Overindulged children are more the rule than the exception in many American homes, but today's economy is forcing parents to buy and do less for their youngsters. Here are some tips for making thrifty parenting more of a blessing than a curse.
- Stand firm. Children will ask for more and may protest when it doesn't come. Remember that what you're doing is good for them.
- Think character. Waiting teaches children patience, while not always getting what they want teaches them gratitude for what they do receive. Giving to them more carefully and intentionally fosters these life lessons.
- Think priorities. Your dollars only go so far. Focus on the reasons you need to spend wisely. Saving for future home repairs, night classes or rainy days usually is smarter than spending on the latest video games or gadgets.
- Stick to your budget. Few, if any, toys, treats or fun times justify spending more than you can afford. Avoid holiday and vacation expenses that burden you with credit card debt and stress.
- Don't apologize. Try not to blame your "no's" on lack of money. Take credit for your new parenting approach. Rather than saying "we can't afford it," state confidently that it is not a purchase you want to make.
- Don't back down. When the economy rights itself, and your finances improve, don't surrender the hard-won gains you've made. Just because you have more cash doesn't mean that your children will benefit from more things.
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Tips for single moms to build relationships with one another:
To piggyback on my very first article, Single mothers band together to help each other out, I wanted to come back periodically and give you not only updates on the three mothers I focused on , but to give you some tips on how you too can develop similar bonds with other single moms in your neighborhoods and surrounding areas.I think it is extremely important to understand that although we may encounter a situation that leaves us raising our children alone, we most certainly do not have to bare this sometimes overwhelming task all by ourselves. You see, whether you know it or not, you may have a neighbor that only lives houses or even a couple of blocks away that is also holding it down by her lonesome.
Whether you live in Botswana, Africa or in Wilmington, Delaware, you are truly not alone. Here are a few tips to get you started participating in and contributing to the concept of that old saying, " It takes a village to raise a child!"
#1. When you find yourself at your child's school or daycare, speak to other parents and mothers. The only way to meet people is to first ackowledge that you see them. It is kind and curteous to speak to people, whether it is staff or a fellow-parent.
#2. Ask questions and get to know who your children are around and who their parents are.
When your kids are out playing and or participating in events where other kids and parents are a part of, find out who is who. Find out who lives near or around you and what are their names. Do not be afraid to ask children what their parents names are and if you can meet them.
#3. Get acquainted with the parents and moms of other children you know have a single parent household. You may not even realize how either you can help this other parent or how this other parent may be able to help you. You may just find that you need someone to talk to in the interim that your child has an issue that you are not familair with or do not have any experience with. You may simply want another child to be able to stay the night or if your child wants to sleep over a friend's house, you may want to know who the mother is.
In my city, Wilmington, I live in what is known as Southbridge.
We have a facility called the Neighborhood House ( www.neighborhoodhse.org/) and there are several basketball courts in the surrounding area of our neighborhood. We have a couple of Barber shops, corner stores, even a Metro PCS store, a local cleaners and a BP gas station, all within a 10 block radius of walking distance. We have a Firehouse and of course your local Liquor store as well as churches and a few other places of business. There are residents who have lived here for more than 30-40 years. There is no reason that single mothers, fathers and parents can't get to know one another and build relationships to help our youth prosper and become successful in life.
One last tip before I go,
#4. Get your children involved in these programs and recreational facilities and establish a repore with the people helping to occupy your children's time, motivate and encourage them to stay out of trouble and educate them to improve and succeed in their lives. It may feel like we are all alone when the bills are due and not enough money is coming in, or our children encounter situations that bewilder and confuse us at times, but if you at least make an effort to try some of the tips I have suggested, things will get better,one moment, one event, one day at a time. Other people are in place to do their part, so as the parents, single or not, we should give them the benefit of the doubt and share in the responsibility to utilize the help that is available by building relationships with others who are traveling the same road we are, this may make the journey less lonely in the end.
Big thanks to this site.
As parents what we want most for our children is for them to be successful and happy…and to hear us when we give them instruction or direction so that success is easier and less painful for them. Have you been asking yourself lately what you can do to increase positive and meaningful communication with your teenager? Do you ever feel like your talking to a wall? The biggest mistake most parents make with raising their children is not listening and really hearing what their children are communicating. In my daily practice the number one issue most teens describe is that adults (parents) don’t listen. Children want and need to feel valued by others-especially their parents. Try these helpful tips for increasing positive communication with your teenager:
http://www.appleseeds.org/100_Journaling.htm
8) Have a family meeting monthly- Family meetings are so important, especially in families where there are multiple siblings. Sibling rivalry is a big thing, and family meetings can help alleviate competition and chaos. Set one day out of the month when the entire family will meet. During the meeting discuss family chores/ expectations, rules, fun activities, and even meals. The important thing about these family meetings is that the children all get a “say” in the meeting results and everyone has a chance to speak and be heard. It teaches each child to learn to compromise and accept other people’s views and opinions. Each child will get to choose one monthly family activity, choose at least one meal for the month, and they also get to choose their own chores. If the child feels that they have some say in the family events, they will be more likely to follow the family rules because they took part in creating them. To view details on how to hold your own family meeting handout from the Center for Effective Parenting at
There are many health benefits associated with watermelon and it can be very beneficial during pregnancy. Traditionally, this fruit was thought of as a long standing member at traditional summertime barbeques. Now days, watermelon is used in many different recipes including salads, sauces, smoothies, sorbets, and other types of desserts.
Watermelon is a good source of Vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, potassium and magnesium. A one cup serving of this fruit is less than 50 calories. When selecting a watermelon to purchase, make sure that it is heavy in weight and that the rind is smooth. It shouldn’t be too dull or too glossy and there should be a cream or yellow colored spot on one side. This represents the side that was resting on the ground. If it doesn’t have that underbelly color it may have been harvested too soon and the fruit won’t be as juicy or tasteful.
“If you're pregnant, the benefits are even more delicious. Watermelon eases heartburn and reduces swelling; its high water content (92 percent) and fruit sugars alleviate morning sickness and dehydration; and the minerals it contains can help prevent third-trimester muscle cramps. Ounce for ounce, watermelon is richer than tomatoes in lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against cancer and cardiovascular disease, boosts the body's immunity to infections and naturally raises the skin's SPF, according to Steven Pratt, M.D., author of SuperFoods Rx (HarperCollins, 2003).”
Fit Pregnancy reports, “A 2003 study in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that daily lycopene supplements reduced the incidence of preeclampsia by 50 percent. Test subjects were given 4 milligrams of lycopene; a single serving of watermelon can have triple that amount.”
Every Wednesday will be a new article in my “Fruits and Vegetable” series. Each week will feature a different fruit or vegetable. It will discuss the health benefits and offer simple tips to help you achieve your healthy living goals.Thanks to this site.
Everyone agrees that having a baby changes one's life forever in a number of different ways. One way is that the mother is now putting the baby's needs in front of her own, especially when it comes to sleep, feeding, and time. Most new moms want to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight, but may not have the time or energy to devote to an exercise program like they did before they got pregnant. Be sure to get physician's clearance to exercise (often time is 6 weeks post-partum, longer if there was a C-section).
Below are some simple, practical, yet effective tips to help new moms lose the pregnancy weight:
- Strength train 2-3x/wk. It only has to be 10-15 minutes with full body moves. Squats, push-ups, standing lunges, crunches, shoulder press, tricep dips are exercises that can be done at home with minimal or no equipment.
- Get outside! Get the stroller or baby jogger and start with 10-15 minutes of walking or easy walk/jog intervals (i.e. warm up, 5x2 min jog alternate with 2 min walk, cool down) Cardio can be done 3-5 times a week.
- Look into mom-baby exercise classes, such as StrollerFit, Moxie Moms, and post-partum classes at the nearest fitness facility.
- Nutrition. It may seem easier to just grab for the first thing in the pantry for quick energy, but try to focus eating healthy, unprocessed food. Eating a sound nutritional diet (including not skipping breakfast) will increase energy and help with weight loss.
The key is setting a small goal each day, for example, today may be 10 minutes of strength training, tomorrow is a walk, the next day is drinking enough water, etc. Remember that even 10 minutes a day is better than nothing!
Happy Training!
The moment children arrive into this world they open our hearts to a flood of intense, raw emotions. Every cry motivates us to soothe their needs and lessen their confusion about this strange new world. We love to watch them play, laugh and learn and we cherish the moments in which we teach them new tasks and guide them to learn the ways of the world.
So why do most parents find it easy to teach the art of a fast-ball or a proper three-point-turn but when it comes to teaching our children about their emotions, we'd rather gloss over the intimate stuff and instead make it our priority to focus on fixing their behavior?
Emotional learning is the most significant kind of learning that happens in the first five years of life. Naming emotions, feeling them fully, without evaluative statements from adults and being able to manage feelings will build the foundation upon which all future learning will rely.
Research by Dr. John Gottman shows that emotional literacy is the most beneficial education you can give a young child. Children who have developed their emotional intelligence with the help of a supportive emotional coach, a.k.a. "parent," do better in school, have an easier time forming and keeping friendships, have fewer behavioral problems and generally lead happier, healthier and less stressful lives.
Gottman’s approach encourages compassionate listening and the validation of needs and feelings. It shows parents how to support their child's roller-coaster of emotions while giving them the language necessary to help them foster their own internal regulation and problem-solving abilities.
The TEACH tool is a 5-step process for conflict resolution based on techniques from the Center for Non Violent Communication and Dr. Gottman's Emotion Coaching.
Follow these five steps when things get heated to stay connected to your child while cultivating an environment ripe for emotional learning.
The TEACH-tool
- Take a minute to BREATHE and OBSERVE. Practice self-empathy to regulate your own feelings. State the situation without judgment or an evaluation.
- Engage and Empathize. Get down on your child’s level. (don’t bark commands from across the room) Make eye contact and notice your child’s and your own body language and tone. Approach the situation with curiosity, using loving words to connect.
- Acknowledge Feelings and Needs. What is my child feeling? (frustration, anger, disconnection, fear) What does my child child need? (attention, affection, acceptance, appreciation, autonomy) Use loving, connected speech to validate needs and feelings.
- Connect and Problem-Solve. Connect with your child using your words, body language and physical contact. (validation, space, a hug, cuddle or removal from area for safety) Investigate the feelings/needs of others. Problem Solve with your child - how can we heal together?
- Help your child put solutions into action. Guide your child toward finding creative solutions that honor the needs and feelings of everyone involved. Let your child suggest solutions on his/her own.
REMEMBER - Play is often the best solution!
Credits to this site.
When you’re pregnant, your baby’s sole source of nourishment is you. What you eat dramatically impacts his growth, weight, brain and organ development. While you need about 300 extra calories a day to help sustain your pregnancy (more if you’re expecting multiples), don’t use them up on junk food. Make the most of every morsel so you and your baby can thrive.
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Protein: To foster your baby’s cell growth and blood supply, eat lean cuts of red meat or poultry, eggs, peanut butter and beans.
Carbohydrates: Found primarily in starchy foods like breads, pastas, cereals and potatoes as well as fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates give both you and your baby energy. Many are also fortified with folic acid, a vitamin that helps prevent certain devastating birth defects, like spina bifida. Your obstetrician may recommend a folic acid supplement.
Calcium: You know calcium is important to keep your teeth and bones healthy. The same is true for your developing baby. Calcium also helps your baby’s nerves and muscles form. Yogurt, milk, cheese, spinach, salmon and sardines (munch on the bones, too); all are all good sources of the mineral. Look for calcium-fortified foods, including juices, breads and waffles.
Iron: This vital nutrient helps your baby develop his red blood cells. Iron-rich foods include red meats, spinach, fortified cereals and breads.
Vitamins A Through D: Vitamin A, found in carrots and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables, is important for healthy skin and eye development. Vitamin C—found in citrus fruits, tomatoes and fortified juices—helps build teeth and gums. The B vitamins, such as B6 and B12, are important for the formation of red blood cells and are found in meats, fish and some grains. Vitamin D—available in fortified milk, dairy products and grains—helps your baby absorb calcium.
Fat: Go ahead, bite into a big juicy steak washed down with a glass of whole milk. Fat gives you and your baby energy. Just don’t overdo; keep fat intake to about 30 percent of your daily calories. Donna Christiano is an award-winning free-lance journalist who has written extensively on women's and children's health for many consumer magazines, including Woman's Day, Parents, Weight Watchers and others. Donna has also served on the staffs of Glamour and Bride's magazines. She tries to live a healthy and strong life in New Jersey with her husband and two children.
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We still have two more months of summer, which means many more days of sweltering heat.
Tack on an extra 20 to 40 pounds, and good luck staying comfortable.
Kara Menard is no stranger to motherhood. She's one month away from welcoming baby number four into the world.
"We're looking at July 29," Kara said.
But this go round, she said pregnancy feels different.
"The heat has really affected the pregnancy, just with errands and going outside and bringing other children outside," Kara said.
Nurse practitioner Tammy Gillett said the rise in mercury is something that makes pregnant women like Menard much more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
"The biggest complaints we get in the summertime is dizziness, lightheaded, they don't feel good, pre-term labor and that's from dehydration," OBGYN nurse practitioner Tammy Gillett said.
During pregnancy, women should drink at least eight cups of water each day, and when it comes to staying cool and comfortable, that added baby weight can make even the most simple tasks unbearable on a hot day.
"You increase your metabolism, your heart rate goes up and you are already carrying an extra 1,200 c.c.'s of volume, which brings your core temperature up to about 99 to begin with and then in the summer months, it will bring the heat up even more, and so you feel more exhausted and miserable," Gillett said.
When it comes to your diet, pregnancy-induced hypertension often times comes along with poor food choices when the temperatures rise.
"People have a tendency to eat a little more salt than usual because they're dehydrated, they don't drink as much as they should and they'll come in at the end with elevated blood pressure," Gillett said.
Now, with just a few more weeks until the little one is born, Kara is making some summertime changes to keep herself and baby healthy.
"I realize I need to stay inside more and take a nap and not worry about outside very much, but it is frustrating," Kara said. "I was excited about the summer and then now we have to stay in most of the time."
Big thanks to this site.
Married to the military? As the nation thinks about its independence this 4th of July, momlogic gives thought to the service members who protect our country, and the wives and mothers who support them by holding down the home front.
Kimberly Seals Allers: With frequent relocation and limited school options, raising well-adjusted, confident kids takes real parenting moxie. Here are some time-tested and military-mom-approved tips for raising kids in the military lifestyle.
Raising a Military Brat?
With frequent relocation, military kids face a new house, new friends, new schools, and other big changes, sometimes as often as every three years. What's more, their military parent is on an endless cycle of living in the home one minute, being gone the next, and then back again. It's usually up to Mom to create stability, take on the bulk of the parenting role, and make every transition as smooth as possible. How? By having a positive attitude, keeping the lines of communication open, and maintaining consistency in the "how," rather than focus on the "where." Try these military spouse parenting tips:
1) Manage Moving
Moving is part and parcel of the military life. But the kids aren't going to like it if they always hear you complaining about what a h*llhole the new base city is. Be positive. You need to sell it! Use the Internet to find places of interest, their favorite sports activities, or dance programs in the area. Then make the actual move an adventure. Plan some fun activities for the transitional period between leaving the old house and moving into the new one. And see if there are any kid-friendly fun spots along the way if you're driving to your new home.
2) Create Family Traditions
Having family traditions from Friday taco nights to eating out the night before school starts can help the kids have a routine and familiarity no matter where they are.
3) Make School Transitions Easier
For some military kids, it seems that just when they have gotten used to a school, it is time to move again. To help ease the transition, one military spouse contacted the new teacher and set up a pen pal system. The students sent letters and pictures with brief introductions, and her child did the same. By the time they arrived at their new station, her son was looking forward to his new class. If possible, choose a school where there will be other military children. Also, be sure to check out the school's website for any extracurricular activities, and ask the coach or teacher for a peer buddy. Check out Military Students on the Move: A Toolkit for Military Parents (scroll halfway down the page to find the free pdf publication).
4) Develop Single Parent Survival Skills
Let's face it, military spouses are technically single parents most of the time. To keep your sanity and your home running smoothly, get the kids involved in all aspects of the house. Limit the number of activities each child participates in. Ask for help from family and friends. Post chore lists and schedules to make things easier.
5) Keep Kids Close to Extended Family
Cousins, grandparents, and other extended family members are great connectors for your kids. Keep in telephone, e-mail, or webcam communication with family members and visit as often as possible. Including family members on vacations, exchanging photos, e-mails, and letters, and celebrating important life events together are more great ways to stay in touch and create stability for military kids.
So your baby has arrived and all the excitement has started to die down, but does it seem like you are being a little excluded? Mom is breastfeeding and do you wonder where you fit in when it comes to caring for your newborn?
It should make your heart swell with pride while mom bonds with your newborn, but does it seem to cause you to feel a little left out? Are you thinking there is no way you can bond with your child like a mom can? Watching the bond between your new offspring and partner grow may cause a small bit of jealousy, but don't feel helpless because there are plenty of ways to bond with your new son or daughter. However, you, as the father, have to put forth an effort to create a relationship with your baby.
Many dads feel that women just know that they are instinctively programmed on how to care for a child. In some ways this is true, but it depends on the individual. Not everyone will know how to look after an infant. First time parents sometimes wonder, during the first few weeks, "what have we gotten ourselves into?" For example, a mom who never had close involvement with looking after younger siblings or relatives, her own baby may well be her first proper experience of one. Your partner is likely to be as clueless as you are about the practicalities of looking after a baby. It is not a competition to who knows more or who can get him or her to sleep faster. Work together and bond as a family during this special time in your life.
Tips to stay involved and bond with your baby:
1. From day one, be there: Do your share of diaper-changes, baths and bedtimes right from the start so that you get to know your baby and feel confident looking after them on your own.
2. Bottle time: Give mommy a break. If your child is being breastfed, don’t forget that once breastfeeding is established, your partner can express some breast milk and you can feed it to your baby from a bottle.
3. Read or Blog it up: There is so much literature out there for new dads. It seems every local Atlanta book store has a whole section dedicated to parenting. Sometimes books can only help so much, so take a moment and do a search for some blogs that might help you out with some real-life experiences. For example, OMG I'm A Daddy, Clark Kent's Lunchbox or Luke I Am Your Father are a few blogs that might give an insight to what parenting can be like on a daily basis. You may also want to log on to www.dad-blogs.com or All top Dads to check out more popular daddy blogs. It may make you feel more confident about helping out.
4. Take baby with you: What better way to get to know your baby than to take him or her with you as you do some daily chores? Load up the stroller, in your car, and pack a personal a baby carrier, such as a baby bjorn. You can strap your child into a baby bjorn and get out in the garden or take them shopping with you are at the grocery store. Chances are your baby will enjoy being close to you and the movement may lull them to sleep.
5. Don't sleep through it: Sometimes this schedule change can really warp your brain. Be prepared to take your turn at getting up to put your baby back to sleep during the wee hours of the morning. It is a hard job, but somebody's got to do it. Dads, there is no true excuse not to help out. You may have a full-time job, but your child is a full-time job too. Even if your child is breastfed you can still wake up and go to retrieve him or her from their crib and take them to your partner. Your baby will also recognize that "daddy comes when I cry," and this is an important way to bond with your child.
6. Daddy time isn't hard work: Many dads do not have the option to be a stay at home dad. Some fathers do not get an extended paternity leave or any at all. Dads that work full-time see far less of their new babies than they’d like to due to work pressure so make an effort to get involved when you are around. For example, during weekends or vacation periods. Make a point to have a "dad and baby" bonding experience; such as going for a walk, reading a book, laying on the couch watching
a movie or maybe go for a swim! It does not matter the age of your child, it will create a memory you will always remember.
7. Let daddy try: Don’t fall into the trap of simply handing your baby back to mom when he or she starts to cry. Some infants long for the strength a father's embrace. Do not be surprised if they stop crying once you get into a groove of bouncing or rocking. There are times that your child will only want mommy, but understand there will also be those days where only daddy can soothe the crying babe. Daddy can be just as good at soothing babies as mommy. The feeling of soothing your child,
when no one else can, will supply you with an enormous amount of confidence in being a great father.
The bond of fatherhood is very important. Any guy can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a dad.
Massage during pregnancy can be just what the doctor ordered - literally. It helps moms-to-be relax and feel better. Even if you can't afford a full-out top quality massage at a spa, you can still benefit from massage at home. (Though a massage is a great gift anytime of the year for any occasion for a special pregnant lady in your life - even if that's just you treating yourself.)
I asked Mariposa Obsidiana, licensed massage therapist at the Amara Resort and Spa in Sedona, Arizona, to share the benefits of massage and some massage techniques. She's a mom of two herself and has been in this line of work for about a decade.
Examiner: Do you have any personal experience getting a pre-natal massage? If yes, describe what you learned from that experience that other moms can benefit from?
Mariposa: For my first pregnancy I did not receive any massage. It was during the mid-nineties and not a common practice in my family or community. I was unaware of the benefits and positive affects it would have on my whole being and that of the unborn child. I worked long hours most of which were on my feet. As a result, my legs and feet would swell daily, causing a lot of pain and pressure in my entire body. During my second pregnancy, however, I was able to take advantage of massage therapy. As a practicing therapist, it was easy for me to connect with other therapists whom could give me the care and comfort I needed. It greatly reduced the stress and tension I felt as my body continually grew and changed. I slept better and felt more active throughout the term of my pregnancy.
Examiner: Why should a mom-to-be get a specially designed pregnancy massage?
Mariposa: Because if feels wonderful! You don’t realize how stressed out you are or how much tension your body is carrying until someone places their hands on you and gives you a massage. A pregnancy massage is specifically tailored to the expectant mother’s needs. This ranges from body positioning to mental-emotional support.
Examiner: What are the benefits?
Mariposa: Physically, massage helps to promote relaxation and reduce pain associated with a changing body and growing baby, reduce the effects of stress and anxiety, decrease stress causing hormones in the tissues, reduce swelling and inflammation in hands and feet, alleviate neck and back pain, help eliminate sciatic pain, nurtures mother and baby, supports the emotional and mental needs of mom, and much more.
Examiner: What differences will women find in pregnancy massage versus regular massage?
Mariposa: Typically, the therapist will take extra precautions to ensure client safety and support in a pregnancy massage. The session will be customized to reflect the needs of the mother at the time of the appointment. Fragrance-free oils and lotions will be used and depending on the therapists training, work to the abdomen may be performed.
Examiner: When looking to book a pregnancy massage-what questions should women ask the spa?
Mariposa: A good place to start is by asking if there are any specially trained or certified pregnancy massage therapists on staff. If there are not, do not be discouraged! Most licensed massage therapist have been trained to work with pregnant women. Those who opt to specialize in pregnancy massage take additional training to deepen their understanding of the pregnant body and how to care for the woman from preconception to post-term. A general practitioner will be both knowledgeable in the contraindications and areas to avoid. Secondly, it’s nice to know what type of table will be used. Tables range from hospital-like hydraulic models, to stationary and portable ones. Also, there are tables and pillow systems designed for the pregnant body allowing for recesses in the areas of the breast and belly to be removed helping the pregnant woman to rest comfortably on her stomach throughout the whole term of the pregnancy. Thirdly, ask if it is necessary to have a written doctor’s consent. Usually, this will not be necessary unless the pregnancy is considered high-risk or if other complications have arisen.
Examiner: If you can’t do a full out pregnancy massage, do you have a few tips for moms that they can do themselves?
Mariposa: I like to tell moms to purchase a high quality, unscented massage oil such as sesame or jojoba oil, and give themselves a tummy massage. Simply place a small amount in the palm of your hands, rub together and massage stomach. Start at the top of the belly, run hands downward and out to sides, then bring back up. Repeat a few times until you find your own natural rhythm. Spend at least five minutes massaging the tummy once or twice a day. This is a good practice to start in the early trimester of pregnancy as it helps to create a strong, healthy connection to the baby and changing pregnant body. Also, the oil helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, the massage increases blood flow to the abdomen; thus, aiding in the reduction and/or risk of stretch marks.
Examiner: What about tips for moms to give their partner/husband for at-home massage while pregnant?
Mariposa: Any touch is good touch whether it is for five minutes or a full hour! Assure your partner that he cannot hurt you, as you will let him know if what he is doing does not feel good. Intention speaks volume here! Ask him to rub your feet after a long day at work or massage your neck muscles while watching TV. Communicate with him/her how much pressure you like and be specific where you are feeling pain.
Examiner: Anything that should be avoided during any pregnancy massage?
Mariposa: Yes. As with any massage, areas of infection, rashes, boils, warts, bruises, and open sores, etc. Raised or distended varicose veins, certain reflex points on the hands and feet, and acupressure to various acupoints along the meridian system should be avoided. Again, most licensed therapists will know what these are and where to avoid them!
Examiner: Anything else you’d like to add about prenatal massage?
Mariposa: Pregnancy massage is a growing trend that is gaining wider acceptance in the medical field. It is quite common to see a licensed therapist working in an obstetrician office, in the labor and delivery room, and recovery room. There are many types of therapists that can support you throughout pregnancy such as general practitioners, specially certified therapists, and doulas. There is substantial scientific research validating the benefits of massage to both mother and child. Conduct your own research from credible sources if you are doubtful or unsure. I always suggest experiencing a massage and feel for yourself the difference in your own body. Healthy touch is so vital to our health and well-being that the more we do it the better we feel. It’s just common sense!
Examiner: What about massage once the baby is born?
Mariposa: Again, the answer is yes! Post-partum care is just as important as prenatal care. There are additional benefits of receiving regular, post-partum care such as: promotes a healthy and speedy recovery from both vaginal and cesarean birth, improves breast-feeding, promotes structural realignment in the spine and pelvis, enhances well-being of new-mom, reduces musculoskeletal tension and pain, decreases post-partum depression, and helps mom sleep better.
Examiner: How long after birth can mom get a regular massage?
Mariposa: Check with your doctor first to make sure you are clear to receive massage. If you have been working with a therapist throughout the pregnancy, discuss when the best time would be to have your first, post partum massage. If you haven’t had massage prior to the birth but feel you need one, I recommend new moms to wait at least one week before having a professional massage.
Mariposa: Massage is safe and natural and can be very supportive to lactating moms. Comfort will be your number one concern, as any nursing mom will know. If you have a tendency towards engorgement, make sure to nurse or pump prior to the session. Ask the therapist for a small towel to place under your breasts if you are afraid of leaking. Remember, there is no need to feel embarrassed! Therapists are used to these types of requests. There are many tricks to the trade that therapists can use to ensure that you are comfortable. Discuss any and all concerns openly with your therapist so that you can be assured of the best treatment possible.
