Go Red! for Women Weekly Digest 0326

In this week's issue, I want to address the use of medicinal foods to combat health maladies such as heart disease. This use of food as medicine ought to be preventative as well as restorative. Nourishing and nutritious foods help the body to fight its way towards health. Using food to maintain and restore health is both right and good, and a good method of achiving the correct modification of lifestyle so necessary to achieving optimal health.

So, what are these so-called super foods?

*purple grapes and purple grape juice

*cinnamon

*black, green, oolong tea

*spinach

*salmon

*vitamin D

*olive leaf extract

*orange juice


Grapes prevent LDL buildup. Grape juice increases the immune system. Cinnamon increases good/HDL cholesterol while declining blood pressure. Teas contrel stress cortisols from circulating in the body. Spinach strengthens blood vessels. Olive leaf decreases blood pressure. Orange juice increases the production of collagen which keeps veins and capillaries strong. Vitamin D decreases inflammation and increases immunity. Fish oil and cod liver oils regulate cholesterol and have antiinflammatory properties.

With all the advances in science, sometimes it is the small and accessible changes that can do the most good. All of these foods are within reach, and within budget. As some of them do the same things, then concentrate on your diet and you may just be surprised at how your health improves!



GO RED! FOR WOMEN HEART HEALTH CHECKLIST FOR 0326:

1. Get your numbers www.goredforwomen.org

2. Make an appointment with your doctor to see what you can do to improve health.

3. Add healthful foods to your diet. You can do it! Try at least three things off of the list and add them to your daily meals.

4. Have a laugh! Give yourself a good chuckle to get your heart going!


Once again, from the bottom of my heart,

From my heart to yours,

Doula Angelita
Heart Health Ambassador
San Jose American Health Association

Half the Sky Live

Half the Sky LIVE: San Jose to participate in the premiere
March 4, 7:11 PMSan Jose Stay-at-Home Moms ExaminerDoula AngelitaPrevious Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe Subscribe






"Women hold up half the sky." This is a Chinese proverb according women the respect they deserve for being an integral part of the human experience. Though in actual fact, the whole of Chinese history can be seen as a struggle of the yin and the yang, the male and the female, women do hold a peculiar role in many societies.

Necessary for reproduction, to bring forth an heir, to cement alliances, to forge new enterprises, at the same time wholesale slavery and prostitution, genital mutilation, mass rape, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, bullying, etc. conspire to keep women subjugated and in a position of inequality. International Women's Day addresses these disparities, and seeks to shine a light on those issues which maintain women in an inferior position. For this reason, in honour of International Women's Day, a special 500 city screening of "Half the Sky LIVE" will occur-and San Jose movie theatres will present the event on three screens.

Half the Sky LIVE is an interactive event in which there will be a screening of Marisa Tomei's film "Woineshet" the story of one Ethiopian woman who finds a pathway to triumph despite rape, forced marriage, and discrimination. In addition to the viewing, there will be readings from the Half the Sky book of various other women profiled in the book. India.Arie, Sarah Ferguson, Sheryl Wudunn, and Maria Bello are scheduled to perform the dramatic readings. In addition, there will be a discussion panel featuring the women and a chance to sign up and volunteer with various organizations supporting women worldwide.

In San Jose, the following cinemas will showcase the film at 7:30P:

CineArts @ Santana Row, 3088 Olsen Dr. 800.32632646-983#

AMC Eastridge 15, 2190 Eastridge Loop, 408.274.2274

Century 20 Oakridge, 925 Blossom Hill Rd. 800.32632646-972#

This is an important event for the San Jose Community, especially in view of the fact that San Jose is home to the Woman's Club. Founded in 1894, this venerable organization is dedicated to promoting the causes of humanity through the works of women. Not only do they support the Half the Sky LIVE event, they have a year's worth of activities to celebrate the cause of women. " Half the Sky LIVE puts a new and fresh set of eyes on the situation of women, something that we uphold here at the Woman's Club", declares member Diana Zappel. "We give our full support to Half the Sky LIVE" she continues.

For all those interested in how the triumph of the human spirit trumps institutionalized inhumanity, for all who are interested in women's studies, for all interested in seeing and participating in a discussion of the human condition, Half of the Sky LIVE affords a wonderful opportunity to do just that. The fact that three screens in San Jose will be occupied with this event at 7:30P is a testament to San Jose's committment to women and women's issues.

More About: Doula Angelita · San Jose's Community Doula · Uganda · Education · San Jose · black history month · family activities · women's issues · women's advocacy · girl power ShareThis

Of interest..8 rules..

Here are some rules of Life to ponder:

1. Give credit, take blame.

2. Don't boast, compliment.

3. In progress? Finish then celebrate!

4. Don't throw sand or mud.

5. Take a nap. Frequently.

6. Good manners cost nothing.

7. Speak not in anger.

8. Look in the mirror and like who you see.


Happiness for today!

Of interest to women...

Recently, I had the welcome opportunity to read an entertaining and informative slim volume, "French Women Don't Get Fat" by Mireille Guiliano. Ms. Guiliano, born in France, is a businesswoman who rose through the ranks of Veuve Clicquot using her personal business manifesto as well her own brand of savoir faire. With a master's in French and German, and a command of many other languages, Ms. Giuliano's talents as an entrepreneur are in high demand. The authoress of three volumes, her confidence and soignee are very much appreciated.

In "French Women Don't Get Fat", Ms. Guiliano begins a dialogue in which she compares and contrasts the lifestyle choices of American with French women. Skillfully intertwining history and anecdotes, she illustrates the pathway that each culture takes to achieve their goals and ideals. For example, the constant need for technological connectivity has displaced civility, and the art of human interactions such as flirting, socializing and friendship. Also, she make the point that while one culture has a relaxed, friendly and nonstressed relationship with food, the other has a love/hate, schizophrenic attitude towards food and food rituals.

Ms. Guiliano presents an opportunity for us to re-examine the ways that we interact with both food and with the world around us. In more ways than one, she challenges us to see our experiences through different eyes.

Ms. Guiliano's other titles include:

French Women for All Seasons

Women, Work and the Art of Savoir Faire

French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook(April 2010)

Of interest to mothers

Two new items, one a book and one a research article, attracted my attention recently. "Get me out" by Randi Hutter Epstein, MD is a book chronicling the development of obstetrics throughout history. The other is an article published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, reveals the truth behind two famous obstetrics pioneers.

"Get me out" is a thick tome, rich in information and details about the movement of the birth process from the women-dominated home to the male dominated hospital setting. Along the way, there are various schemes, secrets, deals and plots, and many people who did things we look at askance today in the name of "science". There are also heroes, and those in-between, but the real recommendation of this book is in the flow of the story, and the unfolding of the big picture behind birth.


Mr. Don Shelton, in writing on the careers of Mssrs. Hunter and Smellie, aims to reveal that much of the knowledge that is taken for granted now was obtained under the most horrendous conditions. Body snatching, the abuse of the poor, the indifference to the marginalized-these were all taken for granted in the quest for knowledge. Well-known is the perpetual experimentation on slaves; this study reveals that poor whites fared little better in the search for clues as to how the human body worked. The gem of this study is that it gives both pause and food for thought as to how some of the medical miracles and advancements were obtained.

#WednesdayWisdom on Twitter!

TO: EVERYONE!
FR: DOULA ANGELITA
DT:06 JANUARY 2010
RE: #WEDNESDAYWISDOM



This announcement is to let all know that on the first and third Wednesday of each month, Doula Angelita, San Jose's Community Doula, is launching a new initiative, #WednesdayWisdom, on Twitter.

The purpose of #WEDNESDAYWISDOM is to discuss a topic and disseminate easy-to-use tips on how to incorporate the topic into your life. Additionally, Doula Angelita does a QnA session during #WEDNESDAYWISDOM in which she personally addresses issues concerning the audience.

#WEDNESDAYWISDOM is a way for Doula Angelita to reach out to people in a comfortable way, and is a good way to demonstrate why she is San Jose's Community Doula and a leading expert on birth, parenting, nutrition and women's issues.

Join Doula Angelita's new 2010 launch today and get inspired to best health! Bless!

Are you ready to breathe?

Here's a fast and easy way to get your mind right, increase your awareness of your body systems, improve your homeostatic condition, and the amount of oxygen flowing to your brain. It is perfect for those on the go, those with limited time, limited mobility and limited patience for a whole series of complicated exercises. It is both portable and affordable, and a lot of training does not need to be done. What is this wonderful thing? It is breathing.

A deep mindful breath is a way to cleanse and center. It is a way to focus yourself when in the grip of stress and strain. It is a simple manner in which to bring yourself back into yourself when the events of the day threaten to overwhelm you.

Inhale deeply. Hold it for a count of five. Exhale deeply for a count of five. Repeat as necessary in order to bring your heart, mind, body and soul into proper alignment.

Thanksgiving is no reason to go to pieces...

Many clients are calling, emailing and coming by to ask for hints and tips for surviving this holiday season. Frazzled, jangled, at loose ends and ready to throw in the towel, they are trying to balance the perfect meal with the perfect house with the perfect baby with the perfect husband.

Some have physically recoiled when I simply, cheerfully, say to them: "Sit down, have a hot cuppa, and by the way, not happening, lovey. "

One client burst into tears, convinced that she was a wretched failure.

This set me to write upon this subject. The time has come, as my grandmother says, for some good, solid facts and hard home truths.

First, let us be frank. If you are not an octopus, you will not wake up and just magically have a sitcom-worthy house with all of the Norman Rockwell trimmings.

Second, no one does it by themselves, with no help, with no planning and with a squalling newborn.

Third, if help is offered, DO take it, with as many thanks as possible.

Fourth, a small, well-cooked dinner is better than a disasterous six-course meal.

Fifth, if you have never prepared Thanksgiving before, for heaven's sakes, get help.

Sixth, restaurants are accepting your reservations for Thanksgiving dinner.

Seventh...calm yourself, dry your eyes, and be thankful for what you do have.

Eighth...have a wonderful, calm, peaceful, safe Thanksgiving!

How to handle Thanksgiving's Temptations

For many, Thanksgiving is a time of good food, good drink, good times with family and friends. It is also a time when overindulgence and relaxed rules on dieting overcome the usual common good sense and moderation. This is why it is important to have both an entrance and an exit strategy for the upcoming holiday season.

One strategy that I prescribe for my clients to combat the holiday stresses and rich food is PREVIEW. With this plan in mind, the holidays become more manageable and more enjoyable.

P is for pacing. This means think about what is important and necessary for you to do this season; many invitations can be tempting, but leave you drained. Balance what you have to do with what you need to do.

R is for resting. Naps are not just for little kids;adults often suffer from sleep deprivation and need to compensate. This in practice is to allow yourself a period of 15-45 minutes to relax, put your feet up, place a cool compress on your head and collect yourself before racing off to the next holiday fete-or struggling in the kitchen with a holiday meal.

E is for energy. Take your vitamins, do your yoga-whatever it takes to naturally keep your energy levels optimal and even. Do not skip snacks nor overrely on caffeine.

V is for vitality through vegetables. Many are robbed of it this holiday season due to lack of planning and overcommitting. Save your vital energy for what is vitally important: vegetables, vegetables, vegetables. At the least, pack in a case of V8 and drink it all through the day.

I is for integrity. Keep your schedule intact. Keeping to a schedule, more or less, will help keep your equalibrium intact. One or two late nights are okay-so long as you maintain rest periods for yourself.

E is for exercise. Do not gleefully abandon exercise; in fact, keeping to an exercise routine will help to ground you and keep you from overindulgence.

W is for water. Water is vital to maintaining health, keeping digestion going strong, and eliminating waste from the body.


Give PREVIEW a try and you will have a holiday to remember!

Have a wonderful, happy and safe Thanksgiving! Thank you to all my faithful readers and I thank you for supporting me!

Have a Happy Monday!

If you, like me, are a fan of the classic movie "Office Space", you groan along with our hapless worker bee when a co-worker cheerily and cheekily says, "Looks like a case of the Mondays." Well, take heart and pluck courage, no longer will anyone accuse you of having a case of the Mondays when you log onto the site http://www.doonenicething.com

No, that bit of code at the top of the post is not random bits of scrambled nonsense. Rather, it is information to paste onto your own blogs and to pass along to others. Do one nice thing is a call to arms and action: let's not gather around the water cooler and have a moan, let's get to work and help others, for a few minutes at least.

From sending postcards to wounded soldier to purchasing new underwear for the homeless, founder Debbie Tenzer and her team keep on top of the best and most expansive ways to help others. Recommending good deed ideas as well as profiling those who do them is one way that Debbie does good for the world, one small act of kindness at a time.

So, dropkick those Monday blues and put on your kindness shoes and log onto http://doonenicething.com now!

Doulas are an investment, too

Doulas are an integral part of the new mothers life, yet many mothers reject the aid, assistance and comfort that having a doula can bring.

Anyone who has experienced the joys of a new baby can also attest to the steep learning curve that comes with the responsibility of the new little one. Pile on the lack of sleep, the getting to know your baby's personality and clues, the struggle to heal after childbirth and to adjust to your new body and new role, and this can be a delicate time for the new mother.

At this time, a doula is equipped to provide immediate relief and to lend a sympathetic ear. Her experience with babies proves invaluable when applied to the situation of the new baby at the home.

It is prudent to be careful with resouces, but weigh carefully being overly cautious against getting a best start to motherhood.

Doula Angelita writes a column for the San Jose Examiner on birth, parenting, nutrition and women's issues.

Please visit my column http://ekahnav.notlong.com, subscribe and comment!

Looking forward to hearing from you! http://ekahnav.notlong.com

Pink Thoughts for Health and Breast Cancer Support

As a trident doula/parenting coach/nutrition guide/women's health advocate, I urge all women to take a moment during this month of Breast Cancer Awareness and do these few things for your health:

1. Check yourself, from top to toe. If you feel ill, run-down or just not right, make an appointment to get to the doctor.

2. Reach out to your female family and friends to do the same thing.

3. Donate pink items to your local pregnancy research shelter. They can always use baby things for the new little ones, and the pink colour will evoke a reminder to be in the pink of health for the new little one!

4. Resolve to drink more water. Start with one full glass in the morning, and one full one at night.

5. Get up, every morning and do 2 minutes of exercise. Touch your toes, walk around the block, stand up and sit down in a chair. Just get the blood moving, to bring pink to your cheeks.

6. Eat some tomatoes, and some cauliflower at least one time this week. Red and white make pink!

7. Now that colder weather is settling in, invest in some good moisturizer to keep your glowing pink skin at its loveliest.

8. Pick up a pink Sharpie. The specially made Sharpie with the pink ribbon will donate a portion of the proceeds to City of Hope.

9. Yogurt is good for you; buying Yoplait's pink lid yogurt will not only be good for your health, it will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

10. volunteer. Even if it is donating books, holding a hospice patient's hand, or teaching a youngster to read, you will get a pink glow all over at the good will you have generated.

A doula is worth a bag of gold...

I recently read an interesting quotation from Ms. Indra Nooyi, chairwoman of PepsiCo, Inc. regarding prenatal care:

"Where I was born in India, pregnant women receive months of pampering from their mothers and other family members. Because my mother received this care during her pregnancy with me, she was there to give me the same treatment when I gave birth to my two children in the United States."

How interesting. Pampering and nurturing the mother, ensuring that she is well-looked after, is an integral part of Asian culture. This watchfulness, as well as good medical care in the form of access to healthcare providers and prenatal vitamins, pays off with the reward of a healthy baby and healthy mother.

Yet, many women are quite resistant to prenatal pampering. They insist on going it alone, working despite tiredness, trying to be a superwoman through morning sickness, pushing themselves when they need to rest. Many will argue that they do not want, have time for, or need any additional help.

My response is this: if you cannot accept and cherish help at this special time of your life, when will you?




Be informed. Be confident. Be empowered.
Birth into motherhood with Doula Angelita

Homebirth in Ohio

The following is an open letter to the birth community from a family that is under fire for a homebirth-even though the child was born whole and healthy. It is a terrible indictment for the birth community at large, and never think that just because this example occurred in Ohio, that it will not happen in all parts of the United States.

This issue is so important to me that I am broadcasting it on my blogs, and tweeting about it. I ask all those concerned with birth and motherhood pass this information along, and please find a way to help. The family is requesting HELP ONLY; further antagonizing the prosecutor with fiery letters is NOT a useful idea.


### #### ####



Update
As many of you may know, we had our pre-trial hearing this morning. We were hoping once the lawyers got a chance to hash things out, the charges would be dismissed. That was not the case. The prosecutor offered us a plea-bargain for the charge of disorderly conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor. As much as my husband and I would love to close this horrible chapter of our lives and put it behind us, we didn't take the plea. First of all, we are not guilty of anything, and don't want a guilty plea following us around for the rest of our lives. Second of all, we felt that a guilty plea would validate the charges against us. Also, I thought that a guilty plea would give the impression that homebirth is wrong, and possibly open the door for other families to be prosecuted.
Right now, we don't have a trial date, and there is still a possibility that the charges could be dropped before going to trial. I want to consult further with my lawyer before involving the media, or unleashing a firestorm of letters and calls to the prosecutor. I just wanted to update everybody with what's going on and let everybody know what they can do to help.
This is always the hard part for me, as I'm not comfortable asking for things, but so many people keep asking how they can help, and we do need help, so I'm learning a lesson in humility. Obviously this is affecting us financially since we are a single income family, and my husband's hours at work have been reduced indefinitely. So far this whole fiasco has cost us $6427 in legal and medical bills. To pay our attorney, we took a $4000 cash advance on a credit card (at 20% interest). We have already raised quite a bit through fundraisers and individual donations, and we are grateful to everybody who has helped us so far. Paypal donations can be made to sweetchildofmine@live.com . You can also e-mail any questions to that address.
I know some people may be hesitant about sending cash, and I completely understand. Anything that saves us money on things we regularly have to buy would help too. Gift cards for groceries, gas, restaurants, clothes, etc are definitely welcomed. Also we definitely won't turn down local people who feel like dropping by with a pizza, bucket of chicken or a bag of your kids' old clothes!
There are also plenty of ways to help that are FREE!-Send us your prayers and positive thoughts!-Help out with a fundraiser.- Be supportive of other families who make choices that may seem out of the ordinary to you.
I started a Facebook group page as a means to keep everybody updated. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=140938029710
Please feel free to repost this message on Facebook, e-mail or any forums where it will enlist more supporters for our cause. Please do not alter the message in any way, except to remove anything that may be a violation of the TOS of the site you post it (namely fundraising info).
It's time for us to stand up for our rights as women, parents and law abiding citizens who don't want the government trampling on our rights to live and raise our families as we choose! If they succeed with prosecuting us, it won't stop there.

How to get children to try new foods!

Here are my tips for getting children to try new things:

1. Cook it the way you normally cook it. Put 2-3 on the plate. Admire the colour, texture, smell. Eat it first. Offer it to the child. This may take 5 exposures, but patienct and good humour will always help the process rather than yelling or threats.

2. Use a small amount of ketchup or other sauce to aid in the taste. I personally do not like brussels sprouts but with hollandaise sauce and or ranch, they are bearable.

3. Cook the food a dfferent way. Sometimes, cooked vegetables do not please, but raw ones taste better.

4. Tricky foods, like seafood, often do take repeat offers. One way is to use a building system: most kids like tuna fish. Then move to canned salmon. Cook a white flesh fish. Scallops often are accepted, as are mahi-mahi or chilean sea bass. Again, small portions, and the child not being tired help with the acceptance process, as do the fact that these should not be unfamiliar foods in the household.

5. Pair familiar foods with unfamiliar ones. For example, fish and chips is a good dish for introducing seafood. The familiar chips paired with a mild fish, again in small portions should brighten up most kids.

6. Eat outside and grill. Of course, weather permitting, but the smell of fresh air, combined with grilled food often induce a heartier appetite and desire to try the food.

Good luck and let me know how these tips work for you!

The recent answer to "Who Am I?"

I am a trident doula/parenting coach/nutrition guide/women's issue advocate firmly committed to helping women wherever they are along the childbearing continuum. I pride myself on being San Jose's Community Doula! and love to offer all my knowledge and expertise to them, and love working with other birth professionals to help women blossom into the mothers they secretly want to be.

Born to a Caribbean family of healers and women's advocates, I have found my path and vocation as a doula. I am also studying to be a midwife; have EMT training and nurse assistant experience, constantly learn/lecture/write about birth and have a wonderful time being both wife and mother in beautiful sunny San Jose!

SNACKS ON THE GO FOR THE PREGNANT WOMAN

As a doula/parenting coach/nutrition guide/women's issue advocate, these are the top snacks/drinks I recommend for moms on the go:

1. juice boxes. do not need refrigeration, can keep for one to two months or more, compact.

2. homemade trail mix in a ziploc bag. Fruits, berries, cereal, little chocolate chips: easy to keep energy on the go.

3. EmergenC. Keep a box or two in the car; just add water, which is also a necessity.

4. Water. A case of small bottles or one jug, whatever. Cups as well. Warm or cold, water is good for your body.

5. Cereal bars/protein bars. There is a balance of nutrition and taste in there.

6. Dried fruit. There are many varieties and they give you a quick burst of energy and health.

7. Vitamins. Many people forget to take their vitamins, but keeping them in the car usually ensures that they will take it.

8. Pita bread, especially wheat pita,can keep in the car for up to a month.

9. Natural popcorn(already popped) Low sodium, low fat, good snacking.

10. peanut butter/cashew butter. I have clients who keep some type of nut butter with them in their cars. A spoonful of these is filling and nutritious.


BE INFORMED. BE CONFIDENT. BE EMPOWERED.
BIRTH INTO MOTHERHOOD WITH DOULA ANGELITA,
SAN JOSE'S COMMUNITY DOULA!--

What pregnant women should do to avoid the flu!

MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO TO AVOID THE FLU WHIILE PREGNANT


Talk to your healthcare provider about any measures that you need/want to take to reduce you/your baby's risk.

Keep hydrated. Water is cleansing and a moist, cool environment does not harbour germs.

Take your prenatal every day. Your body needs all the help it can get to be as strong as possible during your pregnancy.

Have a flu shot ASAP. The sooner you take even the "regular" flu shot, the better your body will be prepared to fight off infection.

Air out your house/apartment twice daily, once in the AM, once in the PM for 15 minutes each time. Stale air retains germs.

Limit the traffic in your home in terms of visitors; the fewer the number of contacts, the decrease in the opportunities for infection.

Pack a travel kit: hand sanitizer, plenty of tissues, gloves, extra plastic bag for used tissues, mask. Put one in every bag.

Checklist yourself every day; if you have a fever greater than 100F, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose-STAY HOME.

Stay home if you feel run-down but have no symptome. Rest and fluids can sometimes turn the tide if your body is on the borderline of illness.

Wash your hands for at least one minute, scrubbing front and back, up to the wrist. EVERY TIME YOU WASH THEM.

If you do get sick, stay home for at least seven days until the symptoms disappear.

Think positively: you are doing all you can to bring a happy, healthy baby into this world!



BE INFORMED. BE CONFIDENT. BE EMPOWERED.
BIRTH INTO MOTHERHOOD WITH DOULA ANGELITA,
SAN JOSE'S COMMUNITY DOULA!
-- Doula AngelitaResurgam BirthingWell8899760 458 7070mobiledoula4hire@gmail.comhttp://doula6angelita.blogspot.comhttp://resurgambirthingwell.wetpaint.comtwitter.com/doula6angelita

Update on the Dayton, OH Homebirth Arrest Case

First, before I begin, I want to thank Ms. Stephanie Beck-Borden, press liasion for Ohio Families for Safe Birth, for her extreme patience and understanding as I woke her and her child up to speak about the case. She was very pleasant and helpful, and again I apologize for my brashness and rudeness! I feel terrible!


Now, for the meat of the matter:

1. The story that has been on the message boards for the past two weeks is TRUE. The woman has been charged with giving birth in her own home, even though the birth was vaginal delivery and the baby is fine.

2. The reason that I could not find information on this through the usual media outlets is that the family wants a)privacy, and b) not to antagonize the authorities any further as there is a court appearance later on in the month.

3. People in Dayton, OH who are aware of the facts and the case, are having garage sales, etc. to help raise funds for the legal defense of the family.

4. The best thing to do at this moment is to do nothing. We support the family as members of the birth community, but we do not want the prosecutors to feel that they have to make an example of this family. THIS IS ALSO THE FAMILY's WISH.

5. I will be on top of this case and will post as soon as there are new developments.

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, please contact me via Twitter and I will obtain feedback from the source.



Be Informed. Be Confident. Be Empowered.
Birth Into Motherhood with Doula Angelita, San Jose's Community Doula!

Checklist for Postpartum Health

I was on a web radio station tonight with Dr. Derrik Da Silva, an MD who is interested in a holistic approach to health, including the use of complementary and alternative medicine. We talked about some things to look for to make sure that you, and your s.o. are in tip-top physical and emotional shape after birth.

Here are the suggestions that were generated for those that missed the show:

1. Make sure that you both get plenty of rest. Tiredness promotes crankiness and feelings of isolation.

2. Keep hydrated. Water will help flush toxins and postpartum weight, and keeps both of you in the pink of health.

3. Keep affection, romance and touch alive. A simple touch of the hands, looking into each others' eyes, or falling asleep together on the couch sparks the feelings that attracted you to each other.

4. Ladies: TAKE YOUR PRENATAL FOR ONE YEAR AFTER THE BIRTH OF THE BABY. Many women discontinue the prenatal right after birth, or let it drift out of their lives. Maintaining the concentrations of vitamins and minerals in your body will promote optimal health.

5. Ladies and gentlemen: daily fish oil will boost your immune system and encourages organ health.

6. If you are feeling run down about 3-6 weeks after giving birth, at about the time of your 6 week checkup, ask your health care provider about routine tests to check for:
anemia
vitamin D deficiency
thyroid functioning
postpartum depression


Give your body, mind, and soul time to heal and to come back into a semblance of order. Your body has been through a year of hormonal shifts, stretching of the skin, respiratory compaction, etc. You will come back; just concentrate on keeping healthy, bonding with your baby, relaxing and caring for yourself!


Be Informed. Be Confident. Be Empowered.

Birth Into Motherhood
with Doula Angelita, the San Jose Community Doula!