Year: 2009

Categories
Classes

Perinatal Herbal Medicine for Midwives, Doulas, and Parents

With Beth Rees, Doula and Benjamin Zappin, L.Ac.

When: Tuesdays from 6-9pm 1/26, 2/2, 2/9

Where: 350 Sansome St., Ste.730 (at California St. near Montgomery BART) San Francisco 94104

Cost: $45 per class or $115 for the series.

This three part series will focus on how to utilize Western and Chinese herbal remedies, medicinal foods, and Chinese barefoot doctor techniques for support during pregnancy, postpartum, and infancy/early childhood.

All experience levels are welcome: from the seasoned midwife to parents-to-be!

1/26 Pregnancy & Birth: Herbal support for common discomforts of pregnancy; herbs to avoid during pregnancy; herbal and dietary suggestions for early labor; supporting the birth partner

2/2 Postpartum mom & family care: Herbs and medicinal food for the new mom (0-10 days) and birth partner(s); remedies to support lactation and breast health; placental food medicine; mind-body comfort

2/9 Baby and child-friendly herbs: Safe and effective herbal remedies for babies and children; dosage and sources of herbal medicines; treating common ailments of infancy and childhood

Pre-registration is recommended.  To reserve a spot, mail or drop off payment to 350 Sansome St., Ste.730, San Francisco 94104.   Questions?  Please contact Beth at beth.rhys@gmail.com or call 415.518.0335.

About the Instructors:

Beth Rees, B.A. is a birth & postpartum doula serving the San Francisco and greater Bay Area. She has been working with women and families for 15 years as a women’s and children’s health advocate, educator and program coordinator.  For more  information about Beth, please visit  mindfuldoulaarts.wordpress.com or email beth.rhys@gmail.com.

Benjamin Zappin, L.Ac. practices acupuncture and herbal medicine in San Francisco. Ben has been on the faculty of Five Branches University of T.C.M. and American School of Herbalism in Santa Cruz, CA.  Ben also runs a extract company, Five Flavors Herbs, with his wife Ingrid and son Sylvan. He can be reached at benzappin@gmail.com www.benzappin.com

Categories
Health

Healthful wanderings through COLD and FLU season

We all have our different approaches to working with this season healthfully. These resources were selected because of their  informative, helpful and well-rounded nature; especially in regards to vaccination debates and working with the H1N1 flu virus.    While these tips reflect the needs of preggos, breastfeeding moms & babies and families, we could all follow these guidelines and enjoy the immune benefits.  Be well!

Reminders and Tips for a healthy Fall and Winter:

  • Dress appropriately for the weather, wear layers and a scarf.
  • Get plenty of rest, between 7-9 hours a night.  For new parents this may seem unrealistic.  Rest and nap as much as possible if longer periods of sleep are not possible.
  • Drink room temperature or warm beverages.  Avoid cold or iced drinks as the weather turns cooler.  Soups and broths are simple meals for the whole family and ideal for the season.
  • Wash your hands frequently – after shaking hands, using public transportation, and before eating etc.
  • Incorporate culinary herbs like fresh garlic regularly into meals  – to soups, greens, or add to olive oil and eat with bread.  Garlic is highly antimicrobial.  Fresh ginger roots makes an excellent tea and aids in digestive health.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine, healthy digestion is the foundation of a well working immune system.  Both ginger and garlic work well for the pregnant and breastfeeding mom/families.   Ask your health care provider if you have questions. (Look for a ginger tea recipe at the end of this post).

Excerpt from Whole Child Wellness November  2009 Newsletter by Dr. Elisa Song (http://www.wholechildwellness.com/)

Apart from these measures, I also take and recommend the following supplements. The dosages that I mention are only intended as general guides, and may vary according to each child s unique needs. Please contact your pediatrician for specific dosage recommendations:

  • Fish oil.
  • Probiotics – I have been using Metagenics Ultra Flora Plus at a dosage of ¼ tsp or 1 capsule 2x/day. This particular probiotics blend was found to be effective in significantly reducing the rates of fever and upper respiratory symptoms when taken daily throughout the cold/flu season.
  • Vitamin C – I have been using Metagenics Ultra-Potent C because it has added ingredients such as lysine and glutathione which assist in fighting viruses. In general, I recommend Vitamin C 500mg 2x/day.
  • Vitamin D3 – there is speculation that the rates of illness increase over the winter because of the widespread deficiency of Vit D. In general, I recommend 1000IU daily for children, but some kids who are very deficient may require higher dosages.
  • Arabinogalactan – this is a natural sugar derived from the bark of the larch tree that enhances natural killer cell activity – these cells are part of our first line of defense against any invading organism. We carry the Vital Nutrients arabinogalactan powder, and generally recommend ½-1 tsp 2x/day.
  • Oscillococcinum and/or SyImmune – these are homeopathic medicines that may help to prevent influenza infection.
  • Xlear nasal spray – This is a saline nasal spray with xylitol and grapefruit seed extract, both of which have antimicrobial properties. You cannot overdo it, and will not get addicted to it. Other options for nasal irrigation are a regular saline spray or neti pot. Apart from regular hand washing, … daily and frequent nasal irrigation is one of the MOST important things that we can do to prevent influenza and other viral infections. This is because after exposure to a virus, the virus tries to invade and multiply in your nasal passages for at least 1-2 days before you develop any symptoms. Nasal irrigation can wash away viral particles before they have the opportunity to take hold, and thereby prevent many infections from happening in the first place! info@wholechildwellness.com

Picture attributed to creator [en:User:Greenmoss] A ceramic Neti pot image created by Kurt Yoder on December 29, 2004, Wikipedia Aug. 2007.

Flu Season Resource links:

Midwifery Today re: the H1N1 flu virus

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/preg_h1n1fluvirus.as

CDC re: H1N1 flu virus

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm

Dr. Sears re: H1N1 flu vaccine

http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/2009/07/h1n1-flu-vaccine-is-on-its-way-what.asp

CBS clip re: H1N1 vaccination debate
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5237185n

CDC re: infant feeding and the H1N1 virus
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/infantfeeding.htm

Sleep and our immunity
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/health/22real.html?_r=1&em

Elderberry and prevention of  H1N1 infection.

http://www.herbs.org/herbnews/2009/08/28/elderberry-flavonoids-bind-to-and-prevent-h1n1-infection-in-vitro/

Fresh Ginger Tea

A fresh ginger tea works very well to help prevent colds/flus by supporting your digestion. It also helps warm up your muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments for birth and postpartum healing.

Just take a thumb (length & wide) size amount of fresh ginger root and cut into slivers.  Add water (6-8 cups) and ginger to sauce pan on medium heat.  Simmer for 15 minutes, strain, then drink and enjoy!  Therapeutic dose is ~3 cups a day.
Take care and be well!

Categories
Herbal Medicine

Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro.

http://www.herbs.org/herbnews/2009/08/28/elderberry-flavonoids-bind-to-and-prevent-h1n1-infection-in-vitro/

This article details the biochemical evidence that speaks to elderberry’s effectiveness in preventing the H1N1 flu strain from cultivating in Elderberryvitro.

In addition, elderberry makes an ideal & safe herb for the entire family this cold and flu season. And it has a taste that will pass the most discriminating palate.  It makes the most delectable syrups and jams, while maintaining its antiviral properties – just mind the sugar 🙂

Categories
Tools

Birth Plans and a closed Bridge

The unforeseen and current Bay Bridge closure has thrown a wrench in the commute plans of many Bay Area residents.   And for some,  the bridge closure adds a new variable to one’s birth plan, especially if you share birth support professionals and birth facilities with the other side of the bay.   So how do you plan for the unforeseeable?  Here are some tips I’ve crafted over the course of other bridge closures in conversations with clients and other birth professionals.

  1. Simply, Breathe.  Taking a moment for a breath gives one the time and oxygen needed to work with the current situations, calmly and confidently.  We all need reminders for this basic human function.  Supplying your body what it needs – oxygen – reduces stress hormone production.
  2. Assess what support people and facilitates are near you.  Check in with local friends, care providers, facilities etc. and discuss how your birth plan may be modified.
  3. Create a “safe house” for yourself on which side is across the bridge from your home.  Ask a relative and/or close friend if needed, could you come over and be at home there during early labor and/or late pregnancy needs.
  4. Have a phone list prepared of important numbers – health care providers, birth support people, childcare providers, family & friends.
  5. Plot out your public transit options.  This depends on the time of day, and  public transit can offer some “birthing” support tool NOT available in a car, like:
  • Ability to walk and stand during labor
  • Allows complete focus of the birth partner on their laboring partner.
  • Fast and direct transportation.   The use of BART and a taxi can do wonders 🙂

Other ideas on working with a closed bridge and labor and birth support?  Please feel free to share!  It’d be much appreciated.  Be well.

Categories
Events

Buddha Mom a book reading with Jacqueline Kramer

I wanted to re-post info for this event.   Jacqueline Kramer speaks to her experience of mindfully entering motherhood, from fertility to parenting.

Buddha Mom

A booksigning with Jacqueline Kramer

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

7:00-8:30pm

Your browser may not support display of this image. Pregnancy and fertility are impacted by both physical and emotional circumstances. Sometimes we feel fear from cautionary tales told and things we’ve seen; sometimes pregnancy, birth and mothering seem like ideals we cannot possibly live up to. Buddha Mom offers an alternative to the commonly-held views of pregnancy and birthing being either pure bliss or sheer hell. These archetypical female experiences can actually be the beginning of a deep, fulfilling spiritual practice. Difficulties can become fuel for growth and deeper understanding… a heroic journey. Jacqueline Kramer will read from her spiritual memoir Buddha Mom-The Path of Mindful Mothering and open up a discussion of an alternative and positive way to enter the journey of mothering.

OPEN TO ALL! PLEASE EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST AT THE FRONT DESK OR RSVP TO info@acupuncturekitchen.com

mail us: 2339 3rd Street Suite 4R-70, San Francisco CA 94109     visit us: 2325 3rd Street (at 20th), Floor 4R, Suite 70

call us: 415.553.5999           email us: info@acupuncturekitchen.com check us out: www.acupuncturekitchen.com

Categories
Articles

Article: Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Colorado Insurer, Changes Policy On Obese Infants After Critical Headlines

Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Colorado Insurer, Changes Policy On Obese Infants After Critical Headlines

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/12/rocky-mountain-health-pla_n_317954.html

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With the nastiness of the term “obese,” I take political offense to a breast-milk fed baby being labeled as such. How can you deny health coverage because of someone’s chunky monkey status? And why would you deny healthcare coverage to a fat baby or anyone else?

Categories
Classes

The Art of Partnership: Creating True Partnership Within Relationship

From communication workshops, sexual education and positivity, to nude yoga play, the Center for Sex and Culture weaves a space that is welcoming while challenging you to try something new or see something in a different light.   I am someone who often ponders the complexities of partnerships, often when accompanying a woman and partner into birth space and in my own personal relationships.  What is partnership?  How do they function in our lives?  

The Art of Partnership: Creating True Partnership Within Relationship

at the Center for Sex and  Culture

Address:
1519 Mission Street between 11th and So.  Van Ness
San Francisco, CA

http://www.centerforsexandculture.com/

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Thursday, October 01 2009, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
The Art of Partnership: Creating True Partnership Within Relationship
w/ Marcia Baczynski

Cost: $20, $12-15 if preregistered at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/70864

When it comes to relationships, the word “Partner” gets tossed around all the time… We talk about our partners, whether we want a partner, what we want from our partner and so on, but rarely do we take the time to examine what partner actually means within the context of relationships.

In this workshop, we will explode the myths and fantasies around partnership and learn how to dance with and enhance both your individualism and togetherness.

Whether you’re in a relationship, or want to be, join relationship educator Marcia Baczynski as we explore the concept of partnership as a distinct relationship style. Discover what it means to be a partner to someone else, learn how to cultivate partnership in your life, and find out what successful partnerships have in common.

BIO: Marcia Baczynski is a relationship coach and sex educator who is passionate about providing the world with better tools and skills for relating, and empowering people to use them. She is the Director of Relationship Programming for Ideal Balance, a lifestyle management company for busy professional and entrepreneurial women.  She is also well-known for being co-creator of Cuddle Party, a workshop/social event about boundaries, communication, intimacy and touch. Started in 2004, Cuddle Party events have spread globally, with over 40 facilitators in four countries. Marcia has made appearances on the Montel Williams show, Fox News, Penn & Teller’s Bullsh*t, NPR, GQ, Marie Claire and Newsweek. She splits her time between San Francisco and New York.
Categories
Classes

BabyLoss Yoga

BabyLoss Yoga
A gentle yoga class for parents whose babies died anytime during or after pregnancy*
Taught by Rachel Yellin, Cht

Join us as we lovingly, courageously and consciously come together to practice yoga as a way to learn from, transform and heal our grief.
 
This practice is designed to allow each parent to be in his/her own unique experience.
The asanas (poses) will be gentle and restorative. No prior yoga experience is necessary.
You will not be asked to speak in front of the group, however there will be time at the end of class for you to share your experience if you choose.

Sunday, October 11, 2009
3:30am to 5:30pm
$20 per person, limited to 20 people
Jewish Community Center of SF, 2nd Floor, Lounge
3200 California St. @ Presidio, SF 94115
Street parking and garage paid parking available

Please contact Leah Karp to reserve your space or if you have questions.
415-385-7653, leah@sf2marin.com

Since 2001, Rachel has been teaching a variety of yoga classes including Iyengar, restorative, gentle, pre and post natal. Her work as a doula and childbirth educator guided her to become a Hypnotherapist, with a focus on Depth Hypnosis. She works primarily with women and couples to prepare for birth or recover from a difficult pregnancy, birth, or postpartum experience. She can be contacted at Rachel@one-moon.com or 415-383-8419.

*The yoga poses taught in this class are not appropriate for women who are currently pregnant.

Categories
Events

Free: Film viewing of “The Happiest Baby on the Block”

This Wednesday, Natural Resources is having a free viewing of The Happiest Baby On the Block.   The talented and knowledgeable Amy Hyams will be leading a Q & A session after the film.  It’ll be informative and fun!

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Wednesday, September 30, 11:30am – 1:00pm 
The Happiest Baby On The Block by Harvey Karp, MD 
Q&A after the film with newborn care & parenting educator, Amy Hyams 

The Happiest Baby On The Block
In “The Happiest Baby”, Dr. Harvey Karp reveals a treasure sought by new parents for centuries… the “calming reflex” (the automatic “off-switch” for any crying baby). Thousands of parents, from working moms to superstars like Madonna and Michelle Pfeiffer have turned to Dr. Karp to learn his secrets for making babies happy and raising respectful toddlers. Dr. Karp’s techniques really work. Dr. Karp has been on the Dr. Phil show on NBC twice this year. His techniques are praised and his toddler books are on the top 10 list.  

Do you learn better by watching rather than reading? Here is a chance to see how to transport your baby from screaming into serenity…in minutes. Watch as, step-by-step, Dr. Karp teaches new parent how to switch on their baby’s powerful calming reflex. 

 
There is no need to register for these events. Just show up prior to the screening time and enjoy the film! 

Viewing will be in the Natural Resources classroom.

Natural Resources

1367 Valencia St @ 25th St.

San Francisco, CA 94110

www.naturalresources-sf.com

info@naturalresources-sf.com



Categories
Events

Free: Baby-led Breastfeeding film viewing

Wednesday, September 23, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Follow Me Mum by Rebecca Glover
Delivery Self Attachment by Dr. Lennart Righard

@ Natural Resources (www.naturalresources-sf.com)

1367 Valencia St @ 25th St.

San Francisco, CA 94110

Follow Me Mum
This 20 minute video teaches mothers: How breastfeeding works; 
how to work with their baby’s instinctive behavior; & how to hold, position and attach their baby “It is my experience that the most simple and effective intervention for the majority of feeding problems is ensuring baby is tightly positioned as described in these education materials. In this position a mother can learn to work with and support her infants innate feeding abilities, to overcome almost any physical breastfeeding difficulty.”

Delivery Self Attachment
This amazing film demonstrates that leaving the newborn baby and mother together undisturbed after birth facilitates successful breastfeeding. The exciting six minutes of footage shows an unmedicated newborn making its way unassisted to mother’s breast after being placed on her lower abdomen! Everyone involved with pregnant and nursing mothers should watch this film! 6 minutes.