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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

Groans of the laboring Woman

The Groans of the Laboring Woman

 

This couple was very focused and determined to have their Birth as natural as possible.  I thought they were so cute together. They reminded me of a couple you would see on TV. Dad was attentive to  Mom and her needs as well as being very concerned about how does this all work, preparing for Birth that is. We discuss what they may experience and some of things that may help. He was still curious so I showed Dad a video of a Birth. Dad looked, rubbed his face and shook his head in shock. I asked are you going to be ok? It was clear he was ready because he had to be. As Mom completed her birth team it was clear there was no question she is more than capable.

On this rainy day I received the call that I am having contractions." When should you come out"? I respond when you can not manage and your Husband can not keep you comfortable any more or you just want me there,  it is up to you. She says" okay, I am fine for now and I will call you when its time to come out". I didn't expect to hear from her anytime soon. The pattern as of lately has been the Mom's would call me when they are heading to the hospital. I was hoping I will have the pleasure of working with this family at home before heading out the hospital.

I wake up to a call the  next day. She saying "I think it is time for you to come out". I enter the house and was greeted by a sleepy and excited husband ready to meet his baby girl. He sent me to the bedroom where the Momma is laboring quietly.  We greet with a hug and get to work. I ask How do you feel? Where do you feel the contractions ? What has made you comfortable? We knew this day would come for this family.  It came 41.5 weeks later. It was so nice to know how we were starting.   

We start with something that was near and dear to this Momma. We quoted one of her scriptures Romans 8v18, I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Philippians 4v13, I can do this through him who gives me strength. Every contraction that washed over her caused her to groan. As we work on breathing she continue to groan and it took me to a scripture that was just below her original scripture. Romans 8v22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8v26 In the same way, the spirit helps us in our weakness. we do not know what we ought to pray for, but the spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. This helped calm her and to refocus. As I remind her labor is work. What are we doing this for? Reminding her this for her to meet her Baby Girl Z.

Mom appeared to be pretty fatigued. She mentioned that she hadn't had much rest since she had been labor some overnight. I advised her and Dad to nap. It was really clear Dad needed a nap as well. She became comfortable and laid down to rest and Dad looks at me and mentioned "I usually need to sleep in the other room when she snoring especially now she is laboring. I will not be able to sleep with her like this. I tell him just for a little while if it gets to bad go to the other room. I just think it will help her get comfortable if you are near. This Dad gave it a great effort. As I was in the next room I could her laboring attempting to do it quietly. Soon after I see the door open with Dad, his pillow and blanket heading to the next room. Ha!! I say go ahead you need your rest. Eventually, she wakes up after about an hour and we start moving around. Our little storm chaser was giving Mommy some back pain. We do hand and knees a few time and get her comfortable for as long as possible till Mom finally says I am ready to go to hospital. Looking at her face it look like she was up to something. Lol! I ask is it because you feel like its time or your just trying to go so you can be their for help (Epidural). This Mom looked at me like I just read her mind. No ma'am I been there it comes from experience. We continue to work on comfort. Eventually it is clear that we were going in soon. It was becoming more difficult to keep her comfortable. Baby was becoming eager to meet her Mom and Dad.  I called the Midwife and woke up Dad to start loading up the car. We will be heading out soon...

We started to go over affirming what she needed to hear. We prayed and claimed the things we wanted. No tearing, water will break on its own, minimal to no pushing and Baby will be healthy.

We get comfortable at the hospital, I get room atmosphere set with music of waterfalls, birds and beautiful music with some essential oils to calm her body. This Momma was relaxed until transition time. We head to the shower and focus on her low back. I could see the peace on her face knowing it was helping her back calm down. Baby Girl Z was making her way down to meet her family.  A little toilet time, hands and knees, squatting and side lying help make the journey for Baby Girl Z more of a reality. The Midwife comes in and we discuss how things are going and we realize things has progressed and we are about to meet baby Girl Z sooner than we thought. As the room transitions and Mom mentally prepare for the next task of helping her baby come out. Though there was much excitement there was still such a calm and peace in the space.

Mom uses the squat bar to push a little while I hold pictures of blooming flowers and playing relaxing music to keep her in a good mental space. Mom  then switches to hands and knees and assisting her baby girl come out we notice baby is crowning after just one push. I have Mom touch baby head and Dad was instructed to come around and catch his baby. The shock and surprise on his face was priceless. To see this first time dad gingerly hold his baby girl and hand her to her Mom like the most delicate and rare flower made tears form in my eyes. It was the most beautiful moment.

As Mom and Dad were coming down off the high I mention to Mom how her affirmation and prayer list manifested. Do you realize your water broke on its own, You did not tear and you only pushed 4 or 5 times and Baby made it in your arms safely and healthy? 

This was a perfect example of putting it in the atmosphere and not allowing someone else story to become yours. Who ever your source is ours is God... Know that your source is your strength and he will not leave your nor forsake you. This Mom was an example of the Sources being her strength.


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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

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

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

Rock the Birth

When you are uncertain about what's to come it can be a little overwhelming. When your not sure what it will look like, feel like or how it will affect you it can cause many emotions. One thing I say is at the end of it all you have the most beautiful experience. You will have the most beautiful feeling you will every remember. You will have undescribable Joy. The Moment this Momma called me we clicked. I remember after experience a moment of sharing and connecting I felt the need to hug this Momma to show her that I understood and empathized with how she felt.

Being a massage therapist and doula I have come to notice that I can relate to and empathize with how she feel. I have always been one who can instinctively respond with appropriate support and emotions for those I am around.

The one thing that was wonderful was she understood she was vulnerable in her situation. Her partner was in Japan and she was seeking support. She was in need of someone who could encourage her and support her as she embarked on this unfamiliar territory.

For many child birth is intimidating. Child Birth can intimidate especially when your doing it without the person you need the most. This Momma may have been a little anxious, however she never backed down from the challenge of birth. I was excited when she finally called to tell me she was 4cm. Her contractions were not rhythmic however we expected this from her family history. The excitement was high. I cleared the remainder of the day and headed to her immediately. I called the back up just in case she could get to her before me. I have a feeling the Momma was going to be a quick go.

I was excited as I enter her room. I could see the look of relief. This Mom looked like a classic beauty who was laboring. She had the support of her village. I believe there is power in your village. The Mother, Grandmother and 2 Aunties. There was so much love in the room. There was laughter, smiles and lots of Love.

As this beautiful Momma realized that she was progressing quickly and the party was getting started her midwife entered the room gloved and ready. Baby Girl was ready to meet her momma in a matter of minutes. A  room full of love Baby girl needed a little help from Momma pushing to make her entrance.  After pushing a short period of time the Momma who's body knew exactly what to do and when Baby girl decided make a very grand entrance. I was so overwhelmed with Joy. I enjoy being in the space of such a beautiful moment. I am so blessed and honored to be allowed to share such beautiful and intimate moments with the families that find me as a perfect fit for their goals. I was truly blessed  by this Momma and her family.

Thank you for Blessing me Beautiful Momma

Peaceful Birthing Doula

Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women

http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

(630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

This is Motherhood

https://youtu.be/qc2RAxiegAwhttps://youtu.be/qc2RAxiegAw

This day to shall pass

This day to shall pass

Receiving a call from this family was funny. This Beautiful Mommy is excited yet nervous about her up coming labor and birth. She did the one thing I advise women not to do. I always advise women never listen to other women birth stories while pregnant,  I am fine with you listening. I prefer that you only ask your Mother and or Grand Mother their birth story. If you listen to anyone story it should be Mother or Grand Mother. Your story can be close to their birth story. This family was transplants from the West coast so they were a laid back family.

This family is awesome. To see how the Husband is so loving and attentive to his wife is great. Every moment that we spend together I learn that his primary concern is that she is safe.

I get the call that she is experiencing contractions and Dad is a little nervous. I can tell by the tone of voice and the lack of conversation. As I arrive at the triage to is was clear she was uncomfortable and eager to meet her baby. I immediately get caught up on how things are going. Dad is standing guard. I love how when I explain to Dads their duty is to anchor the room, be a show of authority and protect their wife integrity.

As we speak with the staff they are determined to have my anxious Mom hang in the most uncomfortable  bed. With sore hip and stressed breathing I have to calm her down. Dark room, waterfall music and sweet aroma's take the air. We work on breathing as I massage her back. finally her heart rate normalizes and baby calms down. Staff continue to do what every person dreads, interrupt our calm atmosphere.

Finally we make it up stair and Momma receives a comfortable bed and she is able to rest before we get the party started. This Momma was beautiful and so delicate in her laboring. The relationship was clear they have a deep connection. His gentle touch was more comforting to her than she probably noticed.

I remember as the contractions began to increase and she was becoming more restless she gave an effort to relax as we attempted to distract her. Finally, Momma was able to rest easy after she received her comfort. We were able to relax as well. As time went on Momma and Baby were ready to meet.

There is nothing like watching a Mother give her all to meet her Baby. This Mother was ready and eager to have her baby in her arms. Observing the father as he stand firm to protect his wife when he wasn't sure of the request being made of his wife during the birthing experience. This quite Dad had transformed into a super hero. With every push they came closer to completing their family unit. It was the most exhilarating  moment. This Mom was blessed with a physician who had faith that she could birth her baby in the most beautiful way.

To see this Mother when she met her see Baby Girl it was a moment you could caption. As this family started their bonding experience you could feel the thickness of Love in the atmosphere.

It was great observing and supporting this lovely family.

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula