When Susan* first saw the double pink lines on her pregnancy test, the last thing she thought about was a cesarean section. In fact, she barely paid attention to the information about Cesarean Sections offered during her childbirth class. A friend . . . → Read More: Is there a link between C-Sections and Postpartum Mood Disorders?]]>

A Guest Post by Lauren Hale, a mother of three and survivor of Postpartum Mood Disorders

When Susan* first saw the double pink lines on her pregnancy test, the last thing she thought about was a cesarean section. In fact, she barely paid attention to the information about Cesarean Sections offered during her childbirth class. A friend even assured her a Cesarean Section was easy: 15-20 minutes on the table and then it was over. But delivery for Susan cumilated with an emergency cesarean due to a fever she developed during labor. Her son also stopped progressing as he kept turning his head instead of moving further down the birth canal.

Suddenly, Susan found herself given a chance at two more pushes. Nurses prepped her for surgery after those last two pushes did not produce her son. Scared, confused, and nearly delirious, she was strapped to the surgical table as her arms trembled and shook so much she no longer controlled them. Her son was born within a few minutes, shown to her, then whisked away to be cleaned and checked over. She remained on the surgical table as her uterus then stomach was repaired and closed with sutures. It would be three agonizing hours before she would really meet her son. Even then, the initial glow was overshadowed by the traumatizing birth she just experienced.

As the cesarean rate skyrockets in the United States (USAToday), so do Postpartum Mood Disorder rates. 1 in 8 new mothers experiences a Postpartum Mood Disorder. After asking on Twitter for Moms to share with me if they had experienced a PMD after a cesearean, my direct message box and email inbox flooded with message after message. So many mothers had indeed faced an emergency (in the midst of labor) or last minute planned (prior to any labor attempts) Cesearean. So many other mothers I have supported over the past few years have also had a Cesarean Section. All of this would lead one to think there must be a connection between a cesearean birth and a PMD, right?

Wrong.

As I searched and searched through study after study, they all contradicted each other. One found a correlation but another dismissed it. Another study which reviewed several studies (http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/content/abstract/68/2/321), concluded that “A link between Cesarean Section and Postpartum Depression has not been established.”

Yet here we are.

 Rocketing cesarean rates with rising Postpartum Mood Disorder rates. Is there really a lack of correlation? Or perhaps more mothers are bravely raising their voices about their experiences with both Cesarean Sections and Postpartum Mood Disorders, making it appear there is indeed a correlation, even if only anectdoctally at the moment.

There are of course, aspects of a Cesarean birth which would, in my opinion, raise the risk for developing a Postpartum Mood Disorder:

 A surgical birth requires a longer & more difficult recovery period: According to Childbirth.org, many mothers average 6 weeks or more to recover from a cesarean. A vaginal delivery can take as little as a few days for mom to be up and about.

1. Limited bonding opportunities after birth: Unlike a vaginal birth where baby is placed on mom’s chest immediately after birth, most Cesareans do not provide access/bonding between mother and child during the “Golden Hour” (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/710137) which interferes with bonding and initial breastfeeding.
2. Increased risk of trauma: Post-Traumatic & Physical: Mom may have planned her Cesarean. Or Mom may have gone in expecting to give birth vaginally and faced an emergency Cesarean during the course of labor for a number of reasons. Either way, there is an increased risk of both physical and mental trauma with a Cesarean and an emergency Cesarean.
3. Increased possibility of high risk future pregnancies including Placenta Previa and Accreta. Cesarean deliveries increase the risk of developing Placenta Previa and Accreta with subsequent pregnancies. As the number of Cesarean births rise so do the number of these life-threatening complications which may result in premature delivery, hemorrhaging or another Cesarean birth (planned or emergency). In rare cases Placenta Accreta can be fatal for either mother or baby and/or both. Read here for one mother’s story. (http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news%2Fhealth&id=7727458)

There are several things mothers can do to help improve their chances of a positive outcome after a planned or emergency Cesarean:

1. Educate yourself about the risks of a surgical birth. Cesareans, bottom line, are surgical births. While they are absolutely necessary in a small percentage of cases, they are used more and more with no justifiable root cause. Advocate for a vaginal birth if at all possible. A good place to start educating yourself is at Childbirth.org (http://www.childbirth.org) While you may not be planning on a Cesarean, you may find yourself facing one during labor. A knowledgeable, educated woman will know her rights, know the risks, and be prepared to discuss them intelligently with her doctor. Involve your partner is this education as well so he/she is ready and able to go to bat for your rights as well.
2. Check your doctor or midwife’s Cesarean section rate as well as the Cesarean section rate of the hospital at which you will deliver. If you are dedicated to having a vaginal birth, it’s best to choose a hospital or caregiver with a low rate of Cesarean deliveries. A low-rate of Cesarean section can also be indicticative of stronger materntal involvement in your care.
3. Develop a support team for after-care if you have a cesarean. Clearly this team will be on stand-by if you have a vaginal birth planned. Cesareans limit your ability to: care for other children, do houswork, drive, and may require several doctor’s visits after birth if your incision were to become infected and or separate. You will need a team to pitch in to help with meal preparation, childcare, housework, and possibly even transportation to the doctor as many doctors do not allow Cesarean patients to drive for up to six weeks after surgery.
4. Discuss your feelings about your childbirth choice with your doctor BEFORE birth. Make sure you are on the same page as your caregiver. You are a team, not a dictatorship. (This goes both ways)
5. Discuss any history of mental health after birth or in general with your doctor BEFORE birth. Again, this ensures you are both aware of the risks and are ready to deal with them should they crop up in the last trimester or after delivery.
6. Consider hiring a postpartum doula in addition to a birth doula. A birth doula will support both you and your husband during labor. She does not replace your husband but rather acts as a third (very knowledgeable) party during a important part of your life. Additionally, hiring a birth doula may help avoid many emergency Cesareans (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595013/). A postpartum doula will help at home with light housework, infant care education and care of the mother. You may even be able to hire a doula for little to no cost if she is still in training for her certification. DONA: Doulas of North America or CAPPA: Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association are two excellent organizations at which you can start your search.
7. Rest after birth. Follow orders and do not overdo yourself. Now is not the time to re-organize the entire house from top to bottom. You will heal faster if you take the time to rest and let your body heal itself.

Research does not conclusively show a connection between Cesarean sections and Postpartum Mood Disorders but anectdoctal evidence is mounting. A mother who has had a negative experience at birth due to a Cesarean Section may be more likely to develop Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result. Many mothers who have vaginal births may develop this as well given that trauma is in the eye of the beholder, meaning that just because medical professionals or someone else does not view the event as having been traumatic but the mother does, then it was clearly traumatic for her. Perception is everything in life.

In an article about Cesarean Feelings, a recent survey by Danielle Elwood and Theresa Shebib (see The Post Cesarean Feelings Survey) was examined. In their survey, 288 mother described their Cesarean experience as wonderful or empowering. In contrast, 976 mothers described their Cesarean experience as either frustrating, traumatic, or disappointing with the highest number of mothers, 384, opting to answer that their experience was traumatic. 861 mothers were surveyed but for this question, they were allowed to choose more than one answer.

Yet no official conclusive link exists between Cesarean Sections and Postpartum Mood Disorders.

Educate yourself about your childbirth choices, make them wisely, and ensure that your mental health stays intact above all else. Self-care is not indulgent when it comes to motherhood, regardless of your childbirth choice, it is an absolute necessity. Self-care starts in pregnancy, continues through childbirth, and beyond. Be sure you are comfortable with the choices you are making and they are made in with the best information available to you. It is your body, your baby, your choice. You deserve nothing but the absolute best.

*name has been changed to protect privacy

…

Lauren Hale, a mother of three and survivor of Postpartum Mood Disorders, sleeps in until 605 am every day. Lauren survives her days on nothing more than Starbucks and sheer grit. She’s sassy, outspoken, and hardly ever takes no for an answer. Unfortunately, her kiddos are just like her and choose to exercise these qualities as she blogs about Postpartum Mood Disorders (http://www.mypostpartumvoice.com). She’s found a cure though – headphones and Pandora. Lauren also hosts #PPDChat at Twitter every Monday at 1pm EST and 830pm EST.

For new and expectant moms, a twitter party can allow you to connect with professionals and get answers to your burning questions — directly . . . → Read More: Twitter Parties and Chats for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding]]>

Twitter parties are a great opportunity to connect with followers and friends. Usually an information exchange and place to find support, twitter parties and chats may also include giveaways and prizes for participation.

For new and expectant moms, a twitter party can allow you to connect with professionals and get answers to your burning questions — directly from an expert.  It’s a chance to share ideas, advice, support and friendship during a one or two-hour topic-specific “party”.

Some are regular weekly parties and others are monthly or created around a special occasion. Businesses often support or sponsor a party by offering giveaways and the host usually posts questions for participants to answer in order to win. It can be a ton of fun but a little hard to keep up with. Sign up for Hootsuite or TweetGrid to help you keep up.

Here are the top twitter parties and chats we recommend for expectant new moms:

BFCafe (#BFCafe) – All about breastfeeding. Thursdays at 10pm EST Hosted by @zealandsmom. Giveaways, fast paced, great participation. 

BFChat (#BFChat) – Covers breastfeeding topics with great info and features some giveaways. Weekly chat from 3pm- 4pm EST every Wednesday. Hosted by @GinaAtLansinoh.

Cloth Diapering (#ClothDiaper) - Cloth diapers how-to, tips and advice.  Mondays at 9pm. No official host but it looks like there is great participation and a lot of giveaways and sponsors. Regular twitter chat that’s been around almost one year!

Childbirth Educator Party (#CBEParty) Every Tuesday night at 10pm EST for Childbirth Educators. Hosted by @preparing4birth. Although this is for Childbirth Educators, anyone is welcome to follow and ask questions etc.  

Doulas (#DoulaParty) Every Friday at 10pm EST Hosted by @BirthBabiesBlog and @preparing4birth. Highly recommend this for women considering having a doula for labor and delivery.

EcoWed (#EcoWed) – Discusses ways to improve our lives through environmental choices and avoiding synthetic chemicals. 10p-11p EST every Wednesday. Hosted by @3greenangels If you want to win a eco-friendly prize for attending the party you have to RSVP. Each week RSVP for the party and then participate. You do have to attend the party!

HealthyChild (#healthychild) – Discussion about everything from vaccinations to healthier products for family. Thursdays at 9pm EST. RSVP is requested. Hosted by @Healthy_Child

Pregnancy Awareness Month  (#PAM) – Special chats organized by @PregAwareness throughout May for pregnancy awareness month. Four twitter parties Thursdays at 9-10 pm in May – one to mark each week, attendees to include green, mom and celebrity bloggers. Some giveaways but mostly info about pregnancy nutrition, fitness etc.

Postpartum Depression (#PPDChat) - Postpartum Depression, Mood Disorders and general new mom support . Two chat times 1p EST &  8:30pm EST every Monday. Hosted by @unxpctdblessing and @AtlantaMom

I am sure there are many more. If you host a twitter party that would be of interest to expecting or new moms, please comment below and I will add it to the list. Also, if any host wants to provide a more detailed description, send it along and I will add it too. Have fun!

Doulas are certified professionals who are . . . → Read More: Did You Hire a Doula For Birth Support?]]>

Doulas have been around for a long time but only recently have they become a regular part of the discussion in birthing classes and among friends looking for a unique type of support during birth.

Did you have the support of a doula
when you gave birth?
Please take a brief survey and share
your experience.

Considering Hiring a Doula?

Doulas are certified professionals who are well-trained in the birth process and how to support a woman during labor but they do not provide any medical or clinical care — they work with your doctor or midwife to support you in the birth you want.

According to DONA International a doula is “a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”

Having the support of a doula may result in a shorter labor with fewer complications. Studies suggest that babies are healthier at birth and they breastfeed more easily.

Interested in hiring  a doula? Visit www.dona.org to search a database of certified doulas in your area. Plan to interview several doulas since you will want to establish a trusting, open relationship. The birth of a baby is an intimate and life changing event so take your time in deciding who you feel most comfortable with.

Doulas can help at other times too

For families looking for support after baby arrives, a postpartum doula can support a family through this transition. The doula provides emotional and practical support once the baby is home  which has been shown to reduce postpartum mood disorders in new moms.

Antepartum doulas may provide  support in the weeks and months prior to giving birth. This can be especially helpful for women who are on bed rest or who are experiencing extreme pregnancy symptoms. The support doulas provide during that time may include helping with other children at home, taking care of small household tasks, offering emotional aid, and helping the mother prepare through childbirth education.

Sleep doulas are available to care for a newborn at night so that a mother can get much-needed sleep.

For more information, visit www.dona.org

Most disposable diapers are made from non-renewable wood and plastic which clearly have a negative impact on the earth. Even cloth diapers need to be washed consuming water, detergent and . . . → Read More: Love Your Disposable Diapers? Easy “Green” Options for Baby]]>

If you just can’t do cloth diapers but want to make better choices for your baby and the environment then consider disposables that are more environmentally friendly.

Most disposable diapers are made from non-renewable wood and plastic which clearly have a negative impact on the earth. Even cloth diapers need to be washed consuming water, detergent and electricity.

So what can today’s eco-conscious mom do?

There are a few brands of diapers that offer the convenience of disposable but have less negative impact on the earth. This is achieved by using wood pulp sourced from renewable forests and not using harmful chemicals like chorine in processing. Some companies have replaced plastics with plant-based polymers which are biodegradable. Fortunately more and more big box stores and diaper companies are offering more eco-friendly options. Depending on location, consumers will pay a few cents more per diaper for the greener option.

Here are some worth considering

Seventh Generation – Wood pulp processed without chemicals containing chlorine, hypoallergenic, fragrance and latex free.

Earth’s Best Chlorine Free Disposable Diapers – Made with renewable resources and fewer petro-chemicals, latex-free, dye-free, perfume-free, contains natural absorbent material such as corn and wheat.

President’s Choice (Canada) GREEN Diapers – Made with wood from sustainable forests, chlorine-free processing, fragrance and dye-free, working on replacing most plastic with plant-based polymers, hypoallergenic liner.

Nature BabyCare Diapers – Chlorine-free, corn-based materials rather than plastic, compostable diaper and packing, made entirely from renewable sources

Attitude Disposable Diapers - 100% biodegradable & compostable, FSC Certified wood pulp, biodegradable packaging, chlorine free, hypoallergenic

Broody Chick 100% Natural Diapers - Contain only natural, fully compostable material from annually renewable resources, c hlorine Free, breathable, hypo-allergenic, fragrance free

Huggies Pure and Natural – organic cotton, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, aloe and vitamin E. There was ot much information online about production so read the label on these to learn more before you buy.

If you know of another brand of eco-friendly disposables, please let us know! If you have reviewed these products, feel free to let us know and add a link to your blog for our readers to learn more.

We live in a culture obsessed with appearance and instant gratification. Terms like “mommy tuck” and “getting your body back” are common and set new moms up with unrealistic expectations.  “Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat?” The Essential Guide to Loving Your Body Before and After Baby helps a mom-to-be recognize the pressures that exist . . . → Read More: Book Review: Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat?]]>

We live in a culture obsessed with appearance and instant gratification. Terms like “mommy tuck” and “getting your body back” are common and set new moms up with unrealistic expectations.  “Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat?” The Essential Guide to Loving Your Body Before and After Baby helps a mom-to-be recognize the pressures that exist today and how to look realistically at pregnancy and birth – especially the physical changes.

This is not a book about how to lose the baby weight – it’s a thoughtful look at women’s body image concerns during and after pregnancy as well as a guide to help moms navigate through what is realistic and how media and celebrity fuel the pressures to be “supermoms”. It doesn’t paint a rosy picture of life with a newborn and quashes the perception that celebrities give birth and can have a gorgeous baby photo shoot the next day. It also tackles a seldom discussed topic – eating disorders and pregnancy.

It’s a book that almost any expecting or new mom can relate to. Even the most grounded woman can feel insecure or pressure after having a baby. From stretch marks and intimacy concerns to hair loss, these are valid concerns that should be addressed with honesty and acceptance. “Does this Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat?” focuses on acceptance of a new body, a new style and a new love in your life – a sweet little baby.  It takes the power away from media and provides a supportive and empathetic perspective to free moms of the pressure they may feel.

What I also appreciate about this book is that it also goes beyond body image and talks about the many issues women face during pregnancy — Breast feeding struggles, how to deal with inconsiderate comments, trusting your intuition, mama mojo, and even what to pack in your hospital bag. 

I think “Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat?” by Claire Mysko and Magali Amadei is a book for every expectant woman’s library. Any book that gives moms the ability to define perfection by their best effort as opposed to something that’s dictated to you,  focus on acceptance and balance, and provide advice to help teach healthy habits to their children is a book I can easily recommend.

…

To learn more about the authors, Claire Mysko and Magali Amadei, visit www.DoesThisPregnancy.com and take the The Healthy Beauty Pledge for Mothers and Mothers-to-Be. To purchase a copy, visit Amazon.com

Disposable vs Reusable: Like the diaper dilemma most new moms face, the same decision needs to be . . . → Read More: Choosing the Right Nursing Pads]]>

There are many nursing pads on the market but they vary widely in comfort and protection. There are also more natural options available from bamboo to cotton. Here are some pros and cons you may want to consider:

Disposable vs Reusable: Like the diaper dilemma most new moms face, the same decision needs to be made for nursing pads. Many moms use a combination. What may be comfortable around the house might not work for a business meeting or social event.

Adhesives: Some brands have adhesives to keep the pad in place. Many women prefer the security of this especially at work  or away from home.

Natural Options: Cotton, bamboo or wool pads are breathable, chemical-free, even antibacterial and better for the environment since they are washable. However they may be more bulky and more likely to been seen through a thin shirt or blouse.

Absorbency: Many brands come in light, moderate or heavy flow. It’s good to have some of each for the first few weeks as your body adjusts to breastfeeding. Once you are on a regular schedule lighter pads may be all you need. Some women don’t need any.

Discreetness: Depending on the bra, pads may show clearly through your shirt. Try some to see which you prefer and which will work with your regular clothing.

Some popular brands are Gerber, Medela and Lansinoh which offer reusable and disposable. For more environmentally friendly options check out Natracare, Nature Babycare, Green Sprouts or Bamboobino. You can choose from cotton, wool and bamboo for natural nursing pads. Its best to try a few brands to see which are most comfortable.

NOTE: Remember to change your nursing pads as soon as they become damp to avoid infection.

TIP: To alleviate the discomfort of engorgement or sore nipples, keep two moistened pads in the freezer to pop in your bra for quick relief.

The key to success and survival with a new bundle of joy in the first six weeks, is to be realistic, lower your personal bar of expectations, ask for help and accept help from people you trust who are willing to give it.

Arriving home with a new baby after the physical . . . → Read More: Bringing Baby Home: Now What?]]>

 by Lianne Castelino & Andrea Howick

The key to success and survival with a new bundle of joy in the first six weeks, is to be realistic, lower your personal bar of expectations, ask for help and accept help from people you trust who are willing to give it.

Arriving home with a new baby after the physical trauma and emotional roller coaster of childbirth is the first of many milestones in your new life as a parent. You will be entering a brand new world. The good news is that this new world is in the familiar confines of your home. You, your spouse or partner and other family members will learn about each other in new and different ways. Along that journey, everyone will be learning about the new little person in their lives.

One thing we can guarantee – few things are predictable as a parent. The learning curve and change are constants. Your ability to understand and react to change are vital and will be forever.

Here are some suggestions from moms who have been there, done that and have the spit-up and diaper stains to prove it!

1. Understand that you are the #1 priority.
If you are suffering or in pain – physically, emotionally, mentally, or psychologically – you will NOT be able to take optimal care of your baby. Ask for and find help for yourself first.

2. Your baby is your new #1A priority.
Make sure you are aware of and respond to your baby’s signs and signals. Lethargy, fever, vomiting, long periods of uncontrollable crying, lack of appetite, infrequent stools – are among the main visible signals to watch for when you first bring your baby home.

3. Let go of everything else. (Not directly related to yourself or your baby.
Any superwoman-type thoughts that enter your mind should be gently tossed aside – as should non-mandatory housework, cleaning, etc.

4. Limit visitors.
Be diplomatic and polite, but also create a schedule whereby you and your baby are able to accept visitors. If before dinner is when your baby will be more awake and alert, then block of 30 or 60 minutes for visitors at that time. While well-meaning and curious, too many visits when you first arrive home quickly become a source of stress. You will also throw off your baby’s schedule.

5. Tell them…bring food.
The single, most useful and priceless gift friends and family can offer when you arrive home with a newborn is nutritious meals of any kind. Pack it, store it, freeze it, horde it if you have to, but don’t say NO to the offer of food. You likely will not have the energy, time or desire to whip up a delicious, healthy meal on a daily basis. You need your strength to take care of yourself and your new baby. So eating healthy, especially if you are breastfeeding is all-important.

6. Write it down in your little black book.
There are a ridiculous number of new things your baby will teach you in the first days at home. Make it easier on yourself by centralizing the information and any questions that may arise from it into one handy book or journal. Everything from tracking the number of soiled diapers in one day to medical appointments and feeding schedules -will become vital statistics in your new daily schedule – key pieces of information that you will need to remember or refer to. Write them down. Don’t go by memory. Your book will also become extremely useful when you go to the doctor. Use it to write down questions or concerns you may in the hours, days or weeks prior to your next appointment with the pediatrician or gynecologist.

7. Nap when your baby naps.
This is NOT the time to try and squeeze in that neglected housework or laundry. This time will never come back, so use it wisely. Nap while your baby is asleep to replenish your depleted energy reserves. You will be so happy you did!

8. Create a support list.
Write down the names and phone numbers of at least three people you can count on or call for help. Ideally these people would be “low maintenance” types – the kind who are genuinely ready, willing, able and reliable, if needed. Stick the information on the fridge. Make your family aware of it. Talk to each person and let them know they are on YOUR support list. Don’t be caught in an emergency situation with no one to call for help.

9. Eat well and often.
You have likely just been through pain like you never thought possible. The pure joy and thrill and utter miracle of birth is exhilarating. Hospitals were not designed for sleeping. You are exhausted. If you can relate to any of the above, then you are a typical new mom. Welcome to the club! With physical recovery and sleep likely high on your priority list, it is more important than ever to EAT well and as often as possible. You need to replenish your energy so that you can care for your baby. For breastfeeding moms, eating nutritious foods often is even more important.

10. Communicate.
If your spouse or partner has had trouble reading your mind in the past, now is that the time for you to expect them to start.Talk about your feelings, fears, frustrations with your baby, or each other. Share with each other in a calm, rational way so that you can both learn and grow as parents and partners.

11. Get some fresh air daily.
Even if you cannot believe that you haven’t been able to take a shower for the second straight day, don’t worry! Pull your hair back, put on a hat, do whatever you have to but get out of the house with your baby. You will be amazed at what a walk around the block can do for your psyche and your spirit. Who knows you might even meet some other new parents or find a nifty new must-have baby gadget (that was never important before!). A daily dose of fresh air with your baby will nourish and revitalize you.

12. Delegate, outsource…relax and enjoy!
If you’ve let go of non-mandatory household tasks, that means someone else has to pick up the slack. Make a list of priorities and try to delegate them to your spouse, family member, friend of someone else (eg. a maid). This will alleviate your stress. It will also hopefully allow you and your husband to try and enjoy the thrilling but mysterious world of being a new parent…in between the chaos!

…

About Liandrea Co.
The Liandrea Company produces award-winning parenting resources, including the Yummy In My Tummy DVD and book, parenting podcasts (Parent Talk Radio) and gift sets for new and expectant parents. Their award-winning DVDs combine expert advice, demonstrations and lots of mom-tested tips from company founders Lianne and Andrea — both moms as well as broadcasters. www.liandrea.com