You say prepare for Postpartum

Most individuals dedicate ample time to preparing for childbirth, recognizing the mental readiness required. Yet, postpartum, a crucial but often overlooked stage, is frequently underprepared for. Assumptions of ample support and ideal outcomes prevail, without thorough communication. Addressing this, during prenatal visits, families are prompted to create a postpartum plan, a vital discussion with partners and family. It encompasses essential aspects like defining boundaries, involvement of family and friends during birth and postpartum, birthing room guests, visitation timing, and defining support roles. This structured postpartum package aids families in navigating this transitional phase comfortably.

Upon returning home with the newborn, the focus shifts to recovery for both parents. While mothers’ needs are more apparent, fathers play a significant role in postpartum care. Encouraging fathers to partake actively for at least two weeks post-birth ensures family bonding, routine establishment, and support for the mother’s recovery.

For fathers seeking guidance, a Daddy boot camp serves as a valuable resource covering basic caregiving skills. Embracing diverse cultural practices, particularly those emphasizing communal support, can enrich the postpartum experience. Acknowledging the benefits of collective care in Indigenous communities, where postpartum care is prioritized over a swift return to normalcy, sheds light on alternative approaches.

In the United States, cultural diversity is abundant, offering opportunities for mutual learning and growth. However, a tendency to prioritize individual autonomy over communal support can hinder postpartum experiences. Reflecting on varied cultural postpartum practices can provide valuable insights for enhancing the overall postpartum journey.

 In the United States, cultural diversity is abundant, offering opportunities for mutual learning and growth. However, a tendency to prioritize individual autonomy over communal support can hinder postpartum experiences. Reflecting on varied cultural postpartum practices can provide valuable insights for enhancing the overall postpartum journey. another. Here are a few things to consider.

1. Who is cleaning the residence?
2. Who is cooking breakfast, Lunch and dinner?
3. Who will grocery shop?
4. Who will run errands?
5. If mom isn't feeling well who will help her with feedings?
6.Who is allowed in the home, when and how long?
7. Aside from the family who will be important to recovery?

Here are a few points to keep in mind. While we all have family and friends, it's essential not to assume they will automatically help. Instead, it's okay to inquire about what they are willing to assist with during the postpartum phase. After discussing the essentials, think about who you are comfortable having around your family and when. 

Remember, as a new family, it's crucial to allow time for bonding.

Seeding and Feeding starts your legacy

Seeding and Feeding starts your legacy

We are such an Amazing creation with an AMAZING Creator. There are so many reasons for this comment. However, today my reason is Microbiome. You say "what are microbiome"?  

Microbiome are microorganisms in a particular environment (including the body or a part of the body)."we depend on a vast army of microbes to stay alive: a microbiome that protects us against germs, breaks down food to release energy, and produces vitamins"

 We all have trillions of microbiomes in our body however the amazing part of this is that it is our generational genetic make up. You pass this down to your family line after birth. Women give birth to their babies and the most amazing thing happens. The microbial transfer starts once the amniotic sac ruptures. Microbial are organisms  set your baby gut and  immune system.

 Do not mistaken this for GBS. What is GBS you ask?  Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacterial infection that can be found in a pregnant woman’s vagina or rectum. This bacteria is normally found in the vagina and/or rectum of about 25% of all healthy adult women. Women who test positive for GBS are said to be colonized. A mother can pass GBS to her baby during delivery. This is a very serious issue. However I am not able to go into more detail at the time.

Imagine this, you have passed down generations of bacteria that establishes your child gut and immune system. This exposure happens like a fine tuned machine. This exchange happens only once. Your pregnancy is one experience that is beyond any one persons comprehension. You were able to carry another human being. Wow! You feel this human growing, moving and interacting with you. I was in awe of this experience.

 As a mother you consider the legacy you strive to build for your child and never in a million years could you imagine that you are passing down to your child trillions of your Mother, Grand Mother, Great Grand Mother and so on and so on microbiome. Your baby original contact happens when the sac ruptures then baby passes through the canal and out the vagina. This is when baby comes in contact with vaginal bacteria after your gut bacteria. Now we happen to poop on the table because we use the same muscles to push that's when we defecate. Pooping during birth will be discussed in another Blog at a later date. If there is any poop on or near your child as it exits your baby come in contact with more microbials and then finally you do skin to skin and initiate the feeding process. You are not just feeding your little one. These organisms perform important functions that include digesting unused nutrients, producing vitamins, stimulating normal immune development, countering harmful bacteria and fostering maturation of the gut.

 Can you believe this? Now consider this your breast milk is more special than you know? Your milk provides sugary food for the microbial. We all know bacteria love sugar. However, this sugar is good and so is this bacteria. This a part of the maturation of the gut. As you feed the bacteria you create a environment where the bacteria grow and there for create a good bacteria haven. 

  The other amazing thing is that this exchange happens in a particular order so that each phase prepares the microbial for the next phase. I can barely contain myself A.M.A.Z.ING... 

  Now for the Mom who is told that you have to have a C-section no worries. You can create a microbial exchange. There is something that some Dr. will do call Seeding. Seeding is when the Dr. will expose baby to your microbials. The most wonderful thing for woman who would love to pass their legacy on. 

 For those who elect to have a C-section it is definitely your choice but understand the convenience you create is more than just a quick birth.  Many studies have suggested that the trillions of micro-organisms that are in our human body influence our present and future health and may account for the rising serious medical conditions now plaguing Americans, youth and elderly.

  Researchers believe a disruption in one or more of these phases can lead to serious, health problems. One thing they mentioned was gut maturation is impaired or delayed, some experts believe undigested proteins could leak into the bloodstream and trigger an allergy or gluten intolerance, or an impaired immune system could result in an autoimmune disorder like Type 1 diabetes, juvenile arthritis or multiple sclerosis.

 Can you believe this all from a bacterial change or lack of exchange.

When I gave birth to my precious daughter I never consider that my birthing experience was more than I knew. I passed not just my bacteria but My Mothers, My deceased Grand Mother and Great Grand Mother bacteria. I miss them so much and to know that I am carrying them with me and not just in memory and I have passed it on to my daughter this has given me great joy and comfort. 

 So, Beautiful Woman and Mommies I hope you are excited for your part in legacy building in your family. 

I hope this is helpful and give you useful information. If you are informed you need a c-section please ask your Provider about seeding. If you are electing a c-section I hope this has given you useful information to create a stabilized gut and immune system

 Do not miss understand I am not judging anyone. Your birth is your birth. Be proud of it.

I hope you serve you soon.

Peaceful Birthing Doula

Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women

http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

(630)481-6079

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Massage when pregnant? Really!? Why?

 Do you need a massage while pregnant? 

This society is so set on dealing with issues and symptoms as they come. To be honest massage is needed period. We have to start to think from a preventative perspective. 

Why take vitamins? Why exercise? Why watch what you eat ? It is all to prevent something. Correct? 

There are over 600 muscles and over 200 bones in the human body. For women some are different than men.  Specifically our hips because they are designed to hold a growing baby and move as baby grows. Your muscle will be a huge part of This transformation. Muscle pulls bone. So, why would you want your muscle tight? They need to be pliable and ready to do their duty.. 

Tight muscles along with moving bones are part of the majority of the reason why women experience low back pain, hip pain and glutes and sciatic pain during pregnancy. After birth the neck, shoulder and midback pain is common due to breastfeeding. 

Ok! So, let's try the preventive approach and see how massage can work. Why take prenatal vitamins? Why have placenta encapsulation?Again all is to prevent. I support more women who just never consider massage until they are uncomfortable or in severe pain. What concerns me the most is many wait til we are in the middle of laboring. They start to experience cramps in their back, leg or glutes. I usually have to provide massage that maybe uncomfortable to them in addition to  laboring discomfort. Everything count during pregnancy. Please prepare your body for the changes. You should consider what keep you comfortable.

Massage also is great for relaxation and releasing tension. If your physically ok then just relax and enjoy pregnancy with massage. Pregnancy can be overwhelming for some and some leave you with feelings of trepidation which can cause muscle tension consider massage.

Every Beautiful Mommy never consider what it take to have a beautiful and successful Birth. Massage keep you muscularly in optimal shape along with frequent activity if you can along with stretching and please don't forget you have to consider structurally making sure your body can respond optimally at the task at hand.

1. Massage therapy at least once a month
2. Stretch
3. Hydrate
4. Chiropractic
5. Stay active with something as simple as walking, mobility like yoga.

Beautiful Mommies PLEASE DO NOT WAIT TIL YOUR IN PAIN. PLEASE use a preventive mind set so you can enjoy your pregnancy.

Have I mentioned anything that sound familiar? If this is you or you know someone this remind you of. Schedule Massage Today.

I hope you serve you soon.
Schedule: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/7V52CNRZR2T3Z/peaceful-birthing-doula-addison-il

Peaceful Birthing Doula

Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women

http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

(630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

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Rejoice a Child is Born

Today I am fresh off of a very special birth. I love every birth experience. This Momma I supported I have known her for 10 years she started out as my massage client. I remember meeting her for the first time. She wanted a massage but was nervous about undressing. It took a while and finally I gained her trust. We began to grow a friendship and now here we are September 23, 2018 at 9:39am I supported and witnessed my friend and client at her strongest time of her life. She would speak to me about her ideas of having a different birth from her first. She desired to be more confident, more in control and more aware of what was happening.

After speaking to me and asking questions to educate herself she decided she would like me to be apart of her 2nd birth. I was so honored. I know this was a huge decision for her and her Husband. I was ready to take on the task of supporting my friend as she persued Birthing her way. I assured her that she was fit and her days at curves workout center would be very helpful to her.

I spoke with them Friday about the plans as to how they wanted to labor. We discussed what room will be more comfortable, what was her vision of the labor and birth. Both her and her Husband were confident about one thing not experience birth the same as her first birth.  We discussed being patient, relaxing and communicating with me as labor progress.

I received a call about possible leaking amnio fluid. I wasn't convinced and believed it was urine. We laughed about the urine. I hear stories of the acupuncture session. I then receive a message at 11:30pm giving me a heads up on contractions and mucus plug coming out. After a shower and some rest our morning started at 7am. This Momma was up and laboring strong. I hear concern in her Husband voice and receive a message as I arrive to their house of leaving to go to hospital. I get in there and I see a momma who is laboring strong. I also notice this momma is pushing I learned from a midwife friend to check birth line and I could really see in the lighting so I start hip squeezes. I get her to calm down and a HUGE contraction that changed the course of her labor. I call for her Husband start the car we need to go. As her father comes in and her Princess is hanging around to see if her Momma was ok. They assured her everything was okay and she was ready to hear if she had a Little Brother or Sister.

We arrived at Hinsdale Hospital at 8:52am. I park their vehicle and head in to the room.I walk in the room and find Mom hands and knees and groaning in labor. the Midwife has her change position and we start the pushing 40 minutes of strong pushing and determination Baby Jordan was born 9/23 yes 23 like Michael Jordan. There was a room full of Joy and peace as Dad announced the sex and cute the cord. Observing him hug Momma and reassure her that she was beautiful, strong and he was so proud of her.

Baby Jordan was eager to start feeding. He had a strong suck and made Momma proud. though you really can not plan a births outcome you can do everything possible to ensure few to no issues. This family stayed positive and confident during the entire experience.

I Loved supporting this family and look forward to watching this family grow.

Peaceful Birthing Doula

Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women

http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

(630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

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Wait what?

Wait What?

Today was an amazing day. As a birth worker we always enjoy the experience of laboring with families and having amazing births. You ask what is an amazing birth consist of? Well, an amazing birth is when a Mom is strong in mind, she know her limits and she is willing and able do the simple thing allow her body to work. We of course know the Birth itself is amazing that goes without saying.
Mrs. P is due September 17th and she apparently had the time of her life the past few days due to the most wonderful birthday celebration with her Husband. It is funny how when I first met them I was left with a lot of unanswered questions, do they like me? will they hire me? what did they think of me? They were a very pleasant couple. It was very clear Mrs. P will have the final word. If you knew this Mom you would believe all her words are the final word. this mom is not just beautiful and pregnant she is brilliant and has a very suddle since of humor.

As time past during the pregnancy I was excited and wonder what to expect with this couple. I was under the assumption that I would have plenty of time to prepare for their big day. This handsome little fella didn't think I needed to prepare.

I knew my holiday weekend would be a blast I just didn't know what would make it a blast. Lol!!
I was just finished breakfast as the phone starts to ring. I hear her say "I am leaking fluid and the midwife says to come to the hospital to get checked". I was having contractions last night". Ok! So,here is how the holiday is starting. I inform them it could be amnio fluid or baby could be on bladder once they test the fluid call me and let me know what they tell you. I know it could go either way, I just decided it is time to get ready. I was not sure what to expect but I knew I need to be ready just in case. My next call was being told that they were being admitted and to come to hospital.

This is a holiday weekend heading into Chicago. This was the biggest joke ever. It literally took forever. I made it and Mom labor had started without any assistance. I was excited because we were able to avoid any induction. Even thou she wasn't excited about the discomfort, she was definitely excited that she was able to avoid the Pitocin. The birth plan was clear, it appears that her request was heard in the heavens because there was no need to induce. Everything has started naturally. The labor is full force and has gone from 0 to 60 in the time it took me to commute to the hospital. This Mom was strong and hanging in there as best she could.

It was clear that Dad was concerned for his beautiful Wife. She sat on the edge of the bed working on her breath as I entered the room. The contraction were a little more than she would have liked. I immediately drop my bags to start working on making her comfortable. Baby was clearly in a not so favorable position. I remember the look she gave me of relief . We did everything we could to give her comfort. Baby wasn't interested in moving to make Mom feel any better. Back labor is our culprit. Oh! how I dislike back labor. Immediately, we go hands and knees with a bit of rebozo  and some hip squeezes. I was sure this would be our remedy. This little bundle wasn't interested in moving right away. After a while it was clear this labor is progressing and Mom is dilating at a steady rate.  Our issue would still be the contractions that are at 2 minutes long and a steady 5 minutes apart.

She is interested in her options after we weren't able to get relief from the contractions. I remind her no matter what your choice this is your birth. You need to do what is best for you and baby and if you need to have assistance relaxing then you should do what is best.

Mom is comfortable and resting now. Before we knew it she went from 6cm to 8cm and 30 minutes after she was complete and ready to push. Finally Baby is cooperating with us. Baby comes out and to have been in this room at that very moment was such a joy. There were so many emotions and Love in the room. This Mom and Dad were a picture of Love.

The Birthing room was filled with such Love and Joy. I had to contain my tears so I could help the family. Every family has their moment that is a very emotional birth and every time I am affected and it always feel like it is the very first time I have every supported a family. I love being there for family.

This family was wonderful and full fun and Love. I can't wait to see them along with our little handsome bundle of Joy that caused this Beautiful mom a little trouble.

Tunisia Macklin
Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

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Secrets to having a intervention free pregnancy

The Secret to having a intervention free birth

More women are looking into natural birth these days. I love it. I have noticed no matter your back ground, your culture the women are more interest in the benefits it offer not just them but baby.

every woman has a reason for their journey into the natural. Some are drawn because they were raised in a family full of natural living people, lifestyle changes and because it seems like the trend amongst the crunchy parents. it truly doesn't matter which is your reasoning. what's most important is that you know what your goal is and you have a support system to make it attainable. The funny thing is everybody idea of what natural is appears to be different. To be honest what you consider natural is your opinion. Know your limits in the labour and birthing process. If you set a goal higher than you truly believe you can achieve you can come out on the other end of the birth feeling disappointed. we tend to be harsher on ourselves than we should be.

Birth is a very beautiful experience and preparing for it is such an intimate process. think about it. during the entire process you are developing a beautiful relationship with your baby while in the womb. We learn our babies personality and corks during the preparation time. baby let you know when you fatigued, over doing it, need to eat and need to prepare for their arrival. I loved the process.

you have to have a positive out look no matter your symptoms, experience with those around you and what your physical body look like. When you think pregnancy in the start your excited and eager to get started with the journey. You know you may gain a lot of weight but you don't know how your body with respond to the over all process. This is why I have a few tips to assist in the intervention free experience.

How you are before the pregnancy start can tell you many things:

here are some questions to consider.

1. will I feel out of control?

2. will I be able to submit to the experience?

3. will I be able to let my body work naturally?

4. Can I rely on my body?

5. am I comfortable in my own skin?

6. can  receive help without rejecting or trying to take over

I have a talk I do titled the 7 secrets to having an intervention free birth. The tips aren't difficult they are just things that most have a issue handling or identifying.

1.       Mentality (meditation/visualization/

 Pregnancy is hormonal and so staying positive is important. I always advise families to sort through your stuff before labour and delivery because emotion can translate through your pregnancy and labour. If you have unresolved stresses, angers, family issues this all can affect the way your pregnancy will play out as well as your labour.

To clear your mind and prepare for this journey of a life time I advise you to work on meditation, visualization and daily affirmations. I just started to provide affirmations for Mom and Dad for pregnancy, Labour and delivery. Your mental state is so important. If you are not mentally sound this can also affect your postpartum recovery. I also am a firm believer if your mental state is the healthiest than how can you positively receive support.  

2.       Support
Every woman who is looking to conceive or expecting their partner need to understand the importance of their support.
 The comfort you experience knowing that your spouse, parents and friends are supportive and willing to be a part of your experience in what ever way is needed is very comforting.

All of this is very helpful to Mom and will give a breath of fresh air before delivery. This will allow Mom t enjoy pregnancy with out the huge list of tasks. I always suggest creating a pregnancy and postpartum task list for family and friends. be specific with time slots so there is no confusion or disturbances while your home resting with the baby.The funny thing is in North America we are so behind culturally with pregnancy and the birthing experience how can we expect our culture to be understanding of the postpartum experience. In some cultures the Mom is not allowed to do anything. the family will come in and care for the house and family until her healing and bonding process is complete. In Asia, India and Africa the village come together to make sure you are prepared to care for your new addition and family without any relapse. We are still behind in breastfeeding and maternity leave. we are even behind with paternity leave. that's right men are allowed time off of work to help the Mom. If your partner can stay home for at least 2 weeks you decrease your chances of postpartum depression significantly.

3.       Relaxation (yoga/ massage/
spend time relaxing. Anything that is mentally soothing and physically calming. If you do not have any allergies aromatherapy is great. A little lavender goes a long way when you put a couple drops in a defusor or hot tub of water. It is ok to use during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Get prenatal massage and frequent a prenatal yoga class as often as your schedule will allow.   

4.       Mobility (walk/ exercise)  A walk around the blog is great. There are pregnancy and Mommy groups that you can join so you can have someone to walk with the same journey a head as you.

5.       Chiropractic (joint and structural health

6.       Nutrition ( eat for preventative health, healing in food ( helps with hormonal balance, anxiety, hydration etc..

7.       Doula 

 When you hire a doula we are there to decrease your chances of C-section, Pitocin, epidural and we increase your chances of a natural labour an delivery. We assist you in staying the course with your birth plan within reason. We help you with any information you need to make decisions about your birthing experience. We also help you to trust your body and find a healthy place mentally during the pregnancy, labour and delivery. We help with any resources you may need during your journey. We also assist with your transition from hospital to home during those postpartum stages. Having a Doula allows you to not free to experience without stress the beautiful journey of birthing.

I love watching the families transform and grow. Each woman that has delivered I have witnessed them turn into what I call a womb warrior.  Birth turns you into the most resilient woman you will ever become without having to experience a trauma.

For questions about hire Peace Birthing Doula for Birth Doula or Postpartum Support, Placenta Encapsulation and Massage please visit www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com  or (630)481-6079


Tunisia Macklin DONA(CD), Placenta Encapsulator, Massage Therapist