“Ummm, that’s really weird…” were the first words out of my mouth when my birthing coach told me about placenta encapsulation. To be honest, I was too embarrassed to admit that my biggest fear of giving birth was the actual pain of a possible epidural needle. So, I headed feet first into my next fear: post partum depression.

Months prior, one of my closest friends fell into a downward spiral of post partum depression with a side of psychosis, just weeks after her little bundle had arrived. It was then, post partum depression became personal. Hit home. Became real.

To this day, I have never felt so helplessly out of control as a friend. I was used to being able to restore things. Give absolute advice. Ease pain with a hug. Use humor when the mood was just a bit too heavy. But my platform crumbled beneath us both. I couldn’t fix the situation. My heart broke for my friend in the process. What if this happens to me? What if THIS happens to ME?

I let my birthing coach tell me more about placenta encapsulation. I could tell by the way her eyes lit up and her smile sparkled, that this was something special. She had me intrigued. She then told me that she had done it! Twice! Wow. This woman, has ingested…two….placenta’s in her lifetime.

I am not sure what my facial expression looked like while she was telling me about her personal, placenta adventure… but she reassured me that you can take your placenta in pill form rather than the raw, fresh-out- of- the- womb, form. Well, then. That sounded a bit more doable. I think.

I was shocked to hear that placenta encapsulation had many more postpartum benefits, other than balancing one’s hormones (although that seemed enough for me!). Increase of milk production! Reduce post-partum bleeding! Replenish depleted iron levels! Assist in one’s uterus to return to prenatal state! And, increase energy levels!! Say, whhhat?! AND, it is completely safe for both mama and baby with minimal side effects, if any. Why had I never heard about this before?

I went home in a giddy and curious state. “I am going to eat my placenta!!!” I yelled, as I skipped down the street rubbing my 8 month-old-pregnant belly. Okay, maybe not. But that’s what I felt like doing. I felt empowered. I felt in control. I felt prepared.

Fast forward to my actual due date. January 10th, 2012. Labour came on with a vengence and our baby was coming extremely quickly. And to make things even more memorable, mother nature decided to throw in a snowstorm (very comical, I know). In my birth notes, I had at the top, in bold, highlighted letters, *WANT TO KEEP PLACENTA. Unfortunately, due to the swiftness of my labour and a dramatic ambulance ride, my birthnotes were tucked safely away on my bedside table, at home. In between contractions I could be heard panting, “Don’t forget… I want my placenta!!” And then onto the next contraction I would go. It was evident to everyone in that delivery room, that I was going home with my baby’s placenta.

Our precious, baby boy N arrived with bells on, and life changed. We were a healthy, happy, family. Life felt like it had officially begun. The sleepless nights begun. The challenges of breast feeding begun. Counting and changing poopy diapers had begun. Parenthood had begun.

About a week after I had given birth, a lovely lady from Pure Birth Services came to our home and dropped off all of my placenta goodies!! Not only was there a jar of placenta pills (my placenta made about 150 pills), but she also dropped off placenta broth (which, my hubby and I discussed briefly, both made a funny face, and disposed of it immediately!) and a placenta tincture as well.

I was relieved when my placenta pills were finally in my hands, but I have to admit, I was a bit apprehensive. What if they made me feel strange? What if I had some outlandish reaction (major hypochodirac, right here!)? What if I didn’t notice anything beneficial come from them? My mother-in-law saved the day and said calmly, “You are exhausted, take the pills.” Out came the pills and a glass a water… and my placenta adventure began.

I took my placenta pills for 3 weeks and then would pop a couple of pills whenever I found myself feeling utterly exhausted. I can honestly say, my first month of being a first time mama was wonderful. And I do believe my placenta pills played an immense part in this positive experience.  Now don’t get me wrong, I was tired. I was overwhelmed. I was anxious. But, all of these new feelings felt natural and not out of control. My hormones seemed stable. I felt like I had energy to get through the day. My milk was flowing. My body was healing. And I felt…healthy. Most moms can agree that feeling all of these things right after giving birth to a baby, is priceless.  It’s as simple as that. I was amazed and grateful for this organ that I had never given much thought to before. Not only did my baby’s placenta give my baby life for 9 months, but also gave me some pretty incredible health benefits post partum (and natural at best!).

My first year being a brand new mom has flown by like no other. I find myself talking with other inspiring mama’s about every parenthood topic under the sun. I often bring up my personal experience regarding placenta encapsulation, and get a wide range of reactions. Some captivated, others repulsed, and the rest are mystified. My goal isn’t to make every mom do placenta encapsulation. My goal is to inform and educate about how incredible our bodies really are. At the end of the day, only I can decide what is best for me, my body and my baby. But, for me… placenta encapsulation made things a wee bit easier!

In case you were wondering…

Where are my remainder placenta pills now? They are stuck in my freezer door waiting for the day my body decides to go into menopause, and needs a little boost (And people say I am not a planner, ha!)

Who was my birthing coach who introduced me to Placenta Encapsulation? She is the lovely, Gemma Stone who is a busy mom of two and an incredible Psychologist, Coach, Speaker and Guide, in Calgary, Alberta.  Gemmastone.org

How is my friend who had PPD and essentially inspired me to be pro-active and do placenta encapsulation? She is wonderfully healthy and is an inspiring mama to her handsome, growing boy (who is such a ham, might I add!

And finally, where am I at with my biggest fear of getting an epidural needle? Conquered that with having a natural labor/delivery and realizing the pain I felt was probably much more than the pain of a tiny needle. Ahh- life lessons.

Pure Birth Services (Calgary, Alberta)-  purebirth.ca

Written by: Kerri

The relevance of this book is staggering. We find ourselves in a time where the culture of pregnancy and childbirth is at a crossroads. This book is a supportive keystone that will empower women to choose the path that is grounded in love. The author of Sacred Pregnancy, Anni Daulter, is loyal to the path that allows women to be empowered by the magnificent experience that is pregnancy and birth.

Pregnancy and birth, more than any other experience, has the potential to transform the world. It is time that we support women in experiencing birth as a peaceful, positive, and powerful event.

The book is a beautiful guidebook that will support women in taking control of their pregnancy and birth experiences—not the rigid, inflexible control that springs from fear, but the wise, empowered control that’s rooted in love. With that control, pregnancy and birth becomes an act of joy, of self-discovery, and of profound self-expression.

I adore the stories that are scattered throughout this book, I have discovered that it is in sharing our stories that we can really begin to change the world of pregnancy and birth in a meaningful way.

This book is a toolbox of practical and helpful tools and it is a reservoir of peace and inspiration.

I am honoured to be one of the facilitators for Sacred Pregnancy’s Education Retreat Series.

If you are involved in the birthing community as a doula, a birth educator, a midwife, or just a fellow lover-of-birth Sacred Pregnancy is a powerful movement to get involved with.

Join us November 2-5, 2012 at Ojai Foundation to learn how to teach an eight week pregnancy course & a four week birthing course based on the Sacred Pregnancy philosophy.

This retreat education series gives you the knowledge & tools to start your own Sacred Pregnancy business. We’re going to engage in a collective of activities that will deepen your own practice & allow you to network with top birthing professionals.

You’ll head home with a heart full of inspiration, a mind full of wisdom, & your hands full of the amazing ‘Sacred Pregnancy Kit’  to get you started.

Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? Download this for more details :: Sacred Pregnancy Retreat Workshop Information

If you know this is for you, download the application here :: Sacred Pregnancy Retreat Application

Questions? Email info@sacredpregnancy.com for more details.

I love certain things about being pregnant: feeling baby kicks, creating a new human being…….ok, that’s about it. Not such a fan of other side effects. Growing a baby is tough work, and changing hormones can cause stress on our intestinal system & whole body. I’m going to talk about three common pregnancy concerns that may be partially alleviated with diet: heartburn, headaches and constipation.

Heartburn

A growing baby puts pressure on mom-to-be’s stomach, which can force acid into the esophagus, causing burning. All muscles in the body relax during pregnancy, including the lower esophageal sphincter, which can also cause stomach acid to be released up into the esophagus.

TIPS:

-       Eat small frequent meals.

-       Avoid irritants (some may be caffeine, chocolate, seasonings, high fat, citrus, tomato, carbonated drinks).

-       Keep food diary to track your triggers.

-       Eat slowly.

-       Limit fluids with meals.

-       Don’t eat close to bedtime.

-       Talk to your doctor or midwife about taking antacids.

Headaches

Hormones can cause headaches in pregnancy. And not to mention stress!

TIPS:

- Eat small amounts regularly to keep blood sugar up.

- Don’t eat candy or foods that cause spikes in blood sugar.

- Again, watch for any food triggers. Some may be MSG, chocolate, cured meats, red wine, aged cheese, preserved meats (deli meal, hot dogs).

- Exercise

- Relaxation and yoga.

Constipation

This seems to be almost universal among the pregnant women that I talk to.  Movement of food through the intestinal tract is slowed down, due to relaxing muscles in pregnancy. Supplemental iron from prenatal multivitamins can also cause constipation.

TIPS

• High fibre (25 g) diet (beans, fruit and veggies, whole grains). Add 1-3 Tbsp of wheat bran to yogurt, cereal, applesauce, etc.
• Fluids (8-12 cups). Hot drinks might be especially good.
• Activity
• Metamucil
• Probiotics.
• Natural laxatives: prunes and apple, pear or prune juice. These all contain sorbitol, a sugar that draws water into your intestines.
• Try the Fruit Lax recipe below.

Fruit Lax Recipe

Makes 1 cup, or 16 servings (1 Tbsp each)

½ cup raisins

¼ cup pitted prunes

¼ cup pitted dates

6 Tbsp prune juice

¼ cup wheat bran

Soak raisins, prunes and dates overnight in just enough water to cover it.

Pour into a food processor. Add the prune juice and bran and blend well.

If it’s too thick, add orange juice until a paste consistency is reached.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months, or freeze.

About the Mama

Hi there! I’m Jennifer House, owner of First Step Nutrition. I’m a Registered Dietitian, entrepreneur, wife, and mom of two. Why should you trust me with your family’s diet and nutrition questions? Here’s a little more about me.

I’m sure you know that your world is a reflection of the beliefs that you hold. Affirmations are an excellent method for changing, or for reinforcing, the beliefs that you want to have influencing your life.

If you have fears about birth, affirmations can be a helpful tool for dispelling those fears.

The great thing about affirmations is that – even if you are already feeling positive and confident about your upcoming birth – affirmations will strengthen your already positive and confident mindset.

Here are some affirmations that I have created for myself as well as my clients. Pick the affirmations that sound best for you, or use them as a guide to make your own personal affirmations:

Here’s my favourite way to use affirmations:

1. Choose and/or create the affirmations that you want to have influence how you feel about birth.
2. Write the affirmations on cards and place them around the house.
3. Tape them on the bathroom mirror, place them on your dashboard, put them on the fridge door, or write them in a journal and have them on your nightstand for you to read before bed.
4. Repeat the affirmations in your mind or out loud every time you see one of your cards.

Remember, the subconscious part of your mind learns by repetition, so the more often you say your affirmations, the stronger they will get and the more likely your mind is to absorb them. Once your subconscious mind has absorbed them, then it will start to take action on those beliefs and make them your reality.

Gemma Stone is a mom, psychologist, speaker, and writer who is passionate about birth. She focuses on empowering pregnant women to have peaceful and positive birth experiences (no matter how the birth process unfolds).

The BFL Digital Program is ready to be born!

 
It’s due date is June 15th & this is the kind of due date you can rely on!

AND…

We’re celebrating! With presents for you!

Yay! Gifts! And they are the best kind :: inspiration & wisdom to empower you to have a peaceful, positive, and powerful birth experience.

I’m talking audios & videos to inspire your mind & beautiful graphic designs to delight your eyes.

Sign up to get in on the celebration.

One of the best ways to prepare for birth is to get stuff done before your little one arrives in order to be organized for after your little one arrives.

Here are 15 practical tips that other mamas have shared with me.

1. Before your birth, anticipate any needs that you might have after the baby comes. For example, book medical appointments (dentist, doctor, optometrist, etc.) for the family, and if possible, get them done before your baby arrives. Order the baby announcements, prepare them, address and stamp the envelopes, show someone how to add a photo, and organize them so that you don’t have to worry about it later.
2. If you have other children who are starting to outgrow their clothes, stock up on the next size they will need.
3. Stock up on things you know you need on a daily basis: school supplies, laundry soap, toilet paper, art supplies, and canned goods.
4. If your due date falls around birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries, get everything you need prepared before your little one arrives (purchase gifts, wrap presents, write cards, etc.).
5. Prepare your mind for birth and beyond. Learn about how to increase your sense of peace, trust, and confidence about the birth process and motherhood.
6. Freeze healthy meals that others can easily warm up (so you don’t end up with frozen pizza and fast food for every meal).
7. Spray 20-30 sanitary pads with water and calendula to help soothe and heal your birthing bits after the fact.
8. Prepare a few different types of baby carriers. Different babies like different carriers. It’s easier to return a few items later than it is to go shopping with your newborn.
9. Educate yourself about postpartum depression/anxiety, how you can avoid it, how to recognize it, and what to do about it if it happens.
10. Make a nursing box. Include snacks for you, bottles of water, nursing pads, a blanket, lip balm, and if you have other children, include some different toys and books that they don’t usually get to play with. That way they can be entertained while you are focused on your newest addition.
11. Prepare a box with diaper supplies and keep it in the living room so that you don’t have to run upstairs (or to another part of the house).
12. Make lists so that you don’t have to think too much after your little one arrives. Here are a few examples: 5 Things to Get Done Weekly, 10 Places My Children Will Enjoy, 10 Activities That Can Be Done At Home. After you make your lists, get all of the supplies you need to make these chores quick and easy.
13. If you homeschool, plan three or four months of schooling and activities before your new little one arrives. If you have kids who are enrolled in school, get 3-4 months of preparation done for them (bake and freeze cookies for the surprise bake sales, get the Halloween costume made, buy the teacher a Christmas present, etc.).
14. Find a driver. Ask someone to be there to drive you and/or your children (if you need to) for the first few weeks after birth. If your other children have activities scheduled, it’s helpful to keep them in their routine, and it also gives you some much-needed quiet time.
15. Gather all the names and phone numbers of the people you want to call to announce the arrival of your little angel. If you’re not feeling up to calling, someone else can call for you.

Finally, before and after your little one arrives, always remember to be kind to yourself. Trust yourself. This is likely to be one of the most challenging and rewarding times in your life. Your trust in yourself will be your greatest asset.

Gemma Stone is a mom, psychologist, speaker, and writer who is passionate about birth. She focuses on empowering women to have peaceful and positive birth experiences (no matter how the birth process unfolds).

The BFL Digital Program is ready to be born!

 
It’s due date is June 15th & this is the kind of due date you can rely on!

AND…

We’re celebrating! With presents for you!

Yay! Gifts! And they are the best kind :: inspiration & wisdom to empower you to have a peaceful, positive, and powerful birth experience.

I’m talking audios & videos to inspire your mind & beautiful graphic designs to delight your eyes.

Sign up to get in on the celebration.