From the WBWC Blog:

Health

Maternal Mental Health Matters!

By Nancy Albrecht MA, RN, BSN Facilitator: Coping with Motherhood Support Group May is Maternal Mental Health (MMH) month, with the fourth annual World Maternal Mental Health Day held on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. We need special focus on MMH to: · Increase visibility because NO ONE IS IMMUNE! · Combat social stigma because ILLNESS IS NOT A CRIME! · Improve detection and treatment because 1 IN 5 NEW MOTHERS EXPERIENCE MMH DISORDERS and 7 IN 10 WOMEN HIDE OR DOWNPLAY THEIR SYMPTOMS! · To earmark more resources to maternal and infant mental health because NO HEALTH WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH! If you are a mom struggling with mood changes or anxiety, the WBWC midwives, nurses, and staff are here to help. Whether you are pregnant, newly postpartum, or have a toddler, you are not alone and will recover! You may regain your life as you: · Turn to those around you and ask for help. · Seek professional support from your midwife or a referral to a therapist. · Find peer support from a support group like Coping with Motherhood or online at PSI (www.postpartum.net). · Acknowledge and grieve the loss of the “ideal” motherhood experience. · Look ahead to wellness. Spouses, family members, and friends may be the first to notice these changes. You can help by: Ask her “How are you doing, how are you really doing?” LISTEN to what she says! No matter how many people you think are supporting her, there are often way too few who ask and listen. Everyone wants to know how the baby is: how baby is growing and moving or how baby is sleeping, eating, pooping, etc??? Nobody is asking mom if she’s getting rest; if she’s eating regularly; if she gets to take a shower when she needs or wants to. Ask her “How much did you sleep last night?” “What did you eat today?” Help her make a sleep plan and bring her food. Ask her “Are you okay?” Be prepared if she says NO: Call us! Moms and family members can become MMH activists: Support PSI. Participate in the annual Climb Out of the Darkness events sponsored by PSI-NC (https://psichapters.com/nc/): Chapel Hill, Saturday, June 8, 2019 and Durham, Saturday, October 19, 2019. Make sure your professional support team has been trained by PSI. Emily Joubert, CNM will be the most recently trained member of the WBWC staff, attending … Read More

MILC Moment – Holiday Mastitis

Calls about mastitis tend to increase over the holidays. Changes in routine, travel, sleep disruptions, stress, and missed feedings can all contribute to getting engorged, getting a plugged duct, and/or getting mastitis. When you get a plugged duct, it may start as a little lump in the breast. It may feel a little tender, and the skin over it might look more pink or red. If it doesn’t get better, it may get bigger and the congestion may start to spread to other areas of your breast. More of the skin might look red. You might feel body aches or chills, or get a low grade fever. If the congestion still doesn’t go away, you might start feeling worse – like you have the flu, with a high fever. At that point, you should definitely be calling WBWC (or your OB care provider) – “Help! I think I have mastitis!” A round of antibiotics will usually clear up mastitis pretty quickly. But we like to avoid antibiotics if we can, and of course we like to avoid you getting sick! Could we prevent a bad case of mastitis? Sometimes, we can! The first step in prevention is to take care of yourself over the holidays. Mastitis loves stress! Keep nursing your baby frequently, don’t skimp on sleep, and do whatever you can to minimize the stress that can come along with the holiday season. If you do start to have issues, it’s good to know that very frequent nursing or pumping often does the trick. If you have a really stubborn spot that won’t clear, all you need may be just your hands – massaging to clear out those congested areas before they get worse. Check out this video for techniques on how to massage and hand express: https://vimeo.com/65196007 . The Boutique also sells a “Happy Ducts” herbal tincture to help in clearing breast congestion. If you’re not able to clear the plug yourself, all the WBWC LCs, and many of the midwives and nurses, have been trained on how to do breast massage to help clear plugged ducts and breast congestion. If you feel like a plugged duct is getting worse, and you’re not able to clear it yourself, you can call for an appointment to get some hands-on help. If you believe you are getting mastitis, or have mastitis, you should always call WBWC (or your OB care provider) for care. If … Read More

The Power of Menopause

By Allison Koch, CNM How much do you know about the life transition we call Menopause? Menopause is what is known as a retrospective diagnosis. That means that women are defined as “in menopause” or “menopausal” when they have had no period for a full year. Women may go 10 or 11 months without a period, then have a period. We call that “peri-menopausal.” Once women have achieved Menopause, they are considered Post-Menopausal. In the USA, the average age of menopause is 51. Despite women’s shorter lifespan throughout history, age 51 has remained the average age of menopause for the past 300 years. Most women will experience some symptoms that make them aware that their bodies are changing, but few women that I have seen in my practice are aware that there are nearly 100 symptoms that may coincide with the menopausal transition. The hormones involved in the changes of menopause are likely to be estrogens and progesterone, but also could be DHEA, testosterone, or an imbalance in another body system brought on by changing hormones. Hormones are natural chemicals present in our bodies that interact with each other or with our cells and organs. Hormones exist primarily to regulate processes and keep our body in homeostasis, a state of natural balance. Menopause is a process, frequently taking 10 years or more, designed to change our bodies and prepare us for a lifetime beyond the fertile years! In perimenopause, most women experience some of the same hormonal symptoms that heralded menarche. Anxiety, emotionality, irregular periods are all normal in young girls approaching puberty. Worsening PMS is often the first symptom noted as we enter the perimenopausal period.  Although our youth-oriented culture doesn’t generally approach the Elder “rites of passage” with as much anticipation as other milestones, there is still cause for celebration (raise a glass of red wine!) The main focus of my practice at Women’s Birth & Wellness Center is peri-menopause and menopausal care. I am here to guide and support you through the menopausal transition. I want to optimize your experience, your health and your adjustment to the power of a new way of life. Together we will explore the process and your options for managing challenges. Our mission: Your Life. Your Health. Our Commitment. Since last September, I have been hosting a recurring workshop titled “The Power of Menopause.” Menopause is one of the Women’s Mysteries, along … Read More

WBWC Earns “Triple Aim” Best Practice Recognition

The American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) has designated WBWC as a “Triple Aim” Best Practice. This means that we have met the goals set by the Institute for Health Improvement of 1) improving patient experiences; 2) reducing the cost of care; and 3) improving the health of populations. We demonstrated these three goals through our low rates of cesarean and preterm birth, high breastfeeding rates, and the affordability of our services. Out of 257 participating practices, only 97 received this designation. We are proud to continue to offer high-quality care to our families and improve the health of our community!

Climb Out of the Darkness

Women’s Birth & Wellness Center is proud to co-sponsor Climb Out of the Darkness® 2018 events in both Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Durham. Postpartum Support International (PSI) took over management of this event in 2017.  Climb Out of the Darkness® is the world’s largest event raising awareness of maternal mental illnesses like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and OCD, postpartum post-traumatic stress, postpartum psychosis, perinatal bipolar mood disorders, and pregnancy depression and anxiety.   Climb Out of the Darkness® is held on or near the longest day of the year annually to help shine the most light on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD). The event features mothers and others across the globe joining together to climb mountains and hike trails to represent their symbolic rise out of the darkness of maternal mental illness and into the light of hope and recovery.  The Climb will be held in Chapel Hill/Carrboro on Sunday, June 24, 9:00 am at Briar Chapel Clubhouse, 1600 Briar Chapel Parkway, Chapel Hill. The Durham Climb will take place on Saturday, June 30, 9:00 am at Emerald Doulas, 5317 Highgate Dr., Suite 115, Durham.   Many Climbers and sponsors choose to fundraise, but it is not a requirement to participate. However, for those choosing to raise money or donate to a team, please know that all of the funds will remain with the NC chapter of PSI. WBWC and PSI-NC are glad to have this opportunity to raise awareness and funds.  Funds will be used by PSI-NC to continue several initiatives throughout the state, including: Continuing to grow a state-wide PMAD resource list Using this resource list to help increase screening by medical providers Increased access to PMAD training for professionals (especially in under-served areas) Increased support for PMAD professionals Continued partnerships with existing public health initiatives like Community Care of North Carolina and the Office or Rural Health Join us for a day of celebration for the many survivors in our community. Join us to shine light on the need for better information and better treatment for families with perinatal mood disorders. Join WBWC as a Climber or donate to our team at https://climb-out-2018.causevox.com/WBWC-team

Study Shows Birth Center Care Improves Outcomes

From 2013-2016 Women’s Birth & Wellness Center participated in the Strong Start for New Mother and Newborns Initiative through the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC). This study provided funding to collect data on Medicaid patients at birth centers, including WBWC. AABC’s Strong Start program aimed to use birth center care to help prevent preterm birth, low birthweight, and costly interventions for those at the highest risk for complications. From the time that enrollment began in June of 2013, a diverse group of more than 8,300 women have participated in AABC’s Strong Start program at 46 birth center sites, with over 6,100 Strong Start births. This study found that the birth center model of care achieved the aims of improved population health, patient experience, and value. What does this really mean? Choosing to birth in a hospital was associated with nearly 4 times the risk of a cesarean birth compared with a birth center among medically low-risk Medicaid beneficiaries. Strong Start participants also had a decreased risk preterm birth and of low birth weight Birth centers showed the highest rates of satisfaction with both the prenatal care and delivery experience. 96% of patients were very satisfied or extremely satisfied with their prenatal care at birth centers and 84% were very satisfied or extremely satisfied with their delivery experience. Additionally, by lowering the rates of caesarean births and pre-term births, Strong Start patients saw an estimated $28 million in Medicaid savings. This study supported what we know and have seen through our experiences – that the birth center model of care lowers the risks of complications and honors and supports the preferences of the birthing person. Birth Center prenatal care is time intensive and relationship-based. Enhanced prenatal care includes referrals to needed resources, health education and emotional support. Midwives provide longer visits to achieve these outcomes. Women’s Birth & Wellness Center is the only free-standing birth center in the Triangle that accepts Medicaid patients. The Strong Start grant funding has ended, but through your support we can continue to provide this exceptional midwifery-model of care in a place of wellness to all women and birthing individuals. Please visit https://ncbirthcenter.org/donate/ to learn how you can help. As a Paypal Giving Fund recipient, there are no fees associated with your online donation, and your entire donation is used to serve our mission. Thank you in advance for your support!

Love , Lust, and How the WBWC Boutique is Good for Your Heart Health

by Allison Koch February is the month of love, valentines, and hearts, so it seemed appropriate to talk about love, the heart and what supports our hearts and our love life! Much is being said about the gut-brain connection and the microbiome these days, but this month seemed like a perfect time to talk about the heart-brain connection! The heart is the very first organ to develop in the fetus, and its cells are found throughout the human body. Western cultures and scientific research over the past 40 years have primarily focused on the heart as a pump, though other cultures have traditionally regarded the heart as a source of wisdom, spiritual insight, thought and emotion. But lately, scientific research has begun to demonstrate that these associations may be more than metaphorical as a new understanding of the heart, its highly specialized cells, and its amazing abilities has led to the new field of neurocardiology. The heart has its own network of nerves and nervous system, consisting of some 40,000 neurons. This heart-brain nervous system gives the heart the ability to independently sense, process, make decisions, and memorize. The heart actually LEARNS. Additionally, the heart is a hormonal gland, like your brain, making and secreting hormones and neurotransmitters that travel throughout the body, communicating with other cells, other hormones and neurotransmitters, affecting you in multiple ways. Among the hormones produced by the heart is one of the midwife’s favorites: oxytocin. Oxytocin is known as the “hormone of love,” as it is secreted during orgasm, in labor and birth, when we share a pleasurable meal or experience with others, when we breastfeed our young, and when women gather to support each other. (Hint, hint: It is often called the “tend and befriend hormone”.) I love that the heart learns and decides and does all this thinking for itself, because that affirms what humans have felt forever: the heart wants what the heart wants, or, as my Grandmother used to say, “Love goes where its sent”. <3 So how best to support our amazing hearts and keep the love light burning? Phytonutrients, antioxidants and whole foods that are consumed as close to the way they come from the ground: Herbs and spices: especially turmeric (curcumin) and raw garlic, basil, cinnamon, curry powder, chili peppers ginger, rosemary and thyme) Traditional teas like black tea, green tea, oolong or white tea. Dark beans., walnuts, … Read More

Healing Magic at the WBWC Boutique: Voluptuous V

By Allison Koch, CNM Since the government has now forbidden the CDC from making documents and reports that refer to science and evidence and discuss things like fetuses and transgender persons, this article will talk about none of those things – though I could. Instead I prefer to talk about magic and healing and the healing magic that is available to us at the WBWC Boutique every single day. My plan is to profile some of the magical healing remedies available at the boutique over the next several months and educate you about what they can do for you! Botanical medicine comes from healing traditions that are steeped in centuries old wisdom (mostly from women healers) working with plants that were well-known, handled carefully, often prayed over and treated with great respect for their healing properties and gratitude for their gifts. I know it sounds a little “woo-woo” but there really is something about crafting a remedy while putting all your thoughts and intention into its healing purpose. For those of us who knit, crochet or quilt, for example, there is a healing purpose “intended” right into that piece while you make it. That’s what prayer shawls are. They wrap the recipient in prayers for their recovery and/or well-being. There are books devoted to the healing power of intention – and many experiments that prove the possibility of sending healing energies, such as love, gratitude, or forgiveness. And what a great intention! One such book is the classic by Lynne McTaggert called The Field, and that could be another kind of field trip. Botanical medicine made in a mindful way serves the same kind of healing purpose. This is one of the intangibles that makes studying herbal treatments hard to quantify. Different healers will grow the plant under different conditions, and even if prepared according to a recipe, it will still carry the magic signature and intention of a particular herbalist. Voluptuous V is a botanical product created by Paula Youmell, a holistic nurse who is also an herbalist, author, and health educator. Paula realized that “personal lubricants” are commonly used by women to address the problem of vaginal tissues thinning at menopause, which, by the way, is a universal experience of menopause. Most lubricants are not made from natural ingredients, friendly to the delicate ecosystem of the vagina. Concerned about this, she created something healthy and safe for use … Read More

Endo What?

WBWC has partnered with UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine and Reply OB/Gyn & Fertility to offer a free screening of the film Endo What? This original film about endometriosis touches on multiple aspects of this largely misunderstood condition that affects 1 in 10 women worldwide. The film screening is Thursday, November 2 in the Medical Biomolecular Research Building (MBRB) at UNC-Chapel Hill at 111 Mason Farm Road. There will be a reception from 5:30-6:30 with hors d’oeuvres from Green Planet Catering, followed by the film screening and expert medical panel. The presentation is FREE and open to the public, but space is limited so please register here to reserve your spot. For more information, go to www.replyobgyn.com/endo-what

Herb of the Month – Nettle

By Violet Trisolini Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a useful herb for combating the all-too-common symptoms of allergy season. Nettle is a great source of vitamins important for healthy menstruation, pregnancy, and nursing, including iron, magnesium, and calcium. Its antihistamine properties make it a favorite for lessening springtime symptoms of hay fever and allergies. It is also a galactagogue and can increase milk supply! Can also be a mild diuretic. What’s not to love about this stinging plant?     Nettle can be found in the following products in the Boutique… Nettle Tincture (Suki’s Blends) Nettle Leaf capsules (Nature’s Way) Kick-It Allergy (WishGarden) – proprietary blend of Yerba Santa, Nettles, Echinacea, & orange peel. Teas including Nettle Tea (Traditional Medicinals), Woman’s Mother To Be (Yogi), Third Trimester Tea and Monthly Comfort Tea (Earth Mama Angel Baby), Pregnancy Tea, Woman’s Vitality, Fertility Tea, and Allergy Aid (Suki’s Blends) Many galactagogues, including Milk Rich with Goat’s Rue (Wish Garden), More Milk Plus, More Milk Two, and More Milk Special Blend (Motherlove)     Sources: “Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide,” Rosemary Gladstar (2012) “Body Into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care,” Maria Noel Groves (2016)

5 Reasons to Get the 2016-17 Flu Vaccine

By Nancy Albrecht, RN, BSN, IBCLC Women’s Birth & Wellness Center will begin offering seasonal influenza vaccinations (flu shots) on September 15, 2016. Your midwives and nurse practitioners at WBWC recommend that you get a flu shot every year, if: –          You are pregnant –          You are breastfeeding –          You are a parent –          You are 6 months old or older YES, all of you! We believe the benefits of being immunized against flu outweigh the risks of getting the vaccination. 1.  Getting the flu shot during pregnancy protects mom, the growing baby, and later,        the newborn (up to 6 months old) from getting infected with the flu. 2.  Pregnant and postpartum mothers (up to 2 weeks after birth), and infants, even if        otherwise healthy, are at higher risk of getting flu and of developing severe                  complications, such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death. Fetuses exposed      to influenza are at risk of being born small for gestational age, being born preterm,      and intrauterine fetal demise. 3.  Risks of a vaccine reaction range from mild soreness at the site of injection (60%)        to very rare severe allergic reaction (<1%). Side effects of the vaccine are mild            compared to the disease itself.  Flu vaccines given during pregnancy have not been      shown to cause harm to a pregnant woman or her baby. 4.  During years when there is a good match between the flu vaccine and circulating          viruses, substantial benefits are gained from vaccination by preventing flu illness.        But in years when the flu vaccine is not well matched, it’s possible that no benefit      from flu vaccination may be observed. You reduce your risk of getting influenza            and other complications by being vaccinated, but you may still get sick with flu            after receiving the vaccine. 5.  WBWC provides the trivalent preservative-free vaccine. You can get the flu shot          during any trimester of pregnancy or postpartum and while breastfeeding. Follow these other preventive steps throughout the flu season (October to May) *WASH YOUR HANDS frequently with soap and warm water, for 20 seconds. Dry with paper towels or an air-dryer. Avoid using shared … Read More