• Beat the Winter Doldrums! Two Spa Facial Offers!
• Zenana Spa Gift Cards available on-line!
• How and when to choose a nursing bra, plus 3 special offers!
• Doula Support Increases a Woman's Own Mother Nature
• Motherhood Manifesto - and Invitation
• Highlights of Classes
• Children's Room Article of the Month
• Ask the Lactation Consultant and Special Breastfeeding Success Package Offer

Wondering how to recover from the busy holiday season? 
Come rejuvenate yourself! Start the year out fresh with a Spa Facial at 15% off (when you book your appointment by January 31st and mention this offer)!

Resolve to give your face the care it deserves this year!
Plan ahead for year round quality skin care - mention this offer when you pre-purchase 3 Spa Facials at regular price by January 31st (services can take place anytime within 2007), and receive the 4th for 70% off (an incredible savings of $49)!

Expectant mothers frequently contact Beyond Birth sometime in the last month of pregnancy with questions about nursing bras, wondering when they should buy them or what size they will need, and also inquiring if there is anything else they should know about nursing bras.

These questions are well timed since your rib cage, and therefore bra band width, during the last month of pregnancy will probably be the about the same as it is in the first few months of nursing. We recommend buying 3 nursing bras at the end of your pregnancy so you won't have to go shopping right after giving birth. Having 3 bras allows you to wear a new bra each day without doing as much laundry. You can make a good guess about your size by using your current band width during that last 4 weeks, and going up 2 cup sizes. If you wash one, and leave 2 in their packaging, then you will be ready for the first week of nursing. If the bras end up not fitting well, you can always return the two that are still in their packaging.

Your breasts will change after your mature milk comes in and be heavier, fuller and just plain bigger than you might expect. A supportive bra can actually feel better than a less supportive one during this time, especially for larger breasts. Some women also like to sleep in a lighter bra during the first few weeks to support heavy breast tissue. Other women don't need as much support and prefer wearing all-cotton or tank-top style nursing bras.
 
A nursing bra which offers one-hand opening is easier than one that requires two hands. If you are larger-breasted, a bra with a wide band below the breasts and wide, cushioned straps tends to be more comfortable as well as more supportive. If you choose a bra with an underwire, make sure the underwire is well below the breast tissue to avoid clogged ducts.

To fit any bra, including a nursing bra, all you need is a tape measure. While wearing a bra that fits you well now, measure around your body just below your arms. Round odd numbers up to the next even number to get your band width. Then measure around your body at the fullest part of your bust. By subtracting your band width measurement from your bust measurement, you can find your cup size. If the difference between the band size and bust size is up to one inch, your cup size is A, 2 inches = B, 3 inches = C, and so on. And, yes, there are cup sizes well beyond C, if you need them. Our boutique carries up to size H and larger sizes are available online.

The straps should feel comfortable. The hooks should be on the middle setting to allow for changes in your rib cage width. Your breast tissue should not be bulging anywhere outside the cup; if it is, you need a larger cup size. It is normal for women to have one breast that is slightly larger than the other. Go with the cup size that fits the larger breast. Keep in mind that bras with seams will soften and fit more smoothly after washing. Experiment with band width and cup sizes to find the right fit.

Come on in to work with a Beyond Birth lactation professional, if you would like help with bra fitting, or guidance with bra selection.

Enjoy nursing your baby!

Katie sits in a soft lit room--the sound of watery bubbles and music float in the background. Her partner sits by her side massaging her hands with lavender scented oils. She allows herself to sink lower in the large jetted tub and sighs in relief. Near her feet, the couple's doula sits quietly, offering gentle words of encouragement as the next contraction rises like a wave. In another context, this might be Katie enjoying a relaxing day at the spa. But today, Katie's in labor with her second baby and after a first-time "wham-bam-thank-you-ma am" birth that lead to a cesarean, she and her partner have taken an approach that leads them towards more personal care and ultimately to a lower intervention vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). They have chosen a doula to help provide the continuity of care that they felt was missing in their first birth. So, instead of finding themselves under the bright lights of an OR, they are relaxing together --even joking between contractions--in a warm and private Jacuzzi room at the hospital with the help of their doula.

The role of the birth doula provides a continuity of care that supports a mother through the new territory of her journey into parenting: helping her to navigate medical care, emotional and physical changes of pregnancy, labor and impending motherhood, shifting family/partner roles and baby care. She provides everything from childbirth education, pain coping techniques such as comfort massage, acupressure and labor positions to breastfeeding support and postpartum recovery.

Birth in our culture is still commonly relegated to the world of medicine, efficiency and technology--despite years of advocacy and effort--leaving women yearning for an intangible "something". Often that "something missing" is a sense of being cared for as a whole person, through a deeply transformational time in their lives. Shuttled through long waiting room waits, quick 10-minute prenatal visits and rotating medical staff many women come to believe that their secret wish is unattainable nor should it be expected for the "safety" of their babies.

But, studies show otherwise. Doula attended births have fewer interventions overall leading to better outcomes for moms and babies health. Reduced need of augmentation with pitocin [1,2,4,6,7], forceps and vacuum deliveries [1,2,4,5] and cesareans [1,7], reduced chance of maternal fever, infection [2] and bleeding [5] following birth are all benefits document by the continuous support of a doula.

Just as important is a woman's overall sense of satisfaction and competency in motherhood. Doula attended births report that mothers have a much more positive view of their overall birth experience [4,8,13], that they have reduced levels of anxiety and postpartum depression [4,10] and that they have a higher degree of security and confidence in their own mothering skills along with an increased sensitivity towards their babies. [4, 10, 14]

"We are deeply honored to support women and their families through this incredible time in their lives," says Jesse Henderson, owner and founder of Mother Tree Birth Services. "It is our job first and foremost to care for a woman's unique emotional needs to help her build her own sense of satisfaction in the birth process and tap into her own Mother Nature, whatever she deems that to be. To do this well, it's also our role to make sure the partners feel totally involved and that we make the medical staff's jobs easier too."

Henderson highlights this last point because it is often the partner who feels left out of the process and the doula role helps partners feel more involved because they have someone who can guide them both. "Watching someone you love in labor can be very difficult for most loved ones and having a doula offer practical suggestions and reassurance of what is normal allows partners and family members to be less stressed, have something to do, and feel more available to the laboring woman", says Henderson.

Likewise, the medical teams that refer to Mother Tree doulas know that a well-cared for couple are much easier to support than a couple that is feeling alone, afraid, ignorant of their options or resistant to what the medical team recommendations. "We receive most of our referrals from other professionals in the community because they know that we provide an invaluable and unique service to their clients," Henderson says.

Katie's birth is a prime example. She made a difficult choice of having an epidural after more than 24 hours of active labor with slow progress but that choice was made easier with her doula's support. "She kept reminding me that I had done everything right and that I was still focused on my goal of having a vaginal birth. That in the story of my birth, making the hard choices are the one's where my strength as a mother shines through." Not making the decision for her but rather shining light on her personal strengths throughout the birth is where the doula will differ from other members of the team.

Later that evening, Katie's face is lit up with triumphant joy as she comprehends her accomplishment of a successful VBAC. Her husband holds their new baby girl Samantha in his arms to pose for pictures that their doula snaps moments after. "That was so awesome! I think I want to become a doula just to give to other women what you have helped give to me," she exclaims. Her doula just smiles, knowing that what she gave was purely a reflection of the strength that was this woman and all women's birthright.

References

Jesse Remer Henderson is a certified birth doula (DONA), doula trainer, Lamaze Certified Childbirth educator, owner of Mother Tree Birth Services--a cooperative doula group-- and mother of two.

Mother Tree provides childbirth classes and doula services through the Zenana Spa and Wellness Center and can also be found online at: mothertreebirth.com

Hi! You're invited to join us for a Mom's Rising Mixer! 

Choose your date:

Tues. Jan. 30th 6 to 8 pm RSVP
Fri. Feb. 2 10 to Noon (limited childcare available) RSVP
Location: Zenana Spa and Wellness Center

Would you like to have a longer maternity leave? Paid leave? Any leave at all? Would you like flexible work hours and guaranteed excellent childcare? Are you struggling to balance your mothering role with your other life responsibilities? Join Mother Tree Doulas, the Zenana Spa and Wellness Center and Mom's Milk Anywhere in an effort to improve Mom's rights right here at home. This site gives you all the details & you can RSVP by clicking on the button above (please do so now!). I hope you can join us. It's a fun way to get together, eat dessert, and watch a special screening of a terrific new documentary film, The Motherhood Manifesto--a film for (and about) mothers, and all who have mothers!

And, the film is getting great early reviews. Ann Crittenden, author of the Price of Motherhood, raved, "The Motherhood Manifesto documentary is a funny, fascinating, informative and finally infuriating film about motherhood in America. At the end of this one, you'll want to jump out of your seat, rush out the door and, start demanding change immediately!"

This event is free. Donations at the door will be taken for the Portland Family Time Bank, a non-profit in the making that is reweaving community one hour at a time by providing a network for families to exchange neighborly support services in kind with time. For more information, see the Time Banks web site.

Not sure if you can come? Choose "maybe" on the RSVP page that you link to by clicking on the button above. Thanks!

Jesse Remer Henderson, CD, LCCE
Mother Tree (DONA) Certified Birth Doula
Lamaze Childbirth Educator
Mother Tree LLC, Director

Standing for a woman's Mother Nature in birth and beyond!

Join us in our classroom for a variety of classes and groups led by skilled, knowledgeable and professional instructors. These instructors share their expertise on topics such as health and wellness, childbirth preparation, parenting, breastfeeding, yoga and more.  Read more about each of these classes!

Ericka and Camille share a little about their philosopy: "Our yoga classes are designed to encourage women to share experiences, support, and information. Yoga teaches us to isolate muscles so that we can use the ones necessary for the moment and conserve our energy. Asanas (poses) help encourage strength and flexibility, meditation improves relaxation, and pranayama (breathing) helps with pain management."

Yoga Offerings by Camille and Ericka

PRENATAL: Celebrate your pregnancy and prepare your body for labor, birth, and motherhood! This gentle yoga class is tailored to your specific needs during this amazing time of transformation and expansion. Poses help alleviate the common discomforts of pregnancy, and holistic childbirth information is woven in throughout the class. Nourish your body, connect with your baby, train for labor and create community with other expectant mamas.

MAMA-BABY (Postnatal): This informal class is designed to help you reclaim your body, bond with your baby, relax and address life as a new parent in a safe space. Gently rebuild abdominal and pelvic floor strength while you connect and stretch with your little one. You are also welcome to come without your babe for more focused 'mama-time.'

YOGA FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH: This gentle class is designed for women in any and all stages of life (teens through menopause, pregnant or not, seasoned yogis or first timers) who are looking for physical activity and the benefits of yoga, while they move at their own pace.

Pilates at Zenana Spa and Wellness Center

Wendy Foster is another one of our fabulous instructors. Here is information on the benefits of Pilates after childbirth:

Pilates for the Fourth Trimester
By Wendy Foster of Divine Pilates

Whether starting a Pilates program for the first time or continuing a program that began prior to pregnancy, Pilates and core work are ideal for the postpartum woman. The changes that occur during pregnancy (increased relaxin, expanding rib cage, alignment/ postural issues, pressure on the pelvic floor) may cause us to change our movement patterns; not always for the better. These adopted habits can carry over into the 'fourth trimester' and can cause long term muscular imbalances if not addressed. Modified Pilates exercises for the postpartum woman combined with mindful movement can equal new, positive kinetic patterns and overall physical conditioning.

Pilates during the fourth trimester can help with:

• regaining postural alignment
• strengthening abdominal
• all over stabilization
• stretching/extending the chest area to prevent mid back pain caused by frequent nursing and lifting
• re-connecting to the core after a cesarean
• strengthening pelvic floor muscles to help with incontinence

Regaining postural alignment
During pregnancy our ribs open to make space for baby. Our hips and pelvis are carrying more weight and adapt accordingly. Postpartum, our spine is tight from lack of proper rotation and low back can be tight. Through Pilates, we revisit what is your neutral spine and exercise, strengthen from there. When doing floor work we don't have our back pressed to the mat entirely. Nor do we have or back arched or ribs flaring. We work right in the middle, strengthening and recruiting the correct muscles to regain our alignment.

Strengthening abdominal
Pilates is ideal for strengthening all the abdominal, including the transverse which is our deeper inner corset or home depot belt. All the Pilates exercises are initiated from the abdominal so we are performing core exercises throughout the entire workout.

All over stabilization
Many of the Pilates exercises are done in a supine position (on the back) as it is easier to use the floor as guidance this way as to where we feel even the most subtle movement and where we feel stillness. Once we are aware of this, it is easier to detect the instability of the pelvis or ribs. To perform the exercises correctly & maximize results, we must always be stabilizing our pelvis.

Stretching/extending the chest area
During pregnancy our pelvis can tip forward. From nursing and lifting, our shoulders round forward causing us to 'schlump'. The result is back pain, neck pain and shortened pectoral muscles. Pilates is designed to stretched what is tight and lengthen what is shortened.

Re-connecting to the core after C section
Because a cesarean is major abdominal surgery, the recovery can be longer & unique to a vaginal birth. Since the abdominal or core area is traumatized & healing, the body tends to recruit the shoulders and low back to lift and hold baby instead of using the abdominal. Pilates is especially helpful when recovering from a C-section because we learn to reconnect and use the abdominal muscles when the tendency is to bypass these muscles and thus, weaken them. Also, doing very basic Pilates (pelvic floor and abdominal contractions) can actual help to pull the incision back together.

Strengthening pelvic floor muscles to help with incontinence
Though not all Pilates classes teach to recruit the pelvic floor muscles before each exercise, In Divine Pilates we do just that. It is most effective to begin each and every exercise with a kegel, going a little deeper and strengthening weak or relaxed pelvic floor muscles. This assists with balance and preventing incontinence and is especially effective for women recovering from vaginal births.

Although some of the same exercises can be used for pregnancy, vaginal births and cesareans, to attain the full benefits Pilates offers, it is necessary adjust your routine accordingly as each body is unique in it's healing process. In the divine Pilates classes we check for diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) and each student receives individual attention to insure proper movement.

Wendy Foster is a certified Pilates instructor and has been teaching since 1999. She lives in SE Portland with her husband and two sons- one born by cesarean and one VBAC. Please call with any questions 503-459-8936.

Children's Room Article of the Month and Connected Parenting Series

Each month, we try to share an article that captures some aspect of our Children's Room philosophy, in hopes that it will inspire someone to look at the terrifically difficult job of parenting from just a slightly different perspective.

If the articles we share here capture your interest, and you would like to learn more, or would like support for practicing parenting from this perspective, consider registering for the Connected Parenting Series Discussion and Practice Group. We are currently collecting names of those interested, along with their availability, and will be starting a new series as soon as we have a compatible group. For more information, or to register, contact Lyla@zenana-spa.com

Article:
Teaching Children Respect
By Pam Leo

Overview of all Zenana Spa Classes

Please call or visit our web site for more information about any of our classes.

A Beyond Birth lactation consultant answers families’ questions about breastfeeding.  To submit a question, go to http://www.beyondbirthservices.com/.

Q. Why would a Breastfeeding Success Package be a good idea?

A. The Breastfeeding Success Package includes a private prenatal breastfeeding education session and a post-partum lactation consultation after your baby is born, at a reduced package price. There are a number of situations for which a prenatal education session can be extremely helpful in getting breastfeeding off to a good start. 

What will happen at a prenatal education session?

Each prenatal session is customized to meet the needs of the particular family, however every session includes certain features:

• A thorough reproductive and health history of the expectant mother and a discussion of any potential impacts on breastfeeding
• An exploration of any previous breastfeeding experiences and how they might impact this breastfeeding experience
• Education about the impacts of birth practices on breastfeeding and the creation of a breastfeeding plan for the early days after the birth
• Education about normal infant breastfeeding behaviors and needs
• A question and answer period tailored to the needs of the family
• A customized written care plan that includes a plan for follow up
• A physician’s report, when appropriate
• Free tickets to our weekly breastfeeding support group

There are a variety of reasons families choose a prenatal breastfeeding education session, including:

• Adoption
• A maternal health issue, such as:
  - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
  - A hormonal imbalance or symptoms of one (such as irregular or very painful menstrual cycles)
  - a history of infertility
  - breast reduction surgery
  - breast augmentation surgery
  - A chronic illness
• Previous trouble with breastfeeding
• Currently still nursing an older sibling
• Planned C-section
• Pregnancy or health complications that might result in a premature delivery
• Minimal experience with or knowledge about breastfeeding
• Lack of supportive family and friends

Many mothers assume that if their pregnancy has gone well, and they receive this education prenatally, they will not need or benefit from a post-partum consultation, however the post-partum portion of this package can be especially useful when things either don't go as planned, when special circumstances exist (see above list) or simply for "fine tuning" the breastfeeding relationship.

Special Offer
Purchase a Breastfeeding Success Package» (makes a great gift for an expectant family!) and mention this offer to receive 50% off on a Medela or Blue Canoe nursing bra!

Call Beyond Birth at (503) 232-BABY, or visit our web site to find out if a lactation consultation might be helpful for you or someone you know! 

Also, consider attending a Beyond Birth Breastfeeding Support Group for ongoing support, free baby weight checks,  or general questions.

A Beyond Birth consultant is also available during business hours for free telephone counseling and support, which can sometimes be sufficient for a variety of breastfeeding questions.

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2. Kennel J. Klaus M, McGrath S, Robertson S, Hinkley C. Continuous emotional support during labor in a US hospital. A randomized controlled trial. JAMMA 1991 May 1 265:17 2197-201.
3. Scott KD, Klaus PH, Klaus MH. The obstetrical and postpartum benefits of continuous support during childbirth. J Women's Health Gend Based Med 1999 Dec 8:1257-64.
4. Keenan P. Benefits of massage therapy and use of a doula during labor and childbirth. Altern Ther Health Med 2000 Jan 6:66-74.
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6. Zhang J, Bernasko JW, Leybovich E, Fahs M, Hatch, MC. Continuous labor support from labor attendant for primiparous women: a meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol 1996 Oct 88:4 Pt 739-34.
7. Nolan, M. Supporting women in labor: the doula's role. Mod Midwife 1995 Mar 5:3 12-5.
8. Gordon NP, Walton D, McAdam E, Derman J, Gallitero G, Garrett L. Effects of providing hospital-based doulas in health maintenance organization hospitals. Obstet Gynecol 1999 Mar 92:3 422-6.
9. Langer A, Campero L, Garcia C, Reynoso S. Effects of psychosocial support during labor and childbirth on breast feeding, medical interventions, and mothers' well being in a Mexican public hospital: a randomized clinical trial. Br J Obstet Gynecol 1998 Oct 105:10 1056-63.
10. Klaus KH, Kennell JH. The doula: an essential ingredient of childbirth rediscovered. Acta Paediatr 1997 Oct 86:10 1034-6.
11. Raphael D. Support and variation, the needs of the breastfeeding woman. Acta Paediatr Jpn 1989 Aug 31:4 369-72.
12. Barron SP, Lane HW, Hannan TE, Struempler B, Williams J.C. Factors influencing duration of breast feeding among low-income women. J Am Diet Assoc 1998 Dec 88:12 1557-61.
13. Campero L, Garcia C, Diaz C, Ortiz O, Reynoso S, Langer A. "Alone, I wouldn't have known what to do": a qualitative study on social support during labor and delivery in Mexico. Soc Sci Med1998 Aug 47:3 395-703.
14. Manning-Orenstein G. A birth intervention: the therapeutic effects of Doula support versus Lamaze preparation on first-time mothers' working models of care giving. Altern Ther Health Med 1998-Jul 4:4 73-81.