Monthly Archives: April 2015

Interview With ICAN President LaQuitha Glass

Leave a reply

In the last week of #Cesareanawarenessmonth I took some time to chat with LaQuitha Glass, current President of the International Cesarean Awareness Network via email about ICAN, and its importance in an ever changing birth environment.

The International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc. (ICAN) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to:

Improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC).

ICAN was formed in 1982 by Elizabeth Handler and Esther Zorn. Through hundreds of local programs, ICAN helps thousands of women each year by providing education and support for issues surrounding cesarean and post cesarean options. They also advocate for women who find themselves gestating and giving birth in hostile birthing environments.

ICAN specializes in providing information on family-centered cesarean, cesarean recovery, cesarean prevention, VBAC planning, VBAC recovery, postpartum support, and emotional support. We provide a number of in-person and virtual resources for all mothers seeking information on pre and post cesarean options.

Thanks so much for chatting with me, LaQuitha, we are very happy to have you speak to us about such an important topic.

LaQuitha, if you could tell every family one thing about birth, what would it be?

If I could offer one piece of advice to all families, it would be to find a provider who is completely supportive of your family’s birth wishes. This can have a major impact on the birth experience of the mother, and subsequently, the family.

What is your best piece of advice for a family facing a Cesarean birth, or a repeat Cesarean birth?

If possible, try to have a plan in the event of a cesarean. Think of one or two things that you value and have a discussion with your provider and family about the logistics of making those things happen. Don’t be afraid to enlist additional professional support if you are able to do so!

With the demands of motherhood and a new baby, it is easy to forget that a cesarean is major abdominal surgery and that women need adequate time to fully recover physically.

How can our clients and birth workers in Colorado Springs get involved in ICAN?

As a nonprofit organization powered by volunteers, we are always on the lookout for new volunteers who can identify with our mission. One of the easiest ways to get involved is to contact your local program and ask what type of support they need. Additionally, you can contact ICAN National for information on volunteering in a national position. If you would like to support ICAN but are short on time, you can also consider becoming a supporting member. Each membership goes towards the fulfillment of our mission.

How does someone start an ICAN chapter in their area? It looks like the closest to us is in Denver.

If you would like to start a chapter, please visit http://www.ican-online.org/starting-a-chapter/ to learn about the requirements and to fill out an application. A volunteer will then contact you to let you know the next steps to getting your chapter going!

In honor of Cesarean Awareness Month, ICAN is offering two webinars free to the public. The first, “Is Your Provider VBAC Friendly or VBAC Tolerant?” is hosted by Melek Speros and discusses the nuances between providers who are likely to be truly VBAC supportive and those who may be on the fence for a variety of reasons.

The second, “Who’s Birth is it Anyway? Rights and Protections During Labor and Birth” is hosted by Farah Diaz-Tello, Staff Attorney for National Advocates for Pregnant Women. This webinar discusses informed consent and refusal. Additionally, they have a number of new brochures available in our online bookstore, which offer valuable tips for all birthing mothers, including first time moms.

They will also be giving away C-Panties from UpSpring Baby throughout the month of April. Tomorrow is the last day, Register to win!

For daily information, support and inspiration, follow ICAN on Facebook.

 

Shout it from the Mountain Tops

Leave a reply

Once again this year, I’m co-leading the Climb Out of the Darkness here in Colorado Springs. The issue of maternal mental health is an important and personal one to me and as we start to raise awareness around the event on June 18th, I’m sharing my blog post from last year. As always, by sharing my story, I hope to not only raise awareness but let others know they are not alone. Please join us this year - either by walking with us or by donating! To register or donate, please visit our Crowdrise page.

-Jessica

It’s been almost three years. The first year full of fight and fear. The second full of awakening and appreciation. The third giving me the drive to share my story and shout it from the mountain tops. I’ve done a lot of growing in those three years. I finally feel like a woman. Ready to take on the journey of myself and what I’m all about. I’m not sure I would have had that if it wasn’t for my miscarriage and my subsequent fight with postpartum anxiety and And when you question, “Why don’t I feel normal?” or “What is wrong with me?”, know that there is a large community of women who have been through it before and are there to lend an ear..

In today’s world, we are supposed to move on. We are supposed to be thankful for the blessings we already have. Of course I am thankful. How could I not be thankful for the amazing little being I get to spend every day with? Thankful for the man that has stuck with me through my struggle and the most difficult time of our marriage. I’m thankful for family, who even though they may not have understood, were there for me. Friends who told me to be pissed, to cry, to be ok with not understanding - and then - to use it.

Use it? Yes, use it. Postpartum depression and anxiety can bring out a side of you that you don’t want to face, a part of you that you never even knew was there. It’s scary and liberating at the same time. It took me a long time to get to this part of healing. To be able to say, “I’m bigger than you!”

I’m bigger than you but I know you are there and I know how to deal with you. Anxiety is a strange thing. Once it’s there, it’s always there, just under the surface. A few years in, I feel its presence and sometimes I welcome it. Because it taught me I’m a fighter. I always knew I was but how does one “really” know until faced with adversity?

I don’t like to boast. I don’t like pity. But you better believe I’m going to use my struggle. Use it to show other women that they are strong. To show families that you can make it through. To know they aren’t alone. That it’s an obstacle and not an ending.

For me, coping with my miscarriage and PPA/PPD has come through sharing my story hoping it may help others or assist in eliminating the stigma that is attached to postpartum conditions. It’s come from throwing my struggle and passion into learning more about maternal mental illnesses and more about how I can help other women through my work as a postpartum doula. It’s come from sharing resources and spreading awareness about everything from postpartum baby blues to severe cases of postpartum anxiety. And when someone questions themselves and asks, “Why don’t I feel normal?” or “What is wrong with me?”, they can know that there is a large community of women out there who have been through it before and are there to lend an ear.

A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to lead a team of Warrior Moms in Louisville, KY during the first Climb Out of the Darkness event benefiting Postpartum Progress, Inc. I’m doing the same here in our new home this year.

2016 — And this year, I’m co-leading the Climb Out again her in Colorado Springs! Please visit our Crowdrise page to either register for the Climb or to donate!

 

Breastfeeding Sabotage in Immediate Postpartum (Part 4)

Leave a reply

As mentioned in my previous posts in this series, breastfeeding sabotage can happen any time. It can begin in the womb, or during labor. Most often, it begins in immediate postpartum, right after baby is born.

No matter where you have your baby, whether you have a home birth or a hospital birth, the immediate postpartum period is important to get you on the right track.

Immediate postpartum is also when bad habits can be formed and small issues can become large issues, preventing you from having the breastfeeding relationship you desire.

If you have had a Cesarean Birth, several factors have can quickly take you off course. Knowing how to avoid breastfeeding sabotage immediately after the birth of your baby can be very important to your long term breastfeeding relationship. According to the “High Five” initiative and the Baby Friendly Initiative there are five primary practices to get breastfeeding off to the right start.

  1. Immediate and sustained skin to skin:
    -Regulates baby’s body temperature, keeping them from being separated from you
    -Prompts the release of oxytocin and prolactin, reducing stress and stimulating the production of colostrum
    - Stabilized baby’s heart and breathing rate, keeping them with you
    -Keeps baby’s blood sugar elevated, preventing the need for formula
    -Colonizes baby with mother’s bacteria, promoting a healthy immune system and less likely that baby will have allergies, preventing another possible need for formula
    -Baby instinctively searches for the breast, stimulating milk production and working together to learn how to breastfeed
  2. Unless medically indicated, no food or drink for newborns other than breast milk:

    1. -Babies stomachs are very small at birth just a few drops of colostrum is all baby needs

      http://letmommysleep.com/blog/2014/11/06/how-big-newborns-stomach

    -Babies have reserves from being in the womb and need very little until the milk comes in on day 3-4 of life

  3. Rooming in 24 hours:
    -Promotes on demand feeding to stimulate milk production
    -Makes skin to skin easier and more consistent
    -Prevents missed feeding
    -Promotes bonding
  4. No artificial nipples, including pacifiers:
    -Avoids confusion
    -Gives baby plenty of time for comfort nursing, which stimulates milk production
    -Promotes bonding
    -Discourages a lazy latch
    -Encourages learning only one skill at a time rather than learning two different ways of eating
  5. Access to immediate breastfeeding support:
    -Hospital staff trained in breastfeeding basics know what to look for and how to help with initial feeding
    -Doulas trained in initial latch and breastfeeding support provide encouragement and know when more help is needed
    -Lactation consultants in the hospital provide additional help if problems arise
    -Access to local in person and online support systems encourage troubleshooting and encouragement
    Part5

Brave, Strong, and Beautiful

Leave a reply

A few days ago a friend and colleague wrote a heartfelt blog about cesarean mothers. In between trainings and life, I read it, and I was grateful for it.

In between business and family I saw it again and looked at the pictures just one more time.

I saw it pop up on group after group, all over facebook and I knew it had touched a cord.

My business partner mentioned it to me and I knew it was important.

Then, my cousin from California shared it. From half way across the country, this beautiful blog came around once again and we knew that we needed to hold space for it as well. Please enjoy and join us in supporting #ceareanawarenessmonth

http://www.cordmama.com/blog/2015/4/8/three-truths-about-c-section-mamas

The Beautiful Birth of Emma, a VBAC Birth Story

Leave a reply 
In honor of Cesarean Awareness month, we'd like to share a beautiful VBAC birth story, as written from the mother's point of view. This was the first hospital birth attended by both Lauren and myself. We are honored to have been a part of it.

We were so blessed to find out that we were going to add another little one to our family. I was so excited to have another baby and had hopes that this experience would go smoother than the last one. Our first child was delivered via cesarean due to HELLP syndrome. It was very scary but fortunately we ended up with a happy and healthy little boy. As our family found out we would be expecting a second child we were determined to have the birth experience that we had always wanted with our first. So my husband and I found a doctor that was very open to the possibilities of a VBAC.

As I approached the end of my first trimester my husband deployed to Afghanistan. This was one hurdle we had expected but anticipated his return before our sweet baby arrived. At 16 weeks I found myself very sick. Alone with my 2 year old son I called the ambulance as I thought I was losing the baby. Turned out to be an appendicitis and I underwent surgery immediately. The baby and I had a long recovery but had a seamless pregnancy from then on.

As time went on we found out that my husband would not return in time for Emma’s arrival and we were faced with the challenge of trying to schedule him to come home for two weeks leave in order to be present for the birth. I had decided that I would just have a scheduled C-section to ensure he would be here for the experience, but inside I knew that this was our last baby and I really wanted a VBAC. As time went on it became more clear that we would not be able to count on my husband being home and that we just had to cross our fingers he would make it. At that moment I decided I would find a doula and prepare myself to do this without him here.

I met two incredible doulas who were excited to take the rest of my journey with me. As I approached 39 weeks I kept thinking she would come early as my son was born at 37 weeks. Emma decided to make us all wait. It was a Monday and I started having contractions all day. They were intense right from the start but never really stayed consistent. I thought for sure she was coming at the beginning of that week but then they stopped and everything was normal. On Wednesday, my actual due date I went to the Chiropractor for one last adjustment. He assured me that she was low and ready. It was only a matter of time. That evening my contractions came back and once again were intense but inconsistent. I went to bed and tried to sleep as much as I could. I finally spoke to my husband on skype and called my doulas who arrived around 4am.

We spent the morning walking the neighborhood as the sun came up. I was still in early labor but with the emotions and anxiety that I carried from my husband not being there I believe it felt and seemed as though I was in active labor.

We went to my regularly scheduled prenatal appointment that day just out of curiosity to see how far I had dilated. I was fully prepared to stay at the hospital from that point on thinking I was at least at 5cm. To my surprise I was only 3cm. I felt so defeated thinking I was so much further along. I had a few options to be admitted and start some interventions to move things along but I decided to go home and take a nap. I snuggled in my bed and sent my doulas away for a break and rest themselves.

A few hours later I woke up and was so ready to give up. My contractions were still not closer together but felt more intense. As my doulas returned I got the motivation and confidence to continue. We went to the hospital that evening as I was eager to get settled there and have this baby. With my husband on skype, two amazing doulas and my aunt I continued to labor in the hospital.

The hospital staff was great. They pretty much honored what I wanted and just checked in on me. After several hours of slow progression I started considering the different options that were presented to me. Having been up for more than 24 hours the exhaustion was really taking a toll.

I took a minute alone with my husband via skype to decide what to do next. I knew that mentally I was done and the ultimate goal was to have a healthy baby with a successful VBAC. We chose to break my water, start Pitocin and an epidural. As the feeling of the contractions eased up, I looked around the room and felt blessed to have the support of those around me. My doulas, my aunt and my photographer all scrunched on the little hospital sofa in attempts to get a little rest and most of all my husband who had been on skype almost the entire time looking just as exhausted as myself. This was a good moment. After a much needed nap the nurse came in and said “are you ready to have a baby?”

I couldn’t have been more ready. I pushed for about an hour during which my Dr. mentioned needing to use the vacuum and I was determined not to let that be the case. I focused on my husband’s voice and those encouraging alongside me and finally pushed her out.

 

The Dr. guided her out and placed her on my chest. It was such a special moment that we did not get to experience with our first. When the time came I was able to cut her cord in place of my husband. It was such a bittersweet day without him physically there. However, we had this beautiful, healthy girl and I had had the successful VBAC that I wanted. Now all we had to do was focus on the homecoming of her daddy.

Birth photography provided by: http://brandibullard.wix.com/bbphotography
babywearing after a cesarean birth

" data-medium-file="http://i0.wp.com/www.coloradomountaindoulas.com/blog/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cesareanwrap.jpg?fit=292%2C300" data-large-file="http://i0.wp.com/www.coloradomountaindoulas.com/blog/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cesareanwrap.jpg?fit=625%2C642"/>

Babywearing After Cesarean Birth

Leave a reply

Babywearing is the act of holding a baby close, particularly with a piece of fabric or specially made carrier. Often, mothers do not know about their options for babywearing after a cesarean, even if their cesarean was planned. The recovery can often be more difficult than expected, both physically and emotionally, making babywearing more difficult. The good news is that with minor adjustments, babywearing can be relatively simple and safe for mothers who have just had surgery.

The benefits of babywearing are numerous. Babywearing aids in bonding, promotes breastfeeding, and helps to free up caregivers’ hands for eating and drinking. In addition, those who have experienced cesareans relate that babywearing makes it easier to support themselves with their arms while changing positions, resulting in less abdominal strain.

Here are some tips for babywearing after a cesarean:

  • It is generally a good idea to clear it with your medical provider before you attempt to wear your baby. You will want to wait until you are not taking narcotic pain medications so that your balance is not effected.
  • Be aware of the basics of safe babywearing. Newborns (0-2 months) should always be worn tummy-to-tummy, following these TICKS guidelines:

T- tight (carrier should be snug, never loose)

I- in view (baby’s face should be visible so you can monitor breathing)

C- close enough to kiss (baby’s head should be high on your chest)

K- keep baby’s chin off of her chest (newborns have airways that need to be protected)

S- supported back (baby carriers should keep babies close to mom, never slumping)

  • Carriers that may not be comfortable for several weeks after a cesarean include buckle carriers such as an Ergo or Beco. While they are incredibly versatile carriers, the general consensus is that the stiff, thick waistband on these carriers can aggravate the incision. You might want to wait several weeks before trying to wear baby in a buckle carrier.

    Babywearing in a woven wrap

  • Generally speaking, these are the carriers that are considered more comfortable for after a cesarean-

-mei tei

-ring sling

-stretchy wrap (Moby or K’tan)

-woven wrap

Babywearing in a ring sling

A woven wrap worn high keeps pressure off the incision.

Babywearing in a mei tei

All of these carriers have the capability of being uncomfortable if worn too tight or low on the waist. If a carrier doesn’t feel comfortable, try watching a video for more tips or get help from a local babywearer. If you would like to find free babywearing help, look for a group near you at babywearinginternational.com.

Babywearing in a woven wrap

With a little practice and persistence, most parents find a carrier to be an asset as they begin their journey as new parents. Savor those baby snuggles (it goes too quickly!), and happy babywearing! ~Sarah Lund