LLL Conference in Round Rock

Today I volunteered a couple hours at the CTDA table at the 2010 La Leche League Conference. It was nice visiting with some other CTDA doulas. It was fun seeing all the moms and dads holding babies in arms or slings. It was informative seeing other tables with services and products for babies, kids, families, and of course, breastfeeding moms.

Before I left, I was telling my kids about a time not so long ago when doctors were telling mothers that formula was the best food for their babies. And, many moms were listening. But, then there was a small group of women who trusted their bodies and followed their hearts. These women felt alone, being in a small minority, and going against doctor's advice, so they formed a group to support and encourage each other. LLL was born.

My daughter then asked "but now that everyone knows breast milk is best, why do they meet?" I told her without LLL I may not have breastfed her! She is my oldest, 12 years old. I'm not sure if a separation after her birth, or her head molding from being born posterior, was the cause of weeks of frustration and tears as we both tried to figure out breastfeeding. I remember holding her in one arm, and The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by LLL in the other. I remember the pain and engorgement. The fear as she lost some weight, and the temptation of the "quick fix" free jar of formula on top of the refrigerator. The great advice my sister-in-law, the only family member I knew who had breastfeed multiple children, to just relax and enjoy my baby and the rest would follow. I remember almost giving up, despite a very passionate personal desire to breastfeed because I wanted to give my baby the best. And because I was not breastfed and had ear infections that led to speech problems, allergies and eczema, etc... pretty much everything they say you can avoid with breastfeeding!

Now, we all know intellectually that breastfeeding is best. But, new moms tell me again and again they are surprised, especially in the first few weeks, just how time consuming breastfeeding can be. They are surprised that breastfeeding can be so painful if the latch isn't right, or there's a problem such as thrush. They are tired, sometimes in pain from births and interventions. I hear them say "oh, so this is why some moms don't breastfeed".

New moms still need the reassurance that it does get easier; it will soon save time and be the most convenient option. They need to know they will soon enjoy this quality time cuddling and looking into their baby's eyes- times they will remember forever. They need education and help with good latches, early on before pain begins. They need to see other new moms breastfeeding. They need support to breastfeed where they want and however long they want to. And, they need extra hands and help so they can focus on the important work of learning to breastfeed, nourishing their newborn physically and emotionally. They need respect for their choices. They need supportive workplaces. They need reassurance when self-doubt or other's doubts chip away at their confidence in their ability to make enough milk. They need to know how to tell if their babies are getting enough.

I'm thankful LLL continues to help breastfeeding moms with these needs. Our society is better off because of La Leche League. I'm especially grateful for the help they gave me during my own breastfeeding struggles. I am in awe of breastfeeding moms for not giving up when it is difficult, for trusting yourself, and finding information and support so you can give your babies the best. My heart goes out to all new moms who hoped to breastfeed, or wanted to for a longer time, and couldn't find the support and guidance they needed. If you are struggling to breastfeed now, call your local LLL leader, a lactation consultant, or a postpartum doula. You are not alone. There are people who want to and can help. If you are pregnant and wanting more information about breastfeeding you can go to a LLL meeting, talk to a birth or postpartum doula, or attend Babies R Us Breastfeeding 101 night, 9933 Research Boulevard, in Austin (local doulas share information and answer your breast feeding questions).

The Happiest Baby on the Block

I just watched The Happiest Baby on the Block with Dr. Harvey Karp. It was fascinating to watch Dr. Karp comfort crying babies, calming them quickly. I have learned his techniques from other doulas and found them very successful in my work. I am currently reading his book in which he explores cultures where babies cry very little and common assumptions about what causes colic. His theory is a newborns crying is because human babies are born 3 months too early, and need more womb-like time. Human babies are born before they are ready because they have big brains and they have to be born when they are so they will fit in the birth canal. Babies who are intense or sensitive especially need this womb time.

In wombs babies bodies are wrapped tightly, so although they may protest, swaddling them first enables you to calm them with the other techniques (otherwise they have a reflex where their arms and legs shoot out and then inward, and can further upset them). Lay them on their sides or stomach in your arms (always place baby on back to sleep). Wombs are jiggly as mom walks, so he suggests rhythmic movement. Wombs are noisy, babies like white noise like static, vacuums, or shhhh. You have to be louder than baby's crying, get up close to their ear. They need to be held and fed often. Dr. Karp says it is very important newborns learn to trust their parents and their world, and it is impossible to spoil them, at this age. He also points out that in other cultures and times there were always extra hands to help out so parents could give babies what they need without complete exhaustion. I am so happy that my work as a postpartum doula provides the support new parents need!

© 2010 Sarah Webb, CD(DONA). All rights reserved.

Using a Birth Ball for Labor

CTDA doulas hosted their first annual doula share, at Any Baby Can in Austin, Saturday, May 22nd, 2010.

Two very experienced doulas, Shelley Scotka and Karina Bolger, taught this informative, fun class.

They began by covering some of the benefits of using a birth ball in labor, and then demonstrated positions in which a birth ball is helpful.

Some of the benefits of using a birth ball in labor are: laboring mom conserves energy but is still "upright", it is often more comfortable than sitting on a hard surface, it may relieve back pain, it can be brought into the shower (be careful it doesn't cover the drain), it may shorten labor because mom is upright, moving, and baby can find the best position for descent.

A birth ball is the same as an exercise ball. They come in all different sizes. Taller women will need a larger ball. Your legs should be at right angles. The ball needs to have a little give. Make sure you are safe and stable, and have your birth companion(s)close by for support.

There are many ways to use a birth ball, including just sitting on it, moving your hips around. Your support person can sit behind you and support you.

Or, use the birth ball by placing it on a table if you are tall, or a chair if you are petite, and leaning over it. This leaves your back open for massage and counter pressure.

You can also use the ball on your back, in between you and the wall, rubbing your back as you move, deciding how much pressure and where you want the pressure. In this way you, the laboring mom, get to drive and follow your own rhythm.

The ball is also a great option for the hands and knees position because it saves your wrists! The support person can tuck their feet under the ball so it doesn't move.

It is a good idea to start using your ball prenatally to become comfortable on it.

© 2010 Sarah Webb, CD(DONA). All rights reserved.

Infant CPR and Choking

CTDA's doulas hosted their first annual doula share, at Any Baby Can in Austin, Saturday, May 22nd, 2010.


Lisa Houser taught Infant CPR and Choking

Lisa's upbeat personality and enthusiasm for teaching parents these life-saving techniques eased the feelings of fear surrounding this serious topic. She covered a lot in a little time, and gave parents hands-on practice.

She first covered the ABC's.

Airway: A consideration with this, is to make sure the place your baby sleeps is safe. Baby should be 6 weeks or older before there is anything fluffy around. If an object can fit through a toilet paper roll, it is a choking hazard to a baby!

Breathing: Put your ear close to baby and listen.

Circulation: Check the MMR (like the vaccination): moving, moaning, and response.

If your baby isn't breathing or responding, give 2 gentle breaths (just enough to see chest rise) and then 30 compressions. Lisa had a great way to remember where to press. Do the Hook 'Em Horns sign with your hand, line up pinky finger with nipple line. The two fingers that are up, you unfold and use to compress. These compressions are about 1/2 to 1/3 depth of the chest, since you have to go through muscle, tissue, and fat.

If your baby is choking but still coughing, crying, or spiting up encourage them to continue to do this. If baby can support their own weight you can hold their arms straight up to the side of their head in "champion arms" .

If your baby is choking but is making no noise, isn't struggling, or losing color place them in football hold, baby's tummy against your forearm, baby is looking down and you hold their chin in your hand without blocking their mouth. You can sit in a chair for support, just make sure baby is on a downward angle (head lower than heart). In a firm downward pushing/sliding motion hit between shoulder blades. Support baby's neck and roll over, so baby is looking up. Keep head lower than heart and do a couple chest compressions to try to force air out of lungs and dislodge object.

© 2010 Sarah Webb. All rights reserved.

Baby Wearing

CTDA doulas hosted their first annual doula share, at Any Baby Can in Austin, Saturday, May 22nd, 2010.

Baby-wearing by Allison Coleman and Gray
Allison and Gray taught baby wearing. They involved their audience from the start, asking them why they were interested in baby-wearing. They talked about safe baby-wearing. They demonstrated and discussed four different slings.

Reasons given included a desire to stay active and productive with a newborn, a way for Dad and baby to bond, giving baby a feeling of safety, and one mother's earliest memory was being held by her mother in a sling. All the slings the doulas talked about can be used for discreet nursing, "hiding" a baby from strangers wanting to touch, and can be converted when baby is older into a back carrier. Some babies prefer being carried in a sling over swaddling.

Questions arose quickly about recent media coverage on safety concerns of baby wearing. The doulas said only a couple brands have been recalled, Infantino was named. But, they said, it is very important that slings are worn correctly and on your chest (not dangling around waist). Also, when placing baby in a sling or taking a baby out, keep a hand on baby at all times. Make sure baby is in good alignment, and elongated, and their mouth and nose are uncovered. Never sleep with a baby in a sling because slings take away their ability to adjust their position.

Four different kinds of slings were discussed: Mei Tai, wraps, ring slings, and pouches. Allison and Gray demonstrated the correct way to wear each, and pros and cons of each.

Mei Tai:
Make a pocket for a newborns legs.
Pros: Grows with your baby. Both parents can use.
Cons: Lots of fabric for Austin's hot summer months!

Pocket/pouch slings:
Form a pocket by bringing fabric up. Seam goes on the outside.
Pros:Some are adjustable. Grows with baby- the seam goes higher for bigger baby, creating a bigger pouch.
Cons: Most of the time, you must be sized for this type of sling. Parents can't use it interchangeably. Fabric needs to be fingers length away. Buy this after you have your baby.

Ring Slings:
The ring should be at "corsage" level, with tail out. Place baby on shoulder (burp position). Frog baby's legs. The inner cloth of pocket should be up high, but not on baby's face. Babies have flat noses for breast feeding, but if you are worried about them breathing, gently turn their head to face the side. Adjust sling for a secure hold, each side of tail tightens part of the pocket. Practice in front of a mirror!
Pros:Adjustable sizes, many different styles (a longer tail is great for breastfeeding).
Cons:

Wraps: Practice in front of a mirror. Cross in back, over the shoulders. Different positions. In the Cradle position, place baby in the fold closest to your body. An older baby can face outwards.
Pros:Great for newborns! Regulates baby's temperature, can wear baby skin-to-skin, and baby may gain weight better. Can be used to carry twins!
Cons: It does take some time to put on so a more ready-to-go carrier can be used in a rush (such as a quick shopping trip, and with a newborn is there any other kind?).

© 2010 Sarah Webb. All rights reserved.

Infant Massage

CTDA doulas hosted their first annual doula share, at Any Baby Can in Austin, Saturday, May 22nd, 2010.


Charlotte Sternkind-Del Toro Taught Infant Massage

Charlotte's calm and relaxing voice set a peaceful tone for her workshop.

Charlotte talked about the benefits of infant massage, including those the adults said they receive from massage such as relaxation, better sleep, stress release, etc. It provides quality, intimate, focused interaction and promotes bonding. The best thing to use for massage is oil that you would eat (babies do stick their hands, and feet, in their mouth!).

Charlotte says it is very important to ask baby’s permission before touch so they grow up learning what safe, respectful touch is. Choose a time when baby is quietly alert, and all physical needs have been met. Making eye contact and reaching towards you are ways baby can communicate “yes”. Keep the massage short, like a baby's attention span! Concentrate on one area of the body at a time.

Charlotte shared many simple moves and strokes to help relieve common baby belly discomforts. She pointed out that in America most babies are over stimulated and said massage with your fingers close together, repeating the stroke at least three times, and moving outward and away from baby's center, helps them calm down (try to imagine taking any stress and tension away from baby). There are circumstances when stimulating massage can be helpful, such as to wake up a sleepy baby for nursing.

If you feel overwhelmed, remember your last massage and just do what you enjoyed!

© 2010 Sarah Webb. All rights reserved.