Myth busting on Preparing for Birth and natural induction. Does it work??? How?

Myth Busting 

I am not a Dr. I am not suggesting for you to go against Dr. orders or suggestions. I am supplying you with information that will help you make an inform decision. I believe for every medical intervention there is a natural way. We must remember pharmaceutical drugs originated from somewhere. Before there was big pharma there was the Herbalist and Healer in the villages and towns. God created all things for us to use in some capacity. 

Over the years as a practicing Doula, Massage therapist, placenta encapsulation and Women's Health and Wellness herbalist, I have had many clients ask questions about preparing for labor and birth; or how to avoid medical induction. As I have supported more families, I have noticed consistently there has been some things that has stood out in terms of have a successful experience in natural induction.

Today’s blog will be about 2 common natural labor prep/induction methods. 

Myth or fact: For generations Midwives and village medicine people have advised women to consume many things like foods, fruits and herbs?  FACT

There are a couple natural induction methods that stood out to me. To date they are currently used and have been found by many women to be effective.  The big question is what the science behind it is and does it truly work. If you are pregnant this is about more than getting this baby out. Lol! though I know that is the end game, it is about understanding what this is doing to you and your body. Women have for generations been advised by people on what to do. Some are not qualified to offer advise but it doesn't necessarily stop them. So, lets figure this thing out.

 Finally, her are your answers. Also, you will find listed below references to all information provided. 

Have you been told about the benefits of Dates and Red raspberry leaf tea? If not let’s change that now. 

Dates 

If you have a sweet tooth, then this is the fruit for you. The date originates from the Date Palm Tree. Dates are a natural form of sugar. Dried dates are the better option over any chocolate or ice cream fix you may be looking for. Something to remember. when you are craving something it typically means your body is looking for the healthier version of that craving. Example: If your craving chocolate, your body is probably craving magnesium. 

Dates are packed with Folate. this is great because it can reduce the chances of birth defects. Iron is great for preventing anemia, Vitamin K great to give you and baby strong bones and Potassium helps to relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure. It is also known for giving a very fatigued pregnant Mommy some much need energy. 

Researchers discovered that the women who ate six dates a day for 4 weeks had a shorter first stage of labor, a higher cervical dilatation, and more had intact membranes upon arrival at the hospital. (In other words, their cervix was riper for giving birth.) (Healthline.com) 

Now remember most are consuming Dates in a dried state. Dried Dates like all fruit can increase your caloric intake and are high in sugar. So, you need to be careful if you are a diabetic or have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. You must stay safe and monitor your consumption of dates and limit them to no more than 6 daily. 

Don't worry there are other options if this one doesn't fit you. 

I have experienced many Beautiful Mommies sit around and pop these sweet things with fingers crossed hoping to help have a beautiful intervention free birth with little discomfort.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

We also, have Red Raspberry leaf tea. This is delicious and very helpful for many reasons. Whether you’re pregnant attempting to get the party started by naturally inducing your labor or you are simply looking to have a healthy womb, this tea can help. Ok let’s get into the beauty of Red Raspberry leaf tea.

 Red Raspberry leaf tea is an AMAZING herb. This beauty is considered a woman's herb. PLEASE DO NOT consume during the 1st trimester in large amounts. If you do please no more than one cup daily. Red can help men as well. Their benefit is to increase fertility. Red Raspberry leaf tea also is known as Rubus Idaeus she is a volatile oil this means she is aromatic, she is also an antiseptic, anti-microbial this all means she can help fight off infections. She is also known for use of Urinary tract infections. Red can stimulate nerve ending to relieve stress. She is also a Tannin. Tannins can bind proteins that are present in the skin and mucous membrane. This protein is Albumin. Tannins treat irritation, inflammation. She is also filled with Polyphenols; she can help cells from being damaged.  

Wow!! I feel like I said a mouth full. There is more. Raspberry leaves contain fragarine, a plant compound that helps tone and tighten muscles in the Pelvic area, including the walls of your uterus, this can help make delivery easier and may reduce the menstrual cramping caused by the spasms of these muscles.

Red contains Vitamin B (Folate), C - ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. It's involved in many body functions, including formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth, Potassium, magnesium- reduces blood pressure, improve mood, reduce anxiety, reduce blood sugar, reduce risk if heart disease and improve migraine recovery, zinc-may effectively reduce inflammation, boost immune health, reduce your risk of age-related diseases, speed wound healing and improve acne symptoms. Phosphorus- build strong teeth, manage how your body stores and uses energy, reduce muscle pain after exercise, filter out waste in your kidneys, grow, maintain, and repair tissue and cells, produce DNA and RNA — the body's genetic building blocks, Iron -prevent anemia, including general energy and focus, gastrointestinal processes, the immune system, and the regulation of body temperature, Calcium is required for vascular contraction and vasodilation, muscle function, nerve transmission, intracellular signaling and hormonal secretion, and antioxidants.

While red raspberry leaf tea is typically recommended for the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, some women use Red to help with nausea and vomiting in the first trimester as well. The American Pregnancy Association also states that drinking the tea may reduce the need for interventions during childbirth. It also helps to bring down the placenta and help produce breastmilk. It can stop diarrhea and hemorrhaging.

Research suggests that the most optimal time to start drinking red raspberry leaf tea is at 32 weeks gestation. One study showed that taking 2.4 mg per day of red raspberry leaf in tablet form appears to be safe. As a tea, 1–3 cups per day are appropriate (Healthline.com) It’s recommended to limit your intake to 1 cup per day if you choose to consume it earlier in pregnancy. (Healthline.com)

Like all things you should consume it in moderation. However, if your experiencing any side effects after drinking the tea please stop consuming this Beauty. Everything isn't for everyone. If you experience Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy or have spotting in the second or third trimesters, you should also discontinue use.

I get excited every time I discuss beautiful herbs so if it was to much information I apologize. I hope you find this information helpful.

If your in need of a Doula or Placenta Encapsulator or Women’s Health and Wellness Herbalist please do not hesitate to call or email.

references 

www.healthline.com › health › pregnancy › dates-during-pregnancy

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21280989

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-eating-dates-to-start-labor

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-raspberry-leaf-tea

Peaceful Birthing Doula

Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women

http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

(630)481-6079

Schedule: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/7V52CNRZR2T3Z/peaceful-birthing-doula-addison-il

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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

Schedule: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/7V52CNRZR2T3Z/peaceful-birthing-doula-addison-il

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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

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From Plate to palate; A fertility journey Part 1

From Plate to palate; A fertility journey Part 1

Hello! I'm Annette Licitra, Certified Health Coach & Wellness Chef, and my passion is to provide encouragement, support and nourishing recipes to people as they invest in their health so that their bodies will shine for them. Ok, that was the easy part. Now, for the rest…and, I’m just going to put this out there – this is a bit of a difficult story for me to write. But, this is part of healing. While many aspects of my healing process have gotten easier over time, there is one symptom deep inside of me that I struggle with more than some of the others…here it goes…

For as long as I can remember, I've been challenged with digestive issues, which I had always chalked up to a 'nervous stomach'. However, I knew in my gut (yes, pun intended!) that something was amiss, but couldn't figure out what to associate it with other than nerves. Fast forward to 2002, when I learned through conventional allopathic medicine that I had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which is characterized as a chronic digestive disorder. 

As I moved into early adulthood, my list of symptoms grew to include recurrent urinary tract infections (ouch!), pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS), rosacea, melasma, interstitial cystitis (IC), fatigue, brain fog, pelvic pain, weight gain, bloating, thinning hair…and, the one that I wear the deepest and hardest on my heart – the dreaded word: infertility.

I began doing serious research on natural healing in 2014, two years after my husband and I got married. We wanted to start a family, and started to realize that it was taking longer than we thought it might. This saddened and confused me. I figured that I had to start doing something because I didn’t know what was REALLY going on. It became more difficult to understand, or maybe accept, how so many females got pregnant so quickly. Here I was, and still am, struggling to conceive.

With these ridiculous digestive issues and now this infertility thorn, my rigorous research mode kicked into high gear. I started learning that all of my symptoms – yes, symptoms, not diseases (a disease is only a dis-ease of the body) - are related to one another, and are a result of multiple things, but mainly a high level of unproductive bacteria in my gut (streptococcus), nutrient deficiencies, overuse of antibiotics, and lifestyle.

Digestive issues were the ‘norm’ for me, sadly, but after I started paying more attention to my intuition, it began ringing louder and louder that my symptoms were stemming from my gut. After doing serious research on natural healing, I felt my eyes start opening…wide! Cutting out gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, and soy, eating whole, real foods and making a life-long commitment to a healthier lifestyle over the past 4 years were some of the best things that I have done. While it hasn’t yielded a pregnancy yet, I am confident that my body is in a healing process.

All of this research has made it much easier to understand the lifelong health challenges I have been facing, but the infertility obstacle still plagues my heart. I’m not going to lie – it is difficult to hear about everyone around me getting pregnant with absolutely nothing happening on my end. And, for this to happen year after year - it’s hurtful. But, I have to keep telling myself not to take it personal, but to be happy that they are bringing a beautiful miracle into this world. After I get out of my own head, that hurt goes away. And, I am truly happy for them, of course!

The disappointment month after month has slowly started to ease, but only because I have really leaned deeper into my faith. I am extremely grateful to God that He has shifted my path onto this beautiful wellness journey and keeps opening my eyes to new things on the daily; with this, my emotional scars are beginning to heal. I have a long way to go on my emotional healing path, but I feel so strongly that there is a gift in this challenge. Maybe it’s to help others facing similar obstacles or maybe my baby will be the gift that I am supposed to receive…I’d like to think it’s both!

I have grown exponentially on my health journey, and through this, I’m learning to dig deeper into my soul for healing. Making changes to what goes on my plate to nourish my physical body, and my future baby (yes, I am speaking this into existence!) is something that is unbelievably important to me. The tie to what goes on our plates and our health is inarguably connected. Whether it is allergies or infertility, food and drink are key players in the healing game.

Focusing on prayer, meditation, energy healing, resting, hydrating, cleansing, breathing and many other things are paramount to lean into when trying to conceive. I have been incorporating (more) of these natural healing methods into my lifestyle, and while the pregnancy hasn’t happened yet, in my heart, I know that they are helping on many levels. I still have a lot to learn, but from what I have already learned, I know that I am being equipped to help others on their journey!

Thanks 

Annette Licitra

Integrative Health Coach + Wellness Chef

630.965.6454

Passionette Palate

http://passionettepalate.com/

*Schedule an appointment with me here*: https://www.vyte.in/annette@passionettepalate.com

VBAC GODDESS

VBAC GODDESS 

This Momma from the moment I met her was determine to have her precious baby the way she would like. She did everything those that want to achieve a beautiful birth would do. She found a VBAC friendly Dr. Even when she was told her baby was breached she didn't stop. Immediately after she got the news she was on the search for a labor support person a Doula. I was so blessed and fortunate to be selected at Peaceful Birthing Doula.

This Beautiful Momma did everything you could think of under these circumstances. Momma D used techniques from Spinning Baby,Chiropractic, Acupuncture with Elemental Chiropractic and Massage. Finally, baby agreed to corporate. After meeting with this family I new this would be an unbelievable experience. Momma D Husband is HILARIOUS. I call him the pace master. If you have space to pace he will utilize it. He is so concerned for the welfare of his Beautiful Wife and Mother of his children that he couldn't  manage when it came to complex topics.

VBAC GODDESS 

Flipping sunny side up Baby

I would have to give this father to be a disclaimer when ever the conversation would need to get heavy. During Peaceful Birthing Doula prenatal visits we discuss everything from final days of pregnancy, what may occur, labor and the possible happenings in birth. They were familiar with most of it because the previous birth allowed her to go in labor. However their beautiful Princess C was breach and changed the plan. Which is how we ended up here.

As I received the phone call from the Momma at 9:51pm I knew what the call was about. Supporting this mommy was so much fun. Our time together was full of home work and dealing with difficult thoughts. I knew that I would have to be prepare to not just Doula Momma, I also had to Doula Dad. LOL!! I told him the #1 rule was not to faint.  

We arrived at the Central DuPage Hospital quickly. As I was heading to them I knew there would be excitement and concern from both. The first birth wasn't like any of the beautiful stories. I realized soon after arriving that Momma D was experiencing back labor. We start with hip squeeze, shower and hands and knees. This Baby had me pull out all the stops. We did some rebozo sifting and this baby laughed in my face.

Pace Master regrouping & collecting his thoughts 

This Beautiful Momma and her concerned husband were so connected. His genuine concern and desire for her to have the birth she wanted and deserved was so wonderful to witness. You could see he understood her fight and her respected her fight. This couple has had such a respect for each others individuality . The Husband is a worrier and pacer that just want to make sure his Wife is safe and in the best care. This Momma loves her husband and really just want him to see her strong in this space so he will not worry. This Baby, however, decided no matter what you all want I feel like I need to do me and that is for you to leave me be.

As we approach 6cm I was confident that I had won the battle and Baby had given in to me. Ha! This baby has tenacity. This baby has truly decided he will win. You have to love the drive right?! As we continued it was clear that baby wasn't able to make the journey with out help. So this VBAC Warrior did all she could and she is still very much so a Warrior and maybe baby #3 will follow the game plan. Lol!!! Right Dad??!!

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

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