Is “cake” the first thing you think of when you hear the word placenta? Me neither. Cake is the Latin word for placenta, but envisioning a forkful of placenta cake after the birth of my little girl was the last thing on my mind. When our midwife asked me what I wanted to do with my placenta and suggested having it encapsulated, I shrugged and agreed. At the time, I had no idea what encapsulation was, or even what to do with it. A couple days later she showed up with a bottle of capsules, just like any other supplement, and gave me dosing instructions for an optimal transition and balanced postpartum period. I looked at her, looked at my partner, opened the bottle, and popped two pills like Flinstone vitamins as a child. I shrugged again and thought, “What could it hurt?”
At the time, I didn’t realize how much I benefited from the goodness of my placenta pills. Now as a professional of the birthing community, I can easily reflect on my speedy recovery. I only had to wear those goofy mesh panties for a few days, and my bleeding had completely stopped in less than two weeks; I had cantaloupe sized breasts with enough milk to feed a small village; The word “migraine” seemed to have gotten lost in translation; I became a master of the Scrabble board and didn’t need to sleep until I defeated those who were up for the challenge; And most importantly, with a history of depression and anxiety, I cherished ever moment of my new family without any trace of the “Baby Blues” or panic attacks. I was inspired to learn and share this profound discovery in hopes that all families would be blessed with a similar transition to what I experienced.
Just like every person, every birth is different, as well as every placenta. Even though there aren’t specific clinical statistics around the benefits of human Placentophagy (consuming placentas), clinical research teamed with theoretical studies offer much reassuring evidence. The placenta’s hormones have been known to release higher levels of bonding chemicals, increase milk supply and quality, boost the Mother’s immune system (and if she’s breastfeeding, immune boosters are also passed to the baby), help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy state, and minimize pain from the labors of giving birth. Many of these hormones that are present in the placenta, when ingested, are naturally reintroduced without side effects for the Mother or risks to the tiny, vulnerable baby.
The process that I use to encapsulate placentas is based on practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to the Chinese, much of the body’s heat or “Chi” (our life force) is stripped during pregnancy and labors of birthing, and needs to be replenished in the postpartum period. To restore the “Chi” I use practices of TCM to gently clean, steam, dehydrate, and powder the placenta in preparation for consumption. In addition to these beliefs of restoring the “Chi”, the purpose of the mother ingesting supplement-like placenta is to reintroduce the beneficial vitamins, minerals, hormones, proteins, and other nutrients to her body following labor and birth. Each placenta produces approximately 70-150 capsules, which are taken 3 times a day for the first two weeks or until a feeling of balance is attained. Because it is dehydrated for preservation, it can be stored for many years and taken in times of transition, loss, imbalance, or even menopause. This medicine is created specifically for that mama only, and individual results may vary.
In addition to making medicine, time is taken to honor the allure of this organ by creating one-of-a-kind keepsakes that go along with it. Placenta prints are a way for families to see the size and shape of the placenta, and why it is often referred to as the “Tree of Life”, and the umbilical cord keepsake is another unique complement. They are all presented as a gift of health, courage, and beauty.
There varying thoughts and opinions around the purpose of the placenta after a birth – whether it be considered infectious waste by medical practitioners, or the Tree of Life by earth loving hippies, it is still capable of providing many benefits to Mothers and babies after the birth. This all leads me to ask one question – Who wouldn’t want a “piece of cake” transition into parenthood?
For more information visit: www.yourearthbirth.com or contact Nichole Johnson at info@yourearthbirth.com.
By Lorene Nardell, MS, OTR, BCB-PMD
This free 2 part course is designed to help participants develop a personal plan and practice techniques for pelvic health in pregnancy and beyond. Over the years as a pelvic floor therapist I have been able to share some simple and effective techniques which are easy to learn and practice in order to improve the overall health of the pelvic floor. This class is a first step in addressing personal pelvic floor problems through education and development of a self-help program, however, follow up with a skilled pelvic floor therapist may very well be indicated in certain cases. A group setting of this nature will not offer time for individual analysis of problems with the therapist, but will be a useful tool in understanding the issues you may be facing and beginning to address them with easy to learn and safe techniques.
The class will first focus on education provided during therapy sessions regarding common pelvic floor disorders, anatomy and functioning of the pelvic floor, and treatments for dysfunction of pelvic floor muscles. Participants will be able to create an outline for a personalized program and be given a list of resources, including books, handouts, websites, and local community providers. Some of the common problems women may experience, often beginning with child birth, include bladder and bowel incontinence, prolapse of internal pelvic organs, untreated scar tissue including c-section scars, pelvic pain and painful intercourse, abdominal separation, and lack of education regarding exercise before and after birth. Prevention and management of these issues is crucial in order to avoid disruption to meaningful daily activities now and further problems as we age.
In the second class you will learn and practice techniques based on the needs you identify in the level 1 class. This class will be tailored to the participants as much as possible. Unfortunately, many of the clients I have worked with have never been accurately taught and/or accurately learned how to perform kegel exercises by health care providers and other community resources. There is plenty of evidence that pelvic floor exercises, when done correctly, are very effective in strengthening the pelvic floor and alleviating incontinence issues. Why then do so many people say that they tried those exercises and never had success? Poor education is typically the culprit in my experience. Correct performance of kegels will be taught in each level 2 class, as well as other stretches and exercises for pregnancy and beyond, use of vaginal weights, dilators, and supportive garments, self-myofascial stretching techniques, pain management, and much more.
Expect to leave this class feeling more confident, educated and ready to pursue better pelvic health. Women of all ages can benefit from a class of this nature, so bring fellow moms, moms-to-be, your mother, and grandmother! Every woman needs to know more about this often neglected area in our health and well-being. Don’t wait until problems keep you from living life to the fullest! You don’t have to be one of the many, many women I see who are wearing pads every day or avoiding activities, even avoiding leaving the house.
If any of the following statements pertain to you, definitely don’t pass up this free class!
- I experience urinary and/or bowel leakage.
- I feel intense pressure in the pelvic region.
- I have scarring from surgeries in the pelvic and abdominal region.
- I have pelvic pain.
- My partner and I can’t have sex or don’t enjoy it due to pain with intercourse.
- I was told I have prolapsed pelvic organs.
- I don’t know enough about safe exercise and abdominal separation.
- I was told I need surgery, but they never mentioned therapy. What are all my options?
- I urinate frequently (every hour or two).
- I have accidents when I get the urge to go to the bathroom.
- I feel like my daily activities are restricted because of leakage and/or pain.
- I’m not sure I am doing the kegel correctly.
- I wear a pad, just in case.
About the Class Instructor: Lorene Nardell, MS, OTR, BCB-PMD has been treating pelvic floor disorders at Summit Rehab since 2007. She has specialized certification from the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance for treatment of pelvic muscle dysfunction. Lorene has further specialization in manual therapy for the pelvic floor, mentoring new therapists and educating the public. She also teaches the “Be Fit for Baby” prenatal and postnatal movement class, and weekly Tai Chi classes in Longmont. Lorene is the mother of a 2 year old, a mom-to-be, and a fitness and outdoors enthusiast.
Please RSVP: Lindy, Outpatient Assistant, at Summit Rehab, 303-513-7013 OR Lorene at lorenenardell@gmail.com
Location & Time: Weekly on Fridays, 11:30am – 12:30pm, starting in December at the Boulder Birth Community Classroom, 4800 Riverbend Rd, Suite 100 in Boulder.
My first baby was born at home. This was a beautiful experience and I couldn’t imagine giving birth anywhere but home from then on. When I got pregnant with my second child my husband and I decided that since my in laws were living with us, we would opt to have the birth at Foothills hospital with Boulder Nurse-Midwives. This was a very hard decision for me at first. I was worried and reluctant. I had so many concerns, but I agreed to consider this option since I knew it would be best for my family. I was impressed that everything I had loved about being at home, aside from being at home, the Boulder Nurse-Midwives could accommodate at the hospital. Once the baby came my care was superior to what I had expected. The continued monitoring that accompanied the birth made the transition so relaxing and reassuring. I loved giving birth at home, I am a firm supporter of home births. I understand and value the benefits of this environment for childbirth and the unique care that a home birth midwife can offer. After experiencing both types of care and both being healthy successful births- I suggest any woman that previously had a home birth to consider working with Boulder Nurse-Midwives. I’m not sure that this kind of similarity in care would be possible in any other town or hospital, or with any other group of midwives. This is truly a unique practice. Since this birth I can confidently say the next time I am pregnant I will be under the care of Boulder Nurse-Midwives.
Lisa Waldo CD, PCD (DONA)
As a doula, I have had the pleasure of attending births with Merrilynn, Angela, Sarit and Kala. 100% of my clients have been delighted with the care given to them by the Boulder Nurse Midwives during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum period. Often I hear this fantastic team of women referred to as birth angels by my families. I continue to be humbled by the Boulder Nurse Midwives’ commitment to their patients, their work is truly a labor of love!
www.balancedbeginningsdoulas.com
Diastasis Recti is the cause of the mummy tummy and the Tupler Technique® is the only research-based program shown to heal diastasis recti.
Course description:
This is a 6-week course broken up into 3 meetings and 7-hours of instruction. We meet 3 x over the course of 6 weeks. Students will have daily exercises to do when we are not in session.
This class is for mothers of any age from 3 weeks to 40 years postpartum. It does not matter when or how you had your baby.
You will learn:
In class 1 you will learn what diastasis recti is, it’s effect on the body, basic abdominal and pelvic floor anatomy, exercises to avoid, theory of the Tupler Technique®, how to wear the Diastasis Rehab® splint, and the first two Tupler Technique® exercises. We will also take before measurements and photos.
In class 2 you will review anatomy and the first two Tupler Technique® exercises. You will also learn exercise progressions. We will also take week 3 measurements. This class meets 3 weeks into the program.
In class 3 you will learn a full body workout addressing the unique needs of the woman’s body. This workout pays close attention to the structural needs of the pelvic floor, abdominals, glutes, and upper back. We will also take week 6 photos and measurements. This class meets 6 weeks into the program.
This class is right for you if:
-You are experiencing low back pain, digestive distress, or urinary incontinence
-You want to learn how to effectively strengthen your abdominal muscles
-You have been diagnosed with diastasis recti
-You are not happy with the appearance of your abdomen following pregnancy
-No matter how many abdominal exercises you do, you cannot get rid of the abdominal pooch or distended look
-You have an umbilical hernia or are at risk for other types of hernias
For more information:
Please visit www.PeainthePodFitness.com/tupler-technique for more details and to register
You may also contact Abby Kurtz directly at:
303-351-2348 or Abby.Kurtz@PeainthePodFitness.com
We are so grateful you were a part of Emmeline’s birth. Thank you for creating BNM. What a gift to this community! Jordin
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- group prenatal visits,
- prenatal classes,
- yoga,
- acupuncture,
- breastfeeding classes and support,
- nutrition workshops,
- a post partum support group,
- a lecture series that focuses on relationships and parenting
- and much more.
In an effort to support the arts, the BBCC will have a rotating art gallery where people can come and enjoy the creativity that abounds in this community. Our first featured artist is Amy Swagman who creates mandalas.
Amy Swagman, local doula and fine artist, began making mandalas to prepare for the birth of her third daughter. Creating these pieces helped her to envision (and ultimately create) her ideal birth as well as meditate to prepare for labor. Since her daughter’s arrival the mandala project has broadened to draw from other women’s experiences of their births. Through her art she hopes to change the climate of birth from fear to empowerment and convey feminine energy. You can view Amy’s art at themandalajourney.com.
Our other artist is Anne O’Brien. Anne knits and has created a series of boiled wool, boot slippers for the Boulder Birth Community Classroom. These slippers will be for sale in the BBCC. Each pair of slippers are individually different, colorful, pieces of art. The slippers are displayed to represent the postpartum period. We believe that women should be at home after having their babies and be in their “slippers” for two weeks being taken care of. The incidence of postpartum depression drops tremendously when women can have support postpartum by being cared for, cooked for, and by receiving adequate rest.
We will also have a lending library where people can borrow and donate books and videos. We will limit the donations to books related to pregnancy, women’s health and childcare and rearing. We are hoping to create an atmosphere where people will come and be comfortable, have a cup of tea and enjoy conversation with other women and their families.
Let’s continue to build community and support our families.
Merrilynn