Archive for the ‘prenatal education’ Category
Congratulations to the Newmarket La Leche League for completing a lovely calendar.
Their mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support,
encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
This calendar will help new moms in our area with the support. To purchase for only $15 please email Denise.
Our friends at the La Leche League let us know that they have produced a calendar that will be avaiable soon. They are $15 and avaiable in October. A nice way to support the local La Leche League group who offers advice & support for breastfeeding mothers and families. To order email Denise or check out their Facebook page.
Its early one crisp spring morning, they are proudly riding their tricycles around the court, their cheeks rosy from the chill in the air. The sunlight dances across the roof tops and a large robin proudly sings as she roost on the peak of a nearby home. Seeing this, I smile to myself as I remember not feeling the simple joy found in early spring and as those seasons passed into years my moments of joy seeming to be less and less frequent. You may ask why, and I will simply reply, the stork missed my house. My name is Christine Stewart and this is my story.
We were married early summer 2000 and one year later decided that it was time to expand our family to include a child with ten tiny toes, instead of the one we already had with four paws. We planned on two children, three years apart, at the time this seemed like a logical plan. Looking back I wonder if this was simply my naivety or ignorance. Taking for granted my fertility, was never something I gave not one thought towards. Issues with my monthly cycle were something I soon found medication for; I really thought it was normal.
After six months we started to worry, but were told that we were not considered to have fertility issues until we have been trying to conceive for over one year. We knew that as we crept towards our second wedding anniversary that our quest to have a family may be a far greater challenge than we ever thought. We were finally referred to a nearby fertility doctor who asked questions my husband quite proudly answered while I was obviously mortified. This questioning became routine as we went for the first round of countless tests, fertility monitoring and basal body temperature monitoring. Weekly doctor appointments and higher doses of drugs each month became a part of our regular routine.
The side effects of the medication put me in a menopausal state, weight gain, hot flashes, panic attacks, sudden thirst, teenager style acne break outs and the mood swings. These not so little mood swing were a part of my life I choose to completely deny. I am still denying the fact that I often threw shoes at my husband, locked him out of the house in a snowstorm and him refused to accompany him to pre arranged engagements on a regular basis. I didn’t want to see pregnant women; pretend I was happy for them when in fact I would choke back the tears as I congratulated the beaming couple, wishing it was us. I didn’t want to cringe when the conversation moved to who was expecting and when would we finally decide to have a family.
As the years passed, hope clearly diminishing the strain on our marriage and my body started to become evident. I had exploratory surgery, for the purposes of diagnosis. IV in my hand and wearing a less than flattering gown my husband kissed me wished me luck and whispered “keep your eye on the prize”, a phrase we often used to get us though some of our more challenging days. I had four different procedures during that one surgery; I was terrified as up to this point I had never been in a hospital for more than stitches.
Waking up, still not making much sense to anyone but myself , asking anyone if they knew when was I going to be a Mom. I never got the answer I wanted, just more drugs that I knew I was not able to handle, by this time my size eight body had ballooned to a size twelve and I was tired and no longer able to focus on the “prize”. As part of my job I was now running workshops at a local agency for pregnant teens and teen Mother’s. I was starting to think that this life was a little unfair and a whole lot cruel.
We contacted another clinic and after waiting for eighteen months we took our very large file to our first meeting with Dr “V”. His office was unbelievably intimidating, a massive gleaming dark wood desk and pictures of golf legends hung on every available inch of the walls and I did neglect to mention the fact that he was more than a little bit handsome, and he had to examine me. Normally this would have freaked me out beyond belief, but at this point so many people had seen my girlie parts that I had to be careful not to undress in the dentist office! Dr V ran only a few more tests, a DNA fragmentation on my husband and a follicle count and a hysterosalpingogram (HSG ); a procedure where dye goes through the ovaries into the uterus to determine blockages, it was painful but we had our eyes planted firmly on the prize.
A week later back in Dr V’s office, he informed us that he would skip IUI (intra uterine insemination) and go directly to IVF ( invetro fertilization ). He closed our file told us “fasten your seatbelt guys, I’m in the driver’s seat now”, we had one week to make our decision and begin treatment. Stunned, we made it to the parking lot before I burst into tears. This was the last option and for us, the only option, not to mention a very costly one. We decided to think about it, by the time I had my seatbelt on and the car barely started I knew that all roads lead us to this very day.
We met with our nurse, learned how to give me the daily luperon and puregon injections. We picked up the needles, viles, progesterone, the sharps disposal container and the schedule for daily blood tests and ultrasounds. The next month was a complete blur, scheduling life around medication times and my complete fear of giving myself needles. I had 13 healthy eggs retrieved, six were IVF ( single egg placed in a petri dish with several “washed” sperm ) and seven were ICSI ( needle goes into the egg and one sperm is injected directly into the egg ). We were sent home with more injectables and progesterone and received updates from our nurse on the progress of our out of body conception. All of our ICSI failed to make it to blastocyst stage, but three of our IVF made it and I was inseminated with two embryos on Labour Day 2004. Labour day, it must have been a good omen. Ten full days of hell we waited for the results of one blood test, years of tears and heartache depending on one phone call.
We are back in the house, they are covered with blankets snuggled up on the couch munching on a mid morning snack, blissfully unaware of the miracle they both are. I am too aware of the piles of laundry that await me but decide it can wait, the stork may have lost his way but ever since we found him lots of things wait because my life is so lovingly consumed by the prize.
Christine Stewart is the owner and facilitator of Sprouts www.sproutsforkids.com, a company which offers mobile play programs and classes such as baby sign language. She is a also a support group counsellor for the Infertility Association Of Canada, and a proud Mom to Meghan and Lucas.
Article By: Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt
When choosing which prenatal classes to take, the various options can be overwhelming. Here are a few questions to help you focus on what classes will fit your specific needs.
Is this your first child? Most classes are geared towards first-time parents. Many people don’t realize there are classes for second, third, etc. time parents who just need a refresher on the basics of birth and newborns.
Where (& how) are you planning to give birth? If you are planning a home birth, a hospital-oriented prenatal class is probably not for you! Likewise, if you are planning a Cesarean, you may want to find a class that does not spend the bulk of its time on natural birth options. If you are planning a medication-free birth (at home or in the hospital) you will want to research available classes in your area that focus on pain management. These can include hypnosis, massage techniques, breathing techniques, yoga, as well as prenatal classes using the Bradley method or Lamaze. The internet is a great resource to read about various options and to make an informed decision.
If this is not your first birthing experience, what would you change about your previous experience(s)? Many parents look back on their first birthing experience and think about what would have worked better for them. Most of the time this involves choices regarding pain management. If you received an epidural and were dissatisfied with the experience you may want to consider classes in natural pain management such as the ones mentioned above.
What information are you hoping to obtain from classes? Are you looking for information to get you through labour and delivery only; or do you want information about newborn care? Be sure to ask the organizer of the course for a list of topics covered.
Do you have a special need or circumstance? Are you having multiples? Do you have gestational diabetes or other health concerns? Are you over the age of 35? There are many classes specifically designed for different high-risk pregnancies.
Are you looking for a quick class with little time commitment; or are you looking to develop friendships with your fellow classmates? Accelerated programs are often available for parents who are close to their due dates or have time constraints. If you have time though, you may want to choose a class that covers the material slowly over the course of many weeks. These classes often arrange a reunion after the babies are born.
Do you want to take a class as a couple or individually? Traditionally, prenatal classes are geared towards couples. Now we are seeing mom-based and dad-based classes. They generally act as support groups where topics are discussed which may not be approached in co-ed atmospheres.
How many classes can you realistically commit to? Money and time are generally your deciding factors for what you can or cannot do. Narrow your needs down. What must you learn? What is a want versus a need? Many parents choose to commit to one generalized prenatal class, such as with a doula or nurse, and one or two specialized classes, such as pain management classes or support groups.
I recommend parents do their research on available classes in their area during their first trimester and sign up for these courses as soon as possible. They tend to book up fast as many are small classes. That doesn’t mean you are too late if you are in your second trimester, but you may not get your first choice of times or classes. Planning ahead, knowing exactly what you want from your classes, and researching all your options will ensure that you feel prepared and informed heading into this incredible time of your life. ________________________________________________________________________
Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt is co-founder of Balanced Body Mind Spirit. Through her specialization in fertility issues & prenatal care she helps parents conceive and achieve balance while on their journey into parenthood. Nicole offers pre/postnatal & pediatric Massage Therapy; Hypnotherapy for children, fertility and childbirth; Reflexology; & Reiki. She teaches a variety of classes including, Hypnosis for Childbirth, Tools for the Birthing Partner, Focused on Fertility, and Infant Massage. To learn more, visit www.balancedbodymindspirit.com
For moms and dads in and around Markham, Extraordinary Beginnings is a studio for infant inspirational play. If you are looking for mom and tot classes or other fun things to do with your baby you should check out their web site for new exciting events. Their Mom’s Coffee Hour hosts different professional speakers every 2nd week concerning parenting. As well, offering classes in Mandarin and Cantonese studio classes for children 0-5 years of age, and great inspirational classes for Infants and parents.
Call 905-471-6260 or visit our web site at www.extraordinarybeginnings.ca for more information and to try a FREE CLASS when you mention York Region Parent.
Watch the new director of Infant Mental Health Promotion (IMP), at SickKids, Chaya Kulkarni with host Cheryl Jackson of TVOntario’s show Your Voice, in a discussion “The Importance of Attachment - how attachment affects everything from learning to relationships” with panelists Kathy Jacyniak, a public health nurse with Make the Connection, Toronto Public Health, and Dr. Jim Sears, a pediatrician in California, author, and co-host of the television show, The Doctors.
You can view the video online here.
Tune in to find out what attachment is, why it’s important, and what parents can do to form secure attachments with their children.
The episode will air live online at www.tvoparents.com Tuesday January 21, 2009 at 9pm, and will be broadcast on TVO January 25 at 6pm.
The episode will air live online at www.tvoparents.com TODAY at 9pm. It will also be broadcasted on TVO January 25 at 6pm
By Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt
As a Registered Massage Therapist of 7 years, I am still shocked by the number of people who view massage therapy as an indulgence. Really – if it is an indulgence do you think insurance companies would spend millions of dollars on it each year? Maybe it’s the misconception we have that everything good for us has to feel bad. Massage therapy not only feels great but has many benefits during all stages of life – from birth to palliative care. Pregnancy is one of the most crucial times in life when massage therapy can have the biggest impact on one’s wellbeing.
Each trimester has its challenges and massage can address most of them. In first trimester, fatigue and nausea are the biggest complaints. Massage in this trimester tends to have a relaxation focus; helping the body to rest and focus its energy on baby-building. There are many pressure points and referral zones throughout the body which are avoided to prevent a miscarriage. For this reason, it is best to only receive massage during first trimester if you are seeing a RMT with specialized prenatal training.
Second trimester looks completely different, treatment-wise. For one, you are now unable to lie on your stomach, so treatment is done while lying on your side. (Special note: Some therapists use a “pregnancy table” which has an opening for the belly so that you can lie on your stomach – feel free to e-mail me for my opinion on this!!). In second trimester we start to work on preparing the body for delivery. Your hips are moving; your ribs are expanding; and you may already be experiencing some swollen joints. All of these discomforts of a rapidly changing body can be addressed.
Third trimester we become more aggressive in the preparation for childbirth. All aches and pains and swelling are addressed. As you get closer to your delivery, you may find that you need to shorten your treatments but receive them more often. Once you are in your final week (or past your due date), with the permission of your midwife or OB, we can activate pressure points that can be labour-inducing. This feels much better than having labour induced at the hospital with medication!
Although massage therapy is great at alleviating the discomforts of pregnancy, there are also other benefits to receiving care throughout your pregnancy. You have another set of hands monitoring the progress of your pregnancy. The therapist can teach you helpful breathing techniques to be used during labour, as well as helping you isolate your strongest abdominal muscles. In my experience, the babies of mommies who received massage during pregnancy also love massage and are quickly soothed by it. This, alone, is reason enough to receive massage during pregnancy!
All registered massage therapists in Ontario are trained in the basics of pregnancy massage. It is recommended though, to be treated by a RMT with specialized training in prenatal care. This is especially important if you have any medical conditions (either pregnancy-related or not).
So, back to our original question - is massage therapy during pregnancy a treatment or a treat? I’d say both!
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Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt is co-founder of Balanced Body Mind Spirit. Through her specialization in fertility issues & prenatal care she helps parents conceive and achieve balance while on their journey into parenthood. Nicole offers pre/postnatal & pediatric Massage Therapy; Hypnotherapy for children, fertility and childbirth; Reflexology; & Reiki in York Region. She teaches a variety of classes including, Hypnosis for Childbirth, Tools for the Birthing Partner, Focused on Fertility, and Infant Massage. To learn more, visit www.balancedbodymindspirit.com
Alleviating Nausea in Pregnancy
By Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt
Ah, pregnancy and the holidays… No skinny black dress; no bubbly and festive cocktails; but at least you can eat, right?!!? For so many pregnant women, food is the last thing they want to see. Anyone who is currently experiencing it, or has in the past, knows how nausea can control your life.
Nausea is a result of a spike in hormones. It is most common in first trimester, but some women experience nausea throughout their pregnancy. If you are experiencing nausea, here are a few tips for alleviating it.
Get plenty of sleep! You need more sleep during pregnancy, as your body is working very hard to build and sustain a new life. Feeling guilty about going to bed early? Think of it this way; maybe today you built a kidney or a liver – don’t you think that’s more than a full day’s work?!?
Although the last thing you feel like doing is getting up and moving around, try going for a walk. The fresh air and increased blood flow will help with mild nausea.
Carbohydrates and bland foods are often easier for women to keep down when experiencing nausea with vomiting. Other foods which have been successful for many women are lemons and ginger. When it comes to food, though, everyone is different. Try out a variety of different healthy foods, starting with foods that are not spicy or too flavourful. Don’t forget your multivitamin! It’s essential during pregnancy & nursing, especially if you are not eating balanced meals.
You can also seek the help of health professionals. Homeopathic doctors and naturopathic doctors can suggest natural remedies for nausea. Hypnotherapy is very effective in alleviating nausea. Most women require only 1-2 sessions. With unprecedented amounts of women undergoing fertility treatments (therefore receiving high levels of hormones), I’m receiving more calls than ever for hypnosis sessions geared towards alleviating nausea. For some unlucky few, even natural remedies won’t work and they require a prescription from their doctor.
As you can see, there are many more options than just eating soda biscuits! Enjoy the holiday season. I wish you a healthy & nausea-free 2009!
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Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt is co-founder of Balanced Body Mind Spirit. Through her specialization in fertility issues & prenatal care she helps parents conceive and achieve balance while on their journey into parenthood. Located in Richmond Hill and serving York Region, Nicole offers pre/postnatal & paediatric Massage Therapy; Hypnotherapy for children, fertility and childbirth; Reflexology; & Reiki. She teaches a variety of classes including, Hypnosis for Childbirth, Tools for the Birthing Partner, Focused on Fertility, and Infant Massage. To learn more, visit www.balancedbodymindspirit.com
Breastfeeding Resources in York Region
When you are the mother of a newborn baby, ensuring that your baby is being properly fed is a top priority. A lot of people tell you that breastfeeding is one of the most natural things a woman can do. And, it can be. However, it can also be very challenging in the beginning. If you have a sleepy newborn, one that is not interested in feeding, you are exhausted, had a tough delivery or are just overwhelmed by everything, latching you baby can be difficult when you are a new mom.
It is normal to feel awkward and clumsy; so don’t be discouraged! The good news is that there are resources available in our area to help. It is important for you to know if breastfeeding is going well and where to go for help if you have concerns.
If you need assistance the following resources are available in our area:
Health Connections (run by York Regional Public Health)
1-800-361-5653 (MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30am-4:30pm)
Breastfeeding Markham-Stouffville Hospital - Breastfeeding Clinic
(905) 472-7374
Breastfeeding Clinic at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket
905-895-4521 ext2665
York Central - Inpatient Breastfeeding Clinic
Note: Prenatal Breastfeeding classes are also available at: York Central and Markham Stouffville Hospitals.
What to expect when you go to a Breastfeeding Clinic:
You will need to pre-book your appointment before going. The breastfeeding clinics are staffed by Lactation Consultants who will review any issues you are having. In a private setting, they will ask you to latch your baby. They will then work with you to establish and maintain a proper latch with your infant as well as review the various breastfeeding positions you can use.
There are also some great breastfeeding resources available on the web that explain typical breastfeeding issues, review latching techniques, positions and offer general support including:
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La Leche League Canada Meetings - Newmarket Group
All women interested in breastfeeding are welcome to attend monthly Group meetings. Anytime is a good time to come to a La Leche League meeting: when pregnant, with a new baby or when considering weaning.
Monthly Meeting Information: Newmarket Group
Meeting Day: 2nd Thursday of the month Meeting Location: Ontario Early Years Centre, Aurora Start time: 7:30 pm Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
While a series of four meetings with the following topics is rotated throughout the year, the specific content varies significantly depending on the current focus and the needs of those present.
Meeting 1: The Advantages of Breastfeeding to Mother and Baby
Meeting 2: Baby Arrives: The Family and the Breastfed Baby
Meeting 3: The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding Difficulties
Meeting 4: Nutrition and Weaning
According to York Health Connections, breastfeeding is going well if:
You are not experiencing nipple pain during or after feeding.
Your baby’s mouth covers lots of the dark area around the nipple.
Your nipple is not pinched, white, or ridged when it comes out of your baby’s mouth.
Your baby feeds whenever he shows feeding cues (8 – 12 times in 24 hours).
Baby clusters some feeds together, but appears satisfied after feeds.
Feeds more during growth spurts.
Baby is alert and active.
Once your milk increases on the third day, you can hear the baby swallowing every time he/she sucks the breast. It sounds like “caa”
Your baby starts with short, quick sucks to stimulate the milk letdown reflex and then changes to slow, deep sucks when your milk lets down.
Your baby gains 4 – 7 ounces per week and is back to birth weight by 2 to 3 weeks of age.
Your baby experiences the following:
Day 1: 1 wet diaper, and 1 black stool
Day 2: 2 wet diapers, 1-2 brown stools
Day 3: 3 wet diapers, 2-3 lighter stools
Day 4: 4 heavy wet diapers, at least 2-3 yellow stools
Day 5: 5 heavy wet diapers, at least 2-3 yellow stools
Day 6: 6 heavy wet diapers, at least 2-3 yellow stools
which may be runny and seedy
Note: The assistance that you receive on this website is not meant as a substitute for professional guidance from your local health care professional. Please seek help from your local health care professional if you are experiencing problems with breastfeeding or if you have continuing concerns.
There are a number of great places to take prenatal classes in York Region — from first time parents to classes for single moms or parents of multiples there is a class for you.
Belly and Baby
Address: 29 Prince Patrick Avenue, Richmond Hill
Phone: (416) 258-9974
Belly and Baby offers 7 week courses for both moms-to-be and new moms in our informal and informative sessions. You’ll be able to ask questions, learn from our experts and get support from other pregnant women and new moms. We cover what the hospital courses don’t - from nutrition to the best gear, we give you the inside scoop on all the details nobody remembers to tell you!
Prenatal Plus Pregnancy and Parenting Centre
Address:130 Davis Drive #206, Newmarket
Phone:(905) 830-1709
Prenatal Plus offers several different prenatal programs depending on your situation: one for first time parents, a refresher programs (for couples having their second child) or a multiples class (for couples having twins or triplets). They also offer a prenatal yoga class.
Southlake Regional Health Centre
Phone: (905)895-4521 ext.2724
A Baby’s Coming prenatal class provides information on the process of labour and delivery, comfort measures, when things don’t go as planned and immediate care of mom and baby following birth. Refresher and VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) are also available for repeat patients.
York Central Hospital
Phone: (905) 417-6149
York Central offers several different prenatal programs. For labour and delivery, there are the “Realities in Childbirth” Prenatal classes for couples expecting their first child and a Condensed Labour Workshop (a single class for couples needing a refresher or condensed program). There is also a Prenatal Breastfeeding Class, an Infant Care Workshop, a Pre/postnatal fitness class and a Sibling Class that offers activities related to becoming a brother or sister.
York Region Public Health
Phone: 1-800-361-5653
There are two different classes available. Prenatal classes for couples –York Region’s prenatal program is an eight week series of 2 hour classes designed for pregnant women and their partners/coaches. And, the Special Delivery Club which are prenatal classes geared to the unique needs of single woman and teens.
Hospital/Prenatal Tours
The tour is free of charge and is provided to expectant couples. It is usually a group session that provides information about the hospital and the services provided during labour, delivery and postpartum periods.
Markham Stouffville Hospital
Phone: (905) 472-7374
Southlake Regional Health Centre
Phone: (905)895-4521 ext.2724
York Central Hospital
Phone: (905) 417-6149
Note: The tour is covered in the class schedule if you take prenatal classes at Southlake or York Central.
