SACRED pregnancy the magazine
Healing Soups Rite of Passage: BIRTH
NIPPLES + bellies
Water Babies Maternity Leave: Report Card
birth : winter 2012
d e t i m i l W E I V E R P
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Welcome to the Winter 2012 issue of SACRED WOW!
pregnancy : the magazine
empowerment
The premier issue of Sacred Pregnancy : the magazine was a huge hit and we are so grateful for all of the support and gushing love notes we got about our first born. We are now birthing our 2nd child into the world and we thought this is the perfect time to honor the path of *BIRTH*. In this issue, I wanted to take the birth conversation through winding unsure roads, down unbeaten paths, out on adventures, for a slow dance, get sexy beautiful with it, down and bloody with it, cram it with herbs, tears, passion, love and FRESH PERSPECTIVE, crack it open for new rays of sunlight to shine down and help enlightened visions grow, and mostly I wanted us all to have fun pouring over all this juicy goodness together, in the new sisterhood we are creating! Since the last issue was released we had our very first Sacred Pregnancy Instructor Training Retreat in Ojai California, which was mind blowing and life changing. You will get a good peak at what we did in this issue, but what I realized from that experience, is that we are really onto something here. The Sacred Pregnancy movement is blossoming because of two things: 1. women are calling for change + 2. biz as usual isn’t enough! we want more, WE deserve MORE, WE crave MORE...and we are waking up to how to ! And what is this MORE I speak of?
get more
more
: honoring, love, sisterhood, good food, accurate cutting edge information, peace, calm, less needles and and cranky vibes, JOY, sexy, goofy, flowers, empowerment, creativity, round full gorgeous bellies, herbs, tinctures, soup!, BLISS, good tears, sweet tunes that MOVE us to dance and sweet babies born into our loving embrace... Welcome to the BIRTH issue... In reverence + sisterhood,
Anni Daulter
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photography : Shawna Wentz
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the birth issue number two
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Sacred Pregnancy Magazine is: Anni Daulter - Editor + Creative Director Trisha Brinkmann - Managing Editor Amanda Hearn - Designer www.theecofriendlyfamily.com Lynsey Stone - Cover Photography www.dfwbirthphotographer.com
Dedicated Interns Sare Merrigan- my right hand mama..thank you! Megan Murphy - for being Sare’s right hand mama! Brandy Lewis - for being able to create anything I ask with such beauty! Media + Advertising Contact advertising@sacredpregnancy.com Editorial Contact info@sacredpregnancy.com
A Special Thank You Tim Daulter : just for being the love of my life Hayley Lane : for being my soul sister Maggie Bijl : for being willing to dive in and create beauty Brandy Lewis : literally for EVERYTHING you do! All Ojai Sacred Pregnancy Instructors : for your unwavering support and dedication Amazing Amanda : for KILLING it AGAIN! Christy + Krista : for mentoring all those young SP babies! Gena Kirby : Just for what you do in the world + for BEING brave... Loren Krizmanich : for believing in sacred pregnancy with monumental FAITH + Generosity My Kids (Zoe, Lotus, Bodhi + River) : for making me a mama and showing me true beauty My Mama : for birthing me at the ripe young age of 17 and holding me close and loving me
Sacred Pregnancy Magazine was created and founded in 2012 by Anni Daulter.
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All material herein is copyright 2012 by Sacred Pregnancy Magazine and respective contributors / writers. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
SACRED pregnancy the magazine
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a special thank you to our amazing photographers:
spiritual childbirth
by Kerry Tuschhoff, HCHI, CHt, CI
c-sections + how they can impact your baby’s immune system by Dr. Lindsey Matthews
bless your belly with henna art by Elizabeth Sniegocki
nipples + bellies
by Christy Funk + Amy Paolinelli
the glory of a babymoon by Crysta Parkinson
it pays to pay for maternity leave
lynsey stone
alison eden
dfwbirthphotographer.com
alisoneden.com
shawna wentz
heather norton-rushton
sacredwombartistry.com
melissa wollman
melissawollmanphotography.com
naomi solomon
thejourneyofbirth.com
danica donnelly danicadonnelly.com
melissa thompson
melissathompsonphotography. wordpress.com
hrushton.etsy.com
brandy lewis
serenitymamaearth.com
bonnie lehr
bmjevents.blogspot.com
myrriah raimbault
peacefulbirthhaven.wix.com/ peaceful-birth-haven
lainey muren
lainey.sigler@gmail.com
by Avital Nathman
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pretty + poetic
by Heather Norton-Rushton
my baby is breech by Lynne Thorsen
herbal birth bundle by Brandy Lewis
44 restorative soups
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by Heng Ou
ancient wisdom of bone broth by Kelli Rosenbloom
water babies by Katie McCall
sacred highlights : ojai retreat by The Sacred Pregnancy Elders
journal this : we birth together by Amy Jones, RPP
chakra cleaning for pregnancy by Myrriah Raimbault
bed bonding
by Sylvia Poareo, MNSW
74 78 82 86 90 92 94 102 108
herbal mother love by Aja Blanc
holiday pairing picks by Anni Daulter
love yourself birth workers by Christy Funk
mother’s milk by Corinne Laan
dad’s corner by Tim Daulter
birth goddess dancing by Mary Flynn
welcoming baby nathalia by Antonette Vasseur
on the love of midwives
by Mandi Woolery, CD(DONA), AAHCC
from maiden to mother by Hayley Lane
photography : Melissa Wollman
winter 2012 birth issue 9
expert highlight FEATURE : 10
spiritual childbirth... by Kerry Tuschhoff, HCHI, CHt, CI
Dreams are powerful things. They allow us to process our fears, our hopes and desires and even plan for the future by working out issues that weigh on our conscious minds during the day. Dreams can extend into our daylight hours as well, manifesting as wishes, aspirations and yearnings as we pause and daydream about our past, present and future life choices.
photography : Shawna Wentz
I dream day and night that eventually all women will choose Spiritual Childbirth; a birthing journey that allows for deep personal exploration and growth which excludes fear and doubt. Stemming from the ubiquitous knowledge that their bodies are built magnificently to conceive, grow and birth and nurture a new life, women will simply and easily create their own births long before the first birthing wave begins. Pregnancy is a mind/body/heart/soul/mother/baby journey of love from the moment we learn we are pregnant. Women who are fully in tune with this concept don’t ever really need a pregnancy test…they feel the presence of another soul, another body ready to come through to them and they respond with deep understanding. Spiritual Childbirth begins with living a Spiritual Pregnancy; one that is holistic, organic, and filled with intention. Our bodies become temples of growth for our babies and ourselves, which we feed the most nutritious foods available, essentially proving how much love is available directly from the earth. In this way, we reconnect with the circle of life; everything and everyone provides for all others. In the same way, our spirits need attending to when we are pregnant and each mother decides what form that will take. Spirituality can be comprised of different elements which “feel right” to each of us; rituals, prayers, meditation, hypnosis or
other healing modalities that allow us to connect to a higher power or an inner voice. When we do this as expectant mothers, our confidence grows, our fears abate and our bodies become stronger. The calmer and more assured we are within our spirits, the healthier our minds and bodies will become. The quieter we become, the more we can hear, and there is another voice that can be heard during pregnancy which is affected by all that we think, say and do. Our babies are connected to us in many ways as they grow and they react to our very thoughts. How?
science and chemicals
Thoughts = feelings = beliefs = bodily reactions. We have a thought, positive or negative, which creates a feeling that corresponds to the thought; positive or negative. Our feelings then create a belief about that thought and our bodies react powerfully, producing hormones that bathe our bodies…and our babies with a commanding affect. These hormones have different effects; the positive ones allow our bodies to remain healthy and nurturing, however stress hormones produced can have the opposite effect. Many bodily functions in mother and baby are affected when negative thoughts lead to negative reactions; blood pressure, immunity, muscle constriction, etc. We can remain in a state of peace and spiritual calm by becoming quiet every day in prayer, mediation, hypnosis and/or using affirmations, which *create* positive thoughts about our lives, our families, our pregnancy and our baby’s birth. The more positive and encouraging our thoughts are, the calmer we will feel and the healthier our bodies and babies will be. This allows us to enjoy pregnancy much more and connect with our babies more fully, anticipating baby’s birth with joy and excitement. 11
spiritual childbirth is certain to follow!
A mother’s mind/body/heart/soul/mother/baby journey continues when she creates her own birth path. Sitting quietly each day and asking questions, she allows the answers to flow in and begin manifesting her baby’s birth. There is no “birth plan”, since a birth path cannot be predicted, rather there are powerful dreams which encompass a secure birthing environment and birth team, place of birth and items/people that represent safety and an association with joyful birthing. -- Are the place that I have chosen to give birth and all members of my birth team in tune with the sacredness of with my spiritual, emotional and physical needs when I give birth? -- Am I in harmony every day with my baby and his/her needs? -- Have I embraced by baby’s role in his/her birth and the path that it will take? -- Have I created a space, a spiritual and physical place for my baby in our family? -- Am I allowing myself to be quiet every day to concentrate on my pregnancy, my body, my spirit as I nurture my baby towards birth? -- Am I attuned to my own birthing needs and accepted that I own them and deserve to have them fulfilled?
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-- Are there any fears or concerns which must be brought forth, dynamically acknowledged and allowed to flow away? -- Am I taking responsibility for my baby’s birth with confidence and intention? -- Have I visualized every day holding my baby in my arms after birthing him/her powerfully, spiritually…joyfully? When childbirth is considered “only” a physical event, the fact that it is life/soul/heart/body-changing becomes overlooked. The impact that giving birth to a baby has on mother, baby, father, their family and friends is enormous, and will continue to effect everyone for years, even longer in some cases. As women we are privileged beyond comprehension to be able to grow and give birth to our babies, and we can easily make empowered birthing choices, trust the natural childbirth process, and use the power of our spirits to enhance both pregnancy and childbirth to a level of joy!
my dream?
My dream becomes more of a reality every day as more and more women use the incredible power of their spirits to help them achieve their Spiritual Birthing. Babies are born already knowing their parents, born “aware”, and accepted as a vital part of the birthing process, able to breathe and nurse and look into their parent’s eyes with wonder and love. Their mothers will laugh with joy as they are giving birth, safe and loved, and with awe and wonder they pass their own birth stories on to their own children, friends and family. A new legacy has begun.
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I double DARE you to...
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BE BRAVE :
i double dare you to...
make a BRAVE BIRTH wish...
photography : melissa wollman
i i i i i i i
wish wish wish wish wish wish wish
ALL women could birth in their full glory every birth could be witnessed by a loving sister tribe all babies could be born into the calm waters of love all women knew how strong they ARE red tents were in every hospital room mother blessings replaced baby showers we were were NOT AFRAID of birth
may all my wishes come true... what is your BRAVE BIRTH wish? 15
photography : Naomi Solomon for The Journey of Birth of Photography
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EDGY :
top trends
How C-sections Can Impact Your Baby’s Immune System By Dr. Lindsey Matthews
Take Action : Swab + Suck! You’re on the bath to becoming the best new mother ever. You’ve taken the Sacred Pregnancy courses. You have a partner that supports your every move and loves you unconditionally. You have a job in which you can pick your hours and work from home. You have a car seat in both of the cars. You have an Ergo Baby in your car, your partner’s car, and one at home. You’ve got the co-sleeping method dialed in. And, you have certified everything in your house as ‘Green’. I would give you an ‘A’. However, you may have forgotten the most important thing - building your baby’s immune system, which is the you can give your child against the outside world. If your child does not have a healthy functioning immune system he or she will not thrive.
best defense
In your belly, your baby is in the safest place in the world. While your little one is in your belly he or she is receiving the protection from your immune system. Keep in mind that you have spent many years being exposed to different microbes and pathogens. Your immune is strong because of your gut flora. Our gut flora is the game changer in moderating our immunity. The human GI tract houses about 70% of the immune system [2]. Our gut flora is like the gate-keeper, which will not allow any garbage to penetrate the boundaries.
When your gut-flora does come across garbage, it signals the immune system to take action.
Your body knows how to fight off foreign intruders, not only protecting you but your baby as well. Yet, when your baby is born, he or she is basically a blank canvas as far as microbial content is concerned. The second your baby enters this world he or she is being exposed to microbes, good and bad, trying to seek refuge in a new host, your infant. Vaginal birth and cesarean birth have a significant impact on the gut flora of the newborn. Once bacteria
hits the gut, it immediately establishes a home. When a baby is born vaginally, he or she receives the first dose of microbes via the mother’s vaginal canal and surrounding tissues. Babies born vaginally have mostly Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus, which come from the mother’s vaginal and fecal flora. There is a difference in the colonization of bacteria in a vaginal birth compared to the increasingly prevalent cesarean births. Babies born via cesarean section exhibit Clostridium and Streptococcus in their gut flora. However, these come from the shiny tools. Which is NOT what you want! Bifidobacterium is needed specifically to aid in digestion of the breast milk and displays an immunomodulatory effect on intestinal immune cells. Lactobacillus also plays a role in digestion but also stimulate the immune system. Lactobacillus plays a role in digestion, stimulates the immune system and inhibits growth of pathogenic bacteria by keeping the pH low and regulating its own enzymatic activity. Escherichia coli is known to produce crucial vitamin complexes [1].
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How C-sections Can Impact Your Baby’s Immune System
Breastfeeding has just as a significant impact on im-
mune system development. When the baby first latches on, he or she receives colostrum. This is specifically designed for the infant to aid in nutrition and helps pass the first stool. Infants that do not breast-feed suffer in many categories one being that they are more prone to infection because they lack the bifidobacteria. In one study, infants that were fed formula as opposed to breastmilk, had a distinct delay in the colonization of good bacteria. The next 18-24 months constitutes a whole new article, and those months are critical for establishing the infant’s immune system. The intestinal lining, the gut, takes about 18-24 months to fully form. When new, good bacteria colonize they establish a firm foundation resulting in healthy functioning immune system years later. So if you find yourself in a situation where you must have a cesarean section, make the proper arrangements.
IMPORTANT: Your baby needs to be exposed to the bacteria that you, the mother, have developed. If the baby is not born vaginally, have someone - the partner, the midwife, the ObGyn - swab the vaginal canal and wipe on the mom’s breasts. This will expose the newborn baby while latching on to the mother’s breast for feeding. This is not gross; it is a and is a action to ensure the healthy development of your baby’s immune system.
necessary
normal
TAKE ACTION : SWAB + SUCK!!!! Establishing healthy gut flora can prevent numerous ailments such as asthma, ADHD, eczema, and anything related to systemic inflammation. Give your baby’s immune system a solid foundation right from the start! 18
Resources: 1. http://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/Newborn_baby_digestive_tract 2. http://www.marksdailyapple.com/gut-flora-healthy-immune-system/
Iris Oils
~Created by Mothers, Inspired by Birth~ www.irisoils.com
Our goal at EarthBorn Mothers, Inc. is to provide education and support for women to enhance their pregnancy and birth outcomes. We offer products to assist women on their journey into motherhood and encourage them to discover an alternative, holistic and healthy approach to birthing and beyond. We offer a pure, natural line of aromatherapy products for pregnancy, birth and beyond. 19
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CIRCLE ROUND :
gathering groups
Bless Your Belly with henna art
I’m sitting in an orange, velvet wingback chair that belonged to my maternal grandmother. The piping is torn loose on one side and dangles near a scratched up mahogany foot. It smells faintly of mildew and dust. But I don’t care. I feel what I always feel when I sit here – connected to my mother, my grandmother, and somehow, inadvertently, to all the women who have come before me. This connection is especially poignant today, as it is the Mother Blessing for my second pregnancy. A dear friend kneels before me, mindfully and artfully applying henna to the generous swell of my 36-week pregnant belly. Surrounded by my tribe, being adorned and honored, I indeed feel very blessed. The ancient ritual of applying henna art to a pregnant woman’s belly, long-practiced in places such as India and the Middle East, is becoming increasingly popular for modern day mamas-to-be. “Henna applied during pregnancy can be a very special way to celebrate pregnancy, motherhood, and the beautiful changes the body is going through,” says Henna Artist Erin Ernst of Sarasota, Florida.
“The application of henna paste is a relaxing and calming ritual
by Elizabeth Sniegocki www.NaturalNester.com
that is thought to bring love, luck, protection, and good fortune. Henna is a plant-based dye that has been used medicinally and cosmetically for over 9,000 years. Dried leaves of the henna plant are ground and combined with lemon juice, sugar, and essential oils to form a paste. This paste is then applied to the skin in a decorative pattern and left to dry for several hours (or overnight). After it is scraped away, the henna creates a reddish-brown stain – known as mehndi – on the outer layer of skin, which will gradually fade away over a few days to a couple of weeks. “Historically, henna has been used to dye hair, nails, skin, leather, and even fabric,” explains Ernst. “Each culture has its very own style, and usually symbolic designs, that are used to decorate the skin - generally the hands and feet. Henna application is traditionally associated with womanhood and celebration, and the ceremonial painting is often considered sacred or magical.” Henna ceremonies, traditionally performed in the third trimester, can be a meaningful addition to a Mother Blessing, which may incorporate other rituals to prepare the mother for birth, or a baby shower. “These celebrations are often given to pregnant 21
Bless Your Belly with henna art
mothers by close women of her ‘tribe,’ and so it is appropriate that henna has been done in this manner – for women, by women – throughout history,” says Ernst, who became interested in henna about five years ago, when she had her own belly adorned with the “magnificent mud” while pregnant with her first child. Prior to receiving a belly henna application, Ernst suggests the mother consider what symbolic images she would like to be adorned with to celebrate her pregnancy and prepare for her upcoming birth. “It is helpful to look at traditional henna designs to get an idea of the style you feel would be most fitting. Paisleys, flowers, peacocks, and swirls are common imagery you’ll see if you search for henna on the internet,” she says. “I’m very fond of symbolic images, so if a mother doesn’t have an idea of what she wants already, I suggest she look into things such as birth flowers or trees/leaves, zodiac symbols, a favorite animal, pictures that represent the child’s name, or wishes she may have for the birth.” Having natural henna applied during a healthy pregnancy is generally very safe.* Ernst recommends asking the henna artist what is used in their henna to be sure you aren’t sensitive to any of the ingredients. And always check that there is no addition of chemical dyes, such as PPD (also called “black henna” though it is not henna), which is toxic and can permanently scar the skin. “I mix my own henna, by adding only lemon juice and essential oil (usually lavender for pregnant women) to the fresh, green, body art-quality, henna plant powder,” says Ernst. A henna session is a wonderful opportunity for a pregnant woman to embrace her curvaceous body and to appreciate those last moments of pregnancy. “The final trimester of pregnancy is 22
usually a very busy period for mothers, and sometimes a physically uncomfortable time. Taking the time to have henna designs applied, which can take an hour or longer, gives the mother a chance to slow down and reflect on her journey,” says Ernst. “At the end of a henna session, expectant mothers generally tell me they’ve had a very relaxing experience - like being pampered at the spa.” Women often want to photograph the artwork on their bellies after getting decorated with henna. If you are planning on doing maternity photos, and want the darkest stain on your skin, Ernst recommends booking your photo shoot for 24-48 hours after your henna is applied. “This is when the stain will be its darkest, before gradually fading away,” she explains. The photos I have of my belly henna art reflect one of my most treasured memories of those final days of pregnancy. The symbolic designs, applied intentionally in the company of my sisterhood, stayed with me as a beautiful, empowering reminder of the support and encouragement that surrounded me at my Mother Blessing, and carried me through the sweet birth of my second daughter. *Always check with your healthcare provider: Henna should be avoided by women who are extremely anemic, women whose babies have G6PD deficiency or hyperbilirubinemia, and women who have had - or who have had a child who has had - a chronic or acute condition affecting the blood or immune systems. The henna designs of Erin Ernst can be viewed at www.SarasotaFacePainter.com, or on Facebook under “Face Painting & Body Artistry by Erin.”
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photography : Shawna Wentz
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ECO-BEAUTY BAR :
the juice
+ Bellies
Nipples Nipples
Almost every mom will tell you that the first couple of weeks of breastfeeding will include sore nipples. While soreness is totally normal, pain is not, so if your discomfort has passed the point of soreness and into the realm of pain, please contact an IBCLC or your local LLL for some help. To help ease any nipple discomfort and provide some lubrication while your baby is at breast, while at the same time providing anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, I often suggest to moms to regularly apply Raw Organic Coconut Oil to their nipples. While there are some really great ointments available, coconut oil alone is easy, readily available, cheap, and effective! It is a potent, safe, and wonderfully effective oil that you can use not only on your nipples, but also on the rest of your body and your baby as well!
Bellies The benefits of touch are many, and the simple art of massage, whether by a professional or via the loving touch of your partner or child, imparts a sense of calm, relaxation, and bonding. During pregnancy, mothers’ hands are often found resting upon her belly and growing baby. Whether consciously or subconsciously, we want our little baby to feel our presence, support and love, to bond with her and get to know her subtle movements and growing personality.
by: 3Girls Holistic
Christy Funk + Amy Paolinelli
I believe and honor the place of ritual in our daily lives. Taking time to do something relaxing, nourishing, and soul replenishing for ourselves during what has become these ultra busy lives that we now lead. During pregnancy, slowing down alone or with a partner to gently massage your belly with moisturizing oil is a wonderful way to honor yourself and the work that your body is doing. Not only will it provide numerous emotional benefits, but your skin will be left nourished and silky smooth. Below is a recipe for a simple, but wonderful belly oil. The base utilizes Cocoa Butter, which for centuries has been used by women during pregnancy to prevent and treat stretch marks. Cocoa Butter contains natural antioxidants, is rich in Vitamin E, as well a number of other vitamins and minerals. It helps to soothe, balance, and hydrate the skin, while at the same time boosting the immune system, and relieving stress. When you add the essential oils of Neroli and Lavender to the Cocoa Butter, you create a powerful skin healing oil that is also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, relaxing, toning and calming to various systems of the body.
Belly Oil Baby -- 1/2 Cup Cocoa Butter, Organic Fair Trade -- 10 Drops Neroli Essential Oil -- 10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
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We thank you in advance for your support of Sacred Pregnancy : the magazine & the movement!
The full issue can be purchased by visiting...
www.sacredpregnancy.com
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