Skin-to-Skin: 10 Benefits of Kangaroo Care

Photo credit to James Theophane
https://m.flickr.com/photos/_theo_/ 

There is an increasing awareness in the birth community of the sacredness of a mothers first contact with her newborn.  Long gone are the days when infants were lifted by one leg and soundly smacked on their tender bottom.  Women are owning the rite to catch their baby the minute they are birthed into this world and taking back that special time. 

"Mothers, reach down and let your hands be first thing they feel. Take them from the cold air into your warm breast and surround them with your smell and rhythm."  S.Wolf

Skin-to-skin care is nothing more than delaying the swaddling or clothing of baby immediately after birth and placing them to your chest, covered in a warm blanket, then enjoying the amazing bonding time you worked so hard for.

10 Benefits of Skin-to-skin or Kangaroo care:

• Calms and sooths
• Reduces crying
• Improves quality of sleep
• Accelerated brain development
• Regulates body temperature 
• Enhances immune system
• Reduces risks of postpartum
• Promotes psychological wellbeing in mom
• Speeds recovery 
• Improves Breastfeeding duration and success, increase milk supply

Are you planning to BREASTFEED?  Amazing research proves that skin-to-skin contact can actually increase the time a baby nurses!

In one study on UNICEF's website The Baby Friendly Initiative, a group of 1250 Polish children were followed for 3 years from birth in order to study the influence on breastfeeding of skin-to-skin contact after birth.  "The authors conclude that mother-infant skin-to-skin contact lasting for LONGER than 20 minutes after birth increases the duration of exclusive breastfeeding."  The infants that were kept with their mothers for at least 20 minutes were exclusively breastfed for 1.35 months longer and weaned 2.10 months later than those who had no skin-to-skin contact after delivery. 

"Fathers will be empowered to care for their baby and not feel helpless or useless, becoming central to the caring team" 

- Kangaroo Mother Care

Fathers should be included in this wonderful bonding time.  When mom is unavailable or ready for some self care time, this is the perfect opportunity for dad to step in.  In pre-term birth or birth to twins or triplets fathers care is absolutely invaluable to mom and this time together can help strengthen the connection.

Benefits of skin-to-skin contact for Dad:

• Better bonding
• Emotional healing
• Calmness
• Able to read baby’s unique cues for hunger or stress
• Improved sleeping

Kangaroo care can extend past the first few hours after birth and is actually encouraged.  There are may ways to take advantage of this, including slings and wraps that will keep baby close and mothers hands free.

For more information on Kangaroo care and the benefits of Skin-to-skin contact please check out these resources:

http://www.unicef.org.uk/BabyFriendly/News-and-Research/Research/Skin-to-skin-contact/

http://www.kangaroomothercare.com/fathers-skin-to-skin.aspx

http://www.kangaroomothercare.com/

http://www.unicef.org.uk/BabyFriendly/News-and-Research/Research/Skin-to-skin-contact/Skin-to-skin-contact-at-birth-increases-the-duration-of-exclusive-breastfeeding/

Can I afford a Doula ?

Guess what?  You can!  
Every woman should have a doula and it does not have to be a big deal to find the money to pay for one. It is worth investing in a doula that will help you in your birth journey!

Photo © Photographer's Choice/Getty Images

A doula will charge anywhere between $400-$1,200, depending on experience, services offered, as well as your geographical area. It may seem like a lot, but  a doula's fee covers many things.  For example, she will be on call 24/7 for at least 5 weeks toward the end of your pregnancy and will be available at a moment's notice. She will also have personal expenses that need to be covered, like child care and travel.  We don’t do this for the money. We do it because we love what we do: Empowering women to create and achieve a beautiful birth experience.


How am I gonna pay for this when I have all these other baby related items that need purchasing?  
Don't stress, if you truly want to have a wonderful, fulfilling & empowering birth, no matter your circumstances, you can make it happen. Most doulas offer some sort of payment plans and are willing to work with you to meet your needs. Sit down and figure out what works best for you.

                                          

                                                                                                                

Here are a few easy ways to save for your Doula:

• Save 10 dollars a week for 40 week (BOOM that was pretty easy!)
• Throw a pregnancy related party: gender reveal, a sprinkle, or a shower of some sort. Let it be known you will be collecting funds to help pay for birth support services. You can do this in the form of a raffle at one of these events to drum up more funds or just pass the hat.
• Ask your close family members and friends if they can donate to the cause. My in-laws lived two states away but they were willing to help pay a good chunk of the cost.
• Sell those unwanted items that you need to get rid of before baby comes on your favorite sale site or hold a garage sale. 
• Try cutting unnecessary things out of your budget that costs between $3 to $5, eating out, going to the movies, getting a coffee in the morning, or trying to lower the cost of bills like your phone or cable bill. 
• If you receive a tax return set some money aside from it.

A doula’s support is something every woman deserves to have during her birth and postpartum time.  What creative ways did you use to pay for your doula?  Let us know in the comments!

Preparing for Peace - Ways to Create A Sacred Birth Space

Humans are naturally intuitive beings, we can walk into a room or situation and automatically feel the vibes and emotional content. Women are particularly sensitive in this aspect, that is why it is crucial to prepare yourself and your environment for the birth of your child.
The last couple of weeks of your pregnancy are the most tasking. The anticipation of meeting your baby coupled with the feelings of being overloaded and obtuse can be unbearable. It is during these final weeks that you should channel your energy into preparing for your labor. This means more than just packing a hospital bag! It is time to start visualizing your labor and the atmosphere that you would like to create in order to have a smooth and peaceful journey.

Start With The Basics
You do not have to be in any particular place to create a sacred space for your birth journey! Make what ever situation you are in suited to your needs regardless of the location.

Make a Playlist!
Music is a great way to stay calm and centered during your contractions. It offers a distraction away from your body and allows your mind to fixate on the pulsing beat. Have your Doula or partner set up the speakers or have earphones ready. Relaxing music such as chants or yoga/spa soundtracks will help you release tension from your hardworking muscles.

Dim The Lights
Florescent lighting is unnatural and can inhibit your ability to relax. Soften the light and maybe light a candle or two. Remember that your labor does not have to be a clinical experience! Low light will help ease you into feeling one with your body, creating peace.



Time is an Illusion
One thing that helped me the most during my labor was removing all of the clocks. When you are in labor for hours you are tempted to look at the clock constantly. This creates anxiety. Remember that your baby and your body have things under control and labor is not on a schedule. If you are not able to remove the clocks from the wall simply hang a poster or paper over them. I printed out a photo of a lotus flower blooming, looking at the blooming flower reminded me of how I am too opening up to give life.

The VIP List
Knowing ahead of time who you want present in the room while you are laboring is very important. Having a mother-in-law who is not supportive or a creepy uncle walking in and out will throw you off balance. Hang a sign on the door asking that all visitors to kindly wait outside.

Aromatherapy
Did you know that certain smells can directly effect how you feel & your emotional well being? Using an oil diffuser in the room where you are laboring can radically alter your state of mind.

"Lavender Essential Oil-Lavender is a very versatile essential oil you can use all throughout your labor to promote relaxation and ease muscle tension. It's great to use in massage during labor or fantastic in the diffuser for birth!
Frankincense Essential Oil-Frankincense is an amazing essential oil for labor. Use it to calm your emotions by inhaling the aroma. You can rub frankincense on your lower back or tummy to ease labor discomfort. Also, if you tear “down there” you can apply frankincense directly to the area to help with discomfort and to aid the skin in recovering more quickly.
Rose Essential Oil-Rose essential oil for labor is relaxing and helps soften ligaments. Your ligaments have to soften up to allow your pelvis to expand for baby to pass through. You can put a few drops in a bath or use it with a massage for the lower back or abdomen.

Jasmine Essential Oil-Jasmine evokes feelings of joy, peace, and self-confidence. It can soothe discomfort and contribute to normal labor. Use with massage on lower back or abdomen."                                                                                

 -Stephanie Mitchell, Aromatherapist

Note- Essential Oils should be used with caution. They can be very potent. Read more about EO here: https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/discover/essential-oil-safety

Purchase Locally here:

https://www.edenanaturallivingboutique.com/

Inner Peace is the Ultimate Power

Lastly, the most important thing of all is having inner peace. This peace is created by spending time mentally preparing for your labor. Think about it everyday, meditate and visualize yourself birthing the baby you have spent 9 months growing. Make a birth plan!!! Sit down and write out a birth plan. This is so beneficial to you and to your care providers. When you are in labor and your body is taking over your mind, you can not think clearly. This is the most vulnerable time for a woman. Knowing & sharing your birth plan with those around you will help you have a successful birth because everyone will be familiar with your personal needs. Don't know how to write a birth plan? Follow this template! http://www.thebump.com/a/tool-birth-plan

It Gets REAL, real fast

Just remember that the reality of giving birth is messy & unpredictable. You will undoubtedly be uncomfortable. Prepare ahead of time on how you choose to manage your pain. A great way to do this is by trusting your body. Birth is a rite of passage, the sensations you feel are natural and are spiritual. I suggest printing your Birth Affirmations asap to become familiar with them so they will be second nature when you go into labor. 

May you have a safe & peaceful journey!

-Hope