NOVEMBER 2006

Welcome to the November 2006 issue of our online newsletter.

Table of Contents
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PSBC Readers Favorites
Two Ways to Help the Birth Center While Holiday Shopping
A Fashion Tip from a Client
Postpartum Depression and Male Isolation—A Note for Fathers
Breastfeeding Class Dec 12th
Setting Intention for Optimal Nutrition during Pregnancy
Toy Drive
A Cure for Cradle Cap?
Wish List
No More Diapers, Please...
Last but not least! Gabriel's First Birthday

PSBC Readers' Favorites
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We're starting a new annual tradition in this issue of our newsletter. We would like your votes on the best parenting resources you have encountered. We have several categories for your nominations, plus you can create your own categories if there's an organization, a class, a business that you would like others to know about.

Categories:

Best Pediatrician or Pediatric Practice
Best Family Practice Doctor
Best Women's Health Care Provider
Best Maternity Consignment Store
Best Kids' Clothing Consignment Store
Best Rainy Day Play Spot for Babies and Toddlers
Best Sunny Day Play Spot for Babies and Toddlers
Best Family-Friendly Restaurant
Most Useful Postpartum Resource

Send your nominations to newsletter@birthcenter.com and we will compile them for the next newsletter. We'll have space for most popular nominations but also for honorable mentions too. Can't wait to hear what gems you have found!


Two Ways to Help the Birth Center While Holiday Shopping
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We are signed up with two organizations that send us referral fees for purchases made on their sites, as long as you use the links we provide. One is Amazon. If you simply click on the Amazon logo below, we receive about 5% of the value of any purchases you make.
 
The second organization is iGive. You sign up with them, and then follow their links to companies like Lands' End, Barnes and Noble, eBay, One Step Ahead, Pea in a Pod, Babies R Us, iMaternity, etc etc. We usually receive between 2% and 5% from purchases made this way.

Since starting these programs three years ago, we've received referral fees of close to $1000. That has helped keep the birth center healthy. Thank you!


A Fashion Tip from a Client
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Third time mom, Pier, tired of the current maternity fashions leaving her lower belly exposed to the elements, caught a tip from a friend to try men's extra long sleeveless T's under too short maternity tops.  They did the trick with style!
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Postpartum Depression and Male Isolation—A Note for Fathers
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by Matthew Tiemeyer

One of the statements our midwives said to us when we were preparing for the birth of our son is that my job was to “mother the mother.” My wife would be caring for our baby every second and would not be as able to care for herself, I learned. Of course, I had no idea what that actually meant. I just assumed that things would fall into place.

But I can't tell you how relieved I was when our midwives paid us visits after our son was born. I was able to let my guard down for a brief time. In fact, it was only in those times of relief that I fully recognized the responsibility that had come to rest on my shoulders.

This burden increases dramatically when your partner suffers from symptoms of postpartum depression. A major hurdle for a new father to clear is the sense of being a second-class citizen. Your partner can seem like the star of the show, while you busy yourself trying to remove the bewilderment from your face. Postpartum depression can extend this perception: She needs extra attention and support, and you feel as though there is no one to do the same for you.
Your partner is reeling from a double blow: Her body is dealing with a massive recovery operation, and her mind and heart seem to have endured trauma as well. The kind, loving woman you knew before birth may not have returned yet. In fact, she may reject you entirely in the midst of confusion and pain. And she may seem to have abandoned hope.

What do you do? Taking on a heroic, “me-against-the-world” attitude may give you an adrenaline boost for a moment, but it isn’t going to help in the long run. Recognizing that you can’t do it all is difficult, and it may feel embarrassing to bring up the subject with someone outside your family. But you and your partner do need support. And it’s available. The biggest hurdle is being willing to ask for it.

Resources for Your Wife
If you read my article in the April newsletter, this list of resources won’t be surprising. But you may be more aware of the need to make a call, given that so many things are out of balance for her. For the moment, you’re in the position to initiate care.

Your midwife--a person who has seen postpartum depression and its effects firsthand--is a good first option. Beyond being available for conversation, your midwife will be able to provide referrals to others trained in addressing symptoms of depression. Specifically, it is wise to consult a doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist. Emotions swing wildly after the birth of a baby; a skilled eye will be able to sift through what’s “normal” and what isn’t. If there are significant symptoms of depression, remember that they are treatable. Encourage your partner to get the treatment she needs.

Second, helping your partner find a support group with other new moms will be far better than trying to talk her out of her depression. You both need outlets to discuss it, but rehashing it only between the two of you is likely to create some mental ruts.

Resources for You
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You can run interference for your partner by making all the calls, doing all the housework, and arranging everything else she needs. But if you become exhausted, you won’t be supporting her well. Ask for help from family and friends. Make plans that will allow you to get out of the house (both with your partner and without).

It’s not uncommon, as a new baby’s father, to become depressed yourself, or to feel anxiety. The changes in your life are many: You have lost certain freedoms, added certain responsibilities, seen dreams change. Huge and wonderful possibilities open with the birth of your child. Other important hopes may have gone to the back burner.

Adjusting to these changes is not easy. You may find yourself angry more often. Your work may suffer. You may feel an overwhelming need just to get away.
Taking care of yourself is vital. Frankly, you won’t find the same wide array of support group choices your partner has (though if you find one, by all means make use of it). But certainly, be free to bring your concerns to your midwife. She can recommend a good resource for a medical evaluation if you don’t have a trusted doctor. She can also recommend counseling resources for you—people who know about the changes you’re experiencing and who have respect for your needs as a new parent.

Finally, do a bit of web research: Postpartum Support International has a number of outstanding links for fathers. Of particular interest is the Postpartum Dads site, which includes a number of anecdotes from fathers who have been there. They know all too well the benefits of reaching out to others in difficult days.

Matthew Tiemeyer, MA, is a counselor based in Bothell, WA. He also sees clients in Seattle’s Greenlake area. He and his wife, Shelly, are the parents of Caelan, a one-year-old boy. Matthew can be reached at 425.275.2198 or mptiemeyer@juno.com. More information is available at www.matthewtiemeyer.com.


Breastfeeding Class Dec 12th
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Just a quick reminder that the next breastfeeding class will be held on Tuesday December 12th at 7pm. The class is taught by Kristina Chamberlain, a Certified Nurse-Midwife and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She has worked with breastfeeding families for over 5 years. She is currently breastfeeding her own daughter, with whom she has had to overcome her own share of challenges--proof that it can be done!

It’s best to take this class in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Dads/Partners are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Class time is approximately 2.5 hours. $30/couple; $25/individual

To sign up or ask questions, email kristinacnm@yahoo.com or call Kristina at 206-718-0790


Setting Intention for Optimal Nutrition during Pregnancy
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by Shannon Fenster, MS, Certified Nutritionist
The gentlest way to speak about nutrition and pregnancy is with flexibility and kindness. Trust that all is in perfect order and connect to the foods that work best for you during this sacred time focusing on whole food choices.

Setting up a food routine (once nausea has settled) is a foundational step to getting optimal nutrition. The best way to ensure that we get all we need is to eat small frequent meals of quality protein and healthy fats with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, cooked beans and whole grains. Outlined below are simple tips to ensure that you are getting what you need. Remember as you sit down to eat; open yourself to receive nourishment and chew your food well. Share these tips with your loved ones so everyone in your family may support the nutritional care for you and the growing baby.

Whole Foods Tips for Energy and Development

Always talk to your midwife regarding safe use of herbs, teas, medication and supplements during pregnancy. These tips are not meant to substitute for professional prenatal care.
Eat small frequent meals to keep energy up and add variety to your diet.
Consume protein at each meal, cooked beans, legumes, whole grain breads, quinoa and oatmeal are great vegetarian sources or lean cuts of meats, poultry and fish making sure always to get variety.
Drink plenty of fluids (water with lemon is refreshing and alkalizing).
Colorful fruits, vegetables and leafy greens add minerals, fiber, carotenes, magnesium, iron, folate, bioflavonoids and vitamin C into your diet (these pair nicely with protein dense bean dips, low fat dairy, nut butters or as a simple salad).
Eat foods rich in folate such as strawberries, lentil soups and spinach to support the growth of the developing fetus.
Increase your intake of healthy fats to promote neurological development and health from avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, nut butters and ground flax seed or oil- add to smoothies or toss in salads.
Eat zinc rich foods such whole grains, dark turkey meats, ricotta cheese and pecans for essential for cell generation and immune function.

A Sample Whole food Meal Plan
* slightly chilled foods may be better tolerated during times of nausea

Breakfast
Bran cereal or Oatmeal cooked with raisins, cranraisins and or shredded coconut served with low fat choice of milk, chopped nuts and sliced cantaloupe.
Midmorning Snack
Low fat yogurt with sliced fruit.
Lunch
Whole grain toasted bagel sandwich with turkey slices, avocado, tomato or vegetarian spinach salad with vinaigrette, garbanzo and kidney beans slice of banana, pumpkin or zucchini bread, small fruit and water with lemon.
Afternoon snack
Hummus bean dip or nut butter with veggie sticks (carrot, celery, cucumber, cauliflower, bellpepper, radish).
Dinner
Baked Halibut or lean meat with quinoa or wild rice, steamed vegetable and a tossed salad.
Evening Snack
Ginger snaps with low fat milk or milk alternative
Written by Shannon D. Fenster MS, Certified Nutritionist
shannon@athletictraininginstitute.com
(206) 491-3008

Resources: Krause, Food Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 2004; Linda Page ND, Healthy Living, 2000


Toy Drive
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Please help Health First Chiropractic provide as many toys as possible for children in need this holiday season. From December 1 through 9 bring in a new, unwrapped toy to donate, and share the magic of the holidays with those who are in need. You will receive complimentary services as a thank you for your generosity. We're located just above the Birth Center on the second floor in the Totem Lake Center. Call us at (425) 820-8837 for more information.


A Cure for Cradle Cap?
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Rumor has it that massaging breastmilk into a baby's scalp can help to eliminate cradle cap--that tenacious, oily, dandruff-like affliction some babies are prone to. We have no scientific proof that it works, but it seems to be worth a try!


Wish List
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Here are a few items from our wish list. We'd be very grateful for any help with these:
* Baby receiving blankets. New, or used as long as they are in reasonable condition.
* Books for the library about welcoming a new sibling into the family, either for parents or for the siblings to read
* DVDs for the family room
* A Handyman or a Handywoman. We have odd jobs that need doing from time to time--things like installing wiring, replacing caulking, touching up paintwork, or repairing fixtures. If you'd be willing to be available to help us with those sorts of tasks, let us know!


No More Diapers, Please...
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One item we don't need any more of at the moment is diapers. We have received so many donations (thank you!) that we have run out of storage space.


Last but not least! Gabriel's First Birthday
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Ali Toperosky, LM, CPM
Gabriel made it to his first birthday never needing formula. We feel truly blessed and deeply grateful to all of the 44 lactating women who have fed him.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Ali