Traduce

Birth Trauma


Birth trauma can occur in several ways; it can be an event during birth that violates a woman's respect for her body and her decisions, it can be the result of a birth that did not go as hoped, it can be a birth in which the mother did not feel supported, or it can be a situation in which the mother or the baby's health or life was in jeopardy, or where there was a loss of a baby, or loss of reproductive function. "Childbirth is experienced as traumatic in up to 34% of all births, and about one-third of those women have symptoms of Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)." ImprovingBirth.com. My suspicion is that this number is actually higher, based on the amount of unnecessary interventions often used during births, the lack of information shared with mothers during the pregnancy or the birth process, and the absence of true informed concent.

Birth trauma, despite growing numbers is not a normal part of birth, and it doesn't look the same for all women. Some women have an obvious traumatic birth experience in which her well-being and the well-being of her baby were truly in danger, there was a loss of a baby, or where there was an obvious lack of respect from her care provider. However, others are left with a feeling of sadness and void after a seemingly normal, routine, and positive birth, not understanding what has occurred, only to realize, sometimes months or even years later, that the trauma was caused by routine practices and procedures which left her feeling disconnected from her birth experience and her baby.

With increasing amounts of unnecessary interventions, a lack of understand of the emotions and physiology involved in birth, and a lack of evidence based practice, unfortunately birth trauma is on the rise. Thankfully there are things you can do to reduce the chances of birth trauma and increase the chances of a respectful, supported, safe and loving birth experience. Finding a respectful care provider, hiring a doula, reading about evidence based practices, and seeing a counselor to overcome past birth or other types of trauma, are all things that are helpful in preventing and/or overcoming birth trauma.

As a counselor, doula, and especially as a woman who has experienced birth trauma both personally and as a witness, I have a unique perspective on what a woman can do to help reduce her chances of experiencing birth trauma, what support she needs if she is going through a traumatic birth, and what support is helpful in overcoming a traumatic birth.
I spend time with women before birth, helping them gather the information they need to make informed decisions, overcoming past trauma (if necessary), encouraging them to listen to their instincts, helping them formulate the questions that will help them find a care provider that provides up to date evidence based practices, will respect their wishes, provide them with support, and give them all the information they will need to make a truly informed decision. This is how I am able to help improve birth and reduce a woman's chances of having a traumatic birth.

Thanks to Improving Birth, a national nonprofit organization spreading the word "about women being capable of making safer, more informed decisions about their care and that of their babies, when they are given full and accurate information about their care options, including the potential harms, benefits, and alternatives," women are beginning to see and understand the choices they have in childbirth, and are making the choices which improve their birth experience, reduce birth trauma, and empower them to have beautiful and safe births. In Improving Birth’s campaign “Break the Silence,” more and more mothers, fathers, and birth workers are coming out and talking about birth trauma that they have either been a victim of or witnessed. Birth trauma is not normal, and it should be the exception and not the norm. By speaking up about it we will be able to bring attention to those practices in birth which are not only unnecessary but harmful, and pave the road for more respectful and positive births.

Being with a woman and her partner during birth, helping her navigate her choices, encouraging her to listen to her body, supporting her in what she needs, and helping her experience birth in the most positive way possible, are some of the things I can do as a doula, not only to help improve her birth experience and reduce the chances of birth trauma, but most importantly to help her have a powerful and loving birth. If a woman experiences a traumatic birth, I know that my presence makes a traumatic birth more bearable, easier to face and even overcome, by supporting the woman in a difficult situation, being there for her and her partner, helping with coping techniques and providing support. Being there for women to help them through trauma is very important but helping reduce the amount of women experiencing birth trauma, and what is even better, helping to increase the amount of beautiful, safe, satisfying and loving births, so they never have to experience that trauma in the first place is even more important, and that is my way of improving birth and breaking the silence.

If you want to learn more about having a loving birth, or feel that you would like support in healing from a traumatic birth experience, or want to face fears about childbirth, please contact me to learn about the doula, childbirth education, and birth counseling services offered.

A little about me:
Zeresh Altork, M.Ed., CD, CCE, is a mother to two children, has a master’s in counseling and over 15 years of counseling experience, has been a doula and childbirth educator for over 10 years and is a student midwife. She is very active in the birth community, arranges midwife trainings overseas, works closely with other doulas and midwives, and is constantly looking to improve her skills and abilities to best serve the mothers she supports in pregnancy and birth. To find out more about Zeresh and her doula and childbirth services in Palm Beach and Broward counties you may learn more and contact her through A Loving Birth by:
Ph: 561-808-3142
Email: Zeresh at alovingbirth dot com

Hello again!

It has been a while since I've posted. I've had a lot going on! Lucky to have increased the number of home births I am attending.
When a woman is healthy and has a low risk pregnancy her best chances of having a safe, respectful, empowering and loving birth is at home. This is where I like to take my teachings to the next level, it is no longer as much about the interventions that occur, it becomes much more about each woman (and couple) (re)discovering her (their) power within. It is a beautiful thing to support and witness.

In addition to spending time supporting all the loving births, I've increased the amount of teaching I do. Both privately and in groups. In order to provide parents with the best tools and information possible I recently became a Blissborn Educator; a wonderful program that provides tools of self awareness, deep connection, and self hypnosis to help create the birth they envision.


I also upgraded to an awesome new phone that takes great pictures. I capture these special moments when I get the chance at no additional charge.





I am thankful for testimonials like the one below (which can be found on my Facebook page) to know that the love and dedication I put into each woman's birth comes across.


"Zeresh played a critical role in helping us manifest the at-home water birth of our dreams. Through various mental, emotional, and physical exercises, she expanded our knowledge and nurtured our confidence in the natural birth process. Zeresh helped cultivate a sense of calm that was crucial in maintaining a healthy mindset for optimal pregnancy and a smooth delivery.  Her wisdom comes from the heart; she speaks from passion, experience, and with great respect for the mother and sacred process.  She is an anchor for when questions or uncertainties arise, but she doesn't press a personal agenda - rather listens intently and addresses issues as a whole.  There were even times during her sessions that my partner and I came to tears of happiness...better communication and understanding between us was definitely facilitated by Zeresh...something for which I'm forever grateful, on top of all else!  Finally, when the big day came, Zeresh was first on the scene.  Every move she made was with great intention and without hesitation - the marks of a professional acting intuitively.  She knew just what to do and when to do it, and perhaps most importantly, she knew what not to do and helped keep the birth team in alignment with our plan.  I mostly just remember, though, that she was my angel that night.  Of course I now recommend her services at every opportunity.  She is the ultimate natural-minded cheerleader, confidant, and doula to have by one's side during these most sensitive and precious times.  Zeresh will be an invaluable asset on your journey.  And if you're lucky like me, she might even cook scrambled eggs for you while you're snuggling your newborn during those first skin-on-skin moments. We loved her and you will, too.  Cant thank her enough for being there for us.  Much love, Miloš + Nichole + Vukašin 🌹"


For more information and how I can support you on your journey feel free to visit the tabs on this site and/or give me a call. 561 808 3142

Blessings,
Zeresh

Offline until Monday July 10, 2017

I am going to be unplugged for 48 h! Going on a coverage free yoga and meditation retreat in the mountains! Will return emails and calls on Monday July 10th, 2017.
Happy weekend! 💖✨🙏✨💖

New Classes and Summer Plans

                                     Due to increasing demand I have added a "Siblings' Preparation Class"

This session can help prepare your child(ren) to welcome their sibling with love and acceptance. If you are planning a hospital birth learn tools to help for an easy transition for your older child. If you are planning a home birth or a hospital birth where you plan on having your older child present at the birth, this session can help prepare your child(ren) for what to expect and how to be a loving participant in the process. Some people fear that having siblings at the birth may be traumatizing for a child, but when prepared appropriately it actually can become a very positive experience that makes them feel like an integral part of the process and they learn to see birth as a positive and empowering experience.
For more information please visit the Classes tab

Annual Summer Trip to Spain

Our annual Waterbirth Workshops in Spain are well on their way. We have 3 waterbirth workshops scheduled throughout Spain and they are all almost at capacity. We are also offering an Embrace the Miracle class. This year I am staying a little longer so I can actually have a vacation! If you are looking to book me for births between mid July and mid August please make sure you do so before the end of May so that I may be able to support your birth journey.

Birth Counseling and Childbirth Education

I have decided to start focusing more on the preparation aspect of birth. I love teaching and sharing the knowledge I have gained and continually gain. So whether you just want to create a conscious pregnancy and birth, or you are looking to work on past birth trauma please see the Classes tab as well as the Birth Counseling tab

I am still working on that bigger and kind of "secret" project but am taking baby steps as I learn and become ready to share... stay tuned...

New Opportunities



It is with love and excitement that I share that I am about to embark in a new journey involving my family, birth and the World! Yes, the World too!

That may sound like a tall order but it is an order I am called to follow! And I will do this with Love/God as my guide.

So what does that mean? For the whole picture you will wait and see but for now it means that I have decided to end my full time position with Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies; it has been wonderful and I have enjoyed my time with each and every mother and baby I have had the pleasure to support. HMHB is a wonderful organization, the work they do and the people that work there are one of the best I have ever encountered, but it is time to serve my family, and mothers and babies in another way. So this now means I am available to take more births!!! Yay!!!

I have decided to focus on an even deeper level to helping women embrace their pregnancy, birth and parenting journey to help them create not only a more enjoyable, positive, connected and empowering birth, but to also follow that path to create a balance for themselves and their children, so that their birth experience spills over into an empowering and positive journey in self-exploration and parenting. How will I achieve this? I won't, but you will! I will just be there to plant the seed, sprinkle it with some love and guidance, and you will have to water it and tend to it so it grows into a beautiful expression of your true brilliant self. What I will achieve is living in a way that I can fully and wholeheartedly put into practice what I preach and be the best example to my children and the women I serve, and any other person who chooses to allow me into their lives. I am excited and inspired and hope to share that with you!

If you are pregnant or know someone who is and ready to explore your own power and the power of birth please take a look at my Empowered Birth Package.
And stay tuned!!! I will be sharing my adventures which will include the minds and hearts of some amazing people!!! 

Spring/Summer Update

For the third consecutive year since 2014 I am coordinating, organizing, and interpreting Barbara Harper's Waterbirth and Gentle Birth Workshops in Spain this summer. It is such an honor to do this every year and to see how her workshops have grown both in number and in participants. To learn more about that you can refer to www.barbaraharperespana.com

I am also very pleased to share that I am Facilitating Centering Pregnancy Groups for Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies in Palm Beach County. For that reason I will be taking a limited number of births, for the right client and situation. I will be booking fast so if you would like to contract services please call me at 561-808-3142 or email me at zeresh at alovingbirth dot com (spelled out to avoid spam).

I am also excited to share that last month I had the great honor and pleasure to be the interpreter for Dr. Michel Odent, world renown OBGYN, natural childbirth specialist. The experience was very enriching and I learned a lot!

 




I also recently completed a breastfeeding Course and I am now a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor

As you can see my passion for learning about birth and serving mothers and babies never ceases! 

I hope you have a wonderful summer!

Happy Love Month!

In this month's newsletter:
  1. NEW! Pregnancy Meditation and Movement
  2. Natural Childbirth Education Class Series - New Time
  3. Birth World: Folate vs. Folic Acid
  4. Natural Birth Tip: GBS
  5. Parenting World: Birth PTSD
  6. Gift Card  
Pregnancy Meditation and Movement
Starting February 27, 2016
Join us for weekly pregnancy meditation, dancing, and yoga inspired poses. Get your body, mind and soul ready for the journey of pregnancy and birth.
Meditation creates an opportunity to connect with your baby and your body as you slow down and allow thoughts and feelings to flow through you while you quiet your mind and send love to your baby.
 
Through dancing and yoga poses loosen and stretch your body to relieve any discomfort caused by the changes in pregnancy and help you prepare for birth.
 
By connecting to your body, your breath and your thoughts you will become more in tune with your body and baby’s needs allowing for a more pleasurable pregnancy and birth.
Saturdays at 10:00 am at The Sol Oasis in Boynton Beach
This is a donation class.
(Suggested donation is $10 but all amounts above and below are welcome)
Followed by Natural Childbirth Education Classes. For more information visit the Childbirth Education Tab. Don't forget to click on the rest of the tabs on the site for other services offered.
 
Natural Childbirth Education Class Series -New Time
“When a pregnant woman has, or rediscovers trust in herself and her body, and receives the utmost respectful care and support, birth becomes a wonderful experience; not only because of the birth of the baby, but because of the immense love and power that she is able to feel.”

Join us for a revolving series of four, 2 hour Natural Childbirth Education classes, that will help you get in touch with or rediscover that power within you; and through education, information and the knowledge gained, help you make informed decisions for a safe, loving and natural birth experience.

Topics include “Intervention Intelligence for Birth and Baby”, “Comfort Measures”, “Empowered Birth”, and “Creating a Birth Plan”.

Come in for one or sign up for all four. Start at any time!
Each class is $30, $100 for all four.

Saturdays at 11:00 am at The Sol Oasis in Boynton Beach.


For more information visit http://www.alovingbirth.com/p/childbirth-ed.html
Space is limited, and you must RSVP. To reserve a spot please call 561-808-3142

Birth World:
Folate vs. Folic Acid. Folic acid and Folate are often used interchangeably and is recommended during pregnancy, and even months before pregnancy in order to help prevent birth defects and other health issues. But did you know that there is a difference between Folic Acid and Folate? And that it is a very important difference that could be affecting your health and the health of your baby? For more info visit: http://chriskresser.com/folate-vs-folic-acid/


Natural Birth Tip:
GBS. Is a test that is done routinely in the US around the 37 week of pregnancy to check for a bacteria overgrowth in the perineal area. If a woman tests positive she is told she will need IV antibiotics during birth. We do it here, but why isn't it done in the UK? (hint: studies show results can change and that antibiotics carry their own risks) I will let you research that one on your own... But in the mean time here is a link to an article with some tips on how to avoid testing positive and how to even reverse it:  http://wellnessmama.com/8680/avoid-gbs/


Parenting World:
Birth PTSD. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder takes on many shapes and forms. Many don't think it can be brought on by birth, but regardless of the outcome if a mother feels she has a traumatic birth experience she needs to take the steps to help her heal from it. Ideally before the next pregnancy. Here is some valuable information on that:
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/healing_trauma.asp

Gift Card:
Not pregnant? Know a mother that is? What a better gift than childbirth education classes and doula services for an empowered and loving birth!


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

If you are not already receiving the newsletter and you Want to get my Monthly Newsletters? Sign up here  http://eepurl.com/bbhMiT

Pregnancy Meditation and Movement



Starting February 27, 2016
Join us for weekly pregnancy meditation, dancing, and yoga inspired poses. Get your body, mind and soul ready for the journey that is pregnancy and birth.
 
Meditation creates an opportunity to connect with your baby and your body as you slow down and allow thoughts and feelings to flow through you while you quiet your mind and send love to your baby.

Through dancing and yoga poses loosen and stretch your body to relieve any discomfort caused by the changes in pregnancy, and help you prepare for birth.

By connecting to your body, your breath and your thoughts you will become more in tune with your body and baby’s needs allowing for a more pleasurable pregnancy and birth.

Saturdays at 10:00 am at The Sol Oasis in Boynton Beach
This is a donation class.
(Suggested donation is $10 but all amounts above and below are welcome). 

Followed by Natural Childbirth Education Classes. For more information visit the Childbirth Education Tab.

Don't forget to click on the rest of the tabs for other services offered.


Natural Childbirth Education Classes

Natural Childbirth Education Class Series
“When a pregnant woman has, or rediscovers trust in herself and her body, and receives the utmost respectful care and support, birth becomes a wonderful experience; not only because of the birth of the baby, but because of the immense love and power that she is able to feel.”

For more information visit the Childbirth Education Tab
Space is limited to 5 couples to insure an intimate setting and be comfortable in the space. You must RSVP. To reserve a spot please call 561-808-3142


Interesting info I shared in this month's Newsletter.

Birth World:
Newborn Hats. So it seems that in almost every birth picture you see the newborn babies with those cute little hats...  It is even a part of the adorable newborn first outfits... They have them at every hospital and the newborn nurses always insist on putting them on... but... are they really necessary? And could they even be harmful? The answers may surprise you: http://modernalternativepregnancy.com/2013/09/06/take-it-off-why-you-should-drop-your-newborns-hat/#

Natural Birth Tip:
The epidural. It is not only about having a natural birth, it is about understanding the risks and benefits of the epidural. Sometimes it is very helpful but other times it causes more problems. Here is a link to an article tells you what you need to know about the epidural: http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/epidural-during-labour/


Parenting World:
Secure attachments. We all love our children, we all want to create a secure attachment with them, so why is it that according to this study 40% of children lack secure attachments??? Could it be that our "modern" way of living and doing things is removing us more and more from listening to our intuition and what we know to be right...???

I would bet none of my clients lack secure attachments! It is my priority! That is why you will rarely, if ever, see me in a pic holding a just born baby, because that baby belongs with his mommy! They have enough interruption as it is... Plus I educate them on the importance of skin to skin, breastfeeding, night time parenting, safe co-sleeping, and baby wearing... all things that can be done in the early stages to help create a secure attachment. Here is an article that shares the study and what things can be done in order to help create a secure attachment: http://www.bellybelly.com.au/parenting/study-children-lacking-secure-attachments/

If you want to be included in the monthly Newsletter please email me your contact info to: Zeresh at a loving birth dot com (in email address format).

Empowered, Connected Birth


Happy New Year!!!


I am happy to share that with the new year I am offering a NEW DOULA PACKAGE! The new birth package has been in the making in my subconscious for a while, looking for the right time and the right inspiration. I have been meditating regularly for the past few months, so with that and recent life experiences, I have been lead to create the birth package that  I feel will help women connect with the wisdom within in order to have a truly connected and empowering birth, to learn to be the ones who are truly giving birth... 

So without further ado here is the information on the new package!

Empowered Birth Package
Recommended for all women who want a natural and connected birth

  •  All that is included in the Basic and Premium Package plus... 
  • TEN two hour pregnancy conscious and birth empowerment meetings which will consist of custom meditations, educational classes, videos, crafts and practice sessions... There will be specific goals for each meeting, including:     
  1. What is an Empowered Birth
  2. Connecting with your Baby
  3. Connecting with your Body 
  4. Nurturing your Body and Baby
  5. Creating a Meditation Center
  6. Empowered Birth Plan - Setting intentions, letting go of expectations
  7. Connecting with your partner/support person 
  8. Empowered Labor and Birth Movements 
  9. After the Birth, Connecting
  10. Caring for and connecting with your Newborn 
  • Number of births taken will be limited that month to insure that no back-up doula will be needed due to other births. 
  • This is a very special and in depth package. The act of becoming pregnant is intimate,  so is giving birth. With this package you won't just get doula support in the traditional sense, the private and custom meditation and childbirth education sessions will be more in depth and more empowering. They will teach you to connect with your body and your baby, how to listen to your instincts, how to listen to your baby, and how to release resistance to reach a new level of awareness and conscious communication for you and your partner. You will learn that all you need is your body, trust in your instincts and the right care provider to birth the baby the way you desire. You will (re)discover instinctual positions to ease the birth of your baby and be the one to catch your own baby with your own hands and/or with the help of your partner. We will achieve this with weekly or bimonthly custom and private meetings throughout your pregnancy, from the time your contract services until your birth and into the post-partum period.

This is what you could look like when birthing your baby...


For more information visit the Doula Services Page

Give the gift of...

Hello and Happy Holidays!
I hope this post finds you well!

As we are in season for being thankful and the season for giving I want to thank all my clients for the opportunity to support them in the most amazing way possible; in the miracle of life, what an amazing gift and moment to be thankful for! I am so grateful! In appreciation I am hosting a Client Appreciation Gathering. I look forward to seeing all the women and their partners that I have supported on their journey to parenthood, and seeing how big and beautiful their children have grown. I will be sharing pictures of our gathering in a future post.

Are you still looking for the perfect gift for a mother-to-be? There are so many things this highly consumerist society
tries to convince mothers that they need! I know, I was one of them! Then I realized that all my baby needed was love, nutrition and warmth, and that my arms could provide it all... and for when my arms could not provide it? Maybe some clothes and a safe place to sleep... ok and some diapers ;)  unless you plan on doing eliminations communication (see more on that below). I also learned that what made for the most loving and peaceful birth experience was the care and support I received during birth. With the high rates of unnecessary interventions and c-sections it is something that is very overlooked! One of the reasons I am a doula!

So it comes from the heart and a place of service that I say that one of the better gifts a mother-to-be can receive is doula services to help her welcome her baby with love and peace.

In the spirit of giving get $50 off the Basic Doula Package and $75 off the Full Doula Package if you purchase services by December 25th, 2015.

Also, please remember that for any mother-to-be that you refer and contracts doula services with A Loving Birth you will receive a $25 gift card in appreciation for your support. Just fill out the gift certificate below for the amount of $50 (on me, or more if you want to add to it). You will get a $25 gift card and the mother-to-be will get $50 off doula services!



Birth World:
In the Holiday Spirit here is a link to some beautiful pictures of Christmas births! My daughter was born December 18th, so I get to celebrate a Christmas birth too! http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/15-stunning-images-of-home-births-at-christmas#.vqopexVqxZ


Natural Birth Tip:
So, do you really know what a doula does? Do you know there is evidence supporting the role of a doula? Did you know that doulas can help reduce c-sections and unnecessary interventions and help achieve a natural birth? Well continuing the theme of doula services today I will share a link on the Evidence for Doula Support... http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/


Parenting World:
What is Elimination Communication you say? It is watching your babies cues for when they need to use the potty starting at birth! Yes that is right! I never put it into practice although it sounded interesting but with my busy and unpredictable life style not something I was able to do. However, I feel it can be really great and work for some pare
nts. So here is more on that http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com/elimination-communication/

Appreciation Gift Card:
Thank you Elena C.! You will be receiving a $25 gift card in appreciation for referring a client that contracted doula services with A Loving Birth! So thankful to be a part of another loving birth in the making!


CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES


Make sure you RSVP by calling 561-808-3142 as space is limited.
Private Childbirth Education Classes are always available for your convenience.
As always, thank you for your continued love and support.

Wishing you lots of love and happiness in this Holiday Season!