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		<title>What Helps a Stuffy Nose? Moisture</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/12/what-helps-a-stuffy-nose-moisture/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:38:53 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[The first time my daughter had a seriously stuffy nose she was 7 months old.  I tearfully panicked as she attempted to feed in the middle of the night, as was usual, and violently de-latched from my breast because she couldn’t breathe and suck at the same time.  I did what any 1st time mother would do, “turn on the hot shower” I yelled, and off we went to open her nasal passages up long enough for feeding intervals. 
That got us through that night, but the longer term solution involved ...


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The first time my daughter had a seriously stuffy nose she was 7 months old.  I tearfully panicked as she attempted to feed in the middle of the night, as was usual, and violently de-latched from my breast because she couldn’t breathe and suck at the same time.  I did what any 1<sup>st</sup> time mother would do, “turn on the hot shower” I yelled, and off we went to open her nasal passages up long enough for feeding intervals. <a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Breastfeeding.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3046" title="Breastfeeding a baby" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Breastfeeding-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p>That got us through that night, but the longer term solution involved researching and reading about <em>humidifiers, vaporizers, nostril aspirators, saline drops, homeopathy, dietary changes</em>, you name it!  <a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Coughs-and-Colds-Medicines-or-Home-Remedies.aspx" target="_blank">Over the counter decongestants</a>: there is a lot of debate out there about when they are effective, the FDA says not to use under the age of 4.  <a href="http://www.drgreene.com/qa/allergy-medication" target="_blank">Dr. Alan Greene</a> identifies potential side effects: sleeplessness, drowsiness, irritability, increased blood pressure.  We recommend speaking with your pediatrician or medical provider BEFORE purchasing any OTC.  And if you have an infant with a fever of any type, contact your medical provider and discuss.  Pretty much all the research agrees: moisture or humidity can soothe the symptoms of colds and stuffy noses.</p>
<p>Our first purchase was a <a href="http://www.vicks.com/vaporizers-lineup/" target="_blank">vaporizer</a>, and it worked great, except: <a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG_P_VPZ_V150SG_B.png"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3044" title="IMG_P_VPZ_V150SG_B" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG_P_VPZ_V150SG_B-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li>incredibly difficult to clean</li>
<li>the room required airing out afterwards; it produced a lot of moisture.</li>
<li>mist created by boiling water, the unit itself becomes hot, so if you have a toddler that is crawling = burn risk.</li>
<li>you can add essential oils into the machine (mine required to add salt).</li>
</ul>
<p>We moved onto <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cool-mist-humidifiers/AN01577" target="_blank">humidifiers</a> a more sophisticated machine, yet also puts moisture in the air <strong>without boiling water</strong>.  Some have a cool mist or a hot mist option.  Moisture is moisture, and the temperature doesn’t matter.  Don’t add any substance to this type of machine, just plain water.</p>
<p>FAQ: <a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Crane-Owl-EE-72701.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3048" title="Crane Owl EE-7270" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Crane-Owl-EE-72701-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li>Sitting water can breed bacteria.</li>
<li>Change the water. (Modern humidifiers like<a href="http://crane-usa.com/products/" target="_blank"> Crane’s</a>, have smaller tanks that don’t allow water to store for more than <strong>2 days</strong>. They also have auto shut-off in the event the water runs too low for the motor, not something my vaporizer had, and I admit to burning out more than one motor!)</li>
<li>Don’t forget to change the basin! (There is a basin under the tank where water collects.  Change at the same time you change the water tank.  It requires that you unplug the machine, but do it, bacteria may cause other illnesses, and the whole point of using a moisture adding machine is to reduce illness and symptoms!)</li>
</ul>
<p>As Katie Sotor of Crane-USA says, “<em>It’s still water folks!  So regardless of the machine, or if it has the anti-microbial protection, change the water <strong>every 2 days</strong>.”</em>  She also recommends disinfecting it every 7 days with a tank full of water and 2-3 caps of vinegar, don’t turn it on, just let it sit for a good 30 minutes.</p>
<p>Using moisture in the air while you sleep is a great non-medical option for infants, young children, and adults.  So if you are pregnant or nursing and want to reduce the symptoms of a cold or reduce the potential of getting one, consider it.  And saline drops in the nose whether stuffy or as a preventive can be very helpful.</p>
<p>Alisa Donner, MSW, LCSW, Co-Founder, Pregnancy Awareness Month®</p>
<p><strong><em>This is not meant as medical advice – consult with your medical provider as needed.</em></strong></p>
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		<title>A Turn for the Better</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/11/a-turn-for-the-better/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:45:16 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Four years ago, when my wife, Jama, was pregnant with our first daughter, Adeline, we wanted to play music to her belly.  Why?  Well we weren’t really sure to be honest with you.  We had a vague understanding that it was a beneficial prenatal practice – something to do with transforming our developing offspring into an off-the-charts genius (and our little Addy is a pretty quick witted 4yr old who is apt to harmonize &#8211; used loosely &#8211; to Rolling in the Deep, but whether or not that can be ...


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Four years ago, when my wife, Jama, was pregnant with our first daughter, Adeline, we wanted to play music to her belly.  Why?  Well we weren’t really sure to be honest with you.  We had a vague understanding that it was a beneficial prenatal practice – something to do with transforming our developing offspring into an off-the-charts genius (and our little Addy <em>is </em>a pretty quick witted 4yr old who is apt to harmonize &#8211; used loosely &#8211; to Rolling in the Deep, but whether or not that can be attributed to the womb sessions is something that will remain a mystery).  And if we wanted to do it, we imagined that other parents might also be interested in trying it out as well.  Long/short, a few years later Bellybuds were born.</p>
<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Pregnancy-Gift-Prenatal-Music-Bellybuds-Hands.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2913" title="Pregnant woman holding exposed belly laughing" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Pregnancy-Gift-Prenatal-Music-Bellybuds-Hands-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Since that time, as you can imagine, we’ve done a lot of research about the benefits of playing sounds to the womb (you can read some studies on our website <a href="http://www.bellybuds.com/prenatal_music_history/research/" target="_blank">here</a>) – one of which we had an opportunity to experience firsthand with our now 10 month old daughter, Roma.  Right around the 32<sup>nd</sup> week of the pregnancy our OB told us that the baby was in the breech position (there’s a short video of our experience at our OB’s office <a href="http://www.bellybuds.com/2010/10/turn_your_breech_baby/" target="_blank">here</a>).  My wife had had a totally natural birth with our first and was determined to do it again so a caesarean section was not an ideal option for us.  We knew that midwives and doulas, among other techniques (read more <a href="http://www.bellybuds.com/?s=breech" target="_blank">here</a>), recommended playing pleasant music down low on the abdomen to encourage the baby to turn toward it.  So we decided to become a Bellybuds case study and Jama began placing the buds on the underside of her belly and playing Mozart (and a little Dave Matthews) for about a half hour a day.  Well, within a couple days, Roma had turned downward to the proper position and we ended up having a successful natural birth!</p>
<p>Babies often will end up turning on their own, but I’ll tell you, what was most valuable was that my wife had an <em>option </em>to do something herself, that she was able to be pro-active in helping turn the baby instead of just sitting around waiting and hoping that it would happen.  As satisfying as it is to run this business and hear from customers that they enjoy the product, that experience was a topper and it’s one that I love to share with the hope that it may help others.</p>
<p>Curtis Williams, Creator &amp; Co-founder of <a href="http://www.bellybuds.com" target="_blank">Bellybuds</a> LLC and father of two beautiful girls</p>
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		<title>Go Inward</title>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:38:50 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[As I write this a Fall wind is wrapping itself around my house. My six-year-old is back in school and I can hear my son, just two running around the yard. I smile briefly because I am in gratitude, thankful for a bit of silence and a moment of reflection. This past summer was crazy with traveling and lots of guests coming to stay with us and now I sit here alone and am reminded that it is important to go inward, reflect, meditate. I remember before I had children ...


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As I write this a Fall wind is wrapping itself around my house. My six-year-old is back in school and I can hear my son, just two running around the yard. I smile briefly because I am in gratitude, thankful for a bit of silence and a moment of reflection. This past summer was crazy with traveling and lots of guests coming to stay with us and now I sit here alone and am reminded that it is important to go inward, reflect, meditate. I remember before I had children taking time for myself was so easy. It just was. I hiked in the hills alone, I meditated in my little temple solo and sat quietly on my bed and read a book.</p>
<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Toscana4blog.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2876" title="Toscana4blog" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Toscana4blog-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>These days simple tasks like that can be challenging. My son still wants to be in my arms all the time and my daughter needs me for homework and projects. Obviously I value the time with my children, they need me and one day they won’t, well not in quite the same way but taking a moment to have to oneself is not a luxury, it is a necessity. And I just don’t mean a late night bath, where one collapses in the lukewarm water that has been waiting for you all night. I mean, focused time alone. It may be scheduled or it may “occur” organically but it must be cultivated and re-occurring.</p>
<p>When a woman is pregnant (with her first child anyway) cultivating time alone, a time of reflection happens so easily. You are bonding inwardly with your child, you are musing on your future as a mother…and then baby comes and everything is so external, so right in front of you. Ladies, the seasons are changing, our children are growing and life goes on. But please take this time to notice the sounds around you, acknowledge the things you have done and take a deep breath, better yet take a few.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.annagetty.com" target="_blank">Anna Getty</a>, Founder, Pregnancy Awareness Month, author, Holistic Life Expert, and mother of 2 adorable children!</p>
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		<title>Birth Day with Val: From Inspired to Inspiring</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/09/birth-day-with-val-from-inspired-to-inspiring/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:13:41 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pregnancyawareness.com/?p=2794</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Becoming a doula really started when I was working as an EMT for an ambulance company on the Central Coast of California. I had the opportunity to go into the OR with a respiratory therapist to watch a caesarian birth. I will never forget the power of watching that baby come out into the world!
That was in 2002, and I eventually moved back to San Diego where I was able to shadow a homebirth midwife, as well as become a volunteer through UCSD’s Hearts and Hands Program.
I then moved into ...


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/visioning-your-sacred-birth/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Visioning Your Sacred Birth'>Visioning Your Sacred Birth</a> <small>I’ve often said that we do a wonderful job in...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/05/the-incredible-and-well-worth-investment-of-a-post-partum-doula/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Incredible and Well Worth Investment of a Post-Partum Doula'>The Incredible and Well Worth Investment of a Post-Partum Doula</a> <small>The word doula has gained incredible popularity in the past...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/03/6-part-series-your-journey-to-a-sacred-birth-with-stephanie-dawn-alsp/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 6 Part Series &#8211; Your Journey to a Sacred Birth with Stephanie Dawn, ALSP'>6 Part Series &#8211; Your Journey to a Sacred Birth with Stephanie Dawn, ALSP</a> <small>What does it mean to embark on a spiritual path...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Aylas-Birth-0591.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2799" title="Ayla's Birth 059" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Aylas-Birth-0591-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Becoming a doula really started when I was working as an EMT for an ambulance company on the Central Coast of California. I had the opportunity to go into the OR with a respiratory therapist to watch a caesarian birth. I will never forget the power of watching that baby come out into the world!</p>
<p>That was in 2002, and I eventually moved back to San Diego where I was able to shadow a homebirth midwife, as well as become a volunteer through <a href="http://www.health.ucsd.edu/women/child/doula/" target="_blank">UCSD’s Hearts and Hands Program</a>.</p>
<p>I then moved into a new area of health care: Respiratory Therapy. Upon obtaining my credential and graduating In 2007 I was hired at a hospital that specialized in labor and delivery. At the time a seemingly annoying paperwork delay with my State License brought the inspiration of my lifetime. While I waited, I had the chance to assist a homebirth with a midwife named <a href="http://www.sandiegomidwife.com" target="_blank">Jamin Sylvada</a>.</p>
<p>I was on a natural high for days after that homebirth. That same week, I called <a href="http://www.babiesbythesea.com" target="_blank">Dr. Robert Biter</a> , a friend who was a local OB/GYN, explained my situation and shared with him that I was not going back to respiratory therapy once I received my license; my passion now was assisting with births. He knew my health care background and experience, and started referring couples to me that same year.</p>
<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Rubys-Birth-081.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2801" title="Ruby's Birth 081" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Rubys-Birth-081-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a>My first birth with Dr. Biter would forever change the way I would look at the birthing process. When the first mom he sent my way went into labor, it was a magical birth, nothing like I had ever seen in a hospital setting.</p>
<p>I would continue to see special births with this same doctor for years to follow. That first birth became the standard for how I wished to see all moms experience a birth. I realized that I could help more moms as a doula, by educating and supporting them through their deliveries, than I would by staying as a respiratory therapist in a NICU.</p>
<p>I created my doula practice, <a href="http://www.birthdaywithval.com" target="_blank">Birth Day with Val</a>.  The name of my business sums up what I do. Midwives inspire me to be the best doula I can be. The incredible learning experiences from Dr. Biter’s births have allowed me to help create positive births for many women.</p>
<p>Out of Birth Day with Val, came a passion for helping moms to recover with love and support in the postpartum period. I would listen to my clients tell me that they were still feeling really sore, and that what the hospitals gave them for the recovery from episiotomies, swelling and tearing was not helping…</p>
<p>I created <a href="http://www.birthdaypostpartum.com" target="_blank">Birth Day Postpartum Recovery Spray</a> for moms after their delivery.  This spray helps with everything from minor swelling to significant tearing post-delivery. Even moms who encounter a caesarian birth can benefit from the recovery properties of this spray on the incision area.</p>
<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Gorman-Birth-7172011-096.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2797" title="Gorman Birth 7172011 096" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Gorman-Birth-7172011-096.jpg" alt="" width="385" height="257" /></a>This 100% natural blend includes the following ingredients: helichrysum, lavender, chamomile, yarrow, calendula and aloe. The healing properties of these particular essential oils promote tissue repair and ease the pain of perineal tearing, episiotomies and swelling.</p>
<p>Birth work is joyous work for me.  I believe healthy families begin with healthy births.  As a doula, I am an integral part of promoting the best birth experience that I can.  Through educating, supporting, and giving postpartum care with families, I am able to meet this intention.</p>
<p>Valerie M. Peterson, BA, LEC, Labor &amp; Delivery Doula, and Founder of<a href="http://www.birthdaywithval.com" target="_blank"> Birth Day with Val</a></p>
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<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/05/the-incredible-and-well-worth-investment-of-a-post-partum-doula/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Incredible and Well Worth Investment of a Post-Partum Doula'>The Incredible and Well Worth Investment of a Post-Partum Doula</a> <small>The word doula has gained incredible popularity in the past...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/03/6-part-series-your-journey-to-a-sacred-birth-with-stephanie-dawn-alsp/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 6 Part Series &#8211; Your Journey to a Sacred Birth with Stephanie Dawn, ALSP'>6 Part Series &#8211; Your Journey to a Sacred Birth with Stephanie Dawn, ALSP</a> <small>What does it mean to embark on a spiritual path...</small></li>
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		<title>The Postpartum Blues &amp; What You Can Do</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/07/the-postpartum-blues-what-you-can-do/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 03:03:20 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pregnancyawareness.com/?p=2644</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When I go back 7 years ago to when I was pregnant with my first child, Jasper, it was very difficult for me to even entertain what life would be like postpartum. It was all I could do to focus on the birth. The postpartum period was difficult for me, but I never experienced what I would call depression. I did, however feel very alone, very cut off from my single friends and my extended family. I didn’t have any new mom friends and often thought, “My goodness, somewhere, in ...


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/05/the-incredible-and-well-worth-investment-of-a-post-partum-doula/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Incredible and Well Worth Investment of a Post-Partum Doula'>The Incredible and Well Worth Investment of a Post-Partum Doula</a> <small>The word doula has gained incredible popularity in the past...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/visioning-your-sacred-birth/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Visioning Your Sacred Birth'>Visioning Your Sacred Birth</a> <small>I’ve often said that we do a wonderful job in...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/06/so-the-baby-is-here-now-what/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: So the Baby is Here, Now What?'>So the Baby is Here, Now What?</a> <small>By Alisa Donner, MSW, LCSW, Co-Founder P.A.M. Anna and I...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When I go back 7 years ago to when I was pregnant with my first child, Jasper, it was very difficult for me to even entertain what life would be like postpartum. It was all I could do to focus on the birth. The postpartum period was difficult for me, but I never experienced what I would call depression. I did, however feel very alone, very cut off from my single friends and my extended family. I didn’t have any new mom friends and often thought, “My goodness, somewhere, in a parallel reality, I am living in a community where I share my life with other women and moms, cooking together, cleaning together and helping each other!” Eventually, I found a local moms yahoogroup and while limited, it helped a great deal to connect me with new moms. I still missed my husband day in and day out and wondered where oh where was my tribe? <a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/screenshot.png"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2649" title="screenshot" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/screenshot-300x198.png" alt="" width="300" height="198" /></a></p>
<p>If you are pregnant now and reading this, terrific! I encourage you to create your tribe now and start planning for the postpartum period. This can consist of fellow moms, dear friends you can ask for help and count on, and you can also hire a postpartum doula. Recently I spoke with <a href="http://powerofbirth.com" target="_blank">Tara Brooke</a> and <a href="http://bella-belly.com" target="_blank">Gina Giordano</a>, who work respectively in San Francisco and Austin, Texas, and who offer Postpartum Doula Trainings and they described a postpartum doula as a ‘best friend for hire’ ~ they cook, they clean, they shop, they help with breastfeeding issues, they hold the baby while you shower etc. They suggest making a list of the things that you do every day and ask yourself, who will do those postpartum? Support has never meant so much as when you have a newborn!</p>
<p>So what are the baby blues and how do you treat them? Well, according to <a href="http://www.drshosh.com" target="_blank">Dr. Shoshana Bennett,</a> (Dr. Shosh) co- author of <em>Beyond the Blues, Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety </em>if you are feeling blue beyond two weeks postpartum, you may have postpartum depression. Baby blues occur for 50-80% of moms. Within two weeks of giving birth, it is natural for you to feel weepy and emotional as your hormones come back into balance, you may also feel sleep deprived, which is also entirely normal. Getting good rest is vital to overall wellness and this can be challenging with a newborn. If you experience the blues beyond two weeks you may wish to seek professional help. If you are experiencing depression in your pregnancy (15-23 % of women do) you can begin to treat it now via diet and lifestyle changes. Dr. Shosh recommends various treatments like individual/group counseling, emotional/physical support, massage, acupuncture, exercise and nutrition.</p>
<p>This blog would not be complete if I did not mention <a href="http://www.placentabenefits.info" target="_blank">placenta encapsulation</a>. Many women are choosing this option and the word is that the nutrients in your placenta can go very far in giving you the nutrition you need to remain happy and healthy.</p>
<p>So the good news is, postpartum life can truly feel like an emotional roller coaster and that is totally natural. We have all been there! If you have a history of depression and could use support during your pregnancy and postpartum, please ask for it! You deserve to feel healthy and loved and supported and there are numerous resources and support networks that exist for you. You don’t need to be a super mom and handle it all alone!</p>
<p>Stephanie Dawn, ALSP is a Sacred Birth Coach and licensed counselor supporting mamas in the prenatal and postpartum period in Los Angeles and internationally. She is the author of the Sacred Birth Workbook, Childbirth Preparation for the Heart, Mind and Spirit. Contact Stephanie for a complimentary consultation by emailing <a href="mailto:sacredbirth@me.com">sacredbirth@me.com</a> or go to <a href="http://www.stephaniedawn.com" target="_blank">www.stephaniedawn.com</a></p>
<p><em>Please check with your Medical Provider regarding any health or mental health symptoms or treatment.  Pregnancy Awareness Month is not endorsing one particular type of treatment, nor encouraging you to abstain from consulting with your Medical Provider. </em></p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/05/the-incredible-and-well-worth-investment-of-a-post-partum-doula/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Incredible and Well Worth Investment of a Post-Partum Doula'>The Incredible and Well Worth Investment of a Post-Partum Doula</a> <small>The word doula has gained incredible popularity in the past...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/visioning-your-sacred-birth/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Visioning Your Sacred Birth'>Visioning Your Sacred Birth</a> <small>I’ve often said that we do a wonderful job in...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/06/so-the-baby-is-here-now-what/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: So the Baby is Here, Now What?'>So the Baby is Here, Now What?</a> <small>By Alisa Donner, MSW, LCSW, Co-Founder P.A.M. Anna and I...</small></li>
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		<title>The Incredible and Well Worth Investment of a Post-Partum Doula</title>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 17:54:23 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[The word doula has gained incredible popularity in the past decade. The joke in big cities is not if you have a doula but WHO is your doula. Women have become familiar and embraced the idea that a loving, informed and positive presence during the transition into motherhood can be the single best decision about their care.
We are now embracing and exploring the role of the Postpartum Doula.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/visioning-your-sacred-birth/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Visioning Your Sacred Birth'>Visioning Your Sacred Birth</a> <small>I’ve often said that we do a wonderful job in...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/09/birth-day-with-val-from-inspired-to-inspiring/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Birth Day with Val: From Inspired to Inspiring'>Birth Day with Val: From Inspired to Inspiring</a> <small>Becoming a doula really started when I was working as...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/03/6-part-series-your-journey-to-a-sacred-birth-with-stephanie-dawn-alsp/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 6 Part Series &#8211; Your Journey to a Sacred Birth with Stephanie Dawn, ALSP'>6 Part Series &#8211; Your Journey to a Sacred Birth with Stephanie Dawn, ALSP</a> <small>What does it mean to embark on a spiritual path...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">The Incredible and Well Worth Investment of a Post-Partum Doula</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">By: <a href="http://www.apmarkel.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Ana Paula Markel</span></a> ICCE, CD (<a href="http://www.dona.org" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">DONA</span></a>)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Certified Doula, Certified Childbirth Educator, DONA Approved Birth Doula Trainer</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Owner, <a href="http://www.binibirth.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Bini Birth</span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></p>
<p>The word doula has gained incredible popularity in the past decade. The joke in big cities is not if you have a doula but WHO is your doula. Women have become familiar and embraced the idea that a loving, informed and positive presence during the transition into motherhood can be the single best decision about their care.</p>
<p>We are now embracing and exploring the role of the Postpartum Doula.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.binibirth.com" target="_blank"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1767  aligncenter" title="doula" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/doula-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">According to <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.dona.org" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">DONA International</span></a> </span>and from their website, a Postpartum Doula:</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li>Offers education, companionship and  nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester</li>
<li>Assists with newborn care, family adjustment,  meal preparation and light household tidying</li>
<li>Offers evidence-based information on infant  feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents, and makes appropriate referrals when necessary</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;"><br />
</span></span></p>
<p>A postpartum doula certified by <a href="http://www.dona.org" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">DONA International</span></a> is designated by the initials PCD(DONA).</p>
<p>Translating this definition into a day in a new mother&#8217;s life, it is almost comparing darkness to light. A new mother is often tired from the birth experience; experiencing a physiological hormonal drop, and recognizing that nothing could really prepare someone for the role as a mother. She may have breastfeeding questions and infant sleep/wake cycle questions.  Much support is needed during the early post partum days.</p>
<p>Sleep deprivation combined with the seemly relentless needs of the newborn.  And how about the partner? Partners can be just as lost or even on a different pace than the mother.</p>
<p>Enter the role of the postpartum doula.  Through gentle listening, validation and expertise she brings confidence to the new parents.</p>
<p>The birth doula supports and informs about the birth process but at the end of the day, the mother will be the one to birth the baby, either vaginally or by a cesarean birth.</p>
<p>The postpartum doula does the same, her role is to encourage and support the parents in parenting their own babies. The postpartum doula does not take over the care of the baby for the mother, but gently guides mom through her questions and insecurities. The postpartum doula will also remind the mother of all the things she is doing well, celebrating each milestone with the family in the early days.</p>
<p>If we nurture the mother, she can nurture her baby. It sounds simple but in real life may not be. People come to visit and the mother may catch herself entertaining, thinking about food for the guests or being polite and making small talks when all she wants is to rest. New mothers need to have their feet up, to be fed, heard, validated and honored in order to provide for their infant. The postpartum doula&#8217;s role is to care for the mother (and her partner) along with the infant. It is not divided or separated, it is a big picture; a family approach.</p>
<p>At this point you may be sold on the idea, but probably asking how much such service will cost. No, it is not a cheap service, but we can look at it as an investment. You are preventing postpartum depression, therefore saving on therapy sessions and possible medication. You are preventing breastfeeding complications, therefore saving on formula and the paraphernalia that comes with bottle feeding. You are enhancing communication among partners, therefore saving in couple&#8217;s therapy. These are just a few of the financial benefits of hiring a postpartum doula. And what is the price for love, peace of mind, security, confidence and a healthy relationship among new parents?</p>
<p>People spend so much money on fancy strollers, diaper bags, baby luxury clothing, and many other items that are fun. How can we help society value the aid of a doula dedicated to post partum service for the infant and family in the first 1 or 2 weeks post birth just as much?</p>
<p>A postpartum doula costs anywhere from 20 to 50 dollars/hour. It depends on the city, if it is day or night shifts, or one baby or multiples. Doulas are hired for some hours daily or nightly and/or for 24 hours care. Doulas can be hired for either short or longer term. You can also negotiate the fee with the doula based on the period you want to contract with her. Some doulas work on sliding scales.</p>
<p>Here are some ideas in case you feel you can&#8217;t afford a doula:</p>
<ul>
<li>Think about hiring a newly trained doula who will charge a lot less than an experienced doula. These doulas often have mentorship from their trainers, and more experienced doulas.</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li>Create a doula fund for your baby shower.</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li>Suggest it as a gift from grandparents, and close relatives.</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li>Suggest a payment plan to the doula.</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></p>
<p>In the end, it is the mother, partner and baby who will benefit from this service. A safe, confident beginning of life is a precious and lasting investment in the relationship with our children and each other.</p>
<p>Peace begins in the womb, birth and early parenting.</p>
<p>To find a PP doula near you, <a href="http://www.dona.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">www.dona.org</span></a> and in the Los Angeles area <a href="http://www.binibirth.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">www.binibirth.com</span></a>. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span></span></p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/visioning-your-sacred-birth/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Visioning Your Sacred Birth'>Visioning Your Sacred Birth</a> <small>I’ve often said that we do a wonderful job in...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/09/birth-day-with-val-from-inspired-to-inspiring/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Birth Day with Val: From Inspired to Inspiring'>Birth Day with Val: From Inspired to Inspiring</a> <small>Becoming a doula really started when I was working as...</small></li>
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		<title>Visioning Your Sacred Birth</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/visioning-your-sacred-birth/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:04:10 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pregnancyawareness.com/?p=2167</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I’ve often said that we do a wonderful job in America of preparing a woman and her mate with all that she needs to know about the physical aspect of birth, but very little about the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of birth. As a result, when the first labor pang comes, women are ill prepared for the power that is surging in, through and as them and have no idea how to manage it. The same goes for their mates. While we may say we are ‘ready’ for the baby, are we really? In every way possible?


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/03/6-part-series-your-journey-to-a-sacred-birth-with-stephanie-dawn-alsp/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 6 Part Series &#8211; Your Journey to a Sacred Birth with Stephanie Dawn, ALSP'>6 Part Series &#8211; Your Journey to a Sacred Birth with Stephanie Dawn, ALSP</a> <small>What does it mean to embark on a spiritual path...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/05/sacred-life-sacred-birth-the-first-hour-after-birth/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Sacred Life, Sacred Birth ~ The First Hour after Birth'>Sacred Life, Sacred Birth ~ The First Hour after Birth</a> <small>Sacred Life, Sacred Birth ~ The First Hour after Birth...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/09/birth-day-with-val-from-inspired-to-inspiring/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Birth Day with Val: From Inspired to Inspiring'>Birth Day with Val: From Inspired to Inspiring</a> <small>Becoming a doula really started when I was working as...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--StartFragment--></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Visioning Your Sacred Birth</h3>
<p>I’ve often said that we do a wonderful job in America of preparing a woman and her mate with all that she needs to know about<a href="http://stephaniedawn.com" target="_blank"><img class="size-full wp-image-2168 alignright" title="dawn3" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/dawn3.png" alt="" width="284" height="213" /></a> the physical aspect of birth, but very little about the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of birth. As a result, when the first labor pang comes, women are ill prepared for the power that is surging in, through and as them and have no idea how to manage it. The same goes for their mates. While we may say we are ‘ready’ for the baby, are we really? In every way possible?</p>
<p>As I mentioned previously, fear runs rampant throughout a woman’s pregnancy and, indeed, our culture, and so much of the inner preparation for a woman relates to transmuting this fear and embracing one’s own feminine power, which then creates confidence to do what we were born to do and do it well, to the best of our ability.</p>
<p>What more can a woman and her mate do to create confidence, beyond the gathering and reading of solid information? One of the processes I do with my clients to great success, is called Visioning. Visioning is a process whereby we go into a meditative state, quieting the mind via prayer and then I ask a succession of questions that relate to the purpose of the visioning, which in this case I would call an Ideal or Perfect Birth Visioning. Sometimes I call this ‘downloading’ the future, connecting to and creating a vision for, a probable reality that is one’s resonant ideal.</p>
<p>Becoming comfortable with images of birth, in general, is a positive step to create confidence. In bygone times, we were much more involved in our family’s and community’s births, taking part in them and witnessing them regularly. These days, one of the best ways to learn more about birth is by watching birth videos on Youtube. It is important to watch videos that feed your ideal vision and not it’s opposite. While it’s good to read all kinds of birth stories, in my opinion, it’s best to watch videos that are harmonious with your desires and intentions. The first video I ever watched was an undisturbed, deeply meditative water birth that a doula friend loaned to me of a birth she attended in Venezuela. This left an indelible mental image for me in terms of what is possible for a woman in labor.</p>
<p>Finally, I cannot emphasize highly enough the importance of hiring a doula. Doulas attended both of my births at home and in the hospital and to this day I refer to my doulas as my ‘birth angels’. Their ability to connect with me, hold my hand, make eye contact, remind me of my own power and my own intentions in the midst of the intensity of birth was deeply empowering and ultimately unforgettable. I cannot imagine my births without them. Learn more about hiring a doula at <a href="http://www.dona.org" target="_blank">www.dona.org</a> and <a href="http://www.doulamatch.net" target="_blank">www.doulamatch.net</a></p>
<p>If you would like to learn more tips about how you can create your sacred birth, you may wish to check out the Sacred Birth Workbook which was written with you in mind. Over the years of teaching the Sacred Birth Workshop in Los Angeles and New <a href="http://www.stephaniedawn.com" target="_blank"><img class="size-full wp-image-1878 alignleft" title="stephaniedawn" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stephaniedawn.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="157" /></a>York, I compiled this workbook in an effort to share, in one place, what I was repeatedly offering year after year. It is a compendium of spiritual processes, exercises and information that will support you in creating your sacred birth. Learn more at <a href="http://www.stephaniedawn.com/ebook.htm" target="_blank">www.stephaniedawn.com/ebook.htm.</a></p>
<p>Stephanie Dawn, ALSP is a licensed spiritual counselor and Sacred Birth Coach. She is the founder of Sacred Birth Work ~ Childbirth Preparation for the Heart, Mind and Spirit. Contact Stephanie for a complimentary consultation by emailing <a href="mailto:sacredbirth@me.com" target="_blank">sacredbirth@me.com</a> or go to <a href="http://www.stephaniedawn.com" target="_blank">www.stephaniedawn.com</a>.</p>
<p><!--EndFragment--></p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/03/6-part-series-your-journey-to-a-sacred-birth-with-stephanie-dawn-alsp/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 6 Part Series &#8211; Your Journey to a Sacred Birth with Stephanie Dawn, ALSP'>6 Part Series &#8211; Your Journey to a Sacred Birth with Stephanie Dawn, ALSP</a> <small>What does it mean to embark on a spiritual path...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/05/sacred-life-sacred-birth-the-first-hour-after-birth/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Sacred Life, Sacred Birth ~ The First Hour after Birth'>Sacred Life, Sacred Birth ~ The First Hour after Birth</a> <small>Sacred Life, Sacred Birth ~ The First Hour after Birth...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/09/birth-day-with-val-from-inspired-to-inspiring/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Birth Day with Val: From Inspired to Inspiring'>Birth Day with Val: From Inspired to Inspiring</a> <small>Becoming a doula really started when I was working as...</small></li>
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		<title>Gourmet Meals Delivered to your Door</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/gourmet-meals-delivered-to-your-door/</link>
		<comments>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/gourmet-meals-delivered-to-your-door/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:00:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pregnancyawareness.com/?p=2138</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are like me, you are a woman that has secretly dreamed of having the luxury of fabulous, fresh, and calorie conscious meals delivered to your door. I always loved that idea BEFORE I became a mom, after having my baby…well, let’s just say, it is becoming more of a daily prayer. I had the incredibly good fortune of sampling 2 weeks of FreshMommy. 


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<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/visioning-your-sacred-birth/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Visioning Your Sacred Birth'>Visioning Your Sacred Birth</a> <small>I’ve often said that we do a wonderful job in...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3 style="text-align: center;">Gourmet Meals Delivered to your Door</h3>
<p>If you are like me, you are a woman that has secretly dreamed of having the luxury of fabulous, fresh, and calorie conscious meals delivered to your door. I always loved that idea BEFORE I became a mom, after having my baby…well, let’s just say, it is becoming more of a daily prayer.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.freshology.com/freshmommy/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2139" title="FreshMommy" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/FreshMommy-300x132.jpg" alt="" width="210" height="92" /></a></p>
<p>I had the incredibly good fortune of sampling 2 weeks of <a href="http://www.freshology.com/freshmommy/" target="_blank">FreshMommy</a>. What is that? FreshMommy is a fresh meal delivery program for pre- and post-natal women emphasizing nutrition and (post-natal) weight loss. Designed to address the specific nutritional needs of pregnant and nursing mothers, their menu is filled with nutrient-rich ingredients essential for a growing family. After your new baby&#8217;s arrival, the FreshMommy menu shifts to encourage weight loss while maintaining a strong nutritional foundation for new moms.</p>
<p>That’s the official description. Mine is simple: DELISH!!!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.freshology.com/freshmommy/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2140" title="Fig-and-Fresh-Mixed-Green-Salad-small" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Fig-and-Fresh-Mixed-Green-Salad-small-300x265.jpg" alt="" width="168" height="149" /></a></p>
<p>My husband was frankly jealous and by the end of the 2 week period I was sharing my meals with him, they were that good. Some of my favorites were: Orange Ricotta Pancakes with blueberry infused syrup &amp; Canadian bacon, Sun-dried tomato hummus with lavash chips, Fig and fresh mixed green salad, Italian style chicken salad over mesculun with radishes &amp; fresh marinated tomatoes, smoked salmon rillette with whole wheat crostini, dairy free pumpkin cheesecake cup. I could go on and on.</p>
<p>Is your mouth watering yet?</p>
<p>This is a wonderful program that is focused on nutrition, sophisticated recipes and fresh, wholesome food. If you have the opportunity, try it. I vote for it to be in the running as a terrific Mother’s Day gift…hint, hint.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.freshology.com/freshmommy/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-2141" title="Mini-Spinach-and-Scrambled-Egg-Tourte-2" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Mini-Spinach-and-Scrambled-Egg-Tourte-2-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p>Obviously there are many reasons besides pampering or weight loss that a woman would choose a program like this, sometimes complications can arise during pregnancy or post partum that require bed rest. This program is an excellent program for the resting and recuperating mommy or mommy-to-be.</p>
<p>For those of you attending the <a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/events/2011-events/" target="_blank">May 1st PAM Event in Santa Monica</a>, there will be representatives from <a href="http://www.freshology.com/freshmommy/" target="_blank">Freshology</a> in our Holistic Mommy Spa that can tell you more about their program.</p>
<p>Enjoy!<br />
Alisa Donner<br />
Co-founder, Pregnancy Awareness Month®</p>
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<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/visioning-your-sacred-birth/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Visioning Your Sacred Birth'>Visioning Your Sacred Birth</a> <small>I’ve often said that we do a wonderful job in...</small></li>
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		<title>How to Emotion Coach Your Child, a Review of the Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/how-to-emotion-coach-your-child-a-review-of-the-go-to-mom%e2%80%99s-parents%e2%80%99-guide-to-emotion-coaching-young-children/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:58:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Parenting is hard.  OK, it’s harder than hard. It can be incredibly difficult at times.  As the parent to 16, 13, 12 and 5 year olds right now, I question exactly how I’m doing and whether I have failed my children somewhere along the way.  I’m not the perfect parent by any stretch.  And after reading “The Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children”, by Kimberley Clayton Blaine, I realize I have some serious catching up to do. 


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3 style="text-align: center;">How to Emotion Coach Your Child, a Review of the Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.bottlestobritches.com" target="_blank">Desiree Miller</a></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>Parenting is hard.  OK, it’s harder than hard. It can be incredibly difficult at times.  As the parent to 16, 13, 12 and 5 year olds right now, I question exactly how I’m doing and whether I have failed my children somewhere along the way.  I’m not the perfect parent by any stretch.  And after reading <a href="http://www.thegotomom.com/parenting_guide.html" target="_blank">“The Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children”, by Kimberley Clayton Blaine</a>, I realize I have some serious catching up to do. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegotomom.com/parenting_guide.html" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2083" title="emotion_coaching" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/emotion_coaching-203x300.png" alt="" width="203" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Not sure what emotion coaching is?  I wasn’t either.  In her book, this licensed therapist explains that emotion coaching is basically about teaching your child how to recognize and express various feelings appropriately.  In emotion coaching you coach your child to understand and communicate feelings.  It’s a way of life really, and it allows your child to grow up more resilient and socially adept.  It requires you to know and respect your child, understanding that if you have more than one that each will be different.  It means you should avoid denying, discounting or minimizing their feelings.  It means giving them power to make good choices without relying on manipulation. </p>
<p>Still not clear?  The book explains your relationship with your child requires you to re-evaluate all the old parenting styles of the past.  Time-outs, reward systems, the standard go-to solutions of the past may not be as effective as you once believed.  Instead, allow your children to express themselves emotionally without suppressing or denying those emotions.  It’s the foundation for a strong relationship and a hefty dose of self confidence in your children that will help guide them through life. </p>
<p>The book outlines real life scenarios with your child and guides you through how to handle them.   It’s more than a “how-to”, though.  It explains the logic behind the advice and puts into perspective some of the parenting problems you may have faced in the past.  It reminds you your child’s behavior is half the issue…how you react is the other half. </p>
<p>I regret not having read this book sooner.  Even with 16 years of experience, I have so much to learn about positive parenting and helping to give my children their best start to life possible.</p>
<p>Want to know more?  <a href="http://www.bottlestobritches.com/parenttalk/3-parent-talk/207-baby-discipline-part-of-the-parents-guide-to-emotion-coaching-.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> for information on the chapter about Baby Discipline.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thegotomom.com/parenting_guide.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to buy a copy of the book.</p>
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		<title>A Letter from Ricki Lake</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/a-letter-from-ricki-lake/</link>
		<comments>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/a-letter-from-ricki-lake/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:00:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alisa Donner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anna Getty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[babies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[doctors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Doulas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr. Alan Greene]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lisa Druxman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[midwives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mommy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[motherhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motherhood Begins Now]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PAM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenthood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[practitioners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pregnancy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pregnancy Awareness Month]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pregnant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ricki Lake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stroller Strides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Business of Being Born]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I am thrilled to be involved with Pregnancy Awareness Month.  As you probably know – especially if you have seen my movie “The Business of Being Born” – pregnancy and childbirth are to things I am very passionate about and I continue to work to empower women to have healthy pregnancies and births that are best for them and their babies.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/03/new-services-packaged-up-for-new-and-expectant-parents/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: New Services Packaged up for New and Expectant Parents'>New Services Packaged up for New and Expectant Parents</a> <small>New Services Packaged up for New and Expectant Parents Any...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/visioning-your-sacred-birth/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Visioning Your Sacred Birth'>Visioning Your Sacred Birth</a> <small>I’ve often said that we do a wonderful job in...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-659" title="RL Headshot - APPROVED" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/RL-Headshot-APPROVED-244x300.jpg" alt="" width="146" height="180" /></a></p>
<p>I am thrilled to be involved with Pregnancy Awareness Month.  As you probably know – especially if you have seen my movie “The Business of Being Born” – pregnancy and childbirth are to things I am very passionate about and I continue to work to empower women to have healthy pregnancies and births that are best for them and their babies.</p>
<p>I am proud to serve on the PAM advisory team and to support Anna Getty and Alisa Donner in this phenomenal campaign.  The births of my two sons were such incredible, life-changing events for me.  I wish that every woman could experience a beautiful, peaceful birth and am grateful that there are so many great midwives, doulas, doctors, and practitioners out there that also strive to serve women throughout pregnancy and birth processes.  I fully support the four key initiatives of PAM: education, exercise, nutrition and wellness/nurture, in the hopes that more women will be inspired, empowered, and supported throughout this incredibly sacred and transformative time of their life.</p>
<p>The PAM flagship event in Santa Monica, “Motherhood Begins Now” is a free family event, hosted by Ali Larter, Amy Smart and Brenda Strong, to kick off the 4<sup>th</sup> annual educational campaign.  I am so glad to be a part of such an amazing campaign, alongside so many people who share the love of pregnancy, birth and motherhood, like Dr. Alan Greene, Lisa Druxman (founder of Stroller Strides) and of course Anna and Alisa!  Although I am unable to attend the kickoff event this year, I will be there in spirit, celebrating all that PAM and everyone involved is working to achieve.</p>
<p>Happy Pregnancy Awareness Month!</p>
<p>Xoxo</p>
<p>Ricki</p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/03/new-services-packaged-up-for-new-and-expectant-parents/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: New Services Packaged up for New and Expectant Parents'>New Services Packaged up for New and Expectant Parents</a> <small>New Services Packaged up for New and Expectant Parents Any...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/04/visioning-your-sacred-birth/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Visioning Your Sacred Birth'>Visioning Your Sacred Birth</a> <small>I’ve often said that we do a wonderful job in...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/02/celebrating-pregnancy-awareness-month-because-your-choices-do-matter/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Celebrating Pregnancy Awareness Month Because Your Choices Do Matter'>Celebrating Pregnancy Awareness Month Because Your Choices Do Matter</a> <small>All of us at Pregnancy Awareness Month® have been honored...</small></li>
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