Birth:  Before and After
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Four Relaxation Techniques to Use in Labor

1/30/2019

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Relaxation techniques are one of the most important items to place in your "toolkit for labor". There are many different types of relaxation and ways to go about them. Here are four of the most commonly used techniques and an example of each to practice.  For more information on relaxation techniques and other items for your labor toolkit, look into a childbirth education class.

Focused relaxation

Focused relaxation involves tightening and then systematically relaxing your muscles.  Start by tensing your muscles. Hold those muscles for 5-10 seconds and then let go. Now work through your body specifically relaxing each muscle again.

Focused relaxation example:
  • Get into a comfortable position, either laying down or sitting supported in a chair where your entire body can relax including your head. 
  • Start by tightening your muscles. Feel your jaw and neck tight. Feel your arms, hands, and fingers tight. Feel your stomach tighten. Tighten your legs all the way down to your toes.
  • Squeeze them tighter and hold for a count of 5. 
  • Now breathe out and relax.
  • Now work through your body to relax each muscle in your body. 
  • Relax your face.
  • Make sure your jaw is relaxed. Your mouth can be slightly open if it is comfortable.
  • Relax your neck letting your head sink into your chair/bed.
  • Relax your shoulders, arms, hands and fingers.
  • Continue working down your body taking slow deep breaths.
  • Relax your abdomen.
  • Relax your legs and feet moving them to the most comfortable position for you.

Practice this exercise often and use it when you feel yourself experiencing stress during everyday life. This is a wonderful relaxation technique for early to active labor to help you relax during contractions. 
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Internal focus

This relaxation technique brings your focus inward. You will make note of every sensation your body feels. While this may seem counterintuitive for labor, this relaxation technique can be very soothing. 

Inward focus example:
  • Start in a comfortable and supported position. 
  • Close your eyes.
  • Take 3-4 deep breathes.
  • Now begin to focus inward.
  • Are there sheet or blankets touching your skin? What do they feel like? Smooth, rough, silky, fluffy?
  • What parts of your body are supported by your chair/bed? Exactly where do you feel the contact with your body on the furniture? Do you want to adjust for a more comfortable feel?
  • Where do you have clothing? What does each item feel like? Are there tags or creases that you would like to adjust? 
  • Do you have jewelry or accessories? A ring, earrings, watch, or necklace? Do they feel cool and comforting? Tight and restricting? Feel free to adjust or remove them.
  • Focus even further inward? Feel your breathing? Where does your body move when you breath in? How does the air feel when it leaves your body? Try breathing out through your mouth or nose. Which do you prefer?
  • Feel your heartbeat.
  • Feel your baby's movement.
  • Notice the pressure you may feel in your body.

Practice this technique to determine if you enjoy it. It will also help you discover your most comfortable positions for relaxation. Use this technique especially during times of transition or movement.
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External focus

In this style of relaxation, you'll focus on everything you hear and see externally or outside of your body.

External focus example:
Start by sitting or laying in a comfortable position. You may find it easier to begin practicing this technique with your eyes closed.
Take a few deep breathes.
Start to listen to your surroundings. What are those sounds you usually block out? Try to just hear the sounds without placing judgement on them. This is not the time to be upset about the door slam. It's a time to focus, hear, and acknowledge each and every sound.
Do you hear talking? Is it live or from the TV/computer?
Can you hear sounds from outside? Animals, cars, planes, etc?
What smaller, farther away sounds might you hear if you focus?
Is there water running? 
Can you hear typing or someone preparing food? What exactly does that sound like?
Are there children playing? Can you tell what they are playing with by listening?
Do you have music you enjoy? This would be a time to try different types of music to see which may relax you or take you away.
Do you enjoy hearing others speak? Do you prefer quiet? Do you enjoy soothing sounds like water?
Continue to try different sounds and listen to the sounds around you.

Practice this in other situations as well. If you are a passenger in the car you can practice listening to all the sounds as you pass by various places. If your eyes are closed, can you tell where you are by listening to the sounds?

This is a wonderful relaxation technique for early labor to pull your thoughts away from the feelings in your body if they cause anxiety or stress. You can use external focus, as you transition from different places during your labor. Some people find utilizing external focus at the birthing location to adjust to the new environment.

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Rhythmic breathing

Rhythmic or practiced breathing is what most people think about from Lamaze or other birthing classes. While heavy patterned breathing usually is not effective, slower, more steady breathing can be of benefit both during labor or any other times of stress.

Rhythmic breathing example:
  • We did start with a very simple breathing technique.
  • Get in a comfortable and supported position.
  • Close your eyes if you like.
  • Take some deep, cleansing breaths.
  • Now take a slow breath in through your mouth to a count of 3.
  • Now hold that breath (if you can comfortablely) to a count of 3.
  • Now breath out through your mouth to a count of 3.
  • Is that comfortable?
  • Some people prefer a count of 4 or 5 but chose a count that is comfortable to you.
  • Try breathing all the way down into your abdomen, holding, and then blowing all the air out.
  • Work to keep your breathing and counts slow and steady.
  • A partner can count with you if you find it helpful.

Use this breathing at any point during labor or any other stressful times. The slow and focused breathing can help you relax and slow your heart rate.


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Spend time practicing various relaxation techniques before your labor starts. Use them any time you are stressed or are experiencing pain. The more comfortable you are with a technique the more likely you are to remember to use it and have it be effective during labor.

Looking for other suggestions to help you cope and progress in labor? Consider Not Your Mama's Childbirth Class.
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Valentine's Day Activity Round Up

1/18/2019

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What to do in DuPage County and the western suburbs for Valentine's Day with kids.

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Are you looking for activities for Valentine's Day for your little ones?

Here's a round up of local family friendly Valentine's Day activities and links to find more information and register.

February 8th

Valentines Day Sweet Shoppe Treats
Darien Park District

Make sweet treats, a craft, and hear a Valentine story.
​4:30-6:00pm

For more info visit Darien Park District

Valentine Candy Carnival
​LaGrange Park Recreation Center

Family game night to win candy prizes.
6:00-7:30pm

for more info visit the Park District of La Grange

February 9th

Drop the kids off to play, run, jump, and have a great time while parents can enjoy a romantic dinner out.
5:00-9:00pm

For more info visit Naperville Yard

Victorian Valentine Making
​Elmhurst History Museum

Make a special Valentine at the museum
2:00-4:00pm

For more info visit Elmhurst History Museum

Valentine Parents' Night Out
​Naperville Yard

Valentines Day Craft Workshop
Knoch Knolls Nature Center-Naperville

Make a nature themed Valentine craft.
6:00-7:30pm

For more info visit Knoch Knoll Nature Center

February 12th

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Swingin' Sweetheart Kid Rock Event
​Cantigny Park

Bring your special sweetheart to dance away the evening.
5:45-7:30

For more info visit Cantigny Park

February 13th

Be My Valentine
​Jumps n Jiggles Indoor Playground-Elk Grove Village

Make a valentine and have a special valentine snack
10:00am

For more info visit Elk Grove Park District

February 14th

Sealed with a Kiss
​Monica and Andy Oak Brook

Valentine's Day party and mini photo sessions
10:00-12:00

For more info visit Monica and Andy

Order a heart shaped pizza for dinner at various pizza places.  Check early to see if your favorite pizza place offers heart shaped pizzas.

Love Bugs
​Cantigny Park

Enjoy stories, songs, crafts, and a Valentine's treat
10:00am

For more info visit Cantigny Park

February 16th

Valentine for the Birds
​Morton Arboretum

Make Valentine treats for the birds
11:00-3:00

For more info visit Morton Arboretum
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The Beginner's Guide to Placenta Encapsulation

1/1/2019

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What is placenta encapsulation?

Placenta encapsulation is the process of taking the placenta, processing it and placing it into capsules to consume after childbirth.


Placenta has been consumed in various forms for centuries especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine where human placenta is considered an herb and used to treat various illnesses or medical issues. In modern times, placenta is dried and placed into capsules for easy consumption. 


Your placenta is processed over a two day period. Each day the encapsulator is in your home for approximately 1-2 hours.  Birth:  Before and After provides all the supplies each day and will only need access to a small amount of counter or table space, your sink, a stovetop burner, and an outlet. 

Your space is cleaned and sanitized before, during and after the process each day.

What are the benefits of placenta encapsulation?

​There are no thorough studies on the benefits of placenta encapsulation at this time. All the information we have is from Traditional Chinese Medicine and anecdotal information provided by thousands and thousands of people who have consumed their placenta after childbirth. 

The most common reason people choose to encapsulate their placenta is to balance hormones after childbirth to ease or eliminate postpartum depression. 

Other potential benefits of placenta capsules include:
  • Speed healing
  • More energy
  • Experience less overwhelm
  • Smooth transition from pregnancy to postpartum
  • Improved breastmilk production (this potential benefit is controversial)

There are lots of theories on how the placenta might help with postpartum recovery. Here is what Birth: Before and After most strongly believes:

During pregnancy, the body makes up to 3x as many stress fighting hormones (as well as additional hormones to support the pregnancy)  These hormones are stored or created within the placenta. After the birth, many people experience a drastic dip in hormone levels as the body adjusts to the birth. This can cause fatigue, sadness, overwhelm and depression.  By consuming placenta capsules, some of those hormones are returned to the body to help ease the transition. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the body must remain in balance for wellness. Any time that the body becomes out of balance in various forms, illness may set in. Pregnancy and childbirth often cause the body to become out of balance. The placenta, which is considered an herb in TCM, helps the body return to balance after childbirth. 

Is placenta encapsulation safe?

Again, we have no strong scientific evidence that placenta encapsulation is completely safe at this time.  What we do have in information collected from thousands and thousands of people who have used placenta capsules during their postpartum without negative effects.

​If you have specific concerns about drug safety or pregnancy/birth conditions or contraindications please reach out to BB&A for detailed information.

Birth:  Before and After follows ​several safety measures including
  • Universal precausions which means that we treat every placenta we process as if it has a bloodborne disease. Now, that may sound uncomforable to a client, but what it actually does is make sure that any equipment used during the process is cleaned and sanitized properly. This is a very valuable step in the process and not every encapsulator will follow these standards. 
  • Food handling basics which involve the placenta staying "food safe" until processing begins. This is one of the reasons BB&A supplies a new, clean cooler for every client. 
  • Chain of command knowledge. BB&A wants you to know exactly where your placenta is at every moment. We don't to "hand offs" to doulas and other professionals. The placenta stays in your control until we start the process. 

How to hire a placenta encapsulation professional.

Hiring a professional encapsulator can seem overwhelming. How do you know if they are a professional and have taken a training or if they follow basic health and safety guidelines?

You can start by asking for references from friends, posting on mom Facebook groups, and discussing encapsulation with your provider. Always reach out to potental placenta encapsulators or placenta encapsulation specialists early to make sure they are available and still provide the service. 

You can also do a brief interview with the potential encapsulator either in person, via email, online via ZOOM, or over the phone. Check out this article on questions you can ask when interviewing a potential placenta encapsulator.

Common questions about placenta encapsulation:

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What do placenta capsules taste like?

Your placenta capsules themselves should not have a taste. The dried placenta powder is placed inside a capsule, so that there is no taste and to make consumption easy for clients. Birth:  Before and After wipes each capsule with a sterile gauze so that there is no placenta powder residue on the outside of the capsules to maximize your satisfaction.

If your encapsulator does not take the additional care in wiping the outside of hte capsules, there can be excess placenta powder on the outside of the capsule.  The placenta powder will taste similar to an organ meat like liver or heart. Most people do not enjoy the flavor and would prefer to not experience it. 

Some placenta encapsulators will attempt to hide the taste of the placenta powder by using flavored capsules rather than wiping the capsules. This adds additional sugars and flavorings to the capsules which could potentially lessen the potental benefit or create a negative effect to the capsules.

Does the placenta encapsulation process smell?

Every single placenta is different and every client has different sensitivities to odors. Most people only notice a slight odor during the steaming of the placenta if they are in the same room or in a very small space. If you are very sensitive to smells, Birth:  Before and After recommends staying in another room of your home during steaming or using a scented candle during the process.  Some clients prefer have the placenta encapsulation process started while they are still in the hospital.

How many placenta capsules do I take?

Birth:  Before and After gives clients a complete guide to consuming your placenta capsules. Some clients may want to adjust the consumption guidelines to gain maximum benefit. You may always reach out to your encapsulationist, should you have any questions. Generally, clients will start by consuming multiple capsules per day and slowly decrease the amount and frequency.

Most people choose to start consuming their placenta capsules between day 3-14 postpartum.

Birth:  Before and After recommends consuming all your placenta capsules to get the most benefit.  

Why does Birth: Before and After process the placenta at my home?

Birth;  Before and After does the 2 day placenta encapsulation process in your home. Before you back away from encapsulation, read some of the benefits here:
  • You get a childbirth professional in your home
  • You know the standards in which your placenta was processed (cleanliness, safety precautions, food handling, etc)
  • You know for sure it's your own placenta
  • You can be as hands on or hands off as you want
  • You get your kitchen sink cleaned and sanitized. We hope that your space is just a little cleaner than when we arrived 
  • You can ask your encapsulator questions you may have about popstartum or baby care
  • You can process your birth with a professional that won't judge your decisions

Do you have additional questions about placenta encapsulation or wish to hire us for services?
​Reach out to Birth: Before and After today!

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4 tips for NYE when you are secretly pregnant

12/20/2017

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You just found out you are pregnant!​

Congrats to you!!

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Now what do you do at that New Year's Eve party when you haven't told everyone yet?!?

You may be nervous about what everyone will say when you aren't sipping a cocktail all night long, but truth be told, after the party gets going no one will be paying much attention to what's in your glass. Arrive a few hours later than normal and everyone will already have started drinking for the evening and will be paying much less attention to you.

Just in case that's not an option, here are 4 quick tips to help you have fun and enjoy your New Year's Eve without telling everyone why you aren't drinking this year. 

1. Volunteer to be the designated driver. You'll be everyone's favorite friend and no one will be the wiser.

2. Put a lime in it! Fruit juice with a garnish suddenly resembles a mixed drink.  You can drink as many as you like and no one will even notice.  Check out this quick Momarita recipe for mixing yourself a fun non-alcoholic drink.

3. Become friends with the bartender. Let them in on the fact that you need to abstain from alcohol this year, but want to look like you have a fun cocktail. They can blend up some great concoctions for you and even you won't miss the alcohol! 

4. Enjoy some sparkling grape juice for that New Year's Eve toast.



 Since you'll be the sober one at midnight, maybe you'll decide this is the perfect time to announce your pregnancy (OR NOT)!
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How do I overcome the fear of childbirth?

10/5/2017

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What words come up most when we talk about childbirth?
FEAR AND ANXIETY rank highest.

Let's talk about the top fears in childbirth and how to overcome them.

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Fear of the pain. 

People search the words, "How much pain is normal during birth?" Or they ask their community those questions? Sometimes well meaning people in your life want to fill you with horrible tales of their births causing you even more fear or anxiety about giving birth or they may tell you it was the easiest,  most beautiful thing in the entire world.  Just let yourself go and experience the pleasure of labor and birth!

The real answer is everyone experiences childbirth in their own unique way and every single birth is different.  There is a lot more births that happen somewhere in the middle of those two statements than at either extreme.

How to you overcome the fear of pain in childbirth? 

You can work to overcome this fear by having a basic understanding of labor and birth. Learn some basic information about how your body works. How your cervix opens or the basic steps of a cesarean birth. A childbirth educator can assist you with this information. Choose a class that talks openly about the options you prefer.

Learn your options for comfort and pain relief. Do you want to learn comfort techniques? How to move with labor? How to relax (and what that even means in labor)? Learn what a support person can do to assist you. Will you choose a doula (a trained support person)? Learn about medications that can help you and how to choose what is best for you and when it may be most beneficial for you personally. 

Keep in mind that you are different from everyone else. Don't let someone tell you their way is the only "safe" or "best" way. 

Have a plan but also have an open mind. Sometimes labor moves faster or slower than our original plan. Sometimes there are unexpected issues that come up. While having a plan is key, realizing that your labor may not go according to plan is also important. This brings us to our next fear.

Fear of loosing control.

Control can be such a loaded word. Is it good? Is it bad? How does control even work in labor and birth? Who's even in control?

Ideally, most people want to have control in their options. You want to be able to decide what positions you would like to be in during labor, how you can move, what you can wear. These are important things.  Most people really want to be heard in labor. This is valuable! You get that control by having knowledge over the options your birth place and your care provider regularly offer. Have conversations with your provider to find out common practices. Take the hospital tour to learn your options at the hospital. Know if there are showers or tubs to utilize and what exactly that means. Learn the check in procedures for your hospital. This helps you with your options and gives you control over your labor.

You can't control the labor itself, though. Your baby may have different ideas. While most labors and births follow the standard curve, some labors and births require medical assistance that was not in in the plan. 

Having an understanding of various options in these situations is important, too, even if that was not your plan. 

Fear of judgement.

Some people are concerned about what others may think of them during labor. What will my sister or best friend think? What about my partner? Will they still find me attractive after they see me give birth? What about the nurses? What will they say or think? 

These are real fears many many people experience.  Decide who you will and won't tell when you are in labor. Who will be invited to your birth? You do NOT need to invite everyone in your family or close friend circle. You don't even need to tell everyone you are in labor! Be firm and set boundaries. Expect people to be supportive of you in your labor. If they can't be supportive, they can wait in the waiting room or go home. 

Your partner loves you and probably has their own fears surrounding childbirth. They are watching the person they love do something that is scary and unknown and they aren't able to "fix' it. Have open and honest communications both before and after the birth. Have them focus on you and your face and not your body. Most of the time partners aren't even aware of all that is happening because of their own feelings. Again a childbirth educator and doula can help your partner understand the birth process so they are more supportive in whatever way that might look for them. 

Nurses and care givers and seen and heard everything!  They know what birth looks and sounds like. They don't get to judge you because it's not their labor. Plus, you probably will never see them again.

Fear of something going wrong/your body is "broken".

This is a hard and emotional topic. If you have given birth before and it was scary or overwhelming or you needed emergency medical assistance, you may have these fears. Again, you may have heard stories of loved ones or friends that had those experiences. 

Nearly everyone is afraid. Nearly everyone is nervous. Learning your options and being flexible are important, but what if it goes beyond that? What do you do if it's taken over your life?

It is so very important to seek therapy or counseling prior to your birth. Find someone that is trained and familiar in birth to assist you. While doulas are there to help you with emotions  surrounding your birth, they are not trained therapists. Get referrals and plan ahead. Have supportive people with you. Discuss your fears with your care providers and discuss options for you. Some people may opt to have a planned cesarean birth because the fear of their birth the last time is too strong. Only you can make these personal decisions. 

Your biggest takeaways:
  • Seek information and seek support.
  • Make a plan and be flexible.
  • Seek therapy if needed.
  • Set firm boundaries for the people in your life.
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Epidurals and Childbirth Classes: Do They Go Together?

8/19/2017

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Are you planning an epidural or considering the option of an epidural for your upcoming birth?  Do you wonder if a childbirth class is for you?
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Many people believe that childbirth classes are only for those planning or hoping for a medication free birth. Depending on the class you choose this may not be true! While some classes cater to those wishing to have medication free births, other classes provide information for those planning or considering epidurals for their labor and birth.

Maybe you feel:
  • others in the class may judge you and your choices
  • you don't need to have all the fancy comfort measures down
  • aren't interested in learning natural alternatives to pain medication
  • only want the basics of birth
  • concerned about hearing "scare tactics" of epidurals in class

There are classes out there for those families that wish for any reason that medication is part of their birth plan without trying to change your mind.

As you are reading childbirth class descriptions, understand the terminology used by teachers.  Classes with "natural childbirth" may have more information for those wishing to birth without medication which is what some teachers/families call "natural childbirth". Some child birth professionals (educators and doulas) define it to  mean that no unnatural substances will be used (medication included). Classes with "informed decision making" may be heavy into information. Some of these classes may believe you must hear all the information on a topic to make an informed decision about what is right for you and your baby. While some people love every bit of information possible other people feel it is overwhelming and makes laboring have a right and wrong way.

Some classes with these descriptions may make it seem that your doctor is against you.

A supportive, nonjudgemental childbirth education class will cover topics including:
  • The basics of labor and birth
  • How to decide when to leave for the birth place
  • What to pack in your birth bag
  • How to best work with your care team
  • Positions and comfort measures both before and after medication
  • Information on medication delivered in a nonjudgemental manner
  • What to expect at the hospital
  • How to make the best decisions for your birth when presented with options from your care provider.

All in all, read class descriptions carefully. Ask teachers for more information to pick a class that is suitable for you and your birth plan.

Interested in discussing childbirth education options offered at Birth: Before and After? Contact us today.






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How about a Momarita?

3/10/2017

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It's Friday night and you want to celebrate....how about indulging in this non-alcoholic Mamarita!?

Let's face it:  Sometimes we miss that occasional drink during our pregnancies.  We can still enjoy ourselves and hold a great looking glass with a YUMMY non-alcoholic version of our favorite drink!

This post will kick off our weekly "celebrate the weekend" blog posts through April.

Each week we will have a recipe for a wonderful cocktail you can enjoy during your pregnancy!

Mamarita
(Makes one)

1 oz agave nectar (check with the natural sweeteners at your local grocery store)
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime if you don't want to measure)
1 oz orange juice
3 oz limeade (either purchased or make your own check the mixer section at the grocery store)
Lime wedge for the rim
coarse salt for the rim

Mix the lime juice and agave nectar in shaker
Add orange juice, limeade and ice
Shake well
Strain into margarita glass with salted rim or blend if preferred 
Add lime wedge for garnish

Enjoy!

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What to do in the Summertime at 36+ Weeks

7/8/2016

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Is it hot, hot,hot? Here are some great ideas to cool off during the summer heat.

  • Swim!  Anything from the kiddie pool in the backyard to the public pool is a great option.  Floating in the water can absolutely feel wonderful!
  • Enjoy some ice cream or a popsicle. These treats aren't just for kids. 
  • If you have older children, now is the time to enjoy that air conditioned play place. Whether it's a quick trip to McDonald's playland or the local children's museum. Hot days are a great time to visit.
  • Don't cook! Get creative with meals. Think salads or even less work...takeout!


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  • Think outside the box for refreshing drinks. Tired of the standard lemonade? Take it up a notch and try other flavor combinations.
  • Spend an afternoon at the mall. Get out of the house and enjoy a little shopping time either for you or the baby.
  • Visit the library! If you haven't stopped in at your local library in ages, this is a great time! Spend some time in the children's section if you have little ones. Check out some new cookbooks or parenting books. Many libraries have coffee shops and a host of great activities available.
  • Be cool, comfy and stylish when you are out and about. This is the time for flip flops and summer dresses.
  • Take a pre-baby vacation. While you may not want to fly after 36 weeks, there are several places within an hour or 2 drive from Chicagoland to stay...or choose the hotel down the street!  Find one with an indoor pool and you'll practically have it to yourself during the day.
  • Pamper yourself and get a pedicure.
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Postpartum Eating

6/2/2016

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Are you living on leftover chicken nuggets?
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 Here are some great tips for eating better when you have no time, are sleep deprived, and are holding a newborn for hours a day.

It's hard to decide what to eat when you haven't shopped for a week and are digging through the cabinets at 4:00pm when you haven't eaten anything that the toddler didn't discard!

Have a plan.

Make easy grab and go snacks and lunches ahead of time.  Think of pre-washed fruit, ready made salads and sandwiches.
Store ready to go snacks in single serve containers.  Think of items that are easy to reach in the fridge and eat with one hand while feeding the baby with the other.


If the idea of sitting down and developing a menu plan overwhelms you, hire help!

Choose one of the many menu planning services out there.
Grocery shopping sound completely overwhelming? Look into grocery delivery services or complete meal service.
Contact  Birth:  Before and After to assist you with shopping, snack and lunch prep by scheduling a postpartum visit.

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Postpartum Planning Sessions

5/25/2016

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When people hear the word "postpartum" many automatically think of postpartum depression.  There's more to your postpartum than just mood.

Your postpartum period can be defined as:

Physically
The time after your deliver your baby until your reproductive organs return to the pre-pregnancy state in five to seven weeks.

Emotionally
Adjusting to the new "normal" life while bringing a new baby into the family unit.  

The emotional adjustments can take far longer for some new parents than the physical adjustments.

How can you best plan for both the physical and emotional adjustments after the birth of your child?  

Postpartum Planning Sessions!

Birth:  Before and After will work with you individually to help you develop the best plan for you and your new family during the postpartum period.

You'll have a completed plan to be able to put into place immediately after your birth to include:
  • meal planning
  • mood guides
  • basic postpartum wants and needs of new parents
  • resources you might want or need
  • options for hiring postpartum help
  • quick sanity savers for when nothing else is working
  • tips on getting enough sleep
  • information on developing your preferred parenting styles and philosophies
  • and more

Contact Deb at Birth:  Before and After to schedule your personalized postpartum planning session.  As always we offer nonjudgmental support for your birthing and parenting decisions.
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    Deb Pocica has been in the birth and placenta business for nearly 10 years and lives in the Chicagoland area.

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