Acupressure for Labor and Birth - Fort Worth

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE ACUPRESSURE FOR MY LABOR AND BIRTH?
The majority of babies born in the U.S. show signs of stress or traumatic imprinting which begins with their fist interaction with the outside world - namely their birth. Natural, non-invasive techniques such as acupressure, acumassage, and gentle Asian massage techniques can prevent such trauma and help the mother and child to bond and enjoy their first moments of physical interaction. These techniques also aid in the process of giving birth and can eliminate some of the issues that can arise during this precious time.

WHAT IS ACUPRESSURE USED FOR?

• Facilitates labor to start for post due babies
• Encourages labor to progress at a steady pace and may prevent the use of medical intervention
• May help baby to position correctly for birth and/or help turn a breech baby
• May help to maintain the mother's and baby's vital signs and prevent unnecessary medical interventions

ACUPRESSURE SERVICES
$60 per hour
outcall fee - $15

Postpartum Doula Services - Fort Worth

As a Postpartum Doula, I have been supporting families with postpartum care with their families and babies since March 2009. I have many years of experience with newborns, infants, toddlers, and older siblings. I understand that a new baby can be quite an adjustment for a family and I enjoy helping ease the transition and nurturing the new family.

WHAT IS A POSTPARTUM DOULA?
A "doula" is a "woman who serves". She is trained to support women and their families in the days and weeks following the birth of a new baby.

WHAT DOES A POSTPARTUM DOULA DO?

• The work of a postpartum doula depends on the needs of the family. Postpartum doulas do whatever a mother needs to enjoy and care for her new baby. This may include, but is not limited to: light cleaning, the baby's laundry, breastfeeding support, new baby care, and playing with and supporting other siblings.
  
• She focuses on helping to nurture the family to become independent as they adjust to their new family dynamics. As the family experiences success and knowledge, the needs of the professional support will diminish.
  
• The doula will share information about infant care with parents as well as teach the family and siblings to "mother the mother".
  
• Depending on the needs of the family, a postpartum doula can work during the day or overnight shifts to care for the family and baby.

For more information on the role of a postpartum doula, visit the DONA website.

POSTPARTUM DOULA SERVICES

The cost of postpartum support may vary depending on the families needs and the length of time spent with the family. The general fee can range from $15-$25/hour.

*Please do not allow financial limitations to hinder you from getting the care that you deserve. Payment plans can be arranged for postpartum care.

Birth Doula Services - Fort Worth

Supporting growing families is my passion! I have been a Certified Birth Doula through Doulas of North America (DONA) since May 2009 and have been serving pregnant and birthing women through doula and massage work since 2005. I serve pregnant women who plan to birth at home, a birth center, or the hospital.

WHAT IS A DOULA?
"Doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier, and they breastfeed more easily.

WHAT CAN A BIRTH DOULA DO FOR ME?

• Recognize birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a women in labor
• Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying our her plans for birth
• Stay with the woman throughout labor and birth
  
• Provide emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman and her family get the information they need to make informed decisions
• Facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and her clinical care providers
• Perceive her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
• Allow the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

BIRTH DOULA SERVICES INCLUDE:
2-3 Prenatal Visits
Acupressure to Facilitate Labor in "Post Due" Pregnancies
Support for Labor and Birth
1-2 Postpartum Visits
$500

*Please do not allow financial limitations to hinder your from getting the care that you deserve. Payment plans can be arranged.

Babywearing - Slings and Wraps

Last fall I attended a presentation on babywearing. There are so many choices when it comes to how to wear your baby and what is most comfortable for you and the needs of you baby. Below are several different types of wraps and slings. When searching for the best babywearing option for you, I suggest trying them on with a weighted baby to see what fits you best. While I was at the presentation, I was attracted to one sling in particular, but when I put it on, it wasn't a good fit. I ended up liking the one I thought I would least like.

MOBY WRAP (starts at $40) - two shoulder carrier, best for newborns, carries up to 15 to 20 lbs., stretchy, can be hot in summertime, one size (6 yrds).





MAYA WRAP (starting at$65.95 for regular fabric and $94.50 for organic) - great for newborns, carries up to 35 lbs., one shouldered, cool for the summer, best for nursing, sized by height of wearer.





GYPSY MAMA (starting at $69 - $74) - gauze and stretchy (6 yrds.), great for newborns, for babies up to 35 lbs, two shouldered, sized to fit wearer, most versatile. For more photos in how to wear the gypsy mama, click here.


PIKKOLO (starting at $129) - soft structured carrier, for newborn up to 40 lbs., unique features such as cinching at bottom to allow smaller babies to sit with legs out, most versatile carrier, and two shouldered.



ERGO (starting at $105) - soft structured carrier, two shouldered, for newborn up to 40 lbs., best for 5 months and up when baby can straddle, has an infant insert for babies less than 4 months, great accessories.



BECO (starting at $140) - for newborn up to 40 lbs., two shouldered, front and back soft structured carrier, no need for infant insert.

Visit www.peppermint.com for more fun babywearing ideas!

Swine Flu Vaccine Has Led to Miscarriage

Vaccinations can be a difficult topic, especially among moms and moms-to-be. There are very strong opinions out there and who's to tell another mother, no matter what her choice is, that she is endangering her child? Each one believes she is protecting her child.

About eleven years ago, I first heard about the controversies of vaccinating. Until then, I didn't understand the right to choose to or not to vaccinate. Over the years, I have done a lot of research for myself and that is how I have come to my own personal decisions and beliefs about vaccinations for myself and my family.

I am almost 12 weeks pregnant now and have been getting a lot of questions about whether or not I have gotten the flu and H1N1 vaccinations yet. I have no intention of getting either vaccination. Although, I do not go into great detail unless I am probed, I believe that it is too great of a health risk to me and my baby to be subjected to the ingredients of these vaccinations. In addition, in the short time it has come onto the market, the H1N1 vaccination has not been properly tested for the adverse reactions and side effects it could have on pregnant women.

Last night I had a dream that I was being forced to get a flu shot against my will. Strangely enough, I woke up to discover I had an email from Dr. Mercola about the side effects involved with receiving the flu and H1N1 vaccine during pregnancy. I have attached the article here. After reading short article at the top, click on Organic Health November 11, 2009 at the bottom of the article. This will link you to a site where you can read stories that women have shared about the devastating miscarriages they had not long after receiving the H1N1 or flu vaccine.

Natural Preventative Measures to Avoid the Flu While Pregnant:

• wash hands frequently
• avoid large crowds
• avoid being around people who have recently been sick
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  
• keep your house clean and tidy to avoid unwanted germs
• if possible, avoid air travel during flu season
• take your vitamins
  
• eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
  
• keep the rooms in your home properly ventilated
• dress appropriately for the temperatures outside
• drink plenty of fluids
  

My only hope in sharing this is to help educate you to make an informed decision. Ultimately, as a parent, you have to decide what is the best choice for you and your family.

FuzziBunz Giveaway

Blog readers - thanks for hanging in there with the giveaways until I get back to research and blogging on pregnancy and birth related topics.

Until then, click here for a cloth diaper giveaway!

There are so many reasons for cloth diapering. It is better for the environment and your baby! Tine, at Bloom Spokane, just wrote a fantastic article on her blog about why cloth diapering is a better choice. Check it out!

Onesie Wonderland Winner

Congratulations to ANNE C! She is the winner of the very cute and fashionable onesie from Onesie Wonderland!

Thanks again to Karilyn for her adorable contribution to my celebration giveaway!