Genesis Clinic

HypnoBirthing at Genesis Clinic

2012-02-14T10:34:00.005+02:00

Theoni is one of the few certified Hypnobirthing® practitioners in South Africa. Using Hypnobirthing® methods she teaches mothers and birth companions techniques for safe and satisfying birthing through guided imagery, visualization, and special breathing.

Courses held on Wednesdays from 7pm till 10pm.

Please contact Theoni about bookings.

About HypnoBirthing

HypnoBirthingÒ involves teaching the technique of self-hypnosis. Through self-hypnosis you achieve a state of deep relaxation, similar to watching the flames in a fire, or the waves crashing in the ocean. It teaches you how to release all prior programming about birth and how to trust your body and work with it. The HypnoBirthingÒ relaxation techniques allow you to let go of fear and other harmful emotions. With lessened tension, your body is freed to tap into your own natural birthing instincts and to function as it is designed to do in childbirth.

The Benefits:

· Improved health and better sleep during pregnancy

· Educates you about birthing, allowing you to make more informed birthing choices

· Shortens labour

· Teaches deep levels of relaxation that decrease pain

· Reduces the need for pain-relief or intervention

· Reduces fatigue during labour

· Better recovery after birth and less risk for post-natal depression

· Babies are calmer possibly due to diminished trauma at birth.

How it works:

You can start HypnoBirthingÒ any time after your 20 week scan, to 36 weeks. The course consists of 4 weekly sessions and can either be held in a group or privately. Groups are up to a maximum of five couples so that there is time for each of you to have your concerns addressed. You will be provided with the official Hypnobirthing book by Marie Morgan, 2 x Relaxation CD’s, and all course materials.

You will learn:

· How your body works and what happens during pregnancy and labour

· Techniques of deep relaxation and how these can assist you during your labour

· How to create a calm, serene birthing environment

· Massage techniques for the birthing partner to assist during labour

· Advice on choosing your healthcare provider and birthing place

· How to write a flexible birthing plan, taking account of your preferences

· How to look after yourself with exercise and nutrition.

Course Details: Courses held at Genesis Clinic. 5 Northwold Drive, Saxonwold, cnr Jan Smuts 011 646 3923

Breastfeeding reduces risk of breast cancer

2011-10-12T11:22:00.003+02:00

Breast feeding reduces risk of breast cancer, says study ;

by Isabel Woodman

Breast feeding can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to a study by Cancer Research UK. The increase in the disease in developed countries is due to women having fewer children and breast feeding for shorter periods of time, the study says.The research is a detailed analysis of 47 published studies, with nearly 150 000 participants, from 30 countries.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the United Kingdom, with more than 39 000 cases a year. Nearly a third (12 700) are fatal. The research shows that the risk is reduced by 7% for each baby a woman has and that for every 12 months she breast feeds (not necessarily consecutively) she decreases the risk by a further 4.3%. Currently in the United Kingdom 69% of mothers start off breast feeding, but more than half have stopped after four months. The study says that if women breast feed each child for six months longer, 1000 cases of breast cancer a year could be prevented.

In Britain the risk of being affected by breast cancer by age 70 is currently 6.3 per 100 women. However, in developing countries it is 2.7 per 100 women. This difference is due to the differences in the number of children and the length of breast feeding. The researchers realise that returning to the pattern of childbearing that was typical a century ago is unrealistic. However, the research is a step towards the discovery of the mechanism by which breast cancer develops. Therefore, it could lead to developments in prevention and treatment of the disease.Lead researcher Professor Valerie Beral, of Cancer Research UK's epidemiology unit in Oxford, said, "The results of this study are a major step forward in our understanding of why breast cancer incidence is so high in developed countries. It's long been known that breast cancer is common in situations where women have few children and breast feed for short period.

We've shown that these factors alone account for much of the high rates of breast cancer in these settings."Sir Paul Nurse, interim chief executive of Cancer Research UK, added, "Each piece of evidence we uncover reinforces the view that hormonal and reproductive factors are vital to the development of breast cancer. Extending our knowledge of the disease is likely to bring about further advances in the clinic, as well as suggesting strategies for prevention."
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Articles from BMJ : British Medical Journal are provided here courtesy of
BMJ Publishing Group

Bright Start Early Intervention Center

2011-09-15T13:53:00.005+02:00

PRIZE to win at OPEN DAY :Infant Massage Consultation

Workshops:
Including innovative antenatal classes, feeding,play and languagedevelopment

Consultations:
Including sleep, routine,feeding, coping

Follow-up baby clinic
For prem and high riskbabies including consultations,developmental assessment therapy.

Harriet Leisegang
011 447 2202
info@brightstartrightstart.co.za

www.brightstartrightstart.co.za

Bio Baba Eco-Nappies & Belly Casts at Open Day!!

2011-09-12T13:57:00.009+02:00

BIOBABA - Eco friendly nappies - we support local South African products!

Hilary Green – Mom, Doula, Artist

Everyone needs to find something to be passionate about. I am fortunate enough to have found several things. Top of my list are being a Mom, art, and childbirth. My ultimate goal is to get to a place where all three come together in a happy symphony
I discovered my passion for child birth in 2002 when I found out I was pregnant for the first time. I took in as much information as I possibly could about pregnancy and childbirth and I distinctly remember thinking to myself “Wow – I want to be a part of this birthing world!”
Initially, I put that thought to the back of my mind, thinking it was probably just a phase and concentrated on being a Mom, to a wonderful little boy, and two years later a little girl. Once my kids were past the hectic toddler stages and I realised that I was still as passionate as ever about natural childbirth, I decided to pursue my passion and enrolled myself in a course to learn how to become a doula. Since then, I have worked both as a staff doula and a private doula at Genesis, as well as assisting at home births. I have helped numerous moms, during their pregnancies and in labour and post partum and I have been privileged to witness their babies come earthside.
As for the art - I have loved art in all its forms for as long as I can remember. A paintbrush has never been far from my hand or my heart. In the last few years, I have mostly concentrated on personalised art work for babies and kids. I have recently discovered the beauty of belly casting – a fabulous memento of the most special period in any woman’s life. I have created a DIY casting kit and also offer private casting sessions, decorating and workshops at Mother Instinct in Randburg.
And the parenting – well that is the greatest passion of all. Becoming a mother is the greatest gift! Whilst the manner in which we welcome our children into the world is of paramount importance, the manner in which we bring them up is of even more importance.
I am all about conscious living and in turn, conscious parenting. For me, that means being aware of my place in the world, being present and realising how my actions affect my kids, the world around me and the world at large. I don’t always achieve all I set out to but my intentions are good! It’s the little things we do as parents and citizens that make all the difference.
In my journey of self and doula discovery, I have come across all sorts of parenting related options that I was not aware of when I was a new mom. One of them is Bio-Baba eco nappies. I was shocked and horrified when I calculated how much money we personally wasted on disposable nappies when our kids were little and the only alternative to disposables was ye olde’ terry towel squares. Worse still was the damage we did to the planet by using disposables!
I love the concept and ease of use of Bio-Baba’s eco friendly nappies and all it takes to make a cost and eco saving change to the world is to shift your mindset a little!

BIO BABA will give away a fantastic trial pack for Open Day!

Check out Bio-Baba’s website for the full story http://www.biobaba.co.za/.
If you are interested in doula support services, belly casting or would like to see a demonstration of the Bio-Baba concept,

don’t hesitate to give me a call on 083 634 5766.

Mother Instinct - meet this great team at Open Day!

2011-09-12T13:45:00.008+02:00

Shop for pregnancy, birth and beyond
Birth Preparation Workshops

Birthing information
Alternative Therapies
Rental of Birth Pools and TENS machines
Support group for new moms
Pregnancy Massage
Breastfeeding Support
Excercise Classes
Pregnancy Yoga
Baby Massage Classes

Our main aim is to:
To provide childbearing women with evidence and researched based information so that they are able to make informed decisions regarding childbirth.

Empower women to ask questions and to encourage open discussions with their care providers.

Increase collaboration between all care providers to ensure positive and improved outcomes for the childbearing women they serve.

MOTHER INSTINCT'S PRIZE GIVEAWAY AT OPEN DAY - Tens Machine Rental for 2 weeks Value:R400 !

http://www.motherinstinct.co.za/

info@motherinstinct.co.za
Mother Instinct
0117910286

0837387439
0834500397

Nina Noo Changing mats at Open Day!

2011-09-12T13:35:00.008+02:00

Nina Noo will be giving away one Baby changing mat to the value of R380 !

Welcome Nina Noo. Taking the baby care ‘designer’ market by storm; this brand new changing mat is turning the conventional and stayed item – on its head!

Well over a year ago (2009); two moms identified a gap in the market with the limited design and colour variations of baby changing mats on offer.

BIRTH OF A BRAND:

Nina Noo was born out of a love for the creative, as well as the desire to design something as unique as an individual baby.

THE NINA NOO CHANGING MAT, UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL:

Staple baby requirement: A decent mat is an essential piece of infant changing equipment that will be used several times a day and night too; Nina Noo provides baby with a soft and comfortable nappy changing platform, which will also prevent little onefrom spoiling the carpets and bed linen
Size: Standard sizes available to fit most compactums (60cm X 45cm)
Design: Nina Noo mats dazzle from silvers, to bronzes, pinks, blues, sensational prints and much, much more
Exclusivity: Each original edition will be limited to a select number of units, with every mat bearing its own personality created through tailored ‘bits and bobs’ - such as the addition of charms, diamantes, buttons, etc.
Material: Nina Noo changing mats are manufactured from heavy-duty, waterproof vinyl, making them ultra hygienic, as well as easy to clean and care for; simply wipe with anti-bacterial spray; no washing required – no mess and definitely no fuss
Safety: The raised sides of the design protect against younger babies rolling off the mat
Longevity: With the correct care; Nina Noo changing mats have a lifespan of a minimum of two-and-a-half years +
Price: R380.00 (Inc Vat); delivery can be arranged for a small extra fee
Gifting: Nina Noo makes for the perfect gift for baby showers and mothers-to-be
Availability: Soon to be stocked in leading baby boutiques, as well as online; in the interim, please see below ordering contact details for Jacqui and Candice

PLANNED SIBLING(S):

Although the brand currently consists of its flagship product range of baby changing mats only; there are plans in the pipeline to increase the Nina Noo product offering to include other in-vogue items for moms and their babes. For example, baby bags with a designer difference.

NINA NOO ORDERING:

Nina Noo baby changing mats can be ordered by contacting either Jacqui or Candice directly, as per the below contact numbers:

Jacqui: 082 387 1150
Candice: on 083 256 1110

word
Compiled by and to contact on behalf of Nina Noo :

Jacqui von Loggenburg
Shake the Tree Marketing
Cell: 082 387 115
E-mail: Jacqui@shakethe tree.co.za

20 minute foot massages for R50 only on Open day!

2011-09-12T13:24:00.005+02:00

Pregnancy support

Reflexology is a pressure point massage treatment on the feet and lower legs. A firm pressure is applied to specific reflex points that have a correlation with, and direct effect on, corresponding structures and organs in the body. This is thought to rebalance energy systems, and is profoundly satisfying, and deeply relaxing. Reflexology is recommended after the 1st trimester.
Pregnancy can be a stressful time due to psychological and emotional changes as mom prepares for her big journey ahead, and due to hormonal and other physiological changes that her body goes through at this time.
Regular pregnancy reflexology is a more gentle and specifically tailored form of reflexology. It allows mom to relax, and ease into this process of change, feeling more balanced and equipped emotionally and physically for the duration of the pregnancy. Mom is also simply encouraged to make healthy lifestyle choices during this period, to support the growing babe.
Moms enjoy this pressure point and massage treatment thoroughly. as it aids circulation and brings great relief to heavy legs and sore feet.

Monica Codevilla

Contact: 076 793 9081

Email: yourhealingco@gmail.com

Website: www.yourhealing.yolasite.com

Meditation - 'Healing Tao' at Open Day

2011-09-12T12:52:00.003+02:00

Natural Tao baby, as told by Susi Baird

TaoBaby came about as a result of the profound experience I had during my pregnancy, when I naturally extended my personal practice to my unborn baby within.
The results were miraculous, I found that I was able to deeply sense my unborn baby’s spirit, body and wellbeing through the gentle Taoist meditations. I proceeded with this work throughout my pregnancy and continue to do so with my baby long after her birth. The innate maternal instinct is deepened and the mother-child connection is unified even further due to the heightened awareness that the practice brings. Due to the softness of the baby’s energy, this is incredibly gentle work.
The benefits to the baby is a sense of security, connectedness, independance and calm. I have also found that this practice improves the baby’s digestion and elimination, improves sleep and gives the baby an increased sense of security as the mother to baby bond is both relaxed and intensified..
The benefits to the mother are a deepened sense of confidence as the mothers connection and understanding of her baby’s needs, moods and wellbeing is intensified. She becomes more relaxed as her baby relaxes, they develop an intuitive communication and understanding of one another.’
The course is recommended to pregnant women, post pregnancy and to those who would like to become pregnant. The gentle meditations open up the energy meridians, releasing stagnant energy blockages, giving way to a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy while deepening the awareness of the miracle within.
The Inner Smile meditation gently, yet powerfully transforms the mothers energy and wellbeing, which is then transfused to the baby – Smiling, radiant mom, smiling, radiant baby!

Prize-give-away - Single voucher to upcoming - Natural Tao baby workshop valued at R1200!

Susi Baird
082 335 8317
www.naturaltao.co.za

Craniosacral therapy information at Open Day

2011-09-12T12:33:00.006+02:00

For Open Day, Zaheda will give away I will offer 1 free session to mother to prepare her and baby for birth! Or in the event it is not a preggy mum to a newborn or mum!

Cranio Sacral Therapy is a gentle and safe therapy, utilizing a very light touch, to eliminate restrictions and areas of stress or tightness. Cranio Sacral therapy promotes optimal shape, size, and movement of the head, spine and entire body.Birth is one of the most dramatic and traumatic journeys and experience of our lives. It influences how we view the world, shaping our personalities and our responses to the environment and our interaction with other people. For some babies, birth trauma is, occurs due to space being limited toward the end of the pregnancy, or perhaps babies head was strained and the neck was stressed during delivery, creating real pain and discomfort.This therapy helps to resolve issues from Birth Trauma and birth lesions which are defined as either a mechanical force OR psychological injury that happens near or at the time of delivery. There are many signs and symptoms of birth trauma, including hypersensitivity to sound, movement, diaper changes, etc.Other symptoms are poor sleep, irritability, poor feeding, stiffness, and lethargy / low energy or at the other extreme, hyper excitability and more.Gentle hand positioning and holding helps your baby's body relax. This assists in naturally aligning the fascias which become disturbed by the birth process. The Therapy enhances tissue memory and brings fluidity to the internal organs releasing tensions and stresses. Both reflux and colic symptoms may be alleviated, improving and promoting sleep and brain activity.Babies born vaginally are also subjective to compressive forced during the passage through the birth canal. This causes trauma in tissue and fascia. In order to function fully, the compressive forces benefit from relaxing and releasing. Tension and stuck spots can cause restrictions and imbalances in your baby's system, potentially giving rise to issues such as colic, sucking problems and respiratory difficulties.

You can conatct Zaheda on
0829454395 or cranio.doula@gmail.com http://www.craniodoula.co.za/

BabyGym at Open Day !!

2011-09-12T12:26:00.006+02:00

BabyGym is an engaging, easy to follow and fun-filled 5 week workshop for parents and caregivers to make the most of the vital early years. A step by step stimulation program for babies from birth to 2 years. Presented by qualified instructors to guide care givers on where to begin, what to do and what to look out for. An investment in your baby's future.

Estey Fourie 0827849919

http://www.babygym.co.za/

The lovely prize-give-away is a special glove used as a BabyGym tool!

UbbaBubba - A room with a view

2011-09-09T13:00:00.009+02:00

For new Mamas and Mamas-to-be, I cannot recommend this type of sling/wrap enough. Moms pretty much wear these all day everyday, with their baba's!

They’re just so comfy for both you and your baby, and they’re so snuggled up to you, I don’t think a happier place could exist for them (besides your womb, of course!). Once they’re a bit older, you can turn them to face outwards, which means that it’s a multi-functional product. We love!

And the coolest ... UbbaBubba is giving away TWO wraps for and a muthaCuvva for mama's-to-be who are coming to visit Open Day!

Anyone interested in buying one, take a look at Ubba Bubba

Win with Wallies!

2011-09-09T12:33:00.010+02:00

Wallies will allow your inner Picasso to be set free! Wallies are easy to use and are available in a wide variety of styles. These pre-pasted, vinyl-coated wallpaper products are a wonderful way to create great looking accessories and wall décor with just a little water and no artistic talent.
Guidelines for use: Use them to accent walls, furniture, frames or any smooth surface.Works on walls, wood, glass and more! They even work on paper!Great for creating greeting cards, decorating packages, or scrapbooking. Acid and lignin free. Just wet the back and put them up! Easy to remove and won't harm walls. Not recommended for textured or rough surfaces. Please wait 4 weeks before applying Wallies to recently painted walls.

Contact Lee Greenblatt

Coral Moon Trading 10(Pty) LtdCell:

083 304 4440

Fax: 086 219 2942

www.wallies.co.za

http://www.facebook.com/walliessa

Acornkids will be at our Open day!

2011-09-09T11:19:00.013+02:00

Masechaba Modise is a distributor for Acornkids and would love to show you the wonderful Acornkids products at the open day. Acornkids products are developed with kids in mind and range from skin care, baby care, bath products with a fun, educational twist to it, books, crafts. The bath products, skin and baby care products are safe on sensitive skin (that's how Masechaba got introduced to them, as her little one suffered from eczema and was allergic to petroleum. Since using the

Acornbabes range on him, she's had no problems).

The prize-giveaway hamper will consist of AcornBabes products: Lotion, Body Wash, Liquid Silk, Nappy Rash Cream, Barrier Cream, Eucalyptus Oil and Lavender Oil. The value of the hamper is R500.00 !
Please contact Masechaba Modise about ordering stock

Cell: 072 384 9562

www.acornkids.com

Meet Conscious Birth at Open Day !

2011-09-09T09:53:00.014+02:00

Conscious Birth empowers pregnant women and new mothers with knowledge, understanding and support to facilitate real transformation into motherhood. Its founder, Theoni Papoutsis, a former Doula, has attended more than 150 births and has been emotionally and spiritually supporting pregnant and new mothers for over 15 years. Her blissful Pregnancy and Postnatal massages rejuvenate the woman within, and come with Theoni’s special brand of caring support. As one of the few qualified HypnoBirthing® practitioners in South Africa, she holds group classes and you can also book for one-on-one sessions. Reserve your place soon for the next HypnoBirthing class. Combining her experience, knowledge and a wide variety of tools, Theoni has recently created a one-on-one process for mothers-to-be called “Birthing a Mother, Birthing a Baby”. The aim of the “Birthing a Mother, Birthing a Baby” process is to assist pregnant women to enter this life-altering phase of life with conscious commitment: prepared, confident and capable. Conscious Birth also provides the following workshops: Moms and Dads, Connect with Baby, and Embracing Motherhood. Theoni is also available for: Clearing the Way, Helping to prepare for a C-section, Turning a Breech Baby, Blessingway ceremony and Baby naming or welcoming ceremonies.

Please visit her at www.consciousbirth.co.za for more details. Her extensive range of tried and tested baby products are also available for sale. African baby carrier, amber teething necklaces, Baby wrapz, Mexican Bolas, Mother nature bamboo nappies, wooden toys, jelly cat toys, Pure Beginnings organic baby products and Soylites.

Call Theoni on: 083 229 3253

theoni@consciousbirth.co.za

Win a Harmony Soylites Candle at Genesis Clinic Open Day from Conscious Birth !

2011-09-05T20:30:00.006+02:00

NEARLY AS NICE AS MOMMY’S TUMMY
Nature is indisputably responsible for the best innovations in baby care. However, with the introduction of the original TummyTub®, infant bathing has entered a brand new dimension.

Cocooned in the TummyTub®, babies are able to relive the security of the womb by adopting the familiar and reassuring foetal position during their bath. This alternative to the standard baby baths presently available on the market, ensures that the bath routine is stress-free for babies and care-givers alike.

For over 15 years, the TummyTub® has soothed and reminded many newborns worldwide, of their time spent gestating in the womb. This age-old, yet innovative product remains the ultimate standard in baby bathing, as confirmed by Sharon Trotter, the UK's leading midwife and best-selling author. Trotter’s publication, TIPS, awarded TummyTub® the "Best of the Best", as the most outstanding baby bathtub product, currently available.

THE TUMMYTUB®: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL:

Benefits:
Stress-free bathing for baby
Easy handling and lightweight
Easy to transport when travelling
Allows relaxed position for mother
Especially recommended for premature babes
Beneficial for babies who tend to be unsettled or suffer from colic
The baby can be immersed in the water up to shoulder level and will therefore remain warmer for longer

Especially recommended for premature babies.
Helps babies settle and sleep, and is excellent for colicky babies
From six months, babies can be placed in the TummyTub®:, with objects such as jelly, leaves, spaghetti etc, to develop their tactile senses

Safety:
BPA free
Polypropylene allows easy viewing of your baby
No harmful substances
No sharp edges
Anti-slip base

Ecologically Friendly:
Fully recyclable Uses less water
Saves energy

Longevity:
Bath enjoyment from birth to 2 years old
Stepping stool for children up to six years of age

Gifting: TummyTub® makes for the perfect gift for baby showers and mothers-to-be

Availability:
Please contact Una, as per the below details:
Una van Staden
Mobile 082 456 8566
info@tummy-tub.co.za
http://www.tummytub.co.za/

Compiled by and to contact on behalf of TummyTubs®:
Jacqui von Loggenburg
Shake The Tree Marketing
082 387 1150

2011-09-01T10:27:00.010+02:00

With our Spring Open Day coming up on the 17th of September, we would like to introduce you to the exhibitors who are as passionate about Pregnancy, Birth and Babies as we are !

Watch this space as we introduce one or two exhibitors every day on the blog, and the amazing prizes that are up for grabs!Today we introduce homeopath, Dr Alicia Neaves ,who runs Birth Babies , which aims to provide a safe and effective support kit for mother and baby throughout pregnancy, labour and the years to follow.

"I am a homoeopath, reflexologist and mother of 2. My 2 daughters were born at home under the care of Rosalia and Sue King. To further my studies I’ve also attended Rosalia’s doula course. Through various requests from friends, family and patients I’ve made a homoeopathic birthing kit. I’ve also supplied those interested with Red raspberry tincture and tissue salts. The kit consists of a collection of 9-18 single remedies that are most frequently used during birth. Included in the kit is a short description for each remedies usage. It’s a compact box of gems that works well if used correctly. The kits are called ‘Birth babies’ ".

She provides the following:

Homoeopathic kits
1. Birth kits
2. Pregnancy kits
3. Custom made kits

Birth Babies aims to provide a safe and effective support kit for mother and baby throughout pregnancy, labour and the years to follow.

Prize give-away from Birth Babies - a homeopathic Birth Kit!

You can contact her on 082 447 6880

drneaves@gmail.com

Our next exhibitor we are introducing is Netcells

Netcells Cryogenics is the leading provider of stem cell storage for newborns. Once collected from the umbilical cord and placenta at birth, these precious cells are couriered to our internationally compliant laboratory in Midrand. The stem cells are then extracted, tested, cryogenically frozen and stored. In the case of a life threatening disease, these stem cells can possibly be used to treat your child or a close family member. Visit www.netcells.co.za for more information.

Wendy Robertson

0828939508

info@netcells.co.za

Visit http://www.netcells.co.za/ for more information

Prize give-away from Netcells - a teddy bear!

Genesis Clinic Open Day

2011-08-31T13:16:00.010+02:00

OPEN DAY at GENESIS CLINIC
Saturday, 17th of September
From 10 am to 2pm

Dear Mom’s and Dad’s to-be,
This Spring Open day promises to celebrate the joys of new beginnings and we'll celebrate with a bigger Open Day, with more exhibitors and midwives to meet, so that you canenjoy a fun and informative day for all your Pregnancy and Birth related queries for birthing at Genesis Clinic !

The first 100 visitors receive goodie bags!

We have amazing prizes for those of you that come to the Open Day, and you will automatically be eligible for many wonderful products generously donated by our exhibitors! You will also have the opportunity to meet Private Midwives who will have stands at the Open Day, they will be available to chat and give you the relevant information you need for birthing your baby with them at Genesis Clinic.

We also have the following fantastic talks you should not miss!

*Sister Claire Bracher talks about

‘Breastfeeding’ from 10:30am to 11:00am
Head of Genesis Doula Services,

Elizabeth Friedman talks about

‘The Role of the Doula’
From 12:30pm to 13:00pm

We also have a Genesis Waterbirth Dvd Screening at:
11:30am to 12:00
and
13:30pm to 14:00pm

Of course we also have amazing exhibitors who will be there on the day, and are not to be missed for their wide array of good, reputable Preggy, Birth and Baby products and services that we highly recommend.

Watch this space for info on our prizes and great products on offer for Open Day !

World Breastfeeding Week ! 1-7 August

2011-08-01T09:12:00.004+02:00

Did you know that it is World Breastfeeding Week - 1-7 August !

Genesis Clinic greatly supports breastfeeding!

Today on E-Tv's 'Great Expectations', we once again have one of our Genesis staff midwives on the show (amongst other experts on breastfeeding).

Please watch the show at 11h30 - 12h30 on the 1st of August !

Why Breastfeed?

IF I NURSE FOR A DAY...

Breastfeeding your baby for even a day is the best baby gift you can give. Breastfeeding is almost always the best choice for your baby. If it doesn't seem like the best choice for you right now, these guidelines may help.

IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR JUST A FEW DAYS

He/she will have received your colostrum, or early milk. By providing antibodies and the food his brand-new body expects, nursing gives your baby his first - and easiest - "immunization" and helps get his digestive system going smoothly. Breastfeeding is how your baby expects to start, and helps your own body recover from the birth. Why not use your time in the hospital to prepare your baby for life through the gift of nursing?

IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR FOUR TO SIX WEEKS

You will have eased him through the most critical part of his infancy. Newborns who are not breastfed are much more likely to get sick or be hospitalized, and have many more digestive problems than breastfed babies. After 4 to 6 weeks, you'll probably have worked through any early nursing concerns, too. Make a serious goal of nursing for a month, call La Leche League or a Lactation Consultant if you have any questions, and you'll be in a better position to decide whether continued breastfeeding is for you.

IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR 3 OR 4 MONTHS

Her digestive system will have matured a great deal, and she will be much better able to tolerate the foreign substances in commercial formulas. If there is a family history of allergies, though, you will greatly reduce her risk by waiting a few more months before adding anything at all to her diet of breastmilk. And giving nothing but your milk for the first four months gives strong protection against ear infections for a whole year.

IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR 6 MONTHS

She will be much less likely to suffer an allergic reaction to formula or other foods. At this point, her body is probably ready to tackle some other foods, whether or not you wean. Nursing for at least 6 months helps ensure better health throughout your baby's first year of life, and reduces your own risk of breast cancer. Nursing for 6 months or more may greatly reduce your little one's risk of ear infections and childhood cancers. And exclusive, frequent breastfeeding during the first 6 months, if your periods have not returned, provides 98% effective contraception.

IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR 9 MONTHS

You will have seen him through the fastest and most important brain and body development of his life on the food that was designed for him - your milk. You may even notice that he is more alert and more active than babies who did not have the benefit of their mother's milk. Weaning may be fairly easy at this age... but then, so is nursing! If you want to avoid weaning this early, be sure you've been available to nurse for comfort as well as just for food.

IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR A YEAR

You can avoid the expense and bother of formula. Her one-year-old body can probably handle most of the table foods your family enjoys. Many of the health benefits this year of nursing has given your child will last her whole life. She will have a stronger immune system, for instance, and will be much less likely to need orthodontia or speech therapy. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing for at least a year, to help ensure normal nutrition and health for your baby.

IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR 18 MONTHS

You will have continued to provide your baby's normal nutrition and protection against illness at a time when illness is common in other babies. Your baby is probably well started on table foods, too. He has had time to form a solid bond with you - a healthy starting point for his growing independence. And he is old enough that you and he can work together on the weaning process, at a pace that he can handle. A former U.S. Surgeon General said, "it is the lucky baby... that nurses to age two."

IF YOUR CHILD WEANS WHEN SHE IS READY

You can feel confident that you have met your baby's physical and emotional needs in a very normal, healthy way. In cultures where there is no pressure to wean, children tend to nurse for at least two years. The World Health Organization and UNICEF strongly encourage breastfeeding through toddlerhood: "Breastmilk is an important source of energy and protein, and helps to protect against disease during the child's second year of life."* Our biology seems geared to a weaning age of between 2 1/2 and 7 years**, and it just makes sense to build our children's bones from the milk that was designed to build them. Your milk provides antibodies and other protective substances as long as you continue nursing, and families of nursing toddlers often find that their medical bills are lower than their neighbors' for years to come. Mothers who have nursed longterm have a still lower risk of developing breast cancer. Children who were nursed longterm tend to be very secure, and are less likely to suck their thumbs or carry a blanket. Nursing can help ease both of you through the tears, tantrums, and tumbles that come with early childhood, and helps ensure that any illnesses are milder and easier to deal with. It's an all-purpose mothering tool you won't want to be without! Don't worry that your child will nurse forever. All children stop eventually, no matter what you do, and there are more nursing toddlers around than you might guess.

WHETHER YOU NURSE FOR A DAY OR FOR SEVERAL YEARS

The decision to nurse your child is one you need never regret. And whenever weaning takes place, remember that it is a big step for both of you. If you choose to wean before your child is ready, be sure to do it gradually, and with love.

*Facts for Life: A Communication Challenge, published by UNICEF, WHO, and UNESCO, 1989**K Dettwyler. A Time to Wean. Breastfeeding Abstracts vol 14 no 1 1994 ©1997 Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC 136 Ellis Hollow Creek Road Ithaca, NY 14850

Genesis staff on E tv's "Great Expectations"

2011-07-19T12:46:00.015+02:00

Thanks to these very passionate ladies who shared their birth stories and expertise on E tv's 'Great Expectations' show on Monday, the 18th of July. Most of these ladies work at Genesis, (midwives, doula's and moms that have birthed there). They had a great time getting their make-up done at the studio's and sharing their passion of birth ! Thanks ladies you have no doubt inspired many parents-to-be on Madiba Day !

We should be getting the recording shortly and you can hopefully watch it on YouTube soon, so watch this space!

Nicolette Barhuizen, just after having her make-up done at the studio's. She is one of the Genesis staff midwives , as well as advocating natural waterbirth for the show, with her experience as a midwife and private midwife, she shared her story about her own active waterbirth at Genesis Clinic.

Going live !

Waiting in the guest room- until the ladies got called in to the studio (yes, there were slight jitters..it was a live show!) From left to right, Henny de Beer, private midwife working at Genesis through 'Growth Spurts' midwives, Elise, a mommy who came to chat about her natural birth, with epidural as a pain relief, Dr Sheni moodley, the gynae that advocates that natural birth is safe and best for mom, Rosalia Palazzo Pihlajasaari, shared her story about being a VBAC mom (she is also an experienced Doula), Elizabeth Friedman, came to chat about the importance of the role of the Doula, herself an experienced Doula, Nicolette Barkhuizen, as mentioned previously, Thandiwe Geobape, who shared her experience with her home/waterbirth.

Rosalia Palazzo Pihlajasaari waiting to go onto the show , herself a Doula, as well as a VBAC mom and advocate of VBAC SA, you can look up more info in http://vbac.co.za/

The gynaecologist , Dr Sheni Moodley, that came to give positive information regarding safe, natural birth.

Henny de Beer, in the make-up room, all ready for the live show! Well done, you were so inspiring! henny works as a private midwife at Genesis, through GrowthSpurts.

Elizabeth Friedman, looking ever so elegant and is ready to advocate Doula's on the E tv Show 'Great expectations'. She is also Head of Doula Services at Genesis Clinic. Please look at http://www.dosa.org.za/ for a more comprehensive look at information regarding Doula's and finding a Doula.

Thankyou to all those involved in the show, for your time and effort.

Celebrity Moms Who Opted For Natural Childbirth

2011-06-21T10:42:00.028+02:00

Celebrity Moms Who Opted For Natural Childbirth

Embracing the old-school way of birthin’ babies and have their kids at home or at a natural birth unit much like Genesis Clinic!
Here are some celebrity moms who had their babies the natural way!

Gisele Bundchen
Gisele just had her son Benjamin in early December and not only did she deliver her baby at home, without drugs but it “didn’t hurt in the slightest.” She told the Brazilian TV channel Fantasticoshe that, “my delivery was in a bath tub, in water, I wanted to have a home birth. I wanted to be very aware and present during the birth… I didn’t want to be drugged up. So I did a lot of preparation, I did yoga and meditation, so I managed to have a very tranquil birth at home.e.” She continued to say, “The whole time my mind was focused in each contraction on the thought ‘my baby is closer to coming out’. It wasn’t like ‘this is so painful’. So I transformed that intense feeling into a hope of seeing him.”

Idina Menzel
The star of stage and screen delivered her baby (with husband Taye Diggs) without any drugs at all. Taye said that his wife “was a warrior” during her labor that lasted about seven or eight hours. Nicole Richie
One site said that the mom of two popped “not even an aspirin” during childbirth with both her children, Harlow and Sparrow. But another said she had an epidural…who knows? But Nicole did say the birth of Harlow was “really mellow.” Yeah, maybe she did get some medicines to help with the pain but her labor was only about 10 minutes so maybe not! (source)

Jessica Alba
Josh Alba, Jessica’s brother, dished that Jessica opted to have a “all natural” childbirth and said everything “went really well.” Jessica herself said that during her daughter’s birth, “I didn’t scream. It was really Zen.” She continued to say, “the labour was more like meditation,” she says. “I did yoga breathing. I was focused.” Joely Fisher
With Joely’s second child – True Harlow – she said, “I decided to have her at home and had a lot of friends around and of course her father was there. And of course, the doctor, the doula, the midwife, the butcher, baker and candlestick maker.” Halle Berry
This A-lister reportedly had a long natural birth but not at home. Nahla was born at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Maria Bello
The actress Maria Bello said she “can’t imagine giving birth in a sterile environment like a hospital.” That is why the actress opted to give birth to her son Jackson (who’d now eight) at home and in her own bed. During her 22 hours of labor she “had a midwife and a thunderstorm with nothing more than an aspirin.” She said there were times where I wanted to say, ‘Get the ambulance — I’m done,’” but she thought, “I can do anything for 24 hours,” and the delivery took almost 24 hours.
Ricki Lake
Ricki believes so much in home births that she produced a documentary on The Business of Being Born that takes on the contrast between home and hospital births. The film included the filming of her very own home birth.

Many celebrity mums have favoured the natural way. Demi Moore, Cindy Crawford have all given birth at home three times.

And it's not unlike celebs to withdraw from the spotlight and move back to their roots for the delivery. Nelly Furtado gave birth to her first child, Nevis, back at home in Toronto and Charlotte Church gave birth in her native Cardiff.

Pamela Anderson had her two boys, Brandon and Dylan, 'back at the ranch'. She said: 'I gave birth at home both times, naturally, with a midwife, in water, with nothing.' In silence
Scientology is the 'fashionable' religion in Hollywood, endorsed by new dad Tom Cruise. And controversially, silent labours are one of the beliefs followers hold. So when Scientologist Kelly Preston, John Travolta's wife, gave birth to their daughter Ella her lips were sealed.

She said it was 'just a peaceful, beautiful entry into this earth', but speculation suggests she may have lapsed at one point and is reported to have shouted, 'throw me in the car! I want an epidural!'

Available for a mere £5,000 a pop, South African obstetrician Yehudi Gordon is famed for his laid back approach to labour. He encourages his celebrity patients to take control of the birth with yoga or in a birthing pool. (And to think you can do exactly that at Genesis Clinic with professional midwives!)
London's St John and St Elizabeth Hospital where he practices has seen many a tinted-screen limo pull up outside. Heather Mills, Kate Moss, Cate Blanchett, Jerry Hall, Emma Thompson and Elle McPherson all gave birth in the hands of this renowned birthing guru. Gordon reportedly performs his caesarean section operations under candlelight.

It must be said that this is not some 'celeb' trend, but that giving natural birth makes common sense... our bodies are quite capable, thankyou :)

2011-06-17T10:38:00.008+02:00

Mother Instinct Shop and Resource Centre
Visit us at 129 Republic road,Fontainebleau, Randburg
http://www.motherinstinct.co.za/

Mother Instinct is a Pregnancy and Birth Resource Centre that caters for pregnant mothers, their birth partners and close support group. It is owned by sisters Elsabe Burger and Tertia Alkema.

Tertia is a doula and Elsabe is a Nurse-Midwife.We both have a passion for pregnant women, birthing, newborns and breastfeeding. We offer high quality, hand-picked products to support mom and baby through pregnancy, birth and the early months. You will find beautiful baby carriers, homeopathic and herbal products, selected maternity wear and baby clothing and beautiful nursery linen and blankets.

Handmade baby toys and artful mobiles, as well as baby products, made of pure, natural ingredients, perfect for your baby’s soft skin. All this and more, nestled in our “home-from-home” store, where you are welcome to browse, try on that perfect maternity or nursing bra, try out our range of breast pumps for when you go back to work, sip a cup of tea, or just come in for a chat.

We have a selection of books that is not readily available in other bookstores and is handpicked to ensure that moms have the correct information available regarding pregnancy, choices in childbirth and care for your newborn. And grandparents and friends are also welcome to come and browse for that special something for the new mom and baby! We have brought together a group of practitioners working independently but sharing our space at Mother Instinct so as to meet the needs of new and expecting parents by providing the wholistic "woman-baby-family" care many expecting families long for during this very special time. If we don't have what you are looking for, we will assist you in connecting with the right provider for you.

Currently offered:~
Ante-Natal Workshops~
Pregnancy Yoga~
Birthing from Within Workshops~
Womb to World~
Therapeutic Reflexology~
Pregnancy Massage~
Post Natal Yoga~
Post Natal Exercises with baby~
Dustan Baby Language~
Breastfeeding Workshops~
Moms and Babies Support Group~
Birth Story Circle~
Baby Massage

We will be adding more services as time goes by to assist our pregnant and new moms. We believe that you will find something to help you along the way!

Welcome!

Father's Day!

2011-06-13T11:31:00.003+02:00

Genesis Clinic would like to congratulate all new fathers and fathers-to-be this month of June! Remember when your baby is born, so is a father ...

Article on The Important Role of the Father During Birth and After Birth
This is dedicated to all the beautiful men who want to take part in the birth of their children but who have no idea what they can do to contribute to the experience of birth.

Husbands have regained much lost ground and become active in the labour support role. This is a vitally important role as no one on earth can fill the place of the husband to his wife who is experiencing such a life changing event: the birth of their child.

It is a truly intimate experience that solidifies the bonding between husband and wife in relation to the entire pregnancy and birth process. It has now come full circle: the conception of the child, the months of pregnancy, the expectation of labor, the experience of birth, the joy of new life.

During labour the husband can offer much support and effective encouragement to his laboring wife:

The husband is able to give labour support just by his physical presence whether that be someone to lean on, someone to hold her up, someone to support her while she takes a hot shower, someone to give encouraging words. The husband coached childbirth is empowering and encouraging during difficult, hard labour.

The husband offers a tremendous amount of relief from pain to his wife whether it be from a lower back massage to relieve back pain, counter pressure on the lower back during a contraction, massaging feet and hands to aid in relaxation, or holding his wife’s hand for reassurance.

The presence of the husband gives his wife a peace and comfort by knowing that she is protected and loved.
Husbands should be encouraged to take an active role in the birth of his children. Natural childbirth classes are an excellent way for the husband to become more involved in pregnancy and childbirth for first time dads. Many times the husband would like to help during labour but doesn’t know what exactly he can do. Natural childbirth training will give the husband and wife an incredible amount of knowledge about the birthing process but also practical how to suggestions on the logistical aspects of labour.

Husbands: You play a vital support role during labour. Involve yourself and interact with your wife. It will give her the confidence she needs to complete the work of labour and birth. Do not be offended if she yells at you or puts a fist in your arm or says, “This is all your fault!” ! Sometimes labour can be so overwhelming, you may be honoured to take the brunt of her frustrations. Hang in there. Give her physical support and emotional encouragement. This provides a much needed security during a time when your wife/partner feels most vulnerable.

No one other than the mother is more personally and profoundly affected by the baby's birth than you are. As the mother's lover and the baby's father, you are connected to them like no other. Your role-to provide stability and refuge-is unique to you. Your presence profoundly influences your partner and how she navigates through labour. As a vigilant attendant, you offer your partner tremendous refuge and have the power to alter how labour and birth unfold. Because the man's role can make such a critical difference, it is important men have access to the preparatory attention they need to fulfill their role.

Make eye contact with your baby immediately at birth in order to maximize the opportunity for LOVE to activate within your own neurobiology and that of your baby’s. This is an extremely important suggestion and goes for both you and your partner.

The moment of birth offers a unique window of opportunity for the activation of love for all family members. The particular neuro-chemical soup that is available during birth (i.e., oxytocin, endorphins, and other hormones of love and well-being) will not be available in the same way at any other moment during life.

Immediate eye contact with your child can support the activation of the neurobiology of love within you and your child, which will allow you to cement the bond between you and lay the groundwork for the preservation of love in your family forever.

On a fundamental human level, babies need to look into the eyes of love immediately upon their arrival. This experience would happen naturally if birth were occurring in a gentle, loving environment, such as Genesis Clinic.

Similarly, it is extremely important for you to hold your child and place your child skin-to-skin on yours or your partner’s body. This will activate your baby’s sensory mechanisms to produce the neuro-chemicals of love, which will create an imprint of well-being that can last a lifetime.

Cut your baby’s umbilical cord until well after the cord has stopped pulsing. Better yet, cut the baby’s umbilical cord yourself.

When babies first emerge from the womb, they are not breathing. Instead, they are receiving all of the oxygen they need from the placental blood as it pulses through the umbilical cord into their tiny little bodies. When their umbilical cord is immediately clamped or cut, the baby’s oxygen supply is abruptly cut off, forcing him/her to gasp for breath in fear for his/her life.

Here’s to all the dads who plan to enact their full power and potency during birth!!! Our planet needs you desperately and the women and children soon to give birth thank you. May your days of enlightened fatherhood bring you much joy and the love in your family last forever.

OPEN DAY!

2011-06-09T14:29:00.002+02:00

OPEN DAY

Saturday, 11th of June

10h00 to 14h00

exhibitors on show as well as

prizes to be won!

meet some of the midwives, have a tour of the

clinic and become empowered in

your choice as to where to have your baby!

5 Northwold Avenue,

(cnr of Jan Smuts & Northwold)

Saxonwold

2011-05-31T10:44:00.005+02:00

The birth story of Micah's birth
as told by his mommy, Linda Viljoen, Genesis staff Midwife

I am in the unique position of being a midwife and a mother to three precious children. This is the story of Micah, my last born's birth. My first daughter, Rebecca was born at 38 weeks after my waters broke and I had to be induced by my then midwife and partner in practice, Marinda Taha.It was a straightforward 8 hour labour and waterbirth, although Rebecca was lying posterior androtated only just before she was born. My second daughter, Isabella was born at 39 weeks after I went into labour spontaneously, but I needed to have a stretch and sweep and my waters broken artificially to augment labour by my then midwife and partner in practice, Tamzin Ingram. Once again, Isabella lay posterior until just before she was born and the back labour was really tough.

So, with my history, I was expecting labour this third time before my due date and was almost sure Micah would also lie posterior in labour. I really should have known better than to try and predict these things – as midwives we know that the one rule is you can predict nothing about labour and birth!

I ended up going 6 days overdue and found it very emotionally challenging – I started thinking there was something wrong and that my body didn't know what to do. Again, silly thoughts for a midwife, but they are very real concerns by any woman who is pregnant and overdue. I had a check up with Henny (my midwives were Henny and Jeanell of Growth Spurt) on the Friday, the day I was 4 days overdue and she did a non stress test and a stretch and sweep. The stretch and sweep definitely caused some contractions and as I went home and had a midday nap with my two daughters, I still felt quite a few “twinges”. But as the afternoon and evening progressed, all the contractions disappeared.

On Saturday morning, I sent Henny an sms to ask when she would suggest another stretch and sweep and we arranged to meet at 16h30 that afternoon. I had some light contractions during the day and took my girls to Cresta for lunch and did quite a bit of walking. Henny repeated the stretch and sweep and said she was surprised I wasn't in labour yet cos my cervix was 4-5cm dilated – encouraging news! So she gave me some caulophyllum drops to take orally, some clary sage to sniff and a burner, a bean bag and a TENS machine and sent me home. We left each other with a big hug and a hope to see each other later that night or on Sunday.

I went home and my husband, Sven, Rebecca, Isabella and I went for a brisk walk (with my clarysage-infused cotton wool in my bra). I started timing the contractions from 19h30 when we were getting the girls bathed and ready for bed, and smsed Henny and Ingeborg (my doula) to tell them something was starting. I suggested Sven go to bed early cos I'd need him later and I had a shower and checked the bags. I had a cup of Raspberry Leaf tea and set myself up for labouring in our very quiet lounge on my birthing ball with clary sage on the burner and caulophyllum to take every half hour.

The contractions were stronger from 21h30 and definitely taking my breath away but still manageable. I smsed my family in Australia and Howick to let them know our baby was on his way. At about 22h30, I was starting to wonder why the contractions weren't intensifying, when I heard a “crack” sound – it was as if my pubic bone or my coccyx had been twanged. I didn't thinkanything of it, but the contractions were definitely much stronger after that. It was only when I got up to go to the toilet just before midnight that I realised that my waters had broken with that “crack” sound! I woke Sven to update him but then left him to sleep some more.

This time of labouring alone, sitting on my birthing ball, praying and enjoying the silence was an awesome special time for me – and I think helped prepare me for what was still to come. I tried to lie down at some point cos my eyelids were getting very heavy, but it was way too uncomfortable, so I jumped up very quickly and back to the safety of the ball! I had a very intense contraction just before 01h00 that stopped me in my tracks. I smsed Henny and Ingeborg to let them know that contractions were still 10 mins apart but very strong and that my waters had broken, and I said I'd monitor for another hour. Henny replied that she would go through to Genesis so long and nap until I got there, but that I should feel free to go through at any time.

I think I got up off the ball sometime between 01h20 and 01h30 and the next contraction suddenly told me we should get going! I woke up Sven and he woke up his mom to come and look after the girls. Miraculously Rebecca and Isabella slept through everything – one of their most peaceful nights' sleep ever. I smsed Henny and Ingeborg to tell them we were on our way and I stopped timing the contractions, but they seemed to be 3-5 minutes apart. The short car trip to Genesis was very uncomfortable – Sven tried to drive as gently as he could over the bumpy Melville roads. He was suddenly so in tune with me – he didn't say much, but I could sense his oneness with me in this birthing process.

We must have got to Genesis just after 02h00 and Ingeborg met us at the car at the door to the clinic and gave me a big welcoming hug. I had a big contraction just as we drove up to park. Henny came with a warm beanbag in hand and gave me another welcoming hug. I had another contraction half way down the passage to Geranium, my favourite room – they were coming fast and furious now. Henny decided to do the monitoring of baby's heartbeat and my contractions while I was standing up since she could see that I was way too uncomfortable to be able to lie down on the bed.

Henny “sensed” what I needed at any one time throughout the labour and birth, we didn't use many words at all. Sven started running the bath and got some music ready. The contractions were not far apart and from this time onward, I laboured with my eyes closed – it helped me to stay focused. I heard people when they spoke and I sensed where they were in the room, but I really didn't see much.

When Henny did the internal exam, she gave me the wonderful news that I was 7cm dilated. I then climbed into the warm water of the birthing bath which was so, so soothing. When the next contraction came, I realised that the water wasn't going to help much with the actual contractions, but it felt really good to be submerged in between. The weightlessness of the water definitely made a difference – I could let my body float between contractions and Henny and Ingeborg were able to massage my lower back even when I was in a semi-reclining position. Although Micah was lying “the right way around” (anterior), I still had a lot of contraction pain in my lower back, so thismassage and counterpressure which Henny and Ingeborg did was essential to my coping and I didn't go through a single contraction without it.

There was no talking in the birthing room (something I'd asked for in my birthplan) – Henny and Ingeborg could hear by the change in my breathing when a contraction was building up. I was so grateful for this because I couldn't talk and I couldn't open my eyes. We were listening to a worship CD by Michael W. Smith and the magnificent words of those songs helped to keep me focused.

There were three “focal points” for me:

1) God is in control and I can do this because He will enable me;

2) Breathing properly. Henny always says “push your tummy out while you breath out” and I concentrated on getting that right;

3) And unclenching my jaw, because if your jaw is relaxed, your cervix will dilate better.

The contractions were very intense but I just took one at a time. At 03h20, Henny did another internal and I was 9cm dilated. I think it was about 04h00 when I started giving some involuntary short pushes, but I never felt a strong urge to push as I was expecting. What I felt was kind of like an “open feeling”, as if I was aware that my cervix was no longer in the way and I could push if I wanted to. With a few contractions, I gave one push and then just breathed through the rest of the contraction cos it didn't feel right yet. After a while of pushing, Henny suggested that I try a squatting position, but I didn't have the strength and asked if I could rather try kneeling. My legs had been in one position for a while and my hips were really quite sore. At this stage, Ingeborg moved to the other side of the bath to take photos and Henny asked Sven to come and kneel in front of me and hold my hand. This was perfect and squeezing his hand while I pushed helped me to know that we were bringing this baby into the world together.

I was so aware of the sensations I felt as Micah moved down the birth canal while I was pushing and this was just incredible. Henny guided me perfectly when to push slower and when to push harder. I could feel when his head descended onto my perineum at the height of a push and then receded again when the contraction waned. And then I just knew that he was coming with the next push. I could feel the ultimate stretching and knew that the biggest part of his head was crowning. I could visualise his head moving smoothly through and out. I stopped leaning forward on the bath's edge and reached down to touch his head. Henny guided his shoulders out and I reached down and lifted my son out of the water and onto my chest. What an indescribable feeling! Time stood still as I held Micah skin to skin. I will never be able to put into words how I felt at that moment. I love the photos Ingeborg took of our first moments with our son – I will treasure them forever.

After the longest time, Micah was handed to Sven so that he could hold him skin to skin. The placenta had been birthed, I was helped out of the bath and I felt so strong. I didn't need any stitches (I thank God that I have had three natural births and no stitches!) and Micah breastfed immediately.
After he had finished feeding, Ntombi, the wonderful Genesis midwife, weighed and measured him – I was so surprised that he weighed 3,57kg (much bigger than his sisters who weighed 2,87kg and 3,05kg respectively). I then had a shower and Sven went home to fetch our precious daughters. Ingeborg also managed to capture on camera their first reactions to their brother and it was such a great moment to be able to introduce them just two and a half hours after his birth.

I cannot say Micah's birth was “easy”, but it was wonderful. The love and support which surrounded me in that birthing room helped me to cope better than I have before. It helped that I was so in tune with my body and with the birth process. And it helped that I was in a beautiful birthing environment like Genesis with a precious midwife like Henny and an amazing doula like Ingeborg and a beloved husband like Sven.

Micah 6 v 8: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Mother's Day

2011-05-04T10:04:00.003+02:00

When a child is born, the mother is also born. Before that she was a woman; through the birth she becomes a mother. On one side the child is born, on the other side the mother is born. And a mother is totally different from a woman: a gap exists, her whole existence becomes qualitatively different. Before that she may have been a wife, a beloved, a sister, a friend, an aunt...but when a child is born, a new life has entered: she becomes a mother.

When a woman becomes a mother, something tremendously meaningful has happened to her. For a woman it is almost a new birth. When a woman gives birth to a child, it is life. When she looks into the eyes of the child, she looks into her own being. When the child starts growing, she grows with the child.

When a mother is feeding her child, she is not only giving milk as was always thought. Now biologists have stumbled upon a deeper fact, and they say she is feeding energy — milk is just the physical part. And they have done many experiments: a child is raised, food is given — as perfect as possible, whatsoever medical science has found. Everything is given, but the child is not loved, not cuddled; the mother does not touch him. The milk is given through mechanical devices, injections are given, vitamins are given — everything is perfect. But the child stops growing, he starts shrinking, as if life starts moving away from him. What is happening? … Because whatsoever the mother was giving is being given.
It happened in Germany that during the war many small orphan babies were put into a hospital. Within weeks they were all almost dying. Half of them died — and every care was taken; scientifically they were absolutely right, they were doing whatsoever was needed. But why were these children dying? Then one psychoanalyst observed that they needed some cuddling, somebody to hug them, somebody to make them feel significant. Food is not food enough. ” Some inner food, some invisible food is needed. So the psychoanalyst made a rule that whosoever came into the room — a nurse, a doctor, a servant — had to give at least five minutes in the room to hug and play with the children. And suddenly they were not dying, they started growing. And since then many experiments have been done.

When a mother hugs a child, energy is flowing. That energy is invisible — we have called it love, warmth. Something is jumping from the mother to the child, and not only from the mother to the child, from the child to the mother also. That’s why a woman is never so beautiful as when she becomes a mother.

Whenever a woman becomes a mother, the circle is complete. A grace comes to her as if from some unknown source. So not only is she feeding the child, the child is also feeding the mother. And there is no other relationship which is so close. Even lovers are not so close, because the child comes from the mother, from her very blood, her flesh and bones; the child is just an extension of her being.

Never again will this happen, because nobody can be so close. A lover can be near your heart, but the child has lived inside the heart. The mother’s heart has been beating, and that was the heartbeat of the child, he had no other heart; the mother’s blood circulated in him, he had no independence, he was just part of her. For nine months he remained as part of the mother, organically joined, one. The mother’s life was his life, the mother’s death would have been his death. Even afterwards it goes on: a transfer of energy, a communication of energy exists.

So on this note, Genesis Clinic would like to wish all mothers and mothers-to-be , an amazing Mother's Day and remind yourself every day you are doing a fantastic job!

(part of this article taken from http://sureshg.wordpress.com/2006/11/23/whenever-a-woman-becomes-a-mother-the-circle-is-complete/)

2011-04-20T11:28:00.013+02:00

What is a Doula?

Doula is a Greek word for “woman’s servant.”
In nearly every culture of the world, women have traditionally surrounded themselves with other women to care for them during childbirth. Artistic depictions of childbirth usually display two or more women supporting the birthing mother. Usually, one of these women is a midwife, who is the person responsible for creating a safe passage for baby. The other women, usually on either side of the mother to comfort and soothe her, are doulas.

The Doula does not replace the role of the father/partner. Fathers are often able to participate more fully with a doula present. The top two fears that a father has surrounding pregnancy and birth are the worry about the safety of his unborn child and his partner. Much of that fear is gone when a doula is present because she can provide informational support about the labour as it progresses, and her calming influence allows the father to give the love and support that his partner needs to feel.

The presence of a doula complements a father's role and strengthens it. A doula often can give suggestions and encourage the father to touch, to talk, and to help in ways that feel truly comfortable to him and comforting to the mother.
Fathers, with the support of the doula, are able to participate at any level that feels right and natural for them. In this way, fathers can experience fully the joy and wonder of watching their babies come into the world.

Birth Doulas (aka Labour Support Doulas)
A birth doula is a supportive companion professionally trained to provide physical and emotional support during labour and birth.
A doula provides continuous support, beginning during early or active labor, through birth, and for approximately 2 hours following the birth. The doula offers help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement, positioning, and massage. She also assists families with gathering information about the course of labour and their options. Her most critical role is providing continuous emotional reassurance and comfort.

Doulas attend home births and hospital births; medicated births and unmedicated births, with women whose care is being overseen by doctors or midwives. Doulas may be the only support person for the mother, or may be part of a labour support team including mom’s partner, friend(s), and/or family members.
Doulas specialize in non-medical skills, and do not perform clinical tasks, or diagnose medical conditions.

Doulas do not make decisions for their clients. Their goal is to provide the support and information needed to help the birthing mother have a safe and satisfying birth as the mother defines it.

Postpartum Doulas
There are also postpartum doulas, who provide support after the baby is born. They have knowledge about postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and newborn care. Their services vary depending on your needs, and might involve anything from a one-time visit for information and advice, to providing overnight care every night for a month.

Proven Benefits of Doula Care
-Decreased medical intervention in labour
-Reduces need for cesarean by 26%
-Reduces the need for forceps or vacuum extractor by 41%
-Reduces use of pain medication by 28%
-Reduces dissatisfaction with birth by 33%
-Reduces length of labour

Six weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were:
-Less anxious and depressed
-Had more confidence with baby
-More satisfied with partner
-More likely to be breastfeeding

Please look at the DOSA website (Doula's of South Africa) to find a Doula, or even if you want to learn how to become a Doula! http://doula.org.za/

2011-04-20T10:32:00.011+02:00

Roald’s Birth Story

Baby boy, Roald, born on the 3rd of August 2010 ,his birth story told by his mommy,Genesis Staff (& Private) Midwife, Juriet Nieuwoudt, who was the first staffmidwife to birth her baby at Genesis Clinic !

I wasn’t particularly looking to fall pregnant again as I already had 3 kids ( more than enough according to me) as well as that I had recently started my own midwifery practice. So juggling the practice, being a full time staff midwife at Genesis as well as being a mom was more than enough for me. But as luck would have it something else was written in my stars than what I had intended.

Initially , I was quite embarrassed about being pregnant yet again and only told my husband. What I found though was the longer I kept quiet about it , the more difficult it got to “disclose my status”. Every time I thought it was a good time to announce my pregnancy somebody else would spill their beans before me. First it was our unit manager Tamzin and then my business partner and colleague Nicolette. When I got to my 12th week of pregnancy I had no choice but to tell the hospital manager. When I told her that I had some news, the first thing she said was:” Please don’t tell me you are also pregnant”. The news didn’t go down too badly and life went on from there.

I had my first 3 children with Growth Spurt (Sandi delivered all of them) and I really needed my trusted midwife, colleague and friend to deliver this baby as well. But Sandi had given up private practice when Growth Spurt moved their practice to Genesis and this was a huge problem for me. I phoned my friend and told her that number 4 was on the way and I really wanted her to birth this little Nieuwoudt as well. Sandi agreed to come “out of retirement” for the delivery of my little one. But seeing as she was working full time at Linkwood, we had to work out a plan B for in case she could not come out for the delivery. So I kept on seeing Growth Spurt for my ante natal check – ups and I had arranged that if I could not get hold of Sandi I would phone Henny directly and we would work out an alternative. So with all my ducks in a row , I continued my pregnancy without much problems (Except for the ever present heartburn).
I was due to start my maternity leave on the 1st of August, but as it was a Sunday and I was working the Saturday, Tamzin could not find anyone to work in my place on the Sunday. So she asked me to postpone my maternity leave to the 2nd and I obliged.

I finished my shift on the first and was grateful that my maternity leave had finally begun as I was quite exhausted. On Sunday night at midnight I started having contractions about every five minutes and I decided to just keep an eye on them for a while as I wasn’t going to wake every one up for a false alarm. About two hours later the contractions tapered down and I finally managed to fall asleep again. The whole of Monday though I was not feeling myself. Just utterly exhausted and listless. I slept till about 11h00 and then went about my daily routine with much effort. Finally it was time to go to sleep for the night and I was relieved. I had slept for about an hour when I woke up at 23h00 with contractions and I thought, “oh here we go again. Another night without rest.” I timed the contractions for about an hour until 00h00 and then decided that this was not another false alarm, but the real deal. So I woke my husband up, phoned my parents to tell them that we were bringing the kids over and got all our bags together and in the car. As Murphy would have it I tried getting hold of Sandi and her phone just rang and eventually went to voice mail. When I could not get hold of Sandi I phoned Genesis and booked a bed and I thought that if worst comes to worst one of my colleagues would be the lucky one to deliver my baby. Then I phoned Henny as arranged and she told me that Linda (her partner) was already at Genesis with another client so I could just go through.

While dropping off the kids at my parents house Linda phoned me and asked how I was feeling. I was coping pretty well at this stage. She said that I should just let them know if anything changes in the car so they can run the bath for me before I arrive. Half way to the clinic my contractions started getting quite intense and I was sure that I was going into active labour, so I phoned Genesis and told them to run the bath so long. We finally arrived at Genesis at about 01h00 and I was still able to crack jokes (So I think my colleagues Tegan and Nicola were not convinced that I was actually in labour). Nicola told me after the fact that I would just get this far off look on my face when having a contraction and when it was gone I would say “oh that was a tuff one” and just go on as normal. I had prayed very hard for a quick labour this time around as my third child’s labour was a long and dragged out event and I knew I would not be able to cope with that again. So I was quite relieved when Linda checked me and I was 5 to 6 cm dilated. We did a short CTG tracing of baby’s heart and I promptly got in the bath that was ready and waiting. What a relief to get in the water. It just feels like you are on another planet when you get into the water. It is so soothing, but at the same time my contractions now really started getting quite intense. So being the sissy that I am, I told Linda that I needed Pethidine and Aterax. I think she thought I was kidding and for about 10minutes she just bluntly ignored me. So I said to her “ Linda, I was not joking. I really need something for the pain” She eventually obliged and I had my pain meds.

Approximately 10 minutes after she gave me the pain relief, I had the urge to bear down. When Linda checked I was only 7cm dilated, but as I gave a push my cervix just disappeared and I knew that I could now give it my all. What a nice feeling to be able to push and bring my baby out into this world.
Listening and doing what Linda coached me to do with the crowning of the baby’s head took a lot of effort as the desire to push was so intense. But I knew that I had to listen carefully to her instructions if I wanted to avoid any tears.

At 01h48, my precious baby boy Roald Nieuwoudt (Meaning: famous ruler) slipped into the world and into his mommy’s heart. He weighed in at 3,35kg and was perfect in every way and I was so happy that my wish for a short labour had been granted. Unfortunately I sustained a skin snick and Linda had to give me one stitch as I was bleeding (quite disappointing as I had been intact with my last two babies, but at the same time not the end of the world).
and Roald is welcomed into the world!

At 05h00 my phone rang and it was Sandi. She had forgotten her phone in her handbag in the lounge and never heard it ring. When she woke up to go to the loo, she realised she didn’t set her alarm on her phone and went looking for it. That is when she got my message that I was in labour. But in the end all’s well that end well.
Look at me, all of 3370grams!

After being back at work I needed to do combined statistics for Genesis for the whole of 2010 and when going back into the maternity register I found it quite amusing that the first entry in the register for August I was present at the birth and the entry after that was my birth.

The Bio-Baba Story

2011-04-12T13:25:00.005+02:00

It always so lovely to know of women who through their personal experiences, make such a postive difference in the world, one of these women is Vicky Penfold, who is offering a free trial pack of her Bio-Baba range (see Monthly Competition in the blog sidebar).

Here is her story.

On discovering I was pregnant for the first time, I immediately decided that a few things had to change! The first was to give up smoking which was surprisingly easy; to give up a stable job and move to the suburbs was not as straight forward. After working as an editor of travel, investment and mining publications as well as three years as the Regional Marketing Manager for a large systems integration firm, and briefly in PR, I had my feet firmly entrenched in ‘the corporate world’. Our house was conveniently close to Cape Town city centre and was a lock-up and go…with no real garden to speak of. What garden there was tumbled onto the street which was frequently lined with rubbish and beggars. Not for MY baby! We started looking for a house that was in a cleaner suburb, with some space for a toddler to run and play in a garden. Needless to say we only found something suitable and moved in a month before giving birth! I also resigned from my job and so did my husband! He had been teaching in town in various language schools, but it was now time to put down roots and ‘get serious’ about starting his own company. This was very scary, but paid off as he now has his own successful translating business – and he works from home which is fantastic for the kids. I was more than content not to have to go to work and just stay home with baby, but after a few months I found myself needing something a little more than nappies to talk about. Ironically, this was not meant to be! When I first started using nappies in 2002 after the birth of my son Hugo, the only alternative on the South African market to ‘disposables’ was the ‘Terri nappy’, which is the one that you have to fold, use a safety pin and a plastic waterproof with. This just seemed so ‘old-fashioned’ and far too much effort. I had seen fitted nappies from friends who had bought them overseas (where they are readily available and hugely popular) and wondered why there was nothing like it on the South African market. That is when the ‘project’ started! I called a friend who is a dressmaker and gave her a pattern to make up some samples which were duly tested on my son. Each month the design would change, the layers and types of fabric would alter –this was real trial and error! Working for yourself is not easy, especially in a field that you have no previous knowledge. If someone had told me 5 years ago that my life’s work would be to ‘design,manufacture and distribute eco-friendly nappies as an alternative to disposables’ I would have laughed hard and dismissed the idea as ludicrous! However, the amount of time and work I had put into my ‘project’ meant that, above all, I had to take myself seriously.That is why I sought out the guidance of the folk at the Umsobomvu Youth Fund. The fund was established by the government in an attempt to address the youthunemployment challenge in South Africa and, through its Voucher Programme, helpwith business plan development. This was an essential part of getting my business off theground…an idea is one thing…making it a viable business venture is another kettle offish entirely! At the end of 2004 I did my first production run in a factory with ladies I had trained in Grassy Park…after nearly having a nervous break-down I went on the Christmas holidays with family in Durban. Then the most truly awful thing happened, on Boxing Day of 2004, a tsunami, of unimaginable proportions struck the countries of South East Asia. Unfortunately, my brother Justin and his fiancée Seda were holidaying on the Thai island of Phi Phi at the time, needless to say, neither of them survived. Seda’s body was identified by an unusual tattoo on her shoulder; nearly 2 years after the event. She was repatriated to Turkey and buried just before Christmas 2006. Much of the early part of 2005 was spent in mourning and travelling around the world attending memorial services in Justin’s honour. During this time I met many truly amazing people who were united in their grief for loved ones. They also all shared acommon philosophy, and that is that ‘The planet is in crisis ’. A human tragedy and natural disaster of this scale is an enormously humbling thing and made me acutely aware of how interconnected we are, and just how fragile the planet is.On returning from Zimbabwe in June of 2005, I was resolved that my passion for raising awareness of the environmental impact of disposable nappies was no accident and setabout thinking of ways to ‘get the message across’ to the largest number of people, in the shortest possible time. My business is my way of honouring my brother’s life. I believe that Bio-Baba nappies are the best alternative to the billions of disposable nappies dumped each year (making disposable nappies one of the biggest waste contributors on the planet). I do not want my children to grow up in a waste land. I consol myself after a sleepless night of looking after small children that I am ‘doing my bit’ to ensure that South Africa does not become one! In February 2006, I was blessed with another baby boy, Todd Niran Clarke… ‘Niran’ isa Thai name meaning ‘Eternal’), and have been supported through all the hard times withlove and infinite patience by my husband Greg. 2005 was incredibly difficult for my whole family, but in the words of the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a memorial at St. Paul’s Cathedral of that year “love can continue to grow, even on the soil of the worst pain and the deepest doubt”...this is so true of life, andof business too. If you love what you do, and believe in it – it will grow into something meaningful.

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN DECIDING ON NAPPIES: If you have a baby in disposable nappies in your home, your household waste doubles!

In 2½years in disposable nappies a baby will have:üused 325kg of plastic 20 trees worth of pape produced at least 1 tonne & landfill space.

Disposable nappies are pegged at the world’s 3rd biggest household waste contributors behind newspapers at No.1 and containers/packaging for food. Your household is no different… millions are thrown away annually in SA, 9 million a day in the UK and 20 billion a year in the US and Canada…they do not bio-degrade!

Saliem Haider at the City Waste Mangement has this to say: “Cape Town is facing a major landfill airspace crisis. Two years ago 6 landfills were operational, and a few months from now we would have only 3 operational… There are some smaller municipalities in the Western Cape with bigger problems than Cape Town. The Johannesburg City area also has a crisis at hand.”

Waste in South Africa is currently growing at 5% faster than the population growth.

Nappies are classified as medical waste and should be incinerated – however individual municipalities in South Africa do not have the resources to do this there is the Polokwane Declaration which the Govt. has signed which means that there is a mandate to reduce our waste by a specific %....however, we all have a mandate to watch over our resources…and we all know – if we wait for govt… we might waita long long time!

Landfill sites are not designed or allowed to contain faeces, human or otherwise, and thus have no solution to the enormous number of soiled disposable nappies arriving daily. Baby ‘poop’ in disposable nappies SHOULD be flushed down the toilet before the nappy is disposed of correctly in the sewarge system – however notmany people know this or can be bothered to do it before chucking their nappies in the bin.

ENERGY & RESOURCE IMPACT STATISTICS: DISPOSABLES VS REUSABLES

Requires 3.5 x more energy to produce

Uses 8 x more non-regenerable raw materials

Uses 90 x more renewable material

Produces 2.3 x as much waste water

Produces 60 x as much solid waste

Needs 4 – 30 x more land for growing natural materials

Take 5 fingers and put them on your nose…that is where the buck stops.

Reduce, Re-use, Re-cycle.

Children live what they learn… choose a sustainable future for your baby.

For more information on incorporating cloth nappies into your routine, please contact:

Bio-Baba Nappies: sales@biobaba.co.za or call: 021 761 89 82

A Very Special Birth Story

2011-04-06T15:51:00.000+02:00

Every Birth story is special, but here is one which really touched our hearts.

It is not a story from our Genesis Clinic mama's, (this mama is based in the USA), but its so beautiful, and it just shows that with love, anything is possible. It has to be read...

Friday, January 29, 2010

Nella Cordelia: A Birth Story Nella Fantasia

(translated from Italian)

In my fantasy I see a just world,

Where everyone lives in peace and honesty.

I dream of souls that are always free

Like the clouds that float

Full of humanity in the depths of the soul.

In my fantasy I see a bright world,

Where each night there is less darkness.

I dream of spirits that are always free,

Like the clouds that float.

In my fantasy exists a warm wind,

That blows into the city, like a friend.

I dream of souls that are always free,

Like the clouds that float

Full of humanity in the depths of the soul

Cordelia: Dorothy Cordelia, my dear loving grandma, who taught me more about life than she could have ever known.

This is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to write in my entire life. The hardest and yet the most beautiful. As I even just begin to type here, late, in the dark in my room alone with my girls sleeping next to me, their little faces barely visible from the glow of the the same candles that flickered in a very special room one week ago, my heart starts aching thinking of where I was at exactly this moment last week.A week. How can it already have been a week? I've thought a million times what I'm going to write here and how I'm going to begin and what order I'll put it in and I think I've been so afraid to come back here...so afraid of not doing justice this very precious night...of leaving something out...of attaching simple words to an event that is so far from simple, it might just not be possible. But I need to get it out. I don't know how it's going to come or if it will make sense, but I'm just going to write. And when I get stuck, I will pick up this tiny blessed life beside me and hold her tight. I will breathe her in and remember...

Oh, here it goes.The story of our daughter's birth.

This is Nella's Story.I turned 31 on December 29...exactly a month ago. We went to dinner with friends the evening before and as we left, we saw the new bookstore nearby welcomingly lit up. I had told Brett I didn't need anything this year for my birthday as Christmas had just passed, but at the sight of the bookstore, I remembered a book I had read about from another photographer. As we walked by, I told Brett I changed my mind. I wanted a book, and I wanted it...tonight. So we ventured in, and he played with Lainey downstairs while I wandered up in the self-help section, thumbing through titles until I landed on the only copy of the book...A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller.Later at home, we put Lainey to bed and I drew a bath and climbed in with my big pregnant belly, my new book and a highlighter. And I read. And read. And read. Underlining, highlighting, starring paragraphs and quotes and words that moved me hard. I warmed the water about a trillion times and pruned my skin to raisins, but I could not stop reading. It turned into a three hour bath followed by another hour or so of reading in my bed. By the end of the book, I was inspired. Inspired to write a new story for our life...inspired to face challenges and leave my comfort zone and go through hard things because that is what turns the screenplays of our lives from boring to Oscar-worthy. And, to be honest, in my mind, our uncomfortable challenge was the changes in our life with Brett's job and having him away from home. Little did I know.Fast forward.Last Thursday, Brett & I teased all day that we were so ready for this baby, she had to either come Thursday or Friday. Every time he called me from work, he told me I should be out jogging. I didn't jog, but I did walk like crazy, trailing Lainey through the streets of our neighborhood in a stroller, thinking, "These might be the last moments with my only daughter alone."

And Thursday night, the pains started coming...nothing horribly uncomfortable but some significant cramps that were semi-regular and popped up several times through the night. By morning, I had several that were 15-20 minutes apart, and my doctor, convinced I would go fast once I was in full swing, suggested I go to the hospital within a few hours. I remember getting off the phone and it hit me. Today was going to be the day. It was surreal. I texted my friends. Called my family. And began the last steps in the ever long process of saying goodbye to my 'only child.' She wanted her face painted like a kitty and, although I was excited to pack up and head to the hospital, I savored every brush stroke of those last moments with my big girl.I called my friend, Katie, in Fort Lauderdale. I met Katie the night Lainey was born as she was the delivery nurse...and we have since been forever friends. She promised me she wanted to be present for all my babies' births, so she high-tailed it over I-75 after my call to get there in time.It was strange. It seemed so real and yet I had dreamed of this moment for so long, it seemed a bit like a dream as well. It all just hit me...we had waited for this. Wanting a second child. Losing a pregnancy. Getting pregnant. The horrible night I thought it was all ending and the trip to the E.R. where we saw that little heartbeat. Waiting and preparing and finally, these last weeks, having everything just...perfect. The birth music ready to go, the blankets I had made packed and ready, the coming home outfit, the big sister crown for Lainey, the nightgown I had bought just for the occasion...what I would wear holding my daughter the first night I rocked her to sleep. Even the favors I hand-designed and tied every ribbon on were lined and stacked in a box, ready to pass out the moment the room flooded with visitors. My heart could hardly hold the excitement, and I will never ever forget what it feels like to long for your baby being handed in your arms the last few days of your pregnancy...it's so real, you can touch it.We said goodbye to Lainey as we left her with Grandma and headed to the hospital where I was quickly instructed to drop trou and gown up. I slipped the white ruffled skirt and black shirt I wore into a plastic belongings bag. Days later, just the sight of these clothes--the ones I wore during my excitement and happiness...during those last 'happy' moments before my life was changed--would bring pain. I think Heidi finally hid the bag because it made me cry every time.The early stages of labor were perfectly beautiful. Nothing hurt that bad, I had the anticipation of this eutopian experience ahead of me, Brett was chill, and my girlfriends started trickling in the room. We actually played a game...the "if you could..." cards I had packed in my bag for this very purpose. I had it perfectly planned, and it was going just as I had imagined...but better.By 2:00, my water had been broken and my contractions were in full force.

The room was full of excitement and laughter. I chatted with my girlfriends until a contraction came on where I shifted gears, "ow-ow-ow-ow-ow'd" my way through it (and cursed), and came out of it as fast as I went in, picking up the conversation where we left off. I checked to make sure Brett was okay. Several of my girlfriends were headed out for a birthday party but, with news of my status, they all huddled into the room, dressed to the nines, before their night out to check on me. I liked the commotion...I loved the anticipation. I loved the feeling of people waiting anxiously for our baby. It felt special. ...and we were so ready.Two hours went by and I was off the wall in pain, begging for anesthesia to get in with an epidural. They were tied up, and so I cursed them too. Little did I know, I was a 9. This is where things begin to get hazy. It all just happened so fast. I remember anesthesia walking in to give me an epidural, Brett getting uneasy, girlfriends talking me through it, my pediatrician stopping in to say 'hi' during her rounds, and my obstetrician walking in and gowning up. This was it. With Lainey, it took forever and here I was, just hours after walking in this place, and they were going to tell me to push. They were going to tell me 'just one more' and then suddenly my life was going to change.

I couldn't grasp it even then. It was all just happening so fast and I wanted to savor it. I looked around the room and tried to take it in...the candles, the music, the lavender oil I brought that wafted through the room and calmed the tension. And then I remember just speaking to myself. You are about to meet your daughter. You are about to be changed for good. At this moment, I heard the sounds of our birth song begin to fill the room...When You Love Someone. And I began to cry. My husband, my friends, my dad, my nurses...all of them smiling...cameras flashing... One more push. Oh, this is so hard... I pushed. I pushed and watched as the tiniest little body came out of me, arms flailing, lungs wailing...and then, they put her in my arms. ...and I knew. I knew the minute I saw her that she had Down Syndrome and nobody else did.

I held her and cried. Cried and panned the room to meet eyes with anyone that would tell me she didn't have it. I held her and looked at her like she wasn't my baby and tried to take it in. And all I can remember of these moments is her face. I will never forget my daughter in my arms, opening her eyes over and over...she locked eyes with mine and stared...bore holes into my soul. Love me. Love me. I'm not what you expected, but oh, please love me. That was the most defining moment of my life. That was the beginning of my story. I don't remember a lot here. My friends have filled me in, but I feel like I was in a black hole. I know I held her. I know I kissed her. I know I begged every power in the world that this wasn't happening...that she was normal, but I knew in my soul exactly what this was. She was scooped off my chest and taken to the warming bed where nurses nervously smiled as they checked her over. I wanted someone to tell me what was going on...I kept asking if she was okay, and they told me she was fine. She was crying and pink and just perfectly healthy. I wanted to say the words, but couldn't. So, I asked why her nose was smooshed...why she looked funny. And because she came out posterior and so quickly, many people in the room honestly thought she'd look a little different in an hour or so. But I knew. I cried and cried while everyone smiled and took pictures of her, like nothing was wrong. I kept crying and asking, "Is there something you aren't telling me?" ...and they just kept smiling. At this point, I have believed until recently that the pediatrician came in right away and told me the news. But because I was so confused and emotional and haven't slept much in a week, I am told it wasn't right away. The nurses apparently called my pediatrician in for 'D.S. suspicions.' And during this hour, I was handed back my daughter as if everything was okay. When I think about this time later, I have cried and cried wondering what I did. Did she feel love? Did I kiss her? Did I hold her and tell her 'happy birthday' and smother her with happy tears? My friends in the room smile when I ask this and promise me I did. They said I couldn't stop kissing her. And while I held her, the room went on. Someone popped champagne and poured glasses and a toast was raised..."To Nella!" while I sat, confused, trying to take it in. ...and I am so very blessed my beautiful photographer friends, Laura and Heidi, were there to capture every single moment. They never stopped shooting...there are over 2000 images from the delivery and they have helped me relive the beauty. This photo is so beautiful to me...because it speaks with emotion. This is how I felt while everyone carried on for me. I remember feeling....nothing. As if I literally left my body for a bit. But they said I kissed her. They said I loved her. They said I was a mama. I remember my pediatrician suddenly walking in and my heart sank a bit...I knew. "Why is she here?" I asked. And they told me she was just checking the baby out. Which she did. And then the room grew quiet and everyone was asked to leave. I started shaking. I knew it was coming. The tears. The twisting in my stomach that they were about to rock my world. Brett stood behind me, stroking my hair and my nurse friends, Dot and Katie, stayed on either side of the bed.

And it happened. My pediatrician snuggled Nella up in a blanket and handed her to me...and she knelt down next to my bed so that she could look up at me...not down. She smiled so warmly and held my hand so tight. And she never took her eyes off mine. We had been through a lot together with Lainey's jaundice and I have spent many tearful conversations with her over the course of these two and a half years. She is an amazing pediatrician. But at this moment, she became more than that. She was our friend as she beautifully shared the news. I need to tell you something. ...and I cried hard... "I know what you're going to say." She smiled again and squeezed my hand a little tighter. The first thing I'm going to tell you is that your daughter is beautiful and perfect. ...and I cried harder. ...but there are some features that lead me to believe she may have Down Syndrome. Finally, someone said it. I felt hot tears stream down and fall on my baby's face. My beautiful, perfect daughter. I was scared to look up at Brett, so I didn't. I just kissed her. And then, Dr. Foley added... ...but, Kelle....she is beautiful. and perfect. I asked for my dad to be let back in the room. And when he walked in, I cried again. They think she has Down Syndrome. And he smiled as his eyes welled up with tears and he said, "That's okay. We love her." He scooped her up and I asked him to say a prayer. And there, in the delivery room where moments earlier she entered the world, we huddled around my bed...Brett still stroking my hair, Katie crying on one side, Dot on the other and Dr. Foley kneeled down beside my bed.

He prayed and thanked God for giving us Nella and thanked him for the wonderful things he had planned for us. For our family. For Nella. Amen. Dr. Foley hugged me and told me she got to hold her for her examination, but now she wanted to hold her just for some snuggles. And she did. I will always remember her compassion and know there is no one else that could do a better job sharing this challenging journey with us. Katie asked if I wanted to nurse Nella, and I did. Another dreamy moment I had always anticipated and yet it felt so different this time. But I remember her latching right on and sucking away with no hesitation and looking at her, completely accepting me as her mama and snuggling in to the only one she's ever known and I felt so completley guilty that I didn't feel the same. I felt love, yes. I just kept envisioning this other baby...the one that I felt died the moment I realized it wasn't what I expected. But the nursing...oh, the nursing...how incredibly bonding it's been. The single most beautiful link I've had to falling in love with this blessed angel. And, look...I smiled.

I don't remember smiling, but...I smiled. The hallway was still filled with everyone who was waiting...and there are stories from our other wonderful friends and family of what happened behind those walls while they waited. All I know is that there was more love in that birthing center than the place could hold. As anxious eyes re-entered the room, I held my baby and told them all, crying, what we had been told. I knew there was a stream of friends ready to come and celebrate and I wanted them all to be told before they came in. I couldn't emotionally handle telling anyone and yet, strangely, I wanted people to know as soon as possible because I knew I needed the troops...I was falling, sliding, tunneling into a black hole and I needed as much love as possible to keep me up. I just remember happiness. From everyone. All of the blessed souls in that room celebrated as if there was nothing but joy. Everyone knew...and there were a few puffy eyes, but mostly, it was pure happiness. More friends trickled in. More smiles. More toasts. And hugs with no words...hugs like I've never felt. Ones that spoke volumes...arms pulled tightly around my neck, lips pressed against my forehead and bodies that shook with sobs...sobs that told me they felt it too...they felt my pain and they wanted to take it away. And Brett...well, he never left our girl's side. He was quiet through this all, and I'm not sure I'll ever know what he felt, but I know the daddy of our babies, and I know he knows nothing but to love them with all his heart. And he did from the very start. As soon as the epidural wore off, I wanted my own nightgown. They were going to take me to our new room upstairs, and I was ready for a new start. Everyone carried our stuff up and waited for us. And then...the moment I always talk about...the moment they put you in that wheelchair and place the baby in your arms...and stroll you through the hallways to your room while onlookers smile and wish they were you. It's so strange, but I barely remember it. I remember arriving to our room and being told Lainey was on her way. And I cried new tears...I hadn't even thought about how this would impact Lainey...what she would think...how her life would be different...how every beautiful vision I had of two sisters growing up together, grown-up phone calls, advice-giving, cooking together, shopping...everything would be different. Numbness started leaving my heart and sheer pain started settling in. Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry when Lainey gets here. ...and then I'll never forget her face...her cute outfit someone put her in...her eyes when she walked into that room, and the way she tried to hide her excitement with her shy smile. I will never forget the day my girl became a big sister. I will never forget the moment her little sister was placed in her arms. I watched in agony...in tears...in admiration as my little girl taught me how to love. She showed me what unconditional love looks like...what the absence of stereotypes feels like...she was... ...proud. ...and that was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. I needed that. As darkness set in that night and people started trickling out, I felt paranoid. So completely afraid because I knew with darkness...with the absence of everyone celebrating...the grief would come. I could feel it coming...and it hurt so, so, so very bad. I wanted Lainey to go home with Brett. My heart was in a million pieces and wanted to be with her, and if I couldn't, I wanted him there. And so he left...with the little girl that completed my world, and I was left in the hospital with my two amazing, wonderful friends who will never ever know how special they are because of what they did for me that night. And they heard and saw things no one else will ever know, but I could have never made it through the night without them. I think I cried for seven hours straight. It was gut-wrenching pain. I held Nella and I kissed her but I literally writhed in emotional pain on that bed in the dark with our candles and my friends by my side until the sun came up. I remember trying to sleep and then feeling it come on again...and I'd start shaking, and they'd both jump up and hug me from either side, Nella smooshed between the four of us. I begged for morning, even once mistaking a street light for sunlight and turning on the lights only to find it was 3 a.m. and I still had to make it through the night. I can't explain that evening. And I suppose it's horrible to say you spent the first night your daughter was born in that state of agony, but I know it was necessary for me to move on to where I am today. And, knowing where I am today and how much I love this soul, how much I know she was meant for me and I am meant for her, knowing the crazy way our souls have intertwined and grown into each other, I can say all this now. It's hard, but it's real, and we all have feelings. We live them, we breathe them, we go through them and soon they dissolve into new feelings. So, here I go. I cried out that I wanted to leave her and run away. I wanted to take Lainey and my perfect world and this perfect love I had built with my two-year old and our cupcake-baking days and our art projects and our beautiful bond and I wanted to run like hell. I wanted to be pregnant again. I wanted to be pregnant so bad.

I wanted it to be the morning she was born again...when I was happy and excited and when I wore the white ruffled skirt and black shirt and put it in the belongings bag knowing joy was to come. I wanted to go back. I wanted to go back. I wanted to go back. I moaned in pain and through it all, this little breath of heaven needed me. I cried while I nursed her. I cried while I held her. I cried while I pulled my nightgown off just so I could lie her body on my naked skin and pray that I felt a bond. I literally writhed in emotional pain for hours. And Heidi and Katie saw parts of me no one else have seen. My eyes were so swollen, Heidi said I looked like Rocky...like someone beat the hell out of my face and then cut little slits for eyes. It was that bad. ...and then morning came. ...and with it, hope. There is so much more I could write...and I will...in chapters of our book. My sister arrived the next day and revolutionized the place with her "I Have a Dream" speech. She told me I swallowed the blue pill. She told me I could never go back. But that I held a key to a door that no one else does. And, with tears in her eyes, she excitedly and passionately told me how lucky I was. She told me that I was chosen and that it is the most special thing in the world. She told me it was going to be just fine. And she was so right.

The day after Nella was born, I fell in love hard. I knew she was mine. I knew we were destined to be together. I knew she was the baby all along that grew in my beautiful round tummy...the one I thought I almost lost...the one that I proudly rubbed when people told me how beautiful that belly was. It was. It was Nella all along. A huge turning point for me was when my sister published my blog entry and an outpouring of love turned on. I had no idea. None.

I had no idea you all were out there. And the words you all said...I believed them. And maybe I believed them all along, but to hear them when I needed them...you all empowered me. And my friends and family...oh, they'll never ever know how special they are to me. I've never felt so loved. You all truly gave me your hearts to borrow while mine was breaking. And you loved my baby. You loved her so good. You're not her mama and yet you washed her with tears when you held her. You kissed her. When she cried in the middle of the night and I needed some blessed sleep, you rigged up the jaundice lights against the nurse's orders, put your sunglasses on and took turns sleeping in a chair just to hold her. You promised to be there on this journey and that alone means more than we can ever tell you. To be loved...is the greatest feeling one can ever feel. Over the course of the next several days, things just became beautiful. I cried, yes...but they soon turned to tears of joy. I felt lucky. I felt happy. And I felt that I didn't want to run away with Lainey anymore...and if I did, I was taking my bunny with me. When Lainey was in the hospital with jaundice, I remember hugging Brett and crying. I told him if God would make her better, I'd do anything. I'd live in a box, I'd sell everything we had, I'd be happy with nothing...just make her better. When she did get better, that feeling of raw gratitude was real, but it wasn't long before real life set in and I was complaning once again about the dirty grout in our cheap tile and how much I wanted wood floors. I've often thought about how quickly that feeling left because we have a perfect, healthy little girl running around that erases all the painful memories of when we thought something might be seriously wrong. I felt that feeling again last week. And as the pain has slowly disipated, I've realized...I will always be reminded. My Nella, my special little bunny, my beautiful perfect yet unique girl will be my constant reminder in life. That it's not about wood floors. No, life is about love and truly experiencing the beauty we are meant to know. And so, we came home...happy. In fact, walking out of the hospital with our new baby girl and our proud new big girl, all crowned up, gripping the handle of the carseat with Daddy...it was just how I had imagined it. Life moves on. And there have been lots of tears since. There will be. But, there is us. Our Family. We will embrace this beauty and make something of it. We will hold our precious gift and know that we are lucky. I feel lucky. I feel privileged. I feel there is a story so beautiful in store...and we get to live it. Wow. The story has begun... Page by Page... (First "Well Baby" Visit...Dr. Foley, we love you.) I cannot begin to tell you how much I love her. I wouldn't trade her for the world, and y'all can have that heart you let me borrow back. My broken heart has been healed...and if you held her, you'd know what I mean. photographed by my dear friend, heidi My Girls. I am complete. There's been so much wonder I've wanted to share...but I knew I had to tell her story first. More to come...we've been taking lots of pictures and loving the beauty of life...and the funny...and the hectic...it's been crazy. ...but beautiful. I did it.

I told our bunny's story.

Active Birth: The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally

2011-03-30T11:56:00.000+02:00

by Janet Balaskas

Here is an important voice in childbirth. Janet Balaskas is speaking to those women who want to grow in self-awareness and to use their bodies actively in labour. In her childbirth classes Janet Balaskas stands for activity rather than passivity, for movement rather than immobilization, and for a woman's right to choose whatever position she finds comfortable throughout labour and delivery.

All over the world and throughout recorded history women have chosen upright positions to give birth, and it is only we in the West who have had the extraordinary notion that a woman should lie on her back with her legs in the air to deliver a baby. But to get women upright is to do much more than help them find a comfortable posture. It is to turn them from passive patients into active birth-givers. It is to challenge the whole obstetric view of birth in Western society. This is based an the assumption that childbirth is a medical event that should be conducted in an intensive-care setting. The whole pregnancy is seen as a pathological condition terminated only by delivery. The modern high-tech obstetrician actively manages labour with all the technology of ultrasound, continuous electronic monitoring, and intravenous oxytocin drip. Many obstetricians have never had the opportunity to see a truly natural birth.

To turn the process of bringing new life into the world into one in which a woman becomes simply the body on the delivery table rather than an active birth-giver is a degradation of the mother's role in childbirth.We are now beginning to discover the sometimes long-term destructive effects on the relationship between a mother and her baby, and on the family, of treating women as if they were merely containers to be relieved of their contents, and of concentrating attention on a bag of muscle and a birth canal, instead of relating to and caring for the person of whom the uterus and the vagina are a part.

Bonding is a fashionable term today. In many hospitals special time is devoted for bonding, and there must be few midwives and obstetricians who would not claim that they consider bonding important. But everything that happens after delivery is the outcome of what has gone before. Bonding is either spontaneous and easy, or made virtually impossible by the atmosphere at delivery and by the care a woman is given as a person, not merely a "para I," an elderly primigravida, a maternal pelvis, a contracting uterus, or a dilating cervix.

The way we give birth is important to all of us because it has a great deal to do with the kind of society we want to live in, the significance of the coming to birth of a new person and a new family.When we hand over responsibility for choosing between alternatives on the basis of what we believe to be right, we hand over responsibility for the quality of the society we, and our children, must live in.

During the rapid development of modern obstretics in the past three hundred years, women have lost touch with their power as birth-givers. We have almost forgotten how a natural physiological birth unfolds.An active birth is nothing new. It is simply a convenient way of describing normal labour and birth and the way that a woman behaves when she is following her own instincts and the physiological logic of her body. It is a way of saying that she herself controls her body while giving birth, rather than being the passive recipient of a birth that is managed by her attendants.

By deciding to have an active birth you will be reclaiming your fundamental power as a birth-giver, a mother, and a woman. You will also be giving your baby the best possible start in life and a safe transition from the womb to the world. Should an unusual difficulty or complication arise, you will be free to make use of the safety net of modern obstetric care, knowing that you have done your very best and also knowing that this is your choice and that the intervention was really necessary. In this way, even the most difficult birth can be a positive experience.

Preparing for an active birth during pregnancy will lessen the likelihood of complications arising. It will also ensure that you approach the birth of your baby in optimal health, which will enhance and hasten your recovery, whatever happens. If you give birth actively you will want to move around freely during the early part, or first stage, of labour, choosing comfortable upright positions such as standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, or squatting. In between contractions you can find ways to rest in these positions, comfortably supported by pillows. As you approach the expulsive or second stage, during which your child can be born, you will continue to use the upright positions that are most comfortable or practical. At the end, for the actual birth, you can use a natural expulsive position (probably Supported) like squatting or kneeling.

An active birth is instinctive. It involves your giving birth quite naturally and spontaneously through your own will and determination, having the complete freedom to use your body as you choose and to follow its urges. Active birth is an attitude of mind. It involves acceptance and trust in the natural function and involuntary nature of the birth process, as well as an attitude or appropriate positioning of your body. It is not merely a vaginal extraction in which the attendants are in control and you are a passive patient. It is more comfortable, safer, and more efficient than a passive "confinement. " This is supported by the many scientific studies comparing women who are active in labour with those in a passive, recumbent position.

Some women, left to themselves, will instinctively know what to do in labour, but most of us, having no example to follow, need to be made aware of the possibilities of using various upright positions in order to discover our instincts. This can easily be done by practicing during your pregnancy the birth positions and movements that are most appropriate and comfortable. (Yoga-based exercises will help lead you towards your own instincts for labour and birth, while cultivating the right and natural body habits for a healthy pregnancy.)

A Quick Glance: Pain Relief for Natural Childbirth

2011-03-08T11:23:00.000+02:00

Choose a care provider and birth place that will allow you freedom in labour and plenty of support.
Practice relaxation during pregnancy.
Use affirmations and visualization during pregnancy.
Choose labour companions who will support and encourage you - consider a Doula.
Read inspiring birth stories during pregnancy.
Labour at home as long as possible.
Make your location as comfortable as possible.
Have it warm and dark.
Bring comforts of home to the birth center.
Go about your daily routine during early labour - sleep if it's night.
Eat and drink as you need to.
Move. Walk inside or outside, use a birth ball, slow dance - movement helps.
Surrender to the power of labour and the power of your body, embrace it.
Play music that you love, that helps you move deeper into labour, or that soothes you.
Stand and bear down on low support, or pull on a soft rope support if it helps.
Be grateful that you'l be meeting your baby soon. Be grateful for your attendants.
Vocalize -use deep, open moans. Relax your jaw. This relaxes your bottom.
Know that you can do this.
Visualize your body opening and your baby moving down.
Keep peeing. This gets you moving and some women like labouring on the toilet.
Try aromatherapy. Massage with essential oils in a carrier oil can be wonderful.
Have an attendant use counter-pressure for strong back labor.
Use a hot sock, rice sock, or aromatherapy stuffed animal to apply moist heat.
Use cool washcloths or a frozen hot sock, rice sock, or aromatherapy animal for cold.
Get in the shower.
Get into warm water.
Have an attendant give you a massage on your legs, or anywhere that feels good.
Don't try to escape the pain - embrace it, go with it. Explore it, be curious about it, if it helps.
Feel the love of those around you.
Talk to your baby.
Look in the eyes of your support team.
Do what your body tells you to do. Breathe.
Trust yourself.

Preparing for a Natural Birth

2011-03-08T11:02:00.000+02:00

(parts of article taken from http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com/)

A woman allowed to trust her body and move to her own rhythms during labour and birth is powerful. In Spiritual Midwifery , Ina May Gaskin says labouring women are "like an elemental force." When you give birth to your baby, you'll be that powerful force! That's awesome. “The time you spend preparing for birth is vital”, quoted as by a mother of four, “I've had four wonderful natural births. It drives me crazy when people say "you're just good at having babies. Well, yes, I'm good at it - but that's because I spend so much time preparing for my baby's birth! You can have an excellent natural birth too. Take the time to conciously prepare yourself to welcome your new baby. Have a healthy pregnancy - and use your pregnancy to learn all you can! Read the articles on this blog and invest in a good childbirth course.

A Natural Birth Primer

our natural birth begins long, long before you feel the first hints of labour. A lot of birth is work you do within yourself - it's important to understand the basics of preparing for natural childbirth. Having this understanding compliments your "practical" birth knowledge (such as the stages of labour and birth and how to tell when labour is starting). The way you think about things can influence them. Your perception of natural child birth can have a big impact the outcome of your baby's birth. Take the time now to change negative thoughts and conditioning to something positive. There's a lot you can do to find peace, comfort, and pain relief while you're birthing your baby. All of your resources will culminate in this wonderful experience - so it's good to go in prepared! See the checklist of practical natural pain relief suggestions(see blog article about natural pain relief) for your use. Your childbirth class skills will also come in handy - look for a class that provides you resources to have on hand during your labour. Practicing relaxation during pregnancy is an excellent way to prepare for natural birth. It'll serve you well during labour, birth, and for the rest of your life. Visualizing the birth you want is also beneficial to your preparation - almost like a practice session! Relaxation and visualization are simple, yet very powerful, tools in your birth preparation. Birth stories are another wonderful way to prepare yourself. Reading the experiences of other women who have had natural birth, is empowering and inspiring.

A Proven Cornerstone

Good childbirth education has been proven to help women have more success with natural birth. Prenatal classes help you learn about pregnancy, labour, and birth. Be choosy about your childbirth education! I've reviewed and attended a lot of childbirth classes and they're not all created equal! Some are horrible, some are "so-so" and some are excellent. Books are a great way to learn about pregnancy, labour, and birth. Read books that support your choice to have a healthy, aware pregnancy and a natural birth. Your midwife will recommend some books to read, but please review the Genesis Clinic recommended book lists. Let me to remind you how inspiring good natural birth stories can be! Take a look at our Birth Stories page, and we would love you to submit your Birth Stories if you have birthed at Genesis Clinic!

Please submit your Birth Stories to our blog contact email

The Benefits of Using Water for Labour and Birth

2011-03-02T14:18:00.000+02:00

Extract from “Water Birth” by Janet Balaskas

How water can help you in labour

“The water looked very inviting and I was delighted with it when I got in. I had a fire burning and the room was candle lit, with soft music and lavender oil in a burner.”

The change in how a woman feels and behaves soon after entering a birth pool in a quiet darkened room can be remarkable. It seems to alter her state of consciousness and her concentration – sometimes dramatically – so that she very soon relaxes and sinks more deeply into herself and is able to let herself surrender to the involuntary rhythms of her labour. It’s as if she becomes sleepy, even dreaming.

In the ‘Birth and the Family Journal (Vol 8)’ Michel Odent writes: ‘The reason why kneeling or immersion in water during labour is so helpful is mysterious. What is clear is that water is often the way to reduce inhibitions… we observe that during such immersion in warm water, semidarkness is the best way to reach a high level of relaxation. Water may be a good way to reduce adrenergic secretion. Immersion in warm water with semidarkness may also be a way to reach alpha brain wave rhythms.

Water may be a symbol of mother, of comfort, regression to childlike needs and behaviour. Whatever way we want to talk about the effect of water during labour, one thing is sure.

The contractions become more efficient and less painful at the same time, so that sometimes the labour is very quick. Many women do not want to leave the pool because it is so comfortable. As a result sometimes the baby comes while the mother is in the pool.’

The benefits of water immersion, or hydrotherapy, in labour have been studied and assessed by many experienced midwives, researchers and doctors all over the world.

It is clear from common findings that including a pool of warm water in the birthing room adds a whole new dimension to the experience of childbirth. A recent study of 1,300 water births found that the use of a birth pool is rated very highly by women, whether having their first or subsequent baby and their enthusiasm is shared by midwives.

This echoes the findings of thousands of women and their midwives all over the world. There are some women who have had several water labours or births and have had such satisfactory experiences that they cannot imagine giving birth in any other way.

But just as every labour is unique, no two women will use a birthing pool in quite the same way. Moreover, a minority of women who try the pool do not find it helpful.

Many women however, are very keen to get into the pool at the earliest possible moment (although we will see later that it is not wise to get in too early) and some are so comfortable that they want to stay in the water for the whole of the remaining labour and birth.

Others find the pool helpful for pain relief during labour, but feel the need to be on dry land for the birth itself. A further group may labour and give birth on land but use the pool for relaxation after the birth.

In a long slow labour, episodes in the pool can be useful for resting. The message is that water can be of benefit in a variety of ways.

“My labour was very short and intense. Near the end I wanted to get my head down to slow the pain down When I went into the pool I found that I couldn't get my head down lower than my hips as I had been doing out of the water, so I felt the contractions more strongly than ever. I got out because I missed the presence of my husband to cling to and overall felt very isolated in the pool.”

Privacy and non-intervention

One of the benefits of labouring in a pool is the sense of privacy that most women who use it experience. Enclosed in her private space, protected by the gentle barrier of the water, a woman can feel secure from unwanted contact and more in control of her body. She is free to turn her attention inwards and focus on the rhythms of her labour and what she needs to do to ride the powerful sensation of the contractions.

Although it is essential that regular fetal monitoring is carried out periodically while the mother remains in the pool, in practice there are fewer internal examinations and other procedures than in most labours on land.

And, significantly, this ‘hands-off’ approach seems to have no adverse effect on mother or baby as was noted in a study of 2,000 women in a hospital in Switzerland where water birth is offered as an option to every woman.

“I was glad not to need any stronger pain relief (I had an epidural for the birth of my first baby) and to give birth naturally feeling in total control in the pool and in my own home. I liked the fact that being in the pool meant that the midwives keep a hands-off approach and leave it up to you with no internal examinations and no breaking of the waters. It was so different from my first experience.”

Midwives who attend water births often have to develop different ways of assessing progress in labour. Instead of routine vaginal examinations to check dilation, the midwife relies on more subtle indicators, such as the woman’s breathing, vocalisations and movements.

In fact, many midwives feel that attending labours and births in water has added an extra dimension to their midwifery skills, including an extra sensitivity to changes in the mother without the need for manual confirmation.

Pain relief through water

“The pool helped the labour to progress rapidly… I was very eager to get in the water and found it a huge relief when I entered… the pool was very useful in coping with the pain, helping to focus me so I could concentrate on making the pain useful and positive.”

One of the main reasons that women choose to use water during their labour is for the relief of pain. There is no doubt among midwives experienced in its use, that immersion in water can provide dramatic relief of discomfort for a high proportion of women.

Various studies have confirmed this finding. For example a clinical audit of water births carried out in five birthing units in England, ‘supported the proposition that water birth is effective as a method of pain relief.’

In hospital birthing units that have a long-standing commitment to the provision of pool facilities and support from birth attendants who feel at ease with using water in this way, there has been a dramatic reduction in the use of analgesic drugs such as pethidine (meperidine in the US).

The study cited above found that only 3 per cent of women who used water in labour used pethidine as well, compared to 60 per cent of women who laboured on land. A reduction in the use of such narcotic drugs is welcomed by all concerned, as its is now widely recognised that they can have a depressive effect on both mother and baby’s central nervous system, especially in repeated or large doses

A systematic review of three randomised control trials exploring immersion in water in labour only (not birth) found that there was a significant decrease in the use of medical pain relief in the women who used a birth pool in labour – indicating that for some women the use of a birth pool provides an effective alternative route to epidural anaesthesia.

Epidurals have become very sophisticated and generally provide effective relief from pain and can be used very positively in some circumstances. You need to be aware that using a birth pool will not eradicate the pain in the same way as an epidural – but works indirectly by helping significantly through the benefits listed below, to make it easier for you to tolerate and manage the pain yourself.

Summary of benefits of labouring or giving birth in water

Increases privacy
Provides significant pain relief
Reduces the need for drugs and interventions
Encourages a woman’s sense of control in labour
Facilitates mobility and enables the woman to adopt optimal positions for an active birth
Speeds up labour
Promotes relaxation and conserves energy
Helps to reduce tears
Is rated highly by mothers and midwives
Encourages an easier birth for the mother and a gentler welcome for the baby

Yoga Mama at Open Day!

2011-03-02T09:42:00.001+02:00

Kristy Nel, Prenatal Yoga teacher, who has many years experience in Yoga, had this to say about the benefits of Yoga for pregnant women.

“Recommended by most doctors and midwives, prenatal yoga offers a multitude of benefits to both mother and baby throughout pregnancy, during birth and beyond:

Joint exercises - perfect for poor circulation, swelling/water retention and excellent to improve mobility. Also enhances squatting and other birthing positions.

Gentle Stretching - maintains supple and toned muscles, stabalises blood pressure levels and alleviates heartburn and lower back ache.

Breathing - balances the autonomic nervous system which regulates the major systems of the body and controls hormonal secretions. Deep breathing increases the intake of oxygen to both mother and baby. 'Birthing breaths' aid in the preparation for a calm birthing.

Yoga Nidra - during this relaxation technique and one gains the equivalent of 4 hours deep sleep. Yoga Nidra also promotes inner communication with your child and assists in releasing any impressions associated with the fear of birthing.

In addition, by developing a deeper awareness of your body, a powerful connection between a mother and her child is established.”

Kristy Nel , Prenatal Yoga

http://www.prenatalyoga.co.za/

Saturday, 12th of March 2011- OPEN DAY :)

2011-02-23T12:46:00.000+02:00

Please join us for an exciting day!
If you are pregnant, or planning on having a baby,

please come and view

Genesis Clinic on our Open Day!

There will be tours of the clinic, waterbirth video's to watch,

exhibitors with lots of preggy and baby products and

services and the opportunity to win some great prizes:)

The first 100 moms receive a goody bag!

Saturday 12th of March 2011
10:00am to 14:00pm
Genesis Clinic, Saxonwold
(no.5 Northwold, cnr of Jan Smuts, and just up the road from Zoo Lake)
http://www.genesisclinic.co.za

The Benefits of Reflexology in Pregnancy & Birth

2011-02-23T12:36:00.000+02:00

By Monica Codevilla, Dip. Th. Reflexology & Meridian Th.

Reflexology is a pressure point therapy targeted at specialised areas on the feet and lower legs. A typical session leaves one feeling pleasantly serene, and lighter on their feet. More frequent sessions are one of the safest, most effective ways to ease symptoms throughout pregnancy, help encourage a shorter, easier labour, and aid recovery after birth(1).
Genesis Clinic is paving the way for safe natural birth in South Africa. This often means that if a mom wants to avoid pain medication and other medical interventions, natural measures such as the help of a doula, reflexology and massage are often encouraged by Genesis staff.

Reflexology is becoming a sought after therapy in the obstetric world. Some midwifery colleges in Australia endorse reflexology training for their midwives (2), and the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, even have their own Reflexology Department (3).

Dr Gowri Motha, inspired founder of “The Gentle Birth Preparation Method” or “The Jeyarani Way”, is a keen advocate of reflexology during pregnancy. She has found reflexology “to be safe during pregnancy in terms of helping mothers to go all the way to term and beyond, with a reduction of the common symptoms of pregnancy”. She has also noted that prenatal reflexology may provide a sense of well-being, along with reduced swelling and achinessin the feet, improved sleep quality and digestion, and if used during labour, may help encourage contractions and shorten labour (1).

I did a lot of work as a Doula (labour companion) last year for Genesis, where I was often called in to assist moms that wanted to try natural alternatives to pain medication. We found reflexology especially beneficial at the early stages of labour, whereby it relaxed moms, and seemed to take the edge off the pain. Sometimes I'd come in later in labour if a mom didn't seem to be progressing fast enough. Here, reflexology point stimulation often seemed to get things going.

While research in reflexology is lacking, some findings are worth a mention. Reflexology is known to help reduce pain. Controlled studies demonstrate this (4). Obstetric studies show that reflexology has pain relieving effects for moms during labour (5)(6), and that shorter labour times result(7).

In another trial, “ women found a decrease in stress, tension, anxiety, pain, tiredness, discomfort and irritability. Most noticing “more movement,” “not as tight,” “less swelling” in their feet.(8)(9)

Many moms come to me because they have heard that reflexology can help them relax. Fatima Kola, after exploring reflexology during her first pregnancy, came to me for regular treatment during her second pregnancy. She feels that reflexology helped alleviate her nausea, and backache, and contributed to her swift recovery after birth. She also reckons that the calming effect the treatments had on her, have helped calm her baby girl.

In today's day and age, in which child birth is so often portrayed as a “procedure requiring hospitalization and medical examinations to ensure safety”, its no wonder that mothers are anxious before birth.

The University of Maryland Medical Centre agrees that stress has been linked to higher risk for complications in birth. They also say that ”stress experienced by expectant mothers can even influence the way in which the baby's brain and nervous system will react to stressful events”(10).

It makes sense to find a therapy that can help mothers-to-be remain calm and centred in preparation to enter their birth space. Reflexology may be the answer to this, and more.

Other tried and tested helpers:

For swollen feet during pregnancy and after birth:

*Massage treatments will increase circulation. *Swimming and bathing may help counter oedema by pushing fluid back into the cells. *Healthy water intake, along with a vegetable rich diet may help reduce water retention.

Pain-relief during labour:

*Genesis Clinic has beautiful gardens to walk around during labour - walking will increase 02 to the uterus. *There are also large baths and showers for moms to labour in at Genesis Clinic. Warm showers and baths have been proven to reduce pain significantly (11). *Other invaluable pain management support can be provided by your doula (12). *Heat packs are also useful, while some moms find benefit from the TENS machine.

Monica Codevilla
Dip. Reflexology & Meridian Therapy
Tel: O76 793 9O81
Email: yourhealingco@gmail.com
Site: www.yourhealing.yolasite.com

References:

(1)http://www.gentlebirthmethod.com/birth_prep/body_reflexology.html

(2)http://www.midwives.org.au/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=MIDW/ccms.r?PageId=10043

(3) Kevin Kunz, Barbara Kunz, “Medical Applications of Reflexology: Findings in Research About Safety, Efficacy, Mechanism of Action and Cost-Effectiveness of Reflexology”, Reflexology Research Project, 2001

(4)http://www.reflexology-usa.org/assets/dr_shweta_research_study.pdf)

(5)McNeill JA, Alderdice FA, McMurray F., "A retrospective cohort study exploring the relationship between antenatal reflexology and intranatal outcomes," Complementary Therapeutic Clinical Practice 2006; 12: 11925. (Queen's University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Belfast, Ireland) (PMID: 16648089)

(6)Gabriella Bering Liisberg, "Easier Births Using Reflexology","Tidsskrift for Jordemodre", No. 3, 1989.

(7)Dr. Gowri Motha and Dr. Jane McGrath,"The Effects of Reflexology on Labour Outcome," Forest Gate, London, England.

(8)“Midwifery around the World”, Midwives of the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, Midwifery Today E-News, Vol. 3, Issue 7, February, 14, 2001 (http://midwiferytoday.com/enews/enews0307.asp)

(9) Mollart L. 2003. "Single-blind trial addressing the differential effects of two reflexology techniques versus rest, on ankle and foot oedema in late pregnancy", Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery,9:203-8.

(10)"Effects on Pregnancy", http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_health_consequences_of_stress_000031_3.htm, © 2011 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).

(11) Cluett ER, Burns E. “Immersion in water in labour and birth”, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD000111. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000111.pub3

(12) Guadalupe Trueba, LCCE, FACCE, CD (DONA), Midwife, Carlos Contreras, MD, Maria Teresa Velazco, MD, Enrique García Lara, MD, and Hugo B. Martínez, MD, “Alternative Strategy to Decrease Cesarean Section: Support by Doulas During Labor”, Copyright2000, A Lamaze International Publication, Article: PMC1595013 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595013/)

Infant Massage

2011-02-23T12:29:00.000+02:00

by Michelle Walton

The mothers attending the massage classes this month at the new venue, Mother Instinct, in Randburg, are loving it. The shop is filling up with wonderful things relating to pregnancy, birth and babies. If you have a free morning you should pop in and say hi.

Michelle will also be attending the

Genesis Clinic Open Day
12th of March from 10h00 to 14h00

The next baby massage class will begin on Thursday, 3 March.
Please see the details below:

INFANT MASSAGE

Next course begins : Thursday, 3 March and runs for 4 consecutive Thursdays
Address : 129 Republic Road, Fontainebleau, Randburg
Time : 10h00
Duration of each class : 1 ½ hours
Cost of 4 week course : R550.00
Included in the course : Weekly notes and infant massage manual, massage queue card, CD, 100ml bottle massage oil, support group, tea, coffee & tasty treat
What to bring : Just yourself and your baby (moms or dads massage their own babies in the class)

Touch is the most powerful element in human bonding. Enhance the bond with your baby by mastering the skills of infant massage.

The benefits of skin stimulation include:

· Provides an opportunity for close bonding between mother and baby
· Creates an important emotional link that will continue throughout life
· Promotes relaxation and better sleep
· Makes baby feel loved and secure in her environment
· Facilitates body awareness
· Boosts immune system
· Sensory stimulation
· Improves skin condition and blood circulation
· Relieves colic
· Relieves chest and nasal congestion
· Relieves teething pains
· Helps build baby’s self esteem
· Helps you learn about your baby’s needs and desires
· Relaxes and calms parents
· Gives parents a greater sense of confidence
· Reduces post-natal depression
· Encourages love, trust and intimacy between parents and their baby
· Group classes offer support for mothers and caregivers
· Substantial physical and emotional benefits for special needs children

“Feeding babies with touch, giving food to their skins and their backs, is just as
important as filling their stomachs”- Frederick Leboyer

Please contact Michelle on 082 871 0210

http://birthrite.co.za/about.html

Welcome

2011-02-23T11:33:00.000+02:00

Genesis Clinic is a beautiful, Active Birth Unit based in Saxonwold.

Our vision has been to create a space for women who have chosen a holistic and natural approach to their pregnancies and childbirth and wish to labour in an atmosphere as close to home as possible.

The whole idea of an active birth unit is to combine the benefits of labouring and birthing outside of the pressure of a hospital environment with the necessary advantage of having immediate and first class medical care at hand should complications arise.

Our goal, long term, includes the education of women on the benefits of natural childbirth, the support of new moms in all aspects of their recently acquired status, such as baby-clinics, counselling, breatsfeeding support and legal advice, and the fostering of a strong sense of support for women in the community.