Breastfeeding and Teen Moms

Earlier today, I received an email asking for some assistance for a local unwed teen mother. The first thing I noticed about the post was that the mother was needing bottles, formula, and coupons for formula.  This saddened me. Not only is breast milk the BEST food for a baby, it will help the teenage mother ward off ailments, unwanted weight, and assist with bonding–among many other good consequences.  Additionally, if a teen mother is already feeling the heavy weight of monetarily caring for a newborn, infant, and beyond, breastfeeding the baby for even a few months will result in significant savings.

A common misconception is that government aid programs, such as WIC, will only help pay for formula. This is not true. WIC now factors in the benefits of breastfeeding and compensates with additional vouchers for healthy, fresh food for the mom to nourish her baby with breast milk.

I answered the email with an offer to visit the expectant mother and donate to her a breastfeeding class, assist with breastfeeding, or at least talk to her about the benefits of breastfeeding.  I do hope she will consider the offer.

As a result, I began thinking, “What if every teen mother had the opportunity to have a lactation consultant, breastfeeding counselor, or doula, midwife, experienced breastfeeding mother discuss with her the benefits of breastfeeding and offer support?” What kind of savings would we see with mother and child at healthy weights, passing on antibodies and immunity, foregoing formula and bottle costs, less illness, deeper bonding, etc.?

Therefore, as my schedule allows, I will now be offering free help and support for any local teenage mothers expecting a baby. I am not a certified International Lactation Consultant, but I am a breastfeeding counselor, a doula, and childbirth educator with a decade of experience.  I can be contacted by emailing: beautifulbirths2003@yahoo.com. If anyone would also like to help with this project, please contact me and we can network a way to really make a difference in our community.

Babies deserve breast milk. Teenage mothers deserve support.

Links:

www.kellymom.com

www.breastfeeding.com

Pregnant? Thinking about a Doula or Childbirth Class?

I know no less than 20 pregnant women who are due in November and December of this year — each week I receive several inquiries as to using my labor/birth or postpartum doula services, as well as taking  prepared childbirth classes from me.  If you fall into the category of expecting a baby sometime this year and are considering hiring a doula, taking a class, having a breastfeeding consultation, or any of the other parenting services I offer, please contact me for a free consultation.

I commit to only 2-3 childbirth doula clients a month, in order to provide the best care and service.  Once I am booked for the month, I am full.

My consultation is free, we can meet at your home or mine, or a local public area, such as a coffee/sandwich shop.  If you are not sure of the benefits of having a doula, this is a great time to learn and ask questions, as well as start becoming familiar with one another. I can give you a schedule of upcoming classes, or schedule a private class for you and your partner. If you are a first time parent, or new to the area, I can provide you with many local resources, such as a birth setting that fits your desire, newborn photographers, cloth diapering shops, and more.

I serve the greater Knoxville area, and under certain circumstances, travel as far as Chattanooga, Johnson City, and other outlying areas.

Ten years of experience and helping hundreds of families has made me love what I do even more! Let’s talk!

You can reach me at beautifulbirths2003@yahoo.com or (865) 705-7734.

Pregnancy After Loss

Pregnancy after loss changes things

Miscarriage, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, SIDS — all terms that cause devastation and can rob a woman and her partner of innocence regarding pregnancy. When the time to try to conceive again arrives and a positive response shows up on a pregnancy test, it is often not the same experience before. There is caution, a tentativeness, perhaps even overwhelming doubt or fear along with any joy and hope felt.

The new pregnancy may be held as only a possibility. Medical terms may creep in as a buffer against disappointment: “viable pregnancy”, “hcG levels”, “progesterone supplementation”, “high risk obstetrics”.  Agonizing waits to get in to a health care provider to receive an ultrasound and “see” a baby — your baby.  Leaving the ultrasound visit and immediately feeling the worry and doubt building until the next blood tests come back, the next ultrasound visit.

Wanting reassurance from a medical standpoint is understandable and normal. Wanting reassurance is understandable and normal.

This doubt and worry may make some people choose to not tell their families or friends about the pregnancy. “Let’s wait until we get past week X”. If a previous loss was farther along in pregnancy or possible even a baby born still, all preparations may be held until after the baby arrives. Major decisions concerning a birth team or classes may be avoided or skipped altogether.

If you have suffered a loss, I want to tell you how very sorry I am.  If you are pregnant after a loss, or even multiple losses, know that you can find reassurance beyond an ultrasound or normal blood test.

Consider sharing your pregnancy news with close family members or friends. You know the ones — the ones who didn’t make thoughtless remarks such as “You can try again.” or “God needed another angel”.  The ones who maybe sent you flowers or a card, attended a ceremony for your baby, or simply listened.  Lean on them for reassurance and support.  Allow them to share in your joy and your trepidation.  Talk about your feelings, hopes, fears.

Think purposefully and positively. Every day tell yourself the ways you are taking care of your body– prenatal vitamins, proper amounts of water, healthy exercise. Focus on the things you can control. Engage in soothing activies, such as drawing, journaling, meditating — whatever appeals to you and will help your serenity.

When you feel ready, find outside support in the form of a local or online mommies group. Talk to local birth professionals; many are trained to comfort families coping with a loss, pregnancy after loss, have experience professionally and perhaps, personally. Seek those who make you feel uplifted.

Take each day at a time.  As fears or anxiety arise, take a moment to acknowledge your emotions. Discuss them or write them down. Identify and name your feelings — fear, guilt, apprehension, sadness, etc.  They may be along for the ride, but they need not be the ones driving your life.  Remind yourself that this pregnancy is different from previous pregnancies. As each labor is different, so is each pregnancy.

As your pregnancy progresses, enroll in a prepared childbirth class, particularly if you were unable to attend one in previous pregnancies. A class geared towards trusting birth and women’s bodies can go a long way in helping reclaim some of your confidence, as well as providing you with knowledge and information.

If you feel you must maintain some reticence or distance from the pregnancy, be easy on yourself. Do not beat yourself up or think negatively of yourself (or your partner) if either or both of you cannot fully invest in 100% excitement towards your new pregnancy. It is not a failing on your part to have concerns or fears.  Take small steps and take any opportunity to expand your sense of empowerment and ability.

It would be easy to only consider highly interventive and medicalized choices regarding pregnancy and birth management.  After a loss, often the only goal is have a “healthy baby”. In making certain decisions and choices, however, remember to honor yourself, your body, and your baby by exploring your labor and birth options.

All rights reserved: Kimberly Sebeck, CLD, CCCE, Knoxville Doula 2010

http://www.knoxvilledoula.com

Upcoming ICAN of Knoxville Events

The May meeting for ICAN of Knoxville is featuring Franya Peterson, D.C. Her topic will be:

Using Chiropractic to Optimize your Pregnancy and Birth Outcome.
May 5th, from 6-7 pm

———————————————————————————————————————–

June’s meeting is movie night! Join us on June 2nd to watch “Pregnant in America” 6-7 pm

———————————————————————————————————————–

We will not have a July meeting as it falls during the 4th of July holiday period. Should you need personalized support or information, please email me at ICANKnoxville@yahoo.com

———————————————————————————————————————-

August 4th — Tips for Physical Recovery after Cesarean Birth.

Had or having a Cesarean Birth? Come learn tips for physical recovery from and following a C-section.

———————————————————————————————————————-

September 1st — Placenta Encapsulation and General Support Meeting

Join us as Holly Stewart, Placenta Encapsulation Specialist discusses the placenta and ways to benefit from encapsulating it.

Following Holly’s short discussion, there will be time for general support — come ask questions, tell your story, and generally feel supported in a safe, caring environment.

————————————————————————————————————————————–

All meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Earth Fare in Turkey Creek, Knoxville, TN. Meetings are from 6pm to7 pm. Babes in arms are welcomes, however, childcare for older children is not provided. Cost is FREE for all meetings, however donations in any amount are gratefully appreciated and accepted and go towards our local chapter as well as ICAN’s national organization. ICAN is a 501c non-profit, ALL volunteer organization.

Are you interested in volunteering? Ask me how! It can be as simple as posting one of our fliers at your doctor’s office, daycare, or local mom’s group.

Why subscribe to ICAN? Becoming a subscriber not only gives you access to monthly support group meetings online,  webinars with special guest speakers, a discount to the ICAN online bookstore, etc,  it ensures you are helping other women receive the information and support they need.

May is International Doula Month

Hug your favorite doula!

Yes, there really is a month set aside for doulas. Look for special events and offerings in your area in relation to International Doula Month.

In honor and celebration of Doula Month, I will be offering a few specials:

Mention “International Doula Month” and receive $50.00 off my labor doula services and 10% off of any classes. Offer expires 5/31/10.  Services need not be used in the month of May, however, if booking later in the year for doula services, the deposit must be paid in May. Classes are subject to the ordinary registration fee in order to receive the discount.

If you had a wonderful doula, (childbirth educator, midwife, etc.) here are some ideas to say thank you:

Send a thank you card with a photo of your child. We love to keep scrapbooks!
Ask if there is a place online to place a testimonial for your doula — such as www.doulamatch.net.
Refer friends, family members, and acquaintances — we rely on word of mouth for much of our business.
Give us a call or email! We love to stay in touch.

Wanting a VBAC

Many women want a VBAC

Each week I receive phone calls and emails from women inquiring about having a VBAC  (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). With the national Cesarean section rate for birth at an all time high of 32.7% (2009 rates) in the United States, understandably there are many women having subsequent pregnancies and desiring to have a vaginal birth.

I spoke with a woman yesterday who greatly impressed me with her desire for a VBAC. I want to share a few items that stood out in our conversation that will hopefully help others in their quest for vaginal birth. In the interest of privacy, I will refer to her as Mrs. M.

Mrs. M’s  first pregnancy was 16 years ago and the labor was full of interventions and ultimately resulted in a Cesarean section, though the baby was in no distress. How does she know this? She requested her medical records. She found out what dilation she was at when interventions were done, what kind of suture was used in sewing her up after the surgery, and other valid information in order to help her make a decision about having a VBAC. She saw on her records what her baby’s heart rate had stayed at and that there was no distress, simply a diagnosis of “Failure to Progress” after only 8 hours of trial of labor.

Following the birth of her first child, she began educating herself about cesarean sections, how to avoid them, and read, according to her, 15 books on having a successful VBAC. Some of the information made her angry and that she had been lied to. Some of the information made her sad that she had not known the information for her first birth. Much of the information inspired her and helped her determination to seek a VBAC.

Upon deciding to get pregnant and have another child,  she immediately began exploring her birth provider options.   Phone calls were made to hospitals inquiring about their cesarean section rate. One hospital told her that out of  over 2,000 births the previous year, only one had been a VBAC.  She interviewed up to 10 different providers in her area, including OB/GYN’s and homebirth midwives who attended VBAC. Many of the interviews did not give her the answer for a VBAC, but it did give her an answer about choosing that provider. One OB/GYN told her that she did not and would not attend a  VBAC due to the fact the hospital she worked at required the doctor to stay on the floor through the entire labor and birth of a woman attempting a VBAC.  The female doctor honestly said, “I am not paid enough to stay on a hospital floor for up to 48 hours.” Another doctor asked her what the “big deal” was about having a repeat c-section and said that she herself had chosen to have an elective surgical birth — and would do it again. Another male doctor asked her how she would feel if her baby died or if he, the doctor, had to break the baby’s shoulder in order to get it out.  Rather than being discouraged or giving up on finding a provider, this woman kept searching until she found one she felt comfortable with.

Around 25 weeks into her pregnancy, the provider chosen began setting rules regarding a “trial” for VBAC. The doctor told her she would have to stay in bed, on continuous monitoring, have no food or water, have an IUPC (intraueterine pressure catheter) placed (meaning the bag of waters would be broken artificially), and she would have to dilate 1 cm per hour — or off to surgery Mrs. M would go. A mention of induction at 38 weeks was brought up. This began to bother and worry Mrs.M., so she began searching, again, for a provider for VBAC who would make her more comfortable, even though she was now 25-26 weeks into her pregnancy. She wisely questioned how she could relax and work with her labor watching a clock and wondering if she was dilating 1 cm per hour

Mrs. M contacted another homebirth midwife (not an easy task to find in her area of the country). This midwife recommended a different provider and offered to go with Mrs.M. for the consultation. She met with this new doctor and was reassured she had found the right one and switched practices. Mrs. M. then hired a doula for labor and birth support.

Each time Mrs. M. would be told something negative or have some personal fears or doubts, she would use a fabulous resource she had stumbled across on the internet:  ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network). She began reading the information on their evidence based papers, as well as joining an online chat and sometimes webinars when they were offered throughout the month. When someone would tell her she had a 13% chance of uterine rupture (not true), she researched the facts and informed herself on the risks and benefits of VBAC.  She replaced the negative with positive medical facts, as well as success stories and support.

With her first pregnancy, she did not exercise, watch her nutrition and food intake, or take prepared childbirth classes. In preparing for another pregnancy, she began not only exercising, but teaching aerobic classes up to 11 times a week. She followed a sensible diet and remained active. She enrolled in Bradley childbirth classes and learned about the processes of labor and natural ways to manage them. Sixteen years after the first pregnancy, she is in better shape than when she was a teenager — and far better prepared for the experience of childbirth.

In speaking with Mrs. M, I could sense her determination but also. the struggle it had been for her to find “someone to believe in her ability to have a VBAC”.  She called me seeking just a little more support and encouragement, as she is now 36 weeks and some of the things said to her by friends, family, and medical personnel still come up into her mind, along with the fear of another cesarean section. We discussed how very well she has educated herself and covered her bases in preparing for VBAC.

I wish this lady all the success in the world when it comes to having the birth experience she wants and deserves — and feel it will go splendidly for her. In the small chance there is a true medical need for a surgical birth, she may feel disappointment but more importantly she will feel empowered at being involved in the process and decision making. One of the last things she said to me was, “We MUST get this information out to other women and their partners. We must have not only medical facts in order to make decisions but the proper support and encouragement.”

Well said and I shared this for her and for any of you seeking support for a VBAC.

Update: Mrs. M had her VBAC

Update 2014: Most of us have heard of ICAN by this point and we are seeing small changes in primary cesarean rates as well as increases in VBAC. Let’s keep the momentum going!

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact your local ICAN chapter, which can be found at www.ican-online.org

Kimberly Sebeck, CLD, CCCE, Knoxville Doula, All Rights Reserved 2010

http://www.knoxvilledoula.com

Let Yourself Be Mothered

I spent a great deal of time the past week thinking about all the women who reacted with shock, amusement, or even outright fear to the thought of having a home birth. I shared a booth at a local consignment sale with a local home birth midwife and it was an interesting experience talking to and hearing the responses from women and their partners.

Why don’t more women consider the option of having a midwife or doula at their birth? I’ve been thinking there may be some women who do not know how to let themselves truly be cared for, or mothered. It may be a foreign concept to some women, particularly if they have an absent mother or are not close to their mother.  For some reason, it feels safer to many women to have a hospital birth attended by virtual strangers — several nurses unknown to them and an OB/GYN they (hopefully) met during their prenatal visits. Many OB/GYN’s are male, and while there are definitely some compassionate, caring male obstetricians, they have never experienced pregnancy or birth.

It’s always seemed odd to hear a woman say she didn’t want a doula at her birth because she “just wants it to be my partner and myself”. That’s not going to happen in a busy hospital labor and delivery unit. There will be multiple nurses, depending on shift changes, and the doctor, as well as possibly an anesthesiologist. Midwife means “with woman”. Doula means “mother’s servant” or “mother’s helper”.

In childbirth classes, I ask questions about previous illnesses, emotional difficulties, or possible surgeries a woman has been through. Who did she want with her? How did she want to be taken care of? What methods soothed her? What methods didn’t? This can help a woman discover possible options for her birth — massage, hugs, reassurance, etc. In the video “Gentle Birth Choices” the point is made that women know how to mother. We learn it at a young age by watching our own mother or significant female presence. Our husbands/partners may be adoring, loving, caring individuals (and for your sake, I hope they are!) but they have not developed mothering skills like other women have. This is in no way a sexist attitude toward men– or an attempt to diminish their role in birth. You need your husband at the birth of your baby! You may also need a “mother” figure.

No matter what type of birth experience you choose, find a provider in line with your emotional and physical needs. Let yourself be mothered! You deserve it, your partner deserves it, and your baby deserves it.

March Events

March is going to be a busy month! I have some great events scheduled, take a peek!

Comfort Measures Class, Part One of Two
Sat, March 6th, 2010. 10 am to 12 pm
Location:  Farragut/W. Knox
Learn the stages and phases of labor and birth – as well as how to facilitate the birth process and remain more comfortable during it. Relaxation, breathing techniques taught. Positioning, comfort measures (heat/cold, hydrotherapy, rice socks, massage, and much more), protecting your birth environment, working together with your birth partner as a team, birth balls, etc. Short videos watched, handouts, and actual practice sessions.
Cost is $50.00 Reservations recommended to hold a spot as size is limited. Email beautifulbirths2003@yahoo.com to reserve your spot.
—————————————————————————————————————————-
Comfort Measures Class, Part Two of Two
Sat March 13th, 10 am to 12 pm
Location:  Farragut/W. Knox

Part Two of Comfort Measures–stages/phases of labor, pushing, positions, videos, meditation/relaxation/affirmation practice
————————————————————————————————————————–

ICAN of Knoxville Meeting
Wednesday, March 3rd 6pm to 7pm
Earth Fare of Turkey Creek Community Room
Topic:  Movie night! We will be watching a DVD of “Pregnant in America”. ICAN stands for International Cesarean Awareness Network (www.ican-online.org). Bring a guest. Please arrive on time so as to not interrupt the viewing. Cost:  FREE
—————————————————————————————————————————-

Duck Duck Goose Consignment Event
March 11th thru the 15th, 10 am to 8pm (closed Sunday)

http://www.dkdkgoose.com/main.html

Knoxville, TN in the old KMART building near West Town Mall

I will be sharing a booth with Lisa Coomer, Homebirth Midwife. We hope you will come by to ask questions about the services we offer, pick up free samples, and learn about doulas and homebirth midwives. We will have special discounts for DDG consignment shoppers.

————————————————————————————————————————————

WAVV–Women Against Verbal Violence
Saturday, March 6th, 2010
5:00 to 7:00 PM
Oasis Institute, 4928 Homberg Drive, Knoville, TN

http://www.wavvnow.org

Our meetings are designed to foster love and support when you need it the most. All who attend are welcome, and will be accepted without judgement. Meetings are conducted with the utmost positive energy for your highest good. This is about building you up, not tearing you down.

We will explore many different methods for self healing and empowerment. We will engage in meditations, do physical exercise, verbal affirmations, letter writing, group counseling and even have a fun group outing on a quarterly basis. We are fostering a family of care that will last you a lifetime.

Meetings will be held the first Saturday of every month from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at the Oasis institute: 4928 Homberg Drive, Knoxville TN 37919 in the Bearden area.

Our first meeting will be: MARCH 6, 2010 – 5:00PM
the topic will be: RECLAIMING YOUR BODY IMAGE and CUTTING EMOTIONAL/SPIRITUAL CHORDS FROM YOUR ABUSERS

Please arrive promptly, Love donations for the community space and snacks are welcome!! If you would like to contribute your expertise to a meeting please contact Angie below.

YOU MUST RSVP to attend all meetings by no later than the wednesday prior to the meeeting.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Angie Collins: 865.748.6885
angie.awakened@yahoo.com
http://www.awakenedreikiyoga.com

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

As always, events are are updated on a regular basis on my website: www.knoxvilledoula.com. If you would like a private class, a free consultation regarding having me as your doula, or an event scheduled in the future, please contact me at: beautifulbirths2003@yahoo.com or call (865) 705-7734 (PREG)

Kimberly Sebeck, CLD, CCCE, Herbalist

Doing Your Part

Do you know  a great midwife, doula, childbirth educator, lactation consultant, freestanding birth center? Was your birth experience enhanced by the help of a person in the natural birth field? Perhaps you received free advice from one of them on one of the social networks, in person, by email, or even on the phone. Did they help point you to some resources to help you make informed decisions regarding your pregnancy, labor, and birth? Did you read an article they wrote or posted pertaining to a personal situation? Was breastfeeding a better experience due to the support and/or information you received?

Help do your part by spreading the word about choices in childbirth. There are still people who do not know what a doula is. There are still people who have not (yet) considered having an out of hospital birth, or a hospital birth with a midwife. There are people who do not realize the importance of taking a prepared childbirth or breastfeeding class.

Help do your part in your local community (and sometimes beyond) by supporting the workers who make choices possible in childbirth. Most are hard working, passionate, self-employed women, wives, and mothers who do birth work because it is their calling. They appreciate referrals.

Help do your part.