Enhancing The Lives of Women from The Childbearing Years and Beyond

Advance Registration Now Going on For Birthing From Within Classes

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 17:30:59 GMT

Become a Birth Warrior!

In this Birthing From Within series, you will learn how to:

• Experience birth as a rite of passage
• Eat a sound diet, benefiting both pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Open your body-mind connection before and during labor with self-hypnosis and visualizations
• Build confidence in yourself and in your partner
• Ask questions and make decisions during the labor process
• Protect your birth space
• Tame your "Birth Tigers"TM
• Push your baby out naturally
• Welcome your baby
• Recover and develop postpartum plan
• Care for and feed your newborn
• “Give Birth from Within” even during a Cesarean and while using pain medication or other medical support
...and much more

In addition to Karen’s training with Pam England,(see www.birthingfromwithin.com) Karen is a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Birth Doula and a Certified Maya Abdominal Massage Practitioner, working primarily with women and families who are trying to become pregnant and those who already are.

Classes will take place at the Berkley Center on Wednesday nights for six consecutive weeks, April 4th to May 9th 2007.

The series is $250 per couple.

16 E 40th Street NY NY 10016 212.685.0985 www.berkleycenter.com

The Power of Touch, Massage and Your Pregnancy

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 01:15:43 GMT

“If I had my life to live over, instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished ever moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.” ~Irma Bombeck

Congratulations, you’re pregnant! You’ve waited so long for this moment. If you’re like most women, your thoughts are already turning to how you can maintain your health and balance through out your pregnancy and into motherhood.

Your body is carrying out a variety of changes all at once, as that little one continues to thrive and grow, week to week. These physical changes include an increase in the basal metabolic rate, breathing rate and blood volume. Also, as the body prepares itself to support a new life, additional strain is placed on the abdominal muscles, internal organs, back, legs and the weight-bearing joints. These hormonal fluctuations also cause emotional mood swings that range from joyous exuberance to intense sadness. Symptoms such as nausea, constipation, urinary frequency, gastric reflux, varicose veins, edema, lower back pain and general fatigue are also common during this period.

To ease this transition, many health professionals recommend massage therapy as a complement to prenatal care. Prenatal pregnancy massage is designed to alleviate many of the common physical discomforts of pregnancy and provide emotional support.

The Link between Prenatal Massage and Maya Abdominal Massage

Maya Abdominal Massage seeks to gently lift the uterus and guide her into proper center positioning. When the uterus is regularly attended to, most of women find their symptoms of peeing all the time, constipation, low back pain, and lessen swelling of the legs and feet. Women who receive regular MAM work also report easier deliveries, as the babies are regularly encouraged into good positioning. It’s easier to keep good habits of positioning than correct less helpful habits! Prenatal massage aims to alleviate the discomforts experienced during pregnancy through skilled touch and communication. This soft and gentle massage therapy soothes tired, achy muscles and joints. Careful attention and education is given to you about areas that must be avoided during pregnancy. Prenatal pregnancy massage also helps you to identify, isolate and strengthen the muscles that you will use during labor.

Another common benefit of receiving massage, whether you’re pregnant or not, is the reduction of stress levels in the body. Recent studies have indicated that a baby in-utero is put at risk when the mother is experiencing tension and stress. The fetal heart rate stays higher longer, when the mother is stressed. Regular massage encourages the development of gross-motor neurons for the baby as well as helping to prevent stretch marks.

An Enchanted Holiday Gift

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 18:28:06 GMT

Together we embark on a quest for own enchantment. It will take us to a place where feminine is sacred, as are a lot of other things as well. There we can become who we were meant to be and live the life we were meant to live....
"What?" you say. "Me enchanted?" Yes, I say and don't act so surprised. You knew when you were little that you were born for something special and no matter what happened to you, that couldn't be erased. The magic could not be drained from your heart any more than Lady Macbeth could wash the blood from her hands. Sorry to tell you, but you had it right years ago, then you forgot. You were born with a mystical purpose. In reading this now, you might remember what it is.

~Marianne Williamson A Woman's Worth

RSNA: Sperm Motility Predicts Fertility After Vein Embolization

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 18:20:13 GMT

By Peggy Peck, Senior Editor, MedPage Today

Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD; Emeritus Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

November 29, 2006
MedPage Today Action Points

* Explain to interested patients that this study suggests that only a select group of men will improve fertility with spermatic vein embolization.

* This report is based on an abstract presented at a meeting. These data and conclusions should be considered preliminary as they have not yet been reviewed and published in a peer-reviewed publication.

Review
CHICAGO, Nov. 29 -- When sperm motility is only minimally impaired by varicoceles, spermatic vein embolization may improve fertility, German researchers reported here.

Although the technical success rate was 99% in a study of 223 men who had the embolization, it was pre-treatment motility that proved to be the significant predictor of successful pregnancy, said Sebastian Flacke, M.D., of the University of Bonn.

One hundred and seventy-three men were followed for two years after the procedure and 45 reported that they were able to impregnate their partners, resulted in live births, Dr. Flacke said at the Radiological Society of North America meeting.

The men, all of whom had varicoceles associated with oligoasthenospermia , were treated from 1998 to 2004 with endovascular embolization of their spermatic veins using distal coil embolization in combination with proximal sclerotherapy using aethoxysclerol. The mean age of the men was 34 (range 21 to 50).

Prior to the procedure them men had hormonal and semen analysis. Less than 10% of the men had low testosterone levels.

The semen analysis prior to treatment revealed that none of the men had normally shaped sperm and 213 of the men had subnormal sperm counts or sperm motility.

There were 228 varicoceles, of which 226 were successfully treatment by embolization.

One treatment failure was in a man who had previously been treated with surgery and a second case in which the spermatic vein could not be located, Dr. Flacke said.

Following the procedure, sperm count and sperm motility improved significantly (P<0.001 for both compared with baseline), he said.

Sperm motility prior to procedure was significantly associated with successful pregnancy (P=0.006) as was post procedure sperm count (P=0.03).

On the basis of these results, Dr. Flacke said that he now advises men who have very impaired sperm motility prior to embolization "that this procedure is unlikely to improve fertility."

David M. Hovsepian, M.D., of Washington University in St. Louis, commented that previous studies have been unable to confirm improved fertility following embolization because "those studies typically did not differentiate between men who underwent embolization for treatment of pain associated with varicoceles from those who had infertility associated with varicoceles. "

He said the study by Dr. Flacke provided the first clear-cut evidence of a fertility benefit.

But he noted that in the United States, embolization is normally done without the use of a sclerosing agent because of concerns about the potential for such agents to leak into the testes "and possibly cause even greater damage to sperm."
Primary source: Radiological Society of North America
Source reference:
Flacke, S et al "Pre-treatment Sperm Motility Predicts Pregnancy after Embolization of Varicoceles in Infertile Man" SSKO3
Disclaimer
The information presented in this activity is that of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, MedPage Today, and the commercial supporter. Specific medicines discussed in this activity may not yet be approved by the FDA for the use as indicated by the writer or reviewer. Before prescribing any medication, we advise you to review the complete prescribing information, including indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse effects. Specific patient care decisions are the responsibility of the healthcare professional caring for the patient. Please review our Terms of Use.

The Industrialization of Birth

Thu, 05 Oct 2006 18:34:26 GMT

This weeks New Yorker has a note worthy article on the industrialization of birth.

Essential Oils and Pregnancy

Thu, 05 Oct 2006 18:29:26 GMT

With a Bath&Body Works in every mall, it's unlikely you haven't had a chance to experience aromatherapy on some level. Essential Oils can be a safe, easy way to calm the mind, ease aching muscles and less disturbed sleep. While there is always the risk of skin sensitivity, there are special concerns for women that are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Some can build up in the system over a period of time and potentially cross the placenta barrier to the developing baby. Others can possibly stimulate uterine contractions resulting in miscarriage or premature labor.

Lavender is so commonly found from eye pillows to massage lotions, because in addition to its relaxing qualities, it is considered very safe for most users.

This is by no means a definitive list and others may be added, but as a guide they include:

Aniseed
Basil
Birch
Bitter almond
Camphor
Cassia
Cedarwood
Cinnamon
Clary sage (used for labour only)
Clove
Comfrey
Cypress
Eucalyptus
Fennel
Hyssop
Juniper berry
Jasmine
Marjoram
Melissa
Mugwort
Mustard
Myrrh
Nutmeg
Oregano
Parsley seed
Pennyroyal
Peppermint
Rose (used for labour only)
Rosemary
Sage
Tarragon
Thyme
Wintergreen
Wormwood

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 18:51:12 GMT

The Doula and You by Karen Kelly

1. What is a birth doula?
A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth. Typically, I meet with the mother to be at least three times for fun, comprehensive sessions that help prepare the family for the birth. These sessions give us a chance to practice valuable pain-coping techniques, explore beliefs about childbirth, prepare for unexpected happenings and strengthen the bond between you and your partner as you prepare for birth.

2. What effects does the presence of a doula have on birth outcomes?
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:

· tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications

· reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience

· reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction

· reduces the requests for pain medication and epidurals, as well as the incidence of cesareans

3. What effects does the presence of a doula have on the mother?
When a doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer cesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression. What appears to influence the impact of labor support?

Various systematic reviews have looked at the impact of continuous labor support under different conditions.

Several reviews have found that the type of person providing the care appears to make a difference. Labor support provided by caregivers who come to the labor setting expressly to provide this care appears to offer women more benefits than labor support provided by nurses or other clinical caregivers from that setting (Hodnett and colleagues 2004, Simkin and O'Hara 2002, Scott and colleagues 1999). In the most recent and largest review, when compared to women who did not receive continuous support, those who received continuous labor support from someone present just for this purpose were

· 26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section

· 41% less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps

· 28% less likely to use any pain medications and

· 33% less likely to be dissatisfied with or negatively rate their birth experience (Hodnett and colleagues 2004).

The reviews identified several other factors that seem to make a difference. Benefits of continuous labor support appear to be greater when women receive it beginning earlier rather later in labor (Hodnett and colleagues 2004, Simkin and O'Hara 2002) in settings that do not allow them to bring companions of choice (versus settings that do allow husbands, friends, etc.) (Hodnett and colleagues 2004, Simkin and O'Hara 2002) in settings where epidural analgesia is not routine (versus settings where epidural is routine) (Hodnett and colleagues 2004).

These patterns suggest that the more labor support a woman receives and the better its quality, the greater is its favorable impact. Because of this, women who work with a trained doula in usual (non-study) conditions may experience even greater benefits than the studies show. Usual conditions include choosing a compatible labor companion, meeting with her during pregnancy to develop a relationship and discuss preferences and concerns, working together continuously from early labor onward, and - in many cases - having face-to-face and/or phone contact after the birth.

4. What effects does the presence of doulas have on babies?
Studies have shown that babies born with doulas present tend to have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries, breastfeed more easily and have more affectionate mothers in the postpartum period.

5. How do doulas practice?
Doulas practice in three ways: privately hired directly by clients, as hospital employees, and as volunteers in community or hospital programs. I have had experience working in all of these arrangements. Currently, I am privately hired directly by clients. Some of my clients have had success in receiving insurance reimbursement or credit from their employers from cafeteria style plan insurances.

6. Does a doula replace nursing staff?
No. Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff. I do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, doing vaginal examinations or providing postpartum clinical care. One of my early clients called me her “best friend, who knows everything (about pregnancy and birth) without the baggage.” While I don’t know everything, I am well versed in current obstetric trends and options. I also have the straight forward experience of attending many births. Primarily, I am there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals, and her partner.

7. Does a doula make decisions on my behalf?
A doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in their clinical care. I provide informational and emotional support, while respecting a woman’s decisions.

8. Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?

No, a doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a 
partner become involved in the birth to the extent he or she feels comfortable. A well-intentioned 
father, who isn't used to seeing the changes of birth and therefore, not familiar with the difference
 between normal, healthy get-the-baby-out contractions and over-the-moon-insane contractions,
 might encourage his wife to accept pain medications that she could do without. Later, some women 
report that though they were grateful in the moment, they feel regret that they didn't get a different 
type of encouragement in the moment. As a labor assistant, I get to see first hand, how different every
birth is and offer assistance and guidance throughout to help things move more smoothly.

9. Do I have to have a “natural” birth to use a doula?

Doulas are for every woman. Whether you intend to have a non-medicated labor and delivery, or are
open to the idea of utilizing pain relieving medications, a doula can help you make and informed
choice as well as remind you of your alternatives. Many women who intend to have an epidural 
report their surprise at the length of time they were left to labor before one could be administered. Side
effects of certain drugs require the mother to be confined to her bed. A doula continues to help 
encourage labor and contractions as well as make the mother as comfortable as possible, often utilizing
massage and breath awareness.

References

Hodnett ED. Pain and women's satisfaction with the experience of childbirth: a systematic review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 186,5 (2002) S160-72.

Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G J, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth [PDF]. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.

Scott KD, Berkowitz G, and Klaus M. A comparison of intermittent and continuous support during labor: a meta-analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 180,5 (1999) 1054-1059.

Simkin PP and O'Hara MA. Nonpharmacologic relief of pain during labor: systematic reviews of five methods. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 186,5 (2002) S131-59.

Basics of Maya Abdominal Massage Introduction

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 21:17:45 GMT

It's been brought to my attention lately, that not everyone quite realizes how as a massage therapist, I go about working with women and their uteri. To start- the uterus, varying in weight from 2oz to 8oz (Eight 0unces!)each month sits nestled in the pelvic bowl in front of the colon, on top of the bladder. She is held in place by 14 different ligaments front to back, as we ARE three dimensional after all.

As the years pass we do silly things like fall out of trees, off of horses, swing dance, wear high heels, prove how strong we are to members of the opposite sex by lifting things we oughtn't, get pregnant, have miscarriages, have babies, fall down a flight of stairs, wear corsets (not always an issue), get into car accidents, play soccer, decide to take up running...etc...

We go about our lives not paying much attention to how these things impact our uterus, and most likely only pay attention when we're getting our yearly exam. There may be cramping, clotting, endometriosis, pcos, cysts, fibroids, amneroreah (yes, I used to be someone who couldn't understand why one wouldn't be greatful for the respite) and potential other scaring, pain during intercourse, weird circulatory stuff and down the line the dreaded "C" word. Many gynecologists and tampon ads will say "oh welcome to being a woman, just take some advil, or better yet synthetic hormones." (Birth control pills=a whole other post.)

Turns out there are lots of options out there besides over the counter pain relief and wishing and hoping for menopause. My area of focus as a reproductive massage therapist is first and foremost teaching women about what is going on in their bodies and empowering them to be in control and responsible for their health, while giving them tools to do such.

As a maya abdominal massage therapist (www.arvigomassage.com) I work to reposition the uterus externally, via the lower abdominal area, allowing for more productive, easier cycles, conception, labor and delivery, and menopause. Other areas on the body that are brought into focus is the upper abdominal-it is here that we have our major abdominal artery that provides blood flow for good digestion and elimination as well as supplying the uterine and ovarian arteries which branch off of it. In typical humans of this culture one of our first responses to stress is to constrict our diaphragm, making our breath shorter and more shallow. Guess what! The diaphragm wraps right around that major abdominal artery and constricts some of the blood flow. Now take a guess at how many people carry chronic stress! Which if you're still following, means they have chronically restricted and reduced the blood flow to their intestines ovaries and uterus. This can also contribute to things like high blood pressure, IBS, ulcers, and run of the mill constipation.

So lets turn over now. We're the gender with the hips, wiggle em proud! Starting in the lower lumbar region, running into the sacral region is where the nerves first leave their protective spinal column that send messages from the brain to--you guessed it! The uterus, the ovaries, and even those feel good areas.
Remember falling on the ice? well, you may have sustained an injury that torqued your hips. Not a lot, but enough to change the angle. Oh and then there were those great heels you couldn't part with...remember your lower back? And how sore it seems to get on a seemingly chronic basis? Well, those misaligned hip bones are going to change the way the muscles wrap around those super amazing all knowing nerves!

Questions, Comments Welcome.