My husband and I were elated at the news of our pregnancy. Working at Blossom, I hear so many women’s birth stories and was truly excited to experience my own. We planned for a natural birth without medication and took Blossom’s Bradley childbirth course. We learned a lot of valuable information and gained wonderful tools to use in labor. We also took Blossom’s Practicing for an Active Birth workshop, which gave us more tools to add to our birthing toolbox. In addition, we hired a doula to assist us in labor. My husband was excited to be my birth coach and I felt confident and supported for the journey ahead.
Around my twentieth week of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with a low-laying placenta. I was told that there was no need to be alarmed as the placenta’s placement usually moves up as the uterus grows. An ultrasound at 32 weeks confirmed I had a placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, obstructing the baby’s exit through the birth canal. Another ultrasound at 36 weeks verified that the placenta was not moving up and that a cesarean delivery was the only option for us. Going into labor posed the risk of hemorrhage, so a cesarean was planned at 38 weeks. This was not the direction I wanted to go, or the scenario we had so diligently planned for, but it was necessary for my safety and the safety of our baby.
Grudgingly, we got ready for our cesarean birth. I was filled with so many emotions. I was relieved to know that my baby would be born safely. On the flip side, I felt anxious at the thought of undergoing major surgery. I also felt sad and disappointed that I would not get to deliver her naturally. I felt like I was missing out on an amazing rite of passage and had to mourn the idea of not going through labor to deliver my baby. Many well-intentioned people told me that I should just be happy that we were both safe and healthy. I was happy for our health and safety, but I also had to acknowledge the other emotions that I felt. For me, recovering from a cesarean was emotional as well as physical.
Fortunately, being a part of Blossom’s community offered a lot of support to prepare for this twist of events. Talking with instructors, reading books and watching videos from our lending library helped me to learn what to expect for my cesarean delivery. Connecting with other Blossom moms who had cesarean births was also invaluable. They understood my mixed emotions and provided comfort and support.
While my husband and I knew ahead of time that this was our path, many expectant parents do not prepare for this turn of events. Many don’t believe it will happen to them. Others feel that the small mention of cesarean sections in their childbirth class will be sufficient. It is true - for many, it will not happen, and for many, the limited cesarean information from a childbirth class may be just enough. On the other hand, for others, devoting focus to this possibility, however undesirable it may be, can cultivate tools, awareness, and groundedness in the face of a cesarean birth.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2007 the national cesarean rate was 31.8%. With one in three births in the United States ending up in a cesarean delivery, planning for this possible event can be a helpful addition to one’s childbirth preparation. Cesarean sections are the most common surgery for women in North America, according to medical author and local birth activist, Henci Goer. Many of these surgeries are done unnecessarily, and can often be avoided - see the Childbirth Connection article on tips to increase your likelihood for a vaginal delivery. A cesarean section is major surgery, and knowing what to expect as well as cultivating tools and resources for the birth and recovery can make it a much smoother experience.
Our own Blossom community has offerings to prepare and support moms regarding cesarean deliveries. Blossom now offers a Cesarean Awareness Workshop. This two-hour class focuses on:
• Mindfulness techniques to use for stress and pain coping during delivery
• What goes on behind the O.R. doors
• What decisions you can make that aren't dictated by medical routine
• How your partner and other support people can help
• Welcoming your baby
• Coping with healing, including mom and baby's physical wellness
• Ways to get good start on nursing
• Honoring this rite of passage into new parenthood
• Wisdom, ideas, and resources from other parents who have gone before through the unknown of cesarean delivery.
This in-depth workshop is a must-have for expectant parents and is now offered at a discounted price if registering for a childbirth prep class or Blossom discount package.
In addition, Blossom hosts a monthly International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) group. This free group meets the second Tuesday evening of the month. It is a place where women can feel supported as they share experiences and knowledge surrounding cesarean births. The ICAN website is a wonderful resource for information including articles about VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean), things you can do to avoid an unnecessary cesarean section, and how to plan for a family centered cesarean.
Here are some other resources that may be helpful:
VBAC.com
Birthing From Within - Cesarean in Awareness
Childbirth Connection - Cesarean
Mothering Magazine - Cesarean & VBAC
If you are a mom who would like to connect with other cesarean moms, or if you are a mom-to-be looking for cesarean information and support, stop by Blossom or join us for a workshop or group. In whichever ways our births unfold, preparation, support, and opening to the unexpected eases the journey.
Warmly,
Michelle De Jesus
Registration Coordinator
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
My Blossom Journey
When I first came to Blossom I was at the beginning of my second trimester of my pregnancy with my son Michael. The classes that I started taking were Prenatal Yoga on Saturday mornings. It didn’t take long for me to love this Saturday class, and I made it a Saturday morning ritual which I loved. It was wonderful to not only do the Yoga but to also connect with other pregnant women. I loved this form of community. Which is the main reason that I love Blossom, for it’s wonderful community.
In addition to taking Prenatal Yoga classes, my husband Ben and I also took Blossom’s Childbirth Prep classes, as well as Baby Care, Surviving the First Six Weeks and Breastfeeding Basics. These classes were not only very informative, but I also found them to be empowering as we became knowledgeable about this new land that we were about to embark into: the land of parenthood.
After our son Michael was born, I began to regularly attend Blossom’s 0-6 Month Support Group, which was a great way for me to connect to a community of other new first time moms. It was so comforting and reassuring to be with other women who were going through similar experiences as I was with my newborn and then within a few months, with my baby. It was also really fun to watch the other babies grow along with Michael and to watch them all become babies together.
In addition to the 0-6 Month Support Group, and then later the Mixed Age Support Group, Michael and I also regularly attend Mom/Baby Yoga together. This class also offered a wonderful community that we quickly became a part of, as we not only did Yoga together, but we also began to gather at each other’s homes after class every other week. I remember one day while in class, Michael lay flat on his blanket, on his back, while we all did Yoga, and he lifted his head up very high, as if he wanted to see what everyone was doing. Julianne, our Instructor at that time, laughed and said that Michael was doing “his ab workout” and she then had us all join in this position with him!
It was when Michael was a small baby that I began to volunteer for Blossom mainly with the Lending Library. I continued to do this for a few years, and it was through my volunteering that I began to work part time for Blossom when aposition opened up which I happily accepted. It felt that it was the perfect job for me, as I was able to go back to work, on a part time basis, for a non-profit that I cared a lot about and that was very mother, baby and child friendly. And I still feel that same way! I think that it is pretty rare to be able to work in a workplace that is fine with a woman working while she cares for and even breastfeeds her child, even while she works! It is a privilege for me to work at Blossom, and I am very grateful to be a part of our wonderful office staff.
In addition to my work at Blossom as the Community Outreach Coordinator, I also facilitate our Mom’s-to-Be Support Group which meets the first Mondays of the month from 7-8:30pm. This is a group that supports women as they travel on their fertility journey. It is a place to come to be with other women who are on a similar path and who can really understand what you are going through and how you feel. Some of the women in the group are going through fertility treatments and some are going a more natural route. We support each other no matter what road or roads that we are taking to become parents. If you feel guided to attend our group, please do! If you are wanting to conceive again, please join us as well! Or, if you know of someone who would like to become pregnant and would like some support, please pass this blog along to them.
Rachel Cooley
Community Outreach Coordinator
In addition to taking Prenatal Yoga classes, my husband Ben and I also took Blossom’s Childbirth Prep classes, as well as Baby Care, Surviving the First Six Weeks and Breastfeeding Basics. These classes were not only very informative, but I also found them to be empowering as we became knowledgeable about this new land that we were about to embark into: the land of parenthood.
After our son Michael was born, I began to regularly attend Blossom’s 0-6 Month Support Group, which was a great way for me to connect to a community of other new first time moms. It was so comforting and reassuring to be with other women who were going through similar experiences as I was with my newborn and then within a few months, with my baby. It was also really fun to watch the other babies grow along with Michael and to watch them all become babies together.
In addition to the 0-6 Month Support Group, and then later the Mixed Age Support Group, Michael and I also regularly attend Mom/Baby Yoga together. This class also offered a wonderful community that we quickly became a part of, as we not only did Yoga together, but we also began to gather at each other’s homes after class every other week. I remember one day while in class, Michael lay flat on his blanket, on his back, while we all did Yoga, and he lifted his head up very high, as if he wanted to see what everyone was doing. Julianne, our Instructor at that time, laughed and said that Michael was doing “his ab workout” and she then had us all join in this position with him!
It was when Michael was a small baby that I began to volunteer for Blossom mainly with the Lending Library. I continued to do this for a few years, and it was through my volunteering that I began to work part time for Blossom when aposition opened up which I happily accepted. It felt that it was the perfect job for me, as I was able to go back to work, on a part time basis, for a non-profit that I cared a lot about and that was very mother, baby and child friendly. And I still feel that same way! I think that it is pretty rare to be able to work in a workplace that is fine with a woman working while she cares for and even breastfeeds her child, even while she works! It is a privilege for me to work at Blossom, and I am very grateful to be a part of our wonderful office staff.
In addition to my work at Blossom as the Community Outreach Coordinator, I also facilitate our Mom’s-to-Be Support Group which meets the first Mondays of the month from 7-8:30pm. This is a group that supports women as they travel on their fertility journey. It is a place to come to be with other women who are on a similar path and who can really understand what you are going through and how you feel. Some of the women in the group are going through fertility treatments and some are going a more natural route. We support each other no matter what road or roads that we are taking to become parents. If you feel guided to attend our group, please do! If you are wanting to conceive again, please join us as well! Or, if you know of someone who would like to become pregnant and would like some support, please pass this blog along to them.
Rachel Cooley
Community Outreach Coordinator
Friday, January 15, 2010
Keeping Jenny’s Light Shining Bright
On December 19, 2007, Jenny Gibbs Bankston and her seven-week-old baby died tragically. Jenny suffered silently with postpartum depression, and unfortunately, her symptoms went undiagnosed. As a new mom, I immediately related to the feelings of anxiety, insecurity, sleep deprivation, guilt, and shame. I was surprised by how close to the surface all these emotions remained, well past my daughter’s first birthday.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) and/or anxiety affect about one in eight of us. Unlike Baby Blues, that last about two weeks after delivery and affect about 80% of new moms, PPD occurs any time in the first year or beyond. Social support, individual and group counseling and sometimes medication can help women work through and treat postpartum depression. New moms can benefit from knowing that they are not alone, that they are not to blame for these unexpected feelings and that there is a community of supportive people around them.
Take a minute to check-in with a new mom today to see how she is doing and if possible, do one tangible thing to help: bring over some food, offer to hold her baby while she takes a shower, or go for a walk together. Give her space to express herself and destigmatize any sadness or anxiety she may be feeling. Reassure her that with help, she can regain a feeling of normalcy.
At Blossom we are committed to providing a supportive, welcoming community and resource center to new and expected moms. Blossom’s weekly facilitated Pregnancy and Postpartum Moods and Challenges Support Group, held on Wednesdays from 10-11:30 am, can provide an important source of community and friendship. We also offer a class called Adjusting to Parenthood: Surviving the First Six Weeks, for expectant moms and their partners to learn about, anticipate and prepare for life after their baby arrives. The list below includes a number of excellent resources in the Bay Area and on-line for more information about PPD.
I invite you to join me and keep Jenny’s Light shining bright by participating in The 2nd Annual Jenny’s Light 5k Charity Run on Sunday March 7, 2010 in Los Gatos, CA at 10 am, rain or shine! Join the Blossom Team in Training! Sign up today to register for the run- a great way to help raise money and awareness about PPD. This Saturday, January 16, 2010 we are starting weekly informal practice runs (I use the term loosely- jog, walk is more realistic!), in Palo Alto at 10am. Send me a note at mora@blossombirth.org if you’d like to meet up. If you’d like to be a volunteer at the run, email me as well - we can use all the help we can get! This is a photograph of me with my daughter and fellow participants at last year's run.
Here is a list of additional Postpartum Support Services and Resources:
Blossom Birth, 650-321-2326
El Camino Hospital’s Maternal Outreach Mood Services, 650-988-7841
Bay Area Postpartum Warmline, 1-888-773-7090
SOLACE, 1-877-SOLACE4
Postpartum Support International, 1800-944-4PPD
www.mededppd.org
http://www.mommiescrytoo.com/
http://1800ppdmoms.org/PSG.html
http://placentabenefits.info/index.asp
Please leave us a comment with resources that you have found helpful or personal strategies you has used to address postpartum depression and anxiety. Together we can continue to spread awareness about PPD and break the silence that keeps many women from reaching out for community and support.
Warm regards,
Mora (Director, Blossom Birth)
Friday, January 8, 2010
Blossom's Devoted Program Manager Announces Our New Childbirth Prep Program for 2010
For those of you who don't know me, I have been part of the Blossom Community for six years- first as a Prenatal Yoga Instructor and then I joined the office staff in the summer of 2007 as Program Manager. My passion for supporting families through their birth experience and beyond began when I was pregnant nine years ago with my first. I learned so much through that first pregnancy, and I wanted to turn around and share what I could with other new families, hopefully giving them a feeling of empowerment through such an amazing life transition. My job at Blossom gives me the chance to meet this goal every day and I never grow tired of working here.
It's really wonderful to come into the office each week and meet so many of you who come through our doors. Some families I may never meet in person, but we've chatted on the phone or exchanged emails. And others I'm sorry I never get the privilege to meet, but I know that my work here is a benefit to you nonetheless.
As Program Manager, one of my jobs is to oversee our curriculum and make sure it is meeting the needs of our community. I spend a lot of time meeting with teachers, paying attention to the needs of our clients, and comparing our program to others in the Bay Area and even beyond. With two years in this role under my belt, I was able to take a deeper look at our Childbirth Prep Program in 2009 and with the support of our devoted instructors, make changes that are sure to benefit every family who chooses to take their classes with Blossom in 2010.
One of these changes includes extending our 4-week Series to 5 weeks to allow more time for questions and a visit from recent "birth graduates" to share their experiences. My partner and I had a similar opportunity nine years ago just after our daughter was born. We connected with one of the couples in the class who was due to have their baby any day. Today, not only does this friendship continue between Kev and me and the other parents, but our daughters are best friends, too, despite living 45 minutes apart. I love witnessing the friendships that "Blossom" and hope this new addition to our birth classes contributes to it.
Another change is the offering of the Series not just as a 5-week evening course, but as a 3-week Saturday or Sunday afternoon course, as well. The classes cover the exact same curriculum, and each is a total of 12 hours of instruction. We hope this will offer more options to our community: the benefit of an in-depth weekly course, without the need to squeeze one more thing in after a busy day at work.
In 2010, we will also offer a completely new class, our Childbirth Prep Intensive (not to be confused with our previous Childbirth Prep Intensive, which was comparable to our evening course, but completed all in one weekend). Our new Childbirth Prep Intensive is a 6-hour overview of the stages of labor, basic coping techniques, and typical hospital procedures. This class will meet the needs of families simply wanting a general idea of what to expect in a hospital setting.
In addition to the changes in our core Childbirth Prep classes, we have also updated our Twins class (and other twin support offerings, as well), offer Private in-home sessions for families who are unable to make it to a regularly scheduled class, and we are working on a class specifically for parents interested in VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) which will be introduced the latter part of 2010. We continue to offer Birthing From Within, the Bradley Method, and Hypnobirthing, Practicing for an Active Birth Workshop, and our Childbirth Prep Refresher. And of course all of our other complimentary classes such as Breastfeeding Basics, Baby Care, and Adjusting to Parenthood. All of these classes, as well as Yoga cards (good for both Prenatal and Mom & Baby Yoga) and many of our Parent-Baby classes are available as part of our flexible Discount Package.
I am confident that we have something to meet the needs of every expectant and new parent. Not sure what classes are right for you? Give us a call- all of us in the office are quite knowledgable about our offerings and can help you figure it out. Hopefully, I will be the lucky one to take your call- meeting new families and helping them get started on their journey to parenthood is another great thing I love about working at Blossom! I look forward to seeing those of you I've already had the honor to meet and meeting all you new folks in 2010.
Love, Jeanna
It's really wonderful to come into the office each week and meet so many of you who come through our doors. Some families I may never meet in person, but we've chatted on the phone or exchanged emails. And others I'm sorry I never get the privilege to meet, but I know that my work here is a benefit to you nonetheless.
As Program Manager, one of my jobs is to oversee our curriculum and make sure it is meeting the needs of our community. I spend a lot of time meeting with teachers, paying attention to the needs of our clients, and comparing our program to others in the Bay Area and even beyond. With two years in this role under my belt, I was able to take a deeper look at our Childbirth Prep Program in 2009 and with the support of our devoted instructors, make changes that are sure to benefit every family who chooses to take their classes with Blossom in 2010.
One of these changes includes extending our 4-week Series to 5 weeks to allow more time for questions and a visit from recent "birth graduates" to share their experiences. My partner and I had a similar opportunity nine years ago just after our daughter was born. We connected with one of the couples in the class who was due to have their baby any day. Today, not only does this friendship continue between Kev and me and the other parents, but our daughters are best friends, too, despite living 45 minutes apart. I love witnessing the friendships that "Blossom" and hope this new addition to our birth classes contributes to it.
Another change is the offering of the Series not just as a 5-week evening course, but as a 3-week Saturday or Sunday afternoon course, as well. The classes cover the exact same curriculum, and each is a total of 12 hours of instruction. We hope this will offer more options to our community: the benefit of an in-depth weekly course, without the need to squeeze one more thing in after a busy day at work.
In 2010, we will also offer a completely new class, our Childbirth Prep Intensive (not to be confused with our previous Childbirth Prep Intensive, which was comparable to our evening course, but completed all in one weekend). Our new Childbirth Prep Intensive is a 6-hour overview of the stages of labor, basic coping techniques, and typical hospital procedures. This class will meet the needs of families simply wanting a general idea of what to expect in a hospital setting.
In addition to the changes in our core Childbirth Prep classes, we have also updated our Twins class (and other twin support offerings, as well), offer Private in-home sessions for families who are unable to make it to a regularly scheduled class, and we are working on a class specifically for parents interested in VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) which will be introduced the latter part of 2010. We continue to offer Birthing From Within, the Bradley Method, and Hypnobirthing, Practicing for an Active Birth Workshop, and our Childbirth Prep Refresher. And of course all of our other complimentary classes such as Breastfeeding Basics, Baby Care, and Adjusting to Parenthood. All of these classes, as well as Yoga cards (good for both Prenatal and Mom & Baby Yoga) and many of our Parent-Baby classes are available as part of our flexible Discount Package.
I am confident that we have something to meet the needs of every expectant and new parent. Not sure what classes are right for you? Give us a call- all of us in the office are quite knowledgable about our offerings and can help you figure it out. Hopefully, I will be the lucky one to take your call- meeting new families and helping them get started on their journey to parenthood is another great thing I love about working at Blossom! I look forward to seeing those of you I've already had the honor to meet and meeting all you new folks in 2010.
Love, Jeanna
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