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The Sacred Art of Birthing
By Catherine Quaglia
as printed in the Fall 2008 issue of Island Child


There was a time when women did not have prenatal classes, they did not read books about birth, nor did they learn about birth through television shows. In this time, the mothers in her community would initiate a pregnant woman into motherhood. She was prepared through stories and witnessing her mother, her sister, or her auntie giving birth as a normal part of life. 

When the birth-day came, she would engage in an intimate dance with her body and her baby, drawing upon her intuitive knowing that would guide her in labour as she moved, ate, drank, howled and birthed her baby. If she felt unsafe in the space where she was birthing, her body in its perfect wisdom would slow down or stop her contractions until she could find a safe place to give birth. Upon birth, her baby would be brought to her breast embracing the intimate relationship between herself and her baby.

This sacred wisdom of birthing, listening to ones intuitive voice, is often lost in our culture of information. We are all doing our best, gathering information, reading books, and attending classes, with the positive intention of having a ‘good birth’. We hope that we will know exactly what to do when we step through those gates of labour. However, for many women when they are in the depths of labour, they are not trying to remember what they read on page seven of their class four handout. What they are trying to do is find their way through the contraction they are in and make it to the other side. As they listen to their intuitive voice that is telling them how to move, howl, let go and cry, they connect with those women that have given birth before them, they connect with the most intimate part of themselves and with their baby, they connect with their rite of passage.

Women have an abundance of information available to them regarding pregnancy, labour and birth. There are great books out there and fantastic prenatal classes. Since most women will not witness a birth until they give birth themselves, these resources can be valuable tools as expectant parents explore how they may experience the journey of birth. It is in finding a balance between the information we gather, and trusting the wisdom that we already possess that we find our power and strength. 

Consider how you are already connecting with your intuitive wisdom now. Notice how you are moving in pregnancy, when you know you need to rest, drink or just breathe in the moment. This wisdom is something women are already tapping into even before they give birth. It is this same wisdom that can be accessed in labour as we connect to the sacred art of birthing. 

Midwives Deliver Services for Expectant and New Parents
by Dave Traynor
as printed in the Winter 2007 issue of Island Child


Midwives are celebrating 10 years of regulated fully-funded midwifery in British Columbia, yet some people still do not realize the options midwives provide to pregnant and birthing women and their babies. BC was the second province in Canada to legalize this ancient profession. Most provinces in Canada have now recognized midwives’ role in normal childbirth and have legalized and fostered the growth of this profession.

Midwives are specialists in normal birth. They complete a four-year University midwifery education program in Canada or the equivalent, prior to licensure with the College of Midwives. They are trained to deal with obstetric, fetal, and neonatal emergencies. In the event that a pregnancy becomes more complicated or high risk, midwives continue to support their clients while transferring care or sharing care with an obstetrician, the specialists in high risk births.

While many people focus attention on the delivery, midwifery care is actually about much more than just the day the baby is born. Prenatal care includes discussion of applicable tests, of course, to ensure that there are no surprises later in the pregnancy. Midwives can draw blood, arrange ultrasounds, and assess the health of mother and baby through a range of activities. Women are encouraged to bring partners, friends or parents to their visits, which generally last 30 to 45 minutes. As the due date approaches, the frequency of visits increases and women will often meet another midwife or midwives in the practice who may be at the birth. Midwives work to ensure that women are comfortable with their care provider (or care providers). If a woman delivers in the hospital, the midwife is usually assisted by local nursing staff at the time of birth. For a home delivery, another midwife or a specialized second attendant comes to the home to assist.

For many women, it is the midwifery post partum care that is highly valued. After the birth, a midwife will visit the new mom and baby either in the hospital or at home many times in the early days, tailoring care to the needs of the woman and her baby through to six weeks post delivery.

Midwives are also valuable sources of information about parenting and other resources in their local area. Access Midwifery in Victoria has an extensive listing of local resources at www.accessmidwifery.ca/resources. Similar lists may be available through other midwifery practices or through the Midwives Association of BC website, at 
www.mabc.ca.

Just Say Spahhh
By Ann Douglas
as printed in the Spring 2007 issue of Island Child


Here are the basic DOs and DON’Ts of “spa-ing” for two.

First Trimester
DO remember to spill the beans about your pregnancy the moment you call to book your day at the spa. That way, the staff will be able to help you steer clear of any treatments that are not recommended for mothers-to-be ~ basically any treatment that involves high temperatures (whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, heat wraps, etc.) or the use of any herbal or botanical products that could potentially be harmful to the developing baby.

DON’T forget to let the therapist or esthetician who is treating you know if you are battling morning sickness. Once the person administering your treatment is aware of the problem, she can take steps to ensure that the treatment room is well ventilated and she can avoid using any strongly scented spa products that might inadvertently trigger your nausea. 

Second Trimester
DO indulge yourself in a mid-pregnancy facial. Facial treatments designed to unplug oily pores can help to minimize the severity of the hormonally-driven acne breakouts that are a pregnancy rite-of-passage for many moms-to-be.

DON’T go near the tanning bed. Not only is the heat from the tanning bed potentially harmful to your developing baby, but the manmade “suntan” you acquire in the tanning bed will only serve to accentuate the butterfly-shaped area of pigmentation that can occur on the cheeks and forehead ~ the so-called “mask of pregnancy.”

Third Trimester
DO treat those tired tootsies to an ultra-soothing foot massage and pedicure. Trying to apply nail polish to your own toe nails is pretty much impossible at this stage of the game, so let someone else give you the ultimate pre-labor send-off: some fire engine red toenails to flash while you’re giving birth. (Oh, baby!)

DON’T overlook your belly. Instead of neglecting your belly, treat it to a moisturizing body scrub. This particular spa treatment will help you to get rid of the buildup of dead skin cells that can otherwise lead to an itchy belly; a perennial source of annoyance for moms-to-be. At the same time, it will help replenish some of the moisture that’s being lost as a result of hormone-induced skin dehydration.

Conception Planning
By Dr. Deirdre O’Neill
as printed in the Spring 2007 issue of Island Child


When couples are planning their family, they need to also consider conception planning from a health standpoint. This time in preparation for a child can bring the family together and educate the couple in a wellness based model. Since our environment dictates our level of health and wellness, preparing the vessel promotes a healthy pregnancy. This concept can be likened to gardening. In the spring, a garden’s soil is enriched and cared for prior to planting the seeds. This soil preparation enhances the yield of a healthy crop. In much the same way does a couple’s preparation for conception ease the pregnancy and set the stage for a healthy baby and family. With today’s environment under duress, this vital care for optimal health is ideal for all couples, not just for those having fertility concerns. 

For those couples having fertility issues, working on enhancing both of their health parameters is essential. The man’s health is always considered in the equation. Reproductive specialists look to make sure there are not any outright imbalances causing the couple difficulty in conceiving. It is also important to look at why these imbalances are present in the body. By supporting the organs, we can naturally bring the body back into its state of balance and enhance the likelihood of conception. Essentially, a woman’s body will wait to conceive until the body’s health is at its best. 

Following the trend that couples are planning to have children later in life, it is important to look at achieving wellness prior to conception. With age, there is an accumulation of toxins from the environment and a reduction in strength of our organs. A cleanse may be appropriate for the couple to reduce the body’s burden of chemicals and to reduce the chemicals that can be passed onto the baby. As well, a woman needs to address her nutrition and strengthen her organs involved in carrying a baby, like the blood, adrenals and liver. As a baby will gather what it needs during the pregnancy, the reserves gained from this preconception work will support the mother through the pregnancy and beyond. 

It is exciting to work with couples during this preconception period. Naturopathic doctors support the couple’s health through nutrition, homeopathy, physical medicine and botanical medicine. What couples learn about their bodies in this wellness based model of medicine can be extended into their health prevention plan as their family grows. 

A Doula To Help You
By Kathryn Eagleheart
as printed in the Spring 2007 issue of Island Child


Having a baby is one of the most amazing opportunities we have as humans! First we have the joy and wonder at watching the mother’s body change and grow during pregnancy, followed by the powers of labour and the beauty of the birth! Then the love and awe of a new, tiny, baby for us to care for and nurture, and be nurtured by! Unfortunately, babies do not come with a “how-to” manual! While women’s bodies know how to birth a baby, there are many ways we can help this birth unfold. There is also much we can learn about how to be with our new babies, to help us really enjoy this time. This is where a Doula can help you!

A Labour/Birth or Postpartum Doula is a person who is trained to give emotional and physical support during labour and birth, and after the baby is born. She is there in addition to the midwife or doctor. Her role is to support both parents in creating the birth that they desire, and setting up their new family in the way that works for them. She offers coping skills for each phase the family goes through. She is there to nurture, guide, educate and prepare.

A Labour/Birth Doula visits during pregnancy to set up a relationship with the parents, and to help them prepare for the labour and birth, and for the caring of the new baby. She then arrives once labour begins, remaining by the mother’s side until a few hours after the birth. During labour, she offers calming, accepting support in whatever way is needed, and by encouraging and supporting both parents as they work together. She helps them make a safe place within which to give birth. After the birth, she provides a few more visits to help with baby care, breastfeeding, offering emotional support and community referrals. 

A Postpartum Doula continues this care, coming as often as needed to help the parents adjust to parenthood. She demonstrates baby care, offers lots of emotional support and helps with breastfeeding. She encourages them in building their support network, connects them with their community programs and helps out around the house and with siblings. This helps give the parents the opportunity to really connect with and get to know their new baby, or get some much needed rest!

Some Doulas are predominantly Labour/Birth, or Postpartum, while others offer both labour/birth and postpartum support. They are all trained in some of the changes women can expect in their bodies and emotional states, as well as what the baby and father or partner may be going through. Her training may or may not include certification. 

One of the key factors in choosing a Doula, is finding one that you feel a connection to. She will be with you during one of the most sacred, intense and magical times of your life! To find a doula from Victoria to Nanaimo, you can go to www.doulasofvictoria.ca, or search on the websites of DONA, CAPPA, ALACE, GBI or Childbirth International, or simply “google” doulas in your area. Also try mothering stores (Mothering Touch in Victoria, Natural Mother Store in Nanaimo) and your midwife/doctor’s office.

There is no greater joy than bringing a baby into the world! To really get the very most we can out of this time, we need all the support we can get. Having a Doula can give you the support that you need!

Have No Fear When Labour Is Near
By Mary Hebden, Childbirth Educator
as printed in the December/January 2007 issue of Island Child


It is not surprising that women fear birth. From books, to television, to the Internet ~ so much information on birth paints a picture of an experience fraught with danger and unbearable pain. But in fact, birth is a normal, natural and healthy process. Women who trust in their ability to give birth and surround themselves with supportive and encouraging family and caregivers are not afraid of and find great satisfaction in giving birth.

Fear of pain can overwhelm a woman during her pregnancy and often is the driving force behind scheduled epidurals and elective cesarean surgeries. However, pain (not suffering), plays an important role during birth - it protects a woman’s body, can be a guide to finding comfort and helps labour progress. Actively responding to the pain of contractions by using techniques, such as changing positions, massage and moaning, strengthens contractions, helps the baby settle into the pelvis and move through the birth canal, and reduces pain perception. Research suggests that eliminating pain during birth completely can prolong labour, cause stress to the mother and baby, and increase the likelihood of cesarean surgery. Women who learn ways to work with pain, rather than eliminate it, increase their chances of having a complication-free, highly satisfying birth. 

As perhaps one of the most effective teaching tools, childbirth education can help women work through their fears and become confident in their ability to give birth. In Lamaze classes, women and their birth partners learn proven ways to ease the pain of contractions and facilitate the progress of labour. Lamaze childbirth education assists women in making personal decisions that are right for them by providing evidence-based information, helping develop personal birth plans and encouraging women to choose a supportive care provider and place of birth. The right care provider and birth site can mean the difference between a positive birth experience and a negative one. “A caregiver and birth site will significantly influence a woman’s labour and birth experience,” says Judith A. Lothian, RN, PhD, LCCE, FACCE, author of The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence. “Caregivers should make a woman feel secure, relieving her fear and reservations about birth.” 

Labour support is another powerful antidote to fear. Whether it is a spouse, birth assistant, such as a doula, or an attentive labour and delivery nurse, continuous labour support is vital to reducing a woman’s fear and helping her manage pain. “When [the pain] was really bad, my husband kept me calm,” said Katie Bowen, a mother who had her second child in June. “Having someone else there to offer comfort helped me so much; I couldn’t have done it alone.” Being surrounded by positive, supportive family and caregivers helps a woman remain calm and stay confident. Women’s bodies are designed perfectly to labour and birth. Learning to trust in her body helps a woman overcome fear. Of her first birth experience, mother Krishell Bigger said, “I had to trust my instincts that everything would be ok and I could get through [birth] - that was key for me. I was able to stay extremely calm and relaxed throughout the entire process.” 

Herbs For Pregnancy
By Nicola Cusi, Medical Herbalist
as printed in the December/January 2007 issue of Island Child


When looking at the question if herbs are safe to use in pregnancy, we have to take following under account: There is very little scientific research done to test the safety of herbs in pregnancy, during nursing and in use with small children. For obvious ethical reasons we would not allow human testing that could possibly risk the health or life of the fetus or baby. That means that we will often find the warning ‘not to use in pregnancy and during lactation’ on the label of herbal remedies. But that does not mean that under the guidance of an experienced herbalist, especially in team work with a midwife/doula and gynaecologist, that we cannot use any of those herbs. Herbalists that are well aware of the medicinal actions, the possible side-effects and risks, can very well judge if a certain remedy is safe to use in a specific case.

Pregnancy and childbirth are natural and healthy processes, and do not need any herbal or other intervention until any complications occur. Be aware of any “pregnancy teas” or remedies for “speedy and easy delivery”. When everything goes well, there is no reason for “speeding up” the birth. Herbs, as natural and often gentle they may be, should be considered as medicine and should not be administered if there is no reason for medication. 
Most herbal constituents go right into the bloodstream of the baby, and what is gentle for the mother, might be an easy overdose for the fetus.

There are whole groups of herbs that pose a high risk and are generally not used in the case of pregnancy. They include those containing hepatotoxic alkaloids (such as Comfrey root and Coltsfoot), those that strongly promote bowel peristalsis (such as Senna or Cascara Sagrada), those containing cardio active glycosides (Lilly of the Valley) or those with known hormonal properties (Hops, Monks pepper, Licorice), strong anthelmintics (killing worm and other parasites such as Wormwood), or those known to irritate the whole pelvic area, stimulate uterine contractions and promote menstrual flow.

Some herbs are considered unsafe here in the western culture, but are traditionally used in many other countries for pregnancy or childbirth (such as Angelica sinensis, Ginger, Ginseng). Looking for the advice of an experienced herbalist will help you understand how those plants work, what exactly their action in the body is and what the possible side effects and risks are. Use those herbs, if at all, with special care. We do have a wide range of medicinal plants which are gentle enough to cause no risk for the mother or the growing fetus and can be extremely helpful for many of the typical complaints during pregnancy. 

To give just a few examples:
morning sickness ~ chew on a piece of candied ginger before eating, and nibble on a dry cracker first thing in the morning. (Mint, Lemonbalm, Ginger, German Chamomile - not more than 1 cup a day - Fennel, the juice of raw potatoes is used a lot in Europe to help against morning sickness). 

Emotional swings and fatigue: 
Chamomile, Lemonbalm, Dandelion root, Oat straw, Motherwort

Headaches: 
Lime flowers, Oats, Lavender, Vervain, Skullcap, Lemonbalm

Heartburn: 
A spoon of slippery elm powder made into a paste before each meal, German Chamomile, Marshmallow, Dandelion root 

Iron deficiency: 
Nettles, Raspberry leaves, Yellow dock, Kelp and other seaweeds 

Sciatica pain:
Hypericum oil topically, Hemp seed oil, Viburnum spp.

There is a wide range of natural health products available in many stores. Be prudent and seek advice if you feel you need any herbal remedy in the first three months of pregnancy. To get the best results while minimizing the risks, consult your herbalist, midwife and gynecologist. The treatment should always start with a thorough examination to identify the cause of the complaint, and should include nutritional and lifestyle advice. As a team we can give a well balanced information that empowers the becoming mum to make her own educated decisions and allow her to take responsibility for her own body and her baby. 

Exploring Waterbirth
By Nicole Katerberg Colibaba, owner With Child
as printed in the October/November 2006 issue of Island Child

The idea of settling in to a deep hot bath appeals to the majority of women at various times in their lives. Whether dealing with menstrual cramps or a broken heart, generations of women have escaped to a deep tub and the relief of warm water. It should come as no surprise then, that many women feel drawn to the water to labour, and even for the birth of their baby. When I first came across the concept of waterbirth, it didn’t strike me as something I would choose. Still, as I researched birth and investigated options for the gentle homebirth I wanted, I came across more and more information about the benefits of waterbirth.

How is Waterbirth Even Possible?

s soon as waterbirth even became a possibility in my mind, the obvious question came to mind…Won’t the baby drown? Babies spend the first 9 months of their lives in water. Embraced in the amniotic fluid, they happily swallow the fluid, receiving all of their oxygen through their umbilical cord. When waterbabies are born, they continue to receive their oxygen through the umbilical cord. The initiation of breathing is not triggered until they are either exposed to air, or the umbilical cord stops providing them with their oxygen. The cord is not clamped or cut until the baby has initiated breathing. This not only prevents the newborn from drowning, but allows the baby to learn to breathe gradually and gently. Though the baby is generally brought to the surface directly, it is not rushed and the baby benefits from a gentle transition to the air, light and sound.

What Are the Benefits?
While baby benefits from going from like to like (amniotic fluid to water), the mother also benefits from immersion. Immediately upon entering the water, many women feel a sense of relief. Though the water does not take the labour away, mothers report feeling better able to cope in the water. Sometimes the difference is not noticed until the woman tries to get out of the water-many women report being desperate to get back in. The water, when deep enough, reduces the effects of gravity, which provides the woman with a sense of weightlessness. The water also distributes the pressure of the contractions on her body, further increasing her ability to manage her labour. Other benefits include: lowering raised blood pressure, increased elasticity (less chance of tearing, ladies!) and, contrary to one of the common concerns about waterbirth, there may even be the possibility of reduced chance of infection, due to the dilution of any germs or bacteria which could be present.

Why Isn’t Everyone Jumping in?
Waterbirth isn’t for everyone. It just doesn’t appeal to some. Others very much enjoy labouring in the water, but feel the need to get out for the birth. Just as with any birth option or ‘method’, it is important for each individual woman to listen to her body and what feels right for her. There are also situations that contraindicate underwater birth, and women should consult with their caregivers if any concerns arise. Unfortunately, waterbirth is not always an available option to all who wish it. Although most midwives will gladly attend a waterbirth, there are very few hospitals in our province that will allow it. Some simply do not yet have protocols, so if you would like a waterbirth-ask! Let them know you would like it. Many hospitals around the province have started to install tubs in their birthing rooms, but even if yours doesn’t, inquire as to whether you can bring in your own.

Options to Consider
A variety of venues may be used for waterbirths. Though in other parts of the world waterbirths may take place in a warm sea, here in Canada, most waterbirths require some kind of tub or pool. Some women are happy to merely sit in water in their bath tub or a children’s paddling pool, this provides them with the comfort of water, heat and the tissue elasticity. However, for the all the benefits of deep immersion, as well as increased mobility, the water should ideally come to at least nipple height, when sitting. There are pools and tubs available for rent or sale. They vary in size, price, and features which may include firmness of walls, heaters and even jets. 

Reiki and Pregnancy
By Cathy Simons, Reiki Master
as printed in the October/November 2006 issue of Island Child

My daughter and I would like to share our experience with reiki and her recent pregnancy and birth of a beautiful baby girl. 

Reiki, meaning Universal Life Force energy, is a gentle and supportive modality which is a wonderful tool in offering comfort, healing and relaxation for anyone, but especially for an expectant mother. The gift of bringing a new life into the world is magical and also fraught with challenges, which many mothers will attest to. Pregnancy is an exciting time for a woman whether it is the first time or not. As the physical body changes in form for the growing babe, Mom can become emotional and fatigued, nauseous and more, for some throughout the entirety of the pregnancy. Reiki brings balance to the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, relieving tension on all levels. A session will also bring the Mother an opportunity to completely relax and be at peace while allowing the spiritual bond to mesh with the child. Becoming attuned to reiki energy early in pregnancy, or experiencing sessions throughout the pregnancy, deepens the Mother’s connection to her body, the baby and the whole birth experience.

This was my daughter’s second pregnancy, and with a 3-year-old son at home, it was at times difficult for her to get enough rest and she was also seriously nauseous throughout pretty much the whole pregnancy. Not having experienced this the first time, it was a surprise to have to deal with it this time around. For her health, and the baby’s, she was finally put on a medication to stop the constant nausea and things were fine from then. I am a Reiki Master teacher so it was natural for me to attune her and offer the support of reiki on a regular basis. At times it was useful for calming her emotions or the usual aches and pains towards the end of the pregnancy. It was a delicate time and we found reiki to be very gentle and beautifully supportive. 

Having chosen a midwife and home water birth, reiki contributed in many ways. During labour she was confident, calm and felt safe to allow her body to let go and flow with the natural rhythm of the birthing process. The combination of being in warm water and the Reiki she was receiving was soothing, relaxing and relieved much of the pain and discomfort. With the help of the midwife and myself the baby was quickly delivered after three strong pushes. My daughter still marvels at how smoothly it all took place and how peaceful the whole experience was. Our beautiful baby girl was welcomed into this world with reiki. Her name is Faith and it suits her perfectly. 

We are blessed with Faith and the gift of Reiki.

10 Reasons to Take Prenatal Classes
by Heather McCue, Doula
as printed in the August/September 2006 issue of Island Child

1. Taking classes may help reduce some of the anxieties you may have surrounding your upcoming childbirth experience. In class, you will come to have a better understanding of what to expect during your late pregnancy, labour and birth, and early postpartum period.

2. You will have an opportunity to learn about your various pregnancy and childbirth options. You can only make the right decisions for you and your baby when you have the right information to draw from.

3. In class, you will come to better understand the physical and emotional changes that are a part of pregnancy and birth. By increasing your familiarity with these things, you can feel better prepared with your adventures ahead.

4. You will learn about the various comfort measures available to you in labour. Through in-class practice, you will have the opportunity to figure out which comfort measures feel good for you and will make for a more satisfying experience.

5. You will discover the many community resources and support services available to you in your area.

6. Taking classes can help foster discussion between you and your birth partner on various topics you may not have previously considered discussing.

7. You will be exposed to various views on childbirth, and be better able to choose what style fits you.

8. If you are taking group prenatal classes, you will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with other people just like yourself. If you are taking private classes, you will have the opportunity to have personal and detailed attention to your questions and concerns.

9. You will learn the basics of breastfeeding. Though it may be hard to completely understand this dynamic relationship previous to your birth, you will learn what you need to get off on the right foot.

10. Lastly, you will be reminded of how amazing your body is, and how it was made to be able to birth your own baby. By listening to your own instincts, you will make the best decisions for your new family.

The Pregnant Woman’s Pedicure
Matisse Day Spa
as printed in the August/September 2006 issue of Island Child

You are in your eighth month of pregnancy, it is a hot summer day and your tired, swollen feet are hidden below your beautiful pregnant belly. Take a stroll through downtown Duncan and enter Matisse Day Spa, where the licensed estheticians and body workers here have not only been treating your feet but pampering your body with their full line of spa services for over five years.

The ladies at Matisse use Gehwol as their foot care line, and receive advanced training to add to their knowledge gained through their schooling. This gives the staff the added bonus of being true “foot care” providers, rather than just delivering a great pedicure with pretty polish. Staff are trained to recognize various foot health issues and can alert people to the need to talk to their health care provider. They are also able to take care of those calloused feet, plantar warts, corns and fungus ~ as any pregnant woman knows, it is hard to tend to the tootsies with a big belly!! Matisse boasts the use of Zoya polish. In comparison to other premium polishes, Zoya is formaldehyde and toluene-free, which means that it is safe for pregnant and nursing women, babies and even animals.

As an added bonus, Matisse Day Spa recognizes how difficult it is for many people to get out and take care of themselves once the babes arrive. To that end, they will now be offering childminding to parents while they are in treatment at the Spa. This fabulous and definitely needed service, will begin this Fall and is on a first-come, first-served, space available, basis.

Matisse Day Spa is the place to go for the pregnant woman’s pedicure! Their calm and inviting atmosphere is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of preparing your world for an upcoming baby. Keep checking in with Matisse as they add services and make other changes to reflect the developing Spa industry!

What is the Triple Marker Screen Test?
by Jenn Hewko, Registered Midwife
as printed in the August/September 2006 issue of Island Child

The Triple Marker Screen Test is a test that involves drawing some of the mother’s blood around 15 to 20 weeks estimated gestational age. The test screens for three conditions in the unborn baby; Down’s Syndrome - DS, Neural Tube Defects - NTD (including Spina Bifida), and Trisomy 18. An example of how the maternal blood is affected, is to imagine a baby with an open spinal cord and how it could secrete more alpha fetal proteins into the amniotic fluid, and then into the mother’s blood, than a child with an intact spinal cord.

The test itself will not tell you for sure if your baby has one of the above conditions. It does tell you if your baby is at greater risk for having one of these diseases. The test results you receive are stated as a numerical risk. For example, your chances of the baby having Down’s Syndrome is 1 in 5000, of Neural Tube defect is 1 in 1000, and 1 in 99,000 for Trisomy 18. The women’s blood is tested for Alpha-fetoproteins, Unconjugated estroil, and Human Chorionic Gonatrophin. These measurements are compared and considered along with maternal age, weight, race and gestational age. Accurate dating is important as levels of the different markers change weekly.

Test results can take over two weeks to arrive and waiting can be difficult. If the test is negative, nothing further is required. Positive screens do happens with normal healthy pregnancies, so follow-up procedures are recommended and are aimed at looking further for abnormalities. The screening test can detect approximately 75% of cases of Down’s Syndrome, 85% of NTD and 60% of Trisomy 18. Follow-up is done with amniocentesis and higher level ultrasounds.

It is important to consider what you will do with the information you receive from the Triple Marker Screen Test. You may want to prepare yourself for a child with disabilities, or you may possibly consider terminating a pregnancy, or you may just feel more relaxed having received a negative screen. If you do not feel either of these options is important for you to know, you may also consider declining this test altogether.

Other facts ~
Amniocentesis is performed in the hospital. A needle goes into the mother’s abdomen through the uterus and into the amniotic fluid around the baby. The mother is given medications so as not to feel pain with the procedure. Amniocentesis has a risk of 1 to 2% of causing a miscarriage and is always preformed by an obstetrician.

The Magic is in the Woman’s Mind
by Kristin Lang, prenatal and mom and baby yoga instructor
as printed in the April/May 2006 issue of Island Child

Practicing yoga during pregnancy is one of the best ways of deepening a woman’s connection to herself, her baby and her intuition.

Yoga teaches us to get out of our mind and into our bodies and helps us approach birth with a sense of openness, curiosity and trust. Yoga prepares new moms for labour and helps deal with many common challenges of pregnancy in a safe and supportive environment. We learn ways to deal with tension and pain, to open up the pelvis, hips and prepare the pelvic floor to create more space and freedom for our babies to come through. Women learn to find ways to soften and relax around their tension providing for an easier labour.

There is a sense of community with others moms. Sharing stories and concerns are a valuable part of the process. Physical poses help build strength, confidence and increase flexibility and circulation. Meditation and relaxation help to focus our minds and go inwards.

Breathing helps us connect with the rhythm and flow of our bodies and gives us a tool for dealing with contractions. By accepting how our bodies are changing and feeling throughout our pregnancy, we can better accept labour. The magic is in the woman’s mind and her ability to focus inwards despite all that is going on around her.

Yoga is a beautiful way of helping us approach that place within ourselves.

The Birthing Family
by Heather McCue, Doula
as printed in the April/May 2006 issue of Island Child

Pregnant families across the province of BC are slowly joining the rising trend of people who, nationwide, are re-discovering the ancient art of doula support for labour and childbirth. More and more midwives and doctors are seeing their expecting clients walking through hospital doors with more than just their duffel bags in tow. There is a third person walking alongside them, usually a woman, who has come to join them in this miraculous, difficult, and intimate moment in time... the birth of their child.

This third person, their doula, is someone who has been trained to provide continuous emotional support to both the mother and the father, who are wading into a huge, life-changing experience and can sometimes use just a little reassurance that what is unfolding is normal. The Doula is also there to provide physical support, helping mom feel as comfortable as she can during this most rigorous work. She can often provide suggestions to dad so he can more effectively support his wife, enhancing the experience for the couple, and taking some pressure off dad to 'know it all'.

When this tradition of a triangle birth support team began is impossible to track, as many cultures in the world have never known birth without this component. It is safe to say that women in BC have been using other women for childbirth support since there was a BC. The female supporters have varied from sisters, mothers, friends, etc., to the now specially trained Doula.

You can locate a Doula near you via an internet search (Google “Doula + your home town + province”); in the phone book (under 'prenatal education'); or ask your prenatal teacher, a La Leche League Leader, your midwife or doctor, or other pregnant women/new moms. Interview a few doulas to find the right fit and philosophy for you, and once you have chosen, take the time to build up that relationship of trust and understanding so that all you see during the vulnerable and amazing experience of birth, is familiar faces with a supportive touch.

Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy
by Dr. Vanessa White, chiropractor
as printed in the April/May 2006 issue of Island Child

Chiropractic has played an essential role in many family’s lives for over one hundred years. One of the most pivotal times for women to receive chiropractic care is while they are pregnant. A Chiropractor’s main focus is to locate and correct the spinal misalignment, subluxation in the spine with a gentle and specific spinal adjustment. Subluxations in the spine interfere with nervous system function, which can then affect the muscles and organs of the body. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy enhances spinal and nervous system function, providing optimum health potential for both the mother and baby.

The mother's spine and pelvis undergoes many changes and adaptations during each stage of pregnancy. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy establishes balance in the mother's pelvis, improving the function of the pelvic muscles and ligaments. Many pregnant women experience low back pain and sciatica. Chiropractic care is extremely effective at alleviating these symptoms by correcting spinal alignment.

In addition, if the bones of the pelvis are out of alignment, or subluxated, the way the uterus is supported by ligaments will be directly affected, resulting in intrauterine constraint. In some cases, intrauterine constraint restricts the baby's positions during pregnancy, adversely affecting his/her developing spine and cranium, and preventing the best possible position for birth.

The Webster technique, discovered by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), is a specific chiropractic adjustment that balances pelvic muscles and ligaments in the pelvis, removes constraint, and allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. The Webster technique has a high success rate in allowing babies in the breech position to safely go into the normal head down or vertex position.