pelvic floor muscles) contributes to urinary and fecal urgency, urge Incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, constipation, dyspareunia, vaginismus, vulvodynia, pudendal neuralgia, interstitial cystitis and chronic prostatits. Both weak or overly tight PF muscles can also cause hip, pelvic or low back pain and stiffness or fatigue.
One of the most shocking things I learnt in this class was the population percentage of those with some form of PFM dysfunction. 96% of the population is affected by at least one aspect of PFM dysfunction and 87% show 2 or more symptoms! That is nearly every one!
Causes of unhealthy PF muscles are plenty. Many things can lead to either weak or tight PF muscles like pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal changes (as in menopause), chronic constipation and straining, chronic coughing (like smokers cough), surgery, recurring UTIs, poor posture, excess weight and lack of exercise are but a few. Some PFM dysfunction symptoms like urge incontinence are made worse by consuming food/drinks that cause irritation to the bladder. For example, the following list worsen symptoms in most people: Coffee, caffeinated tea and sodas (some medications also contain caffeine), alcohol, chocolate and smoking. Some people's symptoms also worsen with the consumption of the following: acidic foods (including tomato and tomato products), citrus fruits and juices, artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, milk and milk products, sugar and honey for some, corn syrup and cranberry juice. I know this last one seems weird considering that cranberry is used to cleanse the kidneys and is good for bladder infections, but it is best to consume cranberry extract. Also, concentrated urine (which happens when we don't drink enough fluids - which most people don't) can irritate the bladder and result in greater symptoms of urgency and frequency. Further, I personally know many of you out there who refuse to use the bathroom anywhere but in the comfort of your own home or, when forced to use a public washroom, hover over the toilet seat in order to avoid any contact with said toilet. Both of these actions (or lack of action I should say) can also wreak havoc on those oh so important PF muscles. Holding in your pee or bowel movement regularly can cause PFM issues while hovering counteracts what you are trying to do by tightening everything up instead of releasing. Also, terrifyingly, propylene glycol and other chemicals found in many soaps, shampoos, perfumes ect, can weaken the muscles which absorb these chemical through your skin. Gross!!
Fortunately, most PFM disorders can be corrected although it may take time and work. Whenever the topic of PFM comes out the first thought is usually 'kegels' or PF exercises (I'll let you look up how to do kegels). Although these are extremely important and crucial in strengthening PF muscles they may not be the answer to all forms of PFM dysfunctions or symptoms. For those with symptoms caused by tight PFM, Kegels would be the last thing you would want to do. It is important to maintain a balance of taught and firm pelvic floor muscles without being overly tight or too weak. Thankfully there is PF physiotherapy available for those who need it. The Incontinence & Pelvic Pain Clinic (IPPC), a division of the Nova Physiotherapy & Sports Fitness Clinic, is run out of the medical arts building and specializes in PFM therapy. Another local physiotherapist that specializes in PFM is Donna Sarna. Also, the WHC has a pelvic pain nurse, Lynn Crocker-Loat who helps women with pelvic issues.
So please be kind to these muscles that serve so many purposes. Keep healthy, drink lots of water, eat well, exercise, do go to the bathroom once when you feel the need and don't hold it forever. Just sit on that dang toilet seat (you can clean it first if you so desire) instead of hovering and try not to strain so much. Do exercise your PFM if they are not overly tight and do see a physiotherapist if you are experiencing unwanted symptoms (you don't have to live with them!).
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to read! Please leave comments and tips for other readers if you so feel the urge.
Happy Summer Guys!!
All the information that follows comes from my doula training and the information presented at the PFM health class provided by the Women's Health Clinic (WHC) and their informational brochures and handouts. Much of this information can be found on their site www.womenshealthclinic.org. More great information can also be found here www.pelvichealthsolutions.ca
This information should not be used to replace a visit with your health care provider.
What are the PFM? The PFM are muscles that originate from the tailbone and insert onto the pubic bone forming a sling that fills the bowl of the pelvis. These muscles not only create a muscular hammock but they also form an intricate network that weaves around and throughout the pelvic organs. The PFM serve five major functions which include supporting the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, vagina, rectum), they also act as the sphincters to control the passage of urine, stool and gas. The PFM assists in respiration through interactions with the diaphragm while also working with the abdominal and core muscles to help stabilize the trunk and spine to improve posture. As if that wasn't enough, the PFM play a significant roll in sexual function and enhanced pleasure. How does that grab ya?!
There are two types of PFM dysfunction: Hypotonicity (Weak pelvic floor muscles) which can contribute to stress incontinence (aka: peeing yourself when you cough, sneeze, run or jump ect.), urge incontinence (feeling like you need to go all the time) both of which are NOT a normal part of aging, pelvic organ prolapse (yes, this can happen), uncontrollable passing of gas or stool (you know who you are), and a feeling of pelvis/sacroiliac instability. Conversely, Hypertonicity (Tight pelvic floor muscles) contributes to urinary and fecal urgency, urge Incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, constipation, dyspareunia, vaginismus, vulvodynia, pudendal neuralgia, interstitial cystitis and chronic prostatits. Both weak or overly tight PF muscles can also cause hip, pelvic or low back pain and stiffness or fatigue.
One of the most shocking things I learnt in this class was the population percentage of those with some form of PFM dysfunction. 96% of the population is affected by at least one aspect of PFM dysfunction and 87% show 2 or more symptoms! That is nearly every one!
Causes of unhealthy PF muscles are plenty. Many things can lead to either weak or tight PF muscles like pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal changes (as in menopause), chronic constipation and straining, chronic coughing (like smokers cough), surgery, recurring UTIs, poor posture, excess weight and lack of exercise are but a few. Some PFM dysfunction symptoms like urge incontinence are made worse by consuming food/drinks that cause irritation to the bladder. For example, the following list worsen symptoms in most people: Coffee, caffeinated tea and sodas (some medications also contain caffeine), alcohol, chocolate and smoking. Some people's symptoms also worsen with the consumption of the following: acidic foods (including tomato and tomato products), citrus fruits and juices, artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, milk and milk products, sugar and honey for some, corn syrup and cranberry juice. I know this last one seems weird considering that cranberry is used to cleanse the kidneys and is good for bladder infections, but it is best to consume cranberry extract. Also, concentrated urine (which happens when we don't drink enough fluids - which most people don't) can irritate the bladder and result in greater symptoms of urgency and frequency. Further, I personally know many of you out there who refuse to use the bathroom anywhere but in the comfort of your own home or, when forced to use a public washroom, hover over the toilet seat in order to avoid any contact with said toilet. Both of these actions (or lack of action I should say) can also wreak havoc on those oh so important PF muscles. Holding in your pee or bowel movement regularly can cause PFM issues while hovering counteracts what you are trying to do by tightening everything up instead of releasing. Also, terrifyingly, propylene glycol and other chemicals found in many soaps, shampoos, perfumes ect, can weaken the muscles which absorb these chemical through your skin. Gross!!
Fortunately, most PFM disorders can be corrected although it may take time and work. Whenever the topic of PFM comes out the first thought is usually 'kegels' or PF exercises (I'll let you look up how to do kegels). Although these are extremely important and crucial in strengthening PF muscles they may not be the answer to all forms of PFM dysfunctions or symptoms. For those with symptoms caused by tight PFM, Kegels would be the last thing you would want to do. It is important to maintain a balance of taught and firm pelvic floor muscles without being overly tight or too weak. Thankfully there is PF physiotherapy available for those who need it. The Incontinence & Pelvic Pain Clinic (IPPC), a division of the Nova Physiotherapy & Sports Fitness Clinic, is run out of the medical arts building and specializes in PFM therapy. Another local physiotherapist that specializes in PFM is Donna Sarna. Also, the WHC has a pelvic pain nurse, Lynn Crocker-Loat who helps women with pelvic issues.
So please be kind to these muscles that serve so many purposes. Keep healthy, drink lots of water, eat well, exercise, do go to the bathroom once when you feel the need and don't hold it forever. Just sit on that dang toilet seat (you can clean it first if you so desire) instead of hovering and try not to strain so much. Do exercise your PFM if they are not overly tight and do see a physiotherapist if you are experiencing unwanted symptoms (you don't have to live with them!).
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to read! Please leave comments and tips for other readers if you so feel the urge.
Happy Summer Guys!!
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Aida is TWO!!
Nope, I still cannot believe that I am the mother of a two-year old. Just like every other parent out there, I'm continually amazed at how fast these babies grow and change into little people with very distinct and sometimes very large personalities. Every second of everyday they are growing!
Every month for the last 2 years my husband and I have been recording our little lady's growth alongside Alfie (a childhood toy of Curran's). I thought it was pretty interesting so I decided to share it with you all.
We had a very nice birthday day with Aida. The hubby took the day off and we spent it with our lady.
Thank you for being such an awesome person Aida. We love you more than anything else! We are so lucky to call you ours. Happy Birthday my little lady!
PS: Happy Summer!!! And in case you were wondering, my 30 day yoga challenge went swimmingly. I accomplished 34 yoga classes in 30 days! I feel great and most definitely rejuvenated. It was a great experience but I am ready to slow it down a bit. The hardest part of this challenge was feeling like I was constantly rushing off and missing out on lots of family time. I have taken a week off of yoga since the end of the challenge which has allowed me to spend some much-needed time with my favorite people but has not been the best for my body. I love yoga and I am going to continue practicing 3-4 times a week, which I hope will bring the right balance into my life. Thanks again to my family for being so patient during the last month and encouraging me to take care of myself. Love love love!
Every month for the last 2 years my husband and I have been recording our little lady's growth alongside Alfie (a childhood toy of Curran's). I thought it was pretty interesting so I decided to share it with you all.
We had a very nice birthday day with Aida. The hubby took the day off and we spent it with our lady.
PS: Happy Summer!!! And in case you were wondering, my 30 day yoga challenge went swimmingly. I accomplished 34 yoga classes in 30 days! I feel great and most definitely rejuvenated. It was a great experience but I am ready to slow it down a bit. The hardest part of this challenge was feeling like I was constantly rushing off and missing out on lots of family time. I have taken a week off of yoga since the end of the challenge which has allowed me to spend some much-needed time with my favorite people but has not been the best for my body. I love yoga and I am going to continue practicing 3-4 times a week, which I hope will bring the right balance into my life. Thanks again to my family for being so patient during the last month and encouraging me to take care of myself. Love love love!
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