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Down Home Mama

Down Home Mama

Orange County Doula, Prenatal & Postpartum guidance!

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By: mrsbasom December 5, 2018

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Posted by:mrsbasom

Hi, I’m Allison! Mama to two beautiful babies (a girl and baby boy). I love period-piece movies and series, sushi dates, and helping other mamas! Thanks for stopping by! Please feel free to browse through my blog posts at www.downhomemama.com

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Look at that little cheesy bum. This little man entered the world 5 days after his estimated due date, and this was the only place he had vernix left on his body! Mama and dad were very adamant that all this yummy natural moisturizer and protector was NOT wiped off little man after birth. Why? Well, let me tell you...- ••• Vernix Caseosa is a white waxy substance that begins to form and coat your baby’s skin starting at 27 weeks gestation. Scientists have identified lipids, amino acids, proteins, antibacterial, and antimicrobial compounds within the vernix. It helps protect your baby from pathogens both within and outside the belly. It allows the baby to pickup beneficial bacteria and prevent picking up the icky stuff as he or she is born. Vernix also helps insulate your newborn babe. Keeping it on their skin can help prevent heat loss. And, everyone talks about that “new baby smell” - well, this contributes to that and helps mama and babe bond during breastfeeding.- ••• Some babies will have more vernix than others at birth. Some come out looking like they bathed in cottage cheese, others barely have a drop on them. Look in the folds of their skin and rub any remaining vernix in. What is pitocin? Pitocin is the synthetic form of Oxytocin (the hormone your body produces to stimulate contractions). See my previous post on Oxytocin for a more in depth explanation of the function of this super awesome hormone! Pitocin (or “Pit”) is used to augment or initiate labor (for induction, for instance). Pitocin can be a very useful medication when used PROPERLY, but the risks and side effects are often not understood by the patient, or simply not explained by the nurse or physician. When 40% of women are being induced these days, it is vital to understand the risks and side effects.-▪️Higher chance of more interventions: The use of Pit results in the need for continuous EFM (which statistically does not provide a more beneficial outcome for baby), IV fluids, and higher chance of requiring pain meds (as Pit contractions have been reported to be more intense, longer in duration, and more painful than oxytocin contractions). The more interventions, the higher chance for cesarean. ▪️Higher risk of Cesarean: as mentioned above, the domino effect of interventions increases the chance of cesarean. Studies have found your risk increases 25%-50% after medical induction or administration of Pit.- ▪️Hemorrhaging: While Pit is often administered after delivery to aid with hemorrhaging, recent studies have also found that it in fact it can also cause hemorrhaging and uterine rupture.- ▪️Stress on baby: Pit can cause the following effects on your baby...fetal heart abnormalities, lower APGAR score, jaundice, nervous system and brain damage, oxygen deprivation, higher chance of admission to NICU.- ▪️Postpartum Depression (PPD): For women with previous depression or anxiety, use of Pit has been linked to a 36% increase chance of PPD and women without history of depression/anxiety 32% increase.- 🔺Can Pitocin be useful? Absolutely. Before the use of Pitocin, women who had stalled labor were automatically given a cesarean. Pitocin has allowed for additional opportunity for vaginal delivery. ⬇️Cont’d in Comments⬇️ 🌟Morning Sickness Diffuser Blend🌟 Feeling icky during your first trimester (or your entire pregnancy)? It’s true that more than 50% of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. These three little gems can be extremely helpful in relieving these symptoms. So, break out your diffuser and add 3 drops Orange, 2 drops Spearmint, 1 drop grapefruit. This concoction can also be used topically by adding your favorite carrier oil and massaging into your chest and belly. Always spot test before full application. Grapefruit is photosensitizing: please use caution if using topically whilst in the sun.- ••• Other useful essential oils for morning sickness: ginger, chamomile, lemon, bergamot, petit grain. If I could relive any moment from my own two births it would be the second I finally got my baby on my chest. That immediate surge of happy hormones, the feeling of relief, and extreme accomplishment. All the energy spent, discomfort, pain, doubt, and worry cease. One moment you’re pregnant, and the next you’re not. Those 40+ weeks of wondering what your little one would look like, smell like, sound like, feel like, are over. This moment is fleeting, but will be imprinted on your heart and your brain for the rest of your life. Try to enjoy it, soak it in, talk to you baby, ask unnecessary staff to leave the room so you can focus more on you and your new babe. This is the beginning of a life long love. Cherish every second of it. What is an epidural? An epidural is a procedure that injects a local anaesthetic in to the space around the spinal nerves in your lower back. A large needle is inserted in which a catheter is then fed through. This anaesthetic usually blocks the pain from labor contractions and your ability to lift/move your legs- ❗️Risks and Drawbacks❗️ •Does not guarantee pain relief: Some studies have found that up to 15% of women do not find relief from their epidural, and the average reduction in pain is a 5 (on a scale of 1-10). •Confinement to bed: you will need assistance to move into any alternate position (even flipping from side to side).- •Hinder the rotation of a posterior baby (to anterior): The posterior position can increase your chance of cesarean and use of vacuum or forceps.- •More babies go to NICU: Studies have found that more medical interventions during labor can lead to 15-25% of healthy babies spending days or weeks in the NICU •Additional Related Risks: Increased chance of need for Pitocin (which can both tire and stress your baby and uterus. Studies show continues fetal monitoring (mandatory with an epidural) can increase your cesarean chance by 2-3x. Decrease in maternal blood pressure (and thus decreased oxygen supply to your baby). Need for urinary catheter as you can’t feel/empty your own bladder (increase in chance of infection and incontinence)... and so on.- 🔅Benefits and Advantages🔅 •Exhaustion: The numbing relieve given you mothers can provide and opportunity for rest, which allows the body the ability to recover and repair, thus giving you more energy to continue laboring and eventually delivering your baby. •Failure to Progress: Epidural medication can allow the body to release tension (if you are constantly fighting your contractions). Increased stress and exhaustion increased adrenaline which combats the production of oxytocin. ⬇️Continued in Comments⬇️ I cannot believe that Christmas is just around the corner. This year seems to have flown by. But, I’m soaking up all the Christmas Spirit I can (pun intended 😉). I love diffusing this guy all over the house during this time of year. Not only does it smell like Christmas, but it holds awesome health benefits of essential oils. It’s a wonderful alternative to toxic candles (which often contain heavy metals, synthetic fragrances, and carcinogens). ••• Ingredients... 🍊 Orange: Uplifting, antidepressant, boosts immunity, promotes relaxation. 🍂 Cinnamon Bark: anti-bacterial/fungal/inflammatory/viral, circulatory stimulant. Thought to attract wealth. 🌲Black Spruce: Helps release emotional blocks, gives feeling of balance and grounding ⬆️ VBAC Queen ⬆️ I have had the amazing pleasure of supporting some amazing births this year, some of which have been mamas trying for (and successfully achieving) a vaginal birth after having a cesarean (or two!). This mama right here knew exactly what she wanted for baby #2. She recognized the things she would have done differently with her 1st, she took her power back, she controlled the conversation with her midwife team, she demanded respect and the right to birth her baby the way she wanted to. She researched, she planned, and she advocated for herself, her baby, and her family. - ••• With baby #1, she had premature rupture of membranes (waters broke before onset of labor). Following the guidelines from what she’s always heard, she headed straight to the hospital. From there it was a domino effect of interventions that she didn’t want. She wasn’t allowed to labor the way she wanted and ended up in a place she didn’t want to be; in the OR. Yes, her baby was healthy. But, what about mom? This entire experience left her traumatized and wanting. Fast forward to baby #2. Her labor was intense from the very start, with labor waves 3 minutes apart for hours and hours. Intense back labor and emotions told them to go in. Once she arrived, she was evaluated to still be in early labor. So, to prevent any unnessary intervention, mama decided to go home. I commend her for this! It is so hard to turn around and accept that you are not as far along as you had hoped. You’re tired, in pain, emotionally and physically exhausted. But, she knew if she stayed, she would have ended up in the same place she did with her first. So, home she went. More laboring, more discomfort, but MORE PROGRESS. Girlfriend gained 5 more cm in the matter of hours at home. When she returned, she was in the thick of active labor. So, we labored, we changed positions often, pep talks, and counter pressure. And finally, little man was finally ready to make his debut. With all of her might, she achieved what she wanted. This gorgeous little guy came into the world and roared out to his mama. Welcome to the world sweet boy! Your mama moved mountains just for you. 💖 ⭐️Delayed Cord Clamping⭐️ When you choose delayed cord clamping(DCC) for your newborn, make sure you specify exactly what you mean. As this is still sort of a new practice in our maternity wards, each hospital and/or physician may have different definitions of what “delayed” means. For some it’s 30 seconds, for others it’s 3 minutes. For me (and for you) it should be until it stops pulsating (unless there is a medical necessity to cut the cord). Why should you demand this for your baby? - ••• When your baby is born, as much as 30% of THEIR blood volume is still in the placenta. This blood belongs to your baby (it’s theirs, not yours). By allowing your baby to have what is already technically theirs, you are providing them with amazing benefits. Firstly, they will have a higher birth weight, their iron stores will be exponentially increased, higher percentage of red blood cells (aka more oxygen), more stem cells, allows for easier delivery of the placenta, and many more benefits! But wait, what about cesarean, premature birth, or emergency? I’m glad you asked...- ••• You can (and should) speak to your physician about DCC in the event of cesarean, premature birth, and/or emergency. For cesarean, you can still delay. Your physician may have qualms about it (as you are vulnerable to infection the longer your incision is open), but they benefits are still huge and important for you baby. For premature babies: again, huge benefits... DCC can decrease the risk of hemorrhage, sepsis, need for blood transfusions, etc. For emergency: if your baby is born and needs resuscitation, speak you your physician and birth place staff about their protocol. Request (or demand) bedside resuscitation. Clamping and cutting off your baby’s oxygen supply (which they are still getting through the placenta) to be removed from mom’s chest to a warmer across the room is not ideal. If bedside resuscitation is not available at your birth place, speak to the staff and let them know this is a practice they should offer (they can’t change unless they know they should). - ••• So, in summary - DCC has countless benefits for you and your baby. When in doubt, wait for it to stop pulsating.

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Look at that little cheesy bum. This little man entered the world 5 days after his estimated due date, and this was the only place he had vernix left on his body! Mama and dad were very adamant that all this yummy natural moisturizer and protector was NOT wiped off little man after birth. Why? Well, let me tell you...- ••• Vernix Caseosa is a white waxy substance that begins to form and coat your baby’s skin starting at 27 weeks gestation. Scientists have identified lipids, amino acids, proteins, antibacterial, and antimicrobial compounds within the vernix. It helps protect your baby from pathogens both within and outside the belly. It allows the baby to pickup beneficial bacteria and prevent picking up the icky stuff as he or she is born. Vernix also helps insulate your newborn babe. Keeping it on their skin can help prevent heat loss. And, everyone talks about that “new baby smell” - well, this contributes to that and helps mama and babe bond during breastfeeding.- ••• Some babies will have more vernix than others at birth. Some come out looking like they bathed in cottage cheese, others barely have a drop on them. Look in the folds of their skin and rub any remaining vernix in. What is pitocin? Pitocin is the synthetic form of Oxytocin (the hormone your body produces to stimulate contractions). See my previous post on Oxytocin for a more in depth explanation of the function of this super awesome hormone! Pitocin (or “Pit”) is used to augment or initiate labor (for induction, for instance). Pitocin can be a very useful medication when used PROPERLY, but the risks and side effects are often not understood by the patient, or simply not explained by the nurse or physician. When 40% of women are being induced these days, it is vital to understand the risks and side effects.-▪️Higher chance of more interventions: The use of Pit results in the need for continuous EFM (which statistically does not provide a more beneficial outcome for baby), IV fluids, and higher chance of requiring pain meds (as Pit contractions have been reported to be more intense, longer in duration, and more painful than oxytocin contractions). The more interventions, the higher chance for cesarean. ▪️Higher risk of Cesarean: as mentioned above, the domino effect of interventions increases the chance of cesarean. Studies have found your risk increases 25%-50% after medical induction or administration of Pit.- ▪️Hemorrhaging: While Pit is often administered after delivery to aid with hemorrhaging, recent studies have also found that it in fact it can also cause hemorrhaging and uterine rupture.- ▪️Stress on baby: Pit can cause the following effects on your baby...fetal heart abnormalities, lower APGAR score, jaundice, nervous system and brain damage, oxygen deprivation, higher chance of admission to NICU.- ▪️Postpartum Depression (PPD): For women with previous depression or anxiety, use of Pit has been linked to a 36% increase chance of PPD and women without history of depression/anxiety 32% increase.- 🔺Can Pitocin be useful? Absolutely. Before the use of Pitocin, women who had stalled labor were automatically given a cesarean. Pitocin has allowed for additional opportunity for vaginal delivery. ⬇️Cont’d in Comments⬇️ 🌟Morning Sickness Diffuser Blend🌟 Feeling icky during your first trimester (or your entire pregnancy)? It’s true that more than 50% of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. These three little gems can be extremely helpful in relieving these symptoms. So, break out your diffuser and add 3 drops Orange, 2 drops Spearmint, 1 drop grapefruit. This concoction can also be used topically by adding your favorite carrier oil and massaging into your chest and belly. Always spot test before full application. Grapefruit is photosensitizing: please use caution if using topically whilst in the sun.- ••• Other useful essential oils for morning sickness: ginger, chamomile, lemon, bergamot, petit grain. If I could relive any moment from my own two births it would be the second I finally got my baby on my chest. That immediate surge of happy hormones, the feeling of relief, and extreme accomplishment. All the energy spent, discomfort, pain, doubt, and worry cease. One moment you’re pregnant, and the next you’re not. Those 40+ weeks of wondering what your little one would look like, smell like, sound like, feel like, are over. This moment is fleeting, but will be imprinted on your heart and your brain for the rest of your life. Try to enjoy it, soak it in, talk to you baby, ask unnecessary staff to leave the room so you can focus more on you and your new babe. This is the beginning of a life long love. Cherish every second of it. What is an epidural? An epidural is a procedure that injects a local anaesthetic in to the space around the spinal nerves in your lower back. A large needle is inserted in which a catheter is then fed through. This anaesthetic usually blocks the pain from labor contractions and your ability to lift/move your legs- ❗️Risks and Drawbacks❗️ •Does not guarantee pain relief: Some studies have found that up to 15% of women do not find relief from their epidural, and the average reduction in pain is a 5 (on a scale of 1-10). •Confinement to bed: you will need assistance to move into any alternate position (even flipping from side to side).- •Hinder the rotation of a posterior baby (to anterior): The posterior position can increase your chance of cesarean and use of vacuum or forceps.- •More babies go to NICU: Studies have found that more medical interventions during labor can lead to 15-25% of healthy babies spending days or weeks in the NICU •Additional Related Risks: Increased chance of need for Pitocin (which can both tire and stress your baby and uterus. Studies show continues fetal monitoring (mandatory with an epidural) can increase your cesarean chance by 2-3x. Decrease in maternal blood pressure (and thus decreased oxygen supply to your baby). Need for urinary catheter as you can’t feel/empty your own bladder (increase in chance of infection and incontinence)... and so on.- 🔅Benefits and Advantages🔅 •Exhaustion: The numbing relieve given you mothers can provide and opportunity for rest, which allows the body the ability to recover and repair, thus giving you more energy to continue laboring and eventually delivering your baby. •Failure to Progress: Epidural medication can allow the body to release tension (if you are constantly fighting your contractions). Increased stress and exhaustion increased adrenaline which combats the production of oxytocin. ⬇️Continued in Comments⬇️ I cannot believe that Christmas is just around the corner. This year seems to have flown by. But, I’m soaking up all the Christmas Spirit I can (pun intended 😉). I love diffusing this guy all over the house during this time of year. Not only does it smell like Christmas, but it holds awesome health benefits of essential oils. It’s a wonderful alternative to toxic candles (which often contain heavy metals, synthetic fragrances, and carcinogens). ••• Ingredients... 🍊 Orange: Uplifting, antidepressant, boosts immunity, promotes relaxation. 🍂 Cinnamon Bark: anti-bacterial/fungal/inflammatory/viral, circulatory stimulant. Thought to attract wealth. 🌲Black Spruce: Helps release emotional blocks, gives feeling of balance and grounding ⬆️ VBAC Queen ⬆️ I have had the amazing pleasure of supporting some amazing births this year, some of which have been mamas trying for (and successfully achieving) a vaginal birth after having a cesarean (or two!). This mama right here knew exactly what she wanted for baby #2. She recognized the things she would have done differently with her 1st, she took her power back, she controlled the conversation with her midwife team, she demanded respect and the right to birth her baby the way she wanted to. She researched, she planned, and she advocated for herself, her baby, and her family. - ••• With baby #1, she had premature rupture of membranes (waters broke before onset of labor). Following the guidelines from what she’s always heard, she headed straight to the hospital. From there it was a domino effect of interventions that she didn’t want. She wasn’t allowed to labor the way she wanted and ended up in a place she didn’t want to be; in the OR. Yes, her baby was healthy. But, what about mom? This entire experience left her traumatized and wanting. Fast forward to baby #2. Her labor was intense from the very start, with labor waves 3 minutes apart for hours and hours. Intense back labor and emotions told them to go in. Once she arrived, she was evaluated to still be in early labor. So, to prevent any unnessary intervention, mama decided to go home. I commend her for this! It is so hard to turn around and accept that you are not as far along as you had hoped. You’re tired, in pain, emotionally and physically exhausted. But, she knew if she stayed, she would have ended up in the same place she did with her first. So, home she went. More laboring, more discomfort, but MORE PROGRESS. Girlfriend gained 5 more cm in the matter of hours at home. When she returned, she was in the thick of active labor. So, we labored, we changed positions often, pep talks, and counter pressure. And finally, little man was finally ready to make his debut. With all of her might, she achieved what she wanted. This gorgeous little guy came into the world and roared out to his mama. Welcome to the world sweet boy! Your mama moved mountains just for you. 💖 ⭐️Delayed Cord Clamping⭐️ When you choose delayed cord clamping(DCC) for your newborn, make sure you specify exactly what you mean. As this is still sort of a new practice in our maternity wards, each hospital and/or physician may have different definitions of what “delayed” means. For some it’s 30 seconds, for others it’s 3 minutes. For me (and for you) it should be until it stops pulsating (unless there is a medical necessity to cut the cord). Why should you demand this for your baby? - ••• When your baby is born, as much as 30% of THEIR blood volume is still in the placenta. This blood belongs to your baby (it’s theirs, not yours). By allowing your baby to have what is already technically theirs, you are providing them with amazing benefits. Firstly, they will have a higher birth weight, their iron stores will be exponentially increased, higher percentage of red blood cells (aka more oxygen), more stem cells, allows for easier delivery of the placenta, and many more benefits! But wait, what about cesarean, premature birth, or emergency? I’m glad you asked...- ••• You can (and should) speak to your physician about DCC in the event of cesarean, premature birth, and/or emergency. For cesarean, you can still delay. Your physician may have qualms about it (as you are vulnerable to infection the longer your incision is open), but they benefits are still huge and important for you baby. For premature babies: again, huge benefits... DCC can decrease the risk of hemorrhage, sepsis, need for blood transfusions, etc. For emergency: if your baby is born and needs resuscitation, speak you your physician and birth place staff about their protocol. Request (or demand) bedside resuscitation. Clamping and cutting off your baby’s oxygen supply (which they are still getting through the placenta) to be removed from mom’s chest to a warmer across the room is not ideal. If bedside resuscitation is not available at your birth place, speak to the staff and let them know this is a practice they should offer (they can’t change unless they know they should). - ••• So, in summary - DCC has countless benefits for you and your baby. When in doubt, wait for it to stop pulsating. 🌿Elderberry Syrup🌿 This little glass jar is full of 16 Oz freshly made Elderberry Syrup! Why should you have this on hand? It’s super high in vitamins A & C, is extremely helpful in beating and protecting from colds and flu, has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, strengthens the immune system and supports the respiratory system, and much much more! It’s super easy to make (or you can buy it)! I used and amended the @wellnessmama recipe. See below - ••• 2/3 cup dried black elderberries 3½ cups water 1/2C LOCAL Honey 1 drop Thieves 1 drop Clove 1 drop Nutmeg 1 drop Ginger 3 drops Orange (If you don’t have food grade essential oils, you can substitute for: 2 TBSP fresh or dried ginger root 2 Cinnamon Sticks ½ tsp ground cloves) ••• Add all elderberry (and fresh/dried herbs if you are using them) to a pot with water. bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for an hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half. Remove from heat and let cool until it is cool enough to be handled. Use a cheesecloth or strainer to strain the juice from the berries. I find a cheesecloth to be most efficient as you can squeeze every last drop out! Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm. Add the honey and essential oils (skip EOs if you used fresh/dried herbs and spices) stir well. Store in a glass jar or bottle. - ••• Standard dose is ½ tsp - 1 tsp for kids and ½ - 1 tablespoon for adults. If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear - ••• I give this to both my kids (3.5 & 2yrs) almost daily and extra when they are sick. Keep in mind, honey must be substituted for an alternative sweetener for babies under 12 months. 💖- ••• Thieves - overall wellness & immune support. Clove - boost of antioxidants Nutmeg - promotes circulation and also the nervous & endocrine systems Ginger - promotes a healthy gut! Orange- adds a fruity flavor, but Orange is also cleansing, uplifting, aids digestion & is high in d-limonene!

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