|
Birth and Mother's Milk
Doula and Mothercare Services
For Parents
Traditional Mother Care For Today's Woman
For services, please email or call Ellen at (315) 462-3394
|
 |
This section of the website is dedicated to you as parents. Here I hope you will find answers to some of your questions, and places to go in the Rochester area or on the web as sources for your needs.
Becoming a Doula
Many women are bitten by the “birth bug” for any number of reasons. Being a doula has many wonderful aspects but like any profession it has its down sides too. If you think you are interested in becoming a doula I would recommend you do some homework and learn some more about the profession. There are both birth and post partum doulas helping families every day. Think about in what area of new parenthood you’d be best at helping.
Read 
Special Women by Paula Perez
The Doula Book by Klaus and Kennell
Talk
With other doulas
Attend the monthly meeting of a nearby doula group
Visit
www.DONA.org here you can find the requirements of becoming a certified doula and when training will be happening
There are other organizations that train doulas such as Birthing from Within, ALACE, and others.
Also visit
www.birtharts.com/ they have a program and philosophy that I respect. If you are interested in taking a postpartum training in the upstate NY area this spring ( May or June 2011) please contact me!
Experience
If you have an opportunity offered to you, attend the birth of a friend or family member.
Breastfeeding
Many times you have a quick question about breastfeeding and don’t need the help of a specialist. An excellent book can help you troubleshoot, so can on-line information sources. Sometimes you are feeling alone with breastfeeding and are looking for support or friendship; local meetings and on-line forums can be really helpful. Or you may need a breast pump for temporary or long term use.
Try these resources:
Reading
The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins good basic information and troubleshooting sections
Breastfeeding: Getting Breastfeeding Right For You by Renfrew, Fischer, and Arms great book on breastfeeding with illustrations
Breastfeeding Your Baby by Sheila Kitzinger photographic and informative for visual learners
So That’s What They’re For! by Janet Tamaro good information on breastfeeding presented in a humorous way
Nursing Mothers, Working Mothers by Kathleen Huggins for all you working moms
The Best Gifts by Marsha Skrypuch picture book for children
If you can’t resolve your problem, if your baby isn’t gaining weight, or if you are very sore or feel ill, Please call me or consult with another lactation specialist for immediate assistance.
Support
La Leche League: mother to mother group breastfeeding support and information since 1956
for a meeting close to you call Lifeline 585-275-5151 They can tell you about meetings from Wayne and Yates county, throughout Rochester, and the west side.
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors: mother to mother, 1-to-1, free support to moms who breastfeed and participate in the WIC program (a supplemental food program for low income women, infants, and children)
Contact your local WIC agency: See listings in Nutrition in Pregnancy
www.breastfeedingpartners.org support and information
There are other places on the web to talk with moms about your experiences breastfeeding, explore until you find the right place for you.
Breast Pumps
If you are experiencing a breastfeeding problem, such as questions about your supply or sore nipples, please consult with me or another lactation specialist before beginning to pump.
Highland Hospital: 585-341-6869
Geneva General Hospital (rentals): 315-787-4000
Mothers to be and More (pumps and hard to find parts): 315-945-9693
WIC (for moms in the program): free rental for qualifying moms, see the numbers above.
Breech or Posterior Baby, Optimal Fetal Positioning
 Normal position
This section is for moms who would like to help their baby get in and stay in a great position for birth and for moms whose baby already may not be in the best position. If your baby is head down and facing the side or back you should not do the things for a breech baby but you can do the things suggested for posterior babies.
|
If you have been told your baby is lying breech you do not have to resign yourself to a C-section. There are position
changes you can try to help the baby turn, as well as acupuncture and moxibustion, music headphones placed low on the belly can help the baby turn too, you can try placing hot and/or cold packs on your belly while talking to your baby or meditating on the baby turning.
There are also procedures like chiropractic care or an external version. You can seek out a doctor who will catch a breech baby especially if this is not your first birth. Another option is to ask if the doctor can manually turn the baby head down after you have dilated, (you would need pain control.) The external version can be attempted in advance of the birth, or when you get the epidural for a planned c-section, if the version is successful you can go on to deliver vaginally. Sometimes there is a reason the baby is in this position which you can intuit or discover at the birth, other times it’s a mystery.
If you try these things and the baby is persistently in a breech position you might seek out a midwife who will catch the baby either in hospital or at home. Studies tell us that a baby born vaginally in certain breech positions is not in greater danger for neurological damage than if he were head down and that by being born vaginally he will have higher IQ scores than if he were born surgically. So, it will benefit you and your baby to try for a vaginal birth. You may have to change you plans or be willing to go some distance for a vaginal birth but it is safer than surgery, your recovery will be quicker, and your baby is not necessarily at greater risk.
 Posterior Position
For you moms out there with a baby in a posterior position you can help your baby to turn around a bit too. Forward leaning positions, sitting on a physio-ball, upright postures rather than slouching, and stretching in a hands and knees or head-down-butt-in-the-air positions can help your baby get angled and settled in the best position for birth.
You can also do hot/cold packs on your belly and talk to the baby or visualize your child turning the direction you want (face to the back). Chiropractic care is well known to help with assisting the baby find the correct direction.
Sometimes there is a reason the baby is in this position and we may never know. But babies can and are born “sunny side up” every day. Many times the baby can and will turn during labor to the position that makes birth easier. If he doesn’t you could ask the doctor if the baby can be turned manually once you are fully dilated.
|
If you have questions about these suggestions seeking out the assistance of a doula or childbirth educator can be very helpful prenatally. In the mean time I’ve listed below a variety of sources in practitioners and information.
ChiropractorsDr. Kimberly Valentine 585-381-2880
Dr. Paula Derleth 585-598-3535
Dr. Melissa O'Loughlin 585-394-2030 www.cdgawellness.com
Dr. Howard Hadley 585-272-1480
Chiropractic works by balancing the muscle tone of the body by aligning the bones of the torso and pelvis and releasing tight muscles. When all is balanced the baby can lay in the proper position.
Acupuncture
Deeanne Bevin 585-383-8450
John Shang and Jin Feng 585-223-7880 see link under professionals for website
Acupuncture stimulates and balances the energy patterns of your body releasing blocked areas allowing proper function.
Midwives
Home and Hospital Midwives in the Ithaca Area See link to website in professional support
Linda Schutt 607-387-3591 Trumansburg
Sue D. (call Ellen 315-462-3394) Syracuse and Rochester area
Meg Grindrod and Sarah Cayer 585-669-2355 Rochester area
Eileen Stewart 716-655-6025 Buffalo area
Brigitte Rhody 585-737-0773
http://www.thefarmmidwives.org
Reading-Visual-Information
video of getting into the inversion position
information about fetal positioning and ways to turn the baby
17 ways to turn a breech
The Farm Midwives have a lot of info, see the website under professionals
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin read pages 248 and 249 especially
There are many sources of information on the web, keep looking! Learn all you can so you can make an informed decision.
Circumcision
A word on circumcison. This is a touchy subject but one worth discussing. While the decision to circumcize your son is a personal one and I deeply respect that, I believe a parent has both the right and the responsibility to be informed completely on proceedures they accept for their children. Be that immunizations, orthodontic braces, ear piercings, needed or cosmetic surgeries parents need to know the risks and benefits of each and the long term effects before deciding.
Cicumcision is a very painful, traumatic, permanent, sexual, cosmetic surgery performed on a newborn baby boy. This is worth thinking through. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not reccommend this surgery for normal healthy infants... there are no medical reasons to perform it. It does not protect your son from disease or ridicule.
The peak circumcision rate was in the late 1960's and was in the 95% range, which means that most moms and dads giving birth today (people in their 40's down through those born in the early 1980's) will have more experience personally with the circumsized penis. This is what we are used to visually, socially, personally, and sexually. But it is not what our sons and daughters will be used to. Currently the rate of foreskin removal is about 50%, more or less depending on culture, religion, and geographic area. This means that our children will not be the only boys with a foreskin on the team, your daughter will meet men with and without, your son will meet women who are used to both.
Did you know that the foreskin in an adult male is the size of an index card and is the most sesitive part of the male human body?
Did you know that other cultures view American male circumcision as mutilation and abuse, the same as we view female "circumcision"?
Did you know that the foreskin provides pleasure to both the woman and the man during intercourse?
Have you thought about all the other ways your son will not "match" his father or brothers? Such as eye color, hair color, body build, etc? In addition it's very easy to explain why they look different and your son will be appalled to learn the truth.
Did you know that this surgical proceedure can effect your son both physically and emotionally for the rest of his life and can effect his trust, love, and bond with your for years to come?
Did you know that complications regularly occur and require more medical procedures be done on the baby?
I ask that you view this film on-line before you decide. www.nocirc.org It is not long and will cover all your questions and fully inform you about this unnecessary proceedure, how it is done, and how to care for your son after birth should you choose not to circumsize.
If you still have questions or need help deciding, or prefer not to watch the film please visit this website which is excellent and a wonderful resource on helping you decide to cut or not to cut. www.circumcisiondecisionmaker.com.
Classes for Families, Moms, and Kids
Baby Wearing/Slings
Caren Pita 585-464-0207
Alia Heise 315-577-2153
Kae's Kloset 585-394-2333
1-to-1 help learning to use your sling, knowledgeable about different types and styles of slings
There are many styles of slings. Explore, talk to friends and other moms, try out their slings before you buy.
Elimination Communication (the un-diapered baby)
Cheryl Johnson 585-259-0109
Family Planning/ Fertility Awareness
Fertility Awareness Network, Ilene Richman, director, 212-475-4490 800-597-6267
Your Fertility Signals by Merryl Winstein
Infant Massage
Learn to massage and soothe your baby
Amy Campbell LMT 585-545-5641
Sarah Brown LMT 585-381-9780
ICAN- International Cesarean Awareness Network
For moms who would like to prevent a C-section, have a VBAC, or need a place to open up about a traumatic birth
Mom to mom support, also on-line support when you join the group
Kindersign
Learn to communicate with your baby and discover what your baby wants before she can talk!
Kim Maguda, instructor 585-359-1044
MovementSilent Rhythm Dance, Barbarah and Kamenah teachers www.silentrhythmdance.com
Rochester Belly Dance, Laura teacher
Middle Eastern dance is excellent preparation for childbirth. It both loosens and strengthens all the muscles that need to loosen and be strong for birth. It helps us become comfortable moving this middle part of our bodies when our culture tells us to keep it tight. In actuality we need to be able to move freely and be comfortable to give birth. It helps with back pain, hip pain, and helps us feel beautiful. And no, you don’t have to reveal your belly.
Dancing For Birth Cheryl 585-204-0336
Open Sky Yoga 585-244-0782
Organic Alley 585-264-9133
Prenatal yoga increases flexibility, focus, and relaxation, helps with
relaxed breathing, and teaches you positions that will help with birth.
Pet Preparation
New pet? Or new baby? Learn to help your furry friend accept and love your newest family member.
“See Spot Think” (dog training) Cindy Harrison: 585-359-2341
“Bring Baby Home To Your Pet” Kirsten Rohl: 585-750-4549
Cloth Diapering
I have created a whole page just on cloth diapering you can reach from the menu bar. You'll find tips, suggestions, troubleshooting, set-up, and care instructions. As well, you will find locations for purchase locally.
Diapers? Do you really have to use them?
The answer is no. Elimination Communication (the un-diapered baby) is the idea that your baby can communicate his or her need
to eliminate waste and parents can learn to hear those signals just like we learn to tell when baby is hungry or tired, and respond appropriately.
The good folks at Diaper Free Baby have made a great website for you to explore and learn more about this.
For in-person support in Rochester you can speak with Cheryl Johnson 585-259-0109
Mom to Mom Support
Having a baby can mean so many changes for each member of the family, especially mom. I’ve included here many groups you can join in on to find friendship and support.
Adoption Resource Network (birth mother support group): 585-350-2500
Elimination Communication( un-diapered baby information and support): contact info in the diaper section
Holistic Moms Network: Jean Lockwood 585-624-1569
Home Birth Circle (information and support about homebirth options): Lynn 585-899-6803
ICAN (cesarean prevention and support) : Alison 585-594-4601
La Leche League: ( breastfeeding support and information) For a meeting close to you call Lifeline 585-275-5151
St John’s Lutheran Church 315-986-3045
Mothers and More(stay at home moms ): Liz 585-234-6498
Parallel (pregnancy and newborn loss): 585-582-2280
Rochester Area Birth Network (birth related services, services, and advocacy): www.rabn.org 585-234-0022
Nutrition and Nausea
There are many sources for learning to eat well in pregnancy. The important thing is to EAT WELL, for by eating with nutrition in mind you will feel better, your body will be healthy and will make a healthy pregnancy, your baby will be healthy & strong and will more likely come one time (not early!) , and her placenta and amniotic sac will be healthy and functioning optimally for her growth and development.
Self Study:
Brewer Diet for healthy pregnancy
Professional help:
Eating For You and Baby Too 585-271-6310 see website under professionals
WIC Supplemental Food Program For Women Infants and Children for low income families
Contact your local WIC agency:
Monroe County: 585-464-6486
Finger Lakes: 585-394-9240
Anthony Jordan: 585-454-2630
Nausea
Feeling sick to your stomach is never a good feeling and its can be a real let down in the midst of such an exciting time in your life! Unfortunately, nausea and vomiting are common in pregnancy. And it can strike in any or all of the trimesters. Eating healthful foods that appeal is important. Eating high protein snacks, not going long periods without food, staying hydrated, and avoiding situations and foods that disturb your belly are important ways to keep that feeling at bay. Fresh air goes a long way to stop nausea. You may need change the temperature of the water you’re drinking especially if you like cold water best. Room temperature, warm or hot water or beverages are often less upsetting to the stomach. Air sickness acupressure wrist bands may help.
If the vomiting is severe, you can’t stop, it goes on all day and you are concerned you’ll want to see your doctor.
You can visit this website and so can your doctor for information on how best to help :
www.helpher.orgTalk to your doctor about taking a shot of Vitamin B6 or B6 plus an antihistamine to help control the vomiting.
New research indicates that H.Pylori ( the ulcer causing bug) is implicated in cases of severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy... Ask your doctor (OB or Internist) to have you tested.
You might consult an acupuncturist or Chinese herbalist as Eastern medicine has treatments that allopathic medicine doesn’t know about. The same can be said for Ayurvedic medicine (East Indian).
Deeanne Bevin 585-383-8450 acupuncture and Chinese herbs
John Shang and Jin Feng 585-223-7880 www.ancientacu.com acupuncture and Chinese herbs
Sonam Targee 585-256-1841 ayurvedic and Chinese herbs
Professional Support
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Deeanne Bevin 585-383-8450
Ayurvedic
Sonam Targee 585-256-1841
Chiropractors
Dr. Kimberly Valentine 585-381-2880
Dr. Howard Hadley 585-272-1480
Dr. Paula Derleth 585-598-3535
Emotional Counseling (licensed therapists)
Ruth Fogarty 585-247-1512
Estalyn Walcoff 585-442-3440
Jessica Germano-Fokin 585-362-7284
Herbs/Natural Foods
Lori’s Natural Foods 585-424-2323
India House Store 585-244-9210
Mother Earth Natural Foods 315-789-2714
Massage
Midwives
Linda Schutt 607-387-3591 Trumansburg
Sue D. (call Ellen 315-462-3394) Syracuse and Rochester area
Meg Grindrod and Sarah Cayer 585-669-2355 Rochester area
Eileen Stewart 716-655-6025 Buffalo area
For a complete list of Rochester area midwives contact RABN (Rochester area Birth Network):
visit their website
Nutrition
WIC Supplemental Food Program For Women Infants and Children
Contact your local WIC agency: see contact info under nutrition section
Recommended Reading (and viewing)
Reading is a great way to educate yourself about pregnancy parenting and birth. While not everyone enjoys or finds reading easy there are always times when a book can be handy. For those who love to read or who are determined to educate themselves this list is a good place to begin.A few films have been added for non-book readers or a change of pace.
Birth and Pregnancy
An Easier Childbirth by Gayle Peterson
The Birth Book by William and Martha Sears
Birthing from Within by Pam England
The Birth That’s Right For You by Amen Ness, Lisa Rubin & Jackie Berner
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzsinger
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin
You & Your Baby: Pregnancy by Laura Riley
Parenting and Breastfeeding
The Baby Book by William and Martha Sears
BestFeeding: Getting Breastfeeding Right For You by Renfrew, Fisher, & Arms
The Happiest Baby On The Block by Harvey Karp
The No-cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley
The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins
Nursing Mother, Working Mother by Katleen Huggins
The Vaccine Book by Robert Sears
Fertility Awareness and Post Partum
After the Baby’s Birth by Robin Lim
Fertility Cycles and Nutrition by Marilyn Shannon
Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler
The Year after Childbirth by Sheila Kitzsinger
Your Fertility Signals by Merryl Weinstein
For Young Children
Angel in the Waters by Regina Doman
The Best Gifts by Marsha Skrypuch
Happy Birth Day by Robie H. Harris
It’s So Amazing! A Book About Eggs Sperm Birth Babies and Families by Robie H. Harris
On Mother’s Lap by Ann Herbert Scott
Sophie and the New Baby by Laurence Anholt
Welcome With Love by Jenni Overend
Will There Be A Lap For Me? by Dorothy Corey
Visit your local library for a wide variety of books about having a new baby at home
For the purchase of any book listed on this site please visit Amazon, I love them because they have free shipping.
You can look in your local library for both books and movies and Netflix also has many of the movie titles.
Movies for your viewing education
Orgasmic Birth
(learn how birth can be emotionally and physically satifying and a pleasure.)
Born In the USA (documentary exploring the changes in birth practices and options today)
Gentle Birth Choices
(nice way to learn about chpices in childbirth and why they help and are inmportant)
Pregnant in America
(a man and his wife set out to explore birth in America and their choices along the way in Pregnancy.. their journey to birth and hte out come)
Birth Without Violence
(learn from Frederick Le Boyer and others on how to make your baby's birth tender and gentle)
Birth As We Know It (natural births in a natural environment bautiful birht footage .. inspiring)
Laugh and Learn about Childbirth (a bit of childbirth education to supplement a class)
Family links
There are many links throughout this page and this website. Check under the specific topic you are interested in.
www.sweetpeadiapers.org Rochester's diaper service, so you don't have to wash your own.
sites.google.com/site/bottomsupdiapers/Here is my site describing my diaper sales
www.parallel.org Support for families who have suffered a loss (miscarriage, medical termination, stillbirth, newborn)
www.motherfriendly.org World Health Organization has definitive ideas about what is good for moms and babies
homebirthcircle@yahoogroups.com for meeting and talking with others about home birth
www.softwarescout.com assistance for software engineers looking for a great job
www.blackcatwebinc.com for all your web design needs
www.greenpeople.org for living a greener life and leaving a smaller footprint for our kids
doulamatch find my page and calendar of availability (updated every 2 months)
I have pages on My Space and Facebook... visit anytime
www.lamaze.org
www.birthingfromwithin.org I'll be taking additional training in the next year! (2010-2011)
www.childbirthconnection.org good reasearch for parents
www.breastfeeding.org great breastfeeding info
www.albuquerquehomebirth.com/TUBS.html get your own birth tub here
www.doulanetwork.com see my listing here
www.doulaworld.com I'm listed here as well... my first appearance on the internet
www.DrMoz.com See my listing here
www.pregnancy-place.com
www.rslnetwork.com/midwifery
https://sites.google.com/site/doulababyroch/
Find my listing at Thumbtack.com Lots of good questions answered there
Copyright © BirthAndMothersMilk.com. All rights reserved.
(Rikki Lake explores birth in America and home birth in particular)
(watch how your baby grows and is born)
(Births in 3 families)