HYPNOBIRTHING CELEBRATION
SUN. OCTOBER 28
2-4 PM
WITHROW PARK CLUBHOUSE
725 Logan Ave
For HypnoBirthing
parents and their families, expectant parents and birth professionals
Celebrate your accomplishments!
Reunite with your classmates!
Introduce your babies!
Share your birth stories!
Inspire parents-to-be!
Expectant parents will meet couples who
have used relaxation, breathing and visualizations
to birth peacefully
and gently.
Withrow Park Clubhouse is located at
725 Logan Ave, north end of Withrow Park,
between Logan and Carlaw,
1 block south of the Danforth
The Clubhouse borders on the fenced children's playground.
TTC: Chester or Pape Station
Parking on Logan, McConnell and Carlaw
Stroller friendly
FreeRSVP to
jennifer@lifesjourney.ca
416-462-1938
www.lifesjourney.ca
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Nothing will work unless you do.
Maya Angelou
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2007 HypnoBirthing Stats
births: 50
unmedicated:28
home births: 14
intact perineums: 9
Please send in your
Birth Reports so that your birth is included in these stats!
And remember to announce your births to your classmates.
They are waiting to hear your news! |
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AMAZING JOURNEY!
Watch a woman comfortably and joyfully birth her baby at www.joyinbirthing.com.
Click on the video on the right hand side.
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Next available 5 week series begin:
Mon. Nov. 5
Tues Nov. 20
Thurs. Jan. 10
Learn more:
Having another baby?
Take your second HypnoBirthing class for half price! Attend as many classes as you like!
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HYPNOSIS HELPS!
Private hypnosis sessions
assist women to:
cope with medical conditions,
connect with her baby,
turn a breech baby,
release fears, and
let go of disappointing birth memories.
To book an appointment
contact Jennifer at 416-462-1938 or jennifer@lifesjourney.ca
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Purchase a CD for yourself or a friend:
Birth with Calm and Confidence
Calm and Confidence for the New Mother
Relax and Refocus
Experience mind and body relaxation and train yourself to think positively.
Destination Graduation
a great gift for your favourite university student.
These CDs are written
and recorded by Certified Hypnotist Jennifer Elliott
at Zoo Music
in Toronto
Available from
www.lifesjourney.ca
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Vitamin D Supplements
For several years the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS)has been recommending that all breastfed infants receive 400 IU (international units) of Vitamin D supplements per day. Lack of vitamin D, usually gained from exposure to the sun, can lead to rickets, a disease leading to poor bone growth and development. There is also evidence that increased exposure to vitamin D during key points of fetal and infant development may offer protection against asthma, osteoporosis, dental cavities and inflammatory bowel disease.
Some breastfeeding advocates argue that since breastmilk is a baby's natural food it contains all the nutrients a baby needs.
Now the CPS is suggesting that pregnant women talk to their caregivers about taking a supplement of 2000 IU/day. The Canadian Cancer Society also suggests a daily supplement (1000 IU per day) for adults under 50 from October to March when our Canadian sun is reduced. Vitamin D is believed to reduce the risk of cancer and Multiple Sclerosis.
Two thousand IU is significantly higher than what is currently recommended by Health Canada for women in their childbearing years.
The risks of taking such high doses are not known.
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Greetings!
 The Birth Plan
"A Beacon of Hope"
Occasionally I find that my clients are reluctant to write a Birth Plan. Perhaps the very comprehensive example given in class is intimidating.
A Birth Plan is a set of intentions for your birth. It describes the important elements of your birth to clarify them for you, and to communicate them to your caregivers. It is an opportunity for you to dream together about the birth you want, and then to focus on achieving those desires.
It is a reminder in the midst of labour of what is important to you, a cheat sheet for the Birth Companion, so that he can remember to communicate particular wishes at the right moment in labour. It might remind him, for instance, that you want to be reminded to touch the baby's head shortly before birth.
It is a statement of commitment to calm, gentle birthing for you and your baby.
We are far more likely to achieve our goals if we envision them first. Without a Birth Plan, caregivers may direct the birth and follow a different, perhaps more interventionist plan.
The Birth Plan makes it easier for the Birth Companion to protect the mother from distractions. Because he knows her preferences, and they are written down, the father can speak to medical staff on behalf of his wife. She can remain relaxed while he directs staff to their written intentions. And he can refuse offers of pain relief and medications for augmenting labour because it is in the Birth Plan. He might simply say to anything offered, "Thank you. We prefer to stick to our Birth Plan." Or, "Thank you, we prefer to be patient and trust nature." (Of course, a woman can speak on her own behalf anytime she wishes to change her plan.)
So what should be there? See the guide in your HypnoBirthing book and in your handouts. It encourages you to state your goals for your birth, your desires of your support people and medical staff, your preferences regarding pain medications and other drugs, your plans for second stage and for the first hour after birth.
In the birth story that follows Heather's mother, the grandmother-to-be, refers to the Birth Plan as "A Beacon of Hope for a beautiful, gentle birth." Put your faith in your birthing body and write your own "Beacon of Hope."
Jennifer HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator
To forward this email to a friend click 'forward' at the bottom of this email. There is also a place to unsubscribe.
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THE BIRTH OF BODI
Heather and Bard had planned a beautiful homebirth with their midwife. When Heather was diagnosed with a relatively uncommon condition called Obstetric Cholestasis of Pregnancy at 27 weeks their care was transferred to an OB and they accepted an induction at the hospital at 37 weeks. A new grandmother shares her tender account of her grandaughter's amazing HypnoBirth.
AT HOME June 18th- 20th
Chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs and a wonderful castor oil/vodka cocktail to assist in the bringing on of labour. We make our way to the Hospital.
TRIAGE
Heather is gowned and fettered to a monitor. Bard presents the Azima Family Birth Plan which so beautifully sets out the desires of the parents. It is the beacon of hope for a beautiful gentle birthing.
Oh we are in good spirits and although somewhat uncomfortable, Heather tolerates a brief invasion and the waters are broken.
ROOM 1570
We arrive here at 1300 hrs. Triage Nurse bids us adieu and places Heather into the care of "Day Nurse" Angela and a student of nursing. We set about making ourselves comfortable and preparing for the IV and Oxytocin.
At 1330 hours Day Nurse starts the drip and it begins to insinuate itself into Heather.
IT BEGINS - 6:30 PM
Heather is feeling some pressure and twinges. At 1930 , she is glad that Bard and Mom have had a bite to eat because she does not want us leaving now. Also another changing of the Guard - when we say goodbye to the Day nurses with their promises to come and say hello to Bodi tomorrow morning.
HELLO ALLISON
Night Nurse - and what luck. Allison trained in England - we're so excited. She was a Midwife for 10 years and she "gets it." I think we will have a good night.
10 PM Oxytocin increased to 20. We have settled into somewhat of a symbiotic relationship. The four of us, Night nurse, Heather, Bard and Mom. Bard and Heather at the forefront, working their magic.
10:20PM - Midwife Lilly arrives, Resident arrives at same moment. The room is suddenly full for a few minutes and an exchange of information between parties takes place.
OKAY. NOW IT BEGINS
Heather is working hard! There is a HypnoBirthing CD playing in the background and each time it comes to the end - Bard signals me and I put it back to the beginning again.
Heather is having her most intense contraction yet; she is awesome, unbelievable.
To this point - I have been circulating around the room and leaving Bard and Heather to do their thing, but something inexplicably pulls me towards my daughter. So I tentatively approach the end of the bed and put my hands on her feet, holding them and somehow hoping that this will ground her.
From this point on, there are three of us and unborn baby Bodi.
Allison moves quietly back and forth - increasing Oxytocin, watching Heather carefully - and unobtrusively timing contractions. She is such a gentle spirit but her support is felt like an invisible hug in the room and we all feel grateful that she is there. Every now and then - and I believe unbeknownst to our Star - Dr. T quietly opens the door with a questioning look - "Need anything?" We all shake our heads to silently indicate that all is well - thank you. Soft words - gentle encouragement and Heather working through her labour. I find myself listening to the CD and trying to send the energy that she requires from my hands and through her feet. Allison stands at the end of the bed for a time and we watch an amazing women work though contraction after contraction - eyes closed, working with the word of the HypnoBirthing CD in the background. Allison knows that Heather is doing an incredible job and she is impressed.
ON OUR OWN
Much to our dismay - Allison announces that she must take her meal break. This, as is the way of the world, is Bodi's signal to step things up and show Heather just what labour is all about. She is ready for the challenge.
Heather marches on, she works her way around, trying to get comfortable. She finally straddles the bed and we give her the birthing ball to lean on. Halleluiah, this looks like it might work.
She is in the middle of a contraction right now. New nurse Kim decides this is the exact time to readjust the fetal heart monitor on her belly. Bard asks her to wait; she does not. Bard tells her to wait - she does not. But he maintains the serenity of the birthing room as much a possible by leaving.
Bard has returned. In a moment of chivalry and husbandly duty The Prince rips the monitor off and re-adjusts it himself. I reaffirm my vow to put a circle of protective light around this company of three and see Bodi arrive as peacefully as possible.
Time passes and yet stands still. Bard and I are "hands" on, holding or touching Heather where it feels right to her, trying to will her the energy she needs to keep going. She's on her side now and really feels like Bodi is there. We will tell the next person who comes in to "have a look." Unfortunately - it's Kim, but Heather assumes the position - and we are told there's still a way to go. Heather can't believe it - she knows Bodi is there. She has another feel. Oh yes. The soon to be mommy is right. And Bodi is about to make her appearance.
THE TIME HAS COME
Kim is pressing the call button. She's not leaving the room now. Dr. T walks in nonchalantly. She can't believe that Heather has gone through this labour on her own with no pain medication.
The bed is quickly adjusted and Heather is told to grab her thighs for leverage. She is hearing instructions from all sides. Who to listen to? Push - don't push. Now, not now. Can just one person talk please? Lilly leans in and says, "Heather, now's the time to lock your breath" BINGO! Bodi on her way out. Coming slowly, gracefully, Daddy is at the end of the bed. I am holding a leg and gripping Heather's hand until she lets go into bliss. We are all mesmerized.
0221 HOURS - JUNE 21 - 2007 SUMMER SOLSTICE
BODI AZIMA comes into this World in an atmosphere of Peace and Love 6 lbs, 5 oz.
Somehow through it all The Azima Family Birth Plan is honoured and Bodi is placed with great care onto Mommy's tummy for that first lovely contact with the outside world. Mommy and daughter meet for the first time. Daddy joins them and is handed scissors to cut the cord which has been the life link between Mommy and Bodi up to this point. They remain, beautifully connected, for a few brief moments until Bodi is whisked away for a short visit with the pediatrician to ensure she is well after her journey and that she has not been affected by the obvious meconium that is present.
Daddy follows to shade her delicate eyes from the harsh light and to ensure nothing untoward happens to his baby girl. Lilly is in attendance as well.
I remain with my Beautiful Daughter as Drs. T and S complete their work with her: Placenta delivery and a few stitches here and there. We are reveling in this wonderful aftermath, this Bliss and I believe that Dr. T is actually a little bit humbled - it is a beautiful birth and all in attendance agree.
Darling Bodi, you are well and truly Loved.
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Christine Kowal is owner of The Pet Generation. She offers gentle training and creates portraits of pets and sometimes their people. See Three Dogs below.
Here she shares her wisdom and sensitivity to introducing a pet to a new baby.
Sibling Rivalry -
It's all about Love
Having a baby is a wonderful and life altering experience. It can also be a little bit stressful on the furry members of your family.
Our furry children love us absolutely and completely and any time that they feel that that love is being taken away, or that love comes into question, they start to misbehave. One of the most common problems for dogs is peeing inside the house, for cats outside of the litter box.
It is best to get it all straightened out before baby arrives. There is lots of love for everybody, and everybody is involved.
First of all you have to sit down and explain things to your furry child. It does not matter whether or not they understand the words you speak, they need to hear and feel you telling them about the new family baby that is coming. When we speak to our animals they understand the feelings that come from our heart and those feelings carry the understanding of our words.
They need to know that they are still a part of the family and they are not being replaced. There is going to be more love and a bigger family and they are going to be helping. So as you plan for your new baby keep talking to them. Tell them what you are doing and why, how they are going to be part of everything and that your family is going to be bigger and stronger and you are depending on them to help out.
Make them part of everything. Do not separate them and take away from your love because you are too busy. Dogs, cats, all animals are incredibly protective of babies and children. They can help keep your babies and children safe. Make them part of the process, the excitement, the getting ready for a new family member. Most important make them part of the love. That is what our furry children are all about: LOVE.
Our animals are connected to our feelings and they love to help us feel good. Let them get excited with you. And don't forget to get them toys when you buy baby toys. They need those positive reinforcements as well, but really what they need most is your love, the growing love of your family and to know that they are still an important part of that family.
When you are resting or sitting while you are pregnant, have your furry child on your lap or have their nose on your lap so that they can get to know baby before baby arrives.
All we need is Love
Christine Kowal www.ThePetGeneration.com
TEL 416-406-6006 EMAIL christinekowalhowl@yahoo.ca
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Toronto East General Hospital has been certified as Toronto's FIRST Baby Friendly Hospital! As part of the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) of the World Health Organization and UNICEF, certified hospitals must implement 10 steps to support breastfeeding through maternity and newborn infant care. They are:
1) Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.
2) Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy.
3) Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
4) Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within a half-hour of birth.
5) Show mothers how to breastfeed, and how to maintain lactation even if they should be separated from their infants.
6) Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk, unless medically indicated.
7) Practice rooming-in: allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day.
8) Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
9) Give no artificial teats or pacifiers to breastfeeding infants.
10) Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.
TEGH is one of only five BFI certified hospitals in all of Canada. To learn more about BFI, go to http://breastfeedingcanada.ca/html/bfi.html
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