Traduce

In love!!!

Absolutely in love with a custom image a client made for me!!! Blessed!!! 
And of course it is copyrighted! No no using without permission please. 


Will be back at the end of August!


Hello! I hope this post finds you well!

I have a lot of wonderful news to share and I finally have a return date to Florida!
All the workshops that I organized through www.barbaraharperespana.com  this June in Spain have been a success!!! The two full weeks of travel and workshops were filled with learning, inspiration, open minds and open hearts! We have shared days with midwives, doulas, obstetricians, pediatricians, heads of obstetrics, heads of hospitals, mothers, fathers and babies! There have been tears and smiles, questions and answers, and a desire for more! It has been an honor and a pleasure to organize all these workshops and be the professional interpreter for Barabra Harper, an amazing woman and world renown midwife, author, gentle birth expert and the founder of www.waterbirth.org
Here are some pictures of the workshops :)


Workshop in Barcelona
 

                       Workshop in Madrid
                         
                                               
Presentation at the Pius Hospital in Valls
       
I have to say being around such amazing people and so much learning I too have been able to soak up a lot of that learning and knowledge, ready to continue my journey not only as a doula but as a student midwife! That is right! I have finally decided to take the plunge and I have started to study to become a midwife!
In the mean time I am available and excited to be taking on new birth clients for due dates in September and beyond, I will be back in Florida at the end of August. If you are pregnant or know someone who is please feel free to email me or call me to see how I may best support your pregnancy and childbirth needs. (My Florida number is operational and of no cost to you even if you call me while I am in Spain).

As always, thank you for your continued love and support,

Zeresh Altork, CD, CBE, M.Ed.
561-808-3142
zeresh@alovingbirth.com
www.alovingbirth.com

Fifteen things great L&D nurses do, or avoid, in natural births.

Many L&D nurses are very knowledgeable and respectful, a great support for moms and a pleasure to be around. Here are some things nurses do, or avoid, to make a mother’s experience all that more positive. Thankful for the amazing nurses that have been and are supportive of mothers in labor with a desire for natural birth. 



 1.   Support the mom. Supporting the mother’s wishes is very important for the positive progress of labor. On the other hand it is great when we know our own limits and comfort zone. So it is very thoughtful when a nurse doesn’t feel comfortable or supportive of a mom and her birth choices, that she ask for another nurse that prefers natural births to switch with. Moms pick up on those vibes and although some may have the courage or mindset to ask for another nurse others may not.

 2.   The myth that natural birth plans are a curse for a c-section. It is well known that some L&D nurses when seeing a natural birth plan will think it is just a matter of time before it ends in a c-section. Those thoughts alone can really affect and derail a mother’s chances of natural birth. Supportive nurses check those feeling at the door. It is normal that mothers with natural birth plans that end up having a c-section stand out more than others, specifically because of their strong wishes for a natural birth. However, in the US the c-section rate is 1/3, and in some states and hospitals over 50%, so unfortunately it is very likely that a mother will end up with a c-section, not because of her birth plan but because of unnecessary interventions. Another reason to respect a mother’s birth plan. Supportive nurses respect that birth plan, or if a deviation needs to be made, explains why beforehand; most moms will be flexible if a true need arises.

 3.  Don’t come in the room unless absolutely necessary. Moms know nurses have a job to do and will be glad to help things go smoothly, but there aren’t too many things as disruptive to a natural birth as the constant checking, monitoring, and above all controlling or even just watching. Nurses that don’t have a good reason to come in, don’t, and when they do they  knock, keep the voice calm and soft, don’t talk amongst themselves, don’t talk to mom during contractions and keep the lighting as low as possible, if more lighting is needed they ask the mom if that is okay with her. They offer encouraging and supportive words (usually between contractions) which are always welcome, those are the best kind. 

 4. Don’t linger. Just like not coming in unless absolutely necessary, they don’t stay unless absolutely necessary, one of the things that can slow labor down is for a woman to feel watched or judged. However, if the mother doesn’t have a doula (or even if she does) and a nurse feels she could use more emotional and physical support that is always a wonderful thing for a nurse to do (of course if time permits).

 5. Insisting on hospital protocol. Most mothers that want a natural birth
are usually pretty well informed and are aware of hospital protocol such as: 
hep lock, IV, restrictions about food and water, monitoring, vaginal checks, etc., and the scientific evidence behind those protocols. If a mother refuses to
 follow protocol respectful nurses will not continually insist on protocol; they share their training and the protocol requirements and then listen to what the mother is telling her.  If the mother wants to go against protocol by making an informed decision, she has the right to informed refusal (and informed  consent) so it is wonderful when that is respected by telling her she is understood and that her wishes and her decision respected and noted in her chart.

 6.  Don’t ask pain level or offer an epidural. The mother doesn’t need to be reminded about the intensity of her contractions or have to interpret or quantify her contractions, letting her experience it as she is. Also, mothers who want a natural birth are very aware they have the option to receive an epidural (and other coping techniques and medications), they will ask for one if they want one.

 7.   Know a doula is there to help. A doula is there to provide emotional, physical and informational support to the mother and her partner, and at other times to just “hold the space” when mom wants or needs space to go through the birthing process on her own (so if you see a doula sitting in a corner for a moment, don’t assume she is not doing her job, the doula is most likely checking in on the mother and making sure her needs are being met). Often times a mother that has a doula is well prepared to make evidence based decisions. If  a mother is doing something against protocol it is not because the doula “told her” to do it, the doula is there to support the mother’s decisions even if those decisions are against protocol or even against the doula’s own personal beliefs or opinions. A respectful doula will support the mother without getting in the way of the nursing staff, stay by the mother’s side but step away when needed. A doula will also be glad to help the nursing staff in any way she can, such as helping so that the nurses don’t have to run back and forth with ice, water, towels etc. So if allowed and helpful, nurses can show the doula where the water, ice, microwave, extra towels, chuck pads, gloves, vomit pails etc. are; a doula should be more than willing to help provide the mom with those things and help keep mom and her space clean and comfortable. Here is a link to a study on doulas and nurses working together. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595283/

   8. Positions. Encourage a mother to be in any position she chooses. No one should ever tell a mother what position to get into, if labor is evolving favorably and the mother is listening to her instincts she will get into the position that is most beneficial and comfortable for her. Some nurses tell the mother to lie down in preparation for the OBs or Midwife’s arrival; if the Midwife or OB requests that the mother adopts a certain position the mother should do so only if she chooses. Supportive nurses don't tell the mother in what position to get into in preparation for or when pushing, again if the mother is supported and the labor is progressing adequately the mother should be encouraged to listen to her instincts and get into the position she chooses.

9.     Pushing. Encourage the mother to listen to her body, push instinctively without direction. Nurses respectful of natural birth don’t tell a mother how or when to push. No: “Deep breath, count to 10, push, push, push!”, that is purple pushing and not only unnecessary but harmful. The mother should not be “actively” pushing at all, her contractions will be doing the necessary work to help birth the baby. It is a common misconception that a mother needs to push in order to birth her baby, her body will automatically be helping the baby down and out.

10.The baby is being born and the OB or Midwife has not arrived yet. Sometimes babies come out very fast, before there is a chance to notify the OB or Midwife, or while they are on their way. Gentle nurses tell mom to listen to her body, encourage her to catch her own baby and be prepared to help her if needed, making sure baby does immediate skin to skin, and that the cord remains intact. Keep calm, help is right there and everything is going as it should.  So they don't need tell mom to stop, to not push, and don’t put their hands on the baby’s head to keep him/her from being born.

11.  Be the mother’s advocate. Unfortunately many nurses are often witnesses to obstetrical violence. It is a hard line to walk between doing what is right for the mother and doing what their job requires (this often happens to doulas too). It is best to err on the side of the mother; it is better to do what you know is right than to silently sit by and allow the mother to suffer unnecessarily (i.e. unnecessary episiotomies, fundal pressure, purple pushing, mothers forced into positions they don’t want to get into, talking down to a mother, etc.). What is helpful is to encourage the mother (or her partner) to find her voice so that she can speak up for what she wants, deserves and is her right.

12.  Assets. A nurse is very valuable and has an important job to do; monitor the mother 
and the baby to make sure that labor, mother and baby are doing well. They are often 
more present than the OB or Midwife, who often arrive towards the end of labor or during pushing. Which is another reason nurses are so important, they can have a huge influence on a mother’s labor. A wonderful, loving and supportive nurse can help a mother feel respected, cared for and safe, and in turn help the progress of labor tremendously. Unfortunately the opposite is also true, so in both cases a nurse can directly affect how labor progresses. So before walking into a women’s labor room, it is helpful to take a deep breath and find that space within yourself, that space of love, support, caring  and patience, leave everything else outside and remember that inside that room is the 
space of a woman giving birth; which is after all one of the most important days of her life, a day she will remember forever, a day that the nurse will always be an important part of, 
a wonderful opportunity to make a positive, lasting impression.

     13. The golden hour. The first hour or two after birth is extremely important, it is when the maternal newborn bonding occurs and is strongest. The golden hour starts as soon as the baby is born, when the baby should be placed immediately on the mother’s chest as the cord pulses out (without being clamped until after the delivery of the placenta), no suction is needed, no hat is needed. All the baby and mother needs is the closeness and the opportunity for eye contact, skin to skin, breastfeeding and bonding. Eye ointments, vitamin k, weighing, measuring and bathing can all wait until after this golden hour or longer, and should only done if the mother chooses.

14. Latest research and recommendations. 
It is very important to continue reading up and educating ourselves on the current recommendations for birth. It often takes too long for science to back what we already instinctively know, and finally be pushed down the pipeline to be implemented. So it is wise to be ahead of the game and be informed. If a mother comes in requesting something a nurse has never heard of or understands, what a great opportunity to learn something new by looking it up, chances are there is good science behind it.

   15. The lesson is always love. In the end all that matters it to treat others with respect and love in everything we do. Birth is one of the most important times to practice that lesson so that we may welcome babies into this world with love and help the mother in her transformation.



Getting ready for Spain

I will be leaving for Spain on June 8th. I have a couple births coming up between now and then and am willing to take one more. However, I am slowing down a bit and will not be offering the free classes or meditations in the next few months because I am so busy organizing Barbara Harper's (internationally renown midwife, for you non-birth junkies) Waterbirth Workshops that will take place in Spain this June.  It will take place in 4 cities in Spain and they are continuing to fill up! Very excited about that! You can learn more at www.barbaraharperespana.com


Because of these workshops and my annual visits to Spain I will not be around for classes or births in June and July (unless you are in Spain, or want to come with me!). I don't have a return date yet, but will return for any clients that book with me with due dates around or after August. The next blog post will be when I have a return date. Until then I wish you a happy Spring and Summer.

March classes

Please join us for the following FREE classes



Pregnancy Guided Meditation
March 9th
 at 5:30-6:30 pm

Come and join us for a calm and relaxing hour in which you will quiet your mind and turn within, to create a deeper connection and awareness to your changing body and growing baby.

It is often hard to find a moment to slow down, sit quietly, listen to your body and your intuition and especially connect to the baby growing inside you. This guided meditation will provide you with the opportunity to be present in the moment and enjoy your pregnancy at a deeper level. Your partner, should he choose to come, can join you in the journey of the guided meditation and relaxation offering an opportunity to connect with you and your baby in a more profound way.

Stay after for a short Q&A to discover ways to create the pregnancy and birth you desire.

Meditations will usually be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 am and on the 2nd Monday of the month at 5:30 pm. Please be sure to check the schedule for any changes.




Intervention Intelligence Class
 March 23rd 6:30-8:30 pm

This class will discuss common medical interventions in pregnancy and labor, as well as newborn procedures. If you plan to give birth in the hospital you need to know: what interventions are done and what procedures are followed, why they are done, what the benefits and risks are, which ones are optional, and how to go about making the best decision for yourself and your baby. Recognize that you have choices, discover what a respectful birth is for you, and learn about different philosophies and techniques for comfortable childbirth. This way you can make informed decisions and play an active role in your birth experience.

This class will usually be held on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. Please be sure to check the schedule for any changes.

LOCATION:
Both classes will be held at The Red Tent in Boca Raton
4838 Northwest Boca Raton Boulevard, 
Boca Raton, FL 33431
PH: (561) 865-5791
For more information and to reserve a spot please call 561 808 3142

A wonderful birth!

I have a wonderful birth to share with you and information on classes being held.

I had the pleasure of getting back into the swing of things this new year with one of the most beautiful and sweetest births I have ever had the honor of serving. Luckily it seams that more and more clients are making informed decisions that help them create the birth they want. This last birth was with a repeat client who had a previous difficult hospital birth. With that experience behind them they decided to have a home birth with respectful midwives which lead to a sweet, gentle and fast birth. What does that mean? It means doing what the mother wants, being in the position she wants and were she wants, spontaneous pushing (never told how and and how hard to push), in an upright position as the baby is being born, as the baby gently emerges (no pulling on the head), baby guided into the mother's arms by the mother's hands, while leaning on dad, no suction, no hat, placenta is birthed on its own, the the cord is cut with no hurry, skin to skin, low lights, and taking a moment to take it all in. It truly is so beautiful to witness such a miracle, I feel so blessed!
In addition to accompanying women and their partner's in pregnancy and birth I feel it is very important to create a good foundation for a relaxing and trusting birth. That is one of the reasons I enjoy offering pregnancy meditation and childbirth education classes, to help women create that foundation for the birth they want.
We had our first guided meditation on February 3rd, with the company of some lovely pregnant women. In the Childbirth Education tab are the classes and meditations offered the rest of this month. You can also register here. I hope you can join us and that you help us get the word out to help create even more loving births!
As always, thank you for your love and support,
Zeresh, CD, CBE, M.Ed.
561-808-3142
zeresh@alovingbirth.com
www.alovingbirth.com

FREE Classes!



Please join us for the following FREE classes

February 3rd at 10:00-11:00 am

February 17th at 5:30-6:30 pm

Pregnancy Guided Meditation

Come and join us for a calm and relaxing hour in which you will quiet your mind and turn within, to create a deeper connection and awareness to your changing body and growing baby.

It is often hard to find a moment to slow down, sit quietly, listen to your body and your intuition and especially connect to the baby growing inside you. This guided meditation will provide you with the opportunity to be present in the moment and enjoy your pregnancy at a deeper level. Your partner, should he choose to come, can join you in the journey of the guided meditation and relaxation offering an opportunity to connect with you and your baby in a more profound way.

Stay after for a short Q&A to discover ways to create the pregnancy and birth you desire.

Meditations will usually be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 am and on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm. Please be sure to check the schedule for any changes.


February 24th at 6:30-8:30 pm

Intervention Intelligence Class

This class will discuss common medical interventions in pregnancy and labor, as well as newborn procedures. If you plan to give birth in the hospital you need to know: what interventions are done and what procedures are followed, why they are done, what the benefits and risks are, which ones are optional, and how to go about making the best decision for yourself and your baby. Recognize that you have choices, discover what a respectful birth is for you, and learn about different philosophies and techniques for comfortable childbirth. This way you can make informed decisions and play an active role in your birth experience.

This class will usually be held on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm. Please be sure to check the schedule for any changes.

LOCATION:
Both classes will be held at The Red Tent in Boca Raton
4838 Northwest Boca Raton Boulevard, 
Boca Raton, FL 33431
PH: (561) 865-5791
For more information and to reserve a spot please call 561 808 3142